THE COLLECT FOR ST. ANDREW:  Almighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by your holy Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

WHAT IS THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW?  

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is an international ministry of men within the Anglican Communion. The Brotherhood was incorporated by an Act of Congress in May 30, 1908 signed by President Theodore Roosevelt.  It continues in its objective today, which is "the spread of Christ's Kingdom among men AND youth."  Its chapter members are called Brothers Andrew who accept and observe the Brotherhood Disciplines of: PRAYER, STUDY AND SERVICE.

HOW DID THE BROTHERHOOD BEGIN?

A group of twelve young men met regularly for prayer and Bible study at St. James Church, Chicago, Illinois. They asked permission of their rector to form a Brotherhood to reach out and minister to men, following the example of St. Andrew who was called to follow Jesus Christ and brought his brother with him. The first meeting of the Brotherhood was held on St. Andrew's Day, 1883. By 1886 there were over 100 chapters functioning across the U.S. and Canada. The first meeting of chapter representatives coincided with the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Chicago.  There it was decided to establish a Central Office to coordinate what was rapidly becoming an international ministry to men.  By 1900, chapters had been started in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Philippines, China, South Africa, Panama, Scotland, and Brazil.

 WHY IS THE BROTHERHOOD NEEDED?

When men and youth come together to share in discussions of Christian Faith and study the Holy Scriptures, their dedication to their faith expression and active in ministry to that faith community grows. This is a place where men feel free to share and discuss their questions of faith with other men who have explored those same questions.  As they engage in the Disciplines of PRAYER and STUDY, they find the Discipline of SERVICE becomes a joy.  Moreover, they form a bond together in Christian fellowship unlike any they have had before.  Engaging in this community helps men to deepen their own faith as they deepen their connection to one another in Christ.  

 IS GOD CALLING THE MEN OF ST FRANCIS TO THIS MINISTRY?  TASTE AND SEE! 

You are invited to come to breakfast any Saturday morning at 8:00 in Graves Hall and find out.  Please call Mike Simpson, BOS Secretary, at 502-807-7414 for more information.