2009 e-ChurchNotes Archive
December 30, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Wendy Komori Stager
Communion is Messy
Have you ever noticed that preparing, eating and serving food can be messy? We spend a lot of time to wash our vegetables, sanitize cutting boards after slicing raw meats, and of course - doing dishes. As someone who is raising a small child - I have firsthand experience of how messy and chaotic the eating process can be!
And celebrating communion is no exception. No matter how sacred and special we try to make this meal, it is still the consumption of food. Occasionally there are spills of grape juice and often the crumbs fall to the floor. And little pieces of bread sometimes end up in the cup when we dip the bread during intinction (oops!). I have on more than one occasion had to remind myself to not dust off my hands after breaking the loaf.
Yet, this is the celebration of communion. This is how Christ wants us to be reminded of his love for us. For God sent Jesus to live among us, to be God incarnate. At the root of the word incarnation is the latin carno which translates to "flesh" or "meat." The God we know through Jesus Christ, is not an ethereal, fuzzy presence, but is a flesh and bones, "down-to-earth" deity. And in communion, we gather, we eat, and occasionally make messes at the table that Christ graciously sets for us.
Wendy
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
- WORSHIP:
- January 3, 2010 Holy Communion 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager on John 1:1-18 Message: "Gathering Around the Table"
- January 10, 2010 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 and Acts 8:14-17 Message: God and Humanity Meet
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! Saturday, January 2 at 9am - Please join us for our next group walk. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, please let Greg Gould & Nancy Kenyon know.
- Godly Play Training Sunday, January 3 and Sunday, January 10 from 5:30 to 8:30pm - St. Andrew's has a wonderful opportunity to offer Godly Play training here at our own church! If you have been interested in knowing more about this program, please plan to attend. All attendees are requested to be at both sessions as they are really one training just broken up into two parts to fit our busy schedules. The first session will be experiencing Godly play, exploring the room and the spirituality of the child. The second session will go into details about the role of the storyteller and the role of the doorperson. We will also do some hands-on play with the stories. Godly Play training can be a very special, spiritual experience, and we hope you can attend. Please sign up in Crothers Hall. If you have any questions about what to expect from training, please see Jennifer Cross Miller or Wendy Komori Stager.
- Kids Kingdom Open Enrollment
This January, Kids Kingdom invites your K-5 child to join us during a time
of Open Enrollment! Kids Kingdom is a fun midweek program (led by parents
and volunteers) on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:45pm in which elementary-aged
children enjoy bible study, crafts and recreation, and music, all in a
setting of spiritual nurture and fellowship.
Between January 6 and April 21, our Kids Kingdom students will learn about Jesus and make lasting friendships with children and adults in our church. And through parent participation (only 1 to 1.5 hours a month!), you too could make some new friends and experience the warm fellowship that only KK can provide. The best part? It only costs $75 per child (or $5 per week) for the program and dinner fees through April (with scholarships available)!
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at jennifer.standrews@gmail.com. We hope you will pray about this great opportunity for your child. Have a blessed Christmas and New Year, and we hope to see you in January!
- Twelfth Night - An Epiphany Celebration Saturday, January 9 at 5:30pm - You're Invited! The St. Andrew's Chamber Singers, 'Cantemos,' and the St. Andrew's drama group, 'Cornerstone,' will be presenting a Twelfth Night dinner full of music, drama, great food and entertainment for all. The event will be held in Crothers Hall. Toddler care will be provided for those who request it (please see sign-up sheet) and dinner will be prepared by our very own Eleanor Manley. Look for the sign-up sheet in Crothers Hall. If you have any questions or would like to know how you can help, please contact Kim James at 522-9861.
- Chamber Music at St. Andrew's Sunday, January 24 at 3pm - You are invited! Bring music-loving friends! Come join us in the Sanctuary for another afternoon of marvelous music! Our upcoming program includes compositions by Bach, Rachmaninoff, and two contemporary composers - Juan Orrego-Salas and Hans Brugk. Wonderful performances are promised by a flute/cello duet, viola solo, violin/cello/piano trio and the Cantos Wind Quintet (flute/oboe/clarinet/horn/bassoon). The recital is free with donations accepted to benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing program which provides permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless families. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Decky Thornton at 228-7731.
- Annual Congregational Meeting & Potluck Sunday, January 31 at 11:45am - Please join us for our annual meeting and potluck lunch following the second service on January 31. Come hear the latest on our building project, church activities, finances, and vote on new Elders and Deacons and pastors' salaries. Please sign up in Crothers Hall to bring a main course, salad or dessert.
- Women's Retreat at Westminster Woods
Friday, February 5 - Sunday, February 7, 2010 - Do you wish you had some
time to yourself? Do you long for a place where no one is asking for you to
meet their needs or to drive them to another sports event? Do you wish that
someone else would cook for you and clean for you? Are you hoping for some
quiet space to deepen your faith and allow God to change you from the inside
out? If so, save the date for a refreshing spiritual weekend in Occidental,
CA. Join over a dozen women of all ages from St. Andrew's as we escape to
the redwoods. The weekend is filled with opportunities to rest, to create,
to renew, to learn, to laugh, and to get away from the daily grind. The
speaker, Rev. Debbie Whaley will be discussing forgiveness. Oh, and have we
mentioned that the food is AMAZING (not your typical camp food.) If you
want to hear how last year went, talk to Courtney Mizutani, Peggy Luna, Gail
Darchuck, Maureen Clement , Eleanor Manley or any of the other women who
attended.
Standard Housing: $160. Deluxe housing (with indoor bathrooms) is available for an additional $75. If you are hoping for deluxe accommodations, please register ASAP. Spaces fill fast. Massage is also available for an additional charge of $60. Go to www.westminsterwoods.com or call (707) 874-2426 for more information and registration. Paper registration forms will be available at the church soon. Please contact Rev. Wendy with any questions.
- Foundations for the Future - The Website Our capital campaign website has launched with information from our recent mailing. Click here to get updates on the capital campaign. We also have a dedicated page for updates on our building project.
December 2, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Wendy Komori Stager
Getting to the Core of Christmas
Remember the children's story, The Grinch who Stole Christmas? The big, green, lonely Grinch steals down to Whoville and removes all the Christmas trees, decorations and even the roasted beast. He believes that if he steals all of these things, he can make Christmas disappear.
If that were to happen here, I think that for many of us Christmas would not happen. Perhaps we would be angry at the theft of our Christmas dinners or the beloved nativity scene upon our mantle. Or we would break down into tears at the lack of the Christmas tree and all the presents. The Grinch would have succeeded.
Maybe it isn't the Grinch who is trying to steal Christmas for you. Maybe it is a loss of a job or reduction in income. Maybe it is a feeling of grief or loss for the first December without a parent. Maybe it is your own internal stress and anxiety.
But ultimately at the heart of Christmas is Jesus Christ. Jesus is coming into the world as a gift. And this gift can never be taken away from us. May you find Christ at the core of your Christmas this year.
Wendy
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
- WORSHIP:
- December 13, 2009 Third Sunday of Advent - Candle of Joy 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Bill Nebo
- December 20, 2009 Fourth Sunday of Advent - Candle of Love 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White
- Christmas Services:
- December 24 - 7:00pm Choirs and Carols - 11:00pm Candlelight Communion
- December 25 - 10:00am
- CARE Packages We again are soliciting donations for CARE packages to our St. Andrew's family and friends who are in college or the military. Donations of stationery, pens, school supplies, gum, healthy snacks and coffee gift cards will be greatly appreciated. If you have a loved one who you would like to receive a CARE package, please let the church office know.
- Writing on the Wall December 13 after worship will offer a time to write a prayer or scripture on the walls and studs of the Activity Center. You will have the opportunity to write on any surface of our new building that will be covered up. We can write our prayers for what God will be doing in our new building, or prayers for loved ones, or scripture passages. Please take this opportunity to forever be a part of our new Activity Center. God is truly our foundation!
- Christmas Caroling Saturday, December 12 at 2:30pm - Please join us for Christmas caroling to our homebound members and singing at the Chateau. We'll meet in Room 1 at 2:30 pm and break into teams to reach as many folks as we can. Following the caroling, there will be a pizza and soda dinner at the church in Room 1. Let's all turn out for this opportunity to enjoy each other and to have the community enjoy us as well. Terry Neidlinger
- Children's Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 13 at 6pm - We invite ALL members and friends of St. Andrew's to join us for our annual Christmas pageant. Children and youth may sign up for a role in the pageant, or to play a musical solo. Adult volunteers will be needed. Please contact Danielle Mitchell or Kim James for more information.
- Sunday School Christmas Party Sunday, December 20 from 12 to 3pm - All Pre-K through 5th grade kids are invited to our first annual Sunday School Christmas Party! Parents, enjoy some time to yourselves or get in some last-minute Christmas shopping, and drop your kids off at St. Andrew's for crafts, cookies and Christmas movies. The cost is only $5 per child. Please RSVP by signing up in Crothers Hall. Jennifer Cross Miller, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com
- Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 20 at 7pm - On the third Sunday of Advent, the choirs will present a Service of Lessons and Carols at St. Andrew's. The Service as we now know it (which is virtually unchanged since 1919) consists of pre-service music on the organ, an Invitatory Carol (i.e. Once in Royal David's City), nine lessons from Scripture, five or six Christmas hymns for choir and congregation, one or two carols by the choir after each lesson, the Blessing, the closing hymn, and organ music after the service. Please join us.
- Foundations for the Future - The Website Our capital campaign website has launched with information from our recent mailing. Click here to get updates on the capital campaign. We also have a dedicated page for updates on our building project.
November 24, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
Are you old enough to remember the days before car seats, bike helmets, seeing someone off at the gate at the airport, leaving your back door unlocked? I am all in favor of safety. But I do wonder how our own children survived our relaxed parenting.
Having a spirit of thanksgiving is much more difficult when we live in fear. Advent is a season of hope in the midst of dread. There is no way we can live with our eyes and ears open and not be affected by all the fear that surrounds us. The news media hypes everything from H1N1 to the possibility of terrorist attacks. But we can face life with an attitude of hope even in the face of fear. Awful things are happening in our world. It is inevitable, but our misery is optional. Our Lord wants us to live out the abundant life only God provides.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! Psalm 95.2
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
May the peace that passes all understanding surround you.
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
- WORSHIP:
- November 29, 2009 First Sunday of Advent - Candle of Hope 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Advent of Hope, Luke 21:25-36
- December 6, 2009 Second Sunday of Advent - Candle of Peace Holy Communion 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager on Refiner's Fire, Malachi 3:1-4
- Granola Gathering Women of St Andrew's (and their friends) are invited to join us in Crothers Hall on Friday, November 27 at 10am for fellowship and GRANOLA! We will spend a cozy morning recreating that delightfully delicious Westminster Woods Women's Retreat granola that we all love so much. Come help us prepare this gift for the women of St Andrew's as an invitation to join us at the Women's Retreat the first weekend in February. Or just stop by for coffee and conversation any time that morning. Come share a taste of the Woods! Please contact Courtney Mizutani at cmizutani@sbcglobal.net.
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! Saturday, December 5 at 10am - Please join us for our next group walk. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, please let Greg Gould & Nancy Kenyon know.
- Cantare Con Vivo Concert - 'Tis the Season! Saturday, December 5 or Sunday, December 6 - Cantare Con Vivo, the East Bay's leading choral association, will present their Christmas concerts, "Tis the Season," on Saturday, December 5 at 7:30pm., Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, and Sunday, December 6 at 3pm, First Presbyterian Church of Oakland. The Cantare Chorale, joined by the Chamber Ensemble and Nova, 150-plus singers in all, will dazzle you with the sounds of joy, hope and love that mark this holy season. Included are pieces by Bruckner, Holst, Frank Martin, John Tavener, Pinkham, Rutter, and seasonal favorites such as Here We Come A-Wassailing, Sleigh Ride, Masters in this Hall, plus sing-along carols with the choirs, brass and organ. Advance discount tickets are available through Cantare performers Sue Fitch, John Grant, Kim and Curt James, or Warren TenBrook. Regular price tickets with handling fee are available at www.cantareconvivo.org.
- CARE Packages We again are soliciting donations for CARE packages to our St. Andrew's family and friends who are in college or the military. Donations of stationery, pens, school supplies, gum, healthy snacks and coffee gift cards will be greatly appreciated. If you have a loved one who you would like to receive a CARE package, please let the church office know.
- Writing on the Wall We will announce very soon, probably at a time after worship when the framing of the future Activity Center is up, a time to write a prayer or scripture on the walls and studs. You will have the opportunity to write on any surface of our new building that will be covered up. We can write our prayers for what God will be doing in our new building, or prayers for loved ones, or scripture passages. Please take this opportunity to forever be a part of our new Activity Center. God is truly our foundation!
- Christmas Wreaths Sunday, November 29 and Sunday, December 6 - St. Andrew's own Boy Scout Troop 239 will be selling fresh and beautiful Christmas wreaths in the St. Andrew's courtyard. The wreaths are 22" in diameter and are made of fresh pine and Nobel fir. The wreaths also feature decorative pinecones and a vibrant red bow. At $20 each, the wreaths are priced cheaper than retail outlets and are better and fresher quality. As the troop has done in previous years, $3 from the sale of each wreath will be donated to St. Andrew's Christmas fund. Troop 239 is now in its 53rd year of partnership with St. Andrew's, and over the years has performed numerous service projects for the Church and community. If you're planning on buying a Christmas wreath this year, please buy it from Troop 239.
- The Angel Tree Sunday, December 6 - Can you hear them? The angels on the St. Andrew's Angel Tree are calling us to share our fortunes with some who are far less fortunate at this time of year. Our Angel Tree will be displayed on Sunday, November 22. This year we are supporting families and children from various deserving organizations. The maximum limit for a gift is $25 and there will be $25 food tags available for each family, too. Gifts and/or donations for food can be brought to the office or put under the tree at any time. The deadline for all gifts is Sunday, December 6 by the 10:30 service. Please help make this a wonderful opportunity for sharing God's love with others.
- Christmas Caroling Saturday, December 12 at 2:30pm - Please join us for Christmas caroling to our homebound members and singing at the Chateau. We'll meet in Room 1 at 2:30 pm and break into teams to reach as many folks as we can. Following the caroling, there will be a pizza and soda dinner at the church in Room 1. Let's all turn out for this opportunity to enjoy each other and to have the community enjoy us as well. Terry Neidlinger
- Children's Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 13 at 6pm - We invite ALL members and friends of St. Andrew's to join us for our annual Christmas pageant. Children and youth may sign up for a role in the pageant, or to play a musical solo. Adult volunteers will be needed. Please contact Danielle Mitchell or Kim James for more information.
- Sunday School Christmas Party Sunday, December 20 from 12 to 3pm - All Pre-K through 5th grade kids are invited to our first annual Sunday School Christmas Party! Parents, enjoy some time to yourselves or get in some last-minute Christmas shopping, and drop your kids off at St. Andrew's for crafts, cookies and Christmas movies. The cost is only $5 per child. Please RSVP by signing up in Crothers Hall. Jennifer Cross Miller, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com
- Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 20 at 7pm - On the third Sunday of Advent, the choirs will present a Service of Lessons and Carols at St. Andrew's. The Service as we now know it (which is virtually unchanged since 1919) consists of pre-service music on the organ, an Invitatory Carol (i.e. Once in Royal David's City), nine lessons from Scripture, five or six Christmas hymns for choir and congregation, one or two carols by the choir after each lesson, the Blessing, the closing hymn, and organ music after the service. Please join us.
- Christmas Services:
- December 24 - 7:00pm & 11:00pm
- December 25 - 10:00am
- Foundations for the Future - The Website Our capital campaign website has launched with information from our recent mailing. Click here to get updates on the capital campaign. We also have a dedicated page for updates on our building project.
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- November 22, 2009 Christ the King Sunday 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager - Circle of the Church Year, Special Music: Chancel Choir, Michael Beveridge (trumpet), Larry Grabow (trombone)
- November 29, 2009 First Sunday of Advent 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Advent of Hope
- Granola Gathering Women of St Andrew's (and their friends) are invited to join us in Crothers Hall on Friday, November 27 at 10am for fellowship and GRANOLA! We will spend a cozy morning recreating that delightfully delicious Westminster Woods Women's Retreat granola that we all love so much. Come help us prepare this gift for the women of St Andrew's as an invitation to join us at the Women's Retreat the first weekend in February. Or just stop by for coffee and conversation any time that morning. Come share a taste of the Woods! Please contact Courtney Mizutani at cmizutani@sbcglobal.net.
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! Saturday, December 5 at 10am - Please join us for our next group walk. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, please let Greg Gould & Nancy Kenyon know.
- Cantare Con Vivo Concert - 'Tis the Season! Saturday, December 5 or Sunday, December 6 - Cantare Con Vivo, the East Bay's leading choral association, will present their Christmas concerts, "Tis the Season," on Saturday, December 5 at 7:30pm., Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, and Sunday, December 6 at 3pm, First Presbyterian Church of Oakland. The Cantare Chorale, joined by the Chamber Ensemble and Nova, 150-plus singers in all, will dazzle you with the sounds of joy, hope and love that mark this holy season. Included are pieces by Bruckner, Holst, Frank Martin, John Tavener, Pinkham, Rutter, and seasonal favorites such as Here We Come A-Wassailing, Sleigh Ride, Masters in this Hall, plus sing-along carols with the choirs, brass and organ. Advance discount tickets are available through Cantare performers Sue Fitch, John Grant, Kim and Curt James, or Warren TenBrook. Regular price tickets with handling fee are available at www.cantareconvivo.org.
- CARE Packages We again are soliciting donations for CARE packages to our St. Andrew's family and friends who are in college or the military. Donations of stationery, pens, school supplies, gum, healthy snacks and coffee gift cards will be greatly appreciated. If you have a loved one who you would like to receive a CARE package, please let the church office know.
- Writing on the Wall We will announce very soon, probably at a time after worship when the framing of the future Activity Center is up, a time to write a prayer or scripture on the walls and studs. You will have the opportunity to write on any surface of our new building that will be covered up. We can write our prayers for what God will be doing in our new building, or prayers for loved ones, or scripture passages. Please take this opportunity to forever be a part of our new Activity Center. God is truly our foundation!
- Christmas Wreaths Sunday, November 29 and Sunday, December 6 - St. Andrew's own Boy Scout Troop 239 will be selling fresh and beautiful Christmas wreaths in the St. Andrew's courtyard. The wreaths are 22" in diameter and are made of fresh pine and Nobel fir. The wreaths also feature decorative pinecones and a vibrant red bow. At $20 each, the wreaths are priced cheaper than retail outlets and are better and fresher quality. As the troop has done in previous years, $3 from the sale of each wreath will be donated to St. Andrew's Christmas fund. Troop 239 is now in its 53rd year of partnership with St. Andrew's, and over the years has performed numerous service projects for the Church and community. If you're planning on buying a Christmas wreath this year, please buy it from Troop 239.
- The Angel Tree Sunday, December 6 - Can you hear them? The angels on the St. Andrew's Angel Tree are calling us to share our fortunes with some who are far less fortunate at this time of year. Our Angel Tree will be displayed on Sunday, November 22. This year we are supporting families and children from various deserving organizations. The maximum limit for a gift is $25 and there will be $25 food tags available for each family, too. Gifts and/or donations for food can be brought to the office or put under the tree at any time. The deadline for all gifts is Sunday, December 6 by the 10:30 service. Please help make this a wonderful opportunity for sharing God's love with others.
- Christmas Caroling Saturday, December 12 at 2:30pm - Please join us for Christmas caroling to our homebound members and singing at the Chateau. We'll meet in Room 1 at 2:30 pm and break into teams to reach as many folks as we can. Following the caroling, there will be a pizza and soda dinner at the church in Room 1. Let's all turn out for this opportunity to enjoy each other and to have the community enjoy us as well. Terry Neidlinger
- Children's Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 13 at 6pm - We invite ALL members and friends of St. Andrew's to join us for our annual Christmas pageant. Children and youth may sign up for a role in the pageant, or to play a musical solo. Adult volunteers will be needed. Please contact Danielle Mitchell or Kim James for more information.
- Sunday School Christmas Party Sunday, December 20 from 12 to 3pm - All Pre-K through 5th grade kids are invited to our first annual Sunday School Christmas Party! Parents, enjoy some time to yourselves or get in some last-minute Christmas shopping, and drop your kids off at St. Andrew's for crafts, cookies and Christmas movies. The cost is only $5 per child. Please RSVP by signing up in Crothers Hall. Jennifer Cross Miller, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com
- Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 20 at 7pm - On the third Sunday of Advent, the choirs will present a Service of Lessons and Carols at St. Andrew's. The Service as we now know it (which is virtually unchanged since 1919) consists of pre-service music on the organ, an Invitatory Carol (i.e. Once in Royal David's City), nine lessons from Scripture, five or six Christmas hymns for choir and congregation, one or two carols by the choir after each lesson, the Blessing, the closing hymn, and organ music after the service. Please join us.
