2011 e-ChurchNotes Archive

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December 29, 2011

MEDITATION - From Wendy Komori-Stager

Selecting a name for a child is a joyful responsibility for the child?s parents. In 2011, the top names for 2011 for boys were Aiden, Jackson, Mason, Liam and Jacob. Popular names for girls were Sophia, Emma, Isabella, Olivia, Ava and Lily. Parents experiment with how different names will sound with their surname as well as the potential for names to turn into nicknames.

On Sunday, we will baptize a baby boy. During this Sacrament, we bless the baby by name and acknowledge that he is part of God's family. We recognize that God loves this child with a unique and personal care. There never has been and never will be an individual like this. He is special.

Each person is special. You are special to God. Each person you encounter is also a precious child of God. May we remember this and treat one another accordingly.

Wendy

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, January 1, 2012 - New Year's Day - 10am One Service - Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager on John 10:1-6, "God Knows Your Name"
    • Sunday, January 8, 2012 - 60th Anniversary of St. Andrew's - 10am One Service - Preacher: Rev. Shel White, Mark 1-4-11 "Now What?" - Special Music: Kids Kingdom ringers & singers - Special Lunch Celebration to follow - please sign up.
  • Pastors Out of the Office - Wendy Komori Stager will be on vacation December 25?December 31. Shel White will be out of the office, but on call, the week of December 25.
  • Yoot Groop: January Rundown
    • January 8: Oh Man! Back to School Groop
    • January 22: Super Secret Surprise Service Project
    • January 28: Snow Day!
    For more information, please contact our youth directors, Tina & Brent Benton at (925) 222-5378 or gatoslocos.bentons@gmail.com.
  • Our 60th Anniversary! - Sunday, January 8 at 11:30am - Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church is celebrating 60 years of ministry on Sunday January 8, 2012! Please plan on joining in on the fun after worship with lunch, music and a brief time of thanking God together for what God has been doing, is doing and will be doing in and through us.
  • Church, State & Market - January 8-29 at 7pm - David TenBrook will be leading a four-class series on "Church, State, and Market." Come join the discussion as we explore germane issues in the face of an already-begun Presidential election, the Occupy Wall Street and Tea Party movements, and new battle lines being drawn within denominations rather than across them.
  • Disciple Bible Study - Thursday, January 19 at 7pm - You are invited! We will be starting a study of Disciple V, "Jesus in the Gospels.? We will have an informational meeting for anyone interested on Thursday, January 12 so we can get each one a study manual and be ready to start the following week. Please let Eleanor Manley know if you have any questions or would like to join in the study so a study manual can be ordered for you: 372-7129 or ERManley@Juno.com.

December 22, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

George W. Truett gives us Christmas perspective: "Christ was born in the first century, yet he belongs to all centuries. He was born a Jew, yet He belongs to all races. He was born in Bethlehem, yet He belongs to all countries."

Larry Libby: "Late on a sleepy, star-spangled night, those angels peeled back the sky just like you would tear open a sparkling Christmas present. Then, with light and joy pouring out of Heaven like water through a broken dam, they began to shout and sing the message that baby Jesus had been born. The world had a Savior! The angels called it "Good News," and it was."

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." - Matthew 2:1-2

Blessings will be increased this season the more we pause and worship our Loving Messiah,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Saturday, December 24, 2011 - Christmas Eve - One Service - 7pm - Carols, Choirs, Candles - Christmas Story
    • Sunday, December 25, 2011 - Christmas Day - 10am One Service - Carols, Special Music - Communion around the Table - Meditation: Rev. Shel White
    • Sunday, January 1, 2012 - New Year's Day - 10am One Service - Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager on John 10:1-6, "God Knows Your Name"
    • Sunday, January 8, 2012 - 60th Anniversary of St. Andrew's - 10am One Service - Preacher: Rev. Shel White - Special Lunch Celebration to follow - please sign up.
  • Poinsettia Fund - During Advent, please consider donating to our local food bank through our Poinsettia Fund. You may donate $5 in honor or memory of a loved one by filling out a Poinsettia form included in the bulletin. In January, we will publish a list of donors and those honored through donations. Thank you for your generosity.
  • Pastors Out of the Office - Wendy Komori Stager will be on vacation December 25?December 31. Shel White will be out of the office, but on call, the week of December 25.
  • Office Closed - The office will be closed on Monday, December 26 and Tuesday, December 27.
  • Youth Groop: After-Christmas Party - Tuesday, December 27 at 6:30pm - We'll get together at church for a pajama party, eat each other's leftovers, have a white elephant re-gift exchange, and watch Mary Poppins on the big screen in the Celebration Center. RSVP to the Bentons at gatoslocos.bentons@gmail.com or (925) 222-5378.
  • Yoot Groop: January Rundown
    • January 8: Oh Man! Back to School Groop
    • January 22: Super Secret Surprise Service Project
    • January 28: Snow Day!
    For more information, please contact our youth directors, Tina & Brent Benton at (925) 222-5378 or gatoslocos.bentons@gmail.com.
  • Our 60th Anniversary! - Sunday, January 8 at 11:30am - Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church is celebrating 60 years of ministry on Sunday January 8, 2012! Please plan on joining in on the fun after worship with lunch, music and a brief time of thanking God together for what God has been doing, is doing and will be doing in and through us.
  • Church, State & Market - January 8-29 at 7pm - David TenBrook will be leading a four-class series on "Church, State, and Market." Come join the discussion as we explore germane issues in the face of an already-begun Presidential election, the Occupy Wall Street and Tea Party movements, and new battle lines being drawn within denominations rather than across them.

December 15, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

Presbyterian Clergy and prolific author Frederich Buechner gives perspective into how profound Christmas is to so many: "It is impossible to conceive how different things would have turned out if that birth had not happened whenever, wherever, however it did ... for millions of people who have lived since, the birth of Jesus made possible not just a new way of understanding life but a new way of living it. It is a truth that, for twenty centuries, there have been untold numbers of men and women who, in untold numbers of ways, have been so grasped by the child who was born, so caught up in the message he taught and the life he lived, that they have found themselves profoundly changed by their relationship with him."

"And Mary said, I'm bursting with God-news; I'm dancing the song of my Savior God. God took one good look at me, and look what happened - I'm the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others. His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before him." Luke 1:46-50 (The Message)

May your Christmas be filled with MANY wonderful blessings,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, December 18, 2011 - Fourth Sunday in Advent - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Meditation: Rev. Shel White on Psalm 89, "Hungry to Praise" - Special Choir and Orchestra music
    • Saturday, December 24, 2011 - Christmas Eve - 7pm One Service - Carols, Choirs, Candles - Christmas Story
    • Sunday, December 25, 2011 - Christmas Day - 10am One Service - Carols, Special Music - Communion around the Table
    • Sunday, January 1, 2012 - New Year's Day - 10am One Service
    • Sunday, January 8, 2012 - 60th Anniversary of St. Andrew's - 10am One Service - Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager on John 10:1-6, "God Knows Your Name" - Special Lunch Celebration to follow - please sign up.
  • Poinsettia Fund - During Advent, please consider donating to our local food bank through our Poinsettia Fund. You may donate $5 in honor or memory of a loved one by filling out a Poinsettia form included in the bulletin. In January, we will publish a list of donors and those honored through donations. Thank you for your generosity.
  • Sunday School Christmas Party - Sunday, December 18 at 9am - All kids and youth are invited to our Sunday School Christmas Party - This is a simple celebration of Christmas treats, hot cocoa, crafts and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus! We hope you'll join in the fun! Parents, if you can help provide refreshments, please let Jennifer know at jennifer.standrews@gmail.com or 685-4720.
  • Yoot Groop: Caroling - Sunday, December 18 at 4:30pm - The youth group will be bringing some Christmas cheer to some people that could use extra warmth this Christmas season. Meet at the church at 4:30pm and we'll caravan around. We'll be back in time for dinner at 6:30 and bells at 7pm.
  • Twas the Night Before - Sunday, December 18 at 5:30pm - Join us in the Celebration Center for a Christmas party filled with drama, singing, games for children and great food! Listen as the Christmas story is told through music, dramatic readings and skits. Watch as our children learn about the coming of Jesus through games. Wonder with the children about how the animals at Jesus' birth may have felt. Celebrate the reason for the season with family and friends as Cornerstone and Cantemos bring the stories of Christmas to life!

    We are looking for people who would like to lend a hand this year in putting on another fabulous Christmas Holiday Dinner. Last year's event was just plain awesome. We need help again this year with regards to food preparation, and even table decorations. Any and all help would be appreciated. If you are interested please let me know at (925) 691-5599 or bicarucukeky@yahoo.com. Hope you can join us in this year?s extravaganza. Thanks and regards, Bill Pickle

  • Youth Groop: After-Christmas Party - Tuesday, December 27 at 6:30pm - We'll get together at church for a pajama party, eat each other's leftovers, have a white elephant re-gift exchange, and watch Mary Poppins on the big screen in the Celebration Center. RSVP to the Bentons at gatoslocos.bentons@gmail.com or (925) 222-5378.
  • Yoot Groop: January Rundown
    • January 8: Oh Man! Back to School Groop
    • January 22: Super Secret Surprise Service Project
    • January 28: Snow Day!
    For more information, please contact our youth directors, Tina & Brent Benton at (925) 222-5378 or gatoslocos.bentons@gmail.com.
  • Our 60th Anniversary! - Sunday, January 8 at 11:30am - Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church is celebrating 60 years of ministry on Sunday January 8, 2012! Please plan on joining in on the fun after worship with lunch, music and a brief time of thanking God together for what God has been doing, is doing and will be doing in and through us.

December 1, 2011

MEDITATION - From Wendy Komori Stager

An online joke:

A well-known proverb states: an optimist would say a glass is half full, while a pessimist would say it is half empty. What would people of different professions and walks of life say?

The engineer would say that the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

The government would say that the glass is fuller than if the opposition party were in power.

The opposition would say that it is irrelevant because the present administration has changed the way such volume statistics are collected.

The philosopher would say that, if the glass was in the forest and no one was there to see it, would it be half anything?

The economist would say that, in real terms, the glass is 25% fuller than at the same time last year.

The banker would say that the glass has just under 50% of its net worth in liquid assets.

The physicist would say that the volume of this cylinder is divided into two equal parts; one a colorless, odorless liquid, the other a colorless, odorless gas. Thus the cylinder is neither full nor empty. Rather, each half of the cylinder is full, one with a gas, one with a liquid.

Do you see the glass as half-full or half empty? As people who have faith in a time of Advent waiting. . .what might we say?

Wendy

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, December 4, 2011 Second Sunday in Advent - Holy Communion - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager
    • Sunday, December 11, 2011 - Third Sunday in Advent - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: Rev. Bill Nebo
  • 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.
  • Poinsettia Fund - During Advent, please consider donating to our local food bank through our Poinsettia Fund. You may donate $5 in honor or memory of a loved one by filling out a Poinsettia form included in the bulletin. In January, we will publish a list of donors and those honored through donations. Thank you for your generosity.
  • Christmas Cookies - Attention St. Andrew's bakers! We're looking for your yummy Christmas cookies (hand-made or store-bought) to use for coffee hour after worship and other special Advent events. We will be handing out paper plates and a labeled Ziploc bag to anyone interested. Just fill it with your goodies and bring back to the church fridge or freezer for enjoyment by all.
  • Angel Tree - December 4 - 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. Gifts and/or donations can be brought to the office or attached to the Angel Tree up until the deadline of immediately following the 10:30 service on Sunday, December 4, when they will be boxed up for delivery. Help us make this a wonderful opportunity for sharing God's love with others. For more information or to volunteer your time to this project, please contact Karen Zimmerman or Telzey Gourley.
  • Children's Christmas Pageant - Sunday, December 4 at 6pm - We invite ALL members and friends of St. Andrew's to join us for our annual Christmas pageant. This year's story is 'Is It Really Christmas?,' a play starring talking Christmas trees. Please join us!
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Friday, December 9 at 6:30pm - Join us in December for our holiday Flick Flack party at the home of Bob and Carol McMains, 142 Wiggins Court in Pleasant Hill. We will discuss the classic film, 'It's a Wonderful Life.' Please bring a salad to share. Please RSVP to the McMains at 925-937-6391 or mcmains@mac.com by December 7.
  • Gingerbread House Party - Saturday, December 10 at 1pm - Come to Hope Center Covenant Church (Morello & Taylor Blvd.) and decorate a gingerbread house for a donation of $10, and/or a gingerbread cookie for $1. All the trimmings are included. You must reserve a 'house' by contacting Pastor Tom Patitucci at tpatitucci@hopecenter.cc by December 8. More details can be found on posters in the Crothers Hall area.
  • Christmas Caroling - Saturday, December 10 at 2:30pm - We will be Christmas caroling to our homebound members and singing at the Chateau. We'll meet in the Activity Center at 2:30pm 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. Let's all turn out for this opportunity to enjoy each other and to have the community enjoy us as well. Contact Terry Neidlinger with questions.
  • Advent Ecumenical Choir Concert - Sunday, December 11 at 4pm - Come hear beautiful holiday music by several Pleasant Hill church choirs, including our very own Chancel Choir at Christ the King Catholic Church, 199 Brandon Road. This is a great way to celebrate Advent!
  • Sunday School Christmas Party - Sunday, December 18 at 9am - All kids and youth are invited to our Sunday School Christmas Party - This is a simple celebration of Christmas treats, hot cocoa, crafts and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus! We hope you'll join in the fun! Parents, if you can help provide refreshments, please let Jennifer know at jennifer.standrews@gmail.com or 685-4720.
  • Yoot Groop: Caroling - Sunday, December 18 at 4:30pm - The youth group will be bringing some Christmas cheer to some people that could use extra warmth this Christmas season. Meet at the church at 4:30pm and we'll caravan around. We'll be back in time for dinner at 6:30 and bells at 7pm.
  • Twas the Night Before - Sunday, December 18 at 5:30pm - Join us in the Celebration Center for a Christmas party filled with drama, singing, games for children and great food! Listen as the Christmas story is told through music, dramatic readings and skits. Watch as our children learn about the coming of Jesus through games. Wonder with the children about how the animals at Jesus' birth may have felt. Celebrate the reason for the season with family and friends as Cornerstone and Cantemos bring the stories of Christmas to life!
  • Christmas Services - December 24 at 7pm - Sunday, December 25 at 10am
  • Youth Groop: After-Christmas Party - Tuesday, December 27 at 6:30pm - We'll get together at church for a pajama party, eat each other's leftovers, have a white elephant re-gift exchange, and watch Mary Poppins on the big screen in the Celebration Center. RSVP to the Bentons at gatoslocos.bentons@gmail.com or (925) 222-5378.
  • New Year's Day Worship - Sunday, January 1 at 10am
  • Yoot Groop: January Rundown
    • January 8: Oh Man! Back to School Groop
    • January 22: Super Secret Surprise Service Project
    • January 28: Snow Day!
    For more information, please contact our youth directors, Tina & Brent Benton at (925) 222-5378 or gatoslocos.bentons@gmail.com.
  • Our 60th Anniversary! - Sunday, January 8 at 11:30am - Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church is celebrating 60 years of ministry on Sunday January 8, 2012! Please plan on joining in on the fun after worship with lunch, music and a brief time of thanking God together for what God has been doing, is doing and will be doing in and through us.

November 22, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, Advent and Christmas comes at the darkest time of the year. We have the same 24 hours as we do in July, but these colder and darker days often seem shorter. Advent anticipates the coming of the most powerful light possible into the depth of our darkness. During summer we may be deceived into thinking life is warm and full of light. Life also contains the quiet, fallow time when the earth prepares for rebirth. Wintry spirituality calls us to embrace the bare structure of our living, to face our places of lifelessness. Only then do we realize that we really need the Light of Christ in our spaces.

I pray you will embrace your darkness, but not alone - pull Christ and your Church community around you. Then you will know the true depth of this amazing season.

"It is you who light my lamp; the Lord, my God, lights up my darkness." Psalm 18:28

May God's Grace and Peace and Love and Light be with you in great abundance,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, November 27, 2011 - First Sunday in Advent - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: "Alert in the Abyss" Rev. Shel White
    • Sunday, December 4, 2011 Second Sunday in Advent - Holy Communion - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager
  • 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.
  • Angel Tree - November 13?December 4 - 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. Gifts and/or donations can be brought to the office or attached to the Angel Tree up until the deadline of immediately following the 10:30 service on Sunday, December 4, when they will be boxed up for delivery. Help us make this a wonderful opportunity for sharing God's love with others. For more information or to volunteer your time to this project, please contact Karen Zimmerman or Telzey Gourley.
  • Christmas Wreaths - Sunday, November 27 - Our own Boy Scout troop #239 will be selling Christmas wreaths after both services for $20. Support the Boy Scouts and decorate your home!
  • Christmas Cookies - Attention St. Andrew's bakers! We're looking for your yummy Christmas cookies (hand-made or store-bought) to use for coffee hour after worship and other special Advent events. We will be handing out paper plates and a labeled Ziploc bag to anyone interested. Just fill it with your goodies and bring back to the church fridge or freezer for enjoyment by all.
  • Advent Jesse Tree - Sunday, November 27 at 5pm - Please bring your completed 25 ornaments to exchange with the other participants. There will be soup and bread to share. If you are curious about the Jesse Tree, you may join us. We will have extra books to sell if you are interested, for $6.
  • Naomi Circle - Monday, November 28 at 1pm - We will continue our study from 'Confessing the Beatitudes.' The scripture for the third lesson, 'Greatly Honored Are the Humbled!' is Matthew 5:5; and Psalm 37. Beth Ward will lead this lesson. Everyone is welcome - please join us for great fellowship, dessert and Bible study.
  • Youth Group: DecemberFest High School Retreat - December 2-4 - Check out www.westminsterwoods.org/youth-weekends for details on registration and let the Bentons know if you're going: gatoslocos.bentons@gmail.com or (925) 222-5378.
  • Children's Christmas Pageant - Sunday, December 4 at 6pm - We invite ALL members and friends of St. Andrew's to join us for our annual Christmas pageant. This year's story is 'Is It Really Christmas?,' a play starring talking Christmas trees. Please join us!
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Friday, December 9 at 6:30pm - Join us in December for our holiday Flick Flack party at the home of Bob and Carol McMains, 142 Wiggins Court in Pleasant Hill. We will discuss the classic film, 'It's a Wonderful Life.' Please bring a salad to share. Please RSVP to the McMains at 925-937-6391 or mcmains@mac.com by December 7.
  • Gingerbread House Party - Saturday, December 10 at 1pm - Come to Hope Center Covenant Church (Morello & Taylor Blvd.) and decorate a gingerbread house for a donation of $10, and/or a gingerbread cookie for $1. All the trimmings are included. You must reserve a 'house' by contacting Pastor Tom Patitucci at tpatitucci@hopecenter.cc by December 8. More details can be found on posters in the Crothers Hall area.
  • Christmas Caroling - Saturday, December 10 at 2:30pm - We will be Christmas caroling to our homebound members and singing at the Chateau. We'll meet in the Activity Center at 2:30pm 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. Let's all turn out for this opportunity to enjoy each other and to have the community enjoy us as well. Contact Terry Neidlinger with questions.
  • Advent Ecumenical Choir Concert - Sunday, December 11 at 4pm - Come hear beautiful holiday music by several Pleasant Hill church choirs, including our very own Chancel Choir at Christ the King Catholic Church, 199 Brandon Road. This is a great way to celebrate Advent!
  • Sunday School Christmas Party - Sunday, December 18 at 9am - All kids and youth are invited to our Sunday School Christmas Party - This is a simple celebration of Christmas treats, hot cocoa, crafts and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus! We hope you'll join in the fun! Parents, if you can help provide refreshments, please let Jennifer know at jennifer.standrews@gmail.com or 685-4720.
  • Youth Group: Caroling - Sunday, December 18 at 4:30pm - The youth group will be bringing some Christmas cheer to some people that could use extra warmth this Christmas season. Meet at the church at 4:30pm and we'll caravan around. We'll be back in time for dinner at 6:30 and bells at 7pm.
  • Twas the Night Before - Sunday, December 18 at 5:30pm - Join us in the Celebration Center for a Christmas party filled with drama, singing, games for children and great food! Listen as the Christmas story is told through music, dramatic readings and skits. Watch as our children learn about the coming of Jesus through games. Wonder with the children about how the animals at Jesus' birth may have felt. Celebrate the reason for the season with family and friends as Cornerstone and Cantemos bring the stories of Christmas to life!
  • Christmas Services - December 24 at 7pm - Sunday, December 25 at 10am
  • Youth Group: After-Christmas Party - Tuesday, December 27 at 6:30pm - We'll get together at church for a pajama party, eat each other's leftovers, have a white elephant re-gift exchange, and watch Mary Poppins on the big screen in the Celebration Center. RSVP to the Bentons at gatoslocos.bentons@gmail.com or (925) 222-5378.
  • New Year's Day Worship - Sunday, January 1 at 10am

November 17, 2011

MEDITATION - From Wendy Komori Stager

Every Sunday school youth class that I was ever in wanted to study the book of Revelation. I would consistently dodge teaching it because it is a weird book and has strange images. Of course, the kids wanted to study it because it was weird and strange. But I could never find curriculum. Plus, I didn't understand it, so how could I teach it? I have avoided Revelation for years.

There are so many different and controversial interpretations of this text. Some people rely too much on the imagery of the 666 beast and the salvation of the 144,000. Other people predict the end of the world on a particular day using calculations from Revelation. This Sunday, I am not avoiding how God speaks to us through the book of Revelation. The images are powerful and can evoke a sense of wonder, mystery, confusion, and awe in us. Yes, it is risky territory, but I invite you to come and explore this mystical vision of John this Sunday. Perhaps we will receive revelation as well.

