Discover St.Andrews in Edgartown
Welcome to St. Andrew’s!
At St. Andrew’s, we welcome everyone who seeks to experience God (in some way) – and we respect the dignity of every human being. Whether you are a year-round Islander, a summer resident or guest, or a first-time visitor, we very much hope you enjoy your time with us. Come as you are, come be who you are, and see!
June 20, 2025
Mark your calendars!
May the adventure begin! Last Sunday we commissioned the search committee and next Sunday, June 29th, we will all take part in an Appreciative Inquiry. An appreciative what you may ask? Appreciative Inquiry is based on the idea of discovering what works and gives life to an organization. Its founder, David Cooperrider says, “More than a method or technique, the appreciative mode of inquiry is a means of living with, being with and directly participating in the life of a human system in a way that compels one to inquire into the deeper life-generating essentials and potentials of organizational existence.“ It has been used in fortune 500 companies, for community development and in assorted nonprofit organizations. When used in churches, it is a wonderful way to uncover and lift up not only what is working well, but also what makes a parish hum. We will discover our passions, our hopes and dreams for the future, and thus what St Andrew’s is looking for in a new rector. Sadly, often an interim comes in and says, “OK, what is broken here? What needs fixing?” Appreciative Inquiry takes the opposite approach and asks, “What is life-giving here at St Andrews? Who are we at our best and what is God calling us to become as we move into the future?“ Does this mean that all our problems get swept under the rug? No, not at all! It’s just a different way of approaching the situation.
Let me give you a very concrete example. If I were to ask any one of you, “tell me about the biggest failure you have ever had”, my guess is immediately your brain would seize, your heart would flutter, and you would cower in discomfort about answering that question. If, however, I were to ask the same question, but from an appreciative viewpoint, I would say, “What is the biggest obstacle you have ever successfully overcome?“ You would very probably give me the same answer, but you would be bursting your buttons to tell me how you turned a possible failure into a triumph.
How will we do this? Through a series of one-on-one conversations, based on some questions about peak experiences, values and wishes. On Sunday morning, June 29, we will abbreviate the service somewhat to allow time for this exercise. This is a very important opportunity for everyone to have input into the search process, so please come with open minds and open hearts and prepare to have some good, life-giving fun.
For those of you who are online worshipers and would like to take part in this exercise, and we certainly hope you will, please send me an email and we will make sure you get a chance to take part by phone sometime in the following week.
(priest@standrewsmv.org)
Looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday, the 29th.
Cynthia
The Search Committee is:
June Ellien – co-chair, Pam Monterosso – co-chair,
Tom Dunlop, Susan Kelly, Bill Craven, Janet Constantino and Pete Taft.
Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages and stay connected with our community.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standrewsmv
Instagram: @standrewsmv
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEEnNeKE53AFwvCYkVHLIrg
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PRESS PLAY TO WATCH OUR SUNDAY SERVICE AT 9:00AM!
The 9am service is available live stream on our new platform beginning March 9, 202
To View our past service use the archive listing below.
The Second Sunday after Pentecost 6-22-25
Our Ministers for 6-22 and 6-29-25
Prayer List for June 2025
Early Bird Meditation – Summer Series
Beach Plum Zen offers a weekly opportunity for meditation guidance and practice. All are welcome, no experience is necessary, and instruction is provided. Attend any or all dates, free of charge. Meeting Wednesdays at 8:00 AM, for 50 minutes, in the St. Andrew’s sanctuary. From June 18 through August 27 (except no July 9). Visit https://beachplumzen.org for more info.