Son Times Fall 2023

SON TIMES

FALL 2023

Every parent knows the delicate balance that is at play when a child is sad, hurt, or greatly disappointed. I suppose one can say. “Momma said there would be days like these.” However, my guess is, even moms don’t like it when someone uses that on them.

The delicate and important balance is that, on the one hand, we need to hear and validate their pain and suffering. (As tempting as it is to contextualize it or say that it’s just part of life, it’s important to let people go through each stage of the process.) On the other hand, we are also placed with the charge that, sooner or later, we need to offer hope, encouragement, a statement or two that point to the fact that there will, indeed, be “Brighter Days.”

Just this morning I was glancing at the national news, and I saw that Minneapolis, Chicago, and Detroit are now among at least three major US cities ranked in the top 20 most polluted in the world. (Not in the US, but the entire world.) I was amazed and curious, so I clicked on the link and I quickly discovered that the reason is the smoke that is coming here from our Canadian neighbors. Suddenly, I felt better and then, just like that, I also concluded that all that smoke and stuff in the air is not optimum. However, once the fires are finally snuffed out, there will be, literally, “Brighter Days.”

There are times when I see or read that people think that the state of the world is worse than it has ever been. I think that is something that’s really hard

to prove. Furthermore, it’s odd to turn human suffering into some form of a contest that results in some kind of ranking. Personally, I think, with the advent of social media, we know more about all kinds of stuff that, without it, we simply would not know. Gone are the days when Walter Cronkite and later Tom Brokaw would take 16 minutes to give us a roundup of the news—from across the world, and the US.

Nevertheless, and here comes an opinion—and happens to be mine— there is a jagged edge to the interactions of people that, I think, is more pronounced and prevalent. Just the other day, I saw a sign at a store, and it read, “Please be nice to our staff. They’re working really hard to serve you well.” As long as there have been people waiting tables and handing over donuts, there have been people who are impatient and even rude. However, what kind of level of behavior results in putting up an actual sign that asks people to please be kind and considerate?

All of this reminds me of one of my favorite stories. A tale of two friends who are constantly being teased by other kids. They mess up their hair, take their lunches, and generally give them a hard time. One day, the two friends see the others coming and, suddenly, one of the boys drops to his knees and he begins to pray. The other boy starts running like Forrest Gump. The boy on his knees yells out to the boy who is running saying, “Don’t you believe in the power of prayer?” The running boy shouts back, “I thought it best to pray as I ran.”

Two things.

God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit, continually, offer us “Brighter Days.” “I am with you always.” “Nothing can separate you from the love of God.” “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” People of faith, by extension, are to be people of hope, promise, encouragement—knowing that, with God’s help, love, guidance, and mercy, “Brighter Days” are definitely on the way!

We are called to pray as we run. In other words, we can each do our part to make “Brighter Days” come true for those in our midst. Granted, we are not able to alter or completely change someone’s entire life—but we can—through kindness, mercy, and love—bring light and hope into someone’s day, week, and month. A warm hello goes a long way. Lending a helping hand is always received well. Setting aside our own plans, for just a bit, in order to help someone who’s in a hard spot at the moment— that just may be what that person needs to turn that proverbial corner.

As we turn the calendar to the month of September and we celebrate what we call—Rally Days. We are, for two weeks, going to talk about, sing about, pray about, “Brighter Days.” Here. Now. Tomorrow. And all the days after that!

See you in worship!

David Lillejord Senior Pastor

Eternal Encouragement and Good Hope

There’s a wonderful passage in 2 Thessalonians that says, “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). I’m excited about the start of another program year at St. Andrew and also excited about our “Brighter Days” theme which centers around what the apostle Paul calls “eternal encouragement and good hope.” What do eternal encouragement and good hope have in common? They are both things that we need, regardless of where we are in life, and they both come to us through God’s love through Jesus. I want to lift up that sense of hope in our corporate worship services, not only in September, but as a thread through each and every Sunday all year long!

