Proclaim. Proclaim Jesus Christ, Live in Christ, Serve!

Transcription

1 Proclaim September October 2016 Proclaim Jesus Christ, Live in Christ, Serve! Newsletter of St. Andrew s Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi, Minnesota saintandrews.org (651) Free Family Fun, Free Food, Everyone is invited! Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, 4-7:30 p.m. 1

2 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Proclaim Jesus Christ, Live in Christ, Serve! From the Desk of the Lead Pastor Mapping the Future of St. Andrew's It s been a year since our Church Council and Strategic Planning Team, with your input from the Church Assessment Tool (CAT) survey and countless conversations, set our Vision and Strategic Goals. Since that time, we ve engaged in inspirational work to map the future of St. Andrew s. Here s a look at how our work is coming together, and some exciting opportunities on the horizon: Progress With our new Vision Empowered by God s love, we help transform lives, communities and the world so that everyone may know Christ s healing power as a guide, we ve assessed what we need to do to make our Vision a reality. To help us focus, we set five strategic priorities for the first phase of our work, and we re making progress against each of them: 1. Strengthen and sustain the worship experience Pursuing excellence in preaching as well as excellence at every touchpoint of a worshiper s experience: We ve set up a preaching audit process and are soliciting help from members of the congregation and professors and other professionals. We are committed to communicating the love of God in our spoken word as well as in song. 2. Grow in generosity Creating a culture of generosity by teaching family-wide stewardship and providing guidance to families in wise financial planning: A task force headed by a committee of congregation members will present a workshop on generosity to staff this month, followed by a series of opportunities for the congregation to learn more. This is a wonderfully generous congregation. We give back to God what we have been first given. 3. Engage and equip members Creating a discipleship model for all ages, a Center for Christian Leadership, and a robust plan for children/youth/ family ministries: We have made bold moves in our Children, Youth & Family ministry so we can continue to present engaging programming and ways for kids and youth to grow in faith. Under the guidance of our Discipleship Pastor John Straiton, we have a plan and a process for deepening our congregation s commitment to following Christ. 4. Transform communities Expanding the Community Resource Center and enhancing our help and healing ministries: Starting this fall, we are opening The Clothesline clothing distribution center (see article in this publication) and adding the services of a referral counselor in the Great Hall to expand our service to the community. 5. Build the infrastructure to support our Mission and Vision Developing a strategic plan for staffing, technology, communications, financial management and facilities resources: With a revamped website and a new communications charter in place, strong financial management and improvements in technology, we are strengthening our infrastructure. Continued on next page 2

3 Focus on facilities One important area of our infrastructure where we re facing an exciting challenge is our facilities. The progress we re making in our strategic goals with growth in programs, people served and spirit-filled energy is great. But we re finding that all of this activity points to the need for a change in our buildings and facilities. With 600 kids in DOCK Children's Education every week, more than 300 youth in Confirmation, more than 2,500 worshiping at four services in two buildings, we are a busy place and every room is accounted for. New member classes and lunches (average size of 50 people) meet in the choir room. Emergency food for families visiting the Community Resource Center is in a small coat closet. It s a 240-foot walk to the Sanctuary doors from the nearest non-handicapped parking space a challenge for many in our congregation. If we want to be a serving, learning, teaching congregation as you have expressed your desire to be we simply need more space to move forward. We re experiencing a need to expand space and ministry but our facilities can t accommodate it. What s next: Facility Expansion Feasibility Team A team is being formed, under the direction of our Chief Operating Officer John Swanson, to investigate the feasibility of a facility expansion, based on the goals of our strategic plan and a solid, prayerfully considered look at who we want to be as a church community. We are looking at a facility expansion initiative that would: Create space at the Sanctuary to expand teaching, learning, leadership and fellowship opportunities; expand space available in the Great Hall for the Community Resource Center; address parking and traffic flow challenges; and retire our $4 million debt. To fully accomplish our goals would mean a $15 million commitment a big dream, for sure, but one that merits a solid investigation, dynamic leadership from within the congregation, and a bold commitment to our Vision. Let me stress that all of this is still a plan at the moment, but we are moving forward to get input from many of you. I m sure you have questions, and we ll be communicating more and giving you opportunities to ask and learn. For now, I ask you to ponder these questions: Is this the time for us to do all the work that God has called us to do? Can we make the Vision and ministry of St. Andrew s an even bigger part of the community we live in? If not us, then who? So sisters and brothers, as we prepare for yet another program year, let us rise up and together run the race that is set before us. Under the call of the Holy Spirit we unite in our work to Proclaim Jesus Christ, Live in Christ, Serve! Thanks be to the Triune God! Rev. Michael D. Carlson Lead Pastor, St. Andrew s Lutheran Church 3

4 You're Invited! Evening of Transformation Monday, October 3, 2016, 7-8 p.m. Living in Christ ~ Transforming Communities Program and Dessert In the Great Hall Living in Christ, Transforming Communities is our theme as we look to and plan for the Spirit-filled future of St. Andrew s. Please join us as we celebrate God s generosity and share how our annual response transforms our community, the communities down the street and around the world. Please RSVP by Wednesday, Sept. 28, to office@saintandrews.org or Childcare available. I look forward to our time together! Mike Carlson, Lead Pastor Pledge Weekend is Oct 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 education programming, and Nursery at all services. Worship at St. Andrew s Village 1 p.m. 4

5 Rally Day 2016! All Worship Services Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 & 11 DOCK, choirs, and fall programming begin for the year! Faith and Politics: How Would Jesus Vote? Sundays, Great Hall, 10:45 11:45 a.m. Where do faith and politics connect? How do Christians think about politics; and historically what shapes those opinions? Can Christians agree about their faith and disagree about their political views? We ll be discussing these ideas and more in our October Adult Education Series. Oct. 2, Rev. Michael Carlson, St. Andrew s Lead Pastor Oct. 9, Rev. John Straiton, St. Andrew s Discipleship Pastor Oct. 16, Dr. Sarah Ruble, Associate Professor in Religion, Gustavus Adolphus College Senior Program and Hymn Sing Tuesday, Sept. 27, 11:30 a.m. Back by popular demand, the senior program and luncheon will return Tuesday, Sept. 27, with a hymn sing and inspirational speaker from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Great Hall. Chaplain Carole Lundell will be the featured speaker. All seniors from the community, including our very own St. Andrew's Village, are invited to attend. Cost is $10 (all are welcome regardless of ability to pay). Sign up for this event by contacting Lisa Grundtner at lgrundtner@saintandrews.org or

6 READ Bible Study: Old Testament Starts the Week of Sept. 26 Written and taught by Pastor John Straiton, READ is a two-year survey course of the Bible. The Old Testament will be offered in the 2016/17 school year and the New Testament in 2017/18. Classes are offered on Monday mornings or Tuesday nights. Monday mornings, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Great Hall Thursday evenings, 7-8 p.m., Great Hall Cost: $25 (Includes Old Testament Study Book) Register with envelope at kiosks or online at For information call Dianne Nash at Beginnings, a Book Study The First Seven Days of the Rest of Your Life Tuesdays, Sept. 20-Oct. 11; 7-8 p.m. This four-week book study is for anyone who would like a new beginning. On Sept. 20, we will hear from author Steve Wiens, as he discusses his book, Beginnings. Join Pastor Kyle Jackson as he continues the study for the following three weeks. $20 includes the book and study. Come to any or all! Register at saintandrews.org. The Bible & Transitions Tuesdays, Nov. 15-Dec :15 p.m.; Sanctuary Room 204 Jack Fortin will be teaching a class entitled "The Bible and Transitions" on Tuesdays, Nov. 15-Dec. 20, from 7-8:15 p.m. in Room 204 of the Sanctuary. This class is geared mainly towards people 55+ and is going to be centered on a book that he wrote dealing with rediscovering your call in the third chapter of life. Cost of the class is $10. Registration is available on-line, with an Event Registration envelope, or by contacting Dianne Nash at Gospel of Matthew is New Focus of Men s Tuesday Bible Study 6:30-7:30 a.m. with Pastor John Straiton A large group of men meet year round every Tuesday morning in the Great Hall from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Come and make some new friends as you learn more about God s word. Starting on Sept. 27 we will be focusing on the Gospel of Matthew. Coffee and rolls are provided. Registration is not necessary. No fee. Claiming Your Place At The Fire Tuesdays, Sept. 13 Oct :30 p.m.; Sanctuary Room 201 More than 10,000 people turn 50 every day in the U.S.; how do they handle this shift? Claiming Your Place at the Fire invites this group of "new elders" to ask key questions: Who am I? New elders synthesize and transfer the wisdom of the past into the present. Where do I belong? This book study is sponsored by the Foundation of St. Andrew s. Books (new and used) will be available to borrow or buy at reduced rates from the Foundation upon request. Register on-line at saintandrews.org. 6