Wendy

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, November 20, 2011 - Christ the King Sunday - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager
    • Sunday, November 27, 2011 - First Sunday in Advent - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: "Alert in the Abyss" Rev. Shel White
  • Warm Clothing Drive - Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District is sponsoring a warm clothing drive in our community. They need donations of coats, jackets, heavy sweaters, gloves/mittens, blankets and sleeping bags for needy organizations throughout our area. Barrels will be in place for collections from October 3 through November 22, including one here at St. Andrew's, Monday through Friday, 10am to 1pm.
  • 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.
  • Angel Tree - November 13?December 4 - 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. Gifts and/or donations can be brought to the office or attached to the Angel Tree up until the deadline of immediately following the 10:30 service on Sunday, December 4, when they will be boxed up for delivery. Help us make this a wonderful opportunity for sharing God's love with others. For more information or to volunteer your time to this project, please contact Karen Zimmerman or Telzey Gourley.
  • Christmas Wreaths - Sundays, November 20 & 27 - Our own Boy Scout troop #239 will be selling Christmas wreaths after both services for $20. Support the Boy Scouts and decorate your home!
  • Christmas Cookies - Attention St. Andrew's bakers! We're looking for your yummy Christmas cookies (hand-made or store-bought) to use for coffee hour after worship and other special Advent events. We will be handing out paper plates and a labeled Ziploc bag to anyone interested. Just fill it with your goodies and bring back to the church fridge or freezer for enjoyment by all.
  • Youth Group: Ice Skating - Sunday, November 20 at 4pm - Youth are invited to join the youth group for ice skating, dinner and cake at the Downtown Walnut Creek Ice Rink (www.iceskatewalnutcreek.com). Please bring $15 for admission, skate rental and dinner. RSVP to the Bentons at gatoslocos.bentons@gmail.com or (925) 222-5378.
  • Advent Jesse Tree - Sunday, November 27 at 5pm - Please bring your completed 25 ornaments to exchange with the other participants. There will be soup and bread to share. If you are curious about the Jesse Tree, you may join us. We will have extra books to sell if you are interested, for $6.
  • Naomi Circle - Monday, November 28 at 1pm - We will continue our study from 'Confessing the Beatitudes.' The scripture for the third lesson, 'Greatly Honored Are the Humbled!' is Matthew 5:5; and Psalm 37. Beth Ward will lead this lesson. Everyone is welcome - please join us for great fellowship, dessert and Bible study.
  • Youth Group: DecemberFest High School Retreat - December 2-4 - Check out www.westminsterwoods.org/youth-weekends for details on registration and let the Bentons know if you're going: gatoslocos.bentons@gmail.com or (925) 222-5378.
  • Children?s Christmas Pageant - Sunday, December 4 at 6pm - We invite ALL members and friends of St. Andrew's to join us for our annual Christmas pageant. This year's story is 'Is It Really Christmas?,' a play starring talking Christmas trees. Please join us!
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Friday, December 9 at 6:30pm - Join us in December for our holiday Flick Flack party at the home of Bob and Carol McMains, 142 Wiggins Court in Pleasant Hill. We will discuss the classic film, 'It's a Wonderful Life.' Please bring a salad to share. Please RSVP to the McMains at 925-937-6391 or mcmains@mac.com by December 7.
  • Gingerbread House Party - Saturday, December 10 at 1pm - Come to Hope Center Covenant Church (Morello & Taylor Blvd.) and decorate a gingerbread house for a donation of $10, and/or a gingerbread cookie for $1. All the trimmings are included. You must reserve a 'house' by contacting Pastor Tom Patitucci at tpatitucci@hopecenter.cc by December 8. More details can be found on posters in the Crothers Hall area.
  • Christmas Caroling - Saturday, December 10 at 2:30pm - We will be Christmas caroling to our homebound members and singing at the Chateau. We'll meet in the Activity Center at 2:30pm 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. Let's all turn out for this opportunity to enjoy each other and to have the community enjoy us as well. Contact Terry Neidlinger with questions.
  • Advent Ecumenical Choir Concert - Sunday, December 11 at 4pm - Come hear beautiful holiday music by several Pleasant Hill church choirs, including our very own Chancel Choir at Christ the King Catholic Church, 199 Brandon Road. This is a great way to celebrate Advent!
  • Sunday School Christmas Party - Sunday, December 18 at 9am - All kids and youth are invited to our Sunday School Christmas Party - This is a simple celebration of Christmas treats, hot cocoa, crafts and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus! We hope you'll join in the fun! Parents, if you can help provide refreshments, please let Jennifer know at jennifer.standrews@gmail.com or 685-4720.
  • Youth Group: Caroling - Sunday, December 18 at 4:30pm - The youth group will be bringing some Christmas cheer to some people that could use extra warmth this Christmas season. Meet at the church at 4:30pm and we'll caravan around. We?ll be back in time for dinner at 6:30 and bells at 7pm.
  • Twas the Night Before - Sunday, December 18 at 5:30pm - Join us in the Celebration Center for a Christmas party filled with drama, singing, games for children and great food! Listen as the Christmas story is told through music, dramatic readings and skits. Watch as our children learn about the coming of Jesus through games. Wonder with the children about how the animals at Jesus' birth may have felt. Celebrate the reason for the season with family and friends as Cornerstone and Cantemos bring the stories of Christmas to life!
  • Christmas Services - December 24 at 7pm - Sunday, December 25 at 10am
  • Youth Group: After-Christmas Party - Tuesday, December 27 at 6:30pm - We'll get together at church for a pajama party, eat each other's leftovers, have a white elephant re-gift exchange, and watch Mary Poppins on the big screen in the Celebration Center. RSVP to the Bentons at gatoslocos.bentons@gmail.com or (925) 222-5378.
  • New Year's Day Worship - Sunday, January 1 at 10am

November 3, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

Do you regularly count your blessings? What goes through your mind when you think of blessings? Most of us think of what we have: roof over our heads, enough food to eat, family that cares about us, etc. Jesus redefines blessings. Mary Louise Bringle illustrates Jesus' radical thinking: "Jesus identified blessedness not with having, but with giving away." What we own can give us temporary pleasure. What we give away leads to a life full of meaning and purpose. This is so contrary to what the world teaches us!

Jesus is a radical example for us: "whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many." Mark 10:43-45

Grace and Peace and Servanthood,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, November 6, 2011 - All Saints Sunday - Holy Communion - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: 'What is it you want me to do for you?' by Rev. Shel White, Mark 10:36 - Special Music - Bells and Choirs
    • Sunday, November 13, 2011 - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: 'Why do you call me 'Lord,' and do not do what I tell you?' by Rev. Shel White, Luke 6:46
  • Sermon Talk-Back - Wednesdays, September 21 to November 16 at 7pm - This fall, Wendy and Shel will be preaching on some of the questions that Jesus asked. Each Wednesday at 7pm, Rev. Shel will lead a discussion on the question from the Sunday sermon before and the upcoming Sunday sermon.
  • Warm Clothing Drive - Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District is sponsoring a warm clothing drive in our community. They need donations of coats, jackets, heavy sweaters, gloves/mittens, blankets and sleeping bags for needy organizations throughout our area. Barrels will be in place for collections from October 3 through November 22, including one here at St. Andrew's, Monday through Friday, 10am to 1pm.
  • Can You Hear Them? - November 13 - December 4 - 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. This year we are once again supporting families and children from Bay Area Crisis Nursery, St. Vincent de Paul and other deserving recipients. The maximum limit is for a gift of $25. There are children and opportunities to give money, which will be used to buy food for a Christmas meal. Gifts and or donations can be brought to the office or attached to the Angel Tree up until the deadline of immediately following the 10:30 service on Sunday, December 4, when they will be boxed up for delivery. Help us make this a wonderful opportunity for sharing God's love with others. For more information or to volunteer your time to this project, please contact Karen Zimmerman or Telzey Gourley.
  • Warm Winter Nights - November 14-20 - St Andrew's, through our Church in the World Commission, is partnering with First Christian Church of Concord to provide shelter and meals for homeless families. First Christian is the host, providing beds, baths and kitchen facilities. As the co-host church, we at St. Andrew's will provide food for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. We plan to cook the evening meal at the host church. We will also provide a person or two each night to assist by spending the night. Valerie Zito and Decky Thornton are coordinating the St Andrew's co-host team. Sign up to help after church on Sundays or call either one of us for more information. For more information regarding Warm Winter Nights, check out cccwinternights.org It is a wonderful mission.
  • Celebrating Advent at St. Andrew's - Save the date: November 27 - The Jesse Tree is a tree of symbols, which helps us focus on the true meaning of Advent, the true preparation for the coming of Christ, and what that really means to us. On Sunday, November 27, we will gather together to exchange ornaments and collect a complete set. We will also receive a Jesse Tree and a devotional guide for the Advent season. A small cost will be incurred for the price of the book and tree. Please contact Alison to sign up or ask questions: (925) 372-8228 or armandpea@sbcglobal.net.

October 27, 2011

MEDITATION - From Rev. Geoff Nelson

How do we use our dreams in our daily lives? How might we use them in our lives as Christians? One of the questions I use to answer those questions has to do with the relationship between dreams and reading the Bible. Are we more open to the metaphors and images of the Bible as a consequence of paying more attention to our dreams? Also, how is our life of prayer changed by our paying attention to dreams? I believe there is a greater openness to the images and symbols in the Bible if we are paying attention to our dreams. Dreams speak the language of symbol, as does religion at its deepest level. Many of the stories of miracles, visions, parables, etc. are easier to understand when you are familiar with the way dreams 'speak.'

Numbers 12:5-6:

Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the entrance of the tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forward. And he said, 'Hear my words:
When there are prophets among you,
I the Lord make myself known to them in visions;
I speak to them in dreams.

Grace and Peace,
Geoff

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, October 30, 2011 - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: "Another Way God Speaks?" by Rev. Geoff Nelson, Matthew 1:18-25
    • Sunday, November 6, 2011 - All Saints Sunday - Holy Communion - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: 'What is it you want me to do for you?' by Rev. Shel White, Mark 10:36 - Special Music - Bells and Choirs
  • Sermon Talk-Back - Wednesdays, September 21 to November 16 at 7pm - This fall, Wendy and Shel will be preaching on some of the questions that Jesus asked. Each Wednesday at 7pm, Rev. Shel will lead a discussion on the question from the Sunday sermon before and the upcoming Sunday sermon.
  • Celebrating Advent at St. Andrew's - Save these dates: October 30 & November 27 - Here is an opportunity for you to share Advent with others by making ornaments for your own Jesse Tree. The Jesse Tree is a tree of symbols, which helps us focus on the true meaning of Advent, the true preparation for the coming of Christ, and what that really means to us. Pick a symbol on Sunday, October 30 that you or your family wants to create. We will gather between services in the Celebration Center. Make the ornaments at home (enough to give one to each family groups participating. Then, on Sunday, November 27, we will gather together to exchange ornaments and collect a complete set. We will also receive a Jesse Tree and a devotional guide for the Advent season. A small cost will be incurred for the price of the book and tree. Please contact Alison to sign up or ask questions: (925) 372-8228 or armandpea@sbcglobal.net.
  • Dream Workshop - Sunday, October 30 at 11:50am - Dreams offer a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth within the life of the Christian Church. This workshop, presented by Rev. Geoff Nelson, will present a general overview of four values of dreams for Christians, and include a demonstration of these values through a dream group with the participants. Geoff is a Presbyterian pastor in Whittier, CA. With over 35 years experience with his own dreams, he recently completed a DMin degree on 'Dream Groups in the Church.' He is also a spiritual director. Donations are requested to cover light lunch and cost of workshop.
  • Youth Group: NovemberBash - Friday, November 4 at 6pm to Sunday, November 6 at 1pm - Youth retreat for 6th-8th graders at Westminster Woods. Join the Bentons, our new youth directors, for this fun-filled weekend of games, singing, friendship, campfires, scripture lessons and, of course, some surprises! Please let the Bentons know if you are interested in camping, as a carpool/caravan is in the works. Be sure to bring a friend, sleeping bag, flashlight and a jacket. Register online at westminsterwoods.org for $145 per person, with scholarships available.
  • Warm Clothing Drive - Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District is sponsoring a warm clothing drive in our community. They need donations of coats, jackets, heavy sweaters, gloves/mittens, blankets and sleeping bags for needy organizations throughout our area. Barrels will be in place for collections from October 3 through November 22, including one here at St. Andrew's, Monday through Friday, 10am to 1pm.
  • Can You Hear Them? - November 13 - December 4 - 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. This year we are once again supporting families and children from Bay Area Crisis Nursery, St. Vincent de Paul and other deserving recipients. The maximum limit is for a gift of $25. There are children and opportunities to give money, which will be used to buy food for a Christmas meal. Gifts and or donations can be brought to the office or attached to the Angel Tree up until the deadline of immediately following the 10:30 service on Sunday, December 4, when they will be boxed up for delivery. Help us make this a wonderful opportunity for sharing God's love with others. For more information or to volunteer your time to this project, please contact Karen Zimmerman or Telzey Gourley.
  • Warm Winter Nights - November 14-20 - St Andrew's, through our Church in the World Commission, is partnering with First Christian Church of Concord to provide shelter and meals for homeless families. First Christian is the host, providing beds, baths and kitchen facilities. As the co-host church, we at St. Andrew's will provide food for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. We plan to cook the evening meal at the host church. We will also provide a person or two each night to assist by spending the night. Valerie Zito and Decky Thornton are coordinating the St Andrew's co-host team. Sign up to help after church on Sundays or call either one of us for more information. For more information regarding Warm Winter Nights, check out cccwinternights.org It is a wonderful mission.

October 20, 2011

MEDITATION - From David TenBrook

Flock of St. Andrews,

I offer you some quotes below to reflect on how authenticity, honesty, and lies can impact your life:

A lie is just the truth waiting to be itself. ~ Terri Guillemets

Those who think it is permissible to tell white lies soon grow color-blind. ~ Austin O'Malley

Honesty is the rarest wealth anyone can possess, and yet all the honesty in the world ain't lawful tender for a loaf of bread. ~ Josh Billings

If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State. ~ Joseph Goebbels

Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made." But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply "Yes" or "No"; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. ~ Jesus

Peace,
David

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, October 23, 2011 9:00am Contemporary Worship 10:30am Traditional Worship Message: Questions Jesus Asked: "Yes, No, Yes" by David TenBrook
    • Sunday, October 30, 2011 - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: "Another Way God Speaks?" by Rev. Geoff Nelson, Matthew 1:18-25
  • The Gospels & the History of Jesus - Tuesdays at 9:30am - The major topic this year is: 'The Gospels and the History of Jesus.' We have considerable information about the man, Jesus, who lived in the first century in the ancient Roman Empire. Remarkably, all of the historical information we have about Jesus is available to us because it is in the New Testament, which has been ably translated for us out of its original ancient languages. The Gospels and the History of Jesus will begin on October 18. If you are available at that time and interested in these questions please plan to come.
  • Sermon Talk-Back - Wednesdays, September 21 to November 16 at 7pm - This fall, Wendy and Shel will be preaching on some of the questions that Jesus asked. Each Wednesday at 7pm, Rev. Shel will lead a discussion on the question from the Sunday sermon before and the upcoming Sunday sermon.
  • Chamber Music Recital - Sunday, October 23 at 3pm - You are welcome to spend a lovely Sunday afternoon with other music lovers enjoying the next recital in the St Andrew's Chamber Music series. The program includes Carl Fruhling's Trio in A Minor, op 40 (C.1900) for clarinet, cello and piano; Mozart's Duo in B Major K. 424 (1783)-arranged for English Horn and violin by Ed Hattyar; J Andriessen?s Trio No. 1 for flute, oboe and bassoon (1955), and Robert Schmann's Konzertstuck, Op.86 (1849) for four horns and piano featuring the horn section of the Ukiah Symphony Orchestra. As always these recitals are free and open to the community. Refreshments are served at intermission. Free-will offerings benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing Project which provides permanent supportive housing and services for formerly homeless families in the community. For more information, contact Decky Thornton at 925-228-7731 or deckyt@comcast.net.
  • Youth Group: The Perfect Brainstorm! - Sunday, October 23 at 5pm - Please join us in the Celebration Center for a brainstorm meeting about our youth group format, schedule, special events, dreams and our plans for the coming year. Youth, parents, and other interested church adults are invited. We'll talk, we'll laugh, we'll plan, we'll pray, we'll strategize, and we'll eat some dinner. There is no bell practice this evening.
  • Trunk-or-Treat - Wednesday, October 26 at 6:30pm - 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 and join us. 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!
  • Celebrating Advent at St. Andrew's - Save these dates: October 30 & November 27 - Here is an opportunity for you to share Advent with others by making ornaments for your own Jesse Tree. The Jesse Tree is a tree of symbols, which helps us focus on the true meaning of Advent, the true preparation for the coming of Christ, and what that really means to us. Pick a symbol on Sunday, October 30 that you or your family wants to create. We will gather between services in the Celebration Center. Make the ornaments at home (enough to give one to each family groups participating. Then, on Sunday, November 27, we will gather together to exchange ornaments and collect a complete set. We will also receive a Jesse Tree and a devotional guide for the Advent season. A small cost will be incurred for the price of the book and tree. Please contact Alison to sign up or ask questions: (925) 372-8228 or armandpea@sbcglobal.net.
  • Dream Workshop - Sunday, October 30 at 11:50am - Dreams offer a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth within the life of the Christian Church. This workshop, presented by Rev. Geoff Nelson, will present a general overview of four values of dreams for Christians, and include a demonstration of these values through a dream group with the participants. Geoff is a Presbyterian pastor in Whittier, CA. With over 35 years experience with his own dreams, he recently completed a DMin degree on 'Dream Groups in the Church.' He is also a spiritual director. Donations are requested to cover light lunch and cost of workshop.
  • Youth Group: NovemberBash - Friday, November 4 at 6pm to Sunday, November 6 at 1pm - Youth retreat for 6th-8th graders at Westminster Woods. Join the Bentons, our new youth directors, for this fun-filled weekend of games, singing, friendship, campfires, scripture lessons and, of course, some surprises! Please let the Bentons know if you are interested in camping, as a carpool/caravan is in the works. Be sure to bring a friend, sleeping bag, flashlight and a jacket. Register online at westminsterwoods.org for $145 per person, with scholarships available.

October 13, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

Matthew, Mark and Luke each tell of Jesus asking the disciples a very vital question: "Who do you say that I am?" The titles we give to Jesus say a great deal about where we stand in our Christian faith. We could call Jesus 'Lord' or 'Master' or 'Messiah' or 'Shepherd' or 'Almighty One' or 'Sovereign One' or 'Friend' or _______. Each of these titles expresses a different way that we see God at work in our lives.

Each title also shows a different way that we let God influence us. Our relationship with Jesus could be deepened if we took each title one at a time and explored that aspect of Jesus. I would suggest that you take one title each day for a week and ponder, and perhaps journal on, what that aspect of Jesus would mean for you.

Growing together in the Lord,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, October 16, 2011 - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: Questions Jesus Asked: "Who Do You Say that I Am?" (Luke 9:20) by Rev. Shel White
    • Sunday, October 23, 2011 9:00am Contemporary Worship 10:30am Traditional Worship Message: Questions Jesus Asked: "Do You Love Me?" by David TenBrook
  • The Family Circus II: Walking the Tightrope of Elder Care - Saturday, October 15 from 8:30am to 3pm - no charge, refreshments provided - Please join us for a day of workshops to empower families with solutions, ideas and knowledge on the challenges of aging. Listen to a local neurologist speak on 'Alzheimer's Disease and Its Growth: Will it Happen to Mom, Dad and Me'; as well as an Elder Law Attorney talk about the legal tools we need to plan for the cost of Long Term Care; and a Licensed Mental Health expert give tips on how to deal with the emotional roller coaster of family caregiving. There will be breakout sessions on Housing Options, Challenging Behaviors, Resistance to Care, New Trends in Senior Care and more. Local community services will be available to answer your questions throughout the day.
  • Congregational Meeting NEW Day/Time - Sunday, October 16 at 10:15am - Please join us for a special congregational meeting in between worship services at 10:15am. The purpose of the meeting will be to vote on Bill Pickle as Elder. For a number of reasons, your Session has decided to postpone moving Rev. Wendy Komori Stager from half-time to three-quarter-time. Following the second worship service at 11:50am, Fred Thorne will be in the Celebration Center to answer any questions you may have about the conversion of our line of credit loan with the Synod of the Pacific into a mortgage.
  • Cantare Con Vivo Concert - Sunday, October 16 at 4pm - The Cantare Chorale will be presenting a great concert of favorites at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church. Jazz, show tunes, folk, and some special numbers are all in the mix, plus FREE ice cream after the show! Contact St. Andrew's members Sue Fitch, John Grant, Curt & Kim James, Danielle Mitchell, or Warren TenBrook for advance tickets, or purchase through www.cantareconvivo.org.
  • The Gospels & the History of Jesus - Starting Tuesday, October 18 at 9:30am - The major topic this year is: 'The Gospels and the History of Jesus.' We have considerable information about the man, Jesus, who lived in the first century in the ancient Roman Empire. Remarkably, all of the historical information we have about Jesus is available to us because it is in the New Testament, which has been ably translated for us out of its original ancient languages. The Gospels and the History of Jesus will begin on October 18. If you are available at that time and interested in these questions please plan to come.
  • Chamber Music Recital - Sunday, October 23 at 3pm - You are welcome to spend a lovely Sunday afternoon with other music lovers enjoying the next recital in the St Andrew's Chamber Music series. The program includes Carl Fruhling's Trio in A Minor, op 40 (C.1900) for clarinet, cello and piano; Mozart's Duo in B Major K. 424 (1783)-arranged for English Horn and violin by Ed Hattyar; J Andriessen?s Trio No. 1 for flute, oboe and bassoon (1955), and Robert Schmann's Konzertstuck, Op.86 (1849) for four horns and piano featuring the horn section of the Ukiah Symphony Orchestra. As always these recitals are free and open to the community. Refreshments are served at intermission. Free-will offerings benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing Project which provides permanent supportive housing and services for formerly homeless families in the community. For more information, contact Decky Thornton at 925-228-7731 or deckyt@comcast.net.
  • Youth Group: The Perfect Brainstorm! - Sunday, October 23 at 5pm - Please join us in the Celebration Center for a brainstorm meeting about our youth group format, schedule, special events, dreams and our plans for the coming year. Youth, parents, and other interested church adults are invited. We'll talk, we'll laugh, we'll plan, we'll pray, we'll strategize, and we'll eat some dinner. There is no bell practice this evening.
  • Trunk-or-Treat - Wednesday, October 26 at 6:30pm - 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 and join us. 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!
  • Celebrating Advent at St. Andrew's - Save these dates: October 30 & November 27 - Here is an opportunity for you to share Advent with others by making ornaments for your own Jesse Tree. The Jesse Tree is a tree of symbols, which helps us focus on the true meaning of Advent, the true preparation for the coming of Christ, and what that really means to us. Pick a symbol on Sunday, October 30 that you or your family wants to create. We will gather between services in the Celebration Center. Make the ornaments at home (enough to give one to each family groups participating. Then, on Sunday, November 27, we will gather together to exchange ornaments and collect a complete set. We will also receive a Jesse Tree and a devotional guide for the Advent season. A small cost will be incurred for the price of the book and tree. Please contact Alison to sign up or ask questions: (925) 372-8228 or armandpea@sbcglobal.net.
  • Dream Workshop - Sunday, October 30 at 11:50am - Dreams offer a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth within the life of the Christian Church. This workshop, presented by Rev. Geoff Nelson, will present a general overview of four values of dreams for Christians, and include a demonstration of these values through a dream group with the participants. Geoff is a Presbyterian pastor in Whittier, CA. With over 35 years experience with his own dreams, he recently completed a DMin degree on 'Dream Groups in the Church.' He is also a spiritual director. Donations are requested to cover light lunch and cost of workshop.
  • Youth Group: NovemberBash - Friday, November 4 at 6pm to Sunday, November 6 at 1pm - Youth retreat for 6th-8th graders at Westminster Woods. Join the Bentons, our new youth directors, for this fun-filled weekend of games, singing, friendship, campfires, scripture lessons and, of course, some surprises! Please let the Bentons know if you are interested in camping, as a carpool/caravan is in the works. Be sure to bring a friend, sleeping bag, flashlight and a jacket. Register online at westminsterwoods.org for $145 per person, with scholarships available.

