A-Mail

SUNDAY, JULY 18:00, 9:15 & 10:45
Bruce is preaching: ”GETTYSBURG”
Including musical selections:
America The Beautiful,
Ashokan Farewell
Battle Hymn Of The Republic
God Bless America
This Land Is Your Land
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
WE INVITE YOU TO WEAR RED, WHITE & BLUE
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COMING JULY 8: NANCY TELLS US ABOUT “THE CAR AT THE END OF THE ALLEY.”It’s been really neat, this summer, to see a stream of young people in and out of Bob Davis’ office, usually in ones and twos, though it’s not been uncommon to see groups of a half-dozen or so. This tells me more and more youth are seeing Bob as a trusted friend, and St. Andrew’s as a place to come and just hang out. I like that very much.
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Night before last, we had our first rehearsal for LES MISERABLES: THE SERMON. It couldn’t have gone any better. We indeed had a cast of dozens, and the sound was pretty amazong for the first time out. As next Wednesday is the 4th of July, we’ll be skipping that and doubling up on July 11, practicing from 6:30-8:30. If you’d like to plug into this project, let me know. LES MISERABLES: THE SERMON will be offered on Sunday morning, September 9, in the 9:15 & 8:45 services.
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MICHELLE P. WRTIES: KJ's CARTS FOR KIDS is a Christian nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and their families who have experienced a life-changing event or illness in their lives. This year KJ's Carts for Kids is helping military families in Nebraska and Iowa with expenses, that currently have a family member deployed. We are asking for St. Andrews to help these families. There will be a cart in the rotunda with tags attached to it. If you would like to help please take a tag and purchase a gift card to a gas station, department store, toy store, restaurant, or grocery store of your choice. Once you have the gift card you can put it in the church office and they will be collected. These will be handed out to military families at a free event that KJ's Carts for Kids is holding on September 9th, at Digz in Omaha. Please check out our website, www.kjscartsforkids.com, for more information on the nonprofit group, and the event on September 9th. If you have any questions you can also email Michelle P. NOTE: WE’LL HAVE A CARTS FOR KIDS DISPLAY AT THE CHURCH ON JULY 8
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I’ve been reading a great book titled, “THE MOST FAMOUS MAN IN AMERICA,” a biography of 19th century preacher Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. Beecher’s father, himself a pastor, had been a hard-shell Calvinist; Beecher did a 180 degree shift to what he called The Gospel of Love—a radical idea in his time and place. Beecher had multiple claims to fame: His sister, Harriett, wrote “Uncle Tom’s Cabin; Beecher was the founding pastor of one of America’s most prominent congregations, Plymouth Church in Brooklyn; before and during the Civil War, he among America’s most prominent abolitionists; after the war, Beecher was involved in scandal. Debbie Applegate has written a thoroughly admirable book that I highly recommend to anyone interested in 19th century religion and politics.
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PASTOR CHARLOTTE asks: Prayers for Ellen S., experiencing health issues (mother of Ken S.). Prayers for 10 year old Morgan L., diagnosed with a brain tumor, preparing for surgery on July 6th (great-niece of Mary E.).Prayers for Don B., from Tennessee, recovering from surgery due to an infection in his leg; pray that the doctors will be able to find the source of the infection and bring him to recovery (Sherri A.’s father). Prayers for Sandra M., hospitalized.
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John 12:44-40, "Then Jesus cried aloud: ‘Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in darkness. I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me has given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me.’"
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BRD

