St. Andrew's A-Mail

8:30

2008-05-30T20:58:00.001-05:00

THIS WEEKEND

Saturday, May 31, 5:00

Sunday, June 1, 8:30 & 10:00

ALL SERVICES IN THE SANCTURY

Nancy preaching: LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING

It’s a Communion Sunday. You don’t have to be a member of the congregation or the United Methodist Church to receive the sacrament. This is the Lord’s table, not ours, and all are welcome. Patrick P., backed up by Pam F. and the Praise Band, will bring us a song titled MORE. That’s in all three services. The Bell Choir will grace our Sunday morning services. We’ll also hear from Tim McGraw, who won’t be wearing any shoes.

I’m pleased that the 8:30 service seems to be gaining some traction. The 8:30 numbers have been about twice what we were running about 8:00 and interest in the service would seem to be growing weekly. This is encouraging. One of the key goals of the worship scheduled launched at the end of March is to have three vital worship hours. Speaking of which. Readers have pointed out that

I sometimes plug 10:45 into This Weekend. Force of habit.

NEXT WEEKEND: June 7 & 8

All Services In The Sanctuary

Bruce preaching:

1968: SOMEBODY TO LOVE

June 8 is a PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS SUNDAY. This is an event designed for people interested in learning more about St. Andrew’s and perhaps moving toward membership. We start at 5:00 and are out of here by 6:30. Sign up by return e-mail or at the Hospitality Desk in the Rotunda.

Nancy and I went to the John Beasley Theatre last night to catch AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’. Others in the audience included Craig Bence, Dan and Donna Trombla, Deb Richey, Mike & Janelle Baber. Our own LEON A. played stride piano, backed up by string bass and drums, in support of five singer/ performers. It was a DELIGHTFUL evening. The show continues tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30 and Sunday at 3:00. The 125 seat theatre is located in a wing of the YMCA building on 30^th & Q. I recommend you sit on the front row, if you can.

OPEN DOOR MISSION TOUR ~ SATURDAY JUNE 7

Faith Circle is hosting a visit to the Open Door Mission. This visit is open to everyone at St. Andrews. If you are interested in carpooling with others, please meet us at the church at 9:15 Saturday morning. The tour will begin around 10:00 and we'll complete by bringing everyone back to St. Andrews. We hope to have many of you come along. This will be a good opportunity to see what the Open Door Mission does in our community and where we might be able to plug in with some assistance. Ginny H. and Denise J. are the Co-Chairs for Faith Circle.

Mark 2:13-17, Jesus went out again beside the sea; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him. When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard this, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”

Note from BRD: I always feel better about taking communion after reading passages such as this one. Being less-than-entirely righteous myself, I am not worthy to eat at the table of blessing--but Jesus makes it a point to invite people like me, so how can I refuse? Likewise, we’ll hope to see you this weekend.

God bless, BRD

Auction Date

2008-05-28T14:32:00.001-05:00

THIS WEEKEND

Saturday, May 31, 5:00

Sunday, June 1, 8:30 & 10:45

ALL SERVICES IN THE SANCTURY

Nancy preaching: LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING

Nancy tells me we have something like 110 people registered for the LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING small groups. That’s pretty amazing. If you want to plug in, e-mail either Nancy or Diana.

I was gratified by the fine turnout for worship on Memorial Weekend. If you weren’t with us, I invite you to take a look at EVERYTHING WE HAD, posted on the web site: standrewsomaha.net. Click on SERMONS. I’ve got a bookend message planned for June 7 & 8 titled, 1968. We read in the first chapter of Ecclesiastes: “A generation goes and a generation comes…What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.” I am fascinated at how events from forty years ago seem to be coming around again in the year of our Lord 2008.

Nancy and I are just back from lunch at Tanner’s. Wednesday is the roast beef special, perfect for an early-winter day like today.

We congratulate David F. and Stacy W. on their wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony, held in the sanctuary on Saturday, Nancy officiating.

Steve G.’ father, Ray, has passed away in Pensacola, Florida. We extend our sympathy to Steve and his family.

GET YOUR BACKSTAGE PASS!
Our 2008 Auction Dinner Dance will be our biggest bash of the year, and we’re looking for behind-the-scenes crewmembers. The event takes place Friday, October 10th — but there’s plenty to do before then. Whether you’ve helped in the past or this is new to you, it’s a great way to get involved, make friends and have fun. You can help with decorations, check-in, checkout, auction items, promotions and more. Contact Todd and Jamie S. by Sunday, June 1st — and tell them your name and how you’d like to help (or let them plug you in where you’re needed most). Your first “Crew Meeting” will be in early June.

DENISE J. writes: Faith Circle is going to take a tour of the Open Door Mission on June 7th. If anyone is interested we will be meeting at the church by 9:45 a.m. and will drive down together. All are welcome to join us.

Two items from JOYCE C.:

THIS WEEKEND – IT’S HI-C WEEKEND: This is the first weekend of the month – time to bring your Hi-C drink boxes for Campfire USA to distribute in backpacks for school children. These are part of nutritious meals they might not otherwise have. Thank you for your support.

ALSO THIS WEEKEND – ATTENTION BOOMERS: This weekend will be your last chance to sign up for the BLT mystery dinner – “A Biblical Feast – BLT Style.” The dinner is Saturday, June 7^th at 6:00. Come and join us for the food, fun, and fellowship. See the BLT display at church for sign-up and/or more information.

Psalm 105:1-3

O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples. Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

BRD

Everything We Had

2008-05-23T12:29:00.001-05:00

The CALEB ROWDEN BAND was terrific! I loved their fusion of pop/rock sounds with uplifting Christian lyrics. Many thanks to Craig B. and his terrific team of volunteers for a wonderful evening.

MEMORIAL WEEKEND AT ST. ANDREW’S

5:00 Saturday Evening (Family Life Center)

8:30 & 10:00 Sunday Morning (Sanctuary)

Bruce Davis, Mike Baber, Karen Belair, Craig Bence, Alex Birdwell, Bob Davis, Roger Fleury, Patrick Phelps, Darrell Rousch, Steve Smith, Mark Roberts, Dan Trombla, Greg Twist & Jim Woodland present:

EVERYTHING WE HAD: AN ORAL HISTORY OF THE VIETNAM WAR BY THIRTY-THREE AMERICAN SOLDIERS WHO FOUGHT IT.

Musical selections will include:

America The Beautiful (The St. Andrew’s Singers)

Battle Hymn Of The Republic

Forever (The Ax Of The Apostles)

Friend Of God

Hymn To The Fallen (Jim Woodland)

Leon A. invites you to see the Fats Waller musical, "Ain't Misbehavin' " currently running at the John Beasley Theater located at 3010 Q st. The show has been running great since the beginning of the month and will continue to run until June 1st. Leon is the music director/pianist for the show. The show runs every Thursday through Saturday 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.. Since Leon also has other music commitments with the Confidentials on certain weekends, these are the show dates that he will be the accompanist for the musical: May 25th (Sunday), May 29th (Thurs), May 30th (Fri), and June 1st (Sunday). Ticket prices are: $25 for adults, $20 for students. All Thursday shows are $15. For more information contact the John Beasley Theater at (402) 502-5767.

BRD

Show Time!

2008-05-22T14:42:00.000-05:00

TONIGHT AT ST. ANDREW'S

May 22, 7:00

Chart-topping Christian Artist

CALEB ROWDEN

IN CONCERT

Opening Act: BENJAMIN

Free Admission

Free-Will Offering

Prince Caspian

2008-05-21T14:48:00.001-05:00

TOMMOROW NIGHT, May 22, 7:00

Chart-Topping Christian Contemporary Singer CALEB ROWDEN will bring his band to St. Andrew’s. This is a free concert. We’ll take a free-will offering.

MEMORIAL WEEKEND

Saturday, 5:00

Sunday, 8:30 & 10:00

Bruce preaching: EVERYTHING WE HAD

A remembrance of those who served in Vietnam

FROM PAM F.: Anyone interested in singing with the St. Andrew Singers this Sunday (Memorial Day weekend), please come to rehearsal tonight at 7 p.m. Several of our regular members will be out of town and we would love to have any who have thought about joining choir sing with us tonight and Sunday. Also, those of you who do not want a weekly commitment are invited to sing. We will be singing an arrangement of, "America, the Beautiful". If you have questions, please contact Pam.

Also, for anyone who has sung with the choir in the past, please check at home for any music that may belong to the church. Please bring it to church and have it put in Pam's mailbox. Thanks!

GET YOUR BACKSTAGE PASS!

Our 2008 Auction Dinner Dance will be our biggest bash of the year, and we’re looking for behind-the-scenes crew members. The event takes place Friday, October 10th — but there’s plenty to do before then. Whether you’ve helped in the past or this is new to you, it’s a great way to get involved, make friends and have fun. You can help with decorations, check-in, checkout, auction items, promotions and more. Contact Todd and Jamie S. by Sunday, June 1st — and tell them your name and how you’d like to help (or let them plug you in where you’re needed most). Your first “Crew Meeting” will be in early June.

PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS is designed for people interested in exploring membership in the of the body of Christ at St. Andrew’s. Our next PWP is scheduled for Sunday evening, June 8, 5:00-6:30. Sign up via return e-mail or at the Hospitality Desk.

From Bob D.: Friday May 23 movie night out 7pm at 20 Grand The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian RATED PG run time 140mins e-mail Bob by Thursday to sign up! We will all meet at the theater at 6:45pm. This is for grades 6^th-12^th.

From Children’s Ministries:

Thank you to all the children and parents who attended our first two “The Big Ticket” movie nights! You made them great successes. We all had a lot of fun. We will start these up again in the fall. So keep an “eye” out for the next Big Ticket. Have a great summer.

We missed a week in our examination of the Gallup ME25 Survey Results.

I think we’re at number 9: THE OTHER MEMBERS OF MY CHURCH ARE COMMITTED TO MY SPIRITUAL GROWTH. On the 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree) Point Scale, St. Andrew’s came in at 3.99, as compared to the Gallup Mean (Average) score of 3.81. If you’re looking for other members of the church who are committed to your spiritual growth, try this:

Live Like You Were Dying

If you got word today that you only had 30 days to live, how would your life change? How would God want you to live your last month? How would it impact your priorities? Would you prepare for eternity? What would you do that you’ve never done before?

Live Like You Were Dying is a 30-day church-wide campaign, inspired by the Grammy award-winning song recorded by Tim McGraw. Now the song has become a journey. That journey is coming to St. Andrew’s in June. It is meant to be experienced at 3 levels: individual, group, and worship.

Do the daily reading and Bible study
Join a Small Group that will meet weekly
Attend the 5 weekend worship services to hear the messages based on this theme

Check out the days and times of the Small Groups on Adult tab of the St. Andrew’s webpage www.standrewsomaha.net. Contact Diana F. for more information or to sign up to be in a small group.

PRAYER MATTERS

Prayers of Healing

Gene W. is undergoing cancer treatment.

Charlie D. is undergoing cancer treatment.

Pat W. is undergoing cancer treatment.

The nephew of Craig M., who is in serious condition after an accident.

Don C. is scheduled for surgery on 5-22-08.

Tom P. is a friend of Dee & Gale H..

Marian B. is experiencing heart failure. He is a friend of Jennifer W..

Adrian A. is recovering from shoulder surgery.

Dee H.’s brother, Bob N., is recovering from a stroke.

Tyler Go. is scheduled for surgery on 5-22-08.

Prayers of Sympathy

Pastor Tony D. at the death of his grandmother.

Tony S. at the death of his grandmother.

The family of Dale F. in his passing.

The family of Camryn D. (6 yrs) in her passing.

I Samuel 1:19-25

The lament of David: Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen! Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon; or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult. You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor bounteous fields! For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, anointed no more. From the blood of the stain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, nor the sword of Saul return empty. Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you with crimson, and in luxury, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle!

BRD

S, G, CL

2008-05-15T07:53:00.002-05:00

This Weekend, We Celebrate The Second Anniversary of SHARING, GROWING, CHANGING LIVES!—the St. Andrew’s Capital Campaign.

Saturday, May 17, 5:00

Sunday, May 18, 8:30 & 10:00

Bruce preaching: BUYING A HOUSE!
Lots Of Special Music and other Goodies!

Scheduled to appear: The Third Horseman of The Apocalypse, John Wesley, Gerald Ford, Cab Calloway, The Blues Brothers.

FROM ROGER F.: Please join us in commemoration and celebration of the second anniversary of the Sharing, Growing, Changing Lives campaign. We will be serving cake and refreshments after each service in the hospitality area. Thanks to your loyalty and commitment to this campaign, we have some very exciting news to share with you about the positive effects it’s had on the financial strength and vitality of our church. Please help us celebrate this significant milestone in the life of our church.

THURSDAY EVENING, May 22, 7:00

Chart-Topping Christian Contemporary Singer CALEB ROWDEN will bring his band to St. Andrew’s. This is a free concert. We’ll take a free-will offering.

We were blessed, this past Sunday, to participate in the baptism of ISAAC JASON H., infant son of Jason & Deb.

PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS is designed for people who are considering becoming members of the body of Christ at St. Andrew’s. Our next PWP is scheduled for Sunday evening, June 8, 5:00-6:30. Sign up via return e-mail or at the Hospitality Desk.

Congratulations to Senator Scott Lautenbaugh on his terrific showing in yesterday’s Nebraska State Primary Election.

Our undefeated Co-Ed Softball Team won again on Monday night!

If you got word today that you only had 30 days to live, how would your life change? LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING is a 30-day church-wide campaign, inspired by the Grammy award-winning song recorded by Tim McGraw. It combines this song that touches our deepest longing for meaning, with the timeless truths of God’s Word in a learning experience for the whole church. Now the song has become a journey. That journey is coming to St. Andrew’s in June.

How can you become involved with this campaign?

Volunteer to serve as a Small Group Host.
Sign up to be part of one of the Small Groups.
Attend the 5 weekend worship services during June to hear the messages shared by Pastors Nancy and Bruce.
Do the daily reading which will connect you to God’s Word and give you something to think about throughout the day.

Contact Diana F. to sign up for a small group, or for more information

Summer Church School:

A special thanks to the following teachers/helpers who have stepped forward to help with our Summer Church School: Pastor Nancy, Lori/Nathan M., Christy A., Diane W., Karen C., Linda S., Linde W. (New Member!!). This fills 6 of the 22 people necessary positions. Please, prayerfully consider helping out with our children over the summer. You can sign up for as many times that fit your schedule. Even if only one weekend service would be great!! Contact Kris.

Vacation Bible School:

Do you want to help, but don’t have the time? You can purchase items for donation! Just stop by the donation tree next to the VBS table and pick something to donate!

From BOB D.:

I hope all the Moms had a wonderful Mother’s Day and enjoyed their roses. Thank you for supporting youth ministries by buying a rose.

Youth ministry is in need of SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS. I am looking for teachers who can teach 3 Sundays for the summer (they can be any combination of Sundays). This is a real short term commitment and you may find out that teaching our youth is something you really enjoying doing (worship + 1)! Please e-mail me the Sunday’s you would be able to teach and if it is only 1 or 2 then that is okay. We do not have Sunday school on the second Sunday of each month.

Prayers of Healing

Gene W., treatment for cancer…..Mack J., friend of Helen H.….

Charlie D., cancer treatment…..Nathan, 4 months old, with life threatening

meningitis, friend of Tony & Sue S.…..Anne-Marie T., recovering from

ankle surgery….Don S. asks prayers for his grandson, born prematurely

and struggling with pnuemonia.

Matthew 16:1-3: “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.”

BRD

Live Like You Were Dying

2008-05-13T14:58:00.002-05:00

WE’RE THROWING A PARTY!

THIS WEEKEND

Saturday, May 17, 5:00

Sunday, May 18, 8:30 & 10:00

As we celebrate the second year anniversary of the

SHARING, GROWING, CHANGING LIVES

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN!

Bruce preaching: BUYING A HOUSE!
Lots Of Special Music and other Goodies

This past Saturday evening’s service in the Family Life Center went about 500% better than our inaugural try of five week’s ago. I’m learning how to use that room. We’ll be in there again this Saturday, due to a wedding in the sanctuary. I would add that as we’re booking new weddings on Saturday now, we’re scheduling them for 3:30 and earlier, but we will of course honor the wedding commitments already on the books before we put the new service in place. .

