Son Times Summer 2020 | Vol. 1

SON TIMES ST. ANDREW LUTHERAN CHURCH

SUMMER 2020 | VOL. 1

Rise Up

Leadership

“Rising Up” These are tough days. Times that we have not been through before. The uncertainty of it all seems so unsettling. Not that long ago, we were free not only to move about the cabin, we could go anywhere, hug anyone, attend games, concerts, and on and on and on. Now, just like that, people all across the world are dying, many are ill, and there is a lingering fear of what the future holds for us in the next 1 to 2 years. As with all things in life, we have a collective and individual choice to make: are we going to quit?

Are we going to give in? Are we going to barely survive? Or, are we going to, with a lot of help from above, Rise Up? I, for one, choose the latter—“Rise Up.” I went by a church the other week and the front sign read: “The church is empty, but so was Jesus’ tomb.” One of the ways we can think about rising up is that one day—someday in the distant future—life will be back to normal. You know, the good old days when you didn’t have to worry about masks, ventilators, etc. Even though life will become more like it used to be than it is right now, part of me thinks that there will always be residue from our time together. That will be a part of the long healing process, to be sure.

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Another way of rising up is for us to do our level best to meet the challenges that we face day to day. A great way to start each and every day—in or out of a pandemic—is to begin in prayer. “As I begin my day, O Lord, I do so with you at my side.” Another effective way for us to “Rise Up” is to always remind ourselves that, no matter what comes our way, there are blessings in our midst. Even in the midst of this terrible pandemic, the beauty and the majesty of God is all around us.

In addition to those two ways that can help us “Rise Up,” there is one more thing we can do during this time and that is—we can help other people “Rise Up.” One of the best ways for us to feel and do better, is to reach out to someone else and make sure that he or she is doing all right, too. All of us do better when all of us live in a way that helps our neighbor in all their physical needs.

Sometimes, that means that we cannot do the things that we would like to do— when we like to do it. Sometimes, that means that we should do what we really

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul. And, love your neighbor as yourself.” don’t feel like doing. After all, as Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul. And, love your neighbor as yourself.”

Please know that, whatever you are going through these days, your church staff is available to listen, chat and offer guidance. Send an email to us. Call and leave us a message. We will, with all our heart, mind and soul, help you: “Rise Up.” Be well. Take care. God bless!

Pastor David Lillejord Senior Pastor

Rise Up

Worship & Music

Worship for the Heart and Soul Let me start by saying that there is very little I can say on our theme that you don’t already know. With that awkward disclaimer now out of the way, let us proceed. Life hasn’t changed much in the past few months since the time when virtually everything in our lives did change.

We’re still at home and having our worship services online. We’re still unsure about when we’ll be able to gather again and what exactly it will look like and feel like (but we’re working on it!) and we’re still uncertain about so many details as to what lies ahead of us. But there is much of which I am certain: we are learning anew to be grateful for the graces large and small that come to us each day. We are learning to see them more readily and to hold fast to the beautiful moments that lift us, if even just for a short time, out of our circumstances. In short, God is teaching us again and again to rise up.

I think it’s both safe and fair to say that we all need and desire some serious inspiration these days; the kind that can only come from our faith in God. We are in need of the kind of sermon series that we’ll be delving into in June in our “Rise Up” series (cue Rocky Balboa training montage and “Eye of the Tiger” theme music!). I believe this series of services will speak to us deeply of things that we know already but of which we need to be reminded; to let the message sink into our hearts and souls. God’s Word has much to say to us about what it means to overcome impossible obstacles and to tap into the hidden reserves of strength and hope that have been given to us.

There will be stories from both the Old and New Testaments that we don’t often get to hear and they are speaking into our circumstances and lives in real and surprising ways (you may find that you have more in common with the prophet

Elijah than you ever knew!). It is when times are hardest that we truly learn the meaning of St. Paul’s words: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It is that spirit that lies at the heart of this series. I hope you’ll join us for worship and also take this opportunity to help us spread the good word about St. Andrew. One definite advantage to this time of online services is that it’s never been easier for us to share our church’s ministry with our family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers!

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to God for the wonderful musicians who have joined me over the past few months to keep our worship music at a benchmark of excellence for online services: Hannah Armstrong, Larry Bach, Bruce Broquist, Matthew Culloton, Isabel Dammann, Hannah Fleming, Pastor Matthew Fleming, Sarah Gilbertson, Megan Hildebrandt, Anna Holk, Corwin Holk, Paul McKay, Elliana Meier, Penny Meier, Kate Neiss, Reilly Orner, Ellora Parrington, Linnae Stole, and Catherine Woods. This list would not be complete without our behind-the-scenes stalwarts: Jack Lynch (video), Sandy Olson (sound), Adam Voreis (sound), Brandon Levy (sound), Dana Mostad (graphic design), and Celeste Nitti (online bulletins). These people have all contributed their considerable talents to our online service music and it is a joy for me to work with each one of them. Thank you!

“Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid.”

Frederick Buechner

Peace, Tim Graf, Worship & Music Coordinator

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Rise Up

St. Andrew Neighborhood Connection Aims to Cultivate Local Community One of the consequences of the current pandemic is that we are all at home more. In our own home, my son Alex and I share our walkout basement together. He works on his Gustavus class work. I do my church work. When I need space for a zoom meeting (I guess I talk loud), he heads to another area of the house. When I need to be focused, he gives me space. We all are home—a lot. We are figuring it out.

Another consequence of the pandemic is that we see our neighbors A LOT. Michele, my wife, uses our home office for her work. She looks out from the desk to our street all day long.

She said to me one day, “I did not know [insert name here] walk their dog four times a day. Let’s make sure Louie (our yellow lab who never seems to walk enough) does not see!” And when we step outside on this spring and early summer days, we talk to anyone anywhere about anything. Why? Because we are lonely. We need people. So, we talk on the driveway, in the street (there are so few cars), on the lawn. Am I the only one thinking that there are more little groups of people here and there in the neighborhood than ever before?

Recognizing these new neighborhood realities, St. Andrew Lutheran Church is introducing St. Andrew Neighborhood Connection. We have taken our large database of household members and divided these households into neighborhood groups. This means approximately 1,750 households (wow!)

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Neighborhood Connection

divided into 60 or so small, geographically close neighborhood groups. There are a few geographical outliers, but we have worked hard to put most households in a group. If you have ever wondered how many people in your neighborhood belong to St. Andrew, you are about to find out.

Why are we doing this? I think the answer is simple. We need each other. We need connections. And as a pastor getting a little theological with you, I think it is important that we are reminded that we are ‘brothers and sisters in Christ.’ We may not be blood brother and sisters, but in the Spirit we are family.

Today more than ever, it is better to be together than apart. In a extreme example, I can imagine someone in my neighborhood contracting Covid-19. I imagine their household in quarantine.

Would you agree with me that delivering a hot dish on the doorstep of this quarantined home is a powerful and faithful act of love for your neighbor? What if the person receiving the hot dish is you? Neighbors matter! Can I get an ‘AMEN’?

What are we going to do? Our first project is a neighborhood food drive to support PROP. PROP’s needs are great these days. More information about the drive is in this newsletter. Each of the neighborhoods of the church have a generous family volunteer (thank you, household hubs!) to be a neighborhood drop off location. While you can keep a lookout for the lawn sign in their front yard, know that I will be emailing you materials of your hub household and address is. You can drop the food off at their house. Maybe you can say ‘hi’ from a socially-distancing acceptable distance.

What are we going to do next? Plans are in the works to connect you to your St. Andrew neighbors in other ways. How about a neighborhood BBQ? While taken good care to social distance, enjoy together in a small group on one of these marvelous summer evenings. Perhaps you can find another walking partner? One neighborhood hub leaders wondered with me when it will be safe to form up a learning small group.

I remember years ago a politician once said ‘all politics is local’. Well, we are learning to appreciate how local we are right now. It is a place of meaning, fun, support, and faith. Get ready to be connected in new ways.

Join us, Pastor Peter Johnson Pastor of Service & Small Groups pastorpeter@standrewlu.org

PROP Neighborhood Food Drive

PROP

NEIGHBORHOOD

FOOD DRIVE

Let’s join together as neighborhoods to support PROP. The needs are great. St. Andrew’s long partnership PROP is up to the challenge.

• What should I donate? You can donate any non-perishable food item.

For most needed items, check the PROP website at propfood.org.

• When is the food drive? The drive will conclude on Friday, June 5th.

Donations are accepted at neighborhood drop off location in the days preceding June 5th.

• Who and where is my neighborhood dropoff location? Each household in the neighborhood will receive an email from St. Andrew with their dropoff household name, address, and dropoff time and directions. Look for a Food Drive Collection Point sign in your neighborhood (above).

• Can I dropoff my donation a St. Andrew? Yes. Donations can be placed in a covered trailer at St. Andrew Lutheran Church (13600 Technology Drive) on Thursday, June 4th and Friday, June 5th from 8:00 AM-8:00 PM. • What if I have questions? The email you will receive from Pastor Peter Johnson contains your specific neighborhood contact and dropoff information. If you have additional questions, please contact Pastor Peter at pastorpeter@standrewlu.org.

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“Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9 Rising to the Occasion I have spent the majority of my professional life working with youth. I started out as a camp counselor for our beloved Spirit in the Pines Camp in high school and later joined the summer staff in college. I co-directed a volunteer organization in college called “Reaching Our Goals” that mentors underprivileged teens in Northfield. I taught at Upward Bound, a federally funded residential summer program that prepares motivated, first-generation youth go to college. I am a licensed K-12 Spanish teacher and practiced in the classroom for three years. And now here I am at St. Andrew working with middle schoolers in Confirmation. Needless to say… I love working with kids.

