NEWSLETTER

September 2009

Young Adult Ministry

Several of you were able to attend the organizational meeting for our young adults group. .  What a fun group!  Jim and I are so excited to be able to get you going and expect that you will represent the spirit of SACC in an meaningful way for each other.

Our first get-together will be at the Wilsons’ home in Allen the first Friday in September, the 4th at 7 p.m.  We will be wearing end-of-the-week comfy clothes and serving heavy hors d’oeuvres, so come hungry! 

I always have enough food, but just in case please RSVP (email or home phone 972.727.7027) and let us know if you will be there for the food and competition!

Thanks,  Pam Wilson

SACC Supports CROP Walk

            Saturday, August 29, many members of our congregation turned out to support the annual Metrocrest CROP Walk.  Many more made contributions to support the program.

            It was a beautiful morning for the two and a half mile walk around the Rawhide Trail in Farmers Branch.  St. Paul Lutheran Church served as the starting point for the event.  Many churches in the community shared in the event.

            SACC members served in several leadership roles.  Cindy Whitten worked as Treasurer with assistance from Martha Hoppe.  Melissa Rembecki served as Nurse.  Anne Smithson was the Registrar, and Pastor Randy worked on the pastoral team.  Jan Wilbanks served as Public Relations representative and wrote a beautiful article that was published in Neighbors Go.  Thanks to everyone who supported this special event for CROP. 

Board Meeting

              The next meeting of the Church Board is set for Sunday, September 20, at 12:45 p.m. in the fellowship hall.  Melissa Rembecki, Board Chairperson, reminds Department leaders to prepare reports for the meeting.  Other items on the agenda include:  reviewing names for the Nominating Committee;  reviewing the financial statements for July and August; and comments about the new lease with Mini  Skool. 

September Birthdays

Velvet Scholz---1st ;  Kent Sylvis---6th ;  Alaura Sylvis---8th ;  Marie Roush---10th ;    Jonathan Monson---16th ; Kenny Baker---18th ;  Jack Blankenship---18th ;  Jackie Hammonds---18th ; Charles Burkhardt---19th ;  Devon Henkis---21st ;  Elizabeth Koch---23rd ; Bill Brashear---24th ;  Nancy Lowther---25th ; Margaret McCasland---25th ; Amy Stephenson---25th ; Hannah McCasland---29th

 September Anniversaries

 Jack and Wanda Blankenship---1st ;    Bill and Marge Brashear---30th

Youth News

              The Youth Leader Team has adopted a purpose statement for ministry with students at SACC.  “God is calling our youth ministry at Saint Andrews to share the light of Christ’s love with all people, use our gifts to glorify God, and to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”  Amy Stephenson is the convener of the leader team. 

              The fall youth program begins on Wednesday, September 9th , with Kids Kafe at 5:45 p.m.  Amy Stephenson and Reggie McClendon are sponsors for CYF (grades 9-12).  Jeff Monson is the Chi Rho (grades 6,7,8) sponsor.  Carol Johnson leads the JYF (grades 4, 5).  Kari Sylvis leads the PYF (grades 2,3).

              Special events on the youth calendar include:  Sept. 12—Kickoff for all ages followed by a CYF Lock-In;  Sept. 16—Parent Open House at the Praise Service;

Sunday CYF meetings at 5:30 on Sept. 13 and Sept. 27;  October 3—CYF Day at TCU;  October 8—Youth Sunday;  October 24—Trick or Trunk and Chili Supper. 

              The youth have a MySpace web site at www.myspace.com/saintandrewsyouth.

Luncheon – September 13

              Staying for lunch after the worship service is convenient and fun!   There are no long lines and no bills to pay.  There are lots of homemade foods to share!

Meet new friends!  Catch up on conversations with old friends!  Please bring enough food for your family and more to share with visitors at SACC. 

Kids Kafe Begins Its Fifth Year!!

   Our Kids Kafe will be serving up some great suppers beginning September 9.