- Christmas Services:
- December 24 - 7:00pm & 11:00pm
- December 25 - 10:00am
- Foundations for the Future - The Website Our capital campaign website has launched with information from our recent mailing. Click here to get updates on the capital campaign. We also have a dedicated page for updates on our building project.
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- November 15, 2009 All Church Event - Celebration 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Joshua 3, 'Crossing Over' Baptism of Will Faraghan at 10:30am Blessing of Pledges for Operating Ministry Budget and Building Campaign Special Music: Joffria Whitfield, harp - String Quartet - Chancel Choir Special Music: Kids Kingdom Choir
- November 22, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager Special Music: Chancel Choir - Harmonikos - Brass & Organ
- Writing on the Wall We will announce very soon, probably at a time after worship when the framing of the future Activity Center is up, a time to write a prayer or scripture on the walls and studs. You will have the opportunity to write on any surface of our new building that will be covered up. We can write our prayers for what God will be doing in our new building, or prayers for loved ones, or scripture passages. Please take this opportunity to forever be a part of our new Activity Center. God is truly our foundation!
- Christmas Wreaths Sunday, November 29 and Sunday, December 6 - St. Andrew's own Boy Scout Troop 239 will be selling fresh and beautiful Christmas wreaths in the St. Andrew's courtyard. The wreaths are 22" in diameter and are made of fresh pine and Nobel fir. The wreaths also feature decorative pinecones and a vibrant red bow. At $20 each, the wreaths are priced cheaper than retail outlets and are better and fresher quality. As the troop has done in previous years, $3 from the sale of each wreath will be donated to St. Andrew's Christmas fund. Troop 239 is now in its 53rd year of partnership with St. Andrew's, and over the years has performed numerous service projects for the Church and community. If you're planning on buying a Christmas wreath this year, please buy it from Troop 239.
- The Angel Tree Sunday, December 6 - Can you hear them? The angels on the St. Andrew's Angel Tree are calling us to share our fortunes with some who are far less fortunate at this time of year. Our Angel Tree will be displayed on Sunday, November 22. This year we are supporting families and children from various deserving organizations. The maximum limit for a gift is $25 and there will be $25 food tags available for each family, too. Gifts and/or donations for food can be brought to the office or put under the tree at any time. The deadline for all gifts is Sunday, December 6 by the 10:30 service. Please help make this a wonderful opportunity for sharing God's love with others.
- Christmas Caroling Saturday, December 12 at 2:30pm - Please join us for Christmas caroling to our homebound members and singing at the Chateau. We'll meet in Room 1 at 2:30 pm and break into teams to reach as many folks as we can. Following the caroling, there will be a pizza and soda dinner at the church in Room 1. Let's all turn out for this opportunity to enjoy each other and to have the community enjoy us as well. Terry Neidlinger
- Children's Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 13 at 6pm - We invite ALL members and friends of St. Andrew's to join us for our annual Christmas pageant. Children and youth may sign up for a role in the pageant, or to play a musical solo. Adult volunteers will be needed. Please contact Danielle Mitchell or Kim James for more information.
- Sunday School Christmas Party Sunday, December 20 from 12 to 3pm - All Pre-K through 5th grade kids are invited to our first annual Sunday School Christmas Party! Parents, enjoy some time to yourselves or get in some last-minute Christmas shopping, and drop your kids off at St. Andrew's for crafts, cookies and Christmas movies. The cost is only $5 per child. Please RSVP by signing up in Crothers Hall. Jennifer Cross Miller, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com
- Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 20 at 7pm - On the third Sunday of Advent, the choirs will present a Service of Lessons and Carols at St. Andrew's. The Service as we now know it (which is virtually unchanged since 1919) consists of pre-service music on the organ, an Invitatory Carol (i.e. Once in Royal David's City), nine lessons from Scripture, five or six Christmas hymns for choir and congregation, one or two carols by the choir after each lesson, the Blessing, the closing hymn, and organ music after the service. Please join us.
- Christmas Services:
- December 24 - 7:00pm & 11:00pm
- December 25 - 10:00am
- Needed: Basketball Hoop Our kids desperately miss having a basketball hoop since the start of construction in the backyard. If you have a free-standing, moveable hoop or other outdoor sports equipment that you would like to donate, please contact the church office.
- Foundations for the Future - The Website Our capital campaign website has launched with information from our recent mailing. Click here to get updates on the capital campaign. We also have a dedicated page for updates on our building project.
- Did You Know?
- Our Building Team is reviewing over $30,000 of possible savings from our current budgeted costs for the Activity Center.
- The new campus electrical service included in the Building/Major Maintenance Project will have the capacity to supply future heavy-duty electrical needs everywhere on campus for years to come.
- Negotiations with the local authorities have resulted in up to $150,000 of Activity Center project savings for water and sewer modifications.
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- November 8, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White on 1 Chronicles 29, "The Gift of Vision" Special Music - Jasmine and/or Matthew Moranville, violin/clarinet/piano Announcement of Advance Commitment totals from Leadership for 2010 Ministry Budget and "Foundations for the Future"
- November 15, 2009 All Church Event - Celebration 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Joshua 3 "Crossing Over" Special Music: Claire Mizutani
- Writing on the Wall We will announce very soon, probably at a time after worship when the framing of the future Activity Center is up, a time to write a prayer or scripture on the walls and studs. You will have the opportunity to write on any surface of our new building that will be covered up. We can write our prayers for what God will be doing in our new building, or prayers for loved ones, or scripture passages. Please take this opportunity to forever be a part of our new Activity Center. God is truly our foundation!
- Senior Lunch Bunch Wednesday, November 11 at noon ~ A representative from CARA (California Alliance for Retired Americans) will be speaking to us. The Alliance for Retired Americans is a nationwide coalition of community-based retirees working to advance public policy that protects the health and economic security of older Americans. The Alliance believes that seniors must work together to preserve all that we have fought for and all that future generations of Americans deserve. From CARA: "We must be our own advocates! The Alliance works on many issues, including: Healthcare ~ Medicare, Prescription Drugs, Medicaid; Economic Security ~ Pensions, Social Security, Poverty & Tax Cuts; Housing and Services ~ Affordable Housing, Long-Term Care, Community Services. Our work is driven by grassroots organization and collective action to improve the quality of life for all seniors. We believe that the best way to achieve our goals is by taking action together. Please set aside the time to join us and learn more about the Alliance." Delores Mathews will prepare our lunch. Please sign up in Crothers Hall.
- CARE Packages We again are soliciting donations for CARE packages to our St. Andrew's family and friends who are in college or the military. Donations of stationery, pens, school supplies, gum, healthy snacks and coffee gift cards will be greatly appreciated. If you have a loved one who you would like to receive a CARE package, please let the church office know.
- Needed: Basketball Hoop Our kids desperately miss having a basketball hoop since the start of construction in the backyard. If you have a free-standing, moveable hoop or other outdoor sports equipment that you would like to donate, please contact the church office.
- Foundations for the Future - The Website Our capital campaign website has launched with information from our recent mailing. Click here to get updates on the capital campaign. We also have a dedicated page for updates on our building project.
- Did You Know?
- Our Building Team is reviewing over $30,000 of possible savings from our current budgeted costs for the Activity Center.
- The new campus electrical service included in the Building/Major Maintenance Project will have the capacity to supply future heavy-duty electrical needs everywhere on campus for years to come.
- Negotiations with the local authorities have resulted in up to $150,000 of Activity Center project savings for water and sewer modifications.
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- November 1, 2009 All Saints Sunday - Holy Communion 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White on 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 12-14, "The Grace of Giving" During Communion, we will remember the names of those who have died since our last All Saints Sunday. Special Music: Harmonikos
- November 8, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White on 1 Chronicles 29, "The Gift of Vision" Special Music - Jasmine and/or Matthew Moranville, violin/clarinet/piano
- Advance Commitment Gatherings Sunday, November 1 at noon & Monday, November 2 at 7pm ~ The leadership of St. Andrew's will be gathering to consider making advance commitments to both the Foundations for the Future building campaign and their annual pledge. These gatherings will take place at the home of Bob & Joanne Huddleston and are open to anyone in the congregation interested in making an Advance Commitment. If you are interested in attending one of these gatherings, please RSVP by October 29.
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! Saturday, November 7 at 10am ~ Please join us for our next group walk. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, please let Greg Gould & Nancy Kenyon know.
- Senior Lunch Bunch Wednesday, November 11 at noon ~ A representative from CARA (California Alliance for Retired Americans) will be speaking to us. The Alliance for Retired Americans is a nationwide coalition of community-based retirees working to advance public policy that protects the health and economic security of older Americans. The Alliance believes that seniors must work together to preserve all that we have fought for and all that future generations of Americans deserve. From CARA: "We must be our own advocates! The Alliance works on many issues, including: Healthcare ~ Medicare, Prescription Drugs, Medicaid; Economic Security ~ Pensions, Social Security, Poverty & Tax Cuts; Housing and Services ~ Affordable Housing, Long-Term Care, Community Services. Our work is driven by grassroots organization and collective action to improve the quality of life for all seniors. We believe that the best way to achieve our goals is by taking action together. Please set aside the time to join us and learn more about the Alliance." Delores Mathews will prepare our lunch. Please sign up in Crothers Hall.
- CARE Packages We again are soliciting donations for CARE packages to our St. Andrew's family and friends who are in college or the military. Donations of stationery, pens, school supplies, gum, healthy snacks and coffee gift cards will be greatly appreciated. If you have a loved one who you would like to receive a CARE package, please let the church office know.
- Needed: Basketball Hoop Our kids desperately miss having a basketball hoop since the start of construction in the backyard. If you have a free-standing, moveable hoop or other outdoor sports equipment that you would like to donate, please contact the church office.
- Foundations for the Future - The Website Our capital campaign website has launched with information from our recent mailing. Click here to get updates on the capital campaign. We also have a dedicated page for updates on our building project.
- Did You Know?
- Our Building Team is reviewing over $30,000 of possible savings from our current budgeted costs for the Activity Center.
- The new campus electrical service included in the Building/Major Maintenance Project will have the capacity to supply future heavy-duty electrical needs everywhere on campus for years to come.
- Negotiations with the local authorities have resulted in up to $150,000 of Activity Center project savings for water and sewer modifications.
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- October 25, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Rev Bill Nebo Special Music - Children's Bell Choir: "Kingdom Ringers"
- November 1, 2009 All Saints Sunday - Holy Communion 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White preaching on 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 12-14, "The Grace of Giving" At Communion we will remember the names of those who have died since our last All Saints Sunday Harmonikos - Adult Choir ringing
- Foundations for the Future - The Website Our capital campaign website has launched with information from our recent mailing. Click here to get updates on the capital campaign. We also have a dedicated page for updates on our building project.
- Did You Know?
- Our Building Team is reviewing over $30,000 of possible savings from our current budgeted costs for the Activity Center.
- The new campus electrical service included in the Building/Major Maintenance Project will have the capacity to supply future heavy-duty electrical needs everywhere on campus for years to come.
- Negotiations with the local authorities have resulted in up to $150,000 of Activity Center project savings for water and sewer modifications.
- Adult Education: Alpha & Omega The class Alpha to Omega will begin its study of Genesis on Tuesday, October 6 from 9:30 to 11:00am in the Library. Anyone who is available at that time is absolutely welcome.
- Chamber Music at St. Andrew's If you love music, you'll love these recitals which are attended not only by our St Andrew's family but the wider community. Come join us in the sanctuary at 3:00pm on Sunday, October 25 to enjoy performances by talented string and wind musicians from the Bay Area playing compositions by Schumann, Schoenfield, Bernstein, Wilder and Bax. There will be a piano/ string trio, a clarinet and piano sonata, a horn, clarinet and piano trio, and a wind and string nonet. Refreshments are served at intermission. Musicians donate their time and talent so admission is free. Donations are accepted to benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing project which St Andrew's supports in providing permanent supportive housing to formerly homeless families. For more information, please contact Decky Thornton at 228-7731 or deckyt@comcast.net.
- Naomi Circle Our Presbyterian Women group will meet on Monday, October 26 at 1pm in Crothers Hall. We will be continuing our study prepared by Horizons magazine, "Joshua: A Journey of Faith." Lesson #2 will be led by Mavis Peeples ~ "A Leader is Called." The scripture is Joshua 1:2-18; 24:1-15. Everyone is welcome, so please join us for dessert, fellowship and Bible study.
- We Need Your Trunk for Trunk-or-Treat! Halloween is creeeeping up on us, and that means that it's almost time for Trunk-or-Treat! All ghouls, ghosts, and candy-seekers of ALL ages are invited to wear their scariest, wackiest or silliest costumes on Wednesday, October 28. A costume parade will start at 6:30, which will be led around the parking lot to collect goodies from obliging trunks. Adults, that's where you come in! Bring your car and pass out candy to our trunk-or-treaters! The more trunks, the merrier! If you have questions, contact Jennifer at jennifer.standrews@gmail.com or 685-4720. Invite your friends and neighbors! Kids of all ages (babies and up!) are invited!
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- October 18, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White preaching on Exodus 13:17-14:31, "How God Guides" Baptism: Samantha Watson Special Musical: Claire and/or James Mizutani
- October 25, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Rev Bill Nebo Special Music - Children's Bell Choir: "Kingdom Ringers"
- Foundations for the Future - The Website Our capital campaign website has launched with information from our recent mailing. Click here to get updates on the capital campaign. We also have a dedicated page for updates on our building project.
- Adult Education: Alpha & Omega The class Alpha to Omega will begin its study of Genesis on Tuesday, October 6 from 9:30 to 11:00am in the Library. Anyone who is available at that time is absolutely welcome.
- Chamber Music at St. Andrew's If you love music, you'll love these recitals which are attended not only by our St Andrew's family but the wider community. Come join us in the sanctuary at 3:00pm on Sunday, October 25 to enjoy performances by talented string and wind musicians from the Bay Area playing compositions by Schumann, Schoenfield, Bernstein, Wilder and Bax. There will be a piano/ string trio, a clarinet and piano sonata, a horn, clarinet and piano trio, and a wind and string nonet. Refreshments are served at intermission. Musicians donate their time and talent so admission is free. Donations are accepted to benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing project which St Andrew's supports in providing permanent supportive housing to formerly homeless families. For more information, please contact Decky Thornton at 228-7731 or deckyt@comcast.net.
- We Need Your Trunk for Trunk-or-Treat! Halloween is creeeeping up on us, and that means that it's almost time for Trunk-or-Treat! All ghouls, ghosts, and candy-seekers of ALL ages are invited to wear their scariest, wackiest or silliest costumes on Wednesday, October 28. A costume parade will start at 6:30, which will be led around the parking lot to collect goodies from obliging trunks. Adults, that's where you come in! Bring your car and pass out candy to our trunk-or-treaters! The more trunks, the merrier! If you have questions, contact Jennifer at jennifer.standrews@gmail.com or 685-4720. Invite your friends and neighbors! Kids of all ages (babies and up!) are invited!
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- October 11, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager - Jesus Parable: "Wheat & Weeds" Baptism: Tillie Miller
- October 18, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White preaching on Exodus 13:17-14:31, "How God Guides" Baptism: Samantha Watson Special Musical: Claire and/or James Mizutani
- Foundations for the Future - The Website Our capital campaign website has launched with information from our recent mailing. Click here to get updates on the capital campaign. We also have a dedicated page for updates on our building project.
- Campaign Informational Meetings
Please plan on finding out important information about our Activity Center
project, finances and our next Capital Campaign at one of our campaign
informational meetings. Learn about new developments, design, financial
details, visions for our future, with time for Q&A. All meetings will be
held at St. Andrew's in Crothers Hall.
- Sunday, October 11 at 12pm
- Tuesday, October 13 at 7pm
- Wednesday, October 14 at 12pm
- Wednesday, October 14 at 7pm
- Adult Education: Alpha & Omega The class Alpha to Omega will begin its study of Genesis on Tuesday, October 6 from 9:30 to 11:00am in the Library. Anyone who is available at that time is absolutely welcome.
- Senior Lunch Bunch Wednesday, October 14 at Noon. All seniors are invited to join us for our next Senior Lunch Bunch. We will have an inexpensive lunch, followed by a program from one or two of the Building Project members who are planning, doing the work, and making our new activity center happen. Come with questions, and be sure to sign up in Crothers Hall.
- Chamber Music at St. Andrew's If you love music, you'll love these recitals which are attended not only by our St Andrew's family but the wider community. Come join us in the sanctuary at 3:00pm on Sunday, October 25 to enjoy performances by talented string and wind musicians from the Bay Area playing compositions by Schumann, Schoenfield, Bernstein, Wilder and Bax. There will be a piano/ string trio, a clarinet and piano sonata, a horn, clarinet and piano trio, and a wind and string nonet. Refreshments are served at intermission. Musicians donate their time and talent so admission is free. Donations are accepted to benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing project which St Andrew's supports in providing permanent supportive housing to formerly homeless families. For more information, please contact Decky Thornton at 228-7731 or deckyt@comcast.net.
- We Need Your Trunk for Trunk-or-Treat! Halloween is creeeeping up on us, and that means that it's almost time for Trunk-or-Treat! All ghouls, ghosts, and candy-seekers of ALL ages are invited to wear their scariest, wackiest or silliest costumes on Wednesday, October 28. A costume parade will start at 6:30, which will be led around the parking lot to collect goodies from obliging trunks. Adults, that's where you come in! Bring your car and pass out candy to our trunk-or-treaters! The more trunks, the merrier! If you have questions, contact Jennifer at jennifer.standrews@gmail.com or 685-4720. Invite your friends and neighbors! Kids of all ages (babies and up!) are invited!
- Inquirer's Class If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class from 2 to 4pm on October 11 and 18. Sign up in Crothers Hall!
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- October 4, 2009 - World Communion Sunday 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White preaching on John 6:46-51, "I am the Bread of Life"
- October 11, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Rev. Wendy Komori Stager - Jesus Parable: "Wheat & Weeds" Baptism: Tillie Miller (second service)
- Foundations for the Future - The Website Our capital campaign website has launched with information from our recent mailing. Click here to get updates on the capital campaign. We also have a dedicated page for updates on our building project.
- Campaign Informational Meetings
Please plan on finding out important information about our Activity Center
project, finances and our next Capital Campaign at one of our campaign
informational meetings. Learn about new developments, design, financial
details, visions for our future, with time for Q&A. All meetings will be
held at St. Andrew's in Crothers Hall.
- Wednesday, October 7 at 7pm
- Thursday, October 8 at 7pm
- Sunday, October 11 at 12pm
- Tuesday, October 13 at 7pm
- Wednesday, October 14 at 12pm
- Wednesday, October 14 at 7pm
- Taize ~ Prayer Around the Cross October 4, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Join us for an hour of prayer and song the first Sunday of each month at Pleasant Hill churches. This month: Resurrection Episcopal Church, 399 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill.
- Adult Education: Alpha & Omega The class Alpha to Omega will begin its study of Genesis on Tuesday, October 6 from 9:30 to 11:00am in the Library. Anyone who is available at that time is absolutely welcome.
- Worship Commission Meeting & Advent Planning Session Join the worship commission on Wednesday, October 7 at 7 pm as we have our first meeting of the 2009-2010 year. We've got some business to attend to and the Advent Season to plan. Bring your thoughts and ideas for worship at St. Andrew's, and for the Advent season. Contact Rick Oldenkamp at 372-6947 or email to: roldenkamp@sbcglobal.net if you have questions. No experience necessary....!
- Senior Lunch Bunch Wednesday, October 14 at Noon. All seniors are invited to join us for our next Senior Lunch Bunch. We will have an inexpensive lunch, followed by a program from one or two of the Building Project members who are planning, doing the work, and making our new activity center happen. Come with questions, and be sure to sign up in Crothers Hall.
- Chamber Music at St. Andrew's If you love music, you'll love these recitals which are attended not only by our St Andrew's family but the wider community. Come join us in the sanctuary at 3:00pm on Sunday, October 25 to enjoy performances by talented string and wind musicians from the Bay Area playing compositions by Schumann, Schoenfield, Bernstein, Wilder and Bax. There will be a piano/ string trio, a clarinet and piano sonata, a horn, clarinet and piano trio, and a wind and string nonet. Refreshments are served at intermission. Musicians donate their time and talent so admission is free. Donations are accepted to benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing project which St Andrew's supports in providing permanent supportive housing to formerly homeless families. For more information, please contact Decky Thornton at 228-7731 or deckyt@comcast.net.
- We Need Your Trunk for Trunk-or-Treat! Halloween is creeeeping up on us, and that means that it's almost time for Trunk-or-Treat! All ghouls, ghosts, and candy-seekers of ALL ages are invited to wear their scariest, wackiest or silliest costumes on Wednesday, October 28. A costume parade will start at 6:30, which will be led around the parking lot to collect goodies from obliging trunks. Adults, that's where you come in! Bring your car and pass out candy to our trunk-or-treaters! The more trunks, the merrier! If you have questions, contact Jennifer at jennifer.standrews@gmail.com or 685-4720. Invite your friends and neighbors! Kids of all ages (babies and up!) are invited!
- Inquirer's Class If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class from 2 to 4pm on October 4, 11 and 18. Sign up in Crothers Hall!
