news Happy New Year! Dear Friends, In This Issue... ``Members Meeting ``Financial Education News

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1 St. news Andrew s Andrew said, We have found the Messiah. John 1:41 Our mission is to demonstrate God s love by caring for all people and helping them to know and follow Jesus. In This Issue... `` Common Ground Returns `` Call Committee Update `` New Bible Studies and Groups ``Members Meeting `` Above and Beyond 2019 ``Financial Education News Happy New Year! Dear Friends, A blessed Christmas season and New Year to all of you! Together with my family, our staff, and their families, we wish you the peace, happiness, joy, and love of the One whose coming into our hearts we celebrate in these holy days and throughout the year! I also want to say thanks again for the faith, love, service and generosity I see every single day in the life of God s children at St. Andrew. So many people have been spiritually supported, helped, welcomed, comforted, and encouraged by the spirit that shines through you and the tasks you take up without hesitation so that the reality of God s presence might be experienced in our congregation, its communities, and literally around the world. After twenty-two lightningfast years as your pastor, I still can t get over the outpouring of goodness that I constantly witness in my colleagues, our church leaders, and so many joyful, humble servants who teach, listen, lead us in worship, carry food to the hungry, call us to task, care for children of all ages, and take risks for even greater Christian service in the days and years ahead. None of it is easy. It takes time. It requires hard work. It costs a lot of money. And it demands a willingness to struggle, make adjustments, ask tough questions, and endure occasional disappointments. That s what relationships, even in the church, are all about. But there you are, doing God s work and living out the words that adorn the entrance to our sanctuary because God s Glory is Our Joy! As we cross the threshold into 2019, I thank you again from the bottom of my pastoral heart for all the ways in which you live up to St. Paul s declaration that you are the body of Christ. Continued on page 2 1

2 Of course, with more blessings come more challenges. As Christmas approached, we welcomed another 48 new members into our fellowship, and in addition to needing our support and care, they need a place to park. As our Bible studies in Howard County resume this month, the challenge of putting another foot in that part of the mission field raises questions about who will go and how we ll do it. Last Thanksgiving weekend, a former member of St. Andrew who moved away a few years ago returned to visit the area and worship with us. Before leaving, she said she had two observations that she wanted to share with me - namely, that the congregation is younger than it was and is more diverse than it was when she left. As a church that seeks to serve people of all ages and from all places, I was blessed to hear that, but also reminded that, if true, we need to expand our support for young adults, young families, and new members from distant lands. The good news is that, by God s grace, I have no doubt you are up to the task. So here we go, thankful for all that s been given and praying for more, so that we might use every gift God gives for the glory of our new-born King and the hope of those for whom He came. As 2019 marks St. Andrew s 70th year of ministry, may God richly bless your days and ours together and continue to make all things new for us in Christ. With love and gratitude, Pastor Hricko Members Meeting Sunday, January 13 Lunch at 12:15 pm Meeting at 1:00 pm Get the Latest on Call Process for Seeking New Pastors Howard County Mission and Amharic Ministry Financial Blessings, Challenges, and Opportunities New Partnership in Christian Higher Education Mark Your Calendar! Church Staff Mark A. Hricko, Pastor Kenneth G. Carlson, Assistant Pastor Jotham Johann, Director of Wellspring Greg Twombley, Director of Ministries & Praise Team Barbara Wahlbrink, Director of Communications Riki Schoppert, Director of Student Ministries & Worship Arts Lia Mai Puskar, Preschool Director & Children s Ministry Coordinator Robyn Howland, Children s Ministry Assistant - Events Andrea Gast, Children s Ministry Assistant - Wee Worship Marianne Lohr, Children s Ministry Assistant - VBS Marilee Tollefson, Faith Community Nurse Ashley Gingrich, Children s Choir Director Debbie Snyder, Director of Administration Bruce Poese, Director of Media Ministry Ruth Heilman, Minister of Music Sarita Winter, Creative Services Anne Harpster, Bookkeeper Ange Lorenz, Bookkeeper Karen Hughes, Administrative Assistant Luis Escobar, Property Maintenance/Events 2018 Board of Directors Glen Harvell, Chair, Paul Lobien, Vice-Chair, Kim Bolton, Diane Brode, Roger Caldow, Gary Fields, Mitch Glazier, Steve Olson, Karen Rosales, Martha Piedrasanta, Saba Tesfayohannes, Betsy Varghese, Treasurer: Bruce Winter, LWML President: Karen Matthiesen, St. Andrew s News Published monthly by: The Lutheran Church of St. Andrew New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring, MD Preschool: office@mystandrew.org 2

