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October 21, 2004

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

"Worship is a celebration. To celebrate Christ, not my devotion to him, frees me from having to create or invent my worship. Both preaching and the Lord's Supper celebrated Christ and through them Christ is given to me. Consequently, I am spiritually nourished by what God is doing for me through the Scriptures and the Communion Table. When I experience God at work in worship, speaking to me and moving toward me through the symbols and the preaching, I broke through the passivity I had previously known and responded to." Robert Webber in his book Worship is a Verb

"O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For He is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would listen to his voice! (Psalm 95:6-7 NRSV)

"Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name." (Psalm 100:2-4 NRSV)

Worshiping our Lord together in Love,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, October 24th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Shel White will be preaching on "Power of Habitual Prayer." Luke 11:1-13 (Sermon Series: "Dare to Make and Care to Keep Commitments"). Adult Bell Choir "Harmonikos" ringing in both services.
• Next Sunday, October 31st at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Shel White will be preaching on "Growth Through Change." John 1:43-51 & 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (Sermon Series: "Dare to Make and Care to Keep Commitments"). High School Bell Choir "Ringers of the Lord" ringing in both services.
• It's Trunk or Treat Time! - Wednesday, October 27th at 6:30 p.m. - Kids, come in your costumes! We will have our Halloween parade and then go trunk-or-treating around the church parking lot. Adults and youth: Please join us by bringing a car and treats to share with our KK kids.
• Disciple Classes Have Begun - Disciple classes began last week, but you are still welcome to join. Jesus and the Gospels will meet Tuesday mornings from 9 - 11:30 a.m. and Disciple 1 will also meet next Tuesday from 7 - 9:30 p.m. If you have not registered but still want to join us, contact Eleanor Manley at 372-7129. And be sure to call Sandy Cross at the church office if you need childcare.
• Muscular Christians in a Sensitive World - Starts Tuesday, November 9th! - This new group for men of all ages, led by Jeff Miller, will start Tuesday, November 9th at 7:00 p.m. The group will meet through the fall and will focus on how our spirituality, relationship with the church and relationship with God can impact our roles as sons, fathers, partners, employees and members of the community, both Christian and secular. Give Jeff a call (691-1688) for more information.
• The Birth of the Messiah - John Shumway's class examining the birth stories and myths of Jesus begins Wednesday, October 27th at 7:00 p.m. John will lead us as we explore the historical record of Jesus' birth in Matthew and Luke, compare them and examine what the first century Jews meant by "messiah." All are invited for this time of study, discussion and preparation for the holiday season - no need to sign up. Contact John at 932-1737 if you have any questions. Kid's Kingdom also invites those participating in this seminar to join them for dinner before class. They would love to have more members of the congregation share in fellowship with our children and with each other. Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. and there are a variety of chefs preparing tasty offerings in the Presbyterian eating tradition of good food and good fellowship. Dinner costs $3 per person and any one interested should contact Alison or Courtney, so we know how many additional people to expect.
• Daylight Savings Ends! Daylight Savings Time will end on Sunday, October 31st, so don't forget to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.
• Leftover Halloween Candy? Don't throw it away. Don't throw it in the freezer. Bring it to St. Andrew's for our annual gift packages to our college students and military personnel. We'll be sending them snacks, munchies and other treats to sustain them through final exams and other holiday stresses. Please bring your donations to the box in Crothers Hall before November 8th so we can pack and ship in time for Thanksgiving. If you have any questions, please contact Lois Manley or Pastor Sarah.

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October 14, 2004

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

C.S. Lewis, Oxford philosopher and literary scholar of the last century, described himself as a "lapsed atheist." For the first part of his intellectual life he saw faith in Christ as foolish. Then he describes in "The Weight of Glory" his realization when he discovered he was missing something vital. He became aware of a "desire for our own far-off country... the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a turn we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited." In his search, Lewis suddenly was surprised to discover "God closed in on me." Whether we observe it or not, God is actively seeking after us. Can we be quiet enough to enjoy God trying to get our attention?

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts." (Psalm 139:23 NRSV)

"For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out." (Ezekiel 34:11 NRSV)

"What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?" (Matthew 18:12 NRSV)

Searching and Supporting each other in Love,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, October 17th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Shel White will be preaching on "Self and/or Service." In a world of so much stress, how do we find balance? (1 Corinthians 16:13-22 & Ephesians 6:5-24) (Sermon Series: "Dare to Make and Care to Keep Commitments")
• Next Sunday, October 24th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Shel White will be preaching on "Power of Habitual Prayer." (Sermon Series: "Dare to Make and Care to Keep Commitments").

COMING SOON:

• Disciple Classes Have Begun - Disciple classes began last week, but you are still welcome to join. Jesus and the Gospels will meet Tuesday mornings from 9 - 11:30 a.m. and Disciple 1 will also meet next Wednesday from 7 - 9:30 p.m. If you have not registered but still want to join us, contact Eleanor Manley at 372-7129. And be sure to call Sandy Cross at the church office if you need childcare.
• The Birth of the Messiah - John Shumway's class examining the birth stories and myths of Jesus begins Wednesday, October 27 at 7:00 p.m. John will lead us as we explore the historical record of Jesus' birth in Matthew and Luke, compare them and examine what the first century Jews meant by "messiah." All are invited for this time of study, discussion and preparation for the holiday season - no need to sign up. Contact John at 932-1737 if you have any questions.

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October 7, 2004

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

This Sunday, I am preaching about our Christian faith and asking the question Philip Yancey asks in his book: Reaching for the Invisible God: "How do I relate to a God who is invisible when I'm never quite sure he's there? Is there a way I can be sure? How do you sustain a relationship with a being so different from any other, imperceptible by the five senses?" Yancey discusses all the people who are staying away from the Church because their faith seems so irrelevant in their day-to-day lives. However he says, "The Christian life is not meant to be lived by a person sitting alone..." Our faith can indeed grow and be a solid source of strength when we commit each day to be on our faith journey. Or we can pronounce it irrelevant and wish we had the strong faith others have. Where are you in your faith journey?

"For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17: 20

"And Jesus said to them, "Why are you afraid, you of little faith?" - Matthew 8:26

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1

Growing in Faith together,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, October 10th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Shel White will be preaching on "Commitment to Faith." (Sermon Series: "Dare to Make and Care to Keep Commitments").
• Next Sunday, October 17th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Shel White will be preaching on "Purposeful Service." (Sermon Series: "Dare to Make and Care to Keep Commitments").

COMING SOON:

• Disciple Classes Begin - Disciple classes begin this week. Jesus and the Gospels will meet Tuesday morning, October 12 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. and Disciple 1 will also meet on Tuesday evening from 7 - 9:30 p.m. If you have not registered but still want to join us, contact Eleanor Manley at 372-7129. And be sure to call Sandy Cross at the church office if you need childcare.
• The Birth of the Messiah - John Shumway's class examining the birth stories and myths of Jesus, begins Wednesday, October 27 at 7:00 p.m. John will lead us as we explore the historical record of Jesus' birth in Matthew and Luke, compare them and examine what the first century Jews meant by "messiah." All are invited for this time of study, discussion and preparation for the holiday season - no need to sign up. Contact John at 932-1737 if you have any questions.
• Inquirer's Class - This four-week Inquirer's Class begins this Sunday, October 10 from 2 - 4 p.m. in the church library. We invite all who are interested in membership here at St. Andrew's or may just want to learn more about who we are. We'll talk about the essential ingredients of the Christian faith, the uniqueness of the ministries here and give you a chance to get to know our pastors, Shel White and Sarah Powers, who will be leading the class. Should participants desire to become members of St. Andrew's, they will be welcomed into membership on Sunday, November 7th. Please contact Sandy Cross in the church office if you need childcare.

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September 23, 2004

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

Do you have enough grace in your life?

