Son Times Summer 2019 | Vol. 2

SON TIMES ST. ANDREW LUTHERAN CHURCH

SUMMER 2019 | Vol.2

Upcoming Sermon Series

Worship/Ask a Pastor

The Way of Love Walking in the Way of Jesus When the early church began, they didn’t have cathedrals or buildings or much of anything. But they followed what they called “the way.” This summer, we will be walking in those paths of the ancient church, taking special note of the way of life that Jesus calls us into. It isn’t about knowing the right phrases or rehearsing the right doctrine, but about taking simple steps to focus our lives around the way of Jesus.

The Episcopal Church, one of our sister denominations, developed this model of following the Way of Love and we are looking forward to sharing it with you.

Sunday Mornings at 9:00 & 10:00 AM July 28 | Turn Text: Mark 2:14

August 18 | Bless Text: Matthew 10:8

August 4 | Learn Text: John 14:23

August 25 | Go Text: John 20:21

August 11 | Pray Text: Luke 11:1

September 1 | Rest Text: John 14:27

Family Outdoor Worship Staring Lake Amphitheater

Wednesday, August 7

5:00 PM—Bring Your Own Picnic 6:00 PM—Worship

Join us for a lively, upbeat, engaging, fun, and memorable worship service for households of all ages and stages. Kids can play in the park and enjoy a picnic with other friends. We will gather to sing and pray and learn together in God’s great creation.

Ask a Pastor What is your favorite verse in the Bible?

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” I need reminders to slow down, breathe deep, and be aware of God’s presence in the world. I also need reminders that God is God and I am not.

Even if you make mistakes, can you still be forgiven and go to heaven?

Yes. Yes. Yes and yes. Is that enough? The entire message of the gospel is that we are forgiven completely and fully. God’s grace is enough for each of us.

How do we know that God isn’t fake? Some people say that it is a made up story.

We don’t. The honest truth to faith is that it isn’t about certainty. It’s about trust. I had a teacher who said faith was actually like leaning back into the arms of someone who is ready to catch you. So in faith, we are carried not only by God, but also by the countless people who have painstakingly passed this story onto us. People hid this story under their beds with fear of death or torture. People spent their whole lives trying to translate this story into languages that had never heard it told. This story is true not because it can stand up to scientific or historical method but because we see that it is true and ultimately are called to trust that it is true.

Have you ever had a question you’d like to ask a pastor but haven’t? Send it in! There is a good chance that others in the congregation may have the same question. We will review submitted questions and pick a few to have a pastor respond to publicly in the next newsletter. Please submit your questions via email to askapastor@standrewlu.org.

1

Matthew Ian Fleming Pastor of Teaching & Young Adults

The Way of Love

Pastor Peter

Jesus’ Way of Love: Charting Our Way in Society If Christ and the church never existed, what would society be like? It takes imagination to speculate and we will never come up with a complete answer.

Would the world be more embittered and divided without Jesus’ call to love and forgive? Would the world look like one of those dystopian tv series if the world didn’t have the contribution of Christian ethics of liberation, personal giftedness, and service to others?

Thankfully, we don’t live in this hypothetical world. Rather, Jesus did live and his teachings have shaped the world.

And, his new Way of Love was revolutionary, even radical. It taught a different understanding of God (forgiveness and grace) than had ever been known.

And, he taught a sense of neighborliness (compassionate and caring community for all) that suggests a reshaping of society. How do these values shape society?

Raising faithful kids in the world today is a good example. As Michele and I dedicate this period of our lives to raise our kids, we are in the process of teaching them life lessons. On the one hand,

since our boys will live in American society (most likely), they will live in a society structured in a particular way. At the risk of over simplifying here, our society calls upon its emerging citizens to be motivated, determined, and competitive. They need to self-differentiate, work hard, and achieve for themselves. Society says that this will lead to a good, fulfilling life. So, Michele and I have worked to build within the boy’s experiences (school, sports, jobs, social groups, etc.) a thorough understanding of ‘how the world works.” After all, this is the world where the boys will live.

