Son Times Winter 2019

SON TIMES ST. ANDREW LUTHERAN CHURCH

WINTER 2019/2020

PRESENCE

Presence

Leadership

The Importance of Being Present Have you ever noticed that a different you shows up when you are excited about the content and scope of a meeting or a presentation? Or, how about this one. Do you have the same amount of anticipation for a dental visit as you would, say, a round of golf or taking in a movie or a play?

A few weeks ago I was reminded how important showing up is for someone who’s in need. I was, overall, doing fine but I had something that was, in an intellectual way, perplexing. I immediately thought of someone who, in this case, would have the intellectual bandwidth and experience to be able to offer some wise words and counsel. I knew this person in a professional sense. We had crossed paths before but, other than a few words of introduction, there had been no real or deep conversation.

I reached out to this individual and, wouldn’t you know, the person got back to me quickly. Not only that, but the person reached out to me one additional time to see how I was progressing. To say the least, it meant a lot to me, and it also told me a lot about the character of that person.

The day after All Saint’s worship, where people light candles in memories of loved ones who have died, a colleague of mine said, “We need to know that, in one way or another, everyone is grieving something.” Instead of that being a downer or bad news, I think it’s just the way it is. Life is, at times, very hard. At the same time, life, as a whole, is very good. Therefore, depending upon the day and the circumstances therein, we all find ourselves in a place where it would be great if someone would take the time to listen, sit with us, share a smile or a tear, offer a word of encouragement or support.

In the end, my friends in Christ, It’s not about solving. It’s not about removing. It’s about just being present. So, when we come upon someone who needs a little help, a little care, a little tender, loving care, may we do so with confidence, hope, and yes, even a little bit of excitement. Excited that our quiet and affirming presence will be of help!

So help us, God. David Lillejord Senior Pastor

1

Presence We believe as Christians that Christmas is not so much about the presents as it is about the Presence. God gave us the gift of Jesus Christ and we can, in turn, give of ourselves to others during a time of year that is difficult for many people. The teaching of the Incarnation has everything to do with God being fully present with us and for us. This series invites us to take an in-depth look at God’s presence with us and how we are called to fully participate in our own lives and in the lives of others as a result of the Incarnation. In other words: “Living Out Our Faith In Daily Life.”

December 1 | Presence December 8 | Present December 15 | The Very First Christmas Present December 22 | Presents

“Notes” From the Music Office

Music & Worship

Scandalous Presence we doing this? To put it simply: I believe that we can best prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming at Christmas by realizing that he is here with us already whether we have prepared or not. In one sense, how can we ever prepare for the arrival of Jesus Christ who has changed everything by his coming? Our series “Presence” will explore what it means for God to be with us and what it means for us to present, fully present, in the lives of others. This is especially important when we realize the impact we can have on our friends and loved ones who are struggling at this time of year.

When John penned his Gospel, he was addressing a prevalent teaching of the day called Gnosticism, which taught that our bodies were evil but only our spirits were pure. So for John to write that God became flesh in the person of Jesus was scandalous but a necessary move as the church was forming and

“How on earth did the idea ever sneak into our thinking that the matter, the flesh, is evil, while only the spirit is good? What a horrendous mistake, which has distorted our understanding of the Incarnation ever since!”

Madeleine L’Engle

We’re breaking the rules this year and I think it’s all to the good. We usually don’t hear the passage from John 1 read in worship until we get past Advent and we’re in the Christmas season (in the lectionary, John 1 is often assigned for Christmas Day worship when most people are not in church but at home, knee-deep in relatives, presents, and egg casseroles). This year we’re kicking off the Advent season with the passage from John 1 that tells us: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Why are

we still need that truth today. Missionary and author E. Stanley Jones tells us that all the questions that are raised in the flesh must be answered in the flesh.

In other words, God in Jesus can be truly with us and for us precisely because he became one of us. The same is true of our faith and we see this in our mission statement: “living out our faith in daily life.”

It reminds me of what Duke Ellington once wrote: “it don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!”

