THE GREETER February 2016
FROM THE RECTOR February: The beginning of Lent and a chance for self-reflection.
Each year the church observes the season of Lent which in our tradition lasts forty days excluding Sundays until Easter. This year Lent begins fairly early on Ash Wednesday, February 10th. The forty days of Lent represents the days that Jesus spent in the wilderness before beginning his ministry. You may remember that story. It contains descriptions of Jesus being tempted by the devil and his ultimate triumph over those temptations. Now a temptation would not be a temptation unless it was, well, tempting. In other words, Jesus must have been at least enticed to give into what the devil was suggesting he do. Of course he didn’t.
In many ways Jesus’s story reflects our story, Jesus's temptations remind us of our own struggles and temptations we encounter in our own journey of faith. In the isolating terror of the Palestinian desert, Jesus prepares himself spiritually for what he must endure when he arrives in Jerusalem. The stories we will hear and our change in liturgy are invitations to wrestle with our own demons and confront the relentless temptations that are unique to each of us and to remember that our hope, our very lives, rest in Jesus.
All of us struggle with the powers of this world. I am no exception. All of us know, as Jesus knows, that it is often easier to choose power, violence, and domination instead of the loving and reconciling ways of the reign of God. Just take a look at the news any night and you can see the truth of that statement, especially in this presidential election year along with the existential threat of ISIS. We also know that there is a better way, and Jesus points the way for us. Jesus points us to Easter, the great triumph of life over death.
Lent then, is our opportunity to take stock of ourselves, to take an honest look at what “demons” may drive us and then to turn to Jesus and choose another path. It is a path that leads to the heart of love that God has for all of us. Lent is a time for reflection and action. Here is your invitation to a holy Lent.
There are four Ash Wednesday services: 7:00 AM; 9:30 AM; Noon - these will be held in the chapel. The last service is at 7:00 PM in the main church.
In the words of the prayer book: I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word.
Fr. John MINISTRY NEWS
LENT SERVICES AND ADULT EDUCATION The Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is February 9th beginning at 5pm. Ash Wednesday is February 10th and we will have four services including Eucharist and Ashes at 7:00am, 9:30am, 12:00pm, and 7:00pm. We also invite you to join us for an Adult Education Series Wednesday Evenings during Lent. Fr. John Schaefer is leading this series titled “Listen for a Change, Conversations in Racial Justice” in response to the call at the Episcopal Church’s General Convention that we examine racial issues. With February being “Black History” month, we will watch and discuss this video series featuring our new Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and other distinguished speakers. Our class will meet on five consecutive Wednesday nights beginning on February 17th through March 16th in Haviland Hall. Please join us as we meet from 7 PM to 8 PM.
CARING MINISTRY UPDATE The Caring Ministry Team is here to assist you in whatever area of concern you have. However, we can’t help if you don’t let us know. That is why we want you to use the pew cards and why we have “Eyes and Ears” in each service. These persons will pass on your needs (with your permission) to Father John and he will inform the appropriate care team ministry. These wonderful “Eyes and Ears” are as follows: 5:00 service - Noreen Witty; 7:45 - Susie Trupp; 9:00 – Jim Hutchinson, Jamie Baker and Doris Sladek; 10:30 – Nancy Pugsley, Bert VanBlerk and Cricket Foley. If you would be interested in helping with any part of the Caring Ministry Team, please contact Father John, Sarah Black or Nancy Ponec.
