St. Andrew Lutheran Church: Service and Witness

ABC House
8761 Preserve Boulevard
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952-914-9418

A Better Chance Foundation is an organization that places highly-motivated students from urban centers into prestigious high schools where the students will be both emotionally nurtured and academically challenged. The Eden Prairie ABC House feeds, houses, transports, and provides the necessities of high school life in a structured and supportive environment to 14 students each year.

Join us for our annual paint day in Mid-August as we brighten the walls for another year. Host families are also needed who will open their homes to the girls on Sundays and include them in your family's activities.

Watch newsletters for currnet dates and sign-up via the worship bulletin, or contact Dave at 952-829-9382.

Adopt-A-Highway

St. Andrew has "adopted" Highway 5 between Prairie Center Drive and Mitchell Road as an area to clean, two Saturdays a year, between 9:00am and noon usually in April and October each year. Youth must be at least 14 years of age to participate. Plan to meet at church at 8:30am.

Watch newsletters for currnet dates and sign-up via the worship bulletin, or contact Sandy at solson@standrewlu.org.

Alterra Clare Bridge

7513 Mitchell Road
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952-906-3800

Alterra Clare Bridge is a facility that cares for those with memory impairments such as Alzheimer's disease. Volunteers play an important role in the nurturing of and interaction with Clare Bridge residents. Some of the ways in which St. Andrew volunteers may help include:

Giving a manicure
Playing games with the residents
Reading stories
Sharing in conversation
Leading a singalong
Assisting in woodworking
Leading a baking or cooking experience

Our youth also plan service projects a few times a year (dates and times vary).

Watch newsletters for currnet dates and sign-up via the worship bulletin, or contact Danielle at 952-974-9596.

Bias Crime Network

If a bias crime occurs in Eden Prairie, the police are notified and they contact one of the BCN volunteer coordinators. Volunteers visit with the victims of the crime, and if needed, the coordinator mobilizes the resource network, which may include one of the following:

Community response
Information to the community
Rumor controls
Organize a vigil
Write a letter to the editor
Help with the media
Write letters to businesses or other organizations
Offer family support, help with children at home or school
Offer court support
Support for other needs of the victim

By volunteering with the Bias Crime Network, you would be contacted if needed as a part of the response within the resource network to assist where able.

Further information is available from Gayle at 952-949-5934.

Blood Drive

Memorial Blood Center of Minneapolis comes to St. Andrew multiple times a year to collect blood donations from volunteers. Watch the newsletters for current dates and sign-up via the worship bulletin or by calling the church at 952-937-2776.

To be a donor, you must:

Be at least 17 years old
Weigh at least 110 pounds
Not have donated within 56 days
Not be on oral antibiotics for 24 hours
Be in general good health

Bridging, Inc.

201 West 87th Street
Bloomington, MN 55420
952-888-1105

Bridging is a nonprofit agency dedicated to procuring and distributing used furniture and household items to those in need.

CAP
Community Action Program

712 Canterbury Road South
Shakopee, MN 55379
952-496-2125

Community Action Program is a social service agency serving residents in Scott, Carver and Dakota counties with various programs such as:

Crisis Nursery
Head Start Program
Meals on Wheels
Food Pantry
WIC (Women Infants Children)

Volunteers are needed to help at the food shelf Monday through Friday, both morning and afternoon shifts.

"Bread Runners" are also needed to help deliver pastry items from the Target Superstore in Chaska to CAP, Monday through Friday each morning at 9:00 a.m. or in the afternoon at 1:00 p.m.

St. Andrew West offers a monthy food drive the last weekend of each month. We invite you to fill a grocery bag of food and return it to church the following weekend.

If interested in learning more, please contact CAP by calling 952-496-2125.

CAP HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Help St. Andrew West spread Christmas cheer through the CAP Hope for the Holidays program! Sponsors will receive the first name, age, gender and family enrollment number of their recipient(s) as well as a two-item wish list. You can purchase these items and/or other items you feel appropriate. The suggested total cost is $40-$50 per recipient. Watch the newsletter and worship bulletins in November and December for further information and to sign-up.

Clothing Drive

St. Andrew has held a clothing drive twice yearly in the past. We may consider this type of activity in the future, but are currently encouraging members to bring their clothing and household items to the PROPShop in Eden Prarie.

Visit the PROPShop website at www.propshopep.org or call them at 952-934-2323.

