Generations

THIS SUNDAY

March 2, 2008

Nancy Davis preaching: THE TOWEL

A Sermon On Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. If the Lord would get down on his knees to serve others, what does that say to us?

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I’m writing from Detroit. It’s currently 7:30 PM here, which is 6:30 in Omaha, which is, I think, 1:30 tomorrow morning in Paris, where this day started. My connecting flight to Omaha has been delayed, waiting for a crew to show up. I was supposed to leave a half hour ago, now I’m hoping the plane in fact leaves at 9:00, as currently scheduled.

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MANDY B. introduces our newest members:

KIM & JOHN K., Kim is in sales for Hampton Inn and Suites, John is a Physical Therapist Assistant at Fremont Area Medical Center.

LEE & TESSIE H., Lee is a fuel sales rep at ConAgra and Tessie is a stay at home mom. They have a 2 year old daughter, Lilly and another child due in June.

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THE NEW WORSHIP SCHEDULE LAUNCHES THE WEEKEND AFTER EASTER:

Saturday, 5:00 PM

Sunday, 8:30 & 10:00 AM

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CONGRATULATIONS!! To Reid R. who will be receiving his Eagle Scout rank at a Court of Honor in April. The rank of Eagle is the highest distinction a Scout can earn and it is only gained through lots of determination and hard work. Reid is the son of Richard and Treyse R.

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It’s hard to describe the joy I experienced with my granddaughter and her parents in Bordeaux. Madeline is six months old now. We first met in October of last year, when she was six weeks old. Suffice to say, Madeline did not remember me. You may be familiar with the story Jesus told about the sheep who knows the shepherd’s voice, but will not follow the stranger. I thought of that teaching my first afternoon of this visit: the baby was all smiles for mommy and daddy, but scowled at me. Who is that old fellow? But the scowls turned to tolerance, and by the next day, the tolerance had turned into smiles for grandpa, too. An exception was Saturday night. I was to baby sit while Mary and Remi went out to dinner. I gather they don’t get to do that very often now, and I suspect young parents reading this letter may be able to identify. As soon as mom and dad were out the door, Madeline went into a hissy-fit. I tried playing piano and singing her a little tune to calm her down--which made her even madder. I had forgotten how loud these little creatures can get. Truth be told, I found it endearing. I started laughing and taking photos to commemorate the moment. Perhaps Madeline thought I didn’t understand her position on the matter, because the volume got turned up even louder. Finally, I just put her in her bed, by which time she had sobbed so loud and so long that she quickly went to sleep. I have never had so much fun with a crying baby. But now I get to thinking: There was a time in this culture where generations of families lived in the same community, within a few miles of each other, and grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. were a very present source of help and support to new moms and dads. These days, of course, everyone’s spread all over the country—all over the planet. New parents like Mary and Remi, with a high-maintenance baby, may wonder if they’re doing something wrong. I was happy to assure them they have a typical first-born on their hands. Being a first-born myself, I like to think Madeline reminds me of me! Anyway, to young parents reading this, who may be far removed from your biological family, please know that one of the reasons that St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church exists is to be supportive of you and your children. We want to offer the kind of extended community support system that is otherwise lacking in this migrant culture. That's very important to us.

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I found a great internet deal on a room in Paris. The hitch: it was on the 6^th floor of a hotel with no elevator. Very bohemian; not much rhapsody. Speaking of which, I intended to find where Camus is buried and pay him a visit, but never got around to it. Didn’t visit Edith Piaf, either, though I’m glad she won the Oscar for best actress.

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See you in church, BRD

Flying Monkeys

THIS SUNDAY

February 24, 2008

8:00, 9:15 & 10:45

Nancy Davis preaching: BY THE BOOK

The Reverend Mrs. Davis will be working with a well-reviewed non-fiction entry, currently available in bookstores: The Year Of Living Biblically

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As shared with you on Monday, I leave this afternoon to visit my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter in Bordeaux, France. The flight leaves at about 1:30. After a layover in Detroit, I land in Paris around 10:00 tomorrow morning, which is 3 AM Omaha time. I’ll try to stay awake and trick my body clock into resetting to its new time zone. On Saturday, I have a three-hour train ride to Bordeaux; then the route gets reversed and I fly back to Omaha on Wednesday.

