Bruce's A-mails

The Holy Land

2012-01-28T11:27:00.001-08:00

The Electronic Communications Ministry

of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church

15050 W. Maple Rd.

Omaha, Nebraska, 68116

Bruce Davis, Editor

Web site: www.standrewsomaha.net

Office phone #: 402-431-8560

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE GOD

Nancy and I just read our Trivia Questions to each other. (She writes 50 of them;

I write 50 of them.) We both did passably well. I didn’t get many of the Cooking questions, but she didn’t do so well with the Sports, so it evened out. We agreed this should be a fun set of categories. Mandy Barkhaus says we’re expecting a good crowd, but there’s room for more. The event is tomorrow night (Saturday), starting with a light meal at 6:00, followed by questions, door prizes, snacks and fellowship—all for the low price of $10. E-mail Mandy: mbarkhaus@standrewsomaha.net.

This weekend in the worship hours (5:00 Saturday, 8:30 & 10 on Sunday), we’ll take you on a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, swim in the Dead Sea, hike the mountains of the Judean wilderness, walk the streets of Jerusalem, roam Roman ruins—all from the comfort of your cushioned chair in the St. Andrew’s sanctuary—as the Reverends Davis & Davis lead A SHORT TOUR OF THE HOLY LAND

February 4 & 5, Bruce’s Super Bowl Special: THE TIM TEBOW SERMON

RENEWAL OF WEDDING VOWS SERVICE. Nancy will again conduct Renewal of Wedding Vows services this year on after the 5:00 worship service on February 11 and after the 10:00 worship service on February 12. You do not need to sign up – just come to the front of the sanctuary after those services. This is a wonderful way to celebrate your marriage and remind yourself of promises you have made to your spouse.

FROM CHILDREN’S DIRECTOR ABBY JOHNSON

Valentine’s Day Party

We are very excited about our upcoming Valentine’s Day Party. The party will be held on Wednesday, February 8^th in the Rotunda area. You can enter through the Sanctuary doors. The party will run from 6-7:30 p.m. and you can come and go as needed. We are expecting that parents will attend this event with their children. The children will be making cards for Lakeside Village Seniors, decorating cookies, and playing Bible Bingo. The party will be great fun!

4^th & 5^th Grade Volunteers Needed

If you think your 4^th or 5^th grader would like to volunteer at the Valentine’s Day party email Abby at ajohnson@standrewsomaha.net. We will need kids to run the Bingo game, help with cookies, etc.

Upward

This weekend marks the beginning of the Upward basketball and cheerleading season. Games will be going on all weekend here at St. Andrew’s.

Children’s Ministries Team Changes

I am excited to announce that Shawna Rector will be joining our Children’s Ministry team permanently. She is going to be a fantastic addition to the team and we are really excited about this. After about a year and half of serving in the role of Children’s Ministry Assistant Amy is moving on to another opportunity. We are very happy that Amy will still be in the role of Childcare Coordinator and that we will be seeing her around on the weekends. Amy has been such an asset to the team and we have been so blessed to have her!

ST. ANDY’S YOUTH (Sr. High)

SUPER BOWL PARTY SUBS

This is the last weekend to order subs! All proceeds will help us get to Jackson this summer. Stop in the Rotunda and place your order! Subs will be available for pickup Sunday, February 5^th at 11AM in the Family Life Center.

SUNDAY AM FUEL

This Sunday, we will continue our journey through the gospel of Mark. Join us at 10 AM!

FROM DIANA FAUST:

All-Church Study Offered During Lent

The All-Church Study this year is not a fan. Twenty times in the New Testament, Jesus issued a compelling and challenging invitation to Follow Him. He’s not interested in mere fans. He doesn’t want enthusiastic admirers. He wants Completely Committed Followers. Learn what it means to deny one’s self and truly follow Jesus. This is a great way to get better acquainted with your St. Andrew’s family. The study will begin the week of Ash Wednesday and finish before Easter. Sign-ups for participants in the small group will begin this weekend. Stop by the table and sign up for one that works for you. Or contact Diana at dfaust@standrewsomaha.net.

PRAYER MATTERS

Susan Wright asks us to pray for her father, Ron McGregor, hospitalized with a blood clot.

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;

I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

I will be glad and exult in you;

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

Psalm 9:1-2

BRD

Holy Land

2012-01-25T09:47:00.001-08:00

The Electronic Communications Ministry

of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church

15050 W. Maple Rd.

Omaha, Nebraska, 68116

Bruce Davis, Editor (Mandy Barkhaus, filling in!)

Web site: www.standrewsomaha.net

Access the monthly newsletter by this line

January 2011 Newsletter

Office phone #: 402-431-8560

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE GOD

This weekend we will be taking a short trip to the HOLY LAND! Worship services are Saturday at 5PM and Sunday at 8:30 & 10AM. Following the Saturday worship service you won’t want to miss the annual TRIVIA NIGHT. It starts at 6PM, costs $10/person and includes trivia, soup supper, prizes and FUN!! E-mail Mandy Barkhaus at mbarkhaus@standrewsomaha.net or sign-up here! Tonight the church will be filled with Bible studies, choir practices and lots of youth! Next week, February 3^rd, we will be hosting the Nordic Choir Concert at 7:30PM, you can purchase tickets by clicking this link. Pray for Pastor Bruce who is traveling home from France today, he will be sure to have stories of his journey in an upcoming sermon or the A-mail!

ST. ANDY’S YOUTH (Sr. High)

WEDNESDAY PM FUEL

Tonight, join us at youth for games, good discussion about the Bible, food, and fun!

Hang Time 6-7 PM

Bible Study 7-8 PM

SUPER BOWL PARTY SUBS

This is the last weekend to order subs! All proceeds will help us get to Jackson this summer. Subs will be available for pickup Sunday, February 5^th at 11AM in the Family Life Center.

UMC HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT February 24^th-26th

The deadline for signing up for the high school retreat at Camp Comeca in Cozad, NE is fast approaching! Get your forms and money in to Ben by Wednesday, February 1^st. The cost for this retreat is 75 dollars. Registration materials are available to pick up on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights at youth.

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY

Join us every Wednesday at 11:30 AM in the High School youth room! Bring your lunch, Bible, something to write in, and your appetite for Scripture!

628 (6^th to 8^th Grade)

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

You won’t want to miss tonight! We are continuing our series on the 10 commandments. If you have never been to the Wednedsday night Bible study, what are you waiting for?? Bring a friend or two and join the fun. Hangtime 6-7PM and Bible Study 7-8PM.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

The Skinny on Resolutions 10AM in the Middle School Room.

St. Andrew’s Child Enrichment Center is now enrolling children for the 2012/13 Part Time Preschool session. This is for children 3-5 years old that are completely potty trained. If you or someone you know would like more information, please call 402-431-8609. We are having an open house on Wednesday, February 22nd, from 9-11am.

This is an opportunity to visit with the teacher and see the classroom.