It is both a challenging and extremely rewarding thing to work with youth.

Kids make me smile more than I ever thought possible, surprise me often with their creativity and diverse passions, and most definitely keep me on my toes! More than anything, though, I am inspired by the amazing, open-minded, enormous hearts of youth. Of all age groups, in my opinion, youth are often the quickest to show up for someone in need. It takes 5

extremely little pushing and prodding on my end for our Confirmation youth to serve others with their time and talents. Packing meals at Feed My Starving Children, counseling younger kids at camp and Vacation Bible School, serving communion and donuts on Sunday mornings, offering up an entire week of their summer to go on a mission trip… the list is quite possibly endless. In my experience, kids always, always rise to the occasion to serve others.

When our Stay-At-Home order went into effect and we all closed our doors in a global, selfless act to keep each other safe from the virus, I was extremely impressed with our middle school youth.

They immediately took action in their own neighborhoods and homes to make the situation brighter. First, there were the painted rocks with positive messages hidden along walking paths. Then, window clings and door decorations adorned the front of homes. Middle schoolers volunteered to help with household chores, caring for younger siblings, cooking breakfast for their working parents, and making cloth masks to donate to

healthcare workers. And maybe most impressive of all, they and their families wrote over 300 letters to St. Andrew congregation members over the age of 70, to remind them they are not alone.

In this unprecedented, never-before-seen, chaotic time of quarantine, it was kids who rose up. Am I surprised?

Not in the least. Am I inspired? Every single day.

And to all of you kids out there… thank you. You make a difference for your parents, your siblings, your church, your community, and our dear Mother Earth. Keep it up! YOU are the bright future we are all blessed with. YOU never give up. YOU are our rock star superheroes. Thank you for choosing to rise up.

Are you 70+ and reading this article?

Want a letter sent to you from a middle school youth? Email me at rorner@standrewlu.org with your mailing address and we will make it happen!

Reilly Orner Middle School Ministry Director

Rise Up

Visitation Ministry

A Story about ‘Rising Up’ Odell was born in 1927, the youngest of 5 sons to Albert & Hannah.

Odell is 92 years old and with his wife, Margie, has been sequestered in their apartment like most of us, due to the coronavirus. Our middle school youth minister, Reilly Orner, used this unusual time to have some of her confirmands and some of their parents write notes to nearly all of the senior adult members of St. Andrew. Reilly felt that it could be a wonderful way for our young members to connect with and get to know some of our older members. So, besides phoning our older members, which many of us have been doing, pictures and letters of introduction were sent to our 70+ members by our young people.

A couple weeks after the letters were sent I began calling some of our senior members and one after another commented on a letter they received from a young person at St. Andrew and how delighted they were to receive the letter. In fact, many of our seniors wrote back in appreciation and as a way to perhaps continue the correspondence. One lady sent a thank you along with a $10 bill!

Odell was the recipient of one of these letters from church. The confirmand asked Odell to tell him about his life. As I talked with Odell about the correspondence he explained, “Well, I’m 92 years old. How much of my life could he possibly be interested in & how much time might he have to read all of it?” Odell understands what it means to “rise up,” which is the theme of this newsletter. After graduating from high school, he joined the Armed Forces in 1945 like his four brothers. In those days parents were given stars to place in their windows for each son that went off to war and Odell’s parents had 5 stars in their window…all of their sons went off to war. Remember when President Kennedy said in his inaugural speech, “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country?” Odell and his brothers were willing to give their lives for our country. Their parents weren’t sure whether they’d welcome their boys back home again or not and they weren’t the only family who made such a sacrifice. Well, they did return home after the war and they were relieved & appreciative.

Odell can look back on those years of uncertainty and worry recalling how important his faith was to him all these years and how our nation rose up after such great loss of life. Some families were never the same but they went on and made the best of life as they could. So, you see all the memories that bubbled up from one confirmation student’s kind letter. We too will ‘rise up’ from this time of worry and uncertainty and we’ll do it together, supporting and caring for each other as we do. Deuteronomy 31:6 comes to mind, “Be strong & courageous; do not fear for God goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Others have lived this message out, hopefully we will also!

Pastor Roger Schindel Visitation Pastor

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Rise Up

“Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you, be strong and do it.”

Ezra 10:4

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f we can possibly start out a newsletter article by doing a huge shout out to the St. Andrew Early Learning Staff, then guess what, that’s how we’re going to start! We have the BEST staff !