We hope that you will join us for a rich and meaningful series this Advent as we delve deep into the joy and promise of the season. My prayer for the people of St. Andrew is that this Advent sparks joy, hope, and peace in your lives and hearts as we celebrate the real and true presence of God with us every day. To paraphrase a modern proverb: be the Christmas gift that you want to see in the world!

See you in church!

Tim Graf Music & Worship Coordinator

2

Presence

Present with Each Other and Present for the Sake of Others: St. Andrew, Eden Prairie United Methodist Church, and PROP A couple years ago, a small group of St. Andrew members joined me to explore the possibility of building a vegetable garden at St. Andrew. The goal: to rally gardeners at St. Andrew to stock PROP’s food shelf with longed-for fresh produce. As we explored the idea more, we approached the Eden Prairie United Methodist Church (EPUMC). They had a PROP garden on their property publicly visible from Scenic Heights Drive.

What could we learn from them? Our questions were warmly welcomed, as we had a shared partnership at PROP in common. As we continued our explorations back at St. Andrew, we unfortunately abandoned the idea of a garden. It would not work for a number of reasons.

But, the relationship with the EPUMC and our shared partnership with PROP was kindled.

This past summer, EPUMC member Lois Hyde, Pastor Mary Brown, PROP’s Development Director, and I hatched a plan. Their garden was in need of some dramatic improvements to increase its capacity. Their shed was inadequate and they needed new tools. At the time the St. Andrew Endowment Fund was receiving applications to fund one-time capital improvements that would enhance programs such as this. Their application was approved by the Endowment Committee. Next growing season, the EPUMC

3

will have enhanced capacity to serve our neighbors in Eden Prairie.

A lesson here is this: if we could not have a garden at St. Andrew to benefit PROP, let’s help another garden thrive for the same purpose. And, let’s celebrate the shared conviction with another church in our neighborhood. Indeed, this is something to lift up and celebrate.

How did this all come into being?

For sure it has everything to do with God pulling together shared interests. What does this look like in a practical sense?

I believe it has a lot to do with being truly present in our community. Being truly present means listening to needs and considering these needs opportunities for Christian service. It has to do with keeping our eyes open to see where good things are happening and where enthusiasm for care and compassion exists.

As we listen and keep our eyes open, we are more engaged and present. The world may seem like a tough place these days, and it is, but when we listen and look around intentionally, we can be surprised and delighted by opportunities for collaboration for the sake of others.

As we begin this new Advent season at St. Andrew, we look forward to hearing again all that the season of Christ’s coming brings. But I invite you to look and listen widely, not just in the conventional sense. God’s presence is all around us. Pray

Left to Right: Lois Hyde, Pastor Mary Brown, Pastor Becky Jo Messenbrink, Pastor Peter Johnson, Janet Palmer

for our Methodist friends who gather in their church to celebrate the coming of Jesus just like us. Pray for the dedicated and persistence presence of organizations like PROP that bring hope into our community and with whom we partner. When we are truly present, we see that hope and peace exists abundantly. Look. Listen.

Celebrate. And, repeat.

In Christ’s Service, Peter Johnson Pastor of Service & Small Groups

Endowment Fund

Prayer of dedication shared by the Eden Prairie United Methodist Garden Team:

Creator of all things and Giver of all life, let your blessings fall upon this garden shed that holds so much potential for mission and ministry. It is a simple shed created from ministry partnerships that extend throughout the community of Eden Prairie.

Bless the people of St. Andrew Lutheran Church for their gift that enabled us to expand our garden ministry. Bless the people of PROP who will receive the food grown in our garden. Through our collective ministry, people will be fed, community will be built, and lives will be changed.

Bless this shed, the items in that will be contained within it, and the people who will serve through it. Make us stewards of these gifts and remind us that we have been appointed custodians, not only of this building and plot of land, but of all your creation.

This we pray as your humble servants and stewards of this amazing planet. Amen.

4

Presence

Hospitality/Capital Appeal Update

Hospitality: a Ministry of Presence First impressions will most often be the determining factor as to whether or not a visitor will come back. Those first impressions are best made by the way people feel at home from the moment they enter the door of our building until they find their way back to their car when they leave. In other words, it’s good old fashioned hospitality that creates a good first impression. Hospitality is a ministry of presence.

