2010 e-ChurchNotes Archive

2003 e-ChurchNotes

2004 e-ChurchNotes

2005 e-ChurchNotes

2006 e-ChurchNotes

2007 e-ChurchNotes

2008 e-ChurchNotes

2009 e-ChurchNotes

February 24, 2010

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

In our culture, we tend to avoid talking about a word that the Bible uses quite frequently. It is a very good word - but not popular: sin. Just think what our world could be like if we had a little more respect for personal sins. Jesus turns sins into good news. When we acknowledge that we are sinners, and bring our screw-ups before the Lord, we find the joy of forgiveness and renewal. When we are honest with ourselves, we are less condemning of others. Can you imagine such a world? Hey, that would mean we were closer to God's Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven!

"If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." 1 John 1:9-10

Make time for your Lenten journey each day,
Shel

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

  • WORSHIP:
    • February 28, 2010 Second Sunday in Lent - Holy Communion 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White Message: "Joy of No Condemnation" Scripture: John 8:1-11 Music: "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," Chancel Choir | "Soar Like an Eagle," Harmonikos
    • March 7, 2010 Third Sunday in Lent 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White Message: "What About the Guy?" Scripture: John 8:1-11 Special Music: Kingdom Ringers
  • Writing on the Walls Sunday, February 28 - Weather permitting, the new Activity Center will be open after each service for writing scripture or prayers on the walls and studs.
  • Inquirer's Class Sundays, February 28 - March 14, 2 to 4pm - If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
    • Solo Handbell Concert at St. Andrew's
  • Handbell Solo Concert Sunday, February 28 at 2pm - Handbell soloist Kathie Fink will present a concert, "Christmas Treasures--Revisited" at St. Andrew's. Christmas in February? Yes, Kathie is preparing to record this concert and is playing at as many venues as she can on her way up to Seattle. Come enjoy an hour of beautiful music, gracefully played by Kathie. She will be joined by her accompanist Linda Maloney. A free-will offering will be taken to be split between Kathie and St. Andrew's. Kathie's portion will help pay for gas for the trip and the St. Andrew's portion will be donated to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Fund for relief in Haiti.
  • World Day of Prayer Friday, March 5 at 9:15am - Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette, CA - World Day of Prayer is a worldwide ecumenical movement of women of many faith traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year. Each year a different country serves as a writer of the WDP worship service. For 2010, the women of Cameroon developed the theme, "Let everything that has breath praise God." They invite us to "Africa in miniature," a country rich in diversity, where climate and culture are widely varied, but where people are bound together by a love for music, family and faith. WDP's motto, "Informed prayer leads to prayerful action," affirms that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence. We are encouraged to think about actions that we can take to further support the 2010 theme. This year's WDP service will begin at the first sunrise on March 5 in the Pacific region and follows the Earth's orbit westward. Locally, the service will begin at LOPC at 9:15 for coffee with the program running from 10 to 11:15 am.
  • Women's Covenant Group Starting Sunday, March 7 - The Women's Covenant Group is starting a new session. We meet six Sunday afternoons from 1:30 - 2:30pm during March, April and May. The group studies, laughs, shares and prays together. This session we will be reading and discussing "The Unmaking of a Part Time Christian" by Derek Maul. We would love to have you join us. If you are interested, please call or e-mail Anne Paulsen, 510-799-2799, annepaulsen2@yahoo.com.
  • Girl Scout Sunday Sunday, March 14 - Girl Scout Sunday will be celebrated at St. Andrew's Church on March 14. If any member of your family is involved in Girl Scouts or has been in the past and would like to participate for one or both services - I would love to include them! Please contact Maureen Clement to participate or if you have any questions: clement_maureen@hotmail.com or (925) 825-9529.

February 18, 2010

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

Are you ready for the work of Lent? Some look forward to Lent, some dread it, others just avoid it with a multitude of distractions. Lent is a designed gift of time of introspection and taking interior stock of ourselves. If you are a self-critical person, the inward journey can be painful. That is why I believe God wants us to take this journey, but only when we are covered with a good dose of God's grace. God's grace provides a much more accurate illumination of our interior. With the Lord's grace, we can enjoy some of our beauty as well as identifying characteristics or patterns that need changing. Our Lord loves to join us in this journey of healing.