And (this is an important ‘and’), Michele and I also incorporate into them Jesus’ Way of Love. This is faithful living.

I like the Fruits of the Spirit in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Read these words again. They each have their own deeper meaning.

There are other examples of Jesus’ Way of Love that are unique to the ways of regular society. The New Testament

commission “it is better to give that to receive” may not work well within societal norms that emphasizes getting ahead.

When Jesus encourages us to think of the needs of others before our own needs, this does not match a ‘me first’ mentality than can be more culturally normative.

Where do we go from here? Ultimately, a healthy and dynamic balance is best option. As the bible puts it, we are to live ‘in’ the world but not ‘of ’ the world ( John 15). But, we are not called to live in an isolated cloister, monastery or convent.

We have a special identity in Christ. And, we are called to live and shape the world around us with the Way of Love.

During our sermon series over the rest of the summer (you can listen in online, too), we delve into these rich themes of the Christian life in the world today. Join us.

On the Way with you, Pastor Peter Johnson Pastor of Service & Small Groups

2

“Notes” from the Music Office

Worship & Music

Saying “Yes” to the Way

“Christians have their field of activity in the world. There they are to get involved, go to work, cocreate, and do the will of God” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The fact that Jesus is the way is a more profound and important statement than to say that Jesus is the answer. Any math teacher will tell you that having the answer doesn’t count if you can’t show how you got there. You need to show your work. And how we “got there” as Christians is where we can point to Jesus and his saving work for us on the cross. To follow after Christ the Way is our supreme challenge but also, more importantly, our supreme privilege.

When I was asked by an old friend why I am a Christian, I replied that the people I have always most admired in this world are the ones who have changed the world (or at least their little corner of it) by their commitment to servant leadership. A life well lived that allows enough time and space for helping others not only touches the heart but fires the imagination and makes us want to do more ourselves. Those who can empty themselves for the sake of others will find that they are no longer empty but have a multitude of blessings reflected back into their lives. One example that springs to mind on this 3

final day of VBS is what I saw in the faces of our many volunteers who came to serve our children this week. Yes, as you can imagine, they looked tired (as a popular meme says “not only tired… but a VBS kind of tired”) but I saw something else: a love for God and a love for the children they spent each morning shepherding. They also reaped the rewards of seeing our children energized, their spirits and curiosity fed, and knowing that they were used by God to serve “the least of these.” These leaders are here serving each day not because they can’t think of anything they would rather do on these beautiful days of June but they say “yes” for the sake of others. There it is a nutshell: the essence of the Christian life is saying “yes” for the sake of others. By the way, our VBS worship each summer is a personal highlight for me in my life of ministry each year as the children lead the way to show us how to worship with all their hearts, minds, bodies, and souls.

There’s nothing like it in the world! I know I was blessed this week to lead them in song.

God bless you as you find the “yeses” that bring you life, energy, and joy. See you in church!

Shalom, Tim Graf Music & Worship Coordinator

The Way of Love

Pastor Roger & Lunch Cruise

Where everybody knows your name!

Fifty years ago—June 29, 1969— my wife, Kathy, and I drove from Minneapolis to St. Charles, Missouri where I would begin my ministry as a Mission Developer. I began the process of knocking on doors nearly every day in the area for that entire summer. Once I had 30 adults interested in joining my new church we called Hope, we started holding planning meetings in the living room of our very small duplex. We did Sunday School teacher training in our tiny kitchen. We were a ‘house church.’

People loved the fact that everybody else in our small, growing faith community knew their name and missed them if they weren’t at Sunday worship. That small but committed core was tireless about inviting their unchurched friends to ‘come and see’ the new thing we were doing. The Wednesday night services during Lent took place in people’s homes around coffee and cookies.

