Proclaim. Proclaim Jesus Christ, Live in Christ, Serve! Prayer School and the Lenten Journey

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1 Proclaim January February 2016 Newsletter of St. Andrew s Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi, Minnesota saintandrews.org (651) Prayer School and the Lenten Journey Led by Pastor John Straiton Tuesdays, Feb. 16-March 15, 7-8:15 p.m. in the Great Hall Join Pastor John Straiton for a five-week Prayer School during Lent. Along with hearing a fresh perspective on the purpose and practice of prayer, you will also learn how to pray a Daily Prayer Liturgy created specifically for St. Andrew s. Childcare available. Registration is not necessary. To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. Martin Luther Lenten Worship Series Abundant Life: More Than What You Own Wednesdays, Feb. 17 through March 16 10:30 a.m. Village; 12 noon Great Hall; 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary What does abundance look like to you? Plenty of food in your pantry? A large balance in your checkbook? Or are you looking for something intangible? Join us at our Lenten series -- Abundant Life -- based on John 10:10, I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. This five-week series will focus on finding abundance in being part of something bigger than yourself, finding balance, maintaining relationships, and appreciating empathy and gratitude. Ash Wednesday is on Feb. 10. This worship series begins the following week on Feb. 17 and runs for five Wednesdays through March 16. Holy Week then begins Palm Sunday, March 20. Gratitude Exercising Learning new things Created for relationships Relating to others Acceptance Mindfulness Giving Being comfortable with whom you are Resilience Connecting with God (prayer, meditation) Finding balance Acceptance Stewarding social relationships Compassion Meaning; being part of something differences, Empowered by God s love, we helpbigger transformappreciating lives, communities andself-differentiation the world so that everyone may knowempathy Christ s healing power. 1

2 From the Desk of the Lead Pastor Happy New Year! And What a Year We Will Have! Confetti, party hats and resolutions the usual trappings of celebrating the New Year always appeal to me. This New Year is especially powerful for me. This New Year we will be looking at all the ways that St. Andrew s Lutheran Church transforms lives, communities and the world. We are taking our vision statement to the next level putting the initiatives into action and strengthening the foundation of how we do our work. We are committed to providing more hands-on tools for our Community Resource Center in the form of a counseling center. All of our ministry job descriptions, our website and everything we do will move us deeper into fulfilling our call to be a place of grace and transformation for the kingdom of God. We are working toward creating a Center for Christian Leadership helping prepare the next generations of people to spread the Gospel and bring the Word alive. We are putting together advanced initiatives for building an infrastructure to deepen our impact on the world. A call committee has been formed to call a congregational care pastor, and we have a team to look at how to more effectively use our space. All of what we do is part of being empowered by God s love to proclaim the healing power of Christ. I believe that this year will be a powerful year in the history of our church. The energy is high, and the time is now. Let us engage fully in the mission of God as we celebrate all that God has in store for us in the year to come! Rev. Michael D. Carlson Lead Pastor, St. Andrew s Lutheran Church Life Transformed in 2016 saintandrews.org/2016 2

3 Become a Member of St. Andrew s Sunday, Jan. 10, at 11:30 a.m., Sanctuary Building Interested in becoming more formally connected with St. Andrew s? Attend a New Member class on Sunday, Jan. 10, at 11:30 a.m. in the lower level of the Sanctuary Bldg. The class provides: 1) an overview of St. Andrew s and its ministries, 2) an introduction to the pastors and staff, 3) an opportunity to learn more about the Lutheran faith, and 4) how to get involved in the life and ministry of St. Andrew s. Contact Ronda Sowada at or rsowada@saintandrews.org to register. Lunch provided and childcare available. New Money Mindset Class Thursdays, Jan. 7-28, 7-8:30 p.m. Cost: $10 for materials Register online; childcare is provided Have you ever thought: If I just had a little more money I would be happy? Research has shown this belief to be false. Through personal experience, biblical passages and timely research, Dr. Jim Moline and Pastor Sarah Breckenridge will reveal that financial happiness and security have little to do with how much money you have and a lot to do with the role money plays in your life. Learn how to transform your relationship with money by examining your attitudes and beliefs around money. Ash Wednesday Worship Feb :30 a.m.... St. Andrew s Village 12 noon... Great Hall Soup and sandwich luncheon follows service. 6:30 p.m.... Sanctuary Wednesday Lenten Worship Please join us every Wednesday in Lent. See front page for Worship Series details. 10:30 a.m.... St. Andrew s Village 12 noon... Great Hall Holy Communion celebrated. Soup and sandwich luncheon follows service. 6:30 p.m.... Sanctuary *** Please Note: This year s Good Friday Intergenerational Services on March 25 will be held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Church Office Hours Please note new Friday hours beginning in January. Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fridays: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. St. Andrew s Worship Times Traditional Worship Sunday 9 & 10:30 a.m. Sanctuary Contemporary Worship Saturday 5 p.m. Great Hall Sunday 9:30 a.m. Great Hall Wednesday Night Worship First Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary DOCK, our children s Christian education programing, and Nursery at all services. Sign language interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing at 10:30 a.m. Worship at St. Andrew s Village 1 p.m. 3

4 Life Transformed: Classes and Bible Studies Become a Leader Worth Following Tuesdays Jan. 19-May 24, 6:30-8 p.m. Great Hall Room 2 An intensive leadership training experience that will telescope a year-long curriculum into four months. We will build ability to lead on four levels: leading ourselves, in our family, at work, and in our community. This is a one-time opportunity for those interested in personal growth and development in the area of servant leadership. Our facilitator is Dr. Jeffrey Dorman, who is a pastor, mediator, and leadership consultant. Register online. Faith Sharing Thursdays, Jan. 14, 21, 28; 6:45-8 p.m. Great Hall; register online; childcare provided Talking about your faith can be difficult. Wanting to share what you know and feel about Jesus in a way that does not hurt or offend others and feels natural to who you are is a skill that can be taught. Come for these three weeks where we will learn how to share our faith with our families, our coworkers and with strangers. Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White Thursdays, Feb. 4-March 3, 6:45-8 p.m. Great Hall Cost: $15 for the book Register online; childcare provided Most people agree that America is polarized, with everhardening positions held by people less and less willing to listen to one another. No one agrees on what to do about it. Come join a small group discussion led by Diaconal Minister Erin Morris, based on the book Seeing Gray in a World of Back and White by Adam Hamilton. Through reading and a guided video we will engage in conversation around such topics as: Where Faith and Politics Meet; Christ, Christians and the Culture Wars; How Should We Live?; The Ethics of Jesus; Spiritual Maturity and Seeing Gray; and What Would Jesus Say to America? There is reading that needs to be done before the first session. Once you register you can pick up the book at the Hospitality Desk. Welcoming the Stranger On average people will decide within seven minutes if they will return to a church again. Join Erin Morris in a sixweek study starting in January looking at the latest research, asking the hard questions and developing a plan for how St. Andrew s welcome friends, family and strangers to our community. Contact Erin at or emorris@saintandrews.org. Powerful Tools for Caregivers Tuesdays, Jan. 12-Feb. 16, 1-3 p.m. Sanctuary Room 201; cost: $40 Are you feeling stretched caring for a family member, parent, friend or neighbor? This is a six-session educational program designed to help caregivers take care of themselves while caring for another. To register contact Theresa Simms at or tsimms@familymeans.org. Monday Morning Adult Study Mondays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Great Hall Pastor Straiton will again be leading an adult study on Monday morning in the Great Hall. This year s study will focus on Discipleship and Healing. You can register for this class online, with an Event Registration Envelope, or by contacting Dianne Nash at Cost for the class is $10. Men s Tuesday Morning Bible Study With Pastor John Straiton, Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m., Great Hall A large group of men meet year round every Tuesday. Come and make some new friends as you learn more about God s word. The group is currently focusing on Paul s Letter to the Romans. Coffee and rolls are provided. Registration is not necessary. No fee. 4

5 Sunday Morning Speaker Series Sundays, 10:45-noon, Great Hall Jan : Dr. Michael Chan, Luther Seminary Christians often wonder why the literature of the Old Testament is relevant to them today. But through Jesus the Jew, descendant of David and Abraham, the story of Israel becomes our adopted story. In this class titled, The Story of Israel, the Story of Us, learn about the story of Israel, become familiar with its prophets, and learn about its profound laws. In the process, you will gain a new appreciation for both the interconnections and the tragedies that bind together Judaism and Christianity as sibling religions. Feb. 7: Musician Billy McLaughlin Billy McLaughlin is recognized internationally as a world-class guitarist, composer and inspirational performer. In 1999 Billy was diagnosed with a little-known neuro-muscular disorder called Focal Dystonia. He now serves as Ambassador for Awareness for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. Billy will share his own journey into a place of healing both for himself and in his role of primary caregiver for a chronically ill child. He will touch on the role of forgiveness, the power of prayer and the concept of faith being better understood and empowered when viewed as a verb and not a noun. Feb. 14: Jack Fortin, Senior Fellow at Augsburg College and St. Andrew s Member Rev. Jack Fortin is currently a Senior Fellow at the Center for Faith and Learning at Augsburg College. Jack is a graduate of Luther Seminary and is a member of St. Andrew s. Jack has been a long-time contributor to the Adult Education Series at St. Andrew s. We look forward to another one of his highly-inspiring sessions. Feb. 21: Pastor Dan Carlson, Col. Matt Langer, Chief Tim Butler Come and hear a presentation on the well-being of firefighters, police, paramedics and first responders: How do we take care of those who take care of us? The presenters will include Pastor Dan Carlson, Director of Public Safety Ministries; Colonel Matt Langer of the MN State Patrol; and Chief Tim Butler of the St. Paul Fire Department. Feb. 28: Author and Speaker Bob Veninga Award winning author Robert Veninga will focus on four strategies for staying hopeful in stressful times. Dr. Veninga is a member of St. Andrew s Lutheran Church and the former President of the Church Council. He and his wife, Karen, are active in many of the ministries of our church. 5

6 Serve at Dorothy Day Center Meals are served every other month on the 4th Tuesday to people who are homeless or struggling with poverty. The next meal serving date is Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2:30-6 p.m. Let us know if you would like to help! Rice Krispie bars are also needed deliver to the church kitchen by 11 a.m. Contact Mike/Gayle Huseth: , Help with Communion Prep Are you interested in behind the scenes involvement in worship? We are looking for individuals or teams to prepare communion on Sunday mornings. Volunteers would serve on a five-week rotation. This is a great opportunity to be involved and get to know our pastors. If you are interested or would like to know more about communion ministry, please contact Michael Johnson at mljohnson2616@comcast.net. Christian Environmentalism Thursday, Jan. 21, 7 p.m. Great Hall Room 6 All are invited to a discussion with professor and author Kate Blanchard as she talks about her book, An Introduction to Christian Environmentalism: Ecology, Virtue, and Ethics. Blanchard is a professor of religion with an emphasis in ethics at Alma College in Alma, Michigan, and daughter of St. Andrew s members Gus and Mary Blanchard. The event is sponsored by St. Andrew s Environmental Stewardship Team. Hymns at The Dugout! First Monday of the Month, Jan. 4, Feb. 1, 7-9 p.m. Brought to you by St. Andrew s at The Dugout in Mahtomedi Sing your favorite hymns with your friends and neighbors. Families welcome! Freewill offering to pay for the live band! Animal Angels Training Class 10-week class begins Saturday, Jan :30 a.m. at St. Andrew s Village Dogs and their owners love to meet people and visit at St. Andrew s Village, hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, and work with autistic children. Dogs and their owners have had to pass a national test to be certified therapy dog teams. Contact Kathryn Monroe for further information at Monroe127@comcast.net or Saturday Men s Breakfast Saturdays, Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 19; 8-9:30 a.m. The next Men s Breakfast will take place on Saturday, Jan. 16, in the Great Hall. Rick Ostrom, St. Andrew s member and retired FBI agent, will be our guest speaker. He will talk about his life in the FBI and about the evolution of the Bureau into the area of terrorism. Join other men of St. Andrew s as we share in a meal and fellowship and hear an inspiring speaker. Information from the Finance Office Scheduled Giving Do you worry about forgetting your envelope or checkbook for offering? You may want to consider scheduled giving. One option is to have an automatic withdrawal from your checking account. Simply submit a voided check with your pledge card and indicate on the pledge card that you would like to Begin or Continue this option, and we will set this up for These automatic withdrawals occur on or near the 15th day of each month. The other option is to go to saintandrews.org/give and use a credit or debit card for your gift. If you are a new user, complete the new user registration. If you are a current user, please sign in and make sure you are on the recurring tab on the left to set up scheduled donations. Your personal password allows you to update credit or debit card information as necessary. When completing your pledge card, please indicate that you are beginning or continuing using the credit or debit card method. Stepby-step instructions are included at saintandrews.org/give for your review. If you have any questions, please contact Patty Ingberg at pingberg@saintandrews.org or call