Sump Pump

SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2007
8:00, 9:15 & 10:45
Bruce is preaching: ”GETTYSBURG”
Scheduled music will include: America The Beautiful, This Land Is Your Land, Ashokan Farewell, Battle Hymn Of The Republic, When Johnny Comes Marching Home, God Bless America. WE INVITE YOU TO WEAR RED, WHITE & BLUE
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Vacation Bible School Celebration Sunday was a huge success. Cami reports we had 1,236 people in the various worship services. Of course, the huge chunk of those were in the 9:15 service. I appreciated those of you who moved down toward the front at 10:45. It really does help with the dynamics of that service in the summertime.
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I would also add, we had a terrific turnout for Sunday evening’s PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS. Our next PWP is scheduled for the second Sunday in August—that’s the 12th--5:00-6:30. This event is designed for people interesting in learning more about St. Andrew’s. Each session includes an invitation to membership. Sign up for the next PWP at the Hospitality Desk in the Rotunda or via return e-mail.
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I had a rough night last night. Our possessed sump pump went to screeching in the wee hours of the morning. I did what I know to do with a sump pump, but every time I thought I was going to get back to sleep, the screeching started again. Now that night has turned to day, I get to thinking of some of our readers, who may have had babies crying through the night, or couldn’t sleep because of family issues, or financial worries. I can call a fix-it man to work on this sump pump, whatever keeps you up at night may be harder to fix. Have you tried prayer? It can be a very present help in time of anxiety. For that matter, don’t be bashful about talking to someone at the church. We may not be able to fix it, but perhaps we can help you cope.
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20-30 SOMETHING COUPLES EVENT: Dine and dance the night away to the Confidentials, Friday, July 13th at Prestige Bistro on 168th & Pacific. 7:30 p.m. dinner and 9:00 p.m. dancing. RSVP by Sunday, July 8th to Jamie S. View Prestige Bistro at www.prestrigeworldclass.com.
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PASTOR NANCY INQUIRES: Can I find someone to loan me a copy of “The Prince of Egypt” on DVD for Sunday School this week?
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Katie and Walker Z. write: Please ask prayers for our friends Jen and Steve A. and their families at this time. Their precious daughter is fighting for her life. (The family has created a web site: ameliaallen.wordpress.com)
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PASTOR CHARLOTTE asks: Prayers for Sharon R., who has a very rare cancer; preparing for surgery and experiencing unexplained numbness on the right side of her face (friend of Deb N.). Prayers for an 8 year old girl who just learned she has cancer (a friend of Kate). Prayers for Amanda and others on a mission trip to Trinidad; left June 25th and will return July 9th (friend of the Coleman family).
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PSALM 119:73-77, “Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness you have humbled me. Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.”
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BRD

You'll Laugh

THIS SUNDAY
June 24, 2007
8:00, 9:15 & 10:45
Nancy preaching: "DON’T MAKE ME LAUGH!"
The VBS kids will be singing at 9:15.
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SUNDAY, JULY 1
Wear Invite You To Wear Red, White & Blue
Bruce is preaching: "GETTYSBURG"
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I made a run past our Habitat For Humanity house this morning, and snapped some photos of the folks who were hard at work. Jim Mills tells me they’re expecting thirty more people from St. Andrew’s tomorrow. Jim is one of the leaders in the Omaha Habitat movement. The house is shaping up nicely.
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We’ve set a date for the 2007 Dinner/Dance Auction: November 16, Champion’s Country Club. Our chairpersons will be Kelvin and Beth W. If you’d like to be an early volunteer, contact them.
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SOFTBALL:
Sunday evening, the 24th, the Men’s Teams have 7:00 games. The Co-ed Team plays at 6:30 on Monday the 25th.
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SUE S. asks: Could you let anyone interested know that the Lofte Community Theatre near Manley, Nebraska, is just starting rehearsals for "Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and there is still a need for more people. I am in the show and as of last night they are still looking for a few more men to play brothers and, I think, Potiphar, as well as people to play instruments. They need a 3rd keyboardist/pianist, drummer, percussionist (for other "toys"), a bass guitarist and a regular guitarist. They also still need someone to stage manage. Those are the main people still needed but they can always use painters, builders, seamstresses (tunics will be plentiful), car parkers, ushers, etc. If anyone is interested they can contact Kevin Colbert at The Lofte at 402-234-2553. More information is available at www.lofte.com. The current season can be viewed at http://www.lofte.com/newsite/season2007.htm.
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PASTOR CHARLOTTE asks: Prayers of joy for Cory D. and Tim C., Jr., who have returned from Iraq (nephews of Dan & Kathy R.).
Prayers for Ardith H., recently diagnosed with brain tumors (sister of Donna P.). Prayers for Scott D., hospitalized with cellulites (Diana D.’s son). Prayers for Paula K., receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
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Psalm 147:7-11
Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre. He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the speed of the runner; but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.
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BRD

