Saint Andrew Blog

Fat Tuesday is Over But the Fun is Just Beginning

2012-02-25T22:52:00.001-05:00

Fat Tuesday is over, but the party is just beginning for 8 Youth and their Chaperones.

If you joined us for our Mardi Gras party, you know what a great time we had.

If you missed it, you missed a REALLY terrific party. Really...

91 people joined us at St. Andrew on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 to help raise funds to send 8 of our “Youts” and their 2 chaperones (Pastor Fred and the Youth Advisor) to the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans this summer. The kids raised a total of $3555 with your support. THANK YOU!

Those 91 people (plus there were many who made donations but did not attend) enjoyed an evening of terrific New Orleans-style food (jambalaya, red beans & rice, gumbo, and of course, King Cake). We had karaoke with some very good voices (and some not so good but good-spirited), masquerade mask crafting, Guitar Hero and Dance-Dance Revolution games, and a very fun Crazy Hat contest.

But the big fundraiser of the evening was the Silent Auction. 56 items were up for bid, and there was indeed some very competitive bidding going on for a few of the items. Thank you to some of our local businesses for their support and the items donated for this event: (So please patronize their business and say “thanks” for supporting St. Andrew’s Youth Group).

Moe’s Southwest Grill in Parsippany

Lia Sophia Jewelry (Terri Corigliano)

ShopRite of Parsippany

Billy & Madeline Haircutters of Whippany

Jersey Mikes Sandwiches of Parsippany

Pro Haricutters of Parsippany

Olive Garden of Rockaway

Gourmet Café of Parsippany

Sweet Expressions of Denville

Delizia Pizza Kitchen of Boonton

Denville Dairy

Joy Nails of Parsippany

Boonton Lanes

Clearview Theaters of Parsippany

Anthony FrancoItalian Restaurant (Parsippany)

Karma Salon &Spa (Lake Hiawatha)

Mary Kay (LindaPerna)

Flowers by Rene of Parsippany

Trainer’s Edge (Denville)

Dangerfield’s Comedy Club

Hot Rods Restaurant (Wharton)

Sogo Sushi House Restaurant (Denville)

Look out New Orleans!…. 36,000 Lutheran Youth are coming to your town in July and things will never be the same… for them … or for you!

Come and see what all the excitement is about:
Worship: Sundays at 8:30 and 10:45 am
St. Andrew Lutheran Church
335 Reynolds Ave., Parsippany, NJ 07054
(973) 887-6713
www.elcaAndy.org

We're Having a Party!

2012-02-10T22:02:00.000-05:00

We’re having a party!

Of course we are… we’re St. Andrew.

Join us tomorrow, Sat. , Feb. 11 at 6 pm (the snow is supposed to be long over by then) for a Mardi Gras FUNdraising party to support the Senior High Youth Group. Your admission ticket (a heart-felt donation of your choice) will help send 8 youth and 2 chaperones to New Orleans this summer for the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering. Tickets are available at the door.

There will be delicious New Orleans style foods and King Cake for dessert. There will be karaoke and dancing, a Mardi Gras craft and trivia contest, a crazy hat contest …

And….

A FANTASTIC Silent Auction with almost 50 items available for your bidding pleasure. Your ticket number is your bidding number.

Why trudge out on a cold February evening?

First … you need to get out… we are not bears and we don’t hibernate… we are social beings and we always have fun together at St. Andrew.

Second … this is a great way to treat your Valentine to an evening out and help out the Youth at the same time.

Third… you don’t get King Cake every day.

Fourth… your winning bid on that oh-so-special-item would make a great and unique Valentine’s gift, while support the Youth at the same time.

Are you sensing a trend here?

FUN and FUNdraising in dreary February….

It’s time to get out of the house.

Join us for Mardi Gras!

Tomorrow, Sat., Feb. 11 from 6-10 pm

St. Andrew Lutheran Church

335 Reynolds Ave., Parsippany, NJ 07054

(973) 887-6713

www.elcaAndy.org

Football and Faith

2012-01-22T15:27:00.000-05:00

Okay, so today is a football playoffs Sunday... not quite the Super Bowl but still high up on the chart of “where are all the people this Sunday morning?”

Some people have argued that sports have become the religion of America and sporting venues the new cathedrals of our generation. Perhaps in some way that is true. Considering all the Tebowmania this year, I’ve been wondering about it.

I’m happy to note that St. Andrew was fairly full this morning. If the Giants were playing the 3 o’clock game, might there might have been a few less? Hmmmmm.

To our credit, we seem to be able to pull a fair number of attendees for our annual congregational meeting which always seems to fall on Super Bowl Sunday, even though we have a fair number of football fans on the Church Council. Maybe it’s because we entice them in with lunch, and then the specter of the ULTIMATE football game keeps the meeting short. A 6:30 pm kickoff time doesn’t hurt either. I’ve always been somewhat proud of us that we put the business of the church as a top priority and recognize that we can do both… have an early afternoon congregational meeting and still leave time for football. If the Super Bowl was being held in Giants Stadium (ooops, sorry Jet fans, MetLife Stadium…or better yet, let’s just call it the Meadowlands and leave the corporate sponsors out of it), then perhaps there might be some squawking about the changing the meeting date.

Since the Broncos and Tim Tebow are now officially out of contention for the Super Bowl, it is interesting to reflect on the hype that surrounded that team’s quarterback. Was God granting success to the Broncos because of the faith of Tim Tebow? Doubtful. I don’t think God plays favorites in the football arena. Plus, there are plenty of other faithful athletes, but none so recently under the national media microscope.

But I do think God was/is there.

If the people will not go to the Church, then perhaps God has come to the people in the place they deem worthy to worship? If we remove God from schools, government, work places, public places and our everyday lives, then perhaps He has chosen sports as the place to walk among us?

God will not be silenced.

He equips the called and gives them voice. Through the acts of a faithful football quarterback, the eyes of a nation have been focused on the heart of an athlete… an athlete equipped with the quirky athleticism that makes secular football professionals wonder if something divine isn’t happening, and makes a nation remember that the God of all creation will find a way to walk among us and grab our attention… even when our worship has been misdirected.

(Psssst..... Go Giants!)

Come and worship with us on Sundays: 8:30 & 10:45 am

Christian Education: 9:45 am

St. Andrew Lutheran Church

335 Reynolds Ave.

Parsippany, NJ 07054

www.elcaAndy.org

Today is Human Trafficking Awareness Day

2012-01-11T20:58:00.000-05:00

Today is January 11, 2012 and a day set aside by the U.S. Congress to pay attention to the horror of human trafficking. I received an e-mail today through our web site from She Is Safe. (www.SheIsSafe.org) They have produced a very nice video to introduce people to the problem. It is nicely and tastefully done. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ughWb-W7OI&feature=youtu.be I don't know much about this organization so proceed with care if you decide to donate to them, but the video is a great opportunity to begin the discussion of what we can do to help stop the practice of human trafficking.

The ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) web site also provides information about how the church can respond to this crime against humanity and offers links to several web sites where additional information can be gathered or where you can donate to help support the efforts of these organizations. For more information go to:

The Polaris Project http://www.polarisproject.org/

Cherish Our Children http://cherishourchildren.ctsmemberconnect.net/home-ctrl.do

The U.S. State Department http://www.state.gov/g/tip/

It is so incredibly heart-breaking to think that this crime is growing and is found nearly everywhere, even here in the United States. The State Department web site notes that UNICEF claims that nearly 2 million children worldwide are subject to prostitution in the global commercial sex trade. 2 MILLION! And that is only the children...

What can you do? Learn about the problem. Talk about the problem. Seek to support those organizations making a difference. Pray.

Have you ever encountered a person who was subject to human trafficking? How did you react? What did you do? What should the Church do? And what should our local churches do?

Would you want to be involved in a study of the subject? Leave a comment below.

Join us for worship: 8:30 & 10:45 am
Christian Education: 9:45 am
St. Andrew Lutheran Church
335 Reynolds Ave., Parsippany, NJ 07054
(973) 887-6713
www.elcaAndy.org

Epiphany - Light Comes to a Weary World

2012-01-03T11:09:00.000-05:00

The craziness and excesses of the holiday are over. Winter is settling in and we seem to want nothing more than to stay home and curl up in bed or by the fire. You know the snow is coming soon. The days are short and the nights are soooo long. We wake up in darkness and come home from our daily travels in darkness. Sometimes we are cooped up in a cubicle with no window, to top it all off. “Blah,” we say, “What good comes of January?”

It is during the winter, when the snow covers the ground, that roots and seeds that were tucked into the frozen/thawing/frozen ground are insulated and watered by the snow pack and begin to do their molecular thing. Energy is drawn up from roots. Flower and leaf buds get their cells together in preparation for the wonder of spring.

Nature is busy on a molecular level…. And so are we.

God’s work. Our Hands.

Our hearts and minds have been fed with a heavenly gift, the birth of a Savior. The seeds of love have been sown. The stirrings of hearts reaching out to others in a burst of December altruism have put roots into our souls, yearning that it might always feel this way.

January is a recovery time, a planning time, a nurturing time. Our January calendar is relatively simple… the cleaning up of holiday decorations, the continuation of our regular worship and education programs, and the preparations and planning for a new season… Lent and then Easter. Already February is full of fun and spiritual events.

So while Epiphany might seem dark, light dawns in our hearts and minds as the seeds of what has been planted in us begin to germinate.

What will become of the seeds planted in you this year? Will you nurture them with worship and community in Christ? Will you feed them with Word and Sacrament? Or will you curl up and leave them dormant within you, just waiting to burst forth with the joy of a God who loves you so much that He would send His Only Son to live within you?

Make your New Year’s Resolution to be a plan to GROW your spirit and plant your roots firmly in a relationship with God and your fellow believers at St. Andrew.

(come back tomorrow to read some New Year’s Resolutions)

We are called to let our light shine! Hide it under a bushel? NO!

How do you plan to let your "God light" shine this year?

Join us for worship on Sundays @ 8:30 and 10:45 am.

Christian Education at 9:45 am

St. Andrew Lutheran Church

335 Reynolds Ave., Parsippany, NJ 07054

www.elcaAndy.org

22nd Annual Live Nativity

2011-12-09T22:50:00.000-05:00

Join us tomorrow and Sunday, Dec . 10 & 11 for our annual Live Nativity, 4:30 - 8:00 pm
Admission is FREE! Refreshments are served. We are handicap accessible.

Every 15 minutes or so, a continuous reading of the Nativity story is revealed beneath a deep starry night sky over a stable in Bethlehem. Angels will announce the birth of the Savior. Shepherds and kings will travel to Bethlehem to find the new infant king. What will you find there?

It’s easy to feel lost at this time of year. Aside from being overwhelmed by all the secularism that drowns out the whole reason we celebrate Christmas at all, recent years have battered our sense of direction, leaving us wondering if we are on the right path, feeling lost.

But… Because we are children of God, we have been given the greatest gift of all time - the gift of Jesus, God’s Son, our Savior. Because of this gift, we have hope. And that hope shines like a Star over a stable in Bethlehem.

In the stable, you will find what your heart seeks. In an infant king, God’s Son born in a stable, we meet the Good Shepherd who guides our ways and shows us the path to a relationship with God that is full of peace and joy and love. In this stable we find that we are not lost, but found, loved and cherished…because we, too, are children of God, the sheep of His fold.

The wise men appeared to King Herod and asked, “Where is He who has been born King? For we saw His star and have come to worship Him.” Even the wise men were searching for something…someone…that would answer their prayers and guide their paths. They found Him in the stable.

At Easter, we look within the empty tomb, feeling lost, knowing that our Lord has died. But the angels ask, “Whom do you seek? He is not here, He is risen!” In the Easter Resurrection our feeling of being lost is replaced with the joy of being found, claimed by God and deemed worthy of His love.

Be like sheep, follow the sound of your Shepherd’s voice and wander into the stable. Grasp the gift within… the love of God incarnate in His Son, Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. Our God is a God of abundance, and there is love and hope enough for all the lost and all the found.

See you in the stable. Baaaa-baaaa-baaa.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church
335 Reynolds Ave.
Parsippany, NJ 07054
(973) 887-6713

Getting what we deserve is a matter of perspective

2011-09-18T11:45:00.000-04:00

A lot of how we feel about life, our relationships, and what is “fair” has more to do with one word than most people give credit. Perspective.

Today, in worship, we heard the story of the generous vineyard owner who paid all his workers the same day’s salary whether they were hired at the start of the day or at five o’clock. (Matthew 20:1-16)

Whoa, this is an emotionally charged story for me! It really messes with my sense of what is just or fair.

Yet what is just and fair is really a matter of perspective.

Whose perspective is truly more just and fair? Mine, based on the equity of work performed vs. pay? Or God’s, based on the solution of daily bread for all?

In this story, the vineyard owner calls to task all who question his generosity to do what he wants with what is his. Did we not agree, at the start of the day, to the wages we were paid? So what have we to complain about that the Lord saw to it that no one was left without the means to feed his family at the end of the day, regardless of the amount of work they did? In the Lord’s perspective, everyone worked and everyone will be paid. No one deserves more or less than another.

As Pastor Fred reminded us this morning, when we pray for God to “give us today our daily bread,” we are not asking for daily bread for 5 days, but for today. If we trust in God to provide for our needs, we do not need to fear what is just payment… we all will have what we need.

The justice in this story, seen from the perspective of the owner of the vineyard, is a hard pill to swallow.

And yet, it is just this kind of story which can help us to see how abundant God’s love is.

For we will all find ourselves in the position of the five o’clock worker at some point in our lives…hoping for work and wages to make ends meet (or asking forgiveness, or some other venue in which we have been less than successful) and being given the riches of God’s Grace, completely and unabashedly undeserved, yet freely given to us.

Human beings too easily fall prey to sin and selfishness. We are incapable of creating a society where we can accept the perspective of the generous vineyard owner as a way of doing business.

It is only in God’s house, where that perspective can reign and prosper. In that, this story gives us a glimpse of the glory of what God’s heaven is like, and what we have been promised for our eternal life with God.

It calls us up short for all the times we think we know what is right and wrong, and points out a different perspective of what is justice for all.

It’s all a matter of perspective. Mine might prosper me now, but God’s will prosper all for eternity.

What do you think of this story? Have you witnessed God's Grace in ways that initially seemed unfair to you? Leave a comment and tell us your story of seeing God's abundance and generosity in action.

It’s probably a good thing God doesn’t give us what we deserve. Amen.

Join us for worship on Sundays at 8:30 & 10:45 am.