7 Reformation 500 Bookstore The Reformation 500 Bookstore, hosted by Augsburg Fortess, will introduce our congregation to engaging and affordable resources on the Reformation while growing our library. Books and materials will be available for purchase for two weeks some time this fall. Books will be available at a discount of up to 50% plus free shipping on purchases from this curated selection of books. Augsburg will also donate books to our library when the "bookstore" closes. Watch for the bookstore and more details to come. New Member Class Sunday, Oct. 2, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Joining a church does not necessarily give you added perks. You don t get the best parking spots, a discount off your offering or reserved seating on the holidays. HOWEVER, it does provide you with a sense of belonging to a community that believes in the same things you do. It s about finding friends who will be there for you. Mostly it is about our Triune God. God, who is communal and continues to pursue and guide us no matter where we run. If you want to join St. Andrew s Lutheran Church, we invite you to a New Member Class on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary building. The class will introduce you to the pastors, other new members and the various ministries at St. Andrew s. Lunch served and childcare provided. Contact Ronda Sowada at or at rsowada@ saintandrews.org to register. Church Council Recommendations Sought The St. Andrew s Church Council is seeking recommendations to fill one 2017 open position on the Council. Recommendations can be mailed, dropped off at the church office, or submitted online at saintandrews.org/ nomination no later than Sunday, Sept. 25, For complete information and a recommendation form, visit saintandrews.org > About Us > Staff and Church Council or speak with any Church Council member. Serve at Dorothy Day Center St. Andrew s sponsors meals every other month on the 4th Tuesday to people who are homeless or struggling with poverty. The next meal serving date is Tuesday, Sept. 27, 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 or Gayle Huseth at or ggnmike2@aol.com. GriefShare Thursday, Sept. 8 through Dec. 8 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 nationally respected 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. Animal Angels Training Class 10-week class begins Saturday, Sept. 17 8:30 10 a.m., Sanctuary Atrium Training for dogs and their owners includes skills needed to pass the national therapy dog certification test, visiting protocols, facility requirements and more. Pre-registration is required; class size is limited. Contact Kathryn Monroe for further information at monroe127@comcast.net or Pet Blessing Sunday, Oct. 2, 4 p.m. We invite you to bring your pet to the Blessing of the Animals at Wedgewood Park in Mahtomedi. As we bless these animals, we acknowledge they are God s creation who have been placed in our care. We honor the gifts they give us as well as the relationship God has called us to be in with them. 7

8 New Clothing Distribution Center Opens! The Community Resource Center is pleased to introduce our new clothing distribution room! Clothing is a basic need that our families often have difficulty accessing. We now have the space to properly display and distribute clothing, not only to our families who are staying with us in shelter, but also to our nearby neighbors who are struggling. Previous clothing resources that have been in our area are no longer options as service areas have changed and accessibility is difficult. We continue to receive quality clothing from our congregation and from our community. Volunteer Opportunities for the CRC Community Resource Center Room Volunteers Would you like to be a part of our ministry of helping those in need in our community? Would you like to help at the Community Resource Center with organizing donations, light lunch prep for our shelter families, provide walk-in guests with emergency food kits, clothing, or other toiletry items they may need? We would love to have you help on a regular basis or as it fits into your schedule. You can volunteer Monday Thursdays, 9 a.m. noon or noon to 3 p.m. Kids Community Meal Craft Leader This is a great opportunity for individuals, families, or small groups to plan and facilitate a craft project from 5:45-7 p.m. for the kids in attendance at our Thursday night free Community Meal. The kids so appreciate a fun activity to work on when they are finished eating! We look forward to being a dependable resource for clothing and footwear, and we encourage you to continue to bring us your gently used clothing so that we may sufficiently serve our neighbors in need. The Clothesline is open the same hours as the Community Resource Center: Monday through Thursday from 8-4. We can accept donations anytime during our open hours, or if you would like to drop off after hours, we have a wooden bin set-up outside of the CRC. We will continue to provide the Alley Shoppe with all of our overstock items so that they can continue to serve their neighbors as well. Volunteers are always welcome! Serve at Hope for the Journey Home Shelter St. Andrew s members have the opportunity to serve at Hope for the Journey Home Shelter in Oakdale the week of Oct. 30 Nov. 5. 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.). This is a great service to experience first-hand the great work we are doing to help the families while they work towards stable housing. Youth age 9 and up may assist with an adult at the shelter. Contact Debbie Larson with any questions or to get connected with any of the above volunteer opportunities. dlarson@ saintandrews.org or

9 Tom Svoboda Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of Tom Svoboda. Tom died at the age of 48 on April 13. His memorial service was held on June 23. Christian Sympathy As a community of faith, we mourn the loss of the following brothers in Christ: June Henseler Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of June Henseler. June died at the age of 98 on May 21. Her memorial service was held on Aug. 7. Beverly Lueth Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of Beverly Lueth. Beverly died at the age of 85 on July 10. Her funeral service was held on July 14. Debra Larsen Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of Debra Larsen. Deb died at the age of 62 on July 17. Her memorial service was held on July 25. Randy Knoll Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of Randy Knoll. Randy died at the age of 64 on July 28. His memorial service was held on Aug. 2. Marion Lund Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of Marion Lund. Marion died at the age of 91 on July 19. Her memorial service was held on Aug. 5. Andy Knutson Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of Andy Knutson. Andy died at the age of 91 on Aug. 6. His memorial service was held on Aug. 11. James T. O Hara Christian love and sympathy are extended to the family of James T. O Hara. James died at the age of 59 on Aug. 12. His funeral service was held on Aug. 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 9

10 Fun Ways to Serve at St. Andrew's Rally Day Who doesn t love pancakes on a stick No one, that s who. Please consider a short shift to help serve pancakes on a stick for Rally Sunday, Sept. 11. Register online at saintandrews.org. For information contact Carrin Mahmood at cmahmood@ saintandrews.org, or BLOCK Party Help make this community event a success. Maybe you can fill balloons, or smile at children or fill popcorn bags. Whatever your skill, we have a place for you. Register online at saintandrews.org. For information contact Carrin Mahmood at cmahmood@saintandrews.org, or Make A Difference Cooking! Join the fun on Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. to prep meals for Thursday night Community Dinner. It is not only a great time of fellowship and camaraderie every week, but you leave knowing that you have been the hands and heart of Jesus himself. Go to saintandrews.org and look under volunteer opportunities for Wednesday meal prep. For information contact Carrin Mahmood at cmahmood@ saintandrews. org, or Pretend It s Your Grandma! That s how we treat each person who drives up to use our Valet Ministry. The needs are many and the volunteers are few. Please consider being part of a team of volunteers that park cars once a month on a rotating schedule. Contact Carrin at or cmahmood@saintandrews.org if you can help with this awesome ministry. Register online at saintandrews.org. For information contact Carrin Mahmood at cmahmood@saintandrews.org, or Serve! Spotlight: Animal Angels They say All God s creatures have a place in the choir and on a Saturday morning at the Great Hall you may see some of those creatures being trained for their place in God s choir. The St. Andrew s Animal Angels Ministry is a place for pets and their owners to be trained to serve in the community. Our Animal Angels serve in library reading programs, with kids with autism, memory care centers, Salvation Army Day Center, the Cancer Care Ward, as well as a VA Home. Melanie, who has been serving for a year with her dog, Ed, says, "Ed and I volunteer at a hospital and with hospice. It is amazing to see how powerful this ministry is. We give people 'normalcy.' When Ed and I meet people, we are not there to talk about being sick or all their problems; we are there to listen and offer comfort. I talk to people about home and happy thoughts, taking the focus off their pain and solitude. I work full time. I am a busy mom and wife. I am sharing my dog and my time. Ed offers unconditional love and I listen. Laughing and smiling, looking at pictures of pets. This allows me to serve others with the gifts God has given me." Cynthia, a member of St. Andrew s for 28 years, shares that the smiles she receives when she shows up with her two Great Danes is one of the things she loves most about serving with the Animal Angels. What does it take to be a St. Andrew s Animal Angel? Training and a willing heart. Dogs need to be at least one year old and part of their owner s family for at least one year. Obedience training is helpful, but the important thing is that the dog is well socialized. The commitment is for once-a-month visits for a year in the name of St. Andrew s Animal Angels. Training is free and open to anyone meeting the requirements. ***(See article for fall training class.) 10