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- September 27, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White preaching on the Parable of the Sower, Mark 4:1-9 Prayers for Harry Coyle as we send him off to Arizona.
- October 4, 2009 World Communion Sunday 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White preaching on John 6:46-51, "I am the Bread of Life" Special Music: Jasmine and/or Matthew Moranville, violin/clarinet/piano
- Foundations for the Future - The Website Our capital campaign website has launched with information from our recent mailing. Click here to get updates on the capital campaign. We also have a dedicated page for updates on our building project.
- The Choir is Back! Won't You Join Us?
The St. Andrew's Chancel Choir and director Chad Zullinger invite you to
join the choir this fall. The first rehearsal will be held on Wednesday,
September 9, and weekly on Thursdays after that.
- 6:30pm Praise Band Rehearsal
- 7:00pm Contemporary Service Rehearsal
- 7:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal
- 8:30pm Chamber Choir Rehearsal
- Kids Kingdom-Not Too Late to Register! All Kindergarten through 5th grade students are welcome to enroll in Kids Kingdom, our midweek program of Christian nurture, fellowship and education. Kids Kingdom runs on Wednesdays, September 16, 2009 to March 31, 2010 from 4:30 to 6:45pm. For questions or information about registration, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- Got Kids Under 10? Please Join Us for a Barbecue! All families with kids under 10 are invited to join us on Saturday, September 26 at 4pm, for an informal barbeque potluck. Please bring a salad or dessert to share. The kids can play and adults can chat. Hope to see you there!
- Newcomers' Lunch Are you fairly new to our church? Please be our guest for lunch at a local restaurant on Sunday, September 27 at noon. Sign up in Crothers Hall. This is an informal, fun way to learn about each other and about St. Andrew's.
- Naomi Circle Our Presbyterian Women group will meet on Monday, September 28 at 1pm in Crothers Hall. This is our first meeting after the summer hiatus. We will begin a fascinating study prepared by Horizons magazine. This study, "Joshua: A Journey of Faith," was written by an elder in the Presbyterian Church in Beirut, Lebanon and brings a different perspective to the old story of Joshua. Delores Mathews will lead Lesson # 1, "Who is the God of Joshua?." The scripture is Joshua 1:1-9:23. Everyone is welcome, so please join us for dessert, fellowship and Bible study.
- Inquirer's Class If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class from 2 to 4pm on October 4, 11 and 18. Sign up in Crothers Hall!
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- September 20, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Rev. Wendy Komori Stager preaching on 1 Corinthians 3:1-9a, "For One Purpose"
- September 27, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White preaching on the Parable of the Sower, Mark 4:1-9
- The Choir is Back! Won't You Join Us?
The St. Andrew's Chancel Choir and director Chad Zullinger invite you to
join the choir this fall. The first rehearsal will be held on Wednesday,
September 9, and weekly on Thursdays after that.
- 6:30pm Praise Band Rehearsal
- 7:00pm Contemporary Service Rehearsal
- 7:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal
- 8:30pm Chamber Choir Rehearsal
- Kids Kingdom-Not Too Late to Register! All Kindergarten through 5th grade students are welcome to enroll in Kids Kingdom, our midweek program of Christian nurture, fellowship and education. Kids Kingdom runs on Wednesdays, September 16, 2009 to March 31, 2010 from 4:30 to 6:45pm. For questions or information about registration, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- Got Kids Under 10? Please Join Us for a Barbecue! All families with kids under 10 are invited to join us on Saturday, September 26 at 4pm, for an informal barbeque potluck. Please bring a salad or dessert to share. The kids can play and adults can chat. Hope to see you there!
- Newcomers' Lunch Are you fairly new to our church? Please be our guest for lunch at a local restaurant on Sunday, September 27 at noon. Sign up in Crothers Hall. This is an informal, fun way to learn about each other and about St. Andrew's.
- Inquirer's Class If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class from 2 to 4pm on October 4, 11 and 18. Sign up in Crothers Hall!
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- September 13, 2009 Parish Picnic & Activity Center Groundbreaking after Second Service 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White preaching on Matthew 25:14-30, "The God You See is the God You Get" Meet our New Youth Director, Michael Huffman
- September 6, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Rev. Wendy Komori Stager preaching on 1 Corinthians 3: 5-17
- The Choir is Back! Won't You Join Us?
The St. Andrew's Chancel Choir and director Chad Zullinger invite you to
join the choir this fall. The first rehearsal will be held on Wednesday,
September 9, and weekly on Thursdays after that.
- 6:30pm Praise Band Rehearsal
- 7:00pm Contemporary Service Rehearsal
- 7:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal
- 8:30pm Chamber Choir Rehearsal
- Symphony in the Park Join St. Andrew's Allcomers for a relaxing evening concert with the California Symphony at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord on Saturday, September 12. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy fellowship with the St. Andrew's family before the concert. Plan on arriving around 5:00 to 5:30 to allow enough time to find us and eat. The concert starts at 6:30. Please contact Craig Mizutani at 671-0767 if you have any questions.
- Parish Picnic Please join us for our annual Parish Picnic on Sunday, September 13 right after the 10:30 service. This event is open to all members and friends of St. Andrew's. This is an excellent and fun way to meet and enjoy the company of your St. Andrew's family! Don't worry if you're not officially assigned to a parish-everyone is welcome to join us, and we will make room for all. A wonderful time is guaranteed for all-please join us! Right after lunch, Mayor Michael Harris and Moderator of San Francisco Presbytery Chuck Fry will participate in our construction celebration. Shel may operate a backhoe - how is that for scary!!
- Kids Kingdom-Not Too Late to Register! All Kindergarten through 5th grade students are welcome to enroll in Kids Kingdom, our midweek program of Christian nurture, fellowship and education. Kids Kingdom runs on Wednesdays, September 16, 2009 to March 31, 2010 from 4:30 to 6:45pm. For questions or information about registration, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- Women's Covenant Group Would you like to belong to a group of women who share their concerns, laugh a lot, study faith issues, and pray with and for each other? St. Andrew's has such a group! The Women's Covenant Group is a group of women who meet six Sunday afternoons for one to two hours between September and December. We choose a book to study and set our meeting dates based on our personal calendars. We would love to have you join us! If you are interested or would just like more information, please call Anne Paulsen at (510) 799-2799.
- Got Kids Under 10? Please Join Us for a Barbecue! All families with kids under 10 are invited to join us on Saturday, September 26 at 4pm, for an informal barbeque potluck. Please bring a salad or dessert to share. The kids can play and adults can chat. Hope to see you there!
- Newcomers' Lunch Are you fairly new to our church? Please be our guest for lunch at a local restaurant on Sunday, September 27 at noon. Sign up in Crothers Hall. This is an informal, fun way to learn about each other and about St. Andrew's.
- Inquirer's Class If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class from 2 to 4pm on October 4, 11 and 18. Sign up in Crothers Hall!
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- August 30, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Wendy Komori Stager preaching Special Music: Danielle Mitchell & Friends
- September 6, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am David TenBrook preaching Special Music: Jeff Miller and Sharon Cuthbertson Special Music: Eric Wong
- September 13, 2009 Parish Picnic & Activity Center Construction Celebration 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White Preaching
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! This month, please join us on Saturday, September 5 at 10am. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. It will likely be hot! Bring water, sunscreen and a hat. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, let Jennifer Cross Miller, Greg Gould or Nancy Kenyon know.
- Symphony in the Park Join St. Andrew's Allcomers for a relaxing evening concert with the California Symphony at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord on Saturday, September 12. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy fellowship with the St. Andrew's family before the concert. Plan on arriving around 5:00 to 5:30 to allow enough time to find us and eat. The concert starts at 6:30. Please contact Craig Mizutani at 671-0767 if you have any questions.
- Parish Picnic Please join us for our annual Parish Picnic on Sunday, September 13 right after the 10:30 service. This event is open to all members and friends of St. Andrew's. This is an excellent and fun way to meet and enjoy the company of your St. Andrew's family! Don't worry if you're not officially assigned to a parish-everyone is welcome to join us, and we will make room for all. A wonderful time is guaranteed for all-please join us! Right after lunch, Mayor Michael Harris and Moderator of San Francisco Presbytery Chuck Fry will participate in our construction celebration.
- Save Wednesdays for Kids Kingdom Fun Midweek Program for all K-5 students. Wednesdays, September 16, 2009 - March 31, 2010, 4:30 to 6:45pm. Registration starts soon - we hope you will make room for God in your child's life - join us!
- Women's Covenant Group Would you like to belong to a group of women who share their concerns, laugh a lot, study faith issues, and pray with and for each other? St. Andrew's has such a group! The Women's Covenant Group is a group of women who meet six Sunday afternoons for one to two hours between September and December. We choose a book to study and set our meeting dates based on our personal calendars. We would love to have you join us! If you are interested or would just like more information, please call Anne Paulsen at (510) 799-2799.
- Got Kids Under 10? Please Join Us for a Barbecue! All families with kids under 10 are invited to join us on Saturday, September 26 at 4pm, for an informal barbeque potluck. Please bring a salad or dessert to share. The kids can play and adults can chat. Hope to see you there!
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- August 16, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White Preaching: "Daring to Know and Be Known", John 10:11-18 Youth from Mission Work Trip will share about their week in pictures and stories Special Music: Chamber Choir Sundae Sunday from 10 to 10:30am
- August 23, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White preaching: "Looking for Blessings in All the Wrong Places" Genesis 32:21-32 Special Music: Juanita Machado
- August 30, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Wendy Komori Stager preaching Special Music: Danielle Mitchell & Friends (Blue Lizard Band)
- September 6, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am David TenBrook preaching Special Music: Jeff Miller and Eric Wong
- Save Wednesdays for Kids Kingdom Fun Midweek Program for all K-5 students. Wednesdays, September 16, 2009 - March 31, 2010, 4:30 to 6:45pm. Registration starts soon - we hope you will make room for God in your child's life - join us!
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! This month, please join us on Saturday, September 5 at 10am. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. It will likely be hot! Bring water, sunscreen and a hat. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, let Jennifer Cross Miller, Greg Gould or Nancy Kenyon know.
- Symphony in the Park Join St. Andrew's Allcomers for a relaxing evening concert with the California Symphony at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord on Saturday, September 12. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy fellowship with the St. Andrew's family before the concert. Plan on arriving around 5:00 to 5:30 to allow enough time to find us and eat. The concert starts at 6:30. Please contact Craig Mizutani at 671-0767 if you have any questions.
- Parish Picnic Please join us for our annual Parish Picnic on Sunday, September 13 right after the 10:30 service. This event is open to all members and friends of St. Andrew's. This is an excellent and fun way to meet and enjoy the company of your St. Andrew's family! Don't worry if you're not officially assigned to a parish-everyone is welcome to join us, and we will make room for all. A wonderful time is guaranteed for all-please join us!
- Women's Covenant Group Would you like to belong to a group of women who share their concerns, laugh a lot, study faith issues, and pray with and for each other? St. Andrew's has such a group! The Women's Covenant Group is a group of women who meet six Sunday afternoons for one to two hours between September and December. We choose a book to study and set our meeting dates based on our personal calendars. We would love to have you join us! If you are interested or would just like more information, please call Anne Paulsen at (510) 799-2799.
- Got Kids Under 10? Please Join Us for a Barbecue! All families with kids under 10 are invited to join us on Saturday, September 26 at 4pm, for an informal barbeque potluck. Please bring a salad or dessert to share. The kids can play and adults can chat. Hope to see you there!
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- August 16, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White Preaching: "Daring to Know and Be Known", John 10:11-18 Youth from Mission Work Trip will share about their week in pictures and stories Special Music: Chamber Choir Sundae Sunday from 10 to 10:30am
- August 23, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White Preaching: "Meeting Needs in Healthy Ways," John 15:1-8 Special Music: Juanita Machado
- Dinner with Friends Please join other members of our church family for "Dinner with Friends." This is a wonderful fellowship opportunity in which groups of 6 to 8 friends meet for dinner, usually potluck, at each other's houses, or they choose to eat out at a restaurant. Each group meets three to four times, and then are reassigned to a different group to get to know other folks from church. This is a great way to make good friends and really get to know each other. If you are interested in this opportunity, please sign up in Crothers Hall.
- Pray for our Youth Missionaries Please keep our Youth Mission trip in your prayers. From August 8 to August 15 we will be at Dios es Amor church in Tijuana, Mexico. During the mornings we will help to paint the exterior of the church and in the afternoons we will lead a Vacation Bible School for the children in the neighborhood. Pray for a safe experience and that God would touch each participant who is sharing Christ's love with our brothers and sisters across the border. Youth from St. Andrews: Kellie Wiebe, Morgan Vlakancic, Felicia Huddleston, Ben Huddleston. College Students: Sean TenBrook, Kim Walters, Emma Johns, Sarah Stierwalt. Adult Leaders: Charlene Marshall, Eleanor Manley and Rev. Wendy Komori Stager.
- Sundae Sunday! Join us on August 16 between services (10 to 10:30am) for our annual Sundae Sunday! Enjoy yummy ice cream with all the fixin's and mingle with your St. Andrew's family. Hope to see you there!
- Save Wednesdays for Kids Kingdom Fun Midweek Program for all K-5 students. Wednesdays, September 16, 2009 - March 31, 2010, 4:30 to 6:45pm. Registration starts soon - we hope you will make room for God in your child's life - join us!
- Ideas for Church Events What new and existing activities would you like to see at St. Andrew's? The People Flow Committee is planning and scheduling activities for 2010 and needs YOUR input to provide exciting and inclusive activities. These may include: walks, bike rides, museum visits, family BBQ's, day trips, game nights, etc. This is your opportunity for direct input! Please look for the clipboard in Crothers Hall to write down your ideas.
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- Pray for our Youth Missionaries Please keep our Youth Mission trip in your prayers. From August 8 to August 15 we will be at Dios es Amor church in Tijuana, Mexico. During the mornings we will help to paint the exterior of the church and in the afternoons we will lead a Vacation Bible School for the children in the neighborhood. Pray for a safe experience and that God would touch each participant who is sharing Christ's love with our brothers and sisters across the border. Youth from St. Andrews: Kellie Wiebe, Morgan Vlakancic, Felicia Huddleston, Ben Huddleston. College Students: Sean TenBrook, Kim Walters, Emma Johns, Sarah Stierwalt. Adult Leaders: Charlene Marshall, Eleanor Manley and Rev. Wendy Komori Stager.
- Sundae Sunday! Join us on August 16 between services (10 to 10:30am) for our annual Sundae Sunday! Enjoy yummy ice cream with all the fixin's and mingle with your St. Andrew's family. Hope to see you there!
- Attention Facebook Users St. Andrew's is now on Facebook! Be sure to "become a fan" and you will be informed of church news and events in your news feed. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer in the church office.
- Save Wednesdays for Kids Kingdom Fun Midweek Program for all K-5 students. Wednesdays, September 16, 2009 - March 31, 2010, 4:30 to 6:45pm. Registration starts soon - we hope you will make room for God in your child's life - join us!
- Ideas for Church Events What new and existing activities would you like to see at St. Andrew's? The People Flow Committee is planning and scheduling activities for 2010 and needs YOUR input to provide exciting and inclusive activities. These may include: walks, bike rides, museum visits, family BBQ's, day trips, game nights, etc. This is your opportunity for direct input! Please look for the clipboard in Crothers Hall to write down your ideas.
- "You Asked For It." What would you like to hear the preachers preach? Please share with Shel a topic or a scripture passage you would like to see addressed in a sermon. We are working on sermon thoughts and themes for the rest of the year. We may not be able to get to all the requests, but we will try. Please drop a note into Shel's box, email shel.standrews@gmail.com, or leave a message at the church, 685-4720, ext. 2.
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- August 2, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Rev. Bill Nebo preaching
- Save Wednesdays for Kids Kingdom Fun Midweek Program for all K-5 students. Wednesdays, September 16, 2009 - March 31, 2010, 4:30 to 6:45pm. Registration starts soon - we hope you will make room for God in your child's life - join us!
- Ideas for Church Events What new and existing activities would you like to see at St. Andrew's? The People Flow Committee is planning and scheduling activities for 2010 and needs YOUR input to provide exciting and inclusive activities. These may include: walks, bike rides, museum visits, family BBQ's, day trips, game nights, etc. This is your opportunity for direct input! Please look for the clipboard in Crothers Hall to write down your ideas.
- "You Asked For It." What would you like to hear the preachers preach? Please share with Shel a topic or a scripture passage you would like to see addressed in a sermon. We are working on sermon thoughts and themes for the rest of the year. We may not be able to get to all the requests, but we will try. Please drop a note into Shel's box, email shel.standrews@gmail.com, or leave a message at the church, 685-4720, ext. 2.
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- July 26, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Wendy Komori Stager preaching Special Music: Eric Wong & Danielle Mitchell
- Women's Summer Celebration This new short-term class is designed for women who are juggling a ton of things and yet hunger for more of God's wisdom in our life and our families. Women's Summer Celebration (WSC) will be 6:30 to 8pm on Thursday nights from June 18 to July 30. (except VBS July 9) We will spend time studying how to "Make Decisions with God's Help," praying together and having a lot of fun along the way. For more information, please talk to Alison Armand or Rev. Wendy. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! Last month, we took a lovely stroll along the shaded Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail. This month, please join us on Saturday, August 1 at 10am. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. It will likely be hot! Bring water, sunscreen and a hat. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, let Jennifer Cross Miller, Greg Gould or Nancy Kenyon know.
- Save Wednesdays for Kids Kingdom Fun Midweek Program for all K-5 students. Wednesdays, September 16, 2009 - March 31, 2010, 4:30 to 6:45pm. Registration starts soon - we hope you will make room for God in your child's life - join us!
- Ideas for Church Events What new and existing activities would you like to see at St. Andrew's? The People Flow Committee is planning and scheduling activities for 2010 and needs YOUR input to provide exciting and inclusive activities. These may include: walks, bike rides, museum visits, family BBQ's, day trips, game nights, etc. This is your opportunity for direct input! Please look for the clipboard in Crothers Hall to write down your ideas.
- "You Asked For It." What would you like to hear the preachers preach? Please share with Shel a topic or a scripture passage you would like to see addressed in a sermon. We are working on sermon thoughts and themes for the rest of the year. We may not be able to get to all the requests, but we will try. Please drop a note into Shel's box, email shel.standrews@gmail.com, or leave a message at the church, 685-4720, ext. 2.
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- July 19, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White preaching on Mark 1:40-45, "Difference between Healing and Curing" Central Thought: Sometimes there is a cure, but always God is about healing. Special Music: Decky Thornton, violin
- July 26, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Wendy Komori Stager preaching Special Music: Eric Wong & Danielle Mitchell
- Calling All Worshiping People of St. Andrew's Are you intrigued by all the different ways we can worship God? Have you pondered the subtleties and nuances of what happens on Sunday mornings, and why? Come join us as we explore new and exciting ways to worship God as a community, and we plan out the worship calendar for 2009 - 2010. No experience necessary, just bring your thoughts and ideas. Come for the day, come for an hour, just come on by. We're meeting on Saturday, July 18 at 11am at Rick & Trisha Oldenkamp's house, 50 Midhill Road, Martinez, CA 94553. Lunch provided, and dinner too, should we go that long...
- Women's Summer Celebration This new short-term class is designed for women who are juggling a ton of things and yet hunger for more of God's wisdom in our life and our families. Women's Summer Celebration (WSC) will be 6:30 to 8pm on Thursday nights from June 18 to July 30. (except VBS July 9) We will spend time studying how to "Make Decisions with God's Help," praying together and having a lot of fun along the way. For more information, please talk to Alison Armand or Rev. Wendy. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! Last month, we took a lovely stroll along the shaded Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail. This month, please join us on Saturday, August 1 at 10am. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. It will likely be hot! Bring water, sunscreen and a hat. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, let Jennifer Cross Miller, Greg Gould or Nancy Kenyon know.
- Save Wednesdays for Kids Kingdom Fun Midweek Program for all K-5 students. Wednesdays, September 16, 2009 - March 31, 2010, 4:30 to 6:45pm. Registration starts soon - we hope you will make room for God in your child's life - join us!
- Ideas for Church Events What new and existing activities would you like to see at St. Andrew's? The People Flow Committee is planning and scheduling activities for 2010 and needs YOUR input to provide exciting and inclusive activities. These may include: walks, bike rides, museum visits, family BBQ's, day trips, game nights, etc. This is your opportunity for direct input! Please look for the clipboard in Crothers Hall to write down your ideas.
- "You Asked For It." What would you like to hear the preachers preach? Please share with Shel a topic or a scripture passage you would like to see addressed in a sermon. We are working on sermon thoughts and themes for the rest of the year. We may not be able to get to all the requests, but we will try. Please drop a note into Shel's box, email shel.standrews@gmail.com, or leave a message at the church, 685-4720, ext. 2.
