St. Andrew Connections Volume 22, Issue 1 Tuesday, February 03, 2015 YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT ASSUMPTIONS… One of the customs I really appreciate about Greater Lafayette is how motorists pull over to the side of the road when a funeral procession goes by. It’s a small thing, but it speaks volumes about respect and our shared mortality. And I can bear witness to the fact that it is not a custom that is universally shared around this country. Shortly before Christmas, I was waiting at a cross street for a particularly long funeral procession to pass. I was in a big hurry—as usual—but after a moment of impatience, I settled back, turned off the radio in my car, and took a moment to think of the brothers and sisters in Christ I’d lost this last year. When I looked up, I noticed the woman who was driving the last car in the procession. She was talking away on her cell phone. I have to admit that seeing her do that got under my skin. I often think that as a culture we are addicted to input of all kinds. Here was a moment when this woman should be sitting silently in Church Calendar ................................................... 11 Community Ministries/Missions .................4 & 5 CrossRoads Ministries ......................................... 8 Financial Information .......................................... 7 her car thinking about the deceased, mulling over her own mortality, leaning on the promises of God. But no, she’s chatting away with some friend via cell phone. She’s circumventing the silence; she’s anesthetizing the grief; she’s trampling all over what might have been a holy moment. Now, there’s a part of me that still believes that this is likely to be true. It is likely that rather than being still with her thoughts in the drive from the funeral home to the cemetery, here was a person who was uncomfortable and unaccustomed to being alone with her thoughts. It is likely that she preferred not to deal with sadness and loss and reached out to someone— anyone—who could get her mind and her heart off the subject of death. We don’t like to remember that each one of us will die. We don’t like to lose someone we love. It is likely that this woman was looking for a distraction, and her cell phone provided her the easiest opportunity. Ah, but every once in a while I have to be honest even with myself. When I saw her talking on her cell phone, I assumed even more than this. I assumed that this woman was talking about nonessential, relatively unimportant things. I assumed she was catching up on the “news;” I assumed she was chit-chatting and killing time. I imagined the conversation being about Britney or Lindsay or Paris. I imagined the worst. I have no idea why I do that. I take one tiny piece of evidence (a cell phone conversation on the way to a cemetery) and recreate an entire scenario about a stranger that is laced with judgment and peppered with condemnation. I take my pet peeve— that we too often let technology run our lives and have become entertain-aholics—and project it onto someone about whom I know virtually nothing. God rarely lets me get away with thoughts like that for very long. Several things came to my mind as I continued my drive up to church. (Continued on page 2) InTouch Ministries ........................................ 3 & 7 Pastor’s Pen ..................................................... 1 & 2 Small Groups Ministries ...................................... 6 Thank Yous ................................................. 2, 4 & 7 Our Mission: God has called us together to become like Jesus in authentic community for the sake of the world. St. Andrew Connections (Continued from page 1) If I were riding in a funeral procession and my cell phone rang, and it was my wife or kids or the hospital— would I answer it or let it go? I assumed the woman in the car had made the call, but it’s just as likely that she was receiving a call. What if she was talking to a sister or parent who was too sick or too far away to come to the funeral? Maybe there was someone on the other end of the line who needed this woman’s condolence, love, and support. What if this woman was in charge of the funeral meal afterward and was calling to let them know when they could expect the family to be there? What if she was the favorite aunt of a child who’d just lost a parent, and he’d asked where Aunt Betty was and wouldn’t be reassured until he talked with her from the limousine? A