11 Welcome, Mark Jackson! Mark Jackson has joined St. Andrew s as Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry. The position was created as part of an on-going reorganization of staff and programs in response to the congregation s visioning process that named children, youth and family ministry as a top priority. Mark will provide key leadership in developing and implementing a renewed vision for growing these ministries in the months and years ahead. Mark and his family recently moved from Washington state, where he was Professor and Chair of Children, Youth & Family Studies at Trinity Lutheran College, teaching courses in youth and family ministry, Christian education, program planning, and administration. His background also includes experience in congregational ministry, leadership development, service learning, and nonprofit management. We also welcome his wife, Colette, an elementary special education teacher, and their two sons, Isaac (7) and Lucas (2-1/2). A Guide to the Bins: Why are There Three Openings? A guide to the 3 stream bins In an effort to reduce trash-hauling costs AND take better care of God s creation, we have placed three-stream bins around our campus. Here is a guideline for their use: Organics opening: (for compostable materials)- tissues, soiled paper, food scraps, cookies and napkins, compostable coffee cups, compostable lemonade cups, coffee grounds, pizza boxes, paper plates, compostable plastic products, wooden stir sticks, etc. Recycling opening: (we have mixed recycling)- mail, junk mail, cans, bottles, plastic containers numbered 1-5, cardboard, non-soiled paper, etc. Trash opening: (for other things)- juice boxes, diapers, styrofoam products, plastic bags, plastic films, plastic silverware, candy wrappers, chip bags, etc. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask a St. Andrew s staff person or Environmental Stewardship Team member. 11

12 Proclaim Jesus Christ, Live in Christ, Serve! Join Mission Jamaica in 2017! Information Meeting Sunday, Sept. 11, 2 p.m. Sanctuary Room 204 Mission Jamaica 2017 dates have been set and sign up is now available online at www. missionjamaica.org. Please consider joining us: Jan , 2017, to serve at our Kingston sites; Jan. 21-Feb. 4, 2017, with Pastor Kyle Jackson, for our mobile medical, Ja Bode home build and WestHaven Children s Home service sites; and/or March 11-18, 2017, with Pastor Sarah Breckenridge During Adult and Family Week! Please join us Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2 p.m. as we share the story of Mission Jamaica, give information about each of the trips, provide pricing details, and sign people up for St. Andrew s trip. The meeting is for anyone thinking about joining us in For more information, please contact Mission Jamaica director Jeff Peterson (jeffp@saintandrews.org or ) or Paige Peterson (pg.peterson@comcast.net or ). Internationally Acclaimed Organist Hector Olivera in Concert Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, 3 p.m. Sanctuary Event Helps Celebrate 15th Anniversary of Minnesota s Largest Pipe Organ The internationally acclaimed concert organist, Hector Olivera, known for entertaining his audiences with a dazzling display of sonic and technical marvels, will perform on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary pipe organ. Maestro Hector Olivera is a passionate, gifted, and unique musician, whose personal interpretations of both classical and popular music have amazed and delighted audiences around the world. The afternoon program will celebrate the 15-year anniversary of the rebuilding and installation of the 7,310-pipe, 108-rank Casavant organ at St. Andrew s by the Schantz organ company in Dedicated in worship services on Sunday, Sept. 9, two days before the 9/11 attacks, the relocated organ was originally installed in 1927 at the Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. This organ, in its new home, has been heralded as one of the finest concert organs in the world and remains the largest pipe organ in Minnesota and the surrounding states. The concert is open to the public. Freewill donations will be accepted. A reception will follow the concert. For further information, please contact Bill Chouinard at

13 2017 Reformation Anniversary Tour in Germany Is Filling Up! Final Two Information Sessions to Join Tour! Like to travel to Europe? Enjoy growing he was baptized, the castle where he deeper in your Lutheran faith and translated the Bible, the church where theology? Ready for a trip he preached, the doors where he of a lifetime? St. Andrew s began a revolution, and so much has the answer in July of more. Combine all this with a Bring your family cultural reformation festival of and friends for a 500 Year music, learning, and service in Reformation Anniversary the heart of Wittenberg for three Tour as the Lutheran world days, a stay in vibrant Berlin, commemorates Martin a cruise in Prague, a taste of Luther's nailing of the 95 Munich, and castles and tours in theses to the door of the Bavaria and Oberammergau, and castle church in Wittenberg, Germany. you will be moved in mind and soul. This is the definitive look at Martin You ll visit the important sites in the Luther s Germany and beyond. You life of Martin Luther: the font where may have been Lutheran your whole Pre-Halloween Organ Concert in Mahtomedi Sunday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. life, but during this week you will meet Martin Luther for the first time or greet him again as an old friend. Join Pr. Mike Carlson and Pr. Brian Norsman at our two last tour information sessions on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 11:45 a.m. and Thursday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. in the Great Hall. Sixty people have signed up already, so don't miss out on this incredible pilgrimage of faith! For more information go to or contact Pr. Brian Norsman at bnorsman@ saintandrews.org or The 12th annual Tricks and Treats with the Mighty Organ concert will be presented by resident organist Bill Chouinard on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church on the 1927 IV/108 Casavant/Schantz organ. The performance, replete with special lighting and video effects, is designed with young listeners in mind. Children are invited to come in costume and join in the costume parade around the room. Refreshments and treats for kids of all ages will be served after the program, and an offering will be received. Come early for Papa Murphy's pizza sold by the slice in the Youth and Sports Center from 4:30-6 p.m. 13