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One of our readers inquires about the new worship schedule, and if big projects such as BOHEMIAN RHAPOSODY will be offered in the 8:30 service. We were just talking about that in staff on Tuesday as it relates to THE WIZARD OF OZ, which is scheduled for the second Sunday in September. The answer: Yes. 8:30 is being designed as a full-service worship hour, including Church School for the little ones. We’ll have Children’s Church School in each of the weekend services. This becomes very important for a project such as WIZARD in that we’ll need the little ones to serve as Flying Monkeys and Munchkins.

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I don’t know that anyone around the office is necessarily going to be sorry to see me gone this week—though I like to think Nancy and the cats will miss me at home. I’ve been kind of grouchy in recent days and am happy to blame it on the weather. There’s something to this Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you’ve been out-of-sorts yourself, I invite you factor SAD in to your self-care. Give yourself and everyone around you a break by thinking warm, happy thoughts. If no such thoughts come readily to mind as this interminable winter stretches on, try this: Major League Baseball begins Spring Training games next week and the Cubs are Cardinals are tied for first place!

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Please Save Date: On Saturday evening, April 19, we’ll be privileged to host some very special guests. You have heard and read about our ministry in rural Nicaragua through the Rainbow Network, based in Springfield, Missouri. Rainbow will be bringing some Nicaraguans to the US this spring and St. Andrew’s is on the tour schedule. The Nicaraguans will be with us in the 5:00 service, which will be followed by either a reception or a dinner. We’re still hammering out the details, but this should be a great event.

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They don’t make movies about Paris in February, but this the low season in terms of tourist traffic and the cheapest time of year to fly over there. I find it downright soulful to wander around the outdoor museum that is Paris amidst the ambiance of bare-branched trees and leaden skies. It helps me appreciate the moodiness of French authors such as Albert Camus, who we talked about on Sunday. After seeing La Vie en Rose, I hope to get over to Pere LaChaise Cemetery and find Edith Piaf’s grave site. And on one of the afternoons I’m in the city, I plan to go by the Church of The Madeline again, light a candle, and give thanks for Madeline Teissier Du Cros. I first met her in early October, when she was six weeks old. This week, she celebrated her six-month birthday. Just think: I’m only an airplane ride and train trip from seeing her again. Wow.

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BRD .

Sharing, Growing, Changing Lives

Our newest member is JUDY W. Judy is a banker with First National and we’re delighted to welcome her to membership in the congregation.

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By the grace of God, BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY could not have gone any better. I got so caught up in the experience that I had to keep reminding myself I had work to do. I did hear suggestions we should have scheduled it for some time other than Presidents’ Weekend, which I think also coincided with spring break or some other extended school vacation. We’ll likely reprise BOHEMIAN in a Saturday evening service this summer. In the meantime, the manuscript and program notes are posted on the web-site, and I’m sure CDs will be available at the Welcome Table in the Rotunda. I remain, as always, astonished by the creativity of our music department. I would have never thought of doing BOHEMIAN with a five-piece horn section--but Leon did. I never would have imagined Nate Underwood getting downright Freddie Mercury-ish with the microphone stand—but I saw it with my own eyes on Sunday. Prior to St. Andrew’s, I would never have conceived of being blessed with a choir that would cheerfully participate in such an endeavor--but Pam and her team were not only willing but terrific! I am gratified in our music team’s support of such projects, which I see as a means to communicate ideas that matter. And I’m DELIGHTED the affirmation from the congregation. Bless your hearts. You make this such a joy for me.

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Today is granddaughter Madeline Teissier Du Cros’ six-month birthday. I’m going to make another quick trip to Bordeaux to see Maddy and her parents, leaving Thursday, returning on Wednesday. I’ll be taking the laptop, but wireless time in Europe is frightfully expensive, so there won’t be any long-distance St.A-Mails.

