Update on Meshuga Andy

[andrewlittle]

Oy, no peace for the wicked, eh?

It is rumored that there have been Andy sightings in Mass, NH and southern Maine - although these cannot be confirmed. Rumor has it there were conversations going on with presbyteries there. It is also somewhat void of wireless hot spots in Maine and NH, where he has purportedly been staying.

As to the church in Schenectady NY - he found out on Wednesday that he will be preaching for that congregation on Sept 30, after which the congregation will vote on the call. This is it - at least he hopes it is.

[sailaway58]

:pray: I haven't forgot you.
Thanks for the update.

[andrewlittle]

As I previously stated, I have been asked to preach at the church on Sept 30, which is very good. On that day, the congregation will vote whether they want to call me as their minister or not. All indications are that the vote will be positive - also good. Jenna and I decide, yet again, to wait out the process and see what happens on Sept 30.

Yesterday, however, I find out that I will not be able to go before the presbytery for their approval until Nov 13, which means I can't start at the church until Nov 14 or later. Again, according to the Exec Presbyter, this should go well - but it does have to occur. My home presbytery has a contingency for this, but not the Albany presbytery.

We should have stuck with our initial plan. Every time we got set to move on to new territory for temporary digs and jobs, the process with the church in Schenectady took another step forward. So, we decided to hold off for a few more weeks and let the process take its course.

The problem for Jenna and I is that we have been living since June on a few meager resources and our credit. The resources will be gone long before mid November, and the credit is stressed to the max. Hindsight, being always clearer, says we should have stuck to our plan in July and ventured out to temporary housing and jobs. But we didn't because the church position was always "imminent".

So here we are, second guessing ourselves, feeling the financial stresses very deeply at this point, and trying - usually unsuccessfully - to NOT take it out on each other. It has been an increasingly difficult time, and yesterday's news just about sent us off the deep end.

Please keep us in your prayers.

[Jennifer5]

It'll be ok Andy... we love you, I'm sure it'll work out with this church! In the mean time, where are you living? There has to be a better way to do things, I know you'll make it through 'til mid November.


((((((((hugs))))))))

[dsdrane]

Will do!:love:

This might be an excellent time to start up that yoga/meditation practice....:agree::tup:

Keep the faith, Brother!

[BrentRichards]

Will do!:love:

This might be an excellent time to start up that yoga/meditation practice....:agree::tup:

Keep the faith, Brother!

Or yoghurt and medication ... not that I'm suggesting a less healthy option (well, yoghurt's not bad)

Prayers with you, Andy! I'm still planning on that trip upstate for ordination/installation!

[dsdrane]

Or yoghurt and medication ... not that I'm suggesting a less healthy option (well, yoghurt's not bad)

Prayers with you, Andy! I'm still planning on that trip upstate for ordination/installation!

I thought yoghurt and medication was implied.

My bad.

[andrewlittle]

There's a couple of reasons for this update.

First, to let you know what's happening. We've moved temporarily - well, moved may not be the right description when you take just your clothes - to a cabin near a little town on the edge of the Adirondacks. It costs less than an indigent motel, and has all the comforts of home - okay, it's dry and sparsely furnished, but it will be comfortable. It seemed a better option than living in a tent, but still has some of the camping feel to it. Got a great deal on the rent because the owner just bought it and needs some help fixing it up. I will also find temporary work until I can start at the church around mid-November.

Second, to let you know how much I am humbled and appreciative to be loved in and by this community. The prayers, PM's, e-mails, phone calls and the generosity of spirit of the people here have been almost overwhelming, and we are truly thankful. To be welcomed into and loved by this family is a true joy, and to be the recipient of so much caring and outpouring of love gives us so much hope it is unbelievable.

May God abundantly bless each and every one of you.

[Zerbie]

We love you Andy.

I'm glad you're doing okay.

:love:

[andrewlittle]

At 6:00 tonight, I have dinner with the congregation - so they can "meet and greet" the candidate.

Then, tomorrow morning, I preach and they vote. I will also get an opportunity to make a statement and field questions before the vote.

I double checked - and, sure enough, they cancelled the swimsuit part of the competition after the church's committee met me. Shows a great deal of sense on their part, I think. But I had a lovely two piece picked out - oh, well, maybe another time.

Seriously, tonight and tomorrow would be a great time for prayers. Thanks.

[BrentRichards]

At 6:00 tonight, I have dinner with the congregation - so they can "meet and greet" the candidate.