May you keep this verse on your heart today and always. Whether you are struggling with life or feeling blessed know God is planning something great for you.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

2012-01-23T09:29:00.001-08:00

The Electronic Communications Ministry

of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church

15050 W. Maple Rd.

Omaha, Nebraska, 68116

Bruce Davis, Editor (Mandy Barkhaus, filling in!)

Web site: www.standrewsomaha.net

Access the monthly newsletter by this line

January 2011 Newsletter

Office phone #: 402-431-8560

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE GOD

We welcome new readers to St. Andrew’s Mail. If you ever want off the list, just let us know. Our intention is to inform, rather than intrude.

NEW MEMBERS:

Greg and Malorie Bolton

Greg is an attorney with Senior Market Sales and Malorie works for WOWT. Nancy baptized their son, Moss, who turned one on Saturday.

Steve and Jill Eckerman

Steve is the manager of PC support for The Nebraska Medical Center and Jill is a mental health/addiction therapist with Therapy Resource Associates. They have two children, Ella-2^nd Grade and Ethan-1^st Grade.

Tom and Debi Buck

Tom and Debi are the owners of Hawkeye Biomedical. Tom is a biomedical engineer and Debi is the office manager. They have 2 grown daughters (member, Sally Hull being one of them).

ADULT MINISTRIES:

Trivia Night

It’s not too late to sign-up for this annual event! Trivia night is this Saturday at 6PM. It’s a great event to invite friends that may or may not attend St. Andrew’s. The cost is $10/person and includes a soup supper. Teams of 8-10 compete to be named ST. ANDREW’S TRIVIA CHAMPS 2012! There will be 10 rounds of 10 questions each in categories ranging from music to history or whatever else Pastor Bruce and Pastor Nancy come up with!! Sign-up your whole team or as an individual or partial team and you will be placed on a team. Contact Mandy Barkhaus at mbarkhaus@standrewsomaha.net. Childcare is available, please RSVP.

Y-COSA (Youngish Couples of St. Andrew’s):
To kick-off the Y-COSA activities for 2012, we would like to organize a Y-COSA team for the upcoming trivia night on Saturday, Jan. 28th at 6:00pm. The cost is $10 per person and includes a soup supper. If you are interested in joining the Y-COSA team, please email Heather Torres (heather7559@hotmail.com). We hope you can join us for food, fun, and TRIVIA!!

All-Church Study Offered During Lent

The study will begin on Ash Wednesday and finish before Easter. Sign-ups for participants in the small group will begin this weekend.

Plan now to join a small group not only to learn what it means to be a completely committed follower of Jesus, but also to get better acquainted with others from St. Andrew’s.

Growing Together in Christ

Build Your Marriage on Your Relationship with Christ! This 6-week, Wednesday-night study begins runs from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Learn about your personal Christian growth, growing in your prayer life together, studying the Bible together and understanding how the Holy Spirit works in your lives. The cost of the book is $10.00. Childcare is available upon request. Contact Diana at dfaust@standrewsomaha.net if you want to attend.

St. Andrew’s Book Club

The selection for February is Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri. Navigating between the Indian traditions they've inherited and the baffling new world, the characters in Jhumpa Lahiri's elegant, touching story seeks love beyond the barriers of culture and generations. Lahiri is an important and powerful new voice. The Book Club will meet a week early on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Hatcher home.

Women’s Dinner and Movie Night

Join the women of St. Andrew’s for dinner and movie on Sat., Feb. 18. An elegant dinner will be served at 6 p.m. by the Thursday Men’s Study Group. Following dinner we will then watch the movie Sarah’s Key in the Sanctuary. The cost for dinner is $16 which needs to be paid to Diana before Feb. 12^th. Invite your friends and plan now to join us for a fun evening.

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY

Join us this Wednesday at 11:30 AM in the High School youth room! Bring your lunch, Bible, something to write in, and your appetite for Scripture!

PRAYER MATTERS:

Prayers of healing for Orv Sherman who was admitted to Methodist Hospital on Saturday.

Prayers of sympathy for Bob LeGrand who lost his father, Frank LeGrand, on Friday.

Prayer Ultimately Matters so Pray!

2012-01-18T10:06:00.001-08:00

The Electronic Communications Ministry

of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church

15050 W. Maple Rd.

Omaha, Nebraska, 68116

Bruce Davis, Editor

Web site: www.standrewsomaha.net

Access the monthly newsletter by this line

December 2011 Newsletter

Office phone #: 402-431-8560

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE GOD

Many thanks to everyone who attended last night’s CONGREGATIONAL MEETING. There was a sweet, sweet spirit in our gathering. One of the signs of a healthy church is strong lay leadership and by that definition, St. Andrew’s is a picture of health!.

Nancy’s preaching this weekend: I WAS BLIND BUT NOW I SEE. St. Andrew’s worships at 5:00 on Saturday and 8:30 & 10 on Sunday.

While Nancy’s working, I’ll be making one of my quick trips to see the granddaughter in France. Mandy will be sending A-Mails from this computer, so it will be receiving, but I won’t be answering, personally.

FROM DIANA FAUST

Growing Together in Christ Begins Tonight

Build Your Marriage on Your Relationship with Christ! This 6-week, Wednesday-night study begins tonight from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Learn about your personal Christian growth, growing in your prayer life together, studying the Bible together and understanding how the Holy Spirit works in your lives. The cost of the book is $10.00. Childcare is available upon request.

All-Church Study Offered During Lent

The All-Church Study this year is not a fan. Twenty times in the New Testament, Jesus issued a compelling and challenging invitation to Follow Him. He’s not interested in mere fans. He doesn’t want enthusiastic admirers. He wants Completely Committed Followers. Learn what it means to deny one’s self and truly follow Jesus. If you would like to be a small group host for this study, contact Diana. You can determine when and where you want to meet. Training will be offered. The study will begin on Ash Wednesday and finish before Easter. Sign-ups for participants in the small group will begin the first of February.

Plan now to join a small group not only to learn what it means to be a completely committed follower of Jesus, but also to get better acquainted with others from St. Andrew’s.

St. Andrew’s Book Club

The selection for February is Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri. Navigating between the Indian traditions they've inherited and the baffling new world, the characters in Jhumpa Lahiri's elegant, touching story seeks love beyond the barriers of culture and generations. Lahiri is an important and powerful new voice. The Book Club will meet a week early on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Hatcher home.

FROM ABBY JOHNSON AND THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT:

Church School this weekend

If you have children we hope they will join us this weekend for Church School. We have nursery available at all three services and Church School class on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. This weekend the kids will be studying the Gospel of John. They will be talking about how Jesus knows all about us. It is sure to be a great weekend!

2011 Children’s Ministries Recap

Below is a link to a video recapping all that we accomplished in 2011 for the children of St. Andrew’s and the surrounding community! It was an amazing year and we are anxiously looking forward to all the great things we plan to accomplish in 2012.

