Associate Pastor's Column
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 "None of us is very good at waiting, but we all have to do a lot of it. . . while standing in lines and sitting in traffic. . . in waiting rooms and at airport gates. . .we wonder if we'll ever get where we are going," writes Craig Barnes in
An Extravagant Mercy. I "discovered" Craig Barnes and his writing and preaching about 15 years ago and have used his books in leading small groups as well as in personal study. I have heard him preach and make fine presentations at Austin Seminary's "Mid-Winter Lectures" as has Richard. He has won many awards and accomplished many things, which is helpful to note, but it is important to share that in addition to all of his noted accomplishments, he also possesses a wise, winsome, and generous pastoral voice, which comes through clearly and consistently. Craig Barnes' writing and preaching have strengthened me in moments of weariness, comforted in moments of pain, been a light when the way seemed dark, and challenged me when I much preferred the easier path.
"The most dangerous kind of waiting is when we expect life to begin in the future. . . nothing is more addictive than saying, 'if only...if only I hadn't run past so many blessings, trying to get to the future," writes Craig Barnes. Wisdom, intellectual inquiry, and gospel blessing presented through the lens of faith are gifts to be experienced, enjoyed, and received. These are the gifts that Craig Barnes will share so generously with us this weekend.
"Whether we realize it or not, what we are always waiting for is the presence of the Lord. . . however, you'll have to stop looking for him in the future in order to find him in the day you have." The good news of the gospel is that we don't have to wait for the presence of the Lord, because he can be found in every waiting room. Come and experience the good news that blessings are to be found today and every day. Join the St. Andrew Community for Fall Festival of Faith this weekend which begins so fittingly with the Doug Burr Concert on Friday at 8:00 pm in the sanctuary. Friday evening is sure to be a wonderful evening led by a singer who has something to say and does so beautifully and imaginatively followed by a preacher who gracefully weaves the gospel story into everyday life.
Grace and Peace,
Lisa
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Fall Festival of Faith
with the Rev. Dr. M. Craig Barnes
Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23
We look forward to welcoming the Rev. Dr. M. Craig Barnes to St. Andrew this weekend as he leads our 2016 Fall Festival of Faith. We will share a delicious meal in Fellowship Hall this Saturday evening at 5:30, to be followed by a lively exploration of our understanding of home. Dr. Barnes' presentation, "Finding Yourself in the Bible," Sunday morning at 9:15 in Fellowship Hall promises to refresh our appreciation of the Bible's relevance to our daily lives, and he will preach during the worship service that morning as well.
So plan to be here to participate with us Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
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Doug Burr Concert
Friday, October 21
8:00pm, Sanctuary
Denton singer-songwriter Doug Burr will perform selections from his Psalms-based record, "The Shawl," and other selections from his catalog starting at 8:00pm on Friday, October 20. Bring a friend to hear Doug's special performance in St. Andrew's sanctuary.
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Come Meet Richard Culp!
Over the next few weeks, the PNC is coordinating a number of opportunities where you can come to get to know Richard, and he can get to know you, better. While Richard will take any questions from the floor, he is curious to know:
- What would you like to see Saint Andrew doing from 5 years from now that we are NOT doing today?
- What are we doing today that you hope Saint Andrew is STILL doing 5 years from now?
While Richard will be attending the Fall Festival of Faith and you can interact with him there, here are the dedicated events for the Q&A this coming week:
- Tuesday Oct 25, 8:00am - Jupiter House Coffee Group
- Tuesday Oct 25, 1:30pm - Tuesday Book Club, Church
- Tuesday Oct 25, 6:30pm - In Home Gathering, Lynn Carrico (RSVP!)
- Wednesday Oct 26, 6:30pm - Handbell Choir
- Wednesday Oct 26, 7:30pm - Chancel Choir
- Sunday Oct 30 9:30am - Pathfinders Sunday School Class
In addition, there will be a number of in-home gatherings in the coming weeks. Please RSVP for one of the gatherings by emailing Betty Alford at balford3@verizon.net or calling 940-387-1583.
- Tuesday Oct 25, 6:30pm - Lynn Carrico's home
- Saturday Nov 5, 11:00am - Ed and Pat Hiler's Home
- Saturday Nov 12, 11:00am - Jonathon and Jeanie Fite's Home
- Sunday Nov 20, 7:00pm - Glenn and Julie Tolle's Home
- Sunday Dec 4, 5:00pm - Gayle Strange's Home
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Women's Advent Book Study
Wednesdays at Noon, Room 206/208
October 26-November 16
This is a discussion-based conversation with a group that welcomes questions, lively conversation, and a lot of laughter. We'll study Being Disciples: Essentials of the Christian Life by Rowan Williams, which are available for $7 each. Brown bag lunches are welcome. Questions? Ask Lisa Patterson at lisa@saint-andrew.com. Books are available in the narthex.
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Festival of Church Music Trip
Sunday, November 6
"Do You Love Church Music? Do You Enjoy our Church Choir? Come join us for a night of music at the Meyerson Symphony Center and Leave the Driving To Us!" Join a group from St. Andrew attending the Church Music Institute's Festival of Church Music on Sunday, November 6 at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. Members of our choir will join with a choir of 400 voices for the event. St. Andrew will charter a bus so that members of the congregation can attend together. Tickets for the event are $30, which includes admission, transportation, dessert, and a special 'swag bag.' Tickets are available by payment with cash, check, or credit card on Sunday mornings after service in the Narthex or on Wednesday evenings at Super Wednesday. Ticket deadline is October 25. Questions? Contact Pat Edell at 940-381-0530 or
patedell@yahoo.com.
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Save the date!
The critically acclaimed Haven Trio (Kimberly Cole Luevano, clarinetist; Midori Koga, pianist; Lindsay Kesselman, soprano) will be giving a free concert to benefit Our Daily Bread here in the Sanctuary at St. Andrew on Friday night, November 11 at 8pm. Come for an hour of wonderful music in support of Our Daily Bread. Questions? Contact Kim at Kimberly.luevano@unt.edu.
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St. Andrew's Mission Outreach in Denton
The Mission Mixer held earlier this month that Richard mentioned last Sunday morning reminded us of our commitment at St. Andrew to reaching out to serve our local community. As we reflect on how we use our resources during this stewardship season, we encourage you to pray about what God is calling you to commit to giving in the coming year. Remember that Richard is asking us to reflect on what we are about as a congregation and where we'd like to be in our life together five years from now. Together, as the body of Christ, we can do wonderful things in God's service in Denton and we need your help to make that happen.
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Nametags Are Changing
In this time of transition at St. Andrew, we can help one another foster an environment of hospitality by wearing nametags so that we can easily learn one another's names. Nametags will be changing in this season and we want to make sure that you have all that you need to know in order to participate!
On Sunday, November 6, the nametag table will be leaving the hallway near the narthex. All members are invited to take their nametag with them and bring it back for church events. If you'd like one of the blue magnetic nametags that many at St. Andrew wear, they are available for $5.00 from Lynn Carrico, who can be reached at
lwcarrico@verizon.net.
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Thanksgiving Donations for Treehouse
Once again this year, The Treehouse After School Program is requesting donations from the congregation to provide gift cards for each of our families to help with their Thanksgiving meals. Helping provide our Treehouse families with their Thanksgiving meals has been a St. Andrew tradition for many years. Treehouse families are always overwhelmed and deeply appreciative of the congregation's generosity.
On Sunday, October 30, Treehouse will be set up in the narthex before and after the worship service to receive your donations. When you donate, you will have the opportunity to choose a one-of-a-kind fall decoration hand-made by a Treehouse student.
Meredith Smith, daughter of Connie Reynolds, has again graciously arranged for us to receive matching funds for these donations through Modern Woodmen.
Please stop by the narthex on the 30th, make your donation, and receive a unique fall decoration for your Thanksgiving table.
(If you are unable to stop by that day, but would still like to donate, we can receive your contribution in the church office.)
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Community Outreach Committee Diaper Drive
(September/October)
The Community Outreach Committee is collecting donations of children and adult diapers during September and October. Donated diapers will be contributed to the Interfaith Diaper Program that provides diapers to needy families and adults. Packages of diapers of any size may be placed in the two designated bins near the soda machines outside of Fellowship Hall. This year they are especially in need of children's diapers in sizes 4, 5 and 6, The goal is to reach 2000 diapers.
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All members and visitors are invited to the Narthex after Sunday worship for a brief time of getting acquainted. The light refreshments are provided this month by the Personnel and SMART Committees.
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October Give-a-Meal
(Basic Needs Month - Your Pick)
Macaroni and Cheese, Tuna, Peanut Butter, Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables, Dried Beans, Rice, Soup, Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Spaghetti and Canned Sauce
Optional: Cereal, Coffee, Dry 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 Study Group
Thursday, October 20
Upper Park Cafe
222 W. Hickory
Doug Burr Concert
Friday, October 21, Sanctuary
7pm, Doors
8pm, Concert
Fall Festival of Faith
Saturday, October 22
5:30pm, Dinner, Fellowship Hall
6:15pm, Presentation
Sunday, October 23
9:30am, Presentation, Fellowship Hall
10:30am, Worship Service, Sanctuary
Theology on Tap
Monday, October 24
6:30pm, East Side Social Club
Tuesday Afternoon Women's Bible Study
Tuesday, October 25
1:30pm, Room 206/208
Super Wednesday
Wednesday, October 26
5:30pm, Meal
6:30pm, Adult Tracts
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