St. Andrew's Lutheran Church

In Person Worship This Sunday @ 9:30 AM

2021-05-25T14:04:00.001-04:00

This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day, Holy Trinity Sunday and a return to in person worship. We had our "soft opening" with our confirmation class this past weekend. We look forward to having our new air conditioning system on line this week and welcoming a few more folks to worship. (We realize that some of you will be traveling this weekend but this will give us time to ease into larger worship numbers.)

In addition to our sanctuary finally being available and air conditioned, the positivity rate for the virus in Montgomery County continues to go down while the vaccination rate continues to go up. A few things to keep in mind as we gather for worship:

Masks: As we are inside and singing we are asking worshipers to wear masks for a little while longer, This too can be relaxed once a larger number of folks are fully vaccinated. Stay tuned as we seek direction from voices in the county and our Synod.

Physical Distancing: Roped off pews remain in place for a little while yet but these too can be removed in the future with an increase in vaccinations.

Hospitality and Child Care: We are not having food and fellowship right now but are looking forward to hosting gatherings outside after worship later this summer. There will be no child care provided this summer.

Construction: Building renovation continues well into June. Please be aware of your surroundings and especially limited bathroom facilities for the next few weeks. (Pastor Mueller is refraining from his second cup of coffee and is encouraging you to do the same! )

Many Opinions and Comfort Zones: We understand that not everyone will feel comfortable coming back to in person worship at this time. We certainly understand that and respect that. Digital worship resources are here to stay and will continue if you are more comfortable at home. We also know that some people will find our decisions and current policies to be overly restrictive and cautious while others will feel that they are not cautious enough. As we said, at the beginning of the lockdown, we do not take these decisions lightly. The same is true as we make decisions for reopening. We also know that it will take awhile for worshipers and our leadership to make adjustments in worship to this constantly changing landscape with the virus and our construction. We ask for patience, flexibility, and forgiveness.

Our staff wishes you a truly blessed summer with reasons for hope in the months ahead.

Worship: Pentecost Sunday 2021

2021-05-22T21:12:00.001-04:00

Click "READ MORE" for clickable link to Sunday worship

https://youtu.be/4G1gWZmAOZ4

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words." - Romans 8:26

This weekend we celebrate the Festival of Pentecost as we give thanks to God for the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church and in our daily lives.

Please keep our youth and their families in prayer as several of them will confirm their Christian faith as part of a small Sunday gathering. We look forward to returning to indoor in person worship in our sanctuary next Sunday May 30 @ 9:30 AM. We will continue gathering for Sunday worship @ 9:30 AM throughout the summer months. Digital worship content will continue as well.

Sanctuary Reopening

2021-05-21T11:34:00.001-04:00

Back to Our Worship Space in one more week! (Memorial Day Weekend - Sunday @ 9:30 AM)

While we give thanks for the beautiful weather that has blessed us at our outdoor Saturday night worship services, we look forward to finally returning to our sanctuary, even as we move into the final phase of the construction process. We want to thank Dave Crist, Charles Armstrong, Bob Smith, our staff and our building committee for all of their hard work as well as the partnership between Lower Providence Township and C H & E Construction for making this opening possible even as construction proceeds.

We will still be having our 5:00 Worship this Saturday in the Outdoor Chapel and some of us will be on property this Sunday as our youth are confirmed. However, since our new air conditioning system will not be able to be serviced and put on line until next week (and it looks like this Sunday will be a scorcher!) we have decided to postpone public indoor in person worship for one more week

Summer Worship Schedule

Beginning Sunday May 30th⁽Memorial Day Weekend) through Sunday September 5^th (Labor Day) we will be in our summer worship schedule with one service at 9:30 AM finally back in our sanctuary! We hope that as COVID numbers continue to decline we will be able to host fellowship following worship later this summer. This is a good time to connect with new faces and reconnect with people who you haven't seen in a while.

Please keep in mind that while we have permission to worship in the sanctuary, this is still an active construction site. Be aware of your surroundings, and as we have limited bathroom facilities for the next few weeks as construction is completed, you may want to "take care of business" before coming to church!

Masks will still be worn for a little while during this time of transition and you will recognize some precautions still in place but we look forward to lifting our hearts and hands and voices together!

We understand that summer worship attendance is up and down (up the mountains and down the shore!). However, when at home, take advantage of worship in a more relaxed setting and pace than during the school year.

