St. Andrew Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 Vol. 7, Issue 5 St. Andrew Lutheran Church Church Website: August/September 2011 Home of WEE GROW Christian Preschool 8867 Kent Street Portland, MI portlandstandrew@ sbcglobal.net standrew.secy@sbcglobal.net FROM THE PASTOR S DESK Dear Friends and Members of St. Andrew, I found a quote from Benjamin Franklin that struck me this week and I want to apply it to the way life seems to be going right now. He said, Work, plan, save, and play as if you were to live 100 years; pray and walk with Jesus as if you were to die tomorrow. Living this way produces a worry-free life. Franklin must have been very familiar with the following words of the apostle James: Now listen, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, If it is the Lord s will, we will live and do this or that. As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn t do it, sins. (James 4:13-17, NIV) Life offers so many special blessings and exciting opportunities to experience happiness and joy, especially when we have an attitude that sees each day as a new adventure. But, too often we allow worry to rob us of these amazing blessings in life. In his book Come Thirsty, Max Lucado wrote: Look around you. You have reason to worry. The sun blasts cancercausing rays. Air vents blow lung-clotting molds. Potato chips have too many carbs. Vegetables have too many toxins. And do they have to call an airport a terminal?... Some of us have postgraduate degrees from the University of Anxiety. We go to sleep worried that we won t wake up; we wake up worried that we didn t sleep. We worry that someone will discover that lettuce was fattening all along. The mother of one teenager bemoaned, My daughter doesn t tell me anything. I m a nervous wreck. Another mother replied, My daughter tells me everything. I m a nervous wreck. Wouldn t you love to stop worrying? Could you use a strong shelter from life s harsh elements? God offers you just the possibility of a worry-free life. Not just less worry either, but no worry, I encourage you as we walk through the hot but quiet days of August and head toward the rush of September to boldly unload your cares, worries, and burdens and place all of them at the foot of the Cross. Purpose to leave them there. With a renewed focus on Jesus alone, let us commit this day to Jesus, as we live one day at a time, walking in faith and trusting God with the rest. Remember these words of Paul, Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need (Philippians 4:6). Consider joining us here at St. Andrew as we begin reading through the Bible together in September. And we wait, turn over all your worries to the one who is capable of handling them, the one who created you and the one who cared enough to buy you back through the perfect life, death and his resurrection of His one and only Son, Jesus. Join me in placing your life in the hands of the Father. Your life will be much better if you do! In His Service, Pastor Filter Inside this issue: Birthdays, Anniversaries Community News 9 Jesus Company 6 Ministry Schedules 7 Prayer Requests 3 SAYG 5 Stewardship Corner 4 Wee Grow Preschool 6 2

