This Week
Security
We love security. We must. We have security systems, security alarms, and security dogs. We talk about national security. We want secure jobs. We diversify our financial resources for security. We put some of our money in securities because we aren’t sure social security is all that secure. We buy deodorant, mouthwash, and odor eaters to feel more secure. Have you seen the Peanuts cartoon that shows Linus holding his security blanket saying, “Only one yard of flannel stands between me and a nervous breakdown.”
What about security with God? How confident are you in your relationship with him? Can you be sure of where you stand with him today? Next week? On Judgment Day? In this week’s verses from Romans 8, the Spirit gives you answers. They may surprise you, but they’re true. Read Romans 8:28-30 and gather with the saints for security on Thursday at 7 PM or on Sunday at 8:00 AM or 10:30 AM.
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Highlights
Events and ministry news needing immediate attention
The St. Andrew family grows
Last weekend, we welcomed 30 new members, pictured below: Erin Arndt; Rob and Donna Bare; Rohan Crain and Claire Mann; Aaron and Melissa Dix and their children Connor and Kelsey; Anthony Dix and sons Grayson and Arlo; Josh and Amanda Evridge and their children Harrison and Eloise; Seth and Delaney Fenske; Heleana Jackowski; Steve and Ashley Ludwig and their children Arthur, Ethan, and Eleanor; Therese Powers; and Dan and Laura Scheider and their children Elizabeth, Madison, and Wyatt. Let’s continue to welcome them in Christian love as they join us in ministry.
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Worship
Resources and opportunities for you to worship
Upcoming festival services
Just like we have a calendar year, the Christian Church has a church year that begins with the season of Advent. This church year is split into two parts—the festival half where we focus on the birth, life, and death of Jesus, and the non-festival half which focuses on the life of the Church. The festival half, which we are in now, closes with three special services that are coming up soon:
- The ascension of Jesus into heaven (May 9/12)
- The sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (May 16/19)
- The celebration of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (May 23/26)
Pentecost and the work of the Holy Spirit
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he promised his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to enable them to carry out Jesus’ mission to make disciples. We often say these words of the Apostles’ Creed: I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
But do you know what these words mean? This weekend as we celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit, we’ll remember Martin Luther’s explanation of the Holy Spirit’s work:
I believe that I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in my Lord Jesus Christ or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, sanctified, and kept me in the true faith. In the same way he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian Church he daily and fully forgives all sins to me and all believers. On the last day he will raise me and all the dead, and he will give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.
Milestones
Faith turned to sight for Mr. John Cargen, longtime St. Andrew guest and father of Dawn Otto, on Sunday evening. His Christian funeral will be held on Monday in Beaver Dam. You can read the obituary of our brother in Christ here.
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.
“By Faith” by Keith and Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend
“Holy Spirit” by Keith Getty, Stuart Townend
“This I Believe (The Creed)” by Hillsong
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Nurture
Ways to be connected to Jesus throughout the week in your personal life and with others
Summer Growth Groups
St. Andrew is a church that is blessed with a Growth Group ministry that brings small groups of God’s people together around God’s Word. The result is encouragement, growth, support, and more. The summer Growth Group semester goes from early June through early August. You can sign up in the atrium or online. Click here for more on St. Andrew Growth Groups.
Grow in Grace | Leading Children to Jesus
Week one of Leading Children to Jesus went well. Topics coming up in week two are home devotions with children, making lifelong disciples of Jesus, and the influence of extended families. Join us for this conversation that will include Ben and Renee Carlson, Dan and Ellie Roekle, and Ed and Tina Murray. Grow in Grace is Sunday from 9:30 – 10:15 AM in the sanctuary. Please email Mark Kjenstad if you will use the provided childcare.
St. Andrew Summer Camp | Jesus in Everything
Children entering kindergarten – grade 6 are encouraged to attend St. Andrew Summer Camp! This year’s camp offers a fun variety of activities, and Jesus will be in everything. The dates are July 8 – 11. Go here for more information or go here to register.
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Impact
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” That gospel nugget fills us with hope. Listen to Pastor Nate Wordell share his thoughts on these sustaining words of our Savior. You can listen to Impact here or wherever you find podcasts by searching “Kjenstad Impact.”
