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Associate Pastor's Column
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"Dear God, I cannot love Thee the way I want to. You are the slim crescent of a moon that I see and my self is the earth's shadow that keeps me from seeing all the moon . . ." taken from A Prayer Journal by Flannery O'Connor. This portion of a prayer from Flannery O'Connor's honest and interior reflections in her prayer journal reminds me of the recent total lunar eclipse and "supermoon" that we experienced this past Sunday night. At 9:45 pm, as the moon crossed into the earth's shadow creating the eclipse and the "bloodmoon," my usually quiet residential street was having a block party. There were children, adults, couples, families, and singles all watching, gazing, and experiencing the eclipse and "supermoon" that came as an unexpected gift to the world to enjoy on Sunday night. Our block party was quiet, because people were expending all of their attention to watching for and observing the smallest changes in the moon or as it is called in the original Hebrew language, "the little light."
I don't understand all of the scientific reasons for the eclipse and supermoon, and I wish I'd listened better in my science classes, because the phenomenon deserves my full knowledge and attention. I do know that the hundreds that were reportedly at the UNT Observatory, the neighbors on my street and yours, and the millions around the world were entranced, awed, humbled by the knowledge that we did not create or have any hand in the gift of Sunday night's show in the sky - we could only stand in awe and wonder knowing that there was something much bigger than ourselves at work.
I've enjoyed reading Flannery O'Connor's prayer journal. It is honest and reveals her desire to be a good writer, yet her desire is held in tension with her yearning simply to be used by God as she writes, "Don't let me ever think, dear God, that I was anything but the instrument for Your story." Sunday night's brilliant images remind me that if all I ever am is an instrument in God's story than I am fortunate to be a part of something that is greater, more mysterious, joyful, complicated, just, loving, powerful, beautiful, and imaginative than anything I could ever dream up or create. Thank you, God, for using us to tell your story.
Grace and peace,
Lisa
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Fall Festival of Faith
with the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Rigby
Topic: Forgive and Remember
October 17-18, 2015
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Hymns of Faith
Great hymns and sacred music old and new
Sunday, October 18, 3:00pm
With the combined choirs of First Presbyterian Church, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Trinity Presbyterian Church. FREE and open to the public.
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Prime Time
Prime Timers will meet on Friday, October 2, 2015 at 12:30pm in room 206/208. Come join us as we celebrate an early Halloween and hear Jake Blosser as he shares
"Ghosts, Goblins, & Spooky Tales from America's Past". If you haven't heard Jake, he is a great storyteller! Bring a sack lunch if you would like. Dessert will be provided. Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you there! NOTE: We are now meeting on the first Friday of the month.
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Peace and Global Witness Offering
St. Andrew will receive the PC(U.S.A.)'s 'Peace and Global Witness Offering' on Sunday, October 4. Previously known as the 'Peacemaking Offering," this offering aims to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice across the world. Twenty-five percent will help St. Andrew address systemic injustice locally by being made as a donation to Denton County Friends of the Family. Look for envelopes in the pews starting Sunday, September 27.
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Inquirer's Class Begins This Sunday
The Inquirer's Class begins this Sunday. Join us in Room 206/208 at 9:30am to learn more about the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) and St. Andrew in particular. Questions? Ask Alan Baroody at alan@saint-andrew.com or Lisa Patterson at lisa@saint-andrew.com
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Save the Date!
Mission Workday
Saturday, October 10, 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
We will split into groups and head to several job sites. There will be opportunities for those who want hammer-and-nail physical work, to painting and yard work, to sorting donations. No matter your skill level, age or time to give, there are projects for you. Adults, youth and children of all ages will have things to do and help with as we join with our sister congregations. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided. Questions? email Chris Garcia at
chris.garcia0354@gmail.com
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Parents' Night Out
Saturday, October 10, 4pm-9pm
Parent's Night Out is a program for the young families of
St. Andrew. The program has a two-fold purpose:
it gives parents an opportunity to spend quality time together without their children and i
t gives the children an evening of fun, with age-appropriate activities, with their friends at St. Andrew.
The evening begins at 4:00pm-8:00pm, for infants-3 yr. olds, in the Nursery. In the Rec. Center, 4 yr. olds-elementary age will meet from 4:00pm-9:00pm. Children may bring dinner.