September 28, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

I had a seminary professor who believed the most important work in theological understanding comes in asking the right questions. He believed that coming up with the question was more important than arriving at an answer. In our fall sermon series, we are looking at some of the questions Jesus asked. Jesus asked many penetrating questions. Last Sunday, Wendy explored Jesus' question, "What are you looking for?" This Sunday I am looking at "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on Earth?"

In the late 1980's, I was fascinated by the "Back to the Future" movies. Time travel catches our imagination. If we take Jesus' question and apply it to our own lives, it might bring up this question: "If you could suddenly jump to 2018, would your Lord find you with a stronger faith and a deeper understanding of God's scriptures than today?" Jesus challenges us to make and stick to goals that would grow our relationship with our Lord. "When the Son of Man comes into your future, will he find greater faith than you have right now?"

Growing together in the Lord,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, October 2, 2011 - World Communion Sunday - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: 'Questions Jesus Asked: When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?' by Rev. Shel White, Luke 18:8
    • Sunday, October 9, 2011 - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: Questions Jesus Asked: "Who Do You Say that I Am?" by Rev. Shel White, Luke 9:20
  • We Want You! - We are currently planning for Kids Kingdom, our midweek program for K-5 students, and would like to invite St. Andrew's members and friends to volunteer for this fun program. We really need help! The program runs from September 14 to April 4, 4:30 to 6:45pm, and we have many opportunities to help out, including crafts, bible study, assisting with games, assisting with music, assisting with handbells, helping prep dinner, helping clean-up after dinner, or being a table 'parent,' which involves eating and socializing with a small group of kids. You do not have to have a child in the program to participate - in fact, having adults of all ages coming together to be with the children of Kids Kingdom creates a wonderful sense of community and fellowship. Please contact Jennifer at 685-4720.
  • Friday Morning Women's Small Group - Starting September 30 at 10am - Do you need God to hear your cry, lift you up out of the slimy pit, set your feet on a rock and put a new song in your heart? That is what a group of women will be asking God to do for them this fall in the Friday Morning Women?s Small Group. We will be reading and reflecting on Beth Moore's book, Get Out of That Pit. Come join us! Please contact Lori Hedlund (lori.hedlund@yahoo.com, 503-949-4261) if you have any questions, need childcare, or would like to purchase a lightly used book.
  • Nick Stranglehold, Private Eye. - October 1 at 7pm - The Cornerstone drama group is back with 'Nick Stranglehold!' Nick is hired by a rich young man to investigate the character of God, to learn whether or not God is trustworthy and if He should be followed or not. For more information, contact sta.cornerstone.drama@gmail.com.
  • Peacemaking Offering - Sunday, October 2 - STAND Against Domestic Violence is once again St. Andrew's choice to receive St. Andrew's 25% of the Peacemaking Offering. For over 34 years, STAND has been helping families trapped in the cycle of violence. Through their 24-hour crisis line, their Emergency Shelter and their comprehensive counseling programs, thousands of families receive the tools and support they need to free themselves from violent relationships - a way out before the violence turns deadly. The Peacemaking Offering will be received on World Communion Sunday. Our gift will make a tremendous difference.
  • Inquirer's Class - October 2, 9 & 16 at 2pm - If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class. Sign up in the Celebration Center.
  • The Family Circus II: Walking the Tightrope of Elder Care - Saturday, October 15 from 8:30am to 3pm - no charge, refreshments provided - Please join us for a day of workshops to empower families with solutions, ideas and knowledge on the challenges of aging. Listen to a local neurologist speak on 'Alzheimer's Disease and Its Growth: Will it Happen to Mom, Dad and Me'; as well as an Elder Law Attorney talk about the legal tools we need to plan for the cost of Long Term Care; and a Licensed Mental Health expert give tips on how to deal with the emotional roller coaster of family caregiving. There will be breakout sessions on Housing Options, Challenging Behaviors, Resistance to Care, New Trends in Senior Care and more. Local community services will be available to answer your questions throughout the day.
  • Congregational Meeting Update - Sunday, October 16 at 11:50am - Please join us for a special congregational meeting after the second service. You may bring your own lunch if you desire. At this meeting, you will be asked to vote on an Elder nominee (Bill Pickle), discuss staff changes and gain information and ask questions about converting our loan from a line of credit to a standard mortgage.
  • The Gospels & the History of Jesus - Starting Tuesday, October 18 at 9:30am - The major topic this year is: 'The Gospels and the History of Jesus.' We have considerable information about the man, Jesus, who lived in the first century in the ancient Roman Empire. Remarkably, all of the historical information we have about Jesus is available to us because it is in the New Testament, which has been ably translated for us out of its original ancient languages. The Gospels and the History of Jesus will begin on October 18. If you are available at that time and interested in these questions please plan to come.
  • Chamber Music Recital - Sunday, October 23 at 3pm - You are welcome to spend a lovely Sunday afternoon with other music lovers enjoying the next recital in the St Andrew's Chamber Music series. The program includes Carl Fruhling's Trio in A Minor, op 40 (C.1900) for clarinet, cello and piano; Mozart's Duo in B Major K. 424 (1783)-arranged for English Horn and violin by Ed Hattyar; J Andriessen?s Trio No. 1 for flute, oboe and bassoon (1955), and Robert Schmann's Konzertstuck, Op.86 (1849) for four horns and piano featuring the horn section of the Ukiah Symphony Orchestra. As always these recitals are free and open to the community. Refreshments are served at intermission. Free-will offerings benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing Project which provides permanent supportive housing and services for formerly homeless families in the community. For more information, contact Decky Thornton at 925-228-7731 or deckyt@comcast.net.
  • Trunk-or-Treat - Wednesday, October 26 at 6:30pm - 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 and join us. 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!

September 22, 2011

MEDITATION - From Wendy Komori Stager

Sermon Series: Questions Jesus Asked

Some questions we tend to encounter in our everyday lives are questions that have answers such as, "Did you save room for dessert?" or "Where were you?" Other questions, such as, "How are you?" are not really inquiries at all, but simply pleasantries. This fall, we are engaging some of the questions that Jesus presents to the disciples and to us. The questions Jesus asks are not simple ones, nor do they have simple answers. They are the questions that speak to our soul, our identity and our very life. They are questions that no one else can answer for you.

"Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions" -Rainer Maria Rilke

My prayer for you is that you may love the questions and live the questions.

Wendy

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, September 25, 2011 - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: Questions of Jesus: Why were you searching for me? by Rev. Wendy Komori Stager, Luke 2:49
    • Sunday, October 2, 2011 - World Communion Sunday - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: 'Questions Jesus Asked: When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?' by Rev. Shel White, Luke 18:8
  • We Want You! - We are currently planning for Kids Kingdom, our midweek program for K-5 students, and would like to invite St. Andrew's members and friends to volunteer for this fun program. We really need help! The program runs from September 14 to April 4, 4:30 to 6:45pm, and we have many opportunities to help out, including crafts, bible study, assisting with games, assisting with music, assisting with handbells, helping prep dinner, helping clean-up after dinner, or being a table 'parent,' which involves eating and socializing with a small group of kids. You do not have to have a child in the program to participate - in fact, having adults of all ages coming together to be with the children of Kids Kingdom creates a wonderful sense of community and fellowship. Please contact Jennifer at 685-4720.
  • Sermon Talk-Back - Wednesdays, September 21 to November 16 at 7pm - This fall, Wendy and Shel will be preaching on some of the questions that Jesus asked. Jesus asked some fascinating questions, such as: 'What is it you want me to do for you?' and 'Do you want to be made well?' and 'What are you looking for?' Each Wednesday at 7pm, Rev. Shel will lead a discussion on the question from the Sunday sermon before and the upcoming Sunday sermon.
  • Note from John Shumway - Friends, I attended the first session of Shel's Sermon TalkBack class last Wednesday evening and it was WONDERFUL. Between now and Thanksgiving, there will be sermons about the questions Jesus posed to His people -- that is us! Shel, Wendy, and two excellent guests will be preaching at St. Andrew's between now and Thanksgiving. We have in Dr. Shel a master preacher at the high point of his powers. Please consider setting aside other tasks and be with us the next several Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30.
  • Friday Morning Women's Small Group - Starting September 30 at 10am - Do you need God to hear your cry, lift you up out of the slimy pit, set your feet on a rock and put a new song in your heart? That is what a group of women will be asking God to do for them this fall in the Friday Morning Women?s Small Group. We will be reading and reflecting on Beth Moore's book, Get Out of That Pit. Come join us! Please contact Lori Hedlund (lori.hedlund@yahoo.com, 503-949-4261) if you have any questions, need childcare, or would like to purchase a lightly used book.
  • Nick Stranglehold, Private Eye. - September 30 & October 1 at 7pm - The Cornerstone drama group is back with 'Nick Stranglehold!' Nick is hired by a rich young man to investigate the character of God, to learn whether or not God is trustworthy and if He should be followed or not. For more information, contact sta.cornerstone.drama@gmail.com.
  • Peacemaking Offering - Sunday, October 2 - STAND Against Domestic Violence is once again St. Andrew's choice to receive St. Andrew's 25% of the Peacemaking Offering. For over 34 years, STAND has been helping families trapped in the cycle of violence. Through their 24-hour crisis line, their Emergency Shelter and their comprehensive counseling programs, thousands of families receive the tools and support they need to free themselves from violent relationships - a way out before the violence turns deadly. The Peacemaking Offering will be received on World Communion Sunday. Our gift will make a tremendous difference.
  • Inquirer's Class - October 2, 9 & 16 at 2pm - If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class. Sign up in the Celebration Center.
  • The Family Circus II: Walking the Tightrope of Elder Care - Saturday, October 15 from 8:30am to 3pm - no charge, refreshments provided - Please join us for a day of workshops to empower families with solutions, ideas and knowledge on the challenges of aging. Listen to a local neurologist speak on 'Alzheimer's Disease and Its Growth: Will it Happen to Mom, Dad and Me'; as well as an Elder Law Attorney talk about the legal tools we need to plan for the cost of Long Term Care; and a Licensed Mental Health expert give tips on how to deal with the emotional roller coaster of family caregiving. There will be breakout sessions on Housing Options, Challenging Behaviors, Resistance to Care, New Trends in Senior Care and more. Local community services will be available to answer your questions throughout the day.
  • Congregational Meeting Update - Sunday, October 16 at 11:50am - Please join us for a special congregational meeting after the second service. You may bring your own lunch if you desire. At this meeting, you will be asked to vote on an Elder nominee (Bill Pickle), discuss staff changes and gain information and ask questions about converting our loan from a line of credit to a standard mortgage.

September 18, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

It is my belief that many people who avoid church, do it not because they misunderstand what we are about, but because that they may understand all too well. Church is about the possibility of a life-changing encounter with the Risen Christ. Church is about seeing God's way and will for us and our world, and then having to say 'yes' or 'no' to walking in that direction. Avoiding church is avoiding having to take that step.

We humans tend to try to shrink God down to our size. When we think of God as only a personal friend who thinks like we do, then we have reduced God to a safe, powerless deity. Going to church is to risk exposure to our all-knowing, authoritative, even dangerous Creator.

Jesus said: "If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me." Matthew 10:39 (The Message)

Seeking God's wisdom together,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, September 18, 2011 - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: 'A New Lease on Life' by Rev. Skip Herbert, Luke 12:13-21
    • Sunday, September 25, 2011 - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: Questions of Jesus: Why were you searching for me? by Rev. Wendy Komori Stager, Luke 2:49
  • We Want You! - We are currently planning for Kids Kingdom, our midweek program for K-5 students, and would like to invite St. Andrew's members and friends to volunteer for this fun program. We really need help! The program runs from September 14 to April 4, 4:30 to 6:45pm, and we have many opportunities to help out, including crafts, bible study, assisting with games, assisting with music, assisting with handbells, helping prep dinner, helping clean-up after dinner, or being a table 'parent,' which involves eating and socializing with a small group of kids. You do not have to have a child in the program to participate - in fact, having adults of all ages coming together to be with the children of Kids Kingdom creates a wonderful sense of community and fellowship. Please contact Jennifer at 685-4720.
  • Planned Giving Made Easy - Sunday, September 18 at Noon - Rev. Skip Herbert, development officer for the Presbyterian Foundation, will lead an interactive workshop on estate planning and charitable gift-giving in the Celebration center. Skip will also deliver the sermon that Sunday. The congregation is invited to participate in this workshop and all adults are welcome. A light lunch will be served.
  • Come Be a "SAP" (St. Andrew's Pedaler) - Sunday, September 18 at Noon - We will ride our bicycles from church to Sausalito and back. Whoa, way too much you say? In reality, we will ride from St. Andrew's to Pleasant Hill BART. Take BART to the Embarcadero Station in San Francisco, then ride along the waterfront, over the Golden Gate Bridge and down into Sausalito. We will take a ferry back to the Ferry Building in San Francisco and return to Pleasant Hill via BART for our ride back to St. Andrew's. Cost: BART - $9.80 round trip, Ferry - $10.50 one-way. Our return time is based on which ferry we catch, but expect an early evening return.
  • Sermon Talk-Back - Wednesdays, September 21 to November 16 at 7pm - This fall, Wendy and Shel will be preaching on some of the questions that Jesus asked. Jesus asked some fascinating questions, such as: 'What is it you want me to do for you?' and 'Do you want to be made well?' and 'What are you looking for?' Each Wednesday at 7pm, Rev. Shel will lead a discussion on the question from the Sunday sermon before and the upcoming Sunday sermon.
  • Friday Morning Women's Small Group - Starting September 30 at 10am - Do you need God to hear your cry, lift you up out of the slimy pit, set your feet on a rock and put a new song in your heart? That is what a group of women will be asking God to do for them this fall in the Friday Morning Women's Small Group. We will be reading and reflecting on Beth Moore's book, Get Out of That Pit. Throughout the book, Beth considers what happens when we invite God's Power into our pain. In our large group gatherings we will share our reflections and pray for one another. Please let me know if you need child care. The small group will begin on Friday, September 30 from 10 to 11:30am and continue through December 9. We will be meeting in the Oak Room. You can purchase a book that costs $11.50 through amazon.com or order a lightly used book that will cost around $6 with shipping. If you would like me to order you a used book, please let me know by September 20th so I can send in a group order. Come join us! Please contact Lori Hedlund (lori.hedlund@yahoo.com, 503-949-4261) if you have any questions or would like to purchase a lightly used book.
  • Nick Stranglehold, Private Eye. - September 30 & October 1 at 7pm - The Cornerstone drama group is back with 'Nick Stranglehold!' Nick is hired by a rich young man to investigate the character of God, to learn whether or not God is trustworthy and if He should be followed or not. For more information, contact sta.cornerstone.drama@gmail.com.
  • Peacemaking Offering - Sunday, October 2 - STAND Against Domestic Violence is once again St. Andrew's choice to receive St. Andrew's 25% of the Peacemaking Offering. For over 34 years, STAND has been helping families trapped in the cycle of violence. Through their 24-hour crisis line, their Emergency Shelter and their comprehensive counseling programs, thousands of families receive the tools and support they need to free themselves from violent relationships - a way out before the violence turns deadly. The Peacemaking Offering will be received on World Communion Sunday. Our gift will make a tremendous difference.
  • Inquirer's Class - October 2, 9 & 16 at 2pm - If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class. Sign up in the Celebration Center.
  • The Family Circus II: Walking the Tightrope of Elder Care - Saturday, October 15 from 8:30am to 3pm - no charge, refreshments provided - Please join us for a day of workshops to empower families with solutions, ideas and knowledge on the challenges of aging. Listen to a local neurologist speak on 'Alzheimer's Disease and Its Growth: Will it Happen to Mom, Dad and Me'; as well as an Elder Law Attorney talk about the legal tools we need to plan for the cost of Long Term Care; and a Licensed Mental Health expert give tips on how to deal with the emotional roller coaster of family caregiving. There will be breakout sessions on Housing Options, Challenging Behaviors, Resistance to Care, New Trends in Senior Care and more. Local community services will be available to answer your questions throughout the day.

September 8, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

Ten years ago our world changed - not just New York, not just our country, but the entire world. We would like to think that that mass tragedy happens only somewhere far away. But on September 11, 2001, we learned that hatred and evil can come to our own land, into our own backyard. Our false sense of security has been exposed for what it is: false.

I believe that in times like these, we move into a heightened sense of judgment. In order to protect ourselves, we natually want to be diligent to judge everyone to make as sure as possible that we are safe, and if we are not, then we work hard to defend ourselves. Wouldn't it be great if homeland security came with a guarantee?

Why does our Lord strongly implore us not to judge? I just finished three weeks of jury duty where 12 of us found a man guilty of first degree murder. He will not be executed, but he probably will never experience freedom again. We were asked to make a judgment so that we all could be safer. As Christians, we need to look at all of the Scriptures in our struggle to know how we are to judge and protect.

God does not make this process easy: "Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God." Romans 12:10-12

Seeking God's wisdom together,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, September 11, 2011 - 10:00am Summer Combined Service - Message: 'Judge or Judge Not?' by Shel White, Romans 14:1-12 - Chancel Choir - Parish Picnic
    • Sunday, September 18, 2011 - 9:00am Contemporary Worship - 10:30am Traditional Worship - Message: 'A New Lease on Life' by Rev. Skip Herbert, Luke 12:13-21
  • Youth News - Weekly youth group meetings
    • 4:45 - 5:30pm Junior High Bible Study and Fellowship (6th - 8th grade)
    • 5:30 - 6:15pm Lord's Ringers Bell Rehearsal
    • 6:15 - 7:00pm Youth Dinner (6th - 12th grade)
    • 7:00 - 8:00pm High School Bible Study and Fellowship (9th - 12th grade)
    Contact Chad at chad.r.crawford@gmail.com if interested.
  • Harmonikos Handbell Choir Seeking New Members - St. Andrew's adult handbell choir, Harmonikos, is in need of new ringers. Prior ringing experience is not necessary; we'll teach you that. Some ability to read music is highly recommended. If you come with enthusiasm, a bundle of patience with yourself, and a desire to have a lot of fun, please consider joining us. Harmonikos rehearses Monday evenings from 7:00-9:00 pm. You must be able to commit fully to rehearsals. We try to play in worship about once per month. Please contact Patti TenBrook for more information. Best is by e-mail: patti@tenbrook.org. Phone: 925-672-3658.
  • Confirmation Class - This fall we are offering Confirmation class for students entering the 9th-12th grades. You are invited to an exploration session of 'Confirmation Information and Preparation' at 9am, September 11, in the youth room before our 10am worship service. We will provide breakfast goodies for all students, siblings and parents. Please e-mail Rev. Wendy at wendy.ks.standrews@gmail.com if you plan on attending the introduction on September 11. We want to make sure there will be enough food for all.
  • Parish Picnic - Sunday, September 11 at 11:00am - Please join us for our annual Parish Picnic on Sunday, September 11 right after the worship service. This event is open to all members and friends of St. Andrew's. This is an excellent and fun way to meet and enjoy the company of your St. Andrew's family! Don't worry if you're not officially assigned to a parish - everyone is welcome to join us, and we will make room for all. Please join us!
  • Remembering 9/11 Ten Years Later - The City of Pleasant Hill is working with a group of local pastors, residents and civic leaders in planning a 9/11 Commemoration on Sunday September 11, the tenth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93. The intent is not only to hold a ceremony which remembers and honors all loved ones and heroes lost on that day, but which also demonstrates that we live in a strong and vibrant community which is inclusive, tolerant and forward-thinking. The 9/11 event will take place at the gazebo area in Frank Salfinger Park next to Pleasant Hill Community Center on Sunday, September 11 from 2 to 5pm. Participants may include Police Department & Fire District personnel, local Churches, service clubs such as Rotary & Lions, the Recreation & Park District, and other civic and community organizations. Everyone is invited to participate, especially families and children. The program will include a formal ceremony, food, music and other entertainment. For more information contact Rev. Dr. Shel White at shel.standrews@gmail.com or Rev. Dr. Fred Weidmann at revfred.hillcrest@att.net.
  • Attention Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts/High School Students - This fall, in conjunction with the confirmation class, we will be offering the God and Life program. Some of the work associated with this program will be covered as part of the confirmation class offered in the Fall; however, some additional work (primarily reading) will be necessary. If you are a high school aged student interested in participating in this program, please contact Courtney Mizutani. Workbooks are available at the Pleasant Hill Boy Scout Shop. Additional information can be found at praypub.org.
  • Join Us for Kids Kingdom! - Starting September 14 - 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 14, 2011 to April 4, 2011 from 4:30 to 6:45pm. For questions or information about registration, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
  • We Want You! - We are currently planning for Kids Kingdom, our midweek program for K-5 students, and would like to invite St. Andrew's members and friends to volunteer for this fun program. We really need help! The program runs from September 14 to April 4, 4:30 to 6:45pm, and we have many opportunities to help out, including crafts, bible study, assisting with games, assisting with music, assisting with handbells, helping prep dinner, helping clean-up after dinner, or being a table 'parent,' which involves eating and socializing with a small group of kids. You do not have to have a child in the program to participate - in fact, having adults of all ages coming together to be with the children of Kids Kingdom creates a wonderful sense of community and fellowship. Please contact Jennifer at 685-4720.
  • Habitat Work Day - Saturday, September 17 at 8:00am - Looking for mission work where you don't have to fly anywhere or drive long distances? Join us for a HABITAT East Bay work day at Bay Point. Meet in the church parking lot at 8am for carpooling to the Rincon Site in Bay Point. Wear work clothes. You can never be sure what you are doing on any one day there is a good chance we will be painting that day or possibly working on landscaping. The work day ends at 4pm. A picnic lunch and beverages will be provided for all volunteers. Sign up on 9/4 and 9/11.
  • Planned Giving Made Easy - Sunday, September 18 at Noon - Rev. Skip Herbert, development officer for the Presbyterian Foundation, will lead an interactive workshop on estate planning and charitable gift-giving in the Celebration center. Skip will also deliver the sermon that Sunday. The congregation is invited to participate in this workshop and all adults are welcome. A light lunch will be served.
  • Come Be a "SAP" (St. Andrew's Pedaler) - Sunday, September 18 at Noon - We will ride our bicycles from church to Sausalito and back. Whoa, way too much you say? In reality, we will ride from St. Andrew's to Pleasant Hill BART. Take BART to the Embarcadero Station in San Francisco, then ride along the waterfront, over the Golden Gate Bridge and down into Sausalito. We will take a ferry back to the Ferry Building in San Francisco and return to Pleasant Hill via BART for our ride back to St. Andrew's. Cost: BART - $9.80 round trip, Ferry - $10.50 one-way. Our return time is based on which ferry we catch, but expect an early evening return.
  • Sermon Talk-Back - Wednesdays, September 21 to November 16 at 7pm - This fall, Wendy and Shel will be preaching on some of the questions that Jesus asked. Jesus asked some fascinating questions, such as: 'What is it you want me to do for you?' and 'Do you want to be made well?' and 'What are you looking for?' Each Wednesday at 7pm, Rev. Shel will lead a discussion on the question from the Sunday sermon before and the upcoming Sunday sermon.

