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Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church
1601 Mary Drive
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
(925) 685-4720

2003 e-ChurchNotes

2004 e-ChurchNotes

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July 21, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

We start out this day hearing of more bombs exploding in London. Even though London is thousands of miles away, the danger feels so close because we know we are just as vulnerable. Vulnerability is the essence of insecurity. Insecurity robs us of enjoying life to the fullest. Feelings of insecurity can either drive us to our Lord or distract us from the only real source of refuge found only in Lord. Where do you find place of safety when your external or internal world does not feel safe? The Bible has much to say about the true source of security:

“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.” (Psalm 37:3 NRSV)

“I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.” (Psalm 16:8-9 NRSV)

“For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever. They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the LORD.” (Psalm 112:6-7 NRSV)

“… those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster." (Proverbs 1:33 NRSV)

And Jesus says:

“Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it.” (Luke 17:33 NRSV)

Peace of Christ be with you,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, July 24th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Shel White will be preaching on Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52. Special music by Nancy Grabow.
• Youth Talent Show, Auction and Mexican Dinner ­ Sunday July 24th at 5:00 p.m. Yes, the date has been changed to the 24th! So, don’t forget to join us for an evening of chills and thrills, fabulous auction items and a meal you don’t have to cook. Money will be raised will go toward the Youth Tijuana Work Trip in August. The youth are also raising money by collecting used cell phones which can be dropped into the colorful box in Crothers Hall.
• Next Sunday, July 31st at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. David TenBrook will be preaching on Matthew 14: 13-21 and Job 28: 12-24. Special music by Patti TenBrook.
• Summer Sunday School continues! This summer we will be “Teaching Children Worship in the Sanctuary.” This is a unique, important time for the children of our congregation as we talk with them about each part or act of worship in our services. Each Sunday the children will be invited to come forward for the Children’s Message immediately before that day’s particular act the worship. Younger children (K-2nd) will be invited for a Worship Exploration time during the sermon and older children (3rd-5th) will be given a Worship Activity Page that contains an activity on the act of worship for the day. As the whole people of God, we look forward to exploring the parts of the worship service. Together we will more fully understand the purpose and practices of our worship traditions.
• Run to your Calendar and save September 23-25 for WESTMINSTER WOODS!

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July 14, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Sarah Powers

“A native of a small Kentucky town, Thomas Obediah Chisholm (1866-1960) lacked formal education. Nevertheless, Chisholm became a teacher at age 16 and associate editor of his hometown weekly newspaper at age 21. In 1893 Chisholm became a Christian through the ministry of Henry Clay Morrison, the founder of Asbury College and Seminary, Wilmore, Ky. Morrison persuaded Chisholm to move to Louisville where he became editor of the Pentecostal Herald. Though he was ordained a Methodist minister in 1903, Chisholm served only a single, brief appointment at Scottsville, KY, due to ill health. He relocated his family to Winona Lake, IN, to recover, and then to Vineland, NJ, in 1916 where he sold insurance. By the time of his retirement, Chisholm had written over 1,200 poems, 800 of which were published. Many of these were set to music. One of those poems is ‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness’… A phrase in Lamentations 3:22-23 provides a basis for the hymn's refrain: ‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.’ While many hymns are born out of a particular dramatic experience, this hymn was simply the result of the author’s morning by morning realization of God’s personal faithfulness.” (By C. Michael Hawn)

We sometimes think that we have to have a big religious experience to know God’s faithfulness, to be bowled over at worship, overwhelmed by the power of the Spirit until we’re weeping on the floor. And yet it is often in the quiet times, when God’s love softly washes over us, when we see our children sleeping peacefully, when we are startled by the beauty of a sunset as we’re finishing our errands, that we can truly understand God’s faithfulness to us and to all of God’s created world. Occasionally we get the big bang experience but mostly God meets us morning by morning, in the daily-ness of our lives, reminding us that God’s faithfulness is for all times and places. As we sing this hymn on Sunday may we be lifted up by Thomas Chisholm’s words of hope and faith.

Blessings and Peace,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Next Sunday, July 17th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sarah Powers will be preaching “Living Not in Fear, But in Hope” (Romans 8:12-25). Special music from our VBS Kids Choir and Decky Thornton and Charles Blossom on violin and viola.
• Next Sunday, July 24th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Shel White will be preaching on Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52. Special music by Nancy Grabow.
• Youth Talent Show, Auction and Mexican Dinner ­ Sunday July 24th at 5:30 p.m. Yes, the date has been changed to the 24th! So, don’t forget to join us for an evening of chills and thrills, fabulous auction items and a meal you don’t have to cook. Money will be raised will go toward the Youth Tijuana Work Trip in August. The youth are also raising money by collecting used cell phones which can be dropped into the colorful box in Crothers Hall.
• Summer Sunday School continues! This summer we will be “Teaching Children Worship in the Sanctuary.” This is a unique, important time for the children of our congregation as we talk with them about each part or act of worship in our services. Each Sunday the children will be invited to come forward for the Children’s Message immediately before that day’s particular act the worship. Younger children (K-2nd) will be invited for a Worship Exploration time during the sermon and older children (3rd-5th) will be given a Worship Activity Page that contains an activity on the act of worship for the day. As the whole people of God, we look forward to exploring the parts of the worship service. Together we will more fully understand the purpose and practices of our worship traditions.

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July 7, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Sarah Powers

“Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.” (Russell Baker)

“Summer is the time when one sheds one’s tensions with one’s clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all’s right with the world.” (Ada Louise Huxtable)

During the summer we are drawn to rest in the shade, to contemplate the white clouds drifting through the bright blue sky and ponder God’s creation in all its brightness and bold colors. Summer reminds us of a world filled with light and heat. It calls us to slow down - drink a long cold glass of ice tea, sit by the pool and chat in the twilight. It’s a time to pause before the busy-ness of the fall harvest and spend time with the God who created us as well.

“Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’ So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.’…God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:26-28, 31)

And indeed, it was very good - may you be cooled and refreshed by time with God this week.

