by Arch Baker

An extended study of the Bible book of Revelation will be held at SAPC, in the meeting room, beginning January 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. The recorded instruction by Bruce Gore lasts for about an hour with discussion, moderated by Arch Baker, to follow. Bruce Gore is a seminary faculty member with extensive experience in the Reformed Tradition.

The class will take an in-depth historical-analytical approach to Revelation exploring the history of interpretation and history of tradition aspects of the book. Gore’s presentations are informative and engaging and will help the class to understand why the book was written and what it says to modern-day study. We will begin with a video presentation of the various interpretations​ (some absolutely bizarre) of Revelation.

Our ultimate goal is to understand the book as it would have been understood by its first readers/hearers. If you want to prepare, you can begin by reading the books of Daniel and Ezekiel in the Bible. See you at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 7th. If you miss a session or two, that’s OK as Bruce always reviews each previous section. This is going to be fun!

Vital Congregations Initiative

The last Sunday in November we culminated our month-long reflection on St. Andrew’s history and legacy with a Service of Commemoration & Celebration. It was a wonderful time of testimonies and reflections on St. Andrews’ past ministries, and a lights ceremony of recommitment to be Christ’s light in the world. You can view the Heritage Sunday service on our YouTube channel, and the Table Timeline Exhibit on display through the month of December in the Parlor. This month we turn to stage #3 of our Vital Congregations Initiative — an examination of who we are as a particular church in this present moment, at this specific location. On Sunday, December 10th the congregation will participate in the main mechanism for our self-assessment – an in-church congregational survey. As part of the morning worship, all present will complete the paper survey, which will then be compiled and analyzed by the PC(USA) Research department. An online version of the survey will be made available for one week for members absent on the 10th. Every accommodation will be made to assist members needing help with either version. We need everyone to participate in our self-assessment, that we might have a clear picture of who we say we are, and how we view our own vitality. May the Spirit motivate us all to participate fully and transparently in this phase of measuring our vitality

 Wednesday, December 20^th at 6:30 pm.

Around the Firepit located near the shed at the back of the West Parking Lot, near the office building As we approach the longest night of the year, we will pause to honor those who struggle, and through scripture, prayer, silence, and candle-lighting, we will bear witness to the light that has come, and is coming, into the world. This brief service will create a safe and sacred space to lament and grieve the many losses we’ve experienced in this year and years past. All are welcome. 

We are collecting items for the men at Clifton Sanctuary Ministries December 10th – 17th. White t-shirts, boxers & briefs in sizes M-XXL are needed (No socks this year). Other items requested this year are adult backpacks, shower shoes, wallets and gloves. Please bring your donations of new, unwrapped items to the collection boxes in the narthex or outside the office door in the courtyard. Thanks in advance for your support of Clifton Sanctuary Ministries this Christmas!

• White t-shirts and boxers/briefs in Size Med-XXL (no socks)
• Back packs
• Wallets
• Gloves
• Shower shoes

Join us in welcoming new members to St. Andrews! Scott Johnson joins us by transfer of letter from the Church of the New Covenant, and the Chen family (Fernando, Kayla and Flora) joined by reaffirmation of faith.

• November 26th- Celebrating St. Andrews History in Worship
• November 26th- Hanging of the Greens and Lunch, after Worship
• November 28th- 39ers (Imperial Chinese Garden)
• December 7- OACM Day Trip to Callanwolde
• December 10th- In-worship Congregational Survey
• December 10th- Light of Grace Presents The Christmas Story, 4:00 pm
• December 17th- Lessons & Carols, 6:00 pm
• December 20th- Longest Night & Firepit Fellowship, 6:30 pm

 Many hands are needed for tasks of every ability level on Sunday, November 26 for the Hanging of the Greens. Immediately following worship, we’ll break down the heritage exhibit and prepare our campus for the Christmas season. Plenty of pizza will be served in the Youth Lounge afterwards. Please join!

Join us at 10:00 am Monday, November 20th in the Meeting Room to make the 2023 Chrismons. We give the Chrismons out to each family that attends out Christmas Eve services. No special skills are necessary and you do not need to bring anything. Everyone is welcome.

Upcoming Events

• November 26th- Celebrating St. Andrews History in Worship
• November 26th- Hanging of the Greens and Lunch, after Worship
• December 10th- Light of Grace Presents The Christmas Story, 4:00 pm
• December 17th- Lessons & Carols, 6:00 pm

December 20th- Longest Night & Firepit Fellowship, 6:30 pm