Habitat for Humanity

We’re having a terrific week of Vacation Bible School. If you get a chance, come by the church about 11:30 some morning this week, when the kids are gathered in the Family Life Center to sing: IT’S A SEA OF KIDDIES! Between the morning and evening sessions, counting volunteers and children, we’ve got over 500 people engaged in our 2007 VBS—521 to be exact. Wow!
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NANCY DAVIS WRITES: THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 24: THE MESSAGE AT ALL THREE SERVICES WILL BE "DON’T MAKE ME LAUGH" (HOPE IT DOES MAKE YOU LAUGH, AT LEAST A LITTLE!). MIKE N. AND ADRIAN A. WILL DO THE OLD ABBOTT AND COSTELLO SKIT "WHO’S ON FIRST" AS A WAY TO INTRODUCE IT. THE VBS KIDS WILL SING SOME OF THE SONGS THEY LEARNED THIS WEEK AT THE 9:15 SERVICE ONLY. IT’S GONNA BE A GREAT DAY – HOPE YOU’LL BE THERE!
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Jim M. updates us on : "Habitat for Humanity: We're excited with the progress we've made on our Habitat for Humanity house so far this year. We're helping build a house for a Sudanese family of seven. As you know the Sudan is one of the worst poverty stricken and dangerous places to live on earth, so we're real glad we can offer a family safe and affordable house here in Omaha. This Friday and Saturday we'll have dozens of St. Andrews volunteers working on the house, no experience needed, just a helpful heart. Please email or call Jim and give your support. We're particularly looking for anyone that can work a Friday morning or afternoon shift. Contact Jim."
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We distributed a bunch of Luis Palau Heartland Festival yard signs on Sunday, but still have some left; if you’d like to help promote the event, come by and pick one up. The Festival is scheduled for the Quest Center grounds on the weekend of July 14 & 15. For more information on what promises to be an exciting event, go to www.heartlandfestival.com. I’ll be preaching a sermon on my own revival experiences that Sunday morning, the 15th, simply titled, "REVIVAL."
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I love the new baseball parks, both major league and minor league. In our last year in Springfield, Missouri, the town inaugurated a state-of-the-art facility, probably very much like what some are talking about for North Omaha. That said, sitting in Rosenblatt Stadium on the second day of the College World Series, it struck me that this was an amazing experience, and that the venue was a big part of the charm.
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Speaking of ballgames, congratulations to Bob Ramm’s RAMMERS who broke into the win column last Sunday evening. Our teams got off to rough starts, but I see improvement every week now.
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PIZZA WITH THIS PASTORS
This Sunday, June 24, 5:00-6:30
Designed for people interested in membership at St. Andrew’s.
SIGN UP VIA RETURN E-MAIL
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Pastor Charlotteasks: Prayers for Richard H.’s mother, who is hospitalized in Colorado. Prayers for Dean, who is preparing for surgery on June 18th for repair of extensive facial injuries from an auto accident (pre-teen nephew of Denise J.). Prayers of joy for Bill and Teresa K., in the recent birth of a son, Jackson William. Prayers for Gerald R., recovering from a heart procedure. Prayers for Joyce M., preparing for surgery on June 29th. Prayers of joy for Julia B. and Andy T., who were recently united in marriage. Prayers for Sally F., receiving treatment for cancer of the esophagus. Prayers for Denise J., preparing for surgery on June 21st.
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BRD

Please Pass Along

If you’re a father
If you have a father
If your father is living
If your father has passed
If you adore your father
If you despise your father
If you don’t know what to think about your father
If you’re a boy whose father named you Sue
We think you’ll appreciate “GRADUATION DAY: THINGS I HAVE IN COMMON WITH THE FATHER’S OF GENESIS,” to be preached tomorrow morning (Sunday, June 17) by Bruce Davis at St. Andrew’s United Methodist, 15050 W. Maple, Omaha, Nebraska, 8:00, 9:15 & 10:45.