Blessings and Peace,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Next Sunday, July 10th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sarah Powers will be preaching “Special Delivery from Above” (Romans 8:1-11).
• Next Sunday, July 17th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sarah Powers will be preaching “Living Not in Fear, But in Hope” (Romans 8:12-25).
• Share your gifts of music during summer worship services! The sign-up sheet is waiting for you on the round table in Crothers. Sign up for one or both services and share with the congregation your gifts of music - soloists, ensembles, all ages are welcome to provide special music to praise the Lord. Contact John Thomas if you have any questions.
• Youth Talent Show and Mexican Dinner ­ Sunday July 17 at 5:30 p.m. Join us for an evening of chills, thrills and a meal you don’t have to cook. Money will be raised for Youth Tijuana Work Trip in August. Youth are also collecting used cell phones that can also raise money for their work trip.
• Summer Sunday School continues! This summer we will be “Teaching Children Worship in the Sanctuary.” This is a unique, important time for the children of our congregation as we talk with them about each part or act of worship in our services. Each Sunday the children will be invited to come forward for the Children’s Message immediately before that day’s particular act the worship. Younger children (K-2nd) will be invited for a Worship Exploration time during the sermon and older children (3rd-5th) will be given a Worship Activity Page that contains an activity on the act of worship for the day. As the whole people of God, we look forward to exploring the parts of the worship service. Together we will more fully understand the purpose and practices of our worship traditions.

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July 1, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

On the Sundays that John Shumway says, “Shel, I have some thoughts about your sermon ­ I will send you an e-mail,” I know I’m in for a treat. I look forward to John’s perspective and insights. Last Sunday I preached on “The Mind of Christ.” John gave me permission to share his thoughts with you. Here is some of what he sent me:

“I think it essential that we humans try to understand the mind of Christ. I think that in a deep sense, that is why God sent His son to us, that we might BEGIN to understand God. I think that all we can ever know about God is what He reveals to us, through what Barth called general revelation or the specific revelation of the prophets or, above all, the life story and teachings of the Messiah. We must all pay close attention to this situation because it may well be that the greatest sin of our time is centered on these things. I think the prime sin of all religious people in our day, Christian, Islamic, Hindu, and others is the assumption that our idea of God is God… We humans have been around about two thousandth of one percent as long as our planet. Can anyone who understands these things actually believe we, alone of all creatures, understand the mind of God, the Creator? [...] “It is a very great sin to act as though our idea of God is God.” [...] “Your analysis of the mind of Christ as showing us to be: submissive to God; that we should be unified in Him; [and I would add] that the Father loves us beyond all human comprehension; and therefore, we can have total confidence. This is, I think, what gives us the peace that passes all understanding. This also allows us to be who we were created to be.”

(Philippians 2:1-7 NRSV) “If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.”

Blessings and Peace,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Jennifer Cross (Sunday School Coordinator / Office Associate) and Jeff Miller are getting married this Saturday!!!
• This Sunday, July 3rd at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion - Our Summer Youth Director Alex Macmillan will be preaching on “Joy and Rest in the Midst of Stress” (Genesis 24:42-49 and Matthew 11:16-19; 28-30)
• Next Sunday, July 10th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sarah Powers will be preaching “Living Not in Fear, But in Hope” (Romans 8:12-25).
• Share your gifts of music during summer worship services! The sign-up sheet is waiting for you on the round table in Crothers. Sign up for one or both services and share with the congregation your gifts of music - soloists, ensembles, all ages are welcome to provide special music to praise the Lord. Contact John Thomas if you have any questions.
• Youth Talent Show and Mexican Dinner ­ Sunday July 17. Money will be raised for Youth Tijuana Work Trip in August. Youth are also collecting used Cell phones that can raise money also for their work trip.
• Summer Sunday School has begun! This summer we will be “Teaching Children Worship in the Sanctuary.” This is a unique, important time for the children of our congregation as we talk with them about each part or act of worship in our services. Each Sunday the children will be invited to come forward for the Children’s Message immediately before that day’s particular act the worship. Younger children (K-2nd) will be invited for a Worship Exploration time during the sermon and older children (3rd-5th) will be given a Worship Activity Page that contains an activity on the act of worship for the day. As the whole people of God, we look forward to exploring the parts of the worship service. Together we will more fully understand the purpose and practices of our worship traditions.
• Register Now for VBS (July 11-15) The forms are in! On the round table in Crothers Hall are registration forms for kids going into grades K-5th next year, applications for Crew Leaders who will be in grades 6th-12th next year, and there are still volunteer slots open and waiting for brave souls to fill them. Remember that the cost is $30/child before July 1st and $35/child at the door. Any questions? Need a scholarship? Contact Elaine Rios, our new Director, at 372-6522.

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June 9, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Sarah Powers

Our lives may often seem to be filled with mud and muck. Anne Lamott tells of a time when she and a friend were taking a little hike after church and ended up together “landing noisily on our butts in the mud.” At first they fought it, tried to escape. But once they settled in, realized “its just mud,” they began to laugh. It probably would not have been funny had it been just one of them alone in the mud, but together they could see the futility of fighting their reality and could instead rest in knowing they were not in the mud alone.

“This is the most profound spiritual truth I know: that even when we’re most sure that love can’t conquer all, it seems to anyway. It goes down into the rat hole with us, in the guise of our friends, and there it swells and comforts. It gives us second winds, third winds, hundredth winds. It struck me that I have spent so much time trying to pump my way into feeling the solace I used to feel in my parent’s arms. But pumping always fails you in the end. The truth is that your spirits don’t rise until you get way down. Maybe it’s because this - the mud, the bottom - is where it all rises from. Maybe without it, whatever rises would fly off or evaporate before you could even be with it for a moment. But when someone enters that valley with you, that mud, it somehow saves you again.” Anne Lamott in Traveling Mercies”

“A friend loves at all times.” (Proverbs 17:17) “Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin.” (Proverbs 18:24) “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. (John 15:13)

May God send us good friends to be with us in the mud and mess of our lives. We may still feel sadness, hurt and fear, but we will have the knowledge that we are loved and are not alone even when our tushies are muddy.