Worship: Ascension Sunday 2021

2021-05-15T20:13:00.001-04:00

Click "READ MORE" for clickable link to Sunday worship.

https://youtu.be/UldmH87ae-s

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

As we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord and his life giving power, we are reminded that even as we focus on building that is going up on Egypt Rd., God continues to build us up as a community of faith to bless others.

Worship: 6th Sun. of Easter - 2021

2021-05-08T19:48:00.001-04:00

Click "READ MORE" for clickable link to Sunday worship.

https://youtu.be/I-bfyvVFAx0

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you" - John 15:12

Whether we gather together online, as part of Saturday evening worship outside, or in our worship space in the weeks to come, we gather to be blessed by Christ's commands and promises of love.

In this week's message, Pastor Mueller will be addressing questions from the congregation, a part of "Ask the Pastor," a worship tradition that used to take place once or twice a year that we have not done at St. Andrew's for several years (even before the pandemic). We look forward to when we can return to worship in the sanctuary and submit questions on the spot ("Stump the Pastor" really!). A word of thanks to those of you who submitted questions by email over this past week.

5:00 Worship Cancelled Tonight

2021-05-08T16:26:00.001-04:00

With rain threatening, we decided to hold off on gathering for outdoor worship until next Saturday. Keep dry, gather for worship on line later this evening or in the morning, hope for better weather next week, and look forward to a return to our dry sanctuary in the weeks to come!

Worship: 5th Sun. of Easter - 2021

2021-05-01T20:03:00.001-04:00

Click "READ MORE" for clickable link to Sunday Worship

https://youtu.be/ROLjqsUEVSE

"I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit." - John 15:5

Whether we gather together online, outside in our chapel on Saturday nights, or inside our sanctuary in the weeks to come, we are connected to Christ and fed by his word and promises.

"Ask the Pastor" returns

2021-04-28T10:44:00.001-04:00

Back by popular demand - It has been a long time (even before COVID lockdowns) since we have done "Ask the Pastor" in worship, your opportunity to ask your questions (anonymously with the congregation) about the Bible, church history, worship, St. Andrew's or faith and daily life and have those questions shape the message in worship. So we will do just that the weekend of May 8-9 as Pastor addresses your questions at the time of the sermon.

One primary difference - he will not be answering them on the spot as they are being handed to him on strips of paper. (No fun, we know!) Rather we are asking you to submit your question via email no later than Wednesday May 5. With your question, also let Pastor know if you will be attending 5:00 Worship on Saturday night or if you will be viewing our worship content online. This will help him to decide what questions he will address at each service or if he will simply confidentiality email a direct response to your question. While Pastor will know who is asking questions, you will not be identified by name to the congregation, so there is no question that is too basic. Ask away! Help us to learn from one another's questions.

Again please submit your question no later than May 5 sending your question directly to pastormueller@standrewslutheran.com

Worship: 4th Sun. of Easter - 2021

2021-04-24T19:38:00.001-04:00

Click "READ MORE" for a clickable link to Sunday Worship

https://youtu.be/-mutU62EoR8

"I have other sheep who do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd." - John 10:16

This weekend we are called by the Shepherd who guides us through the darkest valleys, even in the shadow of death. We practice listening to his voice in worship so that we can hear it all the more clearly in our daily lives.

We Have Moved Outdoors

2021-04-20T12:51:00.001-04:00

This is a reminder that we have resumed our regular Saturday night service @ 5 PM using our outdoor chapel (weather permitting) Bring your lawn chairs (or use our benches) and masks and join us for this simple service of Word and Sacrament.

Of course, if there are any weather challenges and you are wondering if it is still happening, check our Facebook page or the church website for cancellations. If nothing is posted, we are on! And if worship is cancelled, make plans for dinner and view digital worship which will be posted later that evening or with the sunrise on Sunday. And yes, out of concern for those with health challenges and the not yet vaccinated among us:

--Social distancing and mask wearing continues

- Hand sanitizer will be accessible
- There will be no shaking of hands, hugging, or sharing of the peace
- Hymnals will not be used. Everything you need will be printed in the
bulletin.
- An offering will not be taken but baskets will be left near chapel
entrance for your offerings.
- Holy Communion will also be socially distanced with careful instructions and the wafer
(host) only for distribution.