Please pass this on to any you think might be interested. Happy Father's Day from all of us at St. Andrew's!

Names in a Book

THIS SUNDAY
June 17, 2007
Bruce preaches a Father’s Day Sermon:
"GRADUATION DAY: Things I Have In Common With The Guys Of Genesis"
Each service will include a CONSECRATION OF VBS VOLUNTEERS.
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At Annual Conference, each congregation is asked to bring the names of people who have joined the church in the past twelve months. These names are put into a book and the conference gives thanks for all. St. Andrew’s put 190 names in this year’s book. Speaking of which…
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INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF ST. ANDREW’S AND HAVING YOUR NAME IN THE BOOK AT THE 2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE? Learn more at our next PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS, Sunday evening June 24, 5:00-6:30. Sign up via return e-mail or at the Hospitality Room in the Rotunda.
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UMW NEWS: United Methodist Women sent a Special Mission donation in recognition of the work Penny F. has done for missions in Omaha. She has been a tremendous asset to St. Andrews and will be greatly missed.
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FROM PEARL FOOD PANTRY: A special thank you to St. Andrews for all you have done for us. The last donation of food, paper products, laundry detergent and especially all the diapers came at a time when we were running very short of all these items. You have been a blessing to us. God Bless You!
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LES MISERABLES: THE SERMON
September 9, 2007
Group Rehearsals Begin Wednesday evening, June 27, 7:00
If you’re planning to participate, e-mail bdavis@standrewsomaha.net.
We need a cast of dozens to make this work.
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KEVAN W. writes: Pastor Bruce could you share this with your A mail readers. I would like to thank you for the everything you all did for my mom in the 15 years she lived in the Thomas Fitzgerald Veterans Home at 156th and Maple and attended your church. My name is Kevan W. and my mom is Shirley W. I now live in Wayne, Ne and it is comforting to know whe has had nice place to worship the Lord. I am so grateful there has been people who volunteered to help pick her up and take her to and from the church. There have been so many people who helped but especially Pastor Bruce, Nancy, and Charlotte and the Nelson family. I am sad that she is moving to Bellevue to the new home there, but she has already found a church. Thank you so much for helping her praying for her and your friendship to her. I was happy to attend your church when I lived in Omaha and really enjoyed it. Mom just loved attending at St Andrews, thanks again. Kevan W.
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PASTOR CHARLOTTE asks: Prayers of sympathy for Scott, Judy and Matt F., in the recent passing of Scott’s mother, Lucille (friends of Norm and Jan C.). Prayers of sympathy for the family of Dorothee H., in her recent passing (grandma to Cindi R., great-grandma to Austin, Chandler, Carly and Ava).
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And we received an e-mail last night from new members BILL & TERESA K., sharing the joy of the birth of their son, JACKSON.
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Mark 3:1-6, Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the Sabbath, so they might accuse him. And he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Come forward." Then he said to them, "Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath, to save life or to kill?" But they were silent. He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it our, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out an immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.
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Note: It is fascinating to think that the self-styled "righteous" people of Jesus’ day would want to "destroy" him for doing a good thing. That said, I’ve known of Christian people who got it in their hearts to try to destroy others for matters that surely seemed important at the time but were ultimately trivial. I don’t know what gets into us. Let’s be good to each other, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
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BRD