3 Start the New Year Right! COMMON GROUND Wednesdays, January 9 - February 20 Dinner at 6:00 pm Informal Praise & Prayer at 6:30 pm Groups & Classes at 6:40 pm Closing at 7:45 pm Winter Offerings Will Include: Five Why Questions for God The State of Faith & Sharing It Today Twelve Ordinary Men - Part II Acts of Faith Bible Study Get details and register using the bulletin insert or online at mystandrew.org. Winter Bible Studies & Small Groups Sunday What s So Amazing About Grace 9:30 am Begins 1/6 Creative Arts Room LL Anne & Bill Harpster The Book of Daniel 9:30 am Ongoing Conference Room Ken Austin Monday Women s Bible Study Growing a Heart for God 7:00 pm Begins 1/28 Wellspring Center LL Patty Belke Tuesday Men s Morning Fellowship 7:00 am Resumes 1/15 Living Room Jim Abeles Senior Bible Study 1:00 pm Resumes 1/8 2nd & 4th of the month Conference Room Jack Hessler Call or the chuch office to connect with a leader or to get more information. Rogate Circle for Women 3rd Tuesday of the month 7:00 pm Resumes 1/15 Wellspring LL Karen Matthiesen Howard County Bible Study Growing Community 7:00 pm Resumes 1/8 Linden Hall, Ellicott City Pastor Hricko Wednesday Women s Bible Study God of Covenant 9:30 am Begins 1/16 Wellspring Center LL Robyn Howland Thursday Senior Bible Study 2nd Thursday of the month 10:30 am Resumes 1/10 Conference Room Walt Petzold Saturday Men s Fellowship Gathering 8:00 am Panera Aspen Hill ST. ANDREW MEMBERSHIP God called us to be part of His family for a reason it s hard to grow alone! Our St. Andrew community will meet you where you are, and walk beside you to a closer relationship with God. Wondering how to unite with St. Andrew? Follow these easy steps Worship with us regularly! Explore the ministry and participate in Faith Walk 101 Information & Membership Seminar. Led by our Pastors and other ministry leaders, these sessions offer the opportunity to explore the Lutheran faith, learn more about our St. Andrew community, and get to know others who are on the same path. If you wish to transfer your membership from another faith community, contact the church office. We will be pleased to assist by writing for your transfer. If you are a new Christian, speak with a Pastor about receiving the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. If you are searching for answers about God, your faith, or our St. Andrew community, contact the church office at or at mystandrew.org. We ll be happy to talk with you to find the answers you seek. 3