. We are also encouraging small groups of the congregation to make use of our outdoor chapel for gatherings as well. During the months of May and June, we are looking forward to outdoor gatherings with our Sunday School and Confirmation families, Noontime Bible Study Group, and Men's Breakfast Gathering. If you would like to use our outdoor chapel area, just check with the office first so as to avoid any schedule conflicts.

We look forward to a time in May or June when we can begin to return to our building. In the meantime, let's hope for good weather and enjoy the great outdoors!

Worship: 3rd Sunday of Easter 2021

2021-04-17T19:21:00.001-04:00

Click "READ MORE:" for a c;ickable link to Sunday worship

https://youtu.be/FLE9_1vAJQ4

Jesus himself stood among the disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you."

This weekend we encounter the risen Christ who appears to us in the midst of our doubts and fears and empowers us to go out and serve as his hands and feet in the world.

Looking Forward to Outdoor Worship on Saturday Nights

2021-04-14T09:53:00.001-04:00

It may be damp and definitely cooler for the rest of the week. But the long range forecast is predicting a beautiful day Saturday. We look forward to resuming our weekly Saturday worship @ 5 PM. Weather permitting, we will be meeting in our outdoor chapel as we await the reopening of our renovated and expanded building.

This simple, relaxed gathering is what some of us have longed for as we have stared at a screen for worship on and off for a year! We got a wonderful taste of this at our Easter Sunrise Service, but now (like last summer and fall when we gathered outside) you won't have to get up so early! Also, our acoustic group Soulful Strings will be joining us to lead us in song in the weeks to come.

This is a different gathering from what we are doing on Sundays including the music and the celebration of Holy Communion (wafer only) It's also different because we actually get to see one another!

IWe are assuming that the weather is going to cooperate this week. But just in case - if you are wondering if it is still happening, check your email, our Facebook page, or the church website for cancellations. If nothing is posted, we are on!

For those of you who are coming, here are a few things worth knowing:

--Social distancing with your own lawn chairs or chapel
benches will be encouraged and facilitated.
- Worshipers (except children 2 and younger) should be masked while
seated together in chapel - yes even if you have been vaccinated! 😁 (In the words of Scripture, "when one member of the body suffers, we all suffer together!")
- Hand sanitizer will be accessible
- There will be no shaking of hands, hugging, or sharing of the peace
- Hymnals will not be used. Everything you need will be printed in
bulletin.
- An offering will not be taken but baskets will be left near chapel
entrance for your offerings.

Keeping our fingers crossed for good weather and looking forward to seeing some of you on Saturday evenings @ 5:00 PM. See you in church!

Easter Sunday Worship 2021

2021-04-04T08:08:00.001-04:00

Easter Sunday Worship

(Click READ MORE for clickable link to Easter Sunday Worship)

https://youtu.be/WbjyBr5AtZE

With beloved Easter hymns, organ and brass, and a proclamation of Easter hope that we all need, we rejoice at the empty tomb. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Easter Worship

2021-04-03T09:34:00.001-04:00

Easter Sunrise Service (This Sunday @ 7 AM in person in St. Andrew's outdoor chapel – weather permitting)

No need to wear your Easter best (no one was in their Easter best on the first Easter – Jesus was dressed as a gardener – You can look it up in the Gospel of John!), especially with the hour you will be venturing out to join us. Just bundle up to keep warm at this brief but joyous celebration of the resurrection of the Lord. (You are welcome to remain standing through this brief gathering, bring a lawn chair, or use a chapel bench) Be among the first to hear that Easter proclamation of hope as we gather around scripture, prayer, and Holy Communion (wafer only). Then return home with joy, get changed, have a warm drink (and a bigger breakfast) and enjoy the rest of our Easter celebration on line.

Easter Sunday Worship (On church website, Facebook, and church email – posted around 8:30 AM on Sunday)

With beloved Easter hymns, organ and brass, and a proclamation of Easter hope that we all need, we rejoice at the empty tomb.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Good Friday 2021

2021-04-02T11:21:00.000-04:00

Click READ MORE for clickable link to Good Friday Reflection

https://youtu.be/38JP6KmkYPA

Good Friday

"For God so loved the world..."

In this deeply moving service, we gather around the word, music from St. Andrew's soloists and instrumentalists, prayer, and the cross, the central sign of our salvation.

Gathering at the Cross and the Empty Tomb

2021-03-29T09:43:00.001-04:00

Good Friday (On church website, Facebook, and church email - posted around noontime)

"For God so loved the world..."

