St Andrews Lent-Easter Letter 2021
From April 3rd, 2021, St. Andrew’s Sunday Worship services will be at 15% capacity in the Sanctuary, with an over-flow capability in the Church Hall (also at 15% capacity.) We also live-stream our Worship services.
For “on-line” Worship Services, please see below:
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, April 11, 2021
“Isn’t It Funny?” (John 20:19-31)
Music Links:
A special “Thank you” to the Bluegrass musicians, Doug Meloche and Albert Morency!
Lord Of The Dance – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021
“I Have Seen The Lord!” (John 20:1-18)
CLICK HERE FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
Jesus is Alive – CityAlight
Christ is Risen – Praise and Harmony Singers
Thine Be The Glory – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Good Friday, April 2, 2021
“Good Friday Reflections from Mark’s Gospel”
click here for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
My Song is Love Unknown – BBC’s Songs of Praise
O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded – Passion Chorale
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021
Sermon: “The King is Coming!” (Mark 11:1-11)
click here for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
All Glory, Laud, and Honor – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Ride On, Ride On In Majesty – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Hosanna, Loud Hosanna – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Bonus Song
Graham Kendrick – Meekness and Majesty
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, March 21, 2021
Sermon: “Good News For Everybody!” (John 12:20-33)
click here for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
I Hear Thy Welcome Voice – BBC’s Songs of Praise
I Cannot Tell – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Now Thank We All Our God – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, March 14, 2021
Sermon: “The Cross: Love, Medicine, and Justice” (John 3:14-21)
click for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
Lift High The Cross – BBC’s Songs of Praise
O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go – First Methodist Houston
Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, March 7, 2021
Sermon: “God’s Presence is Where?” (John 2:13-22)
click for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise – BBC’s Songs of Praise
What Wondrous Love Is This? – St. Olaf College
I Am The Bread Of Life – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, February 28, 2021
Sermon: “Take Up Your Cross” (Mark 8:31-38)
CLICK FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
Thy Hand, O God, Has Guided – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Will You Come and Follow Me – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, February 21, 2021
Sermon: “I Believe, Help My Unbelief” (Mark 9:14-29)
CLick for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
Christ is Made the Sure Foundation – BBC’s Songs of Praise
What a Friend we have in Jesus – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Be Thou My Vision – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, February 14, 2021
Sermon: “The View From Here” (Mark 9:2-10)
click for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
Crown Him With Many Crowns – Fountainview Academy
Angel Voices, Ever Ringing – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Jesus, Take Us To The Mountain – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, February 7, 2021
Sermon: “Whole-Bodied Salvation” (Mark 2:1-12)
CLICK FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
All Creatures of our God and King – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
When Jesus The Healer Passed Through Galilee – Christina Stel
I Will Sing the Wondrous Story – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Bonus Song:
All Creatures of our God and King – SovereignGraceMusic
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, January 31, 2021
Sermon: “Partnering With God” (Luke 24: 45-50; 2 Cor 5:16 – 6:2)
Click for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
One More Step Along The Road I Go – Billy Doze
Shine, Jesus, Shine – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, January 24, 2021
Sermon: “God is Love – and Love Trusts” (1 Cor 13:4-13; 1 John 4:7-16)
CLICK FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
God Is Love, Let Heaven Adore Him – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Come Down O Love Divine – Brookline Consort
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Bonus Song:
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, January 17, 2021
Sermon: “In God We Trust” (Prov 3:1-8; Heb 11:1-3; 8-16)
Click for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven – BBC’s Songs of Praise
I Heard The Voice of Jesus Say – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Great Is Thy Faithfulness – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Bonus Song:
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven – Graham Kendrick and Martin Smith
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, January 10, 2021
Sermon: “By Water and The Spirit” (Mark 1:1-11; Acts 19:1-7)
Click for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
Praise to the Lord the Almighty – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Make Me A Channel of Your Peace – Tessera
On Jordan’s Bank – Grosse Pointe Memorial Church (Michigan) Virtual Choir
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, January 3, 2021
Sermon: “A New Beginning, A New Hope” (Matt 2:1-12)
CLICK FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTE
Music Links:
The First Nowell – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
As With Gladness Men of Old – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Morning Has Broken – Gaither Music
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, December 27, 2020
Music Links:
Christians Awake – BBC’s Songs of Praise
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear – The Stairwell Carollers
Angels We Have Heard On High – Gaither Music
An On-line “Service” for Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020
Thank you to all our readers, to the members of St. Andrew’s Choir, and to Matthew Kulbacki, for participating in our service this evening. A special “thank you” to Spencer Hawkins for recording and editing the material.