On MEMORIAL WEEKEND, I’m going to be working from a book titled: “Everything We Had: An Oral History of The Vietnam War By Thirty-Three American Soldiers Who Fought It.” The author is Vietnam Veteran Al Santoli. I don’t know if it’s currently available in book stores, but I highly recommend it.

This wind is something, huh! It blew the SENATOR LAUTENBAUGH sign right out of my front yard!

How can you become involved with this campaign?

Volunteer to serve as a Small Group Host.
Sign up to be part of one of the Small Groups.
Attend the 5 weekend worship services during June to hear the messages shared by Pastors Nancy and Bruce.
Do the daily reading which will connect you to God’s Word and give you something to think about throughout the day.

Contact Diana to sign up for a small group, or for more information

From Bob D., Director of Youth ministries:

Attention Parents of graduating seniors!

This weekend is Senior Recognition at all three services. We will be asking seniors to come up and be recognized at whatever service they want to attend. We will have the youth announce their name and what their post graduation plans are. Here is a list of seniors that I have received from parents. Nick Britton, Erin Brown, Lindsey Bryan, Erin Coleman, Gracie Culler, Chris Keim, Devon Klinger, Peter Langwith, Kenneth Parkison, Trevor Taylor, Lauren Terveen, James Vair. Please review the list. If you do not see your son or daughter on the list please e-mail Bob by Tuesday morning.

Joyce M. writes:

The St. Andrew’s Handbell choir will ring in June and July. We would invite any member of the church family to come and join us on Wednesday night at 5:30. We rehearse in LL1 for one hour. If ringing bells is something you have thought about, this is the perfect time to come try us out.

SOFTBALL

The St. Andrew’s Men’s Teams squared off against each other last night. Team Barkhaus edged out Team Ramm in a well-played game. Our undefeated Co-Ed Team takes the field in an 8:30 game tonight on Kelly Field #6 (120^th & Fort).

Next Sunday, St. Andrew’s Barkhaus has a 7:00 game, followed by Team Ramm at 8:00, both on Kelly Field #1.

FROM THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT:

Don’t Forget - Our next “The Big Ticket” movie night is on this Friday, May 16^th, 6:30-8:30 pm. We will be showing the movie “Toy Story”. Come and find out how you can grow past jealousy and make new friends. Please remember that if your child is 5years old or younger, an adult must attend. Please turn in your registration forms in @ the office, or email Kathi S. by this Thursday, May 15^th, 12:00 noon.

4/5 grade VBS Campers.

There will be informational meetings for the 4/5 graders who are either already signed up for the camp alternative, or are interested in signing up for it. The first one will be on Sat, May 17, @ 6:00, right after the service in LL4. The other meeting will be on Sunday, May 18^th, @ 11:00, right after the service in LL4. Please plan on attending. This meeting is for the campers and their parents.

2008 VBS – This is the last week for early-bird signups. After Sun, May 18^th, the price goes up $5 to $27. The morning session is full. Please sign up for the evening session.

Matthew 6:25-33

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to the span of your life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

BRD

Mother's Day

2008-05-08T15:49:00.001-05:00

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

Saturday, May 10, 5:00 in the Family Life Center

Sunday, May 11, 8:30 & 10:00 in the Sanctuary

Nancy preaching: MOTHER-IN-LAW

Mother’s Day Roses will be available for purchase after all three services. Come buy a rose at the youth table located in the Rotunda (all proceeds will go towards this year’s senior high mission trip).

The band was in the Family Life Center last night, getting the sound right for this week’s Saturday evening service. Our first try in there, four weeks ago, didn’t go so well. We’ve made numerous adjustments—no more big screen—and I think you’ll be pleased with the results.

The numbers of dead and missing in Myanmar are staggering. Of course, Myanmar used to be Burma, and many of you know of the relationship St. Andrew’s has developed with a community of Burmese refugees here in Omaha. Mandy Barkhaus, who spearheads this ministry, tells me there is considerable anxiety among the Burmese here in Omaha about family and friends in Burma.

NETTA P. writes: Plug in to Volunteer!

I know we have been advertising a lot lately that we are in need of teachers for Summer Church School. We have not gotten a single response. Church School on Saturday and Sunday cannot happen if volunteers don’t step up to help. I know this sounds desperate, but folks, the time is now to help in your child’s classroom. We are trying to make it as simple as can be. You can sign up to do every other month or every other week. We will e-mail you the curriculum the week before you teach. Currently we are THREE SUNDAYS away from starting our summer program. I ask that you prayerfully consider this opportunity to teach our children.

Also from THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT:

ATTENTION ALL VOLUNTEERS: We are offering two classes of Safe Sanctuary Training. Pastor Nancy will be providing the training free of charge.

This class is specially designed for our adult and youth volunteers,that work with kids, to certify safe surroundings for our young children and our youth, as they grow in the knowledge of Christ at St. Andrew’s events and classes. A Safe Sanctuary training class is required for insurance purposes every two years as well as a background check for St. Andrew’s. Even if you have had a background check or training elsewhere, you are required to have the check and training through us also. Only one class is required, they are being offered on Wednesday, May 28th 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. in room LL2 and Tuesday, June 3rd 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. in room LL2. Youth volunteers, 18 and younger, do not have to fill out a background check. If you are not sure if a background or training class is needed, please call Kris S.

THE CALEB ROWDEN BAND

Lead Me To The Cross Tour

Comes to St. Andrews on Thursday evening, May 22

Show starts at 7:00

Free Admission

GALLUP MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT SURVEY ITEM #8:

The Mission or Purpose of my church makes me feel my participation is important. On the scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree), Saints of Andrew ranked at 4.11, as compared to the Gallup Mean (Average) Score of 3.70. One would think we’d score well here, for we have an excellent mission: TO SHARE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST! There are a wide variety of ways to participate in that mission, and we encourage each of our members to identify and use their own gifts and graces, but we are clear about the end, literally etched in stone above our worship space: The Mission of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church is To Share The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The St. Andrew’s Softball Teams are started their seasons. The Co-Ed Team has won its first three games. Outstanding! Their next game is Monday, May 12 at 8:30. We have two Men’s teams. Neither is undefeated, but one is bound to chalk up a victory this Sunday evening as they play each other at 8:00. All games are played at the Kelly Fields, 120^th & Fort. The Co-ed Team plays on Field #6. The Men’s Teams are on Field #1. .

PRAYER MATTERS

Prayers of Healing

Gene W., treatment for cancer.

Roland S., friend of Christine B.

Mark & Kris B., newborn triplets.

Randy S., friend of Christen B.

Rex P., Mike’s father.

Mack J., friend of Helen H.

Connie W.’s father.

Charlie D., cancer treatment.

Bill M., Nebraska Medical Center.

Prayers of Sympathy

The family of Chris G., sister of Sandi D., at her death,

The family of Stephen J., friend of Becky L., at his passing.

Psalm 67: May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us. May God continue to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere him.

BRD

The Straight Way

2008-05-06T12:54:00.001-05:00

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

Saturday, May 10, 5:00 in the Family Life Center

Sunday, May 11, 8:30 & 10:00 in the Sanctuary

Nancy preaching: MOTHER-IN-LAW

THE CALEB ROWDEN BAND

Lead Me To The Cross Tour

Comes to St. Andrews on Thursday evening, May 22

Show starts at 7:00

Free Admission

On Sunday morning, May, 4, the St. Andrew’s Prayer Chapel was rededicated as the PASTOR CHARLOTTE MALLOTT PRAYER CHAPEL!

Mega-Congratulations to The Reckless Abandon Players for a terrific SABBATH NIGHT LIVE! This group puts the LAUGH into Live, Laugh, Love God!

There was a whole lot going on at St. Andrew’s this past weekend. SNL drew 500 people to the building. A thousand more were here on Saturday morning for the Nebraska Methodist Nursing College graduation exercises. Sunday afternoon, The Ambassador Bell Choir had a delightful event in the Rotunda, while an Eagle Scout Honor Ceremony was going on in the sanctuary, celebrating the achievement of Reid R. And, oh yes, we had a wonderful weekend of worship.

FROM CLARK S.: Wanted Saturday and Special Event Custodian

Weekly work a minimum of 5 hours every Saturday evening plus be available to work evenings during/after other Church Special Events. If you are interested in being part of the St. Andrew’s custodial team please contact Clark.

BETH MOORE STUDIES OFFERED THIS SUMMER

A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place will begin Wednesday, June 4^th at 9:30. Taken primarily from the book of Exodus, explore the construction of the Old Testament tabernacle, its role in God’s eternal plan, and how it applies to the lives of women today.

Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent will begin on June 4^th, at 7 p.m. This study focuses on Psalms 120-134 which were spoken by God’s people in the Old Testament during specific events. These Psalms hold great significance in revealing more about God and a personal relationship with Him. This study will be held at Deb Richey’s home. Call her at 650-5851 for directions.

Register for either of these classes by contacting Diana.

If, like me, you’re feeling kind of shaken by recent economic news, I invite you to find confidence in the scripture. The Bible does not presume prosperity; what the Bible presumes is grace sufficient to our needs. Take this passage, for instance:

Psalm 107:1-9: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to an inhabited town; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; he led them by a straight way, until they reached an inhabited town. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.

BRD

SNL

2008-05-01T10:44:00.001-05:00

This is going to be a big weekend. We've been using the tag line: Live, Laugh, Love God. There will be a lot of laughter around St. Andrew’s on Friday and Saturday evenings, as the Reckless Abandon Players present the annual SABBATH NIGHT LIVE DINNER THEATRE. Otherwise known as The Drama Team, the Players are a delightful group of creative people, who support the congregation throughout the year. Talk about versatility! The same people who will be leading the laughter this weekend gave us The Living Last Supper during Holy Week! Dozens of people have put in countless cumulative hours preparing for Sabbath Night Live. I get to be in three skits, myself, including one featuring the church staff, written by Nancy. The doors open at 6:00; dinner is served at 6:15; the show starts at 7:00. Ticket sales have been terrific. I understand a few additional tables have been added for Saturday and seats are available for Friday. For more information, call Judy Hephner at the church office, 431-8560.

Some of our readers may want to worship with us in the sanctuary at 5:00 on Saturday and then go straight into the Family Life Center for SNL. Whether you’re worshiping on Saturday, or in the 8:30 or 10:00 hours on Sunday, I’ll be excited to share WEDDING AT CANA: Why Nancy Does Most Of The Weddings At St. Andrew’s. I’ve had a lot of fun with this one. It’s a communion Sunday at St. Andrew’s. You don’t have to be a United Methodist or member of this congregation to share the sacrament; this is the Lord’s table.

We have some interesting musical pieces lined up for the weekend. I was up here last night with The Ax Of The Apostles and had fun working on a Jars of Clay song for Saturday. The St. Andrew’s Singers will be with us on Sunday, of course, along with the Bell Choir. The Bells will have a busy day. After playing during the morning communion services, at 3:00, they’ll be presenting an event called BELLS, BROWNIES & BROADWAY. I know your presence would be appreciated. I think that’s happening in the Rotunda. At the same hour, there will be an Eagle Scout Court of Honor, as REID R. receives scouting’s highest award. That’s happening in the sanctuary with a reception following in the Family Life Center. You know the church is a busy place when you have multiple events at mid-afternoon Sunday!

Each week, we’re looking at one of the 23 items in the Gallup Membership Engagement Survey. We’re up to #7: As a member of my church, my opinions seem to count. On the scale of 1-5 (1 = Strongly Disagree; 5 = Strongly Agree), the Gallup Mean/Average score is 3.41. St. Andrew’s beat that, coming in at 3.73. With the United Methodist General Conference currently meeting in Fort Worth, I find myself giving thanks for the “conference” St. Andrew’s held last year, via our worship survey. Congregational input was the critical factor in what’s clearly turning out to be a great decision regarding revamping our worship schedule. Not a week goes by without someone passing along a new idea, “Have you thought about…?” And these are often terrific ideas. Your opinions count at St. Andrew’s, so don’t be bashful about sharing them.

John 2:1-11

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him: “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

*
BRD

Wedding at Cana

2008-05-01T08:26:00.002-05:00

WORSHIP AT ST. ANDREW’S

Saturday, May 3, 5:00

Sunday, May 4, 8:30 & 10:00

Bruce preaching: WEDDING AT CANA

Why Nancy Does Most Of The Weddings At St. Andrew’s

It’s a Communion Weekend. All are invited to share in the sacrament.

Sunday is also a PANCAKE DAY, moved up a week from the normal second Sunday. Our hosts are the Faith Circle of the United Methodist Women.

Sabbath Night Live, 2008:

Friday, May 2nd, and Saturday, May 3rd

Doors open 6:00
Buffet Dinner 6:15
Show 7:00

Some tickets are still available. Please contact Judy Helpner at the St. Andrew's Church Office, 431-8560. For those who have reserved tickets and still need to pay, you can bring your money to the night of the performance.

Sunday afternoon, 3:00

THE AMBASSADOR HANDBELL CHOIR presents:
BELLS, BROWNIES & BROADWAY

One of the interesting things happening in the United Methodist connection right now is the growth of Methodism in Africa. As United Methodism operates in the form of representative democracy, more African Methodists means more African representatives at the General Conference, currently meeting in Fort Worth. I think it’s safe to say that African Methodists tend to be more culturally conservative than American Methodists. This is having an impact on the General Conference. I don’t think the bottom line will necessarily be a more conservative church polity, but neither is the church likely to move in a more liberal direction. As one who believes the culture wars have distracted the mainline denominations from the Great Commission of making disciples for Christ, this is okay by me. The General Conference runs through this coming weekend. To follow the event, click on www.gc2008.umc.org

As I’m sure you know, St. Andrew’s own SENATOR SCOTT LAUTENBAUGH is in a campaign to retain his District 18 seat in the Nebraska Legislature. Referring to issues in the national spotlight, I hope I never make such a spectacle of myself that Scott has to denounce me! J Even before Scott went into the Senate, Scott has served as our “chancellor” on legal matters affecting the congregation. Scott’s given us solid, pro bono counsel, and I appreciate that very much.

Congratulations to JIM M. honored by Omaha Habitat For Humanity as their Church Volunteer Of The Year!

From PAM F.: The Music Makers along with the Joyful Sounds and Mighty Doves will be singing at the 10:00 service on Mother's Day. The last rehearsal for these groups will be next Wednesday, May 7th. We will take a break for the summer and then start again in the fall. Thanks to all who have been a part of these groups by praising the Lord through song! NANCY DAVIS adds: Music Makers will be singing on Mother's Day but our last practice is today because I'll be out of town next Wednesday.

CHANTELLE H. informs us: St. Andrews Child Enrichment Center is accepting applications for an Assistant Director. This position assists the Center Director in all aspects of managing a center, including human relations, marketing, customer relations, financials, quality control, facility operations, and classroom participation. If interested, please fax resume to 431-8637 or stop by 15050 West Maple Road.

From MICHELLE P. & The Patience Circle Of The United Methodist Women: Anyone who ordered Butter Braids will be able to pick them up this week. They will be in the Rotunda Wednesday night May 30th, and after Saturday and Sundays services, May 3rd & 4th.

MANDY B. writes: In preparing for the Caleb Rowden concert on May 22nd, we are in need of 3 hotel rooms for Caleb and his Band. If anyone has any connections to get us 3 rooms or 3 discounted rooms, please contact: Mandy Barkhaus 431-8560 ext. 23

From KATHI S. and the Children’s Department: Save the Date: Our next “The Big Ticket” movie night is on Friday, May 16^th, 6:30-8:30 pm. We will be showing the movie “Toy Story”. Come and find out how you can grow past jealousy and make new friends. Please remember that if your child is 5years old or younger, an adult must attend.

VBS UPDATE FROM NETTA P.: Our morning session is filling up quickly. We can only take in 250 children max. This is due to the size of the classes, they just get too large and the quality of learning is hindered AND, we just don’t fit in the space! We are already at 133. I’m telling all St. Andrew’s members this first. Get your kids signed up today. We will have the evening option available once we hit this number. There are no exceptions to this rule. Also, sign up to volunteer too! We need you!

4/5 Grade Vacation Bible School Campers: There will be informational meetings for the 4/5 graders who are either already signed up for the camp alternative, or are interested in signing up for it. The first one will be on Sat, May 17, @ 6:00, right after the service in LL4. The other meeting will be on Sunday, May 18^th, @ 11:00, right after the service in LL4. Please plan on attending. This meeting is for the campers and their parents.

