Issuu

ST. ANDREW LUTHERAN CHURCH SON TIMES FALL 2022 HERE WE GO

My friends in Christ, there is no doubt that life has been an odyssey the last few years. (Far too many ups and downs to even begin a list.) Nevertheless, in and through it all, St. Andrew and the fine and committed people of St. Andrew have worshipped—in person and online. We have studied the Word of God—in person and online. Many and various groups have gathered—here and online. (Reading books, talking, sewing, serving, and praying.) For that, and so much more, we give you thanks for your participation and generous support. Perhaps now, more than ever, the work and the tasks of the church are even more essential to the quality of life that we seek and desire. See all of you soon for the fall kick off: “Here We Go.”

“Here We Go”

One of the blessings of the past six months has been to witness many people returning to worship after a long hiatus. I love to witness people seeing one another after what has been a long break. There’s an added sense of joy and appreciation in the greeting, the handshake, or the hug. “How have you been?” “Tell me about what you have been up to.” “I want to hear all aboutTheit.”climb out of COVID has been steady, yet gradual. With each passing month, there are more people who are returning to in-person worship. At the same time, we have maintained a very strong presence of people who worship online—either on a Sunday morning or sometime later at their convenience. In our hearts and minds, nothing could be better. We want every one to be able to worship and study—in a way and in a setting that feels comfortable, safe, and meaningful. As I look ahead, I just wanted to make sure that you know that, starting Sunday, September 11, we will, once again, be celebrat ing three different Rally Sundays. All right, why in the world would we have three different Rally Sundays, again?

Be well and God bless!

David Lillejord Senior Pastor

1 Here We Go Leadership

Well, that’s what we planned last year and, frankly, it was a great way to begin the program year. Most of all, it was a lot of fun. Even more importantly, there are many different ministries and programs that need to be highlighted and showcased so you can prayerfully consider how you might want to be en gaged this year at St Andrew. So, beginning Sunday, September 11 plan on joining us for all three of the Rally Sundays, 2022.

Sunday worship opportunities include being a worship greeter, usher, communion assistant, or

Here we go . . . with YOU!

he fall Rally Weekend church theme of “Here We Go” is very fitting for this fall. The summer is coming to an end with it’s laid back feeling marked with vacations, extended family time, kids at home and longer days. As the fall season arrives so does the hustle and bustle of schools starting, fall sports, shorter days, and the fall kickoff of full church-wide programming—Here We Go!

Here We Go Hospitality 2

These and other volunteer opportunities can be found on the St. Andrew website by typing in “Hos pitality” or “Safety” in the website search bar. Please contact Burke Hancer at 952.697.7118 if you have any questions or need more information.

Burke Hancer Safety & Facility Operations Director

To have every worship service, program and event run smoothly at church we need volunteers— WE NEED YOU! We are planning on big things at church this year as we continue moving forward, always forward in our faith journey through worship, fellowship, and wonderful activities and events. One of the great things about volunteering is the opportunity to connect with others. One of the great things about volunteering at St. Andrew is the many and varied opportunities to volunteer and connect!

Alter Guild (they prepare and set up communion, baptisms, and special worship services). Sunday volunteers are also needed to help set up and serve donuts and coffee, or even join the Donut Holes. Wednesday evening volunteers are needed to assist and serve meals. We are also recruiting safety volunteers to assist during activities and worship, by monitoring hallways and parking lots, being a contact if someone needs something, providing support in case of an emergency.

I am tremendously excited about music at St. Andrew this year! In case you are new to St. Andrew, I want to use this opportunity to mention that we have a fantastically talented and committed music staff here and many opportuni ties to participate in vocal choirs and bell choirs for virtually all ages. If it has been a while since you’ve sung in a choir, or even in the choir here at church, this is a perfect time to get involved as we have some wonderful things happening that are well worth lifting up in this space. St. Andrew has been blessed to be part of not one but two commissions of brand new music this year! This means that our Canticle Choir will be among the very first singers in the world to sing these pieces but also, and perhaps more importantly, it means that we have contributed in a significant way to the arts, to the larger church community, and to the larger choral community. This is a big deal and something well worth celebrating. The first of these pieces is a new arrangement of the hymn “Lord of All Hopefulness” by celebrated composer Jocelyn Hagen, commissioned in honor

these two back to back special Sundays at St. Andrew. If you’re not a singer, I’d encourage you to take this opportunity to share what is so special about this church with your neighbors and friends and invite them to come and see what we’re all about here.