Christian Education at 9:45 am

St. Andrew Lutheran Church

335 Reynolds Ave., Parsippany, NJ 07054

www.elcaandy.org

On 9-11 God will not be silenced

2011-09-11T16:21:00.000-04:00

Today is September 11, 2011. The 10^th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on America.

It also happens to be Holy Cross Sunday in the Lutheran Church.

I have been listening to various radio shows, television broadcasts, and reading various news productions and blogs in recent weeks, with an ear for where God is being fit into this anniversary remembrance. It seems many people in the news production arena have forgotten to where many people, including the news media, turned for comfort, inner calm, and hope in the days following the attacks.

What did you hear on 9/11/01? Please pray for…. God bless America… Our thoughts and prayers go out to… Thank God for first responders…. Pray for the safety of….

To whom were people being asked to pray? Who was being asked to bless our nation? God.

God. The one God who is the Father of Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

And yet, this anniversary celebration was to be put together with a secular bent? Mayor Bloomberg has deemed no prayers will be offered at the 9-11 Memorial in NYC.

Shame on those who would claim God has no place in remembrance… our sorrows, our hopes, our forgiveness, our anger, our prayers.

We could call on him then… but not now?

Good sense prevailed in some places. President Obama read from Psalms. Other mentions of prayer and God and faith are spilling into the news feeds I am finding for today. God will not be silenced.

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem in the week before His crucifixion, the crowd of people shouted: (Luke 19:38-40)

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” But Jesus answered,

“I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!”

God will not be silenced. The actions of the faithful speak louder than the rhetoric of politicians.

St. Andrew is participating in the Parsippany Library 9/11Tribute Exhibit. We picked up our twin towers plywood cutout and decorated it with crosses, Jewish stars, and a crescent moon and star. It is mostly filled with crosses. The only statistics I could find regarding the breakdown of the faiths of those who perished on 9/11/01 indicated that although no religious denomination records have been kept (I find this incredulous), it appears that about 500 were Jewish and about 2 dozen were Muslim. I’m guessing the rest were Christians (and/or atheists).

So on this Holy Cross Sunday, when Lutherans celebrate the faith, hope and love of Jesus, may we all remember and honor those who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

And, may we be not afraid to speak of that faith, hope and love… for God will not be silenced.

Not by terrorists, …

and not by a media machine or government leadership more concerned with being politically correct than morally straight.

Come join us for worship.

Sundays @ 8:30 and 10:45 am.
St. Andrew Lutheran Church
335 Reynolds Ave.
Parsippany, NJ 07054
(973) 887-6713
www.elcaAndy.org

What will tomorrow bring?

2011-09-10T13:41:00.000-04:00

Today is September 10, 2011.

Tomorrow is 9/11/11. Ten years after the terrorist attacks on America.

What will tomorrow bring?

It’s tempting to dwell on the emotions, loss and grief associated with our remembrance of 9/11/01. It’s also tempting to get caught up in the fear of ‘credible threats’ that our security forces have said warrant our extra vigilance.

In the big picture, September 11 is just another day in our lives. In the microcosm of our lives, it is a day we will never forget, and shouldn’t forget. Our lives were forever changed on that day.

Jesus has some significant words for us on the subject of worrying…Matthew 6:25-34

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

As I write this there is a chipmunk sitting outside my window on my picnic table bench, munching on a nut. He knows nothing about what tomorrow means to Americans. He only knows that this is the season of harvest… yippee, the acorns are beginning to fall! God provides for His creation.

Some things will forever remind us of the events of 9/11/01. For me, every time I see a sunny, bright blue sky (Crayola Sky Blue) with large white clouds and feel the cool September air against my skin, I am reminded of that day, forever seared into my memory with the scars of smoke plumes drifting across that same blue sky, and with the loss and grief of so many people.

We are changed forever, but yet we are still the same children of God. It is because God never stops loving His children, we can go forward into each new day without worry and fear. We are called to live with hope and love.

I think it is an interesting thing to note that the 10^th anniversary of this date falls on a Sunday. The Church (large C) is calling for us to think on this day as an opportunity to work toward forgiveness and peace. Imagine the world-wide possibilities if everyone attended worship tomorrow morning and heard the calling for forgiveness and peace, instead of worrying about the things that cause us fear.

Those people whom we loved and lost on 9/11/01 would certainly want us to remember and honor them, but they also would not want us to live in worry and fear. We can honor them best by living lives free of fear.

Jesus gives us the antidote for the affliction of worry…

Trust in God.

I hope to see you in church tomorrow. St. Andrew worships at 8:30 and 10:45 am. We are located at 335 Reynolds Ave. in Parsippany, NJ 07054. (973) 887-6713.

Come and see our community tribute tower display and help us share the news that we are ALL children of God.

11 Things I am Thankful for after Hurricane Irene

2011-09-01T21:01:00.001-04:00

It’s been a wild year, weather-wise, in the U.S. , especially in the Northeast. We had an unusual amount of snow and ice at the beginning of the year. We had an unusually wet spring and summer. The ground is saturated. We had a 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Virginia but felt up and down the east coast. And now, we’ve had a hurricane….correction, tropical storm. 71 mph instead of 75 mph sustained winds. Hurricane Irene.

St. Andrew cancelled worship services to ensure everyone was safely home during what was forecasted to be the windiest and most intense period of the storm. Now we know that, although the winds knocked down a lot of trees and power lines, it was the flooding from the incredible volume of rain that has done the most damage. Whole communities are underwater with flood waters from swollen rivers at 4-12 feet above flood stage.

Once again, I reflect upon all that I am thankful for and on the blessings which I have been granted.

1. I am thankful that I was raised by parents who trusted in God to provide for our every need. I learned at an early age, when hot dog soup was a frequent dinner while my father was out of work, that “we can’t worry about everything. God will provide what we really need and we just have to work hard for the rest. We just have to have faith in Him.” This mindset has helped me not to panic about events over which I have no control.

2. I am thankful that God has gifted people with hearts for public service. How different our recovery from this storm, and other disasters, if not for the dedication of firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians and ambulance drivers, electric and utility company personnel, disaster relief workers, military and National Guard men and women, food pantry workers and emergency management personnel?

3. I am thankful that God has given us the scientists and technology to improve our weather forecasting models. The weather tracking systems apparently accurately predicted the track and intensity of this latest storm to within 10 miles along the NJ coast, enabling people to get to safer locations.

4. I am thankful for the safety of my family and the comforts of my home…the electricity, flush toilets and hot showers, the gas stove and hot water heater, the refrigeration, the television, the telephone and Internet communications.

5. I am thankful for the crickets that chirp outside my windows. I could not hear them over the roar of generators during the past few days.

6. I am thankful for neighbors who shared their electricity and generator power with those who did not have it.

7. I am thankful for neighbors who offer the use of their freezers (to save us money and wasted food) and Internet to those who didn’t have them.

8. I am thankful for people who cared enough to check in on us and offer whatever we needed.

9. I am thankful that I listened to my gut/smarts/Holy Spirit and refused to buy a cheaper home in a flood zone. The anxiety, devastation and repair costs would never be compensated by the difference in the home price, no matter that “it hasn’t flooded here in 15 years.” I pray for the people who have lost so much due to the flooding and hope they are helped to find ways to put their lives back together. (Click here to see how you can help: Lake Hiawatha/Parsippany flood relief.)

10. I am thankful that everyone I know has weathered this storm without a loss of life or injury, and I pray for those who have lost loved ones or suffered injuries in the chaos.

11. I am thankful that the 10 mighty oak trees that surround my home remained rooted to the ground and denied the urge to drop any limbs on my house. They are beautiful, tall and provide an abundance of cool shade for my home, but even they might not be able to stand up to the forces of Mother Nature when she decides it’s pruning time.

There is a multitude more things for which I am thankful and about which I feel blessed. These are some that I have pondered today.

Join us for worship this Sunday at 9:30 am (Labor Day weekend) and say “thanks” for your own blessings.

We resume two worship services on Sept. 11, with worship at 8:30 and 10:45 am.

An empty nest communion table

2011-08-24T18:29:00.000-04:00

I had another small taste of what empty nest syndrome must be like.

We took my daughter back to college on Monday and my son was in Wildwood with the St. Andrew Youth Group for a few days. For a span of about 18 hours I was child-less. It's not the first time. I've certainly been without them around for longer periods of time. It just is always a surprise, at first.

On the one hand I felt as if I should be dancing around singing “hallelujah” and on the other it was rather lonely…just me and the dog and the hubby. Until the hubby went to work. Then it was just me and the dog.

An amazing amount of picking up can be done, with no one to disturb the progress and mess it back up. Piles of back to school “stuff” vacated my dining room table. Hooray! There also will be less laundry. Hooray! However, even though she wasn’t home for dinner all that often this summer, my daughter’s presence at the dinner table always made me feel as if our family was finally whole.

There’s something about being together around a meal that makes life seem complete and all is right with the world, even when the world outside is going crazy. The mother hen has all her chicks in sight and knows everyone is safe.

For our family, we have always made it a priority to have dinner together as often as possible, so the presence of the entire family for dinner just feels right. The silly jokes. The sharing of stories. The gentle corrections and guidance of wisdom dispersed. The love shared. The hopes shared. The hurts shared. The dreams shared. The forgiveness granted. When someone is missing, something is lacking. When two kids are missing, well… hello empty nest.

When I think about our family dinner table, it leads me also to thinking about the family of God and our table of Holy Communion. How God must pine for his children when they skip a Sunday meal, or two, or a month’s worth, or a year’s worth, or many years’ worth!

With each meal of Holy Communion our hearts are opened to that two-way conversation with God that grants forgiveness, knows all our fears and hurts, joys and silliness, sins and anger. In that Holy Communion meal that we share, we are loved, forgiven and welcomed into a whole continuum of believers that make up the eternal family of God, of which we are made a member in our Baptism.

The communion table brings us together as a family in Christ, a congregation family to love and support each other. I think when we stray away from the table, God must suffer some of that empty nest syndrome too. For if He knows the number of hairs on our heads and the days of our lives, how can He not feel the loss of our presence as we wander the world in search of the things we think we need when He can, and will, provide for our every need?

God forgives the piles of “crap” in our lives.

He doesn’t mind the dirty laundry.

He just wants us to share in His Holy Communion meal and join the family at the table.

Like every other parent.

God IS love. Love is at the table. Come and taste.

Join us for worship through Labor Day, one service at 9:30 am

Beginning Sept. 11, we offer two worship services at 8:30 & 10:45 am.

www.elcaAndy.org

Friendships Left Behind and Forgiveness

2011-08-12T15:19:00.000-04:00

My hubby with Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty in the background
Could I leave him behind? Or let him go on ahead without me?

As you may have guessed by now, I was quite impressed with our visit to Ellis Island. (Read previous posts here and here.) I’ve been thinking a lot about what it would have been like to go through that experience and wondering if I would have had the faith to trust God to provide the better future these immigrants sought, and if I would have been able to leave everyone I loved behind.

The primary feeling that I think I would have been going through would have been loss…loss of home and homeland, loss of friends, loss of family. I think that maybe that’s because I’m blessed to have a beautiful home, a wonderful country (even considering the flaws), dear friends, and a devoted family. For me to leave all this behind would be devastating to me.

Yet millions of people did just this.

Their lives must have been so challenging and lacking hope to embark upon a journey to America, leaving everything behind, in search of a brighter future, hoping and trusting in God to find something better. How lucky we are/I am. Their primary feelings had to have been one of hope in order to get through this challenging experience.

Yet, no matter how much hope for the future they might have had, parting from family and friends could not have been easy. The chance of ever again seeing the people left behind was very small.

This thought makes me wonder how easily we sometimes dismiss a friendship because of some temporarily hurtful slight; or how often we distance ourselves from a family member because he/she hurt our feelings. If we were faced with the prospect of never seeing that person again, would those hurts matter so much?

Sometimes we find ourselves in exactly this situation, when we lose someone we love unexpectedly in their death. How often have we heard people say, “I never got to say I was sorry” or “I never told him I forgive him” or “I didn’t get to say goodbye” or “I should have told her I loved her.”

I wonder if this doesn’t happen sometimes as a way of reminding us to mend our hearts and watch our words, to heal old wounds and let go of old hurts. I imagine that faced with the prospect of parting company forever, there were many friendship healed of brokenness and many family fractures mended.

However, I am also fairly certain there were those who would not forgive and left for America carrying that hurt with them. I imagine that carrying those unforgiven hurts around their whole life may have caused much bitterness, heartache and soul-searching. I am certain there were more than a few people who wished, at some point during their lives, that they had made amends or offered forgiveness before leaving for America.

We know that anger, resentment, and holding on to old hurts can eat away at our souls, our health and our mental well-being.

It is forgiveness which offers freedom, wellness and wholeness. Jesus taught us this as He called out to His Father on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

In the ultimate act of love, Jesus forgave us ALL our sins… all the hurtful ways we push God away… and died to set us free from the bondage that sin causes. We are given that reminder every Sunday in worship.

Let us not forget to forgive others, as we have been forgiven. Amen.

Come worship with us this Summer @ 9:30 am on Sundays (through Labor Day).

www.elcaAndy.org

Ellis Island - Immigrant vs. Refugee

2011-08-03T21:55:00.000-04:00

To find a better place. Both the immigrant and the refugee put their faith in God toward this goal.

This past Saturday I visited with friends at their home on Fire Island off Long Island (NY). It was a great day and when we were in line waiting for the ferry to take us back to our cars, one of our group commented that we “looked like a bunch of refugees.” There we were, sunburned, flip-flopped, carrying our minimum amount of “bare necessities” for a day at the beach and a day of visiting… chairs, coolers, umbrellas, beach bags, back packs, a cake carrier, etc. I guess we might have looked a little tired, windblown or partied-out. Certainly a far cry from looking like a refugee, we did look somewhat less put-together than our Sunday best. (But at St. Andrew we’re not necessarily known for wearing our “Sunday best” anyway, so that’s par for the course I guess.)

We laughed at the analogy, but considering my recent visit to Ellis Island, it got me to thinking.

How many people who traveled through Ellis Island were not just immigrants but akin to refugees? Maybe they didn’t fit the strict definition of refugee, but many were fleeing the poverty, limited chance to prosper, or political hostilities of their home countries.

They came with just the bare necessities. And $25 (if they had that at all.)

Yet, for all the hardships these immigrants faced in their journey to come to America, they had the hope of the promise of America. They had faith in God to lead them to a better place. The Statue of Liberty bears a plaque with the sonnet “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus which reads, in part,

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

In America there was hope for the future.

The choice was America.