Whether you are a greeter or an usher, an altar guild volunteer or a communion

assistant, and whether you help serve rolls and coffee on Sunday morning or serve meals on Wednesday evenings—all of you have an opportunity to leave a great and lasting first impression to anyone and everyone. If you are involved in one of these areas—“Thank You!” This is important work that you do. If you would like to know more about how you can be involved in this very important ministry, please contact us at debandgina@standrewlu.org. We would welcome your ministry of presence!

Deb Flach & Gina Altmann Volunteer Coordinators

With Every Act of Love Capital Appeal Update…it’s going well!

We are now almost ¾ of the way through our 2-year With Every Act of Love capital appeal. During this time, your giving has been outstanding having received almost $1,254K through October of this year. As a result, we have accomplished a lot of good work. Our sanctuary renovations are complete, we have added more adult education space on the south end of the building, we have installed a security system, and new floors for our Early Learning classrooms and restrooms are in. Additionally, we have moved $100K into our building reserves.

While this covers many projects that were on our list, there is still more to be done. Over the next six to nine months we will replace much of the carpet on the gym floor, install an artificial surface on the remaining half of the Early Learning playground, install air conditioning in our kitchen, and move additional funds into our reserves.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us with their presence, their wisdom and their giving as we took on this work. And a HUGE thank you to our Capital Appeal Team, to Jerry Gorder, Carl Nelson, and Sarah Blake who have guided us in our fundraising, in managing contractors, doing some constructing of their own, and helping us with color and design work. Thanks be to God for all that has been accomplished and for all that is yet to be done!

5

Presence

Hospice Care/Safety Team

Hospice Care: a New Ministry of Presence at St. Andrew This fall St. Andrew was invited to consider a ministry opportunity through Methodist Hospital in providing care and support to hospice patients and their families. We have 10 individuals who are participating in training through Methodist at this time, with several more who could not attend the training but are interested in this work through St. Andrew.

We have received some excellent and helpful information through this training and hope to bring it to our own program at St. Andrew while also supporting some of the important work needed through Methodist Hospital. The pastors look forward to working with all of these volunteers as we love and care for families with our presence during these difficult times.

There will be more information coming out after the first of the year on how others can be a part of this great new ministry. If you would like more information or are interested in becoming a hospice care volunteer, contact Pastor Gail at pastorgail@standrewlu.org.

Gail Bach Pastor of Stewardship & Evangelism

Safety at St. Andrew With many people coming and going at St. Andrew every day of the week, it is important that we give good attention to people’s safety while they are here.

The installing of a security system was a very important and much needed step toward greater safety for children and adults here at St. Andrew.

Another great step made this fall was the establishment of a Safety Team, which is being led by Barb Carroll and Steve Starks. Over the next few months they will develop safety procedures covering everything from fires and severe weather to dealing with intruders and medical emergencies.

If you ever have safety concerns about anything here at St. Andrew, please let us know. On Sunday mornings you can contact an usher or go to the receptionist’s desk where someone will respond right away. If you are here during the week, please let the receptionist know right away. If you see something, say something. That is the best prevention and the best response in ensuring everyone’s safety here at St. Andrew. While we have taken some good steps, there is still a great deal of work that needs to be done in this area. If you are interested in helping this team in any way, please contact me at sstarks@standrewlu.org.

We welcome your wisdom, your time and your presence! There will be other opportunities to volunteer in the future.

The team will determine needs for additional help as the community gathers on Sunday mornings and for Wednesday activities at St. Andrew. Please give some thought and prayer to how you might become involved and watch for further information.

Steve Starks Building & Property Manager

6

Presence

20–30-Somethings Ministry

Young Adult Innovation Thanks to a grant by the Lily Foundation, the 20–30-somethings of St. Andrew are on the move. Small group bible studies, brewery gatherings, and plans for a Winter retreat are all made possible by a dedicated group of people who have spent time listening and planning for ministry with and for 20–30-somethings. In August and November, we hosted Twin Cities Wide Lutheran Young Adult trivia nights with music by Pastor Matthew and friends, time to gather and meet other Lutherans. With over 100 people at each event, it was clear that the Holy Spirit is moving! Gathering in people’s homes, 20–30-somethings have shared meals and faithful conversation, building a sense of community and purpose. Look out for other ways to get involved, or contact one of the team: Jamie Samuelson, Paul McKay, Sydney Mason, Matt Gribben, and Jamie Efnor.