Singing a New Song to the Lord

Our fall worship series, “Here We Go,” will ground us in God’s purposes for the church as we are called together to praise our Lord, grow in community that nourishes our spirits, and are sent out to be the change we want to see in the world. May God’s Spirit ignite a passion in you to worship, serve, and grow in your faith. Come and join us for a great year at St. Andrew. Let us, as your spiritual leaders, help you connect with each other and grow in your faith as together we join in singing a new song to the Lord.

3 Worship & Music“Notes” from the Music Office

– Martin Luther

Tim Graf Director of Worship & Music

of Jan Maudlin’s years of ministry with the Canticle Choir. This hymn will be sung by the choir on Reformation Sunday, a fitting time for new music to be sung as the Reformation is all about telling the old, old story in new ways. The second came about as St. Andrew had the opportunity to join with eight other churches to co-commission a new Requiem from composer John Michael Trotta. Our Canticle Choir and a professional orchestra will perform Trotta’s brand new Requiem on All Saints’ Sunday (November 6) at both services and the composer will be coming to St. Andrew to be part of the dress rehearsal with the choir and orchestra. These kinds of experiences are unforgettable and deeply meaningful for choral singers, and will doubtless inspire some very rich and memorable music making in our services that Sunday. If you’re a singer who hasn’t had time in your schedule to have a regular commitment to the choir, this might be a perfect time to jump in for

“As long as we live there is never enough singing.”

See you in church!

I sometimes feel like we have a full life, not a life full of meaning. There is a difference between the two. I wonder what could be discovered together. Reach out to me and let’s start the conversation.

4 Small GroupsHere

This past summer, Michele’s company invited a speaker to close a local conference. It was Billy Beane, the Executive Vice President of Player Operations of Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics. His story is the well-known baseball movie Moneyball starring Brad Pitt almost 20 years ago now. Our oldest son, Alex, is an avid fan of baseball like me. Michele texted us on that Friday morning as it occurred to her that we might want to hear him speak in-person. I dropped what I was doing, raced to pick up Alex, and got to the hotel ballroom just in time. We even got a photo with him afterward.

Peter Johnson Pastor of Service & Small Groups We Go

God bless,

Now that I am done bragging about my ‘brush with greatness’, I will get to my point. When applied widely, Beane’s work and vision in his role in baseball has impacted not only the game, but also corporations, non-profits, and individuals. In a nutshell, the A’s (like the Twins, too) had to think differently to be successful because they lacked money to buy players compared to teams like the Yankees or Dodgers. Instead, teams need to be creative, resourceful, visionary, experimental, and sometimes quite outside-the-box to be successful.

Small Groups—Giving Them a Try Can Enrich Your Life

I think this makes sense on a person al level, too. What I am writing about is a life that is satisfying, meaningful, worth while, contributing, and faithful. I am much more interested in this kind of life. How do we get there?

A bit like Moneyball, we can benefit from thinking about our life and pur poses in a new way. Just because we have always done or been this does not mean you can’t shift gears into something new and meaningful. You have heard it said that this period of time can be called the Great Resignation. Now, much study is ongoing about this trend and I am no

expert. But, I hear people are saying, in effect, “I don’t want to do what I used to do.” People are saying that they want less stress, more convenience, and life activ ities more aligned with their interests. Some people have taken dramatic steps to try to accomplish this.

I am wondering if you have an in kling to try something new or that you need something more. I am wondering if you would like to align yourself with some people who share your values or in terests. I wonder if you have a little itch to do something differently to see where it would take you.

