Son Times Spring 2022

SON TIMES ST. ANDREW LUTHERAN CHURCH

LENT/EASTER 2022

I Shall Not Want

I Shall Not Want

Lent

I Shall Not Want Several years ago, I watched a Rob Bell video where a little boy and his dad were shopping, and they came across a huge wall of soccer balls. Every color and sports logo were represented on that wall of balls. As you might expect, the little boy was immediately drawn to the display. “Daddy, I want one,” the little guy said. The dad responded kindly saying, “not today, son.” “Please, please, please,” the little boy begged, but dad stood firm and said, “no.” Finally, our little friend said, “but Daddy, I NEED it.”

The reality of this little boy’s world was that he already had a wall full of toys at home. He may have wanted it, but he did not need it.

We want many things—we want nice clothes—we want the latest models and gadgets—we want a new car or a new purse, even though the ones we have are really totally adequate—they’re just not new and shiny like they once were.

Soon, we move from wanting something to convincing ourselves that we NEED it. Our closets, basements or garages get stacked up full of old wants that are quickly forgotten and are replaced by new ones.

We have become a culture of excess—we certainly have more than we need—but not everything we want. The theme for Wednesdays in Lent this year is “I Shall Not Want.” As we gather for worship, around the table for a meal, and during the activity time with the younger children, this year during Lent we are going to explore the countless ways in which God provides us with everything we need and more—“we shall not want.”

I Shall Not Want Ash Wednesday, March 2 ................ “God is a shepherd who provides” March 9.................................. “God leads us”

Gail Bach

March 16...............................“God is with us”

Pastor of Stewardship &

March 23.... “God gives us a place of honor”

Evangelism

March 30......... “God pursues us with grace”

Rattled The prophet Ezekiel was shown a vision by God of a valley of dry bones and was then confronted by a seemingly strange question: “do you think that these bones can live”? Ezekiel may not have been a Lutheran, but this passage points us to a truth that affirms our Lutheran understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Only God can breathe new life into us when we are confronted with life’s darkest moments and challenges. Only God can bring about resurrection from death and sorrow. When we find ourselves “rattled”, we will find that God is stepping in and doing some rattling of his own on our behalf. Join us for a series that asks tough questions and sheds light on God’s activity in our lives and in our world.

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Wednesdays in Lent

April 6..........................“We respond in faith”

Sundays in Lent

Rattled

March 6................................................... Fear March 13...............................................Doubt March 20.......................... Over Commitment March 27..................................... Uncertainty April 3................................................... Worth

I Shall Not Want

Lent Wednesdays

Wednesdays in Lent March 9–April 6

This year we are excited for what is to come during Lent. We have put together fellowship time on Lenten Wednesdays for all ages. We will gather around a meal, but that’s not all. In addition to gathering around a meal, we will have opportunities to build community with one another through conversation and a Lenten spiritual practice that follows our theme for Lent, “I Shall Not Want”. We will cap off the evening with worshipping together in the Sanctuary. A few details to get you excited: • Conversation topics will be put together for each table/age group • A Lenten spiritual practice will be available for you to do with your family and/or table • We will have children’s activities each week • Adults are invited to gather in Room 207 for a conversation on “Minimalism: Less is More” • A great meal planned by Burke Hancer and our hospitality team

Here is our Wednesday schedule for Lent:

Upcoming Dinner Menu March 2 – Ash Wednesday Qdoba March 9 Chicken Noodle Soup Grilled Multi-Cheese Sandwich March 16 Loaded Baked Potato Soup Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwich March 23 Tomato Basil Soup Grilled Multi-Cheese Sandwich March 30 Cheddar Broccoli Soup Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwich April 6 Chicken Tortilla Soup Grilled Cheese Quesadilla

Mealtime 5:00–7:00 PM | Mar. 2–Apr. 6 (No meal Apr. 13) Fellowship Hall • Large portions—$10; Small portions—$5 • All ages Lent activity starting at 5:30 PM Small Group Conversation: “Minimalism: Less is More” 6:15–6:55 PM Room 207 Worship 7:00 PM Sanctuary Music Programs • Starlite Singers......................................... 6:00–6:30 PM | Rm. 206 • Sonshine Singers..................................... 6:00–6:30 PM | Rm. 208 • Spirit Singers........................................... 6:15–6:45 PM | Rm. 107 • Youth Bells........................................ 5:15–6:00 PM | Music Room • Bells of Joy........................................ 6:00–6:40 PM | Music Room • Canticle Choir....................................... After Worship | Sanctuary 2

I Shall Not Want

Congregational Council

“I Shall Not Want” When I volunteered months ago to be a contributor for our church publication, I felt it was part of my duty as a council member. So when the reminder and directions popped up in my email, I was a little nervous about sharing a meaningful and relevant story. I now have a little taste of what it’s like for our pastoral staff each week.

I recently heard the phrase, “pressure is a privilege” and it reminded me of this assignment. It is a privilege for me to be able to share my story through the grace that has been given to me by Jesus Christ.

I was fortunate to take a mission trip in 2018 to Senegal, Africa, through a nonprofit I worked for at the time. It was my first-ever trip outside of North America. I was excited to learn new things but also somewhat anxious to be in the country and not understand the language or know cultural norms. I was embracing being comfortable in the unknown.

The purpose of the trip was to see the work our donors had invested in and help imagine new opportunities. We got to see fully equipped rural clinics for families, we opened a maternity ward in the heart of the city, and we attended a farm-

ing conference for the small community farmers (many women-owned) to learn about regenerative practices. Witnessing all this amazing goodness and abundance was overwhelming. Seeing all that was provided for people who might not have access to such basic needs reminded me that no matter what the circumstance the idea of “I Shall Not Want” is everywhere.