7

Presence

Church Anew

Church Anew Church Anew continues to provide top-notch learning opportunities for church leaders across the region. We are celebrating the success of our November conference and hearing anticipation and excitement for our January event. But, “Who is a church leader?” you may ask. Of course, your pastors, staff and council members are. I need to tell you a secret, though. If you are reading this magazine, you are a church leader. You are engaged in the ministry of St. Andrew and we would love you to join one of our Church Anew events.

Telling the (old) Story in New Ways January 27–28 $49 for St. Andrew Members

Story is at the center of our world, from the relational stories told on social media to the carefully crafted advertisement narratives and immersive stories on television, streaming services, and on the big screen. The church has a rich story to tell, but we don’t always do the best job sharing this story in media that are constantly changing. For two days you will be immersed in story work, with keynotes that will inspire you to develop your own story and learn the stories of others, workshops that will help you build skills for storytelling in a digital age, and time to connect with other storytellers to hone your craft.

Cafeteria Christian Live Podcast Show January 27, 7:00 PM Hopkins Center for the Arts $20 for St. Andrew Members Treats and a cash bar will be offered

Join hosts Nora McInerny and Natalia Terfa for a romping good time, authentically questioning our faith and becoming a better kind of Christian. Nora is the author of several books, hosts a Minnesota Public Radio produced show called Terrible Thanks for Asking, and recently took the stage at TED to give a talk entitled, We don’t move on from grief, we move forward with it. Natalia is an ELCA pastor and author of the Daily Uplift, a devotional that gives little doses of God’s promise to uplift your soul. Their friendship and laughter are contagious and you won’t want to miss it.

Matthew Fleming Pastor of Teaching & Young Adults

8

Presence

Early Learning

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Psalm 16:11

T

he children at St. Andrew Early Learning help to shape the path of learning. Our teachers are actively present in the children’s’ daily routine and believe it is important to be alongside them as they learn and grow. There is something to be said about just being present and letting the children know we are there. So much of what happens in our children’s’ day is spontaneous and in the moment. This is especially important as the holidays come upon us and the busyness and hustle and bustle of the season approaches. As we follow Jesus’ model of being present in the lives of his disciples, we also strive to be like Jesus in the lives of the children that we teach. We challenge everyone to stop and be present in the moment, appreciate the little things and enjoy life.

9

Kathi Wieman

Melanie Eggers

Melinda Eddihi

Preschool Director

Childcare Director

Childcare Asst. Dir.

Presence

Children’s Ministry

Presence—in Children’s Ministry If you want to learn something about presence, hang out with kids. They are better than anyone I know at living in the moment and truly being present.

One of the most powerful ways I have experienced God’s presence in my ministry with kids and families is on Wednesday nights. After programs are wrapped up and kids are simply waiting for parents and grandparents to be done with their grown-up activities, we have 30–60 minutes of unstructured time for Ms. Arlene’s Fun and Games. This is a time for kids to decide what we are going to do. We share stories, worries, and laughter. Kids show me how they can flip their tongue over inside their mouth, or dislocate their shoulder joint, or stand on their head. I show them how I can wiggle my nose. Sometimes we create with glue, glitter, pipe cleaners, paper, markers, and every imaginable craft supply. They tell me what they love about school, and what makes them anxious.

They show me how to fold paper into airplanes that can really fly, and into teeny tiny paper cranes. They share their dreams of being an architect of beautiful buildings, an astronaut headed for Mars,

or the world’s most amazing hockey player. We are silly and we are serious— and God’s presence is palpable—filling our time with life and love.

