SEPTEMBER, 2010
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St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
From Rev. Steve Arndt, Pastor
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FROM PASTOR STEVEN
What might the word “cross” mean to you? To come across something is
to have an encounter with someone or something or to be forced to decide between
something or someone. To cross over is to pass above or beyond some
fixed place. A crossroad is a location where two or more paths or options intersect
and a choice of direction becomes a forced requirement. A crossing
guard is someone who guards another as they cross an obstacle. So it readily
follows that a cross could be understood to be that moment or place of decision
between options, directions, or outcomes.
What did Jesus mean as He taught that His disciples are to take up the cross
and follow Him? At the many points and intersections of our lives, we are to
decide whether to follow Him, His direction, and His desires.
Consider Jesus’ selfless surrender as He decided to remain upon the cross
for our sins and salvation. He chose between His life or our life, faithfulness or
rejection, relief or agony, momentary or eternal glory. Consider this: that
same question is actually ours to answer without the pressure of an impending
crucifixion. Brothers and sisters, live all your momentary choices with
your eyes firmly fixed upon their collective eternal consequence. Glorify Jesus
and allow Him to guide your every day.
Your brother in Christ’s love,
Steven
NRS Matthew 10:37-39
37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is
not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not
worthy of me; 38 and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is
not worthy of me. 39 Those who find their life will lose it, and those who
lose their life for my sake will find it.
NRS Matthew 16:23-25
23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me,
Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not
on divine things but on human things." 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, "If
any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up
their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose
it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
NRS Matthew 27:32, 39-40, 42-43
32 As they went out, they came upon a man
from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry Jesus’ cross. 39
Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads 40 and saying,
"You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save
yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross." 42
" He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come
down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let
God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, 'I am God's Son.'"
PW FALL GATHERING - SEPTEMBER 21, 2010
The NAP Presbyterian Women’s Fall Gathering will be held on Tuesday,
September 21, 2010 at Copeland Presbyterian Church in Athens. Registration is
at 9:15 a.m.; and the program, “International Day of Peace,” will
begin at 10:00 a.m. The catered lunch is $8.00; and reservations must be made by
September 14, 2010. There is a sign-up sheet in the church office on Beth’s desk.
Please sign there or let the office know that you are planning to attend no later
than Sunday, September 12, 2010.
PRESBYTERIAN HYMNALS
In 1990 the Presbyterian Hymnal made some revisions. At the present
time, the Presbyterian Committee on Congregation Song is considering a
revision to the hymnal. For the next year or so, Presbyterians will review
the songs in the 1990 hymnal, other denominational hymnals, global
songs, contemporary praise and worship songs, and even items received
through an open submission process in order to compose a new hymnal.
St. Andrew has volunteered to be one of the churches that will evaluate
and review the songs. Every three months over the next year, we will receive
up to four items to test during the worship service. After using the songs in
the worship service, we will have to submit an evaluation to the Presbyterian
Committee on Congregation Song. Therefore, if you hear something new
such as an offertory, special anthem, solo, or prelude, please let any choir
member know of your likes or dislikes.
This is an opportunity for you as a congregation to participate in the hymn
selection process for your church. Let us hear from you!
Worship Ministry Team
SEPTEMBER STEWARDSHIP NOTE
Stewardship is not just a question of checkbooks but a question of how a
person lives day by day. We are all stewards of God’s bounty, including love and
consideration, helpfulness and even courtesy. Stewardship embraces a sort of volunteer
attitude. It is a natural characteristic of Christians, but it takes practice and
awareness.
LIBRARY NEWS
The Katherine Hoppers Library committee has just introduced a new section in the
library entitled “Sunday School Curriculum.” This new section contains books that
have been previously used by Sunday school classes and are now available for other classes.
Come in and check out this new section when your Sunday school class is looking for a new
topic of study. Also, please consider donating your used workbooks and/or other
teacher materials when your Sunday school class has finished a study. Thank you!
SCOOL SUPPLIES COLLECTION
At the beginning of each school year, the C.C.C. has a school supplies program
to help students as they prepare for the new school year. School supplies
are donated to help those who are unable to afford these necessities. As you bring in
these items, you may place them at the Donation Location, located just outside the
fellowship hall. Here is a list of school supplies that are needed:
Notebook paper (wide ruled)
#2 Pencils
Folders with pockets and brads
Highlighters
1, 3, and 5 subject notebooks
Crayons
Colored pencils
Pencil sharpeners
Dry erase markers
Fiskars scissors
Composition notebooks
5-Subject tab dividers
Calculators
Graph paper
1” and 2” Solid color binders
SOUTH AFRICAN VISITORS
From September 3 – 17, 2010, sixteen members of the eGoli
Presbytery of South Africa will be visiting and worshipping with us
here in the North Alabama area.
The 10th Anniversary Worship Service and Grand Celebration will be
held at Faith Presbyterian Church in Huntsville on September 12, 2010.
Eleven choirs, including the St. Andrew Church choir, will participate
in this worship service along with African drums and handbells.
The schedule for the day is below. There will be a communion service
that will incorporate the best of both African and American traditions
and styles. A festive African style reception with singing, dancing,
drumming, and hors d’oeuvres will follow. Please make plans now to attend this
special international anniversary celebration.
10th Anniversary Worship Service and Grand Celebration
Schedule:
2:30 - 4:15 p.m. Choir rehearsal
4:15 - 5:00 p.m. R & R (Rest and refreshments)
5:00 p.m. Communion Worship Service
6:30 p.m. Reception
Location:
Faith Presbyterian Church
Airport Rd and Whitesburg Dr
Huntsville, AL 35802
CURSILLO RETREAT
Tennessee Valley Presbyterian Cursillo fall weekend is scheduled
for October 14 - 17, 2010 at Camp Maranatha. This weekend retreat offers
a time of singing, worship, Bible study, fellowship and fun with other
North Alabama Presbyterians for spiritual renewal and rejuvenation.
This retreat is open to all Presbyterians who want to renew and deepen
their Christian commitment. What a wonderful way to welcome the fall
season in such a beautiful setting!
A deposit of $50 holds your reservation, and the remainder of $100 will be
due upon arrival at the weekend. This covers lodging at Lakeside Conference
Center, all meals and materials. Scholarships are available. If a scholarship
is needed, please write on your application “scholarship requested”.
Applications are on the bulletin board in the hall outside the fellowship
hall and on a table in the narthex. To learn more about Cursillo weekends,
you may contact Lisa Terry or visit one of the following websites:
www.presbyteriancursillo.org
www.cursillo.com/tvpc.html
www.cursillo.com.
SUMMER ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Ice Cream Social on August 15, 2010 — The rain held off, the cooler breezes came,
and a good time of fun and fellowship was had by all!
SEPTEMBER FAMILY NIGHT SUPPER
The fall season brings back our monthly Family Night Suppers, held on the third
Sunday of the month. The September Family Night Supper will be a tailgate party in
the church parking lot on Sunday, September 19, 2010.
Do you have a favorite sports team? This is the night to wear your favorite football
jersey, hat, etc., bring along some good tailgating food; and let everyone know how
well your team is going to do this year. Be there at 5:30 p.m. for the food, football
talk, and the fellowship.
St. Andrew Ministry Teams
Administration, Planning and Nominations
Building, Landscaping and Maintenance
Communications, Outreach and Evangelism
Education and Spiritual Formation
Finance and Stewardship
Member Care, Fellowship and Nurture
Mission
Personnel
Worship
Clerk of Session