4 EMEAN Collection January 13 & 14 Eastern Montgomery Emergency Assistance Network (EMEAN) is a local agency that offers help to needy neighbors in the form of a one-time rent, prescription or utility payment that can prevent a downward spiral in health or into homelessness. Please be generous to support the effort! LMS Thrift Shop Collections January 27 & February 24 Bring gently used clothing and household goods to support neighbors in need at LMS Compassion Centers around the region. Most needed now are men s warm clothing and children s coats. Pack fragile items carefully to avoid breakage on the truck. A box is best! Call for 2019 Calendars and More! Gather up the extra calendars, cards and notepads that are cluttering your space and leave them in the designated boxes in the Coat Room. They will be much appreciated by folks at C-4, a clinic for the homeless, and other locations. Social Ministry Planning Meeting January 21 All are welcome to join the team on MLK Monday at 9:30 am in the Conference Room to discuss plans for the coming year, including the Manna Food Drive, March service project, Summer Food program and more. Come for coffee and lively discussion about future projects and new ways we might serve. Social & Community Ministry Questions or Ideas? Contact Carol Petzold at or petzold37@gmail.com Social Ministry Thanks Upon Thanks... For the generous outpouring of toys and gifts over the holidays from members, friends and Senior Fit participants! More than 900 happy children received gifts selected by their parents at the C-4 Toy Closet in December. Another 120 children and young adults were smiling on Christmas morning as many wishes came true thanks to Snowman gifts, distributed to the neediest families at two local elementary schools, Thomas Edison High School of Technology, and some among our congregation and custodial staff. Recipients and organizers alike were overwhelmed by your generosity. The value of giving totaled over $9,000! Special thanks to Janet Burton & Kay Caviness for organizing, collecting and delivering the Snowman gifts. Christmas was brighter for many as God s love was shared through these programs and donations. More Thanks to all who shared from their abundance for the LMS Thanksgiving food collection. Holiday meals and food staples made Christmas brighter for many who received your generous donations. Helping Hands Needed at C-4 January is St. Andrew s month to provide volunteers at C-4 to hang and organize donated clothing on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday from 9-11 am. Come for any or all of those days, for whatever hours you can spare. The C-4 Center is located at New Hampshire Ave, south of the church on the left just past the ICC. Sign up at the Welcome Center or just show up when you can help. The Clothes Closet currently has a need for toddler clothing, especially sizes 2T & 3T. Bring donations to the Coat Room in a box or bag labeled for C-4 or bring donations along when you volunteer! Helpers are also needed to transport and distribute groceries at C-4 on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9-11 am. Thanks to Evelyn and Al Doermann, Peggy Cleaveland and Walt Petzold for their regular presence, and to Roger Caldow and The Lord s Truck drivers including Dean Aulick who deliver the perishable items they collect to C-4. Manna Food Drive Sunday, February 24 The time is coming once again to fill that Manna truck! Manna s mission is to end hunger in Montgomery County through food distribution, education and advocacy for those in our community who experience hunger and food insecurity. The need for Manna s services has never been greater as the high cost of living prohibits many residents from affording basic needs. Last February, your generosity contributed food and funds that equaled over 10,000 pounds! Let s do our best to top that number this year. Watch for grocery bags and lists in the Commons beginning February 3. Cash donations are also welcomed. Each dollar counts as 1 pound of food, and 94 cents of that dollar will go directly to support those in need. Watch for more details in next month s newsletter and upcoming bulletins. Questions? Contact Margie Davis or jam4334@verizon.net. 4