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- July 12, 2009 - Sundae Sunday! 9:00am and 10:30am Wendy Komori Stager preaching on Mark 2:23-38, "Sabbath Rest" Special Music: Chamber Singers - "We Are Blessed" Special Music: VBS Singers
- July 19, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White preaching on Mark 1:40-45, "Difference between Healing and Curing" Central Thought: Sometimes there is a cure, but always God is about healing. Special Music: Decky Thornton, violin
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! Last month, we walked through the Martinez Shoreline Park. This month, please join us on Saturday, July 11 at 10am. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. It will likely be hot! Bring water, sunscreen and a hat. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, let Jennifer Cross Miller, Greg Gould or Nancy Kenyon know.
- Calling All Worshiping People of St. Andrew's Are you intrigued by all the different ways we can worship God? Have you pondered the subtleties and nuances of what happens on Sunday mornings, and why? Come join us as we explore new and exciting ways to worship God as a community, and we plan out the worship calendar for 2009 - 2010. No experience necessary, just bring your thoughts and ideas. Come for the day, come for an hour, just come on by. We're meeting on Saturday, July 18 at 11am at Rick & Trisha Oldenkamp's house, 50 Midhill Road, Martinez, CA 94553. Lunch provided, and dinner too, should we go that long...
- Women's Summer Celebration This new short-term class is designed for women who are juggling a ton of things and yet hunger for more of God's wisdom in our life and our families. Women's Summer Celebration (WSC) will be 6:30 to 8pm on Thursday nights from June 18 to July 30. (except VBS July 9) We will spend time studying how to "Make Decisions with God's Help," praying together and having a lot of fun along the way. For more information, please talk to Alison Armand or Rev. Wendy. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
- Barbecue for Family with Young Children St. Andrew's is blessed with an increase in families with younger children. Many of these parents and children do not yet know each other. Therefore, on Saturday, July 11 at 4pm, we are having an informal barbeque potluck. Please bring a salad or dessert to share. The kids can play and adults can chat. Please sign up in Crothers Hall or email sandy.standrews@gmail.com. We are also organizing "Dinner with Friends" groups. These groups are made up of three or four families that meet once a month at homes for 5 or 6 dinners. You may sign up for these groups in Crothers Hall or at the barbeque.
- Ideas for Church Events What new and existing activities would you like to see at St. Andrew's? The People Flow Committee is planning and scheduling activities for 2010 and needs YOUR input to provide exciting and inclusive activities. These may include: walks, bike rides, museum visits, family BBQ's, day trips, game nights, etc. This is your opportunity for direct input! Please look for the clipboard in Crothers Hall to write down your ideas.
- "You Asked For It." What would you like to hear the preachers preach? Please share with Shel a topic or a scripture passage you would like to see addressed in a sermon. We are working on sermon thoughts and themes for the rest of the year. We may not be able to get to all the requests, but we will try. Please drop a note into Shel's box, email shel.standrews@gmail.com, or leave a message at the church, 685-4720, ext. 2.
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- July 5, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White preaching on Various Scriptures: "Right Brain Worship - Part 2" We are going to look at several forms of art that relate to scripture passages and see how they can help us connect to our Lord. Special Music: Sandy Walters
- July 12, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Wendy Komori Stager preaching Special Music: Chamber Singers - "We are Blessed"
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! Last month, we walked through the Martinez Shoreline Park. This month, please join us on Saturday, July 11 at 10am. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. It will likely be hot! Bring water, sunscreen and a hat. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, let Jennifer Cross Miller, Greg Gould or Nancy Kenyon know.
- Calling All Worshiping People of St. Andrew's Are you intrigued by all the different ways we can worship God? Have you pondered the subtleties and nuances of what happens on Sunday mornings, and why? Come join us as we explore new and exciting ways to worship God as a community, and we plan out the worship calendar for 2009 - 2010. No experience necessary, just bring your thoughts and ideas. Come for the day, come for an hour, just come on by. We're meeting on Saturday, July 18 at 11am at Rick & Trisha Oldenkamp's house, 50 Midhill Road, Martinez, CA 94553. Lunch provided, and dinner too, should we go that long...
- Women's Summer Celebration This new short-term class is designed for women who are juggling a ton of things and yet hunger for more of God's wisdom in our life and our families. Women's Summer Celebration (WSC) will be 6:30 to 8pm on Thursday nights from June 18 to July 30. (except VBS July 9) We will spend time studying how to "Make Decisions with God's Help," praying together and having a lot of fun along the way. For more information, please talk to Alison Armand or Rev. Wendy. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
- Barbecue for Family with Young Children St. Andrew's is blessed with an increase in families with younger children. Many of these parents and children do not yet know each other. Therefore, on Saturday, July 11 at 4pm, we are having an informal barbeque potluck. Please bring a salad or dessert to share. The kids can play and adults can chat. Please sign up in Crothers Hall or email sandy.standrews@gmail.com. We are also organizing "Dinner with Friends" groups. These groups are made up of three or four families that meet once a month at homes for 5 or 6 dinners. You may sign up for these groups in Crothers Hall or at the barbeque.
- Ideas for Church Events What new and existing activities would you like to see at St. Andrew's? The People Flow Committee is planning and scheduling activities for 2010 and needs YOUR input to provide exciting and inclusive activities. These may include: walks, bike rides, museum visits, family BBQ's, day trips, game nights, etc. This is your opportunity for direct input! Please look for the clipboard in Crothers Hall to write down your ideas.
- "You Asked For It." What would you like to hear the preachers preach? Please share with Shel a topic or a scripture passage you would like to see addressed in a sermon. We are working on sermon thoughts and themes for the rest of the year. We may not be able to get to all the requests, but we will try. Please drop a note into Shel's box, email shel.standrews@gmail.com, or leave a message at the church, 685-4720, ext. 2.
- Vacation Bible School St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church invites you and your K-5 friends to VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ~ July 6 to 10, 2009 ~ 9am to 12:30pm. Discovery Canyon: Explore the wonders of the world. Discovery Canyon brings kids full circle with amazing activities, lasting friendships and Bible adventures. Each day kids will explore the Word, make Bible connections, and collect critter friends - each carefully linked to the Bible verse and daily story. Your amazing Discovery Canyon begins and ends each day with an opening celebration and a closing celebration. During the opening celebration everyone learns the daily theme, Bible story and Bible Memory Verse. There's toe-tappin' music to get the day going and help everyone remember the good news, too! For more information or to register, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at (925) 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- Games Leaders (2 days).
- Decoration Helpers on Sunday, July 5.
- Recycled or used items for a craft project like washers, nuts, wire and cardboard.
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- June 28, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White preaching on Various Scriptures: "Right Brain Worship - Part 1" We are going to look and listen to how several of our hymns and songs help us to learn and experience the Living God. Special Music: Jeff Miller, solo, Chad Zullinger, guitar -- "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton
- July 5, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White preaching on Various Scriptures: "Right Brain Worship - Part 2" We are going to look at several forms of art that relate to scripture passages and see how they can help us connect to our Lord. Special Music: Sandy Walters
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! Last month, we walked through the Martinez Shoreline Park. This month, please join us on Saturday, July 11 at 10am. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. It will likely be hot! Bring water, sunscreen and a hat. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, let Jennifer Cross Miller, Greg Gould or Nancy Kenyon know.
- Calling All Worshiping People of St. Andrew's Are you intrigued by all the different ways we can worship God? Have you pondered the subtleties and nuances of what happens on Sunday mornings, and why? Come join us as we explore new and exciting ways to worship God as a community, and we plan out the worship calendar for 2009 - 2010. No experience necessary, just bring your thoughts and ideas. Come for the day, come for an hour, just come on by. We're meeting on Saturday, July 18 at 11am at Rick & Trisha Oldenkamp's house, 50 Midhill Road, Martinez, CA 94553. Lunch provided, and dinner too, should we go that long...
- Women's Summer Celebration This new short-term class is designed for women who are juggling a ton of things and yet hunger for more of God's wisdom in our life and our families. Women's Summer Celebration (WSC) will be 6:30 to 8pm on Thursday nights from June 18 to July 30. (except VBS week) We will spend time studying how to "Make Decisions with God's Help," praying together and having a lot of fun along the way. For more information, please talk to Alison Armand or Rev. Wendy. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
- Barbecue for Family with Young Children St. Andrew's is blessed with an increase in families with younger children. Many of these parents and children do not yet know each other. Therefore, on Saturday, July 11 at 4pm, we are having an informal barbeque potluck. Please bring a salad or dessert to share. The kids can play and adults can chat. Please sign up in Crothers Hall or email sandy.standrews@gmail.com. We are also organizing "Dinner with Friends" groups. These groups are made up of three or four families that meet once a month at homes for 5 or 6 dinners. You may sign up for these groups in Crothers Hall or at the barbeque.
- Ideas for Church Events What new and existing activities would you like to see at St. Andrew's? The People Flow Committee is planning and scheduling activities for 2010 and needs YOUR input to provide exciting and inclusive activities. These may include: walks, bike rides, museum visits, family BBQ's, day trips, game nights, etc. This is your opportunity for direct input! Please look for the clipboard in Crothers Hall to write down your ideas.
- "You Asked For It." What would you like to hear the preachers preach? Please share with Shel a topic or a scripture passage you would like to see addressed in a sermon. We are working on sermon thoughts and themes for the rest of the year. We may not be able to get to all the requests, but we will try. Please drop a note into Shel's box, email shel.standrews@gmail.com, or leave a message at the church, 685-4720, ext. 2.
- Vacation Bible School St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church invites you and your K-5 friends to VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ~ July 6 to 10, 2009 ~ 9am to 12:30pm. Discovery Canyon: Explore the wonders of the world. Discovery Canyon brings kids full circle with amazing activities, lasting friendships and Bible adventures. Each day kids will explore the Word, make Bible connections, and collect critter friends - each carefully linked to the Bible verse and daily story. Your amazing Discovery Canyon begins and ends each day with an opening celebration and a closing celebration. During the opening celebration everyone learns the daily theme, Bible story and Bible Memory Verse. There's toe-tappin' music to get the day going and help everyone remember the good news, too! For more information or to register, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at (925) 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- Crafts Leader (2-3 days).
- Games Leaders (5 days).
- Decoration Helpers on Sunday, July 5.
- Seamsters/Seamstresses to help sew muslin vests.
- Recycled or used items for a craft project like washers, nuts, wire and cardboard.
- For those who Grieve Widows/Widowers Grief Recovery workshops are offered at several places in the East Bay this Summer and Fall. Check out the brochure by clicking on this link or pick up a copy in the welcome documents kiosk at St. Andrew's.
- WORSHIP:
- June 21, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White preaching on Matthew 13:13-31, 44-52, "Distractions From our True Treasures"
- June 28, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White preaching on Various Scriptures: "Right Brain Worship - Part 1" We are going to look and listen to how several of our hymns and songs help us to learn and experience the Living God.
- Women's Summer Celebration This new short-term class is designed for women who are juggling a ton of things and yet hunger for more of God's wisdom in our life and our families. Women's Summer Celebration (WSC) will be 6:30 to 8pm on Thursday nights from June 18 to July 30. (except VBS week) We will spend time studying how to "Make Decisions with God's Help," praying together and having a lot of fun along the way. For more information, please talk to Alison Armand or Rev. Wendy. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
- Barbecue for Family with Young Children St. Andrew's is blessed with an increase in families with younger children. Many of these parents and children do not yet know each other. Therefore, on Saturday, July 11 at 4pm, we are having an informal barbeque potluck. Please bring a salad or dessert to share. The kids can play and adults can chat. Please sign up in Crothers Hall or email sandy.standrews@gmail.com. We are also organizing "Dinner with Friends" groups. These groups are made up of three or four families that meet once a month at homes for 5 or 6 dinners. You may sign up for these groups in Crothers Hall or at the barbeque.
- Ideas for Church Events What new and existing activities would you like to see at St. Andrew's? The People Flow Committee is planning and scheduling activities for 2010 and needs YOUR input to provide exciting and inclusive activities. These may include: walks, bike rides, museum visits, family BBQ's, day trips, game nights, etc. This is your opportunity for direct input! Please look for the clipboard in Crothers Hall to write down your ideas.
- "You Asked For It." What would you like to hear the preachers preach? Please share with Shel a topic or a scripture passage you would like to see addressed in a sermon. We are working on sermon thoughts and themes for the rest of the year. We may not be able to get to all the requests, but we will try. Please drop a note into Shel's box, email shel.standrews@gmail.com, or leave a message at the church, 685-4720, ext. 2.
- Vacation Bible School St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church invites you and your K-5 friends to VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ~ July 6 to 10, 2009 ~ 9am to 12:30pm. Discovery Canyon: Explore the wonders of the world. Discovery Canyon brings kids full circle with amazing activities, lasting friendships and Bible adventures. Each day kids will explore the Word, make Bible connections, and collect critter friends - each carefully linked to the Bible verse and daily story. Your amazing Discovery Canyon begins and ends each day with an opening celebration and a closing celebration. During the opening celebration everyone learns the daily theme, Bible story and Bible Memory Verse. There's toe-tappin' music to get the day going and help everyone remember the good news, too! For more information or to register, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at (925) 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- Crafts Leader (2-3 days).
- Games Leaders (5 days).
- Decoration Helpers on Sunday, July 5.
- Seamsters/Seamstresses to help sew muslin vests.
- Recycled or used items for a craft project like washers, nuts, wire and cardboard.
- WORSHIP:
- June 7, 2009 - Music Sunday 9:00am and 10:30am Commission our Missionaries to Mexico Work Trip and David TenBrook to India
- June 14, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White preaching
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! This month, please join us on Saturday, June 6 at 10am. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to the Martinez Shoreline. Sign up in Crothers Hall. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, let Jennifer Cross Miller, Greg Gould or Nancy Kenyon know.
- Chamber Music Recital Please join us on Sunday, June 7 at 3pm for a wonderful afternoon of Chamber Music performed in the Sanctuary by winds, brass, strings and piano. On the program are Saint-Saens' cello/piano sonata, Milhaud's Jacob's Dream for Strings and Oboe, a Trio for Piano, Oboe, Bassoon, and selections by Pacific Brass. The concert is free. Donations are accepted to benefit Contra Costa Interfaith Housing project. Refreshments will be served at intermission. Call Decky Thornton at 228-7731 with questions or comments. Hope to see you at the recital!
- Vacation with a Purpose
- Part I: Building a House - The Mission Work Trip committee is planning what will be our last trip to Tijuana under Bill Soldwisch's leadership (June 13 to 20, 2009). Bill is the Border Ministry director and has been our liaison with the Dios Es Amor church; he'll be retiring at the end of the summer.
- Part II: Medical Mission - We're delighted that Dr. Suzanne White is planning to accompany us this summer to continue her work with the school children. She'll be working again with the district nurse (Martha) and will need a small group of helpers.
- Architectural Review Commission - Approved! Great news from the City of Pleasant Hill! We completed our hearing with the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) on April 16 and our Activity Center project was approved. Now that the ARC phase of City approval is complete, we turn to the Planning Commission to obtain our City land use permit. A firm date for demolition of Room 7 and construction will depend on the date we receive construction permits. We now are expecting a Planning Commission hearing in June. Add 30 days for plan approval and we would receive a permit to start demolition and construction later this summer.
- Vacation Bible School St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church invites you and your K-5 friends to VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ~ July 6 to 10, 2009 ~ 9am to 12:30pm. Discovery Canyon: Explore the wonders of the world. Discovery Canyon brings kids full circle with amazing activities, lasting friendships and Bible adventures. Each day kids will explore the Word, make Bible connections, and collect critter friends - each carefully linked to the Bible verse and daily story. Your amazing Discovery Canyon begins and ends each day with an opening celebration and a closing celebration. During the opening celebration everyone learns the daily theme, Bible story and Bible Memory Verse. There's toe-tappin' music to get the day going and help everyone remember the good news, too! For more information or to register, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at (925) 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- WORSHIP:
- May 17, 2009 Youth Sunday 9:00am and 10:30am Prayers, Songs and Message from our Youth - Welcome our new Communicants Class into Membership - Bibles presented to 5th and 12th Graders - Dedication of Labyrinth
- Gifts from the Heart It's that time of year again to help support Habitat financially through "Gifts from the Heart." This is an alternative to buying Mother's and Father's Day gifts and cards. Rather than purchasing store-bought gifts, Habitat is asking people of faith to recognize parents and other special loved ones by making a donation to Habitat in their honor. It is a thoughtful way of saying, "You are special." For those whose loved ones are no longer living, you can give a gift in their memory. Moms and dads, talk to your kids about giving a "gift from the heart." Cards with envelopes will be available after worship in time for Mother's Day and Father's Day. Envelopes marked "Habitat" are available. Please make your checks payable to St. Andrew's.
- Graduates If you have a child, grandchild or spouse that is graduating from high school or college this spring, please call or email Jennifer at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com so that they are included in our special list of graduates in June and July. Please include the student's name, name of school, degrees earned, and any future plans for education or career. Deadline for submissions is June 1.
- Vacation with a Purpose
- Part I: Building a House - The Mission Work Trip committee is planning what will be our last trip to Tijuana under Bill Soldwisch's leadership (June 13 to 20, 2009). Bill is the Border Ministry director and has been our liaison with the Dios Es Amor church; he'll be retiring at the end of the summer.
- Part II: Medical Mission - We're delighted that Dr. Suzanne White is planning to accompany us this summer to continue her work with the school children. She'll be working again with the district nurse (Martha) and will need a small group of helpers.
- Architectural Review Commission - Approved! Great news from the City of Pleasant Hill! We completed our hearing with the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) on April 16 and our Activity Center project was approved. Now that the ARC phase of City approval is complete, we turn to the Planning Commission to obtain our City land use permit. A firm date for demolition of Room 7 and construction will depend on the date we receive construction permits. We now are expecting a Planning Commission hearing in June. Add 30 days for plan approval and we would receive a permit to start demolition and construction later this summer.
- Vacation Bible School St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church invites you and your K-5 friends to VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ~ July 6 to 10, 2009 ~ 9am to 12:30pm. Discovery Canyon: Explore the wonders of the world. Discovery Canyon brings kids full circle with amazing activities, lasting friendships and Bible adventures. Each day kids will explore the Word, make Bible connections, and collect critter friends - each carefully linked to the Bible verse and daily story. Your amazing Discovery Canyon begins and ends each day with an opening celebration and a closing celebration. During the opening celebration everyone learns the daily theme, Bible story and Bible Memory Verse. There's toe-tappin' music to get the day going and help everyone remember the good news, too! For more information or to register, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at (925) 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- WORSHIP:
- May 10, 2009 Mother's Day 9:00am and 10:30am Shel White preaching on "Love for Family," 1 John 4:7-21
- May 17, 2009 Youth Sunday 9:00am and 10:30am Prayers, Songs and Message from our Youth - Welcome our new Communicants Class into Membership - Bibles presented to 5th and 12th Graders - Dedication of Labyrinth
- Gifts from the Heart It's that time of year again to help support Habitat financially through "Gifts from the Heart." This is an alternative to buying Mother's and Father's Day gifts and cards. Rather than purchasing store-bought gifts, Habitat is asking people of faith to recognize parents and other special loved ones by making a donation to Habitat in their honor. It is a thoughtful way of saying, "You are special." For those whose loved ones are no longer living, you can give a gift in their memory. Moms and dads, talk to your kids about giving a "gift from the heart." Cards with envelopes will be available after worship in time for Mother's Day and Father's Day. Envelopes marked "Habitat" are available. Please make your checks payable to St. Andrew's.
- Graduates If you have a child, grandchild or spouse that is graduating from high school or college this spring, please call or email Jennifer at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com so that they are included in our special list of graduates in June and July. Please include the student's name, name of school, degrees earned, and any future plans for education or career. Deadline for submissions is June 1.
- Vacation with a Purpose
- Part I: Building a House - The Mission Work Trip committee is planning what will be our last trip to Tijuana under Bill Soldwisch's leadership (June 13 to 20, 2009). Bill is the Border Ministry director and has been our liaison with the Dios Es Amor church; he'll be retiring at the end of the summer.
- Part II: Medical Mission - We're delighted that Dr. Suzanne White is planning to accompany us this summer to continue her work with the school children. She'll be working again with the district nurse (Martha) and will need a small group of helpers.
- Plant an Extra Row Spring has arrived and all of you green thumbs are probably busy tilling and amending your soil for this year's growing season. Your seeds may just be germinating. Please consider participating in your local food bank's Plant a Row program. Gardeners are asked to plant a little extra to donate some of their crop - be it lettuce, squash or tomatoes - to this worthy organization. At harvest, bring your offerings to St. Andrew's and a fellow parishioner will deliver the fresh fruits and vegetables to the food bank. For more information, email Jennifer@seekascribe.com.
- Architectural Review Commission - Approved! Great news from the City of Pleasant Hill! We completed our hearing with the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) on April 16 and our Activity Center project was approved. Now that the ARC phase of City approval is complete, we turn to the Planning Commission to obtain our City land use permit. A firm date for demolition of Room 7 and construction will depend on the date we receive construction permits. We now are expecting a Planning Commission hearing in June. Add 30 days for plan approval and we would receive a permit to start demolition and construction later this summer.