August 28, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

Belonging is one of the most vital needs we have as human beings. We long to have a place where we can be ourselves and be fully accepted - a place where we are welcomed when we arrive and people will miss us when we are gone. Now, that is a good definition of a home!

Yes indeed, our Lord has prepared a place for us when we leave this world. But Scripture tells us that we are adopted into a place with our loving God we can enjoy right now. We do not have to wait to enjoy the place God as in store for us. We can savor that complete acceptance as adopted children right now!

Ephesians 1:5-6 "He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved."

Enjoying being God's Children together,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, August 28, 2011 - 10:00am Summer Combined Service - Preacher: Shel White on Ephesians 1:3-14, "Where Do You Belong?" - Special Music: Barbershop Quartet, directed by our own Kristen Taylor - Baptism: David Watson and son Luke - Sundae Sunday
    • Sunday, September 4, 2011 - 10:00am Summer Combined Service - Holy Communion - Storyteller: Jennifer Cross Miller - "The Great Family"
  • Sundae Sunday - Sunday, August 28 at 11am - Enjoy cool ice cream and warm fellowship after church at our Sundae Sunday! See you there!
  • Youth News - Weekly youth group meetings return on August 28!
    • 4:45 - 5:30pm Junior High Bible Study and Fellowship (6th - 8th grade)
    • 5:30 - 6:15pm Lord's Ringers Bell Rehearsal
    • 6:15 - 7:00pm Youth Dinner (6th - 12th grade)
    • 7:00 - 8:00pm High School Bible Study and Fellowship (9th - 12th grade)
    Contact Chad at chad.r.crawford@gmail.com if interested.
  • Harmonikos Handbell Choir Seeking New Members - St. Andrew's adult handbell choir, Harmonikos, is in need of new ringers. Prior ringing experience is not necessary; we'll teach you that. Some ability to read music is highly recommended. If you come with enthusiasm, a bundle of patience with yourself, and a desire to have a lot of fun, please consider joining us. Harmonikos rehearses Monday evenings from 7:00-9:00 pm. You must be able to commit fully to rehearsals. We try to play in worship about once per month. Please contact Patti TenBrook for more information. Best is by e-mail: patti@tenbrook.org. Phone: 925-672-3658.
  • Women's Covenant Group - The Women's Covenant Group will begin their fall session in September. We meet six Sunday afternoons for about two hours during September, October, and November. If you would like to join us as we learn, laugh, share, and pray, please bring your calendar and come to our August 28th meeting at 1:30 in the Oak Room. At that meeting we will set our meeting dates and choose a book to study. For more information, please call Anne Paulsen at 510-799-2799.
  • Potluck Playdate - Sunday, September 4 at 5pm - Come get to know other families with kids at our informal potluck! Please bring a main dish, salad or dessert to share. The kids can play, while the adults chat and get to know each other! Hope to see you there!
  • Confirmation Class - This fall we are offering Confirmation class for students entering the 9th-12th grades. You are invited to an exploration session of 'Confirmation Information and Preparation' at 9am, September 11, in the youth room before our 10am worship service. We will provide breakfast goodies for all students, siblings and parents. Please e-mail Rev. Wendy at wendy.ks.standrews@gmail.com if you plan on attending the introduction on September 11. We want to make sure there will be enough food for all.
  • Parish Picnic - Sunday, September 11 at 11:00am - Please join us for our annual Parish Picnic on Sunday, September 11 right after the worship service. This event is open to all members and friends of St. Andrew's. This is an excellent and fun way to meet and enjoy the company of your St. Andrew?s family! Don't worry if you're not officially assigned to a parish - everyone is welcome to join us, and we will make room for all. Please join us!
  • Remembering 9/11 Ten Years Later - The City of Pleasant Hill is working with a group of local pastors, residents and civic leaders in planning a 9/11 Commemoration on Sunday September 11, the tenth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93. The intent is not only to hold a ceremony which remembers and honors all loved ones and heroes lost on that day, but which also demonstrates that we live in a strong and vibrant community which is inclusive, tolerant and forward-thinking. The 9/11 event will take place at the gazebo area in Frank Salfinger Park next to Pleasant Hill Community Center on Sunday, September 11 from 2 to 5pm. Participants may include Police Department & Fire District personnel, local Churches, service clubs such as Rotary & Lions, the Recreation & Park District, and other civic and community organizations. Everyone is invited to participate, especially families and children. The program will include a formal ceremony, food, music and other entertainment. For more information contact Rev. Dr. Shel White at shel.standrews@gmail.com or Rev. Dr. Fred Weidmann at revfred.hillcrest@att.net.
  • Attention Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts/High School Students - This fall, in conjunction with the confirmation class, we will be offering the God and Life program. Some of the work associated with this program will be covered as part of the confirmation class offered in the Fall; however, some additional work (primarily reading) will be necessary. If you are a high school aged student interested in participating in this program, please contact Courtney Mizutani. Workbooks are available at the Pleasant Hill Boy Scout Shop. Additional information can be found at praypub.org.
  • Join Us for Kids Kingdom! - Starting September 14 - 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 14, 2011 to April 4, 2011 from 4:30 to 6:45pm. For questions or information about registration, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
  • We Want You! - We are currently planning for Kids Kingdom, our midweek program for K-5 students, and would like to invite St. Andrew's members and friends to volunteer for this fun program. We really need help! The program runs from September 14 to April 4, 4:30 to 6:45pm, and we have many opportunities to help out, including crafts, bible study, assisting with games, assisting with music, assisting with handbells, helping prep dinner, helping clean-up after dinner, or being a table 'parent,' which involves eating and socializing with a small group of kids. You do not have to have a child in the program to participate - in fact, having adults of all ages coming together to be with the children of Kids Kingdom creates a wonderful sense of community and fellowship. Please contact Jennifer at 685-4720.
  • Planned Giving Made Easy - Sunday, September 18 at Noon - Rev. Skip Herbert, development officer for the Presbyterian Foundation, will lead an interactive workshop on estate planning and charitable gift-giving in the Celebration center. Skip will also deliver the sermon that Sunday. The congregation is invited to participate in this workshop and all adults are welcome. A light lunch will be served.
  • Come Be a "SAP" (St. Andrew's Pedaler) - Sunday, September 18 at Noon - We will ride our bicycles from church to Sausalito and back. Whoa, way too much you say? In reality, we will ride from St. Andrew's to Pleasant Hill BART. Take BART to the Embarcadero Station in San Francisco, then ride along the waterfront, over the Golden Gate Bridge and down into Sausalito. We will take a ferry back to the Ferry Building in San Francisco and return to Pleasant Hill via BART for our ride back to St. Andrew's. Cost: BART - $9.80 round trip, Ferry - $10.50 one-way. Our return time is based on which ferry we catch, but expect an early evening return.
  • Sermon Talk-Back - Wednesdays, September 21 to November 16 at 7pm - This fall, Wendy and Shel will be preaching on some of the questions that Jesus asked. Jesus asked some fascinating questions, such as: 'What is it you want me to do for you?' and 'Do you want to be made well?' and 'What are you looking for?' Each Wednesday at 7pm, Rev. Shel will lead a discussion on the question from the Sunday sermon before and the upcoming Sunday sermon.

August 18, 2011

MEDITATION - From Wendy Komori Stager

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and all your mind and all your strength.

So often when we pray, we do as we were taught as a young person. I was taught to bow my head, close my eyes, clasp my hands and talk to God. Yet prayer can be so much more than this one method. As I have grown in my spiritual journey and learned from many mentors, the ways I communicate with God have become more creative.

This Sunday all of us will have the opportunity to pray in a variety of ways. Some ways may be familiar, and some may not. Yet, any time we are focusing our attention and intent on prayer - it it worshipful.

Pastor Wendy

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, Aug 21, 2011 - 10:00am Summer Combined Service - Preacher: Wendy Komori Stager - Prayer Practices
    • Sunday, Aug 28, 2011 - 10:00am Summer Combined Service - Preacher: Shel White - Special Music: Barbershop Quartet, directed by our own Kristen Taylor - Baptism: David Watson and son Luke
  • Potluck Playdate - Sunday, August 21 at 5pm - Come get to know other families with kids at our informal potluck! Please bring a main dish, salad or dessert to share. The kids can play, while the adults chat and get to know each other! Hope to see you there!
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Join us on Friday, August 26 at 6:30pm at the home of Judy and Henry Noffsinger, 2137 Stillspring Place, Martinez, CA. No need to bring your place settings this time. We will discuss the movie, 'Lars and the Real Girl,' a funny and endearing film about a socially backward young man and the community members who support him. Bring your favorite salad and join us for a fun evening. Please RSVP to the Noffsingers at 925-370-3715 or henrynoffsinger@sbcglobal.net. We plan to be outdoors, so bring a light jacket or sweater if it's cool.
  • Sundae Sunday - Sunday, August 28 at 11am - Enjoy cool ice cream and warm fellowship after church at our Sundae Sunday! See you there!
  • Youth News - Weekly youth group meetings return on August 28!
    • 4:45 - 5:30pm Junior High Bible Study and Fellowship (6th - 8th grade)
    • 5:30 - 6:15pm Lord's Ringers Bell Rehearsal
    • 6:15 - 7:00pm Youth Dinner (6th - 12th grade)
    • 7:00 - 8:00pm High School Bible Study and Fellowship (9th - 12th grade)
    Contact Chad at chad.r.crawford@gmail.com if interested.
  • Harmonikos Handbell Choir Seeking New Members - St. Andrew's adult handbell choir, Harmonikos, is in need of new ringers. Prior ringing experience is not necessary; we'll teach you that. Some ability to read music is highly recommended. If you come with enthusiasm, a bundle of patience with yourself, and a desire to have a lot of fun, please consider joining us. Harmonikos rehearses Monday evenings from 7:00-9:00 pm. You must be able to commit fully to rehearsals. We try to play in worship about once per month. Please contact Patti TenBrook for more information. Best is by e-mail: patti@tenbrook.org. Phone: 925-672-3658.
  • Women's Covenant Group - The Women's Covenant Group will begin their fall session in September. We meet six Sunday afternoons for about two hours during September, October, and November. If you would like to join us as we learn, laugh, share, and pray, please bring your calendar and come to our August 28th meeting at 1:30 in the Oak Room. At that meeting we will set our meeting dates and choose a book to study. For more information, please call Anne Paulsen at 510-799-2799.
  • Confirmation Class - This fall we are offering Confirmation class for students entering the 9th-12th grades. You are invited to an exploration session of 'Confirmation Information and Preparation' at 9am, September 11, in the youth room before our 10am worship service. We will provide breakfast goodies for all students, siblings and parents. Please e-mail Rev. Wendy at wendy.ks.standrews@gmail.com if you plan on attending the introduction on September 11. We want to make sure there will be enough food for all.
  • Remembering 9/11 Ten Years Later - The City of Pleasant Hill is working with a group of local pastors, residents and civic leaders in planning a 9/11 Commemoration on Sunday September 11, the tenth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93. The intent is not only to hold a ceremony which remembers and honors all loved ones and heroes lost on that day, but which also demonstrates that we live in a strong and vibrant community which is inclusive, tolerant and forward-thinking. The 9/11 event will take place at the gazebo area in Frank Salfinger Park next to Pleasant Hill Community Center on Sunday, September 11 from 2 to 5pm. Participants may include Police Department & Fire District personnel, local Churches, service clubs such as Rotary & Lions, the Recreation & Park District, and other civic and community organizations. Everyone is invited to participate, especially families and children. The program will include a formal ceremony, food, music and other entertainment. For more information contact Rev. Dr. Shel White at shel.standrews@gmail.com or Rev. Dr. Fred Weidmann at revfred.hillcrest@att.net.
  • Attention Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts/High School Students - This fall, in conjunction with the confirmation class, we will be offering the God and Life program. Some of the work associated with this program will be covered as part of the confirmation class offered in the Fall; however, some additional work (primarily reading) will be necessary. If you are a high school aged student interested in participating in this program, please contact Courtney Mizutani. Workbooks are available at the Pleasant Hill Boy Scout Shop. Additional information can be found at praypub.org.
  • Join Us for Kids Kingdom! - Starting September 14 - 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 14, 2011 to April 4, 2011 from 4:30 to 6:45pm. For questions or information about registration, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
  • We Want You! - We are currently planning for Kids Kingdom, our midweek program for K-5 students, and would like to invite St. Andrew's members and friends to volunteer for this fun program. We really need help! The program runs from September 14 to April 4, 4:30 to 6:45pm, and we have many opportunities to help out, including crafts, bible study, assisting with games, assisting with music, assisting with handbells, helping prep dinner, helping clean-up after dinner, or being a table 'parent,' which involves eating and socializing with a small group of kids. You do not have to have a child in the program to participate - in fact, having adults of all ages coming together to be with the children of Kids Kingdom creates a wonderful sense of community and fellowship. Please contact Jennifer at 685-4720.
  • Sermon Talk-Back - Wednesdays, September 21 to November 16 at 7pm - This fall, Wendy and Shel will be preaching on some of the questions that Jesus asked. Jesus asked some fascinating questions, such as: 'What is it you want me to do for you?' and 'Do you want to be made well?' and 'What are you looking for?' Each Wednesday at 7pm, Rev. Shel will lead a discussion on the question from the Sunday sermon before and the upcoming Sunday sermon.

August 9, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

We so hope that we have a clear view of ourselves and others, but we falsely believe that we see everyone without any distortion. A sane person is often defined as someone who has a good grasp on reality. We hate to admit that we look at others with filters. Often our filters are full of pre-judgements. God is the only one who can really see us with complete clarity. I invite you to think of someone who is difficult for you to love or accept. Holding that person in your thoughts, pray, "Lord, help me to see __________ the way that you do." If you're feeling gutsy, you may even ask God to help you love that person the way He does!

"They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes." John 9:13-14

Peace and Grace,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, Aug 14, 2011 - 10:00am Summer Combined Service - Preacher: Bill Nebo - Baptism of Joshua Zimmerman
    • Sunday, Aug 21, 2011 - 10:00am Summer Combined Service - Preacher: Wendy Komori Stager - Prayer Practices
  • Potluck Playdate - Sunday, August 21 at 5pm - Come get to know other families with kids at our informal potluck! Please bring a main dish, salad or dessert to share. The kids can play, while the adults chat and get to know each other! Hope to see you there!
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Join us on Friday, August 26 at 6:30pm at the home of Judy and Henry Noffsinger, 2137 Stillspring Place, Martinez, CA. No need to bring your place settings this time. We will discuss the movie, 'Lars and the Real Girl,' a funny and endearing film about a socially backward young man and the community members who support him. Bring your favorite salad and join us for a fun evening. Please RSVP to the Noffsingers at 925-370-3715 or henrynoffsinger@sbcglobal.net. We plan to be outdoors, so bring a light jacket or sweater if it's cool.
  • Women's Covenant Group - The Women's Covenant Group will begin their fall session in September. We meet six Sunday afternoons for about two hours during September, October, and November. If you would like to join us as we learn, laugh, share, and pray, please bring your calendar and come to our August 28th meeting at 1:30 in the Oak Room. At that meeting we will set our meeting dates and choose a book to study. For more information, please call Anne Paulsen at 510-799-2799.
  • Youth News - Weekly youth group meetings return on August 28!
    • 4:45 - 5:30pm Junior High Bible Study and Fellowship (6th - 8th grade)
    • 5:30 - 6:15pm Lord's Ringers Bell Rehearsal
    • 6:15 - 7:00pm Youth Dinner (6th - 12th grade)
    • 7:00 - 8:00pm High School Bible Study and Fellowship (9th - 12th grade)
    • Save the Date: Westminster Woods Weekends:
    • Novemberbash: November 4 - 6 for Middle Schoolers (Cost: TBD)
    • Winterfest: December 2 - 4 for High Schoolers (Cost: TBD)
    Contact Chad at chad.r.crawford@gmail.com if interested.
  • Remembering 9/11 Ten Years Later - The City of Pleasant Hill is working with a group of local pastors, residents and civic leaders in planning a 9/11 Commemoration on Sunday September 11, the tenth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93. The intent is not only to hold a ceremony which remembers and honors all loved ones and heroes lost on that day, but which also demonstrates that we live in a strong and vibrant community which is inclusive, tolerant and forward-thinking. The 9/11 event will take place at the gazebo area in Frank Salfinger Park next to Pleasant Hill Community Center on Sunday, September 11 from 2 to 5pm. Participants may include Police Department & Fire District personnel, local Churches, service clubs such as Rotary & Lions, the Recreation & Park District, and other civic and community organizations. Everyone is invited to participate, especially families and children. The program will include a formal ceremony, food, music and other entertainment. For more information contact Rev. Dr. Shel White at shel.standrews@gmail.com or Rev. Dr. Fred Weidmann at revfred.hillcrest@att.net.
  • Attention Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts/High School Students - This fall, in conjunction with the confirmation class, we will be offering the God and Life program. Some of the work associated with this program will be covered as part of the confirmation class offered in the Fall; however, some additional work (primarily reading) will be necessary. If you are a high school aged student interested in participating in this program, please contact Courtney Mizutani. Workbooks are available at the Pleasant Hill Boy Scout Shop. Additional information can be found at praypub.org.
  • Join Us for Kids Kingdom! - Starting September 14 - 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 14, 2011 to April 4, 2011 from 4:30 to 6:45pm. For questions or information about registration, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.
  • Sermon Talk-Back - Wednesdays, September 21 to November 16 at 7pm - This fall, Wendy and Shel will be preaching on some of the questions that Jesus asked. Jesus asked some fascinating questions, such as: 'What is it you want me to do for you?' and 'Do you want to be made well?' and 'What are you looking for?' Each Wednesday at 7pm, Rev. Shel will lead a discussion on the question from the Sunday sermon before and the upcoming Sunday sermon.

August 4, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

For some, our summer worship services have contained fun changes. For others, it has been a bit of a challenge. It seems that everyone delights in seeing folks from the service that they do not ordinarily attend. Some folks are most comfortable with the organ, others feel right at home with guitars, and others still in our congregation have more eclectic tastes. Most of us find it easier to encounter our God in our familiar experiences. However, our Lord does not limit himself just to our expectations. We often miss the Messiah by only allowing God to come to us in one or two ways. It requires extra work to find God in the unforeseen. God can show up in a different form of worship, or in an aisle at Safeway, or waiting to see the doctor, or...

This Sunday, we are going to receive the nourishment of our Lord through Holy Communion in a manner that most of us have not experienced before: around tables. We invite you to share this holy meal and worship as a small community around. Who knows, God may surprise you.

Psalm 103:1 - "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name."

Peace and Grace,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, August 7, 2011 - 10:00am Summer Combined Service - Holy Communion - Preacher: Shel White on 'Looking For Blessings in All the Wrong Places,' Genesis 32:21-32 - Music by Cantemos
    • Sunday, Aug 14, 2011 - 10:00am Summer Combined Service - Preacher: Bill Nebo - Baptism of Joshua Zimmerman
  • Senior Lunch Bunch - Wednesday, August 10 at Noon - Please join us in the Celebration Center for a good lunch for $3, followed by a program about Rodgers Ranch, and what their agenda is. They are part of the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Parks District, and have an expanded program. Come see what's going on, and enjoy the great fellowship. Be sure to sign up so we have an accurate count for lunch. See you there! Sign me up!
  • Potluck Playdate - Sunday, August 21 at 5pm - Come get to know other families with kids at our informal potluck! Please bring a main dish, salad or dessert to share. The kids can play, while the adults chat and get to know each other! Hope to see you there! Sign me up!
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Join us on Friday, August 26 at 6:30pm at the home of Judy and Henry Noffsinger, 2137 Stillspring Place, Martinez, CA. No need to bring your place settings this time. We will discuss the movie, 'Lars and the Real Girl,' a funny and endearing film about a socially backward young man and the community members who support him. Bring your favorite salad and join us for a fun evening. Please RSVP to the Noffsingers at 925-370-3715 or henrynoffsinger@sbcglobal.net. We plan to be outdoors, so bring a light jacket or sweater if it's cool.

    Youth News - Weekly youth group meetings return on August 28!

    • 5:30 - 6:15p Junior High Bible Study and Fellowship (6th - 8th grade)
    • 6:15 - 7:00p Youth Dinner (6th - 12th grade)
    • 7:00 - 8:00p High School Bible Study and Fellowship (9th - 12th grade)
    • Save the Date: Westminster Woods Weekends:
    • Novemberbash: November 4 - 6 for Middle Schoolers (Cost: TBD)
    • Winterfest: December 2 - 4 for High Schoolers (Cost: TBD)
    Contact Chad at chad.r.crawford@gmail.com if interested.