7 Couples Ministry There are a few ministries that have begun for couples of all ages. These are all coordinated and run by couples here at St. Andrew s. If you would like more information about how you can get involved or would like to help in the planning, contact Erin Morris, Diaconal Minister of Faith Engagement , emorris@saintandrews.org. Brew with the Crew Event Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, 7 p.m. Lift Bridge Brewing Company Cost: $20; register online Join other couples for a private guided tour of the local brewery and be led through four beer tastings. You will learn the history of brewing as well as meet others from St. Andrew s. Martin Luther brewed beer and often had theologians, students and friends around the table to enjoy each other s company. We are living into our Lutheran identity. Women s Ministry Bible Study Basics Wednesday mornings 9:30-11 II Timothy, January-February We will meet in the Great Hall for a time of teaching with Pastor Straiton, and move into small groups to discuss what we just learned March April We will take a look at some of the women of the New Testament and the effect their ministry had on spreading the Good News. Register online at saintandrews.org or with a registration envelope. Call Carrin Mahmood for more information at Date Night: Tying the Knot Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, 7 p.m. Location and cost coming soon. If you are looking for fellowship with other married couples to talk about how your faith and marriage work together, then this is the group for you. Various books will be read and talked about and people can join at any time. Contact Dave or Kim Bruss at or kimbruss@gmail.com. Women s Book Club All are welcome! Meeting the third Monday of each month at 11 a.m. at the Maplewood Library, conference room. Contact Trudy at tamcmurtry@yahoo.com with questions January Off for MLK February Shadowlands by C.S. Lewis (meeting in the St. Andrew s Library, due to Presidents Day) March Gilead by Marilyn Robinson Girlfriends Gathering You are invited to a simple gathering of women for fellowship and refreshments. Friday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. Hosted at the home of Joan McCormick Appetizer, dessert or beverage contributions are welcome but not required. To register or questions, contact Jeanne Balfanz at jtbalfanz730@gmail.com. Directions will be provided upon registration. 7

8 St. A s Supper Club A Small Group Initiative Does your dinner ever look like this? If so, then we have the ministry for you! Introducing St. A s Supper Clubs, brought to you by the Small Group Ministry Team. The goal of St. A s Supper Clubs is to grow deeper in relationships and faith without expanding the waistline. Meet a small group of people (eight people) who worship when you worship and live in your community. You will meet once a month for food, fellowship and faith sharing. You as a group will decide when, where and how the food appears. Supper Club kicks off in January with registration and group formation. Clubs will then meet once monthly February- May. How do I sign up? You sign up online. You can sign up as a couple or as a single. We encourage you to sign up without requesting friends. You never know who the Holy Spirit is going to bring into your life as well as who might need you. You can list one other couple/single that you would like to be with in the comment section and we will do our best to grant your request. You also will be asked if you would be willing to be the first host. In saying yes then you are willing to contact the group and organize the first dinner. How does supper work? It is up to each group to decide how they wish to have supper together. Some suggestions are: You can choose to meet at different restaurants (no one has to do the dishes.) You can rotate houses and everyone brings something to the host. The host for the evening can provide everything, and then once you re done you re done. What happens at St. A s Supper Club? In order to grow deeper in relationships, faith and enjoy a good dinner we suggest the following: Gathering Time: Allow time for everyone to come and connect. Supper: Enjoy a good meal together, which can be provided in a variety of ways. Faith Conversation: This is where we grow deeper together in faith. You will be provided with Faith Conversation starters to use if you desire. The goal is to share your thoughts about God, your experiences of Jesus in your life with others. If you are new to St. Andrew s or have been here for years, we invite you to join St. A s Supper Club. This opportunity is to get to know other people at St. Andrew s more deeply, grow in your faith and enjoy good food. For more information contact: Erin Morris at or emorris@saintandrews.org Wednesday Night Worship 1st Wednesdays Jan. 6 and Feb. 3 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary 8

9 Young Adult Bible Study Thursdays, Jan. 14 and Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. at Sarah s house A new Bible study for young adults to build community at St. Andrew s. We are creating an opportunity for people ages 18 to 29 to build faith and fellowship as we work to overcome the unique challenges that college and entering the workforce can bring. Contact Sarah Chouinard for more details at sarah.chouinard@saintandrews.org or call or text Re-Charge For parents, adults and students who work with kids, adults and students who want to learn more about kids Saturday, Jan. 9, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie This amazing children, youth and family event happens once a year with 800 ministry people from all over the Twin Cities! If you want to recharge in worship, explore more about issues our young people face and learn more about the latest ministry trends, we want you to attend. To register, contact Mary Post: mpost@saintandrews.org. For more information or see the topics and speakers: Auditions for Good Friday Experiential Service Feb. 7, noon -1:30 p.m. in the Youth and Sports Center Community Room (Rehearsals on Sundays, starting Feb. 14, 12 noon - 1:30 p.m.) For the past five years St. Andrew s has led thousands of people of all ages through the Good Friday Experiential Worship Service. We need actors/actresses to interact in the Marketplace shops, as the crowds wave palms to welcome Jesus on Palm Sunday, sit in the upper room with the disciples as they share the Last Supper, pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, yell Crucify Him in Pilate s Courtroom, and sit with the guards at the tomb to wait on Good Friday for Jesus to rise on Easter. If you re interested in playing a part in this dramatic service, sign up online at or contact Pr. Brian Norsman at bnorsman@saintandrews.org. Youth Mission Trip Information Summer Days (Summer 2016 Ministry Unveiling) Sunday, Jan. 10, noon - 1 p.m. in the Sanctuary If you are a youth, the parent of a youth, or a member that does not have a child involved in the program here, and takes seriously the promises made at baptism, come join us! We will get ready for next summer through a camp-style worship, s mores, and a surprise unveiling of the different exciting ministries we will be doing next summer. 9

10 The Community Resource Center Year in Review Dear Friends, 2015 was indeed an eventful year for the Community Resource Center! We served over 585 families by providing hope and hospitality as well as basic needs including; rental assistance, food, shelter, counseling services, computer use and more. We are one year into acting as the official family shelter for Washington County while we are still serving our Ramsey County neighbors here in the northeast suburbs and nearby school districts. We are thankful for our continued relationship with Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Oakdale where seven families are being sheltered on any given night. We have recognized a gap in shelter service for our northern Washington County families and have been working toward a solution. We are in conversation with St. John the Baptist Church in Hugo, who has recently partnered with St. Genevieve and has a large house on their property that is unoccupied and is a possible shelter location for our families on the north end of town. We are encouraged by the possibility this brings and are hopeful that we can accommodate up to three more families. We are working toward a partnership with them. While we are providing an extremely important service by helping families with emergency shelter, the desired goal for their next step is to achieve housing stability, and we work very hard with our families to secure this. As vacancy rates continue to be at an all-time low (between 2-3%), finding affordable housing continues to be the greatest challenge that our families encounter. Another considerable challenge that our guests face is either finding employment or overcoming being under-employed. Thanks to our highly-qualified volunteers, we have had great success with our employment mentor program in both helping our guests to secure employment and also with continued support to assist them in keeping their positions. We have had 25 participants go through the program and have six active employment mentors. This is just another example of how, as a community, we can make a difference for our neighbors in need. The hope for 2016 is the reality to be able to coordinate enough space to better accommodate the clothing needs of our families. As families are experiencing homelessness, they have stayed, on average, at three locations before arriving into shelter as their last resort. During those moves, only the most basic necessities are traveling with them as lack of space and transportation are common issues. You can imagine with the change of seasons, and the children growing, their need for clothing by the time they reach the Community Resource Center is great. We strive to have clothing available to our families to alleviate yet one more stress that they face. We are thankful for our 300+ volunteers who assist us in the CRC and with the free Thursday night community meal. I am also grateful for the dedication that the staff of the CRC brings with them daily. Their welcoming presence and desire to help our guests through any situation are true gifts and a testament to their dedication to live out the mission of St. Andrew s by so compassionately serving our neighbors in need. May you enjoy many blessings in the coming year, Liz Schreier Executive Director, Community Resource Center 10

