St. Andrew's United Methodist Church - Musical Musings

 St. Andrew's Family  This Sunday we begin a new sermon series on the Beatitudes, the blessings of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount. The very first one may feel upside-down to us: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) To be poor in spirit means recognizing our deep need for God. It is not about shame or weakness, but about letting go of self-reliance and opening ourselves to God’s mercy and strength. The blessing comes not because of what we have, but because of who God is. Our music this week carries us through that journey of dependence and trust: We begin by singing “Holy, Holy, Holy / Santo, Santo,” lifting our eyes to the majesty of God’s holiness. We are invited with “Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy” to bring our brokenness before God, trusting His welcome. Together, we pray “Lord, Prepare Me (Sanctuary)” as we ask God to make us ready for His Word. The choir will offer “I Need Thee Every Hour,” reminding ...

 Church Family,  This Sunday’s worship takes us into the heart of Mark 6:7–13, where Jesus sends the disciples out two by two. They don’t go with long lists of supplies or elaborate speeches—they go with trust, authority, and the assurance that God’s Spirit goes before them. Their mission is simple and powerful: to proclaim the good news of God’s Kingdom. Our music this week traces that same journey of proclamation: We begin with “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” a hymn that bursts with joy. It’s a song that doesn’t just belong to us in the pews—it imagines all creation, a thousand voices, lifting praise to Christ. What better way to begin worship than with this vision of unending song? In the middle of worship, we quiet ourselves with “Spirit of the Living God.” Here, our proclamation turns to prayer. Just as the disciples needed God’s Spirit to guide and strengthen them, so do we. We ask the Spirit to fall fresh on us, shaping us into people ready to live the gospel...

 This Sunday is special for more than one reason. Not only are we in Week Three of our series Knowing, Loving, and Serving God , focusing on Serving God , but we also celebrate the Blessing of the Backpacks, Briefcases, and Lunchboxes . Don’t forget to bring yours to worship to be blessed! On the surface, these items are ordinary—things we carry to school, work, or daily life. But in worship, we see them as symbols of calling —reminders of the places where God sends us to serve, to learn, and to be a light to others. Serving God isn’t only about what happens in the sanctuary; it’s about how our faith overflows into the world around us . In Philippians 2:5–15, Paul gives us one of the clearest pictures of service in all of Scripture: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…” This isn’t a gentle suggestion—it’s a radical invitation to live with the humility, selflessness, and servant-heartedness of Christ himself. Jesus served not from a place of control or prest...

 Greetings Church Family This week, our worship series continues with the theme “Loving God.” That might sound like something we do naturally in worship—but 1 John reminds us that loving God is never just a matter of words, emotions, or even music. It begins with receiving God’s love and allowing it to overflow into love for others. Our hymn selections this week form a kind of musical sermon. If someone only heard the hymns on Sunday—without the Scripture reading or message—they would still hear the gospel truth of God’s love: where it comes from, what it does in us, and where it sends us. “We Sing of Your Glory / Tuya Es la Gloria” This bilingual hymn reminds us that God’s love is for the whole world—not just one language, one culture, or one people. By singing in both English and Spanish, we embody the truth that love crosses every barrier. In worship, this says to our congregation: “You are welcome here. God’s love is for you.” Just as 1 John 4 says God sent His Son into the...

This week we launch a new three-part sermon series: Knowing, Loving, and Serving God. These are not just ideas — they’re the heartbeat of our faith journey. We begin with Knowing God , a foundational truth that shapes everything else. Our scripture comes from John 5:1–16 , where Jesus encounters a man who has waited 38 years beside the pool of Bethesda. What stands out in this story is Jesus’ deep awareness. He sees the man, knows his condition, and reaches out with a question that cuts to the heart: “Do you want to be made well?” In this moment, knowing God becomes more than belief — it’s about being known, being seen, and being invited into transformation. This theme flows through the music we’ll share in worship: We Sing of Your Glory / Tuya es la Gloria (Verse 1) We begin with a new bilingual hymn — short, joyful, and powerful. Singing in both English and Spanish reflects the richness and inclusivity of God’s glory. It’s a reminder that God's story is told across every ...