St. Andrew's Lutheran Church

Lent Begins This Week

2012-02-20T12:32:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

Ash Wednesday will soon be upon us. For many of us, this is a tradition that we have participated in for many years while for others this may be very new. In short, Ash Wednesday is the day that we begin the season of Lent, days of prayer, repentance, remembrance of baptismal promises, for some, preparation to be baptized, and the celebration of Easter. Ash Wednesday symbolizes our acknowledgement that without God we are nothing and that our very life comes from God. Recalling themes from the beginning of the book of Genesis, we hear the refrain, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." This is a time of contemplation and prayer. We hope that you will be able to join us for worship on Ash Wednesday and throughout the Lenten season as we remember who we are and whose we are.

Ash Wednesday Noontime Devotion - a brief service of scripture, reflection, confession, and imposition of ashes.

7:30 PM - Worship with Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion - including music from our choir and liturgy to prepare us for the 40 days ahead.

See you in church!

Peace,

Pastor Mueller

Mountaintops and Valleys

2012-02-16T14:19:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

This upcoming Sunday, churches throughout the world who follow the assigned readings and festivals of the Church Year, will be celebrating Tranfiguration Sunday, the final Sunday before the Lenten season begins. On this day, Jesus takes Peter, Andrew, James, and John to a mountaintop where they will experience an awesome vision they will never forget. We need mountaintop experiences of our own to give us strength in the valleys ahead. We will also be following Jesus through the valleys during the season of Lent. Our daily journey with Jesus will take us to:

- quiet places of prayer

- opportunities to feed the hungry

- nights in lonely gardens and angry storms

- the joy and peace of more mountaintop moments

- instructions to care for ourselves and those around us

- reminders that we are never alone but always in the power of the Spirit

- assurance that Jesus meets us exactly where we are but never leaves us that way.

Join us in worship this weekend and throughout this Lenten season. Join us to see the face of God's love that transfigures and tranforms lives. See you in church!

Peace,

Pastor Mueller

Happy New Year!

2011-12-27T11:51:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

As our family prepares for this weekend's New Year's Eve and New Year's Day celebrations with family and friends, we have much to be thankful for in 2011 and much to look forward to in 2012. You, the people of St. Andrew's have much to do with this. We are truly blessed! And 2011 concluded in wonderful fashion for our faith community. Between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we had well over 600 people in worship, including some new faces and returning ones who we hope to see more of in 2012. A big thanks to all of you who have volunteered so much of your time in this Advent and Christmas season. Also, a huge word of thanks is extended for your financial support. Your incredible generosity has brought more blessings to people in this community than you will ever know.

This weekend, our worship schedule has been designed to accomodate many of your New Year's Celebrations. Read more »

A Blessed Christmas

2011-12-22T08:53:00.001-05:00

Dear Savior,

Thank you for coming on this night so many years ago. Thank you for meeting us in a manger in love and humbleness. Thank you for reaching out your hand to fill us with mercy and forgiveness. Thank you for sending us angels to announce your birth so that there would be no doubt as to your majesty and goodness. Be born in our hearts today and everyday. Come Lord Jesus.

Well, if you missed St. Andrew's Christmas pageant this past Sunday, you missed out on something really special. What a beautiful, fun, and moving way to tell the Christmas story. Read more »

Busy Weekend Ahead

2011-12-08T15:33:00.004-05:00

Christmas Caroling this Friday evening
We will start in St. Andrew's Hall at 6:30 PM where we will divide into two groups, one to carol in the neighborhood where we will be inviting others to join us for Christmas Eve worship and one to Park House where we will bring Christmas joy and peace to residents. We will gather together again in St. Andrew's Hall for cookies and hot chocolate.

Saturday Evening Christmas Canata - 5PM
Familiar and new Christmas Carols with a string quartet, handbells, flute, organ, percussion, a choir of adults and children, and moving narrations of the Christmas story. Bring family and friends. Soup supper to follow in St. Andrew's Hall

Sunday Worship 8:15 & 11 AM - "Ask the Pastor"
The message this morning will be shaped by anonymous questions from the congregation. If you have a question about the Bible, church history, worship, St. Andrew's, or faith and daily life, bring it along. Even if it isn't addressed in worship, Pastor will be in touch with you (confidentially) in the weeks to come to discuss your question.Blessings to all of you in this Holy Season.