I spent several hours yesterday working on orders of worship for Launch Weekend of the new worship schedule, March 29 & 30. I’ll plan to publish these several weeks in advance, so you’ll have an idea of what the services are actually going to look like. I might add that the Ax Of The Apostles (the Saturday night identity of the Praise Band) will be practicing on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00. Interested vocalists are invited to plug in starting tomorrow night. Here’s what’s coming up between now and Launch Weekend:

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THIS SUNDAY

February 24, 2008

8:00, 9:15 & 10:45

Nancy Davis preaching: BY THE BOOK

Nancy will be referencing a well-reviewed non-fiction entry, currently available in bookstores: The Year Of Living Biblically

March 2, Nancy is back in all three services with THE TOWEL: A sermon on Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. I don’t think you need to worry that she’s going to ask you take your shoes and socks off.

March 9 is Upward Basketball & Cheerleading Sunday

Bruce preaching: FOUL!

March 16 is PALM SUNDAY. Nancy is preaching.

March 20 is MAUNDY THURSDAY. The St. Andrew’s Drama Team will present THE LIVING LAST SUPPER. The service begins at 7:00.

March 21 is GOOD FRIDAY. Bruce will be leading a short worship observance starting at noon.

March 23 is EASTER SUNDAY

We will worship at 8:00, 9:15 & 10:45

Bruce & Nancy preaching: JESUS ROSE

March 29 & 30

NEW WORSHIP SCHEDULE LAUNCH.

5:00 Saturday, 8:30 & 10:00 Sunday

Bruce preaching: ATONEMENT

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Treasurer MARSHA E. just sent out the January 2008 worksheet for the Capital Campaign-- aka SHARING, GROWING, CHANGING LIVES. At the 18 month mark of the three-year campaign, we had collected 65% of our goal. Our mortgage has been reduced from $5,000,000 to $3,320,000 and our interest payments have gone from $23,000 in June of 2006 (the start of SGC) to $15,800 in January 2008. This is a reduction of $7,000 a month/or $84,000 on an annual basis. SHARING, GROWING, CHANGING LIVES has been an unqualified success and every dollar contributed reduces the debt and interest payments that much more. If you have questions about the campaign, we’ll be happy to answer them. We’re hoping to throw a big party on the second anniversary, in either late May or early June.

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From MANDY B.: Y-COSA (Young Couples of St. Andrews) – If you are a couple in your 20’s or 30’s join other young couples this Saturday for a night out! We are meeting at 5:30 on Saturday at Boyd and Charlie’s BBQ in Elkhorn and then going to Thunder Alley for some fun! If you are interested let me know by Thursday! If you have any questions contact: Mandy B.

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I wrote last week about Dave S.’s sister, Gwen M., and their family’s walk through the valley of the shadow. Gwen passed away on Monday….Dick F. dropped by the office yesterday, expressing thanks for all the support he’s received since undergoing some recent surgery. We’ll be glad to get Dick back in the choir…. People have asked where to send prayer concerns these days. Nancy is taking the lead in this ministry. Her e-address is ndavis@standrewsomaha.net. Or you can call her, 431-8560, ext. 15. Here are other folks we’re holding before the throne of grace these days:

Prayers of Healing:

• Anne J,, who is beginning treatment for cancer, sister of John W.
• Sandy M., recovering from surgery at Immanuel Hospital.
• Suzanne G., diagnosed with cancer and will begin chemo treatment (friend of Chris L.).
• Spencer M., who is 5 years old. He is recovering from cancer surgery and will soon begin chemo treatment (friend of Chris L.).
• Tillie V., recovering from a fall (Netta P. mother).
• Deb P., scheduled for surgery on February 20th.
• Bruce K.’s father Russell, recovery from a stroke.

Prayers of Celebration:

• For Phillip & Jaclyn A. on the recent birth of son Alexander Jackson.
• For Jeff & Jamie K. on the recent birth of son Bennett Thomas.

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Matthew 9:35-38: Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

BRD

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

This Sunday, February 17:

8:00, Mike Roder preaching: BORN IN THE SPIRIT. Mike is a Certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church and serves as chairperson of the St. Andrew’s Board of Trustees. We know you’ll be blessed by his message.

9:15 & 10:45, Bruce Davis, The Praise Band, the Horns Of Jericho and The St. Andrew’s Singers offer BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, inspired by Gallup Organization Survey #5: Because Of My Faith I Have Meaning And Purpose In My Life.

