Faith in Daily Life

50 days after Easter we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit - crossing all boundaries, bringing the wideness of God's mercy to places we least expect it. Jesus promises his disciples that they will be accompanied by the Holy Spirit. New to St. Andrew? Click here: https://standrewlu.org/about/visitors/ Visit our website: https://standrewlu.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standrewlu...

Text: John 17:20-26 We have seen in recent years the turmoil that can be caused by deep divisions in our nation and in our world.  On “the other side” of this division is the unity that God brings us to through the power of his resurrection and through the Holy Spirit.  Even as Christ prays for the unity of all of his people, so we are called to pray and to work for unity in the world. N...

Text: John 14:23-29 Just like Jesus’ disciples, we are often faced with fears and feelings of being abandoned by God. Jesus reminds us of the promise of the Holy Spirit and we are given the assurance that on “the other side” of these fears, God has given us a peace that is like nothing that the world can offer us. New to St. Andrew? Click here: https://standrewlu.org/about/visitors/ Visit our webs...

This mortal life has been called “the vale of tears” as it brings us many trials and tribulations.  Is there something better for us on “the other side”?  According to Jesus who comes to us as our Risen Savior, there most assuredly is eternal life that we can experience both now and after we die.  This is most certainly true! New to St. Andrew? Click here: https://standrewlu.org/abo...

Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! On Easter morning, Christians around the world gather to celebrate the most significant event in the life of the church. The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive! Easter changes everything. New to St. Andrew? Click here: https://standrewlu.org/about/visitors/ Visit our website: https://standrewlu.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standrewlu Instagram: https://w...

Jesus brings us together to become one body, united through the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper. On Maundy Thursday (“commandment” Thursday), we remember the new commandment that Jesus gives us to love one another and we celebrate Holy Communion along with our children who receive their First Communion. The service also offers the opportunity for all to receive a blessing and the assurance of...

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week for Christians around the world. As our Sunday School children join us in worship with palm branches and shouts of “hosanna,” we hear together the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and we see how events will turn that lead Jesus toward the cross of Calvary—for us and for our salvation. Christians today still need to raise our voices in sin...

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week for Christians around the world. As our Sunday School children join us in worship with palm branches and shouts of “hosanna,” we hear together the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and we see how events will turn that lead Jesus toward the cross of Calvary—for us and for our salvation. Christians today still need to raise our voices in sin...

Text: Luke 7:36 -50 As we conclude our series, we take a look at the topic of worth.  Do we ever, even subconsciously, assign more worth to some people than to others- including ourselves?  Jesus is all about showing us the value of each person and this is shown beautifully in the story of a sinful woman who responds to Jesus with genuine worship.  We are taught throughout the scrip...

Text: Psalm 23:6a God provides blessing upon blessing, grace upon grace.  And Jesus made it clear that we do not choose God but, rather, God chooses us.  So how then is God pursuing us with grace and love and what difference does this make in our daily lives? New to St. Andrew? Click here: https://standrewlu.org/about/visitors/ Visit our website: https://standrewlu.org/ Facebook: https:/...

Text: John 11:17-27  What are the things that “rattle” us the most in our lives?  In our series so far, we have examined fear, doubt and over-commitment.  This Sunday, we look at uncertainty and we find ourselves being able to relate with Mary and Martha who are distraught over the death of their brother Lazarus: “Lord, if you have had been here…”  How does Jesus respond to the...

Text: Psalm 23:5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. God provides a place for us and it is a place of honor.  What does the ancient world’s culture of honor and shame have to do with our life as 21st century Christians and who’s invited to that table that God prepares anyway? New to St. Andrew? Click here: https://s...

Text: Luke 14:15-24  The Christian faith brings words of challenge to us as well as words of comfort.  When our schedules are filled to the brim with commitments but we leave little room for the things that Jesus calls us to do, Jesus reminds us of our true priorities through a parable that speaks to our over-scheduled modern lives.   Jesus taught us a prayer that can direct us...

