Out of the Depths

Dear Saints Of Andrew:

America is a wild and crazy place.  I never confuse it with the New Zion  , but my homeland is surely one of the most dynamic collections of humans and cultures to ever inhabit this planet.    There are a lot of ways to think about the current immigration debate, but one is this:  consider all the people in other places who want to be here!   I count myself blessed beyond measure to have been born into this land at this time.   We’ll celebrate America’s birthday this weekend with stirring songs; if you’d like to be part of our Patriotic Choir, show up for practice at 7:00 Wednesday evening and plan on singing Sunday.  I look forward to sharing “Proof Through The Night” from the pulpit.   And we’ll pray for God’s grace and guidance in perilous times.  

*

We have put together a Search Team to work on finding a new Youth Director.  The group includes:  Deb H. (Chair), Nate U., Trevor T., Erin C., Nancy B. & Cathi R.   We thank them for serving and ask each of our readers to lift a prayer to the Lord, that the right leader might be emerge for this vital ministry.    

*

Have you checked out the St. Andrew’s web site recently?   Carrie T. has taken this on as a volunteer ministry and is doing a terrific job.  I love the new look.  The web site, as noted above is, www.standrewsomaha.net.   The web site is a great way to share Andrew’s with a friend; simply invite them to give up an e-visit, then maybe they'll be inspired to come see us in person.

*

In recent A-Mails, in addition to pasting a scriptural passage at the end of the letter, I’ve been including short commentaries.   If you have a thought to share on the passages or the commentaries, please know I’d love to hear from you.  I'm always pleased to hear from you.

*

PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS

July 9, 5:00-6:30

Designed For People Interested In Moving Toward Membership At St. Andrew’s. 

Sign up at the Hospitality Desk in the Rotunda, or via return e-mail.

*

Not only was the College World Series great fun in its own right, but it helped divert my attention from the debacle my beloved St. Louis Cardinals are experiencing in inter-league play.   It would appear there are a half-dozen teams in the American league that are head-and-shoulders above the best teams in the National League.   It’s clearly no fluke that the American League champs have swept the National League in two straight World Series match-ups.   

*

STUDY OF 1 AND 2 CORINTHIANS.

A Six Week Study Led by Nancy Davis, starting July 10

Choose from among morning and evening sessions.

The morning group meets 9:30-11

The evening group meets 6:30-8:30

Childcare will be provided

Call The Church To Register, 831-8150

Or via return e-mail which will be forwarded to Nancy and Diana F.

*

Psalm 130

Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD; LORD, hear my voice; let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication. If you, LORD, were to note what is done amiss, O Lord, who could stand? For there is forgiveness with you; therefore you shall be feared.  I wait for the LORD; my soul waits for him; in his word is my hope. My soul waits for the LORD, more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, wait for the LORD, for with the LORD there is mercy; with him there is plenteous redemption, and he shall redeem them from all their sins. 

 

COMMENTARY:  I’ll be talking more about Psalm 130 on Sunday, but note the combination of confession and repentance.   The Hebrew scripture never flinches from taking a good, hard look at its own national life.   Sin is named, both individual sin and national sin.   Sin is regretted.   Sin is confessed.   The confession is prelude to hope.   The Psalmist affirms that Israel's God is a God of compassion.   The Psalmist’s hope is not in his own power or smarts; the Psalmist’s hope is in the Lord’s forgiveness and mercy.   Note the double, “My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.”    As we’ll say this Sunday, just making it through the night, sometimes, is a victory in and of itself. 

*
BRD