"All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing." Ephesians 2:8-9 (The Message)

Make time for your Lenten journey each day,
Shel

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

  • WORSHIP:
    • February 21, 2010 First Sunday in Lent 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev Shel White Message: "Stones to Cast" Scripture: John 8:1-11 Special Music: Lord's Ringers throughout the service. Cantemos singers.
    • February 28, 2010 Second Sunday in Lent - Holy Communion 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White Message: "What About the Guy?" Scripture: John 8:1-11 Music: "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," Chancel Choir | "Soar Like an Eagle," Harmonikos
  • Writing on the Walls Sundays, February 21 & February 28 - Weather permitting, the new Activity Center will be open after each service for writing scripture or prayers on the walls and studs.
  • "Faithfully Fit" - A Lent Series Mondays, February 22 - March 29, 7 to 8:30pm - You are invited to join us for this small group study focusing on the book, Faithfully Fit by Claire Cloninger and Laura Barr, a 40-day devotional plan for bringing God and faith into one's weight loss journey. Faithfully Fit is not going to tell you what to eat or how to exercise. "Instead, Faithfully Fit offers motivation, encouragement, and inspiration to help you change from the inside out - the only kind of change that lasts." Please join us for prayer and support as we all find our own path to good health. Sign up in Crothers Hall or contact Jennifer Cross Miller for more information. 685-4720, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com
  • Inquirer's Class Sundays, February 28 - March 14, 2 to 4pm - If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
    • Solo Handbell Concert at St. Andrew's
  • Handbell Solo Concert Sunday, February 28 at 2pm - Handbell soloist Kathie Fink will present a concert, "Christmas Treasures--Revisited" at St. Andrew's. Christmas in February? Yes, Kathie is preparing to record this concert and is playing at as many venues as she can on her way up to Seattle. Come enjoy an hour of beautiful music, gracefully played by Kathie. She will be joined by her accompanist Linda Maloney. A free-will offering will be taken to be split between Kathie and St. Andrew's. Kathie's portion will help pay for gas for the trip and the St. Andrew's portion will be donated to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Fund for relief in Haiti.

February 10, 2010

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Wendy Komori Stager

Remember the last time you were at the top of a hill, mountain or on a lookout. Maybe you hiked there, maybe you drove there, or maybe you were carried there on the top of a ski lift.

When we are in high places, we see into the distance. Our perspective changes - even grand buildings or bridges or rivers look tiny. We celebrate being above the fray and deeply inhale the mountain air. Mountains are special places and sacred places.

Jesus climbed a mountain to pray and to reflect. While he was up there, his close relationship with God was made obvious to him and to the disciples that were with him. His face was changed and his clothes appeared dazzling white. We call this story the Transfiguration of Christ.

Our experience of worship can be like a mini-Transfiguration. We trudge our way up towards a sanctuary in hopes of breathing in some good, heavenly air. We hope that we can hear some word of truth or encouragement that gives our everyday lives some perspective. Although we do not change in every appearance, our faces do reflect a bit more peace, hope, joy or love when we have been in a place where we can celebrate a close relationship with God.

Wendy

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

  • WORSHIP:
    • February 17, 2010 Ash Wednesday 7:00 to 7:30pm Start the season of Lent with a special service of singing, brief message, and blessing with ashes.
    • February 21, 2010 First Sunday in Lent 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev Shel White Message: "Stones to Cast" Scripture: John 8:1-11 Special Music: Lord's Ringers throughout the service. Cantemos singers.
  • "Faithfully Fit" - A Lent Series Mondays, February 22 - March 29, 7 to 8:30pm - You are invited to join us for this small group study focusing on the book, Faithfully Fit by Claire Cloninger and Laura Barr, a 40-day devotional plan for bringing God and faith into one's weight loss journey. Faithfully Fit is not going to tell you what to eat or how to exercise. "Instead, Faithfully Fit offers motivation, encouragement, and inspiration to help you change from the inside out - the only kind of change that lasts." Please join us for prayer and support as we all find our own path to good health. Sign up in Crothers Hall or contact Jennifer Cross Miller for more information. 685-4720, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com
  • Inquirer's Class Sundays, February 28 - March 14, 2 to 4pm - If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
    • Solo Handbell Concert at St. Andrew's
  • Handbell Solo Concert Sunday, February 28 at 2pm - Handbell soloist Kathie Fink will present a concert, "Christmas Treasures--Revisited" at St. Andrew's. Christmas in February? Yes, Kathie is preparing to record this concert and is playing at as many venues as she can on her way up to Seattle. Come enjoy an hour of beautiful music, gracefully played by Kathie. She will be joined by her accompanist Linda Maloney. A free-will offering will be taken to be split between Kathie and St. Andrew's. Kathie's portion will help pay for gas for the trip and the St. Andrew's portion will be donated to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Fund for relief in Haiti.

