Sermons at St. Andrew’s

September 13, 2026 | The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk

Forgiving, Not Just Forgiven

God, who forgives lavishly and first, invites us to share his own forgiving life, so that his mercy can take root in us, free us from anger, and restore his people to one another and to the work he has given them.

Listen to Previous Sermons

The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk 12/24/25 The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk 12/24/25

When God Came Close

The miracle of Christmas is that God becomes small—entering our ordinary, messy lives with tender love, not from a distance, but with us, in vulnerability and grace.

The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk 12/21/25 The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk 12/21/25

Emmanuel: God-With-Us and Us-With-God

God is not Alenuel (God-Against-Us), Tachteynuel (God-Under-Us), or "Menuel" (God-Away-From-Us), but Emmanuel (God-With-Us), with us in Christ through every aspect of existence from birth to death. Because He is fully "God-With-Us," He secures our eternal hope and identity as "Us-With-God."

The Rev. Logan Hurst 12/14/25 The Rev. Logan Hurst 12/14/25

O Dayspring from On High

God meets us in the shadow, not with judgment but with tender mercy, guiding us gently – like dawn breaking – into hope, peace, and light.

The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk 12/7/25 The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk 12/7/25

God the Stump Shooter (O Come Thou Branch of Jesse's Tree)

Like a stump sending up a new shoot, God brings life from what looks cut off or beyond hope. Just as Jesus emerged from the seemingly ended line of Jesse, God is at work in our stories, our politics, and even our mortality—not simply restoring the past, but creating something new, good, and surprising.

The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk 11/30/25 The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk 11/30/25

O Desire of Nations

While lasting peace awaits all people embracing God’s design, we find true peace now by imitating Jesus, who lived that design perfectly. In following his way, we discover the deep rest of living in harmony with our Creator rather than against the world.

The Rev. Logan Hurst 11/23/25 The Rev. Logan Hurst 11/23/25

The Love of a King

Jesus reveals His kingship not through displays of power, but from the cross, where mercy and forgiveness become His royal authority. In this crucified King we see a God who enters our suffering, overturns our expectations, and reigns through love that never lets us go.