Open Water

THIS SUNDAY
June 17, 2007
Bruce preaches a Father’s Day Sermon:
"GRADUATION DAY: Things The Guys Of Genesis & I Have In Common"
Each service will include a CONSECRATION OF VBS VOLUNTEERS.
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Our newest members are
JEAN W.. Jean has joined the Beth Moore Bible Study group.
JIM & GINA M. They have two children, KAYLA & TYLER.
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After "Underwater Jesus" on Sunday, one of our great members offered to teach me how to swim. I can actually dogpaddle a little—just enough to pass the exam required to receive a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Missouri in 1972--that's about it. Anyway, I got home after church, had a bite to eat, turned on the television, and there was "Open Water"—about a couple left stranded in water during an ill-fated dive in the Caribbean. Ironically, I first saw "Open Water" on a cruise in the Caribbean. In my opinion, "Open Water" ought to be required viewing for anyone going to the Caribbean, as a reminder this isn’t Disney World. At any rate, the timing of "Open Water" seemed like confirmation that I’m to stay on dry land. If the Lord wanted me to swim, He’d have given me gills.
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On the way back from my television gig in Springfield last night, I stopped at Royals Stadium to see the Cardinals and Royals. If the Royals were in the National League Central, they might win the division. I did have this consoling thought: Our St. Andrew’s softball teams may not be winning many games, but we don’t look any worse than the Cardinals did last night, and we’re not getting paid to play the game. The Men’s Teams are back in action this Sunday evening, at 8:00. The Co-Ed Team, which lost by a single run on Monday night, has this coming Monday off.
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FROM NETTA P. & MARGIE W.: This Sunday, June 17th, Bruce would like to use the Ministry Moment to consecrate all the Vacation Bible School leaders, helpers, directors, decorators, teachers and all who contributed to VBS this year at all three services. So, which ever service you attend, please listen for the announcement and come forward to be blessed as a group as you serve the Lord by ministering to our children.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL is nearly here! We are still short a few people. Please prayerfully consider being a crew leader for the following crews: Pre-Kindergarten Navy Parrots, 1 adult needed; Kindergarten Pink Levi’s, One youth needed; Kindergarten Red/Orange Simeon’s, One youth needed; 1st grade Lime Green Dan’s, 1 adult needed; 1st grade Orange Judah’s 1 adult needed.
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SEASONED PERENNIALS: Come now is the time for fellowship, oh come now is the time to share some fun . . . . Sound closely like our welcoming song each Sunday morning? Seasoned Perennials wants to WELCOME you to join them at the Mahoney Melodrama on Sunday afternoon June 24th. Mahoney serves a delicious buffet and we would be eating at 1:00 pm followed by the melodrama at 3:00 pm. Tickets for the dinner and play are just $18.00 per person. Tickets for the play only are $7.00 per person. The melodrama promises to be a lot of laughs. DANGEROUS WATERS is the melodrama . . . a shady villian, Filmore Filcher, tries to get his greedy paws on the "Lovely" ranch and turn it in to a luxury resort and spa. Oh My! The "Lovelies" have everything to loose, unless Amy Lovely's boyfriend, true-blue "Hoot Galoot" can save the day. Please sign up in the rotunda on the Seasoned Perennials board no later than this Sunday, Fathers Day, so we can have a good count to turn in to Mahoney. So
come and join us, now is the time for fellowship, oh come now is the time to share some fun. Pictures will be taken.
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NANCY D. WRITES: THANKS TO ALL WHO OFFERED TO LEND ME A COPY OF "THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE". NOW DOES ANYONE HAVE A COPY OF "101 DALMATIANS (THE ANIMATED VERSION)" IN EITHER VHS OR DVD THAT I COULD USE THIS COMING SUNDAY (17TH)?
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Jake D., son of Sandi D. and Pastor Tony D., is headed to Nigeria. The Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership committee is sponsoring a Volunteer In Mission trip to Jalango, Nigeria, to support the orphanage sponsored by our conference. Jake, a Millard North graduate, will be going as a part of the youth team lead by Bishop Ann Sherer. Christ United Methodist Church in Lincoln has granted a $2500 scholarship for the trip. St. Andrews UMC is helping with prayers and with donations to defray his costs. This trip to Africa will give the youth an opportunity to see the great ministries supported by the United Methodist Church and help them experience what a difference we make in children's lives. The relatively small amount of $1400 will house and educate an orphan for one year. There are 28 children in the orphanage at this time.
Members of St. Andrews can help to support Jake on his mission trip to Nigeria with a financial donation. You can just write a check and designate it for Jake D. or place something in an envelope with the same designation. Jake will be coming to St. Andrews to present details of his trip to various groups so we will all be able to share in this wonderful
adventure.
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PASTOR CHARLOTTE asks: Prayers of joy for Jill K. P. and Christopher P., who were united in marriage recently. Prayers for George J., preparing for surgery June 12th, also experiencing some heart problems (father of Teresa M.). Prayers of sympathy for the family of Larry S., in his recent passing (father of Chrissy M.). Prayers for Laura J., critically ill; pray, also for her husband, Tim, and their children (Kathy R.’s sister-in-law).
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JOEL 2:23-24, "O children of Zion be glad and rejoice in the Lord your God; for he has given the early rain for your vindication, he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and later rain as before. The threshing floors shall be full of grain, the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
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BRD