For those who may be new to St. Andrew, let me take this moment to let you know that we have a phenomenal music staff here! We happen to be blessed with children’s choir directors who are some of the best music teachers in the metro area and they love working with our kids here. Furthermore, they make it super fun for all who come on Wednesday nights as they create an experience of community that directly translates into the sounds we hear when the kids sing in church on Sunday mornings. You can reach out to any of these fine folks to get your kids involved: Hannah Fleming (Starlite Singers, age 3-Kindergarten), Jill Boyd (Sonshine Singers, grades 1-5), Sarah Gilbertson (Spirit Singers, grades 6-12), and Linnae Stole (2 youth bell choirs: Ring of Fire, grades 4 & 5, and Peace bRingers, grades 6-12). We have two bell choir opportunities for adults: the appropriately named Grace Notes, which

is a bell choir for beginners (directed by Vicki Grant) and the advanced group Bells of Joy (directed by yours truly). And we are so blessed to have Larry Bach as our Canticle Choir director and Jodi Edstrom as our choir accompanist! Larry brings to St. Andrew his wealth of experience as a top-notch choral conductor, clinician, and educator. He knows how to make rehearsals rewarding, challenging, and fun. If you are one of those people who sang in choir back in high school or college, please consider making room in your schedule and in your life to experience again the joy of singing with others in the Canticle Choir. Many churches these days have choirs that are shrinking or disappearing altogether. It is my deep desire and prayer for St. Andrew that we keep our choir program strong and keep alive the traditions that have brought such richness to Christian worship services for centuries. You can be a part of that. Come and check it out and you’ll be blessed!

As we head into a new season of ministry together, my prayer is that our worship services will be the inspirational touchstones you need each week to ground us all in God’s love as we strive to be the church. God’s grace to us means that our brighter days are not in some nebulous far-off future but that they are here and now. As that great prophet Dave Matthews reminds us: “tomorrow is no place to place your better days.”

See you in church,

Tim Graf Worship & Music Director

“Tomorrow is no place to place your better days.”

-Dave Matthews

Brighter Days—Lean into your Faith.

We all have had bad days, weeks, even months, sometimes. The reason for these less than bright times vary greatly. Lost job, troubles with marriage, death of family member or friend. The list can go on and on. Unfortunately, that is life; we will experience both the good, the bad, and at times the ugly.

Our family experienced this firsthand. We experienced an unimaginable loss. Our days were so bright, we were so blessed in so many ways leading up to that June day eight years ago. Until we were not.

Our new normal was horrible. Moving forward day one was so difficult; it did not get any better 30 days in. Still, after 6 months, I was not sure how we were going to make it through. How could this happen to us…

During this time, the outpouring of random acts of kindness was incredible. We did not anticipate the rally that took place; how generous our community was. Evening meals were delivered most nights from friends and even from some strangers (maybe a few bottles of wine too); large gatherings of EP high school students and some students from different area high schools wearing baby blue, to simply going for a pontoon ride on Prior Lake. These gestures were so kind and thoughtful; however, a dark cloud was still overhead, and I did not see it changing anytime soon.

Until one spring day, a friend asked Diane and I if we would be open to meeting a young couple that had experienced a loss like we had experienced. Without hesitation, Diane and I took the time to share, listen, and cry just like so many did for and with us.

I remember vividly telling this couple that the road they are going down is going to be awful but lean into your faith and it will get you through this challenging time.

To be honest, I could not believe what I just said. How did that come out of my mouth? What inspired me to say that? Did my faith just come to the surface in my daily life?

The accumulation of all the random acts of kindness done by our community to rally around us prepared us to meet with that young couple, even though at the time we did not know it. That meeting flipped a switch for us; it brought our faith back to the surface– it gave us hope that we will see Brighter Days.

Everyone faces challenges and life is difficult at times, however, be comforted knowing that our faith in Jesus will bring us Brighter Days and more opportunities to live our faith in our daily lives.

Steve Galleger Congregational Council

Bill’s and Jean’s faith and life were a beacon!

Bill and Jean were 70 years old when they joined my church in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. They attended worship for several weeks and then decided to join but they made it clear that they were done volunteering and were leaving the work of the church to younger members. Bill and Jean met in a city church in Chicago as children and were among the last members left in their church when they closed the doors for the last time. I assured them that they didn’t have to join any church programs and could rest from their years of service. But serving was part of their DNA and it wasn’t long before they volunteered to join a group who went door to door in a neighborhood, near our church, inviting people to worship. Then they joined the senior group for social gatherings and became involved in the stewardship program, then they joined a weekly Bible study, and attended Synod Assemblies every year, and became great supporters of Lutheran Social Services for which they

received honorary awards. They never missed worship and Jean sent birthday cards with a dollar in them to dozens of kids in our church.