I invite you to practice presence in your unstructured moments these next few months. Enjoy the conversations and laughter with friends, family members, and people you have just met, as we all get ready for Christmas. Celebrate the kids in your life at home and at St. Andrew. Observe their enthusiasm on Thanksgiving Eve for singing, and for pie. Share in their excitement as they retell the story of The Very First Christmas Present on December 15 during both morning worship services. Wonder with them about a Christmas present that could change the world. Experience their wonder and unbounded joy on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Give them high-fives on Wednesday nights and greet them on Sunday mornings with a hand-shake or high-five. Notice God’s presence all around you.

Arlene Flancher Children’s Ministry Director

Children’s Ministry Save the Dates •

Nov. 30: Salvation Army Bell Ringing at the MOA

•

Dec. 1: Movie Madness in Sunday School/Difference Makers

•

Dec. 7: Breakfast in Bethlehem (Christmas party!)

•

Dec. 8: Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal

•

Dec. 15: Christmas Program Worship

•

Dec. 18: Christmas parties in Bible and Boogie, Bible Blasters, and FUSE

•

Dec. 22: Happy Birthday, Jesus Party in Sunday School/Difference Makers

•

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Wiggle and Worship at 3:00 PM

•

Jan. 12: Second Grade Camping Intro with Burke Hancer in Sunday school

•

Jan. 24: Crazy-Cozy Lock-In for 3rd and 4th graders

•

Feb. 7: Love Your Neighbor Family Event

•

Feb. 21–23: Fifth and Sixth Grade Winter Retreat at Spirit in the Pines

10

Presence

Middle School Ministry

Shine Your Light, Disciple Your Neighbor We are so blessed at St. Andrew by the countless members and volunteers who turn a really good church into an excellent one. I love the energy that pulses through our building as the leaves change color and the air begins to cool. Wednesday Night returns to a bustling rhythm of fellowship around the table, music rehearsals, laughing and learning. The Sanctuary is filled on Sunday mornings with worship and wee ones, sacrament and song. In Middle School Ministry, I particularly love the feeling of Fall. 7th graders join up with Confirmation for the first time, 8th graders reconnect with their small groups, and 9th graders journey up to Spirit in the Pines to prepare for their Affirmation of Baptism service.

None of these amazing moments in ministry can happen without the volunteers who are present with our youth. In this hectic, busy world we live in, there are many people among us who have been giving of themselves.

In particular, St. Andrew is blessed by small group leaders in Confirmation.

I feel that our Confirmation guides are well-described in Matthew 5:14– 16. These verses speak of discipleship, and the importance of being present with others in their faith journeys: You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.

No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

11

I love watching our Confirmation leaders shine their lights on the 11 through 14 year olds at St. Andrew.

These high schoolers, young adults, parents, and wise ones pour into Confirmation students with a warm smile, much-needed encouragement, and their wisdom from experience. I am reminded often of the simple, but sacred needs we have as Christians—a safe place to land, space to ask big questions, and a friendly face that always shows up for us. At Confirmation, these wonderful volunteers help meet these needs for our youth.

In this upcoming Christmas season, I hope we can all strive to be present with one another. Help a neighbor carry in their groceries from the car.

Volunteer at the Holiday Shop with Cornerstone or Bell Ringing with the Salvation Army. Sponsor a family in need. Invite a friend over for simple conversation and coffee.

Create a safe place. Ask big questions. Be a friendly face. At the end of the day, what we really need from one another is our time—our presence.

Let’s take note from the examples of our Confirmation guides who disciple middle schoolers right here at St. Andrew. Disciple your neighbors. Shine your light before others. And see how your good works give glory to God this holiday season!

Reilly Orner Middle School Ministry Director

Middle School Ministry Save the Dates • Nov. 16–Dec. 22: Holiday Giving • Nov. 17: Mission Trip Registration Opens • Dec. 13: Timberwolves Game • Jan. 24: Middle School Winter Party

Presence

A

couple of years ago we had our family Christmas, we all received the gifts that we expected with the exception of one gift for myself. I received my expected golf balls for Christmas but then one other gift that I did not know was coming. As I unwrapped this gift, I found all the ideas of what it could be running through my head. When I finally opened the gift there was only one thought that came to my mind, from The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, I got a rock. I had received a rock book my grandma had bought for me back when I was in 3rd grade. That year my grandma did some cleaning and found the book again so naturally I received a second present, a rock book at the age of 22.