I’m really pumped this morning, having walked through BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY with the band last night. As I’ll be telling you Sunday, this sermon really started with them.
I began this project with little idea where it would come out, but have since become very invested in this message—and make no mistake about it: there is a message here. I’ve been delighted to hear Saints of Andrew saying they’ll be bringing guests with them on Sunday. One of the reasons for projects such as this is to lure people into our services who are not themselves church-goers. I believe there is much to be gained by occasionally putting something on the agenda that causes others to say, “I’ve never heard of a church doing anything like that, but it sounds intriguing and I think I’d like to see what this is about.” Over the years, I’ve had plenty of people plug into the congregation who first experienced us through worship experiences that pushed the proverbial envelope. If you want something more traditional, of course, we have Mike preaching at 8:00. Some of you may want to make it a double-header, supporting Mike at 8:00 and checking out BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY in one of the later services. It should be memorable. I count myself as the most fortunate pastor in Methodism to have a band that can pull this kind of thing off and a congregation that is spiritually wired to be supportive.
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PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS
Sunday evening, February 17, 5:00-6:30.
This is a low-to-no-pressure event designed for people interested in membership at St. Andrew’s. Sign up via return e-mail or at the Hospitality Desk in the Rotunda.
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ALPHA: A PRACTICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
Alpha is designed to give basic instruction in the faith for seekers, new Christians, and established Christians who want to brush up on the basics. Each session consists of a meal, short time of worship, video presentation, and small group discussion. The cost is $5 for materials plus donation for the meals. The next course will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 26th AT 6 p.m. Contact Diana F. to register.
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St. Andrews March 2nd, PANCAKE SUNDAY
Sponsored by the Women of St. Andrews
March 2nd is Pancake Breakfast Sunday. It is being sponsored by the women of St. Andrews. This is a great way to pair up with your female friends at St. Andrews and serve a few pancakes for fun and fellowship. We have only 16 volunteer positions left open that we need to fill to be able to successfully pull off the pancake breakfast. Please prayerfully consider where you can assist and see the sign up sheet in the rotunda. Time slots are listed on the sheet. Thank you so much for your help.
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MOPED PARTNERS: Have you been giving St. Andrew’s your promised Minute Of Prayer Every Day? We always need the prayer. If you have not committed yourself to a Minute Of Prayer Ever Day for St. Andrew’s, we’d love to have you join the MOPED team. Just sign your name to the register outside the sanctuary and then start praying! You just may find yourself moving from a MOPED to a HARLEY (Heavenly-Activated Righteousness, Love, Empathy and Yes, Yes, Lord!
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DAFFODIL DAYS AT ST. ANDREW’S
Daffodil Days falls on March 16, Palm Sunday this year. We are happy to sponsor Daffodil Days again at St. Andrews. Celebrating Daffodil Days is about much more than sharing beautiful flowers: it's about dedicated people like you sharing hope for a world free of cancer. Thanks to your generous support of the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days program, the Society is helping people face cancer every day in every community. Dollars raised through Daffodil Days enable the Society to offer free programs and services that help people fight cancer with courage and optimism. Please fill out the yellow form you received in your bulletin or obtain one from the information desk. Please write clearly to whom your daffodil day purchase is in honor of or in memory of. Also, make sure your check is made payable to The American Cancer Society. This Sunday, February 17th is the last day to order your daffodils. You will be able to pick up your daffodils on Sunday March 16th after your church service in the rotunda at the daffodil table. These flowers bring a beautiful breath of fresh air, of spring and of hope to your home. Please join us in supporting The American Cancer Society.
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Back when I was in a pup preacher in St. Joseph, Missouri, I played a lot of basketball with a great guy named David Mejia. Dave went on to offer himself as a local pastor in the United Methodist Church. I was delighted, upon moving to St. Andrew’s, to learn that David had a brother-in-law in the congregation. I’ve enjoyed swapping St. Joseph stories with Dave and Connie Swift, keeping up with Mejia and his wife, Gwen, through them. Gwen Mejia is a lovely, gracious woman in her own right. Anyway, Gwen was diagnosed some time ago with brain cancer and I got an e-mail from the Swifts saying it’s reached an end stage. I called Dave Mejia last night and we had a good talk. His faith is clearly a very present help. Please keep this great family in your prayers as they walk together through the valley of the shadow.
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BRD

Pinatas

THIS SUNDAY
February 17, 2008
8:00: Mike R. preaching
9:15 & 10:45: Bruce Davis, the Praise Band, The Horns Of Jericho & The St. Andrew’s Singers present: BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY.
Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?
Featuring Nate Underwood
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I’m writing from Continental flight 1775, bound from Managua to Houston. It’s just after 8:00 AM on Sunday. Managua and Omaha are in the same time zone, so services will have just started at St. Andrew’s. I know you’ll be having a grand Love Sunday.