2 Page 2 St. Andrew Lutheran Church August 08/03 Allison Peabody (16) 08/05 Trissa Sandborn (14) 08/08 Christine Heindel Tracy Kleitch 08/10 Ricky Simon (17) 08/11 Kenny Heindel (16) Michelle Perry 08/12 Jeff Dole 08/13 Catherine Pline David Peters 08/14 Shelly Heindel Cooper Ruehs (3) 08/16 Dan Bekins Judy Bodak 08/18 Joyce Petrie 08/19 Nick Scheurer 08/20 Dorothy Vollen Paige Arbour (17) 08/22 Paige Platte (19) 08/24 Sandy Fyan Abigail Pennington (5) 08/25 Angie Brown 08/26 Caleb Felzke (15) 08/28 Dave Frick 08/29 Hannah Huhn (13) 08/30 Fred Koeppen Julie Lefke 08/31 Chris Huhn Birthday Wishes go to... September 09/01 Megan Kleitch (12) 09/04 Becky Ruehs 09/10 Emily Felzke (14) Ray Bodak Sam Beavers 09/12 Steve Bashore Joshua Rutkowski 09/14 Ed Sprague Elaine Hartman Shane Scheurer 09/16 Mindy Nowak 09/17 Becky Ward Kathy Wright 09/18 Bruce Kenyon Justin Hammond (11) 09/21 Beau Scheurer (17) Jarrod Huhn (11) 09/24 Kayla Peabody (19) 09/25 Tanya Marcum 09/27 Lauren Manzini (16) 09/28 John Simon Liberty Pennington (10) 09/30 Elena Brooks Mike Hartman PRAYER SUPPORT FOR OUR TROOPS It is now more important than ever to keep our men and women who are serving our country in our prayers. These men and women deserve our utmost respect and a place of honor in our daily prayers. Dan Miller, Pfc. Lucas Terpstra, LTC. Judy Fryover, PFC Nicholas Hartwick, Dustin Rhodes, Brain Howard, Steve Divish, Scott Divish, Ross Fuller, Major Gary Beard II, Kim Bates, Benjamin Gyger, Thomas Debler, Christopher Simon, Mike Tiemann, Randy Bebee Jr., Michael Bebee, Gale Jugovich, Danny Lathers, Joe Webster, Corey Culy (Afganistan), Casey Culy, Daniel Richards, Eric Ritchie and Chris Roof. We would like to keep this section current and include as much information as possible. If you suggested someone s name for this list, please let us know if they are still serving or have been discharged. If they are still serving we d like to include where they are. If you can let us know so that we may include it in the next newsletter. If you would like your loved one or friend listed here, please contact the church office. Anniversary Wishes go to... August 08/07 Bruce & Kathy Kenyon (19) 08/10 Duane & Simone Margraf 08/12 Nathan & Diane Sprague (16) Mark & Cathy Haworth (22) 08/17 Sam & Karlyn Beavers (22) 08/20 Jon & Susan Snellenberger Corey & Erin Otis (3) 08/28 Pastor Charles & Ruth Burhop September 09/02 Jim & Molly Guidi (11) 09/14 Dave & Kathy Peters (32) 09/16 Dave & Sue Ruehs (39) 09/17 Kris & Kendra Spitzley (17) 09/18 Jim & Kathy Wright (30) Bill & Mindy Nowak (13) Chris & Terri Huhn (18) 09/20 Dan & Darlene Bekins (42) 09/24 Nick & Julie Lefke (18) 09/29 John & Jeannie Bauer (32) Our Sincere Sympathy: Our condolences go out to: Family of Henry Bergmann; The family of Dee Bashore; Becky Ruehs and family at the death of her grandfather.

3 Vol. 7, Issue 5 Page 3 Stewardship Corner Showing our Devotion Webster s Dictionary defines devotion as loyalty, deep affection, or religious worship. We can be devoted to jobs, to families, to hobbies, to attaining success, wealth, or status. We can be devoted to a political party or a sports team. A Christian s highest devotion should be to His Lord and the Lord s Church. We show our devotion to Christ in different ways, but much of our devotion is expressed in what we say or do. To the Ephesians Paul wrote, For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). Our good works show our devotion to God for Who He is and what He has done for us. As Christians, we show our devotion to Jesus through the faithful stewardship of our time, talents, and money. As devoted stewards... we give generously. Giving puts our devotion into action. Because of our devotion to Jesus, we generously give Him our best. Jesus said, Freely you have received, freely give (Matthew 10:8 NIV). He also said, It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). we follow Jesus example of serving. Jesus said, the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve... (Matthew 20:28). Filled with Christ s love and grace, we become new people who are prompted to follow His lead by helping and serving others. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him Who for their sake died and was raised (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). we love others. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 19:19). We are equipped by Christ to be loving people because He changes us into loving people. Paul wrote, So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). Peter wrote, Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). we are in this world but not of the world (John 15:19). We acknowledge that God is the owner and the source of all good things. We are devoted to Jesus, so we hold things of this world loosely. We love people rather than things. May God keep our hearts devoted to Him and, through our devotion, may He be glorified. Please remember the following in your daily prayers: Suzette Atwood, Cole Barlett, Bob Baker, Baby Natalie, Trent Bengel, Linda Bindle, Susan Brown, Linda Buskirk, Kara Calley, Shannon Connell, Country of Japan, Darlene Dahlem, Eileen Dewberry, Marjorie Dingman, Marylou Duncan, Frank Eisenhauer, Frank Eisenhauer s step-grand niece & family, Ron Eisenhauer, Judy Fryover, Tom Fryover, John & Kelly-new parents adoption final, Bill Galinitis, Gina struggling with cancer, Tom Green, Paul & Shannon Hardway, Elaine Hartman, Jenn Hartner, John Hengesbach, Dan Ingue, Country of Haiti, Richard Jones, Johny-wounded soldier, Kate-friend of Faye Stephans, Phil & Janice Keefer, Robert Kipp, Oleta Koeppen s daughter-may, Cory Lanz, Mary Lee, Sue Lincoln, Pastor Dave Maier, Marcia Lewis co-worker-shelley, Connie Manshum, Kate Mason, Joanne Manzini s mother Betty Hincher, Josh Markham, Leonard Nelson, Prayer Requests Mindy Nowak s sister-in-law Lorna, Mindy Nowak s Uncle and Grandmother (Ava Burgess), Brandee Novara, Marjorie Pate, Paul & Kaci & pre-mature baby, Joyce Petrie, Bev Platte, Jill Platte, Cody Pline, Mary Lou Potter, Preston and Lauen, Cheryl Pugsley, Joe Pugsley, Shaun Pugsley, Alex Pung, Bobby Quintos father-co worker of Judy Fryover, Debbie Reed, Ashely Reynolds, Sandy Reister, Jason Rheams, Jennifer Royston s dad, Chris Roof s cousin Ben & new daughter, Carl Ruhl, Baby Lillian Grace Russell, Dan Sandborn, Penny Sandborn-co-worker s son, Bina Schray, Tina Sharp s dad, Tim Scott, Tim Scott s mom. Jim Simon, Brody Smith, Kris Spitzley s mom, Faye Stephens, Dot Stringer, Neva Swagart, Terry Tahvonen, Pastor David and Patty Thiele, Chris Thomas, Josh Thompson, Pastor Fred Traugott, Gary Van Vleck Jr., Kathy Walker, Cindy West, and Chip Wolfe. As well as the many others we know in our hearts. Prayers for those battling Cancer: Single mom with cancer, Jerry Adams, Kelly Arens, Rev. Jack Bartholomew, Alice Bengel, Marsha Battley, Amy Bekkering, Jeff Burns, Sue Caulkins, Heather Chunko, Lois Duff, Alvena Evans, Nick Falsetta, Angela Garza, Dave Gardella, Ted Haworth, Elijah Kenyon, Cindy Knoop, Mary Leik, Adam Livingston, Rev. David Maier, Joel Maier, Kathy Naseman, Dan Partell, Tim Perry, Leon Reister, Paula Ritz, Sue Simmons, Mike Stegenga, Henry Wagoner, Mary Williams, and Sue Ward.

