August 28, 2010

Knock, and the door will be opened for you.

August 25, 2010

MEDITATION - From Shel White

Jesus wants us to remember to "Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:9 -13 [NRSV]

God knows what is on our mind and heart before we even ask. However, our Lord is pleased when we ask. Then God wants us to ask again, and again, and again. Parents often know what their child is about to ask, but will often wait for them to make the effort to ask. Scripture brings this point up over and over again. God so appreciates our persistent prayers!

Hope and Peace and Determination,

Shel

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:

• WORSHIP:
  • August 29, 2010 - 9:00am and 10:30am - Preacher: Rev. Beverly White on Luke 11:1-13, 'A Plea for Persistence' - Special Music: Jeff Miller, solo & Eric Wong, piano
  • September 5, 2010 - 9:00am and 10:30am - Holy Communion in the Round in Activity Center - Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Matthew 7:20-28, 'Rock Solid' - Special Music: Cantemos
• Looking for a New Treasurer Our church treasurer, Eric Tresser, will be retiring from this duty soon and is looking for someone to take his place. Please contact Eric or Sandy in the church office if you are interested in filling this vital role.
• Sundae Sunday! Sunday, August 29 - Join us between services (10 to 10:30am) for another Sundae Sunday! Enjoy yummy ice cream with all the fixin's and mingle with your St. Andrew's family. Hope to see you there!
• Trading Pulpits Sunday, August 29 at 9 & 10:30am - Revs. Beverly and Shel White are switching pulpits! On August 29, Shel's off to Benicia, and Beverly will be preaching at St. Andrew's in both services.
• Parish Picnic Sunday, September 12 at 11:30am - Please join us for our annual Parish Picnic on Sunday, September 12 right after the 10:30 service. This event is open to all members and friends of St. Andrew's. This is an excellent and fun way to meet and enjoy the company of your St. Andrew's family! Don't worry if you're not officially assigned to a parish - everyone is welcome to join us, and we will make room for all. Please join us!
• God & Church Starting September 12 at 6:30pm - Starting this fall, Craig Mizutani will be leading the "God and Church" program for grades 6, 7 and 8. The class will be held Sunday evenings after junior high youth group from 6:30-7:30. This program is recognized by the Boy Scouts of America for the youth religious emblem. Please contact Craig with any questions regarding schedule, supplies and requirements.
• The Challenge of Jesus in the 21st Century Starting Tuesday, September 14 at 9:30am - The Tuesday morning seminar is back! This fall we will consider the challenge of Jesus in the 21st century. We will consider Christological thought since the first century and in our time as well. All of this may sound a bit obscure but it involves all of us in a fundamental question: What does Jesus mean in our time? I hope to see many old friends, and perhaps some new ones. - John Shumway
• Join Us for Kids Kingdom! Starting September 15 - All Kindergarten through 5th grade students are welcome to enroll in Kids Kingdom, our midweek program of Christian nurture, fellowship and education. Kids Kingdom runs on Wednesdays, September 15, 2010 to April 20, 2011 from 4:30 to 6:45pm. For questions or information about registration, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
• Go Green! If you would like to receive St. Andrew's monthly newsletter by email in order to save both natural resources and church resources, please let the church office know, and thank you for being a good steward of God's green creation!