First Group
Have you been curious about Christianity but don’t know much about it? Have you been visiting St. Andrew and want to know about this church and what we believe? Do you know you want to join our family of faith already but don’t know what to do next? Or has it just been a while since you’ve reviewed the Bible from front to back? If any of these questions describe you, First Group is for you. We’ll meet for 12 Sunday mornings, 9:30 – 10:15 AM, beginning Sunday, May 1. Yes, this spans the beginning of summer and maybe your vacation plans, too. Don’t let that stop you. When you can’t be here in person, you can keep up on your own and jump in again when you’re back. To register, please send an email to [email protected]. 

Welcome new members
This weekend we are excited to  welcome the following new members into the St. Andrew family:
Lindy Arneson; Kayla Averbeck; Seth Craker; Bill, Jill, Carter, and Ashlynn Buechner; Adam, Lauren, Layla, Nolan, and Leo Figi; Dwayne and Stacy Kratt; James, Carrie, Keegan, Kylie, Hallie, and Clara Lundgren; and James, Kalah, Daniel, Charlie, and Louie Thomas.

Worship Check-in
If you worship on-site, please fill out the Connection Card attached to your worship folder. Online worshipers, please continue to check in here.

Weekend worship songs
Preview some of the songs we will use for worship this weekend here. Obviously, ours won’t sound exactly like this, but listening to the links provided will certainly help you be more comfortable participating in the service.

“See What a Morning” by Keith Getty, Stuart Townend
“In Christ Alone” by Keith Getty, Stuart Townend
“O Praise the Name” by Hillsong
“We Believe” by Newsboys

• May 8—Christian author Bill Woodington will present on his book, Whatever is True: A Christian View of Anxiety. Mr. Woodington is a member of Cross of Christ Lutheran church in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.
• May 15—Dr. Phil Huebner from Wisconsin Lutheran High School will talk about his book, Who Am I?: Understanding Your Identity in Christ Through Facts Not Feelings. This book was written specifically for teens, but has relevance for all ages.
• May 22—The topic is grief and depression and will feature an interview with a WELS pastor talking about his ongoing battle with depression.

Grow in Grace will be from 9:30 – 10:15 AM in the sanctuary.

Growth Groups
Your chance to join a St. Andrew Growth Group is coming again soon. Click here to learn more about Growth Groups at St. Andrew. Summer Growth Groups will be meeting from June 5 – July 31. Sign-ups will begin in early May.

Children’s Ministries Family Day
Come and explore St. Andrew Sunday morning Children’s Ministries on May 8 at 9:20 AM. Plugged into Jesus and Spark welcome kids and their families to enjoy games, videos, singing, a skit, and snacks! This will be a great time to experience activities with your kids and grow in love for the Lord and his Word. Pre-K3 – grade 8 families, come join the fun in the gym. We hope to see you! Questions? Contact Jane Dew.

Resurrection Eggs: A family Easter project
If your family was blessed by the Resurrection Egg Project, we’d love to see pictures! Send your pictures to Jane Dew.

Impact
Christian marriage is a relationship modeled after the relationship between Christ and the church. Following that makes for a healthy marriage. Married or not, listen to this discussion with Pastor Hunter, who for many years has been teaching couples what the Bible says about marriage. Impact, a St. Andrew podcast, can be found here and wherever you listen to podcasts (search “Kjenstad Impact”).

PowerHour
Fun at the zoo! That is the theme for the next PowerHour on Friday, May 6, in the gymnasium. PowerHour is for children up to age 3 with their parents or caregivers. Each PowerHour includes playtime, fun stories, sing-along songs, and a message from Jesus. Who can you tell about St. Andrew PowerHour?

Musikgarten
Join other families and friends of infants and toddlers each Sunday morning at 9:20 to move to music and rhythm. Questions? Contact Mrs. Karen Hong.

Plugged into Jesus
The Israelites needed a reminder to honor God in all things. How will your family honor him with words this week? Learn how God is with us this Sunday at 9:20 AM in the lesson, “A Tent for God: God with His People.” Bring friends! Use this link to watch the Bible teaching video. Questions? Contact Jane Dew.

Spark
Describe the most beautiful church you’ve ever been in. Learn more about worship of the true God this weekend. Grades 6 – 8 meet at 9:30 AM on Sundays for Bible study, life application, and activities. Contact Lance Hill with questions.

FUEL
The final FUEL of the school year is Sunday, May 1. Come and help plan our FUEL summer fun! St. Andrew high school students are then encouraged to attend Grow in Grace the other Sundays in May, especially on May 15 to hear Dr. Phil Huebner talk about his book, Who Am I? This book was written to help Christian teens see that our true identity in Christ is based on facts, not feelings.

May Monthly Mission Partner | Central Africa Medical Mission
This month our Monthly Mission Partner turns our eyes and prayers to the medical missions of Africa, where medical aid is used to share the good news of Jesus. Last year the Medical Mission celebrated 60 years of ministry and medical aid to Africa. To find out more, go to their website, or read an article about them in Forward in Christ.

Call returned
Dear members of St. Andrew Lutheran Church,

Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21). In the time I had the privilege to consider this call to St. Andrew it has become clear to me that you as members of St. Andrew Lutheran Church have been faithfully carrying out that God-given mission. The many people that regularly visit St. Andrew and the growing number of people that are connected to the gospel through Westside Christian School is evidence of that. May God grant more opportunities and bless those connections!

That is the desire I have for Winnebago Lutheran Academy, to continue to build strong relationships within our Association and to grow our connections in our community for the sake of sharing Christ’s peace with many more. But we have much work to do. After much prayer and many conversations, it is clear to me that God has given me the gifts and opportunities to carry out that mission-minded ministry here. So it is for that reason that I am writing to announce that I am returning the call to St. Andrew and will continue serving at Winnebago Lutheran Academy.

It has been a privilege and an honor to consider the call extended to me to serve as Pastor of Service and Outreach. I am ever grateful for the opportunity.

I pray that the Lord will continue to bless your efforts in service in his kingdom. I also pray that the Lord will provide you with the servant you are seeking soon.

In Christ’s service,
Pastor Philip Janke