4 Page 4 St. Andrew Lutheran Church VBS - A big thank you to all who volunteered at Shake it Up Cafe'. What a great week we had. I know the kids must have enjoyed it, since they all had perfect attendance. Wow can you believe that we collect over 200 items for the food banks. Awesome!!! Sunday School News! Sunday School - Rally day Sunday September 11th. Join us for our first week of Sunday School. Bring a friend or two. Sunday school will start at 9:00am. We will also have a potluck following church. Rally Day Potluck - Following service on September 11th, we will be having a potluck. Meat will be provided, please bring a dish to pass. JESUS COMPANY Becky Ruehs has been very busy lately getting ready for the inspection for her Daycare. Once that is completed, she will begin planning for the next meeting of Jesus Company, most likely in September. Thanks to those who attended the July bonfire at Becky's house. Keep her in your prayers and stay tuned for more info on the next meeting. Dear Portland Area Church Members, You are Cordially Invited to Attend the Portland Fire Department s 10 Year Anniversary Memorial Celebration of September 11th, 2001 To be held at the Two Rivers Band Shell at the 9-11 Memorial site. On September 11, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. We are hoping for a great response to this important event. We expect the program to last approximately one hour. Please bring a bag chair for seating, shuttle will be provided for elderly and disabled. Altar Guild News Ladies of the Altar Guild, please be sure to make note of your scheduled month to serve. If you are unable to serve, it is your responsibility to get someone to fill in for you and to notify your A.G. partner of your replacement. Also, be sure to fill the candles regularly with the liquid paraffin; they will only burn for two services. Ladies Guild News As a reminder, any child that did attend or will attend Camp Concordia this summer is eligible for a scholarship from the Ladies Guild. Simply see one of the ladies (Nita, Nancy, Tracy, Elena, etc.) to receive your scholarship. Men s Group News The Men will continue to meet for breakfast on the fourth Sunday of the month at 9:00 a.m. at Looking Grand Café. Come and be a part of the encouragement and fellowship. Hope to see you at the next breakfast. See Pastor with any questions.

5 Vol. 7, Issue 5 Page 5 SAYG News SAYG (St. Andrew Youth Group) There is one month left in Amanda s summer schedule with the Youth. The every other Wednesday will continue through August and then we will return to the once a month meetings on the 4 th Sunday of the month in September. In addition, Amanda is still trying to schedule a float trip on the Muskegon River at Big Rapids. It looks like the 2nd week of August is now the best possibility. The 3 best dates are August 8, 9 or 10. Contact Amanda on Facebook or call her at (517) to share your preference. The next four dates for regular activities are as follows: Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday Evening Drop-in night. Plans are to go to the Sandborn s pond for Hot Dogs, swimming and fun. We will leave the church at 6 p.m. and return at 8 p.m. or parents can drop off and pick up at the pond. Bring your bathing suit and towel and plan for a good time. Wednesday, August 17 th from 6 to 8 p.m. will be Amanda s last drop in night of the summer. She is planning to stay at church for food, a Bible Study and some fun activities, possibly the last Mafia game of the summer. Parents, we need one family to provide the food. Talk to Amanda if you can do that. Thanks to all who have provided food through the summer. Friday, August 19 th - Riverfest, Tug of Wqr is back! The Riverfest is back and so is the Tug of War between churches and especially Youth Groups. It will be Friday evening and there is some talk of doing it across the Grand River. A great time was had by all last time and we d like a big turn out again, so contact Amanda soon and let her know if you can make it. Sunday, September 25 th - Regular monthly Youth meeting after church. Amanda will be home from school and plans will be made for this meeting during the Wednesday meetings in August. Please put the date on your calendar now though so you don t forget! CONFIRMATION CLASS On Sunday, September 18th, Pastor will hold an informational meeting for Confirmation classes for this year's 7th and 8th graders. We will decide on a meeting time for the classes, explain about how parents participate in classes, and generally get ready for this school year. Children are not required to attend. Pastor will send a letter out the last week in August to all the parents of eligible students. If you have not received a letter by September 1st, please contact Pastor. ADULT BIBLE STUDY The Ladies Walk/Bible Study finished for the summer Wednesday night, July 27th. The Walk/Bible Study will return next June Wednesday night Bible Study will take a break until after school starts. It will return on Wednesday, September 14th at 7 p.m. We will most likely be using the LIFELIGHT format again and it has been suggested that we study the book of Joshua. Talk to Pastor to express your opinion on this choice. On Sunday, September 11th we will begin our fall session of our Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study at 9 a.m. Right now, Pastor is thinking that we may use this time to discuss in depth what we have been reading that week in our Read through the Bible project. Pastor is seeking opinions on whether that would be the best way to go. Talk to him soon about that possibility.

