St. Andrew’s Update–November 27, 2024

Gratitude

Rev. Steve Knowles’ sermon this past Sunday hit a lot of high notes for me. I loved his warm, easy style of storytelling. With the skill of a seasoned preacher, he wove scripture, personal experience, history, and theology together into the beautiful tapestry that is the church.

Toward the end of his sermon, he delivered a line that described my ministry as St. Andrew’s pastor as a “mutual ministry with all of us [the congregation].” A truer word could not be said. To be a pastor is to be in constant conversation with a congregation—giving and receiving support, challenging each other, sharing the burdens of the work, and rejoicing together in the successes. The best part of my job is the interaction I get to have with all of you as we seek to respond faithfully to God’s call. When I consider the mutual ministry that we engage in at St. Andrew’s, I am filled with gratitude. Since it is Thanksgiving Eve, I will list my appreciation in detail.

The Session: I am grateful for the courage, persistence, and creativity of the people who have stepped up to the task of leading the church at this critical moment— Melinda Gerow, Carol Lefley, Diana Lee, Maggie McMillan, Dana Monk, Julie Sommers, and Porter Spencer. The work requires patience, innovation, and the ability to deal with uncertainty. It hasn’t been easy and yet this group of people shows up, month after month. WIthout them, there would be no church.

The Deacons: It takes a special kind of giftedness to shepherd the people of God. It requires a kind spirit and genuine caregiving. Just like the Session, the Deacons are working with a skeleton crew, which makes their dedication and commitment all the more impressive—Linda Gunther, Barbara Spencer, Diane Weisenburger, John Rubin, Bob Parsons, Lee Thompson, and Karen Noffz.

The Staff (volunteer, paid, and contract): It is no secret that St. Andrew’s is blessed with remarkably talented personnel. Scott Eschbach (business manager and treasure), Silkie Hur-Stark (property and office manager), Bonnie Boe (accountant), Samsun Keithley (livestream), Carole Shapiro (financial secretary), Tim Accurso and Natasha Kislenko (pianists), Erin McKibben (music director) and Kirk Grier (who might be surprised to be counted as staff but who is the first person we call when we need tech help). I LOVE working with these people!

And so many more!: So many of you have lifted St. Andrew’s up through the quality of your character and your willingness to share your gifts. Even if I can’t list each of you, know that I am a witness to your faithfulness and give thanks to God for you!

WIshing you a blessed Thanksgiving!

Pastor Jen

December 8, 2pm

Presbyterian Women’s Tea

Please join this festive gathering of women! This much-anticipated holiday tradition is a wonderful way to welcome the Christmas season. There will be delicious food, hot tea, lively conversation, old friends, new friends, and jolly music. There will be a special collection for the PW Thank Offering. 100% of this money goes directly to mission, serving people in the United States and around the world.

Office Closed

The Office will be closed Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for Thanksgiving and will reopen on Tuesday, December 3.

Advent Craft Workshop

Stay after the service December 15 for a special Advent craft workshop and coffee hour. Enjoy making gingerbread houses, reindeer ornaments, pomander balls, and yummy, festive goodies.

In the Entryway to the Fellowship Hall

Pick Up Your Free Copy

Strengthen your faith with These Days, an inspiring and uplifting daily devotional! Each issue of These Days features:

– Scripture suggestions
– Thought-provoking daily reflections written by clergy and lay leaders
– Inspiring prayers
– Adult coloring pages
– Colorful artwork on the outside covers with poems, prayers, and songs
pertinent to the issue’s theme
– Information about the writers

This moving devotional is released in printed format quarterly in regular or enlarged print.

Naegle Scholarship Application Open

We are pleased to announce that eligible members of St Andrew’s may apply to the Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation for financial assistance. The scholarships are provided by the grace and generousity of the Naegle family. The application can be found HERE and closes February 16, 2025.

Tamalada

Join us in the kitchen Saturday, December 14 at 1:00 pm to learn to make tamales to serve at Transition House. We have some special treats up our sleeves this year. There will be professional instruction, activities for kids and festivities. RSVP to Melinda at 805-708-8699.

42nd Annual Messiah Sing Along

The 42nd annual Messiah Sing Along will take place on Tuesday, December 17, at 7:30pm in the First Presbyterian Church, corner of State and Constance. This Santa Barbara holiday tradition will benefit Unity Shoppe. Phillip McLendon will conduct this performance of George Frederick Handel’s choral masterpiece, “Messiah.” James Mooy has organized the orchestra which includes members of the Santa Barbara City College Symphony. Erin Bonski-Evans is the organist. Four outstanding soloists will also perform. All are volunteering their talents.That covers everything and everybody except the chorus. That’s because the chorus is you — the audience! Tickets are $10, 100 percent of which goes to Unity Shoppe, the Santa Barbara non-profit which helps some 18,000 of our low-income neighbors, children, and the elderly annually. Tickets and music scores (bring your own) are available at Chaucer’s in Loreto Plaza and at the door. Tickets are also available at the Unity Gift Shoppe, 1209 State Street. It’s great music and great fun for a great cause. Everyone is invited to make a joyful noise and raise your voice on high. Or come to listen. It’s always a great performance!