Refugees don’t often have choices. They are running for their lives. They also place their hope and faith in God to lead them to a better place.

The United States has an “Asylum and Refugee Policy” that, as of 1999 allowed up to 78,000 refugees to obtain asylum here annually. Today’s global conflicts and political uprisings are numerous. People cry out for freedom all around the globe. According to The Voice of America , there are currently about 15 million refugees worldwide. The U.S. State Department identifies six “protracted refugee situations.”

1.       Liberians in West Africa
2.       Somalis in Kenya
3.       Croatians and Bosnians in Serbia
4.       Afghans in Pakistan
5.       Bhutanese in Nepal
6.       Burmese in Thailand

Since 1939, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service has helped migrants and refugees to find hope and a future in American communities. By 2008, LIRS had helped to resettle over 315,000 refugees.

Next time we think we look like refugees as we trudge our few “necessities” back from a day at the beach, I bet we’ll all think twice about what that really means.

Thank you God for all the blessings we have in the freedom and prosperity that comes with the birthright of being an American. Thank you, even more, for the people who fight the legal, economic and political battles on behalf of those who flee oppression and for those who help to make refugees feel welcome once they are granted the asylum they so desperately seek. Amen.

Join us for worship this Summer at 9:30 am on Sundays.
www.elcaAndy.org

Ellis Island - Faith and Adversity

2011-07-27T14:28:00.000-04:00

My husband and I recently visited Ellis Island. I’ve been wanting to go ever since they renovated and re-opened it in 1990. My children have visited this National Park Service landmark with their respective schools, but as it sometimes goes, we get too busy to enjoy the gems in our own backyard.

This will be the first of several blog posts that stem from this visit. It is an incredibly inspiring place and the faith and determination of the people who traveled through its doors are amazing.

We purchased the audio tour because I’ve found that there is usually so much wonderful information on these soundtracks, often including the testimony of actual people. On this audio tour there was the voice of a Russian immigrant who (in the course of the discussion of the inspection of immigrants) said, “if they refused me, there was no way I was going back to Russia. I’d rather throw myself over the side [of the returning ship] and die in the deep of the ocean than return to Russia.”

This man’s comment really got me to thinking about how much faith these people must have had, who attempted this journey, and how very deplorable their homeland situation must have been. They trusted God that America held a promise of a brighter future, and that He would see them safely across the Atlantic to begin a new life.

A National Park Service Ranger who introduced a 45-minute documentary that we watched, helped us to understand how much had to be left behind and what was likely brought forward to the new homeland of these immigrants. Picture everything of importance that you could carry in one suitcase, one basket, one bedroll, and maybe the equivalent of a backpack. Now walk from Ellis Island at Liberty State Park to Philadelphia. You’ll quickly determine what REALLY is the most important stuff. Grandma’s candlesticks? Gone, left on the NJ Turnpike. The family Bible? Yeah…they probably managed to carry that.

That would have been the most likely type of experience of many immigrants. People walked and carried their most prized possessions for many, many miles from villages and towns all across Europe and Russia to ports with passenger lines to America. They had to have the fee for their passage and $25 per person to enter America. It took years to save up that kind of money, so most didn’t have the extra money necessary to get transportation to their port of departure. The Ranger told us that some people were so poor they carried empty suitcases so their neighbors wouldn’t know how little they had when they left and the steamer company wouldn’t turn them away for the chance of being turned back at Ellis Island for being so poor as to be “a potential burden on society.”

Think about the millions of people who came to this country through Ellis Island. What a challenge it was! Think how bad it must have been at home to brave this experience! The adversity they faced in their flight to a new life! The scariness of the unknown! Think of the faith they put in God to get them here safely and to connect with someone who could help them get their feet on the ground and make a future here.

I don’t think most people could have survived this trip and the challenges they faced upon arrival without a deep faith in God.

I was awed, inspired, and more appreciative of my own country where I can worship as I please. If you haven’t been to Ellis Island, take a vacation day and go. You’ll need about three hours to tour the Main Building and do it justice. The other buildings are not currently open to the public. We’ve got a national treasure in our own back yard (actually lots of them). It will stir your soul and deepen your faith.

Then come to worship and thank God for all that you have.

Summer Worship at St. Andrew, 9:30 am on Sundays

www.elcaAndy.org

Do you have a relative who came to America through Ellis Island? What story do they tell you of the adversity they faced in this experience?

Oviraptor & Jesus

2011-07-24T22:10:00.000-04:00

Friday was the fifth and last day of this year’s VacationBible School program, “The Great Bibleland Dig”, recycled. The kids had a great time digging in our archaeological dig site on the “road to Emmaus” to find clues to answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”

So what did they find?

They found a leather sandal, a walking stick and piece of pottery.

What Bible story do you think we were exploring on Friday?

In its day, the road to Emmaus was well traveled but full of rocks. It was common for people to walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Many foot weary travelers could have blown out a flip-flop on the trek. It was on this road that two disciples of Jesus were talking about Jesus and the events of Holy Week including His death on the cross. While walking they met a ‘stranger’ with whom they discussed their hopes and confusion about the things that had happened. This ‘stranger’ revealed himself to them in the blessing, breaking and sharing of the bread at that night’s dinner, just as Jesus had done during His Last Supper and Passover meal with the disciples. In that act, the disciples understood who was with them and they ran to tell the others. We are also challenged to recognize that Jesus is our SAVIOR, that He is with us always and we are to share that Good News with others.

At craft time, our junior archaeologists made a beaded cross necklace, a tissue paper mosaic cross which the words “Jesus is our Savior” and a footprint with the “Footprints in the Sand” poem decorated with stickers. During snack time, they ate pretzel rods tied together in the shape of a cross with licorice strings, and chocolate chip cookies decorated with a chocolate frosting road and mini-chip rocks. A cross was added to our archaeology dig journal to remind us that Jesus is our SAVIOR.

They dug for treasure in our archaeological dig site and found crosses and miniature dinosaurs to take home to remember the day’s lessons.

During our Activity Center time, we learned about different kinds of bread and talked about what we would put in a time capsule to leave for future archaeologists who want to learn about Jesus.

In the afternoon, each junior archaeologist was given a wooden dinosaur puzzle to remind them of the fun they had this week in VBS.

They learned about Oviraptor. When archaeologists first discovered Oviraptor fossil remains, they named it Oviraptor or “egg thief” because they thought it was stealing eggs, as many were found over a nest of eggs. Later excavations have shown evidence that Oviraptors were not stealing other dinosaur eggs; they were protecting their own. Oviraptor fossils show parents with wings spread wide to protect their eggs from the falling volcanic ash or mudslides that were rushing down to cover their nests. In doing so, they were sacrificing themselves in an effort to save their eggs.

Oviraptor and Jesus. Sacrificing themselves for others.

Oh how much God loves us… He sent Jesus to us as a GIFT; He gives us Jesus as our FRIEND; He gives us Jesus as our TEACHER; He gives us Jesus as our HELPER; and because we still don’t get it, He gives us Jesus as our SAVIOR.

It was a week of fun and learning, digging and growing, and singing and crafting. It was a week of stretching the archaeological facts to bridge dinosaurs and Jesus and the Bible and a whole bunch of fun. And hopefully, it was a week of memories that will last a lifetime.

Amen.

I remember some of the stories, crafts and songs from when I was a child in Vacation Bible School. Do you?

(And now I thank God because it’s over…whew! I’ve been doing this for a long time. Anyone want to take it on? Send me a note…)

Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 9:30 am through Labor Day.www.elcaAndy.org

Maiasaura & Jesus

2011-07-23T18:37:00.000-04:00

Thursday was the fourth day of this year’s Vacation BibleSchool program, “The Great Bibleland Dig”, recycled. The kids had a great time digging in our archaeological dig site outside the city of “Jericho” to find clues to answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”

So what did they find?

They found more pieces of clay pottery, a small clay bowl, and several “gold” coins.

What Bible story do you think we were exploring on Thursday?

In its day, Jericho was a bustling city of commerce and trade. It was a frequent place for beggars to perch near the city gates to ask for the help of strangers. In this day’s Bible story, we learned about the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, whom Jesus healed. Bartimaeus would have sat with a bowl to collect the gifts of coin from passersby. When Jesus HELPed Bartimaeus, he no longer needed to beg and he leapt up saying, “Thank you, thank you” to Jesus.

At craft time, our junior archaeologists made a banner with a cross and helping hands encircling the cross which proclaimed “Jesus is our HELPER”. They also made a “silver” embossed frames with textured items glued beneath the foil. During snack time, they ate hand shaped gelatin jigglers and made cracker “hands” by smoothing peanut butter between Ritz crackers and sticking 5 pretzel sticks in the peanut butter. A hand was added to our archaeology dig journal to remind us that Jesus is our HELPER.

They dug for treasure in our archaeological dig site and found “gold” coins and dinosaur finger puppets to take home to remember today’s lessons.

During our Activity Center time, we learned about how the images on coins told people who the money belonged to (religious symbols for temple money, Ceasar for Roman coins, U.S. presidents for American coin) and how people used seals to mark their ownership of their belongings. We used rubber stamps shaped like hands to practice stamping, and created our own “seal” with half a potato and some paint.

In the afternoon, each junior archaeologist was given the opportunity to excavate a dinosaur skeleton with a miniature dinosaur archeology kit.

They learned about Maiasaura. Archaeologists are continually finding new evidence to suggest that though their brains may have been small and the social skills of dinosaurs very simple, it appears some dinosaurs did indeed rely on others for help. Maiasaura seem to have taken extra care with their young dinosaurs, and the dinosaurs of others. Maiasaura was a North American plant-eating duckbilled dinosaur that made its nest within about 30 feet of other Maiasaura nests. It appears that the young dinosaurs stayed in the nests a long time while their parents went out and brought back vegetation for them to eat. Archaeologists wonder if groups of Maiasaura helped take care of each other’s nests to keep away predators.

Maiasaura and Jesus. Helping others.

This world can be a very tough place to survive, whether you are dinosaur or human. Jesus showed us how we should be a HELPER to others. In doing so, we can all flourish and grow. Helping others brings us joy in knowing that someone else’s life is a little better because we took some time for them.

Amen.

Come and join us for worship on Sundays during the Summer at 9:30 am.

www.elcaAndy.org

Pterodactylus and Jesus?

2011-07-22T20:27:00.000-04:00

Wednesday was the third day of this year’s Vacation BibleSchool program, “The Great Bibleland Dig”, recycled. The kids had a great time digging in our archaeological dig site outside the city of “Jerusalem” to find clues to answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”

So what did they find?

They found part of a scroll, a phylactery, a metal plate for burning incense and a piece of pottery inscribed with the words, “Love God. Love people.”

What Bible story do you think we were exploring on Wednesday?

Jesus frequently encountered the Pharisees when he was near Jerusalem. Many sought to question him, not to learn from him, but to try and trick him into saying something that would go against the teachings of the Torah/Prophets/Old Testament. Other people would gather around Jesus in the temple to learn from him. His teachings told of a new way to interpret the things they had learned. For instance, Jesus taught an easy way to keep God’s Commandments, just remember “Love God with all your heart, mind and soul, and love your neighbors as yourself.”

At craft time, our junior archaeologists made personalized pencils wrapped with embroidery floss and beads, and formed clay pots which they will paint later and keep a scroll with the above verse inside. During snack time, they ate tortillas filled with either banana or honey butter and tied with a licorice string to remind them of the scrolls that the Israelites used to learn about God. A scroll inscribed with “Jesus is our TEACHER” was added to our archaeology dig journal.

They dug for treasure in our archaeological dig site and found dinosaur pencils and small plastic dinosaur bookmarks that they could take home to remember today’s lessons.

During our Activity Center time, we went outside (yes, in the sweltering heat) to do crayon rubbings of our cornerstone. The corner stone of St. Andrew says “Jesus” and we talked about building a church/temple on Jesus, with Jesus being the strongest cornerstone of all.

In the afternoon, each junior archaeologist was given the opportunity to paint some dinosaur watercolor projects and create their own dinosaur scene with a selection of stickers.

They learned about Pterodactylus. Dinosaurs are not noted for being exceptionally smart (at least like we think about being smart), since their brain size seems to indicate brain function primarily ordered for survival. But it makes you wonder how young Pterodactylus would learn to fly, right? Didn’t someone have to teach them how to fly and leave the nest? Survival instincts, trial and error, along with watching other Pterodactylus probably played the majority of what motivated the young to fly from the nest.

Imagine what might have become of dinosaurs if they had the capacity to teach what they learned to future generations?

Pterodactylus and Jesus… teachers?

Why not? We’re still learning about dinosaurs. Each archaeological discovery teaches us more and more about them.

The more we dig around in the Bible, the more we know about Jesus and our relationship with the God who created and loves us. Our journey to knowing God is a life-long lesson with Jesus as our TEACHER and the Bible our schoolbook.

Amen.

Come and join us for worship this Summer at 9:30 am

www.elcaAndy.org

Mapusaurus and Jesus?

2011-07-21T14:58:00.000-04:00

Mapusaurus vs. Argentinosaurus by Paleo Pastori

Tuesday was the second day of this year’s Vacation BibleSchool program, “The Great Bibleland Dig”, recycled. The kids had a great time digging in our archaeological dig site outside the city of “Bethany” to find clues to answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”

So what did they find?

They found broken clay pottery pieces, a long metal spoon and a “petrified” wooden spoon and some “petrified” olive pits.

What Bible story do you think we were exploring on Tuesday?

In Bethany, Jesus liked to call the house of his FRIENDs, Mary and Martha, his home away from home. He visited them often and while there received wonderful hospitality and was greeted by many followers who liked to hear the stories Jesus had to tell about the kingdom of God. Martha is known for being busy with preparations for Jesus’ visit, while Mary is credited with recognizing that taking time out to listen to what Jesus had to say was the more important activity. Everyone could help with the chores later.

Our junior archaeologists made placemats and bread baskets in craft time. They ate apple wedges smeared with peanut butter and decorated with white mini-marshmallows to resemble a friend’s smile, and they enjoyed large heart shaped cookies that they could decorate with writing gel. A large red heart was added to our archaeology dig journal to help us remember that Jesus is our FRIEND.

They dug for treasure in our archaeological dig site and found red wooden hearts and small plastic dinosaurs that they could take home to remember today’s lessons.

They ground up brown grains of wheat and white grains of barley while learning about how these grains were used in Jesus’ time. They learned about basket weaving and how Mary and Martha would have had to make the baskets to take to market for the items they would buy to serve for dinner…no shopping carts or plastic bags in Jesus’ day.