Blessings,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, June 12th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Grads and Bibles Sunday. Sarah Powers is preaching on Matthew 9:35-10:8. John Thomas - Soloist. It will be a Sunday of celebrating. At both services we will be celebrating St. Andrew’s graduates of all ages and presenting Bibles to our graduating 5th and 12th graders. We will also be commissioning our Mission Work Team which is leaving for a week in Tijuana on June 17th.
• Next Sunday, June 19th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Guest preacher Rev. Pam Abbey will be preaching on Romans 12:9-21, "Recipe for Peace." Pamela Abbey is a United Methodist pastor who has served four churches in northern California. Mostly recently, she was the pastor of Concord UMC for seven years. Before attending Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, she studied theatre at the undergraduate and graduate level, serving as the Theatre Arts Coordinator of Hennepin Avenue UMC in Minneapolis for several years. Currently, she is developing "Acting in Faith", training and equipping church drama teams for effective ministry. She lives in Concord with her husband, Kent Parr, an attorney, and three spoiled cats.
• Summer Sunday School has begun! This summer we will be “Teaching Children Worship in the Sanctuary.” This is a unique, important time for the children of our congregation as we talk with them about each part or act of worship in our services. Each Sunday the children will be invited to come forward for the Children’s Message immediately before that day’s particular act the worship (this week - the Call to Worship). Younger children (K-2nd) will be invited for a Worship Exploration time during the sermon and older children (3rd-5th) will be given a Worship Activity Page that contains an activity on the act of worship for the day. As the whole people of God, we look forward to exploring the parts of the worship service. Together we will more fully understand the purpose and practices of our worship traditions.
• REGISTER NOW FOR VBS (July 11-15) The forms are in!! On the round table in Crothers Hall are registration forms for kids going into grades K-5th next year, applications for Crew Leaders who will be in grades 6th-12th next year, and there are still volunteer slots open and waiting for brave souls to fill them. Remember that the cost is $30/child before July 1st and $35/child at the door. Any questions? Need a scholarship? Contact Elaine Rios, our new Director, at 372-6522.

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June 2, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Sarah Powers

Oh, how hard it is to listen some times! The voices of the world can get so loud - the TV, the radio, friends, spouses, cats, children...Aarrgghhh! Then nice, well-meaning people tell you to “just let go and let God.” Hmmm. Lovely idea, but I can’t stop the noise in my head to even have a conversation with God and give all this stuff to him let alone pay attention to the people in my life.

Yet God “…sends out his voice, his mighty voice.” (Ps. 68:33). God tells us, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” (Matt. 17:5). Jesus tells those around him 41 times to listen and pay attention. Plus there are the verses that tell us to “Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him” (Ps. 37:7) and to "Be still, and know that I am God!” (Ps. 46:10). Not to mention that Jesus tells us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

These are powerful words to remember when the whirling of the world keeps us from listening to the words we need to hear, that need to be heard. May this prayer bring you peace as we all learn how better to listen.

O Holy One,
I hear and say so many words,
yet yours is the word I need.

Speak now,
and help me to listen;
and, if what I hear is silence,

let it quiet me,

let it disturb me,

let it touch my need,

let it break my pride,

let it shrink my certainties,

let it enlarge my wonder.

(Guerrillas of Grace by Ted Loder)

Blessings,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, June 5th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Celebrating the Gifts of Women. Sarah Powers is preaching on Galatians 3:26-29, “God’s Gifts for All.” Baptism of Julia Urban at the 10:30 service. Join us for a special communion Sunday where we will celebrate the gifts of women in the church. This year we recognize the 75th anniversary of the ordination of women as Elders. It is a time to remember God’s eternal call to do justice and make peace, that all of God’s daughters and sons might sing and prophesy to the good news of the coming reign of love, justice and peace.
• Summer Sunday School begins June 5th! This summer we will be “Teaching Children Worship in the Sanctuary.” This is a unique, important time for the children of our congregation as we talk with them about each part or act of worship in our services. Each Sunday the children will be invited to come forward for the Children’s Message immediately before that day’s particular act the worship (June 5th - Baptism, June 12th - the Call to Worship). Younger children (K-2nd) will be invited for a Worship Exploration time during the sermon and older children (3rd-5th) will be given a Worship Activity Page that contains an activity on the act of worship for the day. As the whole people of God, we look forward to exploring the parts of the worship service. Together we will more fully understand the purpose and practices of our worship traditions.
• Graduation Time! It’s that time of year again…time to acknowledge and congratulate all those who will be graduating from high school or college. If you have a family member who is graduating, please give us their name and the name of their school to be included in a special June bulletin and the July Network. The deadline is June 10th for the bulletin and June 15th for the Network. You may call the church office at 685-4720 or e-mail the information to JenniferC@pcusa.org.
• Next Sunday, June 12th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Grads and Bibles Sunday. Sarah Powers is preaching on Matthew 9:35-10:8. John Thomas - Soloist We will also be celebrating St. Andrew’s graduates of all ages and presenting Bibles to our graduating 5th and 12th graders at both services.
• REGISTER NOW FOR VBS (July 11-15) The forms are in!! On the round table in Crothers Hall are registration forms for kids going into grades K-5th next year, applications for Crew Leaders who will be in grades 6th-12th next year, and there are still volunteer slots open and waiting for brave souls to fill them. Remember that the cost is $30/child before July 1st and $35/child at the door. Any questions? Need a scholarship? Contact Pastor Sarah at the church office.

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May 26, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Sarah Powers

“Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I...It is now celebrated in almost every state on the last Monday in May. “ - USMemorialDay.org

There is often too much to say about those who serve our country, especially during times of war such as we are in today. So, my meditation is a prayer from the worship pages of the Methodist church. May we remember those who gave, and give, of themselves and their lives for our country.