Music Links:
O Come All Ye Faithful – BBC’s Songs of Praise
What child is this? – The Petersens
Once in Royal David’s City – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – The Worship Society
We Three Kings – The Hound + The Fox
Joy to the World – Keith and Krystin Getty
Bonus Song:
Away in a Manger – Monica Scott Music
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, December 13, 2020
Sermon: “What Does God’s Salvation Look Like?” (Isaiah 61:1-11; Luke 1:46-55)
CLICK FOR TEXT -WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
Hark a Thrilling Voice is Sounding – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Hark the Glad Sound the Savior Comes – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Long Ago Prophets Knew – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Advent 3 Preparation: Christmas According to Kids!
Bonus Song:
Tell Out My Soul – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, December 6, 2020
Sermon: “Here is Your God!” (Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8)
click here for text – with footnotes
Note: Due to technical problems, this is only the last portion of the Service. (About 90% of the sermon is present; text for the rest is above.)
Music Links:
Prepare the Way, O Zion – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
On Jordan’s Bank – Canto Deo Choirs
Comfort, Comfort You My People – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Advent 2 Preparation: A Christmas Story
Bonus Song:
Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming – Ely Cathedral
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, November 29, 2020
Sermon: “From ‘Why?’ To Waiting In Hope” (Isaiah 64:1-9)
click for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
Come thou long-expected Jesus – Northland Church
Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending – The Stairwell Carollers
Advent 1 Preparation: Star of Wonder
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, November 22, 2020
Sermon: “The King Is Coming!” (Matt 25:31-46)
CLICK FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
Crown Him With Many Crowns – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Jesus Shall Reign Where’er The Sun – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Rejoice The Lord is King – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Bonus Songs:
All Hail The Power of Jesus Name – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, November 15, 2020
Sermon: “A Generous Master and the Fearful Servant” (Matt 25:14-30)
CLICK FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
Ye Servants of God – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind – BBC’s Songs of Praise
God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Bonus Song: Love Divine All Loves Excelling – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, November 8, 2020 – Remembrance Sunday
Sermon: “Waiting, Trusting, and Living in Hope” (1 Thess 4:13-18)
click for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
O God, Our Help In Ages Past – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace – BBC’s Songs of Praise
My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, November 1, 2020
Sermon: “Be Prepared!” (Matt 25:1-12)
CLICK FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
For All The Saints – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Fight the Good Fight – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Oh For A Thousand Tongues To Sing – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Bonus Song: Give Me Oil In My Lamp – Nathan Jess
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, October 25, 2020
Sermon: “Give to God What is God’s” (Matt 22:15-22, 34-40)
Click for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
The Church’s One Foundation – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Fight the Good Fight – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
O Jesus, I Have Promised – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Bonus Song: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You – Tommy Walker Ministries
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, October 18, 2020 – Guest Speaker: Rev. Shirley Murdock
Music Links:
Praise Him, Praise Him – Loma Linda University Church
God Will Take Care of You – Fountainview Academy
Let All Things Now Living – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Great Is Thy Faithfulness – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Bonus Song: Let All Things Now Living – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, October 11, 2020 – Thanksgiving Sunday
Sermon: “Live a Life Worthy of God’s Grace” (Matt 22:1-14)
Click for Text – with footnotes
Music Links:
Come, Ye Thankful People Come – BBC’s Songs of Praise
For The Fruits Of All Creation – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
For The Beauty Of The Earth – The Worship Network
Now Thank We All Our God – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, August 30, 2020
Sermon: “Risky Faith that Trusts and Acts” (Matt 14:22-33)
click for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
Eternal Father Strong to Save – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Give to the Winds Thy Fears – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
He Will Hold Me Fast – Shane & Shane
Great is Thy Faithfulness – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Bonus Song: Jesus Calls Us! – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, August 23, 2020