Text: Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me. God provides a ministry of presence that sees us through life’s most dark and challenging times.  What does the cross of Christ teach us about God’s promise to show up in suffering? New to St. Andrew? Click here: https://standrewlu.org/about/visitors/...

Text: Mark 9:14-27 Mark’s Gospel gives us a story of a father coming to Jesus for the healing of his son.  When Jesus tells him that all things are possible for those who believe, the man’s response is one that resonates with all people of faith who wrestle with matters of faith throughout our lifetimes: “I do believe, help me in my unbelief.”  How does God come to us in our seasons of d...

Text: Psalm 23:3 God provides leadership for us that is trustworthy and true.  So how then can we learn to let go of our need to set our own course and trust in God’s unfailing leadership?  What does it mean to follow right paths for his name’s sake? New to St. Andrew? Click here: https://standrewlu.org/about/visitors/ Visit our website: https://standrewlu.org/ Facebook: https://www.face...

Text: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Fear can hold us captive since there are so many unknowns in life as we face the future.  God showed the prophet Ezekiel a vision that gives us the key to understanding life’s most fearful challenges: God is bringing about life from death and God is bringing us new life through Jesus each and every day.  Our Lenten journey begins with a powerful affirmation of new l...

Text: Psalm 23: 1-2 Although it is perhaps the most familiar of all scripture passages, Psalm 23 still has much to teach us.  It offers us challenge as well as comfort and it sets the tone for this year’s Lenten focus for our entire congregation, young and old alike.  What does it mean for us to recognize and celebrate how God the Shepherd provides for our every need?  How are we be...

Text: Matthew 11:28-30 Throughout this series, we have focused thus far on our thoughts, our hearts, and our relationships.  Now we turn to turn to Jesus’ promise that “all who are weary and burdened” (and who isn’t?) will find rest for our souls in him.  How is Jesus, the Bread of Life, feeding our souls and bringing about this rest for us and is it perhaps right in front of us in ways...

Text: Hebrews 10:24-25 How is God speaking to us, challenging us, helping us to grow, and to be the best version of ourselves?  God’s voice often comes to us through other people which presents us with a compelling invitation to be in intentional community with others.  This Sunday, we engage in a thoughtful reflection on just how vital it is to our faith and wellness to have life-giving...

Text: Philippians 4:4-7 The message of “fear not” appears like a reassuring refrain throughout the scriptures.  God knows our hearts and his eternal promise to us is that “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  We explore together how God’s Spirit leads us to trade our anxieties for a heart that trusts and rejoices in all...

Text: Romans 12:1-2 Our actions and our interactions grow out of how we think and how we view the world around us.  God through the Apostle Paul urges us in Romans 12 not to “conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  Join us as we learn more about our Christian calling to see the world and to form our thoughts and opinions thro...

Text: Revelation 21:1-5 Our lives sometimes take us to places that feel like dead ends but God is a God who is always bringing us good news and new beginnings: “See how I am making all things new.”  God isn’t finished with creation yet and his mercies are new for us each day.  How does our Christian faith give us a lens to see how God is at work around us? New to St. Andrew? Click here:...

Text:  Exodus 3:1-5 The story of Moses and the burning bush is one that teaches us that God’s presence at any given place and time transforms ordinary moments into holy moments.  Are we prepared to find that God may be at work in us and in others in the most unlikely and unexpected of circumstances? New to St. Andrew? Click here: https://standrewlu.org/about/visitors/ Visit our website:...

Text:  Luke 5:12-16 Our Lord sets an example for us even as we go about the business of caring for others: to go off to a lonely place to pray.  Do we allow room in our lives for the quiet and self-care we need in order to be our best for those around us? New to St. Andrew? Click here: https://standrewlu.org/about/visitors/ Visit our website: https://standrewlu.org/ Facebook: https://www...