- A Hopeful Economic Outlook in 2009
You are invited to two dinners and discussions on the subject: A Hopeful
Economic Outlook in 2009. Our speaker Kelly Crane says: "There are more
opportunities than three months ago. With the investment landscape quickly
changing, there are tax, investment and estate planning changes that may be
opportunities for you. How will you and your family weather the current
financial landscape? Now is not the time to ignore your finances - it is a
time to develop a quality plan."
- Wednesday May 6: dinner at 6pm, program at 7pm - Topic: Where are we in the history of economic downturns. What might we expect in our future? You must RSVP by May 3 for dinner, or just the presentation.
- Wednesday May 13: dinner at 6pm, program at 7pm - Topic: How to manage your own finances in these difficult times, PLUS 10 Ways to Protect Your Finances in a Recession. You must RSVP by May 10 for dinner, or just the presentation.
- Vacation Bible School St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church invites you and your K-5 friends to VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ~ July 6 to 10, 2009 ~ 9am to 12:30pm. Discovery Canyon: Explore the wonders of the world. Discovery Canyon brings kids full circle with amazing activities, lasting friendships and Bible adventures. Each day kids will explore the Word, make Bible connections, and collect critter friends - each carefully linked to the Bible verse and daily story. Your amazing Discovery Canyon begins and ends each day with an opening celebration and a closing celebration. During the opening celebration everyone learns the daily theme, Bible story and Bible Memory Verse. There's toe-tappin' music to get the day going and help everyone remember the good news, too! For more information or to register, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at (925) 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- WORSHIP:
- April 26, 2009 Children's Ministry Sunday 9:00am and 10:30am
- May 3, 2009 Holy Communion 9:00am and 10:30am Rev. Shel White preaching on " Love Enacted," 1 John 3:16-24 Baptism: Debbie and Savannah Daniels
- Children's Ministry Sunday Children in Pre-K through 5th grade are invited to take part in our Children's Ministry Sunday on April 26, which celebrates our children and children's programs. There will be singing, bells, reading and worship led by our kids, and a storytelling message from Godly Play.
- Handbell Concert The bell choirs of St. Andrew's will present a concert on Sunday, April 26 at 3pm in the sanctuary. Come and hear the Kingdom Ringers, the Lord's Ringers, Cantabile and Harmonikos play music you've heard in worship throughout the year, as well as a few new pieces. A free will offering will be taken to benefit a yet-to-be-named cause. Please join us for music followed by cookies and punch. Contact Patti TenBrook at 925-672-3658 if you have questions.
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! Last month, six of us met for a walk along the canal trail to Heather Farms for an hour-long walk. This month, please join us on Saturday, May 2 at 10am. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to the Martinez Shoreline. Sign up in Crothers Hall. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, let Jennifer Cross Miller, Greg Gould or Nancy Kenyon know.
- Celebrate Clarita Wooldridge's Ministry Clarita has immensely enjoyed her ministry with us over the past year, and recently passed her last ordination exam! She's ready to get everything in order to pursue a called position as an ordained clergyperson, but has declined our offer to continue at a pay level for an Intern Pastor. We want to celebrate her ministry over the last year after both worship services on Sunday, May 3. This will bring closure to her ministry with us, but we are open to exploring some kind of creative approach to a possible ordained position with us in the future. It will take her several months to get to the place where she can explore a call, so let's keep her in our prayers for this important process.
- A Hopeful Economic Outlook in 2009
You are invited to two dinners and discussions on the subject: A Hopeful
Economic Outlook in 2009. Our speaker Kelly Crane says: "There are more
opportunities than three months ago. With the investment landscape quickly
changing, there are tax, investment and estate planning changes that may be
opportunities for you. How will you and your family weather the current
financial landscape? Now is not the time to ignore your finances - it is a
time to develop a quality plan."
- Wednesday May 6: dinner at 6pm, program at 7pm - Topic: Where are we in the history of economic downturns. What might we expect in our future? You must RSVP by May 3 for dinner, or just the presentation.
- Wednesday May 13: dinner at 6pm, program at 7pm - Topic: How to manage your own finances in these difficult times, PLUS 10 Ways to Protect Your Finances in a Recession. You must RSVP by May 10 for dinner, or just the presentation.
- Vacation Bible School St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church invites you and your K-5 friends to VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ~ July 6 to 10, 2009 ~ 9am to 12:30pm. Discovery Canyon: Explore the wonders of the world. Discovery Canyon brings kids full circle with amazing activities, lasting friendships and Bible adventures. Each day kids will explore the Word, make Bible connections, and collect critter friends - each carefully linked to the Bible verse and daily story. Your amazing Discovery Canyon begins and ends each day with an opening celebration and a closing celebration. During the opening celebration everyone learns the daily theme, Bible story and Bible Memory Verse. There's toe-tappin' music to get the day going and help everyone remember the good news, too! For more information or to register, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at (925) 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- WORSHIP:
- April 12, 2009 Easter Sunday - Holy Communion Bring Flowers for the Cross 9:00am and 10:30am Brief Drama and Message by Shel White Bells and Hallelujah Chorus
- April 19, 2009 9:00am and 10:30am Message by David TenBrook Special Offering: 2 Cents a Meal
- Children's Easter Celebration Children of all ages are invited to our annual Easter Celebration on Saturday, April 11 from 10 to 11am. Fun crafts, a skit and sidewalk chalk art will be followed by an egg hunt in the backyard. Invite your friends, neighbors, grandkids and cousins to join us! Our littlest ones will have a chance to hunt eggs first. We hope to see you there! Youth, we need your help to hide the eggs on the day of the egg hunt. Contact Jennifer at 685-4720 to volunteer.
- Children's Ministry Sunday Children in Pre-K through 5th grade are invited to take part in our Children's Ministry Sunday on April 26, which celebrates our children and children's programs. There will be singing, bells, reading and worship led by our kids, and a storytelling message from Godly Play. Parents, if your child is interested in taking part, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- Handbell Concert The bell choirs of St. Andrew's will present a concert on Sunday, April 26 at 3pm in the sanctuary. Come and hear the Kingdom Ringers, the Lord's Ringers, Cantabile and Harmonikos play music you've heard in worship throughout the year, as well as a few new pieces. A free will offering will be taken to benefit a yet-to-be-named cause. Please join us for music followed by cookies and punch. Contact Patti TenBrook at 925-672-3658 if you have questions.
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! Last month, six of us met for a walk along the canal trail to Heather Farms for an hour-long walk. This month, please join us on Saturday, May 2 at 10am. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to the Martinez Shoreline. Sign up in Crothers Hall. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, let Jennifer Cross Miller, Greg Gould or Nancy Kenyon know.
- Celebrate Clarita Wooldridge's Ministry Clarita has immensely enjoyed her ministry with us over the past year, and recently passed her last ordination exam! She's ready to get everything in order to pursue a called position as an ordained clergyperson, but has declined our offer to continue at a pay level for an Intern Pastor. We want to celebrate her ministry over the last year after both worship services on Sunday, May 3. This will bring closure to her ministry with us, but we are open to exploring some kind of creative approach to a possible ordained position with us in the future. It will take her several months to get to the place where she can explore a call, so let's keep her in our prayers for this important process.
- A Hopeful Economic Outlook in 2009
You are invited to two dinners and discussions on the subject: A Hopeful
Economic Outlook in 2009. Our speaker Kelly Crane says: "There are more
opportunities than three months ago. With the investment landscape quickly
changing, there are tax, investment and estate planning changes that may be
opportunities for you. How will you and your family weather the current
financial landscape? Now is not the time to ignore your finances - it is a
time to develop a quality plan."
Wednesday May 6: dinner at 6pm, program at 7pm - Topic: Where are we in the history of economic downturns. What might we expect in our future? You must RSVP by May 3 for dinner, or just the presentation.
Wednesday May 13: dinner at 6pm, program at 7pm - Topic: How to manage your own finances in these difficult times, PLUS 10 Ways to Protect Your Finances in a Recession. You must RSVP by May 10 for dinner, or just the presentation.
Cost: The program itself is free, and each dinner costs only $7. - Vacation Bible School St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church invites you and your K-5 friends to VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ~ July 6 to 10, 2009 ~ 9am to 12:30pm. Discovery Canyon: Explore the wonders of the world. Discovery Canyon brings kids full circle with amazing activities, lasting friendships and Bible adventures. Each day kids will explore the Word, make Bible connections, and collect critter friends - each carefully linked to the Bible verse and daily story. Your amazing Discovery Canyon begins and ends each day with an opening celebration and a closing celebration. During the opening celebration everyone learns the daily theme, Bible story and Bible Memory Verse. There's toe-tappin' music to get the day going and help everyone remember the good news, too! For more information or to register, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at (925) 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- WORSHIP:
- April 5, 2009 Palm Sunday - Palm Processional - Holy Communion 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Shel White Special music and scripture readings
- April 9, 2009 Maundy Thursday 6:00pm Dinner and Worship in Crothers Hall (PLEASE sign up) 7:00pm Worship, Choirs and Communion in Sanctuary
- April 12, 2009 Easter Sunday - Holy Communion Bring Flowers for the Cross 9:00am and 10:30am Brief Drama and Sermon by Shel White Brass, Bells and Hallelujah Chorus
- Pancake Breakfast Please join us for a pancake breakfast - before and after each service on Palm Sunday, April 5 to raise money for the mission work trips. There is a suggested donation of $7 per person. We will be serving breakfast from 8am to 12pm. Come support our missions, and enjoy good food at the same time!
- We Need Eggs! It's almost Easter, and that means we need eggs for our egg hunt! If you would like to donate to this fun event, please bring filled plastic Easter eggs (preferably taped shut) to the church by Wednesday, April 8.
- Children's Easter Celebration Children of all ages are invited to our annual Easter Celebration on Saturday, April 11 from 10 to 11am. Fun crafts, a skit and sidewalk chalk art will be followed by an egg hunt in the backyard. Invite your friends, neighbors, grandkids and cousins to join us! Our littlest ones will have a chance to hunt eggs first. We hope to see you there! Youth, we need your help to hide the eggs on the day of the egg hunt. Contact Jennifer at 685-4720 to volunteer.
- Children's Ministry Sunday Children in Pre-K through 5th grade are invited to take part in our Children's Ministry Sunday on April 26, which celebrates our children and children's programs. There will be singing, bells, reading and worship led by our kids, and a storytelling message from Godly Play. Parents, if your child is interested in taking part, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- Save the Date for VBS! July 6 to 10 ~ 9am to 12:30pm - "Discovery Canyon" - Contact Jennifer Cross Miller or Elaine Rios for more information.
- WORSHIP:
- March 29 2009 Fifth Sunday of Lent - Holy Communion 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Hebrews 1:1-5, "Mirrors Do Not Lie" Lent Sermon Series on "Law and Grace"
- April 5, 2009 Palm Sunday Palm Processional - Holy Communion 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preachers: Pastors Wendy Komori Stager and Shel White Special music and scripture readings Lent Sermon Series on "Law and Grace"
- Chamber Music at St. Andrew's If you love music, you'll love these recitals. Come join us in the sanctuary on Sunday, March 29 at 3pm for the next in our St. Andrew's Chamber Music Recital series. The upcoming program includes music by Poulenc, Beethoven, Bach, Shostakovich, Bartok, Mozart and Kodaly, performed by a violin duo, brass trio, solo cello, string trio and quartet. Refreshments are served at intermission. The recital is free with donations accepted to benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing program which provides permanent supportive housing to formerly homeless families. For more information, please contact Decky Thornton at 228-7731.
- Lenten Series: "Law & Grace" Join us for the final class on Wednesday, April 1 from 7 to 8:30pm. Find out how both the Law and Grace can be good news. The two work hand in hand. Law without grace is too punitive; grace without law too permissive. Law helps us to appreciate the grace. Grace helps us to value the law. How do they work together for the same goal? How can we find the healthy tension between the two? Both are gifts from God. The law orders our lives. It makes civilization possible. Law gives us structure. Grace give us promises. Do you live in a healthy tension between the two? Do you know the promises of God? We do not need the law to become God's children; however we become children of God who then need the law. Please let us know if you need childcare.
- Holy Week
- Palm Sunday, April 5 - 9:00 and 10:30am Join the Palm Processional
- Maundy Thursday, April 9 Simple Soup Supper - 6:00pm Worship in the Sanctuary - 7:00pm
- Good Friday, April 10 Two Services: 11:30am to 2pm and 5pm to 7:30pm; Meditation, Scripture Readings, Sacred Music. The presentations will be continuous with periods of silence and those who attend are invited to enter and leave the Sanctuary on their own schedules. They may stay a few minutes or an hour or so...
- Easter Sunday, April 12 - 9:00 and 10:30am Please bring flowers for our cross.
- Pancake Breakfast Please join us for a pancake breakfast - before and after each service on Palm Sunday, April 5 to raise money for the mission work trips. There is a suggested donation of $7 per person. We will be serving breakfast from 8am to 12pm. Come support our missions, and enjoy good food at the same time!
- We Need Eggs! It's almost Easter, and that means we need eggs for our egg hunt! If you would like to donate to this fun event, please bring filled plastic Easter eggs (preferably taped shut) to the church by Wednesday, April 8.
- Children's Easter Celebration Children of all ages are invited to our annual Easter Celebration on Saturday, April 11 from 10 to 11am. Fun crafts, a skit and sidewalk chalk art will be followed by an egg hunt in the backyard. Invite your friends, neighbors, grandkids and cousins to join us! Our littlest ones will have a chance to hunt eggs first. We hope to see you there! Youth, we need your help to hide the eggs on the day of the egg hunt. Contact Jennifer at 685-4720 to volunteer.
- Children's Ministry Sunday Children in Pre-K through 5th grade are invited to take part in our Children's Ministry Sunday on April 26, which celebrates our children and children's programs. There will be singing, bells, reading and worship led by our kids, and a storytelling message from Godly Play. Parents, if your child is interested in taking part, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- Save the Date for VBS! July 6 to 10 ~ 9am to 12:30pm - "Discovery Canyon" - Contact Jennifer Cross Miller or Elaine Rios for more information.
- WORSHIP:
- March 22, 2009 Second Sunday of Lent - Holy Communion Welcome New Members & Ordination and Installation of Officers 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Matthew 9:10-11, "Commitment to Law and Grace" Lent Sermon Series on "Law and Grace"
- March 29, 2009 Third Sunday of Lent - Holy Communion 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Shel White on "What Does God Expect of Us?" Lent Sermon Series on "Law and Grace"
- Lenten Series: "Law & Grace" St. Andrew's announces its upcoming Lenten class led by Rev. Shel White on Wednesdays, from 7 to 8:30pm. Find out how both the Law and Grace can be good news. The two work hand in hand. Law without grace is too punitive; grace without law too permissive. Law helps us to appreciate the grace. Grace helps us to value the law. How do they work together for the same goal? How can we find the healthy tension between the two? Both are gifts from God. The law orders our lives. It makes civilization possible. Law gives us structure. Grace give us promises. Do you live in a healthy tension between the two? Do you know the promises of God? We do not need the law to become God's children; however we become children of God who then need the law. Please let us know if you need childcare.
- Museum Trip Please join your St. Andrew's family for an unforgettable journey to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art on Saturday, March 21. We will meet at the church at 10am, carpool to BART, and spend the day enjoying the splendor of SFMOMA. Roundtrip BART fare is $9.30. With a group of ten, the museum fee is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors (62) and students (with ID). Kids under 12 are free. For questions or suggestions, contact Greg Gould at 925-356-6997. Please sign up in Crothers Hall.
- Cantare Con Vivo Cantare Con Vivo celebrates the 200th anniversary of Felix Mendelssohn's birth by presenting his towering masterwork, Elijah, accompanied by a full orchestra. The dramatic story of the deep faith and personal vulnerabilities of the prophet Elijah comes to life through this beloeved Oratorio's twenty powerful choruses and its memorable solos. You can obtain tickets from Sue Fitch, Curt & Kim James and Warren TenBrook. Saturday, March 21 at 7:30pm at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church.
- Chamber Music at St. Andrew's If you love music, you'll love these recitals. Come join us in the sanctuary on Sunday, March 29 at 3pm for the next in our St. Andrew's Chamber Music Recital series. The upcoming program includes music by Poulenc, Beethoven, Bach, Shostakovich, Bartok, Mozart and Kodaly, performed by a violin duo, brass trio, solo cello, string trio and quartet. Refreshments are served at intermission. The recital is free with donations accepted to benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing program which provides permanent supportive housing to formerly homeless families. For more information, please contact Decky Thornton at 228-7731.
- Holy Week
- Palm Sunday, April 5 - 9:00 and 10:30am Join the Palm Processional
- Maundy Thursday, April 9 Simple Soup Supper - 6:00pm Worship in the Sanctuary - 7:00pm
- Good Friday, April 10 Two Services: 11:30am to 2pm and 5pm to 7:30pm; Meditation, Scripture Readings, Sacred Music. The presentations will be continuous with periods of silence and those who attend are invited to enter and leave the Sanctuary on their own schedules. They may stay a few minutes or an hour or so...
- Easter Sunday, April 12 - 9:00 and 10:30am Please bring flowers for our cross.
- Pancake Breakfast Please join us for a pancake breakfast on Palm Sunday, April 5 to raise money for the mission work trips. There is a suggested donation of $7 per person. We will be serving breakfast from 8am to 12pm. Come support our missions, and enjoy good food at the same time!
- We Need Eggs! It's almost Easter, and that means we need eggs for our egg hunt! If you would like to donate to this fun event, please bring filled plastic Easter eggs (preferably taped shut) to the church by Wednesday, April 8.
- Children's Easter Celebration Children of all ages are invited to our annual Easter Celebration on Saturday, April 11 from 10 to 11am. Fun crafts, a skit and sidewalk chalk art will be followed by an egg hunt in the backyard. Invite your friends, neighbors, grandkids and cousins to join us! Our littlest ones will have a chance to hunt eggs first. We hope to see you there! Youth, we need your help to hide the eggs on the day of the egg hunt. Contact Jennifer at 685-4720 to volunteer.
- Children's Ministry Sunday Children in Pre-K through 5th grade are invited to take part in our Children's Ministry Sunday on April 26, which celebrates our children and children's programs. There will be singing, bells, reading and worship led by our kids, and a storytelling message from Godly Play. Parents, if your child is interested in taking part, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- Save the Date for VBS! July 6 to 10 ~ 9am to 12:30pm - "Discovery Canyon" - Contact Jennifer Cross Miller or Elaine Rios for more information.
- WORSHIP:
- March 15, 2009 Third Sunday of Lent - Holy Communion 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Bill Nebo on Luke 22:47-53, "The Switch-Back Road to Grace" Lent Sermon Series on "Law and Grace"
- March 22, 2009 Second Sunday of Lent - Holy Communion Welcome New Members & Ordination and Installation of Officers 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Shel White Lent Sermon Series on "Law and Grace"
- Lenten Series: "Law & Grace" St. Andrew's announces its upcoming Lenten class led by Rev. Shel White on Wednesdays, from 7 to 8:30pm. Find out how both the Law and Grace can be good news. The two work hand in hand. Law without grace is too punitive; grace without law too permissive. Law helps us to appreciate the grace. Grace helps us to value the law. How do they work together for the same goal? How can we find the healthy tension between the two? Both are gifts from God. The law orders our lives. It makes civilization possible. Law gives us structure. Grace give us promises. Do you live in a healthy tension between the two? Do you know the promises of God? We do not need the law to become God's children; however we become children of God who then need the law. Please let us know if you need childcare.
- Called Congregational Meeting Called meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, March 15 at 10:12am to Elect Elder Curt James to continue to serve to March 31, 2010. He has been elected by the Congregation to fill in for Nancy Grabow term till June 2009, Patti TenBrook will be resigning in June. The motion before the Congregation will be for Curt to fill-out her term from June 2009 to March 31, 2010. Then we will have a brief meeting of the Corporation to elect Bob Greene to be trustee of the Corporation for the class of 2010 (replace Patti TenBrook) and Victoria Rivas to be Trustees for the class of 2012. Then to Elect Bob Greene to be President of the corporation till March 31, 2010.
- Museum Trip Please join your St. Andrew's family for an unforgettable journey to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art on Saturday, March 21. We will meet at the church at 10am, carpool to BART, and spend the day enjoying the splendor of SFMOMA. Roundtrip BART fare is $9.30. With a group of ten, the museum fee is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors (62) and students (with ID). Kids under 12 are free. For questions or suggestions, contact Greg Gould at 925-356-6997. Please sign up in Crothers Hall.
- Cantare Con Vivo Cantare Con Vivo celebrates the 200th anniversary of Felix Mendelssohn's birth by presenting his towering masterwork, Elijah, accompanied by a full orchestra. The dramatic story of the deep faith and personal vulnerabilities of the prophet Elijah comes to life through this beloeved Oratorio's twenty powerful choruses and its memorable solos. You can obtain tickets from Sue Fitch, Curt & Kim James and Warren TenBrook. Saturday, March 21 at 7:30pm at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church.