God was present for them. God made space for them to accept the gifts, engage in opportunities to learn and teach others, and God gave them the power to give back to us. Their generous hospitality at every turn was graceful. I was humbled and tried to not focus on what I did not have but rather, what I received. I saw

God everywhere and in everything.

My time in Africa continually shapes me. And as I go into Lent, the idea of “I shall not want” only strengthens my faith to know and believe he provides for me and provides for others. The last line of the Psalm sums it up beautifully.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Blessings to you and thank you for allowing me to share this message, Joy Altmann Congregational Council

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

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I Shall Not Want

Did You Know?

A column of useful-in-jeopardy information (and occasionally inspiration) from our teaching pastor

Did you know what is in the psalms?

This Lent we are inviting the entire congregation to spend time in one of the best known texts in all of the scriptures.

Every Wednesday we will dig into Psalm 23, better known by its first line: “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.” We will be memorizing these words together, welcoming them as trusted guides, deep in our bones.

The Psalms take up a huge chunk of the Old Testament.

Open your Bible to the middle and you’ll likely find one of the psalms. But what are these texts?

The psalms are the hymn book of the scriptures. They are filled with songs and poems, many of which were used in worship by the people of Israel. Walter Brueggemann, perhaps the greatest living Old Testament scholar (you can read more about him in the Church Anew article on page 13), shares three types of psalms in his book, The Message of the Psalms: • Orientation • Disorientation • New Orientation Psalms of Orientation show the amazing order of God’s world. They echo the creation story found in Genesis 1, where God creates the heavens and the earth and all that exists, giving order to what could otherwise seem chaotic. These psalms can easily be a playlist for a walk in the woods, a vacation to the mountains or the beach, or simply watching the sun rise in your neighborhood. They praise God for the beauty and wonder of the world that is.

Psalms of Disorientation follow a different arc. Most of the lament psalms show a world that has fallen short of God’s

Did You Know?

vision of wholeness and love (shalom) for creation. They cry out to God for help, lament to God in the midst of suffering, or even rage against God for being absent from the present moment. Are there times in your life when you have felt disoriented? Lost? Abandoned? These psalms can offer a script to express emotions that we’d sometimes rather keep under wraps, but if left unreleased can turn sour or unhealthy. In our wailing to God, we can embody a posture of lament, and God can take it. It’s in the Bible after all!

Finally, psalms of New Orientation show the arc God’s work in the world toward redemption for each of us and for all of creation. God provides rest for the weary, food for the hungry, and calls people in positions of power and authority to account for their misdeeds. God re-orders the universe.

I love Psalm 23 because it offers all of this movement in one beloved passage. The opening offers the well-ordered pastoral scene of a shepherd providing for her flock, bringing them by still waters that are safe to drink from and giving them (and us) everything we need. The disorientation is brief, but clearly present: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley” or as I remember memorizing it “the valley of the shadow of death.” An image that we can all relate to in one way or another. The verse turns to the personal, “you are with me,” showing the movement to God’s new orientation.

And the final call to God is both promise and plea: “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

So join us! Welcome this psalm and perhaps a few others into your daily life during this season of Lent.

Matthew Ian Fleming Pastor of Teaching & Young Adults

A Few Psalms to Read During Lent Orientation Psalm 8 Psalm 131

Disorientation Psalm 74 Psalm 88

New Orientation Psalm 27 Psalm 91

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Children’s Ministry

Why Shouldn’t We Want?

Being someone who teaches children, I often find myself questioning how children perceive things differently than we may. So while reading the Bible verse that a majority of us grew up reciting I question what is a child’s takeaway from Psalm 23? “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.” According to them, why should we not be in want? The following quotes are from children here at St. Andrew.

“Because God protects me.” We can see in Psalm 23:2 that God not only protects us but also provides for us. God’s provisions in this verse include pastures, water and restoration. My question back for this child and for you is how do you see God protecting and providing for you?

“Because God loves me!” After the child stated this I asked what does that feel like to you? “Comfort,” they said back to me.

This reminds me of the 4th verse in Psalm 23. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley. I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff– they comfort me”. Though we may have to go through scary things we are never alone because our powerful and almighty God loves us.

“Because God always chooses me.” I was excited when the child said this one. My quick response back was, “it’s true!” I then took out Psalm 23 and read to the child the 6th verse, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” They looked at me with a puzzled look on their face. So I explained to them that this says that even if we aren’t deserving of God, God still chooses us everyday.

This is why I love working with children. I am continuously learning from them! Just as I did, I hope we can take away a message from our children here at St. Andrew. God protects you, God loves you, and God chooses you!

Sarah Dorr Children’s Ministry Coordinator

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Confirmation

“Grant that I may not pray alone with the mouth; help me that I may pray from the depths of my heart..”

— Martin Luther

During the month of January, Confirmation students learned about prayer.

We explored different ways to talk to God. One of the resounding themes was that there is no particular way to pray.

You don’t have to say the right or smart words, It doesn’t have to be a certain length. You don’t have to address God in the same way each time. Prayer is something that you can do anytime, anywhere, and in any way. This is because the point of prayer is to build a relationship with God and open up communication between us and our creator.

Some Confirmation students shared that it is hard to pray in public, which I am sure a lot of people feel the same way. However, prayer is not supposed to create a space of anxiousness or worries.

Instead, it is supposed to be a place that calms and protects us. Jesus was the perfect model for us to look to for how to pray. Jesus prayed at any moment. He didn’t have a specific prayer or place. He

prayed alone and in front of others. The most important way he prayed was in the moment and from the heart.

To put this into practice. The last week we engaged with the topic of prayer, the Confirmation students participated in prayer stations. There were six prayer stations: prayer through yoga, thank you note prayer, coffee filter confession and forgiveness prayer, all around the world prayer, prayer of healing, and prayers to shine Christ’s light in our dark world.

I always love doing prayer stations, because it shows us that we can pray in a variety of ways and it can be in a group without fear of messing up. This model shows prayer can be unconventional but also communional.

For me, every time I create prayer stations and go through them with youth, I am always surprised by them. I am surprised by how deep the youth go in their prayers. I have found that even the youth that do not always seem the

most interested, pray some of the deepest prayers. Prayer stations give a space to express what is in the depths of our hearts through unique prayer opportunities. It allows us to release different aspects of our lives that are weighing heavy on us and gives us a space to express that through prayer.

Prayer shows us the meaning of “I Shall Not Want”, by creating that relationship that all we need is the Triune God to carry us through. We don’t need material things to express our sorrows, gratefulness, or our missteps. We just need God to enter into a space with us as we share in prayer. My hope for you all is that you will find ways to express your faith through prayer with yourself and with those around you. Make prayer a family habit.

Peace, Sarah Fike Pastor of Children, Youth, & Family

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Patio Crawl

Special Friendship at Patio Crawl Honors Tish Bergan A small group of craft beer enthusiasts at St. Andrew banded together a few years ago to tour together some of the new breweries in the community.

Known for easy fellowship in a casual setting, our 3rd Thursdays of the month have brought participants to all of the brewery establishments in the SW metro. Most importantly, it has formed up a connection of friendships among people who discover they have much more in common than beer.

One frequent participant of our casual evenings together was St. Andrew member Tish Bergan. Tish and her husband Andy are a fixture in the group, and their outgoing personalities and Tish’s enthusiastic and warm smile made them find a quick sense of belonging in the group.

When Tish died suddenly in December 2021, many members of the group expressed their thanksgiving for Tish’s warm presence and cheerfulness

with them. Many of these people knew Tish only through the patio crawls and several attended her memorial service in early January to celebrate her life and commend her to God’s everlasting care.

At the January gathering of the Patio Crawl in Chaska and without talking to each other in advance, two different members of the Patio Crawl group planned to honor Tish. Marjean Skoog brought the memorial service bulletin and a basket of chocolates to share. It was meant to remind us of how sweet Tish was to us all. Another member, Kris Hansel, also brought the memorial service bulletin and bought Tish a beer and placed it at an empty space at the table.

These items sat there through the whole of the evening together. Thanks be to God for the joy of friendships!

We know that being connected together with other people is a key to life. Our family and friend network brings humor, support in harder times,

Tish Bergan pictured here next to Pastor Peter at a Patio Crawl last year 7

companionship, and joy. The experience of separation and isolation because of the pandemic has created a strong desire for connection with others. With others in our faithful community with whom to ‘do life’, we are more in balance. The Patio Crawl, among other ways to connect, learn, and grow, helps fill these voids of loneliness and build up a shared sense of faithful community.

We give thanks to God for Tish. We continue our prayers for Andy. And we keep gathering together as community.

Truly, we are better, fuller, and more holistic together. We gather the third Thursday of each month at 6:30PM and all are welcome. Check the St. Andrew website for the location.

In Thanksgiving, Peter Johnson Pastor of Service & Small Groups

I Shall Not Want

Small Groups

Lenten Practice: Minimalism—Less is More Joshua Field Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus are old friends. They got disconnected from each other when they went to college, each going their own way. Successful in their careers and each earning six figures, they thought they were living ‘the good life’. They had collected all that they wanted or thought they needed. The problem was that they were caught in the race.

As the story goes, Joshua suffered through the death of his mother and divorce in his marriage in a period of one month. Settling the affairs of his mother included the clearing out of a house full of possessions. This mirrored how the turmoil of his personal life needed

reformatting. His answer: living simply, without as much stuff, focused on the right things, being smaller and more intentionally. He became a new person.

Later, Ryan met up with Joshua again after a few years. Ryan discovered Josh was happy. Ryan, who was feeling overworked and dissatisfied, asked why Josh was so happy. Josh described his simple life, the life of a minimalist. Ryan asked, how did he get there? Ryan responded: Less possessions, more friendships; less rat race, more relationships; less chaos, more peace and simplicity.

The Netflix documentary “Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things” is all the rage. Ryan and Josh

Less possessions, more friendships; less rat race, more relationships; less chaos, more peace and simplicity.

now are traveling the country, sharing their vision of this newfound simplicity and minimalist living. They are providing for people new opportunities to declutter their materials possessions in straight-forward ways. Even more important, they are giving people the opportunity to say ‘yes to focusing anew on their family, build deeper friendships, and decluttering hearts so that they are focused on what is most important.

As the church enters into the season of Lent 2022, we are invited to participate in a new opportunity to live more simply through our own practices of minimalism and combine our efforts with spiritual disciplines that will helps us lean in closer to God’s life-giving Spirit. Let us refocus of our lives and hearts around the practices of minimalism mixed in with rich faith practices.

Here is the plan. You are invited to view the documentary “Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things” on your own on Netflix. We will gather together for discussion at the start of Lent starting March 9 at 6:15 PM. We will receive gentle encouragement around the personal decluttering of our lives and possessions following the principles of Ryan and Josh (1st day: 1 item; 2nd day: 2 items; 3rd day: 3 items, and so forth). And we will gather together for ongoing mutual support and encouragement on Wednesdays for dinner and conversation at St. Andrew.

Welcome, Peter Johnson Pastor of Service & Small Groups

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Seeds of Support Mission

Needed personal supplies are distributed to a hospital in St. Marc, Haiti

Seeds of Support in Haiti Sees New Vision For Mission “Pastor Peter, what is going on in Haiti? How are our friends there? Pastor, when are we going to be able to travel to Haiti again?”

I am grateful for these questions and for the ways that the mission work we are doing in Haiti is part of our collective understanding of ministry at St. Andrew. This is what happens after 12 years of God blessing us through the mission work that has included digging a well, building a bakery, traveling with 100s of people, and helping to establish the ministry at Redemption Lutheran Church of Jacmel.

For a variety of reasons, Seeds of Support has not been to Haiti now for nearly four years! What interrupted our travel plans nearly 4 years ago had to do with demonstrations in the streets due to high fuel costs. Then, the pandemic shut down the world. More recently, the assassination of the Haitian President Jovenel Moise in July 2021 illustrated the political challenges of Haiti. Then, the kidnapping of a group of American missionaries (all have since been released) in Port au Prince this fall and the related gang violence further illustrates the ongoing challenges to traveling to Haiti.

Jorel Carte, Joseph and Kerlange, our friends in Haiti who have worked closely 9

with our groups, all have shared with us the challenging impact of these events on their family’s lives. What next?

The truth is that mission in Haiti is needed now more than ever and Seeds of Support is at work to continue the mission in new ways. At our roots are the concepts of faithful mutuality, empowerment and sustainability. All we have ever done in the mission are activities asked for by our partners.

The mission is for their benefit, not ours. We have leaned successful on our partners to conceive of and bring about the mission in our absence. They can carry out a vision of love and hope for their community through our resources.

Mission is still getting done.

In November, Kerlange sponsored a visit from her local church to an area hospital in her community. Patients in the hospital are routinely without basic necessities like drugs and personal hygiene supplies. Since the hospitals are unable to provide these items, Kerlange and her church distributed needed items wearing shirts reading “Jesus Saves” to 56 patients. We thank Kerlange for her planning and implementing this ministry in St. Marc, her local community.

This is the new Seeds of Support at work.

With the help of Jorel Carte, Seeds

of Support Project Coordinator, the village of Pasquette hosted a Christmas party for sixty children in the community.

Much like the VBS-like Kids Club our mission trips have provided for children of the community, leaders put together a stage complete with banners and other decorations to tell the story of Jesus, sing songs, distribute cake, and personal gifts in a festival-like carnival celebrating the birth of Jesus. Seeds of Support also helped to make a food distribution at Christmas time through Redemption Lutheran Church, bringing needed supplies in the community dealing with high inflation. This is the new Seeds of Support at work.

It has been said, “when the going gets tough, the tough get stronger.” Where the will for mission exists, creativity and vision will help get the job done. God has brought new energy to Seeds of Support.

While we pray for the day we can return to Haiti to see our friends face-to-face, we give thanks for the creative Spirit to bring about hope and peace in these new ways. With God anything is possible.

In gratitude, Peter Johnson Pastor of Service & Small Groups

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High School Ministry

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n 2022, let’s make it a focus to fix our eyes on Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Psalm 23 showcases how the Lord is our Shepherd.

I know it may be confusing to relate a passage about a Shepherd and His sheep to our relationship with God. We as God’s children are the sheep, and He is the shepherd. A shepherd knows every need for their sheep and makes their paths clear until their needs are fulfilled. Psalm 23 is a comforting reminder that whether you’re on top of the world, going through a dark time, or somewhere in between, the Good Shepherd is ready to guide you. As our shepherd, He leads us, restores us, and brings us peace.

In this transition period, St. Andrew is working with consultant Theresa J.M. Michael to find the next High School Ministry Coordinator. In the meantime, I have been working with the high school youth here at St. Andrew. At the start of January, I asked the Lord to be Shepherd to guide me on how I should go about Wednesday Night Youth Group and High School Bible Study in the new year. My goal was to get kids involved with the program to learn that time with each other and God is a need. I was hoping the new year would spark growth in high schoolers wanting to be connected.

During my time, I have witnessed that the high school youth program is alive and well. Each week, more and more kids come eager to grow closer to one another and grow in their faith. In fact, in my last Wednesday Night Youth Group, there were so many new faces that I nearly cried. Wednesday Night Youth Group is lively, and I know that in 2022 it will be filled with so much fun (and food)! It has been so powerful to witness these youth showing up to live out their faith in daily life.

As I reflect on my time here and Psalm 23, these kids have helped me put a lot of things into perspective.

In Psalm 23, David writes, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” This statement can be true for you as well. A sheep under the care of a good shepherd can move through each day with the peace that comes in knowing He is your protector.

Your story may seem anything but safe right now but know that your shepherd is watching. He will provide for you, and he will protect you.

Tatum Batchelder Interim High School Ministry Coordinator

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Music Staff Spotlight: Jill Boyd, Sonshine Singers Director Psalm 23 has been the inspiration for some of the best hymns in our hymnal. “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” offers this paraphrase of our theme verse for Lent: “I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine forever.” God continues to provide so marvelously for his church. Case in point: when Kirsten Hanninen stepped away from her role as Spirit Singers director, O me of little faith says to himself, “how will we ever find someone as good as Kirsten to work with our middle schoolers? I’d like to ask Sarah Gilbertson but she’ll probably say no.” She said yes.

God provides! Then, more recently, as we wanted to find a new director for the Sonshine Singers, O me of little faith says to himself, “I think Jill Boyd would be awesome but she’ll probably say no…”

She said yes. God provides! Are we sensing the pattern here?! Parents, what I’m here to testify about is that our kids’ choir directors here at St. Andrew (including Hannah Fleming, Starlite Singers director) are some of the very best music educators in the area!! We are indeed blessed. The following is a conversation with Jill Boyd, our new Sonshine Singers director: I understand that you have the gift of getting a lot of kids to join choir at EPHS, particularly boys! What’s your secret to getting them interested in choir and then how do you go about getting the best performances out of them? The short answer is quite simple Food! I find high school boys to be very motivated by the prospect of donuts and Chick-Fil-A lunches! On a deeper level, thanks for your kind words; I think gain11

ing and retaining young people in Choir, young men in particular, has a lot to do with building a structure where they can fully be themselves while also being held to high expectations. Our kids (boys especially) need to engage, move, and be active. I think music, much like athletics, is a great outlet for young people to be fully immersed in something that uses their brains, bodies, and souls. It’s screen-free, it’s fun, it’s social, and it’s for everyone! Another, more specific way I try to reach my choir students is to very carefully choose music. The music needs to fit within their changing vocal ranges, it needs to meaningful, and it needs to be appealing. If the kids aren’t motivated by the music, it can be very difficult to get them to do their best work.

What can you share about your vision for Sonshine Singers both for the near-future and for after this pandemic is over? As I look back to my own childhood, I am more and more grateful for the many musical opportunities and mentors I had in my small church. I am excited about the prospects of continuing singing and music in the lives of our young people at this church and I’m so grateful to be a part of the outstanding music team at St. Andrew. I envision Sonshine Singers being a place for 1st through 5th graders to be themselves, make music, build relationships, and learn about their faith. Making the weekly time together fly by from 6 to 6:30 is my goal for the kids. Then, performing in worship will be a special bonus! I look forward to collaborating with the other Choirs and their directors to give meaningful experiences to our kids.

“Notes” from the Music Office

Many families may know you because of your wonderful involvement as a Sunday School teacher. For those who may not know you, what’s one thing that you’d most like St. Andrew families to know about you? Something I would want St. Andrew families to know about me is that I am a mom. I have two boys, a kindergartner and a second grader (both of whom have told me they will absolutely NOT be singing in front of church. EVER. Well, we’ll see about that…) I’m not perfect and I, like every parent, am balancing all the same things you are in this crazy world.

I am so encouraged and inspired by all the families that make church activities a priority in their already-busy schedules.

We all have so much through which we wade – school, sports, family obligations, work, not to mention a seemingly never-ending pandemic – and I think it’s really powerful that families like ours and Moms like me can come together at this place we call church and take care of each other, take care of our children together, and give each other support and grace.

What are some of the things that you’ve loved and appreciated about St. Andrew’s ministry? Something that drew me to St. Andrew was the programming that my high school students would often share with me – Spirit in the Pines, Confirmation, and other meaningful lifelong memories. I knew I wanted my own kids to have those positive opportunities to grow in their faith. I also fell in love with the music ministry at St. Andrew. I was so pleased to sing traditional hymns, hear the choirs, bells, and organ, not to mention all of the special music that is

so intricately and thoughtfully planned out by none other than the amazing Tim Graf ! I think the Pastoral Staff here is also a remarkable team who leads us with courage and consistency in doing God’s work in our community. I have also been inspired by Arlene Flancher’s work in the Children’s Ministry and I’m grateful for what she fostered in terms of giving our youngest believers fun and meaningful opportunities to learn about God and feel a sense of belonging. I think her work laid a foundation for me and other dedicated adults to continue our outreach to our youth. After all, the kids are the future of this church; they are the future of God’s Church!

Although my purpose here was to highlight our kids’ choirs, I’d like to add that we are similarly blessed to have our music staff members Larry Bach and Jodi Edstrom, director and accompanist for the Canticle Choir, and Linnae Stole, our youth bell choir director. If you or your children would like to try participating in one of our vocal or handbell choirs, I encourage you to come and join in the song. It’s never too late to join!

See you in church!

Tim Graf Director of Music & Worship

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ew would argue that Dr. Walter Bruggemann is the most prominent living Old Testament scholar in the world. Through an ongoing friendship with St. Andrew member Pastor Mary Brown, and an open platform on Church Anew, Dr. Bruggemann has shared 79 original articles.

We’ve included on of his latest as he articulates so closely the mission of St. Andrew. Enjoy!

Strike!

Best Pitches of Christian Life Walter Brueggemann

With a loan from my friend, Allen Horstman, I have been reading a most remarkable book, K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitches by Tyler Kepner. Every baseball fan will know and take the cue that “K” is the proper entry on a scorecard for a strikeout. The book is organized in ten chapters, each one concerning a particular baseball pitch, e.g., fast ball, curve, slider, knuckle ball, etc. Each chapter is a leisurely, gossipy discussion of a particular pitch, who threw it best, how each pitcher learned it, and what the pitch caused to happen to the pitcher who threw it.

What surprised me most about the book is the report of a congenial, convivial network of pitchers. Not only did they compete fiercely with each other, but 13

they also observed each other, learned from each other, and taught each other, sharing their “secrets” of success. There is also generous instruction from senior and retired players and managerial types.

It is a truism that every pitcher must have at least three effective pitches, two plus a good fastball. And if one of those pitches fails, then the pitcher must compensate and adjust, and experiment with a new pitch. The book in particular calls attention to three teachers who helped pitchers develop new pitches: • Fred Martin, for a time a member of my beloved St. Louis Cardinals, in his retirement taught Bruce Sutter, Roger Craig, and Donnie Moore the art of the splitter. The chapter details the remarkable

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success of Sutter on his way to the Hall of Fame.

Johnny Podres was a master of the change-up and taught it successfully to Curt Shilling, Bobby Ojeda, and Frank Viola.

Perhaps most important is Johnny Sain, a serious student of the game.

He taught the slider to John Smoltz, Tommy John, and a series of other players. There is even a photo of “the great Johnny Sain” teaching from the mound, surrounded by Tiger pitchers including Johnny Podres.

The book evidences a network of practical mutual assistance, functioning to help different members of the network to better their skills and gain effectiveness in

Church Anew their work. Thus I am able to imagine an ongoing conversation in the dugout before, during, and after the game, especially among pitchers on their off-days when they have time for such helpful talk.

Given that characterization of the conversation in the dugout, it occurred to me that it might be a useful formulation that accurately describes a well-functioning congregation: A network of practical mutual assistance, functioning to help different members of the network to better their skills and gain effectiveness in their work.

By way of transfer from baseball to congregational life, I have often reiterated my conviction that the three most elemental practices of the Christian life are: 1. Generosity 2. Hospitality 3. Forgiveness One could quibble with that list, but assume it for now.

What if we think about these three “best pitches” of the Christian life, with a network helping us to improve our skills at these aspects of our “proper work”?

This would suggest that the congregation is in the process of nurturing, sustaining, and encouraging such intentional growth. So consider: 1. Generosity as the fast ball of faith.

It is a given in baseball that a good pitcher must have a good fast ball above all else. Everything else depends on a good fast ball. Thus I suggest that for a faithful Christian life, everything begins with and depends upon generosity, the capacity and willingness to share resources with the neighborhood in the hope of contributing to the wellbeing of the whole. Such generosity surely in-

cludes good “stewardship” for the wellbeing of the congregation, but it also includes contributions to the body politic that takes the form of generous charity, and generous tax-supported policies that enhance the neighborhood and attend to those who lack adequate resources.

2. Hospitality as the curve ball of faith.

A central feature of a good curve ball is that it surprises the batter. Such a pitch requires just the right twist, the snap of the wrist in order that the batter will be surprised; such a pitch depends to some great extent on deception. Hospitality in a society marked by anxiety and fear is always a surprise, given our systemic fear of the other. Church faith depends upon such hospitality, the welcome for the stranger, and openness to the other who is unlike us. Recently our newspaper reported (from the AP) about inhabitants in the Alps at the border of Italy and France who welcome Moroccan immigrants who risk their lives at the crossing.

It is reported that in the Alps there is, “a network of hundreds of volunteers who run migrant shelters, clothe those in need for the hazardous crossing and trek in the cold….Armed with thermoses of hot tea and the belief that their own humanity would be diminished if they left pregnant women, children and men young and old to fend for themselves, the Alpine helpers are a counter-argument to populist politicians (“Freezing in the Alps, Migrants Find Warm Hearts and Comfort” Record-Eagle 12/22/2021, A6).”

Such hospitality is always a surprise because it boldly contradicts our ready propensity to exclusion in fear. Faith acts out the counter-argument!

3. Forgiveness as the spit ball of faith.

The spit ball is outlawed in baseball. Nonetheless certain identifiable pitchers, notably Gaylord Perry, threw it and enjoyed the widespread impression that they were throwing it. I suggest that forgiveness is as illegitimate as a spit ball in our society. Within predatory capitalism, forgiveness is indeed banned and illegal, because forgiveness of a serious kind would disrupt and eventually dismantle an economy of predatory greed. Forgiveness breaks the destructive cycle of quid pro quo that always champions austerity toward the disadvantaged. Forgiveness of debts is so dangerous because it undermines the grip of fear and the leverage of guilt wherein some are kept perpetually in hock to others. But faith does not mind such “civil disobedience” in the service of “love of neighbor.”

So imagine Christians in a congregation in an ongoing dugout conversation about these best pitches of faith, and how to improve our skill and capacity with them, how to be more effective in generosity, how to be bolder in hospitality, and how to be more subversive in forgiveness.

1. How to pitch generosity that need hold nothing back; 2. How to pitch hospitality that welcomes without fear, 3. How to pitch forgiveness that breaks the vicious cycles of retaliation.

This triad might be the basis for a curriculum in the congregation for the nurture of the young, for initiation of young adults who have never thought about such matters, and for other members who have long known this and forgotten. The substance for such a congregational curriculum might go like this.

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Simply identify the best witnesses for each of these pitches.

Identify the most generous members of the network, not the ones who give the most, but the ones who give most readily and most freely. Identify the members of the network who best practice welcome of strangers, who may do so in unnoticed ways. Identify the members of the network who have been most forgiven and who have received new life from forgiveness.

Good education is narrative work. Let the stories be told.

Let the congregation be on the receiving end of such truth-telling. Let the congregation celebrate these narratives that defy the old rules of parsimony, exclusion, and score-keeping. The stories are contagious. Hearing such stories is sure to evoke other possibilities and permit risk-taking in fresh forms.

I had one other impression from Kepner’s book. The pitchers and coaches

Church Anew of pitchers engage in long term practice.

It might indeed take a year to perfect a new pitch. The embrace of a life of generosity, hospitality, and forgiveness is a long-term project. One reason it is long term work is that in our society we have so much to unlearn.

The unlearning and the re-learning is not a head trip.

It is actual practice, the very doing of these actions and, consequently, the amazing capacity of watching the neighborhood being transformed before our very eyes.

When a new pitch works, everyone notices; when a fast ball pops, or when a curve breaks, or when a spit ball affronts, everyone in the dugout notices. Games turn out differently. And the cloud of witnesses in the stands joins in the elation.

God’s baseball time: “A thousand ages in thy sight are like a season gone.”

Join us for Nadia Bolz-Weber at St. Andrew on May 2–3.

May 2-3 also including:

Tod Bolsinger

Jenny Sung

Two-day and Evening Tickets available at churchanew.org Hear a fresh presentation from New York Times best-selling author, Nadia Bolz-Weber. Her authenticity of faith and courage to look at the raw and unvarnished challenges of life will help us find a word of promise and hope.

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Joe Davis

I Shall Not Want

Spirit in the Pines

“Being welcomed, cared for, and valued is life changing every time.”

The above, are words I’ve used often over the past few months in talking about why camp is so important. They also evoke the essence of Psalm 23, which St. Andrew is dwelling in during Lent. In Psalm 23 we hear that because the Lord is our shepherd, we lack nothing. Nothing. No thing. Not one single thing.

Extending true welcome and care is what has space to exist when our lives are less full of perhaps interesting but not truly fulfilling things. This is part of why camp is so transformational. When we leave the typical hum drum of activity, we realize that we don’t actually need most of what we routinely fill our lives with. Living in more simple ways, like sharing meals and a common space, opens up a world where we can spend time differently. We can enjoy one another’s company, explore creation, and notice that existence itself is its own joy and that it is more than enough. Enough.

As I’ve been meeting and getting to know high school camp counselors and college age camp staff, I’ve been struck by the insight and maturity of these young people. We held a zoom training on the last Saturday in January, and I told them this: “It is incredible that there are over 100 of you who want to give a week of time or an entire summer of your time to kids who are younger than you.” Sure, the staff will be paid, and the high schoolers can list it as experience. But that is not the driving motivation for any of these young people. They said directly that what they want is to give the gift they received as campers back to other kids. Not every faith community finds itself this lucky.

The gift of camp is the good news of the gospel—it is the gift of being known, accepted, and loved simply for who you are. Spirit in the Pines is a camp that focuses directly on this, and I am so excited to join this incredible community and continue growing it. I hope to meet and welcome you and your family at camp this summer!

Sarah Blasing Outdoor Ministry & Youth Leadership Director

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A More Just World

A More Just World

If we could look into each other’s hearts and see the challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other with more love, kindness, compassion and patience.

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While one of my colleagues from seminary was visiting someone in a nursing home the other day, she walked past a whiteboard with this handwritten message on it: “In the end, these things matter most: 1) How well did you love? 2) How fully did you live? and 3) How deeply did you let go?”

All three questions are a wonderful reminder of how to go about life, but it’s the third one that caught my eye. “How deeply did you let go?” It gave me reason to pause because I think the answer to that question will say a lot about how we answer the other two. There are many things in our lives and in our world that get in the way of our ability to live and love fully. From broken promises to words spoken that hurt because they are untrue…or perhaps because they are true—from misunderstandings to ways of doing things that just don’t work anymore, holding on holds us back from loving as we ought to love and living as we want to live.

That is the work of A More Just World… it’s the work of listening and learning about the things that hold us back—not just ourselves individually, but ourselves as a community and a world. As we do this work, we begin to discover what we are holding on to and what we need to let go of. One of the ways to explore this is to consider taking the IDI (Intercultural Development Inventory) assessments with people in our congregation. These assessments help us to discover what’s holding us back in our ability to live and love fully, to discover some of the biases that are held deeply within us that we didn’t even know we had, and to make changes in our lives that will help us to let go of them.

If you haven’t had a chance to take the IDI assessment or to participate in some of the other great discussions A More Just World is hosting, I invite you to do so. From learning more about yourself to learning more about the neighbor who is Muslim, black, brown or a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, there is something for you to discover that will help move us one step closer to A More Just World.

I recently read a post on Facebook that said, “If we could look into each other’s hearts and see the challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other with more love, kindness, compassion and patience.” The work of A More Just World is to look into the faces and hearts of one another, recognizing we all have hurts and hopes. We are far more alike than we are different. When we finally let go more deeply of the brokenness that holds us back, love can do its work. Because it is finally love that can heal and love that will bring about A More Just World.

If you would like to know more about how you can get involved in this work, contact Pastor Peter at pastorpeter@standrewlu.org or Pastor Gail at pastorgail@standrewlu.org.

Gail Bach Pastor of Stewardship & Evangelism

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Visitation Ministry

“It’s not how much she gave, it’s that she gave all that she had that is so generously remarkable.”

Selfless & Generous—I Want to Be like Susan!

Susan came into my life in her 80s.

Across the street from my church in the northwest suburbs of Chicago was a new retirement community. All the apartments were for ‘independent living.’ Susan was living in one of those apartments and a life-long Lutheran.

Susan was thin and a little bent over, soft spoken and extremely humble. Her husband died in his 60s from an accident at work. He had no pension, no money in the bank for retirement. Susan had a low paying job in retail and decided to move from the city to the suburbs. She often walked across the street from her complex to come to worship. We were in the middle of our fall stewardship program and were gathering pledges for the upcoming year when Susan taught me a lesson about “I shall not want.”

I had been in Susan’s apartment several times and noted that it was very modestly furnished. One Sunday as Susan left church, she handed me her pledge card. She was apologetic when she gave it to me and said, “I’ve decided to tithe

this year. It’s not much but God always takes care of me and I don’t want for anything.” Susan told me that her main income was Social Security—$16,000 a year. Knowing how little money she had to live on, I felt sorrow and guilt that Susan would be so generous. I assured her that she could give less and use the money for herself but she was stubborn about her decision. My first thought was of the widow Jesus and his disciples saw outside of the temple in Jerusalem according to Luke 21:1–4. She put into the offering two copper coins—about 1/8 of a cent.

Jesus said, “It’s not how much she gave, it’s that she gave all that she had that is so generously remarkable.” Jesus was deeply moved by her generosity.

The 23rd Psalm reminds us, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

I feel like a liar when I say these words because I know I want for too much and I don’t trust the shepherd in the way the widow in Luke’s gospel or like my friend Susan did. They believed God would provide and they were able to say, “I don’t

need/want anything more.” Susan died in her 90s and her daughter stopped by church weeks after Susan’s funeral and handed me an envelope. I opened it and inside was a thank you and a check for $400. I can’t imagine what Susan gave up or denied herself in order to save that money but it was her final chance to give.

Even in death, she thought about doing something for others. It’s been at least 25 years since this happened and of all the wonderful people I’ve known in my life, Susan stands out as one who truly lived these words “the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want!” I’m working on this in my life—wanting more for others, needing less for myself. It’s remembering how much God has already provided for me and being grateful every day!

Roger Schindel Visitation Pastor

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Hospitality

What’s for Dinner?

Meal Hosts: Lisa, Sarah, and Sue

That question is asked a fair amount of times at home, but also here at church.

Wednesday is the day that St. Andrew serves a delicious catered dinner for any and all people from 5:00–7:00 PM It is especially convenient for families who have children participating in confirmation, and other youth activities that night. However, many other families just come for the hot meal and warm conversation. The food is great, but having dinner together provides a welcoming place for people to make connections, build community, and a time for friendships to be formed. But don’t take my word for it … I asked several families, “What do you enjoy most about attending Wednesday meals? Here is what they had to say: The Stineman & Hudson families shared, “It’s great to see people you haven’t seen in a while. It’s a way to meet and talk with new people. We get to bond with people outside of school and it’s a way to make new friends”—Ilsa & Kate. Parents Jill and Heike shared this, “It’s our ultimate fave for fellowship. It’s like Cheers where everyone knows your name—it just feels like home. We look forward to Wednesday nights to see each other and for our kids to participate in all the great events like choir, bells, confirmation and Bible Blasters. It provides our kids and us with another layer of friends beyond school and our neighborhoods. The icing on the cake is no cooking and enjoying the wonderful meals that not only nourish our bodies, but also provide enrichment to our souls because of the fellowship. Everybody wins on Wednesday nights!”

Paul and Marjean Skoog had this to say, “We come not just for the great variety of food, but for the socialization. We come early and stay late to visit with friends. We have met and made friends along the way. We really enjoy this time and look forward to it each week!”

Others that I talked with echoed those same sentiments along with, “It’s a chance for the family to eat together and to enjoy each other’s company without worrying about the meal; The more we come to Wednesday meals, the more people we meet and friends we make; We don’t always know what’s on the menu, but we do know it will always be good—especially the desserts!”

What’s for dinner? A delicious plate of food along with a generous helping of friendship and community!

Burke Hancer Ministry Coordinator

Cater Family

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Stineman & Hudson Families

Boyd & Markos Families

Skoog Family

Deikman Family

Reisdorf Family & Friend

Dahlke Family

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I Shall Not Want Many things… but I DO Want Spring The days are getting longer and according to the calendar, spring is less than a month away, which means it is time to start thinking about our Easter Flowers. As you know, it has been a tradition for St. Andrew to fill the sanctuary and other spaces around the building with flowers on Easter. If you would like to purchase a lily, a pot of tulips, or mums to make the sanctuary spectacular this Easter, you will be able to place an order online between Sunday, March 6 and Sunday, April 3. Prices will be $10 for lilies (white) or tulips (yellow, purple, pink or orange) and $13 for the mums (yellow, white or purple). Watch our e-mails or check the website to place your order.

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On Sunday, January 30, St. Andrew members participated in our 45th Annual Meeting.

We spent a little time looking back, as well as a good amount of time looking ahead. In the end, it was clear that St. Andrew is blessed beyond measure. Here are some of the things that happened at this year’s meeting: • We elected three new members to our congregation council. They are Brendan Dolan, Steve Galleger and Laura Hoffer. Congratulations and welcome!

• We said “thank you” and “farewell” to three members going off of council this year. They were Eric Werlinger (president), Kris Hansel and Matt Gribben. We will miss these great leaders and are so grateful for their good work.

• We approved the 2021 Financial Report and the 2022 Budget • We approved the 2022 Key Aims, which will serve as a guide to our leaders and staff as we go about our work in the areas of worship, re-engagement, program refinement and A More Just World.

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s meeting and to all who have supported our ministries this past year. We are blessed by God through each and every one of you!

Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, & Easter Ash Wednesday

Good Friday

7:30 AM, 12:00, 7:00 PM Wiggle & Worship 5:30 PM

12:00, 7:00 PM Family Service 5:30 PM

Palm Sunday

Easter Sunday

9:00, 10:30 AM

8:00*, 9:00*, 10:00, 11:00 AM Wiggle & Worship 10:30 AM

March 2

April 10

Maundy Thursday April 14

6:30 PM

April 15

April 17

*Communion served in the Chapel following worship

Worship schedule is subject to change. Please visit standrewlu.org/easter for latest info.

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

Happy Easter!