"Sometimes a wave of light breaks into our darkness, and it is as though a voice were saying: 'You are accepted. You are accepted, accepted by that which is greater than you.... Do not try to do anything now; perhaps later you will do much. Do not seek for anything, do not perform anything, do not intend anything. Simply accept the fact that you are accepted." - Paul Tillich

"You may be insecure, inadequate, mistaken, or potbellied. Death, panic, depression, and disillusionment may be near you. But you are not just that. Never confuse your perception of yourself with the mystery that you are accepted." - Brennan Manning from The Ragamuffin Gospel

"The Lord said, 'My grace is sufficient for you, my power is at its best in weakness." So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." (2 Corinthians 2:9)

Living our faith together in love...

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, September 26th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. We will have a guest preacher, Rick Oldenkamp, preaching on "Peace" (John 14: 25-27; Rev. 21:1-7)
• Next Sunday, October 3rd at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY Sarah Powers will be preaching on "Commitment to Rest." (Sermon Series: "Dare to Make and Care to Keep Commitments"). Please sign up to bring your favorite or traditional breads to be used during communion.

COMING SOON:

• New Christian Education Programs Beginning Now!! Check out the NEW Adult Education brochure now on the round table in Crothers Hall. Five different ChristCare groups, two Disciple classes, an Advent class with John Shumway and our latest Inquirer's Class. So, get ready to study and grow in faith with the St. Andrew's family this fall.
• Mission Work Trips Celebration on Sunday, October 3rd Join us on Sunday, October 3rd at 5:30 p.m. as we celebrate our mission work trips to Tijuana this year. We'll be eating "potluck," so bring your favorite main dish, salad or dessert to share. Our work trip participants, adults and youth, will share stories of their experiences and be available to answer your questions. We also hope to have a multi-media presentation with video and photos of both trips. Watch upcoming bulletins for more information.

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September 16, 2004

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Sarah Powers

WORSHIP

"First, the intent of worship is to experience and praise God. While the experience of God in worship leads to knowledge of God, the primary mode of knowing is by participation. God is experienced as we enter into scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to convince us of the truth of God's word. Second, worship transforms ordinary time and space into sacred time and space. The experience of God as one of mystery, awe and wonder. Where education attempts to explain and interpret mystery, worship allows us to experience and dwell in the presence of God as a way of knowing. The time and space of worship engage a special remembering, called 'anamnesis,' Anamnesis is a way of bringing both the Christian community's experiences of God from the past and God's promised future into our present experience through memory, imagination and meaning. So when we hear God's word proclaimed in word and sacrament we find ourselves, 'participating' in the original event or experience. Together with Jesus' first disciples and all the others, right up to the present, we commune in the breaking of the bread. The experience of sacred time and space in a special place set aside for God enables us to experience God in every time and every place." (from Young Children and Worship by Sonja Steward and Jerome Berryman)

May God meet us in our worship, daily, individually and together as the body of Christ.

Blessings,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, September 19th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sarah Powers will be preaching on "Commitment to Education." (Sermon Series: "Dare to Make and Care to Keep Commitments") We will also be commissioning our Sunday School and Kid's Kingdom teachers and volunteers.
• Next Sunday, September 26th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. We will have a guest preacher, Rick Oldenkamp.

COMING SOON

• New Christian Education Programs Begin in September Watch for information in the Adult Education brochure coming to a bulletin or round table near you this Sunday. Five different ChristCare groups, an Advent class with John Shumway and our latest Inquirer's Class. So, get ready to study and grow in faith with the St. Andrew's family this fall.
• Mission Work Trips Celebration on Sunday, October 3rd Join us on Sunday, October 3rd at 5:30 p.m. as we celebrate our mission work trips to Tijuana this year. We'll be eating "potluck," so bring your favorite main dish, salad or dessert to share. Our work trip participants, adults and youth, will share stories of their experiences and be available to answer your questions. We also hope to have a multi-media presentation with video and photos of both trips. Watch upcoming bulletins for more information.

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September 9, 2004

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

What a different world we would have if Christians really lived their faith.

"In exemplary cases of discipleship, the coherence of belief and practice is so impressive that it masks the extent to which beliefs and practices undermine each other. By contrast, the ordinary struggles of religious people lay bare the ligaments that hold beliefs and practices together. Their struggles reveal how easily these connections become strained and broken when belief fails to nurture admirable practice, or when vibrant practice fails to stimulate vibrant belief." - Amy Plantinga Pauw

"It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

"Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel." Philippians 1:27

Living our faith together in love...

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, September 12th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Shel White will be preaching on "Commitment to Fellowship" (Acts 2:40-46). (Sermon Series: "Dare to Make and Care to Keep Commitments")
• Next Sunday, September 19th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sarah Powers will be preaching on "Commitment to Education." (Sermon Series: "Dare to Make and Care to Keep Commitments") We will also be commissioning our Sunday School and Kid's Kingdom teachers and volunteers.

COMING THIS FALL

• Parish Sunday Picnic - September 12th at 11:20 following the second service. Come one, come all to a church family celebration! Join your St. Andrew's family for a parish picnic to end the summer. There will be lots of food and fellowship. It is a great way to meet the other folks in your parish or those who attend the alternate Sunday service. Mark the date on your calendar, and when your deacon calls for volunteers to bring salads or desserts, you will be ready to say, "Yes, we're coming!"
• Brainstorming with the Architect - September 12th following the picnic. The Strategy Committee invites you to be part of the next step in our discernment process. We've had the survey and pulse groups, so now it's time to get to the details. Join us for a brainstorming session with our architect, John Goldman, to talk about the specific needs, major maintenance and all programs, present and future, of St. Andrew's. After the parish picnic at 1:00 p.m., we will be in Crothers Hall for a time of fun planning and dreaming. We're going to examine the many activities and programs of St. Andrew's and what we need to best serve the congregation and our community. Childcare will be provided. Contact Bruce Johnson or Ken Harold with any questions.
• Kid's Kingdom The fun starts on September 12th at 12:30 p.m. with registration and the annual parent's meeting following the Parish Sunday Picnic. The Wednesday night program for children in grades K - 5 begins on September 15th at 3:45 p.m. with the love of Jesus shared through games, study, crafts and family-style dinners. Be sure to register your children for this exciting program. Contact Courtney Mizutani or Alison Armand for more information.
• Westminster Woods - September 24th to 26th Join us for a special weekend of music, study, prayer and play. And don't forget the exciting children's programs, our annual talent show and s'mores by the campfire. Information brochures and registration forms are available on the round table in Crothers Hall. Please note that the cost for a campsite is $75 per site, NOT per person as listed. Contact Pastor Sarah if you have any questions or need scholarship assistance.
• New Christian Education Programs Begin in September Watch for information in the Adult Education brochure coming to a bulletin or round table near you. ChristCare groups, Disciple classes and classes with Shel, Sarah and others are coming soon. So, get ready to study and grow in faith with the St. Andrew's family this fall.

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September 2, 2004

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

If someone calls you a "saint," do you give them a look that says, "Are you joking.........I am so far from perfection?" The Apostle Paul addresses followers of Jesus as "saints." Please ponder Thomas Merton's definition: "A saint is not someone who is good but someone who experiences the goodness of God." If more followers of Christ made time to consider the goodness of God, we would have more Christians that resembled Christ.

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone." (Eph 2:19-20)

"Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, {9} and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; (Eph 3:8-9)

"The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ." (Eph 4:11-13 )

"I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, {18} so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power." (Eph 1:17-19)

"Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you." (2 Cor 13:12-13)

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, September 5th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Holy Communion Shel White will be preaching on "Commitment to Discipleship," (Luke 14:25-33).
• Next Sunday, September 12th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Shel White will be preaching on "Commitment to Fellowship," (Acts 2:40-46).