Equal Exchange Coffee

Equal Exchange was founded in 1986 to create a new approach to trade, one that includes informed consumers, honest and fair trade relationships and cooperative principles. As a worker-owned co-op, this has been accomplished by offering consumers fairly traded gourmet coffee direct from small-scale farmer co-ops in Latin America, Africa and Asia. St. Andrew offers the sale of these fine coffees/teas once a month to help build a more just world for small farmers in these developing countries. Through the project, farmers earn a fair price for their products, and by pooling their resources, they are able to invest in education, health care, and agricultural improvements in their communities.

Volunteers are needed to help sell the coffee at our three book fairs each year, as well as monthly. If interested in helping, please contact Sandy at 937-2776.

A complete list of coffees available and prices are available at www.equalexchange.com.

While coffees and teas must be ordered in case lots, you may order individual packages; shipping charges will be added to the price of your order, and orders will be received and distributed the following month.

Common Ground

Common Ground is a consortium of eight Eden Prairie churches whose mission is to empower and encourage its member churches, through cooperative effort, to bring charitable and just solutions to social needs in the community, as well as work on the summer Habitat for Humanity construction of a new home.

If you have an idea or would like to participate in advocating and supporting programs on social issues in Eden Prairie, contact Jody at 952-949-0717.

Cornerstone Shelter

9730 Irving Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55431
(952) 884-0376

Cornerstone Shelter is a non-profit agency that helps victims of domestic abuse and their children in Eden Prairie, Bloomington, Edina and Richfield by providing a 24-hour helpline with support and referral services; safe housing; meals; intervention services following an assault; and domestic violence prevention and awareness for the entire community. Volunteers are needed for the following:

Childcare: take care of children who have witnessed domestic violence while their mothers attend support groups; day and evening shifts.
Support Group Facilitator: co-facilitate a support group for women who are victims of domestic violence; day and evening shifts.
Mentor: become a supportive role model to a child (age 3-16) who has witnessed or experienced violence in the home; flexible schedule.
HelpLine: talk to victims of domestic violence who call Cornerstone's crisis line; early evening shifts during weekdays.
Driver: help clients by driving them to appointments or to the grocery store; day shifts available, flexible schedule, training provided.

Further information is available by contacting Carole at 952-937-8919.

English as a Second Language
SHAPE
The Education Center
8040 Mitchell Road
Eden Prairie MN 55344

ESL (English as a Second Language) is a ministry opportunity of St. Andrew coordinated through the SHAPE (South Hennepin Adult Programs in Education) office in Eden Prairie.

Volunteers are needed to serve as tutors for these classes in the areas of

Basic math

Basic literacy (learning to read and write)

English as a Second Language - speaking and listening skills

Preparation for the citizenship test

The Volunteer Connection will provide training, tutoring materials, coordination, and ongoing support. Volunteers are asked to make a one year commitment to this effort. This is also a wonderful opportunity for families who are interested in doing service ministry together (e.g. husband and wife can teach together, or mother or father with daughter or son can team-teach). If interested in learning more, contact Sandy at 952-937-2776.

Families in Need
All Saints Lutheran Church
15915 Excelsior Blvd
Minnetonka MN 55345
952-934-3550

Families in Need collects used furniture and household goods from the community and distributes them to families who are in need of such items. 75% of their clients come from the refugee community, with calls also coming from women's shelters and transitional living programs.

While they will take almost any item in GOOD CONDITION, they especially need:

Mattresses
Bedding
Computers (Pentium)
TVs
Dishes/Silverware/Glasses/Pots and Pans
Living room furniture
Kitchen tables and chairs
Dressers

They do NOT accept clothing. For more information on how to help, how to donate items, or how to refer a family, please phone Kristin Warehime at 952-937-9822 or email her at: kwarehime@allsaintsmtka.org.

Eden Prairie FamiLink Resource Center

952-294-5950
www.Fami-Link.org

Do you need help or have questions about housing, education, family or health care issues, legal services, financial assistance, employment, childcare or other community resources?

The Eden Prairie FamiLink Resource Center can help with information and referrals. We will investigate resources, do the legwork necessary to discover the best resources for a family or individual's situation, and follow-up to ensure that callers have been connected to resources that meet their needs This service is free and confidential.

The Eden Prairie FamiLink Resource Center, a partnership between Eden Prairie Schools and the City of Eden Prairie serves those who live, work, or go to school in the Eden Prairie community. Contact the Eden Prairie FamiLink Resource Center at 952-294-5950. The staff may able to answer your questions over the phone or the Resource Coordinator can set up a time to meet in person.

