Growth Through His Strength

There have been many things happening at St. Andrew's lately. This last month we have witnessed the confirmation of six and the ordination of two. Bishop Morse on his last Episcopal visit jokingly made the comment that “we had done every service in the prayer book.” Yes, many things have been happening. I believe that St. Andrew's is going through a period of growth, but a few things need to be kept in mind.

With any growth, growing pains may be expected. These pains are only the manifestation of the enemy working against us, as “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12 ). When I first came to St. Andrew's it became immediately apparent that there were many dear souls committed to serving their Lord, often working behind the scenes, performing those tasks that make worship and fellowship so precious. I know that at times we feel weary, and that all of our strength is gone. The Apostle Paul reminds us to “…not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal. 6:9). It is when we reach the end of our strength and can do no more, that God gives us of His strength to carry on. A. C. Dixon related this story about a friend of his.

“A dear friend of mine who was quite a lover of the chase, told me the following story: ‘Rising early one morning,' he said, ‘I heard the baying of a score of deerhounds in pursuit of their quarry. Looking away to a broad, open field in front of me, I saw a young fawn making its way across, and giving signs, moreover, that its race was well-nigh run. Reaching the rails of the enclosure, it leaped over and crouched within ten feet from where I stood. A moment later two of the hounds came over, when the fawn ran in my direction and pushed its head between my legs. I lifted the little thing to my breast, and, swinging round and round, fought off the dogs. I felt, just then , that all the dogs in the West could not, and should not capture that fawn after its weakness had appealed to my strength. ‘So is it, when human helplessness appeals to Almighty God. Well do I remember when the hounds were after my soul, until at last, I ran into the arms of Almighty God.”

Let us not weary in doing good, but rather let us run for the strength and safety of “the everlasting arms” of our loving Father, and remember His words to us through the Apostle Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

by The Rev. Craig H. Smith

New Members

We welcome Larry & Kim Woodard who were received into the membership of this parish on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2004 . May the Lord richly bless you.

Confirmations

The Rt. Rev. Daniel Morse on his Episcopal visit, Nov. 7, 2004 , confirmed six young people. Congratulations to Rebecca Woodard, Paul Woodard, Anna Woodard, Benjamin Woodard, Michaela Smith, & Alex Rago. May the Lord lead and direct you.

Deacon Ordained

Dr. Derrick Hassert of this parish was ordained Deacon by Bishop Morse on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004 . Our prayers are with you as you continue to serve the Lord.

Presbyter Ordained

The Rev. Deacon Craig Smith, Curate of this parish was ordained Presbyter by Bishop Morse on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004 . May the Lord bless your ministry as you endeavor to serve Him and His Church.

St. Paul 's Mission

Holy Communion is held every Sunday at 6:00 p.m. in the conference center of the La Quinta Inn, 1730 E. Higgins Rd. in Schaumburg , IL . Your support is welcomed and needed. Please be in prayer for this new mission of the Reformed Episcopal Church.

St. Andrew's Sunday Services Update

Morning Prayer 9:30 a.m. In the chapel.

Sunday School 9:30 a.m. In the parish hall for all children.

Holy Communion 10:30 a.m. In the chapel.

Choir

If you are interested in singing in the choir please see the Director of Music, Sunny Stiklius. Practices are: Wednesday 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m.

Shield of Faith

The television ministry of St. Andrew's . Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. on WJYS Channel 62. Do be in prayer for this ministry. Video and DVD recordings of the programs may be purchased by contacting the church office.

Website

Learn more about St. Andrew's through our website: www.andrewrec.org.

Founders' Day

Dec. 2, 1873 . The founding of the Reformed Episcopal Church.

Christmas Eve Service

Dec. 24, 11:00 p.m. Refreshments at 10:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall.

Missionary of The Month

Rev. & Mrs. William Jerdan (Diane). Montpellier , France.