“As I have loved you”
As the middle of February approaches, the pressure is on. Ladies need to look their best. Gentlemen need to give the best gifts. Everyone needs to have a date, at least. Is that love? Well, maybe that’s part of it, but God has some higher ideas: “Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:12-13). Not everyone was fond of Jesus, but he still sacrificed for them. You have many opportunities to show sacrificial love. You offer time, effort, and money for various St. Andrew ministries. You show kindness to a neighbor or a stranger at the store. You communicate God’s message to those who need to hear the truth. This is the love of God’s people. It doesn’t give you brownie points or high status as an elite lover. It is Jesus’ command. Love your spouse and your family, and include romance and gifts in that, but Jesus commands sacrificial love like his.

A Morning for Your Marriage
Let others default to giving chocolates or flowers for Valentine’s Day. Give your spouse a tastier and longer lasting treat: A Morning for Your Marriage.

St. Andrew
6815 Schneider Road
Saturday, February 25

8:30 AM    Continental breakfast, coffee, and juice
9:00 AM    Session 1: Listen and speak to show love and respect.
Break
Session 2: Practice steps to move through conflict.
11:45 AM  Dismissal – maybe date lunch to practice what you learned?

Consider giving A Morning for Your Marriage as a gift to another couple. Guests, neighbors, and friends are welcome!

Pastor Hunter will teach this fast-paced and practical workshop. You’ll start important conversations you can continue on your own.

Oh, by the way, chocolates and flowers may still be a good idea. You could wrap them in your registration receipt.

Registration closes Sunday, February 19. Click here to register.

Ash Wednesday | Crossbound
Jesus was bound and determined, or as Luke put it, “resolute,” to go to Jerusalem, to stand trial, and to go to the cross as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Gather with saints on Ash Wednesday, February 22, at 5:00 or 6:30 PM as we kick off our six-week Lent Wednesday devotional series “Crossbound.”

Seder meal planning team
What did Jesus do right before he went to the Garden of Gethsemane to be arrested, put on trial, and die on the cross? He had a very special meal, a Seder meal, with his disciples. This Maundy Thursday, April 6, we will gather for this same Seder meal where Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. Do you want to be a part of planning this exciting event? Contact Minister of Worship Naomi Laabs to join the Seder meal planning team.

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. 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.

“Speak, O Lord” by Keith Getty, Stuart Townend
“Because He Lives” by Matt Maher
“We Will Feast in the House of Zion” by Sandra McCracken
“Hymn of Heaven” by Phil Wickham

Impact
If you like history, this is your episode. Listen to Professor Paul Koelpin from Martin Luther College place Nehemiah in the context of world history. He also will help you understand the beautiful words of Jeremiah that we all love: I know the plans I have for you . . . plans to give you hope and a future. You can find our St. Andrew podcast Impact here or wherever you listen to podcasts by searching “Kjenstad Impact.”

PowerHour
If you have a little one 3 or younger, check out this enriching ministry. PowerHour is for children and their parents, grandparents, or caregivers. For more details, click here. The next PowerHour is February 17 at 10:30 AM (a no-school day at Westside Christian, so older siblings are invited to join us). The theme is “Art Day.”

Sunday morning children’s ministries
Musikgarten, Plugged into Jesus, and Spark are all thriving with children, and we want your child involved! All who attend grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. These important ministries also lay a foundation for developing lives of faithful service to our gracious Lord. No registration is required. Musikgarten and Plugged into Jesus welcome children beginning at 9:20 AM, and Spark begins at 9:25 AM. This week’s lesson is Jonah—the unwilling prophet.

FUEL
FUEL is our Sunday morning ministry for high school students. It’s relevant discussion and good times, and it’s for your high school student (who probably doesn’t read The Weekly, so please encourage him or her to attend).

Calling helpers for Lenten meals
Lent begins February 22, and we have an exciting slate of chefs for the six Wednesday evening meals. You or your Growth Group can still serve by assisting with prep, setup, service, and cleanup. If you are interested, contact Pastor Clinton.

Mission Trips informational meeting
This summer there are several opportunities to love God, love one another, and serve the world through Mission Trips. Teens and adults will grow in their faith, encourage others, and share the love of Jesus through various acts of service to congregations and communities outside of St. Andrew. Learn more at the informational meeting at 12 PM on Sunday, February 19.

Serve with hospitality
Hospitality is a commended service in many parts of Scripture. Join the effort to reestablish this team that keeps our worship guests feeling like part of a family. Contact Pastor Clinton for information.

Monthly Mission Partner
Middleton Outreach Ministries is our February partner. This local organization provides several social services to western Madison, Middleton, and Cross Plains, including hosting a large food pantry. In addition to funding, consider donating food items which you can bring to St. Andrew and deposit in the large container in the entryway. Find MOM’s most needed items list and more information at their website.