February 3, 2010

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

Jesus can be many different things to different people. Some consider him to be the Son of the living God, others just a kind man who was a good teacher. Some view Jesus as the powerful God who makes a huge difference; others only see him as a man that only fools would follow. Jesus asked Peter, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter replied, "You are the Messiah the Son of the living God."

I believe Jesus wants to know from each of us the same question: Who do you say that I am? Perhaps we would have a different answer at different times in our lives. I am certain the more we spend time developing that relationship with Jesus, the more we can enjoy him as our Messiah, the Son of the living God.

Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.' John 6.35
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.' John 8:12
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. John 10.14

Learning and Growing together,
Shel

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

  • WORSHIP:
    • February 7, 2010 Holy Communion 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Matthew 16:13-20 Message: Like a Rock
    • February 14, 2010 Boy Scout Sunday 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev Wendy Komori Stager Message: Seeing the Face of God
  • Senior Lunch Bunch Wednesday, February 10 at 12pm - St. Andrew's own Juanita Machado will be presenting a Valentine's musical program for us starting at noon, which will be followed by a pizza lunch prepared by Delores Mathews and Jean Lind. Be sure to sign up so you won't miss out! Beth Ward, 685-4775.
  • A Scout is Reverent...Times 100! Sunday, February 14 - Boy Scout Sunday will be celebrated at St. Andrew's on February 14. The Boy Scouts of America will be honoring the 12th point of the Scout Law on its 100th anniversary. If any member of your family is involved in Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts; I would love for them to participate. Families that have a daughter who is involved in a Venturing Crew - they are part of the BSA and are welcome. All Scouts and Scouters must be in full dress uniform (aka Class A). Please contact Alan Clement to participate or if you have any questions: alanc3707@yahoo.com or (925) 825-9529. Thank you in advance for your support of St. Andrew's and the Boy Scouts of America!
  • Newcomer's Lunch Sunday, February 14 at 12pm - Are you fairly new to our church? Please be our guest for lunch at a local restaurant. Sign up in Crothers Hall. This is an informal, fun way to learn about each other and about St. Andrew's.
  • "Faithfully Fit" - A Lent Series Mondays, February 22 - March 29, 7 to 8:30pm - You are invited to join us for this small group study focusing on the book, Faithfully Fit by Claire Cloninger and Laura Barr, a 40-day devotional plan for bringing God and faith into one's weight loss journey. Faithfully Fit is not going to tell you what to eat or how to exercise. "Instead, Faithfully Fit offers motivation, encouragement, and inspiration to help you change from the inside out - the only kind of change that lasts." Please join us for prayer and support as we all find our own path to good health. Sign up in Crothers Hall or contact Jennifer Cross Miller for more information. 685-4720, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com
  • Inquirer's Class Sundays, February 28 - March 14, 2 to 4pm - If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class. Sign up in Crothers Hall.

January 27, 2010

MEDITATION - From the Desk of David TenBrook

In response to the detonation of the first nuclear explosion in 1945, American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer later recalled that a quote from the Bhagavad Gita came to his mind:

Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds. (his own translation of 11:32)

This is in reference to a story where the Lord Vishnu persuaded Prince Arjuna to continue fighting despite friends, family, and teachers being arrayed against him. Vishnu's words and many-armed incarnation are examples of power quite common to religion. Indeed, Oppenheimer also named the New Mexican test site Trinity. Scholars generally disagree with Oppenheimer's translation of the Gita verse, but it has become a famous fixture in American culture and so it has stuck.

The God we know from the Gospels is of a different story and so if we were to quote God, the quote might instead read something like "Now I am become life, the creator of worlds." For this is precisely what God did. God created the world. God became human. Jesus became a wandering prophet. Jesus became death, saver of worlds. Jesus became life, redeemer of all.