  • Remembering 9/11 Ten Years Later - The City of Pleasant Hill is working with a group of local pastors, residents and civic leaders in planning a 9/11 Commemoration on Sunday September 11, the tenth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93. The intent is not only to hold a ceremony which remembers and honors all loved ones and heroes lost on that day, but which also demonstrates that we live in a strong and vibrant community which is inclusive, tolerant and forward-thinking. The 9/11 event will take place at the gazebo area in Frank Salfinger Park next to Pleasant Hill Community Center on Sunday, September 11 from 2 to 5pm. Participants may include Police Department & Fire District personnel, local Churches, service clubs such as Rotary & Lions, the Recreation & Park District, and other civic and community organizations. Everyone is invited to participate, especially families and children. The program will include a formal ceremony, food, music and other entertainment. For more information contact Rev. Dr. Shel White at shel.standrews@gmail.com or Rev. Dr. Fred Weidmann at revfred.hillcrest@att.net.
  • Women's Covenant Group - The Women's Covenant Group will begin their fall session in September. We meet six Sunday afternoons for about two hours during September, October, and November. If you would like to join us as we learn, laugh, share, and pray, please bring your calendar and come to our August 28th meeting at 1:30 in the Oak Room. At that meeting we will set our meeting dates and choose a book to study. For more information, please call Anne Paulsen at 510-799-2799.
  • Attention Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts/High School Students - This fall, in conjunction with the confirmation class, we will be offering the God and Life program. Some of the work associated with this program will be covered as part of the confirmation class offered in the Fall; however, some additional work (primarily reading) will be necessary. If you are a high school aged student interested in participating in this program, please contact Courtney Mizutani. Workbooks are available at the Pleasant Hill Boy Scout Shop. Additional information can be found at praypub.org. Sign me up!
  • Sermon Talk-Back - Led by Pastor Shel White - This fall, Wendy and Shel will be preaching on some of the questions that Jesus asked. Jesus asked some fascinating questions, such as: 'What is it you want me to do for you?' and 'Do you want to be made well?' and 'What are you looking for?' Each Wednesday at 7pm, we will be discussing the question from the Sunday sermon before and the upcoming Sunday sermon. Stay tuned for more information.
  • Join Us for Kids Kingdom! - Starting September 14 - 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 14, 2011 to April 4, 2011 from 4:30 to 6:45pm. For questions or information about registration, please contact Jennifer Cross Miller at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com. Sign me up!

July 31, 2011

MEDITATION - From David TenBrook

If you ask someone to list off qualities about their dream partner (or qualities they appreciate about their partner) almost invariably, in my experience, will the list include "sense of humor". A sense of humor seems to be, nearly without fail, ubiquitous in our desires. But I ask you to consider what it truly means to have a "sense of humor". It shouldn't be too hard to define the "sense" and the "of"; one simply has the ability to know where humor is located. The real trick, and what I implore to you to reflect upon, is this: what is "humor"?

"Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing." ~ William James

Peace,
David

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, July 31, 2011 - 10:00am Summer Combined Service - Preacher: David TenBrook
    • Sunday, August 7, 2011 - 10:00am Summer Combined Service - Music by Cantemos
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Join us on Friday, August 26 at 6:30pm at the home of Judy and Henry Noffsinger, 2137 Stillspring Place, Martinez, CA. No need to bring your place settings this time. We will discuss the movie, 'Lars and the Real Girl,' a funny and endearing film about a socially backward young man and the community members who support him. Bring your favorite salad and join us for a fun evening. Please RSVP to the Noffsingers at 925-370-3715 or henrynoffsinger@sbcglobal.net. We plan to be outdoors, so bring a light jacket or sweater if it's cool.

    Youth News - Weekly youth group meetings return on August 28!

    • 5:30 - 6:15p Junior High Bible Study and Fellowship (6th - 8th grade)
    • 6:15 - 7:00p Youth Dinner (6th - 12th grade)
    • 7:00 - 8:00p High School Bible Study and Fellowship (9th - 12th grade)
    • Save the Date: Westminster Woods Weekends:
    • Novemberbash: November 4 - 6 for Middle Schoolers (Cost: TBD)
    • Winterfest: December 2 - 4 for High Schoolers (Cost: TBD)
    Contact Chad at chad.r.crawford@gmail.com if interested.

  • Remembering 9/11 Ten Years Later - The City of Pleasant Hill is working with a group of local pastors, residents and civic leaders in planning a 9/11 Commemoration on Sunday September 11, the tenth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93. The intent is not only to hold a ceremony which remembers and honors all loved ones and heroes lost on that day, but which also demonstrates that we live in a strong and vibrant community which is inclusive, tolerant and forward-thinking. The 9/11 event will take place at the gazebo area in Frank Salfinger Park next to Pleasant Hill Community Center on Sunday, September 11 from 2 to 5pm. Participants may include Police Department & Fire District personnel, local Churches, service clubs such as Rotary & Lions, the Recreation & Park District, and other civic and community organizations. Everyone is invited to participate, especially families and children. The program will include a formal ceremony, food, music and other entertainment. For more information contact Rev. Dr. Shel White at shel.standrews@gmail.com or Rev. Dr. Fred Weidmann at revfred.hillcrest@att.net.
  • Women's Covenant Group - The Women's Covenant Group will begin their fall session in September. We meet six Sunday afternoons for about two hours during September, October, and November. If you would like to join us as we learn, laugh, share, and pray, please bring your calendar and come to our August 28th meeting at 1:30 in the Oak Room. At that meeting we will set our meeting dates and choose a book to study. For more information, please call Anne Paulsen at 510-799-2799.
  • Attention Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts/High School Students - This fall, in conjunction with the confirmation class, we will be offering the God and Life program. Some of the work associated with this program will be covered as part of the confirmation class offered in the Fall; however, some additional work (primarily reading) will be necessary. If you are a high school aged student interested in participating in this program, please contact Courtney Mizutani. Workbooks are available at the Pleasant Hill Boy Scout Shop. Additional information can be found at praypub.org. Sign me up!
  • Sermon Talk-Back - Led by Pastor Shel White - This fall, Wendy and Shel will be preaching on some of the questions that Jesus asked. Jesus asked some fascinating questions, such as: 'What is it you want me to do for you?' and 'Do you want to be made well?' and 'What are you looking for?' Each Wednesday at 7pm, we will be discussing the question from the Sunday sermon before and the upcoming Sunday sermon. Stay tuned for more information.

July 7, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

People who come to me for counseling may often hear this question: "How can you respond, rather than react?" We so easily react to the people or events in our lives. God wants us to have an appropriate filter. People with small filters often blurt out comments and regret it later, for speaking without thinking it through often involves strong emotions or words that distort the message. People with large filters tend to keep their thoughts to themselves, leaving the people around them to wonder what they are feeling or thinking.

God wants us to speak the truth in love. I believe a medium-sized filter - with a good dependence on God's spirit - makes the best ingredients for healthy communication.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Grace and Peace,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, July 10, 2011 - 10:00am Summer Combined Service - Rev. Shel White on Mark 6:14-29, 'What is the World Coming To?' - Courtney Butler, soprano also Decky Thornton, violin
    • Sunday, July 17, 2011 - 10:00am Summer Combined Service - Message from Rev. Wendy Komori Stager - Special Music: VBS Kids - Claire Mizutani, flute
  • Women's Summer Celebration - Starting Wednesday, June 29 at 6:30pm - Women's Summer Celebration is an opportunity to grow spiritually by building friendships with God and with other women of St. Andrew's. Summer can be a busy time with vacations, trips and out-of-town visitors, so this series is designed for you to drop-in and drop-out as your schedule permits. Each week we will explore a different way to pray. Various women have already offered to lead sessions on waling the labyrinth, coloring prayer, prayer with collage images, and preparing to pray. If you have a prayer practice that you would like to share, please talk to Wendy. We can provide childcare if needed. Sign up at the information table.
  • Celebrating Community - Bringing ourselves together to worship one God as one family of God - Our worship theme for the summer is Community. The Worship Commission thought one way to celebrate our faith community would be to worship together as a community in a single worship service on Sundays this summer. From July 3 to September 11, we will have one worship service on Sunday at 10 am. The services will contain elements of both our Contemporary and Traditional Worship. Sometimes we will enjoy a completely different form of worship experience. Most Sundays we will meet in the Sanctuary. When the worship plan would work well in our Celebration Center, we will have worship there. Our prayer is that everyone will be open to celebrating our community through a range of worship experiences. We pray also that our sense of community will strengthen as we worship all together.
  • Can We Borrow?? - VBS is in need of some items to borrow: volleyball net, stuffed pandas, variety of not-too-hard playground balls (nerf, beach balls, foursquare, etc.), siren or megaphone with a siren, and feather boas. If you have and can lend us any of these items, we would greatly appreciate it! Please contact Jennifer at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com. Thank you!
  • Volunteers Needed - VBS needs 1) volunteers for decorating on Sunday, July 10 at 12pm, or sometime in the week before, 2) lunch donations for our VBS volunteer lunch on Friday, July 15 at 1pm, and 3) volunteers for take-down on Friday, July 15 at 1:30pm. If you can help, please let Jennifer know. Thank you!
  • Sundae Sunday - Sunday, July 17 at 11am - Join us after worship (11 to 11:30am) 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!

July 1, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

In Jesus' day, people had an idea of what the Messiah would look like, and Jesus simply didn't fit their imaginings of God. Even John the Baptist asked "Are you the one or are we to look for another?" Jesus paid attention to children and told tax collectors that they were loved by God. They expected that Jesus would hang out with religious leaders, not turn over their tables and call them white-washed caskets.

We get ideas in our heads of what God should heal, change, forgive, and accept. We often do not leave much room for God to surprise us. If we are honest, we want to be in control and direct God. We sometimes would love to play God. Jesus irritated people two thousand years ago with the unexpected. He pushed them out of their comfort zones - on purpose. And he does the same today.

Are we willing to let God do and be quite different than our expectations? "The true Jesus stands before us not necessarily as the Savior that we might want or that we might prefer. But the true Jesus stands before us as the Savior that we need." - C. Edward Bowen

Matthew 11:28-28 (From the Message) "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace."

Blessings abound,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, July 3, 2011 - 10:00am Combined Service - Holy Communion - Rev. Shel White on 'Does Jesus Get Your Goat?,' Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
    • Sunday, July 10, 2011 - 10:00am Summer Combined Service - Rev. Shel White on Mark 6:14-29, 'What is the World Coming To?'
  • Women's Summer Celebration - Starting Wednesday, June 29 at 6:30pm - Women's Summer Celebration is an opportunity to grow spiritually by building friendships with God and with other women of St. Andrew's. Summer can be a busy time with vacations, trips and out-of-town visitors, so this series is designed for you to drop-in and drop-out as your schedule permits. Each week we will explore a different way to pray. Various women have already offered to lead sessions on waling the labyrinth, coloring prayer, prayer with collage images, and preparing to pray. If you have a prayer practice that you would like to share, please talk to Wendy. We can provide childcare if needed. Sign up at the information table.
  • Celebrating Community - Bringing ourselves together to worship one God as one family of God - Our worship theme for the summer is Community. The Worship Commission thought one way to celebrate our faith community would be to worship together as a community in a single worship service on Sundays this summer. From July 3 to September 11, we will have one worship service on Sunday at 10 am. The services will contain elements of both our Contemporary and Traditional Worship. Sometimes we will enjoy a completely different form of worship experience. Most Sundays we will meet in the Sanctuary. When the worship plan would work well in our Celebration Center, we will have worship there. Our prayer is that everyone will be open to celebrating our community through a range of worship experiences. We pray also that our sense of community will strengthen as we worship all together.
  • Vacation Bible School - July 11 to 15 - All students entering K-5th grade in the fall are welcome to join us for "Pandamania: Where God is WILD about you!" This exciting program features music, crafts, games, movies, yummy snacks and lots of fun...plus, you'll learn about God and Jesus in a new, exciting way! Registration forms are available now; bring one to a friend. Lots of adult and youth volunteers are needed to make this program successful. For more information, or to register and/or volunteer, please contact Jennifer at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com. Please register by June 1.
  • Can We Borrow?? - VBS is in need of some items to borrow: volleyball net, stuffed pandas, variety of not-too-hard playground balls (nerf, beach balls, foursquare, etc.), siren or megaphone with a siren, and feather boas. If you have and can lend us any of these items, we would greatly appreciate it! Please contact Jennifer at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com. Thank you!
  • Volunteers Needed - VBS needs 1) volunteers for decorating on Sunday, July 10 at 12pm, or sometime in the week before, 2) lunch donations for our VBS volunteer lunch on Friday, July 15 at 1pm, and 3) volunteers for take-down on Friday, July 15 at 1:30pm. If you can help, please let Jennifer know. Thank you!
  • Sundae Sunday - Sunday, July 17 at 11am - Join us after worship (11 to 11:30am) 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!

June 16, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

In John 17, Jesus asks his heavenly Father: "Protect them in your name, so that they may be one, as we are one."

One. This is the right word, a profound word. Jesus does not command us to be one; he longs for it and prays for it.

As Christians, we are called to unity. Unity does not mean we have to agree. In fact, when we have different opinions, with the right attitude, we can learn from one another. It is so easy to hang around people who think like we do. God calls us into the church to move beyond tolerance and into acceptance, especially when we have opposing points of view. The world waits to see if Christians will listen and respect and accept and love one another. Imagine if we could all love as Christ has loved us!

"I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one." John 17:11-12

Grace and Hope,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, June 19, 2011 - 9:00am and 10:30am Father's day - Rev. Shel White on 'Beyond Tolerance,' John 17:9-11 - Special Music: Bret Peppo - 12th Grade Bible Presentation
    • Sunday, July 3, 2011 - 10:00am Combined Service - Holy Communion - Rev. Shel White on 'Does Jesus Get Your Goat?,' Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
  • Bible Presentation - Bibles will be presented to graduating 12th graders on June 19. To ensure that your son or daughter is included, please call or email Jennifer (685-4720, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com) with your child's name and grade. Thank you!
  • Housesitting - Need a reliable person to take good care of your house while you are on vacation? A member of the St. Andrew's would welcome the opportunity to housesit. This could be a mutually beneficial situation. Please contact Shel if interested.
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Friday, June 24 at 6:30pm - Please join us in the Creekside Room to discuss the movie, '127 Hours,' a true story of the bravery and determination of a man hiking alone in a remote wilderness area. Please bring a salad to share and your own place setting. RSVP to George and Ish Mendonsa at (925) 680-2749 by Monday, June 20. Please join us - this is a good way to gather with friends in a small group setting, and the food is always great!
  • Memorial Service - We will be celebrating the life of Jean Lundgren Saturday, June 25 at 2pm at The Kensington, 1580 Geary Rd in W.C.
  • Women's Summer Celebration - Starting Wednesday, June 29 at 6:30pm - Women's Summer Celebration is an opportunity to grow spiritually by building friendships with God and with other women of St. Andrew's. Summer can be a busy time with vacations, trips and out-of-town visitors, so this series is designed for you to drop-in and drop-out as your schedule permits. Each week we will explore a different way to pray. Various women have already offered to lead sessions on waling the labyrinth, coloring prayer, prayer with collage images, and preparing to pray. If you have a prayer practice that you would like to share, please talk to Wendy. We can provide childcare if needed. Sign up at the information table.
  • Celebrating Community - Bringing ourselves together to worship one God as one family of God - Our worship theme for the summer is Community. The Worship Commission thought one way to celebrate our faith community would be to worship together as a community in a single worship service on Sundays this summer. From July 3 to September 11, we will have one worship service on Sunday at 10 am. The services will contain elements of both our Contemporary and Traditional Worship. Sometimes we will enjoy a completely different form of worship experience. Most Sundays we will meet in the Sanctuary. When the worship plan would work well in our Celebration Center, we will have worship there. Our prayer is that everyone will be open to celebrating our community through a range of worship experiences. We pray also that our sense of community will strengthen as we worship all together.
  • Vacation Bible School - July 11 to 15 - All students entering K-5th grade in the fall are welcome to join us for "Pandamania: Where God is WILD about you!" This exciting program features music, crafts, games, movies, yummy snacks and lots of fun...plus, you'll learn about God and Jesus in a new, exciting way! Registration forms are available now; bring one to a friend. Lots of adult and youth volunteers are needed to make this program successful. For more information, or to register and/or volunteer, please contact Jennifer at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com. Please register by June 1.
  • Can We Borrow?? - VBS is in need of some items to borrow: volleyball net, stuffed pandas, variety of not-too-hard playground balls (nerf, beach balls, foursquare, etc.), siren or megaphone with a siren, and feather boas. If you have and can lend us any of these items, we would greatly appreciate it! Please contact Jennifer at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com. Thank you!
  • Volunteers Needed - VBS needs 1) volunteers for decorating on Sunday, July 10 at 12pm, or sometime in the week before, 2) lunch donations for our VBS volunteer lunch on Friday, July 15 at 1pm, and 3) volunteers for take-down on Friday, July 15 at 1:30pm. If you can help, please let Jennifer know. Thank you!
  • Sundae Sunday - Sunday, July 17 at 11am - Join us after worship (11 to 11:30am) 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!

June 9, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

We celebrate Pentecost this Sunday with bright red and orange colors. Pentecost is a fiery ordeal because God has boldly proved that Christianity is not just about a belief system but the power of God. Our Lord is not just some concept, but a Spirit set loose in a robust action that demonstrates that God is always and forever with us. We do not have to be locked in our rooms out of fear any more. Jesus's spirit comes to where we live and challenges us to live in boldness and in peace. God's Spirit does not just proclaim peace, but fills us with the kind of peace that works even in the midst of worry and pain.

Pentecost transforms us from prisons of fear to the power of reliable hope. Pentecost makes faith real and alive!

"Jesus showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.'" John 20:20-21

Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, June 12, 2011 - 9:00am and 10:30am - Holy Communion - Pentecost Sunday (wear red or orange clothes) - Message from Rev. Bill Nebo
    • Sunday, June 19, 2011 - 9:00am and 10:30am Father's day - Rev. Shel White on 'Beyond Tolerance,' John 17:9-11
  • The St. Andrews Trust Fund - The Trust Fund was established in 1998 to receive gifts from interested individuals to further the long term mission of our Church. Such gifts become a perpetual "endowment" that keeps on giving, year after year. The Trust Fund Committee will be conducting a special offering promotion on Pentecost Sunday, June 12. Members of the Committee will be at a table near the Sanctuary on Sunday June 12 to provide you with information and to answer any questions.
  • Bible Presentation - Bibles will be presented to graduating 12th graders on June 19. To ensure that your son or daughter is included, please call or email Jennifer (685-4720, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com) with your child's name and grade. Thank you!
  • Memorial Service - We will be celebrating the life of Jean Lundgren Saturday, June 25 at 2pm at The Kensington, 1580 Geary Rd in W.C.
  • Women's Summer Celebration - Starting Wednesday, June 29 at 6:30pm - Women's Summer Celebration is an opportunity to grow spiritually by building friendships with God and with other women of St. Andrew's. Summer can be a busy time with vacations, trips and out-of-town visitors, so this series is designed for you to drop-in and drop-out as your schedule permits. Each week we will explore a different way to pray. Various women have already offered to lead sessions on waling the labyrinth, coloring prayer, prayer with collage images, and preparing to pray. If you have a prayer practice that you would like to share, please talk to Wendy. We can provide childcare if needed. Sign up at the information table.
  • Celebrating Community - Bringing ourselves together to worship one God as one family of God - Our worship theme for the summer is Community. The Worship Commission thought one way to celebrate our faith community would be to worship together as a community in a single worship service on Sundays this summer. From July 3 to September 11, we will have one worship service on Sunday at 10 am. The services will contain elements of both our Contemporary and Traditional Worship. Sometimes we will enjoy a completely different form of worship experience. Most Sundays we will meet in the Sanctuary. When the worship plan would work well in our Celebration Center, we will have worship there. Our prayer is that everyone will be open to celebrating our community through a range of worship experiences. We pray also that our sense of community will strengthen as we worship all together.
  • Vacation Bible School - July 11 to 15 - All students entering K-5th grade in the fall are welcome to join us for "Pandamania: Where God is WILD about you!" This exciting program features music, crafts, games, movies, yummy snacks and lots of fun...plus, you'll learn about God and Jesus in a new, exciting way! Registration forms are available now; bring one to a friend. Lots of adult and youth volunteers are needed to make this program successful. For more information, or to register and/or volunteer, please contact Jennifer at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com. Please register by June 1.
  • Sundae Sunday - Sunday, July 17 at 11am - Join us after worship (11 to 11:30am) 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!

May 31, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

Throughout our Old and New Testaments, worship incorporated music and in some instances, music was the vehicle for helping God's people to focus on the Almighty. Music in worship is not just for our enjoyment (oh, but it sure does that!); it is also for us to lift our spirits to join God's Spirit. Certain words of hymns or songs can say what we want to say to our Lord. Sometimes music without words clears our minds to give our attention to our Creator. Whether we close our eyes for the music to help us to meditate or tap our foot with excitement, God is pleased. Often, a connection with God occurs best when music is filling our ears and coming from our throat and mouths. We are grateful that at St. Andrew's music is available in various forms in great abundance! This Sunday especially we will thank God for music and thank God through music!

