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Pastor:
The Reverend Judy Lee Hay, M.Div.
The
Reverend Hay is a graduate of McCormick Theological Seminary in
Chicago, was founder and Executive Director of the South Wedge
Planning Committee Inc. On the adjunct faculty of Colgate
Rochester Divinity School, serves on the Congregational Life Board
of Auburn Theological Seminary in New York City, past Vice
President. Currently on the Board of Trustees of Genesee Valley,
past chair, has served as Moderator of Genesee Valley and in
various leadership positions. Served
on
the Women’s Center
Board of Highland Hospital, and other civic groups. Currently a
Field Staff in Congregational Transformation in the Evangelism and
Witness Division of the Presbyterian Church USA and a consultant
and speaker in church transformation.
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The
Reverend Judy Lee Hay is the primary preacher for Sunday worship
and brings the Bible alive with examples of how the Bible speaks
to every day life. It is not unusual for our pastor to involve the
congregation in dialogue on a key aspect of the scriptural text,
find ways to dramatize the text or to use power point clips to
enhance the message. CSA follows the lectionary text set out by
the denomination so the day’s theme reflects the scripture.
Hymns and musical selections are also based on the theme for the
day.
As
a vivid reminder that we are all called to be ministers in the
name of Christ to “preach good news to the poor, to proclaim
freedom to the prisoners, recovery of sight to the blind, and to
release the oppressed” (Luke 4: 18-19) lay people take an active
role in leadership. Laity read the scriptures in worship and lead
the prayers of the people, give personal testimony and on occasion
preach.
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THE
LORD’S SUPPER
Reformer
John Calvin celebrated weekly the Lord’s Supper, a rich part of
the Presbyterian Heritage that Calvary St. Andrew’s embraces. In
an act of commitment to Christ worshippers gather weekly around
the Lord’s Table to share in receiving the bread and wine or
grape juice. Christ’s spiritual presence is rich and sustains us
as we break bread and share the cup in Christ’s name for it
fills our hearts with God’s generosity.
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MUSIC
The
choir, soloists, and musicians give their hearts to God each week
as new music is introduced and old favorites lifted up under the
direction of the Minister of Music The Reverend Deborah Swift.
Several times a year recording artist Brian Soule brings his
vocals and synthesizer and his vocals to accompany the choir or to
lead our music in worship. Among our other guest musicians are
Bill Welch, Connie Deming, Wells Albro and soloist Phyllis Wade.
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“All
That Jazz” is a series of jazz services both inside the
church and in our courtyard that give us an appreciation for the
genius of musicians such as John Coltrane and Thelodius Monk. The
Touch of Brass Jazz Ensemble, a group of dedicated Christian
musicians join us yearly for a toe tapping hand clapping
celebration of hymns. Led by Dick and Helen Lane Touch of Brass
travels throughout Western New York bringing jazz into churches.
In the past the Deanna Witkowski Trio from New York City stopped
in to lead us in Sunday Worship when they were in town for the
Rochester Jazz Festival. Deanna’s song “Let My Prayer Rise”
is a community favorite.
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BAPTISM
The
sacrament of Baptism occurs several times a year for both adults
and children. Baptism is a sign of God’s love. In that love a
child or an adult is embraced as good and whole. The community
covenant with the child and parent is to nurture that person’s
faith development. In infant baptism we encourage parents to take
an active role in the church community and to be partners with the
church in the religious education of their child. Contact staff@calvarystandrews.org
for further dialogue on baptism.
HEALING
SERVICES
The
ancient rite of the laying on of hands in a healing service is a
ritual valued by our community. Several times a year in Sunday
worship and in mid-week services a healing service is offered
whereby participants receive the laying on of hands and the oil of
healing. In Preparation for the Christmas holidays a healing
service is offered on December 2nd.
We encourage everyone who would like a special laying on of hands
to attend our 10 a.m. service.
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CHILDREN
IN WORSHIP
Children
are a joyful part of community life. Children join us at 10
a.m. for the first part of the liturgy that includes a
children’s message, then are invited to go to Sunday
School. Classes are offered for nursery, 1st
grade years to 5th
and a junior/senior high class. After class the children
join us for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
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WORSHIP
NEWS: |
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CSA
WELCOMES RUSS ROTH AS SEMINARY INTERN: We'd like to
formally welcome Russ Roth, a student at Colgate Rochester
Divinity School . Russ will assist in liturgy and adult education.
His undergraduate degree is in archeology from Sunny Albany,
so expect a class or two in that subject. Many of you have already
met Russ since he's been attending church since Sept. Please extend
your warm CSA welcome to him on Sunday morning when he'll begin
his internship with us. |
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