14 Music Ministry Proclaim Jesus Christ, Live in Christ, Serve! Music at the Sanctuary Worship Services Join us! Registration is available for children s groups (K-12) online at saintandrews.org, or you may call Dianne Nash at We look forward to a wonderful year of sharing talents and learning more about using our gifts with others in service to God. If you have questions, please call Jan Gilbertson at CHORISTERS (grades K-1) Director: Miriam Sikora Rehearsals Wednesday, 5:30-6:15 p.m., beginning Sept. 14 Choristers, our joyful youngest choir offering, is comprised of children in kindergarten and grade 1. Singers participate at the 10:30 a.m. Sanctuary service, on the 2nd Sunday of the month, as well as at the Christmas Festival, Christmas Eve, and Easter services. KING S MESSENGERS (grades 2-3) Director: Barb Wieland Rehearsals Wednesday, 5:30-6:15 p.m., beginning Sept. 14 King s Messengers involve singers in grades 2 and 3. This choir plays a larger role in worship, singing twice each month at the 10:30 a.m. worship, 1st and 3rd Sundays, as well as at the Christmas Festival, Christmas Eve, and Easter services. An outreach event (traveling to another church to sing) is a part of this choir s program of events. CELEBRATION SINGERS (grades 4-5) Director: Jennifer Twink Starr Rehearsals Wednesday, 6:30-7:10 p.m., beginning Sept. 14 Celebration Singers is open to children in grades 4 and 5. Unison and two-part anthems are part of the Celebration Singers experience. The choir sings at 9:00 a.m. worship, 2nd and 4th Sundays, as well as at the Christmas Festival, Christmas Eve, and Easter services. An outreach event (traveling to another church to sing) is a part of this choir s program of events.. MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR (grades 6-8) Director: Jennifer Twink Starr Rehearsals Wednesday, 5:45-6:25 p.m., beginning Sept. 7 Students in grades 6-8 enjoy singing a variety of styles of music in this choir. The Middle School Choir sings for the 10:30 a.m. worship, 2nd and 4th Sundays, as well as at the Christmas Festival, Christmas Eve, and Easter services. The Middle School Choir presents a musical in the spring, culminating in a tour. SR. HIGH CHOIR (grades 9-12) Director: Sue Gilsdorf Rehearsals Wednesday, 7:15-8:15 p.m., beginning Sept. 7 This choir is designed for active high school students who love to sing a variety of exciting music from contemporary to traditional. The Senior High Choir sings twice a month, usually 1st and 3rd Sundays, at the 9 a.m. service and at festival services in the Sanctuary. Sounds Like Love, a weekend upper Midwest massed choir festival for high school choir, is an annual event each November. Highlights of the year also include an annual dessert theater performed in March and a tour in the spring. ORFF ENSEMBLES Rehearsals Wednesday, beginning Sept. 14 Director: Leah Abbe Bloem Children experience music through playing instruments such as xylophones, glockenspiels, metallophones, and rhythm instruments. The Orff program for grades K-8 runs alternately with our vocal choirs so children can participate in an Orff ensemble and sing in a choir. Each group will be scheduled to play in worship services throughout the year, as well as at festival services in the Sanctuary. Our hope is that this schedule will encourage children to participate in choirs and Orff ensembles and attend DOCK. Rehearsal Schedule for Orff Ensembles: Grade K,1 5-5:20 (new this year!) Grade 2,3 6:20-6:45 p.m. Grade 4,5 5:55-6:20 p.m. Grade 6-8 5:20-5:45 p.m. ST. ANDREW S CHOIR Director: Jan Gilbertson Rehearsals Wednesday, 7:30-9 p.m., beginning Aug. 31 The St. Andrew s Choir welcomes adults with previous choir experience who have some ability to read music and a voice which blends with other singers. A short audition with the director is required. Please call Jan to schedule an audition ( ). Fine singers are encouraged to audition for any part. This choir rehearses every Wednesday evening, and sings every Sunday at the 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. services, on special occasions, and at festivals. Contact: Jan Gilbertson, , jgilbertson@saintandrews.org NEW DIMENSION SINGERS Director: Jan Gilbertson Rehearsals Wednesday, 6:15-7:20 p.m., beginning Aug. 31 Open to adults who love to sing and are able to commit to rehearsals and singing at the 10:30 a.m. worship services most Sundays of the school year. This choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings. No auditions! Contact: Jan Gilbertson, , jgilbertson@saintandrews.org YOUNG ADULT CHOIR Director: Andrew Haase Rehearsals Wednesday, 7:30-8:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 14 This choir is for high school graduates, up to age 35 the millennials. We hope to bring this talent into the church as a means to serve and to connect with others who share this wonderful talent. The choir will sing for Sanctuary Worship approximately once per month and rehearse on the two preceding Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. For more information contact Andrew Haase: andrewahaase@gmail.com. Andy is the director of choral music at Hudson High School. HANDBELLS Director: Jan Gilbertson First Rehearsal: Monday, Sept. 12, 7:30-8:30 p.m. This adult handbell choir rings once a month at the 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. worship services, as well as at festivals. In addition to regular membership we may be seeking experienced ringers to serve as substitutes. Contact Jan Gilbertson, , jgilbertson@ saintandrews.org ST. ANDREW S ORCHESTRA Director: Charles Gray The St. Andrew s Orchestra plays for worship services approximately once a month. Players must be of a professional caliber. Directed by Charles Gray, Professor of Music at St. Olaf College. Contact: Jan Gilbertson, , jgilbertson@ saintandrews.org or Bill Chouinard, , bchouinard@ saintandrews.org 14

15 Hecter Olivera Organ Concert Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, 3 p.m. Freewill offering Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra Concert Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, 4 p.m. Freewill offering Concordia College Choral Festival Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, 6:30 p.m. Tickets available at the door Encore Wind Ensemble Concert Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, 3 p.m. Freewill offering Tricks & Treats with the Mighty Organ Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, 6 p.m. Freewill offering National Lutheran Choir All Saints Concert Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, 4 p.m. Tickets and information: nlca.com or Call Proclaim Jesus Christ, Live in Christ, Serve! Music Series We invite you to experience performances from St. Andrew s and the larger community. All events in the St. Andrew s Sanctuary. Sounds Like Love Concert Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, 1:30 p.m. Tickets available at the door St. Andrew s Christmas Festival Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, 3:30 p.m. & 6 p.m. Ring in the Christmas season; join us for our Annual Christmas Festival with adult and children s choirs, St. Andrew s Orchestra, handbells and Orff ensembles. Freewill offering. Augustana (SD) College Christmas Vespers Friday, December 16, 2016, 7 p.m. Tickets; and at the door Christmas With Tonia and Sara Great Hall Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, 6 p.m. Tickets available at the door Concordia College Band Concert Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, 3 p.m. Tickets available at the door Middle School Musical Theater Great Hall Thursday, Friday, Feb. 9 & 10, 2017, 7 p.m. Tickets available at the door Sr. High Dessert Theater Great Hall Friday, Saturday, Feb. 24 & 25, 2017, 7 p.m. Lake Wobegon Brass Band Concert Sunday, March 5, 2017, 3 p.m. Tickets available at the door Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony Sunday, April 23, 2017, 4 p.m. Tickets: Wayzata Symphony Orchestra Concert Sunday, May 7, 2017, 3 p.m. Freewill offering Organ Historical Conference Closing Concert Aug. 10, 2017, 7:30 p.m. St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Concerts SPCO Ticket Office Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, 3 p.m. Masters of the German Baroque with Jonathan Cohen Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, 3 p.m. Jonathan Biss Plays Beethoven s First Piano Concerto Sunday, March 26, p.m. Jeremy Denk Plays Beethoven s Fourth Piano Concerto Sunday, May 28, 2017, 3 p.m. Where Words End Exodus: Musicians in Exile Local Schools Concerts at St. Andrew s Stillwater High School Fall Orchestra Concert Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, 7 p.m. Stillwater Schools Choral Festival Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, 8 p.m. Metro East Conf. Honor Choir & Jazz Band Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, 7 p.m. O.H. Anderson Elementary Music Program Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, 7 p.m. White Bear Lake High School Choral Concert Thursday, March 30, 2017, 7 p.m. White Bear Lake High School Band Concert Thursday, April 6, 2017, 7 p.m. O.H. Anderson Elementary Music Program Thursday, May 4, 2017, 7 p.m. 15

16 Music Ministry Proclaim Jesus Christ, Live in Christ, Serve! Christmas with Tonia & Sara Sunday, Dec. 18, p.m. St. Andrew's Great Hall Save the date and watch for details! Plan Ahead: Sing in the Christmas Festival You are invited to join with New Dimension Singers in St. Andrew s Christmas Festival on Sunday, Dec. 11. This is a great opportunity for adults who love to sing. The Christmas Festival involves ALL of our choirs and instrumental ensembles. You need to commit to the dates below, including rehearsals and both performances. Please notify Jan if you are planning to sing: or jgilbertson@saintandrews.org. Rehearsal Schedule for New Dimension Festival Singers At least five of the seven rehearsals below, plus the final rehearsals and both performances for all. Wednesday, Nov. 2, 6:15-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, 6:15-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 6:15-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, 6:15-7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, 6:15-8:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, 9:45-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, 6:15-8:15 p.m. Combined Rehearsal - required for all - Saturday, Dec. 10, 9-11:30 a.m. Christmas Festival - Sunday, Dec. 11, 3:30 & 6 p.m. Celebrating 34 Years - Sounds Like Love Choral Festival! Singing, dancing, worshipping, Bible study, and fellowship will be celebrated at St. Andrew s Nov , 2016 at Sounds Like Love Choral Festival. The weekend will again welcome John Jacobson as the Festival Choir director. John brings energy, a love for music, and a passion for teaching and sharing that music. His love of God shines through his directing and fellowship with the students. We are expecting 500+ students and leaders to register for the weekend event. We will be asking St. Andrew s members to host students and leaders in their homes for the weekend again this year. Amy Ness will be the housing coordinator for the event. We will be taking registration on Sunday mornings beginning in September after Rally Day. Please sign up to host participants in your home. Amy also can be reached at amyn@saintandrews.org or for more information. The mass choir will participate in two Sunday morning services on Nov. 13 and will perform the full concert at 1:30 p.m. that afternoon. Tickets available at the door. For more information contact Amy Ness at amyn@saintandrews.org, or Mary Post at mpost@saintandrews.org or go to saintandrews.org/sll. 16