6 Page 6 St. Andrew Lutheran Church A Note from Wee-Grow Wee Grow Christian Preschool will have a Reading Hour on Wednesday, August 17th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. We will read a few books, explore the outdoor playground and talk about what preschool is all about. On Wednesday, August 24th there will be a Wee Grow Christian Preschool Open House from 4:30-7:00 p.m. It will be a night of getting familiar with the classroom and meeting the teacher, Sandy Peabody and teacher-aide Julie Pung. There are still openings in the three year old class. The first day of preschool will be Monday, September 12th. If you have any questions you may contact Sandy Peabody, Preschool Director, or the church office. PRAYERS FOR THE LITTLEFIELD S AND MORE... On Sunday, July 24 th St. Andrew was blessed to have Mike and Tippy Littlefield and their four daughters with us for our Sunday service and fellowship time. Mike and Tippy are full-time missionaries for the Wycliffe Bible Translators, who we supported through Vacation Bible School last summer and a Silent Auction, sponsored by Becky Ruehs and Jesus Company. Mike and Tippy shared with us how God has been working in their lives, as they are preparing to leave in January for a three year stint in Papua New Guinea. Mike will be a fixed wing pilot supporting the missionaries, who are translating the Bible into many of the languages native only to New Guinea. We were blessed to take a free will offering for their support, especially for their plane flights to New Guinea. It was great to put faces on these missionaries. We ask that you would continue to keep Mike, Tippy and their four daughters in your prayers. FLASH MOB The following article is presented by Sherry Miller who has this wonderful idea for the faith community in Portland. We would like St. Andrew to participate. There will be a Dance training for our church August 20th and all those participating from St. Andrew have been asked to wear orange shirts. Pastor will be speaking about this in church starting on July 31st. Amanda Filter was going to be in charge for St. Andrew but will be at college so we need a volunteer to fire us up for this project. Talk to Pastor asap if you are interested. Flash mob coming to Portland Faith Community A flash mob/music video will be filmed in Portland this fall. We are especially blessed to have all of the churches in our Portland community participating in this fun and exciting event. Young people in grade 4 through 'young' people in their 90's are invited and encouraged to participate. There will be 2 main rehearsals at the United Methodist Church parking lot on Sat., Sept. 17 and 24 from 9-11 am. Dress rehearsal will take place on Oct. 1 from 9-11 am and the final film shoot will take place on Sat. Oct. 8 beginning at 9 am. A representative from each church has already been involved in the planning and will be involved in learning the movements to the music. Each church will schedule it's own rehearsal for their congregation to learn the choreography before we come together for our Sept. rehearsals. You are encouraged to invite family, friends and neighbors to participate in this Christian event. It is not required to be at the individual church rehearsals to participate in the event but we are asking that everyone participate in at least one of the rehearsals. Please contact director Sherry Miller at or sherrysings@cablespeed.com for more information.