- Chamber Music at St. Andrew's If you love music, you'll love these recitals. Come join us in the sanctuary on Sunday, March 29 at 3pm for the next in our St. Andrew's Chamber Music Recital series. The upcoming program includes music by Poulenc, Beethoven, Bach, Shostakovich, Bartok, Mozart and Kodaly, performed by a violin duo, brass trio, solo cello, string trio and quartet. Refreshments are served at intermission. The recital is free with donations accepted to benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing program which provides permanent supportive housing to formerly homeless families. For more information, please contact Decky Thornton at 228-7731.
- Holy Week:
- Palm Sunday April 5 - 9:00 and 10:30am Join the Palm Processional
- Maundy Thursday April 9 Simple Soup Supper - 6:00pm Worship in the Sanctuary - 7:00pm
- Good Friday April 10 Two Services: 11:30am to 2pm and 5pm to 7:30pm; Meditation, Scripture Readings, Sacred Music. The presentations will be continuous with periods of silence and those who attend are invited to enter and leave the Sanctuary on their own schedules. They may stay a few minutes or an hour or so...
- Easter Sunday April 12 - 9:00 and 10:30am Please bring flowers for our cross.
- Pancake Breakfast Please join us for a pancake breakfast on Palm Sunday, April 5 to raise money for the mission work trips. There is a suggested donation of $7 per person. We will be serving breakfast from 8am to 12pm. Come support our missions, and enjoy good food at the same time!
- We Need Eggs! It's almost Easter, and that means we need eggs for our egg hunt! If you would like to donate to this fun event, please bring filled plastic Easter eggs (preferably taped shut) to the church by Wednesday, April 8.
- Children's Easter Celebration Children of all ages are invited to our annual Easter Celebration on Saturday, April 11 from 10 to 11am. Fun crafts, a skit and sidewalk chalk art will be followed by an egg hunt in the backyard. Invite your friends, neighbors, grandkids and cousins to join us! Our littlest ones will have a chance to hunt eggs first. We hope to see you there! Youth, we need your help to hide the eggs on the day of the egg hunt. Contact Jennifer at 685-4720 to volunteer.
- Children's Ministry Sunday Children in Pre-K through 5th grade are invited to take part in our Children's Ministry Sunday on April 26, which celebrates our children and children's programs. There will be singing, bells, reading and worship led by our kids, and a storytelling message from Godly Play. Parents, if your child is interested in taking part, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
- Save the Date for VBS! July 6 to 10 ~ 9am to 12:30pm - "Discovery Canyon" - Contact Jennifer Cross Miller or Elaine Rios for more information.
- WORSHIP:
- March 8, 2009 Second Sunday of Lent - Holy Communion - Girl Scout Sunday 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager Lent sermon series on "Law and Grace"
- March 15, 2009 Third Sunday of Lent - Holy Communion 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Bill Nebo Lent sermon series on "Law and Grace"
- Lenten Series: "Law & Grace" St. Andrew's announces its upcoming Lenten class led by Rev. Shel White on Wednesdays, March 4 to April 8 from 7 to 8:30pm. Find out how both the Law and Grace can be good news. The two work hand in hand. Law without grace is too punitive; grace without law too permissive. Law helps us to appreciate the grace. Grace helps us to value the law. How do they work together for the same goal? How can we find the healthy tension between the two? Both are gifts from God. The law orders our lives. It makes civilization possible. Law gives us structure. Grace give us promises. Do you live in a healthy tension between the two? Do you know the promises of God? We do not need the law to become God's children; however we become children of God who then need the law. Please let us know if you need childcare.
- Inquirer's Class If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class on March 8 (1 to 3pm) and March 15 (2 to 4pm).
- Senior Lunch Bunch The Senior Lunch Bunch will meet on Wednesday, March 11 at noon to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with corned beef and cabbage cooked by Georgia Rodgers ($5 per person). Yummy! Our program will be provided for us by John Grant on emergency preparedness, something all of us should know about. Please save the date, and be sure to sign up for this interesting program and Irish meal in Crothers Hall.
- Save the Dates-Homeless Week SIGN-Up Sunday for our continuing a St. Andrews tradition, we'll again be cooking dinner at the Family Shelter in Martinez on March 21 through March 27. On March 1, 8 and 15, there will be sign-ups in Crothers Hall for chefs and sous chefs and sous sous chefs. You can also take part by signing up to supply to food for the week's breakfast, lunch & dinner. Valerie Zito will coordinate the kitchen staff; Harry Coyle the food purchases. Details will follow.
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! Last month, eight of us met for a nice walk along the canal trail from Gregory Lane to Geary Road for a total round-trip of 4 miles. This month, please join us on Saturday, March 7 at 10am. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, let Jennifer Cross Miller, Greg Gould or Nancy Kenyon know.
- Called Congregational Meeting Called meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, March 15 at 10:12am to Elect Elder Curt James to continue to serve to March 31, 2010. He has been elected by the Congregation to fill in for Nancy Grabow term till June 2009, Patti TenBrook will be resigning in June. The motion before the Congregation will be for Curt to fill-out her term from June 2009 to March 31, 2010. Then we will have a brief meeting of the Corporation to elect Bob Greene to be trustee of the Corporation for the class of 2010 (replace Patti TenBrook) and Victoria Rivas to be Trustees for the class of 2012. Then to Elect Bob Greene to be President of the corporation till March 31, 2010.
- Museum Trip Please join your St. Andrew's family for an unforgettable journey to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art on Saturday, March 21. We will meet at the church at 10am, carpool to BART, and spend the day enjoying the splendor of SFMOMA. Roundtrip BART fare is $9.30. With a group of ten, the museum fee is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors (62) and students (with ID). Kids under 12 are free. For questions or suggestions, contact Greg Gould at 925-356-6997. Please sign up in Crothers Hall.
- Cantare Con Vivo Cantare Con Vivo celebrates the 200th anniversary of Felix Mendelssohn's birth by presenting his towering masterwork, Elijah, accompanied by a full orchestra. The dramatic story of the deep faith and personal vulnerabilities of the prophet Elijah comes to life through this beloeved Oratorio's twenty powerful choruses and its memorable solos. You can obtain tickets from Sue Fitch, Curt & Kim James and Warren TenBrook. Saturday, March 21 at 7:30pm at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church.
- Chamber Music at St. Andrew's If you love music, you'll love these recitals. Come join us in the sanctuary on Sunday, March 29 at 3pm for the next in our St. Andrew's Chamber Music Recital series. The upcoming program includes music by Poulenc, Beethoven, Bach, Shostakovich, Bartok, Mozart and Kodaly, performed by a violin duo, brass trio, solo cello, string trio and quartet. Refreshments are served at intermission. The recital is free with donations accepted to benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing program which provides permanent supportive housing to formerly homeless families. For more information, please contact Decky Thornton at 228-7731.
- Save the Date for VBS! July 6 to 10 ~ 9am to 12:30pm - "Discovery Canyon" - Contact Jennifer Cross Miller or Elaine Rios for more information.
- WORSHIP:
- March 1, 2009 First Sunday of Lent - Holy Communion 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Shel White Matthew 5:17-35 "The Pharisees Should have Watched More Soaps." Lent sermon series on "Law and Grace"
- March 8, 2009 Second Sunday of Lent - Holy Communion Girl Scout Sunday 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager Lent sermon series on "Law and Grace"
- Inquirer's Class If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class on March 1 (2 to 4pm), March 8 (1 to 3pm) and March 15 (2 to 4pm). Sign up in Crothers Hall!
- Lenten Series: "Law & Grace" St. Andrew's announces its upcoming Lenten class led by Rev. Shel White starting tonight after the Ash Wednesday service, and then continuing throughout Lent on Wednesdays, March 4 to April 8 from 7 to 8:30pm. Find out how both the Law and Grace can be good news. The two work hand in hand. Law without grace is too punitive; grace without law too permissive. Law helps us to appreciate the grace. Grace helps us to value the law. How do they work together for the same goal? How can we find the healthy tension between the two? Both are gifts from God. The law orders our lives. It makes civilization possible. Law gives us structure. Grace give us promises. Do you live in a healthy tension between the two? Do you know the promises of God? We do not need the law to become God's children; however we become children of God who then need the law. Please let us know if you need childcare.
- Handbell Festival St. Andrew's adult bell choirs, Harmonikos and Cantabile, will participate in the Bay Area Handbell Festival on Saturday, February 28 at Christ Episcopal Church in Alameda. After a day of working with clinicians, all the participating bell choirs will present a concert that will start at 7:00p.m. We would love to have some of our St. Andrew's family at the concert. The church is located at 1700 Santa Clara Avenue in Alameda. This is a different venue than we've been to in the past. If you have questions, please contact Patti TenBrook at patti@tenbrook.org or 672-3658.
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's! Last month, eight of us met for a nice walk along the canal trail from Gregory Lane to Geary Road for a total round-trip of 4 miles. This month, please join us on Saturday, March 7 at 10am. We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, let Jennifer Cross Miller, Greg Gould or Nancy Kenyon know.
- Called Congregational Meeting Called meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, March 15 at 10:12am to Elect Elder Curt James to continue to serve to March 31, 2010. He has been elected by the Congregation to fill in for Nancy Grabow term till June 2009, Patti TenBrook will be resigning in June. The motion before the Congregation will be for Curt to fill-out her term from June 2009 to March 31, 2010. Then we will have a brief meeting of the Corporation to elect Bob Greene to be trustee of the Corporation for the class of 2010 (replace Patti TenBrook) and Victoria Rivas to be Trustees for the class of 2012. Then to Elect Bob Greene to be President of the corporation till March 31, 2010.
- Museum Trip Please join your St. Andrew's family for an unforgettable journey to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art on Saturday, March 21. We will meet at the church at 10am, carpool to BART, and spend the day enjoying the splendor of SFMOMA. Roundtrip BART fare is $9.30. With a group of ten, the museum fee is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors (62) and students (with ID). Kids under 12 are free. For questions or suggestions, contact Greg Gould at 925-356-6997. Please sign up in Crothers Hall.
- Cantare Con Vivo Cantare Con Vivo celebrates the 200th anniversary of Felix Mendelssohn's birth by presenting his towering masterwork, Elijah, accompanied by a full orchestra. The dramatic story of the deep faith and personal vulnerabilities of the prophet Elijah comes to life through this beloeved Oratorio's twenty powerful choruses and its memorable solos. You can obtain tickets from Sue Fitch, Curt & Kim James and Warren TenBrook. Saturday, March 21 at 7:30pm at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church.
- Save the Dates-Homeless Week Continuing a St. Andrews tradition, we'll again be cooking dinner at the Family Shelter in Martinez on March 21 through March 27. On March 1, 8 and 15, there will be sign-ups in Crothers Hall for chefs and sous chefs and sous sous chefs. You can also take part by signing up to supply to food for the week's breakfast, lunch & dinner. Valerie Zito will coordinate the kitchen staff; Harry Coyle the food purchases. Details will follow.
- Chamber Music at St. Andrew's If you love music, you'll love these recitals. Come join us in the sanctuary on Sunday, March 29 at 3pm for the next in our St. Andrew's Chamber Music Recital series. The upcoming program includes music by Poulenc, Beethoven, Bach, Shostakovich, Bartok, Mozart and Kodaly, performed by a violin duo, brass trio, solo cello, string trio and quartet. Refreshments are served at intermission. The recital is free with donations accepted to benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing program which provides permanent supportive housing to formerly homeless families. For more information, please contact Decky Thornton at 228-7731.
- Save the Date for VBS! July 6 to 10 ~ 9am to 12:30pm - "Discovery Canyon" - Contact Jennifer Cross Miller or Elaine Rios for more information.
- WORSHIP:
- February 22, 2009 Transfiguration Sunday 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager on Mark 9:1-10 Message: "This is My Son, the Beloved" Special Music - Bells and Flute
- February 25, 2009 Ash Wednesday 7:00pm - 7:30pm The service will include singing, a brief meditation, prayer and blessing with ashes.
- March 1, 2009 First Sunday Lent - Holy Communion 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Shel White Start Lent sermon series on "Law and Grace"
- Newcomers' Lunch Are you fairly new to our church? Please be our guest for lunch at a local restaurant on Sunday, February 22 at noon. Sign up in Crothers Hall. This is an informal, fun way to learn about each other and about St. Andrew's.
- Vacation with a Purpose Tijuana, June 13-20,2009 ~ The Mission Work Trip Committee is planning what will be our last trip to Tijuana under Bill Soldwisch's leadership. Bill is the Border Ministry director and has been our liaison with the Dios Es Amor church; he'll be retiring at the end of the summer. Also, as far as we know, there is no plan to replace him, so this may be our last chance to work with Border Ministry in Tijuana. Bill has promised us another house to build that will be similar to the one we built last year, most likely for someone in the church. If you have questions about the trip, you can call Peggy Luna (827-2682) or Terry Neidlinger (671-0303). Our next meeting will be February 24 at 7:00 in the library -- all are welcome!
- Ash Wednesday Please join us for our Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, February 25 from 7 to 7:30pm in the Sanctuary. The service will include singing, a brief meditation, prayer and blessing with ashes.
- Inquirer's Class If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class from 2 to 4pm on Sundays, March 1, 8 and 15. Sign up in Crothers Hall!
- Lenten Series: "Law & Grace" St. Andrew's announces its upcoming Lenten class led by Rev. Shel White starting Wednesday, March 4 from 7 to 8:30pm. Find out how both the Law and Grace can be good news. The two work hand in hand. Law without grace is too punitive; grace without law too permissive. Law helps us to appreciate the grace. Grace helps us to value the law. How do they work together for the same goal? How can we find the healthy tension between the two? Both are gifts from God. The law orders our lives. It makes civilization possible. Law gives us structure. Grace give us promises. Do you live in a healthy tension between the two? Do you know the promises of God? We do not need the law to become God's children; however we become children of God who then need the law. Please let us know if you need childcare.
- Handbell Festival St. Andrew's adult bell choirs, Harmonikos and Cantabile, will participate in the Bay Area Handbell Festival on Saturday, February 28 at Christ Episcopal Church in Alameda. After a day of working with clinicians, all the participating bell choirs will present a concert that will start at 7:00p.m. We would love to have some of our St. Andrew's family at the concert. The church is located at 1700 Santa Clara Avenue in Alameda. This is a different venue than we've been to in the past. If you have questions, please contact Patti TenBrook at patti@tenbrook.org or 672-3658.
- WORSHIP:
- February 15, 2009 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Clarita Wooldridge on Mark 1:40-45 Message: "Our Identity is Affirmed by God, Grace and Healing" Sermon Series: "Our Identity in Christ" 2 Cents a Meal Offering
- February 22, 2009 Transfiguration Sunday 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager on Mark 9:1-10 Message: "This is My Son, the Beloved"
- Newcomers' Lunch Are you fairly new to our church? Please be our guest for lunch at a local restaurant on Sunday, February 22 at noon. Sign up in Crothers Hall. This is an informal, fun way to learn about each other and about St. Andrew's.
- Vacation with a Purpose Tijuana, June 13-20,2009 ~ The Mission Work Trip Committee is planning what will be our last trip to Tijuana under Bill Soldwisch's leadership. Bill is the Border Ministry director and has been our liaison with the Dios Es Amor church; he'll be retiring at the end of the summer. Also, as far as we know, there is no plan to replace him, so this may be our last chance to work with Border Ministry in Tijuana. Bill has promised us another house to build that will be similar to the one we built last year, most likely for someone in the church. If you have questions about the trip, you can call Peggy Luna (827-2682) or Terry Neidlinger (671-0303). Our next meeting will be February 24 at 7:00 in the library -- all are welcome!
- Ash Wednesday Please join us for our Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, February 25 from 7 to 7:30pm in the Sanctuary. The service will include singing, a brief meditation, prayer and blessing with ashes.
- Inquirer's Class If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class from 2 to 4pm on Sundays, March 1, 8 and 15. Sign up in Crothers Hall!
- Lenten Series: "Law & Grace" St. Andrew's announces its upcoming Lenten class led by Rev. Shel White starting Wednesday, March 4 from 7 to 8:30pm. Find out how both the Law and Grace can be good news. The two work hand in hand. Law without grace is too punitive; grace without law too permissive. Law helps us to appreciate the grace. Grace helps us to value the law. How do they work together for the same goal? How can we find the healthy tension between the two? Both are gifts from God. The law orders our lives. It makes civilization possible. Law gives us structure. Grace give us promises. Do you live in a healthy tension between the two? Do you know the promises of God? We do not need the law to become God's children; however we become children of God who then need the law. Please let us know if you need childcare.
- Handbell Festival St. Andrew's adult bell choirs, Harmonikos and Cantabile, will participate in the Bay Area Handbell Festival on Saturday, February 28 at Christ Episcopal Church in Alameda. After a day of working with clinicians, all the participating bell choirs will present a concert that will start at 7:00p.m. We would love to have some of our St. Andrew's family at the concert. The church is located at 1700 Santa Clara Avenue in Alameda. This is a different venue than we've been to in the past. If you have questions, please contact Patti TenBrook at patti@tenbrook.org or 672-3658.
- WORSHIP:
- February 8, 2009 Scout Sunday 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Mark 1:29-39, "Searching to Find Meaning and Purpose" Sermon Series: "Our Identity in Christ"
- February 15, 2009 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Clarita Wooldridge Sermon Series: "Our Identity in Christ"
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's - New Time! If so, please join us for our monthly walk on Saturday, February 7 at 10am! We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, let Jennifer Cross Miller, Greg Gould or Nancy Kenyon know.
- A Scout is Reverent! Boy Scout Sunday will be celebrated at St. Andrew's on February 8. In its 99th year, the Boy Scouts of America will be honoring the 12th point of the Scout Law on its official BSA date. If any member of your family is involved in Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts. I would love for them to participate. Families that have a daughter who is involved in a Venturing Crew are part of the BSA and are welcome. All Scouts and Scouters must be in full dress uniform (aka Class A). An invitation has also been sent to our sponsored Boy Scout Troop 239. Please contact Alan Clement to participate or if you have any questions: alanc3707@yahoo.com or (925) 825-9529. Thank you in advance for your support of St. Andrew's and the Boy Scouts of America!
- Chamber Music Recital The next recital in the ongoing St Andrew's Chamber Music Recital series will take place on Sunday, February 8 at 3pm in the sanctuary. Talented Bay Area musicians will perform wind and string chamber music by Helm, Mozart and Beethoven. The concert is free, with donations accepted to benefit the CCC Interfaith Housing Project which provides supportive, permanent housing for formally homeless families. Contact Decky Thornton for more info at 925-228-7731.
- Newcomers' Lunch Are you fairly new to our church? Please be our guest for lunch at a local restaurant on Sunday, February 22 at noon. Sign up in Crothers Hall. This is an informal, fun way to learn about each other and about St. Andrew's
- Ash Wednesday Please join us for our Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, February 25 from 7 to 7:30pm in the Sanctuary. The service will include singing, a brief meditation, prayer and blessing with ashes.
- Inquirer's Class If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class from 2 to 4pm on Sundays, March 1, 8 and 15. Sign up in Crothers Hall!
- Lenten Series: "Law & Grace" St. Andrew's announces its upcoming Lenten class led by Rev. Shel White starting Wednesday, March 4 from 7 to 8:30pm. Find out how both the Law and Grace can be good news. The two work hand in hand. Law without grace is too punitive; grace without law too permissive. Law helps us to appreciate the grace. Grace helps us to value the law. How do they work together for the same goal? How can we find the healthy tension between the two? Both are gifts from God. The law orders our lives. It makes civilization possible. Law gives us structure. Grace give us promises. Do you live in a healthy tension between the two? Do you know the promises of God? We do not need the law to become God's children; however we become children of God who then need the law. Please let us know if you need childcare.
- Handbell Festival St. Andrew's adult bell choirs, Harmonikos and Cantabile, will participate in the Bay Area Handbell Festival on Saturday, February 28 at Christ Episcopal Church in Alameda. After a day of working with clinicians, all the participating bell choirs will present a concert that will start at 7:00p.m. We would love to have some of our St. Andrew's family at the concert. The church is located at 1700 Santa Clara Avenue in Alameda. This is a different venue than we've been to in the past. If you have questions, please contact Patti TenBrook at patti@tenbrook.org or 672-3658.
- WORSHIP:
- January 25, 2009 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Bill Nebo Sermon Series: "Our Identity in Christ"
- February 1, 2009 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Mark 1:21-28, "The Voice of Authority" Sermon Series: "Our Identity in Christ"
- Annual Congregational Meeting Join us for our annual meeting and potluck lunch following the second service on Sunday, January 25. Come hear the latest on the Building Project and our ongoing experience in worship thanks to the Worship Renewal Grant, and hear and ask questions about the health of St. Andrew's, and see a fun review of 2008 in pictures! The Nominating Committee is pleased to place in nomination for Elders the following: Sharon Eklund, Victoria Rivas, Bill Cameron, and Barbara Stanton; and for Deacons: Opal Branscum, Carol McMains, Lance Warren, Judy and Henry Noffsinger, and Marjorie McWee. Please sign-up to bring a main course, salad or dessert in Crothers Hall.
