Faith in Daily Life

Pastor Kristen Skare continues our Heroes & Villains series with a look at "The Tempter." Through Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, we're reminded that the enemy's goal is to make us doubt who we are and whose we are. But in Christ, we have already been named, claimed, and loved by God.

Pastor Peter showed us how Herod’s story revealed the danger of fear and insecurity driving a desperate grip on power. In contrast, he pointed to Jesus’ kingdom as one of compassion, courage, and abundance. Even in the face of darkness, God continued to bring hope and life, reminding us we are not defined by fear. We were invited to name our fears honestly and trust in God’s grace to lead us into...

We gathered for worship on Sunday as we took on another hero (or villain?) of the Bible—the King. We explored the character of one of Israel’s most (in)famous kings—David—a flawed yet faithful leader. Together, we wondered about the pitfalls and potentials of modern leadership in our own world. It was a meaningful experience!

Pastor Kristin highlights Rahab as an unlikely heroine who refuses to accept the labels placed on her and instead claims her God-given worth. Through courage, risk, and faith, Rahab changes the course of history and becomes part of Jesus’ lineage. Her story reminds us that no one is outside God’s story. God works through those pushed to the margins and calls all people into belonging, purpose, and...

Pastor Peter preached in our “Villains and Heroes of the Bible” series this past Sunday, focusing on Pharaoh and how fear can shape our actions. We were reminded that even when fear leads us astray, God’s grace meets us there—bringing freedom, hope, and new life.

Pastor Matthew’s message launches our Villains and Heroes series with the serpent, showing how it twists God’s original gift of abundance into a story of restriction. Just as Adam and Eve fixate on the one forbidden tree, we too can lose sight of all we’ve been given. Through the camp message, we’re reminded that we matter, we belong, and we are deeply cared for by a God who provides generously. S...

Pastor Peter shared a message titled “The Spirit of Vision,” as we celebrated Pentecost and reflected on the birth of the Christian Church. He reminded us that God’s Spirit is still alive and active in the world today, continuing to move through us as God’s people. We were encouraged to consider how the Spirit leads us with vision, opening our awareness to the ways God is working to bring love, ju...

We gathered in joyful worship to celebrate the gift of music and the faithful service of those who lead us in song. Through scripture, a children’s message, and a meaningful sermon from Pastor Kristin Skare, we were reminded that music is deeply woven into our faith—helping us express every emotion and draw closer to God. With choirs, instrumentalists, and congregational singing, this service high...

Pastor Matthew shared how faith is passed down through generations—especially through mothers and the women in our lives. On Mother’s Day, he reminded us that their love, courage, and witness shape our faith, and we’re called to carry that legacy forward.

Children, Youth, and Family Director Shawna Berg shared the message “Be the Light” during St. Andrew’s Service of Affirmation of Baptism, celebrating over 70 confirmands from the Class of 2026. Drawing from Matthew 5:16, the service centered on baptismal promises, community support, and the call to let Christ’s light shine through our lives as we grow in faith together.

Pastor Peter preached from Hebrews, reminding us to “run with perseverance the race set before us.” As St. Andrew marked 50 years, the message honored those who came before us and invited us to carry forward a faith that welcomes and a love that reaches.

We celebrated a very special Sunday at St. Andrew as we marked 50 years of ministry and highlighted our Anniversary Appeal, Faith that Welcomes, Love that Reaches. Together, we reflected on God’s faithfulness across our past, present, and future, celebrated new life through baptism, and rejoiced in worship filled with beloved hymns, choir anthems, soloists Alan Bach and Elliana Meier, and sacred d...

We continue our sermon series “Extra” with a celebration of God’s extravagant grace that we experience every time we come to the Lord’s Supper.  As our children receive their first communion, we hear from Luke’s Gospel a parable about a great banquet that is meant for all, not just a privileged few.  Come and hear the Good News about a faith that welcomes- this is what the gospel is all about!

Pastor Kristin focused on the Emmaus road story, pointing out that Easter met the disciples not with certainty but with disappointment and the aching words, “we had hoped.” She connected their grief to the ways people still walk through loss and unmet expectations today. She emphasized that the risen Jesus showed up precisely in doubt and brokenness, often before anyone recognized him, and promise...

Death, fear, and hatred do not have the final word! Christ is risen indeed! God has raised Jesus to new life and extends this promise of resurrection to all people!

The Story of Love continues with the dark events that shook the world and tore the temple curtain. Jesus is crucified to demonstrate God’s great love for all of us. We remember that it is always darkest before dawn. We have two opportunities for worship:

Palm Sunday was anything but quiet. With joyful music, a palm parade, meaningful testimony, and deep reflection, we began Holy Week, celebrating the love that welcomes and reaches.

When it comes to the church’s ministry, we do not always know what the future holds. Yet we trust that God’s Spirit continues to lead and renew the mission of the Christian community in surprising and meaningful ways. Tim and Jan Maudlin have witnessed the unfolding story of St. Andrew across many seasons, serving in a variety of leadership roles — including Jan’s faithful accompaniment of the Can...

Pastor Kristin reflected on how chaos—symbolized by stormy waters and Leviathan—shows up in our world and our personal lives, leaving us fearful and locked behind closed doors like the disciples. She reminded us that Jesus enters those places of fear, speaks peace, and breathes the Holy Spirit into us, often through the faith and presence of the gathered community. In Christ, and in the church’s s...

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

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

Last night’s Lenten service was a powerful story of love. 💜 Tom Anderson—charter member and faithful servant—shared with Pastor Peter how his family’s farmland became the very ground where St. Andrew now stands. As we celebrate 50 years, we give thanks for a legacy embedded in the soil where, rooted in Christ, we continue to nurture the future of faith.

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

In this Lenten midweek conversation, longtime St. Andrew member Elliott Meier shares how stepping beyond familiar routines has reshaped his faith through mission experiences in the U.S., Haiti, and Belize. From serving alongside youth on early mission trips to baking bread in Haitian bakeries and building relationships in Belizean villages, Elliott reflects on the surprising ways God shows up when...

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