If I polled a group of people who are in small groups, I think I know what they would say. A small group relationship helps keep them anchored and growing in faith. Some read and discuss books. Some play kickball or softball. Some get to know others over a glass of beer and conversation at a local brewery. Some travel together. All of them would say that they have developed faithful friendships that has given them a faithful foundation for their lives.

• Seminary Scholarships

• Holiday Giving

year through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). She will join others in their work alongside Palestinian Lutherans in Jerusalem and the West Bank. St. Andrew members, including her parents Ken and Lori Warnberg, will have the chance to visit her in Jerusalem next March as Michele and I lead a pilgrimage trip there. The Benevolence Committee is sponsoring her presence there with a gift of $5,000. Regarding the Endowment Com mittee, do you recall the cold weather fire that destroyed the food shelf at the House of Charities/St. Stephen’s Cath olic Community in Minneapolis? This dramatically affected the care of the hungry and homeless in the communi ty. The organization has since merged with Agate Housing and Services. Soon, they will break ground on an expanded facility, a capital project that will service the community for years to come. St. Andrew’s Mission Endowment Fund granted $4,000 to assist them with their rebuilding process.

Benevolence Committee 2022 Gifts

gift from the Benevolence Committee, I draw your attention to how we empower ongoing work in the world through faithful people in our church. Sophie Warnberg is a seminary student from St. Andrew, attending Luther Seminary and planning one day to serve the church as a pastor and church leader. She was raised here, went to camp and mission trips, and has been an active leader in our Confirmation program. She was awarded a Young Adults in Global Mission post in Jerusalem this coming program

• PROP

• Fight Human Trafficking Run/Walk

• Ugly Sweater prize money

• Church Anew

• Tributaries of Hope—Uganda

• Feed My Starving Children

I know how much these folks appre ciate being in this outreaching ministry because when their terms on their re spective committee are up, they express how much fun they have had. The En dowment Committee carefully sustains the principle balance of the Endowment Fund while distributing a portion of its earnings (approximately $20,000$30,000 each year). The Benevolence Committee oversees distributions from the Benevolence Fund that will receive $100,000 directly from the offering plate during 2022. These are impacting minis tries going on Highlightinghere.one

Benevolence & Endowment Funds Embrace Needs with Generous Gifts

As you can read here, much as been done already. But each committee stands by to receive additional applications be cause needs never go away. Check the website for information or contact me directly. As we can stay active in provid ing ministry in the world in these and other ways, it demonstrates that the love and grace of God is always available and makes a difference. We say ‘here we go’ because our care for the world is only just Godbeginning.bless,

Peter Johnson Pastor of Service & Small Groups

• Arrive Ministries (refugees)

• Church Music Commission

5 Here We Go Benevolence & Endowment

• Minneapolis Area Synod

• House of Charity

• Forest Hills Elementary School

• Habitat for Humanity Twin Cities

The way St. Andrew carries out its faithful mission in the world is multiple and varied. People hear or experience God’s care and promise of Jesus through what we hear, say, and sing on Sun day mornings. It is also about Sunday School, Confirmation for 6-8th graders, and small groups for Christian learning and fellowship. We also have 14 people who serve on two outreaching arms of St. Andrew’s ministry to bring hope and healing in the world: the Mission En dowment Committee and the Benevo lence Committee.

• Loom Knitting Class

Endowment Committee 2022 Gifts

This packing event is also serves another purpose. As St. Andrew leans into our first fall ‘post’ pandemic, it is good to get off on the right foot. Sure, we will continue to take all necessary pandemic precautions. But we also need to get going, get serving, get into the process of actively teaching our children (and people of all ages) more and more what it looks like to care for our neighbors here and around the world. With this Mobilepack event, we jump in with both feet. Here we go!