FROM JOYCE C.: This Saturday/Sunday is the first weekend of the month, and you know what that means!! BRING your Hi-C juice drink boxes for Campfire USA to distribute to kids needing nutritional meals here in Omaha….Thanks in advance for your support and contributions!

PRAYER MATTERS

Prayers of Concern:

Chris G. (sister of Sandi D.) battling cancer.

Gene W., treatment for cancer.

Dick W., father of Pam M., tests.

Pam M., surgery on April 21.

Roland S., friend of Christine B.

Mark & Kris B., newborn triplets in hospital.

Randy S., friend of Christen B., back in the hospital.

Diane P., sister-in-law of Laurel P., hospitalized.

Rex P., Mike’s father, having bypass surgery on 5-6-08.

Mack J., friend of Helen H.

The Appleby family, friend of Pam H.

Connie W.’s father.

Prayers of Sympathy:

The family of Lily Leyden at her death, friends of Heather D.

The family of Lois M. at her death.

We close with a lyric from Carly Simon, to be quoted in WEDDING AT CANA:

You say we can keep our love alive
Babe. all I know is what I see:
The couples cling and claw
And drown in love's debris.
You say we'll soar like two birds through the clouds,
But soon you'll cage me on your shelf
I'll never learn to be just me first
By myself.

But you say it's time we moved in together
And raised a family of our own, you and me
Well, that's the way I've always heard it should be,
You want to marry me…

:BRD

General Conference

2008-04-28T15:22:00.002-05:00

OUR NEWEST MEMBERS:

Linde and Chad W. – Chad is a firefighter and Linde is teacher at Elkhorn Public Schools. They have a daughter, Riley, who is 11 months old.

Don M. – Don sells crop insurance with Pro Ag Insurance.

Susan B. – Susan has a son Kalvin who is almost 3.

THIS WEEKEND AT ST. ANDREW’S:

Sabbath Night Live, 2008:

Friday, May 2nd, and Saturday, May 3rd

Doors open 6:00
Buffet Dinner 6:15
Show 7:00

Some tickets are still available. Please contact Judy H. at the St. Andrew's Church Office, 431-8560.

For those who have reserved tickets and still need to pay, you can bring your money to the night of the performance

Volunteers needed for both nights. Please contact Adrian.

The Worship Schedule

Saturday, May 3, 5:00

Sunday, May 4, 8:30 & 10:00

Bruce preaching: WEDDING AT CANA

aka: Why Nancy Does Most Of The Weddings At St. Andrew’s

Sunday afternoon, 3:00

THE AMBASSADOR HANDBELL CHOIR presents:
BELLS, BROWNIES & BROADWAY

MOTHERS DAY WEEKEND

May 10 & 11

Nancy preaching: MOTHER-IN-LAW

Regarding the sermon preached over this past weekend, I was asked, this morning, why I thought it was necessary to mention the United Methodist position on homosexuality. That’s easy. The General Conference of the United Methodist Church is currently meeting in Fort Worth. We can pass resolutions about poverty, violence, ecology and a host of other matters, and the only thing that will be covered in the press is what we do or don’t do regarding the homosexuality issue. Better you hear it from your pastors, I figure. WHY JOHN WESLEY WAS KICKED OUT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH is posted on the web page: www.standrewsomaha.net. Click the SERMON link. For that matter, if you want to follow the Conference yourself, try this website: www.gc2008.umc.org If you see anything there that Nancy or I can help clarify, let us know.

Our congregation was well represented at the Casting Crowns concert last night. Craig B. tells me fliers were distributed among the crowd, publicizing the concert to be held at St. Andrew’s on Thursday evening, May 22. The headliner is CALEB ROWDEN, with an opening act called BENJAMIN. This is a free concert, starting at 7:00.

FROM MANDY B.:

Y-COSA (Young (20’s and 30’s) Couples of St. Andrew’s) BUNCO NIGHT! Bunco is a fun dice game (you do not need to know how to play) we will be playing at the church on May 9^th from 6:30-8:30. Please bring a potluck dish to share! Childcare will be available. RSVP to Mandy at 431-8560 ext. 23

NETTA P. tells us: VBS Registrations are going great! Doing this on the Web is going to be so much more efficient. NOW, volunteers need to also sign up on the Web. We are not processing hard copy. You can do this right now….just go to standrewsomaha.net. Hit the children’s button, click on the morning, evening or camp site and volunteer registration is right there! We will need right around 130 volunteers to run these three VBS options. Please prayerfully consider helping and sign up today. You’ll be glad you did. Our volunteers past will tell you it is so much fun, and rewarding!!

1 John 4:7-8

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.

BRD

Vietnam

2008-04-28T07:54:00.000-05:00

Goodness, this not a pleasant April day! It could be worse. I’ve been reading this terrific book, OLD JULES, about life on the Nebraska frontier. Mari Sandoz writes of a year when western Nebraska got three feet of snow on the last day of April.

I think you’ll enjoy what we have planned for this weekend. In keeping with the quadrennial General Conference of the United Methodist Church, currently being held in Fort Worth, I’ve got a sermon titled, WHY JOHN WESLEY GOT KICKED OUT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH. At 5:00 on Saturday, the Ax Of The Apostles will be debuting a current contemporary Christian chart-topper, “Everything Glorious.” At 8:30 and 10:00 on Sunday, the St. Andrew’s Singers will offer the Charles Wesley classic, “Jesus, Lover Of My Soul.” All three worship hours will also feature a great song called “Take My Heart (Holiness)” and the Leon Adams arrangement of one of my favorite hymns: “Blessed Assurance.” “Methodist Pie” gets thrown into the musical mix, as well and we think we have the recipe for a delicious weekend of worship.

COMING MAY 2 & 3:

Bruce preaching: WEDDING AT CANA

Also titled: Why Nancy Does Most Of The Weddings At St. Andrew’s

Speaking of Nancy, Lord willing, the cast comes off her arm today.

If you’re a Vietnam Veteran, I’d like to hear from you regarding my Memorial Weekend plans.,

From JOYCE M.

BELLS----55 bells plus many added instruments

BROWNIES-----Cream Cheese, chocolate chip, peanut butter, chocolate raspberry, zebra brownies plus lemon bars

BROADWAY---Lion King, Mary Poppins, LeRoy Anderson In Concert

Who could ask for anything more?

May, 4th at 3:00 p.m. THE AMBASSADOR HANDBELL CHOIR is presenting a great Broadway concert with brownies and bars as an added extra for the concert. We also will be giving away a few great prizes and we have an added extra surprise for those attending. Come join us on May 4th. You will be glad you did.

#5 in the 23 item GALLUP MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT SURVEY reads: The spiritual leaders in my church seem to care about me as a person. I was pleased to see that Saints of Andrew responded well to this one. On the 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree) scale, the Gallup Mean Score is 3.78. St. Andrew’s came in at 4.16. Nancy and I both grew up in small town churches. One of our goals is to bring small church values of caring and personal relationship to the large church experience. I like to think the #5 values are reflected at every level of our congregational life. If you’re among the 1.22 who feel as if you’re not cared for as a person, please let us know how we can correct that.

MIKE P. asks: Can you please add my father, Rex P. (in Ft. Collins, CO), to the prayer request list? He recently suffered a small heart attack and is scheduled for bypass surgery on Tues, May 6.

And are we yet alive

And see each other’s face?

Glory and thanks to Jesus give

For his almighty grace.

Let us take up the cross

Till we the crown obtain

And gladly reckon all things loss

So we may Jesus gain

--AND ARE WE YET ALIVE, Charles Wesley

BRD

Over the Rainbow

2008-04-24T18:53:00.002-05:00

THIS WEEKEND

Saturday, April 26, 5:00

Sunday, April 27, 8:30 & 10:45

Bruce preaching the General Conference Special:

WHY JOHN WESLEY WAS KICKED OUT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Each Monday, I get a count of attendance and what was in the offering plate. I was delighted to learn the Rainbow Network event had generated just over $18,000 in contributions. Wow! I assumed, of course, this meant there was $6,000 in the special offering and the Dean H./Mark R. matching gifts had tripled the amount. No. The $18,000 was BEFORE the matching gifts kicked in. I don’t think anyone saw that coming; I certainly didn’t. Anyway, Mark and Dean are indeed matching the $18,000, which by my calculator means the event generated in excess of $54,000. I’m stunned, frankly. A lot of good is going to come of this. Thanks for putting a little love in your hearts—make that a WHOLE LOT OF LOVE!!!

From NANCY D.: If you have some free time to volunteer this summer, La Casa del Pueblo UMC (Omaha Methodism’s Spanish-language congregation) could use your help with some of their summer programs. Volunteers are needed to serve prepared free meals to children from June 2- June 27 and from July 7 – July 31 from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. Volunteers are also needed to provide adult supervision for field trips for children from June 4 – June 25 and July 7- July 30, Mondays and Wednesdays only from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. And volunteers are also needed to help make crafts, create skits, or tutor in math, English, or technology from July 14 – July 31, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. If you can help call the pastor, Alberto Silva at 733-0202.

Two items from THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT:

Looking for a way to help out with Vacation Bible School? We are looking for donations for scholarships for some of our children. If interested, contact Netta.

Our first “The Big Ticket” movie night was a great success! We hope all the kids and parents who attended had a great time. Our next movie night is scheduled for Friday May 16^th, @ 6:30 pm. More info will come out next week. Reserve the date!

A NOTE FROM DIANE M.: FLOWERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PICK-UP FRIDAY 9 TO 6 PM AND SATURDAY MORNING 9 TO 11. IF YOU ORDERED FLOWERS FROM THE UMW, PLEASE REMEMBER TO PICK THEM UP!!

MULTIPLE ITEMS FROM BOB D. AND THE YOUTH DEPARTMENT:

PENNY CHALLENGE RESULTS: 51661 PENNIES were turned into the bank today. The money will go to help pay off the church. THANK YOU every penny counts!

We will be having “ALL PARENTS MEETING” (parents of youth grades 6-12) on Saturday April 26 at 6pm to 6:30pm for those who attend the Saturday service. We will also have a meeting on Sunday April 27 at 11am to 11:30pm for those who attend the Sunday service. The purpose of the meeting is to distribute the youth calendar thru August and to have parents sign up to help with the activities. We will be meeting in the youth room. (You only need to attend one meeting)

Attention Parents! Please e-mail me the name of your GRADUATING SENIOR as we want to recognize him/her at our May 18 Sunday services. We will just ask the seniors to come forward and announce their names and what their future plans are. I want to make sure I have a complete list so e-mail the names to me. Thank you.

PRAYER MATTERS:

Chris G. (sister of Sandi D.) battling cancer..

Gene W., treatment for cancer.

Dick W., father of Pam M., tests.

Pam M., surgery on April 21.

Sandi J. and family, friends of Kathy K., cancer treatment.

Roland S., friend of Christine B., in the ICU unit.

Mark & Kris B., newborn triplets in hospital.

Randy S., friend of Christen B., recovering from back surgery.

Rachel W., Margie W.’s daughter, surgery 4-24-08.

Gene S., knee replacement surgery, 4-23-08.

Diane P., sister-in-law of Laurel P., hospitalized.

Acts 15:1-11

It wasn’t long before some Jews showed up from Judea insisting that everyone be circumcised. ‘If you’re not circumcised in the Mosaic fashion, you can’t be saved.’ Paul and Barnabas were up on their feet at once in fierce protest. The church decided to resolve the matter by sending Paul, Barnabas, and a few others to put it before the apostles and leaders in Jerusalem. After they were sent off and on their way, they told everyone they met as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria about the breakthrough to the non-Jewish outsiders. Everyone who heard the news cheered. It was terrific news! When they got to Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas were graciously received by the whole church, including the apostles and leaders. They reported on their recent journey and how God had used them to open things up to the outsiders. Some Pharisees stood up to say their piece. They had become believers, but continued to hold to the hard party line of the Pharisees. ‘You have to circumcise the pagan converts,’ they said. ‘You must make them keep the Law of Moses.’ The apostles and leaders called a special meeting to consider the matter.

BRD

WE WIN!

2008-04-22T15:40:00.003-05:00

THIS WEEKEND

Saturday, April 26, 5:00

Sunday, April 27, 8:30 & 10:45

Bruce preaching The General Conference Special:

WHY JOHN WESLEY WAS KICKED OUT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Also titled: Why United Methodists Don’t Have A Pope

Our NEW MEMBERS are:

Ashley T. and James P.- they are engaged to be married! Ashley is a full-time student and works full-time at West. Corporation. James works at DRI Title and Escrow.
Tracy B. – Tracy works as a literacy teacher at Wilson Junior High in Council Bluffs.
Jason and Amanda A.- Amanda is a Cardiac Sonographer at Bergan. Jason is the owner operator of Mr. Sparky and Complete Electric. They have two children Isabella, 5, and Joe who will be 2 in June.
Jon and Jasonea S.- Jon is a Chef at Con Agra Foods and Jasonea works at Envoy. They have a 4 week old daughter, Sheridan.

BOB D. writes: We welcome the 2008 Confirmation Class as members of the body of Christ at St. Andrew’s UMC. They are: Jacob ., Taylor B., Connor D., Brent G., David J., Elliot K., Peyton L., Patrick L., Nick N., Patrick M., Brandon S., Logan T., Caroline C., Bridget C., Kaitlyn E., Jessica F., Zoe H., Haley H., Andrea L., Natalie L., Miranda M., Jordan P., Emili S., Megan T., Nicole W., and Hannah W.. Congratulations to the 2008 Confirmation Class! We are so proud of you all.

Saturday’s celebration of our ministry with The Rainbow Network and San Andres was an experience of all Six Signs Of Discipleship (Radical Hospitality, Heart-Warming Worship, Risk-Taking Mission, Vital Faith Formation, Gracious Generosity and Connectional Joy) in the space of a single hour. It was a joy to welcome Rainbow Network Founder Keith Jaspers and guests from Nicaragua: Nelson Palacio, Efrain Aguilar Mendoza, Santos Erving Lopez, Elena Aurora Mendoza and Hilda del Socorro Mendez. We were blessed with a wonderful turnout. The generosity was Gracious with a capital G! Be looking for an announcement in days to come. Special thanks to the Matthew Ministries Team for hosting the reception following the worship service, and to Adrian and Sheri A. who opened their home to our guests on Saturday evening.

From NETTA P.: The BIG TICKET was a huge success this past Friday night! 68 children came to our first showing of “It’s a Bug’s Life”. They watched the movie, ate bug snacks, pretended to be bugs and found out even the “smallest ant” is a big part of God’s Plan. You can watch for more of these type of activities for our children as our new Children’s Event Coordinator, Kathy S., has many ideas for Children’s Ministries!

DIANA F. tells us about ALPHA SATURDAY

Wow!! What an exciting day! Alpha Saturday was on April 19^th at St. Andrew’s. I overheard someone say that he was supposed to go to his daughter’s game at noon, but was having too much fun at Alpha Saturday, that he called her to tell her he wasn’t going to make it. Alpha Saturday is a day where those on the Alpha Course hear presentations and discuss the Holy Spirit – Who is the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit Do? How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit? and How can I make the most of the rest of my life? Amazing and profound changes always occur in people’s lives as a result. Participants are given an opportunity to pray a prayer giving their lives to Christ – that is just what happened – right here at St. Andrew’s on Saturday. We would love to have you join us on the next Alpha Course. Watch for details about when it will be offered.

THREE THINGS FROM MANDY B.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Mark you Calendar, invite a friend, come listen to music and have fun- for FREE!! Caleb Rowden will make a stop in Omaha for the first time on his ‘Lead Me to the Cross’ tour. He will be performing at St. Andrew’s on Thursday May 22^nd at 7:00 PM. The opening act will be a local band, ‘Benjamin’. Caleb Rowden has some amazing radio hits and an awesome CD, you can check him out at calebrowden.com. This will be a great night of music and a great night to introduce friends to St. Andrew’s.

