Together

THIS SUNDAY
November 4, 2007
8:00, 9:15 & 10:45
Nancy preaching: The SAD Church
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On Sunday October 21st, we were blessed to baptize RILEE MICHAEL H., son of Jerry & Stephanie.
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The ST. ANDREW’S DINNER AUCTION & DANCE is just over two weeks away. We really need to have all the donation items turned in to us by this Sunday (11/4) so we can have them included in the auction book. We still are in need of auction items (restaurant gift certificates, services, event tickets, houseware items etc.) so please help out our church’s biggest fundraiser. We still have plenty of tickets available for the event so why not spend a fun evening with your church family. Please contact Beth and Kelvin Whited 496-1350 or [ mailto:whitedfamily@hotmail.com ]whitedfamily@hotmail.com.
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NATALIE GRANT NEWS

Natalie Grant will be with us for a free concert on Thursday evening, November 8, starting at 7:00. If you’re not familiar with this very accomplished artist, please visit her web site and listen to some of her music.

FROM MANDY B.: We are in need of 4 hotel rooms for Natalie Grant and her band for Thursday November 8th. If you have any connections to the Hilton, Marriot, or like hotel please contact me no later than Thursday, November 1st. Thanks! Mandy B.

CRAIG B. writes: Natalie and her tour management have agreed to have a “Meet and Greet.”

There will be 10 meet and greets sold ONLY to St. Andrews members.

Each Meet and greet will cost $40 and will include the following three things:

1 professionally taken picture with the Artist (up to 3 people + Artist in picture)
NOTE: This picture will be available the next Sunday in church.
1 personally signed poster by Artist
Since this meet and greet happens 30 minutes before the doors open, all meet and greet participants will be guaranteed a seat.

If anyone is interested, please have them email me to reserve their slot today! It is critical that we receive the money prior to the start of the concert.

CRAIG’S VOLUNTEER UPDATE:

LOAD-IN / LOAD-OUT – I have had no volunteers yet. We will need 4. This is a tough volunteer position, because they will need to be there early (LOAD-IN) and stay late (LOAD-OUT), so it makes for a long day (of course they can leave in-between if they wish). Each load will take an hour or two. We could have two different crews, but is better to have the same folks help with both. (familiarity).

CROWD CONTROL –We need 5 more volunteers (we have 5 already, but need 10). With a ticketless concert, this will be an important position too, because we will have to use hand-held “counters” to keep track of the crowd coming in. We will have to know when we are full (assuming we get there).
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WILD WEST FEST WAS THE BEST FEST IN THE WEST!
Thanks to all of you who helped run booths, hand out candy, give hay rack rides, worked behind the scene, decorated, donated and anything else I forgot! This event could not happen without good people to get involved and help out!! Thanks again! It was difficult to count how may people attended, but best guess is 250+ kids, their parents, and helpers, I would think we had well over 500+ people come through. Special thanks to Wendy L. for all her decorations, Steve G. for his special effects with smoke and lights, and Clark S. for driving the tractor. Very cool! We’ll do it again next year!
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Together, Inc.'s Christmas Giving Tree
St. Andrew's will again be assisting local needy families through Together, Inc.'s Holiday Shop. Clients of Together, Inc. are able to select gifts for children/family members and take home a holiday food sack. Beginning on Sunday, November 4th, you will have the opportunity to select an item to donate from the Giving Tree located in the rotunda. All items should be returned to the church by December 2nd and placed under the tree. If you have any questions, please contact Denise J. Also looking for a few volunteers to work in the Christmas shop, if interested please give me a call. Thank you.
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ALSO FROM TOGETHER INC:
A Halloween Enthusiast and Together Inc. Supporter wanted me to invite you to go through his Haunted House, in support of Together Inc.’s Food Pantry. The supporter’s name is Chris Wilcox, and the information about his haunted driveway display is below:
When: Halloween night, October 31st
Time: Dark to 9:00 – 9:30pm
Where: 3 ? blocks South of Center Street on 106th Street.
Entry fee into the haunted house will be one can of food per person. All food will be donated to Together Inc. for their pantry. Come out & join in the fun!
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KIM R. writes: With the re-opening of the day shelter Siena/Francis has asked for donations of stick deodorant, toilet paper and 50 gal. trash bags. If you can provide any of these, please place them in the Siena/Francis box in the Rotunda. Questions - call Kim Roth @ 496-7181.
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CHARLOTTE M. asks: Prayers for Ellen S., recovering from surgery (mother of Ken S.). Prayers for Tammy R., whose cancer has returned after many years in remission -- preparing for surgery and chemotherapy (sister-in-law of Mike & Sandra R.). Please continue to pray for Suzie, who possibly has kidney failure – her condition is worsening (friend of Denise J.). Also, please pray for Betty J., who has a blood cancer and is not doing very well, is currently hospitalized, undergoing many tests (mother-in-law of Kathy J.).
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Psalm 57:1-3, “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by. I cry to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me, he will put to shame those who trample on me. God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness."
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BRD

KEY DATES

HERE ARE SOME KEY DATES WE HOPE YOU HAVE ON YOUR CALENDARS. IF WE'VE MISSED A DATE YOU THINK IS A KEY DATE, PLEASE ACCEPT OUR APOLOGY IN ADVANCE.

