Tunics

THIS SUNDAY
February 11, 2007
Nancy Davis preaching:
”AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER”
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We had a memorable morning, yesterday. It was as if people collectively decided, if they were going to get out in this extreme cold anyway, they were going to be of particularly good cheer once they got here. It felt to me like the Holy Spirit took hold of those services and we just soared through the morning. I really like the youth component we’ve built into the first Sunday of each month. The progress of the Youth Praise Band, since Leon started working with them, is simply remarkable. The young people bring such joy to our worship experience. While I’m bragging on the youth, this was far and away the best Super Bowl sub sandwich I’ve ever eaten. I wish you could seen the group at work when I got here, circa 7:00 AM—an assembly-line of bright-eyed young people making sandwiches, and clearly having fun in the doing. I really like what I see happening in the St. Andrew’s Youth Ministry.
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On a zero degree morning, we had a worship count of 688, with another 116 kiddies in the Sunday School.
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ST. ANDREW’S SINGLES (SAS)
A team of people from St. Andrew's have begun planning our new Singles' Ministry efforts. The singles' ministry will be known as St. Andrew's Singles (SAS). They've laid out some events for singles at church to join in. There will also be a survey on-line soon looking for ideas and suggestions.
The team has come up with the following Statement of Purpose:

“Empowering single adults to become closer to Christ through a ministry of spirituality, compassionate fellowship, and fun.”

This Sunday, during the pancake breakfast, there will be a table for singles to join and meet other singles for fellowship. Then, if you'd like you may go to services as a group. Dawn H. and Mark S. will be at the table - look for the SAS table tent sign and join them! There will be a table in the rotunda with new information about SAS upcoming events, study opportunities and other information of interest to singles. Stop by. Enjoy a cup of coffee and the fellowship between services beginning Feb. 18th. Sign up to receive e-mail updates of singles' activities at St. Andrews and more. Again, if you'd like to attend the service with the others from SAS, please join in. There is also a Singles link on the St. Andrew's webpage, be watching for announcements of events for a growing number of people in our church family. Finally, if you are single, divorced, or widowed and would like to join the team leading this ministry effort contact Dawn or Mark . You can also contact Diana F. in the church office.
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As mentioned Sunday, UPWARD BASKETBALL & CHEERLEADING has tipped off for a new season. Here’s some of the feedback Netta P.’s been receiving:

“We had guests on Saturday for the Upward Games and they were absolutely AMAZED and thought it was the most wonderful thing.”

“I wish to pass along my appreciation to all that you and your staff have done to organize such a wonderful program. This is the first year my son has played. He’s always wanted to play basketball and this was a wonderful way for him to start with out all the pressures other leagues put on the kids. You’ve done a wonderful job as it’s a first rate program. I love the tunnel at the beginning of the games and so does my son Eric. He looks forward to the practice and games every week.”
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DIANA F. tells us of other GROUP OPPOTUNITIES:

STARTING A NEW 20-30 SOMETHING COUPLES GROUP
We're starting to plan events for young couples in the church. If you're in your 20's and 30's (or feel like you are) this will be a great way to get to know other couples at St. Andrew’s and have fun too. Get added to our e-mail list and stay informed of upcoming events. Please e-mail Jamie S.

DISCOVER YOUR CALLING
Why am I here? What is it that I am supposed to be doing? These are the questions that you will find the answers to in the Every Calling Has Origin (E.C.H.O.) class. Discover your strengths and how to use them in your everyday life and in ministry. Classes will be offered Tuesday evenings starting Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday mornings starting Feb. 21 at 9:30 a.m. Contact Diana to register.

DIVORCED? SEPARATED?
Divorce and separation are among life’s most difficult and painful experiences. You need the help and encouragement of others as you attempt to heal and restore balance to your life. A DivorceCare group is a special place of encouragement, information and sharing. It provides you with an ongoing support team as you deal with the issues surrounding your separation or divorce. DivorceCare is offered at St. Andrew’s on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. Pick up a brochure at the Welcome Table with information about DivorceCare offered at other churches on other evenings.

THE CHRISTIAN BUSINESS DIRECTORY is available at the Welcome Table. Stop by and pick up your copy today. They are free!

ST. ANDREW’S MUGS FOR SALE
Stop by the table in the Rotunda and purchase your own St. Andrew’s mug for just $5.00. This will help support the Mugger’s Ministry.
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PASTOR CHARLOTTE asks: Prayers of sympathy for the family of Rita H., in her recent passing (Brad H.’s mother). Prayers for Kari P., preparing for her first surgery; pray that her hearing will be restored (Kathy P.’s daughter). Prayers for Renee K. that she have a safe trip, as she returns from Romania (daughter of Leroy and Sharon K.). Prayers of joy for Scott and Rachel P., in the recent birth of a son, Bryce.
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I’ve been reading the little books in the back of the New Testament. Here’s an interesting passage from Jude, last stop before The Revelation:

“But you, beloved, must remember the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; for they said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts.’ It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on some who are wavering, save others by snatching them out of the fire; and have mercy on still others with fear, hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies.”

Now, I’m not suggesting you hate anyone’s tunic, but I am suggesting you build yourselves up on holy faith and keep yourself in the love of God. On the other hand, it might not hurt to take a sniff of your own tunic and see how it smells. Does it give off the aroma of mercy and kindness or of something less appealing?
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BRD