What's Happening at St. Andrew Community

Monday, June 1, 2026

I am filling in preaching at a couple of small United Methodist Churches for a few weeks, which include Pentecost Sunday last Sunday and Trinity Sunday this coming Sunday. These are Sundays when the preacher might be expected to talk about Christian doctrines of the Holy Spirit and the Trinity. Unfortunately, most congregations don’t really like sermons on doctrine, and I can’t say I blame them. I generally feel that the church has overestimated the value of doctrine. It even seems to me that many churches today base their teaching of salvation on accepting a particular doctrine of salvation.

There is a difference between knowing about God and actually knowing God. The child of a famous man may not know much “about” his father–– members of his fan club or others may know all about the father even though they never actually meet. But, unlike people who know “all about” the father–– the child actually knows him. The difference is far more than a matter of degree. One kind of knowledge is utterly derivative –it can be obtained without any contact with the person involved and requires no personal relationship. You don’t have to know God to know all about Christian theology and doctrines, but that is not the kind of knowing God that we seek – nor, I believe, is it the kind of knowing that God seeks for us.

Every major religion has within it a tradition which seeks actual experience of God. Kabbalahin Judaism, Sufism in Islam, Vedanta in Hinduism, and Christianity has several branches including Eastern Orthodox hesychasm, Catholic Mysticism, Quaker inner-light spirituality, and the holiness spirituality tradition in Methodism. Theologians may argue, but mystics all have the same message.

All of creation is not a theology, but a theophany! Look it up.

~~ED

Sunday Morning Studies and Snacks

We have two wonderful studies going on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:00 a.m. The Spiritual Growth class is using the book Life of the Beloved by Henri J. M. Nouwen. You can order the book from your favorite source and join in. The other class is the Women's Bible Study, and they have just ordered The Call by Adam Hamilton. Another wonderful study that uses a DVD guide will help guide the lessons. Please reach out to Charlotte Ezelle if you would like to learn more.

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Coffee and snacks are provided by members during the study hour. Please contact Judy Haley (903-445-3798, jhaley726@gmail.com) or Lee Ellen Blanton (903-235-3348, gypsy1956@sbcglobal.net) if you would like to help.

Sunday Morning Snacks — June snack dates are now open for sign-ups. Please let Lee Ellen (903-235-3348) know if you can fill the last date.  


*June 7 - Rose Briggs

*June 14 - Judy Haley

*June 21 - Alan Peters

*June 28 -

One Love Inventory

Our item inventory for the July 1 Love food bags had a good head start; however, it has lost some steam. There has been only one small change since the May packaging. Please consider supporting this ministry by purchasing items shown highlighted in red in the right-hand column. 

Thank you for your generosity!! 

The Monthly Unity Committe Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 2nd, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. in Room 104, Dawn Lo Classroom.

The monthly C&P Meeting will meet on Wednesday, June 10th @ 5:00 p.m.

The monthly Building and Grounds meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 10th @ 5:00 p.m.

The Adult/Andrew Club Ministry Group will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 10th @ 5:30 p.m.

The Worship and Music Ministry Group will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 10th @ 6:45 p.m.

Meals with Love

Nutritious meals that are delivered to the elderly, disabled, and shut-ins on Tuesday, June 9th. These meals are delivered hot and fresh by a wonderful team of volunteers who provide personal contact, warm affirmation, fellowship, and friendship with each delivery.

One Love Pancake Breakfast

One Love is holding their June pancake breakfast fundraiser on June 13th @ 7:00 a.m. Any questions, please see Steve Crane.

Grace Presbytery's Social Justice and Public Witness Committee received several requests from congregations for guidance on how we can help the migrant community. As a result, the SJPW committee is presenting a Zoom seminar on June 18, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, titled "Supporting the Safety and Welfare of Migrants: How Our Congregations Can Be Involved." There will be both a theological framework and direct opportunities for migrant advocacy, along with collaboration with other congregations and organizations. No matter where you reside within Grace Presbytery, we hope you can join us as we discern how to care for our community. There are posters throughout the church with a QR code to register for the event, and you can also register using the QR code in the newsletter.

 https://gracepresbytery.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Revised-How-your-Congregation-can-be-Involved.png 

35^th Annual BEE for Literacy

Wednesday | June 3rd, 2026 | 11:30AM – 1:00PM

Ware Elementary School

The BEE for Literacy is an annual corporate spelling bee and lunch where businesses, schools, and organizations enter teams to compete for the trophy. Join us in cheering on our community’s “Super Spellers!”

CUMC and St. Andrew have purchased a table for 8. If you are interested in attending the lunch or you would volunteer to be a speller, please get with Ed Blackstone (903)235-6718 Email: edwblackstone@gmail.com or Katie Seager,( 903)331-7377

Email: seagerkayl@gmail.com.

Join the ladies' Stitchers group every Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Dawn Lo classroom! Organized by Kathy Loy, this welcoming group invites members and friends. Beginners and experts, left- and right-handed crocheters alike, are all welcome.

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.

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

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

We still have a few Pride t-shirts here in the office. They will be in the narthex on Sundays. Please pick up and make your payments to St. Andrews.

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.