In the afternoon, each junior archaeologist was given a wooden dinosaur puzzle to work on and/or take home, recreating a dinosaur skeleton.

They learned about Mapusaurus dinosaurs. They learned that while dinosaurs are not credited with having large enough brains to accommodate social thinking, like friendship, there were some dinosaurs, like Mapusaurus, who did hunt in packs. Mapusaurus were meat-eating dinosaurs that traveled in a group of 7-9 dinosaurs in the Patagonia region of Argentina. Mapusarus means “earth lizard.”

Don’t you wonder how different dinosaur lives might have been if they could have truly made friends with each other?

Mapusaurus and Jesus? Yeah, it’s a stretch, but what’s an archaeological dig without some dinosaurs?

What’s VBS without some FRIENDs?

The best FRIEND we can have is Jesus. He will always be by our side, no matter what.

Amen.

Come join us for worship this summer at 9:30 am through Labor Day.

www.elcaAndy.org

T-Rex and Jesus

2011-07-19T17:21:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was our first day of this year’s Vacation BibleSchool program, “The Great Bibleland Dig”, recycled. The kids had a great time digging in our archaeological dig site outside the city of “Bethlehem” to find clues to answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”

So what did they find?

They found a small bottle, like for perfumes. They found an “ancient” king’s scepter with an “H” inscribed in it. They found a scroll with what appeared to be a star chart.

What Bible story do you think we were exploring today?

Right, the story of the Wise Men, or Magi, following a star and bringing gifts to the newborn king that prophecies and studies of ancient texts has foretold. They learned that Jesus was a GIFT from God, to us. They learned that Jesus was not the kind of king people expected. They expected a political royal to usurp the Roman Empire. They got a servant king.

They made a camel picture and Star of Bethlehem during craft time and ate rice krispy treats wrapped with licorice bows resembling gifts.

They dug for treasure in our archaeological dig site and found nuggets of gold that they could take home.

They ground up spices and herbs to make a sachet while learning about how these things were used in Jesus’ time.

They colored fuzzy felt dinosaur pictures and learned about another kind of king. They learned about T-Rex…tyrannosaurus rex. This dinosaur was so named after the word ‘tyrant.’ He ruled the dinosaur kingdom with fear. He was a tyrant dinosaur… a ferocious meat eater indiscriminately slaying any dinosaur to cross his path.

Tyrannosaurus rex and Jesus were completely opposite kinds of kings.

T-rex promoted a reign of terror. Jesus promoted a reign of love.

T-rex was a tyrant king. Jesus was a servant king.

And in a little church in Parsippany, a bunch of kids had a ton of fun playing amateur archaeologists while learning about Jesus, with a little dinosaur fun on the side.

They learned that Jesus is God’s GIFT to us.

Amen.

Who Is Jesus?

2011-07-08T18:31:00.000-04:00

That question has been bouncing around in my brain for 2 months now as I prepare for our Vacation Bible School program for our Children’s Circle Summer Camp at St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

We are resurrecting a Vacation Bible School program from 1999. The troubled economy is hitting all aspects of the Church. Augsburg Fortress, the publishing house of the ELCA, is cutting all sorts of programming, including the creation of new VBS material, so we’re recycling. The kids loved it in 1999 and I’m sure they are going to love it again, now. Of course we’ve made some adaptations as much of the “learner materials” are no longer available, but at least it will cost us less.

PLUS, what’s an archaeological dig if you don’t find some dinosaurs, right? (That’s certainly not part of the program, but it’s amazing what a little creativity can bridge together.) We’ll just dig a few layers deeper at each site and see what we find.

The Bible stories, and the question which they answer, are timeless and unfettered by any economic woes. They answer the question, “Who is Jesus?” THAT’s something we all want to know, right?

The challenge of Vacation Bible School is to make the Bible stories fun. This Vacation Bible School program is themed around an archaeological dig. We’re going to go digging in the Bible to find the answers to the question “Who is Jesus?”

We’ll start our archaeological dig at a site where three kings gazed at star maps and found a servant king unlike any before Him, a GIFT from God Himself.

Next we move to an archaeological site near Bethany were we find relics that point to the FRIENDship that Jesus shared with Mary and Martha.

After that dig, we move to a site where we discover ancient scrolls that TEACHERs in the temples and synagogues might have used.

We move on to an archaeological dig where we find the clues that point to a blind beggar and the HELP that he received from Jesus.

And lastly, we visit an archaeological dig site that uncovers a rocky road toward Emmaus, site of the SAVIOR’s appearance to two disciples.

So if Jesus is a GIFT, FRIEND, TEACHER, HELPER, and SAVIOR, what do Tyrannosaurus Rex, Mapusaurus, Pteradactylus, Maiasaura, and Oviraptor have to do with Jesus? You’ll have to check back here during VBS and keep reading to find out.

If you know a child up to age 10 in need of a Summer Camp experience, why not investigate Children’s Circle Summer Camp? You can send that child to camp for one week or several. The week of our VBS program is July 18-22.

RRRROARRRR! We’re going on a dig! Don’t forget your canteen! Call the Children’s Circle director at (973) 884-3652 for information, rates and to visit the Center.

Speaking for yourself

2011-06-27T23:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was Confirmation Sunday at St. Andrew. Four of our young people stepped up to a microphone and spoke to our congregation and told us what their faith and their relationship with God means to them. They had the opportunity to speak for themselves and claim the blessings given to them at their baptism.

If I could pick one unifying message from each of their speeches it would be this: Each one of them is confident that God will be with them throughout their lives, no matter what.

Hallelujah!

All those Sunday School lessons, confirmation classes, Sundays in worship, servant hours and fellowship events have not been wasted. They get it! They feel it! They know it in their hearts!

What a glorious reason to celebrate the Affirmation of their Baptisms as they CONFIRMED what their parents had promised for them, on their behalf as infants, when they were too young to ask to become a child of God with their own words.

They have now claimed for themselves the membership in the body of Christ given to them at their baptisms. Their membership fee has been paid in full by Jesus Christ.

Congratulations to Ryan, Viviane, Hannah and Andrew.

May you continue to always feel the Creator’s presence, the love of Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your lives, trusting in this faith that you have affirmed as a beloved child of God.

Come worship with us this Summer at 9:30 am on Sundays.

www.elcaAndy.org

In God's House There are Many Rooms

2011-06-21T21:56:00.000-04:00

Sunday was Father’s Day.

At St. Andrew we invite all the men of the congregation forward to be blessed, not just fathers. Why? Because many men function in the role of “father” to people other than their own children, or even when they have no children of their own.

Often when I think about Father’s Day, I think about the scripture, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:1-3

For me, this verse epitomizes how we are supposed to trust in God that He, as our Father, will provide us with a home; a place of shelter, love, and family. In the same way, our fathers on earth are charged with the task of providing a home for their children; a place of shelter, love and family. Sometimes our biological fathers are not able to fulfill that role and other men (and sometimes women) step in and make sure that we find ourselves in a home, a place of shelter, love and family.

Imagine our lives without these fathers and father figures.

Unfortunately there are many children in the world without a father, father figure, or home. May they take comfort in this Bible passage from John to know that there is one father above all others who will never fail them and who has prepared a place for them where they will find shelter, love and family.

Today I was waiting for a guest to arrive at Newark Airport. As I waited for her arrival, I was watching all the people coming and going through the security gate. I was amazed at the variety of people… people of all races and nationalities, ages and occupations… all going through the same gate to sit together on an airplane, just as we will all go through one door into that home God has prepared for ALL of us. What an amazing assortment of humanity! God does love to use a broad palette in his handiwork!

In God’s house there are many rooms… and we will ALL have a place there, even if we did not have one here. Amen.

Did you grow up with a father figure that provided a home for you? Maybe you are a man who has helped to provide a home for a child, or has acted as a father figure to a child who has none. God bless our fathers and the men who father us. May you continue to seek the wonderful role model that God sets before you….for in you, the children of the world will find shelter, love, and family.

Join us for worship this summer at 9:30 am each Sunday.

www.elcaAndy.org

Building our Houses on Sand

2011-06-17T20:17:00.000-04:00

Where have you built your house?

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rains fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.

Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell – and great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27

We’ve had quite a sprint of bad weather recently, here in NJ and more seriously in other parts of the country, and around the globe. Last night we had torrential rain with thunder and lightning. This spring has seen more flood warnings than I’ve remembered in recent history. Parts of the Midwest are seeing unprecedented flooding along both the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.

News reports have shown pictures of humongous swaths of the Midwest and Southern farm and ranch land covered in water for miles on end. Earlier this year, right in our own back yard, the Passaic River was above flood stage for almost a week in parts of Wayne and Fairfield.

It makes you wonder whose bright idea it was to build the homes, now under water, in the flood plain of these rivers. And who would be foolish enough to buy them?

In fairness, sometimes those homes weren’t in a flood plain to begin with but because of political decisions, flood plains or relief zones are re-mapped and moved. Again, who thought that was a good idea?

But, we really ought not be too critical. Don’t we also build our houses on sand?

Maybe not our physical home structures, but certainly our hearts and minds… the home for our spirit.

How often do we put trust in the media, our government, our jobs, a relationship, or our bank accounts over building a foundation of trust in God?

How often do we need to use the crutches of addictions, sensationalism, and other “isms” to prop up our crumbling lives, broken hearts and tortured minds?

How often do we step on the shifting sands of human promise instead of putting our feet on the solid rocks of divine promise?

By forgetting to trust in God and place our lives in His care, our spirits are beaten by the winds, rains, and floods of our lives, and our hearts and minds become weak. We easily struggle and fall.

By placing our confidence in God, our spirits may be beaten by those same winds, rains and floods of our lives, but our hearts and minds will weather those storms. We will rise against the world that would tear us down, and our spirits will be lifted high and held safe in the arms of a loving and merciful God who asks only for us to look to Him to be that sure foundation.

May you enjoy your beach vacations this summer; but watch how those sand castles are washed away with one swift wave. Remember the verses from Matthew and pledge to build your spirit’s foundation on the solid rock of Jesus. Amen.

In what ways have you built your house on sand? How can you start rebuilding on the solid rock of Christ?

Come build up your spirit in God's house at St. Andrew.
Join us for worship on Sundays, 9:30 am during the summer.
www.elcaAndy.org

Taking Comfort in the Midst of the Lightning

2011-06-09T21:27:00.000-04:00

Tonight as I write this there is a severe thunder and lightning storm going on outside.

I am safe inside and I am not afraid, probably foolishly so. Any one of the 10 oak trees on my small property could drop a large branch or come crashing down.

But yet, I am not afraid because a lifetime experiencing storms like this has shown that I can find a safe place where I need not fear the extreme elements; and I have access to scientific information that will explain what this incredible noise and light show is made of and why it happens.

I am not afraid because I have faith in the constructs of my world, simple though they may be, that protect me from the damage these elements can cause… my home, the power company, emergency personnel and first responders, etc.

I am not afraid because I trust that God will be by my side and protect me and my family.

And yet, I think about how our dog in the other room is tucked under my son’s arm, shaking in fear. She does not understand the science or that our house will protect her. Yet she seeks comfort and safety in the one place she knows she is safe. Her boy.

I think about our children, when they ask in fear, “what is that noise, Mommy?” and we answer… “The angels are bowling.” They can not understand what science has told us, so we offer something they might be able to understand, and they trust us to protect them and seek comfort in our arms.

I think about how vulnerable we are, even with all our technologically superior camping gear, should a storm like this crop up while we are camping. Where would we seek shelter? The meager protection of our nylon tent? A trail side lean-to? A cave perhaps? Where would our comfort come from then? I’d bet we’d be praying to our God for protection in addition to flipping through that Wilderness Survival Guide.

And what about earlier peoples in times before our scientific research led to quantifiable answers? What did Noah think of this type of storm as the rain began to pour down from the heavens? What about the Israelites wandering 40 years in the desert? How many storms did they see across the open expanses of sand and scrub, watching it approach closer and closer, praying for it to pass and spare them?

God has given us the gift of science to help understand our world around us, to help us put in place the protections that will help to keep us safe from the extremes of nature. But in the process, do we rely falsely upon these constructs so much that we no longer turn to the One who can guarantee our safety? Do we forget to be in awe of the incredible power of the One who created that lightning and thunder?

It has been a wild year, no …make that a wild few years, in the realm of natural disasters and wild weather for this country and for others around the globe. Our science and prediction devices can only protect us so much.

We must rely on the One who has the only true power to save us. We must trust, like children, in the protective love of our Father.

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” Psalm 5:11

Join us for worship on Sundays at 9:30 am

www.elcaAndy.org

What frightens you? Where do you find comfort from your fears?

Jesus was at our Church Picnic on Sunday

2011-06-07T14:41:00.000-04:00

Sunday was the St. Andrew annual church picnic and Jesus was there. How do I know?

We all had a blast! This is one of the reasons I love St. Andrew. We have a lot of fun together…whether we’re worshipping, picnicking, or working together, it’s all good because God is with us, and everyone knows it. “When two or more are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

And this picnic was more than just standard hot dogs and hamburgers (which of course were there). We also were treated to strips of steak, sausages, chicken and pulled barbecue pork. There were baked beans and salads. Happily, the people who “man” the grill seem to enjoy their role in preparing and cooking the picnic fare, and we are very grateful for their culinary enthusiasm.

But the icing on the cake, so to speak, was the dessert competition. Each year those who enjoy a baking challenge sign up to bring a dessert to enter in the “Sparkling Spoon Competition.” The prize? A sparkling spoon, of course…a wooden spoon (or some other variation) decorated with all the sparkle and baubles of a truly coveted trophy.

This year’s winner was a truly delightful person who is always willing to serve the St. Andrew community and our God…a worship leader, choir member, scheduler of worship servants, member of the Worship Team, and all-round good sport when asked to help with any ministry project. Totally unassuming, when Sandy won the Sparkling Spoon she was completely surprised and her surprise quickly turned into a dance of joy and laughter that was eagerly enjoyed by everyone in attendance.

We enjoyed sharing in her joy. This is what being a part of the body of Christ is all about…sharing in each other’s joys and sorrows.

There was a water balloon toss (actually two games of it) and I don’t think I remember ever seeing as many people join in the fun.

The kids were playing on the playground equipment, and running around with Super Soakers and Bubble Blowers. They had a piñata game administered and provided by the Youth Group.

The biggest kid of all, Pastor Fred, made sure to wear his bathing trunks so that he wouldn’t miss a minute of the Super Soaker fun.

There was bingo, with all sorts of goofy prizes, probably picked up at our recent Youth Group Yard Sale.