17 Final Outdoor Worship of the Season: Applefest! Wednesday, Sept. 7, 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary Lawn Festivities Begin at 5 p.m. Jumpity Jumps, Family Games, Applefest Treats, Bring a Chair or Blanket Contemporary music by Sara Renner and the Wednesday Night Worship Band You may notice, starting in September, a name change on the back of the bulletin. Diaconal Minister Erin Morris is now Deacon Erin Morris. What does this mean? you may ask. In our church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, there are a variety of ways to publicly serve God. All of these entail going through a Candidacy process which involves psychological testing, various amounts of schooling at a Seminary level as well as time in an internship or practicum. The most familiar way to serve is as a pastor, a minister of word and sacrament charged with the duties of preaching, teaching and administering the sacraments to the people of God. But not all are called in that way. Some are called to a ministry of word and service. Diaconal ministers, assistants in ministry (AIM) and deaconesses have existed in our church for many years, filling positions in congregation and in the secular world as well. They support the ministry of the word and sacrament by shining the light of Christ in darkened spaces. They are many and varied and are hard to define as the Holy Spirit has called people with a variety of gifts, which is a blessing and a challenge. In August at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, which Erin attended, voted to merge the three-word and service rosters into one with the title deacon. This will help people in the future as they hear God calling them to serve in unique ways, it will help the structure of the church to give more clarity What s in a name? Diaconal Minister Erin Morris is now Deacon Erin Morris and it will help us globally as this is a title many people already know and use. So now we will have two rosters, or ways to serve publicly, in our church: minister of word and sacrament, pastor minister of word and service, deacon So what does this mean for Erin? Her role at St. Andrew s remains the same, working with our New Members and all people who come to St. Andrew s to find where God is calling them into this community and beyond. She will continue to equip, welcome and support this community in discerning God s call and witness in the world. And Erin is also continuing to discern her own call as she enters back into seminary to pursue a Master of Divinity and become a Minister of Word and Sacrament. This will be a three-year process and she will be working on her studies as she continues her work here at St. Andrew s. The Church is always changing, being made new by God. We are God s children and are always being called by the Holy Spirit into service. As the church and Erin seek out God s wisdom we pray that you all will continue to do the same in your own lives. 17

18 Children and Family Ministry Register today for We are excited to kick off our new school year of DOCK (Disciples of Christ Kids), our children s education program! Classes begin after Labor Day and are available during worship services on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. We require a new registration for each child for each school year. Please register by Sept. 1 to ensure you re ready for check-in the first week. Online registration is open now; click on the register button at the top of the St. Andrew s homepage. September DOCK Theme: Jesus is Calling! During September we ll focus on how to follow God s call in our lives. DOCK stands for Disciples of Christ Kids, so we will learn what it means to be a disciple. Children will explore the Bible through art, games, prayer stations, drama, science, service projects and more! Let s shine our lights for Jesus! October DOCK Theme: The Healing Power of Christ s Love Get ready to soar on wings like eagles as we study Isaiah 40:31 in October. We will focus on the healing power of Christ s love as we look at Bible stories that teach us about God s healing power. We will work on a service project, become aerospace engineers, and harness the power of a Praying Family. God s healing power is all around us. Volunteer with DOCK: If you love kids, if you have kids, or if you are a big kid yourself, then DOCK, our children s education program, is the perfect place to answer God s call. Children are a vibrant part of St. Andrew s ministry and they need your help! Did you know there were 600 kids registered for DOCK last year? We re looking for volunteers of all ages, at all services, to spend time with these youngest members of St. Andrew s. Volunteer whenever it works for you: a couple times per year, once a month, or three times a month. Your time makes a big difference -- and volunteers often say that they learn more than the kids! Middle Schoolers can be assistants - and earn volunteer hours for Confirmation High Schoolers can be leaders or special buddies Adults of any age can help in a variety of ways - during class, special events or prep work during the week Talk to the Children s Ministry Team or sign up online and we ll help you find the perfect place to serve - and have as much fun as the kids! 18

19 Children and Family Ministry Important Dates in September and October September: 3/4/7: Intergenerational Worship 9: Parents' Night Out 10/11/14: DOCK begins at all worship services and Wednesday evening 18: Baptism Class 23: St. Andrew s Block Party October: 1: First Communion Workshop 1/2/5: First Communion Celebrations and Intergenerational Worship 13: Baptism Class 14: Parents' Night Out 19: Family Service Night 30: Tricks and Treats with the Mighty Organ Family Ministry Opportunities Parents Night Out Fridays, Sept. 9 and Oct. 14; 5-8 p.m.; Sanctuary Building; Cost: $10/child or $25/ family; Age 1 - Grade 5 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 is not provided). Registration closes the Thursday before the event. Register online through the Register button on the top of the homepage. For more information, contact Masako Kedrowski at or mkedrowski@saintandrews.org. Skipping Stones All registrations for Skipping Stone Workshops and Celebrations are available online. Register anytime for your events. First Communion Workshop: Saturday, Oct. 1; 9:30 a.m. -12 noon in the Great Hall Celebration options: All worship services, Saturday, Oct. 1; Sunday, Oct. 2 or Wednesday, Oct. 5 Children Grade 1 and older are invited to participate in the First Communion Workshop. The decision to participate is one made by the family, as each child develops differently, both mentally and spiritually. Communion is always open for any believing heart to participate. The workshop is a supplemental element to aid in understanding the sacrament better. During our workshop, participants will explore the history of communion, partake in a sampling of Passover foods, bake bread and learn how to prepare for the sacrament itself. Parents or godparents are asked to attend class with their child, but the whole family is invited to join. Please register to participate in the workshop and celebration. Registration is available online through the Register button on the top of the homepage. Celebrating Baptism Baptism Preparation Classes: Sunday, Sept. 18, 12 noon, Sanctuary Room 204 Thursday, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m., Great Hall Room 2 It is expected that families attend a Baptism Class before the baptism of each child. Childcare is available. Registration is available online through the Register button on the top of the homepage (select a Baptism Class ). The class is free of charge; please register at least one week prior. To schedule a baptism or for more information, contact Lisa Heyer at or lheyer@saintandrews.org. 19

20 Middle School Ministry Fall Boogie Fest (Revenge of the Boogie) Friday, Sept. 30, 7:30-10 p.m. in the Great Hall; Cost: $5 at the door You can dance if you want to. You can leave your friends behind (actually bring them). Get ready for this year's Boogie Fest! Come dance your socks off, and, if you beat dance master Josh Carlson, you will receive a prize! For more information or to volunteer, contact Mary Post at or mpost@ saintandrews.org. Moonlight Madness Friday, Nov. 4, 8 p.m. to Saturday, Nov. 5, 8 a.m. Cost: $75. Registration Online. This year we will spend the night on the town St. Andrew s style! Come with us to bowl, roller skate, play laser tag and mini golf, hit the arcade, and watch a movie at Marcus. There will also be a few surprises! Please pay special attention to the bulletin and website for more details on theme, cost, and online registration details. Contact Josh Carlson at or jcarlson@saintandrews.org. High School Ministry The Early Bird Breakfast Club Starting Sept. 8 Thursdays, 6:45-7:30 a.m. Mahtomedi: Coffee Cottage, 88 Mahtomedi Ave. Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m. Stillwater: Starbucks, 5980 Neal Ave N, Oak Park Heights Fridays, 6:30-7:15 a.m. White Bear Lake: Caribou Coffee, 4th St. & Hwy. 61 Meet with other high school youth to begin your day in God s Word. Come for coffee, breakfast, connections and good conversations. All high school youth are welcome! Clubs meet only when school is in session. For more information, contact Josh Carlson at or jcarlson@saintandrews.org. Peer Ministry Meetings Sundays, Sept. 25 and Oct. 16, 12-1:30 p.m. Youth and Sports Center Pier 7 This is our monthly meeting to check in, connect with fellow peer ministers, grow in our faith, and do some extended training. We will expand our visioning from the Peer Ministry Retreat in August. Come see where this transforming ministry is going and where God is working in our lives. RSVP to Josh Carlson at or jcarlson@saintandrews.org 24 hours ahead as lunch will be provided. Middle & High School Wednesday Night Alive Starting Wednesday, Sept. 7 2:45-7:15 p.m. in the Youth and Sports Center Cost: All activities are free; pizza and snacks available for purchase Join the fun Wednesdays after school in the Youth and Sports Center! Need a place to relax or burn off some energy after the school day? Space is available for homework, gym time, organized games, outdoor games (when weather allows), and a movie room. For more information, contact Mary Post at or mpost@saintandrews.org. First Day of School Walk Tuesday, Sept. 6, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. in the Youth and Sports Center (Suggested donation is $5.) The first day of school can be an exciting and nerve wracking time. To start the school year off right, we will gather early and share in fellowship, pastries, and early morning OJ. Afterwards, we will walk as a group to Mahtomedi Middle School and High School. This is open for all 6th through 12th graders. Want to send your support to the young people of St. Andrews? We will gladly accept donations of baked goods for the event. Contact Josh Carlson at jcarlson@saintandrews.org for more information. 20