On their way home from a banquet hall they had just selected for their 65th wedding anniversary, they were hit broadside by a driver who didn’t stop for a stop light. Bill was okay but Jean was hospitalized for weeks and never got better. The trauma simply put too much stress on her weak heart and Jean died leaving Bill alone. Most of the church members attended Jean’s “Celebration of Life.” They were role models of faith and joy and generosity and humility. They were the kind of people who made you feel better about life every time you were with them. I had asked Bill several years before to make wood crosses, which we wanted to give to each of our confirmands. Bill’s garage was set up with power saws etc. and he was delighted to do it. Bill also made a violin and a mandolin in that shop. So, he gladly took on the

task of making wood crosses and never stopped. Bill made over 1,000 crosses and volunteered to make enough for every young person who planned to attend the massive Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Youth Rally. By the way, Bill was 93 at the time. Bill certainly made my days ‘brighter’ and his legacy lives on as three men from the congregation have volunteered to continue Bill’s crossmaking project.

At every baptism at St. Andrew we hear the Pastor repeat these words of Jesus “Let you light so shine before others that they see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.”

Bill and Jean showed me that “our commitment to God is our witness to others and shows them how important God is in our lives!”

Roger Schindel Visitation Pastor

“let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

–Matthew 5:16

Brighter Days?

In July, I had a chance to tick off one of my bucket list items: a hike through Antelope Canyon in Arizona. It was my birthday present for a rather big birthday! I turned 29—for the 31st time!

When I came back to my office, I found a festive and fun multitude of balloons all over the floor and the ceiling. What a wonderful surprise to come back to! I hung onto the balloons for almost a full week, and in the end popped all of them except the 2 big ones with the ‘60’ on them.

But then a couple of days later, we had the funeral for Kathie Lawrence at church. Even though I never had a chance to meet her, the photo on her bulletin and the large crowd that came to celebrate her life were a testimony for a wonderful person how died too soon. She was 59. She did not make it to her 60th birthday. I popped the balloons. They seemed frivolous all of a sudden.

How to keep the hope for brighter days? How will the Lawrence family heal? How do all of us deal with loss and ongoing health issues? Some things in life just will not get better. If you or someone close to you lives with a progressive neurodegenerative disease, you know that a positive outlook can be hard to find. My husband Jack lives with Parkinson’s Disease. Thankfully, it progresses very slowly, but it still does. So every good day is a gift, and he had a great hike through Antelope Canyon, but in terms of brighter days ahead? Likely not.

Where do we find strength? Love and support from our family and friends, of course; meaningful and supportive community like our wonderful congregation; purpose in our lives. And faith that God’s peace and love will be there for us when we most need it. For me, connecting with my faith is easiest in nature. Whether I tend to my herb garden in my backyard, or take a walk with the dog, but especially when I get to hike a natural wonder like Antelope Canyon. You can feel the spirit all around you. God had some extra fun when he created that place! Walking through this God-made cathedral underground was a reminder that while there might not be brighter days ahead, there will always be very bright ones all along the journey. There will be light!

Meggy Wagner Senior Director of Church Operations

What difference does faith make in our lives?

That is a question from our theme, “Brighter Days”. It goes perfect with what our middle school trip participants experienced when we were in Kansas City in July. Our faith, and maybe a little bbq, brought us to Kansas City for a week of service. One of the places we volunteered at was called Connections to Success. This organization provides business attire for people to wear to job interviews and for their first week or two of work. They also provide training to help people interview well and help them overcome their fears and doubts about themselves. While there we sorted and hung clothes, lots and lots of clothes. They get a ton of donations each week! Through the work of people like our group, faith truly does inspire meaningful community, purpose, service, and generosity. In meeting with one of the head people at Connections to Success, he talked about the people who come through their training program haven’t had the opportunity to try and become something greater and when they put on a suit for the first time. They stand in front of the mirror admiring and dreaming about who they want to be. He said many are moved to tears, because a lot of them never thought they would be in a suit unless it was at their funeral. Which just showed how meaningful the work of this

organization and the volunteers who come and help have such an amazing impact on the lives of the people they serve.

We also helped out at a couple community gardens a couple of the days. We helped weed, mulch, and pick some produce. The produce is free for anyone to take and while we were working people would come and pick up produce for the week. Every single person that walked through that fence treated and acted like they knew each other even when they didn’t. It is what I imagine the Kingdom of God to be like. That no matter who walks through that door, it’s like seeing an old friend. These community gardens give communities that are lower income fresh produce when they don’t always have it available to them.

It’s witnessing organization, people, and volunteers like we encountered in Kansas City that prove that with our faith we have brighter days. But we can also make other people have brighter days through our faith by living out our callings as followers of Christ to do the work of God in the world.

Sarah Fike Pastor of Children, Youth, & Family

This quote was so powerful to me the first time I read it. I mean, could each sentence be any truer? Could we be so lucky to wake up each day and get to choose to take a chance to make a change? I’ll be honest, I instantly loved the quote but then had to google who “Walter Mosley” was and of course, he is one of America’s greatest writers and is the author of almost 50 books across multiple genres so it’s no surprise that he would have created this amazing quote.