7 Vol. 7, Issue 5 Page 7 Ministry Schedules for June/July Acolyte 08/07 Jacob Veale 08/14 Evie Beavers 08/21 Hunter Sandborn 08/28 Charlotte Kleitch 09/04 Dree Novara 09/11 Karlie Sprague 09/18 Brock McCrumb 09/25 Hannah Huhn Fellowship Host 08/07 Jeff & Elena Brooks 08/14 Dave & Sue Ruehs 08/21 Jack & Mary Sandborn 09/04 Tracy Kleitch 09/11 Frank & Mary Eisenhauer 09/18 Pastor & Nancy Filter 09/25 Nita Massey Greeters 08/07 Brooks Family 08/14 Huhn Family 08/21 Haworth Family 08/28 Jack & Mary Sandborn 09/04 Tom Fryover 09/11 Filter Family 09/18 Perry Family 09/25 Tim & Becky Ruehs Family Movie Day Look for new information coming regarding the Fall Family Movie Schedule. There will be no Family Movie Scheduled for September because the month is so busy with everyone getting back to school. Watch for future information in the Sunday Bulletins and the next newsletter! The fall Family Movie Night plans to be an exciting one! Nursery 08/07 Mary Brooks 08/14 Karlie Sprague 08/21 Emily Huhn 08/28 Mary Brooks 09/04 Karlie Sprague 09/11 Emily Huhn 09/18 Mary Brooks 09/25 Karlie Sprauge Worship Readers 08/07 Mary Eisenhauer 08/14 Elena Brooks 08/21 Tim & Michelle Perry 08/28 Nancy Filter 09/04 Nita Massey 09/11 Jeannie Bauer 09/18 Tom Fryover 09/25 Mary Sandborn DAYCARE TASK FORCE Mark will sort through the information and put together a suggested way to verify the information and Pastor will contact the District Education exec., Bruce Braun, to find out if there are experts available to help answer questions about staffing and number of children needed to break even. When that is complete, we will schedule another meeting. Keep the whole process in your prayers as we attempt to discern whether offering this ministry is in God s will for our congregation. PRAYER/GROWTH GROUP The Prayer Growth continues to meet each month. The size of the group changes each month but God's blessing on it's mission does not. In September we will begin the next big project of this group as we initiate our Read Through the Bible in two Years project. The next meeting of the Group is Monday, August 8th at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at the church. Plan now to attend as we need your input. We will continue to meet the 2nd Monday of the month for the foreseeable future. Keep us in your prayers as well. READ THROUGH THE BIBLE Sign-up for Materials for the two year Read Through the Bible project, sponsored by the Prayer Growth Groups, continues through the 1st weekend in August. Individual sign-up sheets are available on the table in the Narthex. You may purchase the Today's Light Bible; signup for the Today's Light bi-monthly magazine and use your own Bible; or sign-up to purchase CD's of the Bible to listen to and purchase the magazine. We will order all materials after August 7th and the kick off to begin reading will be Christian Education Sunday, September 11th. There are posters in the Narthex with more information on the materials.

8 Page 8 St. Andrew Lutheran Church Pregnancy Services of Ionia County P.O. Box 233, 208 W. Main Street, Ionia, MI Phone: (616) psicare@iserv.net Pregnancy Services of Ionia County is always looking for volunteers to help. If you can give them some of your time, please give them a call at the above number. Below are listed some of the many items that they are always in need of. If you can help them with any of these items, please give them a call or call the church office to make arrangements to get items to them. Diapers Sizes 1-5 Pull Ups Onesies Newborn Tee Shirts Wipes (Lots of) Formula (Soy & Reg.) Bottles Quilts Baby Food Crib Sheets Receiving Blankets Winter Coats Baby Furniture New Baby Toys Diaper Cream Teething Aides For the Center: Office Furniture-Chairs, Room Dividers Ironing Board & Iron Computer Desks, Refrigerator & Microwave Volunteer Opportunities: Counseling, Clothes Sorting, Office Help, Launder Clothes at home, Make Quilts, Repair Furniture. Join a Ministry where success is measured one cuddle at a time! As many of you know, ENRICH is a non-profit that operates in Ionia County and is dedicated to helping families who are struggling to keep their families together. They facilitate donations of furniture, appliances and other items to their warehouse and then distribute these items to those who need them through the recommendations of service agencies and Church pastors. Think about donating gently used items by calling or by dropping the items off at the ENRICH building on Main St. in Ionia. ENRICH of Ionia County currently has over 317 families on our waiting list. If you have any of these that are in good condition and working order, we can get them to the less fortunate. As you can imagine, ENRICH has many expenses and operates completely on donations and fundraisers. Talk to Pastor about donating to ENRICH. If you frequent the Ionia Pizza Hut, look for coupons just before the 4 th Monday of each month that will allow 20 % of your purchase on that day to be donated to ENRICH. You must have the coupon and they will be available on the table in the Narthex each month on the Sunday before the 3 rd Monday of the month!