God of Love and Compassion,

We have come to ask for your protection for those who are being sent to faraway places to prepare for our defense. Before this season of unrest, we had grown comfortable with thinking of them only as they relate to us - as our parents and spouses, our sons and daughters, our neighbors and friends. We look forward to a day when no community will ever be asked to release its loved ones for purposes of war. But today, Lord, history and circumstances force us to release them into your care and into our country's service. We pray for their safe return; and not only for theirs, but for the safe return of others who are being sent from communities, so much like ours, in other parts of the world. As they face the myriad challenges and decisions that each day is destined to bring, may they be anchored by their faith, protected by your presence, and comforted by the knowledge that they are loved by you and by this community. We bless them in your name, and look forward to their safe return, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessings,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, May 29th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Guest Preacher: Rev. Kimberly Elliott on John 9: “The Beloved Community: Sharing the Love We’ve Received.” Kimberly comes to us from College Heights Church in San Mateo. The women of St. Andrew’s will remember her as this year’s wonderful keynote speaker at the Westminster Women’s Retreat. She is a Presbyterian pastor who loves to sing and dance and delight in God. She has been trained as a Spiritual Director, and has been a part of the Interplay community for over 12 years, using improvisational singing, movement and storytelling to playfully reintegrate mind, body and spirit. She is also a good friend of Sarah’s. Please be sure to give Kimberly a warm St. Andrew’s welcome.
• Next Sunday, June 5th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Celebrating the Gifts of Women - Sarah Powers is preaching on Galatians 3:26-29, “God’s Gifts for All.” Baptism of Julia Lauren Moschetti at the 10:30 service. Summer Sunday School begins. Join us for a special communion Sunday where we will celebrate the gifts of women in the church. This year we recognize the 75th anniversary of the ordination of women as Elders. It is a time to remember God’s eternal call to do justice and make peace, that all of God’s daughters and sons might sing and prophesy to the good news of the coming reign of love, justice and peace.
• Register Now for VBS (July 11-15) The forms are in!! On the round table in Crothers Hall are registration forms for kids going into grades K-5th next year, applications for Crew Leaders who will be in grades 6th-12th next year, and there are still volunteer slots open and waiting for brave souls to fill them. Remember that the cost is $30/child before July 1st and $35/child at the door. Any questions? Need a scholarship? Contact pastor Sarah at the church office.
• Graduation Time! It’s that time of year again…time to acknowledge and congratulate all those who will be graduating from high school or college. If you have a family member who is graduating, please give us their name and the name of their school to be included in a special June bulletin and the July Network. The deadline is June 10th for the bulletin and June 15th for the Network. You may call the church office at 685-4720 or e-mail the information to JenniferC@pcusa.org.
• Summer Sunday School begins June 5th! This summer we will be “Teaching Children Worship in the Sanctuary.” This is a unique, important time for the children of our congregation as we talk with them about each part or act of worship in our services. Each Sunday the children will be invited to come forward for the Children’s Message immediately before that day’s particular act the worship (June 5th - Baptism, June 12th - the Call to Worship). Younger children (K-2nd) will be invited for a Worship Exploration time during the sermon and older children (3rd-5th) will be given a Worship Activity Page that contains an activity on the act of worship for the day. As the whole people of God, we look forward to exploring the parts of the worship service. Together we will more fully understand the purpose and practices of our worship traditions.

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May 19, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

I like the quote from Henry Ward Beecher: “A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It's jolted by every pebble on the road.” We know humor heals and relieves stress. I think humor not only helps us to move from one day to the next, but it also provides a higher quality of living. Erma Bombeck gives us perspective when she said, “There is a thin line that separates laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt.” God wants us to live life to the fullest, laugh down to our core and at the same time embrace tragedy and hurt. We must not use humor to run away from pain and sorrow, but to fully live all of life. That is possible when we go to all these places with our loving Lord.

Ecclesiastes 3:4: “There is a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”

"Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” Luke 6:21

Supporting each other in times of pain and humor,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, May 22nd at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Trinity Music Sunday - Join us as our many and wonderful adult choirs, voice and bell, lead us in a service of music, with a sermon by Warren TenBrook. We’ll also celebrate the baptisms of Brian & Sharon Cameron at 9:00 and Logan Harding at 10:30.
• Next Sunday, May 29th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Guest Preacher: Rev. Kimberly Elliott on John 9: “The Man Born Blind.”
• Habitat for Humanity Work Day this Saturday, May 21.
• Special Opportunity to Serve - VBS Decorations Coordinator(s) - We are looking for a few crafty folks to help us coordinate our decorating efforts for this year’s VBS adventure. We need help coordinating with other churches to share pieces and schlep pieces between churches. We need help creating new decorations to transform Crothers Hall into an African savannah. Set-up will be the Saturday and Sunday before VBS begins (July 9-10) and attendance during the week of VBS is not required. If you would like to put your creative and organizational skills to good use, give Pastor Sarah a call.
• Graduation Time! - It’s that time of year again…time to acknowledge and congratulate all those who will be graduating from high school or college. If you have a family member who is graduating, please give us their name and the name of their school to be included in a special June bulletin and the July Network. The deadline is June 10th for the bulletin and June 15th for the Network. You may call the church office at 685-4720 or e-mail the information to JenniferC@pcusa.org.

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May 12, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Sarah Powers

“Most of us know the feeling of being alone, isolated. It’s not the same as choosing to be alone once in a while, or being independent at times. It’s the feeling that no one is near, that no one remembers, that ‘no one cares for my soul,’ (Ps. 142:4), that there is no one to live for. It’s a feeling of deep isolation, of not belonging to anyone. And when we have that feeling, ‘To whom?’ becomes our lonely cry of distress and longing.

God hears that question…If we are quiet long enough to let our faith speak at such times, we might hear a basic truth expressed by St. Paul: ‘For no one of us lives, and equally no one of us dies, for himself alone. If we live we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Whether therefore we live or die, we belong to the Lord.’ (Romans 14:7-8) Even when events and people say: ‘You don’t belong,’ God’s gentle voice reassures us: ‘You do belong - to me.’ ‘To whom?’ is a cry God can both hear and answer. In fact, God is waiting to answer, as a loving parent waits with open arms for a child who has left home.” [from Space for God by Don Postema]

May we each take time to be quiet, to listen for God’s voice to remind us once again that we belong to God, that we are never alone.