Pastor of Service & Small Groups

It is important in life and faith is to be part of something that is working to bring about hope and healing in the world. It follows the commissioning of Jesus to the disciples to feed, tend and care for others. Whenever St. Andrew engages in a project in the community, people hop to it. We have 72 school supplies kits donated this summer to Forest Hills Elementary School students, the most ever. I appreciate how parents want to include their kids in these events as it models for them a faithful life. Like Service Learning Camp participated in by 16 6–7th graders this summer in Duluth and the North Shore, the youth learned about care and compassion by doing.

All this is to say that St. Andrew is hosting a Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) MobilePack event. Have you volunteered for FMSC before? We have volunteered to pack food at various times and dates on and off for years. Kids were involved in our Children’s Ministry program. Our seniors in Prime Timers have done it. Now, we have the chance to pack over 100,000 meals in the Fellowship Hall at four different packing sessions on Friday and Saturday, October 7–8. We will need 470 volunteers! Boom—Here we go to make a difference.

Yes, Feed My Starving Children is all about supplying emergency food for the world’s hungry people. It is also about education and learning. We learn that children of the world die in the millions each year because of pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, and malnutrition. However, I did not know that over half of the deaths of children is caused by hunger. FMSC estimates that 6,200 chil dren die each day due to undernutrition! The growing food shortages in the world due to inflationary pressures for the most vulnerable, the war in Ukraine, and other countries hording food for its people point to the fact that we have a great deal to learn and do about food security in our world. These challenges may determine if the world can sustain itself in healthy ways.

Peter Johnson

6 Here We Go Service

In Christian service,

Christian Service through Feed My Starving Children—A Wakeup Call for the Faith Life

Do not

“Be strong and courageous. be afraid; discouraged, LORD your God will be with you you go.”

do not be

– Joshua 1:9

of wandering the desert how do you suppose the Isra elites felt about Moses taking them away from slavery by telling them “Here We Go?” After 5 years? Not only 20 years but, 40 years?! There were many snags along the way for the Israelites: lack of water, starvation, idolatry. But, God shows them and us that no matter how dark things seem, He will provide. It is easy to lose sight on the fact that God will provide. It is human nature to want and to expect immediate gratification. God pro vides on his time, not ours.

for the

Melinda Eddihi Childcare Assistant Director

No matter where we go or how far we wander, God is always there providing. This is a simple concept that we teach our youngest of learn ers in the Childcare and Preschool programs as we go into a new school year. This can also be a reminder for those of us that are not the “young est” of learners to hold fast to our faith and an assurance to those just finding out about God’s eternal love that you cannot learn any younger than you are today.

When one is part of the Early Learning world and is asked to think about the phrase “Here We Go,” thoughts of different modes of transportation come to mind. While the Bible does not speak of planes, trains or automobiles, there are many different modes of transportation used in the Bible. Although the Bible talks about transportation by boat, cart, camel and even fish the most widely used form of transportation is that of Afterwalking.ayear

wherever

Melanie Eggers Childcare Director

Kathi Wieman Preschool Director

Here7 We Go Early Learning

It the deepest truth and most core spiritual teaching that can be shared that we are ALL loved by God, unconditionally. Nothing can make that love greater or lesser. When we know that, truly know that as best we can, we can’t help but let that love spill out and grow! Love is at the foundation of all we do with and for our children, as it should be.

Children’s

MinistryHere We Go

Children are not the future of the church. They are the church, just like everyone else! Children have gifts and purpose and meaning and talents. They have questions and energy. They have ideas and en ergy. They have passion…and energy. Celebrating who children and their families are and what they have to give shows that they are valued as unique individuals in a community that embraces them.

Loved

I want to hear what children have to say, what families have to say, and to absorb those conversa tions with purpose and intention. Yes, I know that kids usually have A LOT to say, and I am here for every word! When we are heard, we are shown re spect and dignity and that is what I aim to do with this community.

I am enthusiastically approaching this position to be among your community and serving with the Children and Families at St. Andrew! I’m excited to foster a place where kids are heard, valued, loved, and can learn and grow in the love of Christ and a Christ-centered community. Probably we will do that while playing games, eating snacks, and talking a lot!

Heard. Valued. Loved.

Valued

Those are the core tenets I believe and bring with me to Children’s ministry!

