St. Andrew's Lutheran Church

Dear Friends,

I want to extend a word of thanks to those of you who were able to stick around for last Sunday's congregational meeting. We approved our spending plan for 2011, although not without some valid questions and concerns given the challenging economic times in which we live. We elected new church council members Bob Manley and Susie Conard. Ken Kissinger and Cheryl Peiffer were also approved for second terms. Other members of council are Diane Fels, Paul Hofgesang, Sandy Robinson, Andy Smith, and Cindy Vorauer. We extended a huge word of thanks to former council president Jim Kelsh for his leadership, particularly through the challenges of our recent pastoral transition. Our church officers for 2011 are Cheryl Peiffer - President, Jane Van Buskirk - Vice President, Karen Allen - Treasurer, and Colin McKeon - Treasurer. It is our goal in 2011 to train and empower new leadership for the future of St. Andrew's and our mission together.

Dear Friends,

As our family prepares for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day celebrations with family and friends, we have much to be thankful for in 2010 and much to look forward to in 2011. You, the people of St. Andrew's have much to do with this. We are truly blessed! And 2010 concluded in wonderful fashion for our faith community. Between Christmas Eve worship and this past Sunday's service of Lessons and Carols, we had well over 700 people in worship, including some new faces and returning ones who we hope to see more of in 2011. 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.

Dear Savior,

Thank you for coming on this night so many years ago. Thank you for taking on our flesh and blood and shouldering the burden of our sin and our mortality. 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, I got to experience my first St. Andrew's Christmas pageant this past Sunday and I was blown away. What a beautiful, fun, and moving way to tell the Christmas story.