We are become Christ, servants of worlds.
David

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

  • WORSHIP:
    • January 31, 2010 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: David TenBrook on Matthew 15:21-28 Message: Becoming Christ(like)
    • February 7, 2010 Holy Communion 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Matthew 16:13-20 Message: Like a Rock
  • Annual Congregational Meeting & Potluck Sunday, January 31 at 11:45am - Please join us for our annual meeting and potluck lunch following the second service on January 31. Come hear the latest on our building project, church activities, finances, and vote on new Elders and Deacons and pastors' salaries. Please sign up in Crothers Hall to bring a main course, salad or dessert.
  • Helen Koetitz Memorial Service Sunday, January 31 at 4pm at St. Andrew's
  • Women's Retreat at Westminster Woods Friday, February 5 - Sunday, February 7, 2010 - Do you wish you had some time to yourself? Do you long for a place where no one is asking for you to meet their needs or to drive them to another sports event? Do you wish that someone else would cook for you and clean for you? Are you hoping for some quiet space to deepen your faith and allow God to change you from the inside out? If so, save the date for a refreshing spiritual weekend in Occidental, CA. Join over a dozen women of all ages from St. Andrew's as we escape to the redwoods. The weekend is filled with opportunities to rest, to create, to renew, to learn, to laugh, and to get away from the daily grind. The speaker, Rev. Debbie Whaley will be discussing forgiveness. Oh, and have we mentioned that the food is AMAZING (not your typical camp food.) If you want to hear how last year went, talk to Courtney Mizutani, Peggy Luna, Gail Darchuck, Maureen Clement , Eleanor Manley or any of the other women who attended.

    Standard Housing: $160. Deluxe housing (with indoor bathrooms) is available for an additional $75. If you are hoping for deluxe accommodations, please register ASAP. Spaces fill fast. Massage is also available for an additional charge of $60. Go to www.westminsterwoods.com or call (707) 874-2426 for more information and registration. Paper registration forms will be available at the church soon. Please contact Rev. Wendy with any questions.

  • A Scout is Reverent...Times 100! Sunday, February 14 - Boy Scout Sunday will be celebrated at St. Andrew's on February 14. The Boy Scouts of America will be honoring the 12th point of the Scout Law on its 100th anniversary. If any member of your family is involved in Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts; I would love for them to participate. Families that have a daughter who is involved in a Venturing Crew - they are part of the BSA and are welcome. All Scouts and Scouters must be in full dress uniform (aka Class A). Please contact Alan Clement to participate or if you have any questions: alanc3707@yahoo.com or (925) 825-9529. Thank you in advance for your support of St. Andrew's and the Boy Scouts of America!
  • Newcomer's Lunch Sunday, February 14 at 12pm - Are you fairly new to our church? Please be our guest for lunch at a local restaurant. Sign up in Crothers Hall. This is an informal, fun way to learn about each other and about St. Andrew's.
  • "Faithfully Fit" - A Lent Series Mondays, February 22 - March 29, 7 to 8:30pm - You are invited to join us for this small group study focusing on the book, Faithfully Fit by Claire Cloninger and Laura Barr, a 40-day devotional plan for bringing God and faith into one's weight loss journey. Faithfully Fit is not going to tell you what to eat or how to exercise. "Instead, Faithfully Fit offers motivation, encouragement, and inspiration to help you change from the inside out - the only kind of change that lasts." Please join us for prayer and support as we all find our own path to good health. Sign up in Crothers Hall or contact Jennifer Cross Miller for more information. 685-4720, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com
  • Inquirer's Class Sundays, February 28 - March 14, 2 to 4pm - If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
  • Foundations for the Future - The Website Click here to get updates on the capital campaign. We also have a dedicated page for updates on our building project.

January 22, 2010

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

Louis Smedes, in his book, "Shame and Grace," talks about ways in which Christians paralyze themselves. He contends there is a big difference between shame and guilt. We feel guilty if we have done something that we know we shouldn't or have neglected, whereas shame is a chronic condition often not just tied to a specific omission or commission. Guilt often has a focus on only one screw-up. Shame has to do with a sense of lack of value. Shame is crippling. Shame gets us stuck where we lose energy and motivation.

God loves to not only forgive us but also remove the unhealthy guilt and completely remove our paralyzing shame. If we then put ourselves into the story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man, we then find new freedom and health. That is what God wants for us!

"Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, "Your sins are forgiven", or to say, "Stand up and take your mat and walk?" But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins' - he said to the paralytic - 'I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home." Mark 2: 9-11

Peace and Grace and Healing,
Shel

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

  • WORSHIP:
    • January 24, 2010 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Mark 2:1-12 Message: "Asking for Help"
    • January 31, 2010 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: David TenBook
  • Chamber Music at St. Andrew's Sunday, January 24 at 3pm - You are invited! Bring music-loving friends! Come join us in the Sanctuary for another afternoon of marvelous music! Our upcoming program includes compositions by Bach, Rachmaninoff, and two contemporary composers - Juan Orrego-Salas and Hans Brugk. Wonderful performances are promised by a flute/cello duet, viola solo, violin/cello/piano trio and the Cantos Wind Quintet (flute/oboe/clarinet/horn/bassoon). The recital is free with donations accepted to benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing program which provides permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless families. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Decky Thornton at 228-7731.
  • Annual Congregational Meeting & Potluck Sunday, January 31 at 11:45am - Please join us for our annual meeting and potluck lunch following the second service on January 31. Come hear the latest on our building project, church activities, finances, and vote on new Elders and Deacons and pastors' salaries. Please sign up in Crothers Hall to bring a main course, salad or dessert.
  • Helen Koetitz Memorial Service Sunday, January 31 at 4pm at St. Andrew's
  • Women's Retreat at Westminster Woods Friday, February 5 - Sunday, February 7, 2010 - Do you wish you had some time to yourself? Do you long for a place where no one is asking for you to meet their needs or to drive them to another sports event? Do you wish that someone else would cook for you and clean for you? Are you hoping for some quiet space to deepen your faith and allow God to change you from the inside out? If so, save the date for a refreshing spiritual weekend in Occidental, CA. Join over a dozen women of all ages from St. Andrew's as we escape to the redwoods. The weekend is filled with opportunities to rest, to create, to renew, to learn, to laugh, and to get away from the daily grind. The speaker, Rev. Debbie Whaley will be discussing forgiveness. Oh, and have we mentioned that the food is AMAZING (not your typical camp food.) If you want to hear how last year went, talk to Courtney Mizutani, Peggy Luna, Gail Darchuck, Maureen Clement , Eleanor Manley or any of the other women who attended.

    Standard Housing: $160. Deluxe housing (with indoor bathrooms) is available for an additional $75. If you are hoping for deluxe accommodations, please register ASAP. Spaces fill fast. Massage is also available for an additional charge of $60. Go to www.westminsterwoods.com or call (707) 874-2426 for more information and registration. Paper registration forms will be available at the church soon. Please contact Rev. Wendy with any questions.

  • A Scout is Reverent...Times 100! Sunday, February 14 - Boy Scout Sunday will be celebrated at St. Andrew's on February 14. The Boy Scouts of America will be honoring the 12th point of the Scout Law on its 100th anniversary. If any member of your family is involved in Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts; I would love for them to participate. Families that have a daughter who is involved in a Venturing Crew - they are part of the BSA and are welcome. All Scouts and Scouters must be in full dress uniform (aka Class A). Please contact Alan Clement to participate or if you have any questions: alanc3707@yahoo.com or (925) 825-9529. Thank you in advance for your support of St. Andrew's and the Boy Scouts of America!
  • Newcomer's Lunch Sunday, February 14 at 12pm - Are you fairly new to our church? Please be our guest for lunch at a local restaurant. Sign up in Crothers Hall. This is an informal, fun way to learn about each other and about St. Andrew's.
  • "Faithfully Fit" - A Lent Series Mondays, February 22 - March 29, 7 to 8:30pm - You are invited to join us for this small group study focusing on the book, Faithfully Fit by Claire Cloninger and Laura Barr, a 40-day devotional plan for bringing God and faith into one's weight loss journey. Faithfully Fit is not going to tell you what to eat or how to exercise. "Instead, Faithfully Fit offers motivation, encouragement, and inspiration to help you change from the inside out - the only kind of change that lasts." Please join us for prayer and support as we all find our own path to good health. Sign up in Crothers Hall or contact Jennifer Cross Miller for more information. 685-4720, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com
  • Inquirer's Class Sundays, February 28 - March 14, 2 to 4pm - If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
  • Foundations for the Future - The Website Click here to get updates on the capital campaign. We also have a dedicated page for updates on our building project.