The Eden Prairie FamiLink office is located in the basement level of Eden Prairie Shopping Center in the City of Eden Prairie's Office of Housing and Human Services

Global Mission Event

Each summer the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America sponsors the Global Mission Event. Lutherans come from all over the United States, and from around the world, for inspiring worship and music, cutting edge workshops, challenging speakers and a chance to connect with people who care about the same issues you do. What happens at a GME?

Intergenerational get-together
Continuing education units
Book/gift store
Global music
Choirs
Plenary sessions
Bible studies
Meet missionaries
Gathering with international guests
Daily devotions
Interactive learning at GlobalFest
Sunday Eucharist
Gain insights into justice issues
Great food

Greeters

Volunteers are asked to welcome worshippers as they enter through the front doors, passing out smiles and greetings before all worship services. This is a wonderful way to witness and meet more of the St. Andrew family.

Further information is available by contacting the church at 952-937-2776.

Habitat for Humanity

St. Andrew, as a part of Eden Prairie Common Ground, is joining several other EP churches to help build a Habitat for Humanity home. We can use any skill level and readily welcome new faces.

Volunteers at a wide range of skill levels are needed. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult. No one under the age of 14 is allowed on the job site. A total of 20 volunteers are needed each day.

If you are interested in this opportunity to volunteer, register at www.epcommonground.org/volunteer or contact Sandy Olson at 952-937-2776 x. 21

In-Kind Donations Needed
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity built two homes in Chaska during the summer of 2001, one sponsored by the Eden Prairie Common Ground, a consortium of eight Eden Prairie churches whose mission is to empower and encourage its member churches to bring charitable and just solutions to social needs in the community.

Working cooperatively with Common Ground, St. Andrew invites members and friends to help with the construction of a new home each summer somewhere in the Twin Cities.

To help meet the ambitious goals of Habitat's five year strategic plan, we also invite you to donate in-kind gifts to the Habitat organization. Please contact friends, colleagues, neighbors, vendors, and others you know who can help donate to the mission of Habitat. The list below outlines the specific items that are needed.

Further information on all donations is available by contacting Steve Clemens at Habitat at 612-331-4049 x. 611 or clemens@tchabitat.org. You may also directly deliver items to the Habitat warehouse located at 133T 27th Ave. NE, Minneapolis MN 55418 by phoning first the warehouse supervisor, Darryl Yankee at 612-328-4257. Please be sure you attach your name to the donated item(s) and list St. Andrew as the donating organization, so that acknowledgements can be made appropriately.

Donations to Habitat are tax-deductible to the full extent allowable by law.

Further information is available by contacting Jody at 952-949-0717.

Services and Skilled Labor

Bobcat work
Carpet/vinyl floor installers
Cement finishers
Drywall finishers
Electricians
Equipment rental
Heating contractors
Lockable storage containers
Masonry contractors
Plumbers
Port-a-potty services
Roofing contractors
Sewer and water contractors
Surveying
Trash removal services
Vinyl siding installers

Building Materials

14/2, 14/3 and 12/2 NM electric wire
4 or 6 ml poly vapor barrier
Aluminum or vinyl gutters
Carpet and carpet pad, 10' x 10' minimum
Concrete ready mix
Dimensional lumber 2x4-2x10
Drywall (delivered to worksite)
Faucets: shower/tub, lav, kitchen
Insulated windows, egress size
Kitchen cabinets, modular sets
Nails, screws, other fasteners
Natural gas forced air furnaces
Plywood, OSB
Radius-edged decking
Retaining wall block
Shower/tub units, tub surrounds
Sod, black dirt, shrubs
Vanity cabinets and tops, 24"-36"
Vinyl siding and accessories, 12 sq.
Water-saver toilets, 1.6 gallon

Tools

Aluminum brake
Appliance dolly
Builders levels or transits, tripod
Carpet stretchers and knee-kickers
Cement mixer
Chalk reels
Commercial carpet cleaner
Drills/drivers—screw guns, cordless drills, hammer drills, ½" drills, bits
Drop cords, 10/3 or 12/3, 25'-100'
Drywall tools: corner taping tools, taping banjo, stilts, toe jacks, T-squares, cornerbead cinchers
Halogen work lamps
Hammers—framing, finish, sledge
Ladders—step and extension
Laser printer, LaserJet 4+ minimum
Pallet jack
Pliers
Portable air compressors, air hose, hopper guns
Portable generators
Saws—circular, recip., table, power miter, bench; saw blades
Scaffold, aluminum scaffold planks
Screwdrivers
Shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows
Sod rollers
Staple guns/tackers
Tape measures: 25', 30', 100', 165'
Tool storage chests, lockable
Vacuum cleaners, shop vacs
Vinyl flooring roller

