About Us
Our Mission
St. Andrew Lutheran Church is called to create opportunities for all people to become devoted followers of Christ. We do this by welcoming all to our ministry; by serving our members, the community and the world; and by encouraging people to continue their growth in faith.
St. Andrew Lutheran Church is called to create opportunities for all people to become devoted followers of Christ. We do this by welcoming all to our ministry; by serving our members, the community and the world; and by encouraging people to continue their growth in faith.
Our History
Our first Sunday worship service occurred on Palm Sunday, March 14, 1991 in the Mountain Shadows Community Center in Sun City. On October 31, 1993, the congregation was officially chartered and became part of the Grand Canyon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In the spring of 1996, St. Andrew began construction of its present church building and the facility was consecrated in February 1997. On Palm Sunday, April 5, 2009 we broke ground for a new addition and the Fellowship Hall opened in October 2009. The former Fellowship Hall was then renovated and opened as the Education and Youth Center and the choir loft was expanded. The new facilities were dedicated on March 7, 2010. In 2023, we celebrated our Thirtieth Anniversary. Prior to his retirement in 2024, Pastor Phil Shuart was named "Pastor Emeritus". Pastor Mari was installed as our Associate Pastor in 2021 and our Pastor in 2025.
Our first Sunday worship service occurred on Palm Sunday, March 14, 1991 in the Mountain Shadows Community Center in Sun City. On October 31, 1993, the congregation was officially chartered and became part of the Grand Canyon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In the spring of 1996, St. Andrew began construction of its present church building and the facility was consecrated in February 1997. On Palm Sunday, April 5, 2009 we broke ground for a new addition and the Fellowship Hall opened in October 2009. The former Fellowship Hall was then renovated and opened as the Education and Youth Center and the choir loft was expanded. The new facilities were dedicated on March 7, 2010. In 2023, we celebrated our Thirtieth Anniversary. Prior to his retirement in 2024, Pastor Phil Shuart was named "Pastor Emeritus". Pastor Mari was installed as our Associate Pastor in 2021 and our Pastor in 2025.
Staff
Rev. Dr. Mari Larson
Pastor Mari grew up on a farm in Minnesota. After completing her Bachelor's at the University of Minnesota, she worked for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and pursued a Master's at St. Mary's University before attending Luther Seminary (MDiv). She later received her DMin from Fairfax University and post-graduate certificates from Villanova (Church Management) and Cornell (DEI). She has been an ELCA pastor for 30 years and has served in South Dakota, Minnesota, Arizona, Kansas, and Nevada. She is married, a stepmom, and a cat mom. Her favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 52:7, and she loves Honeycrisp apples (ask her why).
Pastor Mari grew up on a farm in Minnesota. After completing her Bachelor's at the University of Minnesota, she worked for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and pursued a Master's at St. Mary's University before attending Luther Seminary (MDiv). She later received her DMin from Fairfax University and post-graduate certificates from Villanova (Church Management) and Cornell (DEI). She has been an ELCA pastor for 30 years and has served in South Dakota, Minnesota, Arizona, Kansas, and Nevada. She is married, a stepmom, and a cat mom. Her favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 52:7, and she loves Honeycrisp apples (ask her why).
Antonio and Evangelina Z. - Sextons
Antonio and Evangelina consider their work here to be ministry, and it shows. They have been keeping our building clean and in good repair for more than 16 years. They are also lay ministers in the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination. They are a blessing!
Antonio and Evangelina consider their work here to be ministry, and it shows. They have been keeping our building clean and in good repair for more than 16 years. They are also lay ministers in the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination. They are a blessing!
Amy K. - Music
Colleen L. - Audio/Visual
Angela D. - Finance
Beth S. - Administrative Assistant
When Beth retired from 42 years in youth ministry, the last job she thought she'd have was working in a church office. But here we are. Beth and her husband, Rich, moved to Las Vegas to be closer to their grandson.
When Beth retired from 42 years in youth ministry, the last job she thought she'd have was working in a church office. But here we are. Beth and her husband, Rich, moved to Las Vegas to be closer to their grandson.
Jensen L. - Social Media Coordinator
Jensen is a musician, a barista, and a sociologist. He has been playing his blue guitar for worship here for almost 5 years. He is the man behind the camera at the blessing of the animals every October. And he has untangled our technology more than once.
Jensen is a musician, a barista, and a sociologist. He has been playing his blue guitar for worship here for almost 5 years. He is the man behind the camera at the blessing of the animals every October. And he has untangled our technology more than once.