21 Confirmation Proclaim Jesus Christ, Live in Christ, Serve! Dates to Remember 9th Grade Confirmation: Wednesday, Sept. 7, Orientation, parents and students, 5:45-6:30 p.m. in the Great Hall Wednesdays, Sept. 14, 21, 28, small groups/parent teaching time, 5:45-7:15 p.m. in the Great Hall Wednesday, Sept. 21, Stole Night, 7:15-9 p.m. in the Youth & Sports Center Wednesday, Oct. 5, small groups/parent teaching time, 5:45-6:30 p.m., Confirmation Worship, 6:30-7:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 8-9, Confirmation Retreat (all youth must attend) Wednesday, Oct. 19, Family Service Night, 5:45-7:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, Confirmation Banquets Sunday, Oct. 30, Rite of Confirmation Celebration Confirmation Guides Needed! Are you willing to help pass on the faith to our next generation of young people? Your church need YOU to help invest in the faith of our youth! This fall, 450 youth will begin Confirmation. They will be divided into 60 plus Small Groups, which need 100 Small Group Leaders. We are in need of caring Christian adults who have a heart for kids and a desire to help them grow deeper in their faith. Come to a Leader Training (see below) to find out more about how you can serve. Contact Josh Carlson at or jcarlson@ saintandrews.org for details, or register online at saintandrews.org. Confirmation Guide Trainings Sunday, Sept. 18 Noon-1 p.m. in Sanctuary Room 201 or Wednesday, Sept. 21 or 28, 7:15-8:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary Room 204AB 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Sunday Confirmation: Sunday, Sept. 18, Orientation, parents and students, 4-5:30 p.m. in the Youth & Sports Center, Pier 7 Sunday, Sept. 25, large/small groups, 4-5:30 p.m. in the Youth & Sports Center, Pier 7 Sundays, Oct. 2 & 16, large/small groups, 4-5:30 p.m. in the Youth & Sports Center, Pier 7 Wednesday, Oct. 19, Family Service Night, 5:45-7:45 p.m. 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Wednesday Confirmation: Wednesday, Sept. 28, Orientation, Great Hall, 6:30-7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, Confirmation Worship, 6:30-7:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary Wednesdays, Oct. 12 & 26, large/small groups in the Great Hall, 5:45-7:15 p.m. or 6:30-7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, Family Service Night, 5:45-7:45 p.m. 21

22 Women s Ministry: iconnect Ask yourself, Do I connect through Bible study? Through retreats? Through events? Through Women on the Edge? Through prayer? Through serving? Checkout the fall opportunities so you can see where you connect! Bible Study Options This fall iconnect Bible study will be looking at the women of Genesis, the book of beginnings. We see everything for the first time: relationships, sin, forgiveness and grace. You will see how the mothers of faith could also be sinful and fall short and revel in how God used them just as they were. Live Relationally; Lessons from the Women of Genesis is set up to be a daily study on your own or a small group study. $20 covers books and any materials. We suggest using the women s iconnect study as a companion to READ Bible study with Pastor John Straiton, which is studying the Old Testament this year, and/or the Tuesday evening book study with Pastor Kyle Jackson, which is studying Beginnings. Choose online, in person, or both. Online study at staiconnect. blogspot.com. This online study allows you to connect at a time and place that works best for you. New discussion questions will be added weekly; comment at your leisure. Discussion release dates: Lesson 1- Eve, Oct. 10 Lesson 2- Noah's Wife, Oct. 17 Lesson 3- Sarah, Oct. 24 Lesson 4- Hagar, Oct. 31 Lesson 5- Lot's Wife, Nov. 7 Lesson 6- Rebekah, Nov. 14 Lesson 7- Rachel and Leah, Nov. 21 Lesson 8- Dinah, Nov. 28 Lesson 9- Tamar, Dec. 5 Lesson 10 Potiphar s Wife, Dec. 12 Once a Month, 1st Thursdays, 6:45 p.m. beginning Oct.6. Meet in the Great Hall at 6 p.m. for dinner and move to Room 2 for study. Twice a Month, 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 6:45 p.m. beginning Sept. 22. Meet in the Great Hall at 6 p.m. for dinner and move to Room 2 for study. Twice a month, 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9:30-11 a.m. beginning Oct. 8 with the Faith Café kick-off. Meet with your group for breakfast and attend the event. Subsequent Saturdays will meet in the Fireside Lounge. Weekly, Wednesday Mornings, 9:30-11 a.m. Beginning Oct. 5. Small groups will be set up throughout the Great Hall building. Facilitator training: Saturday, Sept. 17, 9-11 a.m. Please consider being a facilitator. Just two hours but they will be packed with everything you need to effectively lead a small group for this year. Register online at saintandrews.org. For questions contact Carrin Mahmood at cmahmood@saintandrews.org, or

23 Women s Ministry: iconnect Event Options Faith Café: A time of learning, fellowship and inspiration Saturday, Oct. 8, 8:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Coffee Bar: featuring coffee from Coffee Cottage in Mahtomedi Breakfast: Including oatmeal buffet, hardboiled eggs, and fruit. Interactive Table Conversations: Choose four tables to visit; each will have a host to guide conversation and encourage learning and sharing. Guest lecturer introducing the life and times of Old Testament women. Schedule: 8:30 9:30 a.m. Registration, Breakfast and Opening Worship 9:30 a.m. Welcome and Intro to the Women of Genesis 9:45 a.m. Table 1 10:10 a.m. Table 2 10:35 a.m. Table 3 11 a.m. Table 4 11:30 a.m. Closing Presentation $15 due by Oct. 1. Register online at saintandrews.org. For information contact Carrin Mahmood at cmahmood@ saintandrews.org, or Paint with a Cheerful Heart: A Social Painting Event with no experience necessary! Artist Sandy Danus, owner of Cheerful HeARTs, will guide us with simple instructions and basic painting techniques. Everything is included to come away with your own masterpiece, even if you have never painted before. Bring a light snack to share, meet new friends and come see what the painting frenzy is all about. Cost: $20 per person. Friday, Oct. 14, 5:30-8:30 p.m. or Saturday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m.-noon A Harvest Picture Friday, Nov. 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m. or Saturday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m.-noon A Christmas Picture Watch for details for 2017 dates... Friday, Jan. 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m. or Saturday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m.-noon Friday, March 3, 5:30-8:30 p.m. or Saturday, March 4, 9 a.m.-noon Friday, May 12, 5:30-8:30 p.m. or Saturday, May 13, 9 a.m.-noon Friday, June 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m. or Saturday, June 24, 9 a.m.-noon Register online at saintandrews.org. For questions contact Carrin Mahmood at cmahmood@saintandrews.org, or St. Andrew s 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. September Through the Shadowland, by Brian Sibley October The Four Things That Matter Most, by Ira Bijock 23

