Dear St. Andrew's Family,
As we move through this season of our church’s life, I am drawn to the powerful words of Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (NRSVUE)
These verses capture the essence of what it means to grow both personally and communally as followers of Christ. They remind us that our journey of faith is not a solitary endeavor but one that thrives in the context of community. As we gather, whether in worship, small groups, or service, we have the opportunity to inspire, challenge, and support one another in ways that lead to deeper spiritual growth and stronger bonds of Christian fellowship.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: "But Pastor, have you seen my schedule? How can I possibly add more to my plate?" Believe me, I understand! Life is busy, and the demands on our time can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing—growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we come together, when we intentionally carve out time to connect with God and with each other.
At St. Andrew's UMC, we are committed to creating spaces for this kind of growth. We are planning new small groups, Bible studies, and prayer meetings designed to help us deepen our faith and build community. So keep your eye out for these upcoming opportunities! Whether you are new to the church or a long-time member, there is a place for you to connect and grow.
Of course, coming together isn’t always easy, especially when we have differences of opinion or life experience. In today’s polarized world, it can be tempting to retreat into our own corners, surrounding ourselves only with those who think, act, or believe exactly as we do. But the body of Christ is made up of many parts, and it is in our diversity that we find our strength. When we gather in person, despite our differences, we bear witness to the power of God’s love to unite us in ways that transcend our individual perspectives.
There is a story that is told about two church members who couldn’t agree on the color of the new sanctuary carpet. One insisted on blue, while the other was adamant it should be green. After much debate, they finally compromised… on beige! The moral of the story? Sometimes it’s not about winning the argument, but about working together to find a solution that everyone can live with. And perhaps most importantly, it’s about remembering that the color of the carpet isn’t what truly matters—it’s our shared mission to love and serve God and one another.
As we embark on these new initiatives, I encourage you to take that next step—whether it’s joining a small group, committing to regular in-person worship, or simply reaching out to a fellow church member for a cup of tea and a chat. Together, we can provoke one another to love and good deeds, growing not only in our individual faith but also as a community rooted in Christ.
Let’s not neglect the opportunity to meet together, to encourage one another, and to experience the joy of growing together in faith and fellowship. I look forward to seeing how God will work in and through us in the days to come.
With love and blessings,
Pastor Brian
Rev. Dr. Michael Stine | sapastor@ptd.net | (570) 742-2000
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