God does not intend for Christians to walk alone. We come to church not just to worship in a community, but to be a community. In our ongoing effort to take care of our community, you will soon notice new yellow cards in the pews. They will be replacing the blue and white cards we currently use. You will be able to use these to request prayers, change your current information, ask for more information about our many ministries, or request a call from a priest or a Stephen Minister. Please make use of these cards. We encourage you to ask for prayers on the cards or visit the Healing Prayer Team member in the chapel after communion. We also have a meal train that can bring a meal to those who need a little assistance. Sometimes a visit from the priest or a Stephen Minister will be helpful. Stephen Ministry is often quiet, because it is a confidential ministry. But don't let its low profile fool you---it is a crucial component of our Caring Ministry team. Gifted lay people are trained to be Stephen Ministers and assigned confidentially to a care receiver. They meet regularly to provide care in a difficult time. While doctors and therapists each have their own unique kinds of help to offer, Stephen Ministers offer listening, compassion, and a prayerful presence. Instead of walking a tough road in isolation, God gives us companions to support us in that journey, and Stephen Ministers are especially gifted and trained for that kind of care. If you would like support from a Stephen minister please contact Nancy Ponec or Karen Ekholm.
OUTREACH NEWS
54TH ANNUNAL ST. ANDREW’S ANTIQUE SHOW Yes, it is that wonderful fun time again. This year the show is earlier in the year, Friday and Saturday April 1 and 2 (always the weekend after Easter). The continued success of our event will be because of the fun, yet hard work of our church family. We need everyone’s help. Your effort, whether it is 1 hour or 100 hours is essential. We have jobs available for everyone including sit down jobs. We need kitchen helpers, cashiers, ticket sellers, security, set up help, tear down help, people to make pies, and people to call volunteers. Please consider how you would like to help, how many hours you can help, and on what days. The sign up board is available in Engle Hall. The sooner you sign up, the fewer phone calls that have to be made. The show is also in need of financial assistance as well. Donations will be used to cover the expenses incurred for food products and kitchen supplies for the St. Andrew’s Café, Publicity and Marketing, Signage, Printing and Postage, and Geraniums. Please contact Laraine Crane, Chairperson ([email protected] 402-333-6030) or Camille Culp, Treasurer if you are interested in providing a financial donation. These contributions ensure that the money made can be applied to Outreach and other church uses instead of antique show expenses. The joy of participating is multifold. Not only do you experience seeing a grand show evolve into a success, but you are able to meet many church members that you have maybe not yet had the chance to get to know. We also have the opportunity to revisit the many neighbors in the community that have been coming to the show for years. Please don’t miss out. Join us for this wonderful and rewarding experience.
BY REQUEST FUNDRAISER SAVE THE DATE! The 4th Annual “By Request Only” Fundraiser for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and St. Andrew’s outreach ministry will be on Friday, September 16th at Lauritzen Gardens. Please mark your calendars and make plans to join us for a fun evening of music and dancing. Last year’s event raised double the amount from the previous year, and over half of the folks in attendance were from the wider Omaha community. They outnumbered the attendance from our own church. Very exciting and proof positive we are gaining steam year- by- year! Save the date - and let’s make 2016 the best year yet!
DEAN FRICKE FOOD PANTRY The most needed items at the Dean Fricke Food Pantry right now are crackers, snacks and cookies. Please keep asking for paper sacks when you visit the grocery store and bring them to church when you come. We use 200 sacks each week and appreciate every single one you put in the shopping cart by the office. Thanks for any and all non-perishable foods you bring in and for participating in this very worthy mission.
ST. ANDREWS TO PROVIDE OMAHA STREET SCHOOL LUNCHES On the 2nd Monday of the month, St. Andrews provides lunch for the students at the Omaha Street School. We currently have two teams of four and are looking to have at least two additional teams to serve lunches. We are responsible for serving 30-35 students, teachers and volunteers. If you are interested in helping, please contact Melissa Peeler at 402 212-3827 or email at [email protected].