USHERS: With the new schedule up and running we have evaluated the current number of ushers and are still looking for a few more. Ushers are on a three month rotating schedule. They usher for one month and have two months off. We need 1 usher at 8:30, 6 ushers for 10:00, and 6 more for the Saturday night service. Please consider helping out! Contact Mandy B. 431-8560 ext. 23

KAREN REFUGEE FAMILY: Judy F.and I visited the Sein C. family this weekend (our refugee family that we are sponsoring from Burma). The family is doing okay, they several neighbors who are also refugees who are helping and supporting them also. The family is in need of few things; they are in need of a DVD player (to help learn English), vacuum cleaner, and microwave. Another way you can help is by donating money so we may use it for things they need, like a phone, extra groceries until Sein C. finds a job, school supplies for the children, first pack of bus pases… Also the money will be used for things like taking the family to the zoo or other places (to help them learn the language and the culture). For more information please contact me at: Mandy B. 431-8560 ext. 23

Believe it or not, the Church Softball started last night and the Co-Ed Team has already given us a win by a 12-4 score. Our two Men’s teams open play on Sunday night at the Kelly Fields, 120^th and Fort.

Tickets are going fast for SABBATH NIGHT LIVE DINNER THEATRE, Friday and Saturday evening, May 2^nd and 3^rd. Sales continue this weekend in the Rotunda.

Isaiah 55:1-3

Hey there! All who are thirsty, come to the water! Are you penniless? Come anyway—buy and eat! Come, buy your drinks, buy wine and milk. But without money—everything’s free! Why do you spend your money on junk food, your hard-earned cash on cotton candy! Listen to me, listen well: Eat only the best, fill yourself with only the finest. Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life nourishing words. I’m making a lasting covenant commitment with you, the same that I made with David: sure, solid, enduring love.

BRD

Recognition and Praise

2008-04-18T14:16:00.001-05:00

There’s not much going on around the office this morning, but things go into high gear tomorrow. The staff is scheduled to be up here at 10:00 tomorrow morning to rehearse our skit for SABBATH NIGHT LIVE. Nancy has put this skit together and it’s a hoot. SNL is one of the mega-fun events of the St. Andrew’s year. Tickets are available this weekend at a booth in the Rotunda. Our guests from Nicaragua are scheduled to arrive around noon on Saturday. The Matthew Ministry Team and what we call The Travelers (Saints of Andrew who have made the trip to Nicaragua) will be having lunch with them. Nancy has a wedding at 3:00. The Nicaragua-mission-themed worship service begins at 5:00 in the sanctuary, followed by a reception in the Rotunda. While that’s going on, Nancy, Bob and the Confirmation families will be sharing a meal in the Family Life Center, after which they’ll go to the sanctuary to walk through the Confirmation Service. We’ll be doing confirmations at both 8:30 & 10:00 on Sunday. Nancy’s preaching those services: You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown; while I’m offering The Angel Of Los Fieros on Saturday evening.

We’ve learned a lot in our first three weeks of the new worship schedule. As we’ve said from the start, we’ll be making adjustments as we go along, trying to fit resources to demand. The Saturday evening Children’s Church School has far exceeded expected demand, the number of children approximately equaling what we’ve been running on Sunday. On the other hand, there’s not been much demand for the 8:30 hour. Therefore, we’ll be dropping the 8:30 classes as of the first of May. We are a volunteer organization and deployment of our volunteers is something we’re always thinking about. It doesn’t make sense to try to staff a full Church School hour for a handful of children; nor can we create the kind of quality experience we want for the children.

This issue of volunteer deployment is a good lead-in to our discussion of Gallup Membership Engagement Survey Item #4: IN THE LAST MONTH, I HAVE RECEIVED RECOGNITION OR PRAISE FROM SOMEONE IN MY CHURCH. This is one of the few items where the people of St. Andrew’s came in LOWER than the Gallup Mean (Average) Score. On a scale of 1-5—1 representing Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree--Saints Of Andrew ranked 3.17 as opposed to the average of 3.19. Leading me to inquire: When is the last time to you spoke a word of recognition or praise to your child’s Church School Teacher, or perhaps one of the choir members, or another of our great volunteers? As soon as I hit SEND on this, I think I’ll go in and say a word of recognition and praise to the nice ladies who are up here stuffing bulletins this morning.

I remember when Nancy and I were in the process of being appointed to St. Andrew’s, 32 months ago. Hurricanes had put a major dent in US oil supplies and gas was over $3 a gallon. This morning, the bright sign at the station just down Maple flashes $3.39. So far as I know, there’s not been another hurricane. I am particularly mindful of Americans who were just getting by to begin with.

BOB D. writes: Attention Parents! Please e-mail me the name of your GRADUATING SENIOR as we want to recognize him/her at our May 18 Sunday services. We will just ask the seniors to come forward and announce their names and what their future plans are. I want to make sure I have a complete list so e-mail the names to me. Thank you.

Psalm 24:1-6, “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do now swear deceitfully. They will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of their salvation. Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.”

BRD

A Big Weekend

2008-04-17T12:18:00.001-05:00

THIS WEEKEND
April 19 & 20
Saturday, 5:00
A Celebration Of Our Ministry In Nicaragua
Bruce is preaching: THE ANGEL OF LOS FIEROS
Lots of music, including The Ax Of The Apostles and the St. Andrew’s Mariachi Band!We’ll welcome guests who have come all the way from Nicaragua!
Sunday, 8:30 & 10:00
Confirmation Sunday
Nancy preaching: YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN
We’ll have the joy of hearing 26 young people confess their faith and welcoming them to membership in the congregation.

April 26 & 27, Bruce preaching:WHY JOHN WESLEY WAS KICKED OUT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH!
*
SPECIAL OFFERING MATCHING GIFT
We’ll be taking a special offering Saturday and Sunday in support of our ministry in San Andres. Our most recent travelers to Nicaragua, Dean H. and Mark R., have told us they’ll match what is given this weekend. In coordination with the Rainbow Network, an ecumenical Christian organization based in Springfield, Missouri, St. Andrew’s is in the second year of a three-year commitment of $20,000 annually to the community of San Andres. This represents the approximate cost of a year’s worth of funding for the Rainbow-sponsored feeding/nutrition center, medical care, elementary education, a micro-loan program, and community economic development. The offering will work this way: We’ll pass the plate a second time on Saturday night. On Sunday morning, we’ll use some purple envelopes left over from a previous missions offering.
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FROM CHILDREN’S DIRECTOR NETTA P.: New Services/Church School
We are so excited about the new service schedules. Saturday night has exceeded our expectations. We are currently running about the same number of kids through Saturday night as we are at the 10:00 service on Sunday. What a great thing! The classrooms are filled with friends, where they are laughing, learning and forming life-changing friendships with each other and with Jesus. Our 8:30 service on Sunday morning is not running at that potential. We currently have a very few children attending this hour. This is not a huge surprise to us as it is an early hour for families with children. We wanted to offer an option of learning for all hours, but now have to evaluate if this hour is in the best interest of the children with such low numbers. (5-6 kids, not counting the teacher’s kids). We feel the kids are not getting the best quality learning environment without having other children to interact with, to be able to play games with, and to form friendship with. With that said, we are going to drop the 8:30 classes beginning the first Sunday in May. I want to thank all the dedicated teachers for showing up every Sunday, well prepared with a lesson plan. Your valuable service to the Children’s Ministry was necessary to make the service changes, and you all came through for St. Andrew’s! Thanks to all of you!

Vacation Bible School: Power Lab! Discovering Jesus’ Miraculous Power!!
Registration is up and running. All participants can register on-line through the Website at standrewsomaha.net, Children’s button, then go down to the bottom of the page! The fee is $22.00/child for the first and second child. Three and up are 50% off. Early bird registrations end May 18. Any registrations taken on-line after that date will be $27.00/child. The computer has a way to track this so, be diligent and sign up right away!

All volunteer registrations need to be done through here. Go to the same place but you’ll highlight the volunteer button once you are into the VBS Home Page. We usually need about 130 volunteers to cover both morning and evening sessions. Please prayerfully consider giving of your time to help with this fun and exciting event!!
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DivorceCare and DivorceCare for Kids A new session of DivorceCare for Kids will begin on Monday, May 5th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. DivorceCare for Kids is a special group to help children heal from the hurt caused by the separation or divorce of their parents. DC4K meets weekly in 13-week cycles, and will be offered on an ongoing basis. It is designed for children ages 5 -12. Topics covered coincide with those for DivorceCare which will also begin a new cycle on May 5th. The cost of the material is $15 for both DC4K and DC, scholarships are available. Contact Diana at 431-8560 ext. 31 for more information.
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From Joyce M.: Brownies, Bells and a Bit of Broadway: an afternoon of fun and food as the Ambassador Adult and Youth Bell choirs present their May concert. Come join us on May 4th at 3:00 p.m. in the Rotunda as we ring music from favorite Broadway shows. Snack on homemade brownies and bars as you listen to music from Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King to name a few. We are even offering some very special prizes throughout the program. Several adults and youth from St. Andrews ring in both choirs so we hope to see you there on May 4th at 3:00 p.m.
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The St. Andrew's Reckless Abandon Players present....SABBATH NIGHT LIVE 2008! Sabbath Night Live is a dinner/theater production written, directed, acted, and produced by church members. The drama team performs a comedy of skits which offer a fun perspective on St. Andrew's happenings, and focuses on messages by sharing The Gospel of Jesus Christ. This will be the 7th annual performance, which has been Sold Out each year since 2004! This years performances will be fantastic, and some of the skits will include:The Blues Brothers featuring the St. Andrew's Blues Brothers Band and the Blues Sisters Smarter than an Idol (spin-off of Smarter than a 5th grader) Holy-wood (Movie quotes that help tell stories of the Bible) Worship + 1 video (Members get lots of choices to get involved) Special Performance by the St. Andrew's Pastors and Staff (see what really goes on inside the staff meetings!) Special Transition skits with Greeters Gone Wild and Coffee Shop stories
Dates: Friday, May 2nd, and Saturday, May 3rd
Times: 6:00 Doors open
6:15 Buffet Dinner
7:00 Show Dinner/Theater Prices: $18 per adult; $14 per child with adult meal; $11 per child with Kid's Meal….
Childcare is available: $7 per child with a $13 max per family. $4 kids meals available per child…..
Reserve your Tickets today. Purchase them during Saturday and Sunday Services in the Rotunda, or by contacting the St. Andrew's Church office 431-8560.
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TODD S. writes from Rhode Island : My grandfather, George K., died today in Storm Lake IA. Would you mind including my grandmother, Dorothy “Granny” K., in your prayers? George was into his 90s and still living at home till Sat night when he was having trouble breathing. He died in the hospital this morning about 6 am.
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Matthew 25: 41-46 (continued from Tuesday) “Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
*
BRD

The A Team

2008-04-15T16:38:00.000-05:00

Three weeks into the new worship schedule, things couldn’t be going better. I’m particularly gratified by a big spike in the number of children in the Church School. Also notable are the number of visitors checking us out on Saturday evenings, and members of the congregation who are reactivating. This is just GREAT! I’m feeling like the guy on the old television show (The A-Team, maybe?), who was given to exclaim: Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together! We’ll see how we do this Saturday up against the Nebraska Spring Football game. But, hey, Saturday regulars can come on Sunday. That’s the beauty of this model: We’ve got mix-and-match options to choose from.

THIS WEEKEND, April 19 & 20
Saturday, 5:00A Celebration Of Our Ministry In NicaraguaBruce is preaching: THE ANGEL OF LOS FIEROSLots of music!We’ll welcome guests who have come all the way from Nicaragua!
Sunday, 8:30 & 10:00 Confirmation Sunday
Nancy preaching: YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN
PANDEMONIUM: THE VON MAUR SERMON
Including the witness of five who were there
It’s a Pancake Sunday.
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SPECIAL OFFERING
St. Andrew’s in Omaha is in the second year of a three-year commitment to contribute $20,000 to the community of San Andres in Nicaragua. This is the approximate cost of a year’s worth of funding for the feeding/nutrition program, medical care, the Rainbow organized elementary schools, a micro-loan program, and community economic development. On the weekend of April 19 & 20, in addition to our regular giving, we’ll be taking a special offering, inviting any and all who are interested, to contribute toward the $20,000 goal. This is a remarkable ministry and we count ourselves blessed to be part of it. The more you know about Rainbow and our ministry to San Andres, the better you’re going to feel about St. Andrew’s here in Omaha, and our commitment to others.
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MICHELLE P. reminds us: Patience Circle will be selling Butter Braids frozen bread loafs before and after all services, April 12th &13th and April 19th & 20th. The money raised will help with our mission work. The cost is $8.50 per loaf. You will be able to pick them up at the church on the night of April 30th, and before or after church services on May 3rd & 4th.
*
A reminder from Diane M.: This is the last week to order flowers for your garden from the United Methodist Women..orders must be in by Sunday the 20th. This project funds our $500 schlorship to one of our senior students..thanks for your support!!
PRAYER MATTERS
Prayers of Hope & Healing
Madison D., age 5 (great-grand daughter of Orv & Darlene S.) having tests.
Chris G. (sister of Sandi D.) battling cancer.
Dick P. (father of Diane W.) test.
Gene W. treatment for cancer.
Dick W., father of Pam M., tests.
Pam M., surgery on April 21.
Sandi J. and family, friends of Kathy K., cancer treatment.
Roland S., friend of Christine B., in ICU unit.
Mark & Kris B., newborn triplets in hospital.
Connie W.’s father.
Prayers of Celebration
Birth of Gabrielle Marie W., daughter of Stacy W. and granddaughter of Denise J.

Matthew 25:31-40
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
(To be continued)
*
BRD

AA

2008-04-12T07:25:00.002-05:00

THIS WEEKEND, April 12 & 13

Saturday, 5:00 (We’re back in the sanctuary)

Sunday, 8:30 & 10:00

Bruce preaching:

PANDEMONIUM: THE VON MAUR SERMON

Including the witness of five who were there

It’s a Pancake Sunday.

Some of our readers are able to access e-mail from remote locations. I have been concerned about Saints of Andrew on the business travel, or spring break, who may be caught up in the American Airlines fiasco. I’m sure you’re handling it better than I would. I recently read a fine novel by Robert Harris, The Ghost—as in ghostwriter. A curmudgeonly fellow of my temperament is at London’s Heathrow airport and complains:

Vast lines of passengers queued to be frisked and X-rayed, carrying their shoes in hone hand and their pathetic toiletries in a clear plastic bag in the other. Travel is sold as freedom, but we were about as free as lab rats. This is how they’ll manage the next holocaust, I thought, as I shuffled forward in my stockinged feet: they’ll simply issue us with air tickets and we’ll do whatever we’re told.

I would add this: On the chance you’re stuck in a place with a nice climate, I encourage you to relax and enjoy yourself. There was a smattering of snow here earlier; now it’s settled into a dull, gray, cold and rainy day.

The St. Andrew's Reckless Abandon Players present....SABBATH NIGHT LIVE 2008!

Sabbath Night Live is a dinner/theater production written, directed, acted, and produced by church members. The drama team performs a comedy of skits which offer a fun perspective on St. Andrew's happenings, and focuses on messages by sharing The Gospel of Jesus Christ. This will be the 7th annual performance, which has been Sold Out each year since 2004!

This years performances will be fantastic, and some of the skits will include:

The Blues Brothers featuring the St. Andrew's Blues Brothers Band and the Blues Sisters
Smarter than an Idol (spin-off of Smarter than a 5th grader)
Holy-wood (Movie quotes that help tell stories of the Bible)
Worship + 1 video (Members get lots of choices to get involved)
Special Performance by the St. Andrew's Pastors and Staff (see what really goes on inside the staff meetings!)
Special Transition skits with Greeters Gone Wild and Coffee Shop stories

Dates: Friday, May 2nd, and Saturday, May 3rd

Times: 6:00 Doors open

6:15 Buffet Dinner

7:00 Show

Dinner/Theater Prices: $18 per adult; $14 per child with adult meal; $11 per child with Kid's Meal….Childcare is available: $7 per child with a $13 max per family. $4 kids meals available per child…..Reserve your Tickets today. Purchase them during Saturday and Sunday Services in the Round Room, or by contacting the St. Andrew's Church office 431-8560.

Craig B. tells us about:

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR CASTING CROWNS!

Would you like to volunteer for one of the largest Christian Music shows to come to the Omaha area this year? I am helping to put on the Casting Crowns show at the Mid-America Center that is quickly coming up April, 27^th. We have reviewed the contract and spoken to Mid-America and have come up with a large list of volunteers that will be needed for the concert. Currently, we have openings for the following volunteer positions: Merchandizing (10 people), Security (3-6 people) and ushers (30 people). Please be aware before you volunteer that with some of the volunteer positions you most likely will not be able to watch the entire concert. If you may have an interest in one of these volunteer positions, please contact Craig. THANKS!!!

