Week of Dec. 16, 2018

Dock Children’s Education Pick Up LocationsAll children must be picked up by a 6th grade or older sibling or

their responsible adult from classrooms at the end of worship.Sanctuary Preschool Room 102 Kindergarten Room 203 Grades 1 & 2 Room 204 Grade 3 Room 201 Grades 4 & 5 Youth and Sports CenterGreat Hall Saturday Preschool-Grade 1 Room 2 Grades 2-5 Green Room Sunday Preschool - K Room 2 Grades 1-3 Green Room Grades 4 & 5 Room 5B

Christmas Day Worship11 a.m.

* New Service Added *

Christmas at the DepotChristmas Eve 5:15 p.m.

(Worship also on Sunday, Dec. 23, 5:15 p.m.)

Oneka Elementary, 4888 Heritage Parkway N, Hugo, MNTheDepotChurch.org

THE

DEPOTCHURCH

A C O MM

U N I T Y O F S T . A N D R E W’ S

Christmas at st. andrew’sAll are welcome. Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christmas Eve WorshipContemporary Worship

1, 5 & 6:30 p.m.

Family Worship2, 3 & 4 p.m.

Candlelight Service 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, & 11 p.m.

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Christmas Giving TreeWe invite you to take a tag of your choice off

the Giving Tree and return the item by Sunday, Dec. 16.

Volunteer this Season at St. Andrew’sHundreds are needed. Go here to plug in, and

thank you: saintandrews.org/volunteer.

Advent Evening Prayer ServiceWednesdays, Dec. 12 and 19; 7-7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Prayer Chapel

In the midst of this busy season, pause, pray and ponder anew what the Almighty can do! We will be using the Holden Evening Prayer to guide our time together. For more information, contact Pastor Kyle Jackson at kjackson@saintandrews.org.

Advent Fireside Chats on Facebook LiveMonday, Dec. 17; & Sunday, Dec. 23; 7:30 p.m.Live with Intern Pastors Caroline Keenan & Erin Morris

Bring your Bible and Advent wreath with candles and share from home this special 15-minute Advent Devotional broadcast live or later on Facebook.

The Gospel on Monday with Pastor John StraitonMondays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Great Hall

Join any time as we take an in-depth look at the Gospel lesson for the following weekend worship. There is no cost for this class; however, please sign up at saintandrews.org or by contacting Dianne Nash (dnash@saintandrews.org or 651.762.9141).

‘Tis the Season to Care for Creation!For God So Loved the World…… God created the world and all that is in it. God loves the world and calls us to do our very

best in caring for it.Here are some eco-friendly suggestions that

help keep our world merry and bright! 1. Use a real tree – after the holidays, take it to a

compost site.2. Use LED lights – they save energy and

money.3. Ditch the wrapping paper (it can not be

recycled)– be creative and use something that is usable or able to be recycled – a scarf, the comic section, an old map, eco friendly food wraps, etc.

4. Give less “stuff ” – give an experience such as a class, an adventure, a concert, a play or a game.

5. Buy food that is locally sourced and organic.

Questions of Faith (Discipleship 301)Tuesdays, Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29; 2019; 7 p.m. Sanctuary

Have you ever wondered, “Why is there so much violence in the Bible and the world today?” or “What do we really believe about heaven and hell?” Pastors Mike Carlson and Sarah Breckenridge will answer questions many people are asking about faith, God and all things religious. Send your questions to faithquestions@saintandrews.org. Each week Mike and Sarah will answer some predetermined questions and then answer as many of yours as possible. All are welcome. No registration required.

AdventThe word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus,

meaning “coming,” which is a translation of the Greek word parousia. It is traditionally a time of waiting for Christ to come. Christ comes to us as a baby in a manger and Christ will come again in glory and revelation. In a world where it is easy to doubt, the church is called to remember God’s faithfulness. “Faithful: It’s Who God Is.”