The older children's activities will include outdoor play (weather permitting), planned craft activities, snack, and gym play.
The activities are supervised by Nursery Staff. We ask parents to make reservations no later than Thursday, the week of PNO. This ensures the evening will be properly supervised. Please email Ms. Sue at:
toddlerqueen2@gmail.com
, or call at
940-300-9262, for reservations.
We have a donation basket, near the sign-in sheet.
Donations are used to cover the cost of the staff. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Sue.
The Fall Schedule is as follows:
October 10 November 14 December 12
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Empty Bowls
Saturday, October 24
11:30am-1:30pm, Fellowship Hall
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Study on Marriage Equality
At their August meeting, the St. Andrew Session passed a motion bringing our church in concurrence with our denomination's recent decision on marriage, thus allowing for Christians of the same gender to be married in our sanctuary. As with any wedding, whether to perform a ceremony or not, is left up to the discretion and judgment of our pastors.
Understandably, this decision has been a cause for concern among some of our members. Seeking to be faithful together, our session through the Adult Faith Formation Committee is lining up a course of study on Marriage Equality to be held during the spring semester of our Super Wednesday programs. Additionally, our Theology on Tap group will be addressing the subject.
If you would like to review the study materials ahead of time in order to better understand the biblical and theological dimensions involved in our denomination's and our Session's position on marriage, the following books can be obtained at a reasonable price through Amazon.com. We will also have copies available for check- out in our church library:
The Bible's Yes to Same Sex Marriage: An Evangelical's Change of Heart by Mark Achtemeier and
Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality, Revised and Expanded Edition: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church by Jack Rogers.
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Auditions Are Coming!
The St. Andrew Musical Theater company will produce its next show in April 2016. While that seems a long way off, auditions are almost here. Auditions will be held at 5:00pm on Saturday, October 24, and again at 12:15pm on Sunday, October 25, in St. Andrew's adult choir room on the fourth floor. We need singers and actors, so if you were born to be on stage, we want you! Please watch the church for posters and audition sign-up sheets. If you require accompaniment for your audition, please record your accompaniment or bring a copy of the music to your audition. Once we have a cast assembled, we will determine which show or scenes we will perform in the spring. Don't miss this opportunity for all ages and all skill levels to join in the fun.
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From the Music Director
I am very pleased to report that the Session has approved the Worship and Music Committee's recommendation that St. Andrew pursue the purchase of the
Glory to God hymnal.
This hymnal was finished just a few years ago, and is already being used widely throughout the PCUSA. I believe this will be an important part of our Sunday morning worship for years to come.
In the next few weeks, look for a flyer with information on how you and your family can help with this project. If you have questions or concerns, please drop me a line at
jeff@saint-andrew.com.
-Jeff Snider
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October Give-a-Meal
Basic Needs Month-Your Pick
Macaroni and Cheese, Tuna, Peanut Buttter, Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables, Dried Beans, Rice, Soup, Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Spaghetti and Canned Sauce
Optional: Cereal, Coffee, Dr Milk, Cooking Oil
Please return your non-perishable donations for the Denton Community Food Center to the collection bin by the Coke machine near Fellowship Hall. Thank You!
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Calendar
Men's Book Study
Thursday, October 1
8:00am, Catwright's Ranch House
Prime Time
Friday, October 2
12:30pm, Room 206/208
World Communion Sunday
Sunday, October 4
Stephen Ministry
Monday, October 5
5:30pm, Room 206/208
Diaconate Meeting
Tuesday, October 6
7:30pm, Room 206/208
Women's Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study
Tuesday, October 6
1:30pm, Room 206
Super Wednesday
Wednesday, October 7
5:30pm, Dinner
6:30pm, Classes
Mission Fun Day
Saturday, October 10
Noon-2pm
Parents' Night Out
Saturday, October 10
4pm-9pm, Rec Center
Session Committee Meeting Night
Tuesday, October 13
Fall Festival of Faith
October 17-18
Hymns of Faith
Sunday, October 18
3:00pm, Sanctuary
Empty Bowls
Saturday, October 24
11:30am, Fellowship Hall
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