11 LSS Counselor On Campus St. Andrew s has a counselor from Lutheran Social Services (LSS) who is on campus weekly. John Koester is here to serve our congregation members as well as folks in the community Save the Date! Sunday, April 10: Tour the Community Resource Center. Join us for a tour of the CRC and take a bus ride to the shelter at Hope for the Journey Home in Oakdale. Learn how our program works and see firsthand where our families are staying and what a typical day looks like. Snacks provided. No RSVP required. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Assist at Hope for the Journey Home Shelter Have you been thinking about getting involved and experiencing firsthand the support and friendship we provide at the shelter? Now is your chance! St. Andrew s members have the opportunity to help serve at the Hope for the Journey Home Shelter in Oakdale the week of Jan. 31 Feb. 6, Hope for the Journey Home (HJH) is the shelter where our St. Andrew s Community Resource Center families stay while they are in our program. Volunteer shifts are available in the afternoon (2:45 5:15 p.m.), dinner (5 8:15 p.m.), and overnight (8 p.m. 9:15 a.m.). All volunteers at HJH are required to have completed a background check and a Safe Church training prior to volunteering. If you have previously volunteered at HJH, and already completed the requirements, please go to to sign up. If you have any questions, or would like to complete a background check and Safe Church training in order to be able to volunteer, please contact Debbie Larson at or at dlarson@saintandrews.org Thank you in advance for your compassion. John is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and holds a Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. He has experience working with adolescents, individuals, couples and families who are in the midst of a variety of life experiences. The services John provides can include help with relational challenges, life transitions, anxiety and depression, loss, and trauma and abuse. John also serves as an adjunct faculty member of a local university teaching undergraduate and graduate courses related to the mental health field. John enjoys working with people from varied backgrounds and considers it a privilege to empower people to explore how change and growth might happen. If you would like to schedule an appointment with John, you may call LSS directly at John will be here every Thursday from 12 noon to 7 p.m. Most insurances are accepted. His office is located in the Great Hall building across from the Community Resource Center. GriefShare Thursdays, March 3 through June 2 6:45 to 8:45 p.m., Sanctuary Building BEGIN ANYTIME! GriefShare is a Christ-centered grief recovery support group. The Bible-based program, focusing on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one, is presented in a 13-week video series featuring nationallyrespected grief experts. In group discussion you will have an opportunity to share with people who understand how you feel, the pain of your loss, and start the journey from mourning to joy. Call Joanne Zehnder at for more information. Register online at saintandrews.org, or contact Lisa Grundtner at or lgrundtner@saintandrews.org. Cost is $18 which covers all materials. 11

12 Harriet Sarracco Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of Harriet Sarracco. Harriet died at the age of 79 on Oct. 18. Her memorial service was held on Oct. 23. Christian Sympathy As a community of faith, we mourn the loss of the following brothers in Christ: Marion Erb Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of Marion Erb. Marion died at the age of 100 on Nov. 6. Her funeral service was held on Nov. 12. Betty Berg Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of Betty Berg. Betty died at the age of 81 on Oct. 21. Her memorial service was held on Oct. 27. Daniel Baesman Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of Daniel Baesman. Daniel died at the age of 55 on Oct. 20. His memorial service was held on Oct. 30. John Pemble Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of John Pemble. John died at the age of 72 on Oct. 27. His funeral service was held on Nov 3. Charles Korlin Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of Charles Korlin. Chuck died at the age of 90 on Nov. 6. His funeral service was held on Nov. 10. Steven Jary Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of Steven Jary. Steven died at the age of 64 on Oct. 25. His memorial service was held on Nov. 20. Timothy Svoboda Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of Timothy Svoboda. Tim died at the age of 72 on Nov. 1. His memorial service was held on Nov. 23. Ronald Anderson Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of Ronald Anderson. Ron died at the age of 74 on Nov. 17. His funeral service was held on Nov. 24. Paul Roth Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of Paul Roth. Paul died at the age of 90 on Nov. 21. His memorial service was held on Dec. 19. May Christ s resurrection bring hope and comfort to those who grieve their loss. Inner Peace Alanon Event Date: Thursdays, all year Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Location: Sanctuary Room 204 Registration: None required; just come Nursery/Childcare: Yes, call Step AA Event Date: Fridays, all year Time: 5:30-7 p.m. Location: Sanctuary Room 204A Registration: None required; just come Nursery/Childcare: No 12 x 12 Step AA Event Date: Fridays, all year Time: 7-8:30 p.m. Location: Sanctuary Room 204A Registration: None required; just come Nursery/Childcare: Yes, call Support Groups Alanon Works Family Event Date: Fridays, all year Time: 7-8:30 p.m. Location: Sanctuary Room 201 Registration: None required; just come Nursery/Childcare: Yes, call NA Event Date: Fridays, all year Time: 7-9 p.m. Location: Sanctuary Room 203 Registration: None required; just come Nursery/Childcare: Yes, call Gratitude in Action AA Event Date: Sundays, all year Time: 5:30-7 p.m. Location: Sanctuary Rooms 201 & 202 Registration: None required; just come Nursery/Childcare: No Happy and Joyous AA Event Date: Sundays, all year Time: 7-8:30 p.m. Location: Sanctuary Room 204A Registration: None required; just come Nursery/Childcare: No St. Andrew s Contact: Lisa Grundtner lgrundtner@saintandrews.org 12

