Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Musings at St. Andrew's
Andrew Hight | Family Ministry Coordinator
And just like that… another church season has begun.
It’s funny, because church and worship never truly “end.” They are forever and always. Yet the rhythm of summer brings with it a kind of pause: kids’ programming takes a break, the choir steps back, attendance dips. It’s not that the guest speakers suddenly become uninteresting in July; it’s simply that we need time to breathe, to rest, to care for ourselves.
So, after weeks of summer services, the energy of Welcome Back Sunday is exciting. Who will be here? What songs will we sing? What will this new season hold? Two moments especially stood out as signs that the season had truly begun: the hopeful and celebratory reading of the 100th Psalm, and the sermon hymn All People That on Earth Do Dwell, the Ralph Vaughan Williams’ arrangement. When the organ swells and the congregation reaches the final verse, it is simply powerful to sing together again:
“To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
The God whom heaven and earth adore,
From all that dwell below the skies
Be praise and glory evermore.
Amen.”
Of course, Welcome Back Sunday also marks the return of our kids’ programming. Kneeling with them this past Sunday, I had a surreal moment: realizing how much time has passed since I first began this role in summer 2021. These little ones are suddenly becoming senior Sunday School students, standing on the threshold of youth group. What a blessing it has been to watch them grow—not just taller, but deeper in their knowledge of God and life in the church.
After worship, we gathered for our annual Welcome Back BBQ. What a joy it was to see the Elizabeth Room alive with laughter, conversation, and tables overflowing with delicious food! A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who cooked, served, brought desserts—and most of all, to everyone who came. St. Andrew’s is truly blessed with a community that spans every generation, and it was wonderful to begin this new season of church life by sharing a meal together.
Psalm 100 opens with the words, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.” That spirit carried through the music, the worship, the children, and even the BBQ. What better way to step into this new season than with joy, gratitude, and praise?
Best regards,
Andrew Hight | Family Ministry Coordinator