Clinton married his wife, Michelle, in 2012, and while living in Ohio, they had four beautiful children: Violet (6), Hawthorn (4), Iris (3), and Lavender (1). Violet and Hawthorn will begin school at Westside Christian this upcoming semester. Pastor Clinton enjoys listening to music across the spectrum, from 8-part choral to metal, and he plays guitar and dabbles in drums. Finally, when asked to share a fun fact about himself, he replied, “I’m obsessed with meaningless statistical data.” Well, Pastor, more than 10% of the world’s salt is used to de-ice American roads, and 100% of St. Andrew members are thrilled that you’re here.

Kreuziger kickoff party and card shower
Come welcome the Kreuziger family with a kickoff party this Sunday, January 8, 4 – 6 PM, in the gymnasium. The theme of the party is an old-fashioned Wisconsin tailgate with Wisconsin themed activities for both children and adults, delicious tailgate food, a dessert competition, and of course a time to meet Pastor Clinton, Michelle, Violet, Hawthorn, Iris, and Lavender. Show your team spirit by dressing in your favorite team’s gear. To aid in food preparations, please RSVP here by Friday, January 6. If you are interested in joining the dessert competition, register here or in the atrium.

Thank you to the many who have already participated in the Kreuziger card shower! If you wish to bless Clinton and Michelle with a gift or a card of encouragement, the card box will remain in the atrium until January 5.

Listening sessions
Above all, we seek Jesus’ direction for his church. To do that we pray, study our culture, evaluate our opportunities, and listen to each other. It’s an ongoing process, but for the past few months servants of St. Andrew have been developing a plan for the next phase of carrying out the mission Jesus has given us. It’s an exciting thing to contemplate together how he might use us and how we might serve people. You’re invited to sit with a few people and a St. Andrew leader to give your feedback on our Vision Sunday, January 15, 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM. We’ll gather in the sanctuary for a brief explanation and then head to classrooms where leaders will listen. Click here to view the Vision document. Thank you, Lord of the Church, for calling us into such a privileged time. Give us courage and boldness to pursue avenues by which you will build your kingdom.

Milestones
It’s a rare thing that a church gets to celebrate three brothers receiving the goal of our faith in one week! We praise God for having brought these men to faith through Holy Baptism, having kept them in this faith throughout their lives, and now having granted them the crown of life. Each will receive the high and holy privilege of a Christian funeral – a time to praise God for what Christ has done for us, for the gift each was to us, and for the life each now enjoys.

• Eugene Woller died from a sudden cardiac episode on Wednesday, December 28, while he and Donna were vacationing with their son and family in Salt Lake City. His funeral will be at St. Andrew on Friday, January 6, at 5 PM preceded by a time for visitation beginning at 1 PM. Guests are invited to enjoy a bite to eat and discuss their memories of Gene following the funeral. Livestream will be available on our website.
• Kevin Ostrand died on Friday, December 30, at St. Mary’s hospital. Kevin recovered well from a heart valve replacement about a week earlier, but suffered a major stroke. He was treated for it but never regained consciousness. His funeral will be at St. Andrew on Saturday, January 21. And, while we won’t attempt to imitate Kevin’s cooking, we will enjoy a time with some food and Kevin stories. Details about the time will follow. Caryn is grateful for the love and support you have shown them both, and is especially grateful to Ron and Piri Kerr for their help.
• Earl Zietz died peacefully at his home on Saturday, December 31. God granted him 95 years of his grace! His funeral will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 7. A time of visitation will begin at 9 AM and light luncheon will follow. While Suzanne’s dementia will keep her from knowing much of her husband’s passing, it will also shield her from much of the grief.

If you are able to help serve at any of these funerals, please contact Amy Hutter or call 608-831-8540 by 10 AM Thursday.

Taking down Christmas trees
After worship on Sunday, January 8, we will be taking down our three Christmas trees. If you and your family are willing to help with one of the trees, or if you could help take the trees back to storage, please contact Minister of Worship Naomi Laabs.

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.
“My Jesus” by Anne Wilson
“As with Gladness Men of Old” arranged by Don Chapman
“King of Kings” by Hillsong
“Before You I Kneel (A Worker’s Prayer)” by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend

Grow in Grace
“I worry that I worry too much.” That is the latest series at Grow in Grace. This whole church Bible study will give you encouragement to worry less and trust more. The 4-part series continues on January 22, not on January 15 as previously stated.

Impact
There are many facets to the description of God. The best place to begin is love because God is love. Dr. Phil Huebner is the first Impact guest of the new year, and he has the privilege of talking about God’s love as explained by the apostle John in 1 John 4. You can find 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 January 6 at 10:30 AM, and the theme “Fun in the Snow.”

Sunday morning children’s ministries
Musikgarten, PowerHour, and Spark return Sunday, January 15. 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 PowerHour welcome children beginning at 9:20 and Spark begins at 9:30 AM.

FUEL
This high school ministry returns on February 5. Until then, St. Andrew high school students are encouraged to attend the listening session on January 15 and Grow in Grace on January 22 and 29.

New year, new opportunities
‘Tis the season of resolutions. What opportunities do they bring? Has someone around you resolved to spend more time in the Word or in church? Now is the time to communicate what your God has done for you. Even the smallest seeds can grow into something large. Resolutions that are not spiritual can also put people in your life who weren’t there before. You may see someone new at work or at the gym. You may see a relative more often. Even if you don’t jump straight to a church invitation, how do your words and actions represent your Savior? There’s the resolution for you: “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).