Singing aloud a song of thanksgiving,
and telling all your wondrous deeds. Psalm 26:7

Lifting up our voices to the Lord together,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, June 5, 2011 - 9:00am and 10:30am - All Music Sunday - Commission Mission Work Trip participants
    • Sunday, June 12, 2011 - 9:00am and 10:30am - Holy Communion - Pentecost Sunday (wear red or orange clothes) - Message from Rev. Bill Nebo
  • Chamber Music Recital - Sunday, June 5 at 3pm - Come join other music lovers in the sanctuary for our upcoming program, which includes music for String Quartet by Beethoven, Wind Quintet music by Muyczynski and Arnold, music for Piano/ violin/ cello trio by Hurlstone and Shostakovich, and Woodwind Quintet music by Hidas. The recitals are always free and open to the entire community. Refreshments are served at intermission. A free-will donation benefits Contra Costa Interfaith Housing Project which provides support and permanent housing for formerly homeless families in the area. For more information, contact Decky Thornton, 925-228-7731 or deckyt@comcast.net
  • Cotton Patch Gospel - All ya'll come on down to the Celebration Center on June 5th at 6:30 p.m. for a fabulous presentation of the Greatest Story ever re-told - Cotton Patch Gospel - presented by Contra Costa Christian Theatre, hosted by Cornerstone. Our very own Andy Nichols is in the show, singin' and strumin' and dancin'! It'll be a mighty fine time to be had by all. The show is FREE, but we're happy to accept any freewill donations all ya'll make. Monies raised this way will go towards future dramas with Cornerstone and St. Andrew's mission fund. Mark your calendars now to save the date - June 5, 2011 at 6:30 pm. Somthin's doin' in Gainsville, come on down and see!
  • The St. Andrews Trust Fund - The Trust Fund was established in 1998 to receive gifts from interested individuals to further the long term mission of our Church. Such gifts become a perpetual "endowment" that keeps on giving, year after year. The Trust Fund Committee will be conducting a special offering promotion on Pentecost Sunday, June 12. Members of the Committee will be at a table near the Sanctuary on Sunday's June 5 and 12 to provide you with information and to answer any questions.
  • Bible Presentation - Bibles will be presented to graduating 12th graders on June 19. To ensure that your son or daughter is included, please call or email Jennifer (685-4720, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com) with your child's name and grade. Thank you!
  • Women's Summer Celebration - Starting Wednesday, June 29 at 6:30pm - Women's Summer Celebration is an opportunity to grow spiritually by building friendships with God and with other women of St. Andrew's. Summer can be a busy time with vacations, trips and out-of-town visitors, so this series is designed for you to drop-in and drop-out as your schedule permits. Each week we will explore a different way to pray. Various women have already offered to lead sessions on waling the labyrinth, coloring prayer, prayer with collage images, and preparing to pray. If you have a prayer practice that you would like to share, please talk to Wendy. We can provide childcare if needed. Sign up at the information table.
  • Celebrating Community - Bringing ourselves together to worship one God as one family of God - Our worship theme for the summer is Community. The Worship Commission thought one way to celebrate our faith community would be to worship together as a community in a single worship service on Sundays this summer. From July 3 to September 11, we will have one worship service on Sunday at 10 am. The services will contain elements of both our Contemporary and Traditional Worship. Sometimes we will enjoy a completely different form of worship experience. Most Sundays we will meet in the Sanctuary. When the worship plan would work well in our Celebration Center, we will have worship there. Our prayer is that everyone will be open to celebrating our community through a range of worship experiences. We pray also that our sense of community will strengthen as we worship all together.
  • Vacation Bible School - July 11 to 15 - All students entering K-5th grade in the fall are welcome to join us for "Pandamania: Where God is WILD about you!" This exciting program features music, crafts, games, movies, yummy snacks and lots of fun...plus, you'll learn about God and Jesus in a new, exciting way! Registration forms are available now; bring one to a friend. Lots of adult and youth volunteers are needed to make this program successful. For more information, or to register and/or volunteer, please contact Jennifer at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com. Please register by June 1.
  • Sundae Sunday - Sunday, July 17 at 11am - Join us after worship (11 to 11:30am) 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!

May 18, 2011

MEDITATION - From Chad Crawford, Youth Director

There's a woman named Grace who lives on my street in the Tenderloin District, San Francisco. When I say she lives on my street, I mean that literally - she's homeless. I pass her almost every day on my walk to work in the Financial District. Sometimes we exchange hellos. Sometimes I ask her how she's doing. I call her "Neighbor." Sometimes she lets me pray for her - right there on Ellis Street. Sometimes I let her pray for me and our church.

The parable of the Good Samaritan has taught me to expand my definition of neighbor - to slow down and chat with folks around me. And sometimes to go above and beyond expectations when someone is in need.

More often than not though, I'm too focused on my destination to pause and say hello. I fall short of the example of the Good Samaritan. We all do. But Grace is there anyway.

Pax et bonum,
Chad

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, May 22, 2011 - 9:00am and 10:30am - Youth Sunday & 5th Grade Bible Presentation - Special Music: Lord's Ringers
    • Sunday, May 29, 2011 - 9:00am and 10:30am - Rev. Bill McGuinness
  • Friday Morning Women's Group - Fridays at 10am to 11:30am - The Lenten Women's Small Group is continuing through the summer under a new name! Please consider joining us!! Child care is being provided. At our first meeting, we will decide on a book we will read. During our gatherings we will share our thoughts and reflections as well as support one another through friendship and prayer. If you have any questions, or you need childcare, please email Lori Hedlund at lori.hedlund@yahoo.com.
  • Cantare Con Vivo Concerts - Saturday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. First Congregational Church, Oakland; Sunday, May 22 at 4:00 p.m. Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church. - Cantare Chorale joins the renowned Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir for a stunning program of African American spirituals and gospels, adding jazz, blues and R&B to the mix. In addition to the immense power and beauty delivered by these 150 singers, they will use multimedia and narration in recounting the historical setting of these musical genres. For discounted advance tickets contact Cantare performers Sue Fitch, Kim and Curt James, John Grant, Danielle Mitchell, or Warren TenBrook, or buy online at cantareconvivo.org.
  • Potluck & Playdate - Sunday, May 22 at 5pm - Come get to know other families with kids at our informal potluck! Please bring a main dish, salad or dessert to share. The kids can play, while the adults chat and get to know each other! Hope to see you there!
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Friday, May 27 at 6:30pm - Please join us at Birdie & Myron Paine's home (1716 Elderwood Court, Martinez) for friendship and a lively discussion of the film, 'Fair Game,' a political thriller based on the real-life scandal involving CIA agent, Valerie Plame. Please bring a salad to share. RSVP to the Paines at (925) 957-0260 by Wednesday, May 25. Please join us - this is a good way to gather with friends in a small group setting, and the food is always great!
  • 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. Please include the student's name, name of school, degrees earned, and any future plans for education or career. Deadline for submissions is May 15.
  • Cotton Patch Gospel - All ya'll come on down to the Celebration Center on June 5th at 6:30 p.m. for a fabulous presentation of the Greatest Story ever re-told - Cotton Patch Gospel - presented by Contra Costa Christian Theatre, hosted by Cornerstone. Our very own Andy Nichols is in the show, singin' and strumin' and dancin'! It'll be a mighty fine time to be had by all. The show is FREE, but we're happy to accept any freewill donations all ya'll make. Monies raised this way will go towards future dramas with Cornerstone and St. Andrew's mission fund. Mark your calendars now to save the date - June 5, 2011 at 6:30 pm. Somthin's doin' in Gainsville, come on down and see!
  • Bible Presentation - Bibles will be presented to graduating 5th graders on Sunday, May 22 and graduating 12th graders on June 19. To ensure that your son or daughter is included, please call or email Jennifer (685-4720, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com) with your child's name and grade. Thank you!
  • The St. Andrews Trust Fund - The Trust Fund was established in 1998 to receive gifts from interested individuals to further the long term mission of our Church. Such gifts become a perpetual "endowment" that keeps on giving, year after year. The Trust Fund Committee will be conducting a special offering promotion on Pentecost Sunday, June 12. Members of the Committee will be at a table near the Sanctuary on Sundays June 5 and 12 to provide you with information and to answer any questions.

May 12, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

God created us to live in community. As much as we like to be independent and self-sufficient, God created us as social animals. Monday through Friday in our Crothers Hall, seniors from the Pleasant Hill Senior Center gather at lunch time to be fed with a meal and companionship. The latter maybe more important.

This last Wednesday, our Senior Lunch Bunch met in the Celebration Center. The scheduled program had been canceled, so Charlotte Anderson encouraged us to share a little bit of our stories. About eight people gave us a snapshot of some of their life's story. We laughed and applauded. It is good for us to share our stories and it is good for us to hear each other's journey. It draws us closer. It connects us. It fills an important need.

Jesus intended us to break bread, feed one another, and support each other. As I pointed out in my sermon last Sunday, in the New Testament culture, one had to be careful who they shared a meal with. because when eating together, a bond is formed. That meal time connection formed an identity. That is why it was considered scandalous for Jesus to eat with prostitutes and crooked tax collectors. Now Jesus was forever connected with them. Our Lord intended for us to not just eat with our friends, but especially with those who could use a friend.

Acts 2:42-47 "All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people."

Grace and Peace and Support,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, May 15, 2011 9:00am and 10:30am Rev. Shel White "Experiences in Community," Acts 2:42-47
    • Sunday, May 22, 2011 9:00am and 10:30am Youth Sunday & 5th Grade Bible Presentation
  • Presbytery Q&A - Sunday, May 15 at 7:15pm - Last summer at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, an amendment passed to change to the book of Order, the constitution of the PCUSA. Nothing can change the Book of Order unless a majority of the Presbyteries across the country vote in favor of that amendment. There will most likely be enough Presbyteries who will vote in favor of Amendment 10-A to change the constitution of Presbyterian Church by Tuesday, May 10. In this amendment, a person in a same-gender relationship can be considered for ordination as Deacon, Elder, or Minister of the Word and Sacrament. (All other church-wide standards for ordination remain unchanged.) Some people in our denomination will rejoice and see this a step forward, some will be in pain and sad and see this as a step backwards. We want to keep everyone in our prayers and that Christ's Church may remain strong and vital. This amendment can be easily misunderstood; the media this week may do just that. Sunday May 15 at 7:15pm, several area Presbyterian churches are invited to our Celebration Center to meet with the Moderator of our Presbytery to answer questions and clarify the issues. Please join us for the discussion. Click to download the Frequently Asked Questions about this Amendment. Copies are also available on a table in the Celebration Center.
  • Friday Morning Women's Group - Fridays at 10am - The Lenten Women's Small Group is continuing through the summer under a new name! Please consider joining us!! We will begin meeting on May 13 from 10:00 to 11:30am. Child care is being provided. At our first meeting, we will decide on a book we will read. During our gatherings we will share our thoughts and reflections as well as support one another through friendship and prayer. If you have any questions, or you need childcare, please email Lori Hedlund at lori.hedlund@yahoo.com.
  • Cantare Con Vivo Concerts - Saturday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. First Congregational Church, Oakland; Sunday, May 22 at 4:00 p.m. Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church. - Cantare Chorale joins the renowned Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir for a stunning program of African American spirituals and gospels, adding jazz, blues and R&B to the mix. In addition to the immense power and beauty delivered by these 150 singers, they will use multimedia and narration in recounting the historical setting of these musical genres. For discounted advance tickets contact Cantare performers Sue Fitch, Kim and Curt James, John Grant, Danielle Mitchell, or Warren TenBrook, or buy online at cantareconvivo.org.
  • Potluck & Playdate - Sunday, May 22 at 5pm - Come get to know other families with kids at our informal potluck! Please bring a main dish, salad or dessert to share. The kids can play, while the adults chat and get to know each other! Hope to see you there!
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Friday, May 27 at 6:30pm - Please join us at Birdie & Myron Paine's home (1716 Elderwood Court, Martinez) for friendship and a lively discussion of the film, 'Fair Game,' a political thriller based on the real-life scandal involving CIA agent, Valerie Plame. Please bring a salad to share. RSVP to the Paines at (925) 957-0260 by Wednesday, May 25. Please join us - this is a good way to gather with friends in a small group setting, and the food is always great!
  • 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. Please include the student's name, name of school, degrees earned, and any future plans for education or career. Deadline for submissions is May 15.
  • Cotton Patch Gospel - All ya'll come on down to the Celebration Center on June 5th at 6:30 p.m. for a fabulous presentation of the Greatest Story ever re-told - Cotton Patch Gospel - presented by Contra Costa Christian Theatre, hosted by Cornerstone. Our very own Andy Nichols is in the show, singin' and strumin' and dancin'! It'll be a mighty fine time to be had by all. The show is FREE, but we're happy to accept any freewill donations all ya'll make. Monies raised this way will go towards future dramas with Cornerstone and St. Andrew's mission fund. Mark your calendars now to save the date - June 5, 2011 at 6:30 pm. Somthin's doin' in Gainsville, come on down and see!
  • Bible Presentation - Bibles will be presented to graduating 5th graders on Sunday, May 22 and graduating 12th graders on June 19. To ensure that your son or daughter is included, please call or email Jennifer (685-4720, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com) with your child's name and grade. Thank you!

May 6, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

Because Mother's day is filled with many different kinds of emotions, it is a day of work for many people. As Christians it is important for us to figure out what is the best response to those we encounter on this day. Some of us need to articulate why we are thankful for our moms, even if they are with their Lord. It is good for us to remember and be grateful. We also need to be supportive of people who find this day painful. This Sunday for some brings intense sense of loss because they miss their mother or are grieving that they did not have the opportunity to enjoy motherhood. Some folks are struggling with feelings of anger or disappointment when they think of their mothers.

Therefore, I invite you to pray prayers of gratitude, or prayers for comfort and healing as you consider different people and what they are thinking, feeling and processing this Sunday. A well chosen word or phrase may also bring blessings.

"Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers." Romans 12:9-11

Grace and Peace,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, May 8, 2011 - 9:00am* and 10:30am - Mother's Day - Rev. Shel White on 'From Confusion to Clarity,' Luke 24:13-34
    • Sunday, May 15, 2011 9:00am and 10:30am Rev. Shel White "Experiences in Community," Acts 2:42-47
      • *Sunday School (PK-5) during this service
  • Habitat for Humanity East Bay Sunday, May 8 - "Gifts from the Heart" time is coming. Rather than purchasing store-bought cards and gifts for Mother's or Father's Day, Habitat is asking people of faith to remember parents or other special loved ones by making a donation to Habitat in their honor or memory. This year, cards with envelopes will be available after worship on May 8. The cards are blank and can be used for either Mother's Day or Father's Day. You are encouraged to write your own message. Envelopes marked "HABITAT" are in the pew racks. Please make your checks payable to St. Andrew's.
  • Youth Lock-In - May 14 to 15 - There will be a youth 'lock-in' for 6th to 12th graders from May 14 at 9pm to May 15 at 9am. We will be celebrating the end of the school year with movies, food, games, contests and prizes! Bring a friend! Please contact Rev. Chad Crawford to RSVP, and we'll let you know what to bring.
  • 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. Please include the student's name, name of school, degrees earned, and any future plans for education or career. Deadline for submissions is May 15.
  • Cotton Patch Gospel All ya'll come on down to the Celebration Center on June 5th at 6:30 p.m. for a fabulous presentation of the Greatest Story ever re-told - Cotton Patch Gospel - presented by Contra Costa Christian Theatre, hosted by Cornerstone. Our very own Andy Nichols is in the show, singin' and strumin' and dancin'! It'll be a mighty fine time to be had by all. The show is FREE, but we're happy to accept any freewill donations all ya'll make. Monies raised this way will go towards future dramas with Cornerstone and St. Andrew's mission fund. Mark your calendars now to save the date - June 5, 2011 at 6:30 pm. Somthin's doin' in Gainsville, come on down and see!
  • Bible Presentation - Bibles will be presented to graduating 5th graders on Sunday, May 22 and graduating 12th graders on June 19. To ensure that your son or daughter is included, please call or email Jennifer (685-4720, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com) with your child's name and grade. Thank you!

April 27, 2011

MEDITATION - From Wendy Komori Stager

On the first Sunday after Easter, we read the continuation of the resurrection story from John 20:19-29, a story sometimes known as "Doubting Thomas." After the enthusiastic joy of Easter morning and the highest point in the Christian year, we turn immediately to doubt. Doubt and Faith are not as far away from each other as we may think. I have treasured this personification of Doubt written by J. Ruth Gendler.

"Faith" by J. Ruth Gendler in The Book of Qualities
Faith lives in the same apartment building as Doubt. When Faith was out of town visiting her uncle in the hospital, Doubt fed the cat and watered the asparagus fern. Faith is comfortable with Doubt because she grew up with him. Their mothers are cousins. Faith is not dogmatic about her beliefs like some of her relatives. Her friends fear that Faith is a bit stupid. They whisper that she is naive and she depends on Doubt to protect her from the meanness of life. In fact, it is the other way around. It is Faith who protects Doubt from Cynicism.

Wendy

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday, May 1, 2011 - 9:00am* and 10:30am - Holy Communion - Rev. Wendy Komori Stager on 'Including the Doubtful'
    • Sunday, May 8, 2011 - 9:00am* and 10:30am - Mother's Day - Rev. Shel White on 'From Confusion to Clarity,' Luke 24:13-34
      • *Sunday School (PK-5) during this service
  • What Will Be Your Legacy? This Sunday (May 1) is 'Wills and Estate Planning Sunday.' A wills and estate planning emphasis has long been a traditional part of our stewardship program. Here at St. Andrew's, our Trust Funds provide you the opportunity to give during your lifetime or thereafter, as specified in your will or as a bequest from your estate. You may choose how to direct a St. Andrew's Trust Fund donation from among 4 funds designated for Youth, Music, Missions or church campus Maintenance. St. Andrew's benefits from the Trust Funds by receiving ongoing investment earnings. Because the principal of the Trust Funds are never touched, they offer a permanent way to support the work of our church for generations to come. Information about the St. Andrew's Trust Funds is available on our church website or from the informational brochure available in the Celebration Center or from any Trust Fund committee member.
  • Chamber Music at St. Andrew's - Sunday, May 1 at 2pm - Celebrate Spring with legendary classical composers at our next Chamber Music Concert in the St Andrew's sanctuary. Brazzissimo is a ten-piece brass group made up of musicians from the San Francisco Bay Area. Featured composers are Bizet, Crees, DiLorenzo, Burkhart, Boysen, Weill, Piazzola and Lady Gaga. These recitals are free and open to the public. A free-will offering will benefit Contra Costa Interfaith Housing. For more information on this event, contact Glenn Appell, (925) 685-1230, ext. 2510.
  • Habitat for Humanity East Bay Sunday, May 1 and 8 - "Gifts from the Heart" time is coming. Rather than purchasing store-bought cards and gifts for Mother's or Father's Day, Habitat is asking people of faith to remember parents or other special loved ones by making a donation to Habitat in their honor or memory. This year, cards with envelopes will be available after worship on May 1 and May 8. The cards are blank and can be used for either Mother's Day or Father's Day. You are encouraged to write your own message. Envelopes marked "HABITAT" are in the pew racks. Please make your checks payable to St. Andrew's.
  • Youth Lock-In - May 14 to 15 - There will be a youth 'lock-in' for 6th to 12th graders from May 14 at 9pm to May 15 at 9am. We will be celebrating the end of the school year with movies, food, games, contests and prizes! Bring a friend! Please contact Rev. Chad Crawford to RSVP, and we'll let you know what to bring.
  • 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. Please include the student's name, name of school, degrees earned, and any future plans for education or career. Deadline for submissions is May 15.
  • Bible Presentation - Bibles will be presented to graduating 5th graders on Sunday, May 22 and graduating 12th graders on June 19. To ensure that your son or daughter is included, please call or email Jennifer (685-4720, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com) with your child's name and grade. Thank you!

April 20, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

Easter morning started with disappointment and disillusionment. The body was gone. "Where have you taken Jesus?" Teenagers sometimes lose their Sunday School faith and wonder, "Where has Jesus gone?" Others look at pollution and violence in the world and wonder: "Where have you taken Jesus?" We do not have to look far to find hypocrisy and the absence of honesty in our community and wonder if Jesus is dead. We cry over a dead body and miss Easter. Jesus has moved from where we expected to find his corpse. We like Jesus to be predictable even if that means he is lifeless in a tomb.

Easter means God is not predictable, YET very much alive. He is alive in ways that we will not see unless we are keenly looking for him in unexpected places - places beyond the focus of our pain and frustrations. We do not weep over a crucified Jesus, we weep for a stolen body and a desecrated tomb. God calls us to look for Easter in other places.

Matthew 28:5-6 "The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him."

Easter Blessings,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday April 24, 2011 - He is Risen! - 9:00am* and 10:30am* - Easter Sunday - Holy Communion - Special Music: Thirteen Instrumentalists including Brass - Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from 'Messiah' - Please bring flowers for our cross.
    • Sunday, May 1, 2011 - 9:00am* and 10:30am - Holy Communion - Rev. Wendy Komori Stager on 'Including the Doubtful' *Sunday School (PK-5) during this service
  • Chamber Music at St. Andrew's - Sunday, May 1 at 2pm - Celebrate Spring with legendary classical composers at our next Chamber Music Concert in the St Andrew's sanctuary. Brazzissimo is a ten-piece brass group made up of musicians from the San Francisco Bay Area. Featured composers are Bizet, Crees, DiLorenzo, Burkhart, Boysen, Weill, Piazzola and Lady Gaga. These recitals are free and open to the public. A free-will offering will benefit Contra Costa Interfaith Housing. For more information on this event, contact Glenn Appell, (925) 685-1230, ext. 2510.
  • Habitat for Humanity East Bay Sunday, May 1 and 8 - "Gifts from the Heart" time is coming. Rather than purchasing store-bought cards and gifts for Mother's or Father's Day, Habitat is asking people of faith to remember parents or other special loved ones by making a donation to Habitat in their honor or memory. This year, cards with envelopes will be available after worship on May 1 and May 8. The cards are blank and can be used for either Mother's Day or Father's Day. You are encouraged to write your own message. Envelopes marked "HABITAT" are in the pew racks. Please make your checks payable to St. Andrew's.
  • Youth Lock-In - May 14 to 15 - There will be a youth 'lock-in' for 6th to 12th graders from May 14 at 9pm to May 15 at 9am. We will be celebrating the end of the school year with movies, food, games, contests and prizes! Bring a friend! Please contact Rev. Chad Crawford to RSVP, and we'll let you know what to bring.
  • 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. Please include the student's name, name of school, degrees earned, and any future plans for education or career. Deadline for submissions is May 15.
  • Bible Presentation - Bibles will be presented to graduating 5th graders on Sunday, May 22 and graduating 12th graders on June 19. To ensure that your son or daughter is included, please call or email Jennifer (685-4720, jennifer.standrews@gmail.com) with your child's name and grade. Thank you!

April 14, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

Holy Week starts this Sunday with Palm Sunday. Rather than hearing a sermon, worship this Sunday will be filled with scripture readings that unfold the biblical story. We will also hear what God has done and is doing for us through great music. Jesus traveled into Jerusalem to face the last week of his earthly life. He did not have to do it. He did not want to go through all the pain, but he took this journey to Jerusalem in order that he could go with us through all of our journeys, including the valley of the shadow of death that leads us, ultimately, to the abundance of the banquet. On Maundy Thursday we will move from dinner and communion in the Celebration Center to the Garden and the cross in the Sanctuary. We hope you can enjoy the whole experience.

