| A Message From The Pastors |
Back in 2008 we developed a mission and vision statement for St. Andrew's. We have had it on our bulletin covers and letterhead ever since. And many groups are using it as they plan their ministries. But it is time to remember that statement and recommit ourselves to "loving Christ, serving others, and making a difference." For the next four Sundays we will be taking part of that mission statment and addressing it in worship.
I hope and pray that the ending of the holidays and the beginning of a new year have gone smoothly and gracefully for you. As we move through the season of Epiphany and into Lent, we will be focusing in our worship and preaching on our identity. Who are we as individuals, as people in relationship with one another and as a church? Pastor Arlinda helped us remember our Baptisms last Sunday and celebrate the Baptism of Jesus. This week we will consider how our relationships shape and form us, how we express our faith in and love for Jesus Christ as we are in relationship with one another.
One of the most joyful and humbling moments of my life in ministry is participating in the sacrament of baptism. It doesn't seem like that long ago since I did my first baptism (without the senior pastor) of young Matthew. I was a little nervous because all I could think about the night before was "Don't drop the baby". When I took him in my arms, all worry about dropping him were gone and the only thing that mattered was this sacrament that would incorporate Matthew into the community of faith.
It is hard to believe that another year has come and gone. 2012 is just about here, a whole new year of challenges and opportunities. I like the fact that this year the first day of the year is the first day of the week. 2012 begins on a Sunday. Not only does this make for a neat, squarely ordered calendar, it starts the new year off in the correct way.
Our journey to Bethlehem is nearing its end. Soon we will be celebrating the birth of our Savior with worship and singing and scripture and the lighting of candles. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we will gather in joy and in hope of the love that is born anew in the Child of Bethlehem
On this Thanksgiving Eve I wish you and all of your family the blessings of God not just for tomorrow, but for always. Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday but includes the spiritual virtues of gratitude, prayer and commitment to family and friends. We celebrate this feast as a sign of our thankfulness to God and to one another. We gather together as an indication of how important relationships are to us as human beings. The day marks a moment in American history that traditionally has served as a remembrance of the gratitude to God of early English settlers, and also of gratitude to those native Americans who helped them survive in a new world.
We had a wonderful celebration last Sunday as we recognized and thanked the veterans of our armed forces and we made commitments to God of our time and treasures for 2012. For our "Extravagant Generosity" Campaign we made an excellent start. However, at this point less than 200 families have made estimates of giving amounting to less than half of our budget goal for next year. A final budget will not be approved by the Finance Committee until they feel that all of the estimate of giving cards are in. We need everyone's participation in supporting our ministries for the future.
This Sunday we will begin a four week stewardship campaign titled "Extravagant Generosity". As I reflected on the subject of giving I was struck with some very poignant and pleasant memories of my preparation and leaving for college. My mother was proud, excited and although she would not admit it, a bit worried about how much help she could give me while I was away in school. Although I had received a full scholarship to attend Fisk University in Nashville, TN, it did not cover the day to day expenses of college life. When I would query her about what we would do to make ends meet, she queried me about my faith in God's power to work it out. "Linda", (that's what everyone called me then), "do you think God will bring you this far and leave you now?" she asked. "No Mama", I replied, and she was right!
October has begun in an exciting way at St. Andrew's. The pumpkins are here! And thank you to all who helped unload and get them set out last Saturday. This Saturday is Family Palooza with fun activities, in and around the pumpkin patch all morning. We hope you and the whole family will come out for the fun and fellowship.
It was a joyful day last Sunday as the Bethune-Cookman University Gospel Choir blessed us with their energetic and inspirational singing. They did "rock the house" in all three services of worship. And Pastor Arlinda reminded us in her message that young people have important things to say to us and to our world, that youth in our church and community need to be heard, that their voices are to be listened to and respected. The young people of the Gospel Choir certainly were evidence of that.