Building a New Future with:
FAITH—Reformation Faith
Faith is God’s work in us, that changes
us and gives us new birth from God.
(John 1:13).
Faith cannot help doing good works constantly. It doesn’t
stop to ask if good works ought to be done, but before anyone
asks, it already has done them and continues to do them without
ceasing…Because of it, you freely, willingly and joyfully
do good to everyone, serve everyone, suffer all kinds of things,
love and praise the God who has shown you such grace. (Martin
Luther’s Definition of Faith)
HOPE—Great
Expectations
Hope is both reliance on God’s
blessing and provision and the expectation of future good.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick; A wish come true is a
staff of life. (Proverbs 13:12)
LOVE—Agape Love
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with
all your soul, with all your mind. It comes first. The second
is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
(I Corinthians 13:1-3)
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Dear St. Andrew Members and Friends,
The peaceful beauty of St. Andrew’s sanctuary glowed as sunlight through
stained glass windows layered a rainbow on each pew and wall. A husband and wife
spoke softly as they stood with me in our sanctuary for the first time. “How
beautiful this place is,” the woman said softly. The reverence in her voice
pointed one God-ward. She continued more excitedly, “As
soon as we walked in here, we knew we were home.”
St. Andrew is a gift from God: a gift, certainly, to us who belong as members
and friends; but, more important, we are a gift to the community. Hundreds of
people have come and gone through our doors over the last 15 years. We have continued
to grow in our membership, in our giving, and in our lives of discipleship. The
prevailing tone of our congregation is one of excitement and great expectation
for how God will lead us in the years ahead. St. Andrew is committed to honoring
Jesus Christ as we minister to those in Summerlin and the surrounding community.
In a world that is often overloaded with worries, pressures,
and disappointments, we are reminding others of God’s love, hope, and forgiveness. God
wants St. Andrew to be a gift to those who are passing by.
God wants us to be a gift to that one person who may not
even think about God and then one day for some strange reason
walks into our sanctuary. He/she sees the stained glass windows
and feels the peace of God in this place.
We continue our growth in the numbers of people who utilize our facility, and
we continue to grow in creating new space. It will be great to have more room
for fellowship, a minimum of six meeting/class rooms to use during the week and
on Sundays. Additionally, we will be grateful for a room specifically designed
for quiet meditation and prayer.
Thank you for your prayers and your commitment.
God bless,
Pastor Phil |
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