Dear Friends,
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:2
I thought it would be quite fitting to greet you all in the same way that I was greeted on my first Sunday: “Grace and Peace.” These words are so descriptive of what it has been like in my first month as a pastor here at St. Andrew, and hopefully it will stay that way during our time together! Lauren and I have certainly been recipients of all of your grace and peace as we settled into our new “home” and life here in Maryland. The transition has been exhausting, but it has also been refreshing. We are excited to be here and excited to call this place, The Lutheran Church of St. Andrew, home.
Over the past month, I have had a chance to witness some of the great things happening at St. Andrew, beginning with my installation on July 28, which was absolutely amazing! So many people were part of planning such an incredible service, and it was certainly a glorious day. And yet, it was only the beginning! Just a few days later, it was time for “Feed My Sheep,” the 10th Annual Benefit Dinner and Concert sponsored by the Global Mission Team, including more good food and fellowship. And our Director of Ministries and Praise Team Leader, Greg Twombley, gathered musicians from both near and far to make some joyful noise! It was a great night for all!
Now, by the time you’re reading this, I’ll already have been here for over a month! I know it’s hard to believe, but at this point I won’t even feel like “the new guy” anymore. Instead, I’ll be “Pastor Nick” or “Pastor G.” or just “Hey you!” – all of which I will certainly respond to, and I’m sure there are some I’m forgetting. Having said that, I am so excited for the Fall season, and here at St. Andrew there will be lots of exciting things to do. I would list them all, but instead I think you should just keep reading the newsletter!
I am so excited to see what God has in store for us here at St. Andrew, and my prayer for you is the same one spoken by the apostle Paul, “…that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor González