Reflections
These reflections are originally published in the weekly newsletter, the Net.
All reflections written by Fr. Bill Garrison and Fr. Hart Roussel will be archived here.
Scroll to the bottom of the page to read previous entries.
Servant Leadership
“If you want to be the greatest you must be the servant of all.” These words echo in our ears long after Jesus says them. They do because we know he is right. This is what he asks of us in leadership. It is also what we would be wise to look for in those we choose to follow. It’s an easy formula to understand.
If you go to business school and take a class in leadership, there will be a number of large books and long lessons to work your way through. In most parts of our society good leadership is thought to be complicated. But it really isn’t, I don’t believe.
Servant leadership is like most of the great truths. It’s a simple idea. See you Sunday.
Where Do You Find God?
This week the gospel tells us about John the Baptizer. He was out in the wilderness, dressed in a camel hair coat, eating bugs, and preaching a baptism of forgiveness. Scholars call him the last Old Testament prophet. They say tons of people were going out to him to be baptized. His baptism was...
And Now We Wait
Christ is coming. He will tear the fabric of reality and join us as a baby. We remember that at the end of his life he changed everything. Because of Him, we will no longer be judged by our works. Instead, He has closed the gap between us and God and guaranteed our eternal life. Instead of a long...
When Did We See You Lord?
`Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them,...
The God We Believe In
In this week's gospel lesson, three people are given incredible wealth to manage while their master is gone. Two invest and earn their master interest. The third hides what he has been given and it remains exactly as it was when the master returns. God, of course, is represented by the master and...
Don’t Wander Off
The gospel lesson this week is about a wedding once more. This time ten young bridesmaids are waiting to greet the bridegroom. It starts getting late, midnight in fact, and five of the girls don't have enough oil. So off they scurry to attempt to buy more and while they are gone the bridegroom...
Enormously Happy
This Sunday we will be celebrating All Saints Day. And yes I am aware the actual date is November 1, but most churches celebrate it on the first Sunday after the first. I imagine we do that because it's difficult in modern times to get to church on another day. In any event, the gospel for Sunday...
Stewardship Message from Ken Duran, Treasurer
Dear St. Andrew’s Family, As our annual stewardship campaign gets underway, you have been hearing about the theme, Rooted in Abundance, and its reminder to us that we are inspired to give because so much has been given to us. This is not transactional – we do not give in proportion to how we feel...
Stewardship Message from Melissa Rigler, Senior Warden
Dear St. Andrew's Family St. Andrew’s has deep roots. Shortly, we’ll be celebrating our 100th anniversary. Life was quite a bit different 100 years ago. As is our community, how we spend our time, and how we communicate. The words of Jesus Christ remain constant. The messages behind the parables...
Stewardship Message from Fr. Bill Garrison, Interim Rector
Dear St. Andrew’s Family, The most important words to say in Church are “thank you.” Say it often, and mean it, and today I say it to you. Thank you for the many gifts that you share with our community. You have heard the familiar expression “can’t see the forest for the trees” before. We most...
By This Everyone Will Know
In the gospel of John, chapter 13, verse 35 we hear Jesus saying the following. "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." What do people think about Christians these days? Do they think about the love and care demonstrated so obviously in our...