If you’re not familiar with Kids Kafe, here’s what you need to know.  Each Wednesday night starting at 5:45, we have a light supper, announcements, and a time to visit with friends.  We charge $3 a plate.  You don’t have to be a kid to come!  All we ask is that you let us know you’re coming by Tuesday so we know how much food to prepare.  You can notify us by handing in a pew card, e-mailing Pastor Randy (randy.smithson@e-sacc.org) , or calling the church (972-492-7531) The menu for the coming Wednesday is posted in the narthex. 

   You may be wondering what we do with the $3.  Of course some funds are necessary for buying the food.  The rest of the money goes into a youth fund which is used to pay for summer camp tuition, special youth activities, and resources for youth groups. 

   Kids Kafe always has a need for volunteers.  One way you can help is to provide desserts for an evening.  We usually have cupcakes or cookies.  Desserts don’t have to be homemade.  You would need to bring enough to serve about 48 people.

Donated desserts help to increase our profits for the youth fund. 

   Another volunteer opportunity is to help with the cooking and/or cleanup.  If you’d like to help with the cooking and supper preparations, you would need to come to the church around 4:30 or 5:00.  We appreciate all helpers—even those who can only help occasionally!

   If you would like to volunteer for any of these jobs, please e-mail Anne Smithson (anne.smithson@e-sacc.org) , or notify Pastor Randy or Nancy Daniel (972-492-7531).

Music Ministry

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD your God is with you,
       he is mighty to save.
       He will take great delight in you,
       he will quiet you with his love,
       he will rejoice over you with singing."

I love this verse. Every time I read it, I can’t help but be absolutely fascinated by the image of God our Father taking delight in us, caring for us with great tenderness, even singing lullabies to his children. It almost seems absurd to think about the most powerful being, the creator of all things, in that tender role.  My understanding of this verse is now informed by a whole new appreciation of the infinite love that a parent has for a child. What I realize is that my children fill my whole heart with delight. Not every moment, mind you, but quite frequently!  What I further realize is that the great delight that I feel in response to Sam and Collin is but a tiny fraction of God’s capacity for delight.  In the short book of Zephaniah, God gives to us the gift of his tenderness, a glimpse of his beautiful and perfect parenting. Love and singing, salvation and belonging—what an incredibly compelling picture of our heavenly Father.

Speaking of singing! Choir rehearsals begin on Wednesday, September 9. Adult bell choir rehearsals will also resume on that date. I’m truly looking forward to a wonderful year of uplifting music and great company! We’ve got so much to sing about.

Many thanks to all of you who are involved in music programs at SACC—you’re a blessing to all of us.  May you experience the lullabies of the Father and know his tender care.

My best to you,

Lisa

September’s Bible Bee

 Test your knowledge.  How many can you answer?  Researching the Good Book is allowed.  Answers found below.

1. To whom did Jesus say, “Get behind me, Satan”?
2. What did Jesus say is the second greatest commandment?
3. True or false?  Immediately after Jesus was baptized he chose his twelve apostles.
4. When did Jesus’ clothes become as white as light?
5. What was the name of the devout and righteous man who met Jesus in the temple when he was circumcised?
6. True or false?  Jesus regularly attended a synagogue on the Sabbath.
7. About which dead man did Jesus say, “This sickness will not end in death”?
8. True or false?  Moses and Elijah were seen as Jesus’ ascension.
9. Who did Jesus tell that he must be born again?
10. True or false?  When Jesus was arrested, Peter helped him to escape.

Answers to this month’s quiz:

•  Peter
• “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
• False (Matthew 4:1)
• At the transfiguration
• Simeon
• True (Luke 4:44)
• Lazarus
• False.  They were seen at Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17:3)
• Nicodemus
• False.  Peter ran away.

Men’s Breakfast—September 20

              Come and share great food and fellowship on Sunday, September 20, at 8:00 a.m.  The men of the church meet monthly for study and sharing.  Bob Edwards, Jim Wilson, and Gary Stephenson prepare the food.  Russ Daniel and Pastor Smithson share the lesson.  The group is reviewing Adam Hamilton’s book called Enough—Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity.

Daytime Prayer Group—Prayer Pals

              Prayer Pals will meet for lunch at noon on September 22 in the fellowship hall at church.  The group prays for the sick and those in need in our congregation and in the community.  Contact Nancy Daniel at the church office for more information. 

Leadership Schedule -- September 2009