HOME

9801 Penn Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55431
952-888-5530

Household and Outside Maintenance for Elderly is one of five programs operated by Senior Community Services to help older and disabled adults in Eden Prairie maintain their dignity and live independently by providing accessible, reliable and affordable homemaker and home maintenance services. St. Andrew participtes in spring clean-up, fall lawn raking, and winter snow shoveling to residents in our community. Fall lawn raking is on a Saturday in mid-October, while snow shoveling and lawn mowing are done on a rotating basis (volunteers commit to one week per month for the same resident).

Watch newsletters for currnet dates and sign-up via the worship bulletin, or contact Sandy at 952-937-2776.

Honduras Gifts

In 1992, St. Andrew made the decision to offer yearly mission trips to the Tierra Santa Home for orphaned or abandoned children near Comayagua, Honduras (one of the five countries of Central America.) As a result of our significant involvement at this primarily girl's orphanage, we began the Christmas Shoebox Program in 1998 where we send 200+ shoeboxes filled with daily essentials and a small gift to each of the children, teachers, and their children. Members are invited in August to choose a child for whom to purchase the shoebox gifts. The boxes are then wrapped by a group of volunteers and shipped to Honduras in early November to ensure their arrival in time for Christmas. Donations of plastic photo albums (given free when you develop film at Wal-Mart or Snyder's) is needed year-round, so that each child has a personal photo album. Bring donations to church.

Watch newsletters for currnet dates and sign-up via the worship bulletin, or contact Sandy at 952-937-2776.

HOPE
Housing, Opportunities, Partnerships, Employment is a community-based housing and family support program for single-parent families living in Eden Prairie. HOPE families are actively working toward achieving economic self-sufficiency through a variety of efforts including:

Being matched with an Eden Prairie mentor family
Preparing and following a plan for self-sufficiency
Completing high school, college or technical training
Finding and keeping a job

Volunteers are needed to provide friendship and encouragement to these families while they make positive changes in their lives. Volunteers are asked to:

Participate as a mentor for one year
Attend a brief orientation and training
Arrange a social activity once a month with mentor family
Be available to your family for emotional support and creative problem solving
Help families connect with informal resources

If interested in learning more, contact Carole at 952-937-8919.

HopeMakers
HopeMakers Jobs Partnership is a Christian support system for unemployed or underemployed persons. Support is given through a class in job readiness, mentorship and networking with potential employers with the goal of job placement and retention.

St. Andrew partners with Messiah Lutheran to provide mentors for those receiving the Vision of Life Training Program through HopeMakers. Some of the topics covered include:

Discover Who I Am
Discover My Life Gifts
Assess My Life Gifts
Develop a Positive Attitude
Develop My Personal Life Plan
Develop My Job Search Plan
Develop My Personal Presentation
Develop Effective Ways to Communicate
Develop Effective Problem Solving Skills
Understanding the Employer's Perspective
Understand How to Keep My Job

The format above is a six-month curriculum and volunteer mentors are needed to work alongside those seeking employment. If interested in learning more, please contact either Pr. John Brecount at 952-937-2776 or Kathy at 952-934-3241.

Hospital Cards
This ministry opportunity involves sending cards with a personal note to members on our prayer list, letting them know we care about them, and that their prayer concerns are being lifted up. If you are looking for a meaningful writing ministry, this may be just the fit for you. The cards and stamps are provided; you provide the kind words and prayers.

Further information is available by contacting Lila at 952-831-7187.

Hospitality
Volunteers are invited to help host, serve and clean up at events of fellowship. Watch newsletter and bulletins for these special events. One such event is the annual Thanksgiving Pie Feast following Thanksgiving eve worship service. We need pies donated and volunteers to serve.

Further information is available by contacting the church at 952-937-2776.

Information Booth
Enthusiastic volunteers staff the two information booths in the narthex before and after each worship service and assist with answering questions, helping with sign-ups, or directing people to the correct room. Please specify the times you are available to serve:

Saturday evenings: 4:45-5:00pm and 6:00-6:15pm
Sunday mornings 8:00-8:15am and 9:00-9:15am; 9:30-9:45am and 10:45-11:00am; 12:00-12:15pm

Further information is available by contacting the church at 952-937-2776.