We didn’t even get to the guitar sing-a-long.

We have a lot of fun together. And Jesus is with us.

We were once given a charcoal drawing of the laughing Jesus. The pastor that gave it to us said that St. Andrew epitomized this side of Jesus that few people acknowledge…the Son of God who enjoyed life and could laugh.

I’m proud that this is how people see St. Andrew. Too often Christians are seen as stern-faced and judgmental people. Too often church or worship is seen as drudgery and couldn’t possibly be fun.

What’s not fun is trying to live life on your own.

“When two or more are gathered in my name, I am there is the midst of them.” If we remember that Jesus is with us, then being together will get us through the worst of times and help us to enjoy the best of times with a laughter that must certainly please our Father’s heart.

Come and join us for worship this Summer at 9:30 am on Sundays.

www.elcaAndy.org

Have you ever seen people having fun and felt that Christ was with them? Leave a comment and tell us your story.

A Matter of Perspective and Faith

2011-06-03T11:50:00.000-04:00

Oooh boy. Yesterday I turned 45. I remember being 10 and thinking that 45 was SOOOO OLD….like a dinosaur old, that’s almost HALF A CENTURY!!!

It’s all a matter of perspective.

Now I don’t even really think of people as “old.”

Because I’m never going to be old.

Sometimes I might FEEL old, but I’m never going to BE old.

There are too many things to learn to BE old.

With my family genetics and advances in health care, I’ve probably got a good chance of living to be 90 years old or more. So in that sense I’ve only lived half my life, maybe even less than half. I’ve got another half (or more) to go, and a lot of living to do. And yet, tomorrow it could be cut short, too. (Rapture anyone?)

In some ways, I feel like my life is just getting started all over again. My kids are mostly grown and in a few short years will likely no longer live with us. I’m at a place where I am searching out new career options and will likely embark on something new before long. The future is wide open. It’s scary. It’s exciting. I feel like I’m learning to walk all over again, and soon someone is going to say it’s time to learn to RUN!

When I started 2011, I told you (faithful readers) that I resolved to let the Holy Spirit guide me. I’ve been trying to pay attention for “God-signs” in my life, to point me in that direction. As I look at this “mid-point” in my life I realize that I’ve got a long way to go and I’d really better put it all in God’s hands, or things could get rough. But I also think to myself, “just think of the possibilities if I truly let God adjust the sails, hold the rudder and sail with His winds instead of against them.”

What will I become then? What might I accomplish then? How will God shine through me next?

I’m only half way there. The journey so far has been filled with blessings, even though I have frequently faltered on the path. I know that no matter where I journey, if I trust God to lead, I’ll never be alone and things will turn out just fine in the end.

It’s a matter of perspective. It’s a matter of faith.

So bring on the next 45 years! I’m ready!

Are you?

Join us for worship. Sundays at 9:30 am through Labor Day.

www.elcaAndy.org

Parades and Prices Paid

2011-05-30T17:08:00.001-04:00

Today is Memorial Day.

Americans are charged with taking the time this day to remember the men and women of our armed forces who have died in pursuit of the American ideal of freedom.

It is a solemn day.

It is a day of patriotic remembrance and pride. We remember that many men and women have paid the ultimate price so that we may have the freedoms we daily take for granted. We participate in and attend parades and ceremonies of remembrance which honor these people and celebrate the values for which these brave Americans have fought and died.

I live in a lake community in a section of a very large town. Our town, Parsippany, begins its Memorial Day celebration at Veteran’s Park with a Memorial Day Ceremony of Remembrance. My community also holds a parade and ceremony on the Saturday before Memorial Day. At each, members of our armed forces speak to the courage and valor of those who have died, pleading with us not to forget these fallen champions of freedom.

The news has frequently reported in recent years that we are losing those who fought in World War II at an increasing rate. Their stories, and the stories of their comrades who fell on the battlefield, are being sought, so that we will remember, and never forget the price of freedom.

As I watched several of the older members of my community who have served in our armed forces this weekend, I was, and will continue to be, humbled by the way they have served our country, both during their active duty and their continued lifetime of service to their community.

“Freedom isn’t free.” We know this today as well as the citizens of the 1940’s or the 1770's.

Don’t skip the ceremony. Take your children and teach them what price has been paid for them.

Your freedom to worship as you choose, was purchased with the blood of thousands of men and women who believed in the ideal of freedom enough to march behind a United States flag and stare tyranny in the face.

Your salvation was purchased with the blood of the innocent Son of God.

Grasp the gift purchased for you.

Come and worship.
Sundays, 9:30 am
www.elcaAndy.org

Choices

2011-05-25T22:07:00.000-04:00

Choices.

Life is full of them.

This past Saturday, you had the choice to buy into the hype that the world was ending, even though the Bible has clearly told us that “no one, not even the Son, knows the hour… Only the Father knows” (Matthew 24:36/Mark 13:32) or to go about your life with whatever you had planned.

Every day we make choices that affect how we move forward in our lives. Those choices also affect our relationship with God and with others.

We are created with the gift of free-will. We are free to make choices that separate us from God or bring us closer in relationship to Him. God has a plan for us, but gives us the choice to accept that plan or try our own way.

Even when our choices are less than ideal, we are still given more choices to move back into a right relationship with God.

June is frequently the season of Confirmations/Affirmation of Baptism celebrations. Four young people will stand before our congregation in June to affirm the choice made for them at their baptism... they will CHOOSE to be a child of God.

God continually gives us options that can lead us back to Him.

The door to God is never closed.

Because of Jesus.

Come and worship with us. Sundays at 9:30 am.

www.elcaAndy.org

Will I See You in Church Tomorrow?

2011-05-21T12:57:00.000-04:00

Ok, so there’s so much going on today, who can sit still?

It’s Armed Forces Day…remember and thank all those who serve.

The Preakness race is on tonight. Got a favorite horse? Are we likely to be headed toward a Triple Crown, or will the excitement be dashed tonight? I don’t bet the races, I just get excited to see history made.

Or, we’ll all be either raptured or left behind around dinner time so I wonder who will be left to watch the race, or even jockey the horses.

Hmmmm…I wonder if I’ll see you in church tomorrow.

Good grief.

Are we to believe this so-called prophet predicting our demise for this evening? I won’t even mention his name so that the search engines don’t give him one more byte of credibility.

But, you know he’s right in one thing. Christ will come again. I just don’t think that it’s going to be tonight.

Why not? Because:

“if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his home to be broken into. You too, be ready for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.” Luke 12:39-40

“you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.” 1 Thess. 5:2

“This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks for a sign, and yet no sign will be given it but the sign of Jonah (a call to repentance).” Luke 11:29

We will not be told of the date for our judgment. But we ARE to be ready...

We are to live EVERY DAY as if it would be our last chance to right wrongs, love one another, and choose Jesus for our savior…

Thank you to the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. I’m praying for your safety and a swift reunion with the people you love.

My home brewer hubby is cooking up a new batch of golden delight this afternoon. It will be ready to drink and share with friends in a couple of weeks.

The choir is singing a really cool song at the 10:45 am service at church tomorrow. Come, listen and enjoy. Better yet, bring a friend.

I’ll see you in church tomorrow.

www.elcaAndy.org

Join us for worship tomorrow at 8:30 and 10:45 am.

Summer Worship Schedule begins May 29 with ONE service at 9:30 am

We are ALL saints... AND sinners

2011-05-18T17:50:00.000-04:00

Many people wonder if Lutherans worship saints.

Martin Luther professed us all saints AND sinners.

Saints…honor them, yes, somewhat; worship them, no.

For example, today (May 18) is the day we remember Erik, King of Sweden, who died a martyr in 1160.

Erik Jedvardsson was king of Sweden from 1150 until his death in 1160. During that time he is credited with crusades and attempts to bring peace and Christianity to Finland and the Nordic lands under Swedish control. He was also credited with striving to establish fair laws and courts.

He is reported to have been slain upon leaving worship on the day after the Ascension celebration. Even though he had been warned of the Danish army’s approach, he continued his worship until having finished the feast (Communion), planning to continue the rest of worship later.

He is considered the Patron Saint of Sweden.

In practice, most Lutherans wouldn’t know one “saint” from another. Most “saint days” fall mid-week and are often not remembered in Sunday worship either. The ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church inAmerica) does list in its worship planning resources those “saints” who we do honor for their efforts toward of the spread of Christianity or their service to humanity or God’s creation. The practical remembrance of these “saint days” is left to individual congregations to recognize if they choose. So you can guess what frequently happens.

On the one hand, I like to learn new things, in particular something historical in significance. So I would probably enjoy learning more about the saints that we honor and should seek to remember.

On the other hand, elevating one person over another doesn’t sit well in my gut. Would God approve of King Erik more than he approves of me? Luther says we are justified by faith, not by works. Only God can judge my faith.

I think what is important here is to remember that we honor these “saints” for the examples that they set, not so much because they were people any better than you or me.

What do you think? Would you like to see more information about the “saints” of the Christian Church, recognized by the ELCA, in our worship bulletins?

Would you like to see more blog posts detailing the people whom our church recognizes for their contributions to the Church (capital C)?

I wonder how this blog will be reviewed in heaven by Luther and King Erik…

www.elcaAndy.org
Join us for worship this Sunday at 8:30 am or 10:45 am.
Join us for worship at 9:30 am as we begin our Summer schedule on May 29 with ONE Sunday worship service.

Jesus is a gate

2011-05-16T20:58:00.001-04:00

Picket or wrought iron? How about human flesh and bone…?

Yesterday was commonly called “Good Shepherd Sunday” for the reference to the Gospel lesson of the day.    In this Gospel lesson (John 10:1-10), Jesus says in verse 7, “I am the gate.”

We’ve often seen pictures of Jesus carrying lambs or walking with a shepherd’s staff, but, as Pastor Fred noted on Sunday, “it would be interesting and I doubt we’ll ever see Jesus pictured as a gate.”

In his sermon, Pastor Fred explained that this phrase would have created a different image for the people of Jesus’ day than for us. Instead of a gate swinging open and shut, envision the shepherd lying across the doorway between large stone walls that would encompass the sheep pen.    In this way, Jesus tells us that He will be that shepherd guarding the opening in the wall, sleeping across the threshold, the gatekeeper through whom everyone and everything would have to pass by in order to get to the sheep.

We can take comfort in this image of Jesus as “the gate.” No one will be able to get past Him into the fold to harm us. Not one of us will be able to stray away from the fold without His knowledge.

Stubborn, nudging and stinky sheep that we are, we may push through the gate and go astray; but Good Shepherd that Jesus is, He will know where we have gone and will find us and guide us back to His protection. We will follow Jesus because we know His voice. The familiarity and love of the Good Shepherd will comfort us and call us back to the safety of His care. “The stranger, they will not follow,” John 10:5

Thank you God for giving us such a devoted shepherd that He would lie across the threshold to keep away the bad guys and keep us safely within the fold…always on watch.

He stretched out upon a cross to be a gatekeeper to death. What better shepherd could we want?

What do you think of this image of Jesus as “the gate?”

www.elcaAndy.org
Come worship with us: 8:30 & 10:45 am Sunday
One service 9:30 am beginning Memorial Day weekend

Unknowingly Walking with Jesus

2011-05-13T20:52:00.000-04:00

I love the Gospel story from this past Sunday. Luke 24: 13-35

Two disciples are walking on the road to Emmaus, leaving Jerusalem after all that had happened since the Passover. How incredulous! Mary and the other women had reported back to the disciples that Jesus was alive and yet they are leaving Jerusalem, refusing to believe these women disciples!

But the story gets better. Jesus comes upon these disciples and walks and talks with them, but their eyes are not opened to know him. Jesus purposely does not reveal Himself to the disciples but instead allows them to confess their unbelief by telling Him of all that had happened but how they did not understand that Jesus had conquered death.

After arriving at the disciples’ destination, Jesus joins them in a meal where he blesses the bread, breaks it, and shares it with them. It is at THIS point, in the breaking of the bread, that their eyes are opened and Jesus is revealed to them. Jesus then vanishes from their midst.

Now they recognize how their “hearts burned within” them while He walked and talked with them.

Now, when it is getting dark, the disciples run the seven miles back to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples that it is indeed true, what the women have told them.

“Oh foolish men and slow of heart to believe…” Luke 24:25

So often I am also like these disciples, the path I follow taking me away from where I probably should be going.

How often my heart aches over something I read or see? Yet, do I look there for Jesus?

In so many ways we often flounder around seeking what is right there before us. If we would only open our eyes.

I love this story because it comforts me to know that even when I am blind to Jesus, He is still there walking right beside me.

Jesus does not withhold His love for me because I’m caught up in the trappings of my own little world.

He is revealed to me every Sunday, in Holy Communion. "Do this in remembrance of me."

Join us for worship every Sunday.
Memorial Day through Labor Day, ONE service @ 9:30 am
September - May, 8:30 & 10:45 am
www.elcaAndy.org

Nickel by dime by quarter by dollar - Thank YOU!

2011-05-09T21:09:00.000-04:00

Nickel by dime by quarter by dollar. Everything was priced to sell and boy did we sell it!

Thank you to everyone who donated to or shopped at our Yard Sale to benefit our Youth Group. Your donations/purchases will help send our Youth and their chaperones to the 2012ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans next summer. As those who attended the 2009 event will tell you, it is a life-changing event.

Memories are made that will last a life-time. Worship experiences will be had that will likely be unrivaled in their lives. Servant experiences will leave impressions that will never be forgotten.

This Yard Sale was the first big step in the fund-raising and bonding process that makes for a fun trip together. The kids were terrific. They were responsible for making the “financial transactions” of each sale. They learned a lot about salesmanship in the process. They learned about working together. They learned more about each other and began cementing friendships that will grow and flourish as they work toward their goal. Adults helped by helping shoppers, moving and displaying merchandise, condensing tables, and moving stuff “forward and out” (out of our Friendship Hall, down the hall, into the narthex and finally into the parking lot) as there was room and things were sold. People who don’t have kids in the Youth program showed up to help, they love and believe in our kids that much.

Because of you, our kids are $2500 on their way to New Orleans.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

www.elcaAndy.org
Come worship with us on Sunday, 8:30 & 10:45 am

Yard Sale Bargains Galore - but How Much for Your Soul?

2011-05-06T21:47:00.003-04:00

Priced to sell! Bargains galore!

While these are the sales pitches for tomorrow’s Yard Sale to benefit our Youth Group, they hardly seem fitting words for a church, or are they?

