

|
September 2010 |
|
Volume 21 Number 8 |
|
Pastor's Column |
|
Dear friends,
Those of you who have been faithfully attending worship know that I delivered some pointed sermons in August on a stewardship theme. As an interim pastor one of my roles is to be a bit like a consultant who works with an organization to help it lead with its strengths and at the same time identify, shore-up, and rebuild areas of weakness. Sooner or later money always creeps into the conversation – not just at St. Andrew, but in every church I have served. Now, you need to know that I am no more comfortable talking about money at church than you are hearing about it. And you also should know that when I raise the issue of money or of giving, I am not making a judgment on anyone or on the congregation in general. After all, if I did make such judgments, I’d be judging myself as a pledging giver as well.
The Bible itself doesn’t make or even hint at many judgments about wealth and money. But scripture has a lot to say about people’s attitudes toward money. Contrary to what many people assume, for instance, scripture doesn’t condemn money as the “root of all evil.” The abomination is the love of money. The rich men and women of the Bible are |








|
never held up as negative examples simply because of their wealth, and the poorer folk in the Bible are not praised simply because they have few material things. Where there is direct or implied criticism or praise related to money, scripture roots its comments in the degree to which people claim wealth as their own or as God’s – placed in human hands to care for.
I’d like to tell you the stewardship sermons are over and done with for a while, but the sobering thing is that Jesus talked about this subject an awful lot himself, as even a quick look at the September Sunday Gospel lessons in the Common Lectionary will tell us. This month Luke’s Gospel lessons cover the cost of discipleship, the poor woman’s lost coin, the unscrupulous manager of his master’s accounts receivable, and the afterlife fate of an insensitive rich man. What I can promise is that I won’t nag you. I won’t nag us. I’ll try to open the door to the scriptures I choose to preach on in a way that shows forth the great potential our blessings make possible. We can make good things better, and together I know we will.
Blessings and Peace, John
|

|
Reminder Karen Schultz
A friendly reminder to save the toiletries from your vacation travels for the Rebele Family Homeless Shelter. Please place them in my "cubby" and I will make sure to get them to the Shelter. These items are truly appreciated. Thank you. |
|
Nurture
Annual St. Andrew Church Picnic
The Six W’s? WHO: You and any friends of all ages WHAT: Annual church picnic WHERE: Hubler Hall at St. Andrew WHEN: Sunday, September 19, following worship WHY: To share a meal together and our mutual love for each other WHAT TO BRING: Please bring a side dish to share and an attitude of FUN!
Hamburgers, hot dogs, condiments, and beverages will be provided. There will be fun activities for the young at heart. Hope to see you for Food, Fun and Fellowship Immediately following worship, September 19!! |
|
Enrichment Bible Study
Jane Parks-McKay is willing to organize a midweek Bible Study if there is enough interest. Most likely held at the Church, she has researched a variety of studies and any final study could be decided by the group. If anyone is also interested in being a leader for this group, please let Jane know.
If you are interested in attending or participating as a leader in a midweek Bible study, please get back to Jane by October 1st. Her email is janeparksmckay@sbcglobal.net; her voicemail is 475-0588. It could be that group members could also take turns being leaders to ease everyone's load. |
|
Note Newsletter Deadline!
Articles for the August newsletter must be submitted by September 15 |

|
Preschool News Kathy Gleaton
It is August and we are talking about school starting! This is the first time the preschool has opened before Labor Day! School will start Monday, August 30th and Tuesday August 31st. Beware, the church parking lot will be busy!
Our enrollment is full for the MWF class. TTH is growing each day. We have 14 enrolled and a wait list for when the little ones decide to use the potty!!
Thank you again for your recycle contributions. We are continuing the program and appreciate your participation. The children use lots of glue sticks.
Melanie, Luisa and I are looking forward to starting a new year. Can you believe the school is over 40 years old!
Save the Date for the Harvest Festival The Preschool Harvest Festival will take place on October 17, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mickey Magic will perform at 3pm. All are invited! |