Annual Conference

Nancy and I are at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, attending the Nebraska Annual Conference. Downtown Lincoln is kind of neat, though it was extraordinarily windy here, yesterday. We ate lunch today at a place called Tico’s, just up from the State Capital. Terrific enchiladas. I appreciated worshipping at St. Paul UMC last night, located just across from the hotel. The pastor was telling me the building dates back to 1901. I’ve noticed Nebraska United Methodists put considerable emphasis on the pioneer heritage, which I find very appealing.
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If you’re not familiar with an Annual Conference, it’s a practice going back to the earliest days of Methodism, in the latter part of the 18th century. Clergy and elected lay representatives gather in our respective conferences (we’re part of the Nebraska Conference) to worship, hear reports, ordain new pastors, hear reports, hear more reports, vote on various matters—and, at the end of the multi-day gathering, fix appointments for the coming year. My father was a Methodist pastor, and I can remember him going to Conference not knowing whether or not we might be moving the next week, or where we might be moving to. These days, a pastor will likely know months before Conference where he or she will be serving in the coming year. In larger congregations, such as St. Andrew’s, long term pastorates are the expectation.
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The Conference stopped for a moment to mourn the passing of an Afghan woman who had made friends here during a tour of Nebraska. Zakia Zaki, who ran a radio station in northern Afghanistan was slain by gunmen earlier this week. From what I’m reading in the newspaper, she was the second female reporter to be killed in Afghanistan in less than a week. This was a woman who dared to show her face in a burqa culture.
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There’s a certain trade-fair element to Conference. It’s fun to see what others are doing and I always leave with a couple of "keeper" ideas.
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THIS SUNDAY AT ST. ANDREW’S
June 10, 2007
8:00, 9:15 & 10:45
Bruce Davis preaching:
UNDERWATER JESUS: A Sermon On Pirates
We’re on Summer Sunday School schedule, which means we have classes for the kiddies at 9:15
This is a Breakfast Club Sunday. We’ll be serving pancakes in the Family Life Center, with proceeds funding our Habitat For Humanity Ministry.
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The Men’s Softball teams play this Sunday evening at 9:00. The Co-ed team plays at 9:30 on Monday night. The Co-Ed team is running into a LOT of rainouts.
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>From RICHARD H.: In the spirit of bringing faith and the arts together: Richard H. (from St. Andrew’s) and Faith-Westwood U.M.C. invite you to submit your art works for consideration for the annual Faith-Westwood UMC Festival of the Arts Sunday, July 29th, 2007 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. The festival celebrates the visual and musical arts and will feature artists of all ages from the Faith-Westwood UMC congregation, surrounding art communities, and local colleges and schools. Contact Richard or go to www.faithwestwood.com for more information. Deadline for submissions is Jun 22, 2007.
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CHRISSY M. asks for prayer, as her father is in the last days of his life….Congratulations to BRIAN & LAURA B. at the birth of a son, AIDEN.
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Now, let’s see if the Cornhusker Hotel internet system will let me send this.
BRD