Heard

I’m excited to meet you all and to get the ball rolling with an amazing year of ministry at Sunday School, Wednesday nights, milestones, and more!

Lisa Schensted Children’s Ministry Director

Here we go! The High School Ministry is off to a great start! We saw a successful turnout in July for our meet and greet lunch and a great time during our coffee socials in August, and this is only the Kaseybeginning.andIhave been increasingly busy for the anticipated upcoming school year in the High School Ministry. We’re planning to invigorate the high schoolers in our area with a judgment free, energetic space between the bonfire on September 7, and our weekly Wednesday Night Youth Groups (WNYG). We’re also brainstorming a monthly Bible study centered around constructive conversation on faith and community.

We’re both extremely new to the region and the church, so we’re wading the waters while trying to find our footing for this important ministry. We have felt tremendous support from this congregation. Everyone here is setting us up for success, which motivates us to exceed expectations up, up and away (I had to plug-in a Superman pun)!

Here9 We Go High School Ministry

Rally Sunday, September 11: After worship services

I have felt this positive energy since starting this job. It’s the most rewarding position I’ve had in my entire life. I knew how accepting and important this place of worship is since the first moment I stepped through the front doors in May. It’s important to both Kasey and I to extend that feeling into our High School Ministry. We also want to capture that magic of acceptance on the other side of our job through social media and communications.Withseveral kids going into a new and scary environment (high school), we’re looking to establish a relaxed, at-home environment where all feel welcomed and where any question can be asked and answered, to the best of our capabilities.

With high school ministry, however, we recognize the unique challenges brought to the table. As the teenage years take full force, high schoolers are less likely to attend church events, as they struggle with their own faith, beliefs, and mental health. That’s why it’s incredibly pertinent to us to recognize those pressures, and meet each high school student where they are. Each student is welcome, regardless of where they are in their own unique faith journey, or any personal crisis they may be dealing with.

Rally Sunday, September 25: After worship services

Weekly WNYG: 8:00–9:30 PM

Feed My Starving Children October: TBD

Finding our way with faith

Zack Benz Communications & High School Ministry Coordinator

Faith is a journey, and in many ways that journey begins in high school. We are both so excited to begin this fall, and we can’t wait to meet you all!

Upcoming events for High School Ministry

Rally Sunday, September 18: After worship services

10 Congregational CouncilHere We Go

For that enthusiastic 5th grader, the excitement those few days before school started was more than just coming together as 5th graders. It was also about creating new friends and reuniting with old ones. Most of the kids in our neighborhood were a few years older than me and while I was having fun, I was hoping for more of a connection. I was looking forward to uniting with my classmates. Luckily for me, a unique bond was created that year. I don’t know why or what caused it. Maybe, it was the release of Smokey & the Bandit, we all wanted a Trans Am; maybe it was the novelty of the Minnesota Kicks and their goalie Tino Lettieri. Irrespective of what brought us together, from my 5th grade class, I met Rett, Razzy, Tommy, Joey, Randy and Ellie—all who I can still call my friends after almost 50 years.

As we transition from a wonderful Minnesota summer to the colorful, crisp fall, I look forward to coming together Sundays to worship at St. Andrew. It’s a time to rekindle friendships while building new ones with a common bond of living out our faith in daily life enthusiastically like a 5th grader.

Here We Go . . . as a 5th grader from Forest Hills Elementary.

As an incoming 5th grader, which was a very long time ago, I rode my red Schwinn bike 6 blocks to Forest Hills Elementary a couple days before school start ed. The game plan was to sneak into the school and see the class rosters posted in the hallway. I was so curious to learn who was in my class for the coming year. We lived a neighborhood close to school with a copious number of kids, with games going on every day and every night. However, there was something about going back to school that year that was more exhilarating than another game of kick the can.

What has kept this small group of 5th graders from Forest Hills Elementary together for so long you might ask . . . I believe the unique bond created that year led us to become each other’s lifelong loyal fans. We have been through good times and bad times together. We are proud of one another; support each other with an uncon ditional love and were not shy to share how we feel.