People liked the intimacy, they liked how personal our little community of faith felt to them. It was a great feeling to know that others really cared about you and your family. Remember the theme song of the TV Comedy—“Cheers”?

Read the words and consider that this is what we want to feel in our church, in our small groups, in Bible studies, etc.

“Making your way in the world today, takes everything you got. Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot. Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came. You want to be where you can see that your troubles are all the same; you want to be where everybody knows your name.”

Within two years we had grown enough to start building our new church building. Once the new building was completed we really grew and soon there

were many new faces, people who caught our spirit and enthusiasm and wanted to be a part of our growing faith finders. Then one day, some of our charter members asked me to join them in a meeting. One of them spoke up and said, “We liked our church when we knew everybody in our church but we’re getting too big and we’re losing that “feeling of family.” I explained that these were the growing pains of a new community but the most important thing they could do was to get to know the new people and welcome them into our community.

As Jesus began his ministry, he started with 12 disciples. They spent lots of time together learning and growing. The gospels tell of Jesus preaching and teaching in crowded houses or on a hillside or from a boat on Lake Galilee but never in a ‘church building.’ Soon Jesus was speaking to crowds of 5,000–10,000. The team of 12 grew to surprising numbers of followers and disciples. Our growing church of St. Andrew provides ways for us to get to know others and feel supported and be able to give support—best of all, they’ll be glad you came and they will know your name. Let’s reach out to those new faces who find their way to us this summer. If we show we care, it sure would help a lot! I recall Jesus saying, “Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you.” For this reason we have greeters and ushers at weekly worship who smile and welcome everyone! Just last week someone said, “We’re glad you came!” In my head I’m thinking, “This is one of the reasons I keep coming back, because caring always matters!”

Lake Minnetonka Cruise Monday, July 22, 10:00 AM—Cruise departs at 11:30 AM Rain or Shine Join us for a Box lunch and a 1 1/2 hour cruise of Lake Minnetonka on Al and Alma’s (lake cruise boats are enclosed cabins with restrooms & open air seating on the upper deck). The cost is $18 (includes box lunch & cruise) all

Pastor Roger Schindel

tickets must be prepaid or else a spot

Visitation Pastor

cannot be promised for you! We only have 25 tickets & once they are sold, registration is closed.

4

The Way of Love

We Love Because Love Comes from God Loving our children is the one thing that makes all the difference. All of our staff at St. Andrew Early Learning work together to provide an environment for our children that is conducive to effective education, love and learning. We believe in lots of love and affection, as well as positive encouragement.

At home and at school, love and affection builds their confidence and self-esteem. It is evident every day how much our Early Learning staff are loving our children. A while ago, one of our 3 year olds was walking down the hallway with his dad after preschool, looking at the photos of staff and kids on the wall.

He told his dad “Look at these pictures of my teacher and all her friends.” “ I love her.” Comments such as this are frequently heard from many of the children in our program. They are feeling the love and so freely sharing it return.

During the month of February our theme was “Jesus’ Love and Me”. Our classes put a special focus on kindness and love.

Each of our Early Learning parents were asked to write a special love note to their child and these love notes have been displayed on each of our hallway bulletin boards. Our parents and grandparents were also invited to a Valentine Fun Day in the classrooms where we shared a loving day of games and activities.

A group of our 4 and 5 year olds recently were asked the question “What does love mean?” Here are some of their answers so pure and true.

• • • • • • •

“You don’t want someone to get hurt” “You give lots of kisses to everyone and you can also give lots of hugs” “Caring about someone” ”When you love your mommy and daddy and being kind” “I love Jesus because he died on the cross for me” “You play with someone that you love all the time” “Giving someone a card”

“We love, because he first loved us.”

Kathi Wieman Preschool Director

5

Early Learning

The Way of Love

Children’s Ministry

The Way of Love—in Children’s Ministry During my tenure at St. Andrew, many people have shown me the Way of Love, and my life has changed because of them. I wish I could share all of their stories with you. I will start with one— Jeanie Anderson.