Then, tomorrow morning, I preach and they vote. I will also get an opportunity to make a statement and field questions before the vote.

I double checked - and, sure enough, they cancelled the swimsuit part of the competition after the church's committee met me. Shows a great deal of sense on their part, I think. But I had a lovely two piece picked out - oh, well, maybe another time.

Seriously, tonight and tomorrow would be a great time for prayers. Thanks.

But they're still doing talent, right? So you'll get to twirl the flaming batons in a sequined leotard, yes?

Go get 'em, Andy!

[kara speltz]

At 6:00 tonight, I have dinner with the congregation - so they can "meet and greet" the candidate.

Then, tomorrow morning, I preach and they vote. I will also get an opportunity to make a statement and field questions before the vote.

I double checked - and, sure enough, they cancelled the swimsuit part of the competition after the church's committee met me. Shows a great deal of sense on their part, I think. But I had a lovely two piece picked out - oh, well, maybe another time.

Seriously, tonight and tomorrow would be a great time for prayers. Thanks.

If they have any sense at all they'll grab you right up and not let you go. Sending gobs and gobs of prayers. kara

[Daniel]

Andy Honey......

:pray::pray::pray::pray::pray::pray:

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

:pray::pray::pray::pray::pray::pray:

[Steven E. Webster]

If they have any sense at all they'll grab you right up and not let you go. Sending gobs and gobs of prayers. kara

Me too.

Steven Webster

[rainbow7]

:pray::pray::pray:Me too.

Steven Webster

Andy and Jenna,

We'll especially be praying for you tomorrow!

Blessings,

Polly (and U- dog, of course!....we're both praying for you at the same time, can you feel it??)

:pray::pray::pray::pray:

[Jennifer5]

:pray: :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray:

You get 'em Andy!

:pray: :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray:




Good luck! Love you! :love:

[BrianB]

I'm sure you'll impress them with your broad theological knowledge, Andrew. But it never hurts to ask for divine help so I will :pray::pray::pray: for you and Jenna.

[keltic63]

If they have any sense at all they'll grab you right up and not let you go. Sending gobs and gobs of prayers. kara

yeah. somebody's gotta deal with this man, might as well be some New Yorkers. Better them.....oh wait, we're stuck with him no matter what.

OK, we'll pray that these people have sense enough to hire Andy. and occasionally, if they want a good sermon, Jenna can preach.

[andrewlittle]

But they're still doing talent, right? So you'll get to twirl the flaming batons in a sequined leotard, yes?

Go get 'em, Andy!

Well, I did - and they asked me to never do that again. Perhaps a leotard that isn't cut quite so high. Anyway, I took that as a good sign.

Dinner went very well, I thought. Sweet people, most of them. Dinner was more like a family get-together than a church "meet and greet." And, most importantly, most seem to have senses of humor - and all of them seem to appreciate them.

One of the oldest asked me to let him know if his snoring during the sermon bothers me. I told him I would, as long as I didn't nap during it as well. He just kept chuckling to himself all night, and smiling at me every time I looked his way. Kind of reminded me of u-dog, except much more lucid.

[antonyh]

You're in my thoughts and prayers Andy!

[andrewlittle]

I have been unanimously called by the congregation of Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Schenectady NY to be their next pastor. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

The Albany Presbytery will vote on approving the call on November 13th. The start date is expected to be November 14th, assuming all goes well.

Ordination date is uncertain yet, but I think it will be in Columbus Ohio in my home church.

Thank you for all your prayers and kind thoughts.

[Zerbie]

I have been unanimously called by the congregation of Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Schenectady NY to be their next pastor.

. The start date is expected to be November 14th, assuming all goes well.
.

YAYY!!!!!!!! :weee::tup::aparty::weee:

Go Andy!!!!!! :tup:
:D

[u-dog]

:tup: :tup: :weee: Woohoo! Whoopee! YAY! :weee: :aparty: :aparty:

[u-dog]

Now for something thats actually important. I have a telephone interview tomorrow night. Could I have a little prayer support for that? :)

[andrewlittle]

Now for something thats actually important. I have a telephone interview tomorrow night. Could I have a little prayer support for that? :)

You've got it, dog-man. Is this that one you've been wanting?

[u-dog]

You've got it, dog-man. Is this that one you've been wanting?


Well...whether I want it or not is one of the things we are hoping to find out in the interview... but yes. This is one of the churches that Polly and I might be willing to move for. More light... progressive.