St. Andrew’s Nametags Available

Sign up for a St. Andrew’s nametag at the coffee hour or through Linda Sorensen (805-886-3470). You are welcome to list your pronouns and select from 3 backing options. We have them available to order at $10 each (check or cash). There will also be a free option available.

SB Mission Conference

DISCOVERING THE CHURCH IN THE SHELTER: One of the afternoon breakout sessions will focus on moving people from homelessness to housing. Pat Wheatley, active in many non-profits including Santa Barbara’s Housing Authority, will moderate the session, showing where God’s church is present and active in shelters. This takes place at Engage, the 23rd annual Santa Barbara Mission Conference, Saturday, Feb. 1, at First Presbyterian Church. Also included are keynote Tim Soerens and a panel of practitioners committed long-term to justice ministry. 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.

Volunteer for Coffee Hour!

There are openings for Fellowship Coffee Hour on  December 29.

Be a Planet Protector!

St. Andrew’s is now collecting plastics that cannot be recycled at home. Bring in your plastic film labeled #2 or #4 and turn them into residential flooring. To learn more about Planet Protectors, click here. Here are examples of what we can take:

Pallet Wrap
Grocery Bags
Bread Bags (turned inside out)
Case wrap (toilet paper, paper towels, water bottles)
Dryclean bags
Newspaper Sleeves
Electronics Wraps
Bubble Wrap
Plastic Shipping Envelopes
Air Pillows
Ziplock bags
Produce Bags
Ice Bags
Salt Bags
Wood Pellet Bags

All plastics must be clean and dry. Collection is located in the Narthex.

Five Stars for St. Andrews

If you love our congregation and hope to grow together in numbers and faith, would you consider submitting a positive, personal reveiw to Google and/or Yelp? Often a Google search is a potential visitor’s first step to finding us. A few simple words about why you love St. Andrew’s will help others make an important decision.

The Numbers Are In!

St. Andrews’s donated 128 pounds of food to the Food Bank of Santa Barbara! Even more than last time! Great job everyone!

Let’s make our donations even bigger by bringing in items such as…

• Peanut butter
• Canned soup
• Canned fruit
• Canned vegetables
• Canned stew
• Canned fish
• Canned beans
• Pasta (most prefer whole grain)
• Rice (most prefer brown rice)

Calendar of Events

Happening This Week

11/28 (Thurs) – Happy Thanksgiving! Office closed and no meetings.

11/29 (Fri) – Office closed; Llamada Final 6:30pm (MH)

11/30 (Sat) – Llamada Final 6:30pm (MH)

12/1 (Sun) – Worship 9:30am (S); Fellowship 10:30am (MH)

12/2 (Mon) – Running Stitches 9:30-12:30pm (WR); CYMT Meeting 7pm (zoom); AA Grateful Group 8pm (YL)

12/3 (Tues) – Parkinson’s 1pm (MH)

12/4 (Wed) – Llamada Final 6:30pm (MH); Choir Practice 6:45pm (S)

*happy*birthday*happy*birthday*

November Birthdays

Birthdays will be in the Weekly Updates from now on!  If you don’t see your birthday on here and would like to get it added please email Silkie at silkie.hur@standrewspcusa.org.

11/3      Judith Muller

11/7       Maggie Knauss

11/7       John Rubin

11/8      Diana Lee

11/8      Tom Weisenburger

11/13     Barbara Hoffman

11/16     Elvia Addison

11/27    David Sommers

11/29    Margaret Siadel

11/30    Brian Wise

2025 Worship Schedule

The 2025 schedule is being created. This includes liturgists, sound and slides, ushers and greeters, Sunday School teachers, and more. See Pastor Jen for more information.

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 – Julie Sommers
• Personnel – Diana Lee
• Mission –
• Finance – Melinda Gerow
• Membership – Melinda Gerow
• Digital Presence Team – Dana Monk
• Adult Education – Maggie McMillan
• Children & Youth Ministry – Carol Lefley

Lost & Found

Lost and Found will now be in the Weekly Update!  If you recognize any of the following or know someone who might, please stop by the office on Tuesday-Friday from 9am-2pm and Silkie will give it to you!

• Black Umbrella
• Tortoise Shell Reading Glasses
• A Receipt from Lang Motors
• Black Reading Glasses with Diamonds on Edges
• Frameless Reading Glasses
• A Set of Keys with the Chrylser Symbol
• Small Orange Dinosaur
• Pearl Bracelet
• Small Gold Earring Heart-Shaped with a Cross Inside
• Small Turqoise and Silver Earring
• Anker Glasses Holder
• A Silver Half-Hoop Earring with L-Shapes Throughout
• A Piece of Mail for Patrick Hinckley
• Small tube of Hand Lotion
• A Green Clear Tumbler with a Straw
• A Clear Tumbler with a Black Lid
• A Blue Tumbler
• Glasses Case with Zebras
• Green Jeweled Earring