FROM THE DESK It has officially been a year since I began as the Executive Assistant at St. Andrew’s. It has been a great year, and I thank everyone that has made me feel welcome. I am glad that I have been able to get to know some of you through various events and bible study, and I hope to continue this relationship for the foreseeable future. There are still a few copies of the Annual Report available at the back of the church. I can also send you an electronic copy if you would like one, just ask for one via e-mail at [email protected]
Articles for the next edition of The Greeter will be due February 23. Erin Sloan February Birthdays and Anniversaries
Blake Rider 2/1 John Schaefer 2/2 Sandy Lipschultz 2/2 Karen Skinner 2/2
Andy Ketterson Jr. 2/3 Kathleen Kauth 2/3
Chris Kircher 2/4 Langdon Caverzagie 2/4
Charlotte Austin 2/5 Roxi Adams 2/5 Sarah Black 2/7
Stephen Haakinson 2/8 Jarrod Olson 2/8 Jeff Dunic 2/8
Lee Hammond 2/9 Carol Casper 2/10 Loren Ditsch 2/10
Juleen Olson 2/11 Lucy Puls 2/11 Jeremy Lipschultz 2/12
Kelly Dornan 2/12 Braxton Rife 2/12 Jay Adams 2/13
Lisa Aguilar 2/14 Eileen Hansen 2/15 Nathan Ladenson 2/15
Terrie Saunders 2/17 Ron Dunic 2/17 Henry Hallgren 2/17
Susan Menter 2/18 Steve Gottschalk 2/18 Taylor Markoff 2/18
Dan Coonce 2/19 Christian Harter II 2/19 Paula Wallace 2/20
Kevin Wagner 2/20 Kevin Henry 2/20 Hope Kircher 2/20
Madison Markoff 2/26 Theresa Huss 2/27 Benden Adcock 2/28
Jim and Terrie Saunders 2/2 Bill and Jody Smythe Jr. 2/2 David and Denise Telford 2/14 Lisa and Matt Aguilar 2/18
John and Carolyn Curtis 2/29
Ministry Schedule Feb 7 Feb 14 Feb 21 Feb 28 Acolytes 9:00 Lauren Sitzman Audrey Coonce Anna Kay Paige Rife Kathy Upton Sitzman Aaleya Matthews 10:30 Sarah Conrad Jim Hallgren Josh Gottschalk James Henry Kelsey Conrad Nathan Gottschalk Altar Guild S Sue Hillman Polly Goecke Carolyn Curtis/ Polly Goecke Jane Hoover E Susie Trupp Terrie Saunders Liz Bourne Terrie Saunders L Christina Harter TBD Jan Buhr Mina Witherspoon/ Mary Schreiber Healing Prayer 7:45 Lois Westfall Lois Westfall Lois Westfall Lois Westfall 9:00 Jamie Baker Andy Hawekotte Karen Ekholm Andy Hawekotte 10:30 TBD TBD Anne Gambal Cricket Foley Lay Readers 7:45 Keith Ross Jordan Hankins Lois Westfall Keith Ross 9:00 Karen Conrad Kim Hawekotte Sharon Kryger Don Peeler Dan Sitzman Melissa Peeler Camille Culp Jenny Else
10:30 Ken West Benji Pettiford Elizabeth Anne Gambal Lee Hammond Andy Ketterson Hallgren Kelly Bourne Bert Van Blerk
Ushers 7:45 John Mabry John Mabry John Mabry John Mabry 9:00 Don Peeler Kim Johansen Shaun Rife Steve and Lauren Barb Jackson Liz Orrick Susan Menter White Karen Quintana 10:30 Gordon Foley Charley and Gordon Foley Lee Hammond Ken Cratty Nancy Pugsley Ken Cratty D.J. O’Shea Dave Gambal Dave and Anne Scott Nelson Ron Dunic Gambal Greeters 7:45 John Mabry Laraine Crane John Mabry Laraine Crane 9:00 Todd and Cathy Barb Jackson Camille Culp Dana Coonce Engle 10:30 TBD Anne Gambal Lisa Hammond Kelly and Liz Bourne Vestry St. Monica’s Ushers Altar Guild Finance ECW Board Outreach Nearly New Shop Daughters of the King
ALL SUNDAY SERVICES