This was my fourth visit to Nicaragua with the Rainbow Network, and I’m thinking perhaps it was the most meaningful yet. The first one, nine years ago, was memorable for the culture shock. I did not know such poverty actually existed. What made this visit so significant was reconnecting with people of San Andres, recognizing people who I met in last year’s visit. I felt less like a tourist/gawker, and more like I was visiting family.
I am resolved to start a photo chart, chronicling the growth of some of these children from year to year.

For those of you who are new to St. Andrew’s, we are starting the second year of a three year covenant with our namesake community of San Andres, in very rural Nicaragua. We have committed to raising twenty thousand dollars a year to cover the estimated cost of health care, education, micro-loans, a nutrition program--all delivered through the Rainbow Network out of Springfield, Missouri.

While my heart is warm from visiting the people, travel is never without challenge. I congratulate Homeland Security in Omaha for confiscating my toothpaste before I left Nebraska, thwarting my plot to brush my teeth in Nicaragua. I humiliated myself in San Andres. The kiddies were hitting a piñata; I think the plan was to let the children hack at it, then let the Norte Americano Pastor have the honor of actually breaking the thing. My only excuse is that I was blindfolded—and they were using a rope to jerk the pinata up and down. I made contact a few times, but it was weak contact. Finally, I said no mas, whereupon a 14-year old girl had to be summoned to finish the piñata off. (I figured I’d better own up to it before Mark R. and/or Dean H. try to blackmail me with photographs. It really was a poor performance.)

Every time I come down here, I reassure myself the roads can’t be worse than the last visit--but the one traveled on Friday, to Las TiPeech (that’s how it’s pronounced anyway) may be the single most potent combination of ruts, sand and incline that I’ve seen yet. At one point, Mark and Dean were standing in the back of the van, trying to add weight to the back of the vehicle, in the hope of getting traction.

We had dinner last night with a guy named Dave McCready, who is now Rainbow’s director of North American operations. We’re hoping to make next year’s trip a more work-oriented experience. There are some intriguing possibilities. By now, we’ve got a nice group of folks who have first-hand experience with Rainbow, including Dean and Mark, of course, and Mark’s daughter Elly (who was down here with her dad in December), Larry A., John A., Adrian A. and Mark V. I know any of us would be excited to talk with you about the power of this experience.

To quote Freddie Mercury, this trip is “no bed of roses, no pleasure cruise.” Trying to process words on the plane is complicated by the fact that my neck and shoulders ache from all the bouncing around on the ruts of Nicaragua. But I have treasured my relationship with Rainbow, dating back to my first visit to Nicaragua, nine years ago; now the relationships we’re building with the people of San Andres have brought a whole new spark to my enthusiasm.
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From CHANTELLE HAMMOND.:
St. Andrew’s CEC (Childhood Enrichment Center) is currently accepting applications for Full Time & Part Time Toddler and School Age Teachers. If interested, please apply at the CEC.
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From BOB DAVIS.:
Paintball time is here! Youth grades 6th-12th are invited to go paintballing at KerSplat on Saturday February 16 from 9am to 11:30am. The cost is $25 dollars per youth and this includes everything needed. I am asking that parents drop off and pick up their youth from the KerSplat building. Each youth is required to fill out a paintball wavier form found on the KerSplat website http://www.kersplatpaintball.com/ (this form must be signed by a parent). I will also need a new 2008 St. Andrew's youth medical release form filled out for each youth (this form can be found at www.standrewsomaha.net by clicking on the forms button). KerSplat is located at 9006 Maple Street.......68134. Please e-mail me no later than Wednesday Feb. 13 to sign your youth up. Please share this information with your youth as I only sent out e-mails to parents.
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PRAYER CONCERNS: Our dear friend Sandy M. is having surgery this afternoon at Immanuel to repair a broken hip. We have received a prayer request from Norm and Jan C., for the Scott and Judy F. family; Judy's father Reginald (Reg) R. passed away Sunday.
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Rock of ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in thee
Let the water and the blood
From thy wounded side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure
Save from wrath and make me pure
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BRD

P.S. I realize I’m not going to get any sympathy here, but going from the 90+ temperatures of the tropics back to this refrigerator seems to have done something to my system. Referencing an article above, I’m feeling KerSplat myself.