THIS SUNDAY: Bruce preaching: THE HARROWING OF HELL
Thursday, November 8: NATALIE GRANT in concert, 7:00.
This is a free show staged on short notice, so please help us spread the word.
Sunday, November 4, Nancy preaching: The SAD Church.
Sunday, November 11: The return of Jake & Elwood. It’s NEW MEMBER APPRECIATION SUNDAY.
Bruce preaching: GLAD ALL OVER.
5:00-6:30, The Last PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS of 2007. Sign up in the Rotunda.
Tuesday, November 13, CHARGE CONFERENCE, 7:00. This is our Annual All-Church Business Meeting.
Friday, November 16, The ANNUAL ST. ANDREW’S DINNER/DANCE/AUCTION at The Champion’s Club.
Tickets and other information are available in the Rotunda.
Sunday, November 18, THANKSGIVING SUNDAY, Nancy is in the pulpit.
Wednesday, November 21, THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP, 7:00, Bruce preaching.
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BOB D. writes: A few youth and I got some really good practice carving pumpkins with the residents at the Parson’s House last Saturday afternoon. Watching our youth spend part of their Saturday afternoon in service to others was wonderful. It was so cute at one of the tables, the ladies who were residents where sharing with me how old they were. One started off by saying “I’m 91” then another lady would look at the one who just spoke and would then say “well I’m 93” this went on and on. They really enjoyed sharing their stories with our youth. I hope that when I am in my 90’s some youth group as kind as ours comes to visit me!

We are collecting socks and underwear of all sizes for the project “STAND UP AGAINST POVERTY” to donate. There will be a drop off basket located on the youth table in the Rotunda.
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PASTOR CHARLOTTE asks: Prayers for Jay W., diagnosed last year with autoimmune hepatitis, experiencing low platelet levels (father of Stacy W.). Prayers for Divorce Care 4 Kids, as plans are being made. Prayers for Suzie, who possibly has kidney failure (friend of Denise J.). Prayers for Ruth F., continuing to battle health issues; pray for strength, faith and courage (mother of Dave & Gina F.). Prayers for Bobbi L., hospitalized with a blood clot.
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I Peter 3:18-20, For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which he also went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey….”
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BRD

Natalie Grant

FEATURED IN THIS MAILING: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THE NATALIE GRANT CONCERT. BUT FIRST….
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BETH W. writes: There are still plenty of tickets available for the St. Andrew's Dinner Dance and Auction at Champions Run on November 16. Please stop by the auction table on Sunday to make your purchase or send your payment of $80 per ticket to Kelvin and Beth Whited at the church. We still need auction items and will be taking them at the auction table through November 4. We would also be glad to come and pick up items if needed. Remember, this is a fun event that raises money to help pay for the loan on the sanctuary. Any questions, contact us.
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THIS SUNDAY
Bruce Davis: THE HARROWING OF HELL
I Peter 3:18-20; Ephesians 4:8-10
Alex Birdwell is scheduled to sing “How Great Thou Art” at 9:15 & 10:45.
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Our newest members are LANCE & COURTNEY F. They are the parents of twin sons, Trevor & Justin.
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You’ll see a couple of notes in Pastor Charlotte’s prayer list regarding the fires in Southern California. I was the phone last night to my daughter, Laura, who graduated from Kansas University this spring and is now working in Orange County. While out of any immediate fire danger herself, she talked about how eerie it is to experience these Santa Ana winds.
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Our final 2007 Pizza With The Pastors is scheduled for Sunday evening, November 11, 5:00-6:30
This is an event designed for people moving toward membership at St. Andrew’s.
Sign up via return e-mail or at the Hospitality Desk in the Rotunda on Sunday morning.

