Letter from Pastor John

Dear St. Andrew’s Family,

Martin Luther said centuries ago, “singing is praying twice.” For me, music is at the heart of faith – and faith is at the heart of life. Something beautiful happens when we sing together, because we also breathe together. We listen to the Spirit and each other so we can stay in sync and in tune, adjusting our pace and volume, ebbing and flowing as we go along. Music is about unity.

And at the same time, music is also about embracing our differences. When we sing different notes in harmony, we become more than the sum of our parts. Different instruments, different abilities, different voices blend and contrast and complement each other. Music is about variety.

Unity, variety – and above all, music is about generosity. The generosity to listen, to be open, to collaborate, to make room for different notes and words and people – and to do it all for the sake of filling the world with beauty, and praise, and “making a joyful noise to God.”

The world can feel pretty grim these days. We need as much beauty, joy, and hope in our lives as we can get, and for me, St. Andrew’s is an oasis of this kind of blessing. A place where we welcome all, work together, chip in, and make a joyful noise. A choir of contribution. A chorus of generosity.

So let’s make this year’s giving campaign the best one yet. Please fill out the included pledge card (extras are at church!) and add your voice to the chorus. Consider participating in the 30-Day Generosity Challenge.

We’ll celebrate our “joyful noise” on Sunday, November 16, at our Dedication Sunday in all three worship services. Please bring your pledge cards and your prayers as we commit the coming year to Christ and His work in us and through us, near and far.

Looking forward to seeing you there. And thank you—we can’t do all that we do without your help!

Joyfully,

Pastor John

Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth! + Psalm 100:1