Jonathan Festival of Garage Sales
St. Andrew members are once again helping to organize a community wide garage sale for the Jonathan area in Chaska. Homes can be registered by filling out the following form and mailing it to the address provided and then their location will be added to the map created by church members. The church will also host concessions for hungry garagesalers on the date of the event:

Saturday April 26, 2008
8:00am to 3:00pm

Proceeds that are raised by the church will be donated to the Blessed Bee Thrift Store. If you are interested in helping with the hospitality for this event, please call the church at 952-937-2776 or e-mail solson@standrewlu.org

To register your garage sale, please print this form and mail it at directed.

Kaleidoscope

In the Phillips neighborhood of south Minneapolis, there are about 6,000 children that are on their own for three to four hours each day who go home to empty houses each afternoon. No one is there to help them with their homework or play with them. Without direction or something to do, children often find something to do on their own- something "exciting" that will make people notice them. Kaleidoscope is an alternative for these kids, providing three programs at Messiah Lutheran Church for these children at little or no cost.

Kids Place, an after school program for children kindergarten through 8th grade
Summer Kids, an 8-week day camp for children ages 4 to 11
Children Garden, provides hands-on gardening experience for children in 1st through 6th grade

Current volunteer opportunities include: sponsor a birthday party, serve snacks, be a classroom companion, share a hobby or career. For more information, please contact Sandy Olson at church 952-937-2776 x.21.

Loaves and Fishes

Loaves and Fishes is a program that serves a hot evening meal to the hungry and poor five nights a week. The goal is to serve guests with dignity and respect and bring the poor in touch with the non-poor. St. Andrew currently serves once a month, alternating between two sites:

Creekside Community Center
9801 Penn Avenue South, Bloomington (at the corner of Penn Avenue and 98th Street): Third Tuesday, odd months (January-March-May-July-September-November)

St. Stephens Church School
2123 Clinton Avenue South, Minneapolis: Second Thursday, even months (February-April-June-August-October-December)

Volunteers meet at the site at 3:00pm to begin food preparation; food service begins at 5:30 and clean up at 6:30. Each site needs 20 volunteers to participate each month. Volunteers are also invited to share the meal with our guests.

Directions: Take 169 north to 394 and go east. Take the Dunwoody exit and turn right on Lyndale. Move over two lanes and continue straight following Lyndale lane. Turn left onto Franklin for 1-2 miles, then right onto Clinton. Turn left on 22nd Street and park on the street.

Watch newsletters for currnet dates and sign-up via the worship bulletin, or contact Nikki at 952-937-1273.

Lutheran World Relief

"Join Hands Day," sponsored by America's Fraternal Benefit Societies in partnership with the Points of Light Foundation and hosted by Eden Prairie Branch 8811 of Lutheran Brotherhood, is an annual national event when Americans of all ages come together to make life better in their communities. This is a day when young people and adults tackle a local problem and make something better right where they live. St. Andrew has participated in the past. If you are interested in heading up a project call the church at 952-937-2776 or email solson@standrewlu.org.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit service that delivers nutritious noon meals to people who are homebound, elderly or disabled and unable to prepare their own food. Meals in Eden Prairie are prepared by Taher, Inc.,, delivered to the home Monday through Friday, and provide one-third of the minimum daily nutritional requirements for adults. They are available to meet special diet needs such as low-sodium, diabetic, and other types. Drivers pick up the meals at St. Andrew at 11:15am, and most routes take 1 to 1½ hours to complete. St. Andrew participates by inviting volunteers to deliver the meals every 5th week.

Further information is available by contacting the church office at 952-937-2776.

Messiah Lutheran Church

2504 Columbus Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-871-8831

St. Andrew is currently an urban partner with two inner-city churches of Minneapolis, Messiah Lutheran and Salem English Lutheran. In recognition of our common partnership in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our concern for outreach and proclamation of that Gospel, we offer ourselves to become aware of the vision for God's mission in the other's setting and to share the problems and joys of that ministry with our members. We will share our time and talents in a variety of ways:

Worship Once a Month: To understand the needs and diversity of the inner city, drive to Messiah once a month for an entire program year and worship together as a family. You will meet new friends and experience new things.

Share a Musical Talent: Travel to Messiah and share your musical gift (e.g. singing, playing an instrument, liturgical dance, etc.). If you participate in a St. Andrew musical group, why not coordinate an outing for your entire group?

Summer Bike Trip: Bike 112 miles with six Messiah youth on their annual bike trip to Luther Park in Danbury, Wisconsin. Return home via van. One adult needs to accompany our six youth.