COMING THIS FALL

• Parish Sunday Picnic - September 12th at 11:20 following the second service. Come one, come all to a church family celebration! Join your St. Andrew's family for a parish picnic to end the summer. There will be lots of food and fellowship. It is a great way to meet the other folks in your parish or those who attend the alternate Sunday service. Mark the date on your calendar, and when your deacon calls for volunteers to bring salads or desserts, you will be ready to say, "Yes, we're coming!"
• Brainstorming with the Strategy Committee - September 12th following the picnic. The Strategy Committee invites you to be part of the next step in our discernment process. We've had the survey and pulse groups, so now it's time to get to the details. Join us for a brainstorming session with our architect, John Goldman, to talk about the specific needs, major maintenance and all programs, present and future, of St. Andrew's. After the parish picnic at 1:00 p.m., we will be in Crothers Hall for a time of fun planning and dreaming. We're going to examine the many activities and programs of St. Andrew's and what we need to best serve the congregation and our community. Childcare will be provided. Contact Bruce Johnson or Ken Harold with any questions.
• Kid's Kingdom The fun starts on September 12th at 12:30 p.m. with registration and the annual parent's meeting following the Parish Sunday Picnic. The Wednesday night program for children in grades K - 5 begins on September 15th at 3:45 p.m. with the love of Jesus shared through games, study, crafts and family-style dinners. Be sure to register your children for this exciting program. Contact Courtney Mizutani or Alison Armand for more information.
• Westminster Woods - September 24th to 26th Join us for a special weekend of music, study, prayer and play. And don't forget the exciting children's programs, our annual talent show and s'mores by the campfire. Information brochures and registration forms are available on the round table in Crothers Hall. Please note that the cost for a campsite is $75 per site, NOT per person as listed. Contact Pastor Sarah if you have any questions or need scholarship assistance.
• New Christian Education Programs Begin in September Watch for information in the Adult Education brochure coming to a bulletin or round table near you. ChristCare groups, Disciple classes and classes with Shel, Sarah and others are coming soon. So, get ready to study and grow in faith with the St. Andrew's family this fall.

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August 26, 2004

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

Problem Solving

"Whenever two or three are gathered together, problems develop...The difficulty is that problems arrive in such a constant flow that problem solving becomes full-time work. Gabriel Marcel wrote that life is not so much a problem to be solved as a mystery to be explored. Solved life is a reduced life. That is certainly the biblical stance: life is not something we manage to hammer together and keep in repair by our wits; it is an unfathomable gift. We are immersed in mysteries: incredible love, confounding evil, the creation, the cross, grace, God." - Eugene Peterson in "The Contemplative Pastor"

(2 Cor 9:7-8 NRSV) Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.

Grace and Peace of our Loving Lord,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, August 29th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. (Because the 9:00 outdoor service was canceled last week due to cold weather, we will try again this week.) Shel White will be preaching on "Body Parts, The Church as the Body of Christ" (1 Cor 12:12-27), in our continuing series on the "Great Ends of the Church."
• Join in on the fun Bike Ride to San Francisco this Sunday, August 29th, at 12:00 p.m. Bring a lunch to eat at the church. Then we will bike to Pleasant Hill BART, detrain at Embarcadero, bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, take a ferry back to San Francisco, get on BART and return to Pleasant Hill. The bicycle portion of the trip is around 20 miles. Please join us!
• Next Sunday, September 5th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Holy Communion Shel White will be preaching on "Discipleship," (Luke 14:25-33).
• COMING THIS FALL - Parish Sunday Picnic - September 12th at 11:20 following the second service. Come one, come all to a church family celebration! Join your St. Andrew's family for a parish picnic to end the summer. There will be lots of food and fellowship. It is a great way to meet the other folks in your parish or those who attend the alternate Sunday service. Mark the date on your calendar, and when your deacon calls for volunteers to bring salads or desserts, you will be ready to say, "Yes, we're coming!"
• Brainstorming with the Strategy Committee - September 12th following the picnic. The Strategy Committee invites you to be part of the next step in our discernment process. We've had the survey and pulse groups, so now it's time to get to the details. Join us for a brainstorming session with our architect, John Goldman, to talk about the specific needs, major maintenance and all programs, present and future, of St. Andrew's. After the parish picnic at 1:00 p.m., we will be in Crothers Hall for a time of fun planning and dreaming. We're going to examine the many activities and programs of St. Andrew's and what we need to best serve the congregation and our community. Childcare will be provided. Contact Bruce Johnson or Ken Harold with any questions.
• Kid's Kingdom The fun starts on September 12th at 12:30 p.m. with registration and the annual parent's meeting following the Parish Sunday Picnic. The Wednesday night program for children in grades K - 5 begins on September 15th at 3:45 p.m. with the love of Jesus shared through games, study, crafts and family-style dinners. Be sure to register your children for this exciting program. Contact Courtney Mizutani or Alison Armand for more information.
• Westminster Woods - September 24th to 26th Join us for a special weekend of music, study, prayer and play. And don't forget the exciting children's programs, our annual talent show and s'mores by the campfire. Information brochures and registration forms are available on the round table in Crothers Hall. Please note that the cost for a campsite is $75 per site, NOT per person as listed. Contact Pastor Sarah if you have any questions or need scholarship assistance.
• New Christian Education Programs Begin in September Watch for information in the Adult Education brochure coming to a bulletin or round table near you. ChristCare groups, Disciple classes and classes with Shel, Sarah and others are coming soon. So, get ready to study and grow in faith with the St. Andrew's family this fall.

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August 19, 2004

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

The Blind Faith

"Obstacles in your life are going to be many and often discouraging. Things may seem to go in the wrong direction at times. You know as well as I do that bad things may happen along with the good. But, above all, you must have faith that you will prevail... It must be blind faith at times, when trouble seems to be at its worst. Then, you have to take the next step instead of getting discouraged. To be able to do that you must rely on faith, and learn to let go... Letting go has nothing to do with leaving things to chance. What it does is allow you to drop the self-defeating behavior that has held you back. Letting go lets you conquer your fears - to banish negativity to help you move forward." - from our very own Dr. Shaun Aghili in his book "Crossing the Narrow Gate," p. 26 - 28

"If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, move from here to there; and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

Grace and Peace of the Lord,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday: August 22nd at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. (9 a.m. service outside in Garden!) Shel White preaching on "Exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the World" in our continuing series on the Great Ends of the Church
• Next Sunday: August 29th at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Shel White preaching on 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
• Join in on the Fun Bike Ride next Sunday August 29 bring a lunch to eat following the second service, Bike to Bart - Embarcadero, bike to Sausalito, boat back to S.F, Bart to Pleasant Hill. Around 20 miles on bike.
• Sarah will be on vacation 8/19 - 26.
• COMING THIS FALL... Parish Sunday Picnic - September 12th following the second service at 11:20. Come one, come all to a family celebration! Join your St. Andrew's family for a parish picnic to end the summer. There will be lots of food and fellowship. It is a great way to meet the other folks in your parish or those who attend the alternate Sunday Service. Mark the date on your calendar, and when your Deacon calls for volunteers to bring salads or desserts, you will be ready to say "Yes, we are coming".
• Brainstorming with the Strategy Committee - September 12th following the parish picnic - The Strategy Committee invites you to be part of the next step in our discernment process. We've had the survey, the pulse groups, now it's time to get to the details. Join us for a brainstorming session with our architect, John Goldman, to talk about the specific needs, major maintenance and all, of St. Andrew's. After the Parish Picnic on September 12th, at 1 pm we will be in Crothers Hall for a time of fun planning and dreaming. We're going to examine the many activities and programs at St. Andrew's and what we need to best serve the congregation and our community. Childcare will be provided. Contact Bruce Johnson or Ken Harold with any questions.
• Kids Kingdom - The fun begins on September 12th at 12:30 with registration and the annual parents meeting following the Parish Sunday Picnic. The Wednesday night program for children in grades K-5 begins on September 15th with the love of Jesus shared through games, study, crafts and family-style dinners. Be sure to register your children for this exciting program. Contact Courtney Mizutani or Alison Armand for more information.
• Westminster Woods - September 24 - 26 Join us for a special weekend of music, study, prayer and play. And don't forget the exciting children's programs, our annual talent show and s'mores by the campfire. Information brochures and registration forms are available on the round table in Crothers Hall. Please note that the cost for a camp site is $75 per site, NOT per person as listed. Contact Pastor Sarah if you have any questions or need scholarship assistance.
• New Christian Education programs begin in September - Watch for information in the September Network and the Adult Education brochure coming to a bulletin or round table near you. ChristCare groups, Disciple classes and classes with Shel, Sarah and others are coming soon. So, get ready to study and grow in faith with the St. Andrew's family this fall.