At St. Andrew Early Learning we treat each day as a new day and teach the children that each day is a new day. Just as the blessings of Jesus bring us new light every day, each day here at school is a new and fresh start. Some days are just dark and hard to get through and that’s ok. The beauty of having Jesus in our lives is through the good and the bad, the dark and the light, he shows us the way.

Bright and sunny days make us happier, just as the faces of each child as they excitedly bounce through the doors of St. Andrew to start their day. As fall approaches, the days will get shorter which means the sun will be out less. If we remember that the light of Christ is always shining, what a bright and sunny day it will be! We are excited for fall to welcome new friends and families to St. Andrew Early Learning Childcare and to watch how together we can make our light shine even brighter. Take a moment to enjoy the wonder and awe of the light that shines within and around us all.

Melanie Eggers Childcare Director

“Every day that we wake up is a good day. Every breath that we take is filled with hope for a better day. Every word that we speak is a chance to change what is bad into something good.”

–Walter Mosley

As we contemplated our move to Chanhassen, from living in a town for more than 40 years, we knew we would be joining St. Andrew, where our daughter and family attended. Our hope was we would meet people that would welcome us into their community of faith. Even though COVID was in the midst of our lives, when we moved in the fall of 2020, we felt welcome at St. Andrew. Our membership classes were on Zoom with Pastor Gail. I joined WOW and Ray joined the Thursday morning book study shortly after we joined.

We got asked by Pastor Gail to serve coffee and donuts between services with three other couples. It was a miracle –four women that clicked immediately! We call ourselves the “Donut Holes” and with our husbands rotate Sundays to serve coffee and donuts after church services. We also get help from confirmation students which is fun. We have met many new people with this opportunity.

After my husband had surgery in April 2022 after a cancer diagnosis, we felt the love and support of so many in the congregation. He decided to be a confirmation guide to give back for all the support he had received from St. Andrew during his recovery. Another highlight for him has been the men’s golf retreat at Spirit of the Pines and the new people he has met.

We look forward to each Sunday morning when we can hear about the love of God and how it should be part of daily life. We feel connected to the people attending church. Whether it is the music, sermon, or coffee after the service it gives us hope knowing that God is with us all the time.

Linda & Ray Wood St. Andrew Members

Help Make Brighter Days for All

As I sit and contemplate a simple message to say “Come— serve alongside Linda and Ray” a million clichés come to mind. But as individuals, we are anything but cliché; we are each unique. What is not unique is community is never created in isolation. It always involves participation. Each of us taking part in simple and in profound ways develops the richness community has to offer, especially one led by Christ.

Linda and Ray knew the importance of community and made it a priority to join one. Their days were made brighter by those who came walking alongside them. Whether you have been at St.

Andrew for decades or have come only once, come—serve alongside Linda and Ray. Join us for Rally Sundays and find new ways to make brighter days for all. Contact me, Kari Shellenbarger by e-mail, kshellenbarger@standrewlu.org, or phone 952.937.7118 to serve now. We are always looking to grow our teams of Ushers, Communion Assistants, Greeters, Coffee Servers, and Wednesday Night Dinner Volunteers.

Kari Shellenbarger Hospitality & Volunteer Coordinator

When anyone asks me about my favorite parable in the Bible, I often tell them it is the story of the wise and foolish builders. You may remember this story from Matthew 7:24–28:

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

I often joke that it is both my favorite, and least favorite parable in the Bible. We believe that the rock that they are referring to in this parable is Jesus. I would like to think of myself as the wise builder, building my house on Jesus, trying to do all of the right things, going to church, loving my neighbors, and generally trying to be a “good person”. When you read this parable carefully, you will notice that when the story is told, we hear an identical description of the storms that come to both the wise builder and the foolish builder. This, my friends, is why it is my least favorite story. You see I WISH it said… the wise builder built their house on the rock, and therefore they had sunshine and smooth sailing for all the rest of their days. It doesn’t though. What this story does remind me though, is that even though the storms will come, building a strong foundation means that even though we may be shook up, when the storm ends, your house will still be standing.

There have been so many moments in my life, when I have been in the midst of a storm (because none of us are immune from them) when my faith, or when the community of faith, or even the faith of other people have been the thing that has helped carry me through.