SINGLES HUSKER WATCH PARTY
Join the singles at Heidelberg’s – 3510 No. 167th Circle to watch the Nebraska vs Texas football game. Grab a seat at 1:30 for the pre-game. Kick-off is at 2:30. Come one, come all and cheer on the Huskers! Go Big Red.
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The final Wed. night for the WILD WEST FALL BIBLE STUDY is this Wed. night (THAT’S TONIGHT!) from 6:00-7:00 p.m. It has been a great month with the children learning more about Jesus and the Bible along with some great songs and crafts. We will conclude the study on Friday night Oct. 26 with our Wild West Fall Festival-a Halloween alternative. Children up through 5th grade are invited to come in their Halloween costumes and be ready to have some rootin’ tootin’ down home fun while trick-or-treating for candy and some hidden treasures. There are 19 games/activities planned for the children in the Family Life Center on Friday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thanks to all those who have already volunteered to work a game booth for an hour- we have the 6:00-7:00 time slot all filled. However, we still are in need of 17 volunteers to fill the booths for the 7:00-8:00 p.m. slot. Please email or call Margie today and volunteer to help out with a game for an hour for the children on Friday night.
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St. Andrew’s CEC is currently accepting application for a School Age Teacher and a Cook. The hours for the School Age teacher can be 7:30-4:30 or a split shift, 7:30-9:00 / 3-6. The hours for the Cook will be 6:30-1:30. Please apply in person or fax resume to 431-8637, Attn: Chantelle.
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PAM F. writes: Childrens choirs and youth choir will NOT meet on Wed., Oct. 31st (Halloween). The adult choir and the Christmas Intergenerational choir will meet at their regular times.
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NATALIE GRANT CONCERT INFO: Concert Date/time: 11/08/2007 (Thursday) at 7:00pm. Doors will open at 6:30pm. Concert is expected to last about 80-90 minutes total. There is not expected to be an intermission. This is a free concert, but there will be a free-will offering taken up during the concert for Natalie and her band. She also may promote her HOME foundation. Visit her website for more details: www.nataliegrant.com

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE NATALIE GRANT CONCERT!!! For our last concert, we used somewhere in the neighborhood of 50+ volunteers! SO…we need your help! If you would be interested in volunteering to be a “helper” for the concert, please send an email to Craig B.

Here are the areas that we will need help with:

LOAD-IN, LOAD-OUT - We need 4-6 folks that can perform heavy lifting of the band’s equipment. Basically, this involves unloading and loading the band’s equipment to and from the tour bus the day of the concert. It would be preferred that the same folks that unload the buses are available to also reload the buses after the concert.

PARKING – We generally need about 10 people to assist in Parking. Adrian A. is leading up this group. They were outstanding (literally) at the Mark Schultz concert. I had several people from other churches comment how smoothly the parking went. If you have helped with parking in the past and are available on 11/08/2007, please let Adrian know ASAP that you are available. NOTE: we have COOL flashlights and vests for you to wear!

PARKING CONES – We need a line on some construction quality parking cones. Last time we rented from TodCo. If anyone has a connection in this area, that would be great!

MERCHANDIZING – We only need one or two more experienced “sellers”. This is a fast-paced job and is done before and after the concert. At the Mark Schultz concert Deanna A. and her cast of sellers did a
FANTASTIC job and sold over 300 CD’S!!! (All proceeds go to Natalie Grant)

USHERS/CROWD CONTROL – We need very responsible and outgoing people to help get visitors into the church and quickly seated. Also, these helpers will tend to the audience needs during the concert as they arise. These helpers will also have assignments after the concert to help route folks quickly and safely out of the church. We need about 10-12 friendly people.

SECURITY – We need 2-4 people to attend to event security. This is a tough assignment, because more than likely you will not get to see much of the concert. We need these helpers to check the inside and outside of the church (and parking lot) before, during and after the concert to make sure “all is well” and report back to the event coordinator if there are troubles. If you are a police officer or have event security experience, that would be AWESOME! NOTE: We also need a group coordinator for this group as well, so if you are interested in being this coordinator, please contact Craig B.

YOUTH – Contact Bob D. if you are interested in helping with the concert. If approved, the youth will again be selling donated water. All sales will go to funding the summer mission trip.

VOLUNTEERS to distribute posters and get the word out about the concert…WE NEED EVERYONE READING THIS EMAIL TO DO THIS!!! Posters should be available at the church office for pickup no later than Friday (10/26). Also, they will be available the next two Sunday’s at the church information booth. Make sure to pick up extras and distribute them to neighbors, co-workers, grocery stores, schools, hospitals, other churches, etc.