13 Sports and Rec Fitness Sessions Fueled by Faith and Fellowship Starting in January! FUEL will be offering sessions Tuesdays and Wednesdays Tuesdays (60 min.) Class Starts Jan. 12, 2016, 5-6 p.m. Great Hall Room 6 Wednesdays (45 min.) Class Starts Jan. 13, 2016, 12:15-1 p.m. Youth and Sports Center Gym Classes will be ongoing. Sessions include opening prayer, warmup, cool down, devotional and fellowship. Cost is $10 per class. Discount packages available. Sign up and pay for classes online at Join in anytime. REFINE combines strength, stability and stretching movements to refine or improve your daily active life. Movements include multiple muscle groups, with a main focus on building a stable and strong foundational core and lower back. You will have an opportunity to improve strength, balance, flexibility and posture. HIGH OCTANE combines strength and cardiovascular training with circuits, stations and intervals. Each exercise can be modified to allow each athlete the option of choosing intensity. This workout will ignite fat burning systems to fuel the body in an efficient and effective way which will burn calories even when the workout is done. For more information, go to or call or Dana Gabor, Parish Nurse, at Yogadevotion Yogadevotion is a practice of breath, prayer and movement led by a trained yoga instructor. It helps to encourage healthy living and a peaceful presence. Whether you are just beginning to explore the benefits of yoga or an experienced yogi, you are welcomed to this community. We need 15 pre-registered for each class to be held. Register through an in-house registration form, attention Dianne Nash, call , or register on-line. Eight-week session Jan. 4-Feb. 29; cost $55 Practicing in the Presence Monday Mornings Multi-level; 9 to 10 a.m., this class is open to all ages. Classes will be held in Sanctuary Room 204. Practicing in the Presence/Yin Yoga Monday Evenings 5:15-6:15 p.m. in the Great Hall. Yin yoga poses are intended to work passively with the fascia rather than actively with the muscles. Class will require props such as a block, strap, and blanket/pillow for the closing meditation. You may bring your own props from home or purchase the first night of the class. Practicing in the Presence Monday Evenings 6:30-7:30 p.m. This multi-level class is open to all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Classes for the evening sessions are held in the Great Hall. Soo Bahk Do Karate Classes run in 12-week sessions. Tuesday Nights Beginners 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Advanced 7:30-8:30 p.m. Training Sessions Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. Y&SC. $95; 2nd family member is $55; 3rd $35. Uniforms available through the instructor. To register, please fill out a registration envelope available in each building. Call Dan Ellenbecker at

14 Family Ministry Opportunities January: Road Trip with Jesus You won t need your passport or a suitcase, but get ready this month we will take a Road Trip with Jesus. We will follow the journey Jesus took starting as a young boy in the temple, walk with him as he meets the 12 disciples, and listen as Jesus asks Who do you say that I am? Because January has 5 Sundays the 5th Sunday will be a surprise day you ll have to come to DOCK find out! February: For God So Loved the World This month it s all about love. We will study stories in Luke teaching us how to treat the poor, remembering to give thanks, and what it means to follow Jesus. We will memorize one of the most popular verses in the Bible John 3:16. We are challenging kids to do random acts of kindness all month long, and we will track them in DOCK. Our neighborhoods will know St. Andrews kids are on the loose! Summer Dates VBS - June 20-24: 2016 Registration opens online on Feb. 1 Camp WAPO: Online Priority Church Registration Opens January 15 Seeds (Completed Grades 2-3) August 5-7, 2016 WAPO Youth Camp (Completed Grade 4-5): Aug. 7-12, Parents Night Out Available for children up to grade 5! Fridays, Jan. 8 and Feb. 12; 5-8 p.m.; Sanctuary building; ages 12 months completed grade 5; cost: $10/child or $25/family Send all the kids to a great event at church while you take a few hours away. Enjoy a quiet dinner or do a little shopping while your children enjoy Bible stories, crafts, games and time to play with new friends. We provide a snack and lemonade (dinner not provided). Registration closes the Thursday before the event. Register for this event by visiting the web address above. Contact Kim Lewin at Family Movie Night Sunday, Jan. 17; 6-9 p.m. in the Great Hall; no cost; bring a movie snack to share Bring the whole family to the movies. Join other St. Andrew s families as we view a family-friendly movie, with family discussion questions and devotion. There will also be trivia questions related to our movie with prizes! Bring your pillows and blankets. Popcorn and lemonade will be available, bring a favorite family movie snack to share (if you choose). Movie will start at 6:30 p.m. so don t be late! A quick RSVP is requested via online registration, available at the web address above. Winter Outdoor Fun Sunday, Feb. 21; 1-4 p.m. Youth and Sports Center; no cost; bring sledding gear Join families of all ages for fun in the snow (weather permitting); an afternoon of sledding at church. Snacks and hot chocolate will be available in the Youth and Sports Center. Warm up and relax in the Community Room or run off even more energy in the gym. All ages welcome, parent supervision is required for all children, both on and off the sledding hill. Family LIGHT Kalahari Family Retreat, Friday, April 29- Sunday, May 1; cost $20 per person, plus lodging for your family; register online through the web address above, then book your room (details given in your confirmation ) Have you registered your family for the Family Retreat? Join Family LIGHT on their first family retreat in Wisconsin Dells. This family retreat is focused around having purposeful family bonding, fellowship with other St. Andrew s families and worshiping God! The St. Andrew s Family LIGHT Ministry Group have put together three activities for our families to participate in together: gathering on Friday night, dinner & large group gathering Saturday night, and worship Sunday morning before departure. The rest of the weekend is yours! Family LIGHT will provide you with tools and resources to grow your family s faith! 14

15 Young Families Parents Night Out Please see Family Ministry section. Family Frolics Mondays, 9-11 a.m., Youth and Sports Center Gym Parents and their preschool children are invited to the Gym at the Youth and Sports Center. There is no charge to play, simply come and enjoy. Contact Lisa Heyer at for more information. Serving Opportunities DOCK Volunteer Opportunities: Open to Youth (Grades 6-12) and Adults Maximize your Gifts and Talents, Minimize your Time Commitment January and February volunteer opportunities are posted on the Volunteer Spot. Check out the possibilities and sign up! Contact Information To contact a member of the Children s Team, visit our webpage: Important Dates in January and February: January: 2/3/6: Intergenerational Worship Week 8: Parents Night Out 17: Baptism Class 17: Family Movie Night - Great Hall 31: Third Grade Bible Workshop Skipping Stones Celebrating Baptism Baptism Preparation Classes: Sunday, Jan. 17, at 12 noon in the Sanctuary Room 204 Thursday, Feb. 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Great Hall Room 6 It is expected that families attend a Baptism Class before the baptism of each of their children. The class is free of charge; please register at least one week prior. Childcare is available. Register online for Baptism Class through the web address above. Contact Lisa Heyer to set up a baptism at or LHeyer@saintandrews.org. Third Grade Bibles Workshop: Sunday, Jan. 31; 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Lunch is provided) Presentation Dates: Wednesday, Feb. 3; Saturday, Feb. 6; or Sunday, Feb. 7 As children become independent readers, it is a natural time to fulfill the baptismal promise to place the scriptures into their hands. Children and their families will learn some basics about the Bible, as well as ways to incorporate the Bible in daily readings and family devotions through this special workshop. Parents will present the Bible to their child(ren) in worship. Please contact Kim Lewin for further information at or klewin@ saintandrews.org. February: 3/6/7: Third Grade Bible Celebrations / Intergenerational Worship 11: Baptism Class 12: Parents Night Out 21: Family Ministry Outdoor Event 15