On the days when I can’t see the sunshine through the clouds, and I wonder if indeed there are brighter days ahead, I think of this story. On these days, I thank God for my parents, grandparents, Sunday School teachers, and Pastors who helped lay the foundation of faith that I can lean on, and lean into, when things are challenging. I rest in the promise that the storms are tough, and God doesn’t promise me a life without them, but does promise to help carry me through them. God’s promise helps me know there will indeed be brighter days.

Shawna Berg Children’s Ministry Director

“I’ve been coming to this camp for a long time, but today was just the absolute best day I’ve ever had here.” This line stood out to me amongst the many popcorn prayers uttered around the campfire tonight. It made me think of the sunset tonight, which was even more radiant than usual. Hues of purple, pink, and orange had been glimmering across the lake all evening. Good days catch us by surprise sometimes, just like especially beautiful sunsets can. It almost seems like they shouldn’t, especially as people of faith who believe that God will work things together for our good. But when especially good moments happen, they can still take our breath away.

Campers come to Spirit in the Pines for one of two reasons. Either they have attended before, and they know how much fun awaits them, or they have been

invited by a friend or they read about it. Either way, they believe it will be great. All of this is just fine, but one thing I tell every camper when they first arrive for the week is that this is a brand new week at camp, and that they should expect the unexpected. No matter how many times they’ve been here before, they don’t know what God has instore for them this particular week. Maybe they will make a new friend, or maybe they will resonate in a new way with a campfire talk. Maybe they will find a new hobby they love, or maybe they teach someone else one. This is why I was so deeply moved when I heard that particular line of a prayer uttered tonight around the campfire. We had just had a full day of Olympic games, and we had ended it by hearing an incredible campfire talk by Sierra Luna, a second year staff member

on Life Squad. Sierra talked about how opening up about our struggles can help us find the support we need. Every day really is a new chance for God to show us one more time that his promises are new every morning. Every day God wants to sweep in and give us good things, like a new beautiful sunset, and so much more. The fall theme at St. Andrew of “Brighter Days” dovetails perfectly with our theme at camp this summer “In the Light,” and that is because it is the truth. God wants to shower us anew in his light and his love every single day, and we can always wake up with that hope.

Sarah Blasing Outdoor Ministry & Youth Leadership Director

“I’ve been coming to this camp for a long time, but today was just the absolute best day I’ve ever had here.”

Church Anew—Repairing the Breach for Brighter Days

We are in a season of acrimony and division in this country, and each of us has felt the pain of separation from other human beings and the earth, whether that false division is caused by racial, socioeconomic, political, generational, or geographic difference.

How do we as Christians respond when our communities are fractured and our hearts are broken? How do we learn to see the face of Jesus in those who are very different from us, and even in those we disagree with?

While the broken world divides us, we follow the way of Jesus, who lives and loves in the very midst of those divisions, and who calls us to join the Holy Spirit’s work of healing the whole world with love.

Revive | Restore: Love is Repairing the Breach

Saturday, November 11 | 9:00 AM–12:30 PM

In partnership with the Episcopal Church in Minnesota we will gather together to tend the garden of our shared Christian calling, planting the seeds of hope and watering the sprouts of the new life that the Spirit is bringing forth even now.

We will raise our voices in prayer, praise, and song, to revive our commitment to the Way of Jesus and to one another, and to restore our hope and commitment to repairing the breaches in our lives and communities. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will be the keynote speaker, with music from Theodicy Jazz Collective.

Matthew Ian Fleming Pastor of Teaching Church Anew Director

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

Do you know?

A column featuring useful-in-jeopardy information from our teaching pastor.

A Revelation of Brighter Worship

Our hymnal is filled with quotations from the Bible. Writers draw from the gospels, the psalms, the wisdom books, and the prophetic books. But one of the most quoted corners of scripture is the strange book lurking at the very end—Revelation.

I’ve been spending a lot of time in this strange book. I’ve always been fascinated by this book that defies expectations, haunts my dreams, and ultimately brightens my vision of the good news of Jesus. While Revelation contains some of the strangest and scariest descriptions of beasts and battles, the ongoing pulse of the narrative is an invitation into worship. When we sing one of the beloved hymns of our tradition, like “Holy, holy, holy,” “It is well with my soul,” or “Amazing grace,” we are singing verses straight from Revelation.

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee, casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim, falling down before Thee Which wert and art and evermore shalt be.

–Reginald Heber, 1826

I’ve always wondered what a “glassy sea” was until I read Revelation. John, the author of the book, is caught up in a vision and brought into the throne room of God. In ancient times, people believed the universe was three-tiered, with Earth in the middle, heavens above, and sheol or “the pit” below. All around the earth was water. The best science of the day opined that water above the heavens caused rain and was why the sky and sea is blue. When John is caught up in the vision of God’s throne room, he sees “something like a sea of glass, like crystal” (Rev. 4:6).