cell phone is a new kind of tool for communication, and who’s to say she is not using that tool in a way that ministers to others at a difficult time? You get where I am going with this. A cell phone call during a funeral procession may well be indicative of a problem we have today as a culture. At the same time, it might be something entirely different, and from my vantage point there was no way for me to make a fair judgment either way. I can assume the best or at least suspend my assumptions until I have reason not to, or I can judge and condemn by assuming the worst. But I have to be careful because assumptions very quickly become habits, and habits very quickly shape my temperament, and my temperament often determines how I see the world. Jesus said that the assumptions you use in judging others will be the same assumptions God will use in judging you. So, if I were you, Jesus implies, I would make wise and gracious assumptions and do the best I can to refrain from easy or unfair judgments. Me, I plan to turn off my cell phone a lot more often than I do now. I also plan on assuming the best about the people around me. I may be disappointed every now and then, I’m sure, but no more so than assuming the worst right out of the gate. And I take Jesus at his word. I very much like the idea that God himself looks at my choices and my behavior moment by moment and assumes the very best about me and my motives. Knowing that, I might even work a little bit harder to live up to His assumptions. And that has real potential to come back and bless me. (This articles has been reprinted from January 2008) 2 VERY HAPPY MEMBERS “We could hardly believe our ‘love Christmas gift’ delivered at our door by the most loving and caring lady, son, and daughter (a great example she was making to the children) also. The container was loaded with many kinds of cookies, bread, two kinds of nuts, fruit, tea bags, homemade hand lotion, so very much work and love in it all. St. Andrew has two of the best ministers and outreach programs which we are very appreciative! “ Thank You Very Much, Beulah & Tom Cole "Kevin and I appreciate so much the prayers, cards, visits and food over the past two months as he had two total hip replacements. His physician and the medical staff here are top notch but we both know his remarkable recovery is really due to the powerful prayers on his behalf. We are so thankful to have found a new church family here at St. Andrew.” Thank you! Cathi & Kevin Parish Keeping in Touch with Loving our neighbors through caring acts that bring healing and health to those in need. January 2015 Did You Know? Some Blood Pressure Basics Volunteer Spotlight On...LuAnn Boggess High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the most common cardiovascular disease in the US today. It is the leading cause of stroke and a major cause of heart attack, and over 30% of American adults have high blood pressure. This month, InTouch Ministries would like to highlight the wonderful volunteer efforts of LuAnn Boggess. You probably know LuAnn as our organist on Sunday mornings who brings us beautiful music each week, but she also quietly goes about following Jesus in many other ways, too. Hypertension can be treated through diet, exercise, and medication, but it must be diagnosed first. InTouch offers monthly blood pressure screenings by qualified healthcare professionals. We’d be happy to help you manage this important risk factor. She faithfully records the written prayer concerns that we put on our attendance sheets every week and sends them out to our prayer chain— so that the issues that are on your heart get prayed for. Many of our InTouch ministries use the joys and concerns we share in worship to stay informed about how we can reach out to hurting people. Join us next Sunday and start to track your numbers! Blood Pressure Screenings February 8 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Pastor Pat’s Office LuAnn also heads up the Remembering ministry team. This ministry recognizes that the grief which comes when we lose a loved one does not end after the funeral. The Remembering team sends beautiful handwritten cards of support and encouragement on anniversary dates of the loss, as well as during times such as the holidays when we feel that loss even more keenly. CareNotes is Ready for February! And our monthly Westminster communion service relies on LuAnn to bring prayerful music each time we gather. The Westminster residents’ hearts come alive as they sing out glory to God. Monday, February 9 7:00 p.m. Adult 2 Classroom Have you ever wanted to try your hand at making homemade cards? Don’t be intimidated if you’re not a “crafty” person! Our CareNotes leaders have jobs for every skill level and make it easy for newcomers! Please join us Let Us Know! In all that she does, LuAnn’s faith shines through. InTouch offers a big thank you for her blessings!! Our ministry works best when we know who and how we can help! Just call the Church (497-7755) or click on the Support tab (http://andrew-umc.org). 