This third week of Advent, we rejoice in what God is doing and how God is faithful. We hear the prayer and song that Mary and Hannah sing to God as they have been blessed. We join in their happiness and are united in their joy. We all are Christ bearers to this dark world.

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Worship at The Depot ChurchSundays 5:15 p.m.

Evening worship services are held in Hugo at 5:15 p.m. at Oneka Elementary (4888 Heritage Parkway N., Hugo). The Depot Church is a community of St. Andrew’s dedicated to gathering and building Christian community in the Hugo area. Join Pastor Brian Norsman and Jenny Sung in this exciting time in our church life.

Prayer School with Pastor John StraitonWednesdays, Jan. 9-30, 2019, 7-8 p.m. Sanctuary Room 201Join Pastor Straiton for a four-week Prayer School. Our goal is to increase and enhance the power and practice of prayer. Along with presenting a fresh perspective on the purpose and practice of prayer; you will also learn how to pray a Daily Prayer Liturgy created specifically for St. Andrew’s. At its center, prayer is simply “being present to the presence of God.” There is no fee for this class; however, registration is required. You may register at saintandrews.org or by contacting Dianne Nash (651.762.9141 or dnash@saintandrews.org).

Men’s Bible Study and Prayer Group 2018-19

St. Andrew’s guys of all ages are invited to the Men’s Bible Study every Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 a.m. in the Great Hall (includes coffee and rolls), We are currently studying the Gospel of Matthew. The Men’s Prayer Group meets every Monday from 7-8 p.m. in the Sanctuary Prayer Chapel.

These are valuable ways to connect with Christ and other men. For more information about Men’s Ministry, contact Dianne Nash at 651.762.9141, or visit saintandrews.org.

Prayer for Those We Love1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m. Sanctuary Prayer Chapel

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. Come and pray with and for others. Lift up your family, your friends and the world to our loving God. No need to sign-up, just drop in any time.

Calling All SnowbirdsIf you are heading South for the Winter, St.

Andrew’s can easily add and account for your alternate address. If you would like to begin receiving mail from St. Andrew’s at your alternate address, please contact Nicole Kroschel, 651-762-9163, or nkroschel@saintandrews.org with your alternate address and the dates you will be away.

Vision Slovakia 2019We have been invited to teach preschool and 1st

and 2nd grade children in a program of Vacation Bible School during the week of June 17-21, 2019, in Martin, Slovakia. Planning sessions to teach our curriculum on biblical stories will be held in May.The group will fly from MSP on Friday, June 14, and return to MSP on Thursday, June 27. En route home we will spend four days visiting Norway.

Women’s Ministry

Women’s Gathering at the Loft Sunday, Jan. 6, 5-7 p.m. The Loft in Stillwater Coffee, wine, cheese crackers, freewill offering.

Have you ever created a vision board of some things you want to accomplish or do or change? What is your vision for the new year? God prepares us and gives us the plan. conversation - process and look ahead. Come share with Coach Heather Whelpley, along with Pastor Sarah Breckenridge and Sue Lennartson.

Women’s Book ClubWomen’s Book Club is held at 11 a.m. on the

third Monday of the month at the Maplewood Library. All are welcome. Contact Trudy McMurtry at tamcmurtry@yahoo.com for more information.

Dec.--book of your choosing

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Baptism WorkshopThursday, Dec. 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Great Hall Room 2

Baptism is a public profession of faith that welcomes new members into the Christian faith community. All ages are welcome! Families are expected to attend a baptism workshop before the baptism of each child. Teens and adults attend a workshop or meet with a pastor. Please register for the workshop at least one week prior; childcare is available. Registration is available at saintandrews.org > Register. For more information or to schedule a baptism, contact Lisa Heyer at 651.762.9175 or lheyer@saintandrews.org

Making Tough Decisions About CollegeTuesday, Jan. 15, 7-8:15 p.m. Sanctuary Room 204

For those planning to attend college, choosing where and for what reasons is a source of stress for many teens and parents. This session provides an introduction to the college search process (including types of colleges, the application process, and financial aid) as well as discusses how to make college decisions that align with your personal values. High school students also invited to attend! (No childcare.)

