Sunday, January 7, 2024
Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
Music
Introit
Hymn #150
Hymn #537
Hymn #742
Hymn #541
Sermon Notes
By Jeff Gilstrap
Theme:
Trust and know that God is always faithful. Be strong and courageous, know God is with you wherever you go, and always keep your eye on Jesus. Keep the main thing the main thing.
Reflections:
As I reflect across my life of faith which includes 22 years in pastoral ministry, of which 17 were here at St Andrews, these verses were my guiding light. You probably sense a theme of sorts, God’s faithfulness, reliance on God, and knowing and trusting that God is with you no matter where the journey of life takes you. There is no doubt God has played a major role in my life. If you had told me years ago that I would have found my way into pastoral ministry, I would have laughed with you. So, in some ways, I am God’s big joke because God has claimed me in ways I never imagined or dreamed, and has blessed me even in more amazing ways. But as they often say, all good things must come to an end, and it is time for a change of seasons.
My hope in some way is that I have pointed you to Jesus in my life, in my words, and hopefully in my sermons. My prayer is that St Andrews will keep focused on Jesus and know that this church is Jesus’ creation, and we are all called here to be a part of something bigger than us. It is not about us, but it is about Jesus. So, our faith is simple, keep the main thing the main thing. Keep your eye on Jesus and keep Jesus the main thing. And in doing so, be humble and love all people. If you do this as individuals and as a community, God will bless the world through you and as a result you will be blessed, And St Andrews will a beacon and witness to the one and only Triune God.
Questions/Thoughts:
- What does it mean to you to be created in God’s image?
- Believing we are all created in God’s image, how does that impact how you relate the others, especially those who are different from us (race, nationality, etc.)?
- Why do you think you respond in a negative way toward others? Is there something inside you that leads to confrontation?
- How did Jesus address confrontation to remove barriers and create community?
Music Notes
By Kenneth Jones
Reflections:
Introit: “Born on this Night, Mary’s Child”: this text, centered on the words “Mary’s Child”, would suggest a strictly Nativity hymn, but widens to encompass the full arc of Jesus’ life. We sing the second verse, referring to Jesus as the Light of World, which connects to our celebration of Epiphany.
Opening Hymn: Again, to accompany our recognition of Epiphany, we sing “As with Gladness Men of Old”. The first 3 verses use an as/so structure to draw comparisons between the magi and the singer, summed up by the prayer of verse 4.
Special Music: As our contribution to Jeff’s farewell service, the choir will present an arrangement of “You Are Mine” by Mark Hayes. It just so happens to also to speak to theme: “Do not be afraid, I am with you. I have called you each by name. Come and follow me, I will lead you home. I love you and you are mine.”
Communion Hymn: I have chosen, as our Communion Hymn for 2024, “When at this Table”.
Sending Hymn: As I began to search for a hymn selection based on Jeff’s scripture selections, one hymn came up as a hit under two of those scriptures, the energetic hymn from Swaziland, “We Will Walk with God”.
Benediction: Seemed appropriate as a sendoff for Jeff, and we will sing it as our Benediction for the rest of the month, “God Be with You Till We Meet Again”.