Thanks everyone. This is going to be a GREAT event for our church!
Craig B.
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PASTOR CHARLOTTE asks: Prayers for Dave and Brooke B., who have been evacuated from their home in California, due to the wildfires (friends of St. Andrew’s and the Drama Team). Prayers for the firefighters in California, for all who have lost their homes and have been displaced by the wildfires. Prayers for Virginia W., who has been moved to Hospice House; pray that she be at peace.
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Ephesians 4:8-10, Therefore it is said, ‘When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people. (When it says, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth. He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.)
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BRD

I'll Fly Away

THIS SUNDAY
Bruce Davis: THE HARROWING OF HELL
Last Sunday, Nancy preached on The Rapture. The Harrowing Of Hell is sort of The Rapture In Reverse. Nancy ascended; this Sunday, we’ll descend.
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We saw the first of three WE’RE ON A MISSION videos yesterday. It was incredibly well done. All these are Mark Van K./Craig S. productions. Netta P. developed the children’s script, but while she wrote the questions, the kids themselves came up with their own answers. How great is that!
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The NATALIE GRANT concert seems to be a GO! Our date is Thursday evening, November 8, 7:00. This is a free concert. We’ve got a short lead-time, so we’ll be counting on you to help us spread the word. I invite you to visit the Natalie Grant web site and listen to her music. She is a highly acclaimed Christian artist with crossover appeal on the country charts. This is very exciting.
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We had a sweet wedding here over the weekend, as PERRY E. & KIM W. were joined together in Holy Matrimony. I had the honor of officiating.
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Speaking of honors, Dr. Fred Ohles, President of Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, was with us in the 8:00 service yesterday. Two weeks before that, our District Superintendent, Randy Sailors was here. I note that both chose Sundays Nancy was preaching.
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After a strong summer financially—at least compared to the year before—the October offering plate has been on the disappointing side. We’ll hope for a strong fourth Sunday.
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Also this past weekend, St. Andrew’s was host to an ADVANCED LAY SPEAKER SEMINAR. Mike R. had a lot to do with putting it together. Nancy led the event. Lay Speakers are trained to fill United Methodist pulpits; some even serve as leaders of smaller congregations.
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A couple of my favorite people expressed bemusement Sunday that after Nancy’s reluctance to embrace Rapture Theory, she had us singing “I’ll Fly Away” at the end of the service. But consider the lyric: “Some glad morning when this life is over, I’ll fly away… When I die, hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away.” There’s a great passage in Acts 1. The Christ has ascended into heaven. The apostles are gawking toward the sky. Angels tell them to quit looking upward and get to work Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The song affirms what Nancy was saying: When our life is over, when our work on earth is done, THEN we’ll fly away—as in ascend to heaven with God.
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Tabulator-In-Chief Alan B. reports that the survey has been officially “closed.” We count 461 responses, which indicates a lot of interest.
An overview of the survey results will be offered at the Charge Conference, November 13, 7:00. Each and every reader of this epistle is invited to attend.
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I might add that Alan & his wife Nancy are big Cleveland Indians fans. With apologies to them, I do think the Red Sox/Rockies shape up as a potentially very interesting World Series.
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Speaking of sports. No one said a thing yesterday about the Huskers. I wonder if fans have just become resigned to the situation. Did you know Steve and Nancy M.’s son, Ryan, was a leader on this year’s Homecoming Committee at the University of Missouri in Columbia? They actually have two offspring attending Mizzou. There are days when I wonder if this is all my fault. Mizzou hasn’t won a Conference Championship since I was a sophomore there in 1969. After all those years of awful teams, now I move to Nebraska, whereupon the Huskers tank and the Tigers are ascendant.
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Pam F. writes: Will you put in the A-mail another reminder about the Christmas Intergenerational Choir will start this Wednesday, Oct. 24th from 6:30-7:00 p.m. We will meet in the lower level music rehearsal room. This choir is for all youth (grades 6-12) and adults of all ages. This annual choir will present "Child of Peace" on Sunday, December 9th. If you have questions, please contact Pam.
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A Passage of Ascension, featuring the prophets Elijah and Elisha: II Kings 2:11-12, AS THEY CONTINUED WALKING AND TALKING, A CHARIOT OF FIRE AND HORSES OF FIRE SEPARATED THE TWO OF THEM, AND ELIJAH ASCENDED IN A WHILWIND INTO HEAVEN. ELISHA KEP WATCHING AND CRYING OUT, “FATHER, FATHER! THE CHARIOTS OF ISRAEL AND ITS HORSEMEN!” BUT WHEN HE COULD NO LONGER SEE HIM, HE GRASPED HIS OWN CLOTHES AND TORE THEM INTO PIECES.
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BRD