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July 29, 2004

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

"The voice of my Beloved! Behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills." (Song of Solomon 2:8)

According to Hannah Hurnard in her book, "Hinds' Feet on High Places", the verse

"means there are no obstacles which our Savior's love cannot overcome, and that to him, mountains of difficulty are as easy as an asphalt road! How deeply we who love the Lord of Love and desire to follow him long for the power to surmount all difficulties and tests and conflicts in life in the same exultant and triumphant way."

How we react to evil, tribulation, sorrow, pain, unfair acts says a great deal about our confidence in the loving Savior who can take us to higher ground. Where do you choose to live?

Peace and Joy of the Lord,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS: KEY UPCOMING EVENTS

• This Sunday, August 1st at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Shel White preaching on "What is Truth?" (John 14:6-17), fourth in a series of the Great Ends of the Church. We will also be commissioning our youth to their mission work trip in Tijuana.
• Next Sunday, August 8th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sarah Powers preaching on "What the Lord Requires" (Micah 6:6-8, Matthew 25:31-40), fifth in a series on the Great Ends of the Church.
• Pastor on Leave - Sarah Powers will be on study leave from Monday, July 26th to Saturday, July 31st.
• Westminster Woods Registration forms went out with your July Network. Please note that the cost for a campsite is $75 per site, not per person as listed.
• New ChristCare Small Groups for Men, Women and Couples Call Marcia Murray at 229-3295 if you would like more information on any of these soon-to-be-starting groups.

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July 8, 2004

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Sarah Powers

Grace for the Busy

Dorothy Bass, in her book Receiving the Day, talks about our struggle with time. She says,

"Grace can seem in short supply indeed once we begin to think that whoever 'uses time well' is right with God and that whoever 'wastes' time is committing sin. This judgment is not unfamiliar on the American cultural and political landscape. Often called the 'Protestant ethic,' this attitude holds that work and worthiness go hand in hand, not only in human eyes but in God's. This label is incongruous, since the Protestant movement actually began with the insistence that God's favor is a free gift. Such a gift can seem too good to be true, however... And thus many of us try to attract God's favor by putting our virtue and hard work on display. When we get caught up in this effort, it can seem that success in work is the proof that we have succeeded in our faith as well."

In the midst of this need to control time and make time work for us, we need to remember that

"to know time as gift is to know that its basic rhythms and inevitable passing are beyond our control. And to know time as gift is to recognize time as the setting within which we also receive God's other gifts, including the fruits of nature and the companionship of one another."

May we be open this week to receive God's gift of time in our lives, to be mindful of the patterns of our time and pay "expectant attention to the possibility that God might have something better in mind for us."

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." (Ecc. 3:1)

Blessings,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday: July 11th at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m Craig Mizutani will be our guest preacher and we will be commissioning our VBS team
• Next Sunday: July 18th at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m We will be celebrating our VBS week with songs from the children.
• Vacations - Don't forget that Shel is on vacation through July 22, returning to worship on the 25th.
• Westminster Woods - Registration forms went out with your July Network. Please note that the cost for a camp site is $75 per site, NOT per person as listed.
• Vacation Bible School - "Lava Lava Island" July 12th - 16th, 9 a.m. to 12 noon each day - Registration forms are available on the church website, in Crothers Hall or by e-mailing our VBS director, Julie Calderwood, at jpedcal@jps.net.
• Youth Mission Work Trips Dinner & Talent Show Help raise money for the Youth Mission Work Trip by attending this fabulous dinner, talent show and raffle on Sunday, July 18th at 5:00 p.m.
• NEW ChristCare Small Groups for Men, Women and Couples Call Marcia Murray at 229-3295 if you would like more information on any of these soon-to-be-starting groups.

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May 13, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Shel White

Some of the most powerful workings of God are quiet and almost unnoticeable.

"The Kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field: it is the smallest of all seeds." Matt 13:31-32.

"Words are the real work of the world - prayer words with God, parable words with men and women. The behind-the-scene work of creativity by word and sacrament, by parable and prayer, subverts the seduced world. The pastor's real work is what Ivan Illich calls "shadow work" - the work nobody gets paid for and few notice but that makes a world of salvation: meaning and value and purpose, a world of love and hope and faith - in short, the kingdom of God." Eugene H. Peterson

All of us are ministers. Some of our most vital work to build up God's kingdom is barely visible to many, but very appreciated by our Lord!

Serving our Lord in Love and Peace....

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday: Worship on May 16, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Shel White Preaching - Acts 17:22-31 "Place for Hope" Where is your source of hope?
• Worship on May 23, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Youth Sunday- Children will go directly to Sunday School and come into worship at the end of worship for this special service
• Ladies’ Tea - May 15th. 12:30 in Crothers Hall Wonderful time of Music, entertainment, games – if questions please contact Peggy Kamberg at 228-4124.
• Two Mission Work Trips this Summer We will be returning to Tijuana from June 19th – 26th. Youth Mission Work Trip to Tijuana is scheduled for August 7th – 14th. Support us with funds to buy materials and most of all by your prayers.
• Several NEW ChristCare Small Groups - Call Marcia Murray (at 229-3295) if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups.

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April 28, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Sarah Powers

MYSTERY

" There are mysteries which you can solve by taking thought. For instance, a murder mystery whose mysteriousness must be dispelled in order for the truth to be known. There are other mysteries which do not conceal a truth to think your way to, but whose truth is itself the mystery. The mystery of your self, for example. The more you try to fathom it, the more fathomless it is revealed to be. No matter how much of your self you are able to objectify and examine, the quintessential, living part of yourself will always elude you, i.e., the part that is conducting the examination. Thus you do not solve the mystery, you live the mystery. And you do that not by fully knowing yourself but by fully being yourself. To say that God is a mystery is to say that you can never nail God down. Even on Christ the nails proved ultimately ineffective." (Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking)

" Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! May we live this week in the mystery of Christ's resurrection, love and grace.

Blessings,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• THIS SUNDAY - Worship on May 2, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Communion Sarah Powers Preaching: John 10:22-30
• Worship on May 9 ONE SERVICE at 10am - Mother's Day Special Worship - Simple breakfast starts serving at 9am - Shel White Preaching - Adult Bell Choir, Combine Adult Choirs, Children Choirs sing
• YOUTH CAR WASH Saturday May 8 Union 76 Contra Costa & Chilpancingo (near Toys R Us) Money raised for youth Mission Work Trip to Tijuana.
• Inquirer’s Classes Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. For those interested in becoming new members or just finding out more about the church, we will be having Inquirer’s Classes on May 5, 12, 19 and 26th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
• Two Mission Work Trips this Summer We will be returning to Tijuana from June 19th – 26th. Youth Mission Work Trip to Tijuana is scheduled for August 7th – 14th.
• Several NEW ChristCare Small Groups ! Call Marcia Murray (at 229-3295) if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups.