When we think about the phrase “Rise Up” our teachers instantly come to mind. When St. Andrew Early Learning needed to close due to COVID-19, as directors of course our first worry was how we would still care for our families and stay in touch with the children in our classrooms? How would we keep that personal relationship with all 150+ families in our programs? We are incredibly proud to say that even though the building closed, the learning never stopped. St. Andrew Early Learning staff jumped right in to schedule Zoom Meetings with our families, dropped off special door to door surprises at our families’ doorsteps, sent letters, made phone calls and sent many, many prayers. We have even solved how to celebrate graduation during a pandemic . . . a Drive Thru Graduation Ceremony! It was fun to “Rise Up” as a staff and continue on doing our ministry, even if it was in a little different way.

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Melanie Eggers

Melinda Eddihi

Kathi Wieman

Childcare Director

Childcare Asst. Dir.

Preschool Director

Early Learning

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Rise Up

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ne of my family’s favorite songs is the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. If you have gone to camp you have most likely heard one of the staff members sing this song, it tells the story of a boat named the Edmund Fitzgerald that tragically went down on November 10th, 1975. I heard the story of this ship from a young age, our family frequently went to Duluth where there is the Lake Superior Marine Museum which has an exhibit on the Edmund Fitzgerald. We would go to the museum and would look at all the exhibits, but would always have a special interest in the Edmund Fitzgerald. The reason being that our close family friend was the cook on the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Now I have heard this story from a very young age, but I have also heard another story from a very young age. Both are similar in the storms that came upon the ships, but a different result. Mark 4: 35-41 is the story of how Jesus calms the storm. You see Jesus told his disciples that they needed to separate themselves from the crowd and to sail to the other side of the sea. While they were crossing

High School Ministry the Sea of Galilee a storm came upon them, it was fierce and the men feared for their lives. The disciples then ran to wake Jesus who was sleeping during all of this and rebuked the waves and the sea went calm.

What I thought about with these two stories is, it is good to have Jesus in the boat with you. Now does that mean that Jesus was not with the Edmund Fitzgerald, No. But had Jesus physically been in the boat like he was with the disciples would the boat have sunk, probably not. But it reminds me that it is good to have Jesus in our lives during the storms.

We are facing a storm in our lives today, we have a virus that we cannot cure.

But it is important to still have Jesus and others in our boat. So we are looking for new ways to adapt and still reach one another. Some events that we will have this summer through St. Andrew for high school students is our Summer WNYG. We will meet on Wednesday and have a campfire worship, play games and enjoy fellowship. This will be done with social distancing but will be a great way to con-

He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

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nect with one another again. We will also be having some events such as our high school golf outing, a beach day and an Olympics day. We will also be offering some great social distance service opportunities. Such as friendship bracelets, encouraging notes and PROP drive.

We will continue to adapt and overcome the challenges that we face every day and will grow together. We have a storm in our lives but a savior in our boat.

With God in our boat the waters around us cannot overcome us. We will keep afloat and will arrive on greener pastures.

We look forward to seeing you again and connecting. If you have any questions on any of these activities please let me know at thelgren@standrewlu.org.

TJ Helgren High School Ministry Director

Rise Up

Caming Ministry

Rising Up for Camp “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” was an often used quote that my mother would say to my wife and I as I left for a week-long trip, or for the summer. We always thought it was a little silly, because my wife and I loved each other plenty already. There were many times that we felt a sense of loss and a longing to be together. We missed each other! The creator of the “Peanuts” cartoon added to the quote, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder, but it sure makes the rest of you lonely.” Charles M. Schulz We figured it out some time ago that, because of my job as a youth director and as a camp director we have spent over 3300 days & nights (9+ years) apart from each other over our 37 years of marriage! I have to admit though, that the original quote rang true every time I came home. My absence allowed us to appreciate each other even more, to really enjoy the time when we are together, and to not take each other for granted as much.

This summer will not be like any summer previously experienced before. The uncertainties of this summer caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, have cast doubts about our opportunity to have camp as usual this summer. We know that Spirit in the Pines Camp plays a vital role in the lives of our campers, counselors, and families. The idea of not being able to send our children to camp is very discouraging for parents. The sense of loss and the longing for a place they love and hold dear will be very real for youth campers, counselors, families, and staff if they cannot go to camp.

So how do we move forward? How can we get through this pandemic mess? To reference St. Andrew’s next sermon series,

we “Rise Up.” The act of rising up is a forward thinking motion towards action. Like the Phoenix, we rise up from the ashes to new life. Like the sun we rise up each morning to tackle the day.

Like the Son we rise up from the grip of death to life eternal!

For Spirit in the Pines, we rise up and work hard on creative ways that we will gather as a camp family this summer in case we are unable to attend camp. In ways that can still build community and friendship, provide activities and fun, singing and worship. To stay connected and provide opportunities to gather as a “cabin” of friends, to meet counselors and staff, to have some together time. Those plans and ideas are being figured out and will follow any group size restrictions and social distancing guidelines for that time.