Love and Softball

Dear Saints of Andrew:

I want to thank everyone who came out to support the Faith Circle Soup Supper and our Ash Wednesday Service. I was surprised—and delighted!—at the number of guests I had not seen before. Special thanks to the Harrisons—Richard, Susan and Rebecca—for the Mary and Martha Drama. I appreciated what the St. Andrew’s Singers did with LORD, WHO THROUGHOUT THESE FORTY DAYS. Speaking of the St. Andrew’s Singers: Earlier in the evening, I heard them rehearsing their anthem for this coming Sunday, and it’s terrific. We’re always looking for new singers. The group practices on Wednesday evenings at 7:00.
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THIS SUNDAY IS LOVE SUNDAY
February 10, 8:00, 9:15 & 10:45
Nancy preaching: LOVE STORY
This is Pastor Charlotte Appreciation Sunday
And Nancy will be offering a renewal of marriage vows for interested couples following the last service.
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We’re currently taking sign ups for Men’s Softball. Bob Ramm is coordinating the ministry. The plan is to play on Sunday evenings at the Kelly Fields on Fort and 120th. This is a not a church league and we’re looking for competitive players. Look for Bob in the Rotunda on Sunday morning, or e-mail him. The league is taking teams on a first-come, first-serve basis, which adds some urgency to the issue. We currently have 17 guys signed up—too many for one team, not yet enough for two. I don’t know the status of the Co-Ed Team, but will let you know as soon as I do.
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PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS
Sunday evening, February 17, 5:00-6:30.
This is a low-to-no-pressure event designed for people interested in membership at St. Andrew’s. Sign up via return e-mail or at the Hospitality Desk in the Rotunda.
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RENEW YOUR ROMANCE
Love is a good 4-letter word: Be at your romantic best on the 14th and give your spouse a Marriage Encounter United Methodist weekend! Escape the craziness of everyday life, put God at the center of your marriage, and rediscover the one you love. The next Omaha weekend is Feb. 29 to March 2. For more details, pick up a brochure in the rotunda, call Bevin and Rhonda W., or e-mail.
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SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Adults involved in Continuing Education may apply for the Alan Bruner Memorial Scholarship for $1500.
High School Seniors may apply for the Bea Shannon Memorial Scholarship presented by the UMW for $500 or
the Alan Bruner Memorial Scholarship for $1500.
Applications are on the Welcome Table or the Youth Table.
Applications must be returned to Bob D. by 5 p.m. on March 15.
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By the time some of you read this, much later this evening, I’ll be in Managua. I’ll appreciate your prayers for a safe journey.
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BRD