- Westminster Woods Women's Retreat Each year Westminster Woods Camp and Conference Center in Occidental, CA hosts a women's retreat (January 30 - February 1). The music is uplifting and the food is wonderful (It's not your typical "camp" food!). This year, the theme is Fruit of the Spirit. Rev. Lydia Richards will share her insights and stories to bring change to our thinking, and light to our lives! Register online and get more information at www.westminsterwoods.org. Cost: $160, includes 5 meals and standard lodging. Optional Massage: $50 (to secure a massage appointment, $50 must be received with your registration by January 20). Weekend check-in begins Friday at 5:30pm. Please do not let finances hold you back from this spiritual growth opportunity. Talk confidentially with Rev. Wendy if you need assistance. If you plan on going, please sign up in Crothers Hall and we can carpool together.
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's - New Time! If so, please join us for our monthly walk on Saturday, February 7 at 10am! We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, let Jennifer Cross Miller, Greg Gould or Nancy Kenyon know.
- A Scout is Reverent! Boy Scout Sunday will be celebrated at St. Andrew's on February 8. In its 99th year, the Boy Scouts of America will be honoring the 12th point of the Scout Law on its official BSA date. If any member of your family is involved in Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts. I would love for them to participate. Families that have a daughter who is involved in a Venturing Crew are part of the BSA and are welcome. All Scouts and Scouters must be in full dress uniform (aka Class A). An invitation has also been sent to our sponsored Boy Scout Troop 239. Please contact Alan Clement to participate or if you have any questions: alanc3707@yahoo.com or (925) 825-9529. Thank you in advance for your support of St. Andrew's and the Boy Scouts of America!
- Ash Wednesday Please join us for our Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, February 25 from 7 to 7:30pm in the Sanctuary. The service will include singing, a brief meditation, prayer and blessing with ashes.
- WORSHIP:
- January 18, 2009 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Shel White on John 1:43-51, "Getting our Identity from God" Sermon Series: "Our Identity in Christ" Baptism of Matthew Zimmerman at 9am
- January 25, 2009 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Bill Nebo Sermon Series: "Our Identity in Christ"
- Adult Education Opportunity Rev. Bill Nebo will be teaching a seminar entitled: "The Gospel of Judas". It will be based on Elaine Pagels' book that analyzes the recently revealed Gospel of Judas. The seminar will meet January 4, 11, and 18 at 9am. Among the writings called Gnostic Gospels is the Gospel of Judas. This ancient Christian writing gives us a totally different characterization of the disciple Judas. It portrays him as an intimate of Jesus, one to whom Jesus revealed deep secrets of the kingdom. It also claims that Judas was acting on the directions of Jesus when he helped engineer Jesus' arrest. The story the gospel tells reveals a great deal about the issues and thinking of the early Christian community. It is this thinking that helps us add depth to study of the four canonized gospels and our own modern thinking about questions of life raised by our faith. We hope you will join us.
- Annual Congregational Meeting Join us for our annual meeting and potluck lunch following the second service on Sunday, January 25. Come hear the latest on the Building Project and our ongoing experience in worship thanks to the Worship Renewal Grant, and hear and ask questions about the health of St. Andrew's, and see a fun review of 2008 in pictures! The Nominating Committee is pleased to place in nomination for Elders the following: Sharon Eklund, Bill Cameron, and Barbara Stanton; and for Deacons: Opal Branscum, Carol McMains, Lance Warren, Judy and Henry Noffsinger, and Marjorie McWee. Please sign-up to bring a main course, salad or dessert in Crothers Hall.
- Westminster Woods Women's Retreat Each year Westminster Woods Camp and Conference Center in Occidental, CA hosts a women's retreat (January 30 - February 1). The music is uplifting and the food is wonderful (It's not your typical "camp" food!). This year, the theme is Fruit of the Spirit. Rev. Lydia Richards will share her insights and stories to bring change to our thinking, and light to our lives! Register online and get more information at www.westminsterwoods.org. Cost: $160, includes 5 meals and standard lodging. Optional Massage: $50 (to secure a massage appointment, $50 must be received with your registration by January 20). Weekend check-in begins Friday at 5:30pm. Please do not let finances hold you back from this spiritual growth opportunity. Talk confidentially with Rev. Wendy if you need assistance. If you plan on going, please sign up in Crothers Hall and we can carpool together.
- Take a Walk with St. Andrew's - New Time! If so, please join us for our monthly walk on Saturday, February 7 at 10am! We will meet at St. Andrew's and then carpool to a trail to be determined. Sign up in Crothers Hall. If you have an idea for a future easy hike or walk, let Jennifer Cross Miller, Greg Gould or Nancy Kenyon know.
- A Scout is Reverent! Boy Scout Sunday will be celebrated at St. Andrew's on February 8. In its 99th year, the Boy Scouts of America will be honoring the 12th point of the Scout Law on its official BSA date. If any member of your family is involved in Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts. I would love for them to participate. Families that have a daughter who is involved in a Venturing Crew are part of the BSA and are welcome. All Scouts and Scouters must be in full dress uniform (aka Class A). An invitation has also been sent to our sponsored Boy Scout Troop 239. Please contact Alan Clement to participate or if you have any questions: alanc3707@yahoo.com or (925) 825-9529. Thank you in advance for your support of St. Andrew's and the Boy Scouts of America!
- WORSHIP:
- January 11, 2009 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Mark 1:4-11, "Jesus' Baptism and Ours"
- January 18, 2009 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Shel White on John 1:43-51, "Getting our Identity from God"
- Parents and Tots Parents with toddlers are invited to play and fellowship in our heated toddler room at the church on Friday mornings from 9:30am to 10:45am. Grandparents and siblings are welcome as well. We also have a group that meets on Sundays, with our next meeting on Sunday, January 11 at 3pm.
- Adult Education Opportunity Rev. Bill Nebo will be teaching a seminar entitled: "The Gospel of Judas". It will be based on Elaine Pagels' book that analyzes the recently revealed Gospel of Judas. The seminar will meet January 4, 11, and 18 at 9am. Among the writings called Gnostic Gospels is the Gospel of Judas. This ancient Christian writing gives us a totally different characterization of the disciple Judas. It portrays him as an intimate of Jesus, one to whom Jesus revealed deep secrets of the kingdom. It also claims that Judas was acting on the directions of Jesus when he helped engineer Jesus' arrest. The story the gospel tells reveals a great deal about the issues and thinking of the early Christian community. It is this thinking that helps us add depth to study of the four canonized gospels and our own modern thinking about questions of life raised by our faith. We hope you will join us.
- Confirmation Class begins in January All 9th to 12th graders and their parents are invited to "Confirmation, Information and Preparation" at noon on Sunday, January 11. You will meet the teachers for Confirmation Class and learn about topics we'll be covering. Confirmation classes will be held starting Sunday, January 25 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. We will finish in May. Please contact Rev. Wendy to receive an invitation letter and schedule.
- The Sandwich Generation: Families stuck between caring for children and aging parents. Workshop: Sunday, January 11, 2009 from 3-5pm at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. If you are responding to the call for help from aging parents or just worried about their well being at the same time as caring for children you are one of over 10 million people dealing with this life "stressing" period. This lecture/workshop will give you some tools to find balance and sanity in what seems like a crazy period. Beth Witrogen McLeod will talk about the real emotional journey and ways to find peace and wisdom without losing the self. Linda Johnson will talk about "sharing the care" options and resources that families can use in order to find balance and quality care for elders and themselves. We will have lots of time for your individual questions. Beth will bring some of her books for those wishing to purchase them. There is no fee for this lecture.
- Annual Congregational Meeting Join us for our annual meeting and potluck lunch following the second service on Sunday, January 25. Come hear the latest on the Building Project and our ongoing experience in worship thanks to the Worship Renewal Grant, and hear and ask questions about the health of St. Andrew's, and see a fun review of 2008 in pictures! The Nominating Committee is pleased to place in nomination for Elders the following: Sharon Eklund, Bill Cameron, and Barbara Stanton; and for Deacons: Opal Branscum, Carol McMains, Lance Warren, Judy and Henry Noffsinger, and Marjorie McWee. Please sign-up to bring a main course, salad or dessert in Crothers Hall.
- Westminster Woods Women's Retreat Each year Westminster Woods Camp and Conference Center in Occidental, CA hosts a women's retreat (January 30 - February 1). The music is uplifting and the food is wonderful (It's not your typical "camp" food!). This year, the theme is Fruit of the Spirit. Rev. Lydia Richards will share her insights and stories to bring change to our thinking, and light to our lives! Register online and get more information at www.westminsterwoods.org. Cost: $160, includes 5 meals and standard lodging. Optional Massage: $50 (to secure a massage appointment, $50 must be received with your registration by January 20). Weekend check-in begins Friday at 5:30pm. Please do not let finances hold you back from this spiritual growth opportunity. Talk confidentially with Rev. Wendy if you need assistance. If you plan on going, please sign up in Crothers Hall and we can carpool together.
- WORSHIP:
- January 4, 2009 Second Sunday after Christmas 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager
- January 11, 2009 First Sunday of Epiphany 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am Traditional Preacher: Shel White "Jesus' Baptism and ours"
- Parents and Tots Parents with toddlers are invited to play and fellowship in our heated toddler room at the church on Friday mornings from 9:30am to 10:45am. Grandparents and siblings are welcome as well. We also have a group that meets on Sundays, with our next meeting on Sunday, January 11 at 3pm.
- Adult Education Opportunity Rev. Bill Nebo will be teaching a seminar entitled: "The Gospel of Judas". It will be based on Elaine Pagels' book that analyzes the recently revealed Gospel of Judas. The seminar will meet January 4, 11, and 18 at 9am. Among the writings called Gnostic Gospels is the Gospel of Judas. This ancient Christian writing gives us a totally different characterization of the disciple Judas. It portrays him as an intimate of Jesus, one to whom Jesus revealed deep secrets of the kingdom. It also claims that Judas was acting on the directions of Jesus when he helped engineer Jesus' arrest. The story the gospel tells reveals a great deal about the issues and thinking of the early Christian community. It is this thinking that helps us add depth to study of the four canonized gospels and our own modern thinking about questions of life raised by our faith. We hope you will join us.
- Confirmation Class begins in January All 9th to 12th graders and their parents are invited to "Confirmation, Information and Preparation" at noon on Sunday, January 11. You will meet the teachers for Confirmation Class and learn about topics we'll be covering. Confirmation classes will be held starting Sunday, January 25 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. We will finish in May. Please contact Rev. Wendy to receive an invitation letter and schedule.
- The Sandwich Generation: Families stuck between caring for children and aging parents. Workshop: Sunday, January 11, 2009 from 3-5pm at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. If you are responding to the call for help from aging parents or just worried about their well being at the same time as caring for children you are one of over 10 million people dealing with this life "stressing" period. This lecture/workshop will give you some tools to find balance and sanity in what seems like a crazy period. Beth Witrogen McLeod will talk about the real emotional journey and ways to find peace and wisdom without losing the self. Linda Johnson will talk about "sharing the care" options and resources that families can use in order to find balance and quality care for elders and themselves. We will have lots of time for your individual questions. Beth will bring some of her books for those wishing to purchase them. There is no fee for this lecture.
- Annual Congregational Meeting Join us for our annual meeting and potluck lunch following the second service on Sunday, January 25. Come hear the latest on the Building Project and our ongoing experience in worship thanks to the Worship Renewal Grant, and hear and ask questions about the health of St. Andrew's, and see a fun review of 2008 in pictures! The Nominating Committee is pleased to place in nomination for Elders the following: Sharon Eklund, Bill Cameron, and Barbara Stanton; and for Deacons: Opal Branscum, Carol McMains, Lance Warren, Judy and Henry Noffsinger, and Marjorie McWee. Please sign-up to bring a main course, salad or dessert in Crothers Hall.
- Westminster Woods Women's Retreat Each year Westminster Woods Camp and Conference Center in Occidental, CA hosts a women's retreat (January 30 - February 1). The music is uplifting and the food is wonderful (It's not your typical "camp" food!). This year, the theme is Fruit of the Spirit. Rev. Lydia Richards will share her insights and stories to bring change to our thinking, and light to our lives! Register online and get more information at www.westminsterwoods.org. Cost: $160, includes 5 meals and standard lodging. Optional Massage: $50 (to secure a massage appointment, $50 must be received with your registration by January 20). Weekend check-in begins Friday at 5:30pm. Please do not let finances hold you back from this spiritual growth opportunity. Talk confidentially with Rev. Wendy if you need assistance. If you plan on going, please sign up in Crothers Hall and we can carpool together.
November 19, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Wendy Komori Stager
People like us who believe in physics know that the distinction between the
past, the present and the future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion.
- Albert Einstein
There are many questions about the nature of time. What is time? What causes time? Why time slows in gravity? Why time slows in motion? Is time a dimension?
Time! From the past memories to the present, with its relentless rush towards the future, the feeling of flow of time is part of our human experience. Accurate measurement of time keeps satellites in orbit and airplanes flying. Time is part of sophisticated as well as mundane, yet a precise definition remains elusive.
While we may be most familiar with chronos, or clock time, we should also be aware of kairos, or God's time. "It's what the theologian [and Narnia author] C.S. Lewis called 'God's unbounded now,' where now is both this moment--right now--and what stretches into eternity." If you get frustrated waiting for your prayers to be answered, remember that "when God comes, it's always the right time." The church tells time in a slightly different way, by using colors and seasons. Perhaps during worship we can become attuned to God's time and God's timelessness.
Wendy
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
November 11, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
Do people say to you or do you say to yourself: Stop beating up on yourself! Most of us do this from time-to-time or perhaps even habitually. For all our belief in the grace of God, we seldom apply it to ourselves. Our culture teaches us that we are acceptable only when we are a perfect mother, perfect teacher, perfect engineer, perfect Christian. The striving for perfection is worthy, but it can get in the way of relationships with others and peace within ourselves. Yes indeed perfectionism is a disease in us humans. Thanksgiving that our perfect God chooses to love us imperfect folks perfectly. AND our Lord even chooses to work through his far-from-perfect children!
So, for now we are imperfect -- but there will be a time:
I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.Philippians 1:6
Seeking our Creator's leadership together in Love,
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
November 4, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
Halloween is over, but here is something scary. Our music director, Chad Zullinger, will not be able to be with us due to a death in the family, so I am going to conduct the choir! Before you panic, I will just do it during the children's message. I am going to ask the choir to sing whatever notes they feel like singing and sing any words that come to mind. They can respond to my hand motions or not.
Sometimes that is how life sounds. In our culture, we like to be independent. Our Lord invites us into healthy dependence on God and each other. God calls the Church to all work together following the leadership of our Lord in concert with one another. God wants us to sing the good news with God-directed notes and words. Are you good at taking directions from God and with others? What beautiful music we can then make together.
"If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it." 1 Corinthians 12:26
"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Seeking our Creator's leadership together in Love,
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
October 29, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
I am convinced that healthy giving requires grace. We are able to experience the joy of giving time, energy, patience and our finances only when we are good receivers and givers of grace. Grace is the root of gratitude. When a friend shows us compassion and care, we want to respond with appreciation. Worship on our own or in church helps us to focus on the loving grace of our Lord and helps to motivate us to be Christ to others. First and foremost are you a good receiver of grace from loved ones, strangers and your loving Lord?
"According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it." 1 Corinthians 3.10
Seeking God's Grace Together,
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
October 21, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
What worries you? Many of us worry about our finances. Sometimes we feel guilty about how we manage the resources that God has given us. We want to be generous. We want to give to God first and then take care of our needs second. But we worry. Will there be enough? We want to step out in faith, but we fear being foolish. We do not want to change our lifestyle. So, all this stewardship talk can be stressful. We want to give, but we do not want to give to God our financial control. Can we trust that God will provide? When we do, we can relax in the joy that comes from a generous heart. Giving then becomes an important part of our spiritual journey.
This verse helps me put into perspective fear and trust. Our God is the source of Love:
"Lo, all those who separate themselves from love, will be undone by fear." Psalm 92:6 Nan Merrill translation
Seeking God's Guidance Together,
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
October 14, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
I believe God wants to guide us individually, and as a Church. However, I think God is more interested in the journey than our arrival. Our Lord is pleased when we have a healthy dependency on our Master for each turn along the way. If we truly follow our Savior, the route will most likely not be in a straight line. Israel's route in the Exodus by the Via Maris and through the Red Sea demonstrates that God may guide us through detours and difficulties. At those times we may say - this path can't be of God. However, the more we are aware of God's presence in past experiences, the easier it is to trust God in the present and future. In my sermon on Sunday, I will be exploring how God guides externally sometimes by circumstances, counsel, and consequences. God guides internally by often using our common sense, compulsion, conscience, and contentment.
"When Pharaoh said let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer; for God thought, 'If the people face war, they may change their minds and return to Egypt.' So God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness towards the Red Sea." Exodus 13:17-18
"You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead me and guide me," Psalm 31:3
Seeking God's Guidance Together,
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
October 7, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Wendy Komori Stager
Is weeding a garden a pleasant or unpleasant chore for you? Sometimes, it can be both. I enjoy it when I can pull up some weeds by the root and get rid of them. I can make visible progress and the flower bed is noticeably nicer because of my work. I can feel as though my efforts have made a difference. Sometimes, though, it feels like a never-ending task. Those weeds grow faster and taller than the plants that I want to be in my garden. They just keep popping up, no matter how much I try to control them.
Jesus uses imagery of weeds in many of his parables. His stories are "down to earth" - literally and figuratively. People in Jesus' time didn't like weeds any more than we do. But Jesus came as God's son and lived among us, walking in fields mixed with wheat and weeds. In Jesus' ministry on earth, he acknowledges that messiness, sin and evil do exist in our world. God does not create the evil, but neither is the evil eradicated from the earth at this time.
As people of faith, we are called to recognize sin, yet not be overwhelmed by it. We are to address the mistakes we make in our lives, but not be overwhelmed by them. And, we are to hold onto hope. For at the end of all time, God will make all things perfect and we will have weed-free gardens and sin-free lives. Only God can make this possible.
Wendy
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
September 30, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
This Sunday is World Communion Sunday. It is good for us to remember God is breaking the bread with us. This bread is life giving TODAY...whether we are up or down, whether we have been wise or foolish, whether we have been loving or hateful, whether we have been faithful or fickle. If we were to pay for this meal, we would not have enough money. All the money in the world can not equal the value of God's grace.
This Sunday we also remember we are part of the world wide family. We are unified in Christ. During Communion this Sunday, you will hear: "This is the Body and Blood of Christ given to you" in French, Dutch, German, Arabic, Spanish and English. All of us are sisters and brothers, speaking many languages, living in different cultures, wanting the whole world to be nourished by this meal.
"Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35
"Jesus answered her, 'If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, "Give me a drink", you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.' The woman said to him, 'Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?' Jesus said to her, 'Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.'" John 4:10-15
Feasting with our loving Lord together,
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
September 24, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
For at least 20 times during the last couple of months, I have been sitting with one passage of scripture for my quiet devotional time. This one scripture seems to just keep feeding me over and over. Sometimes I focus on one word; sometime a phrase turns into my prayer. The more times I say that phrase in one sitting, the closer I seem to draw to my Lord. Maybe this scripture will do the same for you?
"I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure." Psalm 116:7
May you rest secure in the Lord always,
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
September 17, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Wendy Komori Stager
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the
growth." 1 Corinthians 3: 6-7
About ten years ago, I lived in an old house during my internship year. The house was termite ridden and the yard was overgrown. During that year, I developed a love for gardening. It started with some light pruning of the camellias and taming some unruly black bamboo and then later I began to train the wild wisteria vine. It became apparent to me that someone long ago must have designed and planted this garden. There was an amazing variety of textures and colors, and something was blooming in every season. I loved walking around to discover what was emerging.
For a few seasons, I was able to nurture those plants, but then I needed to move. I could only hope that someone else might tend that garden and give it some love. In our increasingly mobile society, many of us do not stay in one place for our whole lives. We cannot nurture a sapling and see it become a mature tree. However, we can tend to the life around us where we are and help growth happen.
Wendy
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
September 9, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
What does your God look like? Each of us views God differently. How we view God affects our relationship with our Lord. Some of us have the same picture of God we developed in our second grade Sunday School class. In Jesus' parable from Matthew 25:14-30, each of three servants receive different amounts of talents from their master. What each servant did with his gift was determined by how he viewed his master. For you, is God filled with grace or anger or apathy or empathy or love or judgement or revenge or goodness or...? How well do you know this God? It will determine so much about who you are and how you respond to God and life.
Psalm 103
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits-
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Seeking to know our Loving Lord together,
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
September 2, 2009
MEDITATION From the Desk of David TenBrook
"You must demolish completely all the places where the nations whom you are about to dispossess served their gods, on the mountain heights, on the hills, and under every leafy tree. Break down their altars, smash their pillars, burn their sacred poles with fire, and hew down the idols of their gods, and thus blot out their name from their places. You shall not worship the Lord your God in such ways. But you shall seek the place that the Lord your God will choose out of all your tribes as his habitation to put his name there. You shall go there, bringing there your burnt-offerings and your sacrifices, your tithes and your donations, your votive gifts, your freewill-offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and flocks. And you shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your households together, rejoicing in all the undertakings in which the Lord your God has blessed you."