If we are unable to go up to camp this summer, we will miss it with a huge sense of loss and longing. Yet I know from experience, that a potential absence from camp will make our hearts grow fonder. We will have a renewed appreciation for camp. We will enjoy being at camp that much more. We will know even more, that going to camp and experiencing God’s love in such a unique setting is a gift from God. Through Jesus we rise up to a life filled with hope, to a future filled with possibilities, and to a love from God that knows no boundaries and has no limits! Thank you Lord for walking along side of us as you lead the way through these foggy and uncertain times.

Burke Hancer Camping Ministry Director

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Rise Up

C

OVID-19 changed daily life in an instant—masks, staying inside, no hugging, no hanging out with friends. In the last four years, at least two of our families have experienced a cancer diagnosis with one of their kiddos. Their lives changed in an instant. They are ready to share their stories of heartbreak, courage, faith, love, and new life cancer-free. Many thanks to Becky McKeever and Bria Skordahl for sharing their journeys with their boys—Zachary and Jack—as we all try to figure out how to Rise Up together.

Arlene Flancher

Children’s Ministry Director

Becky McKeever’s Story

Our son Zachary was diagnosed with cancer in April of 2018, just over a week before his 8th birthday. In a span of 14 months, Zachary went through five rounds of chemotherapy, two stem-cell transplants following additional rounds of high-dose chemotherapy, 12 sessions of radiation, seven rounds of immunotherapy, and two surgeries. He, along with at least one parent, spent 131 nights in the hospital, and so many additional days at the hospital for appointments, scans, transfusions, and procedures.

Zachary completed his treatment in June of 2019. We are so thankful that he continues to be cancer-free!

In the blink of an eye, our lives drastically changed. We had to adjust our schedules around hospital stays and predicted low blood counts. Our busy schedule became even harder to maintain with one parent at the hospital and the other one at home trying to provide a sense of normalcy for our three other children.

For six months during his treatment, Zachary had to wear a mask whenever he left home, even though he only left to go to the hospital for appointments. During that time we could not have anyone enter our home. We had to isolate any family member who showed the slightest sign of a virus and disinfect everything on a daily basis. We had to learn how to administer shots, fluids, and nutrition bags.

Our lives as we knew them had to be 11

put on hold while we did our best to get through each day.

We were blessed with so many people who supported our family. People brought us meals, gave us money and gift cards, mowed our lawn, did our grocery shopping, ran our errands, and drove our other kids around. People called to check in, sent encouraging cards and texts, and gave so many thoughtful gifts to our kids.

We were fortunate to have some oncein-a-lifetime experiences with the Twins, Gophers, Vikings, Minnesota United, Love Your Melon, and Make-A-Wish.

And people prayed. So many people, many of whom we did not even know, prayed for Zachary and our family. We felt all of those prayers, and they truly carried us through.

There is really no way to describe how it feels to have the word cancer used to talk about your child. Zachary’s treatment was the scariest time of our lives, and it often felt like we would never make it to the end. But after the initial shock and horror and disbelief of Zachary’s diagnosis, we made a choice. We chose to trust God and allow ourselves to learn something through a journey we certainly would not have chosen for ourselves. We chose to rise up and not get stuck in our sadness, anger, and fear. It wasn’t easy, and it still isn’t easy. But we have hope. God is good and our family is so very blessed.

Children’s Ministry

Bria Skordahl’s Story

When you get the news that your child has cancer, it rips your heart right out of your chest! That horrible news literally takes your breath away... it stops you suddenly, and changes everything.

You wonder, “How do I go on? What will be the future?”

About 4 years ago, our family faced this reality when our young son, Jack, was diagnosed with ALL, a form of Leukemia. It was devastating news and brought such uncertainty and pain. As young parents on this journey, we had no idea how to handle a two-yearold, let alone how to raise a son with cancer. This wasn’t what we planned.

“How would we do this?” Most days in the early stages, I don’t clearly remember—life was a blur with long days and nights, too many clinic appointments, and lots of medications.

Jack’s treatment was expected to last over 3 years, which seemed like an eternity. Those days were filled with intense struggles, constant change, and every emotion. Those days completely changed me and—I would say—woke me up to a new world. As the days and weeks progressed, I began to understand this uncertainty wasn’t going to

go away, and that life is filled with the unknown all the time.

In realizing this, I adopted the popular ‘one day at a time’ approach—sometimes needing one moment at a time.

I also started developing an awareness and appreciation for small, subtle beauty, as well as the things in life that weren’t serving me well. It taught me how to truly listen to the voice inside of me; the voice I believe God uses to speak to us.

As I began this new practice of seeing and listening, I began learning and finding God’s love and peace all around me.

Sometimes it would come to me, while listening to a song as I was running, or through a line in my devotional. Other times it was a conversation I didn’t know I needed, a text of encouragement, or a warm dinner dropped off at our home.

And often it was Jack, with his little short “hugs” or his unique, silly smile that would lift me up, and make all the difference. These things encouraged me to keep going, breathe, and rise up to my given circumstances, knowing this moment would be ok, that right now was ok.