In this deeply moving service, we gather around the word, music from St. Andrew's soloists and instrumentalists, prayer, and the cross, the central sign of our salvation.

Easter Sunrise Service ( This Sunday April 4 @ 7 AM in person in St. Andrew's outdoor chapel – weather permitting) No need to wear your Easter best (no one was in their Easter best on the first Easter – Jesus was dressed as a gardener – You can look it up in the Gospel of John!), especially with the hour you will be venturing out to join us. Just bundle up to keep warm at this brief but joyous celebration of the resurrection of the Lord. (You are welcome to remain standing through this brief gathering, bring a lawn chair, or use a chapel bench) Be among the first to hear that Easter proclamation of hope as we gather around scripture, prayer, and Holy Communion (wafer only). Then return home with joy, get changed, have a warm drink (and a bigger breakfast) and enjoy the rest of our Easter celebration on line.

Easter Sunday Worship (On church website, Facebook, and church email – posted around 8:15 AM on Sunday)

With beloved Easter hymns, organ and brass, and a proclamation of Easter hope that we all need, we rejoice at the empty tomb. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Palm Sunday Worship - 2021

2021-03-27T15:18:00.001-04:00

Click READ MORE for clickable link to weekend worship

https://youtu.be/VXReN4_GD1s

We look forward to seeing many of you @ 9:30 AM on Sunday as we gather in the lower parking lot at church to bless and distribute Palms, celebrate Holy Communion, and bring some joy to some of our children who gather. However, Palm Sunday, would not be complete without music and the message, which is what you will find here.

In the event of rain (and it is in the forecast!) - Feel free to stop by the upper church entrance (by narthex) anytime between 9:00 & 10:30 AM on Sunday to pick up your palms and palm crosses (Sunday School families can pick up their Easter bags and Sunday School materials as well)

Palm Sunday is Coming!

2021-03-26T08:41:00.000-04:00

Palm Sunday (This Sunday March 28 @ 9:30 AM in person in St. Andrew's lower parking lot – weather permitting) We bring the generations together for a brief outdoor gathering that will include the reading of the Palm Sunday story, the blessing and distribution of palms, prayer, and celebration of Holy Communion (wafer only). Masks are required for this gathering. There will also be activities for our children (More info to come)

Palm Sunday Worship (On church website, Facebook, and church email – posted around 5 PM on Saturday - worship anytime) – Shouted hosannas acknowledge Christ as King. We sing beloved Palm Sunday hymns including "All Glory, Laud, and Honor" and "The Palms," and we enjoy special music from St. Andrew's soloists and instrumentalists. However, we are also reminded of how quickly our voices of joy and welcome can turn to voices we neither desire nor recognize. Also, the procession will lead eventually not to a throne, but to a cross where Jesus places our life ahead of his and demonstrates his amazing grace and love for us.

Keep your eyes open for digital content throughout Holy Week and we hope to see some of you in person for our Easter Sunrise Service (7 AM in the Outdoor Chapel)

Next FB Live and Holy Week to Come

2021-03-23T12:12:00.000-04:00

Facebook Live - Wednesday Wandering & Wondering

Wednesday March 24 - 7:30 PM

Job: When Bad Things Happen to Good People

HOLY WEEK 2021 – a little better than 2020 but still very different!

Palm Sunday (March 28 @ 9:30 AM in person in St. Andrew's lower parking lot – weather permitting) We bring the generations together for a brief outdoor gathering that will include the reading of the Palm Sunday story, the blessing and distribution of palms, prayer, and celebration of Holy Communion (wafer only). Masks are required for this gathering. There will also be activities for our children (More info to come)

Palm Sunday Worship (On church website, Facebook, and church email – posted around 5 PM on Saturday) – A triumphant processional and shouted hosannas acknowledge Christ as King. We sing beloved Palm Sunday hymns including "All Glory, Laud, and Honor" and "The Palms," and we enjoy special music from St. Andrew's soloists and instrumentalists. However, we are also reminded of how quickly our voices of joy and welcome can turn to voices we neither desire nor recognize. Also, the procession will lead eventually not to a throne, but to a cross where Jesus places our life ahead of his and demonstrates his amazing grace and love for us.

Maundy Thursday – On the night that Jesus celebrated a holy meal with his disciples, we are reminded of the ways that our meals and our life together is holy. Please check your email for a devotion that can be used at mealtime on this holy night.