Facilitated by Mark Jackson, Heidi Lender, and Carrie Carroll — three St. Andrew’s members with experience working in higher education..

Family FrolicsMondays through May 20 (closed for holidays) 9-10:45 a.m. in the Youth and Sports Center Gym

Children birth through preschool (with a parent or adult) are invited to run, jump, and play during a drop-in, open gym time. No prior registration required. For more information, contact Lisa Heyer at 651.762.9175 or lheyer@saintandrews.org.

ROCK BasketballMondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Dec. 17; Jan. 7, 14, 28; Feb. 4, 11 in the Youth and Sports Center

Ages: Kindergarten – grade 2; Cost: $50 per child or $80 per family. Register online.

ROCK (Recreational Opportunities for Christian Kids) Basketball is designed as a non-competitive, skills-based basketball program with an emphasis on good sportsmanship and team play. Devotions and prayer are part of every session. Volunteer assistant coaches (grade 6 – adult) are necessary and appreciated! The children need additional assistance at skill stations and a friendly face for encouragement. Register online. For more information, contact Laurel Bornholtz at 651.762.9171 or lbornholtz@saintandrews.org.

Wednesday Night AliveWednesdays, 2:45-7:15 p.m.Youth and Sports CenterClosed Dec. 19 and 26

Children and youth are invited to our afternoon drop-in program with open gym, games, movies, and pizza and snack sales. Come after school or prior to evening programming (such as Confirmation or children’s choirs). Supervision is provided for youth grades 6-12; children grades 5 and younger must have a responsible adult present.

Children, Youth & Family Ministry

Thank you, St. Andrew’s

families for bringing

your cultures to life at

Christmas Around the

World!

Thank you!

High School Singers Past and Present Invited to Sing at ChristmasAll High School singers from St. Andrew’s (current and alumni) are invited to sing for Christmas

Eve 11 p.m. service. Please join us at 10:30 p.m. in the music room. Questions: please contact Andrew Haase, director, andrewahaase@gmail.com.

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ConfirmationConfirmation Key Dates:Wednesday Tracks-Confirmation resumes Jan. 9Sunday Track-Confirmation then resumes Jan. 6

High School MinistryHigh School Christmas Lock-in: Jesus at the Movies: Christmas Movie MarathonSunday, Dec. 23, noon-4 p.m., in the Youth and Sports CenterAll high school youth are invited to a Christmas

movie marathon! We’ll watch an assortment of Christmas themed movies and talk about where we saw the presence of Christ in each film. Bring your blankets, wear your Christmas themed pajamas, and come hungry for Christmas cookies. Lunch will be provided, but bring your own snacks to share.

Ongoing High School Ministry Events Happening this month: Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club (Dec. 18), Worship Band (Dec. 16). For more information, contact Kelly Olson at 651.762.9130 or kolson@saintandrews.org, or check for full details at saintandrews.org > Children, Youth and Family > High School Ministry

Children, Youth & Family

3rd Chapter Gathering Baby Boomers and Beyond Tuesday, Jan. 15, Great Hall6:30 p.m. Casual Conversation7-8:30 p.m. GatheringPotluck appetizer or dessert; freewill offering

Our presenter is internationally known Tahni Cullen, author of “Josiah’s Fire,” - an amazing story of hope and blessing. Tahni has been featured on national television talk shows, national retreats, keynotes. Tahni will share her story on her son, Josiah, who is autistic. Josiah is creative and has a message of hope. Please come with a heart to learn more about the gift of generations, how we understand and bless each other, and the journey of autism - but mostly come to hear how generations bless each other - how life changing this can be.

Wholeness and Wellness Day Baby Boomers and Beyond Saturday, Jan. 26, Great Hall8:30 a.m. Casual Conversation9 a.m.-noon Gathering

Featured presenters:• Pastor Rich Bimler from Chicago, author

of The Joy of Aging!• Trainer and teacher Shannon Maxiner,

owner of Fitness Focus in Mahtomedi• St Andrew’s Pastor of Congregation Care

Kyle Jackson with Parish Nurse Dana Gabor.