Anxiety, anger, pain and sadness were, and still are, a part of my very human days, but I believed that with an ear, and with a heart, for God’s compassion on this jour-

ney—we would do this. He would help us through this uncertain journey.

In unusual and uncertain times like we are facing today—where we are filled with grief, pain and worry—we don’t know what the future holds or how we will get through it. I believe we should listen for that voice of God, speaking to and through all of us, and we will find the courage to rise up. Rising up, in the face of the unknown, doesn’t have to be bold or beautiful, but rather can be small, subtle and slow, but it is still rising up.

Hearing that voice from the Lord inside of you, encouraging you to keep going, breathing, and living life, will fill you with a moment of peace, even if things are hard, painful or unexpected. That I believe is God living through and with you, as you rise up in this life. That I believe is the comfort God brings so we all can endure the difficult moments of this life.

Jack’s treatment lasted over 3 years and we are beyond grateful that his journey with cancer ended positively as he is in remission. We survived this with God’s love all around us...we just had to see and hold on to it. May you find the strength to rise up amidst the uncertainty of today through the love and peace of our Lord living among us and inside of you.

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Rise Up

W

hen I was asked if I’d like to run for a position on the Church Council I enthusiastically said “YES”. A little background might be helpful…

My wife Rhonda and I came to St. Andrew around five years ago. We had been members at Wooddale for nearly 20 years. Rhonda was invited by a friend to come to Women of the Word, the Wednesday Women’s Bible Study. She loved it and loved the people.

About the same time, our daughter Shannon Laffond was diagnosed with a serious disease. Rhonda’s Wednesday Women’s group truly became the hands and feet of the Lord as they ministered to us and to Shannon and her family during a difficult hospital stay.

Fast forward—Shannon’s recovered. She, Jonathan, Hailey and Aria joined St. Andrew. We joined as well. We’d found a church home.

Very soon after joining, I was asked to join the “Dad’s group”. This Saturday morning group of St. Andrew men meets every other week. Yes, they let this Granddad in even though I am outside the age group for the Dads. We meet to discuss “Wine and the Word” over coffee, or other topics of spiritual relevance. We also help with Thanksgiving food donations and fall leaf raking.

During one of those meetings, I sat a little too close to John Barth, who asked if I’d be interested in being an usher. I said sure.

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Congregational Council

And now I’m a regular usher every third month.

So what’s the point here? Everything Rhonda and I are doing started with someone asking us to participate. Wednesday Women of the Word. Dad’s group. Ushering.

So when the call came to run for Church Council, I couldn’t say no. Again, I was asked.

Right after the “Stay Home and Wash Your Hands” started, a group of us got lists of church members to call and check in. Make sure they’re safe. Ask if they need anything.

Ask if they know about the Online Ministries that St. Andrew has implemented during this pandemic. So I called and called. I talked to or left messages for around 100 people.

What a joy it was. Nearly all appreciated that St. Andrew cared enough to call.

Now it’s my turn. Who will I ask? Who will come to know the amazing people of St. Andrew? We all have choices to make. We can participate and in so doing be a part of the church. We also can Rise Up—take the initiative to ask friends, neighbors to join us in making St. Andrew an even better place to worship and grow.

Jim Smiley Congregational Council

Rise Up

Together Groups

St. Andrew Emphases ‘Together Groups’ to Maintain/Grow Community During Isolation We have heard it said that we are better together than we are apart. During these days of continued social distancing and resulting isolation, people are being more and more creative about how they spend time with family and friends. Ideas like zoom happy hours, lawn chairs spaced out in a driveway, and playing games virtually are all signs of how powerful the desires are to be together and safe. Together Groups at St. Andrew are designed to provide safe (social distancing) community for people who desire faith communities and friendships.

At a recent Pop-up Patio Crawl hosted by Kris Hansel, Carter Staaf, Julie Bane, and Pastor Peter Johnson, a group of people gathered around their computers with a beverage of their choice to hear a brief devotion by Pastor Peter and talk and laugh about how they are coping with the isolation. Conversation was so rich that the group never got to the planned virtual Bingo game.

One member of the group stated, “I have enjoyed the patio crawls before at the local breweries. They are a really fun way to meet people,” one member of the group stated. “I never thought we could be community over the computer screen. But you know what? It was really good and easy to reconnect with these folks.”

Another reoccurring Together Group is the Pastors’ Book Study group that meets on Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings. The bestselling Brene Brown book called Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead drew 45 people through April and May. This was the most pastors’ book study participants the group has ever had. Participants enjoyed community while also delving deeply in Brown’s specialty of finding courage and hope amid our vulnerabilities.

While these are just two Together Groups at St. Andrew, there are others that meet around study options, social gatherings, women’s and men’s groups. For people looking for connection, consider a Together Group. If you would like to start your own group, St. Andrew can help you spread the word. I stand by to help get it going.