Watch newsletters for currnet dates and sign-up via the worship bulletin, or contact Kathy at mommieo39@aol.com.

MICAH

122 West Franklin Avenue, Suite 310
Minneapolis 55404
612-871-8980

Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing takes action to insure that everyone in the community has a decent, safe and affordable place to live. Their central organizing principle is to think regionally, act locally, and live faithfully. As Micah 6:8 says, "Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God."

If you would like to learn more about how you can become involved in social justice advocacy, visit www.mica.org.

Mitten Tree

Each December, St. Andrew displays a Christmas tree in the narthex, and members and friends are invited to place new hats, mittens, and scarves on the tree. All donations are given to PROP.

Please contact Sandy Olson at solson@standrewlu.org for further information.

Nord House

7704 Plymouth Avenue
Golden Valley, MN 55427
763-797-5224

Nord House is a foster group home sponsored by Lutheran Social Service for girls age 13-18 that are dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. They serve young women throughout the state while they complete treatment in an outpatient program. The goal of Nord House is to provide a safe and caring place for its residents. Up to five young women will stay at the house with the supervision of LSS staff. Together with the staff, the residents will plan and prepare all meals and take care of routine household responsibilities. The emphasis is on teaching basic living skills and allowing the girls to have input into how the house is run.

St. Andrew participates by exposing them to positive "non-using" activities such as sewing, cooking, personal care, singing, finances, career development, and scrapbook/journaling projects that can be completed on Monday nights from 7:00-8:30pm.

If interested in learning how you can share a talent with the residents, contact Elaine at 952-903-5058.R

Our Saviour's Housing

2219 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-872-4193

Our Saviour's Housing is a 40-bed homeless shelter for men and women who are working to resolve issues that brought them to the streets so that they can go on to independent living. Each resident is guaranteed a bed for 30 days with extensions up to 90 days if they remain employed, meet with a case worker weekly, and save money towards an apartment. St. Andrew offers a variety of ways for you to participate:

Fry Chicken: Volunteers are needed to fry the chicken for the meal. We gather in the basement kitchen at 1:00pm on the first Thursday of each month and are finished by 3:00pm.
Evening Meal: On the first Thursday of each month, volunteers are invited to prepare, serve and clean up the evening meal at the shelter. We meet at church at 2:00pm to fry chicken in the basement kitchen. At 4:00 we carpool to the shelter and prepare the remaining food items, serving our guests at 7:00. Clean up is usually finished by 8:15.
Lunch Program: Coordinated through the 56ers, lunches are prepared the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30pm and delivered to the shelter. Each lunch includes a sandwich, bag of chips, cookie or brownie, banana and juice box. Contact Deb Schmit at 952-937-2776 to sign up.

Further information on these ministry opportunities is available by contacting Joan at 952-942-7746.

Paint-A-Thon

Each August the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches organizes a painting day for low-income senior citizens and disabled adults throughout the seven-county metro area. Exterior house painting is costly for those living on fixed incomes and often impossible for people with limited physical capabilities. Through paint-a-thon, we assist people who wish to continue living independently while helping to spruce up a neighborhood. Organizations donate money to the project, churches and companies organize individual volunteers, and Sherwin-Williams and Graco companies donate the paint and portable equipment. Volunteers are invited to participate in this annual event in a variety of ways:

Team Leader: A coordinator for the entire project is needed to meet with the homeowner to identify necessary repairs, divide team members into special work groups, arrange for equipment and crew transportation if necessary, and to be especially sensitive to the needs of the homeowner.
Refreshments: Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve refreshments/lunch for our workers on the days of preparation and painting.
Prep Work: Volunteers travel to the home the last two Saturdays of July to scrape, power wash and prime the house. We begin at 8:00am and finish by noon.
Painting: Volunteers are needed to begin painting the home the first Saturday of August at 8:00am. In case of inclement weather, we meet every Saturday until the house is completed. We finish by noon each Saturday, and a pizza lunch is provided.

St. Andrew has worked cooperatively on a home each year with the Eden Prairie Presbyterian Church. Wear old clothes and bring along your favorite paintbrush and scraper. Extension ladders and power washers are also helpful if you have one to share.

Watch newsletters for current dates and sign-up via the worship bulletin, or contact the church at 952-937-2776.

Photography

Shutterbugs will enjoy this ministry opportunity of taking photos and videos as needed:

New Members: New member Sundays February, March, and May.
Special Events: Photographers are needed to take photos/videos of special events at church (e.g. Rally weekend, 25th anniversary celebration, and children's Christmas program).