Ash Wednesday

TONIGHT, February 6, 7:00
Ash Wednesday Service.Dear brothers and sisters in Christ: the early Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church that before the Easter celebration, there should be a forty-day season of spiritual preparation. During this season converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. It was also a time when persons who had committed serious sins and had separated themselves from the community of faith were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to participation in the life of the church. In this way the whole congregation was reminded of the mercy and forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the need we all have to renew our faith. We invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to observe a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance; by prayer and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s Holy Word.
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THIS SUNDAY, February 10
8:00, 9:15 & 10:45
Love Sunday/Pastor Charlotte Appreciation Sunday
Nancy preaching: LOVE STORY
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February 17
8:00, Mike R. preaching
9:15 & 10:45
Bruce Davis, the Praise Band and the St. Andrew’s Singers:
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY: Things Freddie Mercury and the Gallup Organization Membership Engagement Survey have in Common.
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Dean H., Mark R. and your editor leave tomorrow morning for a quick trip to Nicaragua. Last night, Nancy and I watched this movie, THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND, set in Uganda. I realize it was just a movie, but I was interested in the scenes of rural Uganda--which looked downright affluent compared to the places Dean, Mark and I will be traveling the next several days. One of the things I plan to explore in this visit is the possibility of taking a work team down in 2009. I’ve been hearing Saints of Andrew express a lot of interest in the San Andres ministry, but wanting a longer, more hands-on-experience, as opposed to these quick, kick-the-tires tours.
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From DENISE J.: St. Andrews will again be assisting Together, Inc for Easter. From now until March 5, we will be collecting food sacks for clients of Together, Inc.
EASTER FOOD SACKS:
$10 for ham & eggs
(check stapled to outside of sack, payable to Together, Inc.)
1 box scalloped potatoes
3 cans vegetables
1 pre-made graham cracker crust
1 can fruit pie filling
1 bag Easter candy
1 box Easter egg dye
Any questions, please call Denise J.
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Seeking Full-Time Construction Project Manager
Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is seeking a leader who desires to make a difference in the community. Habitat is looking for an experienced Construction Project Manager to take charge of the construction business for this growing not-for-profit organization. A qualified individual can demonstrate a consistent ability to meet construction deadlines, complete build projects within budget and must be team oriented.

The Construction Project Manager is responsible for overseeing all construction management functions for Habitat including:
*Developing the annual construction schedule and budget
*Ensuring build projects meet construction deadlines
*Decreasing costs and working within the annual budget,
*Supervising construction staff and working with volunteers
*Negotiating favorable pricing with subcontractors and vendors
*Land acquisition and site development
Habitat offers competitive salary, benefits and the opportunity to change lives. If this sounds like you, please send your resume to info@habitatomaha.org.
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Luke 10:38-41
Now as (Jesus and his disciples) went on their way, they entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by many tasks; so she came to him and asked: “Lord do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need for only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

BRD

Petty Things

ASH WEDNESDAY
Feb. 6, 7:00
This will be a very traditional service of liturgy, hymns, the imposition of ashes and sharing Holy Communion. The Drama Team will offer MARY & MARTHA: BEFORE AND AFTER, with a commentary from Bruce.
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Mandy B. tells us about our newest members:
Jess and Cheli H.- Jess works at Performance Toyota in Sales and Cheli is a homemaker. They have grown children.
Jeff and Jamie Kernen- Jeff works as a personal trainer/manager at 2nd Wind Exercise Equipment and Jamie is a RN at Jennie Edmundson Hospital. They have a brand new baby boy, Bennett.
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This Sunday, February 10
Nancy preaching at 8:00, 9:15 & 10:45: LOVE STORY
This is Pastor Charlotte Appreciation Sunday. The deadline for luncheon tickets has passed, but we’ll be recognizing Charlotte during the worship services and there will be opportunities to exchange greetings between the services, as well.
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From NANCY D.: WOULD YOU LIKE TO REAFFIRM YOUR WEDDING VOWS THIS YEAR? Perhaps this is a special year for you – a particular anniversary or just a way to reconnect after a rough year for your family. Or maybe you just want to celebrate the joy of your marriage. Whatever the reason, you can reaffirm your vows in a short service following the 10:45 worship service this Sunday. If you want to participate just meet Nancy at the front of the sanctuary at that time.
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It’s a good thing I’m not a betting man. I would have lost my shirt on that football game. I thought for sure, once the Patriots returned to warm weather, their offense would be back on all cylinders. Of course, the Giants’ pass rush had a lot to do with that. As half-time shows go, I suppose Tom Petty was somewhere between agony (Janet Jackson/.Justin Timberlake) and ecstasy (Prince). It almost sounded as if the drummer got American Girl off to the wrong beat. I see Tom and the Heartbreakers are coming to Omaha, with Stevie Winwood opening. In this case, the opening act may be stronger than the main event. This is not necessarily a knock against Petty, so much as a tribute to Winwood. Anyway, this year’s Super Bowl gave us an exciting finish, including that fourth quarter Eli Manning-to-Some Guy I Never Heard Of pass completion that may well go down as the most exciting play in the history of the Super Bowl. Too bad they didn’t have Three Dog Night playing at half-time; the Dogs could have performed Eli’s Coming, which, in my opinion, surpasses anything we heard from Tom Petty last night. (I might have felt different if he’d played Refugee.)
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Temporary Position
St. Andrew’s is in need of a temporary part time person to clean the Childhood Enrichment Center and church offices Monday through Friday from 5 to 9 pm. This position would start February 11th and last for 12 week until our current employee could return. If you are interested in this short time employment please contact Clark S.
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Nancy and I loved La Vie En Rose, a film biography of French singer Edith Piaf, available now on DVD. This is a French film, but the English subtitles are easy to read and it’s always fun to hear the French talk. Edith, for instance, is not pronounced in the manner of Archie Bunker’s wife, but as a-DEET. La Vie En Rose, the song, would be a candidate for THE FIFTY BEST SONGS RECORDED BEFORE 1960.
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We mentioned the calling of Andrew, yesterday. Here’s the passage:
John 1:35-42, The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi: (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus.”
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Dear Reader: If you would yourself bring someone to Jesus, inviting them to attend our Ash Wednesday service, or any of our gatherings between now and Easter, would be a great way to start!