5 Health & Wellness The Story of A Care Team in Action There is a woman in our community who was living alone, without close family, who had fallen many times, has serious medical problems and many care needs. A group of caring St. Andrew women have come together to organize, coordinate and support this complicated situation. First, they obtained a Life Alert. Then, they negotiated a transfer to assisted living after visiting and assessing many options. They have spent hours in the hospital and at doctor s appointments with their sister in Christ; advocated for her with medical professionals; ensured that medication and transportation is always available; coordinated with a lawyer to obtain a power of attorney and medical power of attorney; helped her maintain contact with out-of-state family; provided home communion and contact with her faith community. This wonderful woman is a member of our church family, and her care team is one of our most skilled and dedicated. Both the recipient and the caregivers have been touched and richly blessed by their participation in this challenging, yet rewarding situation. That s just how the Spirit works! We share this story as an example of the love and commitment of our Care Team Ministry, reflecting the love of Christ on a daily basis. It s also shared because we invite you to consider becoming part of a care team, as a way to serve the Lord by serving a brother or sister in Christ. We have parishioners who need friendly visits, rides, meals, cards, home communion. You can serve regularly or occasionally, in a single capacity or in various ways as you are able. Contact Faith Community Nurse Marilee Tollefson in the office to learn more. As you serve and bless others, you are sure to receive many blessings in return. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-8 5 God Works Through Creative Spirits: A Testimony During our trip to Greece in October, I received word of my dear grandmother s passing. After hearing the news, Pastor Mark pulled Murray and me together and prayed with us on the street. He was my Apostle Paul in Thessalonian Greece! Our brothers and sisters on the trip held us up with their hugs, love and prayers. God surely placed me with the right people at the right time. Now, concerning Creative Spirits Ministry wow, do I have a God story to share!! My nephew had told me that a few days before my grandmother passed, he saw lots of butterflies around a rose bush. When I returned home, I received a beautifully wrapped gift of comfort from Creative Spirits. To my amazement, when I opened it I saw that it was a framed Chrismon of a butterfly and included a story about the Resurrection Butterfly. Sharing the story my nephew had told me brought tears to my eyes and to the eyes of those who had given this gift to me. After reading about the Resurrection Butterfly, I had to share the story with my nephew and sister, too. It made me feel that our true God revealed Himself to me and gave me this as a sign that my grandmother is resting in heaven. To God be the glory! The Creative Spirits Ministry is very special. Everything they do is covered in prayer. A warm thank you to the Creative Spirits Team for this very meaningful gift, and to all of you who gave big hugs and cards and just held Murray and me after we heard the news of my grandmother s passing. We are truly blessed! - Angela Green & Family Health & Wellness Questions? Contact Marilee Tollefson Faith Community Nurse at or marileetollefson@gmail.com

6 Children s Ministry PRESCHOOL A new year has just begun, which means that Preschool registration for is about to begin! Early registration will open on Monday, January 7 for church members and current preschool families, who have first priority. Visit mystandrew.org/preschool to download updated registration forms, and drop completed forms in the preschool mailbox in the church office. Registration will begin for the general public on Tuesday, January 29 with an Open House from 12:15-2:00 pm. Invite friends to come and bring their children along for a tour and introduction. NOTE: In case of inclement weather, the Open House Snow Date will be Thursday, January 31 from 12:15-2:00 pm. Please note enrollment requirements, as follows: 2s Classes - must be 2 by June 30 3s Classes - must be 3 by September 4s Classes - must be 4 by September 1 All 3s & 4s must be toilet-trained. Spread the word to neighbors and friends about our wonderful, affordable preschool program where kids learn, grow and are reminded every day in every way that they are precious and loved by God! Jesus said, Let the little children come to me and do not stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these. Matthew 19:14 Parents, get your kids off to a great start in 2019 with Sunday mornings at Kingdom Kids! We ve got a wonderful group of children already engaged, and newcomers are welcome any Sunday. Feel free to bring a friend! Timeless Bible stories are at the heart of our program. Engaging videos, relevant discussion and related activities help to bring these life-changing lessons home for every child in an age-appropriate way. Opening for K-6 begins at 9:30 in Multi-Purpose Room 118. Pre-K kids meet in Room 122. Give your kids a precious gift in the new year lessons from the Bible that will encourage and support them in all the years to come! The Christmas Special Many thanks to all the children and families who participated in this year s pageant, and to staff and volunteers, especially Allison Fuentes, writer and co-director. Questions? Contact LiaMai Puskar Children s Ministry Coordinator lcsakids@yahoo.com 6