Underwater Jesus

THIS SUNDAY
June 10, 2007
Bruce Davis preaching:
“UNDERWATER JESUS: A Sermon On Pirates”
We’ll read from the 27th & 28th chapters of Acts, visit ports in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, talk about near-death experience, and invite all who come to get aboard the Good Ship St. Andrew’s! If your life has ever felt like a shipwreck, you may find this worship experience particularly helpful.
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BREAKFAST & VOLUNTEER NEEDS
Please join us for a Pancake Breakfast Sunday June 10th after worship.
St. Andrew's Habitat effort, is looking for assistance with: volunteer labor, financial contributions, and assistance with the upcoming pancake breakfast. Please contact Jim M. St. Andrew’s coordinator.
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Starting tomorrow, Nancy and I will be in Lincoln for several days, attending the Nebraska Annual Conference. We’ll also be out of town the first part of next week. The PBS station in our old stomping grounds of Springfield, Missouri, is doing a documentary on the Young Brothers Massacre of 1932—the subject of my book, “We’re Dead, Come On In.” I’m to be the “expert.” I get nervous on TV, so I’ll appreciate your prayers.
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JOYCE C. writes: St. Andrew’s has a group of about 15 from the BLT group that are walking in the Relay for Life on Saturday night. You can support this team – but more importantly, you can support those that have had their lives affected by cancer. Go to www.acsevents.org/millardwest and look for the BLT team to make your donation this week.
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NANCY D. asks: DOES ANYONE HAVE A COPY OF “THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE” THAT WE COULD BORROW FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS WEEK (JUNE 10).
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From PAT M.: St. Andrew's will be represented at the upcoming Health and Wellness Fair at Maple Ridge Retirement Center located at 168th and W Maple Rd. The fair is Wednesday, June 13th from 10AM until 3PM and will include seminars by professionals in health care, massage therapy, etc. There will be a strolling juggler, magician, balloon artist and a comedienne as well. Come on out for fun and information!
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Pirates of the Galilean
VBS begins in less than 2 weeks! We have a lot of kids in the AM session and still need 8 more youth and 7 more adults to be crew leaders. A crew leader has a partner and they take a group of kids to various stations throughout the morning. IF YOU ARE A PARENT/YOUTH AND ARE NOT DOING SOMETHING FOR VBS IN THE MORNING, PLEASE PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER LEADING OUR CHILDREN THROUGH THIS AWESOME WEEK! You won’t regret the rewards you will receive from the children and their love! Be a leader and contact Margie W. Thanks in advance for your leadership in Children’s Ministries!
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Sunday's worship count was 705, with 89 children in our classes. Remember, we offer Church School in the summer during the 9:15 hour.
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ST. ANDREW’S BOOK CLUB
Join Jeff H. as he leads a discussion on the book The Gift of Peace by Joseph Cardinal Bernadin on July 9th at 7 p.m. This well-loved Cardinal records the personal struggles of his final three years, during which he faced charges of sexual abuse (later dropped). Bernardin made peace with his accuser, helping him to reconcile with his faith before the accuser died of AIDS. A very moving last testament, written with simplicity and wisdom. He writes of our own struggles with daily life, our dealing with our walk with Christ amidst contemporary issues and daily challenges of life. Sign up is in the Adult Ministry Brochure on the Welcome Table or you can contact Jeff.
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LES MISERABLES: THE SERMON, September 9, 2007
We need a cast of dozens to make this work and would love to have you in the production. If you’re interested let Bruce D. know via return e-mail. Rehearsals begin Wednesday evening, June 27, 7:00
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Acts 27:18-2
We were being pounded by the storm so violently that on the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard, and on the third day with their own hands they threw the ship’s tackle overboard. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.
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BRD