A special THANK YOU to all the volunteers who contributed in 2011. Whether you taught Sunday School, coached Upward, helped with VBS, were part of one of our many Leadership Teams, or helped with a special event we could not have done even a fraction of these things without your help. We are blessed to have so much support! Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmQhAVoYzZ8

628 (6^th to 8^th Grade)

Wednesday Night Bible Study

The 10 Commandments and How they Relate to Me!

Check-in in the rotunda and BRING YOUR BIBLES!!

Hangtime is from 6-7PM -in the Gym or Middle School room. Bible Study is at 7PM in the Gym.

Sunday School

House Afire

Sunday at 10AM in the youth room.

ST. ANDY’S YOUTH (Sr. High)

WEDNESDAY PM FUEL

It’s the middle of the week which means it is time for youth once again! Join us for the fun and invite a friend!

Hang Time 6-7 PM

Bible Study 7-8 PM

SUPER BOWL PARTY SUBS

The mission trip team wants to help you with your Super Bowl parties! This weekend, stop by our table in the Rotunda and order two foot party subs made to order for only $15 dollars a piece! All proceeds will help us get to Jackson this summer!

UMC HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT

On the weekend of February 24th-26^th, the UMC Nebraska Conference is holding a high school youth retreat at Camp Comeca in Cozad, NE. The cost for this retreat is 75 dollars. Registration materials are available to pick up on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights at youth. Registration materials need to be turned into Ben by February 1st.

MISSION OF THE MONTH REMINDER:

We continue to collect clothing items and toiletries for Siena Francis House (Please leave them at the table in the Rotunda.) And don’t forget that next Sunday, January 22^nd is Margarine Sunday. We will be collecting any size margarine (tubs mainly) for Siena Francis. Thanks for your continued support.

FROM ADAM WITTE: We are just four weekends away from the NORDIC CHOIR CONCERT, at 7:30pm on Friday, February 3^rd! Thank you so much for your generous offers to house students; if you turned in a form on January 7^th or 8^th, you have been assigned students. After sorting through all the forms and other folks who have contacted me, we are just short housing for ONE PAIR of male students with cat allergies. If you’d be willing and able to accommodate them for one overnight stay after the concert on February 3^rd, please contact me at awitte@standrewsomaha.net and let me know. Also, don’t forget to buy your tickets in advance to avoid the line at the door! They are $20 for adults and $10 for students, and you may purchase them online at www.luthertickets.com.

For a preview of the talent we’re going to be experiencing, you can see a video of last year’s group on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTtcLo_sJP0. I hope to see you all there!

PRAYER MATTERS

Kim Christensen’s mother has died. Funeral arrangements pending.

Zach and Amy Sorenson request prayers for Zach’s dad who is having surgery on Jan 18^th.

Jesus, Savior, pilot me

Over life’s tempestuous sea

Unknown waves before me roll

Hiding rock and treacherous shoal

Chart and compass came from thee

Jesus, Savior, pilot me

--Edward Hopper, 1871

BRD

Prayer Ultimately Matters so Pray!

Calendaring

2012-01-17T09:21:00.001-08:00

The Electronic Communications Ministry

of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church

15050 W. Maple Rd.

Omaha, Nebraska, 68116

Bruce Davis, Editor

Web site: www.standrewsomaha.net

Access the monthly newsletter by this line

December 2011 Newsletter

Office phone #: 402-431-8560

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE GOD

CALENDARING:

Tonight, January 17, 2012, 7:00: Congregational Meeting in the sanctuary.

Saturday, January 21, 5:00, Sunday, January 22, 8:30 & 10

Nancy preaching: I WAS BLIND BUT NOW I SEE

She writes: It has been a little more than one year since I had lens replacement surgeries on my eyes and I am going to spend a little time reflecting on what it means to be able to see more clearly. Believe me, there are good and bad things about seeing everything! Hope you can join us!

Sunday, January 22, 7:30 AM - 12 PM: BLOOD DRIVE.

Schedule your appointment: CLICK HERE or visit www.redcrossblood.org and search sponsor code 009745. You can also call 1-800-RedCross to schedule your blood donation appointment. Thank you in advance for saving lives and encouraging others to do the same!

And this is MARGARINE SUNDAY. We are soliciting donations of margarine for our January Mission of the Month, THE SIENA FRANCIS SHELTER. The margarine will be delivered to Siena Francis along with all of the items donated this month. Siena Francis appreciates all that everyone at St. Andrew’s does for the shelter!

The weekend of January 28 and 29, all three services:

The Reverends Davis & Davis lead us in a TOUR OF THE HOLY LAND.

We’ll share a plethora of photographs and maps as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus and talk about Israel past and present.

Saturday, January 28, TRIVIA NIGHT

We begin with a light meal at 6:00, then divide into teams. $10 a person includes the meal, snacks, childcare, door prizes, fellowship—and 100 mind-bending, intellect-stretching, laughter-inducing questions from the Reverends Davis and Davis. SIGN-UP HERE! Or in the Rotunda this weekend.

February 4/5, Bruce’s Super Bowl Special: THE TIM TEBOW SERMON

Wednesday, February 8, 6:00-7:30, in the Family Life Center: CHILDREN’S VALENTINE’S PARTY, for kids in preschool through 5^th grade.

Nancy is preaching Valentine’s Weekend, February 11/12

Bruce has Transfiguration Weekend, February 18/19

WOMEN’S DINNER & MOVIE NIGHT: Join the women of St. Andrew’s for dinner and movie on Sat., Feb. 18. Dinner will be served right after the 5:00 Worship Service by some of the guys from the Thursday Men’s Study Group. We will then watch the movie Sarah’s Key in the Sanctuary. The cost for dinner is $16 which needs to be paid to Diana before Feb. 12^th. Invite your friends and plan now to join us for a fun evening.

ASH WEDNESDAY is February 22. Worship service is at 7pm and our soup supper will start at 6pm. It will be a freewill donation at the door. Suggested donation is $20/family, $10/couple, and $5 single. Profits go to mission projects of our Prayer Shawl ministry. Beef vegetable, chicken noodle, cake, and drinks will be available. All food is homemade by the Prayer Shawl ministry circle.

Our Lenten worship services will focus on THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT, Matthew chapters 5-7. We will have already plunged in during The Tim Tebow sermon with Jesus’ teaching from Chapter 6, “Beware the practicing of your piety before others,” and Transfiguration Weekend, Bruce preaching from Jesus teaching on Salt and Light, Matthew 5:13-16. With help from the Youth Department, we’ll read the entirety of the Sermon on Ash Wednesday, Bruce providing commentary.

All-Church Lenten Study

Coming during Lent, our All-Church Study this year will be not a fan. We will learn how to not just be a fan of Christ, but a completely committed follower. The study will begin the week of February 26 and run through April 1. Currently, we are recruiting Small Group Hosts. If you are interested in serving as a host, please contact Diana. Sign up for participation in a small group will begin the weekend of Jan. 28th & 29^th.