[sailaway58]

Now for something thats actually important. I have a telephone interview tomorrow night. Could I have a little prayer support for that? :)Thread High jacker, but you are in our prayers.
Andy, I am so glad to hear your news. I hadn't equated your current move to the proper location so I kept thinking I would see you in Indy the 12th. Brain fart, sorry. Any way I am happy for you and your future congregation.
Tim

[Pablo Rafael]

Congratulations, Andy!!!!!!

The people of upstate New York will certainly blessed.
I hope your congregation will also be a blessing to you.
I am overjoyed to hear this news.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

My only complaint: How about an ordination in the WEST. Why does everything seem to happen in Eastern time zone? :mad:

[Jennifer5]

Andy, I'm so glad!!!!!!! :weee: :weee: :weee:


Dave, :pray: :pray: :pray:


Pablo, I agree with you, I'm west coast, nothing seems to happen over here. :(

[Zerbie]

Well one of these days we'll hafta plan a SF West get-together.

[Jennifer5]

Well one of these days we'll hafta plan a SF West get-together.

Definately! :cool:

[BrentRichards]

I have been unanimously called by the congregation of Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Schenectady NY to be their next pastor. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Zippadeedooda! Great news Andy ... for you and for them!

The Albany Presbytery will vote on approving the call on November 13th. The start date is expected to be November 14th, assuming all goes well.

C'mon, say it in Presbyterian: "...if the way be clear..."

Ordination date is uncertain yet, but I think it will be in Columbus Ohio in my home church.

Not sure if a trip to Columbus will work or not, but be sure to let us know ... you never know who you might see there!

[andrewlittle]

Zippadeedooda! Great news Andy ... for you and for them!

C'mon, say it in Presbyterian: "...if the way be clear..."

Not sure if a trip to Columbus will work or not, but be sure to let us know ... you never know who you might see there!

The difference in mileage is 75 miles, and it's a much easier drive - not as scenic, but easier. Would you let 75 miles get in the way of being there, Brent? Oh, laying guilt on heavily is not really Reformed, is it? Oh well.

BTW, I'm pretty sure - not certain, but pretty sure - that it might make it easier to meet one or two of the more westward dwelling members of the forums. Not saying I know, but I'm pretty sure.

Of course, there's always the service of installation that WILL be in Schenectady. Dates to be announced.

[BrentRichards]

The difference in mileage is 75 miles, and it's a much easier drive - not as scenic, but easier. Would you let 75 miles get in the way of being there, Brent? Oh, laying guilt on heavily is not really Reformed, is it? Oh well.

Honestly, I wouldn't have guessed that the distance was that similar ... but see, I don't think in those terms ... as I was just telling someone yesterday, Pennsylvanians have this quirk of talking in TIME, not DISTANCE ... if you ask me how far it is to my new job, I will say "half an hour." You say, "No, how many miles?" I say, "Uh, I have no idea." ... all distance is measured in travel time. So Cleveland is an hour and change farther than Schenechtady ... no big deal. So, keep me informed.

BTW, I'm pretty sure - not certain, but pretty sure - that it might make it easier to meet one or two of the more westward dwelling members of the forums. Not saying I know, but I'm pretty sure.

Are you implying something here that I'm missing?

Of course, there's always the service of installation that WILL be in Schenectady. Dates to be announced.

I may just haunt you at both.

[Zerbie]

So Andy, how's your day goin' so far?

What's it feel like knowing you'll start at this new (to you) church in Nov?

:)

[dsdrane]

I have been unanimously called by the congregation of Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Schenectady NY to be their next pastor. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

The Albany Presbytery will vote on approving the call on November 13th. The start date is expected to be November 14th, assuming all goes well.

Ordination date is uncertain yet, but I think it will be in Columbus Ohio in my home church.

Thank you for all your prayers and kind thoughts.


That's so flippin' fabulous, I can hardly stand it. (But I will.)

Woohoo!!!!

[u-dog]

Honestly, I wouldn't have guessed that the distance was that similar ... but see, I don't think in those terms ... as I was just telling someone yesterday, Pennsylvanians have this quirk of talking in TIME, not DISTANCE ... if you ask me how far it is to my new job, I will say "half an hour." You say, "No, how many miles?" I say, "Uh, I have no idea." ... all distance is measured in travel time. So Cleveland is an hour and change farther than Schenechtady ... no big deal. So, keep me informed.



Are you implying something here that I'm missing?



I may just haunt you at both.