Join or Form a ‘Together Group’ Today Pastors’ Book Study Despite of all that is ‘going on’, what are you truly grateful for today? What are some tools of enhancing faithful gratitude that will provide encouragement and support these days? Join in reading and pastor-led discussion of the Diana Butler Bass’ popular book Grateful: The Subversive Power of Giving Thanks. This new book read begins Wednesday (June 3rd, 6:30pm) or Thursday (June 4th, 9am). It is an easy way and time to opt-in even if for the first time.

Pop-up Patio Crawl Game Night (Virtual) Do you miss heading to your local brewery for some time with friends.

Invite your friends and meet new ones at our June Pop-up Patio Crawl Game night over zoom. We will share a little faith development time and then hang out casually with games and conversation.

Want to lead your own group?

Looking for some people with a shared interest? Want to stave off some of the Covid-19 boredom by getting together with a few like-minded folks? Birdwatching? Cookie Decorating? Contact Pastor Peter about your group idea and we will spread the word to others.

God bless, Pastor Peter Johnson Pastor of Service & Small Groups pastorpeter@standrewlu.org

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Rise Up

‘Discovering Hope and Healing Today’ Mondays at 1:30 PM/6:30 PM It has been said that we are all grieving something today.

We normally use the word ‘grief ’ to describe the death of loved ones. But more generally applied, this term speaks volumes to our current social situation as we live under the pandemic.

Some people are grieving the loss of a graduation celebration for a loved one in the family. How can the day still be special even without the normal commencement ceremonies?

Some people had looked forward to the summer travel plans to exciting places but now face the prospect of having to get creative while staying closer to home. Parents are helping their children and youth cope with canceled summer activities and sports. They are wondering how to have fruitful conversations about these disappointments with their family.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church is known for its quality grief support groups and counseling. Its leaders (Cheryl Harjes, Tammy Sperr and Julie Samuelson) are highly supportive, compassionate, trained, and well-practiced. While these ongoing large and small groups sessions usually cover the loss of loved ones, this summer session will help us Discover Hope and Healing amid all the feelings of loss we are enduring through the ongoing pandemic.

The sessions will be weekly on Mondays at 1:30 PM and 6:30 PM via zoom for a 30-45 minute conversation for mutual support and encouragement. Modest preparation will be asked of each participants (such as viewing a Ted Talk or listening to a podcast) on an appropriate theme. Let me know if you would like to be part of this meaningful group as we ‘lean in’ together for support and encouragement.

Welcome, Pastor Peter Johnson Pastor of Service & Small Groups pastorpeter@standrewlu.org

Rise Up

Benevolence/Safety Team

Benevolence Fund Support Addresses Covid-19 Response in Uganda St. Andrew member David Saunders approached the St. Andrew Benevolence Fund for support of a congregation in the African nation of Uganda. The application was submitted for food supplies for impoverished children and families.

When the application was enthusiastically endorsed by the Benevolence Committee for funding back in February, little did we know that it would be profoundly helpful when food prices spiked in Uganda due to the Covid-19 crisis. Pastor Benard Mwesigwa sent these pictures to St. Andrew to show how our funds are being put to good use. Pastor Benard has also viewed St. Andrew online worship and appreciates very much our services! His congregation’s efforts will receive quarterly disbursements from St. Andrew’s Benevolence Fund for the remainder of 2020 as part of their application.

Thank you, David Saunders, for drawing our attention to this program in Uganda.

And thanks be to God that we have the resources to provide assistance.

Safety Team Update I’m writing this in mid-March on a day when it seems all we can do is wait for the next update on a deadly virus that has changed almost everything. Our daily schedules are severely disrupted. We are fearful about our health, jobs, loss of income, and how to help our children feel a sense of normalcy. There are no college basketball tournaments or major league baseball season openers to distract us from our worries. I’m taking several walks a day, starting new craft projects,cooking comfort food, and baking cookies. (Thus the need for extra walks.)

What else can we do in scary and uncertain times? Keeping up a sense of normalcy, as best we can, is important.

I am so grateful for St. Andrew’s daily devotions and worship available online. I am reading my favorite Psalms over and over. I sing and play my favorite hymns. I am enjoying the chalk drawings all over our neighborhood trails and sidewalks with messages like pray, stay healthy, smile, hope, and inspire.

I didn’t anticipate a pandemic scenario and I didn’t plan for it but there are other scary events that we can identify that are unlikely to happen but would have a big impact if they do occur. A small group of people is developing plans for how to respond to such events. This group, the Safety Ministry Team, has begun to develop a manual to contain these responses. Our purpose statement says: “The St. Andrew safety ministry team’s focus will be on the development of safety policies, procedures, emergency plans, and ongoing guidance to enhance the safety of all who gather here.”

We have been meeting since last fall and talking about how to respond in a medical emergency, a severe weather event, a person exhibiting suspicious behavior, and other scary things. We are discussing signage, equipment and supplies, community resources, volunteer recruitment and training, and communication plans.