See you in church!

Peace,
Pastor Mueller

What Time Is It?

2011-11-22T10:20:00.000-05:00

"For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Dear Friends,

Each November by looking at the calendar, I understand that in theory that I should be getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, in past years as Christmas decorations sit alongside Haloween costumes in stores throughout October, I must confess to being a bit distracted and maybe even singing a few bars of the Chicago song, "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" If the truth were told, how many of us would admit that Thanksgiving for many has become yet another rushed weekend of food, football, shopping, and travel?

Perhaps it is time to slow down, set some priorities, and spend some time enjoying and giving thanks for the many God given blessings of our lives: food, family, friends, material possessions, talents, and the gift of time itself. Perhaps it is time for us to once again take time to really give thanks to God the giver of all good things. Here are a few suggestions of how we can give thanks:

Weekend Reminders

2011-11-10T15:04:00.001-05:00

Fall Clean Up Day - This Saturday from 9AM - Noon
Looks like we will have crisp, dry weather as we gather to do some raking, bagging, and landscaping work around our property. Many hands make light work and a shorter morning. Our property committee will provide food and drink. Please bring rakes, gloves, and gardening tools if you have them. This is an opportunity to get to know others in the St. Andrew's community a little better while putting our best face forward to the broader community. Hope to see many of you on Saturday.

Planned Giving Seminar
On Sunday at 9:30 in Jerusalem Room (downstairs from church lobby), Mr. John Kochel will be here from Thrivent to provide a presentation on how to not only give generously but to give smart. As you think about charitable giving and estate planning, there are ways to maximize benefits to your family, your church, and other non-profit organizations. Grab a cup of coffee and join us downstairs for this presentation and free resources.

Pictorial Directory
This is the last weekend to sign up to have your picture taken for the new church directory. Appointments are available on from November 16-19 as well as November 23.

See you in church!

Peace,
Pastor Mueller

Like Breakfast?

2011-11-03T10:52:00.001-04:00

There are two opportunities coming up to start your day with a good meal and some great company.

1. Pancake Breakfast this Saturday - from 7-11AM in downstairs in St. Andrew's Hall with proceeds to benefit Bear Creek Camp Scholarship Fund

2 - 4 years old free

5 - 11 years old $1.00

12 - 64 years old $ 6.00

65 years and older $5.00

Invite family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to this great annual event.

2. Men's Breakfast on Saturday Nov. 12th - 7AM at Keystone Grille on Ridge Pike near Mt. Kirk Ave. Enjoy a good breakfast, conversation, laughter,and a brief devotion, and still be out the door to get on with your day by 8:30 AM. A sign up sheet is posted on the narthex bulletin board near the water fountain. You can also respond to this e-mail if you are planning to attend.

Also coming up...

All Saints Celebrations in Worship this weekend - Saturday at 5PM and Sunday at 8:15 and 11AM

Christmas Cantata Saturday December 10 at 5PM - We are still looking for adult singers, especially tenors and basses. Rehearsals will be on Monday nights in November, plus Monday December 5 from 7 - 8:30 PM. Dress rehearsal is Saturday December 10 from 10AM - noon. Contact Laurie Mueller (laurie.s.mueller@gmail.com) for more information. If you are not a singer, but you make a great soup, we are also looking for crock pots of soup for a dinner to be held afterwards in St. Andrew's Hall. Sign up in the narthex or contact Betty Jane Green. If neither singing nor cooking is your gift, just come and enjoy the music of the Christmas season on December 10 at 5PM. There will be an RSVP sign up in the narthex for those attending so that we know how much food to prepare.

See you in church!

Peace,

Pastor Mueller

Sharing Our Gifts

2011-10-27T10:08:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends,

Over the past few weeks in worship, we have taken time to give thanks to God for our many gifts, including our Lutheran heritage. We have discussed Luther's understanding of stewardship, justification, two kingdoms, and vocation. This week, in what should be a truly inspiring celebraion, we will look at the concept of the priesthood of all believers. The constant reminder throughout these weeks is that we all have gifts to offer for the good of St. Andrew's Church and the kingdom of God. Read more »

Important Reminders

2011-10-06T10:36:00.001-04:00

Posted October 6th:

This Saturday morning beginning at 7AM - Yard Sale in church parking lot sponsored by St. Andrew's Youth. Lots of bargains to be found with proceeds benefitting the youth's journey to the National Lutheran Youth Gathering in New Orleans.

