Annual Report – St. Andrew’s Parish Life – 2025

It has been a wonderful second year serving as Parish Life Coordinator for this special church I am blessed to call home. This year brought immense change and heartbreaking loss, yet somehow we have grown even more connected through it all.

As we said farewell to Father Chip and Colleen upon their retirement and welcomed Cynthia as our interim priest, we shifted to one 9:00 a.m. service and have kept that schedule for the time being. This was a significant change for many parishioners who were devoted to their church “time,” but it has ultimately brought us closer together.

With one shared service, coordinating worship ministries has become more cohesive, with consistent ushers and lay leaders, and our Coffee Hour is always warm and well attended. I could sum it up with one sentence: it’s time to start using the BIG carafe. Several times recently we have run out of coffee and couldn’t brew more fast enough—a joyful sign that our parish is gathering and very much alive.

One of my goals this year was to “read the pulse” of the church. While fewer people formally sign up to host Coffee Hour, there is always someone baking or bringing something, and I cannot remember the last Sunday we didn’t have an abundance of food. This approach seems to be working well. In 2026, we may shift to sign-ups for set-up and clean-up only, allowing our potluck-style hospitality to continue in a way that meets people where they are. I am deeply grateful for the many talented and generous bakers and cooks in our parish.

On the first Sunday of each month, Rev. Cynthia began leading Storytelling Sundays, where a topic is chosen and we gather to share and listen. This practice has quickly become treasured and is already deepening connections with one another.

Cooking Angels

The Cooking Angels ministry has been a powerful expression of care this year. Beginning with Bonnie’s illness, there was a strong need for portioned, frozen meals. We asked, and the response was extraordinary.

The portioned-meal model has proven to be easier for both those preparing meals and those receiving them, and at times our freezers have even reached capacity. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this ministry. I am grateful and inspired every time I open the freezer.

In 2026, I hope to coordinate additional delivery support and identify more people who may benefit from meals. This ministry is available to anyone in need.

MV Crop Walk for Hunger

This year, I was honored to join the Martha’s Vineyard Crop Walk for Hunger planning committee. Led by Woody Bowman, representatives from island churches worked together to plan this meaningful community event, which has raised nearly $40,000.

Held on a beautiful Sunday in October, St. Andrew’s participated for the second year in a row. Our walk team grew, and we more than doubled the amount we raised last year. Thank you to everyone who walked, donated, helped, or cheered us on. The day itself was filled with music, creativity, and joy, and I hope even more of our parish will join us next year.

Happy Haunting in Edgartown

Each year, the Edgartown Board of Trade hosts Happy Haunting, when storefronts and restaurants decorate and pass out treats to trick-or-treaters. With the help of Laura Noonan, her children Buddy and Laura, Meg Carman, and several parishioners, St. Andrew’s once again participated, sharing candy and smiles on a sunny October afternoon. If you want to put a smile on your face, join us next year.

St. Andrew’s Day

This beloved tradition deeply missed our angel Bonnie Deitz this year. With the help of Christine White and so many generous potluck contributions, we were able to host a beautiful and meaningful feast in honor of our patron saint, Andrew. Thank you to everyone who helped make this special day such a success.

Closing Summary

This year was a reminder that parish life is built not on programs alone, but on relationships—shared meals, shared stories, and showing up for one another in both joy and hardship. Thank you for another year of shared ministry, generosity, and care. It is a true privilege to serve such a faithful and vibrant parish community.

Faithfully, Sara Barrington, Parish Life Coordinator