3 LUM MEAL NEEDED FOR FEBRUARY! The next LUM meal is on the schedule for February 8! For the winter months, a basic soup or stew or chili is requested for the meal along with crackers/saltines if you wish for up to 30-50 folks. The next LUM meal, April 12, can be considered a summer meal for preparing sandwiches, but could go either way, perhaps. Do prayerfully consider hosting a LUM meal through St. Andrew. Thank you for the consideration!! LUM meals are not difficult ones to prepare. Encourage your group, family members, or friends to prayerfully consider hosting a LUM meal. Please contact Peggy Hoover if you are interested at 404-8128/[email protected]. THANK YOU FROM GIDEONS Members of our West Lafayette Camp Of Gideons are very thankful to St. Andrew United Methodist Church for the free will monthly gifts through the Panera Bread program. These gifts totaled $1,219.88 in 2014. From these donations, Gideons International will be able to place Bibles at $5 per copy (243 copies) or New Testaments at $1.30 per copy (938 copies) into many of the 198 countries we currently serve in the world. The distribution and placement of Biblical Scriptures by The Gideons was started in 1908 and is scheduled to get to a level of 20 million copies in the year of 2020. Gideons International is made up of Christian business and professional men and their wives (Auxiliary) who lead people to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ by personal witnessing and the placement of Biblical Scriptures. With Christ's love, George and Jean BOY SCOUT SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 Scout Sunday will be celebrated at St. Andrew on February 8. Boy Scouts from Troop 335 will be in attendance at the 8:45 a.m. service, and all scouts (including Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from other troops) are encouraged to wear their uniforms on that Sunday morning. CARDS FOR JUAN Our condolences go to our church caretaker, Juan Valdez. Juan’s dad passed away in Mexico last week. Juan was in Mexico and was able to see him before he passed. If you would like to send a sympathy card to Juan, please send it to the church c/o Juan Valdez, 4703 N. 50 W., West Lafayette, IN 47906. 4 FAMILY PROMISE FEBRUARY 22--MARCH 1 “We volunteer because our lives have been so blessed. It is nice to give something back and it feels so good to see how comfortable these families are at St. Andrew.” “....a homeless family may lose their children because they cannot provide basic food and shelter.” “All I did was hold the little girl’s hand–it seemed to help her.” “It is easy to do. It is very important. It is not a continuing commitment.” These are some comments from folks who have volunteered to help make Family Promise, a ministry to homeless families, happen at St. Andrew. Your help is needed too! We host just four times a year. You can bring in an evening meal, host during the meal and early evening, stay overnight, or help set up/tear down, among other things. It is easy and fun. Two volunteers are there at all times, and if you are new, you will be paired with an experienced person. You get to demonstrate God’s love and kindness as you interact directly with families in real need, right here in your own church. To volunteer or ask questions contact: Cathy Potter [email protected] or Susan Foster [email protected] St. Andrew Connections PACK AWAY HUNGER—THANKS! A BIG thank you goes out to all you who donated and to the volunteers that helped at the Pack Away Hunger packing event on Monday, January 19. With your help, we were able to pack 82,008 meals! Half of the meals packaged are going to Mission Guatemala, and half of the meals will remain here in Lafayette and be distributed by Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. MISSION TRIPS—MISSION GUATEMALA Christ United Methodist and Our Savior Lutheran are partnering together to take college students on a mission trip from May 10 to May 18 to Mission Guatemala as part of our Pack Away Hunger partnership. All St. Andrew college students are encouraged to consider this opportunity to meet the basic needs and to improve the quality of life for the Guatemalan people. A second adult mission experience from June 27 through July 5 to Mission Guatemala is also being planned by Christ United Methodist. If you would like more information on how you can be part of either of these mission experiences, please contact the church office at 497-7755. 