Here’s the Lenten preaching schedule:

Feb. 25/26, 1^st Weekend In Lent, Nan preaches from Matthew 5:31-32, Jesus teaching on DIVORCE.

March 3/4, 2^nd Weekend In Lent, Ben Wedeking works from Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaching on WORRY.

March 10/11, 3^rd Weekend In Lent, Dr. Dan Flanagan is with us, reading from Matthew 7:12 and THE GOLDEN RULE

March 17/18. 4^th Weekend in Lent, Bruce works with THE BEATITUDES and a sermon tentatively titled: THE MEEK MAY INHERIT THE EARTH, BUT THEY AREN’T GOING TO WIN MANY BASKETBALL GAMES.

March 24/25, 5^th Weekend in Lent, Nan preaching from Matthew 7:7-11

ASK, SEEK, KNOCK

JUST ADDED TO THE FELLOWSHIP CALENDAR: SATURDAY EVENING, MARCH 24, NANCY’S 60^th BIRTHDAY PROM, in conjunction with the Youth Department’s TASTE OF ITALY.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, March 31/April 1, Bruce preaching from Matthew 5:11, APRIL FOOLS.

We’ll offer special services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.

The Easter message will be taken from Jesus’ conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:24-27, about the Wise and Foolish Builders: EASTER ON TITANIC.

BRD

Prayer Ultimately Matters so Pray!

January 16, 2012

2012-01-16T12:20:00.001-08:00

The Electronic Communications Ministry

of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church

15050 W. Maple Rd.

Omaha, Nebraska, 68116

Bruce Davis, Editor

Web site: www.standrewsomaha.net

Access the monthly newsletter by this line

December 2011 Newsletter

Office phone #: 402-431-8560

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE GOD

THIS WEEKEND

Saturday, January 21, 5:00

Sunday, January 22, 8:30 & 10

Nancy preaching: I WAS BLIND BUT NOW I SEE

EDITORIAL NOTES:

· I am very impressed by our 2012 CONFIRMATION CLASS. I had the joy of being their guest Bible Study leader this weekend. What a great group of young people.

· I’m looking forward to tomorrow evening’s CONGREGATIONAL MEETING, 7:00 in the sanctuary. We’ll introduce our church officers, hear reports from the year past and plans for 2012. If you need childcare, please notify Amy Sorensen: asorensen@standrewsomaha.net.

· I hope you have a chance to see WAR HORSE while it’s still in the theatres. It’s a genuine big screen, historical epic. Nancy and I both loved it.

· Does anyone out there have a copy of the old Mel Gibson movie, SIGNS, on DVD? I’d like to borrow it for THE TIM TEBOW SERMON.

· We met some great new friends at yesterday’s PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS, several of whom will be joining the congregation over the next few weeks. Our next PWP is Sunday, February 19, 11:00-1:00—though we hardly ever go the full two hours. Sign up in the Rotunda, or e-mail mbarkhaus@standrewsomaha.net

· We’ve had so much going on that I feel as we’ve perhaps under-promoted TRIVIA NIGHT, Saturday evening, January 28. This is one of my favorite fellowship events of the year. We begin with a light meal at 6:00, then divide into teams. $10 a person includes the meal, snacks, childcare, door prizes, fellowship—and 100 mind-bending, intellect-stretching, laughter-inducing questions from the Reverends Davis and Davis.

Abby Johnson writes: We have a very fun Valentines Day party and service project planning for the preschoolers through 5^th graders on Wednesday, February 8^th. We will be in the Family Life Center from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. and hope many of you can join us.

ST. ANDY’S YOUTH (Sr. High)

SUPER BOWL PARTY SUBS

Super Bowl is getting close and the mission trip team wants to help you with your Super Bowl parties! This weekend, stop by our table in the Rotunda and order two foot party subs made to order for only $15 dollars a piece! All proceeds will help us get to Jackson this summer!

UMC HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT

WEDNESDAY PM FUEL

If you haven’t been to Wednesday night youth in a while, now is the time to get back involved! Last week we had a rousing game of Catchphrase during Hang Time and then we kicked off our new series on Ephesians. Join us for the fun and invite a friend!

Hang Time 6-7 PM

Bible Study 7-8 PM

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY

Join us Wednesdays at 11:30 AM in the High School youth room! Bring your lunch, Bible, something to write in, and your appetite for Scripture!

CARE PACKAGE MINISTRY

If you have a child away at college, email their contact info to Ben bwedeking@standrewsomaha.net so we may add them to the college care package list. Last fall these care packages were a huge success! If you are interested in helping this semester with the care packages by baking goodies, making cards, etc., contact Ben.

Still Time to Join the Following Adult Classes

If you have any questions, contact Diana at dfaust@standrewsomaha.net.

Single & Parenting - Help and Hope for Single Parents

As a single parent, you know there aren’t many who truly understand the unique challenges you face. Single and Parenting is a special group that will bring hope to your life. Classes meet on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. The registration fee of $20 includes a workbook.

DivorceCare

Separation and divorce are among life’s most difficult and painful experiences. Find a special place of encouragement, information and sharing; and an ongoing support group, as you deal with the issues surrounding your separation or divorce. The registration fee of $20 includes the workbook. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays.

GriefShare

GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. Cost of the material is $20. The group meets at 7 p.m. on Mondays.

Ash Wednesday Soup Supper

Ash Wednesday is February 22. Worship service is at 7pm and our soup supper will start at 6pm. It will be a freewill donation at the door. Suggested donation is $20/family, $10/couple, and $5 single. Profits go to mission projects of our Prayer Shawl ministry. Beef vegetable, chicken noodle, cake, and drinks will be available. All food is homemade by the Prayer Shawl ministry circle.

PRAYER MATTERS

Nancy will be leading a Memorial Service for DON CARMICHAEL at 11:00 tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, in the St. Andrew’s sanctuary. Don’s sister, Doris, is a beloved member of our congregation.

Our sympathy is extended to JUSTIN ZETTERMAN and family at the passing of Justin’s grandmother, one day short of her 100^th birthday.

DAVID LIVERMORE asks prayer for his great-nephew, Liam, hospitalized with heart defect.

BRD

Prayer Ultimately Matters so Pray!

January 11, 2012

2012-01-11T09:12:00.001-08:00

The Electronic Communications Ministry

of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church

15050 W. Maple Rd.

Omaha, Nebraska, 68116

Bruce Davis, Editor

Web site: www.standrewsomaha.net

Access the monthly newsletter by this line

December 2011 Newsletter

Office phone #: 402-431-8560

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE GOD

THIS WEEKEND

Saturday, January 14, 5:00

Sunday, January 15, 8:30 & 10

Bruce preaching: FUGITIVE SLAVES

The Frederick Douglass Sermon

We encourage you to read Paul’s short letter to Philemon in advance of the services.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Tuesday, January 17, 7:00

FROM THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT:

Vacation Bible School – Save the Date

It is hard to believe it is that time of year again…but Vacation Bible School will be here before we know it. We want everyone to mark their calendars for the week of June 10^th. The evening session will run June 10-14 and the morning session will run June 11-15.