9 St. Andrew Lutheran Church Page 9 Community News LEADERSHIP TEAM PROFILES Congregational Chair- Nathan Sprague Congregational Treasurer- Dave Frick Education Chair Elena Brooks/Ruth Helmreich Properties Chair- Becky Ward Board of Elders: Tom Fryover Mark Haworth Dave Ruehs Altar Guild-Tracy Kleitch Preschool Board: Church Extension Fund Saving for the future can be more than a good idea. It can be a good deed, too. Transfer or rollover any existing IRA or qualified retirement plan now, and you can do some real good-for you and others. You get added security from wise investments, competitive interest rates and tax advantages. Your Missouri Synod Lutheran churches and schools across Michigan get financial support for their future growth. Contact one of the friendly and knowledgeable CEF staff and find out how we make the rollover process fast and easy. You can visit CEF online at or call Portland Relay for Life Portland will be holding their annual Relay for Life on Friday, August 26 th and Saturday, August 27 th. The churches have not traditionally been involved but this year all Faith community members who are not part of a team are invited to walk together for an hour on Saturday morning from 9 to 10 a.m. More details are still being arranged but talk to Pastor Filter if you are interested in supporting this activity, even if you don t get pledges but just come and walk in honor and a friend or family member who has or is dealing with cancer! Mary Eisenhauer, Ruth Helmreich, Cheryl Pugsley, Teri Huhn, Nancy Filter-treasurer Pray for these people regularly and let them know how much you appreciate their service to the Lord as they represent you in this special way! In future newsletters we will highlight these individuals, who they are and just what it is they do as they serve. THRIVENT OPPORTUNITY THRIVENT FOR LUTHERANS has changed the way they allocate their dollars to congregations and other non-profit organizations. Each congregation is allowed 4 Congregational Advocates who vote at different times of the year to allocate those dollars to these groups, including our church and preschool. Pastor and Nancy have volunteered to do this but we are still looking for 2 more Thrivent members who would be willing to volunteer to do this. It s all done on the computer and should not take much time but it is important as it may get us more dollars. Thrivent is looking for a representative to work full time in our area. If you know anyone looking for a job with background in investments, insurance, or finance, please talk to Pastor and he will get you in touch the trainer for our area. American Red Cross Blood Drive There is a desperate call for blood donors! The blood supplies are at a all time low. There will be a blood drive at: Portland Knights of Columbus 690 Maynard Road Tuesday, August 16, 2011 from 12:00 pm-5:45 pm For more information or questions, call Susan at Red Cross, Ext Dorothy Vollen Deerwood Dr. Lowell, MI Our Home Bound Pray for those who are homebound: Oleta Koeppen 329 East Isham St. P.O. Box 223 Lyons, MI Marilyn Baldwin Heartland Health Care Center 814 E. Lincoln Ave. Room #32 Ionia, MI Joyce Petrie The Healing & Recovery Center 530 Beech St., Room #615 Charlotte, MI (517)

10 Saint Andrew Lutheran Church & WEE GROW Christian Preschool 8867 Kent Street Portland, MI Rev. Ed Filter, Pastor Sandy Peabody, Preschool Director Sue Platte, Secretary Phone: (517) Fax: (517) Website: portlandstandrew.com Oct./Nov Newsletter deadline is September 18, 2011 Read Through The Bible in Two Years! The Next Congregational Project starts in September! Three different ways you can participate: 1. Purchase the Today's Light Bible 2. Sign-up for the Today's Light bi-monthly magazine and use your own Bible OR 3. Sign-up to purchase CD's of the Bible to listen to and purchase the magazine. Review the sign-up sheet in the church narthex! Church The addresses Pastor Ed Filter: Church Office: If you would like to be added to the prayer chain list please call the church office.