Auctioning Diapers

This Sunday
October 21, 2007
Nancy preaching: LEFT BEHIND—FOR A REASON.
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Coming October 28, just in time for Halloween:
THE HARROWING OF HELL. A Bruce R. Davis sermon.
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EACH DAY brings us closer to the annual Dinner/Dance/Auction, scheduled for the evening of November 16 at the Champion’s Club. As you heard on Sunday, we have some high end items up for bid, including a Porsche and a Hawaii Vacation. On the lower end, I plan on spending some time this afternoon looking in Used Book Stores to complete my set of TEN INDISPENSIBLE BOOKS. And this is neat: one of our newer members gave me a diaper wedding cake, in honor of my granddaughter’s birth. I was unable to take it to France, so with the member’s permission, it will go into the auction. Being a low end buyer myself, I am always fascinated by the neat stuff there is to bid on. What can you donate for auction? Be creative. Of course, we’ll have an Auction table up this Sunday. The good people there will be delighted to hear your idea.
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We’ve had a concert opportunity fall into our lap. I appears that Christian Artist NATALIE GRANT will be at St. Andrew’s for a free concert on Thursday evening, November 8. This is not entirely finalized, but it appears it’s going to happen and we wanted to give you the date. Details will be forthcoming. You might check out her web page. I think this will be a lot of fun.
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Official Tabulator ALAN B. reports we’ve had over 450 responses to the Worship Survey. We’ll do an overview of the survey results at CHARGE CONFERENCE, our annual all-church business meeting, scheduled for Tuesday evening, November 13, at 7:00. All are invited.
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PAM F. writes: Christmas is about to be in the air! The Christmas Intergenerational
Choir, involving all interested adults, youth plus the Sunday School
rooms (Pre-Kdg.-5th grade) will present the annual St. Andrew's
Christmas program on Sunday, December 9th . If you are interested in
singing and being apart of this tradition, please join us for rehearsal
on Wednesday evenings, starting this Wednesday, October 24th, from
6:30-7:00. This is a great opportunity to get involved with the music
department but with a short-term commitment. This choir and rehearsal
is for all youth (grades 6-12) and adults. Children, Pre-Kindergarten
through 5th grade, will rehearse in their Sunday School rooms. If you
have questions, please contact Pam F.
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Youth Pastor BOB DAVIS asks us to announce the following:
• No Sunday youth group this Sunday October 21.
• Come carve pumpkins with me and the residents at the Parson’s House this Saturday. We meet at the church at 12:50pm and will be back by 2:30pm.
• Senior High outing this Saturday, Spaghetti Works and a Haunted House. Meet at the church at 4:30pm we will be back by 9pm. E-mail Bob ASAP to sign up.
• Senior High retreat November 2nd (6:30pm) to November 3rd (1:30pm) at Camp Fontanelle e-mail Bob to sign up.

Bob is doing so many interesting things with his ministry these days. The editorial staff has urged him to keep our readers abreast of his adventures in youth land and so he submits the following:

I had the opportunity to speak at Kiewit Middle School last Monday in front of a group of eighth graders. Patrick L., a member of our youth group, asked me if I would share information about my job as Youth Director at St Andrews during his career class. The letter I received stated "We are anxious for you to visit our class and share information about your career with us". I have to be honest I was feeling a little anxious myself about the whole thing, until I entered the classroom. I had prayed in the car on the way to the school that God would be with me and help guide me through this as not to embarrass Patrick. My presentation went very well! I even had a few kids ask "Now where is your church at" as inquiring they might want to show up for an event. On my way back to the church I felt an extreme closeness to God. I had felt as if I was an instrument used by God to share with young people that God is ever so real! Praise God!
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BILL & TERESA K.’S son, JACKSON is scheduled for some surgery at Children’s Hospital on Tuesday. Please keep this great family in your prayers.
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I Kings 2:1-3, When David’s time to die drew near, he charged his son Solomon, saying, "I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, be courageous, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his ordinances, and his testimonies, as it is written in all the law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn."
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BRD

