St. Andrew's United Methodist Church - Musical Musings

 Dear St. Andrew’s Family, Next Sunday, I have the honor of preaching as we gather during this July 4th holiday weekend. While our civic celebrations often focus on independence, our worship invites us to reflect on a deeper, enduring kind of freedom—the freedom we receive in Christ. The sermon is titled: “Freedom to Lead, Freedom to Teach, Freedom to Serve.” In today’s world, freedom is often seen as personal choice or independence. But Scripture offers a countercultural view: Christian freedom is not for self-indulgence, but for self-giving. It leads us into deeper connection, greater humility, and wider service. Guiding Scriptures Four key passages will frame our worship: Galatians 5:13 “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.” Freedom in Christ is not about comfort or status—it’s about mutual love and service. 1 Peter 4:10 “Like good stewar...

This will be a tough weekend across many churches. For us at St. Andrew's, it will be Pastor Sherri and Pastor David’s final service with us and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on how the musical and spiritual threads of the service are beautifully woven together. This weeks Bluey episode is "Camping"  It is an episode that teaches us of unexpected friendship, temporary goodbyes, and long-term impact that reminds us how people can come into our lives for a season — and leave us changed forever. That’s Pastor Sherri and Pastor David for us. They’ve camped with us — sometimes in the rain and mud of ministry, sometimes under starry skies — and now they’re heading to the next stop on their journey. Our message theme, “God Will Take Care of Us All,” grounded in Psalm 121:8 (“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore”),  assures us that while these changes bring tears and tenderness, we are not without care or guidance. God goes with them. God...

This upcoming Sunday, we will have the special opportunity to hear from the Hemenway's as they bring the Word during worship. Their message carries the powerful and timely theme:   “Silence Is Not an Option,”   grounded in the words of Jesus from Matthew 25:35–36: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” This passage is not a gentle suggestion—it is a holy mandate. It calls us to see Christ not in stained-glass images, but in the hungry, the sick, the lonely, and the stranger. And as those called to lead through music, this is a powerful reminder:  our singing is not just expression—it is response. Here’s how our music helps shape the message this week: Opening Hymn –  “God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind” A return from Pentecost, this hymn is no lullaby. It’s a prayer to be ...