Blessings,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, May 15th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Pentecost - Please wear Red or Orange clothing. John Thomas ­ Solo. Sarah will preach on Acts 2:1-21, “Let the Flames Burn Brightly”
• Don’t forget, this Sunday, May 15th, Pentecost, the total pledges for the Building Campaign will be announced. If you have not already done so, please turn in your pledges for our Operating Budget for 2005 and the Building Campaign over the next 4 years.
• Next Sunday, May 22nd at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Trinity Music SundayJoin us as our many and wonderful adult choirs, voice and bell, lead us in a service of music, with a sermon by Warren Tenbrook. We’ll also celebrate the baptisms of Sharon Cameron at 9:00 and Logan, Terry & Lindsey Harding at 10:30
• Attention all Kid's Kingdom adult volunteers!Thank you for making this past year such a success! Our end of the year party will be graciously hosted by our own Lisa Thompson. Please join us for a BBQ on Saturday, May 14 starting at 5 p.m. Please bring your favorite side or dessert to share. We will provide beverages and meat/vegetables. RSVP to Courtney Mizutani at cmizutani@wwdb.org or 671-0767.
• Special Opportunity to Serve - VBS Decorations Coordinator(s). We are looking for a few crafty folks to help us coordinate our decorating efforts for this year’s VBS adventure. We need help coordinating with other churches to share pieces and schlep pieces between churches. We need help creating new decorations to transform Crothers Hall into an African savannah. Set up will be the Saturday and Sunday before VBS begins (July 9-10) and attendance during the week of VBS is not required. If you would like to put your creative and organizational skills to good use give Pastor Sarah a call.
• Graduation Time! It’s that time of year again…time to acknowledge and congratulate all those who will be graduating from high school or college. If you have a family member who is graduating, please give us their name and the name of their school to be included in a special June bulletin and the July Network. The deadline is June 10th for the bulletin and June 15th for the Network. You may call the church office at 685-4720 or e-mail the information to JenniferC@pcusa.org.

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May 5, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

Time is such a precious gift from God. How do you spend this gift? Does your expenditure of time bring glory to God?

“It is not enough if you are busy. The question is, What are you busy about?” - Henry David Thoreau

Judgment is required when we decide what is going to occupy our time and what is not.

“In India we have a saying, Lack of discrimination is the greatest danger. When we lack discrimination, we don not know when to throw ourselves into something and when not to get entangled in it ­ and the more energy we have, the more it is going to get us involved in sticky, even dangerous situations from which it is difficult and painful to escape.” - Eknath Easwaran

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Rom 5:6 NRSV)

“Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.” (1 Cor 4:5 NRSV)

Spending our Time for the service of our Lord,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, May 8th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Mother’s Day - The Ringers of the Lord will be performing, and Shel will preach on “Jesus Loves Me.”
• Next Sunday, May 15th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Pentecost - Please wear Red or Orange clothing. John Thomas ­ Solo; Sarah will preach on Acts 2:1-21
• Attention all Kid's Kingdom adult volunteers! Thank you for making this past year such a success! Our end of the year party will be graciously hosted by our own Lisa Thompson. Please join us for bbq on May 14 starting at 5 p.m. Please bring your favorite side or dessert to share. We will provide beverages and meat/vegetables. RSVP to Courtney Mizutani at cmizutani@wwdb.org or 671-0767.
• Change of Date: On May 15th, Pentecost, the total pledges for the Building Campaign will be announced. If you have not already done so, please turn in your pledges for our Operating Budget for 2005 and the Building Campaign over the next 4 years.
• Special Opportunity to Serve - VBS Director - Do you like to organize things? Are you good at getting a group of folks from one place to another? Do you like children? Then do we have a fun opportunity for you! Our anticipated VBS Director is moving, so now we are looking for a new Vacation Bible School director for this summer. We know it’s a bit last minute, BUT we’ve already assembled a team for you to lead, the curriculum is selected and ready to be ordered and you’ll have a bevy of volunteers to support you. Please pray about this special ministry to the children of St. Andrew’s, and give Pastor Sarah a call if you are interested.
• Graduation Time! It’s that time of year again…time to acknowledge and congratulate all those who will be graduating from high school or college. If you have a family member who is graduating, please give us their name and the name of their school to be included in a special June bulletin and the July Network. The deadline is June 10th for the bulletin and June 15th for the Network. You may call the church office at 685-4720 or e-mail the information to JenniferC@pcusa.org.

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April 28, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

Here are three quotes I like about the hard work of our faith.  Jesus wants to comfort us when we are in pain, but also push us when we are not.

"The real joy of our walk with Christ comes when we begin to press against the edge of our comfort zone.”  - Bill Nix 

"The true gospel is a call to self sacrifice, not self fulfillment.”  - John MacArthur

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming..."Wow!  What a ride!”  - Anonymous

“So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.  So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.”  (Galatians 6:9-10 NRSV) 

Peace and Joy and Hope of the Lord,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday,  YOUTH SUNDAY ­ May 1st at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Our teenagers will bring us the message in word and music.
• Next Sunday, May 8th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.  -  Mother’s Day Ringers of the Lord, Shel preaching on “Jesus Loves Me.”
• On May 8th, Mother’s Day, the total pledges for the Building Campaign will be announced.  If you have not already done so, please turn in your pledges for our Operating Budget for 2005 and the Building Campaign over the next 4 years.
• Special Opportunity to Serve - VBS Director - Do you like to organize things?  Are you good at getting a group of folks from one place to another?  Do you like children?  Then do we have a fun opportunity for you!  Our anticipated VBS Director is moving, so now we are looking for a new Vacation Bible School director for this summer.  We know it’s a bit last minute, BUT we’ve already assembled a team for you to lead, the curriculum is selected and ready to be ordered and you’ll have a bevy of volunteers to support you.  Please pray about this special ministry to the children of St. Andrew’s, and give Pastor Sarah a call if you are interested.
• Graduation Time! It’s that time of year again…time to acknowledge and congratulate all those who will be graduating from high school or college.  If you have a family member who is graduating, please give us their name and the name of their school to be included in a special June bulletin and the July Network.  The deadline is June 10th for the bulletin and June 15th for the Network.  You may call the church office at 685-4720 or e-mail the information to JenniferC@pcusa.org.

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April 23, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

How is your ability to trust God?  Abraham, Job, David, Elijah, Moses, Peter, Paul are considered giants in the faith because they struggled and slipped, but in the end, all chose the path of trust in God.  The Bible also tells about those who flunked the test: Cain, Samson, Solomon and Judas.

Theologian Søren Kierkegaard spent much of his life exploring the tests of faith that call into question God’s trustworthiness.  He concluded that faith revolves most of all around personal crisis, and not so much a well articulated theology.  And for us, he contends that God deserves our trust, no matter how things appear at the time.

Here we find the work of faith and when we do it well, we find our faith at work in us.

