Category: Pastor’s Note

Greetings from Pastor Chris

Hello, Friends! Since I’m just beginning to learn what is “standard operating procedure” for St. Andrew’s, I’m not sure if I will have had my first Sunday among you (7/2) before you read this or after. At any rate, please know that as of writing this (6/13), I am excited to be joining you in…
A parting note from Pastor Steve

Most of you know that I will be retiring from pulpit ministry at the end of June. I retired from ministry once before in June of 2015. At that time, the District Superintendent had asked me to take a leave of absence instead of retiring so I wouldn’t have surrender my credentials. That would have…
The Day of Pentecost

The Easter Season is over, and we are headed for Pentecost. That doesn’t mean our job as Easter people is done. As Easter people, we believe in the Risen Christ and all that means for those who believe. I recently said in one of my messages that I believe all those who witnessed the death…
Spring is here.

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…
A Lenten Practice to consider taking up

First, I would like to thank everyone for your prayers and understanding in light of the recent complications with my eye. I underwent surgery on February 16th on my retina. As far as I can tell, everything went well. As we enter the Lenten season, I want to stress the importance of being active in…
Looking toward February and the beginning of Lent

Another Charge Conference is in the books. I have to say this was one of the shortest conferences I have attended in my 20+ years of ministry. There was still a time of music, worship, teaching and business, but all were completed in just an hour. Our new District Superintendent really seems to be organized…
A new year’s resolution

In last month’s newsletter, I said the year was almost over. Well, it is over now. I also asked for a special favor. I asked you to brighten the life of someone by introducing them to Jesus and said it was the best gift you could give. I hope you did introduce someone to Jesus…
Pastor’s Note

Can you believe it? This year is almost over! A lot has happened here at St. Andrew’s UMC in the last year, and we have gone through a lot of changes. Who would have thought I would be asked to come out of retirement and lead the congregation that sent me into ministry over 20…
Preparing for what is ahead

I know it is early to be thinking about how hectic our days will get as we get closer to the celebration of the birth of our Lord. With that said, I feel it is my job as your Pastor to prepare you for challenges in life as well as prepare you for your Christian…
From the Pastor

Oh, how fast things can change! As most of you have heard, my life changed forever on September 1st. I suffered a stroke that affected the sight in my right eye. At first, I had no sight in my eye and was told there was a good chance I would not regain any in the…