Pastor Report: Pastor Mat

Now to Him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

To the St. Andrew’s Family,

2021 started off hectic. We as a church shut back down because of rising COVID-19 numbers and had cancelled in-person Christmas Eve services. We even started the year with online only worship. We also came into the year knowing that our Senior Pastor / Head of Staff, had received a grave diagnosis with an aggressive (stage 4) bile duct cancer. Pastor Jim, through treatments, doctor’s appointments and struggles, continued to paint a picture of hope, mostly through his “Pastor Ponderings” that he gave weekly online. A hope that no matter what is happening in our lives or in the world, that we as the church and as the people of God have hope during uncertainty because of the deep love and great promises of our Savior.

Rev. Dr. Jim Toole, won his battle with cancer, as he told it Who the real Victor is. Jim went home to be with Jesus, was fully restored from cancer and pain, on April 23, 2021. Jim was my mentor, my boss, my friend and my brother. I cannot thank him enough for how he has poured into me for the last 11 years. It has been an honor to serve the congregation of St. Andrew’s and the city of Tucson, along side of him for this time. My life is richer not only because of his ministry together, but most importantly, our friendship.

Starting in September of 2019, I began my journey as the Acting Head of Staff, Associate Pastor of Church Life and Family Ministry, and Acting Director of Care Ministry. I cannot thank the congregation of St. Andrew’s and the leadership of this church more for their patience with me as I was thrown into the deep end. As we discussed how to handle COVID, when to return to in-person worship and programs, I cannot thank the leadership of this church enough for their thoughtful and prayerful response. I must stop here and give the biggest shout out to the staff of this church. They have been phenomenal, creative, supportive, loving, caring, creative (yes again), and most importantly, prayerfully discerning during these hard days. One thing I knew “going to work” every day, was that we were in it together. I hope they know this, but let this be a public declaration:

THANK YOU, Connie Randall, Shelly Akins, Heather Brannock, Amy Grover, Corey Planer, Brad Engel, Cathi Kentera, Rob Lantz, Nannette Pierson, Ben Constantinides, Mark Gary, Carolyn Smith, RuthAnn Smithrud, Tim Christian, Matt Gulley, all of the custodial staff, office volunteers, the Session and the Deacons. – from the bottom of my heart.

Although the last year has been chaotic, ministry still has been creative and vibrant. We had a return to some sense of normalcy, although modified. The American Poet Robert Frost once declared that what he knew about life could be summed up in three words “It Goes On” and I believe the ministry of Christ and the ministry of this church does as well despite any setback, pandemic, or challenge. I am proud to say that St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church is still thriving, and now with the leadership of our Interim Senior Pastor Head of Staff, Rev. Dr. Pete Seiferth, we are ready for what the next steps look like for us. As a family, we are doing well. With a 7th grade daughter (who was 18 months old when we moved here) and a 4th grade son, Amy and I are loving our life in Tucson and excited to see what our 12th year here holds.

Grace and Peace, Rev. Mat Grover