PRAYER MATTERS:

Christine B. asks: Can you put a prayer request for Randy S.? Randy helped coach an Upward Team and has been involved in the program now for 2 years. He had an 11-hour back surgery on Tuesday and is recovering. It was a success, but will be a long recovery.

DIANE B. writes: Please continue praying for three people in my life who need prayers right now. My Aunt Virginia continues to recover from her brain stem stroke in the Elkhorn nursing home. Lyle H., our long-time friend has melanoma, had surgery for the cancer in his back last week and his left leg is now dragging and he is in a wheelchair for now. My cousin, Dale F., Omaha firefighter/rescue squad paramedic who had the double lung transplant in Oct. in a Denver Hospital, came back to Omaha to recover, ended up with no white blood cells, went back to the Denver Hospital where he remains.

Luke 17:2, words of Jesus: It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble.

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BRD

Von Maur

2008-04-10T10:56:00.000-05:00

THIS WEEKEND, April 5 & 6

Saturday, 5:00 (We’re back in the sanctuary)

Sunday, 8:30 & 10:00

Bruce preaching:

PANDEMONIUM: THE VON MAUR SERMON

Including the witness of five who were there

I’ve been mulling over the issues we’ll be discussing this Sunday for months. It was important to me that I do justice to PANDEMONIUM: THE VON MAUR SERMON and I’m grateful for what the Lord’s given me. The Lord’s grace has extended to our music for this weekend; my heart was touched by what I heard at last night’s rehearsals. If you know of someone who was involved in any way, shape or form in the events of last December, I encourage you to invite them to our services.

From DIANE M.: This Sunday is Pancake Sunday at St. Andrews..we invite all of you to join us for a " late breakfast or an early lunch" of Pancakes, sausages and fresh fruit on Sunday morning! Hope Circle will be flipping for you! All of you Sat. night attenders are welcome to join us too!

PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS

This Sunday, April 6, 5:00-6:30

Designed for persons interested in membership at St. Andrew’s

Nancy & Bruce will be there, along with other members of the staff.

We will NOT be having a PWP in May, our next one is scheduled for June.

FROM THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT

This year, St. Andrew’s VBS is Power Lab! Registration is all online @ standrewsomaha.net. Look under the “Children” tab. The information for registration is at the bottom of the page. Sign up today-invite your friends. If you have any questions, contact Netta, Kris or Kathi. Also, don’t miss our first “The Big Ticket” movie night on Friday, April 18^th from 6:30-8:30. Come find out how even the smallest “ant” is part of God’s Big Plan. Make sure to register soon. The forms are located on the Children’s Ministry’s table located in the Rotundra.

Parents, we are still in need of helpers in the Sunday school classrooms for the Saturday 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. class times. This is a rotational schedule. We are also in need of a new group of teachers for the month of May. Volunteers are a very important asset to our Children’s Ministry here at St. Andrew’s. We truly believe that our Sunday school program really helps our children to experience Jesus on a level that is exciting and fun for them. Please help us continue this program and prayerfully consider volunteering your time and love for the children.

It’s time to give our fabulous teachers that have been teaching all year a break. Children’s Ministry is in need of a new group of teachers for our Summer Saturday and Sunday school classes which run June, July and August. This is a rotational schedule, please prayerfully consider volunteering your time and love for the children.

Gallup Membership Survey Report: Part 3 of 23

#3: In my church, I regularly have the opportunity to do what I do best.

Diana F., reporting

On a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree), St. Andrew’s had an average score of 3.88, compared to the Gallup Mean Score of 3.66.

There are many opportunities to do what you do best at St. Andrew’s. These are all listed in the Ministry and Spiritual Growth Opportunities booklet available at the Connection Point in the Rotunda. Maybe you have a new idea for a ministry. Let Diana know and she can help you make it happen. Not sure what you do best. Take the StrengthsFinder Seminar offered several times a year at St. Andrew’s and find out. Watch for details about the next Seminar.

PRAYER MATTERS:

Madison D., age 5 (great-grand daughter of Orv & Darlene S.): having tests.
Lyle H.(cousin of Diane B.): cancer surgery.
Chris G. (sister of Sandi D.): battling cancer.
Dick P. (father of Diane W.): tests.
Tommy M.: born with CMV virus.
Gene W.: treatment for cancer.
Gale H.: surgery April 15th.

Romans 14:8, We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of the dead and the living.

BRD

Rock Chalk

2008-04-08T09:29:00.002-05:00

THIS WEEKEND, April 5 & 6

Saturday, 5:00 (We’re back in the sanctuary)

Sunday, 8:30 & 10:00

Bruce preaching:

PANDEMONIUM: THE VON MAUR SERMON

I broke out my Jayhawks ball cap this morning, the one purchased at the campus bookstore when my youngest daughter, Laura, enrolled there as a freshman. What a game! The lasting memory will be the Chalmers 3-point shot at the end of regulation, but while the game has changed in many ways since I played it, this remains a constant: if you can’t hit free throws, it’s going to catch up with you.

Among the paradoxes of my personality is this: In my leadership role, I am not at all bashful about instigating change; while adjusting to the change can create considerable personal stress. I clearly underestimated what was going to be involved in moving the Saturday evening worship service to the Family Life Center. Happily, we learned a lot from the experience and I GUARANTEE YOU that when we next meet in there, on May 9, the look and feel will be very different. Then, in the first service on Sunday, I was rolling merrily along when I realized I had skipped over about four paragraphs of material—and it was pretty good material. I can’t remember getting lost like that since our second Sunday at St. Andrew’s—which, of course, was another time of change and stress. Happily, ten o’clock went off without a hitch, so I must be adjusting at some level. And I am DELIGHTED at the initial response to the new schedule. Even in the glitch-plagued service in the Family Life Center (and, to repeat, we will fix the glitches), there was a sweet-sweet spirit in the room and everyone was incredibly kind. I feel as if we’re in the birth pangs of creating something wonderful, and I appreciate every person who is being supportive, from our musicians, singers and tech team (God bless our tech team!); to the teachers and leaders in our children’s department; and each one of you who are supporting this big change through your gift of presence.

Frankly, if we were going to have a rough weekend (and it’s probably inevitable that we would), I count my blessings it happened when it did, as I had Madeline pictures to fall back on. I’ll want to have my wits about me this coming weekend, as I offer PANDEMONIUM: THE VON MAUR SERMON. This has been percolating since the events of last December and will include written “witnesses” from five of our members who were at the mall that terrible day.

It bears repeating that the reason I’m doing so much of the preaching these days is that NANCY is recuperating from hand surgery. Bless her heart, she went into the surgeon on Friday, hoping to have the cast removed. The cast was removed, all right, immediately replaced by a new one she’ll be wearing for three long weeks. This one is shocking pink.

MANDY B. introduces the newest members or our church family: Jessalyn and Rodney W. Jessalyn is a nurse at the med center and Rodney is in sales at Stereo West Auto Toys. They have two boys Sage-6 and Colin-4.

ALSO FROM MANDY: As many of you know, we have recently helped a refugee family from Burma by furnishing an apartment, clothing and food. The family has been here for a little less then 3 weeks and are starting to adjust to their new home! St. Andrew’s is continuing their connection with the Sein Chit family of 6 by sponsoring them through the Church World Service. What this means is our church family will help them learn the language and culture and help them become self-sufficient Americans. The family has had a delay with their social security cards and cannot get food stamps until they receive the cards. We will be providing food for them until they receive their cards, probably another week or so. There are many ways to help – you can send money for groceries or other items that may come up (maybe a week or two of bus passes for Sein Chit when he gets a job). We also need people to take them to the grocery store, help them learn how to ride the bus, possibly take them to a job interview, maybe take them to the zoo… The more we can spend time with them the faster they will learn the language and become self-sufficient! Please contact me if you would like more information!

MICHELLE P. tell us: Patience Circle will be selling Butter Braids frozen bread loafs before and after all services, April 12th &13th and April 19th & 20th. The money raised will help with our mission work. The cost is $8.50 per loaf. You will be able to pick them up at the church on the night of April 30th, and before or after church services on May 3rd & 4th.

From BOB D.: We need youth who can provide childcare on May 2nd and or 3rd during the Sabbath Night Live performance here at the church. They are offering $15 per night per person, but I think it would be nice if the youth just did it to help out the church. The time commitment would be 5:45pm to 9pm. Youth need to be at least 13 years old in order to baby-sit. Please e-mail Bob to sign up .

From CHANTELLE H.: Are you retired? If so, St. Andrew’s CEC is looking for you. We are looking for a “grandmother” to come and work in our Infant Room. Hours are flexible, both Full and Part Time. Please call the CEC office at 431-8609 for more information.

April 19 & 20

Saturday evening, 5:00

The Rainbow Network CELEBRATION OF MIRACLES TOUR

comes to St. Andrew’s.

Bruce preaching: THE ANGEL OF LOS FIEROS

Reception following

Sunday morning, 8:30 & 10:00

CONFIRMATION DAY

Nancy preaching: YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

Luke 13:1-5

At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.He asked them, “Go you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. “Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish, just as they did.”

BRD

The Royals

2008-04-04T18:23:00.002-05:00

THIS WEEKEND, April 5 & 6

Saturday, 5:00 (Family Life Center, due to a wedding in sanctuary)

Sunday, 8:30 & 10:00

Bruce preaching:

SOLID FOOD

And in weeks to come…

April 12 & 13

Bruce preaching: PANDEMONIUM: The Von Maur Sermon

April 19 & 20

Saturday evening, 5:00

The Rainbow Network CELEBRATION OF MIRACLES TOUR

comes to St. Andrew’s.

Bruce preaching: THE ANGEL OF LOS FIEROS

Reception at 6:00

Sunday morning, 8:30 & 10:00

CONFIRMATION DAY

Nancy preaching: YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

April 26 & 27

Bruce: METHODIST PIE 2008: CONFERENCES IN JERUSALEM & FORT WORTH

This is going to be a big weekend around St. Andrew’s. Nancy hopes to get the cast removed this morning, replaced by less-clumsy splint. This evening and tomorrow, she’ll be leading a Lay Speakers training class at the church. Matt J. and Sarah W. are getting married in the sanctuary tomorrow (Saturday) at 4:00. At 5:00, we worship in the Family Life Center. To repeat, the congregation met in there for ten years before the new sanctuary was built, so we can surely manage on these Saturday evenings when there are weddings in the sanctuary. We’re going to try to spruce the space up some, and I’m actually looking forward to the experience. The Saturday Night band, THE AX OF THE APOSTLES, will be with us on Sunday morning, as well, offering a song called Grace Like Rain. I think you’ll like the taste of SOLID FOOD, our sermon entrée for the weekend. It has been lovingly prepared by my own hands.

The Kansas City Royals are off to an impressive start! Sweeping the Tigers in Detroit is no small achievement. It would be great the see the team just down I-29 put together a competitive season, particularly with the NU grad, Alex Gordon, in the middle of the lineup. I predict the St. Louis Cardinals are going to surprise the baseball world by winning the Central Division, then beating the Mets in the NL Championship game, and taking the Tigers to Game 7 in the World Series, emerging triumphant, the winning run driven in by Rick Ankiel. Remember, come October, you heard it first, right here in St. A-Mail.

BOB D. writes: Dear Parents, Please share this info with your youth grades 6-12.. We have an awesome service activity on Saturday April 26 8:30am to 3:30pm! The activity is called Global Youth Service Day. We will be working on various garden plots located around the metro-Omaha area. These garden plots help provide fresh produce to different communities that they otherwise would not be able to afford. I often think about the kids and think that these garden plots can help provide healthy vegetables for them which are so important in regards to their nutritional needs. The Registration fee is $15 per youth this includes lunch and a commemorative t-shirt. The deadline for Registration is Thursday April 10. Please encourage your youth to be a part of this activity…….I was a part of this activity last year and I really enjoyed it and the kids did too. E-mail me to sign up and make your checks out to St. Andrew's UMC.

Parents please check out the St. Andrew’s website for upcoming youth activities for April and review with your youth even your older youth. Just go to www.standrewsomaha.net website click on the “Youth” button and then click on “Link to Youth Calendar”. Any questions just give me a call or e-mail me.

The St. Andrew's Reckless Abandon Players present....SABBATH NIGHT LIVE 2008!

This years performances will be fantastic, and some of the skits will include:

The Blues Brothers featuring the St. Andrew's Blues Brothers Band and the Blues Sisters
Smarter than an Idol (spin-off of Smarter than a 5th grader)
Holy-wood (Movie quotes that help tell stories of the Bible)
Worship + 1 video (Members get lots of choices to get involved)
Special Performance by the St. Andrew's Pastors and Staff (see what really goes on inside the staff meetings!)
Special Transition skits with Greeters Gone Wild and Coffee Shop stories

Dates: Friday, May 2nd, and Saturday, May 3rd

Times: 6:00 Doors open

6:15 Buffet Dinner

7:00 Show

1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

*
BRD

Memphis

2008-04-03T08:19:00.002-05:00

THIS WEEKEND AT ST. ANDREW’S

April 5 & 6

Saturday, 5:00 (Family Life Center)

Sunday, 8:30 & 10:00

Bruce preaching: SOLID FOOD

April 12 & 13

Bruce preaching yet again:

Pandemonium: The Von Maur Sermon

It’s been a part of most conversation I’ve had this week: “Well, of course, it’s Spring Break, so we won’t be here this weekend,” Is EVERYBODY going to Fort Lauderdale? Surely not! We have what I think will be a heart-warming weekend of worship planned for each of our three services, and we will particularly appreciate your presence and any who you bring with you.

One of my favorite American cities is Memphis, Tennessee. Of course, everyone knows about Graceland, a monument to Elvis and bad taste. Sun Studios and Beale Street are other must-sees. But to my mind the most poignant place in Memphis—indeed, one of the most poignant places in the USA--is the Lorraine Motel, situated a couple of miles south of downtown. As lodging goes, the Lorraine a full flight of stairs down from Memphis’ ornate Peabody Hotel, but in 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. and other persons of color couldn’t stay in the Peabody. The Lorraine, roughly comparable to a vintage Holiday Inn, was the best accommodation available for a black traveler in segregated Memphis. 40 years ago this week, Dr. King was assassinated coming out of his room on the second floor of the Lorraine Motel.

You would have had to be alive in 1968 to appreciate the chaos of that year: assassinations, riots, violence at the political conventions, all played out in the shadow of the deepening nightmare that was Vietnam. I’ll be doing a sermon later this year, simply titled 1968. It was a heck of a time to come of age in America, that’s for sure. .

Gallup Membership Survey Report: Part 2 of 23

IN MY CHURCH MY MEMBERSHIP NEEDS ARE MET

On a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree), St. Andrew’s had an average score of 4.08, which ranks favorably to the Gallup Mean Score of 3.83.

Bringing us to something already in the works for this fall. We’re hoping to put together a series of listening sessions to talk about ME #2. What ARE the spiritual needs of our Saints of Andrew? What are we not doing that we could be doing to meet these needs? This is an area of particular interest and concern to your pastors, staff and others in congregational leadership. If we’re meeting your spiritual needs, a lot of other things are going to fall into place..

From BOB D.: We need kids who are at least 13 years old to help provide child care for Sabbath Night Live on May 2 and 3. I need at least 5 kids to help each night. Please e-mail me if your youth can help out. Thanks!

Dear Parents, Please share this info. with your youth, grades 6th -12th. I am trying to get a group of youth together to join me at the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs Sunday April 27 for the Casting Crowns concert. This is an awesome Christian Band with an awesome message. Tickets will be around $23 to $28. I will need some help with transportation and chaperoning. Please let me know by Wednesday April 9 if you want to go. We would meet at the church at 4:30pm. The concert starts at 6pm.

From CINDY S.: The Prayer Shawl Ministry would like to invite you to let them know of anyone who would benefit from receiving a shawl. Please call Nancy D. with the name of someone you would like to have a shawl delivered to. The group would also like to thank those who continue to donate yarn! It truly is a wonderful way to be involved in this ministry!