“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 NRSV)

Peace and Joy and Hope of the Lord,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• April 23rd from 2 - 4:30 p.m. All Sunday School teachers are invited for sodas, snacks and fellowship at Chevy’s in Concord, a little thank-you from the Christian Education Commission.  There will be childcare at St. Andrew’s in the toddler room.  Please sign up on the round table in Crothers and give Lia Dills a call if you have any questions.
• This Sunday, April 24th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sermon by Shel White on 1 Peter 2:1-10, “What is the Purpose of the Church?”
• Special Dedication for Pledges (Both 2005 operating budget and Capital Campaign) on Sunday, April 24th, Pledges can be brought to worship anytime or sent to Pledge Clerk Karen Minnis at the Church.  On Mother’s Day, the amounts pledged will be announced.
• Next Sunday, May 1st at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Communion - Youth Sunday - Our teenagers will bring us the message in word and music

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April 15, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

We can’t live happy, productive lives without hope.  Biblical hope is not wishful thinking, but solid confidence.  Faith in God only becomes vibrant when hope abounds. Our Christian hope develops as we experience God’s faithfulness.  Hear Walter Brueggemann's prayer to God:

“We ask only that your faithfulness permeate every troubled place we are able to name, that your mercy move against the hurts to make new, that your steadfastness hold firmly what is too fragile on its own.  And we begin the day in joy, in hope and in deep gladness.  Amen.”

Romans 5:4-5 “… endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”

Peace and Joy and Hope of the Lord,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, April 17th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sermon by Shel White on 1 Peter 1:3-9,  “Living Hope” Special music by John Thomas (solo) and the Salt Shakers
• Next Sunday, April 24th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sermon by Shel White with special music by the Ringers of the Lord.
• Special Dedication for Pledges (Both 2005 operating budget and Capital Campaign) on Sunday, April 24th Pledges can be brought to worship anytime or sent to Pledge Clerk Karen Minnis at the Church. On Mother’s Day, the amounts pledged will be announced.
• Youth Sunday and Communion on May 1st
• Sunday School Teacher “Thanks at Chevy’s” - April 23rd from 2 - 4:30 p.m. All Sunday School teachers are invited for sodas, snacks and fellowship at Chevy’s in Concord, a little thank-you from the Christian Education Commission.  There will be childcare at St. Andrew’s in the toddler room.  Please sign up on the round table in Crothers and give Lia Dills a call if you have any questions

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April 7, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Sarah Powers

And Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”  (Matt. 19:14)

Most of us have spent out lives trying to be adults.  When we were kids, we would act like kids do, and our parents would say, “Why don’t you just grow up?!”  We would see our older siblings or other older kids in the neighborhood and want to be like them, wonder why we weren’t “old enough” yet.

It is so hard being younger and seeing all the fun stuff that the older kids get to do.  It always seemed to look better from the kid perspective - adults can do what they want, eat what they want and when they want, they can stay up all night if they want!  And then we actually get older.  We gain the responsibilities of adulthood - education, spouses, children, mortgages, bills and taxes to pay.  Time for playing seems to lessen or even disappear.  We can become cynical, angry and sarcastic, missing the joy of God’s creation and created ones.

Yet, Jesus wants us to be like children, to look at the world and God with wonder and innocence, to be accepting of others and open to play.  Jesus calls us to look at the world with wide-open eyes and expect the unexpected doings and grace of God.

It’s a tough calling for us “grown-ups.”  Yet, I hope you find that spark of the giggles, that excitement of peering at a new bud about to bloom, that joy of digging in the dirt, when you are here with your church family.  May we all enjoy our “childhood of God “ together with much love and laughter.

Blessings,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, April 10th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. ­ Children’s Worship Sunday - Worship will be led by our K-5th graders, the children’s choirs will ring and sing, and the message will be a special video by our children telling us what they think of God.
• Next Sunday, April 17th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sermon by Shel White with special music by John Thomas (solo) and the Salt Shakers
• Senior Lunch Bunch - April 13th from 12 - 2:30pm Join us for lunch and the film “You’ve Got Mail” direct from its showing at the Paramount Theater.  Sign up on the round table in Crothers for a great afternoon out.
• Sunday School Teacher “Thanks at Chevy’s” - April 23rd from 2 - 4:30pm      All Sunday School teachers are invited for sodas, snacks and fellowship at Chevy’s in Concord, a little thank-you from the Christian Education Commission.  There will be childcare for kiddos 4 years or younger at St. Andrew’s in the toddler room.  Please sign up on the round table in Crothers and give Lia Dills a call if you have any questions

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March 31, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Sarah Powers

I’ve been pondering prayer this week and upon the return of one of my favorite books, The Gospel According to the Simpsons, looked up the chapter on prayer.  As the book reminds us, the prayers on the TV show “The Simpsons” are usually brief and to the point.  Bart says grace with “Rub-a-dub-dub thanks for the grub” and Homer goes with “Good drink, good meat, good God, let’s eat.”  But in one episode, Bart instead says “Dear God, we paid for all this stuff ourselves, so thanks for nothing.”

 

Zoikes! Blasphemy on TV!  Well, not really.  Haven’t we all wondered at some point why we need to thank God for something we worked hard to achieve or buy?  Lee Strobel, a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, notes that Bart says things that most people only think and would never admit.  Strobel says,

“Yet isn’t he just expressing a sentiment that a lot of people secretly harbor?  They’d never say it, but don’t many people live their lives with the attitude that they’ve earned what they’ve received and that God really had nothing to do with it?”

How often do we forget where our blessings come from?  It is so easy to believe that just because we are hardworking and upright before the Lord that we will have a big house, a good job, money in the bank (and our 401Ks) and fabulous children.  We think it’s all about us.  Then again so did Job and look where that got him.

As we continue in this season of Lent, remembering God’s sacrifices for us in his Son Jesus Christ, let us remember too where our blessings come from and the sacrifices God requires of us as well.

Blessings,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, April 3rd at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. ­ Start of Daylight Savings  Sarah Powers preaching on John 20:19-31, “The Power of Doubt”      Ordination and Installation of Elders and Deacons    Special music by the cast of the musical Narnia
• Next Sunday, April 10th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. ­ Children’s Worship Sunday  Worship will be led by our K-5th graders, the children’s choirs will ring and sing, and the message will be a special video on “Who is God?” featuring our children.
       