I remember my parents always telling me growing up that it’s about the thought not the present. That was the case here, I was not really excited about the present, I am not entirely sure the thought was there either. There was one thing I was happy about though, spending time with my family. We don’t always receive

High School Ministry

the presents we expect and the thought behind the presents don’t always follow our thought process. But we can be sure of one thing, the love behind the gift.

As we head into this Christmas season we are reminded of the gift that God gave us as he sent his son to earth. This was the greatest gift the world has ever know, the gift that was prophesied for thousands of years. This was the one gift that mattered, the one that would give life to all. This was when we received God’s presence in our world and in our lives.

We are excited for the Christmas season here at St. Andrew and our chance to celebrate the gift God gave us and the presence of God in our daily life. We have had a great start to our year with our Wednesday Night Youth Group and High School Bible Study. We have had some great discussion and even better fellowship. We have also enjoyed some great activities such as paintball, river tubing, and camp. We now look forward to some other great chances to get connected with others from St. Andrew such

as Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Timberwolves game, and Ice Skating. This is a great gift that God has given us where we are able to enjoy fun activities with other Christians. So if you have not been able to see what our High School Ministry is all about be sure to check us out.

Just remember that it is not the present that matters but rather the presence and love that really matters. Be sure to look through the gifts and see the giver and their heart, as they offer gifts from their heart for you. It might not always be what you would like, it might not even be what you need, but it is with love that we give gifts and it is with love we receive them. So be sure to be the gift in others’ lives and to show love in everything you do. God Blessings this Christmas season!

TJ Helgren High School Ministry Director

12

Presence

Visitation Ministry/Prime Timers

Life is different in God’s Presence

Let your light so shine before others that they see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Our Advent theme is “Presence.”

Since “advent” means “a coming” Christians celebrate the coming of Jesus in the flesh as a newborn baby in Bethlehem.

As Jesus preached he made this promise, “I will be with you always, even to the close of the age.” The word “presence” means “being present, appearing or existing within.”

At many of our baptisms, our pastors share the following words with the parents and godparents of the child being baptized, “Let your light so shine before others that they see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” What this means to me is that we take God’s Spirit and Presence, which is within us, into our everyday lives with the hope that others see Christ in us.

I have a friend who has God’s presence in him and the power of God’s presence has made a huge difference in his life. For years this man has volunteered hours of his time at Methodist Hospital visiting sick people and bringing the joy and love of Christ into every room he visits week after week and year after year.

People in the hospital know that he’s a volunteer and wouldn’t have to be there but he shows up without fail. Isn’t that what Jesus does for us, he shows up day after day, trial after trial without fail?

Christmas Potluck and White Elephant Gift Exchange December 17, 12:00 PM | Room 206

We will enjoy one another’s cooking at this potluck luncheon as well

as doing a White Elephant Gift exchange (new, used, old, silly, hand-medown, whatever). Bring a main dish or salad to share and a small dessert.

Great fellowship will take place, lots of laughs, some funny and crazy gifts and of course the yearly Christmas trivia and carols! Join us—we’d love to see you! Sign up in the Prime Timer’s white binder at the front desk.

13

This man has volunteered for dozens of service ministries at St. Andrew and for years has been an active member of a service organization in the community.

I was with him at breakfast recently and at least four people stopped by our table to tell me what a great guy and friend he is. There’s a saying, “Don’t just talk the talk but walk the walk.” Well, this man does that consistently and people have noticed. If they ask him why he gives himself to care about others, he will say because of Christ’s presence in his heart and life. When his wife became ill, he cared for her every need without ever complaining. His delight came from loving and nursing her. It can be said of him that he has “never hid his light or love for God under a bushel basket, but lets it shine through him.”

I wonder how intentional we are or could be this Advent-Christmas Season to take Christ’s presence with us into everything we do. Someone once said, “We may be the only Bible some people ever read!” So, what do others see as they read our life, and do they feel God’s ‘presence’ in us?

Roger Schindel Visitation Pastor

We may be the only Bible some people ever read.

