Faith in Daily Life

Pastor Kristin reflected on how chaos—symbolized by stormy waters and Leviathan—shows up in our world and our personal lives, leaving us fearful and locked behind closed doors like the disciples. She reminded us that Jesus enters those places of fear, speaks peace, and breathes the Holy Spirit into us, often through the faith and presence of the gathered community. In Christ, and in the church's shared life together, we are helped to breathe again and trust that God's peace is stronger than any chaos.

In this Lenten message from our Love in a Divided World series, Dan Kibat shared how faith can be shaken—and reshaped—through personal loss and uncertainty. Reflecting on his time at Spirit in the Pines and upon Jesus' words about building on solid ground, we were reminded that God meets us even when our foundations feel broken.

Worship was led by Pastor Peter Johnson and Shawna Berg and centered on Ephesians 2, reflecting on how Christ breaks down the walls that divide us. Through the story of peaceful, candlelit protests in Leipzig that helped bring down the Berlin Wall, the message emphasized that love, mercy, and small acts of light can overcome fear and hostility, calling the church to be a place of welcome and hope for all.

Last night's Lenten service was a powerful story of love.

Pastor Peter reflects on the Good Samaritan and a viral story about a lonely monkey named Punch to illustrate how compassion often appears from unexpected people and places. He emphasizes that labels and assumptions can prevent us from seeing one another's humanity, yet Jesus calls us to a “gut‑level” compassion that crosses divisions. Ultimately, he urges the congregation to embody mercy and love in a divided world, just as God consistently shows such compassion toward us.

In this Lenten midweek conversation, longtime St. Andrew member Elliott Meier shares how stepping beyond familiar routines has reshaped his faith through mission experiences in the U.S., Haiti, and Belize. From serving alongside youth on early mission trips to baking bread in Haitian bakeries and building relationships in Belizean villages, Elliott reflects on the surprising ways God shows up when we venture into new communities with open hands and hearts. His stories remind us that hope, humanity, and the Holy Spirit transcend language—and that faith grows when we dare to go where God leads.

Pastor Matthew's sermon explains Jesus challenges fear, division, and misunderstanding—even from his own family and religious leaders—by showing that God's work is rooted in unity and love, not control or accusation. The message emphasizes that followers of Jesus are called to reject forces that divide people and instead live out courageous, forgiving love as the true way to heal a divided world.

Pastor Kristen shares how her daughter Anna was welcomed with deep love by a Palestinian family during her service year in Bethlehem, and how that hospitality reshaped all their lives—from caring for her daily to risking checkpoints to return her belongings during COVID. Their later reunion showed how love can bridge cultures, distance, and hardship, reminding us that Lent invites us to notice the quiet, transformative ways love appears in our own lives.

Last week at Ash Wednesday, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Shawna Berg reminded us that “love always" begins again. As a community, we named what's heavy, received ashes and blessing, and were sent with the hope that in a world of chaos and routine, God's renewing love always begins again.Starting tomorrow (Feb. 24, 2026), we'll continue our discussion of "Love in a Divided World" with Pastor Kristin Skare. All Lenten services will be available on Thursdays as a podcast episode, just like our Sunday services. Tune in and share!

Guest Preacher Joe Davis reminded us that although we're all different, we belong to one body in Christ. Using Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 12, he emphasized that when one person suffers, the whole community feels it—and healing happens when we honor and care for every member, especially those who are hurting or overlooked. His message invited us to see each other's worth, celebrate our differences, and live out a love that heals and unites.

Pastor Kristin reminded us that real leadership looks nothing like power or status—it looks like kneeling. Using Jesus washing the disciples' feet, she showed how love requires stepping into discomfort, not away from it. She challenged us to choose service over self‑interest and pointed to our community's recent acts of generosity as proof that we can bring heaven to earth when we lead with humility.

You are not required to change who you are to become a leader. God embraces who we are and uses us just as we are. The conversations between the Samaritan woman and Jesus show us that God embraces our unique gifts and life experiences to bring God's good news to the world.

Jesus teaches that real leadership is humility and service, not status. We're called to stay curious, admit we might be wrong, and lead with love—because people recognize Christ in us by how we treat others, not by winning arguments.

Pastor Peter's sermon addressed the grief and heaviness present in the community and affirmed that God is still at work. Drawing on Jesus' call to be salt and light, he encouraged the congregation to preserve love, practice compassion locally, and live out hope by caring for one another.

In a world full of noise, Pastor Kristen challenged us with one question: Who are you following? Through the story of Ruth and Naomi, she reminded us that real strength looks like radical hospitality, everyday love, and choosing Jesus' way—even when it's hard.

Pastor Matthew reminded us that God's call often comes quietly, like Samuel hearing his name in the night. In a world chasing power, true leadership starts with listening and serving. We're all invited to lean in, pay attention, and live as people who are “just kids with a calling.”