• Senior Lunch Bunch - April 13th from 12 - 2:30pmJoin us for lunch and the film “You’ve Got Mail” direct from its showing at the Paramount Theater.
• Sunday School Teacher “Thanks at Chevy’s” - April 23rd from 2 - 4:30pm      All Sunday School teachers are invited for sodas, snacks and fellowship at Chevy’s in Concord, a little thank-you from the Christian Education Commission.  There will be childcare for kiddos 4 years or younger at St. Andrew’s in the toddler room.  Please sign up on the round table in Crothers and give Lia Dills a call if you have any questions.

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March 25, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

HAPPY EASTER!

Easter is a mystery - an unfathomable gift. How do we fully appreciate it? Eugene Peterson points out that the secular mind can not comprehend mystery.

“The secularized mind makes lists, labels people, assigns roles, and solves problems. But a solved life is a reduced life. These tightly buttoned-up people never take great faith risks or make convincing love talk. They deny or ignore the mysteries and diminish human existence to what can be managed, controlled and fixed. We live in a cult of experts who explain and solve. The vast technological apparatus around us gives the impression that there is a tool for everything if we can only afford it.”

Explaining and solving and managing can easily take all of our time and energy. And thus we miss the mysteries of God at work. I pray you clear your mind and spend some time pondering the greatest mystery of all ­ EASTER!

He is ALIVE! 

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS

• Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, March 26th at 10 - 11:30 a.m. Calling all kids to come decorate the church for Easter worship!  Enjoy an Easter egg hunt and snacks.  Youth:  We need your help to hide all the eggs! Please arrive by 9:30 a.m.  Adults:  Please drop off filled plastic eggs at the church before March 23rd.  We need snacks and volunteers, so to help out please call Alison Armand at 372-8228!
• This Sunday, March 27th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.   ­   Easter Sunday Hallelujah! Join us as we celebrate our risen Christ with special music from Adult & Children Choirs & Bells Shel White will be preaching on John 11:17-45  -  Dramatic monologue "Listening to Lazarus" Final installment of this year’s Sparky stories and end with "Hallelujah Chorus"
• Next Sunday, April 3rd at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.   ­   Start of Daylight Savings       Sarah Powers preaching on John 20:19-31      Ordination and Installation of Elders and Deacons

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March 18, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Sarah Powers

Shel and I talk a lot about what it means to give the whole of ourselves to God.  Not that God doesn’t already know everything (see Psalm 139 where the writer is asking if there is anywhere that God is not), but sometimes it is difficult to remember who is really in charge.  Often we have to remember God’s power in our lives and once again give control of our lives back to God.  We also have to remember that God goes with us each step of our lives, through the good stuff that we love to shout from the rooftops and the crummy stuff that we want to hide away in the recesses of our minds and make sure that no one else sees. A few years ago my sister gave me a book of graces - words asking God’s blessing over a meal.  May this grace feed you this day and remind you of the loving God who only desires our love in return.

“We join hands around the circle, recognizing and acknowledging each of God’s beautiful creations with us this day.  Let us think back over the day just past, the good parts of the day, and the not so good parts.  And with a deep breath we become aware of the love of Christ which each of us expresses during our lives. We thank God for the awareness of that love and power at work in our lives.  We accept it in love.  We bless this food which we are about to partake, and the loving souls which have prepared it. For this world, this love and this awareness, we say, “Thank you God!” Amen.

Blessings,

Sarah

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, March 20th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Palm Sunday     Sarah Powers will be preaching on “Don’t Rain on My Parade” (Matthew 21:1-11)     Join in our annual procession of the palms celebrating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and our preparation for Holy Week     With special music by our children’s choirs and our Ensemble Bells, and our welcoming of New Members at both services
• Maundy Thursday Dinner and Worship - March 24th at 6:00 p.m. "And He Never Said A Mumblin' Word" is the title of our Maundy Thursday service. It will be a service of reflection and communion featuring liturgical dance by Dancer's Circle and instrumental music by musicians from our congregation. The service will follow as a continuation of the meal held in Corothers Hall. All are welcome.  Please sign up for dinner in Crothers Hall by March 23rd. All are welcome to the worship service at 7 p.m.
• Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, March 26th at 10-11 a.m.Calling all kids to come decorate the church for Easter worship!  Enjoy an Easter egg hunt and snacks.  Youth:  We need your help to hide all the eggs! Please arrive by 9:30 a.m.  Adults:  Please drop off filled plastic eggs at the church before March 23rd.  We need snacks and volunteers, so to help out please call Alison Armand at 372-8228!
• Next Sunday, March 27th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. ­ Easter Sunday    Hallelujah! Join us as we celebrate our risen Christ with special music from our choirs     Shel White will be preaching on John 20:1-18 with the final installment of this year’s Sparky stories.
• Home Dessert MeetingsIf you missed a home meeting, you can join in on one right after either the 9:00 or 10:30 Worship Service today. We want everyone in the St. Andrew’s Church family to know how the Capital Campaign will work and why we are doing it. Come see a short video, ask questions and become fully informed.  The Celebration Dinner on April 10th is not designed to answer questions. There we will celebrate what God has been, is, and will be doing in our midst.  Please grab a beverage and walk over to Room One.

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March 11, 2005

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

My pastor friend Geoff Nelson recommended to me a wonderful little book called “Sleeping with Bread” by Matthew & Dennis Linn and Sheila Fabricant Linn, Paulist Press, 1995.  The book uses the terms consolation and desolation to describe the rhythms of the day.  The idea is to ask oneself, “What am I most grateful for today?” and “What am I least grateful for today?”  Asking these two questions is what is called “The Examen,” based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.  

“Our present attitude (toward desolation) is somewhat different from what WE were taught, too.  We were taught that many of our desolations, such as feelings of lust, anger, etc., were sinful.  Sometimes such feeling states were called “capital sins.”  The truth in this teaching is that we need to resist the impulse to act upon feelings in a way that would be harmful to ourselves or others.  For example, feelings of lust if acted upon might result in promiscuity, or feelings of anger if acted upon might result in violence.”

”When feelings are ignored or resisted, they grow inside us and are likely to eventually lead to an explosion in which we act out in even more destructive ways than we might have at first.  We believe that what negative feelings or desolations really want is not destructive behavior but rather to have their story heard.  When their story is heard, they are satisfied and they quiet down naturally.  If we then take steps to meet the needs revealed by the story, this desolation is unlikely to recur.”