2.2 Mil

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This Sunday
October 21, 2007
Nancy preaching: LEFT BEHIND—FOR A REASON.
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Coming October 28, just in time for Halloween:
THE HARROWING OF HELL. A Bruce R. Davis sermon.
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We have a new baby in the church – LANDON WILLIAM W., son of Kevin and Heather.
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Many thanks to the people involved in last Sunday’s various worship service projects. The “friends” skit was put together by Richard Harrison and featured Dan Trombla, Greg Albertson, Mike Baber, and Craig Strong—with Karen Belair as Millie the waitress. Jake and Elwood—the Blues Brothers—are Greg Twist and Craig Bence. The band played themselves.
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I sometimes tell people that leading a large congregation is a lot like coaching a football team or even heading up an athletic department. You have to keep the fan base happy and everyone involved has an opinion about something you ought to be doing different. One big difference, of course, is that if you get fired you don’t get 2.2 million dollars. J
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KRIS S. writes: Just a reminder that Sunday, October 21 is the deadline for the Sunday school auction basket donations. We are putting together baskets with themes for each grade level. The themes this year are baby items, baby toys, cooking, Christmas gift wrap, kids crafts, age appropriate books for 4th/5th graders, and anything needed to create a cozy reading area, ice cream lovers and chocolate lovers, snow day activities & snacks, games, movie rental gift cards, puzzles, pizza gift cards, pampered pooch, car care items, dinner and/or movie gift cards. If you would be willing to donate any of these items please place them in the donation boxes around the church on Sunday mornings. If you would rather make a cash donation that can be put in an envelope with which class it should go to and placed in the donation basket also. We really appreciate the wonderful families that St. Andrews has. Any questions, email me at ksimerly@cox.net. Thank you very much!
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TO BETHLEHEM…AND BACK?
We are thrilled and overwhelmed with the effort of the Journey to Bethlehem team in week 1. We’ve still got some people who haven’t reported in yet, but according to what we have now, we’ve already journeyed over 900 MILES! In other words, we’re nearly to Pittsburgh already. At the rate we’re going, we’ll make it to Bethlehem in about 7 weeks. Maybe we’ll just turn around and head home in time for Christmas Eve at St. Andrew’s. Keep up the great work, team!
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PASTOR CHARLOTTE writes: THANK YOU is just not sufficient to express the depth of gratitude I feel to St. Andrew’s for the wonderful outpouring of Christian love I have received since my fall – so many are praying for me and my recovery – a number of beautiful cards – many telephone calls – Breaking Bread meals – Benevolent Bus help – and so many offers to help from members of the staff, as well as the congregation. You are all a wonderful blessing to me as I continue my healing journey. Truly, in the words of a hymn I have known – “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God” – and most particularly the St. Andrew’s family.
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Pastor Charlotte also asks: Prayers for Dorothy P., who is hospitalized (mother of Roxanne B.). Prayers of sympathy for the family of Cheryl M., in her recent passing (sister of Roxanne B.). Prayers for Stacy O., preparing for cancer surgery (sister of Wade B.; sister-in-law of Christine B.). Prayers for Maxine A., preparing for hip-replacement surgery (sister of Pastor Charlotte).
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Psalms 46:1-7, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”
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BRD

Take the Survey

THIS SUNDAY
October 14, 2007
Bruce Davis preaching: FRIENDS
Inspired in part by the Casting Crowns song, “If We Are Body”
And ME25 #20: ASIDE FROM FAMILY MEMBERS, I HAVE A BEST FRIEND IN THE CHURCH.”
We’ve got tentative commitments from some very famous, special guests, who we hope will be with us.
We KNOW we’ll feature a skit from the Reckless Abandon Players.
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HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN OUR WORSHIP SURVEY? This is a very important canvass. Leadership is trying to amass as much input as possible regarding a potential revamping our weekend worship schedule. There are two ways to participate. 1) Take the survey on-line by going to our website: www.standrewsomaha.net and clicking the blue button, TAKE THE SURVEY. It’s painless. 2) There will be hardcopy survey forms at the Hospitality Desk this Sunday. The announced survey period ends this Sunday, October 14. If you know someone in the congregation who perhaps hasn’t been in church the past few weeks and/or doesn’t read these e-mailings with regularity, will you please mention the survey and invite them to participate.
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PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS
Designed For People Moving Toward Membership At St. Andrew’s.
Sunday Evening, October 14
5:00-6:30
Sign up via return e-mail or at the Hospitality Desk in the Rotunda.
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41-6? As many of you know, being a former Mizzou alum myself, I’ve taken grief from Show-Me-State friends regarding my shameless switching of allegiance to the Huskers. One of those Missourians wrote: “It was a thumping. It is probably the best all around Mizzou game I have ever attended. Of course a much larger test awaits this weekend.” That hurt. I hope we’re not headed in a direction where the Huskers no longer constitute a “large test.”
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From MANDY B.: YOUNG COUPLES join us next Tuesday, October 16th at 7:00 in the hospitality room. It will be a great opportunity to get to know other couples and have a good time. If you can not make it but are interested in a young couples group, please let me know. Childcare will be available, if you need it please let me know. Mandy.
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Children’s Director NETTA P. writes: For our WILD WEST FALL FEST, we are in need of the
following items:
v S’mores makers – a toy found in most toy departments that you can safely make s’mores.
v Candy Bar donation for the s’mores. Pick up a boot tag off the tumble weed in the rotunda to make a donation.
v A wagon to haul two 10ft. wagons from Nebraska City. We can use these for a hay ride if we can find a trailer to haul them on.
v Used cow-boy boots: 3 pairs. The will not be destroyed but will be thrown into a big tin bucket.
v People to run the booths. It’s as easy as ever! Call to sign up for one hour 6:00 or 7:00 to make this a fun event for our children.

We need to fill two spots in our 9:15 Sunday School:
Pre-Kindergarten lead teacher to teach every other month beginning in November.
Pre-School helper to help every other month beginning immediately (this could be a high school youth or an adult).