I'm planning to be there!! Columbus is a mere 3 hours away!! (can I wear my robe and my red stole!!!! come on!! Pleazzzze!! cuz ya gotta! Brent you NEEEEEEEED to be there.

[Daniel]

And of course, I'm hearing the Messiah in my head, voices singing....


“Arise, shine; for thy light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon thee."

[tdogg]

Yes :agree: everything that's been said and more! :D

Andy, I'm SO VERY HAPPY for you and Jenna!!!!! :love: YAY!!!!! :weee::applause: I tell ya, that congregation is so very blessed to be getting you. :pray:

This is absolutely great news! :love::love: Thank you Lord! :rainbow:

T

[u-dog]

Yes :agree: everything that's been said and more! :D

Andy, I'm SO VERY HAPPY for you and Jenna!!!!! :love: YAY!!!!! :weee::applause: I tell ya, that congregation is so very blessed to be getting you. :pray:

This is absolutely great news! :love::love: Thank you Lord! :rainbow:

T


Yeah, but as someone once said to us after our twins were born "I hope they survive their blessings!":lol:

[kara speltz]

Dear Andrew: I'm so delighted to hear the good news. I had the strongest feeling that this was a transformation moment for you and Jenna. I couldn't be happier and can't think of two people who deserve this blessing more.

Kara

[andrewlittle]

From some person at Soulforce.

It reads:
I know you're going through a difficult time right now ...
and you can be sure God knows it, too.
I wish I could do something to make everything all right for you, but since I can't,
I want you to know that I'm praying for you.
Sometimes we wonder why things like this happen.
I don't have the answers, but I do know this much...
God won't let you go through this by yourself.
He'll be with you all the way.
He's always there when you need him, (I won't say anything about the prolific use of male pronouns - Andy)
and He wants so much to comfort you.
He'll give you the courage to carry on,
the strength to handle whatever comes.
If there's something I can do for you,
I want to help in any way I can.
So please remember that you're never alone,
because God cares, and so do I.
Kay Andrew

Inside it said:

Andy & Jenna,

Your friends at Soulforce have been touched by your spirit. We, in turn, want to bless you. Please accept this small gift (not so small, my friends) from us. We hope it helps you through.
Much love!
[name omitted to default on the side of caution] and a whole bunch of other Soulforcers.

This, with the letters, notes, and gifts from other Soulforcers - and even a picture from an especially handsome, especially kind and especially sensitive more-western Soulforcer, was enough to make us cry, yet again.

You folks are just too much. You've all conspired, obviously, to make us feel like inseparable parts of this family and to enslave us to your diabolical methods of loving friendship. Well, as Keltic noted on another thread, now you're all stuck with me. HA! Serves you right.

God, we love you people. Praise God - and God's children - from whom all blessings flow.

[Zerbie]

From some person at Soulforce.



This, with the letters, notes, and gifts from other Soulforcers - and even a picture from an especially handsome, especially kind and especially sensitive more-western Soulforcer, was enough to make us cry, yet again.

You folks are just too much. You've all conspired, obviously, to make us feel like inseparable parts of this family and to enslave us to your diabolical methods of loving friendship. Well, as Keltic noted on another thread, now you're all stuck with me. HA! Serves you right.

God, we love you people. Praise God - and God's children - from whom all blessings flow.

:D:love::love:
((((((( Andy! )))))))

[keltic63]

I know you're going through a difficult time right now ...
and you can be sure God knows it, too.
I wish I could do something to make everything all right for you, but since I can't,
I want you to know that I'm praying for you.
Sometimes we wonder why things like this happen.
I don't have the answers, but I do know this much...
God won't let you go through this by yourself.
He'll be with you all the way.
He's always there when you need him, (I won't say anything about the prolific use of male pronouns - Andy)
and He wants so much to comfort you.
He'll give you the courage to carry on,
the strength to handle whatever comes.
If there's something I can do for you,
I want to help in any way I can.
So please remember that you're never alone,
because God cares, and so do I.
Kay Andrew


someone out to tell that "Kay Andrew" to get with it and write cards with some inclusive language and imagery about God!

As for you, and this gift you received and us being stuck with you:
Psalm 84:11 tells us

11For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly.



and well Andy, I guess you're just one of those No Good Things!

[andrewlittle]

...and well Andy, I guess you're just one of those No Good Things!

A Hallmark card - $x.xx
Visa Gift card - $xxx.xx
A really smart-ass good friend - priceless.

[Daniel]

Go to bed you wise-ass!

:love::love::love: