Son Times Summer 2018 | Vol. 1

ST. ANDREW LUTHERAN CHURCH

SON TIMES

Summer 2018 | Vol. 1

PLAY[FULL]

Play[full]

M

y dental hygienist and I have this conversation that never ends. I go in for a tooth cleaning every six months. Okay, it’s about once a year. All right, I TRY to make it once a year.

(My luck is, everyone will slow down as they pass me to look if I still have teeth. I do!)

Anyway, whenever I do show up, the hygienist will encourage me to floss more often. In other words, she knows that she is the only person in the world who flosses my teeth.

My appointment usually goes like this. “David, you need to floss daily.” Then I respond, “With all due respect, every time you floss my teeth, my gums bleed.” And she will say, “That’s because you do not floss between visits.” And I then come back with, “Well, if my teeth didn’t bleed when you flossed them, I would be more apt to floss.” And then the response is, “They bleed because you don’t floss.” Of course this is not the end of the conversation. I go on to ask, “Floss was invented when? Surely our great, great grandparents didn’t floss.” We then both will laugh (well I kinda do because I have dental floss in my mouth and my hygienist is making me bleed.) However, she responds, “Even though that may be

Leadership/New Member

true, may I will point out that many of them didn’t have all their teeth.” As we draw our conversation to a close, I respond “Well, I’ll try to floss. Or, I can find another dentist.” And her final words to me are always, “David, the dentist is your brother-in-law. Now please open your mouth wider.”

My point to all of this dental talk is that everything is a habit. Something is either a good habit or a bad habit— even flossing your teeth. So—here is my simple, yet hard message for all of us as we approach the best weather days of the year in this part of the world. May we all set aside some time to pray. May we all set aside some time to serve others. May we all strive to make worship a priority—even if it is really nice and warm outside. And, your staff here will strive to make your time at St. Andrew the best part of your week. So help us God. Pastor Lillejord Senior Pastor

Upcoming New Member Information Session Sunday, June 10, 10:00 AM

We have had many guests and visitors asking about St. Andrew this spring and wondering how to go about becoming a member. Perhaps you, or someone you know, has asked that same question. Well, here’s your chance to become a member before our summer schedules take over. Join us on Sunday, June 10, at 10:00 AM in Room 206 where you can ask questions about St. Andrew, learning about who we are and what we believe…AND complete the process of joining before you go home if you would like.

1

Play[full]

Summer Sermon Series

Play[full] Sermon Series

The Life We Need

We work hard. We play harder. We live for our vacation or Fridays. But, does our pent up need to celebrate, create, enjoy, and yes, play, actually stop us from living the life we need? In his book, A Play-Full Life, Jaco Hamman invites us to slow down, practice humility, wonder at the world, and see every interaction as an opportunity to be play[full]. This summer, we are challenging the congregation to be play[full] in small groups and in worship.

1. Worship together.

2. Join a Play[full] Life Group to find the spirituality of play.

3. Share a play[full] life with your loved ones, coworkers, and all of God’s creation.

Play[full] Book Study

A play[full] life is not trivial, naïve, shallow, childish A play[full] life is patient, eager, mature, alive

Low-impact book study. Read Jaco

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the life we need.

•

June 13

•

July 11

Hamman’s book, the inspiration for this sermon series, with others.

Weekly Sermon Series Topics:

Meet three times at 7:30 AM or Noon •

June 27

June 3 | Exhale

June 10 | The enemies of becoming

June 17 | Color outside the lines

Slow down and seek peace. This is some-

play[full]

Jesus calls to lives of abundance—boundless

yet we relegate it to weekends or vacations.

from becoming play[full] with our surround-

thing we need daily, every moment, and

We each have things that stand in our way

What does it look like to take every breath

ings and our world. Jaco Hamman describes

as a moment to practice peace?

pulsion, Conflict, and Consumption.

July 1 | I am enough.

we have lost a sense of wonder at God’s

just your thoughts? No not your iPhone.

access to endless information. But perhaps

When was the last time you sat still with

creation. Being play[full] means seeing the

Just your thoughts. What does it mean to

A relationship with God doesn’t mean

serious-business all the time. It doesn’t just

July 8 | Plays well with others Our world needs more play, more interac-

With Siri or Alexa a whisper away, we have

July 17 | Divine Sandbox

can we practice living this in our daily lives?

six: Criticism, Control, Competition, Com-

June 24 | Awe[full]

transcendent all around us.

creativity, hope, and opportunity. But how

be play[full] while we are alone?

tion, more energy, more levity. How can we bring this salt and light to the world?

Summer Worship Hours Starting May 27

Sundays 8:45 & 10:00 AM

mean sitting quietly or praying fervently.

God is play[full], just as we are invited to be play[full].

2

Play[full]

Patio Crawl

Wine & the Word

Hiking

Birds & Brews

Basketball

3

People Like Old Cars

Play[full] Life Groups

Enliven Your Summer with

Play[full] Life Groups After experiencing that last ditch effort from Mother Nature to bury us in snow, I was done. Completely done!

I had been so ready to set the patio up and spend as much time outside as I could. 17 inches of snow put the cobash on this for a few more days. I knew that others were just as pent up as me. It is time to be play[full]!

A few weeks before that memorable April blizzard, St. Andrew member David Lerseth and I had connected about developing a new small group. David has a beloved, old, refurbished car, a 1929 Model A Tudor. It is meant to be shared! We were sure that others have refurbished cars at St. Andrew. Or, people may not have cars of their own, but are interested in learning more about this popular hobby. The concept of People Like Old Cars, a summer Play[full] Life Group, was born.

Let’s spend some intentional leisure time together, getting to know some new friends. No longer pent up and ready with renewed energy to engage, let’s gather together around similar interests and have some fun.

To join a group, here is what you need to do. First, check the list for what kind of group suits your interests? Second, head to the website to indicate your interest in a group at Play[full] Life Groups.

Or, connect with the group’s leader directly. If you don’t see a group on the list that suits your interest, please consider starting your own. Welcome to Summer Play[full] Life Groups!

Pickleball

Cycling

Pastor Peter Johnson Pastor of Service & Small Groups

Card Playing standrewlu.org/small-groups/play-full-life-groups

Tennis

Toddlers in the Park

4

Play[full]

5

Spirit in the Pines

Playful Moments at Camp Stopping to smell the roses (or pine trees as it may be) as well as slowing down to appreciate God’s beautiful creation is at the heart of Spirit in the Pines Camp. So is enjoying each other’s company, making new friends, and experiencing God’s love and grace in unique and playful ways!

Consider the playful joy and sense of accomplishment as early morning campers and counselors crawl out of their warm beds only to jump into the cold waters of Pleasant Lake for the voluntary Polar Bear swim each day. The reserved reflection of morning worship in the camp chapel includes the playfulness of energetic songs and even some creative stretching exercises afterwards.

Each meal contains an opening

and closing prayer as well as a rousing “Thank you to the cooks”! In between those prayers is wonderful conversation at each table between campers and counselors. Besides great food, fun and laughter is shared as staff and counselors playfully perform skits and stunts as penalty for having their elbows on the table, or for some other “serious” infraction of the lodge rules.

Bible study and evening campfire is truly were God’s love and grace is fleshed out and life’s practical application is gleaned. Yet during these daily more spiritual times, community, laughter, and pure joy is experienced. Incredibly fun (and animated) songs are sung, creative skits are performed, and God’s Truth is shared and received. All in wonderful,

prayerful, and playful ways!

The rest of each day is filled with games and activities that create and encourage playfulness, good sportsmanship, team spirit, energy, laughter, community, and a sense of belonging.

Of course there are also several times each day for kids to just sit back, relax, appreciate God’s creation, and smell those pine trees! Being play[full] in all of its many forms and understandings is what camp is all about!

Burke Hancer

Director of Camping Ministries

6

Play[full]

Congregational Council/Hospitality

This is the day that the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

– Psalm 118:24

I

f cold with a chance of snow wasn’t your thing, we may be entering your Play[full] season . . . Summer is upon us and that means lots of us are planning our getaways.

Our to do lists include, but are not limited to: running, walking, hiking, biking, boating, golfing, fishing, gardening (did I say that), and, let me not forget, swimming outdoors! It’s a time when some of us come alive. All of these activities are a great way to spend your leisure time but what really makes them special is when we engage with friends and loved ones. This summer I encourage you to be play[full] with a small group; chose your activity, invite your friends, invite God, and get busy. But, if the sound of all that activity makes you tired, let me suggest Play[full] as a state of mind. This won’t require any physical activity, only a Play[full] spirit that brings laughter and encouragement to those around you. Whichever way you experience playfulness— through activities or calmly passing the time socializing with friends around the coffee or card table—be of play[full] spirit and give thanks and praise to the Lord for the day he has made for you.

Playfully,

Steve Lutz

Congregational Council President

Hospitality Volunteers Wanted Become a worship volunteer. It is a great way to build relationships and make new friends! Lots of opportunities available.

• Altar Guild • Ushers & Greeters • Communion Assistants • And more!

For more information and to register visit standrewlu.org 7

Play[full]

Early Learning

Just Playing A favorite quote of my preschool staff and mine is “Play is the highest form of Research”. This quote has been attributed to Albert Einstein and is displayed on the walls at The Minnesota Children’s Museum. We at St. Andrew Early Learning believe that this is true.

There are so many wonderful things happening in our classrooms where play is taking place. Sometimes play is facilitated by our teachers and even more amazing when it is often led by the children themselves.

As Early Childhood Educators, we have probably heard the words “just playing” hundreds of times. Of course, only grown-ups will put the word “just” in front of the word “playing” to imply that playing is just something that young children do and nothing much is really happening when children play. Nothing could be further from the truth. Actually, playing is

their work and it is a legitimate right of childhood and plays such an important role in their development.

While playing, children are learning and practicing skills like problem solving, reasoning, coping with frustrations, imagination, and empathy for others. A few weeks ago, we celebrated NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child and the theme for the week was “The Early Years are the Learning Years”.

During these early years, children are learning these important skills that will stay with them for life. Young children “play for keeps”. Never underestimate the value of playing.

St. Andrew

Preschool & Childcare

Kathi Wieman

Preschool Director

8

Play[full]

The Wisdom of Play – in Children’s Ministry Play is a celebration of life, and when I think of kids, play, is one of the first words that comes to mind. Play fills us with joy, laughter, wonder, and delight, and we experience God. Kids love to play, and need to play. Play exercises their minds, and helps develop curiosity, creativity, and wonder. Play facilitates neurological, cognitive, and social development.

Kids who play are healthier physically and mentally. In fact – one study of inmates who committed horrific crimes found a single common denominator – none of the inmates played during their childhoods.

Godly Play is an interactive approach to biblical storytelling we use with young children at St. Andrew. Godly Play uses props and invites kids to play with the stories of faith. It invites questions and celebrates wonder. So, what can you do with a sparkly gold cloth, clothespins, a hard hat, tea lights, a red felt heart, and giant pipe cleaners? Tell post-Easter stories of the Great Commission, Jesus’ Ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, and then…

• A 4 year-old child is quiet for a beat then asks, “Miss Arlene—when is Jesus coming back?” After another beat, her friend responds, “I think Jesus is coming back when I go to Kindergarten.”

Games, imagination, and drama are important playful aspects of our Sunday morning and Wednesday night ministries with kids.

• In early February at the height of Super Bowl fever, we were talking about miracles in Faith Rocks. I asked the kids what a miracle was, and many of them responded with: “the Vikings winning the Super Bowl.” Then, from the front row, in his quiet voice, 4 year old Max said, “It’s when the flowers grow.”

• Imagine you meet someone who has never heard of Jesus, what would you tell them? Answer from Lily: “Jesus is HUMAN with magical powers like a unicorn.”

• 3rd and 4th grade boys turn themselves into jugs of wine when they act out the miracle of the wedding at Cana.

• Luke and Cayden create a modern-day parable describing God’s kingdom within the context of a football game between the Patriots and the Seahawks where the crowd prays for veterans at the end.

• 1st–4th graders share their talents during choir in the annual Sonshine Singers talent show.

9

Young kids are also playful and faithful when they pray.

Petitions heard from a popcorn prayer...

• Dear God, I am so glad my dog did not eat that spider this morning.

• Dear God, Please help my piano teacher’s daughter who is dying of cancer.

• Dear God, Please keep my cousin safe during surgery.

• Dear God, Please make our school lunches better.

This summer in Children’s Ministry, besides becoming Good News Pirates at Vacation Bible School and on the Secret Service Squad, and discovering the Fruits of the Spirit each week in Summer Sunday School, we will play with Flat Jesus. Flat Jesus is inspired by Flat Stanley, a series of books

by Jeff Brown. Kids will be invited to take Flat Jesus with them wherever they go this summer—and to document their adventures with photographs. Flat Jesus can go with kids to the beach, the cabin, on vacation, to Spirit in the Pines, to the park, to sporting events, everywhere! We want kids to have a concrete way to remember that Jesus is with them all the time—and we want them to know they can play with Jesus.

Our hope is that we will get lots of pictures of Flat Jesus out in the world with our kids. If you would like a Flat Jesus for your family, stop by the Children’s Ministry office. Send all your pictures to Arlene Flancher via e-mail (aflancher@ standrewlu.org).

Have fun playing this summer!

Arlene Flancher

Children’s Ministry Director

Flat Jesus

Children’s Ministry

Children’s Ministry Save the Dates Sundays, June 10–Aug 19 (except July 1)

Fruit of the Spirit Summer Sunday School Sunday, June 10

Training for VBS LIT Students Thursday, June 21

VBS & Secret Service Squad Leader Training June 25–28

VBS & Secret Service Squad

Wee Ones Stories & Songs Returning July 10

Tuesdays 9:00–10:00 AM

10

Play[full]

Middle School Ministry

O

ne of our recent confirmation lessons was on listening to the Holy Spirit. After Pastor Matthew’s teaching, each group was told to go on a prayer walk. Groups could opt to walk to different places around the church grounds and pray together, or they could send their confirmation students out to pray individually. As someone who loves walking around and praying, I hoped this would be a great opportunity for our youth to be quiet and peaceful.

I’ll admit; I should have known better.

While a few groups had really wonderful prayer walk experiences, I was nearly hit by kids playing wall ball as I walked outside. After encouraging that group to put the ball down and go look for God, I found youth making a lasso out of some old rope, and others teaching

their friends how to skip rocks. It was officially spring, and our confirmation students were ready to play. They were not, however, ignoring the Holy Spirit.

As each group slowly circled back up for their closing ritual and prayer, I overheard youth thanking God for the ability to run, friends to go on adventures with, and praying for those who don’t have the same sports equipment as they do. How fitting is it that our last confirmation unit sends us into the summer searching for the Holy Spirit and leaning into the playful side of God? Lindsay Bates

Middle School Ministry Director

Middle School Summer opportunities to be play[full] June 13: Summer Kickoff Bonfire

June 25–28: Leaders in Training at VBS

July 19: 2nd Annual Eden Prairie Ice Cream Bike Tour 11

Play[full]

High School Ministry

W

e are finally out of the cold and ready to enjoy the warmth of summer.

With the great weather, we think of the many great opportunities that comes with summer—the trips to camp and cabins, having relaxing days at the lake, and enjoying ice cream and being out side. We have great opportunities for high school youth at St. Andrew this summer. Wednesday Night Youth Group (WNYG) continues Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 PM. This summer there will be several events to grow in faith in fellowship including a trip to the beach, a mini golf outing, and others that are still being planned. These faith and fellowship activities will be a blast for everyone involved. We are looking forward to the National Youth Gathering where we will enjoy growing in faith and fellowship with over 30,000 other ELCA youth! High School weekend at camp is quickly approaching. Last year over sixty high school students attended. This high school weekend at camp is July 27–29 and will be a great retreat to grow closer to God. So when you are looking at things to do this summer, remember to look to St. Andrew for all of our great summer activities! I look forward to spending some time with you soon!

TJ Helgren

High School Ministry Director

12

Play[full]

Visitation Ministry

In the midst of loss and struggle, joy and playfulness break in and heal the soul.

Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional!

I visited a 91-year-old man in the hospital recently. He’s recovering from a stroke and lives every day with Parkinson’s. He looked melancholy as he said, “I need you to tell me about God.” He seemed so serious, which he was entitled to be, but then he smiled and said, “You know what I did yesterday? I got my nurse to sing a couple hymns with me and we’re planning on more singing today!” The nurse walked in and concurred that he was his singing partner. I couldn’t help but smile as I thought, “In the midst of loss and struggle, joy and playfulness break in and heal the soul.” I wonder how much joy and play we have in our daily life.

I read that of our country’s 100 million full-time employees, 51% say that they feel no real connection to their job and another 16% report that 13

they resent their jobs and are “actively disengaged.” Millennials however, are changing the work culture because they insist on meaningful work, opportunity to grow professionally. They’re seeking a career not just a job and they’re the largest share of U.S. workers (1 out of every 3 workers is a Millennial). George Bernard Shaw once observed, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” Life isn’t very fun when we feel that we live from vacation to vacation and must bite our lip and put in our time for the other months of the year. Jesus knew exactly what we need when he said, “I have come that you might have joy and have it abundantly.” That’s what we need – abundant joy, fun, relaxed time to simply find pleasure in the moment. The “American Journal of Play” (2011 issue)

reports, “Children’s free, unscheduled playtime is declining. Most of children’s play is highly structured because it’s controlled by adults. To thrive, children need time to have unstructured play.”

Abraham Lincoln once said, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count but the life in your years.” Can we learn anything from the man I talked about in the hospital who created fun and joy in the midst of his struggling health by getting his care-givers to sing with him? Let’s find joy, create joy, and see how good it feels!

Pastor Roger Schindel Visitation Minister

“Notes” from the Music Office

Music Ministry

hen I am constantly running there is no time for being. When there is no time for being there is no time for listening.”

–Madeleine L’Engle

Holy Play

As children of God, we were made in the image of the Creator and we were made to be creative. This puts me in mind of the creation story: “So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.” (Genesis 2:19) It was and is an act of sheer and overwhelming grace when God invites us into his creative processes and lets us put the finishing touches on his masterworks. “But unless we are creators we are not fully alive,” wrote Christian author Madeleine L’Engle, “What do I mean by creators? Not only artists, whose acts of creation are the obvious ones of working with paint of clay or words. Creativity is a way of living life, no matter our vocation or how we earn our living.

Creativity is not limited to the arts, or having some kind of important career.”

This is a crucial distinction as we tend to think of creativity as being linked to the arts, but the broader definition speaks to all of us as Christians: how can my work, play, service, and relationships be infected and infectious with a sense of “holy play”? As L’Engle observed, until we find this approach to life, we are not “fully alive.”

I asked a few of my colleagues in music ministry to reflect on the question of how their creative outlet through music enriches their lives as a spiritual being and as a Christian: “I know that any musical talent I have is a gift from God and so that’s how I most express my faith and heart for Him. Music is like a direct line to God. I can feel the Holy Spirit when listening to or singing a piece of music that moves me to the core and I want to share that with the congregation in hopes they’ll feel it too.” Kate Neiss, singer and St. Andrew member “In periods of transition or moments of doubt and uncertainty in my life, singing has consistently grounded me in spirit. There is something about

the repetition, the connection with other musicians, and the singular shared focus that brings me into that exact moment and opens me up to catch a glimpse of divinity beyond all of us.

As we point to God in worship, we see God revealed for each of us in the process.” Pastor Matthew Ian Fleming, singer and St. Andrew clergy Each challenge we face in our lives and in our work is an opportunity to “see visions” and “dream dreams” ( Joel 2:28) and our gift of faith in God is the most important tool we could ever possess to tap into creativity as an approach to life.

Jesus said it best: “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). This is an invitation for us to engage in holy play just like children who play hard with all their being until they fall down on the grass, exhausted, perhaps, but exhilarated and renewed and fully alive. We are called, after all, to come to Jesus as little children.

See you in church!

In Christ’s Service, Tim Graf

Director of Worship & Music

14

Play[full]

Announcing New Year’s 2019 Mission Trip to Haiti My father had many words of wisdom for me, words that he tried to live. One such motto for him was to live with one foot in the congregation and one foot in the world. As a pastor, he served mostly in congregations, while for several years he was an administrator of relief and development programs for Palestinians. No matter where he lived, he embraced his local context while always having an eye on the broader world and its needs. He helped lead his local congregations into a missional embrace of those needs. After all, the people of God are called to share goodness and love to the whole of the world in some way, shape, or form.

In the same way I am grateful for the many blessings that our Haiti mission provides for us at St. Andrew. It helps us think internationally. Trips to Haiti put our needs and

15

routines into perspective. We learn how to make new faithful friends with people who share our faith in Christ. We have had over 100 people participate in mission trips. The mission continues to make its way into the DNA of St. Andrew.

I am pleased to announce the next full mission trip to Haiti is designed for people who are looking for a mission trip experience in a time when vacations are possible. Families can also attend, a powerful way to experience mission and another culture together. It will be held from Friday, December 28, 2018 through Saturday, January 5, 2019. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Our Partner Church in Jacmel, Haiti.

Cost is the trip is $2,000 and is all inclusive. Scholarships are available. If you have any questions please contact me at pastorpeter@standrewlu.org or check the Haiti mission website.

Seeds of Support Mission: Haiti

16

Play[full]

Preaching In Series/Young Adult Ministry

St. Andrew University presents:

Lillian Daniel

Karoline Lewis

Mark Hanson

St. Andrew University Hosts Preaching Conference for Wider Church For nearly two years, St. Andrew University has been an umbrella concept for learning and growth for members and the community. Many of us have grown familiar with the programming: small group ministries, book studies, parenting and leadership forums, and deeper level Christian history and bible courses taught by professors. This June 19–20, St. Andrew University broadens its reach by offering a preaching conference for pastors and worship planners called “Preaching in Series Workshop”.

“One of the areas St. Andrew has been effective in is developing preach-

ing series for worship that span several weeks,” says Pastor Matthew Fleming, my partner in organizing the conference. “We want to bring this creative and contextual approach to other pastors and churches. It is a new approach and we hope to make it our niche.”

So far, registrations have exceeded our expectations: 140 pastors and worship leaders from 5 states have registered by the early bird deadline on May 10th.

The notable conference speakers and practical approach are appealing for registrants. Pastor Lillian Daniel, former ELCA Presiding Bishop

St. Andrew Secures Young Adult Ministry Grant Augsburg University received a major grant from the Lily Foundation to study ways to reach young adults in the church. As part of their work, the Riverside Innovation Hub is sponsoring congregational grants to develop and study young adult ministry in context. In March, St. Andrew submitted our application to become a ministry partner of Augsburg’s Riverside Innovation Hub, and in May we received an invitation to take place in the program.

What does this mean? Sometime this summer, we will be partnered with an innovation coach—a young adult who has been trained to study congregations and develop ministry strategies. This coach will work with a team of people from St. Andrew to develop a strategy for young adult ministry. At the end of the year, we will apply for an additional $25,000–$30,000 grant to make that plan a reality.

We are excited for the opportunities that this grant provides and for the ways that we will be able to serve the larger church through the learnings of this study. Pastor Matthew will continue to provide updates on the grant progress throughout the process.

17

Pastor Mark Hanson, Luther Seminary Professor Pastor Karoline Lewis, Josten’s Vice President for Marketing Jeff Peterson, and various pastors who design preaching series along with our Senior Pastor David Lillejord are scheduled to lead. Each participant will leave the conference with plans in place for their local settings. We plan to repeat the conference next year, growing St. Andrew’s impact and contributions toward the broader Christian ministry.

Play[full]

Stewardship

“With Every Act of Love” …and Gratitude!

As I write this article, we are in the final stages of the “With Every Act of Love” capital appeal. In many ways these last stages are the most difficult ones because now we wait… we wait to see whether or not the congregation will embrace the appeal…we wait to see if we will reach our goal…we wait to see what our next steps will be.

If you have been watching the puzzle in the narthex, you might have come to the same conclusion I have come to—this congregation has strongly supported and is excited about this appeal. Commitments to date have been strong and generous. Therefore, while we wait for final numbers, we have begun prioritizing and planning for the work to be done.

While we won’t be spending money until it is received, we want to be ready to move as it becomes available.

Over the course of the past few months, we have been talking to vendors and contractors. High level estimates were provided to help us with establishing our goal for this appeal.

We are now getting more specific in our planning. We are also listening to you to learn what your priorities might be as well. Here is what we have learned and accomplished so far: • Estimates are being requested for flooring costs in a variety of spaces—from the sanctuary to the gym and classrooms, including the little restrooms.

• We have met with three vendors on building security systems, one of the highest priorities for many of you. This is an extensive project that will cover every space, inside and out, so it takes time to pull these estimates together.

• We have also met with vendors on lighting for the sanctuary. This will not only include changing out the fixtures, but will include some added lighting in a few darker corners of the sanctuary to accommodate live-streaming of our worship services. It will also include changing over to

LED lighting, which will not only give us a very nice rebate from the electric company, it will significantly reduce the cost of having the lights on in the sanctuary.

• A first draft for remodeling the old office spaces in the south end of the building for larger learning areas has been received and we have secured some firm estimates for a couple of the larger maintenance projects included in this appeal.

• Last, but not least, we have an estimate on chairs for the sanctuary. This is probably the easiest estimate to secure, but not as easy to finalize. Over the course of the next short while we will have to decide whether or not we want chairs, pews or a combination of the two.

These are our areas of highest priority, although not necessarily in the order presented and always subject to change.

Others identified throughout the appeal will be addressed a little later when more funds have been received. Additionally, over the course of the next two years we will create a capital reserve of $300,000 for future needs—also a very high priority for many of you.

What we are especially excited about is that because of your generous support, we hope to begin work on some much-needed projects in the next few months. We want to thank all of you so very much for your willingness to hear our story, for your support and for your patience with us as we move ahead.

Pastor Gail Bach

Pastor of Stewardship and Evangelism

Save the Date

Rally Day is September 9, 2018.

We welcome you back from summer vacation with a fun filled Sunday morning.

Food trucks, games, dunk tank, etc. Think about how you may be involved in volunteering for this amazing Fall gathering to begin the “back together” again after summer fun. We need help with setting up the games, working the games and greeting our worshipers. Please email Debbie Flach and Gina Altmann at debandgina@standrewlu.org.

18

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

SUMMER WORSHIP HOURS Starting May 27, 2018

Sundays 8:45 & 10:00 AM

CONNECT WITH ST. ANDREW Get the Latest News

facebook.com/standrewlu @standrewlu @standrewlu