Give the Gift of Life (This Friday)

Dear Friends,

 

Just a reminder that American Red Cross will be having a blood drive st St. Andrew's this Friday August 1 from 2 - 7 PM downstairs in St. Andrew's Hall.  While we will accept walk ins, to avoid long delays, try to make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or by signing up online at redcrossblood.org.  Our sponsor code is standrews.  The blood supply tends to be particularly challenging during the summer months.  As you are able, please take some time out of your schedule on Friday to give this precious gift.

A Prayer for the Messiness of Life

Dear Friends,

I thought that I would pass along to you the following prayer from a former seminary classmate, colleague, and soon to be President of the Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia. Dr. David Lose.  Recently, there has been a common thread found in many of my conversations with people in this faith community as well as family and friends.  Life is not always black and white and all too often filled with ambiguity.  And yet God continues to reign over that which He creates and renews and loves.

Dear Lord,

We don't always know the right or best thing to do.  When we face hard choices, give us eyes to see the best path forward and the courage to follow it.  When we make mistakes, forgive us.  When we are hurt by our choices , comfort us.  When we hurt others, help us to reach out to them in love.  Remind us that you still love us and call us back to this place that we may be forgiven, renewed, called, and sent forth once more as your beloved children.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

See you in church!

Peace,

Pastor Mueller

standrewslutheran.com

pray-as-you-go.org

Where You Least Expect It

"When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.   Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him." - Luke 24:30-31 

Dear Friends,

    Have you ever had one of the moments when you saw someone where you didn't expect to find him?  Most of you know what I mean.  You run into a co-worker while away on vacation.  You see a neighbor at a ball game.  Or how about that creepy moment that most of us experienced growing up when we saw one of our teachers at the supermarket? After all, you are only supposed to see them at school!  When you really think about it, none of these moments should really be all that unexpected.  However, since most of us have a tendency to compartmentalize our lives, when people in our lives transcend our neat little compartments, it often does come as a surprise. 

Shifting Gears

Dear Friends,

 

    As we enter the month of June with weddings, graduations, and vacations posted on the calendar, many also embrace a change of pace for the summer weeks ahead.  Even here at St. Andrew's, the calendar looks a little different as many of our leaders seek rest and renewal.  However, our calling to lift up Jesus to the community in Worship, Education, and Service remains throughout the year.

 

Worship  -

        This Sunday, we begin our summer worship schedule with one service at 9:30 AM.  This week we gather for the Festival of Pentecost (feel free to wear red!) as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, the birthday of the church and our mission together.  Also,  many of our Sunday School children will be assisting with the leadership of worship as we give thanks to God for all that they have learned and shared over this past program year.  Following worship, there will be a light brunch in St. Andrew's Hall, to which all of you are invited.

 

Education -

    Vacation Bible School is coming to St. A's June 16-19 from 9AM - Noon for children ages 3-6.  If you are available and would like to help, please contact Janice Stickley in the church office. 

 

Service -

    Hospitality is needed for Lemonade on the Lawn this summer following each 9:30 Worship.  Pick a Sunday and sign up to serve lemonade / iced tea and cookies (please plan to bring napkins and cups as well) for about 50-60  people.  This is a great way to encourage staying connected as a community during the summer months.  Sign up on the sheet in the narthex or call the church office for available dates. 

   

    God's richest blessings in the summer ahead.  See you in church!

 

Peace,

 

Pastor Muell

For Memorial Day

Dear Friends,

For those of you who are getting through this week by looking forward to an extended weekend, rejoice that we have such a gift as we transition into beautiful weather and the summer months ahead.  However, I encourage you to remember to give thanks this weekend for the reason we have this holiday in the first place.  Let us give thanks to God for those members of our armed forces who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms that we enjoy.  Also, if you see someone in uniform in the days ahead, thank them for their service to our nation as well.

If you find yourself around a special meal with family and friends on Monday or if you find yourselves gathered around the barbecue, take time to say grace giving thanks for our many blessings.  Also, feel free to print out and read the following prayer as well:

Almighty God, you are our strength and our shield.  We give you thanks for the men and women of our armed forces, past and present, especially for those who have died while serving.  May their sacrifices serve the cause of peace, and may our nation be ever grateful for their service.  With your wisdom and strength guide our military's leaders, and give to your people a desire for justice and peace.  We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

We pray for safety in your travels and if you are in the area, we hope you will have the opportunity to join us for Sunday worship.  By the way, as we collect the many hymn requests submitted this past Sunday, the top two were the Battle Hymn (Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory)  and How Great Thou Art.  So FYI, we will be singing Battle Hymn this Sunday May 25 (for Memorial Day) and on Sunday July 6 (for Independence Day).  Also, we will be singing How Great Thou Art In worship on June 1.

A blessed week and weekend to you all.  See you in church!

Peace,

Pastor Mueller