16 Middle School and Confirmation Ministry Dates to Remember 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Confirmation Wednesday Confirmation: Jan. 6, 6:30-7:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary (family worship night) Jan. 13, 20 & 27, large and small groups Feb. 3, 6:30-7:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary (family worship night) and Mentor Orientation, see details below. Sunday Confirmation: Jan. 10 (Family Day) Jan. 16 no class, Martin Luther King weekend Jan. 24 & 31 large and small groups Feb. 3 Lenten Mentor Orientation (see article) 7th & 8th Grade Confirmation Mini Retreat Saturday, Jan. 30, 9 a.m.- 12 noon, Youth & Sports Center This is our first option for the mandatory 7th and 8th grade mini retreats. We will be spending time getting to know each other and how God is moving in the world around us while still being at St. Andrew s. Be sure if you miss this one to catch the spring one. We are going to put the fun in mandatory! Lenten Mentoring Orientation Wednesday, Feb. 3, 5:45 or 7:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary Every year our Confirmation youth switch gears during Lent to engage in the Lenten Mentor Program. We ask that a parent or guardian, your Lenten Mentor, and the youth attend. We will cover expectations, the theme, and get to know each other. The material is the same at both hours, so you may come when it is convenient for your family and mentor. Ash Wednesday/Lenten Mentoring Feb. 10 Ash Wednesday services at 12 noon in the Great Hall or 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary, mentoring before or after. Feb. 17, 24 and March 2, 9 & 16 Lenten worship is at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary with mentoring before or after. O.F.F. (Operation Faith Force) Fridays, Jan. 8 & Feb. 12, 4:30-7:30 p.m. in the Youth & Sports Center. Come and join as we serve, eat and play! 16

17 Middle and High School Wednesday Night Activities Start Up Again on Jan. 6 2:45-7:15 p.m. in the Gym, Pier 7, and Community Room Youth and families of all ages, come join us weekly at the Youth and Sports Center for after school activities. The YSC will offer space for homework, gym time, organized games, outdoor games (when weather allows), and a movie room as options for relaxing or burning off some energy after the school day. All activities are free of charge. Pizza, salad, beverages, and snacks are available for purchase in the Community Room. Help Needed for our Wednesday Night Alive Ministry We have a wonderful problem. We are busting at the seams with youth and families on Wednesday nights in the Youth and Sports Center. We have a great need for loving adults who can act as caring shepherds to our young people throughout the entire building. If you have an interest in making a difference in the lives of our young people s faith, please contact Josh Carlson at or jcarlson@saintandrews.org. Worship Band Practice Sundays, 6-7 p.m.. starting Jan. 3 through end of May in the Youth & Sports Center If you like to praise Jesus through song and dance to music, be a part of this dynamic ministry opportunity. We are especially looking for male singers and anyone who can play the keyboard. Phone-A-Thon! Feb. 21, 22 & 24, 4:30-8 p.m. and Feb. 23, 5-8 p.m. in the Great Hall offices Do you like Camp? Do you enjoy Confirmation? What about all of your favorite Summer Youth programs? Now is your chance to help make these ministries possible for everyone. Join us as we fund raise to build up our Youth Scholarship Fund to make all these transformational experiences affordable for all families! Contact Josh Carlson at or jcarlson@saintandrews.org to sign up. 17

18 High School Ministry High School Relevance Night #supsrel Tuesdays, 2:30-6 p.m. in the Youth & Sports Center Come for a week day spiritual revamp as we dive into the message of God, play games, and talk about things that are #supsrel. We will be using this time to discuss local and distant events happening and navigate through complex topics with a Christ-centered discussion. Any questions contact Josh Carlson. High School Donut Night Friday, Jan. 8, 7-10:30 p.m. meet at the Youth and Sports Center Cost: $20. Come join us for an evening full of tubing, donuts and hot chocolate. We ll meet at the YSC and then head to Eko Backen for some good ol fashion snow tubing fun! You re going to go nuts for this donuts night! Register online by Wednesday, Jan. 7. If you have any questions contact Josh Carlson at or jcarlson@saintandrews.org.. Holy Hoops High School Basketball League $100 (includes refundable $50 team jersey deposit) Practices begin in January and league play happens on Sundays from February through March in the Youth & Sports Center. Weekly practices and games will give you the opportunity to have fun, sweat a little bit, while hooping it up with your teammates, opponents and God. Devotions and prayer are a part of every team s experience. Open to high school boys currently in grades 9 thru 12. Everyone will have an equal opportunity to enjoy the game of basketball, regardless of ability or experience! Contact Brian Norsman at bnorsman@saintandrews.org for more information. Peer Ministry Training Jan , $135 at WAPO, Registration Deadline - Jan. 17 Have you heard about Peer Ministry? Do you want to be a Confirmation Guide or Camp Counselor? Would you like to grow in your leadership or listening skills? If you are interested in this dynamic ministry, there are two registration steps. Register online and then please fill out the purple Peer Ministry Application. For more details and questions contact the Youth Team. Camp Leader Training The 2016 Confirmation Camp at Camp Wapo is quickly approaching, so it is time to begin training our Counselor and Resource Team Leaders who will work with our 6th, 7th and 8th grade campers. This is a great St. Andrew s tradition and open to all 9th graders and older. We need both adults and youth leaders for camp. There will be four trainings and one final camp meeting this spring and leaders will need to attend all trainings. There is no registration needed. Camp costs $ for all leaders. An additional $100 is required for the leader weekend. Feb. 28, 1:30-3 p.m. All Leaders March 6, 1:30-3 p.m. All Leaders April 10, 1:30-3 p.m. - All Leaders May 15, 1:30-3 p.m. - All Leaders June 5, 1:30-3 p.m. - Final Camp Meeting (all leaders) June 13-16, CONFIRMATION CAMP June 16-18, Leader Weekend (an additional $100) Early Bird Breakfast Club Thursdays, when school is in session, 6:45-7:30 a.m. Mahtomedi - Coffee Cottage - 88 Mahtomedi Ave. Thursdays, when school is in session, 6:30-7:30 a.m. Stillwater -Starbucks Neal Ave. N. Fridays, when school is in session, 6:30-7:15 a.m. White Bear Lake Caribou 4th Street & Hwy 61 Meet with other high school youth to begin your day in the WORD. Come for coffee, breakfast, connections and conversation. All high school youth are welcome! Peer Ministry Meetings Sunday, Jan. 10, 1:30-3 p.m. in the YSC, Pier 7 Tuesday, Feb. 16, 6:30-8 p.m. in the YSC, Pier 7 This is the check-in meeting for those who have attended the training for Peer Ministry. We ask that youth make time to come to these meetings to check-in and talk about where God is calling them. Please RSVP 24 hours in advance! 18

