This Week
The Christian and the Government
Just those two words together might make you squirm a bit and probably with good reason. Fear not, no preacher here will tell you how to vote. You’ll have to decide that for yourself. But the Spirit guides all of our lives, including our relationship with and responsibility to the government. The basic distinction between government and church is this: the government exists to promote peace and order (roads, trade, defense, etc.). The church exists to promote the Word and Sacraments by which the Spirit brings people to faith and keeps them in faith. There are more distinctions, of course, but this weekend God’s Word in Romans 13 will help us appreciate the nature and authority of the church and the state God has instituted. See ya in church Thursday or Sunday.
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Highlights
Events and ministry news needing immediate attention
Board of Directors update
Here is a video update from your St. Andrew Board of Directors.
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Worship
Resources and opportunities for you to worship
Online worship feedback
Have you used our online worship in the past year? We are looking for your feedback on how you use our online worship services and what we can do to improve your experience with it. If this applies to you, please take this short questionnaire to provide your feedback. Thanks in advance!
Atrium furniture
The black furniture in the atrium has served thousands of people well for the past seven years but the cushions are crushed and the faux finish is flaking. Replacement furniture has been on order for months, and now it’s finally here. (Supply chain issues?) Memorial gifts from Mr. Eugene Woller, at the request of Donna, are being used to purchase the new furniture. It’s odd, in a way, because Gene was not known for sitting down. It’s perfect, in a way, because Gene loved welcoming people to church and making them feel comfortable. Thank you, Donna, for this generous and important gift.
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.
“Only a Holy God” by CityAlight
“Cornerstone” by Hillsong
“Come unto Jesus” by Laura Story, Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker
“Forth in Your Name” arranged by Kristen Koepsell
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Nurture
Ways to be connected to Jesus throughout the week in your personal life and with others
St. Andrew Camp
Jesus in Everything. That message was heard by 115 children at last week’s St. Andrew Summer Camp. The week was filled with variety as campers developed art and acting skills, learned finer points in music, painted the parking lot, made their own snacks and tie-dye t-shirts, learned Bible stories, and joined their voices to praise Jesus. It was a wonderful week blessed by Jesus in countless ways. We are grateful for all 47 volunteers that joyfully served during the week. God-willing, St. Andrew Science Camp will return in July of 2025!
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Moms’ Group
A group of moms (and their young children) from St. Andrew gets together every other Tuesday morning for friendship and encouragement. Contact Mark Kjenstad for the details.
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Impact
The true story of Cain and Abel is not just for Sunday School children. There is a lot there for everyone. Pastor Jon Bilitz is on the podcast this week to help us learn about what pleases God, the power of sin, the Lord’s marvelous mercy, and more. You can listen to Impact here or by searching for “Kjenstad Impact.”
LifeBoat
LifeBoat is a fun ministry for teens in grades 7 – 10 which meets the first and third Sunday evenings of every month from 5:30 – 7:30 PM. A typical evening is food, play, and Jesus. For location and more information, contact LifeBoat leaders Jess Bohl or Hilary Griswold.
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Service & Outreach
Opportunities for you to live your faith and love for Jesus by sharing Jesus with others
A heart for service
Thank you so much to those who were able to help move furniture around to accommodate the carpet cleaning this week. With so many servant hearts, the work was done quickly and everything is already back in its place. Well done, St. Andrew!
Summer mission trips
The London group returned home this week after over a week serving and exploring across the pond. Make sure to find St. Andrew on Facebook to see dozens of pictures.
Likewise, Rock Hill updates are and will continue on Facebook. The teen group and their leaders who went just southwest of Charlotte are wrapping up their trip.
Up next, a group of 11 heads to Cincinnati, Ohio next week. Then, in August, several adults will head back to Brandon, South Dakota.
August 18 new called worker welcome and picnic
Save the date! The same day they are installed, we will formally welcome our new called workers Dan and Beth Plath and Krista Simmons, all three of whom are serving in capacities at Westside Christian School. We’ll have food and fun in the afternoon, as well as opportunities to get to know these new servants.
One body, many members
1 Corinthians 12 says the church is like a body. It is one, but it is made of many unique parts with specific roles. St. Andrew has been blessed with many personalities, spiritual gifts, and skillsets. We want you to be blessed and be a blessing to others by serving in accordance with yours. St. Andrew’s ministry plan for the next twelve months has now gone into effect, so now is a great time to submit your One Body, Many Members survey to help determine how you can serve.
Looking for a piano?
A St. Andrew family is willing to donate a digital piano to a family who would use it more. It is electric and not overly cumbersome. If you are or know someone looking for a keyboard, contact Pastor Clinton.
Monthly Mission Partner
July’s partner is Christian Aid & Relief, an organization of our church body whose mission is to reflect Christ’s love and compassion to souls suffering from disasters and hardships. Because of what Christ has freely done for us, we eagerly show we care by offering our time, talents, and treasures to those in need. For a better idea of what CAR does, go to wels.net/relief.
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Westside Christian School
A ministry of St. Andrew, preparing students for academic success and lives of Christian service founded on God’s Word
“June, July, and August”
For those of you unfamiliar with that response, it is the punchline to the joke, “What are a teacher’s favorite months?” Some might think that teachers take those months “off” and don’t really work. I can tell you from my short time at Westside, teachers are working just as hard now as they will during the school year. The summer months are a gear shift for teachers. They no longer have students in the classroom but instead have cleaning supplies, boxes to unload, furniture to move around, and general classroom preparations to make. Every teacher who has lived through the three magic months realizes that whatever they get done now means better results during the school year.
Summer is a time that tours are given. Parents who are on the tours are always pleased to see teachers in the school working during the summer. They understand how seriously each teacher is taking their responsibilities.
Next time you speak with a Westside teacher during the three magic months, ask them what they got done this week. I can guarantee that their response will have something to do with school or their classroom. |
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Serving This Week
Musicians
Lead musician: Malia Faessler, Jonathan Fricke
Vocalists: Amanda Faessler, Jonathan Fricke
Guitar: Terry Jacobs, Liam Liermann
Drums: Aaron and August Faessler
Cello: Kaelana Faessler
Violin: Malia Faessler
Greeters
Thursday: Dan and Sarah Arndt
8:00 AM: LoToya and Mia Murray
10:30 AM: Patina Hooten, Dick Smith, Susan Wright
Ushers
Thursday: Dave Rortvedt
8:00 AM: Jeff Grim, Daniel Onsager
10:30 AM: Aaron and Sabastian Murray
Communion Assistants
Thursday: Mitch Hutter
8:00 AM: Bill Beier, Karl Kuschel
10:30 AM: Jackson Hunter, Ed Murray
Communion Care
Thursday: Cheryl Utke
8:00 AM: Kylie Roekle
10:30 AM: Robert and Beth Ramos
Audio
Thursday:
8:00 AM: Todd Kleman
10:30 AM: Ben Kleman
Slide Tech
Thursday: Dan Fischer
8:00 AM: Paul Pucci
10:30 AM: Jacob Miller
Livestream Video
Dan Wasmer
Hospitality
Thursday: Amanda Taticek
8:00 AM: Crystal Murkve
10:30 AM: Kim Volberg
Connection Card Assembly
Pete and Alice Zimpelman
Offering Caretakers
Jim and Heidi Pease
Growth Group Leaders
Pastor Clinton, Daniel Dammann, Jared Dammann, Paige Fricke, Pastor Hunter, Mark Kjenstad, Paul Onsager, Ashley Renstrom
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