Light St. Andrew's

Dear Saints Of Andrew:

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THE GREAT DAY OF MUSIC IS THIS SUNDAY! All three services this Sunday will focus on the talents of our musical members – singers and instrumentalists. The sermon will be replaced by a short meditation on why we sing, and the rest of the service will be music, music, music. We will also share in some hymns and praise songs. Among those who will be sharing: Heather D., Bill and Gene W., Leon A. and Erin C., Pam F. (singing the Lord’s Prayer), Alex B. (doing the “Gethsemane” song from “Jesus Christ, Superstar”), Ron W. and Jim W., St. Andrew’s Handbell Choir, The Ladies’ Ensemble, The Sanctifications and others. It will be a great day of music and we look forward to seeing you then!
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FROM ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON ADRIAN A.:

LIGHT ST. ANDREW'S: The Reckless Abandon Players and Youth Abandon Players Drama Team is sponsoring this great project to help raise funds for the lighting needs of St. Andrew's. The project will cost around $15,000. This includes the lighting of the new sign on Maple Street (both internal and external), and the main entrance into the Sanctuary/Rotunda. The street sign is not visible at night and the main entrance is completely dark. The safety concern of the main entrance is enhanced with all the kids that will be attending church functions and Upward Basketball in the evenings. Especially with fall/winter darkness coming, we need to get the lighting installed.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Attend The Breakfast Club Sunday, August 20th: During all three services attend this months Breakfast Club pancake feed sponsored by the Drama Team. We will have a free will offering with 100% of the proceeds going to the Light St. Andrew's project. Special Donation: Consider giving a separate donation to this worthy cause. Please contact Adrian A., or we will collect them on Sunday at the Breakfast. If you decide to send in a check, send it in to Cami P. and write Light St. Andrew's on the memo line.

God Bless you for your consideration.
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THE REVEREND NANCY D. WRITES: CALLING ALL YOUTH DADS! So far we have several moms who have volunteered for our Youth Advisory Board to work with our new Youth Director. Where are the dads? Aren’t the dads interested in helping with this? I promise we will try our best to schedule the meetings so you can attend. We really need an equal number of dads and moms and so far the moms are way ahead. Also, where are the youth guys? Again, the girls are coming forward and so far one guy. Come on, guys, this is your youth program, too! Call or e-mail me to sign up! And do it NOW! Pastor Nancy
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In other Youth Related stuff: PAINT-A-THON HAS BEEN MOVED TO SATURDAY AUGUST 26. WATCH A-MAIL THIS WEEK FOR MORE DETAILS.
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Come Join the BELL CHOIR! We're having fun making music, and would like for you to join us. The bell choir practices on Monday's at 5:30 and is a part of the Sunday services once a month. If you are interested in learning more about joining the bell choir, contact Joyce M.
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PASTOR BRUCE asks: Please keep my uncle, the Reverend Harry D, in your prayers. Harry is a retired United Methodist pastor who has spent his ministry in the Kansas City area. I suppose he’s about 90 now and has been recently diagnosed with cancer.
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Be looking in your mailbox this week for another exciting edition of THE PASSAGE, St. Andrew’s monthly newsletter. If you are NOT receiving THE PASSAGE, please let us know.
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If you know what fictional character is faster than a speeding bullet, you need to sign up for TRIVIA NIGHT, Friday evening, Sept. 8, 7:00. Or you can e-register via return e-mail. Admission is $5 at the door.
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I Kings 3:13-13
Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of his father David; only, he sacrificed and offered incense at the high places. The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, "Ask what I should give you." And Solomon said, "You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?"

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life."
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COMMENTARY: The Lord, having told Solomon to make one wish, is pleased that Solomon asks for wisdom. Solomon will indeed receive great wisdom, expanding the kingdom of Israel. Alas, having turned wisdom into honor and riches, Solomon takes a corrupt and tragic turn leading to ruin, both for himself and the nation. Friends, as you drive down the highway of life, stay in the lane marked “wisdom,” lest you wind up in a head-on collision with folly.
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BRD