Once the procedures are in place, we will need volunteers who can respond in

different types of emergencies. We will need volunteers with medical training, police or security training, skills in handling crowds, and other skills useful in an emergency. Please watch for future announcements and please consider volunteering for this effort. We also ask that you pray for the work of the Safety Ministry Team and for those who will volunteer to be responders.

We pray and hope that we will never need to put these plans into action. We may spend time and money to procure and develop resources that may never be used for an emergency but we will have invested well if we feel prepared for such an event and can provide a better sense of safety for our St. Andrew community.

As one paraphrase of Proverbs 21:31 says: Do your best, prepare for the worst—then trust God. Barb Carroll Safety Team Chair

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Rise Up

Church Anew

Church Anew Blog Rises to Reach Global Audience March, 2020: Church Anew was looking forward to hosting our largest conference and special evening event in May featuring Rob Bell and Peter Rollins. Our goal was to fill the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall with ecumenical leaders and faithful people from local and regional churches.

April, 2020: Two major announcements: 1. Conference and evening event postponed to August, 2020. (this one we knew about before #StayHomeMN took effect) 2. Church Anew Blog is launched to provide brief moments of encouragement during this difficult time. (this one was unplanned prior to working from home) Now: Our Church Anew ministry is rising up digitally to reach an audience of readers well beyond the physical capacity of our church building!

Walter Brueggemann, our first and now most frequent contributor, wrote in his first post: We may imagine God doing a new thing among us.

God IS doing a new thing among us! God is doing MANY new things among us!

Blog posts are being written by leading and emerging Christian visionaries: • Previous speakers (and friends): Brian McLaren, Rozella Haydée White, Deanna Thompson • Personal friends of St. Andrew members and staff: Walter Brueggemann, Eric Barreto, Meta Carlson, Diana Butler Bass • Authors inspiring past sermon series and small group studies: Kate Bowler • Exciting new and diverse voices— 17

discover and learn from them and more to come!

Our Church Anew family is growing locally, regionally, nationally, and globally!

• We’ve gone from 0 to over 40,000 unique visitors in the first 8 weeks • Our geographic reach now includes folks from all 50 states and over 100 countries (yes, MN is still #1) • Many posts are being republished

by Day1.org and shared via social media channels • Some posts have been translated into Korean and Spanish to reach multilingual audiences Church Anew serves Christians in a variety of church roles and denominations.

Here are just a few of our new friends: • John, church volunteer from an Anglican church in New Zealand • Morten, clergy from the Church of Norway • Cynthia, church volunteer from First A.M.E. Church in Pennsylvania • Fuata, church staff member from the Methodist Church in Fiji • Susan, volunteer from Pax Christi • Tamer, clergy from Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Cairo, Egypt We are blessed to rise up in mission and ministry through Church Anew and the Church Anew Blog! Thank you for your continued support and prayers for all those we are serving together.

Find us at churchanew.org and standrewlu.org

Walter Brueggemann

Diana Butler Bass

Brian McLaren

Kate Bowler

Eric Barreto

Rozella Haydée White

Justo González

Deanna Thompson

Luke Powery

Mihee Kim-Kort

Meta Carlson

Ulysses Burley III

Deb Hetherington Director of Leadership Event Planning

Paul Raushenbush

Follow us on social media and join our email list at churchanew.org. @churchanew @churchanewmn

20–30-Something Events

20-30-Something

ZOOM

May 26, 7:00 PM Join other 20–30-somethings for an evening of interactive games, friendship, and FUN! We’ll supply the games, and there will even be prizes! You could win take-out from a local restaurant! You don’t want to miss it. Email Pastor Matthew for the Zoom link. pastormatthew@standrewlu.org

20-30-something Bible Study ——— June 10th at 7:00 PM ———

No advance reading required! Join other 20-30-somethings as we study a Psalm with some help from Pastor Peter and Pastor Matthew.

We’ll look to this book of ancient words to speak hope into our time. Email Laura Hoffer (lauraehoffer@gmail.com) for the Zoom link.

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

Who doesn’t love a good underdog story? The moment when the hero or heroine, through fighting grit and determination, rises up from almost certain defeat and finds new reservoirs of strength to carry on. This is also true in the story of God’s people; not only in the past, but also in the here and now as we face new challenges ahead and right in front of us. How will God be leading us in this time of unprecedented uncertainty? What has changed for our church in its mission and what timeless truths will remain unchanged as we serve a Lord who is the same “yesterday, today, and forever.” Join us for a series that explores our own story as a people of God who are becoming, through God’s strength and guidance, a people of Resurrection.

June 7 June 14 June 21 June 28

Rise from the ashes Rise from the Stay At Home Rise from the worry and the uncertainty Rise together—for a new, yet still great, bountiful, faith-filled life!

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