While you might find a lawn spreader for $5 or a Nordic Trac Eliptical for $100 or a candle for only 25 cents (bargains all), what would you pay for the redemption of your soul?

Jesus paid the ultimate price for your salvation. He suffered betrayal, humiliation, torture and a brutal death to ransom our souls from Satan. You, however, need only to ask forgiveness and believe in Him to be saved.

Now THAT’s a bargain.

Come check out the thousands of bargains we offer at our Yard Sale tomorrow and help send our Youth to the 2012 ELCA National YouthGathering in New Orleans.

COME AND SHOP --- RAIN or SHINE!
TOMORROW - Sat., May 7, 8:00 am until 3:00 pm
St. Andrew Lutheran Church
335 Reynolds Ave., Parsippany, NJ 07054
(973) 887-6713
Click here for directions
Or check out our website: www.elcaAndy.org

How a Yard Sale will Keep a Memory Alive

2011-05-04T21:37:00.001-04:00

This Saturday, May 7 from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm, the Youth of Saint Andrew will be hustling about helping you make a fantastic purchase from our Yard Sale. There are thousands, and I mean literally thousands, of items to choose from. Come and shop.... RAIN or SHINE!!!

The proceeds from this Yard Sale will help to offset the costs of sending these Youth (and their chaperones) to the 2012 ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans next year. The goal is to raise as much of the estimated cost of $1500 for each person as possible. Your purchase at our Yard Sale will help us on the fund-raising journey to make that happen.

Three years ago when our Youth attended this gathering, they took a special banner with them to remind them of the one person missing from their group whose smile is very much missed among them.

In 2006, our congregation lost a member of our Youth to acute myeloid leukemia. She was 16. She was good friends with all the kids from St. Andrew who attended the 2009 Gathering. So in her honor they brought a banner displaying her face and the message that she would be transformed along with them. The kids tied the banner to the Super Dome railing, along with hundreds of other banners from churches around the country. It helped them to remember that she was with them in spirit. Stani would have LOVED sharing the experience of the National Youth Gathering.

Next summer, this next bunch of kids plan to take this banner with them again. Among the group will be Stani’s sister.

So your purchase at this Saturday’s Yard Sale will not only help a bunch of Youth to have the experience of a lifetime, you will help keep a memory alive… the memory of a very special sixteen year old girl whose smile would light up any room and whose personality you could not help but enjoy.

Jesus lived in Stani. Now she lives with him.

Come SHOP!
May 7, from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm
St. Andrew Lutheran Church
335 Reynolds Ave.
Parsippany, NJ 07054
(973) 887-6713
Directions click here

One Man's Junk will send a Youth to New Orleans

2011-05-01T17:25:00.002-04:00

In just a few days, thousands (and I do literally mean thousands) of items of one person’s junk will become another person’s treasure.
Rain or shine.

Yes, it’s a yard sale.

But not just ANY yard sale. This is the every 3 years St. Andrew Youth Group Yard Sale.

On Saturday, May 7 from 8 am until 3 pm, you can peruse thousands of items that are in need of recycling…. From one person’s home to another.

How fitting that so briefly following Easter, new life will be given to items that one person felt were junk. Another person will find that less than shiny bauble and with a little elbow grease make new what once was old.

Less stuff in landfills. Fewer dollars spent from budgets that are already tight. Less $ on the credit card this month.

You kid has outgrown that stroller? Well maybe a new mom-to-be who is struggling to make ends meet in this less than stellar economy would like to take it around the block a few more times.

Personally, I find holding a Yard Sale to usually be more pain than it’s worth. But THIS Yard Sale is an exception.

First of all, I get to clean out my house of some of those items no longer being used by my family.

Second, the proceeds from this sale will benefit the Youth of St. Andrew, which includes my son at this time. In July 2012, several of our Youth Group will travel to New Orleans for the ELCA National Youth Gathering. My daughter went a few years ago. It is one of those life experiences that shapes the hearts and minds of a young person for his/her entire life. She will never forget the experience and the things she learned there.

Third, this activity is a bonding event for our Youth. Working together to begin to earn some dough, they begin to really get to know each other. They begin to feel a common purpose and common goal.

Fourth, this activity brings the faces of our Youth into the fore of the minds of the members of our congregation. Their upcoming trip will be front and center in the activities of the church for the next year.

Fifth, by working this activity, our Youth take responsibility for their own commitment to get themselves and their chaperones to New Orleans with as little financial pain to their parents as possible.

And lastly, the work they do to get there will make the event that much more sweet when they worship together with 35,000 other Lutheran Youth in the Super Dome in New Orleans and when they head out to work together on any one of the hundreds of service projects that these youth will undertake.

So come find a new treasure!

Help send a Youth to New Orleans for the experience of a lifetime!

Whatever your motivation, COME SHOP!

May 7 @ St. Andrew, 8 am - 3 pm
www.elcaAndy.org for directions

Cut it Out

2011-04-30T20:33:00.000-04:00

Today I was outside for much of the day pruning some of my neighbor’s bushes, in particular, a large forsythia that kept me busy for some time. It gave me plenty of opportunity to think about how often the Church and our own personal lives also often need a good pruning.

(For those of you who don’t know, my family looks out for and takes care of my elderly neighbor, Barbara.)

Barbara’s forsythia isn’t just huge, it’s humongous. I bring out a ladder to reach some of the top stuff that needs trimming. It takes a long time to shape and thin. (My hair dresser can probably say the same thing!) This year I was going to pay the price for having neglected this task for the past two years as I face three seasons of growth.

Long tendrils of forsythia branches had grown almost down to the ground. New growth shoots on the inside of the bush would struggle to grow if the heavier growth on the outside was allowed to shade the interior.

A very old, and very large forsythia in the process of being pruned.

It’s a very old bush. Many years ago I got out there and cut out a lot of the thicker and older branches to allow some room for new shoots to fill out and strengthen the infrastructure of the bush in upcoming years. Each year I cut out the dead wood from the previous year. Each year I try to trim down one or two really old stalks so that the process of new growth can continue. It seems to be working. It is amazing to me to see some of those thick old branches still shooting off new growth, even down inside the bush.

Truthfully, I’m not even sure if I’m really doing it right. It took me a year or two (a long time ago) before I understood that I should really prune forsythia after it is done flowering in the Spring, not in the Fall. But in the end, the bush seems to hold a nice shape, flowers beautifully in the Spring, and my neighbor is happy that I keep it from becoming an unsightly monster. It’s exhausting, but fulfilling. I imagine that it would hurt (if forsythia had feelings), but the result is worth the work or pain.

God encourages us to do pruning in our own lives and in the Church as well.

A healthy Church does not allow individuals or groups to sway it from its Mission. A healthy Church will, by keeping its Mission in focus, eventually trim away those whose ideas or self-interests are at odds with its Mission by not giving them the power to alter the Mission. A healthy Church gives rise to new ideas and ways of doing things that still support the vision of its Mission. A healthy Church builds new life upon the strength and wisdom of healthy older lives that encourage new ideas, new visions, and new ways of being Christ to our communities.

Of course, a healthy Church knows its Mission in the first place and has its roots grounded in Christ.

God encourages us to do the same with our own lives. We are to prune away the things that weigh us down and keep us from growing… the over-commitment to things that ultimately mean little, the addictions to things that keep us from being committed to the One Thing that can make an eternal difference for our lives, and the people and things that poison our hearts and minds and keep us from seeking out the nourishing and life-giving Grace of God, to name a few.

When we do these things…our lives, and our Churches, will grow and bear fruit with the abundance that God has intended to fill our lives.

John 15:2 “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

Amen.

Are you willing to cut away the dead wood in your life? What sort of things (or people) hamper or come between you and your relationship with God? What can you prune away to stimulate your spiritual growth?

www.elcaAndy.org
Worship with us on Sundays at 8:30 and 10:45 am
Come support our Youth Group Fundraiser:
Yard Sale, May 7 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

The Easter Resurrection Births a New Church

2011-04-26T21:26:00.001-04:00

We are now in the season of Easter until the Day of Pentecost. During these upcoming weeks we’ll hear stories of Jesus appearing to His disciples, assuring them of His Resurrection, comforting them from their distress, chastising them for their disbelief, warning them of the dangers ahead, praying for His disciples, giving them hope with the promise of the Holy Spirit, and then ascending to Heaven before their eyes.

On June 12, we’ll celebrate Pentecost as Jesus delivers to us His Holy Spirit, but in between we’ll walk with our risen Lord as He lives among us.

Imagine the joy! All of creation wanted to cry out when Jesus conquered death and rose victorious on Easter Sunday. With Jesus’ Resurrection there is a New Creation….the Church…God’s Holy People, made of flesh and bone but born again as REDEEMED Children of God.

The Church is made new in the Resurrection of Christ!

Christ is risen, Alleluia!

Join us for worship on Sundays at 8:30 and 10:45 am

www.elcaAndy.org

Easter - Be Not Afraid!

2011-04-24T22:58:00.000-04:00

Jesus Christ is Risen Today…Alleluia!

All during Lent we have spent time in self-reflection, trying to look at ourselves as God might, trying to change our lives and our hearts and our thinking to reflect the commandment of Jesus to “love one another as I have loved you.”

The last few days have been emotion filled as our collective guilt roared to a crescendo and we cried on Good Friday, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

As we left church on Friday, we shared in the darkness of the world, a world without Jesus. We are left bereft of the Light of the World, feeling alone, guilty, and maybe a bit scared.

Did you feel empty on Saturday? Did you feel a little like you were in limbo? What are you supposed to be feeling about where Jesus is right now…dead in a tomb, wrestling for victory on our behalf?

But we are also gifted with the knowledge and hope of the Resurrection! Imagine the fear and the despair of those who believed Jesus to be the Messiah to see Him dead on the cross and laid in the tomb. The doubt that must have assailed them, “Could we have been wrong? How could this be?”

It is no surprise therefore that the first words of the angels in the garden near the tomb are “Do not be afraid!” Or that the risen Jesus first greets Mary Magdalene and the other women with “Do not be afraid!” Or that His first words to His discples upon meeting them after His Resurrection is "Do not be afraid!"

For all my soul searching during Lent I still fear that I will come up short (or fall down short) in the eyes of God. How can I possibly be good enough? How can I withstand the temptations of the world? What will happen if I fail to resist those temptations? What if…? How?

For all my life-long relationship with God and the church THESE doubts still sometimes creep into my mind and my heart.   Martin Luther’s Small Catechism is full of answers to these doubts. The New Testament is full of answers to these doubts.

But the biggest piece of evidence to answer my doubts lies in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ , which we celebrate today… Easter Sunday. Jesus rises from the grave and speaks, not only to Mary and the other disciples, He speaks to me, and to you…. “Be not afraid!” Love has conquered all.

God knows we can not be perfect, or sinless. He knows we will fail. He knows we will reject Him; and yet, He suffered unimaginable pain and loss through His death on the cross because He loves us. He took the fear and the pain upon Himself and turns to us to say, “Don’t be afraid. I’ve gone ahead of you and won the victory over death. I’ve been through it all. I know what you are going through and I will see you through it, if you but trust and believe in me.”

On this Easter Resurrection Sunday we are given the gift of a life free from fear, if we are willing to grasp it.   Christ is Risen, Alleluia!

Every Sunday is a little Easter celebration. Don’t miss the opportunity to be refreshed anew after being beaten down each week.   Come celebrate the Resurrection every Sunday and join the disciples as they conquer their fear and stride forth into the world to tell the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Join us for worship - Sundays at 8:30 & 10:45 am
www.elcaAndy.org

And we crucified him...

2011-04-22T22:32:00.000-04:00

Today is Good Friday.

The Gospels all say some variable of "there they crucified Him."

Knowing how culpable we all are in the death of Jesus by virtue of our sinful nature, I suggest that we read these verses differently and say, "there we crucified Him."

Each time we willfully choose to turn our back on God, to turn away from His love and mercy, in search of what the world offers us instead, we crucifiy our Lord again. For God offers us His Grace...His underserved love and forgiveness...because His Son paid the ransom for our souls so that we might have life eternal with our Father in Heaven.

If you have any doubt about the suffering Jesus went through on our behalf, check out the link below to a medical doctor's evaluation of the method of execution during Roman rule called crucifixion.

http://www.vancouverchurchofchrist.org/bible-study-series-outline/3-1-2-medical-account-of-the-crucifixion/

The curtain in the temple that separates us from God was torn in two.
The wall that sin built up between our Father and His children has been torn down.

The world now waits...3 days in darkness...for victory over death to shine forth as we find an empty tomb on Easter morning.

Join us for Easter worship. 8:30 and 10:45 am. Easter breakfast 9:45 am. Free-will offering.
www.elcaAndy.org for directions

Judas' Bad Rep Rap (video)

2011-04-21T16:43:00.000-04:00

Here's an attempt to spice up the last post. Sorry no sound...I don't have a mic! (Hey, it's a church budget you know...besides...this chick doesn't seem to rap so well...it sounds much better in my head. Well, you've got to try something new once in a while, right? Hope you can find the rhythm!)

Judas' Bad Rep Rap

2011-04-21T11:57:00.001-04:00

Judas’ Bad Rep Rap by Tina Levorse

I’ve got a bad rep, that much is true
You’ve heard the story, some of it is gory, but it all had purpose
Yeah… Yeah…

Jesus was my Lord, my love for Him was true
I’ve been called pariah, but He was my Messiah, and my deed was monstrous
Yeah… Yeah…

But He chose Me, what could I do
I felt the call, as did we 12 all, to follow this Dude around the land
Walking…walking…

Feeding the hungry, healing the sick
Crowds pressing in, reaching out to touch his skin, with outstretched hands
Yearning…Yearning…

Jesus touched their hearts, He touched mine too
I knew He was special, a man from God - celestial, to return Israel to power
Hoping… Hoping …

Why was He not moving? What’s this talk of death?
Defeat the Romans? Without even a swordsman? Why all this passive strolling about town?
Waiting….waiting…

He’s pissing off the Pharisees, how will that move Rome?
Breaking bread with friends…will it never end? I’ll force his hand and make Him wear His crown!
Plotting….. Scheming ….

Three years of austerity. Where is the posterity?
Three years I’ve waited. Now I will be hated, for what He is forcing me to do.
Secret…. Meetings …..

30 silver pieces.   I have betrayed my Lord.
I lead the soldiers to Him. He still knows that I love Him. Betrayed with a kiss.
Broken…. Hearted …..

Jesus knew that I would weaken, wasn’t strong enough
To deny the tempter’s power. Satan filled my final hours. Redemption for me is lost.
Alone…. alone …..