PRAYER MATTERS

Madison D., age 5 (great-grand daughter of Orv & Darlene S.: undergoing tests.
Lyle H. (cousin of Diane B.): cancer surgery.
Chris G. (sister of Sandi D.): battling cancer.
Larry P. (brother of Bruce P.): having open heart surgery.
Dick P. (father of Diane W.).
Brooke W. (daughter of Jeff & Judy W.): tonsils removed.
Tommy M. son of Sally & Tom M.: born with CMV virus
Gene W.
Ann P.: grandmother of Pam F., going into assisted living.
Renae & Steve G. at the passing of Renae’s father.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26, “For I received from the Lord what I handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said: ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

*
BRD

SABBATH NIGHT LIVE

2008-04-01T14:49:00.001-05:00

The St. Andrew's Reckless Abandon Players present....SABBATH NIGHT LIVE 2008!

This years performances will be fantastic, and some of the skits will include:

The Blues Brothers featuring the St. Andrew's Blues Brothers Band and the Blues Sisters
Smarter than an Idol (spin-off of Smarter than a 5th grader)
Holy-wood (Movie quotes that help tell stories of the Bible)
Worship + 1 video (Members get lots of choices to get involved)
Special Performance by the St. Andrew's Pastors and Staff (see what really goes on inside the staff meetings!)
Special Transition skits with Greeters Gone Wild and Coffee Shop stories

Dates: Friday, May 2nd, and Saturday, May 3rd

Times: 6:00 Doors open

6:15 Buffet Dinner

7:00 Show

Dinner/Theater Prices: $18 per adult; $14 per child with adult meal; $11 per child with Kid's Meal

Childcare is available: $7 per child with a $13 max per family. $4 kids meals available per child.

Reserve your Tickets today. Purchase them during Saturday and Sunday Services in the Round Room, or by contacting the St. Andrew's Church office 431-8560.

Reporting

2008-03-31T13:36:00.001-05:00

From Mandy B.: Our newest members of St. Andrews are: RICH and JOHANNA L., owners of Metro Glass, and their three children; EMILY-15, DAVID-13, and MAGGIE-10.

THIS WEEKEND AT ST. ANDREW’S

April 5 & 6

Saturday, 5:00 (Family Life Center)

Sunday, 8:30 & 10:00

Bruce preaching: SOLID FOOD

The new worship schedule is off to a rousing start! Here are some numbers from the weekend.

We were all taken back by the turnout for our inaugural Saturday evening service. The sanctuary count was 349—exceeding our most optimistic projection. That said, we were ready and prepared, and the evening went off wonderfully.
The 8:30 count was 106, somewhat less than I was hoping for. The service itself was excellent and I highly commend 8:30 as a worship option.
The 10:00 sanctuary count was 415, add another 43 youth in the Family Life Center.
The most interesting number of all, perhaps, is from the Children’s Department. Our Saturday evening Children’s count was 94. The total count for the weekend was 246. That compares to an EASTER Children’s count of 177. Mandy B. has been telling us that Saturday evening would be a very attractive option for families with young children and the first returns would seem to indicate she was right on target.
While some of the Saturday turnout was surely curiosity-driven, we seem to be on to something with this service. Netta reports that when parents were coming to pick up their kiddies afterwards, there was a very positive vibe. I couldn’t be more excited.

This Saturday, and on occasional Saturday evenings from now through the summer, the 5:00 service will be held in the Family Life Center, as the sanctuary is committed to weddings. The congregation spent ten years worshiping in the Family Life Center, so it’s set up for sound, video, etc. This helps explain a recurring dream I’d been having. (I assure you I am not making this up.) In the dream, there were two major league ballparks, just blocks from each other. The home team played some games in the new stadium, and others on the older field. It’s been months now since I had that dream—in fact, I don’t think I’ve had the dream since we decided to commit to the new worship schedule. I have decided the dream was a sign that was okay to switch the Saturday evening service back and forth from the new sanctuary to the former worship space, as necessary. In fact, I’ve taken the dream as assurance that we’re on the right track with the entire restructuring of the worship schedule. . .

In our most recent communication, I made particular mention of the Children’s and Music Departments as critical to the success of our new venture. I should have mentioned also the custodial department. The amount of activity in this building, seven days a week, is astonishing. I am amazed at how Clark Sanders and his team keeps up with it, including some very short turnarounds, as a given space is transformed from the needs of one activity to the next. This is a great problem to have, of course, but it means we need to have the longest possible lead times in scheduling, with lots of patience and understanding when a given space isn’t available. We do our very best to move things around and to be as accommodating as possible. And we always appreciate it when groups can do some cleaning up after themselves. That helps a lot.

FROM NETTA P.:

Saturday Evening Services/Church School:

We are opening up another classroom for the Pre-Kindergarteners on Saturday night. We were blessed with large numbers in this age level! We will need 2 teachers and 2 helpers to make this happen. You can rotate every other month, giving you an opportunity to worship as well. OR, if you already attend a Sunday Service, prayerfully consider teaching at the 5:00 hour on Saturday.

We are also in need of more helpers in the nursery. Again, you can rotate your schedules.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!! Netta

Children’s Ministries Presents: THE BIG TICKET

There is not a BIG TICKET event this Friday, April 4. It was on the bulletin by mistake. The first BIG TICKET event is April 18.

Get closer to God!
Watch a Movie!
Eat popcorn and snacks!
Play games!
Meet new friends!

Come to our showing of “A Bug’s Life”, Friday, April 18^th from 6:30-8:15.

If your child is 5 years old or under, an adult must accompany them.

From DIANE M.: The United Methodist Women’s group is taking orders for bedding plants for your flower garden! Look for our display in the rotunda. The profits from the sale will fund our $500 youth scholarship. Orders must be in by April 21^st. Call Diane if you have questions.

I Corinthians 3:1-3

And so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, for you are still of the flesh. For as long as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving according to human inclinations?

BRD

Ready To Go

2008-03-28T11:58:00.002-05:00

THIS WEEKEND AT ST. ANDREW’S

March 29 & 30

NEW WORSHIP LAUNCH

Saturday, 5:00

Sunday, 8:30 & 10:00

Bruce preaching: ATONEMENT:

Why Jesus Jumped into the Volcano

We’ve been aiming toward this weekend for months now, dating back to the survey process of last autumn, when we heard strong interest in a Saturday evening service. I think we’re as ready as we can be. The Saturday evening music component has shaped up very nicely; I am excited about the debut of The Ax Of The Apostles. The core lineup at this point is Leon A. on keyboard, Tyler S. and Liam T. on guitar, Bill & Gene W. on drums, Steve G. on bass, with a vocal section of Craig B., Pam F., Lynne J., Trevor J., Patrick P. and Daryl R. Not all the above will be there every week, and we’ll plug others in as we go, but the group has a tight sound and this is going to be a lot of fun. The St. Andrew’s Singers, Praise Band and Horns Of Jericho will grace the Sunday morning services.

In the wake of an amazing Easter Sunday, I found myself thinking a lot about how far our music ministry has come the past couple of years. The program took a big hit in transition issues of 2005, but we’ve built the ministry back up into one of the congregation’s strongest strengths. The leadership team of Leon A., Pam F. and Adam W. are to be mega-congratulated, along with each and every volunteer. With the new services, we need more and more people plugging in. The St. Andrew’s Singers practice on Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:00. Just show up and introduce yourself. The Ax Of The Apostles practice in the 6:00-7:00 slot. Talk with Leon or Pam and they’ll steer you in the right direction.

The Music and Children’s Ministries are the key departments in making the new schedule work. Netta Pollock and her team have done a wonderful job in getting ready for this big adventure. We’ll have fully-staff Sunday Schools in all three hours of our weekend worship schedule. I just stood up from my desk and applauded the Children’s Ministry team in absentia.

NEXT WEEKEND

April 5 & 6

Bruce preaching (see next paragraph)

SOLID FOOD

Nancy’s wrist surgery was a little more daunting than she originally anticipated, at least as far as recovery. She’ll be in a cast through next Friday, and then in a splint for a while. That means she won’t be able to work a keyboard for a while, while will put a crimp in endeavors such as e-mails and working on sermon manuscripts. I’ll be doing the preaching for the next several Sundays.

Regarding yesterday’s KICKS FOR A CURE (April 18/19) article from John Luddy, BRENDA B. writes: The Millard North Girls Varsity Soccer Team ranked #l, thus far, will be participating. Two St. Andrew’s youth, as far as I know, are on that team..Jada R. and Megan B. The Kicks For a Cure event is not only supporting a great cause, but fun, too.

RONDI M. asks: Would you please ask for prayers for baby Tommy M. son of Sally and Todd M. who was born on Easter Sunday with the CMV virus and is in critical condition in the NICU unit at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

Mark 16:14-15, “Later Jesus appeared to the eleven themselves as they were sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “God into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.”

*
Finally, Saturday is going to be weird for me, personally. I’m not talking about the service itself, but rather the pacing of the hours beforehand, reminding myself that I need to go to church and lead a worship service. I am a creature of habit, an old horse trying to learn a new trick, so if I seem a little befuddled on Saturday evening, just say a short prayer, Help him, Lord. Happily, I seem to have a pretty quick learning curve. We’ll appreciate your prayers as we going into the weekend.

BRD

The Times They Are A Changing

2008-03-27T13:16:00.002-05:00

THIS WEEKEND AT ST. ANDREW’S

NEW WORSHIP LAUNCH

Saturday, 5:00

Sunday, 8:30 & 10:00

Bruce preaching: ATONEMENT:

Why Jesus Jumped into the Volcano

Children’s Sunday School will be offered concurrent with all three services.

Saturday evening is designed as very informal, “come as you are.”

The Youth Hour is Sunday at 10:00.

From NETTA P.: Welcome to the new services! As a reminder, children at all service times can attend Bible Studies in their classrooms. Teachers will be waiting your arrival 10 minutes prior to start time. To eliminate any confusion, here is the list again:

Saturday 5:00 p.m.

Infant/Crawler Nursery, Lower Level 3

Heather Romine-Furr/_______________

Pre-School-PreKind, Lower Level 5

Teacher: Gwen W.

Helpers: Marilyn C., Deb H.

Kindergarten-1st Grade, Lower Level 1

Teachers: Angie W./Ellen T.

Helpers: Morgan/Sydney T.

2nd-3rd Grades, Lower Level 2

Teachers: Gail W./Sheryl O.

Helpers: Chris W./Kim W.

4th/5th GRAPPLE, Lower Level 4

Teachers: Michele A.

Sunday 8:30 a.m.

Infant/Crawler Nursery, Lower Level 3

Heather R.

Pre-School-PreKind, Lower Level 5

Teachers: Pam H.

Kindergarten-1st Grade, Lower Level 1

Teachers: Lori P.

Helpers: Ken/Steve P.

2nd-3rd Grades, Lower Level 2

Teachers: Kathy J.

Helpers: Sarah J.

4th/5th GRAPPLE, Lower Level 4

Teacher: Bob R.

Helpers: Susan W.

SUNDAY, 10:00 a.m.

Infant/Crawler Nursery, Rooms: 110-111

Gina J./Heather F./Melissa N./Chelsea
W.

Pre-School A (Born 10/16/04-10/15/05), Room: 112

Teachers: Anne J./Hillary C.

Helpers: ___________/___________

Pre-School B (Born 10/16/03-10/15/04), Room: 113

Teachers: Bailey H./Caitlin W.

Helpers: Julie H./Chris S.

Pre-Kindergarten, Room: 120-121

Teachers: Pam T./Carol M.

Helpers: Vicki J./Mark M./______________

Kindergarten, Lower Level 5

Teachers: Sheila C./Karen C.

Helpers: Lindsey B./Betty M.

1st Grade, Lower Level 1

Teachers: Tracy L.

Helpers: Kim P./Stacey F.

2nd Grade, Lower Level 2

Teachers: Lawrence F./Anne Marie T.

Helpers: Brittany N./Lynn M.

3rd Grade, Lower Level 3

Teachers: John & Kathy L./Nancy & Katherine T.

Helpers: Joeni P.

4th/5th GRAPPLE, Lower Level 4

Teachers: Janelle B./Jeff & Deb H.

Helpers: Karen H./Jennifer W.

Nancy came through her surgery just fine. She’ll have her arm in a sling for the next ten days. Tracy & Sarah S. came by last night, representing our Breaking Bread Ministry, bringing us some terrific tortellini soup among other dinner accompaniments. I think BB is feeding us again tonight! What a wonderful ministry.

JOYCE M. writes: The St. Andrews Handbell Ringers wish to thank everyone who, during the year, have told us how much they enjoy our music the first Sunday of each month. We have had a wonderful year ringing over eight times since September with April and May still to come. The choir is also ringing for our first wedding in April so that is very exciting. We plan to continue rehearsals this summer and offer music at the summer services. If you are thinking of joining the handbell choir, this would be a great time to start. We will be losing two ringers due to high school graduation so do have some open positions. Come join us this June!

WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE TICKET AVAILABLE

Due to a change in plans, one ticket to the Women of Faith Conference has become available. The Conference is Friday, March 28^th - 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 29 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Diana if you are interested.

JOHN L. tells us about:

Kicks for a Cure 2008 – April 18, 19 – www.kicksforacure.org

The primary purpose of the weekend is to raise awareness for women’s cancer education and prevention. It is also an opportunity to generate a broader interest in women’s collegiate athletics, and to showcase Omaha as a compassionate, vibrant community where health care, education, commerce and recreation intertwine. The event was envisioned in 2004 by Dave Karnes and Steve and Amy Lindsay. 2006 marked the first year of the event and in just two short years more than $250,000 has been raised benefiting cancer research. Funds are raised through sponsorships, in-kind donations, and sale of banquet and game tickets to the general public. Grants totaling $242,000 have been awarded by Kicks for a Cure, A Benefit for Liz’s Legacy, to fund cancer research initiatives at UNMC Eppley Cancer Center and Creighton University Hereditary Cancer Center. The research targets cancers affecting women, but is more global in its impact. Additionally, a $5,000 grant was awarded in 2007 to Creighton Women’s Soccer for an endowed scholarship. Check out the website for details, game schedule and a printable coupon. Hope to see you on April 19th to support a great cause.

PRAYER MATTERS:

Prayers of Healing

Steve J. (friend of Becky L.) surgery for cancer.
Madison D., age 5 (great-grand daughter of Orv & Darlene S.) having tests.
Dale F. (cousin of Diane B.) health issues from double lung transplant.
Ginnie (friend of Sheila C.) test.
Chris G. (sister of Sandi D.) battling cancer.
Donna B. (friend of Shirley C.) cancer surgery.
Larry P. (brother of Bruce P.) having open heart surgery.

Prayer of Celebration

· Birth of Isaac, son of Jason & Deb H.

Romans 5:6-9. For while were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteousness person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will be saved through him from the wrath of God.

BRD

ME25, NoGo, New Worship Schedule

2008-03-26T07:55:00.001-05:00

THIS WEEKEND AT ST. ANDREW’S

NEW WORSHIP LAUNCH

Saturday, 5:00

Sunday, 8:30 & 10:00

Bruce preaching: ATONEMENT:

Why Jesus Jumped into the Volcano

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW SCHEDULE

Children’s Sunday School will be offered concurrent with all three services.

Saturday evening is designed as very informal, “come as you are.”

The Youth Hour is Sunday at 10:00.

My first attempt at using the new logo as a banner to these mailings was a no-go. We’ll figure out what went wrong and try again.

Let me warn you that I’ll probably wind up giving away the ending to ATONEMENT this Sunday—referring to the movie/book. It is out on rental, now, so you can see it over the weekend, I suppose.

I grew up knowing basketball as a game of shooting, finesse and fundamentals. I have been dismayed to watch it devolve into huge people driving to the hoop, resulting in either a dunk or a foul. What a joy then to see this Curry kid from Davidson, a throwback to the pure shooter.

In conjunction with the Luis Palau Festival, St. Andrew’s has participated in the Gallup Organization Membership Engagement Survey, taking the survey three times in the space of six months. A couple of weeks ago, then, Mandy Barkhaus, Diana Faust, Mark Roberts and I attended a seminar at the Gallup campus to review the results and begin making plans for building on what we learned. Those plans include formation of an Engagement Team and a series of listening sessions this fall.

Today marks the first of a 23-week series on results of the survey—one week for each of the 23 Member Engagement Items. We begin at the beginning, #1: AS A MEMBER OF MY CHURCH, I KNOW WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME. St. Andrew’s ranked pretty well on this. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing STRONGLY AGREE and 1 = STRONGLY DISAGREE, we were at a cumulative 4.19. To give you a sense of where that puts us, relative to other congregations, the median Gallup score is 3.92, which, it was explained to us, puts St. Andrew’s significantly above the average..

