Church guide

Thank you, St. Andrew members, friends, and staff for a glorious worship service, jubilant music, and delightful fellowship hour reception to mark my retirement. And thank you for the privilege of serving as your pastor for almost 24 years. It's been a joy...and I will miss you. --Rev. Phyllis A. Heffner

Winter has come to St. Andrew. The bees are keeping warm (the hives will reach 95 degrees inside), the butterflies from the butterfly garden have flown south, and the vegetable patch is hibernating. Everything is quietly awaiting Spring.

Setting up the Touch of Glass raffle items

Setting up for A Touch of Glass

First apples of the season! Wayne picked quite a harvest today of Black Arkansas Delicious. See? You can even grow fruit for the food pantry on a small plot of land adjacent to a parking lot!

This beautiful sunflower is one of the "bee friendly" plants we have in the courtyard. Look closely and you can see the bee! Thanks to Gwen for this perfect photo.

The hurricane damage in Texas is not over yet, as Harvey becomes one of the most severe storms in US history. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is standing by, ready to help in Texas upon invitation and when it is safe to do so. You can support hurricane Harvey relief efforts by being prayerful and contributing to PDA's account DR000169-Harvey. Go to the denomination's website at pcusa.org.

The summertime piano concert/dessert was marvelous! Melissa Robol and her talented friends gave us a great, foot-tapping, singalong time...and the assorted desserts were delicious. We now have $275 and 33 cans of chunky soup to donate to NNEMAP food pantry. Thanks to all who supported this event!

The apple trees in the church's orchard are laden with fruit! I think the bees are helping!

The birds and squirrels are eating the veggies! Not good! However, some progress is being made. New addition this year: bee friendly flowers...and the bees do love them!

You own't want to miss our Summertime Piano Concert, July 23, at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary. Featuring Melissa Robol and Friends...duets, show tunes, Americana, and more. Light-hearted, foot-tapping fare. All this for only $5 admission or two cans of Chunky-style soup for NNEMAP food pantry. Oh, and summer desserts are included!!

Our lovely church, inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Thanks, Wayne, for the photo!

And so another growing season begins. Some new additions: buckwheat, clover, and bee friendly flowers. See if you can identify all the plants. Thanks to Gardener-in-Chief Wayne and his assistant Al. (The three bee hives are thriving, too!)

Tomorrow is Pentecost...a celebration of the Holy Spirit. Wear something red to church! May the winds of the Spirit bring peace and love around the world.

A glorious Easter to you all!

Today is Maundy Thursday, from the Latin "mandatum" when Jesus asked his disciples to celebrate the Supper: "This do, in remembrance of me." A solemn night of one last meal, a betrayal, a denial as the shadows deepen and the day edges toward Good Friday.

The Season of Lent, a season of discipline and reflection, begins.

The Christ Candle stands alone tomorrow. In it, it embraces all the attributes of the four Advent candles: Love, Joy, Hope, and Peace. Christ is indeed the Light of the World, and our calling is to reflect that Light in word and deed.