I met Jeanie in the produce section at Costco near the apples during a pre-Vacation Bible School shopping trip in 2012. It was my first VBS, my flatbed cart was full of apples, and I still had grapes, watermelon, cookies, chips, markers, and plastic totes to buy. Ugh. Shopping is my least favorite activity—I would much rather pick up dog poop.

Jeanie could tell I needed love, care, and tons of help, and she offered to help me

finish the shopping. She filled a second flatbed cart with the rest of the supplies we needed for VBS, loaded everything into HER car, drove to St. Andrew, and helped me unload.

But—Jeanie’s impact is much, much bigger than helping with shopping. Jeanie serves Jesus every day and lives her life in response to Jesus’ love. She has a passion for kids of all ages and abilities, and works tirelessly to make sure kiddos with special needs know Jesus and know they are important members of our St. Andrew family. Every year she teaches confirmation-aged kids who need extra support—tailoring the content to meet them where they are, so they can experi-

ence Jesus’ love. Some summers she goes to Spirit in the Pines with kids to ensure they have a great camping experience.

And, every year, she brings high school students with special needs to VBS so they can share their gifts and Jesus’ love with our little ones. They read Bible stories, organize and deliver snacks, and help lead the music during opening worship.

Jeanie lives the Way of Love. She shows us who Jesus is, and our St. Andrew family is more complete because all are truly welcome. Thanks be to God for Jeanie.

Arlene Flancher Children’s Ministry Director

Children’s Ministry Save the Dates •

Summer Sunday School: Every Sunday through August 18, 9:00 & 10:00 AM

•

Feed My Starving Children Family Serving Event: Wednesday, July 17, 6:00–7:30 PM

•

2019–20 Sunday School Registration Open: July 24

•

2019–20 Wednesday Programs Registration Open: July 24

•

2018–19 Sunday School Leader Training: Wednesday, September 5 & Saturday, September 7

•

Sunday School Starts: Sunday, September 8

•

Wednesday Programs Start: Wednesday, September 11

6

The Way of Love

Middle School Ministry

S

ummers in middle school ministry are some of the most meaningful, relational moments of my work here at St. Andrew! I love the feeling in the air -- school is over for the foreseeable future, schedules are instead filled with bonfires and sunny days at the pool, and everyone is able to breathe a little deeper. Summer is the perfect time to experience the Way of Love of Jesus with fresh eyes and a renewed spirit. In all honesty, rather than teaching our youth about the ways of Jesus, I often feel like the roles are reversed, and I am experiencing Jesus through them! I have the honor of walking alongside some really awesome youth at Spirit in the Pines, on mission trips, at Summer Sunday School, and during Vacation Bible School.

Through these carefree, joyful moments of summer, I experience Jesus through our St. Andrew youth in some really unique and beautiful ways. I have shared a few of my favorites so far below, and I think you will agree!

• • • • •

• • • •

Playing “choo-choo trains” with 4 and 5 year olds in the St. Andrew hallway during VBS as the youth leaders guide little ones from activity to activity Lifting up heartfelt prayers for friends and family who are struggling with sickness Singing “Lean on Me” arm-in-arm by sunset at the campfire at Spirit in the Pines Decorating “caprons” like Tabitha from the Bible (FYI —“caprons” are a magnificent Sunday School invention: aprons that can be worn backwards as superhero capes!)

Laughing while building bridges out of newspaper, duct tape, marshmallows, and toothpicks to show us the way Jesus loves people of all types, languages, races, genders, and ways of life Playing a game of “Jenkins” at the canteen at camp Meeting new friends during an exhausting and super fun week of Confirmation Camp Eating lunch together and sharing favorite goofy moments from the first day of VBS Sharing expectations and excitement for our middle school mission trip to Milwaukee this month

I look forward to all that the rest of the summer has to bring, and the ways we share Jesus’ love with others. Please pray for all our programs and their participants in this season. We always appreciate the support St. Andrew provides to our youth programming. We hope to see many of you at these upcoming events, and we look forward to sharing with you the blessings and teachings we gain from them!