Saturday at 5PM, Sunday at 8:15 and 11AM - We continue our series on God's good gifts in our lives, including our Lutheran heritage. Our featured ministry this weekend is Christian Ed / Children's Music, including the sharing of some of our Sunday School songs at the beginning of our 11AM Service. (Sunday School Families should plan to stay and sit toward the front of our worship space).

In the Narthex (Church Lobby) - Sign Ups for our new church directory and St. Andrew's polo shirts available for purchase ($15 benefitting Bear Creek Camp Scholarship Fund)

Continue to pray for those in need of healing in this community and for the mission of St. Andrew's. Pray for God's guidance in how God may be calling you to worship, learn, and serve in the months ahead. See you in church!

Events this Weekend

2011-09-29T13:29:00.001-04:00

Men of St. Andrew's: Breakfast - This Saturday Oct. 1st at 7AM at Keystone Grill, 2828 West Ridge Pike, Eagleville (click for map). Enjoy a good meal, conversation, laughter, a brief devotion, and be out the door and on your way by 8:30.

Blessing of the Animals on the Lawn - This Sunday Oct. 2nd at 2PM. Bring your safe and relatively well mannered pets and join us on the Crawford Road side of the property for a brief service of scripture, prayer, and individual blessing of animals. There will also be local information about pet care, rescue, and adoption. This is also a great opportunity to meet new people in the community.

Saturday Worship @ 5PM / Sunday Worship @ 8:15 & 11AM

See you in church!

Changing of the Seasons

2011-09-22T10:08:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

There was a chill in the air last weekend as I headed out on my bike. The leaves on the trees were still green but every now and then, if you looked carefully, you could see hints of change. The crisp air, the slight change in colors, and the birds flying in formation spoke of the fall and another change in the seasons.Read more »

Check out our new website

2011-09-15T14:59:00.004-04:00

Dear Friends,

If you have not had the opportunity to go to standrewslutheran.com lately, take some time to browse our newly launched website. It contains all of the same helpful links that we have grown accustomed to, only with a fresher look, updated photos and information, and several new interactive features.
Read more »

Fall Season Underway

2011-09-08T16:51:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends,

As many of of us adjust our schedules with the beginning of a new school year, so St. Andrew's adjusts to the routine of our program year. This Saturday we return to our regular weekly service of Holy Communion at 5PM. This service is more intimate and little less formal with more spoken liturgy and monthly appearances by our acoustic group. Begin to think about family members, friends, and neighbors who could benefit from Saturday worship. We also return to our regular worship schedule on Sunday mornings as well.

Worship this morning

2011-08-28T06:45:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends,

We plan to gather for worship this morning (August 28) at 9:30 AM. Other churches in the area have cancelled worship, especially those in high risk areas and those whose leaders must travel great distances. If you have family members or friends who are seeking a place of worship this morning, let them know that we plan to be here. If you are traveling this morning, please do so with caution. Also, please keep in your prayers those whose lives have been most severely impacted by the storm.

Peace,
Pastor Mueller

Opening Eyes of Faith

2011-07-06T10:26:00.003-04:00

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

"To hear is to receive an invisible vibration and give it a frame of reference. To have faith is to receive an invisible vibration and give it a frame of reverence." - Rich Melheim

Dear Friends,

While personal devotional reading can be helpful for spiritual growth, God's Word was given to a community and often works most powerfully in community. When we come together around the Word, we can receive insights we never saw before, discover the meaning of a text in an entirely new way, grasp what a scripture verse might be saying to us personally, and learn new bible passages and stories we have never known or have long since forgotten. At St. Andrew's, there are opportunities to engage the Word in Worship and Adult Education, as Sunday School and Confirmation helpers, and in small groups. A wonderful opportunity for families to embrace the Word in a fun and exciting way begins tonight.
Read more »

Joseph Sign-Up Information

2011-07-06T09:58:00.003-04:00

Dear Friends,

Many of you will recall our outstanding, fun, and very moving performance of Godspell this past Spring. Under the leadership of Jennifer Matthews, St. Andrew's is now preparing for our next musical.
Read more »

True Freedom

2011-06-30T15:11:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,

United States President John Adams once said, "Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for a government of any other." In other words, basic Judeo - Christian values were assumed in the proper functioning of the Constitution. There are many who would say that organized religion does not have the influence that it once had in this nation. I would agree with that. However, there are others who would go on to say that religion no longer has a role to play in society, that it is no longer relevant, and that it is not necessary for creating and keeping a good world. There is no objective truth and no value to religion for our daily lives. Are they right?

