What's Happening at St. Andrew Community

Monday, September 28, 2026

A few minutes with Ed ~
September 23, 2026

Just Do It!

In the Church’s first one hundred years or so, the Christian religion was known as “The Way.” In those days, the Christian faith was a way of life rather than belief in specific dogma, although dogma was certainly developing. The Apostles’ Creed was the first creed the Church developed, but it took time to form and didn’t reach its final shape until the 700s. The Council of Nicaea formally adopted the Nicene Creed in 325 AD. Because of doctrinal disagreements within the church, Emperor Constantine summoned the bishops to a meeting at Nicaea. For political purposes, Constantine wanted religious unity and stability, so he tasked the Bishops with developing a statement of faith on which a majority of the Bishops present could agree. (Only about 300 Bishops of about 1800 total Bishops attended). 

This Creed might have served the immediate purpose, but over the centuries Christians, who had the power to do so, have tortured and killed other Christians who believed differently. The Christian faith came to be defined by what people believed rather than what they did. Jesus spent little time telling people what to believe and much time telling them what to do. He even told parables like the parable of the two sons, in this week's Gospel reading, which seems to say that what we do matters more than what we say.

The Apostles’ Creed starts each paragraph with I believe … I believe … I believe. The Nicene Creed starts each paragraph with We believe … We believe … We believe. I wonder what difference it would have made if, instead of repeating a creed every Sunday saying what we think, we repeated a statement every Sunday saying that we will do what Jesus told us to do.


I will love God.

I will love my neighbor.

I will feed the hungry.

I will comfort the sick.

I will welcome the stranger.

I will be merciful.

I will be meek.

I will be a peacemaker.

I will go the extra mile.

~~Ed

World Communion Sunday

October 4, 2026

On the first Sunday in October, United Methodist congregations join many Christian churches, including the Presbyterian Church (USA), in celebrating World Communion Sunday.

In the United Methodist Church, the money raised helps provide scholarships for racial and ethnic minority students in the US, and students worldwide.

In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), donations from the World Communion Sunday offering are split to support local, regional, and global ministries focused on reconciliation and justice.

All of God's people gather around the Table to celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Experience the grace that comes from reconciling all peoples from all nations around the corner and around the globe through this offering.

Please identify your offering as “World Communion Sunday” on your check or envelope.

We will weave the communion table to celebrate World Communion Sunday on October 4th, at the beginning of the church service.

We have two weavers, and we need five more people to help with the weaving.

There will be a training session and practice on Wednesday, September 30, at 5 o’clock in the sanctuary.

If you're interested in being part of this memorable event, please contact Katy Manck or Robin Burns to volunteer or learn more.

A Congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, October 11th. You will be voting for Session Ruling Elders, Trustee, Nominating Committee, and Class of 2029. Please make plans to attend.

Sunday Morning Snacks — Thanks to everyone below for their help on upcoming Sunday mornings! We always appreciate your kindness! Have a very blessed week!


• October 4 - Judy Haley
• October 11 - Linda Keebaugh
• October 18 - Susan King
• October 25 - Lee Ellen Blanton

New Month, New Needs!

The next One Love Bags will be filled on October 7. We are adding a new item to the list.— Utensil packets. Please make sure that the plasticware is prepackaged with a knife, fork, spoon, and napkin. (Available on Amazon or at Sam’s)

September is Hunger Action Month
  

Donate to the East Texas Food Bank virtual food drive here. Your gift will be matched.

You can also donate to Longview Community Ministries here.  Designate your gift “food box”.  

Election Reminder-November 3, 2026 General Election!

Important Dates for Texas Voters

OCTOBER 5- Voter Registration Deadline

Make sure your registration and address are up to date.

OCTOBER 19–30- Early Voting

Registered voters may vote early in person.

OCTOBER 23 -Mail Ballot Application Deadline

If you qualify to vote by mail, your application must be received by this date.

NOVEMBER 3- ELECTION DAY • 7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Check your polling information before heading out to vote.

Not sure where or how to vote?

Check your registration, polling place, and voting information at VoteTexas.gov.

For additional information or questions about the voting process, please contact Steve Crane.

Your help is needed!

The sign-up list for Scripture Readers and Worship Leaders has many openings for October and November. You can help by signing the chart on the table in the Narthex. Alan Peters will likely be there to answer any questions. Our office admin, Kathy W, will email you the scripture passages and a copy of the bulletin on the Thursday before your sign-up day. There is time to prepare — it’s not a “cold” read. Scripture Readers can use any version of the Bible that they prefer.  

Gilmont Camp is hosting a Battle of the Bags on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Go to their website at https://www.gilmont.org/battle-of-the-bags/ to sign up! 

The CenterPeace Conference will celebrate its 20th anniversary in Dallas on October 15-17. To join the conference or learn more, please visit https://www.centerpeace.net/more to make reservations. The CenterPeace Conference is a warm-hearted gathering of LGBTQ Christians and those who love them. It's an amazing time to meet new friends and reunite with old ones. The Conference features a range of speakers, worship leaders, storytellers, and those ready to listen to your heart.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the church from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For further information, please call (903)235-7890.

Join the ladies' Stitchers group every Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Dawn Lo classroom! This welcoming group invites members, friends, and family, beginners and experts alike, left- and right-handed crocheters to come join in on the fun!

Women's Bible Study is held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 10:30 am, led by Quita Russell and Jackie Farmer. For further information, please contact Quita or Jackie.

The Bible Study book "United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other" is in my office for those who would like to participate. I will have a sign-out sheet for the books, so if you would like to participate in the Bible Study, please make sure you sign out your book.

Clean Air Al-Anon will be meeting every Tuesday evening from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. For further information, please call (915)522-5575.

www.standrewpres.org

The e-news and calendar are now attached to

our web page.

There is also access to a current directory

if you are a member.

If you have forgotten your sign-in, contact the church office.