Please contact Margie or Netta A.S.A.P.
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SINGLES BRUNCH
Join the St. Andrew’s Singles for brunch on Sunday, Oct. 21, after the 9:15 service. Gather at the Singles’ banner in the Rotunda or join them at Prestige (168th & Pacific).
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THE FAITH CLUB
The Monday morning women’s study group will begin discussing the book The Faith Club by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner on October 15th. It is a memoir of spiritual reflections of the authors’ private conversations, provocative discussions, and often controversial opinions and conclusions as they wrestle with the issues of anti-Semitism, prejudice against Muslims, and preconceptions of Christians. Watch as a profound interfaith friendship develops. The Faith Club’s caring message will resonate with people of all faiths. This group meets at 9 a.m. on Monday mornings in the Youth Room.
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ST. ANDREW’S BOOK CLUB
“There is nothing we can do to make God love us more.
There is nothing we can do to make God love us less.”
We speak of grace often. But do we understand it? More importantly, do we truly believe in it…and do our lives proclaim it as powerfully as our words? Join the Book Club on Nov. 12 as they discuss Philip Yancey’s What’s so Amazing About Grace? You can get a copy of the book from Diana. This group will meet in the Music Rehearsal Room at 7 p.m.
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St. Andrew’s CEC is currently in need of a School Age Teacher. This position would require the person to drive a 15 passenger van/bus. Hrs: 7:30-4:30 or a split shift, 7:30-9:00 a.m. and 3:00-6:00 p.m. Other part time closing positions available for high school/college students. If interested, please send resume to 431-8637 or apply in person. Please ask for Chantelle, Director
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Charlotte M. asks: Prayers for Zach G. and his family, who is in a new study group; his counts have greatly improved – pray for continuing improvement (son of Brian & Heidi G.). Prayers of sympathy for the family of Paul S., in his recent unexpected passing (Gloria B.’s brother). Prayers for Shirley W., hospitalized. Prayers of sympathy for Denise J. and family, in the passing of her cousin. Prayers of sympathy for Tom L. and family, in the passing of his aunt. Prayers for Tom L., Sr. who is critically ill (father of Tom L.). Prayers for Rev. Teresa M., who is ill (daughter of Charlotte & Sheridan M., sister of Terry M.).
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Judges 5:1,10-11: “Then Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying, ‘Tell of it, you who ride on white donkeys, you who sit on rich carpets and you who walk by the way. To the sound of musicians at the watering places, there they repeat the triumphs of the Lord, the triumphs of his peasantry in Israel.”

BRD

Uncle Harry

THIS SUNDAY
October 7, 2007
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
Nancy Davis preaching: THE THINGS WE SHARE


October 14, Bruce Davis preaching: FRIENDS.
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On September 30, we were blessed to baptize AIDAN CARSON B., son of Brian & Laura B.
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My Uncle Harry Benoist Davis passed away yesterday. Some of you have heard me say that I’m a third generation Methodist preacher. My grandfather, the Reverend D.R. Davis, and his wife Martha had six children who survived infancy. Two of them, Harry and my father, Richard, went into the Methodist ministry. Harry was the second-born of the family; my dad was the youngest. In the Beatitudes, Jesus extols the “pure of heart.” I haven’t known a lot of people who fit that category, but Harry was among them. He didn’t get married until he was forty, whereupon he and my Aunt Marvis starting bringing baby girls into the world, finally stopping at six. Harry was a great encourager of my decision to go into the ministry. He himself never served particularly large churches. I regret to say that purity of heart does not necessarily translate into organizational success, even in the church. But make no mistake about it: Harry Davis was a spiritual giant. Of the “pure of heart,” Jesus said, “they will see God.” Harry Davis was among the people through whom I have seen God.
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Since St.A-Mail is sent via software on my computer, and my computer is going with me to France tomorrow, we’ll be off line for the next week.
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Our Wild West Fall Fest Bible Study for Preschool-5th graders gets underway Wed. nights Oct. 3rd – 24th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. with the big Fall Festival Halloween Alternative taking place on Friday, Oct. 26 from 6:00-8:00. You will see pairs of boots on the tumbleweed by our corral in the Rotunda. Please take a pair of boots to purchase 10 plain, regular size Hershey candy bars for our s’mores we are making on Oct. 26th and return them to the office as soon as possible. There are also three pair of boots that ask for a donation of an old pair of real western boots for us to use in one of our games. Make sure they are old and some you don’t want back! We are still in need of volunteers for the games on Friday, Oct. 26th. Adults and older youth, please contact Margie to volunteer to run a game that night for the kids.
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FROM MANDY B.: All young couples interested in making friends with other young couples please join us on Tuesday, October 16th at 7:00 in the hospitality room. This will be a chance to kick off a great new young couple’s group. If you did not get an e-mail invite, there will be childcare provided if you contact me. If you can not attend this event, but are interested please contact me!
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HAVE YOU FILLED OUT THE WORSHIP SURVEY YET?
There’s still ample time.
We’ll have hard copies available this Sunday.
OR
You can take the survey on-line at www.standrewsomaha.net
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UMW GIRL’s NIGHT OUT
ALL ladies are invited to our annual UMW GIRL’s NIGHT OUT.
Tuesday 10-09-07
Sub sandwiches, drinks and cookies in the hospitality room at 6:30pm
Christian comedic video from Chonda Pierce in the sanctuary at 7:00pm.
An evening of fun and camaraderie with your fellow Methodist women for only $5.00 per person.
Please RSVP.
Child care available.
We’d love to see you there.
This is a wonderful opportunity to share an evening of Christian fun with fellow women.
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PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS
Designed For People Moving Toward Membership At St. Andrew’s.
Sunday Evening, October 14, 5:00-6:30
Sign up via return e-mail or at the Hospitality Desk in the Rotunda.
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Many of you have asked about Pastor Charlotte, who was injured in a fall last week. She’s actually been in the office a couple of times this week and reports that all is progressing well.
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Philippians 2:1-5, If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…
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BRD