Steve Galleger Congregational Council

Gail Bach Pastor of Stewardship & Evangelism

It’s Not Just about Diversity!

11 Transitions/A More Just WorldHere We Go

We have learned a lot about ourselves and about others these past two years, all with the goal of helping to make this world a better place. As we make plans for A More Just World this fall, I invite you to participate in this ministry and to help Pastor Peter and I explore new

Gail Bach Pastor of Stewardship & Evangelism

When I hear the words “Here We Go,” I think of three things: 1) There’s a plan, 2) We’ve got what we need to execute the plan, and 3) Everyone is on board.

As I think about my role over the course of the next eight months, I too have a plan—it’s a plan for transition to ensure that the many hats I have worn over the years will have new owners and that everyone feels comfortable and

I enjoyed this work very much. I was also struck by how much work was needed. It quickly became clear that this work would need to take on a life of its own and it couldn’t end after every employee had gone through one of these sessions. I also believed that there was a much bigger reason for doing this than to improve corporate profits.

confident to assume these new duties, many of which will be taken over by our new Senior Director of Church Operations, Meggy Wagner.

Every time we start a new program year, that’s exactly what comes to mind for me. Each staff member has developed a plan for their particular programs that will carry them through the next several months. They are inviting the people and gathering the tools they need for their programs. Others on our team—including Communications, Facilities, and Admin istration—are on board ready to provide support to help ensure things go well.

Other duties will be assumed by pastors; our new Children’s Ministry Director, Lisa Schensted; Burke Hancer; our new IT partners; and a variety of church leaders. I am confident that everyone is up for the challenge and exactly what we need to move forward in these transitions with strength and excitement.So...“here we go!” It’s another new beginning which is sure to provide inspi ration, fulfillment and God’s good grace. I can’t wait!

Before joining the staff at St. Andrew many, many years ago, one of my previous employers invited me to take part in an initiative to help train others on “valuing diversity.” This was new work for many companies at the time, but it was clear that the work was necessary and valuable. So, I was trained to be a trainer, so to speak.

That is why the work of A More Just World is so important to me. This work is God’s work. We all need to be doers of this work as well as recipients of its benefits. We all have something to learn from it and we all have something to contribute to it. It’s not just about the color of someone’s skin, their religious beliefs or their sexual orientation. It’s not just about valuing our differences. It is about those things and much, much more.

areas of focus. Come join us! The more perspectives we have—the more ways in which we can learn from one another!

Transitions

Back in Switzerland from the Kazakh assignment in 2001, I met a very funny and handsome American, Jack, and off we moved to New York. Our daughter Sophia was born there in 2003. I started to get involved first in Sophia’s preschool, and then in the ELCA Lutheran church that ran the preschool. I ended up renovating the church, and serving on Council and Call Committee for an interim and new permanent pastor.

August 1, 2022. My first day at St. Andrew. What a great opportunity for me to join this vibrant community of faith, and to listen and learn how to best contribute to make it even stronger and prepared for future challenges. As I’m sitting in my newly painted, empty office, I’m wondering how I got here.

Meggy Wagner Senior Director of Church Operations

A rather unlikely journey, which started in Germany, where I was born and raised, and went on to receive a Master’s degree in Russian interpreta tion from Heidelberg University. At the time, the Iron Curtain was falling, and opportunity abounded. I started my corporate career as a Russian in terpreter for a multinational engineering company. I traveled in Russia and Ukraine extensively during those years.

In 2016, we moved to Edina for Jack’s job, and when I could no longer ignore that Sophia would be leaving the nest for college soon, I started job hunting, and was called to Richfield Lutheran Church as Director of Busi ness Administration, tasked with the financial re-organization and re-vital ization of the church and childcare.

When I became a bit tired of repeating other people’s thoughts (while being squarely convinced that I had the better ideas, of course), I quit and got my MBA from Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands. That degree landed me a job with a large American conglomerate first in Switzerland, and after that for four years in Kazakhstan, where I got to be the Controller for a new factory construction project.