God bless, BRD

John the Baptist

THIS SUNDAY
February 3, 2008
MINISTRY FAIR SUNDAY
Plan to look around the various displays in the Rotunda and find a place to “engage” at St. Andrew’s. .
Bruce preaching in all three services: JOHN THE BAPTIST
We’ll be installing church officers in the 9:15 & 10:45 services
The Bells will be with us.
The St. Andrew’s Singers will be singing “Shall We Gather At The River?”
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Nancy and I both have the honor of leading memorial services today. Nancy will be conducting a service for Barry L. at 10:00 at the church. I’ll be in Council Bluffs in a 1:00 service for Gil H.’s mother. We’ll appreciate your prayers in these times of solemn remembrance.
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MEN’S SOFTBALL SIGN UP START THIS SUNDAY
We play on Sunday evenings, at the Kelly Fields on Fort and 120th.
This is not a church league and the competition is pretty strong.
Last year, we had two teams in the Men’s leagues.
Check out the booth at this Sunday’s MINSITRY FAIR.
We’ll likely also be fielding a Co-Ed Team.
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RENEW YOUR ROMANCE
Has squeezing the toothpaste tube from the middle doused the flames of romance in your marriage? Rekindle the sparks you felt on your wedding day! The next Marriage Encounter United Methodist Omaha weekend is Feb. 29-March 2. Use this opportunity to get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones -- and focus only on each other. What a wonderful Valentine's gift! For more details, pick up a brochure in the rotunda, call Bevin and Rhonda W. or e-mail them.
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From NETTA P.: Children’s Ministries has openings for two part-time positions. We are looking for a “Children’s Ministries Assistant” and a “Children’s Special Events Coordinator”. This is going to out all St. Andrew’s community first, and then out to the public. Job descriptions can be picked up the Sunday School Registration Desks or in the office.
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SEASONED PERENNIALS are Sponsoring a Sadie Hawkins Day Dinner Celebration
When: Friday February 29
Time: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Club House at Maplewood Estates 129 & Maple (maps available)
What: Sadie Hawkins Day Dinner Celebration

Seasoned Perennials will provide the main dish.
Please sign up for a salad or dessert on the Seasoned Perennials Board in the Rotunda this Sunday.
Come along and join us, we'd love to share fun, food and fellowship with you.
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John 1:29-34: The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and yelled out, “Here he is, God’s Passover Lamb! He forgives the sins of the world! This is the man I’ve been talking about, ‘The One who comes after me but is really ahead of me.’ I knew nothing about who he was—only this: that my task has been to get Israel ready to recognize him as the God-Revealer. That is why I came here baptizing with water, giving you a good bath and scrubbing sins from your life so you can get a fresh start with God. John clinched his witness with this: I watched the Spirit, like a dove flying down out of the sky, making himself at home in him. I repeat, I know nothing about him but this: “The One who authorized me to baptize with water told me, ‘The One on whom you see the Spirit come down and stay, this One will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ That’s exactly what I saw happen, and I’m telling you, there’s no question about it: This is the Son of God.”

BRD