24 Women s Ministry: iconnect Retreat Option Harvest Retreat: Do our strengths keep us from fully connecting to God and others? Option 1 Friday/Saturday Nov. 4-5 or Option 2 Friday-Sunday Nov. 4-6 Kate Ostrem, our retreat presenter, a certified Enneagram coach, will lead our workshops, teaching us the Enneagram map to discover how our best strengths become weaknesses when overused. Kate is a St. Olaf grad and a gifted teacher who has led retreats and conferences from Mahtomedi to New Zealand. We will also learn how to dwell into times of silence, explore different prayer techniques and engage in meaningful worship. Choose one of two options : Option 1 (O1): Retreat without overnight: $40 Option 2 (O2): Retreat with extended fellowship at White Bear Country Inn: $60 (plus hotel room on your own). Block of rooms is reserved; choose single occupancy or share with friends. Ask for St. Andrew s Women s Retreat Block when making reservations. Friday, Nov :45 p.m. Registration Great Hall 6 p.m. Easing Into Silence 6:45 p.m. Keynote Presentation 8 p.m. Closing Worship O1-8:30 p.m. Head home, sleep well. See you in the morning. O2-8:30 p.m. Head over to White Bear Country Inn for swimming, movies, art project, appetizers and beverages at Rudy's Red Eye Grill poolside. Saturday, Nov. 5 O2-8 a.m. Yoga poolside (option), breakfast, extended time with Kate Ostrem; 10:30 a.m. Praying Outside the Box; 12:30 p.m. Lunch; 1:30 p.m. Keynote Presentation; 3:30 p.m. Free time; 5 p.m. Worship O1-6 p.m. Your Harvest Retreat is concluded and reentry into your world begins. O2-6 p.m. Convene at White Bear Country Inn for dinner downtown White Bear Lake 8-9 p.m. Back to White Bear Country Inn for social time. Savannah, Georgia Trip October Kayak the protected waters of Skidaway Narrows Paddle through one of the most beautiful locations in Savannah. As eagles and ospreys soar above we might see a dolphin or otter swim by. No kayaking experience required! (Don t want to get that close to the water? Opt for the Bull River boat cruise.) Hike Wormsloe Historic Plantation Walk through trails branching out through the woods, view historic ruins and paths and get breathtaking views of the Isle of Hope. (Too much walking? Enjoy the day at the gift shop and sit under the canopy of trees.) Retrace history in the Civil War Walking Tour This two-hour guided tour will take us back to the Civil War era on a leisurely walk through the Savannah Historic District. (Too much walking? Take the Paula Deen Trolley Tour instead.) Get spooked in the Ghostwalker Tour On this 1½ hour walking tour we will be led by a licensed city tour guide. We will get the chance to see at least seven of the most haunted sites in Savannah including cemeteries, homes, and battlefields. (Too Scary? Opt for the moonlight river cruise instead.) Bike Savannah We will ride through the historic district with an experienced, city-licensed guide as we learn both Savannah's fascinating history, and experience its colorful, modern vibe. (Don t love biking? There are trolley, bus and carriage tours to choose from.) $460 covers hotel and adventures. Travel arrangements are on your own. Contact Carrin Mahmood at or cmahmood@saintandrews.org for more information. Register online at saintandrews.org. Sunday, Nov. 6 O2-8 a.m. Breakfast and Farewells 24

25 Radical Hospitality: Proclaiming Christ s Love In Action Part 5 by Deacon Erin Morris Radical Hospitality is asking yourself, what can I do today to help someone else experience Christ? It is making yourself uncomfortable so that others are comfortable. It is not looking inward but looking outward. At St. Andrew s we have set a core value of serving with hearts of hospitality. Our faith in the Triune God drives this core belief. Abraham entertained strangers and the God of Israel told the Israelites to celebrate the Sabbath with all who are in the house, including foreigners. Jesus continued this practice as he welcomed all to be present with him. He received the prostitute, the leper, the Pharisee, the Jew and the Gentile. Often this made others uncomfortable. It made them examine who they thought was "in" and who was "out". It made them extend beyond their own experience and into the minds of others. Our world, right now, needs to receive some radical hospitality. Our communities need someone to step forward and welcome those who are different. Be kind to them and understand them. Listen to them, befriend them, show them the ropes and walk alongside them in their journey. And it starts with how we treat each other in our own community, our church, our family. Being welcoming does not mean that you agree or approve of someone s lifestyle, their political thoughts, or fully understand their cultural tradition. It means loving them as Jesus loves them. It means not treating them differently because of their differences. Listening and understanding versus yelling or trying to prove a point. At St. Andrew s, we are a broad mix of people who represent various social and political viewpoints, backgrounds, and ages. Our opinions may differ, but we are united in our mission. We are united in faith. We are united in one goal of helping all people know Christ s healing power. As the fall kicks off, new and old faces come to our church. Welcome them all. Get to know them, love them and walk alongside them. Be radical in your hospitality. Couples' Ministry Fall Kick-Off: Euchre Fest Friday, Oct. 14, Great Hall; Childcare Provided Registration online; cost is a dessert to share 6 p.m. - Euchre for Dummies 7 p.m. - Round Robin Euchre Tournament Come and enjoy an evening of card playing, laughing and great desserts. Euchre is a fast-paced card game. It, along with our faith, has German roots and the name can even be traced to our Eucharist (communion). We will play in a progressive style for the evening in which you will keep your partner, but change who you play against. If you don t know how to play Euchre come at 6 p.m. and learn the game. The kick-off will begin at 7 p.m. with a dessert break in the middle. The goal is fun, with a little competition on the side. 5 Gears: Learning To Be In Sync With Your Mate Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-noon Be present, connect more effectively, all while being as productive as possible. 5 Gears teaches you to shift into the right gear at the right time so that you can grow in your relational intelligence and increase your influence. More information will be released in October. 25

26 Sports and Rec Yogadevotion Yogadevotion is a practice of breath, prayer and movement led by a trained yoga instructor. Yogadevotion 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 at saintandrews.org. Eight-week session Sept. 12-Oct. 31; cost $64 Practicing in the Presence Mondays, 9-10 a.m. Multi-level; open to all ages. Classes will be held in Sanctuary Room 204. Seated in the Presence Mondays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Getting up and down off the floor can be difficult for many reasons. This Yogadevotion class incorporates poses that increase range of motion, improve balance and bring attention to the breath, all using a chair as yoga props. Classes will be held in Sanctuary Room 204. Practicing in the Presence/Yin Yoga Mondays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. Yin Meditation incorporates gentle movements and listening for the voice of God. Yin yoga is done on the floor, with props and with greater attention/space to breathing. While being one of the more meditative yoga practices, yin is also considered to be one of the more healing yoga practices as it works passively to open joints and release fascia both which when inflamed restrict our movements and activities of daily living. Classes are held in the Great Hall. Practicing in the Presence Mondays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. This multi-level class is open to all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Classes 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, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Youth and Sports Center. $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 to sign up and for additional information at Running Club 7:30 a.m. Every Saturday, year round! The group meets at the Great Hall and all levels are welcome. Contact Tim Torgerson at torgerson12@gmail.com for more information. 26

27 Claiming Your Place at the Fire Exciting Book Study please see article near the front of this publication. You're Invited -- Save the Date What: of St. Andrew's Fall Education/Dessert Event When: October 11, 2016, 6 p.m. Where: Lake Elmo Inn Event Center Theme: Unlock the Power of my Legacy! Due to the overwhelming response to our fall event last year (120-plus attendees), the Foundation of St. Andrew's announces a follow up to our complimentary "Dessert & Enlightenment" offering. This year's event will focus on ways of creating a personal legacy not previously covered in the last two years' events. Options are numerous and coincidently do not need to be significant in order to have impact. Presenters will include Pastor Mike Carlson and Dr. David Tiede, past President of Luther Seminary. Look for more details to follow. While early, we wanted those interested to "save the date" for what is sure to be another enjoyable, informative evening. Space is limited. Please RSVP by to lgoodroad@saintandrews.org or by Oct. 1 to ensure your spot. If you cannot make this event but would like information about the work of the Foundation, please visit saintandrews.org > Give > St. Andrew s Foundation. 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@gmail.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 May and June: Bob and Sharon Hanson in memory of Walter and Violet Christian; the listeners living at Boutwell's Landing, a senior community in Oak Park Heights,MN; Alda Rappold in memory of Eward Rappold; Alice in memory of her mother on her birthday Aug. 17; Dick and Nancene Getchell in memory of their son, Tim; Ted and Carolyn Ousdigian in honor of their 55th Wedding Anniversary and Ted's 80th Birthday. 27