Good Friday (On church website, Facebook, and church email - posted around noontime)

In this deeply moving service, we gather around the word, music from St. Andrew's soloists and instrumentalists, prayer, and the cross, the central sign of our salvation.

Easter Sunrise Service (April 4 @ 7 AM in person in St. Andrew's outdoor chapel – weather permitting) No need to wear your Easter best (no one was in their Easter best on the first Easter – Jesus was dressed as a gardener – You can look it up in the Gospel of John!), especially with the hour you will be venturing out to join us. Just bundle up to keep warm at this brief but joyous celebration of the resurrection of the Lord. (You are welcome to remain standing through this brief gathering, bring a lawn chair, or use a chapel bench) Be among the first to hear that Easter proclamation of hope as we gather around scripture, prayer, and Holy Communion (wafer only). Then return home with joy, get changed, have a warm drink (and a bigger breakfast) and enjoy the rest of our Easter celebration on line.

Easter Sunday Worship (On church website, Facebook, and church email – posted around 8:15 AM on Sunday)

With beloved Easter hymns, organ and brass, and a proclamation of Easter hope that we all need, we rejoice at the empty tomb. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Worship: 5th Sunday in Lent - 2021

2021-03-20T16:09:00.001-04:00

Click READ BELOW for a clickable link to weekend worship

https://youtu.be/WlDQ7hRGdqg

Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies it bears much fruit. - John 12:24

This weekend, as we draw closer to the events of Holy Week and the cross, we look at the intersection between Christ's journey of transformation and our own on the journey of discipleship and salvation. We also take tine to remember those who have died from COVID19 over the past year and pray for their family and friends.

Next Facebook Live - Wednesday @ 7:30 PM

2021-03-16T14:17:00.001-04:00

This Week -

Moses & His Travel Companions:

Still Wandering (and Whining!) Exodus 17:1-7

For what are you most thankful for these days? What do we tend to grumble and complain about the most? In what ways does God remind us that he is still in our midst? We will attempt to tackle these questions and more in our time together. Hope to see many of you on Wednesday night.

Worship: 4th Sun. in Lent - 2021

2021-03-13T15:17:00.000-05:00

Click READ MORE for clickable link to weekend worship.

https://youtu.be/1t8wr9OICqU

For God so loved the world that he gav his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life - John 3:16

This weekend we hear what Martin Luther called "the Gospel in miniature" and ponder where healing and abundant life is found.

Next Facebook Live - Wed. @ 7:30 PM

2021-03-09T20:07:00.001-05:00

Included in our time together will be prayer (with an opportunity for you to make prayer requests in the comments section), scripture reading and reflection (with an opportunity for questions in the comments), and updates on our life together as a faith community.

This Week -

Joseph - Wrong Place, Wrong Time Genesis 50: 15-21

Who was the favorite in your family? And if it wasn't you, how did that make you feel? Were you ever falsely accused of something? How did you deal with that? Did you ever want to seek revenge? How did that work out? Did you ever suffer because you were in the wrong place at the wrong time? We will attempt to tackle these questions and more in our time together. Hope to see many of you on Wednesday night.

Worship: 3rd Sun. in Lent - 2021

2021-03-06T15:10:00.001-05:00

Click 'READ MORE" for clickable link to worship.

https://youtu.be/UAwZ4XdggQA

Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews then said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?" But he was speaking of the temple of his body.

In this weekend's Gospel, we witness Jesus cleansing the temple and are also reminded of the ways that he can cleanse our hearts. We also are mindful of the Lord of life who dwells in our hearts even in those seasons when we find ourselves "outside of the temple."

Next Facebook Live - Wed. @ 7:30 PM

2021-03-01T13:15:00.001-05:00

Each Wednesday night in Lent, Pastor Mueller will be hosting a Facebook Live session on St. Andrew's FB page - "Wednesday Wandering and Wondering". Included in our time together will be prayer (with an opportunity for you to make prayer requests in the comments section), scripture reading and reflection (with an opportunity for questions in the comments), and updates on our life together as a faith community.

This Week -

Jacob: Keep Wrestling Genesis 32:22-30

Have you ever gone through a season of your life that was filled with questions and doubt? Have you ever struggled for an extended period of time and came out of that changed? Have you ever been angry or disappointed with God? Have you ever found blessing in unexpected people and places? We will attempt to tackle these questions and more in our time together. Hope to see many of you on Wednesday night.