Fellowship

Happy New Year 2026!

I’m savoring the reflection of many joyous occasions we had in December to come together in Fellowship.

Leading up to Christmas we celebrated with hot cocoa and cookies at the children’s tree-trimming coffee hour on December 7th. Who knew how popular the special Gingerbread hanging cookies would be, not to mention the traditional favorites of marshmallows and whipped cream?!

We gathered around a bountiful reception after the Lessons and Carols service on December 14th that included an abundant charcuterie table, delectable desserts, and bubbly sparkling wine, all accompanied by the sweet sounds of harp music. The whole evening spoke to our hearts, minds, and bodies in sweet accord!

Following the children’s nativity pageant on December 21st we feasted on delights reflective of the Christmas story with the children’s nativity coffee hour. The themed food always gives rise to a smile as we grab an innkeeper sandwich, select a few shepherd staffs, Gabriel’s horns, and finish with a chocolate star.

Many hands went into making these events a special time at St. Andrew’s. When you see these people, please thank them for their hard work and service to the Fellowship efforts at church. Kristy Campagna and Christine Whaley – tree-trimming coffee hour (along with teachers Meg Sebastianelli and Sarah Favorito); Doug and Kim Pratt, Mary Lou Mancini, Harry and Christine Whaley, Geoff McConnell, Pam Bennett, Rob Butch, John and Libby Eblacker, and Irene Castagna – Lessons and Carols reception; Cherie Pudleiner and family – the nativity pageant coffee hour. Many others also lent a hand or food items and I’m grateful for you! Thank you.

Since this is my last Piper article as the Fellowship Vestry representative, I also want to thank my husband Will, my children Liam, Chloe, and Audrey Sanders for all of their help over the past few years with assisting with Fellowship events and being willing to accept my absences from home and delayed departures from the kitchen after church, due to my responsibilities in Fellowship. I may love serving in Fellowship and have chosen to do this job cheerfully, but my family has come along for the ride and been serving along with me when needed. Without them I couldn’t do half the things I do. Thank you!

In looking forward, we have several events in January you do not want to miss:

Special Events:

January 11th – Celebratory Coffee Hour for Music Director Audrey Drennen’s last Sunday – Join us for a special coffee hour, hosted by the choir, to celebrate our organist, Audrey Drennen, as she launches into new musical adventures and closes her tenure at St. Andrew’s.

January 25th – Annual Meeting and Souper Bowl of Caring – Join us for soup in the Upper Hall and hear from Rev’d Ben and Rector’s Warden Tom Riley on church happenings, commemorate outgoing vestry members, and welcome incoming vestry members.

Save the Date for Pizza Bingo:

Sunday, February 22nd – Harry Potter themed Pizza Bingo - We are pleased to announce that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry. We await your owl indicating your presence at 5:00 p.m. in the Upper Hall. Come dressed in your school robes and be prepared to be sorted into one of the four school houses. Donations being accepted in the baskets marked

“Pizza Bingo” in the Biddle Room. Please click here to sign up.

If you have any questions, concerns or want to be part of Fellowship planning and events please contact Julia Sanders at 215-880-9405 or willandjuliasanders@comcast.net

All my best,

Julia Sanders