The Christian's Survival Kit

I know you’ll appreciate Nancy’s sermon on Sunday: THE CHRISTIAN’S SURVIVAL KIT. It’s a simple, direct message on what Christians need to carry with them in order to survive and thrive in these wild and crazy times. Remember, we’re on Summer Sunday school schedule now, with classes for the kiddies in the 9:15 hour. Among other things happening this Sunday is recognition of Disciple Bible Study graduates. This would be an excellent time to consider enrolling in Disciple next fall. Disciple is a 32-week class offering an overview of the scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Disciple in fact makes disciples.
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From Joyce M.: A dash of Disney, a mix of John Williams, Blend with a few more selections, and you have A Recipe for a Handbell Concert Presented by: Ambassador Adult and Youth choirs (several ringers are members of St. Andrews) Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Special guest perfomrance by Marty B. on Bari-Sax. We hope to see you there.
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Next week, the Nebraska Annual Conference will be meeting at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln. The dates are Wednesday through Saturday. Nancy and I will be there, of course, along with Diana F. and Marsha E., representing the congregation. You’re welcome to come over and visit. Such gatherings sometimes generate media stories, and if you see or hear anything that concerns or confuses you, please let me know and I’ll try to give you the straight scoop.
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In recent years, I’ve been critical of the style of play in the National Basketball Association, but watching LeBron James is causing me to reassess the situation. Detroit knows he’s going to take that last shot, and five defenders still can’t stop his drive to the basket. Wow. The guy even shoots an occasional (gasp) JUMP SHOT! And let’s be honest: For all the talk about the "golden days" of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, looking at videos of days gone by, they really did look silly in those short shorts. I look at pictures of myself in old uniforms and cringe.
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Habitat for Humanity Breakfast & Volunteer Needs
Please join us for a Pancake Breakfast Sunday June 10th after worship.
St. Andrew's Habitat effort, is looking for assistance with: volunteer labor, financial contributions, and assistance with the upcoming pancake breakfast. Please contact Jim M. St. Andrew’s coordinator.
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FROM BOB D.: SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL for grades 5th -12th will continue to meet during the summer months same time and place. The only change will be is the 5th and 6th grade will attend sanctuary worship with the 7th-12th grade the first Sunday of the month. SUMMER YOUTH GROUP will start meeting at the church every Sunday starting July 1st. Middle school grades 5 – 7 (soon to be grades 6 – 8) will meet from 3:30pm to 5pm. Senior high will meet from 5pm to 6:30pm (senior high includes the upcoming freshman).
More From Bob: I just wanted to recognize a few of members of the St. Andrew’s Youth Group: David R., Devon K., Martha H., Miranda P., and Bridget C. These individuals spent part of their Saturday helping one of our church members move. They did a great job!
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Memorial Sunday worship attendance was 590 with 99 kiddies in the church school. You do know we’re having Children’s Sunday School in the summer, right, meeting in the 9:15 hour?
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PASTOR CHARLOTTE asks: Prayers of sympathy for the family of Jan S., in her recent passing (mother of Tracy L.). Prayers for Rachael H., recovering from surgery (daughter of Gil & Lori H.). Prayers for Brent, recently diagnosed with cancer; has undergone surgery; pray, also for his family, fiancé and her family (nephew of Stan M.). Prayers for 10 week old Ainsley E., recovering from surgery (relative of a co-worker of Kathy R.).
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And we received a note this morning from Ron C. telling us that Patti M. has passed away after a seven year battle with cancer. He writes: "Patti leaves behind a great husband and father, Roger (Lynn's brother), along with 3 young daughters (ages 13,11, & 7). While arrangements are still pending, we would like to ask for prayers of strength and comfort for Roger, the girls, family, and friends of Patti."
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Luke 7:11-17: Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, rise!" The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen among us!" and "God has looked favorably on his people!" The word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.
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BRD