• Skits and worship with Donna Bennet from Hudson, Wisconsin.

• Pastor and Luther Seminary Professor Rollie Martinson with his newly released book, Elderly Rising!

This Boomer and Beyond generation is a time in life with many changes, challenges, opportunities and the unexpected. God has something good to say to us!

Cost is $15 at the door. If you would like to assist with this great experience please email Dir of 3rd Chapter Generation Ministry Sue Lennartson at slennartson@saintandrews.org.

Third Chapter Ministry

Help Wanted: Tax AssistanceThe pay for this position is priceless. It typically

comes in the form of hugs and appreciation. A Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site has been serving the community out of the Great Hall for the last 10 years. We use IRS-provided software to prepare taxes for low income tax payers free of charge. If you can use a computer, you are qualified. We will train everything else. Dates and times of operation vary from February through mid April. For more information please contact Cathy Longtin at cathylongtin@gmail.com or 612.508.3989.

Volunteer Opportunities

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St. Andrew’s To Host 3rd Annual Excellence in Preaching SymposiumPastors, preachers or anyone interested in delivering great sermons

are invited to attend the “Excellence in Preaching Symposium” on Saturday, Jan. 5, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The symposium will be led by internationally-renowned author and speaker Rev. Karoline Lewis, Ph.D.

Lewis will also be the guest preacher at St. Andrew’s worship services that weekend, including Saturday, Jan. 5, at 5 p.m. in the Great Hall, and Sunday, Jan. 6, at the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. traditional worship services in the Sanctuary.

“One of our key initiatives at St. Andrew’s is to promote leadership, and key to that strategy is to strengthen preaching both here and throughout the ELCA,” stated St. Andrew’s Lead Pastor Mike Carlson. “We believe that Christ meets people in a very unique way through worship, and that when great preaching effectively articulates the Gospel of Jesus Christ, lives are changed and the world becomes more like the world Jesus wants.”

There is no cost for the symposium and registration is not required.

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Our MissionProclaim Jesus Christ, Live in Christ, Serve!

Our VisionEmpowered by God’s love, we help transform lives, communities and the world so

that everyone may know Christ’s healing power.

Our Core ValuesWe reflect the love of Christ. We serve with hearts of hospitality.

We are all in this together. We strive for excellence.

Wedding Music WorkshopThursday, Jan. 17, 7 p.m.

Led by organist Bill Chouinard in the Sanctuary, this informal presentation provides organ and piano settings of a variety of processionals, recessionals, preludes, postludes and hymns to aid in the planning of a Christian service of marriage. Other music related issues will be discussed with ample time for questions. Sign up with Dianne Nash at 651.762.9141 (dnash@saintandrews.org).

Holy Land Tour 2019Preparations are being made for another St.

Andrew’s Holy Land Pilgrimage Nov. 9-21, 2019. The trip will be hosted by Pastor Mike Carlson. For more information please contact Lisa Weyrauch at lweyrauch@saintandrews.org or 651.762.9103.

Safety First at ChurchKeep yourself and others safe in church. Please

consider the following tips to help reduce medical incidents during worship.

Dehydration: Drink plenty of fluids in the morning-arrive at church hydrated and ready to go. Reminder- this does not include coffee!

Rising Suddenly: Stay seated or rise slowly when asked to stand in worship.

Blood Pressure fluctuation: Get your blood pressure checked: Follow up regularly with your primary care provider and have BP and medications monitored.

Nutrition: Eat breakfast before coming to church. Eating a regular meal prior to attending worship will help prevent low blood sugar issues and gives you energy for the days activities.

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Cookies are given this week by by Linda Ganyo in memory of her husband, David.

Sponsor Live Stream, Altar Flowers or Cookies

Provide Live Streaming for Shut-InsIndividuals are invited to support the live streaming broadcast of worship at St. Andrew’s. Cost is $50

and checks can be made payable to St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church. Please fill out the form below and drop at reception desk.

