As I begin to write this, it sure doesn’t feel like it! The thermometer read 10 degrees when I got up this morning.

Spring is a time of new beginnings. Flowers begin to bloom. Birds return from their winter havens. Trees begin to bud. Grass begins to grow. It is also when we celebrate the risen Christ and the new life that we have with Jesus’ resurrection. Just as we witness new life in the plants that God has given us, we have the opportunity to have new life in our own lives and the life of our church.

I have been in conversation with Bruce Baxter, our District Superintendent, with respect to your new pastor. The Cabinet wanted Bruce to make sure Saint Andrew’s could support a full time pastor. I assured him it had been discussed in Administration Council meetings and everyone was in agreement that we could.

I told him recently that we have seen a number of our members return and that new ministries were being started. I don’t know if this is because of spring, the weather changing, less fear of covid, or something else.

What I do know is that I and others have seen a change in the attitude and involvement here at St. Andrew’s and it is encouraging. We have an opportunity to be whatever we want our church to be in the future. When I came to St. Andrew’s, I didn’t expect to make a lot of changes. I thought I would leave that to the new pastor. Then 6 months turned into 18 months.

I want you to know I have seen changes in this church. I have seen new people welcomed in the love of Christ. New ministries have started, and I have seen spiritual growth in the membership.

I believe St. Andrew’s is celebrating spring and the growth of new things. I encourage everyone to continue coming up with new ideas for ministry, increasing your involvement and growing this church into whatever you want it to be.

In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Steve

P.S. Don’t forget to tell others that Jesus lives!