7

Summer Middle School Events (Grades 6–8): •

Spirit in the Pines Church Camp

•

Feed My Starving Children, July 17

•

3rd Annual Ice Cream Bike Tour, July 23

•

Welch Mill River Tubing, August 15

Reilly Orner Middle School Ministry Director

The Way of Love

High School Ministry

High School Events (Grades 9–12):

J

“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:13

ust over a year ago St. Andrew went on its first ELCA Youth Gathering.

This was a huge step for a lot of high school students, starting a new trip that literally no one knew anything about except for two parents that went almost 20 years ago. Now we knew this would be a great experience and would impact the student’s lives, but to what extent?

We found out very shortly as our students quickly embraced the culture of the Gathering. Immediately I saw our St. Andrew youth running to new people and showing God’s love to everyone. I saw that in an arena full of fun games and activities our youth go to the service area and make a difference.

What I saw was a heart for others and love. Then our service day came during the week. We were ready for it, we were ready to do some good work and make a difference! Then we were told what we were doing, we were putting red sand in cracks for human trafficking. We were not thinking this was what we would be doing, a project where you most likely will never see the impact you made. But we were told that we put red sand in the cracks to remind the victims that they are loved. So we started putting sand in cracks and writing you are loved on the sidewalk. Then I thought of how love does not always have to be a grand gesture, but rather a simple reminder like a cross around your neck.

We look forward again to spreading the love for God and others as we continue our summer programing. So

•

Pastor Golf Outing, July 17

•

8th & 9th Grade Camp, July 21–26

•

Welch Mill River Tubing, August 15

what is left in store for our high school group? Well, that is a great question. We are getting ready for a lot of great activities such as our Pastor Golf Outing, where we get the chance to play a best ball, Ryder Cup style match between Pastor Lillejord and Pastor Peter over at Dahlgreen Golf Course. We also get to have fun with another 8th and 9th grade week up at Spirit in the Pines at the end of July. But we know that the end of July is a long way away so we are also offering you the chance to get your camp fill at St. Andrew every Wednesday as we enjoy a campfire worship with a campfire talk by one of our many college students.

Then in August we will enjoy one last fun adventure as we go to Welch Mill and relax as we tube down the river. We look forward to seeing you here at St. Andrew and bringing love with you.

1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest is love.” We have many ways to show love in our life, sometimes in our words and sometimes with our actions. But in whatever we do we must do it with love. Jesus showed his love for us and we must show love as well. We can make a bigger impact than we realize and change lives.

TJ Helgren High School Ministry Director

8

The Way of Love

Congregational Council

Finding The Way of Love in the Daily Grind I work to earn a living and I am grateful for my job. I am not an emergency responder. I don’t cure the sick. I don’t mold young minds, and I am not otherwise engaged in what most would consider a noble profession. I do not consider my work a calling, but as a Christian I am called to do God’s work. How does one stir up a passionate commitment for ‘the daily grind’? I consider less what I do, but rather how I go about it. This is how I follow the Way of Love in my workday. I find meaning in my work on a daily basis because over the years I have gently internalized the command, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23).

I have a 25-minute commute to the office (in the Twin Cities metro, I count myself lucky). I drive. I drive alone. I generally try to avoid making or receiving calls. I don’t listen to audio books or music. This is my time for quiet reflection and spiritual calisthenics before dedicating my attention to the demands of the workday. I credit this meditative practice for my increased sense of professional calm and stability in the past 3 years. It goes a little like this:

•

•

•

9

Help me sense Your presence and the power of the Holy Spirit to guide me through my day, whatever challenges it may bring.