19 Music Ministry Music Series 2016 All events are held in the St. Andrew s Sanctuary unless otherwise noted. Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, 3 p.m. St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Beethoven & Shostakovich Tickets: Thursday, Friday, Feb. 4-5, 2016, 7 p.m. Middle School Choir Musical Great Hall Tickets available at the door Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, 3 p.m. Wayzata Symphony Orchestra Concert Freewill offering Friday, Saturday, Feb , 2016, 7 p.m. Sr. High Choir Dessert Theater, Great Hall Tickets available at the door Sunday, March 6, 2016, 4 p.m. University of Minnesota Chorus & Great River Chorale Concert Sunday, March 13, 2016, 3 p.m. St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Mozart, Schubert and Rameau Tickets: Friday, March 25, 2016, 7 p.m. Good Friday Service with St. Andrew s Choir and Orchestra Freewill offering Saturday, April 16, 2016, 4 p.m. Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies Concert Tickets: Sunday, April 17, 2016, 4 p.m. Two Rivers Chorale Brahms Requiem with two pianos Freewill offering Monday, April 18, 2016, 7 p.m. Medalist Band / Hill Murray Band Concert Saturday, April 30, 2016, 7 p.m. Pieta Collaboration Concert with St. Olaf Choir and Magnum Chorum Friday, May 6, 2016, 7:30 p.m. Twin Cities American Guild of Organists Concert Free concert Sunday, May 15, 2016, 4 p.m. Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra Concert Freewill offering Sunday, May 22, 2016, 3 p.m. St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Mendelssohn s Scottish Symphony Tickets: Thank You for your Music Thank you to all singers and instrumentalists for your faithful contributions of your musical talents throughout the past year. We are especially grateful for the music of the Christmas season. From your music staff: Jan, Bill, Kristin, Sue, Twink, Barb, Miriam, Leah, Andy, and Charles. Attention Choir Members Sunday Music in the Sanctuary Rehearsals resume on Wednesday, Jan. 6. Sunday, Jan. 3: Adult choirs only Schedule for children and youth choirs: Sunday 1 Jan. 10: Sr. High Choir; King s Messengers Sunday 2 Jan. 17: Choristers; Celebration Singers; Middle School Choir Sunday 3 Jan. 24: Sr. High Choir; King s Messengers Sunday 4 Jan. 31: Celebration Singers; Middle School Choir 19

20 Vision Slovakia Invitations from Vision Slovakia for ministry trips in 2016 Educating pre-school children this summer in Martin, Slovakia July 1-13, 2016 Prayerfully consider joining in the education tradition that St. Andrew s has supported and enjoyed over these 15 years. In these years we have seen remarkable growth in the people of Slovakia regaining their sense of freedom to worship and desiring to educate their children in the Christian faith. The pre-school program of the Lutheran Academy is just one more way in which our ministry supports their vision of Christian education with the youngest children. Since 2001 members of St. Andrew s and partner congregations have taught Vacation Bible School in Martin, Slovakia, during the summer. This year our focus will be with pre-school children which is a growing and expanding program. Parents in Slovakia have seen the importance of a pre-school program as they prepare their children for the elementary school grades of the Lutheran Academy in Martin. We will provide a pre-school curriculum that includes teaching children music, arts and crafts, Bible stories and educational games. This is a wonderful opportunity to become involved in this new program educating the youngest children and preparing them for life-long learning. Pre-school teachers and Peer Ministry leaders will travel together, departing MSP on Friday, July 1, arriving in Vienna on Saturday July 2, and by coach to Martin, where we will stay in the hotel MartInn. We will worship with the Martin Lutheran congregation on Sunday, July 3, and begin our teaching on Monday, July 4, through Friday, July 8. We will leave Martin by coach on Saturday morning, July 9, to catch our flight from Vienna to Florence, Italy, for a four night stay before returning home on Wednesday, July 13. Equipping High School youth in the Peer Ministry program July 1-13, 2016 The Peer Ministry program in Slovakia is at a new stage. For many years we taught the stories and now we are helping live the stories. Consider coming along for our third year of equipping the high school youth in Martin, Slovakia, this summer to live in Christ in Slovakia. Knowing and living our faith can be two different things. To know the faith in our heads can be very different than feeling it in our hearts, having it take hold of our lives, and drawing Abby Arko, Peer Ministry leader from St. Andrew s, with the Peer Ministry students in Martin, Slovakia deeper into relationship with Jesus. In returning to Slovakia for the second year we saw this difference in the high school youth. They have learned the stories in their Lutheran school, but not all of them even go to church or are active in a church. They know the stories, but don t always feel the transformation. In Peer Ministry we spend little time telling the stories of Jesus and more time sharing how knowing Jesus has transformed the way we live in relationship with each other and ourselves. How we reach out to the stranger, because Christ first reached out to us. How we are able to love those we do not like or agree with, because we are all children of the same heavenly Father. How we can forgive ourselves for what we have done, or left undone, because Christ forgave us and redeemed us on the cross. Peer Ministry leaders and pre-school teachers will travel together, departing MSP on Friday, July 1, arriving in Vienna on Saturday July 2, and going by coach to Martin, where we will stay in the hotel MartInn. We will worship with the Martin Lutheran congregation on Sunday, July 3, and begin the Peer Ministry program on Monday, July 4 through Friday, July 8. We will leave Martin by coach on Saturday morning, July 9, to catch our flight from Vienna to Florence, Italy, for a four night stay before returning home on Wednesday, July 13. Continued on next page 20

21 Joining a Builders Group in Martin, Slovakia in April 2016 We will work on constructing classrooms in the newly acquired high school buildings of the Lutheran Academy of the Center for Christian Education. It was a miracle to acquire these buildings for present and future growth of the Lutheran high school. But there is a lot of work to be done to renovate this space into classrooms, a cafeteria, a gymnasium, computer and science labs and teacher offices. With this said, we are asking you to prayerfully consider joining one of two 2016 Builders Group trips led by Joe and Joann Lunders. Please contact them for further details on both trips by phone: , or lundersjoeboy@gmail.com. April 15-23, 2016, departing MSP on Friday, April 15, arriving in Martin on Saturday, April 16, worshipping with Martin Lutheran congregation on Sunday, April 17, working the week of April 18-22, leaving Martin on Saturday, April 23, and arriving at MSP on Sunday, April 24. April 15-30, 2016, departing MSP on Friday, April 15, arriving in Martin on Saturday, April 16, worshipping with Martin Lutheran congregation on Sunday, April 17, working the two weeks of April and April Returning home with the option of an extension trip yet to be determined. The April trips give flexibility to team members who have either one or two weeks available. The work to be done will be tailored to each person s ability. Prayerfully consider these opportunities to share your gifts and talents. We will never know what lives this school will change! 2017 Reformation Anniversary Tour Wittenberg Town Hall Like to travel to Europe? Enjoy growing deeper in your Lutheran faith and theology? Ready for a trip of a lifetime? St. Andrew s has the answer in July of Bring your family and friends for a 500 Year Reformation Anniversary Tour as the Lutheran World commemorates Martin Luther s nailing of the 95 theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg, Germany. You ll visit the important sites in the life of Martin Luther: the font where he was baptized, the castle where he translated the Bible, the church where he preached, the doors where he began a revolution, and so much more. Combine all this with a cultural reformation festival of music, learning and service in the heart of Wittenberg for three days, a stay in vibrant Berlin, a cruise in Prague, a taste of Munich, and castles and tours in Bavaria and Oberammergau, and you will be moved in mind and soul. This is the definitive look at Martin Luther s Germany and beyond. You may have been Lutheran your whole life, but during this week you will meet Martin Luther for the first time or greet him again as an old friend. For more information contact Norsman at bnorsman@ saintandrews.org or

