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Pastor’s Note
Although a lot of the members of St. Andrew’s know me, we have been able to reach people outside of our church, and they might be wondering who I am. First off, I want everyone to know I have been a Methodist all my life and can remember, although very young, when we became United…
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Who will you be this Christmas?
Perhaps you will be Joseph — trying to make ends meet; to be the provider you promised to always be. It’s just that plans have changed, and it looks as if expenses are about to go up. Add to that the threat to your sense of security — what if questions that loom over your…
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Pastor’s Note
I recently came across a story involving Rudyard Kipling, the famous British poet. It seems that Kipling was approached by a newspaper reporter who said, “Mr. Kipling, I just read that somebody calculated that the money you make from your writings amounts to over $100 a word.” Kipling’s eyebrows raised and he said, “Really, I…
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Pastor’s Note
I hope you will take the time to consider utilizing the resources related to mental health shown in this month’s newsletter. Be it a small group discussion about one of the sermons on the various emotions, or the community health needs focus group, the way we approach this season can have a significant impact on…
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Pastor’s Note
Only a year ago, I used the September Newsletter as a means of communicating the danger of isolation, and the importance of being aware of just how much precarious situations can create stresses on our mental, physical, and spiritual health. What a difference a year makes…NOT! If anything, this past year has given cause to…
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From the Pastor
Monster-sized salads, mouthwatering sandwiches, and portions as big as the employees’ spirits. In other words, not your ordinary restaurant. Those are the words that describe an Indiana eatery appropriately named, Out of the Ordinary Restaurant. (I can almost see some of you Googling it right now. By the way, it should be on or near…
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Roger Ross, Director of Congregational Excellence for The Missouri Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, recently wrote a book entitled, Come Back – Returning to the Life You Were Made For. In the book, Ross references something called a “Cynicism Spiral” – a spiral of emotions whose end result is being stuck in cynicism.…
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Pastor’s Note
Recently, I read a statement that said this: What many church leaders are about to face is this truth: Unchurched people aren’t looking for Christendom. They’re looking for Christ. Some may ask, “What’s the difference?” To that, I would advise you to ask someone—a friend, family member, or even a stranger—who does not go to…
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From the Pastor
The day we have been waiting for has come – the day of the vaccine! It’s just that – as with most anything in life – the announcement and the reality are somewhat mutually exclusive. Yes, there is a vaccine; no, it is not as widely available as many had hoped. So what do we…