Senior Warden’s Report • May 2024
Celebration of New Ministry and Installation of the Rev. Seth Olson as Rector of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles
I spent last night at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles in Hoover. My brother, the Rev. Seth Olson, celebrated his new ministry there and was installed at their Rector. It was a beautiful service in a beautiful sanctuary. They don’t have fixed pews, and instead have chairs that were arranged in a sort of curve to allow us to wrap around the ceremony. They had a grand piano, a keyboard, and huge (compared to Saint Andrew’s) choir. A brass group and timpani accompanied the usual musicians to liven up the service. Tall windows look out onto the woods surrounding the church. While their deacon read the gospel, a doe wandered past and stopped, seemingly to listen. I’m sure I was a distraction as I pointed her out to George and Arthur and my nephew, Teddy. “Look! A deer!” I not-so-quietly whispered. It was just such a different experience for the twins and me. There we were, having our normal-ish Rite II service, and there’s wildlife strolling past. Something we would most likely never see at Saint Andrew’s for sure.
After that, I spent some time during that service thinking about how different those two buildings are, but how they hold the same thing. Love. Love for God. Love for neighbor. Love for the least among us. The sheep. The deer. The children. The marginalized. We all have our preferences for places and styles of worship. There was so much joy in sharing in that joyful celebration with Holy Apostles. I’m grateful that the doe wandered past as a reminder of how different our church buildings are, because more than that, it made me realize how similar their love is.
I’m so thankful for the love we have at Saint Andrew’s. How we support each other and all of the ministries that are offered from our small parish. St. Andy’s Pantry has seen such amazing growth since beginning to serve only five years ago. Our Red Door Arts events bring in so many varied people who might not ever visit Saint Andrew’s. And now our choir is going to England to share our music program with a parish there. Whatever part you play to serve Saint Andrew’s, thank you. If you are looking for a way to be involved, speak up! We will be happy to find the perfect spot for you here.