Further information is available by contacting Rik at rgroves@mn.rr.com.

PROP

8040 Mitchell Road
Eden Prairie 55344
952-937-9120

People Reaching Out to People is an Eden Prairie community organization dedicated to helping and serving Eden Prairie residents in need—illness, unemployment, disability, age, low income, divorce, etc. St. Andrew partners with PROP in a variety of ways:

Back to School Drive: In August, PROP collects new school supplies and backpacks to be handed out to clients. Items most in need include: 3x5 Index Cards, Calculators, Paints, Backpacks, Colored Pencils, and Dividers. Bring items to the Information Booth at church. Volunteer opportunities are available for packing on 8/18 and 8/19, for distribution on 8/21, 8/22 and 8/23, and for clean up on 8/23. Contact Sandy Olson at church, 937-2776 x21, to sign-up.
Monthly Food Drive: On the last weekend of each month, volunteers hand out grocery bags to all worshippers following the services requesting they return the filled bag to church the first weekend of each month. A list of "most needed items" is attached for your convenience when shopping. If in doubt about what items to donate, those in constant demand include: peanut butter, jelly, canned meats, canned fruits, boxed meals, canned meals, toothpaste, baby food, laundry soap
Minnesota Food Share Month: St. Andrew emphasizes and encourages extra giving to PROP each March, which is designated Minnesota Food Share month. Grocery bags are handed out to worshippers after all worship services during the month, inviting folks to return the filled bags the following week.
December Holiday Program: Each year PROP offers food and gifts to families and individuals in Eden Prairie and Chanhassen who are in need of help. Sign-ups usually begin in mid-November each year, and donations are due by December 10.
Gift Programs: In December of each year, PROP supports a "Free Gift Store" for those less fortunate. New, unwrapped gifts are donated and delivered to the free store by church members and friends. Watch the newsletter for details.
General Toy/Gift Drive: Purchase a gift for any age and volunteers will fill the need as supply allows (gifts for teenagers, new babies, and boys of all ages are usually in short supply.)
Fruit Baskets: This is an attractive alternative gift for senior citizens and adults who are alone and would otherwise have a bleak holiday. You may send in a monetary donation and volunteers will purchase and assemble the baskets.
Food Boxes: You are invited to fill a box with specified items for the diverse cultures in Eden Prairie. Gift certificates from local grocery stores are also welcome!

PROP is always in need of volunteers to help in the office Monday-Friday between 9:00am and noon. If interested in volunteering, please phone PROP directly at 952-937-9120.

Further information on PROP is available by contacting PROP at 952-937-9120 or visit the PROP website at www.propfood.org

Relay for Life

Friday, July 18, 2008
Eden Prairie Central Middle School

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life is a unique celebration of life in honor and in memory of those whose lives have been touched by cancer. You and your family are invited to participate in a number of ways:

Team Participation: You may create a team of your own or join our team "St. Andrews" by going to the website at www.eprelay.org. Teams of 8-12 people will walk, jog or run relay style" throughout the night, beginning at 6:00pm Friday night and ending at 8:00am Saturday. All participants will enjoy a party atmosphere with teams enjoying music, games, and camaraderie.

Purchase a Luminary: The highlight of the event is the beautiful luminaria service held to honor survivors and to remember those who have lost their battle against cancer. These luminaries are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contribution. Purchase a luminary donation in any amount and your bag will be hand decorated with your loved one's name. Contact a team member or visit the Information booth at St. Andrew.

For more information visit the website at www.eprelay.org or contact Sandy Olson at 935-937-2776 x21.

Salem English Lutheran Church

610 West 28th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-872-4650

St. Andrew is a partner with two inner-city churches of Minneapolis, Messiah Lutheran and Salem English Lutheran. In recognition of our common partnership in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our concern for outreach and proclamation of that Gospel, we offer ourselves to become aware of the vision for God's mission in the other's setting and to share the problems and joys of that ministry with our members. We will share our time and talents in a variety of ways:

Commit to worship one Sunday per month for an entire program year and get to know and understand the needs and diversity of the inner city.

Sunday School Teacher Assistants: Offer your talents and abilities as a Sunday School teacher on the second Sunday of each month from 9:30-10:30am.

Vacation Church School Teachers and Assistants: Offer your talents and abilities for one week in July as a VCS teacher or assistant from 8:30am to noon.

Ascension Day Festival: St. Andrew hosts an Ascension Day worship experience/bell choir concert and ice cream sundae event with fireworks each year.