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April 22, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Shel White

" There are two great mystical traditions in the life of prayer, sometimes labeled kataphatic and apophatic. Kataphatic prayer uses icons, symbols, ritual, incense; the creation is the way to the Creator. Apophatic prayer attempts emptiness; the creation distracts from the Creator, and so the mind is systematically emptied of idea, image, sensation until there is only the simplicity of being. Kataphatic prayer is "praying with your eyes open"; apaphatic prayer is "praying with your eyes shut." At our balanced best, the two traditions intermingle, mix, and cross-fertilize. But we are not always at our best. The Western church is heavily skewed on the side of apophatic. The rubric for prayer when I was a child was, "Fold your hands, bow your head, shut your eyes, and we'll pray." My early training carries over into my adult practice. Most of my praying still is with my eyes shut. I need balancing. Annie Dillard prays differently: Spread out your hands, lift your head, open your eyes, and we'll pray."

- Eugene H. Peterson

" Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words."

- Romans 8:16 (NRSV)

May your prayer time be filled with God's presence,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• THIS SUNDAY April 25, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Children's Music Sunday - lot of young singers and ringers Children are going to help Shel with the morning message
• Worship on May 2, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Communion Sarah Powers Preaching: John 10:22-30
• YOUTH CAR WASH Saturday May 8 Union 76 Contra Costa & Chilpancingo (near Toys R Us) Money raised for youth Mission Work Trip to Tijuana.
• Mother's Day Special Worship - ONE service at 10am! Simple breakfast starts serving at 9am - Special Musical groups in Worship
• Inquirer’s Classes Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. For those interested in becoming new members or just finding out more about the church, we will be having Inquirer’s Classes on May 5, 12, 19 and 26th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
• Two Mission Work Trips this Summer We will be returning to Tijuana from June 19th – 26th. Youth Mission Work Trip to Tijuana is scheduled for August 7th – 14th.
• Several NEW ChristCare Small Groups ! Call Marcia Murray (at 229-3295) if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups.
• Kids Kingdom 2003-2004 is wrapping up!- check out new Kid's Kingdom link. Plus, you can sign up your children in grades K- 5 for the winter/spring sessions or volunteer to help out on the remaining Wednesday afternoons. by calling the Church office, Kirsten Cherry or Sandy Ravazza.

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April 10, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Shel White

" We can dare to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ risen, not because of our own faithfulness, but because God is faithful, and God's faithfulness is powerful enough to break down barricades and overthrow tyrants and raise the dead to life, yes, and to give each of his children, from the least to the greatest, hope and strength and courage and defiance in daily life against everything that would ever hurt or destroy his beloved creatures excite those who have come anxious to hear good news, convict those who arrive in need of convincing, and awaken those who slumber still. Easter confronts our deep-seated fear of death with the declaration that the worst has already been known in our lives. Christ rose to convert us, not from earthly life to something beyond life, but from something less than life to the possibility of being fully alive, fully what God intended us to be." -- Bill Goettler

Peace and Joy of EASTER,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Senior Lunch Bunch Wednesday, April 14th at Noon with Dorothy Ligda, the author of “Back When Lurks Nearby”, will speak to the group.
• Worship on April 18, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Dr. John Shumway Preaching: "The Greatest Crisis in Jesus' Life" Psalm 22:1-5 and Mark 12:1-11
• Please plan on taking the Congregational survey questionnaire because your thoughts and ideas are crucial to the process!!
• Inquirer’s Classes - Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. For those interested in becoming new members or just finding out more about the church, we will be having Inquirer’s Classes on May 5, 12, 19 and 26th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
• Several NEW ChristCare Small Groups ! Call Marcia Murray (at 229-3295) if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups.
• Kids Kingdom - check out the Kid's Kingdom link. Plus, you can sign up your children in grades K- 5 for the winter/spring sessions or volunteer to help out on Wednesday afternoons by calling the Church office, Kirsten Cherry or Sandy Ravazza.

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April 5, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Sarah Powers

Covenant

During this season of Lent we celebrate the Lord's Supper each week as we prepare ourselves for Jesus' death. Lent ends with Jesus dead in a tomb, the disciples and the women weeping together. As we await the dawn, we are reminded each Sunday of Jesus' body broken and blood shed for us. Barbara Brown Taylor continues this idea in her sermon entitled, Blood Covenant:

" The death cannot be overlooked, nor should it be, but it is the life that is being offered, the life that rushes out of that cup like a spring of living water. it is God's promise from before time and forever, spelled out this time in flesh and blood. It is the new covenant and the last one - new because it is offered to us fresh each day and last because there is nothing more that God can say or do. This is as close as God can get: blood kin, indissoluble union, friend bound to friend for life, forever...Inside of us God rides our bloodstreams straight to our hearts where the covenant is written: I shall be your God and you shall be my people."

Rest today in the powerful words from Romans 8:38-39...

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

This is our covenant from God. We are God's people, now and forever. God will never let us go.

Blessings,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - UPCOMING EVENTS:

• April 4th 10 minute visual presentation. Please plan on watching, listening and taking the survey questionnaire because your thoughts and ideas are crucial to the process!!!
• Church Work Day! Saturday, April 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Adopt a classroom, rework storage, paint, prune, repair, join a team to spruce up Crothers Hall, etc., etc., etc. Join us and bring the whole family! Please sign up in Crothers Hall
• Several NEW ChristCare Small Groups ! Call Marcia Murray (at 229-3295) if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups.
• Kids Kingdom - check out the Kid's Kingdom link. Plus, you can sign up your children in grades K- 5 for the winter/spring sessions or volunteer to help out on Wednesday afternoons by calling the Church office, Kirsten Cherry or Sandy Ravazza.

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March 25, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Sarah Powers

Silence and Lent

As we continue down the road to Jerusalem, we ponder what is to come. We ponder about Jesus praying for the cup to pass him by and God's will to be done. We ponder Jesus on the cross crying out "my God, my God, why have you forsaken me!" We ponder where God is when our own prayers go unanswered.

"Only an idol always answers. The God who keeps silence, even when God's own flesh and blood is begging for a word, is the God beyond anyone's control. An answer will come, but not until the silence is complete. and even then, The answer will be given in silence. With the cross and the empty tomb, God has provided us with two events that defy all our efforts to domesticate them. Before them, our most eloquent words turn to dust." (Barbara Brown Taylor, When God is Silent)

"As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?" (Psalm 42:1-2)

May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing to God this week.

Blessings

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• THIS SUNDAY Worship on March 28, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. FIFTH Sunday in Lent. Sacrament of Holy Communion - Ordination & Installation Elders & Deacons - Sparky Story - Harmonikos (Adult Bells) - Sarah Preaching on Luke 11:5-13 “Living in the Tension”
• Worship on April 4, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. PALM SUNDAY Sacrament of Holy Communion - Palm Processional - Sparky Story - Sarah Preaches on Luke 19:28-40 "The Long Ride Home;" Joyful Noise (youngest choir) and Kingdom Choir.
• EASTER Worship on April 11, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Triumphant Music from several Choirs - Communion - Sparky - Shel preaching.
• Visual Presentation after Worship: Immediately following both worship services on March 28th and April 4th - 10 minute visual presentation. Please plan on watching, listening and taking the survey questionnaire because your thoughts and ideas are crucial to the process!!!
• Church Work Day! Saturday, April 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Adopt a classroom, rework storage, paint, prune, repair, join a team to spruce up Crothers Hall, etc., etc., etc. Join us and bring the whole family! Please sign up in Crothers Hall.
• Maundy Thursday Soup Supper and Worship will be held on April 8th. Worship begins at 6:15 p.m. during a simple dinner prepared by Harry Coyle. After dinner, we will move to the garden, and then into the sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. where the combined Celebration and Kirk Choirs will present Joseph Martin’s “Song of the Shadows” accompanied by a fourteen-piece orchestra. “Song of the Shadows” is a moving work in word and song depicting the last days of Christ’s life. Please sign-up for dinner.
• Several NEW ChristCare Small Groups ! Call Marcia Murray (at 229-3295) if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups.
• Kids Kingdom - check out Kid's Kingdom link. Plus, you can sign up your children in grades K- 5 for the winter/spring sessions or volunteer to help out on Wednesday afternoons by calling the Church office, Kirsten Cherry or Sandy Ravazza.