So what exactly IS expected of members at St. Andrew’s? Four things:

1) We expect your PRAYERS. We expect you to pray for the congregation, the other members of the fellowship and our various ministries. As a means of encouragement, we ask members to sign our MOPED (Minute Of Prayer Every Day) register, which can be found at the entrance to the sanctuary. A minute of prayer for the congregation may not sound like much, but it’s more than a lot of Methodists are praying, and put enough minutes together and it adds up!

2) We expect your PRESENCE. We aren’t interested in more names on the membership register. At St. Andrew’s, we expect our members to participate in the whole life of the congregation, making attendance at worship a priority. We are painfully aware that we are living in fast times, with many demands on our member families. This is a driving factor in our decision to add a Saturday evening come-as-you-are service. Your presence is a great joy and we want to make worship as accessible to as possible to as many as possible.

3) We expect your GIFTS. Christians give, not because the church needs to receive, but because the believer NEEDS to give offerings to the Lord. In turn, St. Andrew’s promises to be excellent stewards of what we receive, delivering maximum bang for the ministry buck.

4) We expect your SERVICE. Here’s the equation: Worship + 1. We expect you to worship with us and find one other place to plug in. There are many and various ways to live this out at St. Andrew’s. If you’re looking for a place of service, stop by CONNECTION POINT in the Rotunda.

Upcoming YOUTH events:

March 29 Middle school ice skating at Tim Moylan Tranquility Ice Plex 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
March 30 Parent Advisory meeting in the youth room 11am to 11:45am.
March 30 Senior high bowling, laser tag, go-karting, arcade games at Thunder Ally 4:30pm to 7pm
March 30 Service project (helping clean the Children’s Museum for kids with poor immune systems) 5:30pm to ?
Remember no youth group at the church this Sunday March 30^th

Please e-mail Bob no later than Wednesday March 26 to sign up. (Please drop off and pick up your youth off at the ice rink for MYF or at Thunder Ally for SYF) YOUTH ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING THEIR FRIENDS!

PRAYER MATTERS:

I know Nancy will appreciate your prayers as she goes in for what should be minor hand surgery, tomorrow, and I’ll appreciate your prayers as I endeavor to play Nurse Bruce in what we trust will be a very speedy recovery
Sandi D. has asked that we pray for her sister, CHRIS G., who is battling cancer.
We celebrate the birth of ISAAC H., son of Jason and Deb.

Romans 3:21-26

But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and it is attested to by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he has passed over sins previously committed; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Christ.

BRD

5:00, 8:30 & 10:00

2008-03-24T20:04:00.002-05:00

THIS WEEKEND AT ST. ANDREW’S

We launch our new worship schedule

Saturday, 5:00

Sunday, 8:30 & 10:00

Bruce preaching: ATONEMENT

Why Jesus Jumped into the Volcano

EASTER SUNDAY was everything we could have hoped for--a truly transcendent morning of Christian fellowship! The music was nothing short of superb and I congratulate Leon, Pam, Joyce Miller and the entire team. Craig, Lisa and Heather got us off to a rousing start; from East To West through Pam’s The Rose and our AMEN, every note communicated the quality of the gospel of Jesus Christ that we are trying to share here at St. Andrew’s. I was delighted and impressed that the choir stayed with us through the entirety of all three services. I also want to thank the Drama Team for their moving presentation of The Living Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, and our Disciple 1 readers for their service on Good Friday. I wish I could communicate how privileged I feel to be able to lead worship at St. Andrew’s—working in this marvelous sanctuary, with you wonderful people, in praise of our great, great God! Wow.

NANCY DAVIS writes: In all the excitement of Easter morning at St. Andrews, we hope you looked upward in the Rotunda to see the beautiful Easter banners made for us by Richard H., Janelle B., and Craig S. They are so inspirational and add so much to the sanctuary entrance area. If you missed them, be sure to look heavenward this week and see them.

Also from Nancy: All United Methodist Church members in the Missouri River District are invited to attend a District Conference with Bishop Sherer on April 6 at Plattsmouth UMC, from 3:00-4:30 P.M…..The MUSIC MAKERS CHILDREN’S CHOIR (age 4 and preschool) will not meet this Wednesday.

NANCY is scheduled for some surgery on Wednesday morning. She’s been diagnosed with basal joint arthritis, and the surgery is intended to replace cartilage in three joints in her left thumb.

From MANDY B.: Our newest member is MARY D. Mary is a Library Technician at UNMC library. She is married to Dan and has a daughter Ashley, 7.

NETTA P. writes: THANKS, MARGIE! Children’s Ministries celebrates the ministry of Margie Wulfkuhle and thanks her for her talented presence and hard work with our team. She is going to be home with her daughter and will be able to travel with her husband, Ron. We will truly miss her, but she assures us that she will be back in a volunteer capacity! This provides us with a new opportunity and we were fortunate to hire KRIS S. Kris is no stranger to St. Andrew’s; she has given many hours of her time and talents to the Children’s Ministry as a volunteer. We welcome Kris and the blessing she will spread to the Children of St. Andrew’s.

From DIANA F.:

NEW STUDY OF THE PSALMS

Join this study group on Wednesday evenings from 6 – 7 p.m. beginning March 26^th. Explore how Psalms records the experiences of God’s people, who try to make sense of who God is—in relation to who they are. This study offers greater understanding of how the Psalms’ moving testimonies of grace, glory, sorrow, and beauty can still speak to us today. Please contact Diana.

Ephesians 2: 11-22, the words of the apostle Paul, a Jew, writing to the church in Ephesus:

So then, remember, that at one time you Gentiles by birth (in the Bible, called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision”—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands—remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For his is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

BRD

EASTER SUNDAY!

2008-03-22T10:09:00.002-05:00

EASTER SUNDAY AT ST. ANDREW'S

8:00, 9:15 & 10:45

Pre-Service Music
EAST TO WEST, Craig B., Lisa O., Heather D.
Opening Prayer Welcome
Ministry Minute: Burmese Refugee Family
*Greeting One Another
*Hymn of Resurrection: CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY!
*The Easter Prayer
*The Lord’s Prayer
*Song of Praise: ABOVE ALL
Reception Of New Members (10:45)
Offertory: HALLELUJAH!
The St. Andrew’s Singers
*Doxology: Give Thanks
*Proclamation Of The Resurrection, John 20:1-18
The Preaching: JESUS ROSE
Bruce & Nancy Davis
THE ROSE, Pam Fleury
*Benediction
*Amen

We will be honored to share Resurrection Morning with you and any you bring with you.
God bless, BRD

Maundy Thursday

2008-03-20T21:19:00.002-05:00

Greetings from Panera’s! I’m having a great morning. Praise the Lord.

I knew, yesterday, the end of the Easter sermon wasn’t what I wanted. I brooded about it last night, prayed about it, and this morning the Lord gave it to me. I need to warn you: it includes me singing a little, but maybe I can talk Heather, Steve and others to helping with that part.

Anyway, I’m ready for Easter now. I’ll be excited to see what the Drama Team has to offer us tonight at 7:00. Tomorrow at noon, Good Friday, members of our Disciple 1 classes will be reading Matthew’s narrative, from the Garden of Gethsemane through Jesus dying breath. I’ve put together a video component to illustrate the readings.

The three Easter Sunday services—8:00, 9:15 & 10:45--will be identical. We start with Craig B., Lisa O. and Heather D. singing a song recorded by Casting Crowns: EAST TO WEST. The band, choir, bells and others will lead our opening hymn, CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY! Pam F. closes the service with THE ROSE. Roses will be a theme throughout the morning, including the Bruce and Nancy sermon: JESUS ROSE. We’ll be reading from the Old Testament book Song of Solomon, also known as Song of Songs, imaging Jesus as The Rose Of Sharon.

Easter Sunday morning, we’ll also be reading from John’s account of the resurrection. Mary Magdalene runs to tell the guys that she has seen the Lord risen from the dead. In turn, I ask you to tell someone about Easter Sunday at St. Andrew’s, inviting them to experience worship with us.

THE WEEKEND AFTER EASTER, March 29 & 30, we move to our new worship schedule, Saturday evenings at 5:00; Sunday mornings at 8:30 & 10:00. Church School will be offered in all three hours, and what follows is an important communication from Children’s Director NETTA P.:

Saturday/Sunday School: Parents, please take time to decide which service your children will be attending Saturday/Sunday School. Check out the Room locations below, as well as teachers. I would encourage you to have a discussion with your child/children prior to attending services on March 29/30 about possible teacher changes, room changes, etc. It will be much easier on your child, and in return, easier for you to make your transition into the service. Thanks! Netta

Saturday 5:00 p.m.

Infant/Crawler Nursery Lower Level 3

Heather R./_______________

Pre-School-PreKind. Lower Level 5

Teacher: Gwen W.

Helpers: Marilyn C., Deb H.

Kindergarten-1st Grade Lower Level 1

Teachers: Angie W./Ellen T.

Helpers: Morgan/Sydney T.

2nd-3rd Grades Lower Level 2

Teachers: Gail W./Sheryl O.

Helpers: Chris W./Kim W.

4th/5th GRAPPLE Lower Level 4

Teachers: Michele A.

Sunday 8:30 a.m.

Infant/Crawler Nursery Lower Level 3

Heather R.

Pre-School-PreKind. Lower Level 5

Teachers: Pam H.

Kindergarten-1st Grade Lower Level 1

Teachers: Lori P.

Helpers: Ken/Steve P.

2nd-3rd Grades Lower Level 2

Teachers: Kathy J.

4th/5th GRAPPLE Lower Level 4

Teacher: Bob R.

Helpers: Susan W.

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.

Infant/Crawler Nursery Rooms: 110-111

Gina J./Heather F./Melissa N./Chelsea W.

Pre-School A (Born 10/6/04-10/15/05) Room: 112

Teachers: Anne J./Hillary C.

Helpers: ___________/___________

Pre-School B (Born 10/16/03-10/15/04) Room: 113

Teachers: Bailey H./Caitlin W.

Helpers: Julie H./Chris S.

Pre-Kindergarten Room: 120-121

Teachers: Pam T./Carol M.

Helpers: Vicki J./Mark M./______________

Kindergarten Lower Level 5

Teachers: Sheila C./Karen C.

Helpers: Lindsey B./Betty M.

1st Grade Lower Level 1

Teachers: Tracy L.

Helpers: Kim P./Stacey F.

2nd Grade Lower Level 2

Teachers: Lawrence F./Anne Marie T.

Helpers: Brittany N./Lynn M.

3rd Grade Lower Level 3

Teachers: John & Kathy L./Nancy & Katherine T.

Helpers: Joeni P.

4th/5th GRAPPLE Lower Level 4

Janelle B./Jeff & Deb H.

Helpers: Karen H./Jennifer W.

From DIANA F.:

NEW STUDY OF THE PSALMS

Prayer Note: KEN S. is scheduled for outpatient surgery today.

BRD

Holy Tuesday and Hoops

2008-03-18T13:23:00.001-05:00

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, March 18 is our DAY OF PRAYER FOR SAN ANDRES.

MAUNDY THURSDAY, March 20, 7:00,

The Reckless Abandon Players present:
THE LIVING LAST SUPPER

Adrian A. writes: The Reckless Abandon Players made their annual Palm Sunday drive to Defiance, IA, where they performed The Living Last Supper at the Defiance United Methodist Church. The performance went flawlessly, and the membership truly appreciated performace. Afterwards, they offered a fellowship pot-luck meal, and it was great to share in the company of friends and wonderful food. This is the 4th year that the drama team has performed on Palm Sunday in Defiance. They collected a free-will offering that was given to the drama team and in partnership with the Defiance congregation, we have decided to sponsor a student in Nicaragua through Rainbow Networks for one year of high school. A special thanks to Dan T. for Directing the performance, all the actors, costume designers, and technical team for sharing of their talents and time. We hope to see you Maundy Thursday.

Likewise, GREG T. tells us: I was returning from Defiance, Iowa on Palm Sunday along with the other members of the Reckless Abandon Players (drama team). We had just completed the Living Last Supper performance at their small United Methodist Church. The church had maybe 40 people in attendance at the performance but what a great audience! They fed our entire cast a potluck supper and we all truly enjoyed the Christian fellowship following the performance. This was our fourth annual trip to Defiance which has served as a dress rehearsal for our St Andrews Easter performance. I remembered the conversation that I had with Pastor Keith who served as lead and only pastor at Defiance and two other small churches. He like the others at his church was so grateful for our group taking the time and effort to perform at their church. He told me that I only wish we could have a bigger audience for you today.

Reflecting on his words on the way home made me think about how fortunate that we are at St Andrews to have so many great worship opportunities and on this day of prayer for San Andres how fortunate we are to have so many privileges in the wonderful country of ours. I know a lot of members of St Andrews have not attended a Maundy Thursday worship service and maybe have not had a chance to see the drama team in a serious performance. I would just ask that they consider attending this Thursday’s performance of the Living Last Supper. It is an incredibly emotional performance that portrays the thoughts of each disciple as they hear the news that Jesus is going to be betrayed. Please consider starting a new family tradition this week by including the Maundy Thursday performance of the Living Last Supper as part of your Holy week celebration. I believe that if you attend the service you will be as blessed as those who will have the opportunity to perform it. Thank you.

GOOD FRIDAY OBSERVANCE, Noon, featuring readings from the Gospel of Matthew, with appropriate hymns and prayers.

ST. ANDREW’S EASTER EGG HUNT, Saturday, 10:00 am.

Please bring 12 filled plastic eggs to share in the hunt.

EASTER SUNDAY, March 23

8:00, 9:15 & 10:45

Bruce & Nancy: JESUS ROSE

From BOB DAVIS: The youth grades 6^th -12^th grade will not have Sunday school this Easter Sunday so they may enjoy sitting with their families. Confirmation class will not meet this Easter Sunday. There will also be no youth group activities this Sunday.

March 29 & 30

NEW WORSHIP SCHEDULE LAUNCH

5:00 Saturday

8:30 & 10:00 Sunday

Bruce preaching: ATONEMENT: Why Jesus Jumped Into The Volcano

This is going to be a great week of basketball in Nebraska, starting with the NIT games in Lincoln and Omaha tonight, and the tournament games at the Qwest Center over the weekend. Maybe the best basketball game I ever saw was a second round NCAA game at the Devaney Center in 1980, as the University of Missouri Tigers beat Notre Dame in overtime. If I’m remembering correctly, it was a St. Patrick’s Day, which made it even sweeter for the Missouri Protestant. I’m excited with the state of the game in Nebraska, right now. Creighton looks to be loaded for next season and I’m very impressed with what Doc Sadler is doing with the Cornhuskers. I might add that I’ll be rooting for North Carolina in the Big Dance. I saw Tyler Hansbrough play in high school and have enjoyed following his career. Allow me a moment of bitterness, if you will. If the pretty-boy who followed Norm Stewart at Missouri hadn’t messed up the program beyond recognition, Hansbrough and the Rush kid starring at KU (whose older brother played for Mizzou) might well be wearing Tiger uniforms this season. But the pretty-boy did mess up the program and once any organization starts downhill, it’s might hard to turn it back around--which makes me all the more appreciative of what Sadler is doing in Lincoln.

I suppose Barak Obama can look on the bright side: No one is talking about him being Muslim anymore. Starting with Mitt Romney’s Mormonism, it’s been remarkable how religious affiliation has influenced this presidential campaign. My advice to any aspiring politicians among our readership: Join the United Methodist Church! (George W. Bush and Hillary Clinton may have little else in common, but both are United Methodists.) UMs try hard (maybe too hard) not to offend anybody—though we still manage it, somehow.

Prayers of Celebration

Birth of Brooke Erin F., daughter of Chris & Lisa F.

Prayers of Healing

Anne J., who is beginning treatment for cancer, sister of John W. (Anne is a former St. Andrew’s member). Immanuel Hospital. .

Hannah H. (2 yrs old), who is undergoing treatment for brain cancer, (family friends of Steve & Emily M.).

Ardyth B. (Sue S.’s Aunt) recovering from back surgery.

Joanne (friend of Carrie T.) critical condition with pneumonia.

Steve J. (friend of Beck L.) surgery for cancer.

Madison D., age 5 (great-grand daughter of Orv & Darlene S.) having tests.

