St. Andrew’s Update – January 3, 2023 – Turning Social Media Around

Turning Social Media Around

Dear St. Andrew’s Family,

Happy New Year! As we ring in 2024, it is important to step back and reflect on the priorities we have set for our life. Now is the best time of the year to reevaluate our habits and refine how we choose to spend our time.

You are probably well familiar with the argument for the perils of constant social media usage—I myself can’t at all disagree—and with new, developing, and emerging technologies seeking to influence and overtake our lives before we have considered the consequences, we should remember that we do not have to be victims to the algorithms and mega companies seeking to profit off our attention. It doesn’t have to be this way.

I believe that when social media platforms are properly deployed in one’s life with intention and positivity, there is, indeed, much good that can come from connecting digitally with friends and family near and far, staying informed on local events and offerings of your favorite businesses, non-profits, and organizations, and communicating with groups of interest in a way that emanates Christ’s love and compassion and God’s plan for reconciliation, abundant life, and good deed to all we come across in-person and (conveniently!) online.

I think that when put to use purposefully, and as God intends, digital communication can serve to amplify His Light in the world exponentially. For truly, the volume at which we can reach others with the hope and peace that is found in faith by using these modern methods can have an unprecedented impact. I invite you to join me in transforming social media from its present corners of darkness and chaos to a fuller manifestation of God’s kingdom. When we can right the model for human life that we’ve created in the ether, we are that much closer to an on-the-ground ideal reality: heaven on earth.

Make the St. Andrew’s community a beacon of God’s Light for all:

instagram.com/standrewssb

facebook.com/standrewssb

tiktok.com/@standrewssb

Blessings,
Lila Woodard

January 7

Epiphany Stars!

This Sunday in worship we will hand out Epiphany stars as we have in the past. The star words and the design are new and for the five weeks in Epiphany we will invite people to share about their word and what it means to them. We will also follow up with the words in the summer, so hold onto them throughout the year.

If you are online you can email the office at office@standrewspcusa.org and we will mail a word out to you.

January 7th

In Worship This Week

This Sunday we have two themes: the Baptism of Jesus and the Epiphany. Both have in common an image to guide us through this life. First, the star that lights our way in the world and second the baptism that marks our living in Christ.

• Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-4 and Luke 3:21-22
• Sermon title: “We Trust our Belovedness.”
• Hymns: “Spirit Divine, Attend Our Prayers,” “You Are the Lord, Giver of Mercy!” “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go.”
• Epiphany Star Words will be distributed.
• Communion Sunday!

Calendar of Events

Happening This Week (Happy New Year!)

1/04 (Thurs) – Fit for Parkinson’s 2-3:00pm (MH)

1/05 (Fri) – Llamada Final 6:30pm (MH)

1/06 (Sat) – Coastal Quilt 8-4:00pm (MH); Llamada Final 6:30pm (MH)

1/07 (Sun) – Worship 9:30am (S); Coffee Hour 10:30am (MH)

1/08 (Mon) – Running Stitches 9:30-12:30pm (WR); AA Grateful Group 8:00pm (YL)

1/09 (Tues) – Naomi Circle 9:15am (LIB); Parkinson’s 12:30-2:30 pm (MH)

1/10 (Wed) -Llamada Final 6:30pm (MH)

Saturday, February 3rd

Santa Barbara Mission Conference

Fr. Bob Fox, Head of Staff at Santa Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church, will lead a breakout session on Homelessness/Affordable Housing in Engage, the 22nd annual Santa Barbara Mission Conference. Having a lifelong concern for the poor and needy, Rev. Fox is active in many street ministries in this city.

You have a choice – attend in-person or participate remotely.

Either way, you may register by going online at sbmissionconference.org or by picking up and completing a brochure at any of the conference’s partner churches.

St. Andrew’s Book Club

We invite you to this month’s St. Andrew’s Book Club Meeting on Saturday, January 13th at 10am in the church library.

We will be discussing Honey, Baby, Mine: A Mother and Daughter Talk Life, Death, Love (and Banana Pudding) by
Laura Dern and Diane Ladd.

The discussion this month will be led by Carole Shapiro. See you there!

It Takes Many Hands

Church ministry is the work of many hands and includes everything from caring for the grounds to planning worship to organizing mission opportunities and more. If you are interested in lending a hand see one of the Elders below about joining a committee or you can talk to Pastor Jen anytime:

• Buildings & Grounds – Porter Spencer
• Congregational Life Team – Shannon Gerow
• Worship – Carol Lefly
• Personnel – Diana Lee
• Mission – Tamara Skov
• Finance – Melinda Gerow
• Membership – Melinda Gerow
• Digital Presence Team – Kirk Grier
• Adult Education – Rachel Tobler
• Children & Youth Ministry – Caroline Willsie
• Youth Engagement – Lila Woodard

2024 Worship Schedule is Up!

The 2024 Worship Schedule is up and ready to view.  Please click the following link here to access the Schedule.

Thank you for your gift of time and dedication and Happy New Year!

Applications Now Open!

Scholarship Opportunity

Did you know that through the grace and generosity of the Naegle family, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church is able to offer scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students who meet the eligibility requirements? If you are a member of our congregation, you can apply at scholarship.org/apply/. Applications are open now and close on January 31, 2024.