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March 18, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Shel White

How do you fill up your life?

"Listen, O Lord, to my prayers. Listen to my desire to be with you, to dwell in your house, and to let my whole being be filled with your presence. But none of this is possible without you. When you are not the one who fills me, I am soon filled with endless thoughts and concerns that divide me and tear me away from you. Even thoughts about you, good spiritual thoughts, can be little more than distractions when you arenot their author." From A Cry for Mercy by Henri Nouwen

John 6:26-27: Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you."

Seeking insights about our Lord together,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• THIS SUNDAY Worship on March 21, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.FOURTH Sunday in Lent; Sacrament of Holy Communion; Sparky Story; Shel Preaches on Luke 17:11-19 "Praying with Thanksgiving;" Kingdom Ringers (Children's Bells)
• Worship on March 28, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.FIFTH Sunday in Lent; Sacrament of Holy Communion; Sparky Story; Shel Preaches on Luke 11:5-9, 18:1-8 "Unanswered Prayer;" Harmonikos (Adult Bells) Joyful Noise (youngest choir)
• Lenten Adult Education Series “Lord, Teach Us How to Pray.” Last class March 21st from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
• Visual Presentation afterWorship: Immediately following both worship services on March 28th and April 4th, a10 minute visual presentation. Please plan on watching, listening and taking the survey questionnaire because your thoughts and ideas are crucial to the process!!!
• Naomi Circle will meet on Monday, March 22nd at 1:00 p.m
• Church Work Day! Saturday, April 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
• Maundy Thursday Soup Supper and Worship will be held on April 8th in Worship begins at 6:15 p.m.during a simple dinner prepared by Harry Coyle. After dinner, we will move to the garden and then into the sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. where the combined Celebration and Kirk Choirs will present Joseph Martin’s “Song of the Shadows” and will be accompanied by a fourteen-piece orchestra. “Song of the Shadows” is a moving work in word and song depicting the last days of Christ’s life. Please sign-up for dinner.
• Several NEW ChristCareSmall Groups ! Call Marcia Murray (at229-3295) if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups.
• Kids Kingdom - check out the Kid's Kingdom link. Plus, you can sign up your children in grades K- 5 for the winter/spring sessions or volunteer to help out on Wednesday afternoons bycalling the Church office, Kirsten Cherry or Sandy Ravazza.

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March 11, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Sarah Powers

Forgiveness

"Most fundamentally, then, forgiveness is not so much a word spoken, an action, performed, or a feeling felt as it is an embodied way of life in an ever-deepening friendship with the triune God and with others. As such, a Christian account of forgiveness ought not simply or even primarily be focused on the absolution of guilt; rather it ought to be focused on the reconciliation of brokenness, the restoration of communion with God, with one another and with the whole of creation." (L. Gregory Jones in Embodying Forgiveness)

"Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little." Then he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." (Luke 7:47-50)

Forgiveness requires our constant attention over time. It is seldom a one shot deal but the building up of a relationship. May God grant us the courage to both give and accept forgiveness in our lives.

Blessings,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• THIS SUNDAY Worship on March 14, 2004 at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Third Sunday of Lent Sacrament of Holy Communion; Sparky Story; Sarah Preaches on Luke 6:37-38, 17:3-4, "Praying for Forgiveness"
• Worship on March 21, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. FOURTH Sunday in Lent; Sacrament of Holy Communion; Sparky Story; Shel Preaches on Luke 17:11-19, "Praying with Thanksgiving" Kingdom Ringers (Children's Bells).
• Lenten Adult Education Series “Lord, Teach Us How to Pray.” During the season of Lent, Pastors Shel and Sarah will be preaching a sermon series on prayer. To accompany this series, Sarah will be leading a class on three SUNDAY (note change from Wednesday) evenings in March to study the texts in Luke to be preached the next Sunday. The class will look in depth at what it means to pray for forgiveness, pray for thanksgiving and dealing with unanswered prayer. At the end of each class, we will share in a prayer practice to give us new ways to lift our hearts to pray. Room 1 on March 7th, 14th and 21st from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and see where the Lord takes us in prayer. If you need childcare, please contact Sandy Cross in the church office.
• Your Strategy Task Force has been exploring our growing ministries and asking what is required for us to continue to be a vital congregation.
• Visual Presentation after Worship: Immediately following both worship services on March 28th and April 4th 10 minute visual presentation. Please plan on watching, listening and taking the survey questionnaire because your thoughts and ideas are crucial to the process!!!
• Several NEW ChristCare Small Groups ! Call Marcia Murray (at 229-3295) if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups.
• Kids Kingdom - check out new Kid's Kingdom link. Plus, you can sign up your children in grades K- 5 for the winter/spring sessions or volunteer to help out on Wednesday afternoons by calling the Church office, Kirsten Cherry or Sandy Ravazza.

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March 4, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Sarah Powers

Prayer

When we wish to suggest our wants to persons of high station, we do not presume to do so except with humility and reverence. How much the more, then, are complete humility and pure devotion necessary in supplication of the Lord who is God of the universe! And let us be assured that it is not in saying a great deal that we shall be heard, but in purity of heart and in tears of compunction. Our prayer, therefore, ought to be short and pure, unless it happens to be prolonged by an inspiration of divine grace.(Matt 6:7)

In the monastic Rule which he wrote for his disciples, St. Benedict combined prayer and labor with heaven-inspired wisdom.  This union of contemplative and active forms of life characterizes the Benedictine life, as is expressed in the motto which St. Benedict left to his disciples: "Ora et Labora" which means, " Pray and work."

May our lives, our times of labor and of rest, be filled with prayer to God knowing that our God loves us and listens to our prayers..

Blessings, Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• THIS SUNDAY Worship on March 7, 2004 at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.  SECOND Sunday of Lent, International Women's Day and Girl Scout Sunday. Join us as we celebrate the gifts of women in the church. The women of our congregation and our Girl Scouts will lead us this Sunday in word and worship. We will also be welcoming our newest members and rejoice in the baptism of Cliff Croxall at the second service - The Kingdom Choir and Harmonikos will also be there to praise God with songs and ringing.  Come, let us celebrate God's Kingdom on earth as we worship together.  " Praying for God's Kingdom" Rev. Sarah Powers, Luke 13:18-22, 17:20-21 and 1 Samuel 8:1-9
 
• Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary on this Sunday, March 7th, between services at 10:15 a.m. to hear a report from the Nominating Committee, for you to elect elders and deacons for this coming next year.
• Worship on March 14, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.  THIRD Sunday in Lent     Sarah Preaches on  Luke 6:37-38, 17:3-4 "Praying for Forgiveness"
• Lenten Adult Education Series  “Lord, Teach Us How to Pray”  During the season of Lent, Pastors Shel and Sarah will be preaching a sermon series on prayer.  To accompany this series, Sarah will be leading a class on three SUNDAY (note change from Wednesday) evenings in March to study the texts in Luke to be preached the next Sunday.  The class will look in depth at what it means to pray for forgiveness, pray for thanksgiving and dealing with unanswered prayer.  At the end of each class, we will share in a prayer practice to give us new ways to lift our hearts to pray.  Room 1 on March 7th, 14th and 21st from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and see where the Lord takes us in prayer.  If you need childcare, please contact Sandy Cross in the church office.
 
• Several NEW ChristCare Small Groups! Call Marcia Murray (at 229-3295) if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups.
• Kids Kingdom - check out the Kid's Kingdom link. Plus, you can sign up your children in grades K- 5  for the winter/spring sessions or volunteer to help out on Wednesday afternoons by calling the Church office, Kirsten Cherry or Sandy Ravazza.