What are you grateful and not grateful for this day?  This simple formula can make a profound difference in your life with God.

“For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord.  How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?” (1 Thessalonians 3:8-9 NRSV)

May you find God’s peace in your life as you examine it today.

Blessings,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, March 13th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. ­ Communion ­ Third Sunday of Lent             Shel White will be preaching on John 12:20-23, "Looking for Jesus in All the Wrong Places."             Special music from Harmonikos
 
• Next Sunday, March 20th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Communion - Palm Sunday             Sarah Powers will be preaching on Matthew 21:1-11.             Welcome New Members             Children’s choirs and Adult Bells
 
• Home Dessert MeetingsIf you missed a home meeting, you can join in on one right after either the 9:00 or 10:30 Worship Service today or next Sunday. We want everyone in the St. Andrew’s Church family to know how the Capital Campaign will work and why we are doing it. Come see a short video, ask questions and become fully informed.  The Celebration Dinner on April 10th is not designed to answer questions. There we will celebrate what God has been, is, and will be doing in our midst.  Please grab a beverage and walk over to Room One.
 
• Maundy Thursday Dinner and Worship - March 24th at 6:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday is almost upon us and of course we will serve a simple but hearty soup supper with loads of warm sourdough before the celebration service.  It is a free will offering event, but we do ask that you sign up at the round table in Crothers Hall so that we can effectively plan quantities.  The deadline will be Wednesday, March 23rd.

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February 24, 2005

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

Patience is a skill.

Eugene Peterson believes it is crucial for Christians to live patient lives. For most of us patience does not come naturally. Much of our frenzy work (even work for the Lord) erodes patience and rewards impatience. People are uncomfortable with mystery (God) and mess (themselves). We don’t have to deal with ourselves or with God if we are moving fast enough. Impatience is the refusal to endure - it strip-mines the mind. We want results instantly. Spiritual growth requires regular times of sitting still in God’s presence, and lots of it.

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 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.” (Rom 8:25-26 NRSV)

“Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.” (1 Cor 13:4-6 NRSV)

“Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.” (James 5:7 NRSV)

Let us be still and enjoy God together,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS

• This Sunday, February 20th 27th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Communion - Third Sunday of Lent Shel White will be preaching on John 4:5-42 Children’s Choirs: Joyful Noise and Kingdom Choir
• Next Sunday, March 6th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Communion - Fourth Sunday of Lent Guest Preacher: Rev Skip Herbert will be preaching Rev. Skip Herbert (former Pastor and now Development Officer with the Presbyterian Foundation) will be preaching in our worship services on Sunday, March 6th. Following the second service, he will lead a workshop on Estate Planning, exploring the various ways we can reduce tax liabilities, benefit from a planned gift and strengthen the church's ministry all at the same time. Families and individuals of all ages (and their heirs) can benefit from this workshop. Several tips will be shared where you can make a chartable gift using resources other than cash. Skip knows how to communicate these financial possibilities in a clear and easy-to-understand presentation. Please sign up and let us know if you would like a sandwich and/or childcare.
• Inquirers Class has begun but you can still join us this Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.This class is designed for those interested in exploring membership at St. Andrew’s. 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, Sarah Powers and Shel White who will be leading the class.
• Home MeetingsIt is very important for all members and friends of St. Andrew’s to attend one of the home meetings. At these meetings you will learn how our campaign will work and why the major maintenance and activity and youth center are so important for our future. Have your questions answered, get informed, make suggestions. Please let us know which meeting you would like to attend.

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February 18, 2005

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

Over the years, St. Andrew’s has been in the process of articulating our vision. For the church, vision is best expressed though theological rationale. Theological goals help us individually and as a faith community to set our directions. Here is what we articulated in 1996 - which continues to be a helpful guide today:

“As we endeavor to strengthen our connection with our Lord, we receive the motivation to build up one another in love and call one another to become active disciples of Jesus Christ. Because we love our Lord and want to serve our God, we invite others to join us in this ministry of reconciliation and care both inside and outside Christ’s Church. God calls us in the Great Commission (Matthew 28) to build disciples. Paul informs us that all Christians have different gifts. We believe the best way to build up the body of Christ will be to call people into discipleship in their gift areas.”

Using our gifts for God’s glory,

Shel

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday, February 20th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Communion - Second Sunday of Lent Shel White will be preaching on John 3:1-17 Harmonikos will be ringing
• Next Sunday, February 27th at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. - Communion - Third Sunday of Lent Shel White will be preaching on John 4:5-42 Children’s Choirs: Joyful Noise and Kingdom Choir
• Inquirers Class begins February 20th at 2:00 p.m.This class is designed for those interested in exploring membership at St. Andrew’s. 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, Sarah Powers and Shel White who will be leading the class. The class will run four Sunday afternoons beginning on February 20th from 2 - 4 p.m. Should participants desire to become members of St. Andrew’s, they will be welcomed into membership on Sunday, March 20th. Contact Sarah or Shel if you are interested, or sign up on the round table in Crothers.
• Guest Preacher: Rev. Skip HerbertRev. Skip Herbert (former Pastor and now Development Officer with the Presbyterian Foundation) will be preaching in our worship services on Sunday, March 6th. Following the second service, he will lead a workshop on Estate Planning, exploring the various ways we can reduce tax liabilities, benefit from a planned gift and strengthen the church's ministry all at the same time. Families and individuals of all ages (and their heirs) can benefit from this workshop. Several tips will be shared where you can make a chartable gift using resources other than cash. Skip knows how to communicate these financial possibilities in a clear and easy-to-understand presentation. Please sign up and let us know if you would like a sandwich and/or childcare.
• Home Meetings It is very important for all members and friends of St. Andrew’s to attend one of the home meetings. At these meetings you will learn how our campaign will work and why the major maintenance and activity and youth center are so important for our future. Have your questions answered, get informed, make suggestions. Please let us know which meeting you would like to attend.

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February 10, 2005

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Sarah Powers

Lent began yesterday evening. At our worship service, we were anointed with ashes and prayed for God's presence to be with us on this forty-day journey to Easter. We also began our prayer vigil for our church, our community and our world last night at 8 p.m. I've seen folks coming in and out of the sanctuary this morning and afternoon, taking tim