Community

Every year Session adopts a budget and asks members of the church family to support St. Andrew’s financially. But in addition over the years church members have contributed resources which have permitted us to engage in activities over and beyond what can be provided through the annual budget and stewardship campaign. I want to highlight…

While I was out of town this past week, my older brother, his wife and their youngest child stayed at my house here in Goleta. It was a nice escape from the Phoenix heat for them and they got a chance to explore Santa Barbara. But, most importantly, they got to check in on my…

I am writing this from the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, also known as “La Casa de Paz y Bien,” more commonly called, The Casa. The Casa is located in the middle of a major metropolitan area, but you would never know it from the center of the campus. There are several buildings but a large…

Back in May, I was contacted by our Presbytery’s nominating committee asking if I would serve as the commissioner for the General Assembly (the elected commissioner was having surgery and could not attend). I hesitated at first. I knew this would take time and energy and I don’t have much of either to spare. However,…

I have a confession to make: It has taken me a year and a half to access my office voicemail. When I finally figured it out, I had 22 messages. I listened to them all. Each one represented an important communication that someone was trying to convey to me. Fortunately, each person got in touch…