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February 26, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Shel White

Sometimes we think of prayer as a luxury, something to do in our free time, yet even when we have some valuable free time we often miss the opportunity to enjoy intimacy with your Lord.  In this season of Lent Nouwen has important words for us:

"Spirituality is attention to the life of the spirit in us; it is going out to the desert or up to the mountain to pray; it is standing before the Lord with open heart and open mind; it is crying out, "Abba, Father"; it is contemplating the unspeakable beauty of our loving God. We have fallen into the temptation of separating ministry from spirituality, service from prayer. Service and Prayer can never be separated."  - from The Living Reminder by Henri Nouwen

2 Pet 1:3-5 NRSV  "God's divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature. For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge."

Enjoying the Blessings of our Lord together,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• THIS SUNDAY  - Worship on February 29, 2004 at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.  FIRST Sunday of Lent - Shel Preaches on Luke 11:1-4,  "Lord, Teach us to Pray."  "Ensemble Bells" and "Ringers of the Lord."
 
• Worship on March 7, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. - Girl Scout Sunday Sarah Preaches on Luke 13:18-31, "Praying for God’s Kingdom." Harmonikos (Adult Bells) &  Kingdom Singers (Older Children's Choir).
 
• Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary on Sunday, March 7th, between services at 10:15 a.m. to hear a report from the Nominating Committee, for you to elect elders and deacons for this coming next year.
 
• Lenten Adult Education Series “Lord, Teach Us How to Pray.”  During the season of Lent, Pastors Shel and Sarah will be preaching a sermon series on prayer.  To accompany this series, Sarah will be leading a class on three SUNDAY (note change from Wednesday) evenings in March to study the texts in Luke to be preached the next Sunday.  The class will look in depth at what it means to pray for forgiveness, pray for thanksgiving and dealing with unanswered prayer.  At the end of each class, we will share in a prayer practice to give us new ways to lift our hearts to pray.  Room 1 on March 7th, 14th and 21st from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and see where the Lord takes us in prayer.  If you need childcare, please contact Sandy Cross in the church office.
 
• Several NEW ChristCare Small Groups! Call Marcia Murray (at 229-3295) if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups.
 
• Kids Kingdom - check out the Kid's Kingdom link.  Plus, you can sign up your children in grades K- 5  for the winter/spring sessions or volunteer to help out on Wednesday afternoons by calling the Church office, Kirsten Cherry or Sandy Ravazza.

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February 19, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Sarah Powers

Life...

"The temptation is always to reduce it to size. A bowl of cherries. A rat race. Amino acids. Even to call it a mystery smacks of reductionism. It is THE mystery. As far as anybody seems to know, the vast majority of things in the universe do not have whatever life is. Sticks, stones, stars, space - they simply are. A few things are and are somehow aware of it. They have broken through into Something, or Something has broken through to them...

• Have you wept at anything during the past year?
• Has your heart beat faster at the sight of beauty?
• Have you thought seriously about the fact that someday you are going to die?
• More often than not do you really listen when people are speaking to you instead of just waiting for your turn to speak?
• Is there anybody you know in whose place, if one of you had to suffer great pain, you would volunteer yourself?

If your answer to all or most of these questions is No, the chances are that you are dead

(excerpts from Wishful Thinking by Frederick Buechner)

God calls us to life, to the life abundant. May we seek to live, trusting that God is with us as we weep, sigh with joy, face our mortality, and struggle with and to love.

Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life.'" (John 14:6a)

Blessings

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• THIS SUNDAY - Transfiguration Sunday Worship on February 22, 2004 at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. - Sarah Preaches on Luke 9:28-36, “Blinded by the Light”
• NAOMI CIRCLE - 1 pm Monday February 23rd with fellowship, Bible Study & desert
• Ash Wednesday Service on February 25th  from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
• Worship on February 29, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. - FIRST Sunday of Lent - Shel Preaches on Luke 11:1-4 "Lord, Teach us to Pray."  Ensemble Bells and Salt Shakers Youth bells playing.
• Lenten Adult Education Series - Lord, Teach Us How to Pray - During the season of Lent, Pastors Shel and Sarah will be preaching a sermon series on prayer. To accompany this series, Sarah will be leading a class on three SUNDAY (note change from Wednesday) evenings in Room 1 on March 7th, 14th and 21st from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. to study the texts in Luke to be preached the next Sunday. The class will look in depth at what it means to pray for forgiveness, pray for thanksgiving and dealing with unanswered prayer. At the end of each class, we will share in a prayer practice to give us new ways to lift our hearts to pray, and see where the Lord takes us in prayer. If you need childcare, please contact Sandy Cross in the church office.
• Kids Kingdom - check out the Kid's Kingdom link. Plus, you can sign up your children in grades K- 5 for the winter/spring sessions or volunteer to help out on Wednesday afternoons by calling the Church office, Kirsten Cherry or Sandy Ravazza.
• Several NEW ChristCare Small Groups! Call Marcia Murray (at 229-3295) if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups.

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February 5, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Sarah Powers

A good joke is one that catches you by surprise, God's for instance. Who would have guessed that Israel of all nations would be the one God picked or Sarah would have Isaac a the age of ninety or the Messiah would turn up in a manger? Who could possibly see the duck-billed platypus coming or Saint Simeon Stylites or the characters currently occupying the pulpit at your church? The laugh in each case results from astonished delight at the sheer unexpectedness of the thing. Satan's jokes, on the other hand, you can usually spot a mile off. As soon as the serpent came slithering up to Adam and Eve, almost anybody could tell that the laugh was going to be on them. That a person as blameless, upright, and well-heeled as Job was bound to have the rug pulled out from under him before he was through. That Faust being Faust was sure to be conned out of his soul. and so on. In the last analysis, the only one who gets much of a kick out of Satan's jokes is Satan himself. With God's, however, even the most hardened cynics and bitterest pessimists have a hard time repressing an occasional smile, and when he really gets going, he has pretty much the whole creation rolling in the aisles. (Whistling in the Dark by Frederick Buechner)

(Genesis 21:6) Now Sarah said, God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-4) For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

(Job 8:21) He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy.

May we be filled this week with the laughter that comes from seeing and hearing God's jokes in the world, the silliness in the majesty of creation, the playful moments in the midst of daily tasks, the surprises of love from those dear to us.

Blessings,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Women’s Weekend at Westminster Woods (ages 15-115) -- February 6-8
• THIS SUNDAY - Worship on February 8, 2004 at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. David TenBrook preaching (Senior in High School)- both Joyful noise and Kingdom Singers sing
• Inquirers Classes (check-out membership at St. Andrew's FOUR Sunday Afternoons starting Feb 8, 2-4pm, please call the church sign up and let us know if you need childcare. (685-4720)
• Senior Lunch Bunch Wednesday, February 11th
• Worship on February 15, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Shel Preaches on Luke 6:17-26 & Vocal Velocity Sing (Youth Choir)
• Kids Kingdom - check out new Kid's Kingdom link. Plus, you can sign up your children in grades K- 5 for the winter/spring sessions or volunteer to help out on Wednesday afternoons by calling the Church office, Kirsten Cherry or Sandy Ravazza.
• Several NEW ChristCare Small Groups ! Call Marcia Murray (at 229-3295) if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups.

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January 30, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Shel White

"See if you can catch yourself complaining, in either speech or thought, about a situation you find yourself in, what other people do or say, your surroundings, your life situation, even the weather. To complain is always nonacceptance of what is. It invariably carries an unconscious negative charge. When you complain, you make yourself into a victim. So change the situation by taking action or by speaking out if necessary, leave the situation, or accept it. All else is madness."

Eckhart Tolle "Power of Now" p 68.

