Reading the Bible Changes Us

I recently listened to a very special episode of a very special podcast: Faith to Go.

Every week, the co-hosts David Tremaine and Charlette Preslar read the gospel reading that we will read at church on Sunday, then share several discussion points.

First they share where they have seen God moving in their lives, reflecting on how God is present in the everyday. Sometimes they have guests on the podcast who share about their own God sightings.

Then they share information about the text from the gospel, placing it in its context historically and in the narrative. Their points are thought-provoking, as each of them point out different aspects of the text that made them confused, or sparked a new idea.

It's the best resource I've found for anyone who is even a little bit curious about the Bible, has an inkling that they would like to read more, and has no idea where to start. You can find it wherever you listen to podcasts.

David and Charlette invite all of us into a regular practice of listening to stories from scripture, noticing where God is moving in our everyday lives, and connecting those two reflections. They show us that the Bible is not just for clergy, not just for people who have gone to seminary.

The Bible offers us an invitation: you - yes, you! - are invited to read and re-read scripture. You are invited to bring your own questions, your own observations, and your own perspective, and let it change you.

Charlette, one of the co-hosts, recently reflected on her experience being on the podcast. She said: "Instead of waiting for someone else to tell me [what the gospel is about], [now] I really enjoy the push/pull with what is in the gospel...My willingness to wrestle with the gospel was born from being part of Faith to Go."

The most recent episode of the Faith to Go podcast was its 250th episode. I've been a guest on the show before, as has our own Deacon Daniel - catch us both in this latest episode!

Check it out! And let the Bible change you.

peace,
Sunday, August 14, 10:30am

Thank You from Our Preschool

Preschool Director Heather Gasner writes, "Thank you so very much, St. Andrew's, for all of your generous donations to the preschool art supply drive. We appreciate it very much and can't wait for all the fun things the children will get to create with all of the goodies you bought! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" (Heather pictured at right with Mother Mary Lynn)
Watch This: Summer Snacks

Check out this reflection on this Sunday's gospel by Camp Stevens Executive Director Kathy Wilder, also a member of St. Andrew's by-the-Sea. Plus, there's a creative puzzle metaphor!
All Ages Service &
Blessing of the Backpacks and Wheels

Join us Sunday, August 21, 10:30am for a service designed to engage people of all ages. The music will be fun and singable, and the message will be tailored for kids (adults will like it, too!). Plus, to kick off the new school year, bring your backpack (or briefcase/work bag) to church for a special blessing. Kids are also invited to bring bikes or scooters inside the sanctuary for a special blessing. See you there!
End of Summer Bonfire: August 25

Let’s celebrate the end of summer with one last bonfire! Come roast s’mores on Thursday, August 25, from 5:30-7:30pm at St. Andrew’s.

We will provide hot dogs and s’more supplies. Bring picnic blankets and anything else your family might like to eat.

All are welcome!
Johnson Wong Scholarships

If you are preparing to enter a full-time college or university this fall, you are eligible to apply for the Johnson Wong Scholarship! This fund is generously provided by St. Andrew's members who are committed to the education of our young people. Fill out this application and return it to the church office by Sunday, August 28Contact Becky for more information.
Register for the Parish Retreat at Camp Stevens

Join us September 16 - 18 for some time away in nature. Enjoy the pool, four delicious meals, pick fresh mulberries, join a farm tour, hike, campfire and an outdoor Sunday morning church service. Scholarships available. Please download, fill out and email THIS REGISTRATION FORM to Family Minister and Operations Director Kari Robinson.
Blessing of the Animals

Pets often love us with a pure love that teaches us about the unconditional love of God. Bring your pet--of any shape or size--to church on Sunday, September 25 at 10:30am for a special blessing! Pets are such a big part of our lives, and this is one way to acknowledge our deep love for them.
First Ever Talent Show

Saturday, October 8, 5pm - Show up and share your talent! Poetry,
spoken word, musical acts, special tricks -- it’s all welcome. Live music from our parish musicians will round out the night. All acts welcome. No talent necessary. Questions? Contact Mother Mary Lynn.
Pocket Prayer Quilts

Pick up a pocket prayer quilt in the back of the church on the Sabbath Experience tables! A parishioner lovingly made these pocket prayer quilt squares for you to enjoy and pass on to others. Each one has a cross charm sewn into it, so you can keep it in your pocket and return to it throughout the day when you need a physical reminder of God's presence with you always.
Donate Canned Food!

Congregations are working together to support the San Diego Food Bank. With inflation at a 40-year high, the food bank feeds approximately 500,000 people each month. This video highlights their work. On Saturday, August 20, 9am - 11am, the Pacific Beach Interfaith group will host a food drive in the parking lot of its Clairemont location, 4741 Mt. Abernathy Ave. Please dropped off canned goods for the San Diego Food Bank! Together we can make a difference in the lives of countless people in our community.
Spiritual Open Mic Night

The Pacific Beach Interfaith Coalition invites you to a Spiritual Open Mic Night, creative expressions in music, dance, poetry and spoken word that connect us to each other. Our theme is "renewal" (optional) and all are welcome on Sunday, August 21, 5:30pm at Kate Sessions Park. We'll meet in the upper grass flat area by the playground. Look for the PB Interfaith Coalition flag.
Take Action: Save Friendship Park

Did you know Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas plans to erect two 30-foot walls at Friendship Park? If completed, these walls will radically alter the experience of Friendship Park in the United States and in Mexico, undermining its historic purpose of bringing people together across the international boundary. These plans will cause the continued separation of the Border Church, which has worshipped on both sides of the border fence since November 2011. To help the cause, please share this video and support the fifty-first anniversary of Friendship Park coming up on Saturday, August 20. A concert on the Mexican side featuring Javier Batiz, mentor of Carlos Santana. Sponsor a chair in the upcoming installation of empty chairs on the US side to dramatize the fact that US officials continue to refuse access to the US side of the park. By sponsoring a chair, you make a statement that you, too, hope to see further wall constructed halted and public access resumed at this historic location. For more information, contact the Rev. John Fanestil.
Support Shoreline Community Services!
Join the New Livestreaming Ministry

  • Do you have a smartphone and a Facebook account?
  • Do you come to church at least once a month and arrive by 10:25 am?
  • Are you willing to push start and end on a live video of our church service?

If you answered yes to the above questions, you are a perfect candidate to help with our Livestreaming Ministry! Yes, YOU could help bring our Sunday service out into the world- into the homes of the home bound, the hospital rooms of the sick, and to people in foreign countries who are tuning in for some words of comfort or prayer (and to our priest's mom's kitchen; Alison Coulson lives in Missouri but watches every week). If you would like to assist in "spreading the good news to the corners of the Earth," please email Kari Robinson and she will add you to our rotation. Thank you!
St. Andrew's by-the-Sea | standrewspb.org