Altar Flowers and CookiesIf you would like to donate altar flowers or cookies for worship to honor or memorialize people or events,

please contact Joe Holmberg at 651.762.9116 or jholmberg@saintandrews.org for availability at least three weeks in advance or fill out the form below. Donations are $55 for each. Checks can be made payable to St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church.

Date of sponsorship requested: ________________________________

Sponsored by: _________________________________________________________________

Phone (______) _________________ E-Mail_________________________________________

• Altar Flowers – $55 • Cookies – $55

• In honor of... • In memory of... • To the Glory of God

(circle one from each line and include details) _____________________________________________________

Your sponsorship will be printed in this bulletin insert.

Traditional WorshipSunday 9 & 10:30 a.m. Sanctuary

Contemporary WorshipSaturday 5 p.m. Great Hall

Sunday 8:45 & 10:15 a.m. Great Hall

The Depot Church, HugoSunday 5:15 p.m. Oneka Elementary

Worship at St. Andrew’s Village Sunday 1 p.m.

St. Andrew’s Worship Times

900 Stillwater RoadMahtomedi, Minnesota 55115

651.426.3261saintandrews.org

If you have an emergency and would like to contact a pastor please call 651.426.3261 and follow the prompts. If you are having surgery or a medical procedure and would like a pastor to contact you, please call Lisa Grundtner at 651.762.9117 or 651.426.3261. Leave a message and a pastor will be notified.

Nursery care (ages

birth to 5) at all services.

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Giving Information from the Finance Office

Considering a charitable donation to St. Andrew’s? Here are three options to consider:

IRA DistributionIf you are age 70½ or older, you may be able

to reduce your taxes by making a contribution of part of your IRA’s required minimum distribution to St. Andrew’s. Your valuable support will enable us to further our mission and ministry. Please consult your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation.

Stock GivingDonating a gift of appreciated stock may

be beneficial to you and St. Andrew’s. Please consult your personal financial advisor for the option best for you, and allow enough time for the gift to be received before year end.

Donor-Advised FundsA donor-advised fund or DAF, which is

established with your financial advisor, is a charitable vehicle which exists to support charitable organizations like St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church. When you contribute cash, securities, or other assets to a DAF, you are generally eligible to take an immediate tax deduction, the funds can be invested for tax-free growth, and you can recommend grants to any IRS qualified public charity such as St. Andrew’s. Please consult your personal financial advisor for the option best for you.

This information is not intended as tax, legal or financial advice. If you have any questions, please contact Patty Ingberg at pingberg@saintandrews.org or 651-762-9174.

Conversations on DiversityThursdays, Dec. 20, Jan. 17, Feb. 21, March 21, April 18, May 16; 6-8 p.m. Great Hall

Come and join Glocal as they host the Community Dinner featuring a different ethnic cuisine each time. During dinner hear their stories through music and then stay after dinner for conversation with others about how you experience the beautiful diversity of the Kingdom of God. Childcare is available.

Diversity TeamThursdays, Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 14, April 11, May 9; 6:45-8 p.m. Great Hall

If God has placed it on your heart to help St. Andrew’s reflect the diversity of the Kingdom of God, then we invite you to join us. Be part of a team working to create educational and relational opportunities as well as systems that strive to address the ways that racism, sexism, ableism, classism, ageism and other forms of injustice limit participation, exclude and harm people, communities and the whole body of Christ. For more information please contact Deacon/Intern Pastor Erin Morris at emorris@saintandrews.org or 651.762.9135.

New Member ClassSunday, Jan. 6, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.Sanctuary Room 204

If you would like to become more engaged in your faith, more involved at St. Andrew’s or want to hear what Christ is calling St. Andrew’s to be in this world, come to our New Member Class. Contact Ronda Sowada to register for the class or if you have questions, 651.762.9139 or rsowada@saintandrews.org. A light lunch is served and childcare provided.