7 Church Happenings Financial Education Update Budgeting: Why Does It Matter? As the new year begins, there is always talk about goals and resolutions including those related to finances. In the process of setting and meeting financial goals, one tremendous tool within your reach is the act of creating a budget based on your income, and monitoring spending relative to that budget. Knowing how much you spend day-to-day relative to how much you earn will allow you to more easily prioritize spending in areas that are most important to you. There are many ways to create a budget and expense tracking plan. A quick Google search will reveal websites and apps (many of them free) that can assist you. If technology is not your forte, you can just use a notebook to write up a budget and record your spending. Reviewing your bank and credit card statements will reveal how much you spend in variable categories like groceries, clothing, and entertainment in addition to your regular monthly bills such as mortgage/rent, utilities, cell phone and cable. Monitoring these statements monthly can help you stay on budget and make adjustments as necessary. As Christians, why is budgeting and expense tracking so important? God calls us to be good and faithful stewards of all He provides. Setting goals and keeping track of spending ensures that we will be able to fund the things most important to us, including support of God s mission. Set a goal in 2019 to be a better steward of the resources God has given you and take a great first step by prayerfully creating a budget and expense tracking plan to help make it happen! First Holy Communion Class Sundays, January 20-February 17 12:30 1:15 pm For Grades 4-6 Does your child express an interest in or curiosity about Holy Communion? If so, he or she may be ready to learn more and prepare to partake in this Holy Sacrament. Children in grades 4 6 are eligible to participate in this 5-week class, designed to instruct children in the historical origins, theology and practice of Holy Communion. Participants will be expected to do some homework in preparation for class, and complete an essay afterward based on the course of study. Lunch will be served at 12:00 noon for those present, prior to the start of class. Upon completion of the class, participants will celebrate their First Holy Communion on Sunday, February 24 during 11:00 worship. To enroll, complete this form or register online at mystandrew.org. Questions? Contact Robyn Howland at robynhowland@hotmail.com or or contact the church office. 7 Craft Ministry January is for Quilts! The Creative Arts Room will be humming from 10:00 am 2:00 pm on Wednesdays in January, and all are invited to come help make simple quilts for Lutheran World Relief. No special skills are required. We will teach! Stop by for a few hours or bring your lunch and stay all day. Linda Patch will be leading the effort. Questions? Contact Craft Ministry Chair Sue Scherer at susan.quilts@comcast. net or LWML Grant Update Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML) of the Chesapeake District is happy to announce that the first mission grant for the biennium was paid in December. The grant totaled $5,000 to Orphan Grain Train for the shipment of humanitarian aid to Duk, South Sudan. These grants are made possible by funds raised in Mite Boxes filled by supporters in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and DC. The next grant of $4,000 will fund the purchase and installation of a new stove for the homeless ministry at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Newport News, VA. Please keep feeding that Mite Box at the Welcome Center to help the effort! For more information about Mite Box ministry, contact Edi Collis at edithcollis@hotmail.com. Senior Adult Fellowship Mindful Meditation Tuesday, January 8 at 11:30 am Gather in the Great Room to learn about and try Mindful Meditation, a healthy practice to release stress and tension, led by Terri Daniels, Certified Fitness/Wellness Trainer. Afterward, we will enjoy fellowship over a potluck luncheon. Bring your favorite soup or casserole to share. Sign up in the Commons. Everyone is welcome! Need a ride to church? Contact Marilee in the office. Questions? Contact Jeanette Schuder at

8 Your prayers are requested this month for our pastoral Call process in anticipation of a busy February. On February 4, Pastor Hricko will travel to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis to interview candidates and will also serve there, preaching for three days in a row at the seminary s daily chapel service. Upon his return, any seminarians he recommends be considered for Associate Pastor will be interviewed by St. Andrew s Call Committee via Skype. If the Spirit leads the committee to make one or more recommendations to the congregation, it will do so in preparation for a congregational vote to extend a Call on Sunday, February 24. Then, we will prayerfully wait to see if the candidate we have been led to Call is, in fact, assigned to St. Andrew at the seminary s Call Service on May 1. If so, the new pastor would likely arrive in Maryland sometime over the summer, following graduation on May 17 plus additional time for his ordination and transition to St. Andrew. The Call Committee will also be seeking candidates among pastors who are currently serving other churches in order to identify a potential third full-time pastor for our growing ministry. Questions and comments about the process may directed to Call Committee Chair Stan Jackson or to Pastor Hricko. New Book Study What s So Amazing About Grace? Sundays at 9:30 am There is nothing we can do to make God love us more or less. We speak of grace often. But do we understand it? More importantly, do we truly believe it, and do our lives proclaim it? In this book, best-selling author Philip Yancey takes a probing look at grace, and why the message of Christ is the only answer to the grace the world is searching for. Begins January 6 in the Creative Arts Room, Lower Level. Reserve a book by contacting Anne or Bill Harpster at harpster77@hotmail.com. New Women s Studies God of Covenant - Wednesdays at 9:30 am Walk alongside the fathers of our faith in the book of Genesis Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph to discern Jesus in the stories of His people. In this brand new 10-session study with teaching by Jen Wilkin, discover how God orchestrates everything for His glory and the good of His people, and see how the God of creation and covenant is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Starts January 16. Fee of $20 will cover materials. Contact Robyn Howland at robynhowland@hotmail.com to reserve a book. Growing a Heart for God - Mondays at 7:00 pm Based on the life of King David in 1 & 2 Samuel, explore how to swim against the social currents of today s world focused solely on outward appearances, and instead cultivate the inner condition of our hearts as children of God. Part of the New Community Series by John Ortberg, the 7-week series will include time for study, group discussion and sharing. Starts January 28. Fee of $15 will cover materials. Contact Patty Belke at pbelke1@gmail.com to reserve a book. Last month, voting members of St. Andrew adopted the propsed Mission & Ministry Budget for New candidates Mitch Glazier, Steve Olson, Saba Tesfayohannes and incumbent Kimberly Bolton were also elected to our congregation s Board of Directors. Thanks to those who are willing to serve and to all who participated in the process. St. Andrew Howard County Bible Study & Discussion Growing Community Tuesdays at 7 pm Gather weekly beginning January 8 for a time of Bible study, discussion, and fellowship as we continue to explore God's word and prayerfully consider how the St. Andrew community might expand to minister and grow in Howard County. Join anytime! Meeting at: Linden Hall, Dorsey Search Village Center Dorsey Hall Drive, Ellicott City, MD In the case of inclement weather, please listen to WTOP radio (103.5FM) or visit wtopnews.com for info regarding the cancellation of worship. 8

9 On December 9, St. Andrew was blessed to welcome 48 new members into our faith family! Thanks to all those who helped with greeting, food, fellowship and especially to our Connectors who each made a special welcoming effort for a specific new member household. Stop by the Coming Attractions wall in the Commons to view new member photos so you can say hello too! Willing to serve as a Connector? Contact Connie Rehman at crehman@aol.com to learn more and get involved! Dear Friends, On behalf of our staff and clients, I would like to extend appreciation for your incredible generosity and support. Thanks to your congregation, we pulled off a great event with plenty of coats and food for our families in need. I look forward to our continued partnership. Mira Medick Community Outreach Director, LSS/NCA Dear Friends, Thanks to each one of you for being my church family while I cared for my mom in Maryland these last 4 years. How grateful I have felt for your visits to mom at Brooke Grove, for home communion, and most of all for the Monday night service. Loved the preaching and music! Fondly, Claudia Korab Lynch Dear Friends, We would like to express deep gratitude for your thoughts and prayers. Through our darkest hours and the miracle of Caroll s remarkable recovery, we witnessed God s grace and mercy. We are truly blessed with all the love and comfort bestowed by this amazing church. We are forever grateful. The Majors Family Dear Friends, Heartfelt thanks for the gift of the wheelchair. Jim has begun to use it often, and it s been a huge help to both of us! You are so very kind. Sincerely, Jim and Margo Doten Dear Friends, Bright blessings to all my cherished friends. Thank you for your cards and support. Love always, Audrey Riedel 9

10 Scenes of the Season Glory to God in the Highest, and Peace to His People on Earth! 10

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12 The Lutheran Church of ST. ANDREW New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD Non-Profit Organization Postage Paid Suburban MD PERMIT NO. 426 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday at 8:00 & 9:30 am Traditional 11:00 am Contemporary Praise 12:30 pm Worship in Amharic Monday at 7:00 pm Church Preschool If you would prefer to receive this newsletter electronically or are receiving this newsletter in error, please contact the church office at or Thank you.