22 Mission Jamaica 2016 On Jan. 4, 2016, the first of 520 missionaries land on the Island, to begin three months of: Meeting new friends, laughing, digging footings, straining, playing soccer, running, hauling marle, moving, registering patients, caretaking, building walls, pounding, dressing and feeding children, loving, fitting pipes, twisting, diagnosing illness, healing, shoveling cement, groaning and smiling. Going, doing, helping and loving God s people, obeying, Jesus-ing. While we are down here, we will get a lot of work done, help a lot of kids and their families and staff and teachers, but mostly we will be fulfilling our call by building relationships with over a thousand kids and hundreds of adults each week through living God s love. We know that we can t and won t be doing it alone, because God is leading, guiding, walking with us at each step. We also need you our home team to join us every step of the way. How, you say? Well, you can keep up to date on Facebook our missionaries post news and progress daily so we can keep in touch personally. But most importantly we need you to pray, purposefully and daily. Pray for the people of Jamaica, for the safety of all of us that we may all continue to be the hands and feet of Christ while on the Island and always. Missionaries from St. Andrew s will be in Jamaica Jan. 16-Feb. 6, and/or March They will be commissioned on Sunday, Jan. 10, at the 10:30 a.m. worship service. They are: Kristen Ballenthin, Jean Ballenthin, Mary Glaeser, Cindy Kneisl, Larry Gruenewald, Pattianne Casselton Demaray, Dr. Don Brandt, Roger Henry, Kay Flynn, Claire Strong, Mike Huseth, Gayle Huseth, Denny Kiel, Barb Most, Robin Mears, Norman Mears, Cara Stoen, Jacquie Stoen, Dave Stoen, Jocelyn Wiedow, Brian Wiedow, Rhonda Domine, Corrine Schindler, Joe Buck, Mike Carlson, Allen Theisen, Connor Theisen, Koreen Theisen, Whitney Theissen, Shannon Hotakainen, Anthony Hotakainen, Jeff Behr, Rachel Behr, Josh Carlson, Barb Gumatz, Dan Gumatz, Elliot Carlson Cathryn Stephanson, Ellie Gutteter, Britainey Gutteter, John Gutteter, Ann Gutteter, Skippy Klava, John Klava, Michele Charlesworth, Peyton Charlesworth, and Isaac Legred. We all thank you for your prayers. Joy, peace and Jesus. Pattianne Casselton, St. Andrew s Mission Jamaica Team Coordinator To all who so generously supported our Advent Boutique bake sale to fix Delzie Murray s house in January, an extra big THANK YOU! 22

23 Create Your Personal Legacy through the Foundation of St. Andrew s Designate a specific dollar amount or percentage of assets to the Foundation in your will. Stocks, bonds, real estate, art, and jewelery are all acceptable charitable gifts. Name the Foundation as a beneficiary of your IRA or Pension Plan. Purchase a new life insurance policy or annuity. If you have an existing insurance policy or annuity name the Foundation as the beneficiary or partial beneficiary of that policy or annuity. Name the Foundation in a charitable trust. Fund scholarships to international mission programs Support the new Music Ministry fund The Foundation of St. Andrew s encourages donors to create personal legacies to further the ministries of St. Andrew s Lutheran Church both locally or globally. Music Ministry Fund Established The Foundation is establishing a Music Ministry Fund! This fund will provide an endowment for ongoing financial support of the St. Andrew s music ministry. There are many costs associated with St. Andrew s choirs, orchestra, guest ensembles and soloists that exceed the church s general fund. This fund is in recognition of the invaluable contribution music makes to St. Andrew s worship experience and is vital to the church s long-term mission. To take part in this endowed fund please contact any of the board members below. (Checks should be made payable to the Foundation of St. Andrew s. Note Music Ministry Support Fund in memo line.) Board of Directors Tony Belden tbelden@engamerica.com Jay Breidinger jay@tbncpa.com Mike Carlson Lead Pastor Myron Goeser myron.goeser@pragmatek.com Dyanne Ross-Hanson drh@exitplanstrategies.com Roger Henry rbhenry2@comcast.net Leann Lenander leann@lenanderadvisory.com Sara Meslow sara@campodayin.org Jim Nash jnash@capsurpcbs.com Tom Schock tcschock@hotmail.com Joe Sperber jsperber@comcast.net Ralph Steiner ralphsteiner@comcast.net Contact Lori Goodroad at for more information. Listen to worship LIVE on the web and radio! Every Sunday our 9 a.m. worship service is broadcast live on KLBB radio 1220 AM and online at just click the "listen live" link. The broadcast is sponsored by The Foundation of St. Andrew s. Sponsor a Radio Broadcast Individuals are invited to sponsor a live radio broadcast of worship at St. Andrew s. Your sponsorship will be announced on the air prior to the worship broadcast. Cost is $150 and checks can be made payable to St. Andrew s Foundation. Please drop at reception desk: Yes, I want to sponsor a weekly broadcast for $150! Date of sponsorship: Sponsored by: Circle one and include details: IN HONOR OF... IN MEMORY OF... TO THE GLORY OF GOD Thanks to Radio Sponsors! We thank all who have supported the weekly radio broadcast of 9 a.m. worship. The following are sponsors in November and December: Marcia & Dave Preller in memory of Rick Nisleit; Listeners at Boutwell s Landing in Oak Park Heights to the Glory of God; Sara Meslow; Tony Belden; Joe & Sue Sperber; Robert & Sharon Hanson to the Glory of God; Foundation of St. Andrew s Board of Directors in honor of Robert Hanson; Joe & Sue Sperber in celebration of Christmas; Garwin & LeAnn Lenander in honor of their Anniversary. 23

24 900 STILLWATER ROAD MAHTOMEDI MN NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED TIME-VALUED MAIL Life Transformed in 2016 saintandrews.org/