The reading from Matthew tells how the Holy Family escaped to Egypt for safety, finding hospitality. In his sermon, Pastor Peter discusses Epiphany as a reminder that God's love extends beyond Bethlehem to unexpected places and people. He shares stories of his own experiences of hospitality in Egypt that demonstrate how God's grace transcends borders and reshapes history. We are encouraged to seek God's love everywhere and to remain open and hopeful as we begin the new year.

This podcast episode consists only of Lessons from our annual Christmas service, Lessons & Carols. Visit our website, standrewlu.org/worship-archive, for the full service.Yesterday's service was a joyful celebration of the Christmas season with scripture, carols, and reflection woven together in a Lessons and Carols format. We heard readings, sang beloved hymns like “Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” and reflected on God's promise of peace and goodwill. Beautiful music from the choir and bells, heartfelt prayers, and a closing blessing reminded us that Christ's light shines in the darkness and calls us to share hope and love in the world.

What an unforgettable Christmas tradition! Our midafternoon services were filled with stunning music, featuring the Canticle Choir, Chamber Orchestra, and a professional string quartet, all led by Larry Bach. And the highlight? St. Andrew's own ‘3 Tenors'; Josh Eidem, Alan Bach, and Tim Graf; bringing the house down while Pastor Peter preached about love, community, and the power of Christ connecting us all!

This week's message from Luke 1:46-55 reminded us that Mary's Magnificat is more than a song of praise—it is a declaration of hope and resistance in a weary world. Pastor Peter shared that joy does not wait for perfect circumstances; it shows up in the middle of hardship as a gift from God. Like Mary and Elizabeth, we are called to pause, notice God's faithfulness, and rejoice even when life feels overwhelming. As Kate Bowler writes, “Joy doesn't wait for the cleanup crew… Joy shows up in the middle of things as grace, a glimmer, a gift.”

This past Sunday, Pastor Matthew reflected on how Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds each said 'yes' to God when it would have been easier to say 'no'. He shared how his own busy week led him to say no to his kids again and again, until he finally made space to say yes and build the vanities they'd been hoping for.He reminded the congregation that the restlessness we feel can be a sign that God is stirring something in us. His message encouraged everyone to pause, create room in their lives, and take even one small step toward saying yes to what God was calling them to do.

This week, we looked at what it means to stand on the edge of God's promises as we consider the promised land—or the possibility of wandering for 40 years. We learned from the story of God's people that His promises are not just goals; they give us the strength to persevere. God promises to support us, helping us to be strong in all situations.

Shawna Berg, our Children, Youth, and Family Director, spoke about "Doubting Thomas" during her sermon on Sunday. Was Thomas truly doubting, or was he seeking a real encounter with the resurrected Jesus? This made her think of Ken Grosch, a warm man whose funeral she attended earlier this month. Ken, often with his daughter Gretta, used faith and humor to brighten people's lives. When asked how he was, he would respond, "I'm grateful." In a world yearning for authenticity, both Thomas's and Ken's stories resonate. We don't want blind faith; we seek deeper meaning. Ultimately, we all just want to feel "simply grateful."

Pastor Peter spoke of Mary Magdalene today, recounting how she was the first to witness the resurrected Jesus. However, many people doubted her when she shared that her Lord had returned. Pastor Peter shared this woman's story, along with other touching tales, to remind us that witnessing God can occur in unexpected and surprising ways. How can we follow these women's examples and cultivate empathy and compassion in our own lives? How can we nurture the future of faith and live in God's Grace in our daily lives?

What is forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? How does God's message encourage us to forgive others? These questions were the focus of Pastor Kristin's message this morning. She invited us to consider how we would like God to transform our lives so that we can live in peace and love with others.

This Sunday, Pastor Matthew talked about how God calls each and every one into action, reminding us that we are called to act with courage and love so we can change the future for the better.

Pastor Peter emphasizes that God calls us to share love in every part of the world. Who is one person you can show genuine kindness and compassion to today and throughout the week? In what ways can you make ordinary moments impactful, fostering positive change in the world?

It's Camp Sunday! The Spirit in the Pines staff members were joyfully celebrated and commissioned for the 2025 season, and Pastor Kristin delivered an inspiring sermon about becoming untangled, reminding us to release anger, resentment, and pride so we can fully embrace God's message of grace.

This Sunday, Pastor Peter highlighted the Easter season as a time for becoming, engaging with what God is doing around us. This helps the world see the goodness, love, and grace Christ wants us to experience and share.

May the fourth be with you, and also with you! Resident Star-Wars Fan Pastor Matthew Fleming celebrated Star-Wars Day with a thought-provoking sermon about dreams, callings, and purpose.

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.