So, what do others see as they read our life, and do they feel God’s presence in us?

Presence

Seeds of Support Mission: Haiti

Crisis in Haiti: Presence with Our Haitian Friends Sustains Hope, Purpose For the past several months the population of Haiti has been expressing rising levels of dissatisfaction with its country’s economic and political outlook. The resulting public demonstrations related to high inflation and gas shortages has pushed the country to a new level of crisis rarely witnessed by Seeds of Support in its 9 years of partnership with Redemption Lutheran Church in Jacmel, Haiti.

In light of the changing circumstances, the Seeds of Support board made a proactive decision to cancel the upcoming mission trip to Haiti in December, dramatically changing the plans of the eager 16 trip participants.

Hear this: God’s presence of hope and purpose in Haiti is more important now than ever before! As people of faith following Christ to bring hope and healing in the world, the ongoing mission in

15

Haiti will be adaptive and resilient as it evolves to meet the emerging needs of the community. How is Seeds of Support responding already?

•

•

•

Prayer—Pray to God for Haiti. Pray for leaders to bring good wisdom to the crisis. And, pray that Redemption Lutheran Church’s mission to the local community can bring the grace and peace of Christ in new ways.

Water Tower—The new concrete water tower construction will be completed as soon as possible. It still needs its 1,500-gallon tank (3x bigger than the last tank), new solar panels, and plumbing. This new and independent system of water distribution will be available for the entire community.

Emergency Distributions—Seeds of Support will equip Pastor Holand

•

with periodic and basic emergency assistance that the church can distribute during the crisis.

Technology and local partnerships— Seeds of Support is already enhancing the ability to communicate more efficiently through technology with local leaders and emerging organizational partners in the local community.

How will our friends in Haiti experience God’s presence? Answer: through the Body of Christ at St. Andrew living out their faith in Haiti. Thanks be to God for the many ongoing gifts of support and encouragement.

Peter Johnson Pastor of Service & Small Groups

Presence

Congregational Council

What to Do With a Holiday Joy-Void It was Christmas Eve service of December, 2017 at St. Andrew. A magnificently-decorated, packed sanctuary.

Cheerful congregants flanked by smiling family members and friends. Familiar seasonal praise and worship hymns supported by a wondrously talented choir.

Peacefully twinkling candles and lights.

The evening was made of every splendid thing to appreciate on the jubilant celebration of our Savior’s birth.

There I sat, slightly lower in my seat than usual, imperceptibly scowling, my mind pre-preoccupied with the worldly ‘stuff ’ that had slowly eroded my cheer over the past year. I could not set my preoccupations aside of my own willpower, not even for just this hour. The details are insignificant, but by December I had already endured a long winter of professional discontent. I was embittered, stressed, and mentally exhausted.

My heart felt obstinate, resistant to the season’s glee. The Holy Spirit seemed quiet and so very far away. I was present in worship, but I could not access the euphoric emotion of Christmas. Struggling to suppress my worldly thoughts, I wanted to be fully engaged in this celebration service glorifying our Savior. After all, He is the One I certainly expected would save me from my present turmoil. [Spoiler alert: He did.] Instead, that Christmas season I felt mired in my stress and discontent. To further magnify my frustration, I doused myself with a good measure of self-loathing for my inability to focus on the reason for the season. Sitting in the sanctuary, I vacillated between feelings of Christian resolve and defeat.

The joyous feeling eluded me. I could not compel my lips to sing. If I knew Jesus is my Savior, with love more powerful than my temporary concern, why couldn’t I feel celebratory?

Feelings are a very tricky, fickle thing.

We expect to feel joy during the holidays.

We expect to feel close to God. When we don’t—when our feelings are incongruent with our expectations during the Christmas season—we may feel disappointed, resentful, defective, lonely, angry, hurt, guilty, or sad. What can we do when we are standing in the holiday joyvoid? What do you do when, in search of the Holy Spirit to lift you up, the echo back from the void sounds too much like your own voice and not God’s? What if, perhaps, there is only silence?