Sermon: “God’s Compassion and Lavish Provision” (Matt 14:13-21)
click for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Break Thou The Bread of Life – Fountainview Academy
The Goodness of Jesus – CityAlight
Lord of All Hopefulness – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, July 19, 2020
Sermon: “Why Doesn’t God Do Something?” (Matt 13:24-30, 36-43)
CLICK FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Shepherd – CityAlight
Is He Worthy? – Andrew Peterson
Oh Worship The King, All Glorious Above – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Bonus Song: Is He Worthy? – Shane & Shane
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, July 12, 2020
Sermon: “Listen, Understand, Grow, and Persevere” (Matt 13:1-9, 18-23)
CLICK FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
We Plough the Fields and Scatter – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Knowing You – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Take My Life – Norton Hall Band
We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations – First Methodist Houston
Bonus Song: Thy Word is a Light to my Feet – Amy Grant
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, July 5, 2020
Sermon: “Do We ‘Get It’ Yet?” (Matt 11:16-19, 25-30; 12:15-21)
click for text -with footnotes
Music Links:
When Morning Gilds the Skies – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Fairest Lord Jesus – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Jesus, Strong and Kind – CityAlight
How Great Thou Art – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Bonus Song: Hope Has a Name – One & All Worship
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, June 28, 2020
Sermon: “It’s OK to Doubt; It’s Better to Hope” (Matt 10:16-20; 11:1-15)
Click for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
All Things Bright and Beautiful – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing – Shane & Shane
All My Hope on God is Founded – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Hymn: God of Love, Let Heaven Adore Him – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Bonus Song: God of Love, Let Heaven Adore Him – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, June 21, 2020, Father’s Day
Sermon: “Jesus: A Chip Off the Old Block” (John 5:16-23; 14:8-11)
CLICK FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
Great is Thy Faithfulness – BBC’s Songs of Praise
This is My Father’s World – Wheaton Academy Concert Choir
Faith of Our Fathers – Fountainview Academy
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Bonus Song: Faith of Our Fathers – Nashville Notes
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, June 14, 2020, Anniversary Sunday
Sermon: “Commissioned by Christ” (Matt 9:35-38; 10:5-15)
CLICK HERE FOR TEST – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
Thy Hand, O God, has guided – BBC’s Songs of Praise
I, The Lord of Sea and Sky – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Freely, Freely – TheNCrew
Our God is For Us – CityAlight
Guide me, O Thy Great Redeemer – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Bonus Song: Pass It On – TheNCrew This is another “campfire” song written by Kurt Kaiser (1969) and was popular in the 1970’s – 50 years ago: wow, that takes me back! This song also goes well with the theme today.
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, June 7, 2020, Trinity Sunday
Sermon: “The Supremacy of Christ” (Col 1:15-20; 2:6-10)
CLICK HERE FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
Holy, Holy, Holy – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
This I Believe (The Creed) – Hill Song
All Creatures of Our God and King – Norton Hall Band
O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, May 31, 2020, Pentecost Sunday
Sermon: “God’s Spirit is Given Lavishly to His People” (Acts 2:1-21 )
Click here for text – with footnotes
Music Links:
Come Down O Love Divine – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Breathe on me Breath of God – Snowmass Chapel
Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God – Keith & Kristyn Getty
Shine, Jesus, Shine – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Bonus Song: Breathe on me Breath of God – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, May 24, 2020, Ascension Sunday (with Holy Communion)
Sermon: “Our Sufferings Do Not Escape God’s Notice” (1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 )
CLICK HERE FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
Rejoice, The Lord Is King – Mountain Brook Baptist Church
Jesus Shall Reign Where’er The Sun – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Fight the Good Fight – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Ancient Words – Northland Church
At the Name of Jesus – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Bonus Song: Rejoice, The Lord Is King – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, May 17, 2020
Sermon: “Turn Away From Evil, Do Good; Seek Peace and Follow After It” (1 Peter 3:8-16)
CLICK HERE FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind – BBC’s Songs of Praise
He Leadeth Me – Fountainview Academy
Love Divine All Loves Excelling – The Sanctuary Choir, The Cathedral Choir of Young Men and Boys, The Cecilian Carolers
Bonus Song: Love Divine All Loves Excelling from the Royal Albert Hall, London.