We love the triumph of Easter. It will be even more meaningful for us as we travel with Jesus from the "Hosannas" of Palm Sunday to the shouts of "Crucify" on Thursday and Friday. We know the story. But each time that we allow the story to be experienced through all our senses, we deepen our faith and find more meaning in our relationship with God.

Holy Week blessings,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday April 17, 2011 - 9:00am* and 10:30am - Palm Sunday - Holy Communion - Scripture and Special Music from DVC Chamber Singers
    • Thursday, April 21, 2011 - 6:15pm - Maundy Thursday - Soup Supper & Worship
    • Sunday April 24, 2011 - He is Risen! - 9:00am* and 10:30am* - Easter Sunday - Holy Communion - Special Music: Thirteen Instrumentalists including Brass - Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from 'Messiah'
      • *Sunday School (PK-5) during this service
  • Bread for Lent - April 17-April 24 - During Lent, we invite members and friends of St. Andrew's to bake bread for communion. If you would like to provide bread for a Sunday during Lent, please sign up in the Activity Center. Thank you.
  • An Afternoon with the Poor - Saturday, April 16 at Noon - And God said, "blessed is he who is generous to the poor." As Christians, caring for God's children is a central part of who we are. Let us together learn compassion for the hungry by bringing food to those who are not as lucky as us. An Afternoon with the Poor is an annual St. Andrew's activity designed to deliver an Easter lunch to people living on the street in San Francisco. We will meet at St. Andrew's at noon and take BART to the city to feed those less fortunate than us. Box-lunches will be provided to all members and friends of the St. Andrew's family for distribution. If you would like to help donate, organize, or distribute food please contact jeremycloward2003@yahoo.com or (925)-356-6874.
  • Pancake Breakfast - Palm Sunday, April 17 from 8am to 12pm - Get your tickets today for the Mission Work Trip pancake breakfast fundraiser on Palm Sunday morning. Tickets are at the table outside: $7 per person/$20 per family will entitle you to all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, applesauce, orange juice and coffee! Come before or after church; breakfast will be served in the Celebration Center until noon. All proceeds will go to our mission work trip to Albuquerque in June.
  • Maundy Thursday: From the Upper Room to the Cross - Thursday, April 21 at 6:15pm - Please join us for our Maundy Thursday soup supper and worship service on April 21 at 6:15pm. Worship begins in the Celebration Center with a simple soup supper, and includes a drama, 'Table for Thirteen,' offered by our own Cornerstone drama troupe. We will also remember Jesus' meal with his disciples and celebrate Holy Communion. The second part of our worship services will move to the Sanctuary as we journey to the cross and reflect upon Jesus' sacrifice for us. All are welcome, but please be sure to sign up in the Celebration Center so that we can provide enough food for all. Thank you.
  • Children's Easter Celebration Saturday, April 23 at 10am - This is a fun annual celebration featuring crafts, songs, a possible skit, and of course, the ever-popular Easter egg hunt! We will need volunteers to make this event a success. Please sign up in the Celebration Center or contact Jennifer at (925) 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com. P.S. Thanks to everyone who is donating filled and taped Easter eggs this year. There is a large blue basket for egg donations in Crothers Hall. :)

April 6, 2011

MEDITATION - From Jennifer Cross Miller

This Sunday, we celebrate Children's Ministry Sunday at St. Andrew's. This is an annual worship service that celebrates the many gifts that our Pre-K through 5th grade children bring to our church and communal worship experience.

Every year around this time, as preparations for this special service are made, I remember the words of Jesus,

Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. Luke 18:15-17

Though I know these words well, I still wonder at them.

I wonder what the children who saw or met Jesus thought about him.

I wonder what kinds of questions they may have asked him.

I wonder how Jesus spoke to children. Did he ever tell them stories or parables? Did he ever play or joke with them?

I wonder what Jesus really meant. How does a child receive the kingdom of God?

The same passage from Eugene Peterson's The Message resonates a little more for me:

Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in.

I've worked with St. Andrew's children for many years now, and I know without a doubt that our children and youth are our church's pride and joy. We love their energy and enthusiasm for learning. We love their questions about God and Jesus - we may not always know the answer, mind you, but we love hearing them ask anyway.

There is nothing more beautiful than seeing their smiles, hearing their laughter, or listening to their heartfelt prayers. There is nothing more moving than hearing them as a group recite the Lord's Prayer. And there is nothing so inspiring as a child's unwavering faith in the love and goodness of Christ. As a 'grown-up,' I may not perceive God's kingdom with that same pureness and simplicity, but I am confident that the kids that I have the privilege of working with each week will continue to teach me how.

Please come this Sunday to hear our children's message to you. May you hear something new, something surprising, something inspiring. May you see God at work in them and through them. And thank you, as always, for your continued support of our children and youth.

Peace and blessings,
Jennifer

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • April 10, 2011 - 9:00am and 10:30am - Fifth Sunday of Lent - Holy Communion - Children's Ministry Sunday - Special Music: Kingdom Ringers
    • Sunday April 17, 2011 - 9:00am* and 10:30am - Palm Sunday - Holy Communion - Scripture and Special Music from DVC Chamber Singers
    • Sunday April 24, 2011 - He is Risen! - 9:00am* and 10:30am* - Easter Sunday - Holy Communion - Special Music: Thirteen Instrumentalists including Brass - Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from 'Messiah'
      • *Sunday School (PK-5) during this service
  • Children's Ministry Sunday - Sunday, April 10 - We will be celebrating the children and children's ministries of St. Andrew's in both services on April 10. There will be a short drama, singing and bell ringing. Please join us on this special day!
  • Bread for Lent - March 13-April 24 - During Lent, we invite members and friends of St. Andrew's to bake bread for communion. If you would like to provide bread for a Sunday during Lent, please sign up in the Activity Center. Thank you.
  • VBS Bake Sale - Sunday, April 10 - Please help support our Vacation Bible School program by donating to our VBS bake sale fundraiser. All proceeds will go to help fund scholarships for children of St. Andrew's and the community-at-large who normally could not afford to attend VBS. Last year, we raised over $260! We hope to see you on April 10 after each worship service, where we will have cookies, cupcakes and other goodies available for a freewill donation. (If you'd like to donate goodies for the sale, please contact Jennifer at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.)
  • Chamber Music Recital - Sunday, April 10 at 3pm - You are invited to join other music lovers in the sanctuary for the next recital in the St Andrew's Chamber Music series. The program is as follows: Paul Hindemith-Sonata for English Horn and Piano, Franz Schubert-String Quintet in C Major, Eric Ewazen-Ballade, Pastorale and Dance, and Geoffrey Bush-Quintet (To the Memory of Prokofiev). As always, these recitals are free and open to the community. Refreshments are served at intermission. Free-will offerings benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing Project which provides supportive and permanent housing for formerly homeless families at Garden Parks Apartment community in Pleasant Hill. If you love music, you will not want to miss this recital! For more information, contact Decky Thornton at 925-228-7731 or e-mail her at deckyt@comcast.net.
  • Senior Lunch Bunch - Wednesday, April 13 at Noon - Please join us for a healthy lunch for $3, followed by a program about the Special Olympics of Northern California. Be sure to sign up in the Celebration Center.
  • An Afternoon with the Poor - Saturday, April 16 at Noon - And God said, "blessed is he who is generous to the poor." As Christians, caring for God's children is a central part of who we are. Let us together learn compassion for the hungry by bringing food to those who are not as lucky as us. An Afternoon with the Poor is an annual St. Andrew's activity designed to deliver an Easter lunch to people living on the street in San Francisco. We will meet at St. Andrew's at noon and take BART to the city to feed those less fortunate than us. Box-lunches will be provided to all members and friends of the St. Andrew's family for distribution. If you would like to help donate, organize, or distribute food please contact jeremycloward2003@yahoo.com or (925)-356-6874.
  • Pancake Breakfast - Palm Sunday, April 17 from 8am to 12pm - Get your tickets today for the Mission Work Trip pancake breakfast fundraiser on Palm Sunday morning. Tickets are at the table outside: $7 per person/$20 per family will entitle you to all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, applesauce, orange juice and coffee! Come before or after church; breakfast will be served in the Celebration Center until noon. All proceeds will go to our mission work trip to Albuquerque in June.
  • Maundy Thursday: From the Upper Room to the Cross - Thursday, April 21 at 6:15pm - Please join us for our Maundy Thursday soup supper and worship service on April 21 at 6:15pm. Worship begins in the Celebration Center with a simple soup supper, and includes a drama, 'Table for Thirteen,' offered by our own Cornerstone drama troupe. We will also remember Jesus' meal with his disciples and celebrate Holy Communion. The second part of our worship services will move to the Sanctuary as we journey to the cross and reflect upon Jesus' sacrifice for us. All are welcome, but please be sure to sign up in the Celebration Center so that we can provide enough food for all. Thank you.
  • Children's Easter Celebration Saturday, April 23 at 10am - This is a fun annual celebration featuring crafts, songs, a possible skit, and of course, the ever-popular Easter egg hunt! We will need volunteers to make this event a success. Please sign up in the Celebration Center or contact Jennifer at (925) 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com. P.S. Thanks to everyone who is donating filled and taped Easter eggs this year. There is a large blue basket for egg donations in Crothers Hall. :)

March 31, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

Are you addicted to hope? Yes, even hope can be bad for us! Hope in our Lord provides a solid foundation. But our continual hope that our pain and suffering will disappear inhibits us from enjoying what God is doing right here, right now. Struggles have so much to teach us. Pain and suffering can be a gift. Our continual desire to fix the problem, manage the pain, or stop the suffering leaves little room for us to place ourselves in a healthy dependency on God and significant people in our lives. God's hope is solid and not simply wishful thinking.

So the next time the physical or emotion pain comes, instead of immediately working for solutions or hoping the discomfort will go away, take a moment and invite your loving Lord to join with you in the process.

God's Hope and Grace and Peace,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • Sunday April 3, 2011 - 9:00am* and 10:30am - Fourth Sunday of Lent - Holy Communion - Preacher: Shel White on "Hungry to See," John 9:1-41 - Welcome New Members *Today is Communion Sunday, so there will be no Sunday School.
    • April 10, 2011 - 9:00am and 10:30am - Fifth Sunday of Lent - Holy Communion - Children's Ministry Sunday - Children's Bell Choir
  • Children's Ministry Sunday - Sunday, April 10 - We will be celebrating the children and children's ministries of St. Andrew's in both services on April 10. There will be a short drama, singing and bell ringing. Please join us on this special day!
  • Bread for Lent - March 13-April 24 - During Lent, we invite members and friends of St. Andrew's to bake bread for communion. If you would like to provide bread for a Sunday during Lent, please sign up in the Activity Center. Thank you.
  • VBS Bake Sale - Sunday, April 10 - Please help support our Vacation Bible School program by donating to our VBS bake sale fundraiser. All proceeds will go to help fund scholarships for children of St. Andrew's and the community-at-large who normally could not afford to attend VBS. Last year, we raised over $260! We hope to see you on April 10 after each worship service, where we will have cookies, cupcakes and other goodies available for a freewill donation. (If you'd like to donate goodies for the sale, please contact Jennifer at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.)
  • Chamber Music Recital - Sunday, April 10 at 3pm - You are invited to join other music lovers in the sanctuary for the next recital in the St Andrew's Chamber Music series. The program is as follows: Paul Hindemith-Sonata for English Horn and Piano, Franz Schubert-String Quintet in C Major, Eric Ewazen-Ballade, Pastorale and Dance, and Geoffrey Bush-Quintet (To the Memory of Prokofiev). As always, these recitals are free and open to the community. Refreshments are served at intermission. Free-will offerings benefit the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing Project which provides supportive and permanent housing for formerly homeless families at Garden Parks Apartment community in Pleasant Hill. If you love music, you will not want to miss this recital! For more information, contact Decky Thornton at 925-228-7731 or e-mail her at deckyt@comcast.net.
  • Senior Lunch Bunch - Wednesday, April 13 at Noon - Please join us for a healthy lunch for $3, followed by a program about the Special Olympics of Northern California. Be sure to sign up in the Celebration Center.
  • An Afternoon with the Poor - Saturday, April 16 at Noon - And God said, "blessed is he who is generous to the poor." As Christians, caring for God's children is a central part of who we are. Let us together learn compassion for the hungry by bringing food to those who are not as lucky as us. An Afternoon with the Poor is an annual St. Andrew's activity designed to deliver an Easter lunch to people living on the street in San Francisco. We will meet at St. Andrew's at noon and take BART to the city to feed those less fortunate than us. Box-lunches will be provided to all members and friends of the St. Andrew's family for distribution. If you would like to help donate, organize, or distribute food please contact jeremycloward2003@yahoo.com or (925)-356-6874.
  • Maundy Thursday: From the Upper Room to the Cross - Thursday, April 21 at 6:15pm - Please join us for our Maundy Thursday soup supper and worship service on April 21 at 6:15pm. Worship begins in the Celebration Center with a simple soup supper, and includes a drama, 'Table for Thirteen,' offered by our own Cornerstone drama troupe. We will also remember Jesus' meal with his disciples and celebrate Holy Communion. The second part of our worship services will move to the Sanctuary as we journey to the cross and reflect upon Jesus' sacrifice for us. All are welcome, but please be sure to sign up in the Celebration Center so that we can provide enough food for all. Thank you.
  • Children's Easter Celebration - Saturday, April 23 at 10am - This is a fun annual celebration featuring crafts, songs, a possible skit, and of course, the ever-popular Easter egg hunt! We will need volunteers to make this event a success. If you are a Kids Kingdom parent who hasn't been able to volunteer on Wednesdays, this event certainly qualifies for your time commitment to our children's ministries. Parents, grandparents or mature youth are welcome to:
    - Sign in kids and welcome families as they arrive.
    - Lead a simple Easter butterfly and/or cross craft project.
    - Provide healthy refreshments and make coffee.
    - Coordinate the hiding of the eggs.
    If you are able to give your time for any of the above, please contact Jennifer at (925) 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com. Thanks in advance for the many ways that you participate in and support our children's programs!

March 16, 2011

MEDITATION - From Wendy Komori Stager

Why did you first start coming to church? Is it a tradition in your family? Did you encounter a particular hardship and were seeking God's help? Were you hoping to raise your children in a Christian environment? Were you looking for God? Did you feel you were missing the spiritual dimension of your life?

Our Lenten them is "Hunger." Spiritual hunger is as real as physical hunger can be. The huge questions such as "Why am I alive?" and "How could God love the world and still allow suffering?" are questions that we encounter and wrestle with. We long to encounter God and hear a clear answer to our cries. Most of the time, we do not receive an answer to our questions. Jesus had many dialogues where he did not answer the question of the person who stood in front of him. Instead, Jesus offered himself, his grace, his wisdom and his love. May you receive God's gifts even as you wrestle with your questions.

Blessings,
Wendy

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • March 27, 2011 - 9:00am* and 10:30am - Third Sunday of Lent - Holy Communion - Preacher: Shel White preaching on John 4: 5-42, "Woman at the Well" - Special Music: Harmonikos Bell Choir - Ordination and Installation of Elders and Deacons
      • *Sunday School at 9am only
  • Making Space for God: a Lenten Study for Women Beginning March 10 - Thursday or Friday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 am - Would you like to deepen your relationship with God through this season of Lent? The Rev. Lori Hedlund and Trisha Oldenkamp will lead a weekday morning group for the seven weeks of Lent starting March 10th or 11th at the church. The focus of the group is on developing a spirituality of gratitude and a personal practice of prayer. During the seven weeks, we will discuss insights gained from the book, Space for God, by Don Postema, spend time in prayer for one another, experience individual and group spiritual exercises, and participate in a simple mission project (to be determined by the group). Each person will have a Space for God book and is encouraged to keep a journal. Please sign up in the Activity Center indicating if you can meet on both Thursday and Friday or if one day is better than the other. Please also let us know if you need child care. For more information please contact Lori Hedlund at 925-684-7487, lori.hedlund@yahoo.com or Trisha Oldenkamp at 925-372-6947, trishaoldenkamp@gmail.com.
  • Forgiveness: A Holistic Approach March 13 - April 10 at 10:30am - Join us in the Oak Room for a five-week series on laying the groundwork for forgiveness from our Christian faith. The world, in which we live, is often marked by mean-spiritedness and vengeance. We can get very stuck in our own lives by holding on to anger even when we feel the deed warranted the anger. This can cause tremendous havoc on us as well as in our relationships with others. It is our hope that this five-week class will help you integrate the steps needed to break the barriers that keep us from giving and receiving forgiveness. This class will address the following: 1) Why Forgive? 2) Punishment, Forgiveness and Accountability 3) The Forgiver and the Forgiven 4) The Forgiven and the Forgiver, 5) Reconciliation and Restoration. Linda Johnson, MFC, will lead the class.
  • Inquirer's Class Sundays, March 13 - March 27, 2 to 4pm - If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
  • Bread for Lent - March 13-April 24 - During Lent, we invite members and friends of St. Andrew's to bake bread for communion. If you would like to provide bread for a Sunday during Lent, please sign up in the Activity Center. Thank you.
  • Family Shelter Cook-Out - March 21-March 25 - Continuing a St. Andrew's tradition, our church has volunteered to cook dinners at the Martinez family shelter from Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25. Save the date and be ready to sign up on Sundays beginning Feb. 24 in the Activity Center. We will need cooks and helpers. Non-cooks can help too by signing up to buy and donate food as we provide food for three meals for the week and supply needed pantry items. Closer to the actual date, we will find out how many people we will be feeding, which is normally between 20 and 30 people. For more information, contact Valerie at (925) 938-2596 or vzito@sbcglobal.net.
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Friday, March 25 at 6:30pm - Please join us for our potluck and discussion of the film, 'The Special Relationship,' in the Creekside Room. This movie may be rented at Blockbuster or Netflix and is about the friendship between President Bill Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Please bring a salad to share and your place settings. RSVP to the Noffsingers at 925-370-3715 or henrynoffsinger@sbcglobal.net by Monday, March 21 (this is an earlier RSVP deadline in order to arrange for set-up).
  • Children's Ministry Sunday - Sunday, April 10 - We will be celebrating the children and children's ministries of St. Andrew's in both services on April 10. There will be a short drama, singing and bell ringing. Please join us on this special day!
  • VBS Bake Sale - Sunday, April 10 - Please help support our Vacation Bible School program by donating to our VBS bake sale fundraiser. All proceeds will go to help fund scholarships for children of St. Andrew's and the community-at-large who normally could not afford to attend VBS. Last year, we raised over $260! We hope to see you on April 10 after each worship service, where we will have cookies, cupcakes and other goodies available for a freewill donation. (If you'd like to donate goodies for the sale, please contact Jennifer at 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com.)
  • Children's Easter Celebration - Saturday, April 23 at 10am - This is a fun annual celebration featuring crafts, songs, a possible skit, and of course, the ever-popular Easter egg hunt! We will need volunteers to make this event a success. If you are a Kids Kingdom parent who hasn't been able to volunteer on Wednesdays, this event certainly qualifies for your time commitment to our children's ministries. Parents, grandparents or mature youth are welcome to:
    - Sign in kids and welcome families as they arrive.
    - Lead a simple Easter butterfly and/or cross craft project.
    - Provide healthy refreshments and make coffee.
    - Coordinate the hiding of the eggs.
    If you are able to give your time for any of the above, please contact Jennifer at (925) 685-4720 or jennifer.standrews@gmail.com. Thanks in advance for the many ways that you participate in and support our children's programs!

February 24, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

Reinhold Niebuhr's famous prayer helps us to get perspective on the demands of life: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."

Many people do not know that there is more to his prayer. The first part that you've just read indicates that we can handle many of these struggles by ourselves. But the second part of his prayer encourages us not to do what we all love to do: try to fix our problems all by ourselves. He continues:

"Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next."

Surrendering to our Lord is the opposite of giving up,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • February 27, 2011 - 9:00am* and 10:30am - Preacher: Shel White on Matthew 6:25-33, "Finding Happiness in Unexpected Places"
    • March 6, 2011 - 9:00am* and 10:30am - Preacher: Shel White preaching on Matthew 6:24-34, "Competition for Priorities"
    • Wednesday March 9, 2011 - Ash Wednesday Service - 7:00 to 7:30pm - Brief service of meditation, prayers, special music, and blessings
      • *Sunday School at 9am only
  • Called Congregational Meeting Sunday, February 27 at 10:15am (between worship services) - The Nominating Committee would like to nominate for Elder: John Shumway and Deacon: Gayle Garrison and Rolf Stotz.
  • Newcomer's Lunch - Sunday, March 6 at 12pm - Are you fairly new to our church? Please be our guest for lunch at a local restaurant. Sign up in the Activity Center. This is an informal, fun way to learn about each other and about St. Andrew's.
  • Making Space for God: a Lenten Study for Women Beginning March 10 - Thursday or Friday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 am - Would you like to deepen your relationship with God through this season of Lent? The Rev. Lori Hedlund and Trisha Oldenkamp will lead a weekday morning group for the seven weeks of Lent starting March 10th or 11th at the church. The focus of the group is on developing a spirituality of gratitude and a personal practice of prayer. During the seven weeks, we will discuss insights gained from the book, Space for God, by Don Postema, spend time in prayer for one another, experience individual and group spiritual exercises, and participate in a simple mission project (to be determined by the group). Each person will have a Space for God book and is encouraged to keep a journal. Please sign up in the Activity Center indicating if you can meet on both Thursday and Friday or if one day is better than the other. Please also let us know if you need child care. For more information please contact Lori Hedlund at 925-684-7487, lori.hedlund@yahoo.com or Trisha Oldenkamp at 925-372-6947, trishaoldenkamp@gmail.com.
  • Girl Scout Cookies!!! - Sunday, March 13 - Did we get your attention? Yes, it's that time of year again to enjoy your favorite Girl Scout cookies. But, it's also that time of year again that the Girl Scouts of St. Andrew's gather in worship to celebrate Girl Scout Sunday. If you're a Girl Scout, we would love to have you take part. Please contact Maureen Clement at (925) 825-9529 or clement_maureen@hotmail.com.
  • Fiesta! - Sunday, March 13 at 6pm - St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church is excited to announce a special celebration on March 13. We're raising funds for our mission trip to the Menaul school this summer in Albuquerque, NM, and you're invited to a Fiesta! We're going to get out the maracas, hang a piņata, and prepare a traditional Mexican food feast. Wait, there's more! The youth are working on a skit to entertain you while you dine on burritos! Tickets are $10 for individuals and $25 for families, and can be purchased at a table outside the sanctuary before and after worship services beginning in late February. Hope to see you there!
  • Forgiveness: A Holistic Approach March 13 - April 10 at 10:30am - Join us in the Oak Room for a five-week series on laying the groundwork for forgiveness from our Christian faith. The world, in which we live, is often marked by mean-spiritedness and vengeance. We can get very stuck in our own lives by holding on to anger even when we feel the deed warranted the anger. This can cause tremendous havoc on us as well as in our relationships with others. It is our hope that this five-week class will help you integrate the steps needed to break the barriers that keep us from giving and receiving forgiveness. This class will address the following: 1) Why Forgive? 2) Punishment, Forgiveness and Accountability 3) The Forgiver and the Forgiven 4) The Forgiven and the Forgiver, 5) Reconciliation and Restoration. Linda Johnson, MFC, will lead the class.
  • Inquirer's Class Sundays, March 13 - March 27, 2 to 4pm - If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
  • Bread for Lent - March 13-April 24 - During Lent, we invite members and friends of St. Andrew's to bake bread for communion. If you would like to provide bread for a Sunday during Lent, please sign up in the Activity Center. Thank you.
  • Family Shelter Cook-Out - March 21-March 25 - Continuing a St. Andrew's tradition, our church has volunteered to cook dinners at the Martinez family shelter from Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25. Save the date and be ready to sign up on Sundays beginning Feb. 24 in the Activity Center. We will need cooks and helpers. Non-cooks can help too by signing up to buy and donate food as we provide food for three meals for the week and supply needed pantry items. Closer to the actual date, we will find out how many people we will be feeding, which is normally between 20 and 30 people. For more information, contact Valerie at (925) 938-2596 or vzito@sbcglobal.net.

