Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church
Williamsport, Maryland
Dear Friends,
In this column last year, we looked at what it means to be a member of or attached to a church. We explored that membership involves a declaration, a declaration that Jesus Christ is primary in our lives. In our world that presents so many distractions and alternatives, it is important for us to declare that we belong to Christ. One of the ways in which we do that is to attend church and attach ourselves to a church.
The Youth Group of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church collected the Souper Bowl Offering on February 6 after both services. The offering went to the Williamsport Food Bank. The amount collected was $350!
left, Owen Woods, Vice President of the Youth Group; center-LeighAnn Stotelmyer, Food Bank Coordinator; right-Garrett Woods, President of the Youth Group
Pastor Mark Sandell was honored for his 25 years of ministry at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Williamsport, MD on September 24, 2017. The celebration began with a special worship service followed by a luncheon provided by Leiter’s Catering.
Pastor Mark and his wife, Annette, the Director of Christian Education, were honored with specially selected music that included “Here I Am, Lord”, “All Good Things” from Godspell, and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” a nod to Pastor Mark’s passion for baseball. Testimonies from the following children and adults acknowledged how God has blessed their lives and their faith through Pastor Mark and Annette’s ministry: Jeremy Hemphill, Will McKinley, Owen Woods, Garrett Woods, Dave Long, Susan Fearnow, Darin Coyle, Shirley Fox, and Margie Reed. Kevin Sandell, Mark and Annette’s son, also shared what it was like growing up as a Pastor’s Kid. Kevin also shared email reflections from his brothers, Keith Sandell and Brian Sandell, who were unable to attend. Other Sandell family members from out of town were in attendance.
A variety of gifts from organizations within the church were presented to Pastor Mark and Annette. These gifts included a decorated cake, flower and fruit arrangements, ceramic tiles designed by the Sunday school children, a blanket depicting photos of youth events over the past 25 years from the youth group, and a unique hand- crafted display using a shield, a shepherd’s crook, and a Bible. The congregation presented Pastor Mark and Annette with a monetary gift to help with expenses for their upcoming trip to the Holy Land.
During Pastor Mark’s reflection, he mentioned that it is very unusual to have a minister stay at the same church for longer than 7 years. He mentioned the diversity of our congregation is a strength since we all share the love of Jesus. Through the past 25 years, the congregation and the Sandell family have walked together through many of life’s events. They have shared in celebratory moments and also supported each other during difficult, life changing events. Pastor Mark and Annette and the St. Andrew congregation look forward to walking through life’s journey together for the next 25 years.
A dozen flags of freedom were on display in front of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church on Labor Day and September 11. Provided by the Presbyterian Men’s Group, the flags were purchased in memory of group leader Dick Wilks. The twelve flags represent the twelve disciples as well as honor those who protect our freedoms, including the freedom of religion. Our flags serve to honor veterans and those who are currently serving in the armed forces. The flags will be proudly displayed during patriotic holidays throughout the year.
“All things bright and beautiful” so a beloved hymn begins. Folks walking into Legacy Hall, our new banquet room, for the first time spoke those same words. It is indeed bright, beautiful and spacious. Even with a crowd of over 200 on its dedication day and a large crowd again during the Father’s Day coffee hour, there was plenty of room for families and friends to gather and fellowship. No longer do people have to finish quickly so they can give their seats to those waiting to sit.
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Congratulations to the Chili Cook Off winners held on Sunday, January 29th!
The winners are (Tied for 1st place):
Thanks to all who participated!
The Youth Group meets every Sunday at 6:00 p.m, please call the church office at 301-223-8887 for more information.
Click here to download, read and print the Spring 2016 Newsletter»
Please take a moment to read a the most recent news from December of 2015 from Peru missionary Jed Koball»
Please take a moment to read a the most recent news from August of 2015 from Peru missionary Jed Koball»
The Youth Group meets every Sunday at 6:00 p.m, please call the church office at 301-223-8887 for more information.