And then in June this year, a headhunter called on behalf of St. Andrew. And I reacted to her call the same way I reacted to all the other big turns in my life: I should quit my well paid interpreter job and go back to school? I should leave beautiful Switzerland to live for four years in Kazakhstan? I should marry an American and move to another continent for possibly the rest of my life? I should leave my call to Richfield Lutheran, now? Thank you, no way, no how.

But in all these decisions, I had two things going for me: smart and loving family and friends who said ‘goodness gracious, you can’t possibly say no to THAT!’, and the faith that God was nudging and guiding me where I needed to go next.

I am humbled and excited to join St. Andrew, and to get to know many of you over the next months. I am also deeply grateful to the leadership and Council of St. Andrew for allowing me to split my time for the next couple of months to finish my work at Richfield Lutheran. Thank you for including me in your faith journey.

12 Here We Go Church Operations

We’re so glad you came!

In talking with some of the older members of St. Andrew, they tell me that sometimes it’s hard for them to get going on Sunday mornings and that they just aren’t feeling very good.

Whenever I think about church and being with all the people who share my faith and value worship together, I think about the theme song to an old television series called “Cheers.” The opening two verses describe for me the fact that all of us carry the troubles of the world, grief, aches and pains with us to worship. Here are those opening lyrics that were sung as each of the “Cheers” episodes started:

When those days come, they choose to watch our worship ser vices online but they all say, “Pastor, watching the service at home alone is never as good as being there with all the other people.” Imagine coming to church and finding that you’re the only one there. There’s no joy in that. Worship is complicated because we love being together as we praise and thank God. We like the time before and after worship to visit with friends who know our name and are glad we came.

Sometimes you want to go Where everybody knows your name And they’re always glad you came You want to be where you can see Our troubles are all the same You want to be where everybody knows your name.

Something important happens in those gathering mo ments—we feel we’ve worshipped God and connected with others. We feel like we’ve shared the joy of God’s love and our troubles seems more manageable and we are ready to go home and pass that feeling of being cared about on to others. Philippians 2:4 reminds us “Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others and do it!”

Roger Schindel Visitation Pastor

Here13 We Go Visitation Ministry

Making your way in the world today Takes everything you got Taking a break from all your worries Sure would help a lot Wouldn’t you like to get away?

Order: The biggest differences between the two ways of ordering the books is that the Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Ezra-Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel, and 1-2 Chronicles are part of the third section—the Writings—in Jewish Bibles. The result is that the last book in the Protestant Old Testament is Malachi, whereas in the Jewish Bible 1-2 Chronicles comes last.

The Protestant Old Testament is the Same as the Jewish Bible (Sort of) Protestant Christians—such as Lutherans—share our Old Testament with our Jewish neighbors—sort of. We share the same books, but organize them, order them, and number them differently.

Numbering: In Jewish Bibles, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, and 1-2 Chronicles are each one book rather than two.

Do You Know?

Organization: Christians generally organize the Old Testament into five sections. The Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible, Genesis-Deuteronomy); History (1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, etc.); Poetry (most important ly Psalms), the Major Prophets (the four longer prophetic books); and the Minor Prophets (the two shorter prophetic books). Jews organize their Bible into three sections: Torah (Gen-Deut), Prophets (most of the historical and prophetic books), and Writings (everything else, especially Psalms).

Catholic and Orthodox Christians also include various other ancient Jewish writings in their Old Testaments, but that is for another time.

A column featuring useful-in-jeopardy information from guest writer, Professor Rolf Jacobson.

14 Here We Go Do You Know?

Rolf Jacobson Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Old Testament, Alvin N. Rogness Chair of Scripture, Theology, and Ministry Director, MDivX Pilot Project Luther Seminary

I remember hearing words about change. Words about being open to the unexpected, and about being willing to see things from a new perspective. We established a second campfire spot this year, just a little bit farther from the shoreline to use for half of each week so as to be conscious of the quiet hours on the lake. As we found out, the sunsets are just as beautiful from there, just in a new way. Because from sitting and laying down, as one person said, with eyes close to the grass, there is even more beauty to see. Who knew the grass itself would shine like that with all the colors of the sunset!