We can embrace the Christmas gift of faith. Faith provides what human emotions cannot and God’s grace allows us to keep a holiday joy-void in perspective. We turn to God’s steadfast word to be reminded of His affirmations and His never-failing presence. We may meditate on these affirmations even when we cannot feel them. We can show up for worship and rely on our faith-community connections to remind us—to carry us— when we feel too tired, too distant, too spiritually shut-out. And we can accept the loving invitation from our Father to “Be Still and Know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). Be patient with yourself.

He is patient. Be kind to yourself. He is kind. Know that God is more powerful than our feelings. Share them with Him. Know that God loves us through all of our feelings. Know that God is still God despite our feelings. If you find yourself in the holiday joy-void this season, find the stillness. Rest in Hope. Know, even when you cannot feel. Joy comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5).

“Be Still and Know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Kris Hansel Council Member

16

Presence

Camping Ministry

God’s Presence at Camp God’s presence is alive at Spirit in the Pines. Campers love being with friends, making new friends, participating in crazy fun games and activities, being more independent, singing and praying at campfire worship, and the list goes on. The culture at camp of inclusiveness, acceptance, and being a part of the group that is experienced by most is worth its weight in gold. It’s what makes camp the “thing” for campers. The ability to be one’s self in that type of atmosphere allows each camper to experience God’s presence in an extremely engaging way that is unique and personal.

Spirit in the Pines is a place where God’s presence lights the fire in our souls. God’s Spirit, love and grace is seen, felt, and experienced as everyone practices living out their faith each day. In Bible study, cabin devotions, at meals, playing games, around the campfire, and in worship, campers, counselors, and staff care for and lift up one another. Everyone is encouraged to be the flesh and bone, heart- pounding, loving expression of God’s presence for each other.

I see God’s presence at work all of the time, every single day at camp. It is the volunteer counselors and counselors-in-training (CIT’s) that often times stand out most for me. I am humbled by how freely the over 160 counselors and CIT’s share their love, care, and faith with their campers. For some it may be playing catch, throwing a Frisbee, or playing tetherball with campers. Others might sit on a bench or log swing and talk and laugh with “their” kids. Through all of these deliberate and serendipitous ways, God’s presence and love permeates every aspect of camp. It is awe-inspiring!

17

Here is what others have to say about their Spirit in the Pines Camp experience: •

•

•

We love the opportunities for our daughter to go to a camp where her faith is nurtured above all other potential activities! My heart leapt with joy when I heard her talk so favorably about church camp and that she would even go without a friend! That says a lot about Spirit in the Pines!

Spirit in the Pines is my all time, absolute favorite place on earth. It’s the highlight of my summer and even my whole year. I always have so much fun worshipping god and spending time with my friends. I feel the most connected to God when I am there! I get to leave all my worries behind when I come to camp.

My daughter has found joy, companionship and the confidence to seek our Lord and savior at Spirit in the Pines. I am so grateful for the welcoming attitude you have shown even though we are not members. You and your entire team and community are so special to us!

Spirit in the Pines is more than just a place to go; it is a faith shaping experience where God’s presence is met face to face!

Burke Hancer Camping Ministry Director

Upcoming Worship Bluegrass Christmas & Ugly Sweater Sunday Sunday, December 8 9:00 & 10:30 AM

The Very First Christmas Present Christmas Program Sunday, December 15 9:00 & 10:30 AM

St. Andrew’s first ever Bluegrass Christmas Sunday will be on Sunday, December 8 at both morning services. It will also be our 3rd annual Ugly Sweater Sunday so bring your friends for a fun morning of toe tapping music, great worship, and lots of Christmas spirit!

Join us as our children tell the story of The Very First Christmas Present, and help us imagine what present we might give today that would change the world. Music, dance, acting, storytelling, and a message from Pastor Lillejord will allow us to experience Christmas presence, as for the first time.

Christmas Worship Times I Won’t Be Home for Christmas Thursday, December 19, 7:00 PM Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24 11:00 AM, 1:00, 2:15, 3:00­­Wiggle & Worship, 3:30, 4:45, 10:00 PM Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25, 10:00 AM

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 7179

13600 Technology Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952.937.2776 | standrewlu.org