5 Please consider volunteering for the International Friendship Program at Purdue. This program matches international college students with families in our community. There are both both short-term or long-term opportunities. Please contact Beth Tucker at [email protected] for more information. St. Andrew Connections 8TH ANNUAL BOOK FAIR COMING SOON ~Start Sorting Out Your Books to Donate! What is the St. Andrew Book Fair? It’s an annual fund- raiser organized by The Echoes of the Gospel book group. This year the proceeds from the Book Fair will be divided between the Methodist Habitat for Humanity House and Pack Away Hunger. Last year we collected just over $1,500, and we hope to beat that total this year. Where do the books for the Book Fair come from? YOU contribute them! (Just think of the shelf space you will clear.) Please donate books in good condition. We accept all genres (no text books or magazines please). Books for children, youth, and young adults are always in demand. We are counting on your help to make this the most successful Book Fair yet. After our Book Fair ends, all remaining books are donated to the West Lafayette Public Library for their book sale. In addition to donating books, we need you to attend the Book Fair! The 2015 Book Fair will be February 21 and 22 in The Intersection. The Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. are open to our congregation and their friends and neighbors. However, this is not a public sale, and it will not LENTEN SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITY! Hi! We are Dean and Anita Brusnighan. We’re very excited to offer leadership of an informal exploration of the basics of God’s Word. We’re calling it “The ABCs of Bible Study: Exploring How to Read and Study the Bible.” This is a Lenten small group opportunity scheduled to meet at the church each Sunday from February 22 to March 29 from 6–7:30 p.m. No previous experience reading or studying the Bible is needed. We have been members of St. Andrew since 1992. Leading two Disciple Bible Study classes together has had a powerful impact on our own spiritual journeys. We are looking forward to this new way of sharing the Bible with others. Our prayer is that this small group can be a meaningful part of your faith journey. If you have been hesitant to join a Bible study because you didn’t know where to start, this group is for you. Our desire is to help people find the Bible more approachable. The term “Bible study” can often sound lofty or overwhelming. Our goal is for this small group to be accessible for everyone. We look forward to seeing you on February 22. Look for our information table in The Commons on Sunday, February 8 and 15. Please stop by to say hello and let us answer any questions you may have about participating in our small group. 6 be advertised. The idea of this fund-raiser is to promote the joy of reading and to donate to worthy causes. Please explain to anyone you invite that the books will not be priced, but a donation is requested. The Book Fair will open after the first service on the 22nd and will remain open until 1 p.m. The first Sunday to donate books will be February 1, and you can continue to bring books in until Wednesday, February 18. You may place your donations in the tub marked for the books in The Commons near the office. Need more information? Contact Barb Jones: [email protected] WEATHERRELATED CLOSINGS Winter is here, and it might be necessary to suspend church operations for weather reasons. If you are ever in doubt as to whether a service will take place, please check the web page (http://andrewumc.org) for closings or watch WLFI. We will also endeavor to put a message on the phone at the church office. For committee meetings, please contact the chair of your committee for the most up-to-date information. St. Andrew Connections NEWS FROM FINANCE COMMITTEE 2014 