Dale F. (cousin of Diane B.) health issues from double lung transplant.

Ginnie (friend of Sheila C.) test.

Mark R., scheduled for rotator cuff surgery this morning.

John 15:12-15, words of Jesus:
”I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

Note from Bruce: It’s very revealing that in the last week of his life, Jesus deliberately seems to prepare the disciples for a dynamic understanding of the life of the church. Jesus does NOT say: You know everything there is to know; rather he promises what I think of as progressive revelation: the Spirit moving among the people of God, revealing Christ’s purpose according to the needs of succeeding generations. Pretty cool, don’t you think!

BRD

Holy Monday

2008-03-17T18:34:00.001-05:00

We welcome new readers to St.A-Mail. If you ever want off the list, for whatever reason, just let us know.

From MANDY B.

The newest members of the St. Andrews Family are:

MIKE & MELISSA N.: Mike is a Landscape Foreman at SunCo Grounds Management and Melissa is an Xray tech at Methodist Hospital. They have two boys Logan and Jake.

BRIAN & ANGIE W.: Brian is a Turf Care Manager at SunCo Grounds Management and Angie is a Home daycare provider. They have two girls Delaney and Olivia.

JASON & SARA L.: Jason is employed with Heritage Management and Sara is a homemaker. They have three children Peyton, Parker and Paili.

BRIAN K.: Brian is a Lumber Trader at Roberts and Dybdahl. His wife, Janet, is a member and they have two boys Tyler and Elliot.

JOHN & BARBARA E.: John is a civil engineer with HDR and Barbara is a homemaker. They have two girls Kaitlyn and Emily.

We celebrated two baptisms on Sunday.

ALEXANDER JACKSON A. is the son of Phillip & Jaclyn A.

BENNETT THOMAS K. is the son of Jeff & Jamie K.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, March 18 is our DAY OF PRAYER FOR SAN ANDRES. This is our namesake community in rural Nicaragua. When several of us were down there last month, we learned they had set aside the Tuesday of Holy Week as a Day of Prayer for St. Andrew’s, so it seems right and good that we should remember them. A contingent of Nicaraguans will be guests in our service on Saturday evening, April 19, with a reception to follow.

MAUNDY THURSDAY, March 20, 7:00,

The Reckless Abandon Players present:
THE LIVING LAST SUPPER

GOOD FRIDAY OBSERVANCE, Noon, featuring readings from the Gospel of Matthew, with appropriate hymns and prayers.

ST. ANDREW’S EASTER EGG HUNT, Saturday, 10:00 am.

Please bring 12 filled plastic eggs to share in the hunt.

EASTER SUNDAY, March 23

8:00, 9:15 & 10:45

Bruce & Nancy: JESUS ROSE

You don’t want to miss the opening musical number, so don’t be late!

March 29 & 30

NEW WORSHIP SCHEDULE LAUNCH

5:00 Saturday

8:30 & 10:00 Sunday

Bruce preaching: ATONEMENT: Why Jesus Jumped Into The Volcano

John 12:27-28, words of Jesus: “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour?’ No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.”

BRD

E-Street

2008-03-14T15:03:00.001-05:00

THIS SUNDAY, March 16, 2008

PALM SUNDAY

8:00, 9:15 & 10:45

We wave Palm Branches and shout Hosanna!

Nancy is preaching: FAMOUS LAST WORDS

ST. ANDREW’S EASTER EGG HUNT, Saturday March 22^nd @ 10:00 am.

Come and enjoy music, crafts and an Easter Egg Hunt.

Please bring 12 filled plastic eggs to share in the hunt.

Attention graduating seniors! There are two great scholarship opportunities awarded here at St. Andrew’s.

The Bea Shannon Memorial Scholarship-Presented by the United Methodist Women in the amount of $500.
The Alan Bruner Memorial scholarship in the amount of $1500.

Scholarship forms are available to pick up at the youth table located in the Rotunda. Scholarship applications are due by 5:00pm on March 15 (turn in scholarship forms to Bob Davis’ office mailbox).

I traded my ’03 Chevy Cavalier this week for a Dodge Caliber. That’s not the exciting news. Hardly anyone gets less excited about automobiles than I do.

I see autos as an unavoidable way of getting from Point A to Point B. Here’s what’s exciting. After buying the Dodge, it was explained that I was getting a year of satellite radio for free. Okay. I mostly listen to CDs, with an occasional excursion to K-LOVE, but out of curiosity, I flipped through the radio dial and found E-STREET RADIO! That’s exciting!!! Tonight, at the Qwest Center, the best rock & roll act in the history of the genre comes to Omaha. I’ve caught every Springsteen/E-Street Band tour since DARKNESS AT THE EDGE OF TOWN in the late ‘70s. And here’s the thing: This is no oldies act. The new album, MAGIC, has songs that stack up with some of the best Bruce has ever recorded, including RADIO NOWHERE, which, according the set lists on the web site, will likely be the second song on tonight’s agenda. I wonder if he’ll open with NEBRASKA? Upon getting the call from Bishop Ann B. Sherer in the summer of ’05, I pulled out the old vinyl recording and decided that if Springsteen could title an album after the state, it was a place I could surely live—though the cover art of a very flat two-lane road, photographed in monochrome from the inside of an automobile, snow on the windshield wipers, did send a foreboding chill. Anyway, if you’re among the fortunate who will be at the Qwest tonight, I have this to say, quoting Springsteen’s own self: STAND UP AND LET IT SHOOT RIGHT THROUGH YOU!

Given the way the economy is going, I figured I could probably get a pretty good deal on a car, right now. I saw on the news this morning that oil is up to $110 a barrel. I am mindful of our readers who have to do a lot of driving. I suppose we’re nearing, if not already at, a place where some of us are conscious of the cost of just taking the car out of the driveway. Please know that we appreciate each of you who makes the choice to bring yourself and your family to St. Andrew’s.

SHIRLEY C. asks us to pray for her friend, Donna B. who was to have surgery yesterday. .

Tuesday, March 18 is our DAY OF PRAYER FOR SAN ANDRES

MAUNDY THURSDAY, March 20, 7:00,

The Reckless Abandon Players present:
THE LIVING LAST SUPPER

GOOD FRIDAY OBSERVANCE, Noon, featuring readings from the Gospel of Matthew, with appropriate hymns and prayers.

EASTER SUNDAY, March 23

8:00, 9:15 & 10:45

Bruce & Nancy: JESUS ROSE

March 29 & 30

NEW WORSHIP SCHEDULE LAUNCH

5:00 Saturday

8:30 & 10:00 Sunday

Bruce preaching: ATONEMENT: Why Jesus Jumped Into The Volcano

Mark 12:41-44, He sat down opposite the (temple) treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.

Note from Bruce: This is basic Christian stewardship: It’s not the size of the gift that ultimately matters, but the love represented by the gift.

BRD

Palm Sunday

2008-03-13T07:41:00.002-05:00

HOLY WEEK & THE NEW WORSHIP LAUNCH

THIS SUNDAY, March 16, 2008

PALM SUNDAY

8:00, 9:15 & 10:45

We wave palm branches and shout Hosanna!

Nancy is preaching: FAMOUS LAST WORDS

Tuesday, March 18 is our DAY OF PRAYER FOR SAN ANDRES

MAUNDY THURSDAY, March 20, 7:00,

The Reckless Abandon Players present:
THE LIVING LAST SUPPER

Note from Bruce: I was up here last night and caught part of the rehearsal. This is going to be OUTSTANDING!

GOOD FRIDAY OBSERVANCE, Noon, featuring readings from the Gospel of Matthew, with appropriate hymns and prayers. We’ve been asked about the 12:00 start time. Why not hold an evening service? As Matthew tells it (and it’s version we’ll be reading on Good Friday), Jesus is nailed to the cross at 9:00 in the morning. At noon, darkness comes over the whole land. Three hours later, Jesus breathes his last. I was a little surprised to learn that the public schools are in session on Good Friday. It seems every other week now is a long-weekend, for one reason or another. No one can accuse our public schools of making accommodations to religion! I wonder what it might say to your child’s school administrators or your supervisor at work, if you were to say, “My family and I want to be in church on Good Friday, so we ask for a short excuse from class/work.” Just a thought.

EASTER SUNDAY, March 23

8:00, 9:15 & 10:45

Bruce & Nancy: JESUS ROSE

Don’t be late, as we begin the services with a wonderful new song, “East To West.”

March 29 & 30

NEW WORSHIP SCHEDULE LAUNCH

5:00 Saturday

8:30 & 10:00 Sunday

Bruce preaching: ATONEMENT: Why Jesus Jumped Into The Volcano

THREE THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO KNOW ABOUT OPENING WEEKEND:

We’re going to be as ready as we possibly can be for week one, knowing there will be adjustments to made, depending on what we learn.
Remember, there will be Sunday school running concurrent with all three services.
Saturday evening is Come As You Are.

Diana F., Mark R., Mandy B. and I spent yesterday on the Gallup Organization Campus, in a seminar on interpreting and using the results of the Membership Engagement Survey. We have taken the ME25 (offered by Gallup in conjunction with the Luis Palau Organization) three times in the past year. It was a very interesting day. After Easter, I’ll be running a weekly article in this space, reprised in the newsletter, regarding each of the 23 items in the survey, how St. Andrew’s ranks in comparison to national scores, and the implications for our congregation.

NANCY DAVIS writes: Just want to rejoice about what a wonderful Women’s Retreat we had last weekend. There were 43 of us at Mahoney State Park and we sang and prayed and studied and we laughed (boy, did we laugh!) I saw a few of the women of St. Andrews as I have never seen them before – one even dressed like an infant with a “Juicy Couture” diaper – it was a hoot! On the more serious side, we made some new friends and just celebrated being together. We took an offering for Girls, Inc. and as a result we are giving that organization $560 to help pay for an annual trip for the girls they work with. Next year’s retreat is scheduled for the first weekend in March with the theme “Of Course I’m A Princess!”. Put it on your calendar if you are a St. Andrews gal who thinks this all sounds like great fun and a terrific way to strengthen relationships with other St. Andrews gals and to strengthen your relationship with God as well.

NETTA P. writes: I am pleased to announce our new Children’s Special Events Coordinator, Kathy S. This is a new position in Children’s Ministries. She will be working part-time with emphasis on developing/coordinating Special Events, Movie Nights, Family Events and Camps. She will also be an asset to help cover the new services in the Children’s area. Kathy comes to us with a Marketing Background and has done planning and coordinating in many facets. Her Galllup Strengthhfinder Signature Themes are: Empathy, Woo, Communication, Positivity and Belief. I’m really excited she has taken the job. She will bring a very high energy to the Children’s Ministry Department as well as the whole church staff!

Two items from MANDY B.: Thank you everyone who has volunteered their time or donated items or money for the Burma Refugees! If you took a tag or tags from the tree, please have those items back to the church by Sunday. If you would still like to help there are a few more ways to help out. You can donate money or Target gift cards by dropping them off to church by Sunday March 16^th. We also need trucks and/or muscles to help pick-up and deliver the furniture to the apartment. We are meeting at the church at noon on March 16^th. And we need a few to help set up the apartment on Monday at 10:00. Any questions please contact Mandy.

The new worship service is approaching fast! We are still in need of people to help out. If you would like to be an usher, mugger, or welcome table helper- Please let me know! Mandy B.

DAVID W. writes: I have a Prayer Request. My mom is going to have more surgery this Friday. This time, it's going to be an amputation of her right leg below the knee. If you can keep my Mom, me, our family and the doctors in your prayers, that would be greatly appreciated. The more people praying for Mom, the better.

Others in our prayers include:

Prayers of Healing:

Anne J., who is beginning treatment for cancer, sister of John W.

Sandy M., recovering from surgery. (It was great to see Sandy in church on Sunday)

Hannah H. (2 yrs old), who is undergoing treatment for brain cancer, (family friends of Steve & Emily M.).

Ardyth B. (Sue S.’s Aunt), recovering from back surgery.

Joanne (friend of Carrie T.), in critical condition with pneumonia.

Steve J. (friend of Becky L.), surgery for cancer.

Susan B., recovering from surgery.

Tracy H. (friend of John and Amy B.), surgery to repair an aneurysm.

Greg W., recovery from dental surgery.

Madison D., age 5 (great-grand daughter of Orv & Darlene S.), having tests.

Prayers of Sympathy:

Tara S. in the death of her grandfather.

Prayers of Celebration

Congratulations to Karen P. and Jake V. who were married in Ames, Iowa on Saturday, March 8. They will reside in Ames. Karen is the daughter of Mike and Jane P.

Matthew 21:1-11, When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethpage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately. This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him, and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

BRD

Pizza with the Pastors

2008-03-11T08:26:00.001-05:00

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY, March 16, 2008

As we wave palm branches and shout Hosanna! in celebration of:
PALM SUNDAY!

Nancy is preaching: FAMOUS LAST WORDS

We’re coming off what a huge weekend. Nancy brought back nothing but great reports from the Women’s Retreat. And I’ve rarely had more profound fun in worship than I experienced yesterday. I could get used to entering to tunnel music and the smoke machine! J We were incredibly blessed by the presence of the Youth Praise Band and Upward Cheerleaders. I figured FOUL! would either go over like a lead-balloon or be very well-received. When you didn’t start throwing things at me at the decoder ring material, I knew I was going to be okay. It’s such a joy to preach to people who like to laugh. As the scripture says: “a cheerful heart has continual feast!” (Proverbs 15:15).

NETTA P. tells us more about UPWARD BASKETBALL & CHEERLEADING SUNDAY: Wow, what a turnout! We began with worship at 10:45 recognizing all the volunteers and children, then served 1,500 (?) hot-dog sack lunches. (Can never smell another hot dog again!), then had our Celebration with the Amazing Arthur followed by awards for each child. We were busting at the seams! We not only packed the 950 seats in the sanctuary, but also filled 250 folding chairs along the sides. Thanks to all the volunteers who stepped up to make this a successful day. I’ve received many e-mails complementing on how well everything flowed….even lunch! We could not have done it without all your help!! What a great ministry! Praise God for Children!!

Our March PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS is scheduled for this Sunday, March 16, 5:00-6:30. This is an event designed for people interested in membership at St. Andrew’s. Register via return e-mail or sign up at the Hospitality Desk in the Rotunda on Sunday morning, so we’ll know how much pizza to order.

From Craig B.: ATTENTION!: If you have a joy for Christian music and have the evening of April, 27^th open…THIS MESSAGE IS FOR YOU! The number one selling Christian music group will be at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs! They are called “Casting Crowns”. They have had 7 straight top 10 songs (a record) on the Christian music charts. Their 2^nd album went “platinum” faster than any other album in Christian music history. I have received an additional 50 tickets for this concert at a discount and will be selling them the next two Sunday’s in the rotunda. They are normally $28 a piece, but I will be selling them for $23. Another COOL thing about this opportunity is that we have 40+ St. Andrews folks already going and sitting together. These additional 50 tickets are seated along with the other St. Andrews 40+! That means that we could have 90+ people all from St. Andrews sitting together and enjoying Christian music together! If you have thought about making a Christian concert this year (outside of the St. Andrews concerts of course), this would be the one to make! Please stop by the table in the rotunda and pick up your tickets or contact me at cbence@owenind.com (cell: 740-4063)!

WORSHIP CALENDAR:

Tuesday, March 18 is our DAY OF PRAYER FOR SAN ANDRES

(When some of us were in Nicaragua last month, the people of namesake community, San Andres, wanted us to know they had set aside the Tuesday of Holy Week as a day of prayer for St. Andrew’s in Omaha. It seems right and good that we should return the favor.)

MAUNDY THURSDAY, March 20, 7:00,

The Reckless Abandon Players present:
THE LIVING LAST SUPPER

GOOD FRIDAY OBSERVANCE, Noon, featuring readings from the Gospel of Matthew.

EASTER SUNDAY, March 23

8:00, 9:15 & 10:45

Bruce & Nancy: JESUS ROSE

March 29 & 30

NEW WORSHIP SCHEDULE LAUNCH

5:00 Saturday

8:30 & 10:00 Sunday

Bruce preaching: ATONEMENT: Why Jesus Jumped Into The Volcano

People in our Prayers today include TARA S., at the passing of her grandmother. ORV & DARLENE S.’S great-granddaughter, MADYSON, is undergoing tests today. GREG W. has undergone what sounds like a complicated dental surgery.

BRD