BUT WAIT!!!

​Grace and peace, beloveds!  AND!! Merry Christmas (yes, still!)
Some of you may have begun to put away the decorations, packed up the memories of each ornament, and taken the tree to the curb (or, attic?)...and that's ok. But slow down. We often forget that Christmas is a season, not just one day. Our secular world would have us think that Christmas begins in October, when the first signs of Grinch blow-ups and candy canes appear, but liturgically, Christmas is 12 days long. Remember Advent? The preparation for the Birth of our Lord and Savior? Remember, we lit one candle a week? I know, it flew by.
We're so busy preparing for Christmas that we've forgotten to slow down and ready the cradle of our hearts for the holy baby. So...do yourself a favor. If you haven't already taken down all that reminds you of the celebration, please feel free to sit. Sit in silence and remember why we celebrate in the first place. Light a candle. Read Luke 1-2:52. Read about Zechariah and Elizabeth, the miracle of John the Baptist (Jbap), and how he prepared for the coming of Christ... read about Mary and Joseph (scandal!) and how God came to us in a way that we could understand, love for love's sake. And do you know that God did that just for YOU? I know! Craziness...but God loves YOU that much. It's true.
And guess what (as if you didn't already know), I love you, too, and I'm so grateful for all y'all.

So, I write to say thank you for the ways you have blessed my family and me, and continue to bless us. 
Thank you for the Christmas Eve "bonus". Thank you for the gifts you sneakily put on my desk. Thank you for the cards and texts. Thank you for showing up to worship. Thank you for loving and caring for each other and for our community. Thank you for going along with my crazy ideas and for saying yes when we see a need, even though we all have a gazillion other things to do. Thank you for being the most hospitable, welcoming, beautiful congregation (I hear it ALL the time from visitors!).  And thank you for allowing me to serve as your Pastor. Y'all truly make my heart sing with joy, and I thank God daily for all y'all. 


What's in store for 2026? 
Once a month on a Sunday, we'll have Faith and Friends for our elementary-aged Littles/Middles. Thanks to Crystal Logan, who said let's make it happen, we'll meet after worship (or afternoon, tbd) and explore a Bible story, have a snack, and begin to develop our faith. I'm so excited!

A Grazing Grace will continue to meet on the first Wednesday of every month @ 1130. This culinary adventure group is comprised of whoever can make it, as we foster relationships by sharing stories and ideas about how we can be church together. 

The " There Might Be Wine" ladies' book club has really taken off, and there's always room for more on the 4th Monday night of the month. Want to talk about a good read and hormones? Come and join us! 

The Property Brothers (all 4 or 5~) are a dedicated bunch of gentlemen (?)! who meet on the 3rd Saturday to take care of St. Andrew's facility. Like to putter? Like to organize and smash things? Here's the group for you... And they could really use some help. Thanks, Jimmy, Bill, Justin, Tim, and Dave. 

OASIS! (it's not just a band!)- Kris and Jacob have been leading this ministry for over a year! Who are my early risers? The 4th Monday morning of each month, this crew serves a hot breakfast to those facing homelessness/food insecurity. I hear Melanie makes a mean egg!

Bible study?! YES! Edith has been leading for years! Wednesday evenings at SA and Thursday mornings on Zoom.

 Want more?
How about a pop-up choir? A men's ensemble? A men's book club where hormones are not mentioned (ok, maybe no book, either...) How about a monthly potluck lunch or cookies and coffee? Do you like to organize? (I really need someone for this! I'll even pitch in a label gun!) Like to garden? How about office tasks?  Know about an organization that needs help? What's your passion? 

I can't do it all...and neither can just a handful of volunteers, as that leads to burnout. So, if you're not involved, we can find a way to get you plugged in. There's so much work to do, y'all, and so much need. Pray about it... because everything begins there.

 Don't forget, 4 January is Epiphany/Star Word Sunday. I'm looking forward to how God will surprise us, and I cannot wait to see where the Spirit will lead us in 2026.

All the love and blessings, dear ones. Again...from the bottom of my heart, Thank YOU!

Pastor Suzanne