Worship Survey On Line

THIS SUNDAY
October 7, 2007
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
Nancy Davis preaching: THE THINGS WE SHARE
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We invite you to take the ST. ANDREW’S WORSHIP SURVEY on line.
IT’S EASY!
Go the home page: www.standrewsomaha.net
At the home page, you’ll find a light blue button marked: TAKE THE SURVEY.
Hit that button. Take the survey.
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There’s a big article on the front page of this morning’s WALL STREET JOURNAL about how the weak American dollar is actually good for American economy. I have a hard time understanding how that’s possible and will appreciate clarification from our readers. If nothing else, it will make me feel better (maybe) when I’m paying almost $1.50 per Euro while visiting my granddaughter in France.
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Did you know we have a Men’s Softball team playing in a fall league? They’re having a fine campaign, including Sunday afternoon’s victory over the Sonic Death Monkeys. Congratulations to Coach Bob R. and his crew.
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Speaking of sports, the dyed-in-the-red Cardinal fan hates to say it, but I do believe the Cubs have the best balance among the National League playoff teams. I’ll go with the Yankees in the American League. I’m amazed at what Joba Chamberlain’s done for that otherwise creaky old team. The Cubs/Yankees would be kind of fun, huh!
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PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS
Designed For People Moving Toward Membership At St. Andrew’s.
Sunday Evening, October 14
5:00-6:30
Sign up via return e-mail or at the Hospitality Desk in the Rotunda.
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ST. ANDREW’S BOOK CLUB
The St. Andrew’s Book Club are reading the book Heavenly Man: The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun, by Brother Yun and Paul Hattaway. It is the true story of the house churches in China and Burma. This amazing book is a faith-building testimony to God’s sovereign grace and His miraculous work on behalf of those who trust Him and delight in His Word. If you need a book, contact Diana. Sign up at the Connection Point to join the Book Club on Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Music Rehearsal Room. See item below regarding a guest speaker at this gathering.

GUEST SPEAKER
Saw Kaw Khu will speak at the next Book Club on Monday, Oct. 8th at 7 p.m. He works with persecuted Christians from the Karen Tribe in Burma. These fellow brothers and sisters are coming to immigrate to Omaha. Come hear his message, and learn more about those who are persecuted for being Christians.
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SINGLES PLANNING MEETING
All singles are welcome to help plan the activities for St. Andrew’s Singles. The meeting will be Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Bring your ideas to share.
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CLASSES FOR LAY SPEAKERS will be held at St. Andrews on October 19 (6-10 P.M.) and 20 (9:00A.M. – 4:00 P.M.). A Basic Lay Speaking class will be offered for persons who would like to learn how to lead worship so as to assist pastors in local churches. An Advanced Lay Speaking Class with emphasis preaching will be held for persons who have already taken the Basic class and wish to refine and develop preaching skills so as to serve as preachers at times of pulpit vacancies in our district churches. Nancy Davis will teach the basic course and Bruce Davis the Advanced Course. Fee for the course is $35.00 for materials and Saturday lunch. To register or ask questions, contact Nancy at the church office.

Pastor Charlotte asks: Prayers of sympathy for the family of Herb T., in his recent passing (cousin of Denise J.). Prayers for Elaine H., preparing for surgery on October 9th. Prayers of sympathy for the family of Rosie F., in her recent passing ( Mother of Wayne F.).
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Philippians 2:14-18, “Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you—and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me.”
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BRD