Leadership Needed

With VBS planning underway we are looking for some new volunteers to be a part of our planning team. If you have any interest in planning, decorating, coordinating, teaching, etc. please contact Abby Johnson at ajohnson@standrewsomaha.net. You don’t have to have children to be involved in this process!

ADULT MINITRIES

New Couples’ Class: “Growing Together in Christ”
Build Your Marriage on Your Relationship with Christ! Sign up today for a 6-week, Wednesday- night study from 6:30-7:30 p.m. starting January 18. Learn about your personal Christian growth, growing in your prayer life together, studying the Bible together and understanding how the Holy Spirit works in your lives. The cost of the book is $10.00. Childcare is available upon request.

Women’s Dinner and Movie Night

Join the women of St. Andrew’s for dinner and a movie on Sat., Feb. 18. Dinner will be served right after the 5:00 Worship Service by some of the guys from the Thursday Men’s Study Group. We will then watch the movie Sarah’s Key in the Sanctuary. The cost for dinner is $16 which needs to be paid to Diana before Feb. 12^th. Invite your friends and plan now to join us for a fun evening.

Small Group Hosts Needed

Upcoming Blood Drive at St. Andrew's United Methodist

Sunday, January 22, 7:30 AM - 12 PM

The blood supply is particularly vulnerable during the winter months due to inclement weather, seasonal illness and busy holiday schedules. So when the Red Cross had a blood drive cancellation and asks St Andrew’s if we can fill the spot and the need, we said Yes! The Red Cross bus will be here in 2 weeks, so SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT and CLICK HERE or visit www.redcrossblood.org and search sponsor code 009745. You can also call 1-800-RedCross to schedule your blood donation appointment. Thank you in advance for saving lives and encouraging others to do the same!

628 (6^th to 8^th Graders)

?’s Contact Mandy Barkhaus at mbarkhaus@standrewsomaha.net

Wednesday Night Bible Study:

The 10 Commandments and How they Relate to Me!

Begins this week, January 11th! Check-in in the rotunda and BRING YOUR BIBLES!! Hangtime from 6-7PM -in the Gym or Middle School room. The Middle School room has a fun addition (Pastor Bruce tried out Just Dance 3 and liked it and I wish I would have videotaped it). Bible Study at 7PM in the Gym.

SATURDAY AT THE MOVIES!

Saturday, January 14th 6:30-9PM.

Meet at 20 Grand Cinema at 6:30PM for the 6:50 showing of WE BOUGHT A ZOO! Youth will be responsible for admission (11 years and younger $6.50, 12 and up $9.00) plus money for concessions. Please let me know if you'd like to attend (I'll need a few parents to join us as well!). The movie is 124 minutes long so we will be done around 9PM.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

GOD IS THE BEST! January 15th at 10AM in the Middle School Room.

Volunteers Needed

We are always looking for youth leaders that are passionate about working with Middle School youth. If you have an interest e-mail Mandy at mbarkhaus@standrewsomaha.net to discuss.

TRIVIA NIGHT

Get your team together for Trivia Night and sign-up TODAY!! Teams of 8-10 (10 max) compete for prizes and bragging rights for a whole year! If you don’t have a team (or a whole team) sign up as an individual or partial group and we’ll place you on a team. It’s a great way to meet new people and it’s a lot of fun. The cost is $10 and includes a soup supper!! See you there January 28^th at 6PM in the Gym! SIGN-UP HERE!

PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS

The first Pizza with the Pastors of 2012 is set for this Sunday, January 15^th at 11AM in the lower level youth room. If you want to know more about ministries or membership, join us this Sunday! E-mail Mandy at mbarkhaus@standrewsomaha.net Childcare is provided.

PRAYER MATTERS

JOYCE CHRISTENSEN asks prayer for a friend diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

I come with joy to meet my Lord,

Forgiven, loved and free

In awe and wonder to recall

His love laid down for me

--Brian Wren, 1968

BRD

Prayer Ultimately Matters so Pray!

Memphis

2012-01-09T10:47:00.000-08:00

The Electronic Communications Ministry

of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church

15050 W. Maple Rd.

Omaha, Nebraska, 68116

Bruce Davis, Editor

Web site: www.standrewsomaha.net

Access the monthly newsletter by this line

December 2011 Newsletter

Office phone #: 402-431-8560

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE GOD

HEARTBREAK HOTEL went about as well as it possibly could. I am so blessed to serve a congregation that is open to this kind of presentation. As I said at the end of the worship hours, Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the most interesting places in America. Sun Records and Graceland are places of Rock and Roll pilgrimage, of course--but don’t miss the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, since turned into a Civil Rights Museum. The first week in April is a very significant time in Memphis: The Battle of Shiloh was fought April 6 & 7, 1862; MLK Jr. was killed on April 4, 1968. Let me make a plug here for one of the best books I read in 2011: “Hellhound On His Trail: The Stalking Of Martin Luther King Jr. And The International Hunt For His Assassin,” by Hampton Sides. Anyway. We’re coming up on the King Weekend and I’m working on a message titled FUGITIVE SLAVES. I hope you’ll read Paul’s Letter to Philemon in advance of the service. Paul, Philemon and Onesimus will join Frederick Douglass and Thomas J. ‘Stonewall’ Jackson for a sermon about opening our hearts to the Lord and to each other. St. Andrew’s worships at 5:00 on Saturday and 8:30 & 10 on Sunday.

This is a PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS weekend. If you’re new to the congregation, Nancy and I invite you to join us and other members of the staff for a time of getting to know each other. This is a very informal gathering. We meet in the Youth Room on the Lower Level. Just follow the signs. It’s always helpful to know how many to plan for, in terms of ordering the pizza. Just e-mail mbarkhaus@standrewsomaha.net. Every PWP includes and invitation to church membership.

FROM DIANA FAUST:

New Classes Begin Tonight

Each of the following support groups will begin tonight. They are open to anyone who would like to attend whether they are members or not. You do not need to register ahead of time, just come and register when you arrive. If you have any questions please contact Diana at

dfaust@standrewsomaha.net.

Single & Parenting - Help and Hope for Single Parents

As a single parent, you know there aren’t many who truly understand the unique challenges you face. Single and Parenting is a special group that will bring hope to your life. This new group will begin with an Orientation Session from 6:30 – 8:30. Classes will begin on January 16 and run through April 16. The registration fee of $20 includes a workbook.

DivorceCare

GriefShare

ST. ANDY’S YOUTH (Sr. High)

MISSION TRIP 2012 RED ALERT!!!!

The deadline for sign up for the high school mission trip is this Sunday, January 15^th. If your teen wants to go, they must be signed up and have their deposit of $100 turned in by Sunday. Make checks payable to “St Andrew’s UMC” and indicate it is for “Mission Trip 2012”.

Wednesday PM Fuel

Wednesday night programming resumes this Wednesday night, January 11^th with our new series, “ Being Human: A Study of Ephesians”.

Young Adult Ministry

College Bible Study resumes this Wednesday, January 11^th at 11:30 AM in the Youth Room. Bring your lunch and your Bibles and join us!

FROM MANDY BARKHAUS

628 (6^th to 8^th Graders)

Wednesday Night Bible Study

Begins on January 11th! Check-in in the rotunda.

Hangtime from 6-7PM -in the Gym or Middle School room (this is a change so please alert your youth)

Bible Study at 7PM in the Gym (also a change)

We will be talking about the 10 Commandments for the next 5 weeks and how they relate to youth in 2012.

Trivia Night

You don’t want to miss the annual St. Andrew’s TRVIA NIGHT. It’s always a fun time, with great food, and a chance to meet up with old friends and make new friends!

Date: January 28^th

Time: 6PM

What: Trivia (teams of 8-10), Supper, Prizes, & FUN!

Cost: $10/person

Sign-up HERE!

From Dr. Joe Scahill:

CONFERENCE UMMen

The United Methodist Men of Nebraska will have their Winter Rally at Camp Comeca, Cozad, NE Feb. 17-19, 2012. Dr. Joe Scahill will present a slide show on Africa ’11, including highlights of the World Methodist Conference in Durban, S. Africa and be the worship leader on Sunday morning. Dr. Jeff Thurman will share from his book on “Jesus Through the Eyes of Peter” and there will be a Volunteers in Mission emphasis. Registration details are found at www.umcneb.org/umm or contact Joe Scahill concerning registration and transportation at scahillja@cox.net.

PRAYER MATTERS

We extend our deepest sympathy to TRACY KEMPKES at the untimely passing of her sister.

LARRY LEES asks us to keep his grandson Alix Blankenship in our prayers

According to Larry, “He had a collapsed lung and pneumonia, and just came out of surgery to re-inflate his lung and install an IV tube. He is only 3½, so recovery could be interesting.” Happily,since Larry first shared this concern, the news has been very encouraging, but we know your ongoing prayers will be appreciated.

Come, let us use the grace divine

And all with one accord

In a perpetual covenant join ourselves

to Christ the Lord

Give up ourselves, through Jesus’ power,

His name to glorify

And promise in this sacred hour,

for God to live and die.

--Charles Wesley, 1762

BRD

Prayer Ultimately Matters so Pray!

2012-01-05T08:52:00.001-08:00

The Electronic Communications Ministry

of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church

15050 W. Maple Rd.

Omaha, Nebraska, 68116

Bruce Davis, Editor

Web site: www.standrewsomaha.net

Access the monthly newsletter by this line

December 2011 Newsletter

Office phone #: 402-431-8560

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE GOD

THIS WEEKEND

Saturday at 5:00, Sunday at 8:30 & 10

Bruce Davis preaching: HEARTBREAK HOTEL

Featuring The Eight Elvises: C. Todd Cook, Steve Groves, Jeff Hatcher, Kevin Kathka, Emily Koonce, Larry Lees, Bob LeGrand, Nate Underwood

Backed by Adam and The Ax of the Apostles: Adam Witte & Terry Peterson on keyboards, Tyler Scritchfield and Steve Groves on guitar, Bruce on bass, Bill & Gene Wert on drums

What does it profit a man if he gains the world, but loses his soul?

ST. ANDY’S YOUTH (Sr. High)

SUNDAY AM FUEL

Youth is back! Sunday morning activities resume this weekend at 10 AM with our new series, “From the Lion’s Head: The Gospel of Mark. See you Sunday morning!

WEDNESDAY PM FUEL

Wednesday night programming resumes this Wednesday night, January 11^th with our new series, “ Being Human: A Study of Ephesians”.

The Board of Trustees oversees everything to do with property matters. Members serve three year terms. They are also the only group that elects their own officers. The 2012 St. Andrew’s Trustees are James Bartles (Chair), Julie Sebastian, Louise Graham, Gil Head, Dave Husman, Debbie McGovern, Kevin Falk, Michelle Galvin and Jeff Harris. We appreciate the service of Nathan Meisgeier and Kim Peake, who have completed their terms. The Board of Trustees will be giving a summary of their work at the Congregational Meeting to be held on Tuesday, January 17, at 7:00.

SMALL GROUP NEWS

Single & Parenting - Help and Hope for Single Parents

As a single parent, you know there aren’t many who truly understand the unique challenges you face. Single and Parenting is a special group that will bring hope to your life. This new group will begin on Monday, January 9 with an Orientation Session from 6:30 – 8:30. Classes will begin on January 16 and run through April 16. The registration fee of $20 includes a workbook. Childcare will be provided to those who register their kids ahead of time.

DivorceCare

GriefShare

All-Church Study

From Nancy Balm

ATTENTION BABY BOOMERS:

Join the BLTs (Boomers Laughing Together) for our first outing of the year. On Saturday, January 21, we will play Laser Tag and eat together at the Baja Grill. Meet at SkateDaze, 3316 S 132 Street (south of Center) at 3:45 pm for an hour of Laser Tag. Then: Dinner at Baja Grill, 2523 S 140th Ave. (just north of Center) at 5:15 in their party room. Sign up on the BLT board in the rotunda at church or e-mail nbalm@cox.net. Pay Mike Baber at the event.

Congratulations to Jeff and Jamie Kernan at the birth of their third son: Crawford Robert John Kernan, born last night.

Our sympathy is extended to Curt and Linda Safranek, at the passing of Curt’s father on December 30. Linda tells us, ‘He died young (65) from heart disease.”

You saw me crying in the chapel

The tears I shed were tears of joy

I know the meaning of contentment

Now I’m happy with the Lord

--Artie Glenn, 1953

BRD

Prayer Ultimately Matters so Pray!

2012-01-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

The Electronic Communications Ministry

of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church

15050 W. Maple Rd.

Omaha, Nebraska, 68116

Bruce Davis, Editor

Web site: www.standrewsomaha.net

Access the monthly newsletter by this line

December 2011 Newsletter

Office phone #: 402-431-8560

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE GOD

THIS WEEKEND AT ST. ANDREW’S

Saturday, January 7, 5:00

Sunday, January 8, 8:30 & 10

Bruce Davis, The Ax Of The Apostles and The Eight Elvises:
HEARTBREAK HOTEL

FROM THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT:

Our regularly scheduled Sunday School Class will resume this weekend January 7^th and 8^th. On Saturday evening classes will be held downstairs in LL1 and nursery will be available in LL3. On Sunday Nursery-Pre K classes will be held in the CEC and Kdg-5^th will be held in our Lower Level Class Rooms. This week the children will be learning about Jesus Deserving Our Worship, Matthew 2: 1-12.

FROM PAM FLEURY: Have you made a New's Year resolution to make a connection at St. Andrew's? If so, the St. Andrew's Singers would like to

invite you to join us for our first rehearsal of the new year on Wednesday, Jan. 4th at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. If you are going to use the excuse that you can't be at every rehearsal or sing every Sunday, please know that we have a motto---"Life Happens". We know that our singers have a busy life with family, career and or whatever life might throw your way and won't always be able to be with us. If you have any questions, please contact Pam Fleury at plfleury@mpsomaha.org or (402) 498-9023 or Adam Witte in the church office.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: We’ll be having a Leadership Convocation on Tuesday evening, January 17, 7:00 in the sanctuary. While the gathering is primarily geared toward persons serving on our various leadership teams, the meeting is open to any and all who are interested. This will be an opportunity to meet those who will be giving leadership in 2012. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be telling you about some of these teams, starting with:

THE STAFF PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE. SPRC oversees everything having to with the paid staff. Persons serve three year terms. The 2012 team includes Chairman Jeff Harding, Cathi Roberts, Jim Woodland, Kelli Funk, Mel Mays, Lori Meisgeier, Johnny Smith, Robin Kindig and Lori Buchanan. Many thanks to the trio of Phil Worley, Sheila Coleman, Julie Taylor, who are going off the team, having served their three-year tour.

Trivia Night

You don’t want to miss the annual St. Andrew’s TRVIA NIGHT. It’s always a fun time, with great food, and a chance to meet up with old friends and make new friends!

Date: January 28^th

Time: 6PM

What: Trivia (teams of 8-10), Supper, Prizes, & FUN!

Cost: $10/person

Sign-up HERE!

ST. ANDY’S YOUTH (Sr. High)

Happy 2012 High Schoolers! This Wednesday night we are kicking off the new year by heading over to Sempeck’s in Elkhorn to do some bowling. Cost is 6 dollars and we will meet at the bowling lanes. If you know you will be going, let Ben know through Facebook or by email, bwedeking@standrewsomaha.net . See you Wednesday night at Sempeck’s!

628 (6^th to 8^th Graders)

CONFIRMATION (8th Grade)

Confirmation begins THIS SUNDAY January 8th from 4-5PM. Sign-up ONLINE!

Sunday School

WE MADE A MISTAKE, NOW WHAT?? Sunday School will resume on January 8th at 10AM in the Middle School/Music Room.

Wednesday Night Bible Study

Begins on January 11th! Check-in in the rotunda.

Hangtime from 6-7PM -in the Gym or Middle School room (this is a change so please alert your youth)

Bible Study at 7PM in the Gym (also a change)

We will be talking about the 10 Commandments for the next 5 weeks and how they relate to youth in 2012.

Parent/Adult Volunteers

We are looking for parent or adult volunteers for the 6-7 hangtime. We'd like at least one parent/volunteer in each area each Wednesday night. Please consider coming and hanging out with our awesome youth! SIGN-UP HERE.

Our numbers keep growing!! but that means we need to adjust the way we are doing our Bible study. If you are interested in helping to lead a small group Bible Study from 7-8PM on Wednesday (no preparation needed, just show up!) please e-mail me to discuss. Mandy at mbarkhaus@standrewsomaha.net

Pizza With The Pastors

The first Pizza with the Pastors of 2012 will be on Sunday, January 15, at 11:00. This is a very informal get-to-know-each-other event. We’ll talk about St. Andrew’s and give an invitation to church membership. Childcare is available. RSVP to Mandy at mbarkhaus@standrewsomaha.net

Congratulations to TODD and MALIA SEAWALL, who have been joined together in marriage.

Dave Husman thanks the congregation for the thoughts and prayers directed to Dorothy Fennen, and reports that she has succumbed to cancer.

Our church family experienced a tragedy over the weekend. Betsy Butler died in her mother’s womb, two weeks before she was due to be born. Our hearts ache for her parents, TJ and Angela. Nancy will be leading a private memorial service this afternoon. .

Let’s pray: Lord God, we begin a new year remembering that life is something we can never take for granted. Each day, each breath is a rare and precious gift.

I thank you for your mercies in the year past. I think back on 2011 and now into 2012 and am reminded of the great hymn: “Through many dangers, toils and snare, we have already come/It’s grace that’s brought us safe thus far, and grace will lead us home.” Whatever comes this year, I pray for grace sufficient for our needs. I pray this in Jesus name, Amen.

BRD

Prayer Ultimately Matters so Pray!

December 30, 2011

2011-12-30T11:44:00.001-08:00

The Electronic Communications Ministry

of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church

15050 W. Maple Rd.

Omaha, Nebraska, 68116

Bruce Davis, Editor

Web site: www.standrewsomaha.net

Access the monthly newsletter by this line

December 2011 Newsletter

Office phone #: 402-431-8560

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE GOD

We welcome new readers to St. Andrew’s Mail. If you ever want off the list, just let us know. Our intention is to inform, rather than intrude.

Nancy and I have spent the past several days wandering around Missouri. Have you ever been to Cross Timbers? I didn’t think so. I’ve had fun this morning, going through the attendance registration pads from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There were a LOT of people here, of course, and it warmed my heart to see the names of folks I didn’t get to greet personally. Christmas Eve 2011 was one of the great nights of my life. New Year’s Weekend will be pretty laid back. As you’ll see below, we’re on a Holiday Schedule. I’ll be sharing two fish stories: one from the Gospel According to Luke, the other from Ernest Hemingway. It’s pretty rare that we have a weekend of worship that spans two years!

THIS WEEKEND AT ST. ANDREW’S

We’re still on a Holiday Schedule

New Year’s Eve, 5:00

New Year’s Day, 10:00

Bruce preaching about endings and beginnings: THE OLD MAN & THE SEA.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

3:00 - 1004

5:00 - 1044

7:00 - 559

JANUARY 7 & 8

Back to regular schedule

Saturday, 5:00

Sunday, 8:30 & 10

Bruce Davis, The Ax of the Apostles and The Eight Elvises present:
HEARTBREAK HOTEL.

From Joyce Christensen: Our January Mission of the Month is Siena Francis House. St. Andrew’s will be collecting clothing and toiletries. See the Mission table in the Rotunda for specific items needed. On January 22nd, will also be doing a special collection for margarine (an item that is rarely donated but is in much need of).

Pizza With The Pastors

The 2012 Upward Basketball & Cheerleading Season tips off on January 27.

Games are on Friday nights and Saturdays. We still need referees. If you can call one or two games a weekend, e-mail John Engel: upward@standrewsomaha.net. You’ll receive training, your very own striped shirt, and a whistle!

Mary Ellen Greenwood asks prayers for her brother-in-law, Tim, who had successful open heart surgery on Wednesday. “Also, prayers for Sheila Mair stepmom to my children, Laura Wagner and Philip Mair.” Sheila is scheduled for surgery this morning.

Jax Barkhaus is home and recuperating from foot surgery.

This is a day of new beginnings

Time to remember and move on

Time to believe what love is bringing

Laying to rest the pain that’s gone

Christ is alive and goes before us

To show and share what love can do

This is a day of new beginnings

Our God is making all things new.

--Brian Wren, 1978

BRD

Prayer Ultimately Matters so Pray!

December 23

2011-12-26T15:36:00.001-08:00

The Electronic Communications Ministry

of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church

15050 W. Maple Rd.

Omaha, Nebraska, 68116

Bruce Davis, Editor

Web site: www.standrewsomaha.net

Access the monthly newsletter by this line

December 2011 Newsletter

Office phone #: 402-431-8560

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE GOD

CHRISTMAS EVE AT ST. ANDREW’S

3:00, 5:00, 7:00

Bruce Davis preaching: The Edge Of Night

The Christmas Eve communion offering will go to the Siena/Francis Homeless Shelter--our January Mission of the Month. Be watching the bulletin and A-Mail for more Siena/Francis mission opportunities. And, of course, we continue to collect food items for our December Mission Of The Month: The Living Hope Food Pantry.

CHRISTMAS MORNING, 10:00

Nancy Davis and Adam Witte will lead a service featuring their favorite Christmas Carols. Sunday morning will be Leon Adams’ last service with us and we’ll be giving him some well-deserved recognition.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed poinsettias. They are particularly lovely this year. I was just in the sanctuary and I’ve never seen it look more beautiful. Each year, we add more “Christmas” and the cumulative effect is extremely gratifying.

After weeks of intensive communication leading up to Christmas, you’ll see less of us in your inbox next week. A-Mail will be off-line from Christmas Eve through next Friday. The St. Andrew’s office will be closed on Monday, but will be open the rest of the week. Of course, if you are yet to make your 2012 pledge, you can do that on-line: www.standrewsomaha.net.

New Year’s Eve, 5:00

New Year’s Day, 10:00

Bruce preaching: The Old Man & The Sea

Saturday, January 7, 5:00

Sunday, January 8, 8:30 & 10

Bruce Davis, The Ax Of The Apostles & The Eight Elvises present:
HEARTBREAK HOTEL

Pizza With The Pastors

The first Pizza with the Pastors of 2012 will be on Sunday, January 15, at 11:00. PWP is our primary door of entry to membership. Childcare is available. RSVP to Mandy at mbarkhaus@standrewsomaha.net

The 2012 Upward Basketball & Cheerleading Season tips off on January 27.

PRAYER MATTERS

Jax Barkhaus is scheduled for surgery on Thursday, December 29.

Donelle Underwood shares the sadness that 11 year old Evan Sharpe, who has long been on our prayer list, has died a brain tumor. His mother Rhonda and older brothers Tyler and Spencer remain in our prayers.

Larry Yost is hospitalized at Lakeside.

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant

O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem

Come and behold him, born the King of angels

O come, let us adore him

Christ the Lord.

--John F. Wade, 1743

BRD

Prayer Ultimately Matters so Pray!

2011-12-21T10:17:00.001-08:00

The Electronic Communications Ministry

of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church

15050 W. Maple Rd.

Omaha, Nebraska, 68116

Bruce Davis, Editor

Web site: www.standrewsomaha.net

Access the monthly newsletter by this line

December 2011 Newsletter

Office phone #: 402-431-8560

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE GOD

CHRISTMAS EVE AT ST. ANDREW’S

Candlelight Communion Services at 3:00, 5:00, 7:00

Bruce has the joy of bringing the message.

Nancy will have a special Time With The Children!

We'll be blessed with the music of Christmas--"and the wonders of His love!"

CHRISTMAS EVE is the most wonderful night of the Christian year—and certainly the most challenging! We will welcome lots and lots and lots of guests.

At the same time, many of our regulars will be traveling over the holidays. This makes for an interesting combination! Bottom line: We could use some help on Christmas Eve. Mandy says we particularly need ushers at the 5:00 and 7:00 services. Mandy tells us: Usher duties include arriving early to hand out bulletins, collecting offering, and passing out fellowship folders. Please sign-up here or let Mandy know if you can help: mbarkhaus@standrewsomaha.net.

Speaking of Mandy, I hope you can this hyperlink from our Middle-School Ministry. It warmed my heart and will surely warm yours:

Check out this 2011 highlights video from the 628 Youth!

The Christmas Eve Communion offering will support the Siena/Francis Homeless Shelter.

This year, Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday, so Christmas Day is Sunday morning. Likewise, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are a Saturday/Sunday combo. We are counting on BIG turnouts for the Christmas Eve services. It will be interesting to see what happens on Christmas morning. We will be offering one service on December 25, 10:00, led by Nancy and Adam. We will not be holding Sunday School; however there will be a special ‘Time With The Children’ in the worship hour. On New Year’s Weekend, we’ll offer a 5:00 service on December 31 and a 10:00 service on January 1. Again, we won’t be having Sunday School, but will have a Sunday morning ‘Time With The Children’ during the worship service. Let’s be clear about this: We will have Nursery available for children 4 and under during all these services, including Christmas Eve. The Nursery will be in Lower Level 3. We resume regular schedule the weekend of January 7 & 8.

FROM NANCY DAVIS: This Sunday is Christmas Day! And we’re praising God for the gift of Jesus Christ with one combined service at 10:00 A.M. Adam and Nancy will share reflections about their favorite Christmas carols and will invite the congregation to join them in singing these beloved musical offerings to God. Since there will be no Sunday School for children or youth, this will be a great time to worship with your entire family. Hope to see you then – bring friends and family to share the service. And – MERRY CHRISTMAS!

FROM THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT:

The Children’s Ministry Department would like to Wish All of the Children and Families of St. Andrews a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Reminder-No Church School for any of the Holiday Worship Services-We will have Nursery available for children 4 and under for all of these services located downstairs in Lower Level 3. Church School Classes will resume again on January 8th 2012.

NEW COUPLES CLASS: “Growing Together in Christ”
Build Your Marriage on Your Relationship with Christ! Sign up today for a 6-week, Wednesday- night study from 6:30-7:30 p.m. starting January 18. Childcare is available. Learn about your personal Christian growth, growing in your prayer life together, studying the Bible together and understanding how the Holy Spirit works in your lives. Contact Diana Faust to reserve your space in this class.

PRAYER MATTERS:

Ann Hoff asks prayer for her brother, Tom, who is diagnosed with cancer

When Christmas morn is dawning

I wish that I could be

There by the manger cradle

God’s Son, new-born to see

There by the manger cradle

God’s Son, new-born to see

--Elisabeth Ehrenborg-Posse, 1856

BRD

Prayer Ultimately Matters so Pray!
Pray God’s blessings on our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship services

Pray for those in the congregation experiencing sadness in this holiday season.

Pray that those who are traveling may get to and from their destinations safely.

Pray for peace on earth, goodwill to all!