I remember hearing words about the unknown. Words about how we cannot fully understand why things happen nor know what will happen. But we can have faith, and we can find comfort in the love around us, and in the small ways God makes God’s self known every day. Like the sunrise.Iremember hearing words about doubt. Words about how questions are actually the way we grow. And about how campfire talks years before provided the solid ground for an eleven-year-old boy to grow a wide and deep and flexible faith, that in turn brought him right back to camp to be on staff, and to give this campfire talk.

I remember hearing words about friends. Words about how some people are easy to love, others are unexpected to love, and still more are very hard to love. And

And finally, I remember my own words to the campers, words that even I myself need to continue to hear. I invited the campers to ponder that, as people of faith, many of us have heard “God loves you” for a long time. For some of us, we have heard it since we were born. However, this love is even bigger than any one of us has yet to imagine. There is not one thing in our lives that God is not at already at work at turning into something new and beautiful.

Spirit

in the PinesHere We Go

A s we near the close of camping season, we are also approaching the beginning of the next program year together as a faith community. Summer is a special time for many Minnesotans, and even though it is short we find deep meaning in newfound adventures, at camp or elsewhere. Each fall brings with it the remembrance of where were last year, braided together with the newness of what has come. For me, as I close my first season as camp director, I am deeply grateful to be bringing with me all of wonderful talks shared around the campfire this summer. These talks inspired us all, and here are just a few things that stand out in my memory.

yet, in all of these relationships, meaning is made in the moments where we face adversity together, choosing togetherness over division time and time again.

Sarah Blasing Outdoor Ministry & Youth Leadership Director

17 Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer: a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service

Volunteer Spotlight—Jerry Gorder

Even though St. Andrew is a big church—with many members and par ticipants, and staff—we rely on the generosity of people’s time and talents. Especially when we are looking to do something to a building—either here in Eden Prairie or up at camp. And one person rises to the top of the list to reach out to first: Jerry Gorder. Most of you remember the remod eling that took place at the south end of the building. In particular, we changed the unused staff offices and converted the space to be learning and meeting rooms. As we made plans, as we looked into who would guide the construction project, one person’s name immediately came to mind—Jerry! We knew that guiding and monitoring the many different phases of this project was going to take a lot of knowledge and a lot of time, too. (Which, of course, resulted in the fee for that role to be a large part of the overall cost.)

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

We just wanted to let you know about a few of the things that Jerry Gorder has helped us in and through over the last few years. We know, sooner or later, Jerry will change his phone number or, at the very least, look at who’s calling. In the meantime, thank you Jerry from the bot tom of our grateful hearts!

“Say, Jerry, would you please think about being the general contractor for a fairly sizable project here at St. An drew?” Without missing a beat Jerry said, “That’s what I did when I used to work for a living. Yes, tell me what we’re plan ning on having done. I will make sure that it’s done correctly.” His quick “yes” resulted in significant savings.

As this article is being written, Jerry and a few fellow rock star volunteers are working on making the front canopy less of a sight not to behold. Jerry happens to be fitting in this project before he gets away to do some fishing in Canada— and then—head up to Spirit in the Pines with a bunch of other pals to complete the punch list that needs to be completed before the snow flies.

– Matthew 5:16

9:00 & 10:30 AM RALLY sundaysmoreinfoat STANDREWLU.ORG/EVENTS/RALLY-SUNDAY/ BOUNCYFUNFOODWORSHIPMUSICTRUCKS&GAMESHOUSEANDMORE! 18

13600 Technology Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952.937.2776 | standrewlu.org HERE WE GO St.@standrewlu@standrewlu/standrewluAndrewLutheran Church Sunday | 9:00 & 10:30 AM In Person & Online September 11 ......................... “Here” September 18 ........................... “We” September 25 .......................... “Go”