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, May 10, 2020
Sermon: “Living Stones” (1 Peter 2:2-20)
CLICK HERE FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
The Church’s One Foundation – Duke Chapel
You that know the Lord is gracious – BBC’s Songs of Praise
10,000 Reasons – Matt Redman
Christ is Made the Sure Foundation – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Benediction – UK Blessing
Bonus Song: 10,000 Reasons (with Matt Redman – songwriter) from the Royal Albert Hall, London.
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, May 3, 2020
Sermon: “As Slaves of God, Live as Free People” (1 Peter 2:11-25)
CLICK HERE FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – Virtual Choir
Psalm 23 – Heritage Church Children’s Choir
Yet Not I, But Christ in Me – CityAlight
To God Be The Glory – BBC’s Songs of Praise
Bonus Song: Zach Williams – No Longer Slaves
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, April 26, 2020
Sermon: “New Life, New Lifestyle” (1 Peter 1:3-9, 13-23)
CLICK HERE FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
Christ is Alive – Forest Lake Church
Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks to the Risen Lord – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less – Norton Hall Band
And Can It Be – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Sunday, April 19, 2020
Sermon: “The Risen Jesus Encounters Thomas” (John 20:19-31)
CLICK HERE FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
The Strife is O’er – Kings College Choir, Cambridge, UK
The Lord’s Prayer – Andrea Bocelli
Lord Of The Dance – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Jesus is Alive – CityAlight
Crown Him With Many Crowns – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020
Sermon: “The Resurrection: What Happened and What Does it all Mean?”
(Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20)
CLICK HERE FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today – Kings College Choir, Cambridge, UK
In Christ Alone – Celtic Worship
Hail The Day That Sees Him Rise – First Methodist Houston
Thine Be The Glory – BBC’s Songs of Praise
An On-line “Service” for Good Friday, April 10, 2020, with
“The Reflections on Good Friday from the Perspective of Matthew” (Matthew 27:33-54 and Psalm 22)
CLICK HERE FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
With grateful thanks to BBC’s Songs of Praise
O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded – William Rennekamp
What Wondrous Love is This – Chelsea Moon with the Franz Brothers
Readings For Holy Week
An Addition to the Commandments!
| Holy Week | Old Testament | Psalm | New Testament | Gospel |
| Monday | Isaiah 42:1-9 | 36:5-11 | Hebrews 9:11-15 | John 12:1-11 |
| Tuesday | Isaiah 49:1-7 | 71:1-14 | 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 | John 12:20-36 |
| Wednesday | Isaiah 50:4-9a | 70 | Hebrews 12:1-3 | John 13:21-32 |
| Maundy Thursday | Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14 | 116:1-2, 12-19 | 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 | John 13:1-17, 31b-35 |
| Good Friday | Isaiah 52:13-53:12 | 22 | Hebrews 10:16-25 | John 18:1-19:42 |
| Holy Saturday | Job 14:1-14 | 31:1-4, 15-16 | 1 Peter 4:1-8 | John 19:38-42 |
An “On-line “Service” for Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020
Sermon: “The Faithfulness of Jesus The Messiah” (Matthew 21:1-11)
CLICK HERE FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
With grateful thanks to BBC’s Songs of Praise
First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
An “On-line “Service” for March 29, 2020; Sermon: “In Whom Do We Put Our Trust?” (John 11:1-45)
CLICK HERE FOR TEXT – WITH FOOTNOTES
Music Links:
Be Thou My Vision – Nathan Pacheco
Because He Lives (Amen) – West Coast Choir
I Am the Bread of Life – The Notre Dame Folk Choir
You Raise Me Up – Selah
Video Edited By: Spencer Hawkins (spencerhawkins15@gmail.com)
A Sermon for March 22, 2020: “Asking the Wrong Question” (John 9:1-5)
CLICK here FOR TEXT – With Footnotes