Oh what have I done?   There is nowhere to run.
I have answered Satan’s call. Will he win after all? Because I didn’t understand the plan?
Lost….. lost …..

Life is not worth living. I’m not worth forgiving!
No redemption for me.   But with this rope and from that tree…perhaps I’ll end this misery.
Silence… Stillness…

Jesus’ heart is broken. Judas refused the token
Of His love.   Forgiveness was his to have.   If he had only asked. If only he had asked…
Loving…forgiveness..
Un-ending...eternal…
Just ask…Just ask…
Yeah.

www.elcaAndy.org
Come worship with us tonight. Agape Meal (potluck) 6:30 pm. Bring an item to share. Free-will offering. Maundy Thursday Worship @ 7:45 pm
Good Friday Worship @ 7:30 pm. Service of lengthening shadows/increasing darkness.
Easter Worship @ 8:30 and 10:45 am, Easter Breakfast @ 9:45 am - free-will offering.

Jesus ramps it up in Holy Week

2011-04-20T23:19:00.000-04:00

When you read the Gospel accounts of Holy Week I have to stop and wonder if Jesus wasn’t purposely ramping up the religious leaders, goading them into plotting his death.

In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, we hear multiple stories of Jesus agitating the religious leadership shortly after His triumphal ride into Jerusalem met by cheering crowds:

Jesus turns over the tables of the money changers in the temple and rebukes the chief priests and scribes;

He agitates them further when He challenges them when they question by whose authority He does His teaching.

He goads them further when He tells the parable of the wicked vine-growers, alluding to the religious leaders being the vine-growers.

He outright warns the people listening to Him to “beware the scribes…”

It is no wonder that they plotted to kill Jesus. He was undermining their authority and showing them up to be liars and thieves. He was gaining favor with the people and turning them away from the traditions and practices which the religious leadership sought to preserve as a right to gain power and wealth.

So dangerous was this Jesus of Nazareth that it would be only days until those in power would try to claim victory by His death.

Little did they know that by His death, Jesus would be victorious over all.

Isn’t it ironic that we seek to silence the voices who call us to question the status quo or stand up against the tyranny of the powerful? Think Boston Tea Party. The Holocaust. Tiananmen Square. Egypt. Libya. Lebanon. Israelites and Palestinians. Sudan. Uganda. Women’s Suffragists. Civil rights marches. Those who protest for and against the rights of gays and lesbians, transgendered and transsexuals.

Revolts and revolutions abound…throughout history and our current daily news.

What about those who stand up or speak out with in the church? Do we let their voices be heard? Or do we drive them out? Maybe Holy Week is also a good week to think about the other voices among us who challenge us to think outside the box as we worship, study, and fellowship together.

What would Jesus think about the way your church worships and conducts its ministry?

www.elcaAndy.org
Join us tomorrow for Maundy Thursday. Dinner at 6:30 pm, bring an item to share. Free-will offering. Worship @ 7:45 pm with Holy Communion and foot washing.
Join us Good Friday at 7:30 pm for a Tenebrae Service of lengthening shadows/increasing darkness.

Don't Toss Out the Oreo Filling of Your Holy Week

2011-04-19T21:16:00.000-04:00

Yesterday’sblog about Palm Sunday talked about the cookie in our Oreo. Today we'll talk about the filling.

Palm Sunday begins with celebration and ends with the story of the crucifixion. We leave the service fully steeped in the knowledge that within the span of a week we go from shouting “Hosanna!” to turning our backs on God, denying His Son, and demanding Pilate to “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

I’ve often wondered why the designers of the church year cram all this emotion and storytelling into one Sunday. I guess it is so that those who only worship on Sunday will hear the whole story …so that we do not rejoice on Easter without hearing of how we are all culpable in the death of Jesus.

But only attending Holy Week services on Palm Sunday and Easter is like eating the Oreo cookie and tossing out the cream filling. (Although there are some people who do eat their Oreo’s exactly like that.)

Please, please, don’t skip out on the other opportunities to worship during Holy Week. Just because we sang “Hosanna!” two days ago, don’t think we’re finished getting ready for Easter.

While yes, we will hear the stories that detail this last week of Jesus’ life in human form again during worship on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, each worship experience creates unique opportunities for us to become closer to God.

Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday

Join us as we share an Agape Meal (agape means “love”…as in brotherly love) on Thursday (April 21) beginning at 6:30 pm. Bring an item to share. We also take a free-will offering to help offset the costs. Our meal is followed by our Maundy Thursday worship service beginning at 7:45 pm. We share in Holy Communion as modeled by Jesus during the Passover Seder with His disciples at the Last Supper. Pastor Fred also invites anyone who wishes to come forward for foot washing, a modeling by Jesus of the how we are to be a servant to each other. At the end of our worship service, our sanctuary (church worship space) is stripped of all decoration and we leave in silence.

Good Friday

On Good Friday (April 22), we worship at 7:30 pm in a bare sanctuary with only a black swag draped over the cross as we hear the story of the betrayal, crucifixion and death of Jesus one last time. The tomb slams shut and our hearts are broken. While this sounds depressing and ominous, and is not necessarily a worship service that small children will enjoy, we are called to spend a few minutes contemplating our Lord’s last moments on the cross and the price He paid for our salvation. By participating in this story we feel the utter aloneness and finality that seems to rule the day. This sadness is but the tiniest, tiniest glimpse of the ransom paid for us. But we know that this is not the end.

To truly be able to live with joy in Christ’s Resurrection, you need to be a part of Good Friday. Easter is oh so much more of a sweet and happy celebration when you have gone to the cross on Good Friday.

So don’t skip the filling. Join us for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship services. You’ll find yourself feeling even closer to God and your Easter joy will have even more meaning.

Why do you, or don't you, go to Maundy Thursday or Good Friday worship services? Please leave a comment and let us know.

www.elcaAndy.org

Waving Holy Week On Toward Easter

2011-04-18T12:52:00.000-04:00

The season of Lent is almost complete. Easter is a few days away. On Sunday, our hallelujahs will rise in joy and tell the world of the glory and triumph of our God. Churches around the world will be filled with people, their voices raised in song proclaiming “Hallelujah! Jesus is risen!”

But before we can celebrate our Lord’s triumph over death, we still have some work to do and lessons to learn.

Beginning with yesterday, Palm Sunday, we hear the celebratory story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, welcomed as a king. The people recognize him as someone special, possibly even their Messiah. They have seen and heard of the miracles He has done.

We join them and become a part of the story as they wave palm branches and lay their coats across the road to keep the dust from kicking up onto this man of God. We march around the church waving our palm branches and shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!”

They know, as do we, that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 “Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

But many expected a different kind of king. They thought the Messiah would deliver them from the unjust and oppressive rule of Rome and restore Israel to greatness.

How often do we expect a different Savior than the way in which Jesus comes to us?

How often are we fair weather Christians? As long as the going is going our way, we’re right there waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna!” But as soon as the going gets tough or things don’t go our way, do we turn around and abandon our God thinking He has broken His promises? Do we become like the crowd in Jerusalem only days later shouting for Pilate to “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

In order to truly celebrate Easter we need to see ourselves for whom we really are. And THAT requires a full investment in Holy Week.

I invite you to join me here this week and we’ll get ready for the most spectacular event in history…Easter.

www.elcaAndy.org
Maundy Thursday, 4/21, Dinner 6:30 pm - bring an item to share. Free-will offering. Worship 7:45 pm
Good Friday, 4/22, 7:30 pm Tenebrae Service (increasing darkness/shadows)
Easter Sunday, 4/24, 8:30 & 10:45 am Worship, 9:45 am Easter Breakfast (free-will offering)

Egg Hunt - tomorrow @ 10:00 am

2011-04-15T20:57:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is St. Andrew’s annual Easter Egg Hunt. We gather together at 10:00 am so don’t be late as you can imagine how quickly the eggs are scooped up.

But what is the origin of the Egg Hunt and why do we color/dye the eggs?

Basically, eggs are a symbol of new life, both in Christian tradition and in earlier pagan practice. It is not hard to see how the egg was associated with the prospect of new life, as a new life is begun when an egg hatches.

One legend tells a story of Mary Magdalene where she tells Pilate that “Christ is risen” only to be rebuked with “he is as much alive as that egg is red” and upon looking at a previously white egg to find it now colored red.

Other thoughts pin this practice to the Medieval period when it was forbidden to eat eggs during Lent. The eggs were hard-boiled or preserved in other ways and often painted or dyed to provide a fun entertainment for the children and something to do with the eggs. This made eggs an Easter day specialty.

The practice of coloring the eggs may also come from early pagan spring festivals and rituals, later adapted and tweaked to celebrate Christian ideology in the resurrection of Christ.

I don’t seem to be able to find any real details about the beginnings of the Easter Egg Hunt, but I’m guessing it was a way to get rid of all those eggs that piled up over Lent.

Whatever the origin, the symbol of an egg as new life and its use in the Easter celebration of Christ’s Resurrection is here to stay.

And, it’s fun!

So come over to St. Andrew tomorrow morning at 10:00 am. Bring your Easter basket to collect your eggs. The hunt is open to children up to age 10. The event is FREE and will be held rain (indoors) or shine(outdoors)! Refreshments will be served following the egg hunt.

www.elcaAndy.org

Devotion - Recreating the Temple in Jerusalem

2011-04-13T17:42:00.000-04:00

Holy Week will soon be upon us. Palm Sunday is this coming Sunday, April 17.

We will hear a multiude of stories about Jesus' time in Jerusalem beginning with His entry into Jerusalem on a donkey.

I thought it might be a good time to contemplate what the temple in Jerusalem might have looked like.

Follow the link below and look at the amazing creation of Alec Garrard. It is remarked to be the most realistic reproduction of the temple and its various levels. After you read the news story and look at the pictures, contemplate the heartfelt dedication to God of a man whose wife says he is mad.

What are you passionate about? Does it include God?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1155962/Pensioner-spends-30-years-building-amazing-model-Herods-Temple---admits-wont-finish-it.html

www.elcaAndy.org
Easter Egg Hunt, Sat., April 16, 10:00 am, Rain or shine. FREE! Don't be late. Refreshments served.

Friends and Tabbouleh

2011-04-10T19:46:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you never know what you’ll learn to like when you meet new people.

I’m not always the most adventurous person, but for the sake of neighborliness I found a new food (actually a bunch of new foods) that will forever be a reminder of a terrific friendship.

Tabbouleh.

If you’ve never eaten it, it looks somewhat strange. It’s one of those salads you’re not sure what it is by looking. In reality, it is parsley, tomato, onion, bulgur (or cracked) wheat, lemon juice, olive oil, and a little salt and pepper. Not so scary when you know what’s in it, huh?

For me it is also symbolic of friendship. You’re not sure what you’re getting in a new friend until you get to know her.

Many years ago, new neighbors moved in behind our house. There was a fence between the properties and so I couldn’t really see much to learn about them, but they often spoke a different language, one I couldn’t recognize. I got to meet my friend Olga at the school bus stop. Their family is Lebanese. Through the friendship of our daughters and being Girl Scout leaders together, we became really good friends. We decided to cut a gate in the fence.

The first time we were invited to their house, we were offered a mix of Lebanese and American styled foods. Among those foods was a bowl of tabbouleh. Olga’s mom, Lody, made this salad and is “reknown” for her attention to chopping the parsley incredibly fine. Everybody was commenting on having to have some of Lody’s tabbouleh, so I had to try some too. It was delicious! As were almost all the other Lebanese foods we sampled. (The grape leaves still have yet to grow on me.) After many years of eating together, Olga once joked that her American friends all looked forward to the Lebanese food almost more than her Lebanese friends.

Olga and her family now live in Chicago. I miss them a lot, but I’m not the greatest at long-distance relationships. Luckily, I feel like Olga and I can pick up easily even if we haven’t spoken for months.

Yesterday I made tabbouleh. It will forever remind me of the blessings of the friendship with this family and of all that I learned about another culture because of them.

I have many wonderful friends who color and fill my life and challenge me to grow in ways I would probably not normally venture. I thank God for all of them.

Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times.”

Today’s Gospel lesson was of the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus wept and was moved by the sadness of his friends, Mary and Martha. Mary and Martha could only begin to imagine how their lives would be changed by their friendship with Jesus. He opened up a future previously unimaginable to them.

Tabbouleh is a Mediterranean salad. I wonder if Jesus ate tabbouleh? I think he’d find it a fitting food to share with friends.

What is a favorite food that you first enjoyed because of a friend?

www.elcaAndy.org
Easter Egg Hunt, Sat., April 16, 10:00 am, Rain or Shine. FREE. Don't be late. For children up to age 10. Refreshments will follow.

7 Ways Your Dog Displays the Thumbprint of God

2011-04-08T17:11:00.002-04:00

When God gave humans “dominion over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Gen. 1:27-28) he gave us the responsibility of their care as well. In domesticating dogs, humans have taken that responsibility one step further; we have made them our companions and workmates. While animals are not created in the image of God, as were human beings, every creation bears the thumbprints of its creator. So here are some thumbprint images of God exhibited by your dog:

1.       Dogs miss us when we’re gone. Almost every dog comes running when its people come home.
2.       Dogs will do just about anything to show us they love us.
3.       Dogs will still love us, no matter how many times we screw up.
4.       Dogs don’t care what anyone thinks about you.
5.       Dogs will protect you and sound the alarm when danger approaches.
6.       A dog’s favorite place to be is curled up near you, watching and listening to your every move, even when asleep.
7.       Dogs never give up hope.

God’s thumbprint on your dog should help you to see:

1.       God misses us when we’re gone too, and welcomes us back with open arms every time we return to Him.
2.       God will do anything to show us how much He loves us, including sending His only Son to pay the price for our salvation.
3.       God loves us no matter what, no matter how many times or how badly we screw up. If we ask for forgiveness, it is given.
4.       God doesn’t care what anyone else thinks of you. He passes His own judgment based on what He knows lies in your heart and mind.
5.       God will always be by your side, even if we can’t see or feel Him. We are never alone for He has given us His Holy Spirit which lives within us.
6.       God is omniscient – He sees everything, in all places, at all times. He is a 24/7/365/lifetime lifeguard.
7.       God wants to be in relationship with us. It is why we were created. God never abandons us, even though we might abandon Him.

Now everyone read this next part tongue-in-cheek. J
You did know dogs are dyslexic, right? Dogs think their name is spelled G-O-D, but of course this is the image of the Servant King that they see and fulfill (with the rights of one included…like sleeping on the couch or your bed, because it’s closer to you and he can better protect you…riiiight! Wink, wink).