Epiphany Festival: Each year St. Andrew hosts an Epiphany worship experience and hot dog roast with the burning of Christmas trees.

Mentorship: Choose a service opportunity at St. Andrew and invite a family from Salem to participate (e.g. St. Stephens Loaves and Fishes, Paint-a-Thon, Habitat for Humanity).

Watch newsletters for currnet dates and sign-up via the worship bulletin.

Sewing the Word

Join this energetic group of women weekly (or whenever your schedule allows) as they sew quilts for our Relay for Life Auction, Honduras Mission, the Sojourner's Shelter, and the Cornerstone Shelter. No sewing experience is necessary; they will be delighted to teach you, or you can help by cutting, pinning and/or ironing. If there is interest, an evening quilting group can also be formed. The group is breaking for the summer, but will return next fall.

Further information is available by contacting Rita at 952-937-8763

Shawl Ministry

This ministry joins together those experienced people who knit or crochet and those just learning to create prayer shawls for those in need. The group meets twice monthly in a wonderful spirit of community. All are welcome. Please watch the bulletin for event times or contact Cori Eichelberger at 952-443-4181.

Shield A Badge

The Shield A Badge with Prayer Ministry attempts to link every Eden Prairie Police Officer with a dedicated prayer volunteer. This volunteer is given the police officer's badge number and is provided with some prayer suggestions. The volunteer commits to daily prayer for the officer. For further information contact Cathy Schweitzer at 949-8673 or email her at cathyms@earthlink.com (reference Shield a Badge in the subject).

Sojourner's Project

Minnetonka, MN
952-933-7433

Sojourner's Project is a residence for women who are experiencing abuse, or threats of abuse, by their partners. It is a place where women and their children can be safe while receiving information, resources, support and advocacy to help end the violence in their lives. St. Andrew is looking for new and innovative ways to partner with this agency, and is considering the following possibilities:

Mother's Day: Provide all women with a fresh plant or floral arrangement.

October Memorial Service: Attend the annual memorial service for victims of domestic abuse.

Back to School Drive: Collect new school supplies for all the children.

Christmas Gift Program: Donate Christmas gifts for the women and their children.

Lawn Mowing: Help mow the lawn during the summer.

Ongoing Donations: Donate bright colored copier paper, women's sports bras/underwear on an ongoing basis.

Further information is available by contacting Carole at 952-937-8919.

Tape Ministry

St. Andrew offers a new witness program, tape ministry. Cassette tapes will be made of the worship service weekly, duplicated on Monday mornings, and delivered to homebound members and friends who would like to feel connected to St. Andrew even though not able to attend worship. Volunteers are needed to deliver the tapes on Mondays or Tuesdays each week. The tapes will eventually be available in our library for checkout if you are unable to be here for worship.

Further information on how to volunteer or on being placed on the delivery schedule is available by contacting Sandy Olson at 952-937-2776.

Translators

Do you know a foreign language, especially Spanish? Volunteers are needed to translate English-written texts into Spanish.

Further information is available by contacting Debbie at 952-937-9356.

West Suburban Teen Clinic

478 Second Street
Excelsior, MN 55331
952-474-3251

West Suburban Teen Clinic is a community health clinic where young people between the ages of 12 and 23 come for help with a wide range of medical and emotional concerns. A health professional is available to answer questions and to make appointments or appropriate referrals whenever the clinic is open. They also offer health education to schools, churches, and community groups. WSTC offers:

General clinic: Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00pm
Birth control class: Mondays at 4:30pm, Thursdays at noon
Birth control clinic: Wednesdays and Thursdays
Senior citizen blood pressure checks: Fridays from 9:00am-4:00pm
Counseling services
Education services

St. Andrew invites you to share your medical and/or professional skills with the clinic.

Further information is available by contacting Nancy at 952-934-4840.

Wheels To Work

8901 Lyndale Ave S #203
Bloomington, MN 55420
952-881-1115

Wheels To Work is a faith-based, social service agency that provides reliable used autos to welfare-to-work families and other low income people. Donated vehicles are repaired and given to approved recipients. Donated autos are always in demand. St. Andrew members can participate in this ministry opportunity by:

Donating an auto to Wheels To Work
Give of your time and talent to repair cars for distribution

Donated autos must be able to be driven to the Wheels To Work office where you will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Motor vehicles not suitable for donation will be sold and the proceeds used to repair existing autos.

Further information is available by contacting Wheels to Work directly at 952-881-1115.

Service and Witness Ministry Opportunities

Service and Witness
Ministry Opportunities