So says Deuteronomy 12: 2-7. In the Old Testament narrative, this declaration takes place before the Israelites move into the Promised Land, which is filled with non-Israelites worshipping various deities through various means. The location of worship and sacrifice is central to the book of Deuteronomy (and, subsequently, the Hebrew Scriptures).
Where is power located in our day?
Where is power located in your faith today?
Where is God located in your life?
Peace.
David
August 26, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Wendy Komori Stager
Do the people around you know that you are a Christian? How can they tell? So many kind and generous things that we do in our daily lives are the same actions as many other people choose out of the goodness of their hearts. However, one of the teachings of Jesus that I do think is radical is the exhortation to love our enemies. Even Jesus acknowledges that anyone can love their friends. However, to shower love upon those who hurt or persecute you shows a different kind of love. A love that can only be given when a person has received that kind of love from God.
Romans 12:18-21 - Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Wendy
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
When we think of blessings, we ponder wonderful people and events and possessions in our lives, not struggles. However, God can turn anything into a blessing. Some of very best blessings come from profound difficulties and mishaps. Here is a short list of some of the events that a few of you have shared with me where God has touched your life: surgery, major conflict with family member, automobile accident, death of a loved one, loss of a job.
Human reaction to a difficult situation is dread. Are you currently in the midst of some kind of pain, frustration, or worry? It could be a source for a terrific blessing in your life or someone else! An attitude change from dread to expectation of God's blessings can change our whole perspective.
"...pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Serving our Lord together in Love and Gratitude,
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
August 12, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
Last week, my son and I had an interesting discussion about altruism. Can it really exist in its truest form? Is it possible for someone to give sacrificially without any desire for reward? How are you at performing thankless jobs? Giving time and energy and money so no person knows we have given the gift is hard work. Even then, we can feel good knowing our Lord knows. So even if we want to be purely altruistic, it may not be possible.
"Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done." Romans 15:17-18
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10
Serving our Lord together in Love and Gratitude,
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
August 5, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Tim Oldenkamp
Luke 4:16-21 (New International Version):
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Here at the beginning of his ministry in the Gospel of Luke, we see Jesus take this opportunity to explain his purposes here, to give the mission statement for his ministry. The passage he reads from is Isaiah 61:1-2, and Jesus declares himself to be the fulfillment of this Isaiah passage. How does the Isaiah passage describe Jesus' ministry? How do we see Jesus live out this passage? How do we relate to this passage as imperfect people? And how do we relate to this as Christians, as people who are in Christ?
Tim Oldenkamp
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
July 30, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Wendy Komori Stager
Isaiah 55:1-3
Ho, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and you that have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
listen, so that you may live.
In these times of economic uncertainty, we are thinking and talking about money in many ways. What are we buying? What are we saving? What are we wasting? Where can we cut?
This question from the prophet Isaiah has challenged me to think about my own relationship with money. "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?" Money is a tool and an exchange system. In the end, I strive and struggle to seek the priorities of spending for life, bread, and good.
Wendy
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
July 23, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Wendy Komori Stager
Have you ever had a cat that came running any time you used a can opener? It doesn't matter if the cat is on a different floor of the house or even if the cat is asleep; the cat knows that something good might be on the way. My childhood cat would never respond to the calls of her name, but she would always come running when the electric can opener was used.
We hear so much in a day - drone of machines, snippets of music, songs from birds, noises of airplanes overhead and taps of footsteps. And we hear conversations, both meaningful and mundane. On top of this, add our internal thoughts and dialogues about anything we are hearing. No wonder we struggle to hear God.
Yet, God is speaking to us. Are we listening? God longs to offer us good things and wise guidance. How would our lives look different if we could know God's voice as well as a cat knows the sound of a can opener?
Wendy
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
July 16, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
Pleasant Hill Planning Commission on Tuesday, July 14 - Unanimous "YES" for our new Activity Center!
All five Commissioners expressed appreciation for our project and saw how this new space could provide wonderful activities for St. Andrew's, make our whole campus look better and provide space for many vital events for our community! Two of the Commissioners said: "This is an exciting project!"
Wednesday morning all our plans were submitted for the permit process. By the end of July the bidding process will completed and we will have a contractor in place. Ground Breaking is getting very close!
God is the foundation of our lives and as we build this building we build more Foundations for God's good work!
"The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; The respect of the LORD is the key to this treasure." Isaiah 33:5-6
We are blessed to be a blessing,
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
July 8, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Wendy Komori Stager
Sabbath from the Hebrew sabbat means to cease or stop. Keeping sabbath has and continues to be an important spiritual practice for many Jews throughout the world. The day is marked by a welcoming ritual as well as refraining from many forms of work. Jesus, as a Jew, observed Sabbath during his time on earth. However, he challenged the Pharisees to see the Sabbath differently. He welcomes the Sabbath as a time for delight, for renewal and for nourishment.
Sabbath is an invitation to rest. We are created as human BEings not human DOings. When we rest and do nothing, we recognize that we cannot be defined by what we accomplish or what we fail to accomplish. Sabbath is a gift - will you accept it?
What is one thing you could set aside on a Sabbath day? Is there anything different on Sundays that helps you to take joy in God's creation? What helps you recognize that Sunday is different than any other day?
Wendy
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July 2, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
I believe there are pictures that are worth a thousand words. I have seen some that are worth about three or four. Then there are pictures or paintings that grab out attention and it is difficult to move away. A picture like that could take more than a thousand words if words could even capture what the eyes can see. Over the centuries artist have tried to turn many scripture passages into a deeper understanding of the glory of God and our left brain just fails to comprehend, but our right brain is fully alive. We Protestants often miss out on connecting with our Lord through art.
This Sunday, I will invite the congregation to move away from words and just let the creativity on the screen pass through out analytical mind and touch our souls.
Here is a text I believe an artist could proclaim in ways that even these words can not:
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1
Grace and Peace and Joy,
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
- VBS Needs:
If you can donate your time or materials, please contact Elaine Rios or Jennifer Miller. Thank you!
June 25, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
It seems we all communicate in different ways. Face-to-face is best for some, others like the phone, email is preferred by others, while texting and Facebooking and twittering works for some folks. There are also great ways to communicate with our loving Lord. Prayer, of course, and speaking and listening in prayer is preferred by many. Journaling is best for others. Walking a labyrinth makes a great connection for lots of people. Listening to music, and singing songs and hymns provides a great relationship builder. Artwork has a way of connecting with our Creator as well. I believe the more we use all the parts of our brains, all of our senses, the stronger our relationship will be with our gracious God. This Sunday, we will explore our connection with our Lord through songs and hymns, and on July 5, we will gaze at great artwork together.
"O my strength, I will sing praises to you,
for you, O God, are my fortress,
the God who shows me steadfast love."
Psalm 59.17
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
- VBS Needs:
If you can donate your time or materials, please contact Elaine Rios or Jennifer Miller. Thank you!
June 3, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
Ephesians 4:13 is sometimes wrongly interpreted to think that the Bible is telling us that with God's help alone we can accomplish difficult situations: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." In both Testaments, God calls us to live and work within a community. Each of us are part of one body. Just like our eyes need our ears, we are needed and we need others in the Body of Christ. Then why do we work so hard not to be dependent on anyone but ourselves? That is not God's plan. God knows how much we need the Church even when we think we do not.
"If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you', nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.' On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it. 1 Corinthians 12.19-29
Be Christ-like and have a healthy dependency on your Lord and one another,
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
- VBS Needs:
If you can donate your time or materials, please contact Elaine Rios or Jennifer Miller. Thank you!
June 3, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Chad Zullinger
Hello friends.
Musings from your music director this week as we approach the final Sunday for the music ensembles before your summer recess.
As the groups meet for their weekly rehearsals, I have some time to reflect on the process by which we arrive at a Sunday musical offering. We begin the rehearsal with a warm-up activity and dive into the music we are rehearsing. Now the fun begins! We sing through a piece for the first time - stumbling and making our way through the end. Next, we pull out a more familiar piece and begin the real rehearsal process. Go over a particular tough passage in the alto section; observe a decrease in volume, commonly referred to a decrescendo, at a poignant moment in the score; or simply breathe together before the first measure.
What I found moving about our scripture reading this Sunday is that participating in a music ensemble allow us to become active partners in what Paul is preaching in this message to the congregations in Corinth. "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God."
We all bring in unique backgrounds, life experiences and most certainly skills and abilities. The remarkable aspect of singing in a choir is that it is a celebration of the "varieties of Gifts" in order to accomplish something together what is otherwise impossible individually.
Interested? Consider joining a bell choir or sing in one of the choirs in the fall. St. Andrew's is blessed with a 'variety' of services for us AS individuals, but all are accomplished in the same Spirit!
Peace,
cz
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
May 6, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Wendy Komori Stager
Our newest youth members shared their statements of faith with Session and their mentors on May 3. Here are some of their thoughts.
"To me, the church brings out the faith in myself. I believe that worship is a time to praise the Lord. If you are busy throughout all the week, with school, work, friends, sports or hobbies, worship can be the time to just pray and overlook all the stressful times in your life and just focus on God."
"I see the church as a place for people to pray together, exchange their ideas and celebrate their faith."
"I have heard so many people say, 'I don't believe in God because there is no proof. How do you know he's real?' All I can reply is, 'you just know.' When you are sad at night and you feel a warmth around you, comforting you - that's God. When you reach up to the sky and feel something there - that's God. When you have a feeling that everything will be okay - that's God."
"I believe the Holy Spirit is the flame of faith. It enlightens me."
On May 17, these young people will be leading our worship service and helping us all to celebrate our faith in Christ together.
Wendy
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May 6, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
Everyday we seem to learn something new to fear. What we learned to fear yesterday does not disappear. So we stockpile our fears. Someone said to me that since September 11 she has not had a day without fear. This is not God's design for us. God's whole nature is peace, hope, grace and especially love.
Can we take to heart Eugene Peterson's version of 1 John 4:18?
"There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life-fear of death, fear of judgment-is one not yet fully formed in love."
Now read it again slowly...
Living in Love Together,
Shel
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April 22, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Jennifer Cross Miller
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; For it is to such as these that the dominion of heaven belongs." (Matthew 19:14)
Jesus didn't say, "...as long as they're quiet and sit still and behave themselves."
Bringing children into the Sanctuary is a something like letting them eat at the dinner table: even though their manners can be far from elegant, it's done in the hope that they feel they are a valued and important part of the family. Children giggle, poke, cry, fidget and swing their legs, simply because they're children. But they can also sing, pray and give with us. They can worship with us - Excerpt from "The Child in the Pew" by Central Presbyterian Church in Danville, KY
St. Andrew's openly welcomes children of all ages into our communal worship experience. We know it's hard for young children to sit still and remain quiet. We know it's hard for teens to give their undivided attention and focus throughout a service.
But we also know that the only way our children and youth will ever learn and experience our faith practices, will ever know the joy and fulfillment of worship, or the peace and wonder of contemplation and prayer, is by sharing firsthand in worship at our church and by being honored guests each and every Sunday.
Bringing your child to church can be hard and trying (believe, I know firsthand!), just as sitting next to a fidgety, energetic child during service can be a real test of patience and tolerance. We must remember that children are just as much a part of Christ's church as adults are, and they worship and celebrate in their own, unique way that is just as meaningful for God and ultimately for the church as a whole.
By honoring the unique contributions of children and teens to intergenerational worship, the church will be blessed to see the noisy, energetic child of today grow into a mature Christian tomorrow with a strong faith and a strong sense of belonging to the church family. Children are the future of the church.but only being welcomed now, in the present.
This Sunday, St. Andrew's is celebrating Children's Ministry Sunday with singing, bells, praying, and storytelling. We hope you will celebrate our children and their many gifts by joining us.
Peace and blessings,
Jennifer
P.S. Happy Earth Day!
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April 9, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
The word "Easter" was around long before Jesus. The word is a derivative of Ishtar, or Astarte, or one of other names (such as Venus) given by various cultures to their goddess of fertility. This is the origin of Easter eggs and the rabbits (noted for its rapid procreation). The new life that Spring brings certainly makes a transition into the new life that Christ brings. The Easter Jesus intended for us is a whole lot more. Not only do we have new life, but the ultimate enemy - death - is destroyed. Spring can lead us to appreciate life when we see new spring flowers and baby animals, but the Easter Jesus brings gives us vital hope. Jesus' hope brings warmth and light into the cold and darkness of life all year round and forevermore!
'I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?' She said to him, 'Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.' John 11.25-27
Joy and Peace,
Shel
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April 1, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
Palm Sunday contains mixed messages. The crowds seem on the surface to enthusiastically welcome Jesus into the Holy City. He enters as a conquering hero, except a victorious hero would enter on a powerful horse, not a donkey. Jesus came in humility to face the worst week of his life and conquer our greatest enemy of all - death! Palm Sunday is an important time for Christians to gather to thank God for choosing to face pain and death for us. Remembering loving sacrifice brings meaning and thankfulness to those who pause and consider. Taking time to remember pleases God.
"Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'" Luke 22:19
"...teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28.20
"I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers."
May you thrive in Love and Truth,
Shel
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March 18, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
In our Lenten series, we have noticed in so many ways that God intends for us to live our lives in tension between law and grace, structure and freedom. It may not feel like a gift when the law is a relentless mirror that forces us to drop our pretenses or masks and come clean about who we really are. Only when we do so can we hear and believe that God loves and forgives not the person we hope to be, or promised to be, or are trying to be, but rather the person we actually are. When we believe that God, or anyone else, loves us for who we are not, that love is not satisfying. Some of our deepest needs go unmet. It is hard work to open our eyes and see how we measure up to God's laws. And when we do not measure up, it is vital to know that we are still valuable and always loved.
"You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope." Galatians 5:4-5 (New International Version)
May you thrive in Love and Truth,
Shel
KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:
March 18, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
Last night at Session, we received six folks into membership and we welcomed ten new Elders and Deacons as officers of St. Andrew's. We expressed our affirmations to four Elders who have completed their terms of service and are moving on to other ministries in the church. During our time together in the spirit of worship, twelve people shared their statements of faith. I was struck by the uniqueness of each faith statement. Even as each was different, each one expressed a wonderful depth of devotion to our Lord. I wish everyone in the church could hear these articulations of belief in our Lord. No wonder the bible says:
"We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy!" 1 John 1:3-4 (The Message)
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Grace, Peace and Hope,
Shel
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March 11, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
The tension between grace and law occurs in every relationship. Boundaries and freedom, frustrations and unconditional love, structure and promise all need to be present. There is a tension inside of us as we relate to others - especially when we seek to control others. If we try to impose our will by the force of our winning personality, or clever arguments, or worse, the righteousness of our cause, we will reap separation, not closeness. Remember the opinions of others will forever lie outside our capacity to change others. Loving our own soul decreases our need to change others.
"Lord let your love encircle and envelop me;in your mercy raise me up.
Let peace be my companion all day long;
by night free me from the bonds of fear.
Let me be reconciled with family and friends;
and may I know You,
O Loving Companion Presence,
as in days of old. Amen. "
- Psalm 88 from "Psalms for Praying" by Nan C. Merrill
Peace and Hope,
Shel
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March 4, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Wendy Komori Stager
How important is fairness to you? If you have been the parent of more than one child, you have encountered the struggle of how to be fair with your children. On one hand, a sense of justice and equality is important to teach. It is not fair if one child receives two cookies while the other receives only one. However, it is never that simple. Each person has different needs and a parent can never provide complete equality. Perhaps you still remember a time from your childhood when you may have received less than you felt like you deserved.
The scripture passage for this upcoming Sunday is Matthew 20: 1-16. In this parable, the owner of the vineyard pays each laborer the same amount whether they worked a full day or only a few hours. The laborers who worked the full day were resentful and felt like they deserved more than the ones who worked less. They would say that the owner was unfair. The laborers who worked only a hour and received a full day's wage may agree that the owner was unfair but they would also be grateful for what was given to them. How important is fairness to God? Is there something else important that God wants us to remember?
I hope you can join us in exploring these questions and many others. The Bible Study class on Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00 pm will be discussing this parable as part of the series of Law and Grace.
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February 25, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
Lent has begun. We are focusing on Law and Grace for this season. Law without grace is too punitive; grace without law too permissive. Law helps us to appreciate the grace. Grace helps us to value the law. When we find a healthy tension between the two, we discover how they are both gifts from God. What would the law of God determine you should give up for Lent or to add to your life for Lent? How can the grace of God keep you disciplined? (Grace without law will lack discipline. Law without grace will cause you to loose your greater reason for the discipline.) For example, I know someone who is giving up alcohol for Lent. The money that person saves from not buying alcohol will be given to the food bank = law and grace combined.
"You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.' I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court." Matthew 5:21-22 (Message)
May your Lent be filled with loving discipline!
Shel
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February 18, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Rev. Wendy Komori Stager
The story of the transfiguration of Christ is found in Mark, chapter 9. In this account, Jesus ascends to a high place with three of his disciples. While they are there, the disciples see Jesus transformed and wearing clothes of dazzling white. The disciples saw the glory of God in Jesus at that moment, and heard God's voice saying "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"
If the gospel of Mark were a modern movie, the story might end here. As a whole, we as Americans love a happy ending. This is the scene with the amazing special effects, showing the hero, Jesus in all his glory. However, the story of Christ does not end at the mountaintop. Jesus descends from the high place to journey to Jerusalem. He continues to heal and to teach and to show compassion to those he meets. Ultimately, he dies on the cross surrounded by darkness and mockery.
As followers of Christ, we are called to travel where Christ leads. Sometimes he leads us to moments of spiritual clarity, sometimes he leads us to sacrificial giving, and sometimes he leads us in times of darkness. For God's love in Christ is not only for the joyful moments but for all the moments of our lives.
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February 11, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Clarita Wooldridge
I have been reflecting on how the beautiful music of the handbells played by the Lord's Ringers on Sunday, resonated in my spirit and heart as I listened. Our Sermon series theme: "Our Identity in Christ," can resonate in our spirits and hearts in a similar way, as we reflect on Scripture and experiences in our life that affirm our many identities in Christ. Some time ago, I received this Bell of Scriptures and thought you too would enjoy reading from these Scriptures that lead our spirits and hearts to resonate with "knowing" who we are in Christ.
THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16).. I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).. I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph.2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
To Jesus Christ
I do belong
Amen
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16).. I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).. I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph.2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
To Jesus Christ
I do belong
Amen
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February 5, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
God is really not elusive. God does not hide from us. God is surely present when pain is genuinely felt and faced without fear, when people hear each other without agenda or judgment. God is present, but our job is to be quiet. Yes, we are to tell this good news to others. Often the best way is to stand in silence and point.
"From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen! And now we're telling you in most sober prose that what we witnessed was, incredibly, this: The infinite Life of God himself took shape before us. We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy! This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there's not a trace of darkness in him." 1 John 1:1-5 (The Message)
Serving and Respecting our Sovereign God,
Shel
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January 21, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
Many Americans are visibly showing excitement about the possibilities for change with our new president. He has referred in a couple of his speeches including his inauguration speech that we are to give up childish ways. He is referring to 1 Corinthians 13:11:
"When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways."
It certainly takes maturity to make changes in our lives individually as well as collectively. Scripture over and over again implores us to take assessments of our lives and see where we need to move in different healthy directions. Courage and maturity are required. God's Spirit is ready to join with us in the process.
"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NRSV)
May your new year be blessed with some wonderful new beginnings,
Shel
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January 15, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
If we were to trace all things back to the very beginning, we would find Christ. If we were to follow all things out to their ending, we would find Christ. When we are confused, stressed, troubled by events or people in our lives, all we need to do is look deeply into the origins of the problem and we will find our Lord, we will find wisdom. If we do not take the time to get this perspective, we are likely to make hasty judgments and react with defensiveness. Let us take the time to obtain God's perspective. Then we will discover the heart of God, and our judgments and our distorted, negative perspective can fall away.
1 Corinthians 2:4 - "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power."
Wishing you an abundance of blessings in 2009,
Shel
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January 7, 2009
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White
New Testament scholar N. T. Wright understands that the real political question for Christians involves worship. He asks, "Who or what is finally 'Lord' for us? Where does the ultimate authority lie?" He goes on to say: "The key to mission is always worship. You can only be reflecting the love of God into the world if you are worshipping the true God who creates the world out of over-flowing self-giving Love." The more we focus on the God of love, the more we will have the right priorities. Then we put our energy and time and money into those priorities. That is how the Kingdom of God becomes more like: "Thy Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.."
"No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Luke 16:13
Wishing you an abundance of blessings in 2009,
Shel
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December 30, 2008
MEDITATION - From the Desk of Rev. Wendy Komori Stager
"Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight. Wish I may, wish I
might, have the wish I wish tonight."
"Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are."
My 2 year old daughter is full of fascination with the moon and the stars. She hears about them in nursery rhymes and tries to sing about them in her off-key way. When it is dark outside, she looks skyward and points out all the stars to me. Her wonder and awe of these points of light remind me to slow down and appreciate the nighttime sky.
The Magi followed a star to find the baby Jesus. May each star that we see remind us to seek Christ in our world today.