28 Mission Jamaica 2017 Signups Now Available Temp Snow Hrs Sunshine Water Temp MN in 4.5 hrs/day Brrrr!! Jamaica hrs/day 81 degrees Anyone interested in a Jamaican Vacation With A Purpose this winter? Big plans are in store for Mission Jamaica 2017 that will include building homes, construction projects, providing health and dental care, caring and playing with children and young adults with special needs, and being the hands and feet of Jesus! Join us as we serve at numerous locations, witness many God moments and have our hearts filled with joy as we serve beside our Jamaican mission partners. Inter-generational adult and family weeks are amazing weeks when we serve together! Parents, grandparents and grandchildren, young adults and experienced repeaters, friends and families have the opportunity to serve together in Jamaica. The age difference fades away when the young and more experienced (older) serve side by side. Knowledge is shared as we depend on one another to get the job done for the day. Be amazed and re-energized by the lessons taught through the example of our youth as we witness our faith grow and we learn that age doesn t matter. No matter what your age, no matter what your skills- come together as a team and accomplish incredible things! Trip D: Jan 21-28, 2017 Kingston. Join us while we serve at Hope Valley Experimental School, Earth Angel Feeding Program and build a Ja Bode home in some of the poorest areas of Kingston, Jamaica. This will be the only week we serve in Kingston in ($1,977/double occupancy) Trip E: Jan 28-Feb 4, 2017 Montego Bay. Pastor Kyle Jackson will be leading the first of two Montego Bay teams. Serving at three different sites, there is something for all ages and all abilities as our one purpose is to serve others. This trip includes serving at West Haven Children's Home for disabled children and adults, providing a mobile Medical Clinic in three different rural communities, and building a Ja Bode (formerly Habitat for Humanity) home in 3 days for a needy family with children. ($2,076/double occupancy) Trip D/E: Jan 21-Feb 4 Kingston/Montego Bay. You can do it all! Join us for two weeks where you will serve first in Kingston, have a few days of rest and reflection, continue serving in Montego Bay, followed by a few days of rest and reflection before flying home. Truly a Vacation With A Purpose! ($3,387/ double occupancy) Trip K: March 11-18, 2017 Montego Bay. Pastor Sarah Breckenridge will lead our inter-generational Montego Bay team that includes Clifton Boys Home for boys ages 8-18, West Haven Children's Home and a second Ja Bode Home 3 day build! This week coincides with the Mahtomedi School District Spring break. ($2,239/double occupancy) At this time, we have air and hotel space reserved. If you would like to join us: We ask that you also register at $50/person is due now to hold your spot. Please leave payments in the Great Hall Church office with the Trip letter/dates written in the memo section. $150/person will be due no later than Oct. 1 and an additional deposit and/or final payment will be due in November. An informational meeting will be held Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2 p.m. in Sanctuary Room 204. Please join us as we share the story of Mission Jamaica. For more information, please contact Mission Jamaica director Jeff Peterson (jeffp@saintandrews.org or ) or Paige Peterson (pg.peterson@comcast.net or ). 28

29 Proclaim Jesus Christ, Live in Christ, Serve! Vision Slovakia St. Andrew's Helps Transform Our Neighbors and Friends in Slovakia Ten members from St. Andrew s and partner congregations lead the pre-school VBS program in Martin, Slovakia, together with music leaders Jan Gilbertson and Nancy Olker, July 4-8, The high school Peer Ministry program returned to Martin, Slovakia, for the third year led by St. Andrew s staff, pastor Michael Carlson, deacon Erin Morris and youth leader Josh Carlson, together with four St. Andrew s Peer Ministry high school leaders, Abby Rost, Hayley Boyd, David Espe and Josh Anderson, July 4-8, During the winter and spring of 2016 two builders groups from Roseville Lutheran Church and St. Andrew s went to Martin to participate in the renovation of the two newly purchased buildings for the expansion of the Lutheran Academy and High School in Martin, Slovakia. The photos give you an idea of the work and dedication that needs to be accomplished. The other photo gives you a view of the completion of the renovation work, providing new classrooms for the physics and chemistry labs. The students of the Lutheran High School have never enjoyed such facilities for hands-on learning in these fields. There is much more to be done to provide additional class rooms for all the students that are on a waiting list to attend the Lutheran Academy and High School in Martin. You are invited to be a part of St. Andrew s to continue our commitment to quality Christian education with your contributions. You are also invited to consider going with a team to teach VBS or participate in a builders group. Also watch for further information as we make plans to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Center for Christian Education in Contributions can be made by Visa, MasterCard or check to St. Andrew s Lutheran with Vision Slovakia in the memo line of your check. Please contact Paul Berge, director of Vision Slovakia, for further information: pberge@saintandrews.org or

30 St. Andrew s Staff Directory SAINTANDREWS.ORG > CONTACT US P A S T O R A L Mike Carlson, Lead Pastor mcarlson@saintandrews.org Sarah Breckenridge, Executive Pastor sbreckenridge@saintandrews.org Brian Norsman, Pastor of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry bnorsman@saintandrews.org John Straiton, Discipleship Pastor jstraiton@saintandrews.org Kyle Jackson, Pastor of Congregational Care kjackson@saintandrews.org A D M I N I S T R A T I O N John Swanson, Chief Operating Officer jswanson@saintandrews.org Patty Ingberg, Chief Financial Officer pingberg@saintandrews.org Mary Pat Moutrie, Director of Administration and Human Resources; Notary Public Services mpmoutrie@saintandrews.org Amy Ness, Financial Support amyn@saintandrews.org Lori Goodroad, Executive Assistant lgoodroad@saintandrews.org CONGREGATIONAL CARE Kyle Jackson, Pastor of Congregational Care kjackson@saintandrews.org Dana Gabor, Parish Nurse dana.gabor@saintandrews.org Lisa Grundtner lgrundtner@saintandrews.org CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY Mark Jackson Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry mjackson@saintandrews.org Lisa Heyer Children s Team Support, Registrations, and Baptism Ministry lheyer@saintandrews.org Mary Post Youth Team Support and Registrations mpost@saintandrews.org Masako Kedrowski Director of Early Learning mkedrowski@saintandrews.org Greta Bahrke Preschool Education Minister gbahrke@saintandrews.org Ellen Skaja Elementary Education (Grades K-3) Minister eskaja@saintandrews.org Erika Hiland 4th and 5th Grade Minister and Communications ehiland@saintandrews.org Sarah Chouinard Great Hall Family Education Minister sarah.chouinard@saintandrews.org Josh Carlson Middle School Youth Minister and Confirmation jcarlson@saintandrews.org C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Tara McAdams tmcadams@saintandrews.org Joe Holmberg jholmberg@saintandrews.org FACILITIES Dale Bakken, Director dbakken@saintandrews.org Dee Balentine, Hospitality and Events Lead dbalentine@saintandrews.org F A I T H E N G A G E M E N T Erin Morris, Deacon emorris@saintandrews.org F R O N T L I N E Carrin Mahmood, Director cmahmood@saintandrews.org F U N E R A L S Lisa Grundtner lgrundtner@saintandrews.org MEMBERSHIP Ronda Sowada rsowada@saintandrews.org M E N S M I N I S T R Y Dianne Nash, Support, Notary Public Services dnash@saintandrews.org MISSIONS - INTERNATIONAL MISSION JAMAICA Jeff Peterson, Director jeffp@saintandrews.org VISION SLOVAKIA Paul Berge, Director pberge@saintandrews.org Dianne Nash, Support, Notary Public Services dnash@saintandrews.org M U S I C M I N I S T R Y Jan Gilbertson jgilbertson@saintandrews.org Bill Chouinard bchouinard@saintandrews.org Sara Renner, Contemporary Worship Director srenner@saintandrews.org Dianne Nash, Support, Notary Public Services dnash@saintandrews.org PRESCHOOLS OF ST. ANDREW S Margie Munter, Director Full-Day Preschool mmunter@saintandrews.org Shannon Freese, Assistant Director Half-Day Preschool sfreese@saintandrews.org ST. ANDREW S VILLAGE W E D D I N G S Carole Lundell clundell@saintandrews.org W O M E N S M I N I S T R Y Carrin Mahmood, Director cmahmood@saintandrews.org WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS Carole Lundell worshipcoordinator@saintandrews.org COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER Executive Director Liz Schreier, lschreier@saintandrews.org Help Line Jen Thompson, center@saintandrews.org Volunteer Coordinator Debbie Larson, dlarson@saintandrews.org C H U R C H C O U N C I L David Kroschel - President Matt Langer - Vice President Sarah Ecker - Treasurer Myron Goeser - Secretary Josh Anderson Keith Beckman Carol Bufton Bill Miller Diana Rehnberg Bruce Smith Kathy Stark Rebecca Taibl 30

31 31

32 900 STILLWATER ROAD MAHTOMEDI MN Proclaim Jesus Christ, Live in Christ, Serve! NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED TIME-VALUED MAIL 32