All around the throne room, angels (cherubim and seraphim and perhaps the topic of another article!) are singing “Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and is and is

to come” (Rev. 4:8). The word holy means set-apart. It means that God alone is God. Nothing can come close. When we talk about “holy moments” we are saying that even our description can’t quite scratch the surface or explain what we encountered— like a bush that won’t burn (Exodus 3) or a man saved from the belly of a giant fish (Jonah) or an entire crowd fed by the snack from a little boy (Matthew 14).

The other drum-beat in the heavenly songs of worship from Revelation is the phrase, “who was and is and is to come.” One of my favorite B-side hymns is “Of the Father’s love begotten.”

Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the Source, the Ending He, of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see evermore and evermore!

The “Alpha and Omega,” the first and last letters of the alphabet, the end and the beginning, the source and the completion. God was and is now and forevermore will always be. In Revelation, worship means something rich. It isn’t just a place to come on Sunday, hear some beautiful music and eat a donut. It transforms imaginations and beckons participation in something much grander that is going on in the world. It dares to dream of God’s vision of belonging for all people. It breaks down barriers that we put up between people. It insists on justice for everyone. And ultimately, it calls all of us into a brighter vision of God, a brighter hope for humanity, and a brighter view of the world.

My prayer is that this worship series will brighten your days, brighten our community, and brighten all of God’s creation.

Matthew Ian Fleming Pastor of Teaching Church Anew Director

Embracing Brighter Days Together

Sometimes it is difficult to see the gifts that God gives us amidst the noise of dayto-day existence. Sometimes we get into a bit of a rut and get involved in something new that offers new insights to life. As a community of faith, we can help one another count our blessings, grow in our commitments, and see the ways that God’s grace brightens every moment. Seeing and participating again in God’s blessings around us, large or small, strengthens our hope and faith for the future. God’s goodness in Christ is at work!

Invitation to the Ministry Fair on September 10

This gathering in the Narthex will be an opportunity for us to come together and explore the various ministries within our church. At the Ministry Fair, you will have the chance to learn more about the diverse small groups and ministries

available at St. Andrew. Whether you are interested in Bible study groups, community outreach programs, the music program (choir and bells), Sunday School, Confirmation, or anything else, this is a chance to learn more. There will be a place for you to contribute and grow.

Becoming Small Group Leaders

As long as I have been a church leader, there have always been individuals who have stepped forward to gather up others around a shared interest. Small group, leaders, center on expectations, leading the groups that they desire in the way they are able. Leading a small group can be an incredibly rewarding experience as it allows you to foster connections within the church family, provide support to others, and deepen your understanding of God’s grace.

If you have a passion for a particular topic or have been considering starting a small group focused on a specific area of interest, we encourage you to prayerfully consider becoming a small group leader. All ideas are welcomed, as St. Andrew has more traditional small groups like Bible studies while also welcome walking or wine tasting groups. You get the picture—all ideas are welcome! Your dedication and commitment as a small group leader will bring people together—an important key in building relationships. And, it will strengthen your faithful commitment to your home church in measurable ways.

Peter Johnson Pastor of Small Groups & Service

Brighter Days

Small Groups

A More Just World: Seeking Brighter Days for All

I’m Josh; you might know me from my singing on Sundays, but like many of you, I don’t just do one thing at St Andrew. After a church-wide meeting in October of 2021 we formed the “Outside the Lines” group, seeking to understand how we can be a more inclusive community to all, especially our LGBTQ+ neighbors, like me. I’m happy to report almost two years later we are meeting regularly and going strong. As a child growing up here in the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” era, I never knew if I would fit in being gay, so I kept it secret. I was very involved in music and service, but I was uncomfortable with who I was. I never could have dreamed that on July 7th this year, my husband and I would have our marriage blessed here, and we are grateful beyond words. Pastor Matthew officiated a beautiful service in the Sanctuary with Tim Graf on the keys and many others who made the event go smoothly including Kathie Radcliff and Janet and Dale Riley. We had a wonderful reception surrounded by family and friends. With all the attacks on my community happening in the US and in the world at large, celebrating our love (and love like ours) felt like the best way to push back against the fear and sadness.