February 16, 2011

MEDITATION - From Wendy Komori Stager

I say to you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. - Jesus (Matthew 5:44)

This is one of the hardest things Jesus asks us to do. By definition, an enemy is someone who we have already determined is not on our side. The enemy is against us and possibly harming us! And this is the one which Jesus asks us to love?

Biblical scholars do remind us though that in Biblical times, people did not frame things in psychological terms. Therefore to 'love' is not to feel warm and fuzzy inside while we are caring for our enemies. However, what is does mean is to ACT loving towards them.

Who is bothering you today? Maybe it is an enemy? Maybe is it someone who you would rather not be kind to? Say a prayer for them. And notice how God works within you as you pray.

Blessings,
Wendy

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • February 20, 2011 9:00am* and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager on Matthew 5:21-37, 'Praying for Our Enemies'
    • February 27, 2011 9:00am* and 10:30am Preacher: Shel White on Matthew 6:25-33, "Finding Happiness in Unexpected Places"
      • *Sunday School at 9am only
  • Genesis: The Book of Beginnings - Rev. Bill Nebo will lead a study of the writers, stories, and ideas that motivated the creation of the book of Genesis. The study will start on February 6 at 9am and continue on February 20 and 27 and March 6.
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Friday, February 25 at 6:30pm - Please join us for our potluck and discussion of the film, 'The Social Network,' at the home of Bob and Carol McMains (142 Wiggins Court, PH). Please bring a salad to share (no need to bring your place setting this month). RSVP to the McMains at 925-937-6391 by Wednesday, February 23.
  • Called Congregational Meeting Sunday, February 27 at 10:15am (between worship services) - The Nominating Committee would like to nominate for Elder: John Shumway and Deacon: Gayle Garrison and Rolf Stotz.
  • Newcomer's Lunch - Sunday, March 6 at 12pm - Are you fairly new to our church? Please be our guest for lunch at a local restaurant. Sign up in the Activity Center. This is an informal, fun way to learn about each other and about St. Andrew's.
  • Making Space for God: a Lenten Study for Women Beginning March 10 - Thursday or Friday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 am - Would you like to deepen your relationship with God through this season of Lent? The Rev. Lori Hedlund and Trisha Oldenkamp will lead a weekday morning group for the seven weeks of Lent starting March 10th or 11th at the church. The focus of the group is on developing a spirituality of gratitude and a personal practice of prayer. During the seven weeks, we will discuss insights gained from the book, Space for God, by Don Postema, spend time in prayer for one another, experience individual and group spiritual exercises, and participate in a simple mission project (to be determined by the group). Each person will have a Space for God book and is encouraged to keep a journal. Please sign up in the Activity Center indicating if you can meet on both Thursday and Friday or if one day is better than the other. Please also let us know if you need child care. For more information please contact Lori Hedlund at 925-684-7487, lori.hedlund@yahoo.com or Trisha Oldenkamp at 925-372-6947, trishaoldenkamp@gmail.com.
  • Inquirer's Class Sundays, March 13 - March 27, 2 to 4pm - If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
  • Bread for Lent - March 13-April 24 - During Lent, we invite members and friends of St. Andrew's to bake bread for communion. If you would like to provide bread for a Sunday during Lent, please sign up in the Activity Center. Thank you.
  • Fiesta! - Sunday, March 13 at 6pm - St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church is excited to announce a special celebration on March 13. We're raising funds for our mission trip to the Menaul school this summer in Albuquerque, NM, and you're invited to a Fiesta! We're going to get out the maracas, hang a piņata, and prepare a traditional Mexican food feast. Wait, there's more! The youth are working on a skit to entertain you while you dine on burritos! Tickets are $10 for individuals and $25 for families, and can be purchased at a table outside the sanctuary before and after worship services beginning in late February. Hope to see you there!
  • Family Shelter Cook-Out - March 21-March 25 - Continuing a St. Andrew's tradition, our church has volunteered to cook dinners at the Martinez family shelter from Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25. Save the date and be ready to sign up on Sundays beginning Feb. 24 in the Activity Center. We will need cooks and helpers. Non-cooks can help too by signing up to buy and donate food as we provide food for three meals for the week and supply needed pantry items. Closer to the actual date, we will find out how many people we will be feeding, which is normally between 20 and 30 people. For more information, contact Valerie at (925) 938-2596 or vzito@sbcglobal.net.

February 10, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

This Sunday, Craig Mizutani, Patti TenBrook and Chad Crawford will be sharing with us their stories as they seek to be good stewards of God's earth. We know, according to the Old Testament, that God gives us dominion over the earth. Dominion does not mean domination. Dominion calls us to take good care of what God has given to us. We are to discover good ways to enhance God's creation for a healthy environment today and for our great, great grandchildren. Being responsible followers of God means make the best use of ALL that God has given to us. God calls us to be good stewards so our joy and those that follow us will be full.

Genesis 1:26 - Then God said, 'Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.'

Grace and Peace,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • February 13, 2011 - 9:00am* and 10:30am Scout Sunday - Preachers: Craig Mizutani, Patti TenBrook, Chad Crawford on "Stewardship of the Earth" - Special Music: The Lord's Ringers
    • February 20, 2011 - 9:00am* and 10:30am - Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager on Matthew 5:21-37, 'Praying for Our Enemies' *Sunday School at 9am only
  • February Youth News - Beginning in February, high school and middle school will be combined for Bible study and fellowship at 5pm, followed by dinner at 6pm. Youth can be picked up any time after 6:30 and we'll wrap things up at about 7pm. The youth will be working on a skit during our February youth meetings for our fiesta-themed mission trip fundraising dinner on March 13. We'll be collecting a special offering at both worship services for the "Souper Bowl of caring" on February 6. When we make the announcement we'll get a big salad bowl from the kitchen for you to hold and we'll say a little bit about the organization and what we're going to be doing. Our first outing of the year will be at Sky High on February 13 at 5pm! Please bring $10 to church and ask me for a permission slip no later than February 6. We have to have an accurate count because it sells out on the weekends. We'll meet up at the church at 5:00pm, eat dinner, and then head out. Parents, if you can help drive and/or chaperone it will be greatly appreciated! Youth will be picked up at 7:30pm.
  • Genesis: The Book of Beginnings - Starting February 6 at 9am - For four Sunday mornings, Rev. Bill Nebo will lead a study of the writers, stories, and ideas that motivated the creation of the book of Genesis. The study will start on February 6 at 9am and continue on February 20 and 27 and March 6.
  • Scouts...Attention! - Sunday, February 13 - Boy Scout Sunday will be celebrated at St. Andrew's on February 13. If any member of your family is involved in Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts, I would love for them to participate. Families that have a daughter who is involved in a Venturing Crew, they are part of the BSA and are welcome. All Scouts and Scouters must be in full dress uniform (aka Class A). 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. Please provide me with your Scout's rank and Pack, Troop, or Crew #. A patch will be provided for each Scout or Scouter in uniform. Thank you in advance for your support of St. Andrew's and the Boy Scouts of America!
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Friday, February 25 at 6:30pm - Please join us for our potluck and discussion of the film, 'The Social Network,' at the home of Bob and Carol McMains (142 Wiggins Court, PH). Please bring a salad to share (no need to bring your place setting this month). RSVP to the McMains at 925-937-6391 by Wednesday, February 23.
  • Newcomer's Lunch - Sunday, March 6 at 12pm - Are you fairly new to our church? Please be our guest for lunch at a local restaurant. Sign up in the Activity Center. This is an informal, fun way to learn about each other and about St. Andrew's.
  • Inquirer's Class Sundays, March 13 - March 27, 2 to 4pm - If you would like to explore membership or even simply learn more about St. Andrew's, please join us for our Inquirer's Class. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
  • Bread for Lent - March 13-April 24 - During Lent, we invite members and friends of St. Andrew's to bake bread for communion. If you would like to provide bread for a Sunday during Lent, please sign up in the Activity Center. Thank you.
  • Fiesta! - Sunday, March 13 at 6pm - St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church is excited to announce a special celebration on March 13. We're raising funds for our mission trip to the Menaul school this summer in Albuquerque, NM, and you're invited to a Fiesta! We're going to get out the maracas, hang a piņata, and prepare a traditional Mexican food feast. Wait, there's more! The youth are working on a skit to entertain you while you dine on burritos! Tickets are $10 for individuals and $25 for families, and can be purchased at a table outside the sanctuary before and after worship services beginning in late February. Hope to see you there!
  • Family Shelter Cook-Out - March 21-March 25 - Continuing a St. Andrew's tradition, our church has volunteered to cook dinners at the Martinez family shelter from Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25. Save the date and be ready to sign up on Sundays beginning Feb. 24 in the Activity Center. We will need cooks and helpers. Non-cooks can help too by signing up to buy and donate food as we provide food for three meals for the week and supply needed pantry items. Closer to the actual date, we will find out how many people we will be feeding, which is normally between 20 and 30 people. For more information, contact Valerie at (925) 938-2596 or vzito@sbcglobal.net.

January 27, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

Jesus invites us in the Beatitudes to do something that runs counter to our human nature. When we are struggling, most of us do two things: complain and/or look quickly for a solution. We want to get out of the discomfort as fast as possible. Jesus asks us not to move so fast. If we focus on survival or quickly changing the situation, we could miss out on amazing blessings. Our Lord wants us to look hard at our empty places, our painful places, even places of poverty and find the riches of God.

Jesus says: "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. You're blessed when you're content with just who you are, no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought." Matthew 5:3-5 (The Message)

Blessed to be a Blessing,
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • January 30, 2011 - 9:00am* and 10:30am - Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Matthew 5:1-12, 'Riches in Empty Places'
    • February 6, 2011 - 9:00am* and 10:30am - Holy Communion - Preacher: Rev. Shel White on Isaiah 58:1-9a, 'Healthy Repentance'
      • *Sunday School at 9am only
  • Annual Congregational Meeting - Sunday, January 30 at 11:45am - Please join us for our annual meeting and potluck lunch following the second service. 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.
  • February Youth News - Beginning in February, high school and middle school will be combined for Bible study and fellowship at 5pm, followed by dinner at 6pm. Youth can be picked up any time after 6:30 and we'll wrap things up at about 7pm. The youth will be working on a skit during our February youth meetings for our fiesta-themed mission trip fundraising dinner on March 13. We'll be collecting a special offering at both worship services for the "Souper Bowl of caring" on February 6. When we make the announcement we'll get a big salad bowl from the kitchen for you to hold and we'll say a little bit about the organization and what we're going to be doing. Our first outing of the year will be at Sky High on February 13 at 5pm! Please bring $10 to church and ask me for a permission slip no later than February 6. We have to have an accurate count because it sells out on the weekends. We'll meet up at the church at 5:00pm, eat dinner, and then head out. Parents, if you can help drive and/or chaperone it will be greatly appreciated! Youth will be picked up at 7:30pm.
  • Genesis: The Book of Beginnings - Starting February 6 at 9am - For four Sunday mornings, Rev. Bill Nebo will lead a study of the writers, stories, and ideas that motivated the creation of the book of Genesis. The study will start on February 6 at 9am and continue on February 20 and 27 and March 6.
  • Scouts...Attention! - Sunday, February 13 - Boy Scout Sunday will be celebrated at St. Andrew's on February 13. If any member of your family is involved in Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts, I would love for them to participate. Families that have a daughter who is involved in a Venturing Crew, they are part of the BSA and are welcome. All Scouts and Scouters must be in full dress uniform (aka Class A). 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. Please provide me with your Scout's rank and Pack, Troop, or Crew #. A patch will be provided for each Scout or Scouter in uniform. Thank you in advance for your support of St. Andrew's and the Boy Scouts of America!
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Friday, February 25 at 6:30pm - Please join us for our potluck and discussion of the film, 'The Social Network,' at the home of Bob and Carol McMains (142 Wiggins Court, PH). Please bring a salad to share (no need to bring your place setting this month). RSVP to the McMains at 925-937-6391 by Wednesday, February 23.
  • Bread for Lent - March 13-April 24 - During Lent, we invite members and friends of St. Andrew's to bake bread for communion. If you would like to provide bread for a Sunday during Lent, please sign up in the Activity Center. Thank you.
  • Fiesta! - Sunday, March 13 at 6pm - St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church is excited to announce a special celebration on March 13. We're raising funds for our mission trip to the Menaul school this summer in Albuquerque, NM, and you're invited to a Fiesta! We're going to get out the maracas, hang a piņata, and prepare a traditional Mexican food feast. Wait, there's more! The youth are working on a skit to entertain you while you dine on burritos! Tickets are $10 for individuals and $25 for families, and can be purchased at a table outside the sanctuary before and after worship services beginning in late February. Hope to see you there!

January 12, 2011

MEDITATION - From Wendy Komori Stager

Next week we celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. This 2011 King Day Observance will mark the eighty-second birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the National Holiday which has been adopted by all fifty states and is now observed in over one hundred countries around the world. As such, it is considered a holiday which rightly encourages interracial, interdenominational, intercultural, and intergenerational gatherings which address the dual themes of liberation and reconciliation, justice and beloved community.

The boldness of Martin Luther King Jr. inspires me, but it also frightens and convicts me. I love hearing his encouraging words, but also feel guilty about the times I remain silent in the face of injustice. His courage and passion for righteousness changed the world. What stops me from being as passionate? Why don't I speak for justice? I am soul-searching this week, and I invite you to reflect as well. What makes it difficult for you to change your family, your workplace, your community into one that is an example of liberation, reconciliation and justice?

Wendy

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • January 16, 2011 9:00am* and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager
    • January 23, 2011 9:00am* and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Bill Nebo
      • *Sunday School at 9am only
  • Sunday School at Second Service - As of January 9, there will no longer be Sunday School at the second service indefinitely due to low attendance and teacher sign-ups. Godly Play and youth Sunday School will be offered as usual at the 9am service. There is no change in toddler room care, which will continue to be provided at both services. Thank you for your continued support of our children and youth ministries!
  • Disciple Bible Study - Starting January 13 at 7pm - The Thursday evening Covenant Group will be starting a study of Disciple I: an overview of the Bible - beginning January 13. Anyone interested is invited to join in the study 7 to 9pm on Thursday evenings in the Library. Please let Eleanor Manley know you will be coming so enough study books can be ordered (372-7129).
  • Save the Date: Music, Music, Music - Sunday, January 23 at 3pm - You are invited to join other music lovers in the sanctuary for the next recital in the St Andrew's Chamber Music series. The program includes Ver Stucke by Alfred Uhl and Sincerita by Christopher Callendo for wind quintet, music by Poulenc and Liebermann played by pianist Martin Morley, New Wine in Old Bottles performed by the Wind and Brass sections of the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra, and Suite for Violin, Clarinet and Piano by Alexander Arutunian. As always, these recitals are free and open to the public. Refreshments are served at intermission. Free-will offering benefits Contra Costa Interfaith Housing project which provides supportive, permanent housing to formerly homeless families at Garden Parks Apartment Community in Pleasant Hill. For more info, contact Decky Thornton at 925-228-7731 or deckyt@comcast.net.
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Friday, January 28 at 6:30pm - Please join us for our holiday potluck and discussion of the film, 'Letters to God,' in the Creekside Room. Please bring a salad to share and your place setting. RSVP to the Peeples at 925-671-4807 by Wednesday, January 26.
  • Annual Congregational Meeting - Sunday, January 30 at 11:45am - Please join us for our annual meeting and potluck lunch following the second service. 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.
  • Session Needs Your Help - Attention all members and friends of St. Andrew's: First of all, THANKS for all the great ideas...now we need MORE! Session has decided to extend the deadline for ideas for new names for the Activity Center until the end of January; then, with your guidance, a decision will be made. Please submit any more ideas (and we've had some great ones!) to Nancy Grabow as soon as you can at Grabow4@gmail.com or 925-941-6430. Thanks for your imagination and ideas!!!
  • Westminster Woods Women's Retreat February 4-6, 2011 - There is still time to sign up. Paper registrations are available in the Activity Center or you can register online at www.westminsterwoods.org. For only $160 you get to be on retreat where someone else cooks, someone else cleans, and your cell phone can't ring. Please let us know that you are attending so that we can arrange carpools. Contact Rev. Wendy if you have questions.

January 6, 2011

MEDITATION - From Shel White

Some of us are afraid of commitment. Making commitments define us more than anything else. They shape our personality, play a big part in our calendar, occupy large portions of our thinking and affect our financial situation. Commitments can provide meaning and purpose in life. What do we do when our commitments are in conflict? What happens when Christ becomes our number one commitment? How would your life change if you elevated your commitment to Christ?

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

May God's Grace and Peace and Hope abound in you in 2011!
Shel

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

  • Worship Celebrations:
    • January 9, 2011 9:00am* and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Shel White on "Dare to Commit," Matthew 3:13-17
    • January 16, 2011 9:00am* and 10:30am Preacher: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager
      • *Sunday School at 9am only
  • Sunday School at Second Service - As of January 9, there will no longer be Sunday School at the second service indefinitely due to low attendance and teacher sign-ups. Godly Play and youth Sunday School will be offered as usual at the 9am service. There is no change in toddler room care, which will continue to be provided at both services. Thank you for your continued support of our children and youth ministries!
  • Women's Covenant Group - Sunday, January 9 at 1:30pm - The Women's Covenant Group will be starting up again on January 9th. We meet for six Sunday afternoons from January through April for about two hours. If you would like to join a group of women who study, pray, laugh a lot and share and support each other, please join us in the Oak Room at 1:30pm. Call Anne Paulsen at 510-799-2799 for more information. Or, just come on the 9th to our meeting.
  • Church in the World - Tuesday, January 11 at 3pm - We always welcome newcomers to our CIW group. Come for a visit and learn more about how our church supports various ministries and causes around the world. If enough people are interested, but would be willing to meet at 7pm the same date, call Rillis at 691-8203 or 207-8781, and we'll do our utmost to rearrange. Anyone interested in helping world orphans, a very easy way to do so is to carefully tear cancelled stamps from your envelopes, and place them in an envelope in the Church in the World mailbox. Rillis will send them to a woman who has collected as much as $30,000 for E. Indian orphan groups. Thanks to all!
  • Senior Lunch Bunch - Wednesday, January 12 at Noon - Join us for lunch and a program by Kathie Buttermore and Mac. Mac is a therapy dog and we'll learn about the training and requirements both he and Kathie must go through to be in the program at hospitals and convalescent homes. Be sure to sign up after Christmas. Lunch is only $3.
  • Disciple Bible Study - Starting January 13 at 7pm - The Thursday evening Covenant Group will be starting a study of Disciple I:an overview of the Bible - beginning January 13. Anyone interested is invited to join in the study 7 to 9pm on Thursday evenings in the Library. Please let Eleanor Manley know you will be coming so enough study books can be ordered (372-7129).
  • Save the Date: Music, Music, Music - Sunday, January 23 - Save the date for the next Sunday afternoon free recital in the St Andrew's Chamber Music Series. Watch for program details! Contact Decky Thornton at 228-7731 or deckyt@comcast.net for more info.
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack - Friday, January 28 at 6:30pm - Please join us for our holiday potluck and discussion of the film, 'Letters to God,' in the Creekside Room. Please bring a salad to share and your place setting. RSVP to the Peeples at 925-671-4807 by Wednesday, January 26.
  • Annual Congregational Meeting - Sunday, January 30 at 11:45am - Please join us for our annual meeting and potluck lunch following the second service. 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.
  • Session Needs Your Help - Attention all members and friends of St. Andrew's: First of all, THANKS for all the great ideas...now we need MORE! Session has decided to extend the deadline for ideas for new names for the Activity Center until the end of January; then, with your guidance, a decision will be made. Please submit any more ideas (and we've had some great ones!) to Nancy Grabow as soon as you can at Grabow4@gmail.com or 925-941-6430. Thanks for your imagination and ideas!!!
  • Westminster Woods Women's Retreat - February 4-6, 2011 - With Rev. Sharyl Marshall speaking on "In the Eyes of the Beholder: Our stories laced with God's. . . Our great tapestry of live and faith." Although life beyond the busy holiday season is hard for some of us to imagine, many women appreciate the fact that Women's Weekend at Westminster Woods offers precisely the spiritual nourishment and personal time that we crave after the holiday rush. Join over a dozen women of all ages from St. Andrew's as we escape to the redwoods. Oh, and have we mentioned that the food is AMAZING (not your typical camp food.) Add your name to the sign-up list and we will arrange carpools as well. Contact www.westminsterwoods.com or 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.