Complaining is so easy yet it can get our minds and hearts in unhealthy places. Perhaps that is why Jesus said: "Do not complain among yourselves. No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day." (John 6:43-44 NRSV);

May you enjoy the incredible peace of God,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• THIS SUNDAY - Worship on February 1, 2004 at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. with COMMUNION, Youth Drama, Salt Shakers (Youth Bell Ringers), Souper Bowl (Youth fund raiser)
  and a Short Message by Shel on Luke 4:21-30
• Worship on February 8 at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m., David TenBrook preaching (Senior in High School)
• Women’s Weekend at Westminster Woods (ages 15-115) - February 6-8
• Senior Lunch Bunch Wednesday, February 11th
• Kids Kingdom - check out new Kid's Kingdom link. Plus, you can sign up your children in grades K- 5 for the winter/spring sessions, or volunteer to help out on Wednesday afternoons by calling the Church office, Kirsten Cherry or Sandy Ravazza.
• Inquirers Classes (check-out membership at St. Andrew's FOUR Sunday Afternoons starting Feb 8, 2 - 4pm, please call the church at 685-4720 or sign up and let us know if you need childcare.
• Several NEW ChristCare Small Groups are starting up! Call Marcia Murray (229-3295) if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups.

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January 22, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Shel White

Walter Brueggemann provides some wonderful insights in his prayer centered on Matthew 7:24-29 NRSV):

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. {25} The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. {26} And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. {27} The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell--and great was its fall!" {28} Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, {29} for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

God of heaven and Lord of earth...  We discover yet again, how sandy we are... You-rock-solid-stable-reliable-sure. You rock against our sand, You rock of ages, You rock that is higher than us treading water, You rock of compassion - be compassionate even for us, our loved ones and all our needy neighbors. You rock of abidingness for our sick, and for those long loved, lingering memories. Move us to be more like you. Yes, yes - move us that we may finally stand on the solid rock, no more sinking sand. amen.

"Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth" - Walter Brueggemann

Many Blessings

       Shel 

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Shelter Cook-Out - Week Our Shelter Cook-out week is fast approaching - Monday Jan 19 through Friday Jan 23. During this week St. Andrews will be providing for the family shelter in Martinez breakfast & lunch food for the residents plus cooking them supper each evening. Numbers may change, but we are currently planning to provide about 20 adult dinners plus dinners for the volunteers each evening. Of the 45 people at the shelter this year 15 are under 3 years of age, and 9 are under 6 years. 
• THIS SUNDAY Worship on January 25, 2004 at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Luke 4:14-21 "Home Boy? by Shel White
• Annual Congregational Meeting - This Sunday January 25, 6pm Pot-luck dinner - Hear about strategy building for the future and how you can participate!
• Worship on January 25 at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m., including Communion
• Worship Feb 1st Souper Bowl Youth, Youth Drama, Youth Bell Ringers, with a Short Message by Shel on Luke 4:21-30.
• Kids Kingdom - check out the Kid's Kingdom link. Plus, you can sign up your children in grades K- 5 for the winter/spring sessions or volunteer to help out on Wednesday afternoons by calling the Church office, Kirsten Cherry or Sandy Ravazza.
• Inquirers Classes (check-out membership at St. Andrew's FOUR Sunday Afternoons starting Feb 8, 2-4pm, please call the church sign up and let us know if you need childcare. (685-4720)
• Several NEW ChristCare Small Groups starting up! Call Marcia Murray (at 229-3295) if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups beginning in January 2004.

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January 19, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Sarah Powers

Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, " Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:6-11)

Miracle: A cancer inexplicable cured. A voice in a dream. A statue that weeps. A miracle is an event that strengthens faith. It is possible to look at most miracles and find a rational explanation in terms of natural cause and effect. It is possible to look at Rembrandt's Supper at Emmaus and find a rational explanation in terms of paint and canvas. Faith in God is less apt to proceed from miracles than miracles from faith in God.  (Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC by Frederick Buechner)

May the Lord open our eyes to the miracles before us today.

Blessings,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Worship on January 25 at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Shel White's message from Luke 4:14-21,  "Home Boy."
• Our Shelter Cook-out week is fast approaching - Monday Jan 19 through Friday Jan 23.  During this week St. Andrews will be  providing for the family shelter in Martinez breakfast & lunch food for the residents plus cooking them supper each evening. Numbers may change, but we are currently planning to provide about 20 adult dinners plus dinners for the volunteers each evening. Of the 45 people at the shelter this year 15 are under 3 years of age, and 9 are under 6 years. We will need approximately 30 - 35 St. Andrews volunteers throughout the week to make this outreach a success.  You can help out in a variety of ways from cooking, transporting food to the shelter, serving meals at the shelter or providing / preparing food for the breakfasts and lunches. Sign up for one evening or the whole week! See your bulletin announcements or the January Network for more information about positions and times needed. Please join us to serve this shelter as it seeks to bring new life and new hope to families in need. Sign up in Crothers Hall, or contact Valerie Zito at 925-938-2596 or vzito@sbcglobal.netfor more information.
• Kids Kingdom - check out new Kid's Kingdom link.  Plus, you can sign up your children in grades K- 5  for the winter/spring sessions or volunteer to help out on Wednesday afternoons by calling the Church office, Kirsten Cherry or Sandy Ravazza.
• Inquirers Classes - Check-out membership at St. Andrew's FOUR Sunday Afternoons starting Feb 8, 2-4 pm. Please call the church sign up and let us know if you need childcare (685-4720)
• Several NEW ChristCare Small Groups are starting up! Call Marcia Murray at 229-3295 if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups beginning in January 2004..

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January 8, 2004

MEDITATION - From the desk of Sarah Powers

"Then one [of the angels] said,"I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?" The LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, and say 'Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too wonderful for the LORD? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son." (Genesis 18:10-14)

Sometimes we hear an idea that seems to impossible it makes us laugh." That's crazy!" we might think or say. "That could never happen!" The Lord told Abraham that his wife Sarah would have a baby. Sarah had wanted a child for a long, long time. But now she was much older than most women who have babies. to her, the Lord's promise seemed a little crazy! That's why Sarah laughed.  But God is the source of all life. And God likes to bring new life and new hope to people who think "that could never happen" or "it's too late!"  The Lord's promise would indeed come true: soon Sarah and Abraham would have a baby, Isaac.  (from Making Time for God: Daily Devotions for Families to Share by Susan Garrett & Amy Pauw)

May we rest this week in God's peace remembering that all things are possible with God and that we keep on praying even as we laugh.

Blessings,

       Sarah 

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• THIS SUNDAY - Worship on January 11, 2004 at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. A special service to commission our new Christ Care leaders, and the sermon will be led by our Christ Care team based on Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
• Worship on January 18 at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. - Sarah Powers Preaching "The First Miracle," John 11:2-1-11.
• Game Night this Saturday 7 pm - bring a snack and game to share.
• Senior Lunch Bunch Noon next Wednesday - Video on Shel & Beverly's Spiritual Pilgrimage to France.
• Shelter Cook-Out Week
  Our Shelter Cook-out week is fast approaching - Monday Jan 19 through Friday Jan 23.  During this week St. Andrews will be  providing for the family shelter in Martinez breakfast & lunch food for the residents plus cooking them supper each evening. Numbers may change, but we are currently planning to provide about 20 adult dinners plus dinners for the volunteers each evening. Of the 45 people at the shelter this year 15 are under 3 years of age, and 9 are under 6 years. We will need approximately 30 - 35 St. Andrews volunteers throughout the week to make this outreach a success.  You can help out in a variety of ways from cooking, transporting food to the shelter, serving meals at the shelter or providing/preparing food for the breakfasts and lunches.  Sign up for one evening or the whole week!  See your bulleting announcements or the January Network for more information about positions and times needed. Please join us to serve this shelter as it seeks to bring new life and new hope to families in need. Sign up in Crothers Hall, or contact Valerie Zito at 925-938-2596 or vzito@sbcglobal.net for more information.
• Kids Kingdom - check out the Kid's Kingdom link.  Plus, you can sign up your children in grades K- 5  for the winter/spring sessions or volunteer to help out on Wednesday afternoons by calling the Church office, Kirsten Cherry or Sandy Ravazza.
• ChristCare Small Groups - Call Marcia Murray (at 229-3295) if you would like more information about joining one of the many new groups beginning in January 2004.  And watch for more information at Christ Care Sunday on January 11.