I am often asked by well meaning churchgoers why so many confirmed people my age are absent from church. I don’t think there is one answer, but from conversations I’ve had, I know that a deliberate message of inclusion goes a long way toward making young people more comfortable in church, LGBTQ+ or not. Through the leadership of the pastors, all of whom have attended our Outside the Lines small group, and the participation of the group members, we are becoming

the kind of community where universal welcome is palpable. We don’t just say we are welcoming, either; we live it out. Every month we are blessed to have a meeting which is a place for learning about our neighbors and families, finding common ground, and incubating ideas to improve our message of inclusion as a church. Group members tell me how they are excited to connect with their LGBTQ+ children, grandchildren, coworkers etc. Empowering others to heal their relationships has been a true blessing. The work of creating an inclusive community is challenging, but rewarding. I’m here to tell you it is needed and noticed. Loving one another is one of the best ways to grow in your faith. Brighter days are not a given. Much work lies ahead of us in our journey of faith. Most often the answers aren’t just handed to us, so I encourage you to not only find, but to make a place for yourself in this church. Whether that’s with me in Outside the Lines or Canticle Choir, or any of the myriad meaningful meetings here, you belong. We have so much to take pride in at St. Andrew.

Josh Eidem Singer, Small Group Leader

From the Business Office:

If you are asking yourself when, oh when, the long-announced bathroom renovation project might commence, I hear your pain! As mentioned in my ‘Party Time’ update, we had to clear some code issues with the City of Eden Prairie, and that took some pivoting and re-grouping, and quite a lot of time. I am happy to report that we have found a code-compliant solution that will not require substantial re-plumbing and will also not reduce the number of fixtures in the bathrooms. That’s the good news. The bad news is that we are obviously going to have to deal with the renovation while our new program year ramps up in the next two months. Thankfully, our contractor Doran Companies already has plans and ideas how to minimize disruptions. Thank you for your patience!

The Walkway to the Prayer Garden should have broken ground by the time you are leafing through this newsletter! We are waiting for the third (out of three) building permits to be issued, and

all subcontractors are lined up to start. Thank you to our generous sponsor for making this important project happen! Our Safety Committee met this summer and discussed the traffic flow along our Building. We concluded that a couple of strategic conversions from two-way to one-way traffic would greatly increase drop-off and pick-up safety, as well as worship and event traffic flow. Please see the attached photo for details. MTS has graciously agreed to the new traffic pattern around the Boulevard. We are working on pavement arrows and installing the traffic signs. We will alert you through our weekly email when the new pattern goes into effect.

If you have any questions, please contact me at mwagner@standrewlu.org

Meggy Wagner Senior Director of Church Operations

Seeking God in Belize

A single mother struggling to provide for her children. An elderly couple with health issues unsure what the future will bring. A family with a vision to build a camp-type outreach ministry on the land they own. In just the first three days of our mission here in Belize, these are just a few of the stories we’ve heard from the local community. The common thread? In all these cases, their stories begin and end with the surest conviction of the presence of God in their lives. And they have not been shy about sharing it with us! In more than one instance, within the first five minutes of making a new connection, our new Belizean friends have started to share with us a time where God spoke to them or led them to deeper trust in God, without any prompting from us. As Midwestern Lutherans, many of us are often not overly comfortable with such emotive expressions of faith. We believe God is with us and want to place our trust in God. But we’re not likely to share such intimate details of our faith journey with strangers we just met.

The Belizeans we’ve met, however, are inspirational in their desire to share how God is working in their lives. Even amidst poverty, illness, and uncertainty, they cling to God’s promises, and they believe that God will provide. And when they have a dream they believe is of God, they’re willing to step out in faith to see where God is leading them. It’s truly inspirational to witness. And because of the lack of language barrier (English is an official language), we’ve been able to connect quickly and build relationships. In this more rural, less chaotic setting, our seventeen trip participants have a chance to reflect on our mission and purpose in traveling, and continue to seek out where God is moving.

As you step into a new season, in school, in church, and wherever life takes you, I pray that you also take time to reflect on how God has provided in your own life. How will you share God’s provisions with your friends, neighbors, and even strangers you meet? We know that Jesus is with us each and every day, so let’s celebrate and share the joy and promise of faith he brings to our lives!

Linnae Stole Congregational Council

Along with Christian service projects, we also did sightseeing. Here we are at a local Mayan temple complex Xunantunich.

Children participated in a Vacation Bible School program, where we sang songs, played games, and learned about Jesus healing the ten lepers.

The Tzib family has hosted our group for several meals, cooking over an open fire and sharing their stories through their warm hospitality.

Trip leader and new friend Tracy Tzib teaches Janet Riley how to prepare tamales and other Mayan cuisine.

Brighter Days Seeds of Support Missions

Mission Endowment and Benevolence Funds Bring Brighter Days through Financial Gifts

There are multiple ways St. Andrew brings brighter days to the community and world. Some are less obvious than others, but all contribute to the blessings shared. Two funds within St. Andrew contribute $1,000s to the community and world to bring hope and healing.

The Mission Endowment Fund distributes proceeds of the Endowment Fund to new start-up ministries and capital improvements within organizations while carefully managing the investments held in the Endowment Fund. This past year, grant application have supported the Grapevine Collective (urban Minneapolis ministry), Crescent Cove (hospice for children and young adults), Bethlehem Lutheran Church (New Orleans—food shelf

ministry), and Friends of Madagascar (prison literacy program).

The Benevolence Fund is another fund worth $100,000. It receives distributions from our church offerings. The Benevolence Fund supports operating expenses at organizations and makes a huge difference in the lives of many programs operating here in the Twin Cities and around the world. Specifically, the Benevolence Fund this year has supported the Minneapolis Area Synod (broader Lutheran church support), HandsOn Twin Cities (social service programs), Center for Leadership and Neighborhood Engagement (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging programs), Assistance League of Minnesota (social service programs), Habitat for Human-

ity (housing), Fight the Trafficking 5K (Anti-human trafficking organizations), Forest Hills Elementary School (St. Andrew’s school partner, student and staff support), PROP Empty Bowls (social service programs), and Onward EP (youth homelessness).

We give thanks for the many ways St. Andrew makes the world a brighter place with the love of Jesus. Let’s keep on bringing brighter days to all. We welcome your ideas and understanding of deserving organizations to support— contact me to pass along your idea.

Peter Johnson Pastor of Small Groups & Service

The summer brought longer days, warmer weather, mosquito bites, and opportunities to gather as a young adult community. Our young adults this summer included hikes, Untapping Faith taking place at different breweries, and Wednesday night kickball. As each day unfolds, we are called to remember our baptism living with faith in our daily lives. There are moments that we experience that cause us to think. Moments that bring us joy, moments that cause us to look at how we live our lives. Have you had any moments this summer that brought you joy or resonated with you? We hope so! A great way to share our faith in our daily lives is to connect with our community. And as we begin to think of fall and the “regular” season, whatever that holds for you, remember that you always have a place here to connect with community, and be equipped for faithful living. We are entering into brighter days within our community to support and connect with another. Our young adult group is growing and adapting to the needs of what young adults want to be a part of. One thing we’re trying to work on is connecting with folks willing to lead “pop-up” events of their own interest. Everyone is welcome, and we truly mean that—so invite your friends. Here’s to being church together!

Sarah Fike Pastor of Children, Youth, & Family

2024 ELCA National Youth Gathering

July 14–21, 2024

New Orleans, Louisiana

More information at: standrewlu.org/events/ national-youth-gathering/

Our high school youth had a mountain top experience on their trip to Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp in Colorado. We had 15 youth, and 3 adults venture out on a backpacking trip. Where they hiked as a team moving together at a group pace, taking in the breath-taking views, smelling the fresh mountain air, and immersing themselves in the beauty that God has created. These types of adventure trips are so important for youth groups to go on. They allow the group to really bond with one another and build strong, lasting relationships through faith. They overcome big hikes together, possibly weather some storms in the mountains, and only have the company of each other and the wilderness.

I have always thought it is good to have a rotation of three different youth trips consisting of service, adventure, and the ELCA National Youth Gathering. The adventure trip helps the group connect with each other and deepen their faith. The service trip gives youth the opportunity to connect their faith in serving their neighbors. The National Youth Gathering shows us what we are a part of in the ELCA.

Next summer, our high school youth get to go to the 2024 ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans! I am so excited to be offering this as next

summer’s trip. There is nothing like the National Youth Gathering. You get to worship with 30,000-40,000 other high school youth, take over the city with service and community, and get to experience a bunch of different activities whether it’s building a wall for Habitat, playing games, or exploring New Orleans. Are you ready for a faith experience like nothing else! Next summer, we are invited to discover how you are “Created to Be” by participating in the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering. If you don’t know much about the gathering, it is a unique experience specifically designed for high school youth to grow in their faith and identity as children of God. We will join tens of thousands of fellow siblings in Christ from around the country in worship, learning, serving, and fellowship in the vibrant city of New Orleans. If you are a high school youth, make sure you sign up for the gathering. We will also be needing adult leaders. If you are interested in helping lead this trip, sign up!

Sarah Fike Pastor of Children, Youth, & Family