I have never had a cat, but from what I know of the cats who belong to people I know, cats seem to have a God-complex too, but the Servant King isn’t how they see themselves.

So hey, all you cat owners…how does your cat display the thumbprint of God? Click on the "comments" below to tell us.

www.elcaAndy.org
Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 16, 10:00 am, Don't be late. Rain or shine. For children up to age 10. Refreshments served. FREE!

Love is a Crazy Thing

2011-04-07T22:24:00.000-04:00

My son asked me to review his essay for his English class tonight. He was writing about love and the Shakespearean tale of Romeo and Juliet. His primary point is that love makes people do crazy things. This made me wonder, would we consider God’s love for us a crazy thing?

Most of us have heard the definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13 (Love is patient, love is kind…) and the ever-familiar sports stadium placard citing John 3:16 (For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have eternal life.”

But what else does the Bible tell us about love, and God’s love for us?

Let’s look at 1 John 4:7-12 for one example:

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Well now THIS is some proof that God’s love for us is indeed a crazy thing. We learn that God IS love, AND again that God loves us so much that He sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Crazy!

Sean cited Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Something Crazy” in his essay. The song details the lives of a few people who have done crazy things under the influence of God’s love. The refrain says it all nicely:

“And it’s crazy when love gets a hold of you.

And it’s crazy things that love will make you do

And it’s crazy but it’s true, you really don’t know love at all
Til it’s making you do something crazy.”

Wouldn’t it be nice when people say “the world is going crazy” that they meant crazy like this?

www.elcaAndy.org
Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 16, at 10:00 am SHARP!

Better Than A Hallelujah

2011-04-05T16:51:00.000-04:00

During Lent we are asked to spend more time reflecting upon our lives and our relationships with God and others. St. Andrew’s Thursday Lenten Taize Service gives us a meditative forum to jump start this activity each week. This self-reflection often sends us to our knees, head down, in shame or sorrow over the ways we have failed to live up to our responsibilities and our promises.

I think this is often the reason people do not cite Lent as one of their favorite seasons of the church year.

We are often saddened by the results of our introspection. Who wants to be sad? Aren’t there enough sad things in the world? Just listening to the news and hearing of the suffering and loss that the people of Japan are dealing with is sadness beyond measure and enough for everyone, don’t you think?

But the wonderful thing about Lent is that by going through the extra self-reflection we undertake at this time, we strengthen our relationship with God. And THAT is worth the work and the pain.

If Lent puts us in more frequent and heartfelt communication with our Father in Heaven, don’t you think He finds that pleasing?

Just like the kid who broke the window with his baseball, the damage is already done. His parent is just waiting for him to own up to the deed, so the parent can forgive the child. Action can then be taken for making things right and to prevent it from happening again. Imagine if the child never owns up to his mistake. The parent is disappointed and still loves his child, but an opportunity for communication and to show love has been lost. An opportunity to receive forgiveness and to be loved is lost.

God already knows our failings and has forgiven them. But when we come to him on our knees, head down, admitting where we have gone wrong and made mistakes, God wraps His love around us and tells us all is forgiven, reminding us of a better path to choose. The price has already been paid. The window is already fixed. Now go out and play and take care not to do it again.

Lent brings us closer to God. Our prayers bring us closer to God.

A song by Amy Grant, “Better than a Hallelujah” keeps running around my head as I think about my Lenten reflections and prayers. The refrain says…

“We pour out our miseries, God just hears a melody

Beautiful the mess we are, the honest cries of breaking hearts…

Are better than a Hallelujah."

I’m sure God loves all our praise and joy on Easter. But I bet he loves our conversations with Him over our broken and contrite hearts during Lent even better.

Better than a Hallelujah.

www.elcaAndy.org
Lenten Taize Worship, Thursday, 7:30 pm

We Are Pond Scum

2011-04-03T13:46:00.000-04:00

A former pastor at St. Andrew frequently referred to us sinful beings as pond scum. Her analogy likened us to the stinky, smelly floating goo that gathers at the corners and fringes of a pond, offending the visual and olfactory pleasantries of an otherwise beautiful scene. We are so far from being able to keep from sinning that we were no better than pond scum.

Our self-reflections and self-examinations during Lent might send us to thinking of ourselves in the likeness of pond scum.

Perhaps sometimes we are….stinky, smelly, gooey weeds and slime gathering at the fringes of society, offending others by our faults and mistakes.

But pond scum has value, too.

Pond scum, a mass of algae, is redeemed by the gifts it provides to the life of the pond (and others).

1.       Pond scum absorbs the excess nutrients in a pond, often produced by decaying matter or water run off from land. What is old (decay) becomes new.

2.       Pond scum provides a nutrient food source for fish.

3.       Pond scum provides a place for small fish to hide from bigger fish.

4.       Pond scum provides a safe haven for small species of animals, like turtles and frogs, to lay their eggs.

5.       Pond scum (algae) may be a future fuel source as it is loaded with oil within its cell walls.

6.       Pond scum (algae) harvested in algae farms is used as a fertilizer for crops.

Pond scum becomes smelly when it dies.

We die a little bit each time we succumb to the temptations of the world. We die a bit more each time we refuse to use our God-given gifts for the benefit of others.

In other words, when we sin, we die a little more, and stink a little more.

We are redeemed simply because of the Grace provided by the One who has breathed the Spirit into our lives and gifted us with talents, skills, knowledge and assets that we are to use to serve others.

Will you be the kind of pond scum that provides a benefit to others, or will you die a stinky, smelly goo?

www.elcaAndy.org

Love and Approval

2011-03-31T21:22:00.000-04:00

When children know that they are loved unconditionally, they move through their lives with confidence and a willingness to explore, take chances, and grow. They make mistakes and learn from them. They do not always need approval as they are confident that they are loved even if they fail.

On the other hand, children who do not believe that they are loved no matter what, will often engage in attention seeking behavior or in activities that seek approval, living in fear of failure, afraid to take risks and grow. They are afraid make to mistakes and fear the loss of love and approval because of their failures.

I was reading an article in The Lutheran magazine (April 2011) by Peter W. Marty, a Lutheran pastor in Davenport, Iowa. In the article he states, “Unconditional love must never be confused with unconditional approval.”

Approval is fleeting; unconditional approval is meaningless. Whether you did a great job or a crappy job, hey it’s all okay, right? Unconditional approval means nothing. Actually, it means you don’t care.

Unconditional love is…well unconditional and unending; there are no strings attached. It means you care for that person more than anything else, no matter what.

Most parents strive to love their children unconditionally. I think that is part of the makeup of a parent. However, I’m sure there are times when even the best of us fails to uphold that “unconditional love” clause in the parenting agreement we make with God when we are blessed with a child. Our own sinfulness gets in the way of perfectly loving our children.

God does love unconditionally. No matter what. We are His children and His love is perfect; there are no strings attached. We are forgiven when we screw up simply because of His Grace, His undeserved forgiveness and unconditional love. God’s love is a perfect love.

This does not mean we receive unconditional approval from God. He is rightfully and justifiably disappointed in us when we choose sin over love, when we choose the world over Him. But like a perfect parent, He loves us still, no matter what.

He loves us so much “that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him might have eternal life.” John 3:16. That is a perfect love.

As we move through Lent and reflect upon our lives, contemplate this image of God as the perfect parent, loving and forgiving us, no matter what. If we accept this as the truth for our lives, how can we not live as confident, adventurous, fearless children of God, loving others as He first loves us?

www.elcaAndy.org

A Butterfly on Her Finger

2011-03-30T20:27:00.001-04:00

Are we innately caring or selfish?

I’d like to think that since we are created in the image of God that we are by nature caring and loving. God is love.

But we are also fallen sinners, separated from God by our self-serving sinfulness.

On my wall there is a photograph of my daughter when she was about 5 years old. We were at the Butterfly Conservatory at the Bronx Zoo and there is a monarch butterfly perched on her finger. As sweet as that photo is, the rest of the story is even better.

My son was in a stroller at the time and probably about 18 months old. Somehow, by that age, he had become afraid of bees and flying insects. I was not fully aware of this fear and didn’t put two and two together when we entered the butterfly dome.

My children tend to really care about each other. They are not normal in that they don’t constantly fight and bicker with each other. I know I’m very lucky that their relationship has turned out this way. I thank God profusely for this blessing.

On this day in the Butterfly Conservatory when this beautiful monarch landed on my daughter’s finger, my son, in his innate love for his sister, became frantic and desperate, crying “bee, bee, bee” and pointing at the butterfly on his sister’s finger. He was fearful that she would be hurt by the insect. His love for her at even such a young age was clearly evident, and stronger than any fear for himself.

While she was in her glory, he was beside himself with fear for her.

While we know that one of a child’s favorite words is “mine,” we can also see that their hearts were made for love.

Jesus knew how easy it is for a child to love. “And he called a child to himself and set him before them, and said, ‘Truly I say to you, unless you become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2-4

What can we do to become childlike in our love for others and our love for God?

http://www.elcaandy.org/
Come worship with us tomorrow night at 7:30 pm for a Taize service of prayer, song and meditation.

Forgiveness 7 X 70

2011-03-29T20:44:00.000-04:00

Lent is a good time to bone up on an important life skill. Forgiveness.

As we spend our Lenten season reflecting on our lives, trying to change our thoughts and re-direct our steps back to the path God has planned for us, we should attempt to work on forgiving those who have wronged us and asking forgiveness of those we have wronged.

If we take this season of penitent self-study to consciously make this effort, then perhaps it will not be such a hard thing to do during the rest of the year.

Forgiveness is often called a gift you give yourself. By forgiving someone who has hurt you, you let go of the anger, hurt, and resentment that is so damaging to your mind, body and spirit.

By asking forgiveness, you present a heart, mind, and soul committed to change to the person you have wronged, hopefully healing a rift between the two of you. If he should choose not to forgive you, you should reflect upon whether you have made a just act of reparation to heal the grief you have caused….sometimes it’s as simple as an apology, other times specific actions are needed to restore the relationship. However, if you have done all that is reasonable to right the wrong, you also need to let go of the hurt, guilt and self-recrimination until that person is willing to consider an option of forgiveness.

When Peter asks Jesus how often we should forgive our brother, Jesus tells us this: “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:22

Recently I have heard a song on contemporary Christian radio that speaks to this concept. It has been stuck in my head today. 7 Times 70 Times by Chris August speaks to the power of forgiveness and how even though that can seem oh-so-hard, that's where the healing begins.

Check it out for yourself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5-Q1zAhqpA

It’s a great song to think about during Lent, and everyday.

www.elcaandy.org
Join us for Taize worship, Thursdays at 7:30 pm

What is God? Luther uses 11 words.

2011-03-25T22:11:00.001-04:00

I was flipping through my copy of Luther’s Small Catechism and came across Martin Luther’s answer to the question, “What is God?”

Luther answers, God is… eternal (without beginning or end), unchangeable, omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), omnipresent (present everywhere), holy (sinless), just (fair and impartial), faithful (keeping his promises), benevolent (good, kind, desiring our welfare), merciful (full of pity), and gracious (showing undeserved kindness, forgiving). Each attribute is accompanied by Biblical citations to back up his answer.

As I thought about these descriptions of God, I was glad that my version of Luther’s Small Catechism included the synonyms for Luther’s words. We use these words so often in our worship, liturgy, and discussions that I think we sometimes loose some of their meaning. Sometimes it feels like we are speaking a language of a by-gone era.

Not many people today speak using the words omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. Even the word “benevolent” seems like a word reserved for use by church groups, tax accountants, or charity organizations. We use the word “just” mainly in regard to our legal system, but ask any kid and he’ll look at you like you’ve grown two heads… “just is just a word that doesn’t mean anything” when what he means to say is that it is an adverb that means “simply.”

This question has me thinking about more of the words we use in church and how strange they must sound to the un-churched.

When I write our church newsletter, I try to remember to describe some of those church-y words like “narthex” or lobby, “sanctuary” or church, “sacristry” or kitchenette where we prepare the “eucharist” or Holy Communion, or bread and wine if we really need to boil it down. Altar preparation has another whole set of vocabulary that I won’t get into here, but if you volunteer for the altar guild you’ll need to know.

I’m glad St. Andrew does make the attempt to explain our church-lingo, but it also is nice to have a set of words that help to set these sacred places apart from the rest of the world.

Our communion table is not just a table, but an altar.

Our children are baptized in a font, not just a bowl of water.

These are special things, sacred things. They are separate from the world. They belong to a place for God.

So maybe instead of dumbing it down, we need to focus on educating people up. Not in a holier-than-thou kind of way, but in a “these are the words we use to take the ordinary, and make them extra-ordinary for God and His people” kind of way.

We need to show how our eternal, unchangeable, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, holy, just, faithful, benevolent, merciful, and gracious God takes the common things among us, including you and me, and makes them holy, sacred and special to Him.

Luther makes one final note at the end of his answer. "God is love." 1 John 4:8

We are sanctified (made holy or sinless) just/simply by His Grace (undeserved kindness and forgiveness)...because He loves us.

Amen.

What church words do you think we need to do a better job of describing? What are your favorite church words that set something apart as special for God?

http://www.elcaandy.org/

Taize Worship - Finding a Focus

2011-03-24T23:17:00.000-04:00

I went to a Lenten Taize service at church tonight. These services are quiet, contemplative, andmeditative with brief readings and repetitive music from the Taize community in France. They are meant to help provide you with an avenue for focusing on being connected to God. They are peaceful and calming.

In other years I have found this service very fulfilling and helpful in finding that peaceful place where I can connect with God very intensely within a reserved half-hour time frame. This year, I just can’t seem to find my focus. I feel like I need it very much, but the beams in the rafters draw my attention as their construction boggles my mind; the grill in the ventilation system mesmerized me; the candles on the altar caught my attention one minute and wondering why there we only a handful of people trapped my mind at another time.

It’s not the worship service. It’s me.

The service is the same as last year and the year before. It is continuity in a sea of uncertain times and constant anxieties. So why can’t I block out the world this year? Why was tonight so difficult for me?

I probably need this Taize service now more than other years. I need to find that peace and calm. So I will continue to attend each Thursday night at 7:30 pm and try to find my way back to that place I need my mind and heart to be.

The beauty of Taize is that even though I couldn’t find that spot tonight, the music gets stuck in your head, as it intended to do. Hopefully, the continual soundtrack that will repeat in my head during the week will work in unseen and wondrous ways by the time Lent is over to help me find that peace and calm.

What do you do to get your mind focused when it doesn’t want to quiet down?

www.elcaAndy.org