Dennis Prager, a well known Jewish social critic, scholar, and talk show host likes to address this concern with a story:
Read more »

Reflection on Gathering

2011-06-20T13:59:00.003-04:00

Dear Friends,

During 9:30 worship on Sunday, as I looked out at so many of you gathered together, I realized that there is so much to celebrate besides Father's Day (which was celebrated whether the church acknowledged or not) or Holy Trinity Sunday (which is hard to comprehend let alone celebrate!). For as I looked out upon so many faces, I saw:
Read more »

What is Pentecost?

2011-06-08T13:36:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,

Pentecost means 50th day and is one of the three major festivals of the Christian Church (Easter and Christmas are the other two). However, it was originally a Jewish holiday. For the people of Israel, Pentecost was 50 days after the Passover celebration and celebrated the end of the grain harvest. It was a festival of offering first fruits and then having a feast (similar to our national Thanksgiving observances, particularly when we were a more agrarian culture). Also associated with the Jewish Pentecost was the giving of the Law and the founding of the Jewish community of faith. Early Christians found in their Pentecost a thanksgiving for the fruits of the Holy Spirit as well as the founding of the Christian Church. In fact, most Christians think of Pentecost as the birthday of the church. This is because 50 days after the death and resurrection of Jesus, when Pentecost rolled around that year, the living ascended Jesus poured His Spirit out upon his diciples, fulfilling His promise to send another Counselor (John 16:7). With a lively wind like the creative breath of God in the creation story of Genesis, the Holy Spirit called, gathered, enligtened, and sanctified the disciples. The Spirit empowered them to bring the promises of Christ to the world.
Read more »

Enjoy A Meal - Support St. Andrew's Cub Scouts

2011-05-24T15:39:00.004-04:00

There are two events coming up (one tonight!) where you can enjoy a meal knowing that 10% of all receipts will support the programs, activities and service events of Pack #313, a Scout group that has been a rich blessing to St. Andrew's and has included many St. Andrew's families as scouts, parents, and leaders through the years.

Tonight: Tuesday May 24th at Tosco's Pizza on Ridge Pike
Wednesday June 1st at Chick-Fill-A on Trooper Road beginning at 5PM

Hope to see many of you there. Have a blessed week!

Busy Days Ahead

2011-05-18T14:37:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,

It's hard to believe that Memorial Day weekend is actually approaching. With summer schedules (and a welcome change of pace) approaching, many of us have fulll calendars in the days ahead. Colege graduations, spring concerts at our local schools, sports tournaments, local walks and runs, and community events abound. Our life together as a church is no exception. I wanted to remind you of some events coming up in the week ahead. I hope that you will be able to join us as your hearts desire and your schedules will allow.Read more »

Holy Week Is Upon Us

2011-04-21T10:03:00.003-04:00

Dear Friends,

If you were not able to join us for worship this past Sunday, you missed a truly moving , breathtaking, deeply dramatic presentation of the Passion of our Lord. We want to thank our music director, John Rea, who wrote and produced the play (with some pretty good material from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) as well as all of our choirs for their hours of preparation.

Tonight at 7:30 we begin our three day journey from despair to hope, from darkness to light, from death to life. Here is our worship schedule for Holy Week:

Two Outdoor Events

2011-04-06T10:55:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,

Thank you to everyone who joined us for worship this past Sunday as we gave thanks to God for shining his light in our darkness and opening our eyes to his grace. We were especially excited to welcome new members among us. Indeed in terms of growth over the past year, we have been truly blessed and we hope that those who have come through our doors, perhaps for the first time in recent months, feel quite blessed as well.

We are hoping for good weather for two upcoming events outside on the church property:
Read more »

Morning and Evening Prayer

2011-03-20T20:43:00.004-04:00

On the first Sunday in Lent, I referenced Luther's Morning and Evening Prayer in my Message. You can find these in Luther's Small Catechism but in case you don't have a copy, I'm posting the prayers here for your use.

The Morning Blessing

In the morning, as soon as you get out of bed, you are to make the sign of the holy cross and say: