Faith in Daily Life

On Maundy Thursday, we are reminded of the Last Supper, where Jesus Christ provided bread and wine in remembrance of him and his unwavering love. Maundy Thursday is also celebrated for First Communion.

Hosanna! Holy Week is upon us, and Pastor Kristin began the Easter celebrations with palm branches in hand. Before that, Shawna Berg and Arlene Flancher (dressed as a donkey named Jackie) delivered a children's message that shared the story of Palm Sunday. After the kids exited the chancel, Pastor Kristin preached about how the narrow path can be difficult, but it leads us to great things. She encouraged everyone not to always follow the most traveled trail. Instead, have faith and follow God's guidance in all aspects of your life.

Sandy Perkins, a member of St. Andrew, shared a captivating faith story during this week's Lenten service, the final one of the season. Sandy discussed refugees, differences, and how faith can offer a safe haven for all people.

Pastor Peter spoke about how we, as God's people, often mix worry with trust while living out our faith in our daily lives. Whether it's planting a seed too early or trying to rush our personal growth, the process always unfolds at the right pace. We must have faith, which helps our worries recede and allows love to succeed.

Larry Bach reflects on his experiences with God's love, grace, peace, and forgiveness and how these helped him strive to be a kinder person throughout his life and faith journey.

In Pastor Matthew's sermon this Sunday, we were encouraged to give our all in the upcoming week. We are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus by giving our "utmost" each and every day. How can you make the world a better place, filled with care, compassion, and love this week?

During Wednesday's Lenten Service, guest speaker Pastor Natalia Terfa shared her faith story about life, religion, and the constant flow of changes that affect everything.

In Pastor Kristin's latest sermon, she reminded us that we should approach God as a child would approach a beloved parent to pray. She emphasized that Jesus invites us to pray because prayer transforms us. When we are moved this way, we become empowered to create genuine positive change in the world.

Pastor Peter preached about love this Sunday. During his sermon, he invited us to share our stories with our neighbors and listen to theirs to better understand each other. There is so much more to people's lives than we are aware of. Let's work together to cultivate a beloved community — in Christ.

Members of the St. Andrew High School Leadership Team gather for their monthly discussion in this podcast episode. But wait, there's more! They also interview three members of our staff!

Our Lenten services, where members of our St. Andrew community share their faith stories, started this week. Our newest pastor, Kristin Skare, shared her journey through ministry and reflected on the many faith quakes she has experienced.

During this week's service, Pastor Peter discussed Jesus' perfection. He reminded us of God's love and how the season of Lent offers us and our communities the opportunity to turn to Jesus in a more intimate way. This season helps us live out our faith in our daily lives, rooted and grounded in His love.

Is there a limit to God's love? This question was the focus of Pastor Matthew's message today. God promises a new heaven and a new earth where we will be loved eternally. God's love is forever, beyond our imagination. Although it can be difficult for us to grasp, being reminded of this truth is rejuvenating nonetheless.

Pastor Peter read from Romans 6:1-5 and John 2:1-10. Pastor Matthew then preached about God's great promise to the world. In his message, Pastor Matthew reminded us of our potential while emphasizing that Christians should follow Jesus's example by bringing goodness and mercy into the world.

During the service, children read Micah 6:8 in Spanish and Luke 10:25-37 in English, while Pastor Peter preached how God's grace can come unexpectedly. He reminded us of the story of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing God's call for us to do good and to walk humbly together through life. When we show mercy to others, we receive it in return.

Pastor Peter reads from the first chapter of John, and Pastor Matthew preaches on the comprehensible mystery of who God is.

The Wednesday Night Youth Group Podcast returns for a third monthly episode.

Pastor Matthew reads from the Gospel of Matthew, and Pastor Peter preaches.

Peter and Shawna give reflections on lessons from our Lessons & Carols service.

Pastor Peter preaches on the Christmas Gospel.

Pastor Sue preaches.

Pastor Peter preaches following the Children's Christmas Program.s

Pastor Peter reads from Psalms and Matthew, and Pastor Matthew preaches on the roots of faith.

Caleb Wragge and some of the High School Leadership team talk about their coat drive and more on this second episode of the Wednesday Night Youth Group Podcast.

Pastor Matthew reads from Isaiah, and Pastor Sue preaches on the curious and surprising ways peace plays out in our lives.

Pastor Sue reads from Deuteronomy and Matthew, and Pastor Metthew preaches.

Natalie, Thomas, and Reese read the passage from Exodus 35, and Pastor Sue preaches on the resources we are promised as God's people.

Pastor Matthew reads from Exodus, and Pastor Peter preaches on the promise that God will provide for us.

On All Saints' Sunday, Shawna Berg reads from Revelation and Pastor Peter gives the message.

Caleb Wragge and the High School Leadership Team talk about faith and community in the first episode of the WNYG podcast.

Pastor Sue reads from the gospel of John, and Pastor Matthew preaches on the reformation

Pastor Peter reads from Romans and Luke, and Pastor Sue preaches on God's vision for us and how it appears to us.

It's publication day for Pastor Matthew's new book, The End is the Beginning. He and Sam Jacobson sit down for a conversation on Revelation and creativity.

Shawna Berg reads from Revelation and Matthew, and Pastor Sue preaches.

Pastor Sue reads from Psalm 1 and the Gospel of John, and Pastor Peter preaches on the connections that bind us as a community of faithful people.

Pastor Sue reads from Ephesians and John, and Pastor Matthew preaches on power.

Pastor Matthew reads a prayer from Ephesians and a story from Mark, and Pastor Peter preaches about what home means to us as people of faith.

Shawna Berg reads from the Gospel of Luke, and Pastor Peter preaches on the way Jesus invites us and lives in us, no matter who we are.

In this special episode of the podcast, Peter sits down with Sam Jacobson for an interview celebrating Pastor Peter's ministry and call as the new senior pastor of St. Andrew. Prefaced by Pastor Peter's speech at the Special Congregational Meeting.

Pastor Matthew reads from John, and Shawna Berg preaches on Nicodemus and not having all the answers.

Pastor Sue reads from Revelation, and Pastor Peter preaches on how we raise the temperature of faith as a community.

Pastor Peter reads, and Pastor Sue preaches.

Pastor Matthew reads from the second chapter of Luke, and Pastor Peter preaches on beloved community in the face of loneliness.

Pastor Sue reads from the second chapter of Exodus, and Pastor Matthew preaches on the power of God who delivers.

Pastor Matthew reads from the first chapter of Ruth, and Pastor Sue preaches.

Pastor Matthew reads from 1 Samuel, and Pastor Sue preaches about the fearlessness and conviction of Abigail.

Pastor Sue reads from Deuteronomy, and Pastor Matthew preaches on the virtue of memory in our lives of faith.

Pastor Sue reads from Exodus, and Pastor Peter preaches about the advocacy we provide for one another as people of faith.

Pastor Peter reads the story of Joseph from the final chapter of Genesis, and Pastor Sue preaches on God's presence in difficult and unconventional family lives.