•

• • •

• • •

Equip me to shine Your light in difficult interactions, that I may be an example of Your Way, and others may come to understand how I act in the office is a reflection of my faith in You. Open my ears and my eyes today, and guide my thoughts and my words, especially when situations require me to receive criticism, deliver difficult feedback, or navigate a toxic environment.

Still my spirit, so I may seek to understand more than to be understood.

Seal my lips from gossip.

May I be slow to judge, resilient against anger, generous with patience, and quick to forgive my colleagues, my superiors, and my clients; they are Your children.

Guard my mind from unnecessary concern with others’ perceptions and judgments of me.

When I feel unfairly judged or illtreated, remind me: if You are for me, who can be against me?

Embolden me to acknowledge my role in misunderstandings and my mistakes.

May I not dwell on my errors or failures, but reflect on them as opportunities to improve my stewardship of the gifts, talents,

• • •

•

•

skills, and abilities You have graciously granted me.

When I feel inadequate, renew my confidence; Your grace is sufficient.

When I face workplace changes outside my control, allow me to bend.

Let me not engage in prideful boasting about the gifts I have received, as I humbly acknowledge my skill, knowledge, work ethic, and all of my professional accomplishments—everything and all of it—are wholly Yours. I am a mere steward of these gifts so that I may bring glory to You. When I feel under-appreciated or under-valued, I invite the peace of Christ to reign in my heart, for my reward comes from You. Not my earthly boss. Not my colleagues. Not my clients.

In all tasks, mundane or complex, it is the Lord Christ I am serving (Colossians 3:24).

In what ways do you invite Jesus’ teachings into your 9–5? In what concrete ways can you bear witness in the workplace—in thought, word, or deed—to the power of God’s love?

Kris Hansel Congregation Council Member

The Way of Love

Security Update/Faces to Know

Security System Update It’s been about 6 months now since the installation of our new security system. The system consists of electronic access to exterior and classroom doors, a surveillance system, and a burglar alarm system.

We have had some challenges as we get used to the systems. But, overall, response has been favorable and it has made St. Andrew a safer place for our staff, members, and Early Learning families.

We are asking all people to use the main entrance. To maintain the integrity

of our security systems, there are times when the main entrance needs to be locked. For this reason, we have added a doorbell to the left of the main doors.

If you need access during the day, and the main entrance is locked, just ring the bell and a staff member will come out to help you.

Steve Starks Building & Property Manager

Faces to Know John Nolan John has joined the St. Andrew team filling our bookkeeper position, working with contributions and accounts receivable, and can answer your questions about giving and program payments. Prior to joining our staff, John worked for a couple of years as a Business Strategy Consultant. He has since retired (sort of ), and stays busy doing things he loves—spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, sharing his gifts with St. Andrew, and giving time to his two favorite past-times, fishing and golf. If you would like to contact John, you can send him an email him at: jnolan@standrewlu.org or call him directly at 952.697.7119.

Kathie Radcliffe Kathie joins the St. Andrew team to fill the positions of Bambi Kuyper and Cindy Johnson since their retirements. Kathie’s title is Communications Administrative Assistant and will work with the communications team of Celeste Niti, Dana Mostad, Jack Lynch, and Joy Lillejord. Kathie has extensive experience in the administrative field working with companies such as Thrivent Financial and Park Nicollet. Please stop and say hello the next time you are at St. Andrew. You will find Kathie at the front desk Monday–Thursdays from 8:30 AM–3:30 PM. 10

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

There are Still Spots at Camp!

Camp is jam packed with swimming, awesome allcamp games, fun cabin activities, activity options (basketball, Gaga Ball, crafts, canoeing, Nuk’em, etc.) and so much more! The food is amazing! Caring counselors and staff will help you learn more about your faith through Bible small groups, cabin devotions, worship and awesome campfires! Visit the website to view openings and to register. www.standrewlu.org/camp Registration questions?

Please contact Sandy Olson at 952.697.7109 or solson@standrewlu.org