Operating Budget Summary: Operating Budget: Actual receipts (105% of budget): Actual expenditures (101% of budget): $710,000 748,688 715,392 Operating Balance at end of year: $33,296 The operating balance was moved to our accumulated surplus account. Thank you for your support to make 2014 another great year in supporting the many ministries of St. Andrew. A detailed report is available on the credenza outside the church office. We are looking forward to all the ministries to be accomplished during this year with your support of the 2015 operating budget. Contact the church office if you have any questions. News from Financial Secretary: The 2014 giving statements have been distributed or mailed out. Let the church office or Larry Biehl (583-4041) know if you did not receive one and wish to have one or if you have questions about your statement. A letter of acknowledgement and verification of your 2015 operating pledge has also been distributed. The 2015 giving envelopes have been distributed. Those not picked up yet are in the slots below the mailbox for the Financial Secretary in the church office. Envelope boxes are also available for those who wish to use them for 2015 and do not have any yet. Building Fund Summary Building Fund income for 2014: Payments from operating budget: Building Loan balance as of 12/31/2014: Principal paid during 2014: Interest/closing costs paid during 2014: Building Fund Account Balance: $60,311 $55,500 $565,684 $85,851 $22,603 $9,079 A more detailed Building Report for 2014 is available on the credenza outside the church office. NOTE: The building loan will be paid off in 2029 if only the minimum payments are made. However, we will pay the loan off in 2020 if we continue to receive additional yearly gifts of $60,000 to the building fund as we did during 2014. To repeat what has been mentioned before, the campaign to reduce the debt continues; it is just without a formal name and pledges. Thanks to all for your support. 7 PARENT’S NIGHT OUT THANK YOU! There was a pretty good turn-out which made some strides in lowering overall costs for the students going on the Sr. High Mission experience this year. Everyone in CrossRoads just wanted to take the time to say thank you to all those who participated in the Parent’s Night Out. Whether you utilized the night for a child-free evening, worked the night to provide this INVALUABLE service, or just dropped off your kids to help out—THANK YOU! We appreciate your support! CAN YOU LEND A HAND (AND HANG A BLIND?) One of our longtime elderly St. Andrew members needs a helping hand. A blind in her kitchen has broken, and she needs someone to hang a new mini-blind for her. This might be a great opportunity for a senior high youth and his/ her parent to earn a little extra money to help pay for the mission trip. It could also be a wonderful service project for a confirmand and their mentor. Or it could just be a good deed from someone who has the skills needed! If you are interested in helping out, please call Sue Burchill at the church office (497-7755) for more information. Thanks! February 2015 1 8:45 AM Trad. Worship 10:00 AM Cont. Worship 10:00 AM Soul to Soul 10:00 AM Sunday Schl 11:15 AM Cont. Worship 4:30 PM Confirmation Cls 4:30 PM Racial Justice Study Group 6:00 PM Jr. High Youth 6:00 PM Sr. High Youth Super Bowl Party 2 6:30 PM BroZone 6:30 PM Covenant Bible Study 6:30 PM GOLDen Grls 6:30 PM Knights of the Square Table 6:30 PM UnBROKEN Jr. High Girls 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 335 Committee 7:00 PM Prayer Shawl ministry 7:30 PM Men's Ministry Group 3 7:00 AM Staff/Parish 9:30 AM InTouch Resource Meeting 10:00 AM Worship Planning Team 11:00 AM Staff mting 1:00 PM Prayer Quilts 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM CrossRoads Tutoring 4 6:00 PM Waiting2Wake rehearsal 7:00 PM Mid-Week Service 5 5:30 PM Music Staff 6:00 PM Tippecanoe Fly Fishing Fellowship 6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 7:00 PM Racial Justice Study Group 7:30 PM Choir Reh. 6 7 9:00 AM Korean 9:00 AM FaithConversation Class fully Fit Exercise 9:15 AM Oasis 10:30 AM Korean Bible Study 8 8:45 AM Trad. Worship 9:00 AM Mental Health Ministry 9:15 AM Band of Angels 9:30 AM Blood Pressure Monitoring 10:00 AM Cont. Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:15 AM Cont. Worship 2:00 PM Band Practice 4:30 PM Confirmation Cls 4:30 PM Racial Justice Study Group 6:00 PM Jr. High Youth 6:00 PM Sr. High Youth 9 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE 6:30 PM BroZone 6:30 PM Covenant Bible Study 6:30 PM GOLDen Grls 6:30 PM Knights of the Square Table 6:30 PM UnBROKEN Jr. High Girls 7:00 PM CareNotes 7:00 PM Trustees mtg 7:30 PM Men's Ministry Group 10 9:30 AM InTouch Resource Meeting 10:00 AM Worship Planning Team 11:00 AM Staff mting 7:00 PM Boy Scouts Court of Honor 7:00 PM CrossRoads Tutoring 8:00 PM Boy Scouts 11 12:00 PM Executive Team 3:30 PM Brownie Troop 1559 6:00 PM Waiting2Wake rehearsal 7:00 PM Comm Ministries 7:00 PM Mid-Week Service 12 NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED 6:00 PM Prayer Quilts 6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 7:00 PM Racial Justice Study Group 7:30 PM Choir Reh. 13 9:00 AM Korean Conversation Class 9:15 AM Oasis 10:30 AM Korean Bible Study 15 8:45 AM Trad. Worship 10:00 AM Cont. Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:15 AM Cont. Worship 2:00 PM Band Practice 4:30 PM Confirmation Cls 4:30 PM Racial Justice Study Group 6:00 PM Jr. High Youth 6:00 PM Sr. High Youth 16 6:30 PM BroZone 6:30 PM Covenant Bible Study 6:30 PM GOLDen Gils 6:30 PM Knights of the Square Table 6:30 PM UnBROKEN Jr. High Girls 7:30 PM Men's Ministry Group 17 9:30 AM InTouch Resource Meeting 10:00 AM Worship Planning Team 11:00 AM Staff mting 7:00 PM Ad Board 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM CrossRoads Tutoring 18 ASH WEDNESDAY 2:30 PM Communion at Westminster 6:00 PM Waiting2Wake rehearsal 7:00 PM Ash Wednesday Service 19 10:00 AM Book Fair Set Up 6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 7:00 PM Racial Justice Study Group 7:30 PM Choir Reh. 20 9:00 AM Korean Conversation Class 9:15 AM Oasis 10:30 AM Korean Bible Study 5:00 PM CRoads Mission Trip Fundraising Fun Night 6:00 PM Junior High Lock-In 21 Jr. High Lock-In 9:00 AM Faithfully Fit Exercise 10:00 AM Book Fair 22 Family Promise Families 8:45 AM Trad. Worship 9:30 AM Book Fair 10:00 AM Cont. Worship 10:00 AM Orientation Cls 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:15 AM Cont. Worship 4:00 PM Bluegrass Fell. Group 4:30 PM Confirmation Cls 4:30 PM Racial Justice Study Group 6:00 PM ABC's of Bible Study 6:00 PM Jr. High Youth 6:00 PM Sr. High Youth 23 Family Promise Families NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE 6:30 PM BroZone 6:30 PM Covenant Bible Study 6:30 PM GOLDen Grls 6:30 PM Knights of the Square Table 6:30 PM UnBROKEN Jr. High Girls 7:30 PM Men's Ministry Group 24 Family Promise Families 9:30 AM InTouch Resource Meeting 10:00 AM Worship Planning Team 11:00 AM Staff mting 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM CrossRoads Tutoring 25 Family Promise Families 3:30 PM Brownie Troop 1559 6:00 PM Waiting2Wake rehearsal 7:00 PM Mid-Week Service 26 Family Promise Families NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED 6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 7:00 PM Racial Justice Study Group 7:30 PM Choir Reh. 27 Family Promise Families 9:00 AM Korean Conversation Class 9:15 AM Oasis 10:30 AM Korean Bible Study 12:30 PM Northwest District Korean Ministry Team Meeting 28 Family Promise Families 9:00 AM Faithfully Fit Exercise 9:00 AM SafeSitter Class 14 9:00 AM Faithfully Fit Exercise 3:00 PM John Weaver 65th Birthday Party Boy Scout Anniversary Week 8 NON‐PROFIT ORG. U. S. POSTAGE PAID Lafayette, Indiana PERMIT NO. 54 St. Andrew United Methodist Church 4703 N. 50 W. West Lafayette, IN 47906 Tuesday, February 03, 2015 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED St. Andrew UMC Phone: 497-7755 Office Hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Traditional Worship: Sunday 8:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship: Sunday 10 & 11:15 a.m. Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. Your St. Andrew Staff Pastor Associate Pastor Church Administrator Church Secretary Financial/Office Asst Dir. of Children’s Ministry CrossRoads Dir. of Programs Dir. of Small Group Ministries Dir. of Music Ministry Dir. of InTouch Ministry Organist/Pianist Asst. Organist/Pianist Chancel Choir Director Worship Leader MWS Caretaker Childcare Coordinator Trustees E-Mail Addresses [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Tim Burchill Pat Sleeth Donna Biehl Laurie Klenosky Melissa Martin Jan Collins-Cutter Bambi Dean Barb Jones Dave Evans Sue Burchill LuAnn Boggess Lisa Tally Ben Waltz Katie Biehl Juan Valdez Jan Collins-Cutter Trustee Concerns 9