Final PowerHour
Children up to age 3 and their caregivers are invited to the next PowerHour, which is the final PowerHour until it returns in the fall. Join us on Friday, May 17, at 10:30 AM in the St. Andrew gym. The theme is “The Best of PowerHour.” Click here for more information on PowerHour.
LifeBoat
LifeBoat is the name of a new group for St. Andrew teens. LifeBoat is for grades 7 – 10 and 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
Cross Peace explanation cards
Cards with brief summaries of each Cross Peace piece are available to accompany your Lent cross. They are great explanations and witness opportunities when someone sees your cross on display and asks about it. Pick one up from Pastor Clinton.
Service opportunities | A/V for worship services
These duties are vital to hundreds of worshipers in person and online. It sounds daunting and technical, but it’s not so bad. And you will be trained so that you are confident in your craft. Consider serving as a Slide Tech, Audio Tech, or Livestream Videographer. Contact Pastor Clinton to get involved.
Service opportunities | summer camp leaders
Jesus in Everything summer camp is July 8 – 11 and will include many opportunities to serve. Right now, we’re looking for a few specific camp leaders. Contact Pastor Clinton or Mark Kjenstad.
- Tie-dye extraordinaire: self-explanatory—Wednesday only
- Snacker-in-chief: work with the younger campers to help them prepare snacks for themselves and other groups
- Skilled sculptor: work with the younger campers using play dough—Wednesday only
- Outdoor enthusiasts: supervise outdoor play—various time slots
- Drama director: take the lead on teaching some of the older campers some acting skills
Adult mission trip to Brandon, South Dakota
You can still join the team headed west August 21 – 25. Spread the gospel. Have lots of fun. Find details and apply at st-andrew-online.org/mission-trips.
Monthly Mission Partner
May’s Monthly Mission Partner is Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel. This is our sister campus ministry in downtown Madison. Students from both near and far find a Christian home away from home—a place to study, relax, and gather. View a brief video from Pastor Bilitz below.
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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
End of the year
It’s time for summer vacation! The 2023 – 24 school year for Westside Christian comes to an end with closing chapel and field day on May 22. We are appreciative of the many parent volunteers who plan for this successful way to celebrate the last day of school. We give a prayer of thanks for another successful school year of serving many students and families with the message of Jesus.
8th grade graduation
We will give thanks and praise for the 23 8th grade students and their families during a service and graduation ceremony. This will be held on Tuesday, May 21, at 6:30 PM, in the sanctuary. We will celebrate with cake following the service. All family and friends are invited to attend. |
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Serving This Week
Serving Jesus at St. Andrew this week, May 16 & 19, 2024
Musicians
Lead musician: Jonathan Fricke
Vocalists: Amanda Faessler, Jonathan Fricke, Naomi Laabs
Guitar: Dan Wasmer
Drums: Aaron Faessler
Cello: Kaelana Faessler, Mark Solverud
Piano: Malia Faessler, Kevin Meske
Saxophone: Malia Faessler
Choir director: Naomi Laabs
Greeters
Thursday: Karl and Carrie Pasch
8:00 AM: Karen Hunter, Donna Woller
10:30 AM: Robert and Beth Ramos
Ushers
Thursday: Jim Pease
8:00 AM: Mark and Kyler Roloff
10:30 AM: Greg and Zach Yunger
Lay Readers
Thursday: Mitch Hutter
8:00 AM: Paul Wittkamp
10:30 AM: Dick Smith
Communion Assistants
Thursday: Mitch Hutter
8:00 AM: Jeff Grim, Todd Treichel
10:30 AM: Jackson Hunter, Mark Kjenstad
Communion Care
Thursday: Amy and Alayna Hutter
8:00 AM: Rachel Martalock
10:30 AM: Robert and Beth Ramos
Audio
Thursday: Sarah Wendorf
8:00 AM: Todd Kleman
10:30 AM:
Slide Tech
Thursday: Maddy Hougaard
8:00 AM: Paul Pucci, Micki Ross
10:30 AM: Kim Gnewuch
Livestream Video
Thad Molling
Hospitality
Thursday: Heidi Pease
8:00 AM: Jill Kaltenberg
10:30 AM: Kim Volberg
Connection Card Assembly
Larry and Connie Stolzman
Offering Caretakers
Phil and Dawn Otto
Growth Group Leaders
Pastor Clinton, Jane Dew, Jared Dammann, Andrew Fritz, Mark Kjenstad
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