December 2023
Events
Christmas Gifts for Seniors
Senior Community Services (SCS) is a local organization in Hennepin County that provides services to Seniors in our community. Their mission is to reimagine aging and help Seniors stay safely in their home while receiving home maintenance and support services. Many individuals in this group find themselves lonely and without companionship during the Christmas holiday. Sign up to give a gift ($20-50 value) for a Senior in the program to warm up their Christmas season. Gifts are due Dec. 10.
Lefse Day
Have you always wondered how to make lefse, the Norwegian favorite for the Christmas dinner table? Here is your chance to find out. Join some seasoned lefse makers and your fellow St. Andrew members for our 2nd Annual Lefse event in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, December 9, from 9 AM-noon. We will have a ton of fun as we learn together the lefse preparation and cooking process and enjoy samples of this sweet and savory holiday tradition. Participants don’t…
Sat. AM Men’s Bible Study
Age Range: Adult men 40+ The Saturday mornings men’s group is a light hearted bunch from several churches in the South West Metro that enjoys Christian fellowship and learning. We have a particular liking to Andy Stanley and other contemporary Christian preachers. We use videos and Bible studies as conversation starters on living a Christian man’s life in today’s world. Join us anytime you don’t need to wait until we start a new series. All Mature (from 40 to 104+)…
Pickleball for Beginners
Age Range: 10 years old to adult Times: 9:00 am – 10:30 AM and 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Come join the fun! Like tennis, learn to play this growing-in-popularity sport. Curt, Tom, and Bob have years of experience in the sport. In this introductory session (or those with basic experience), you will be taught the basics and get some hands-on practice. We will be setting up two pickleball courts in the gym at St. Andrew. What do you need?…
Worship
Worship Times & Format Sunday 9:00 AM | Traditional Familiar hymns and liturgy bring a sense of tradition at this service. Our 9:00 AM service music uses a spirited approach with a wide variety of hymns, liturgical music, and anthems that often draw from many musical styles: classical, spirituals, gospel, jazz, and both historic and contemporary hymnody. At the 9:00 AM service, communion is celebrated on the first and third Sunday of the month. Sunday 10:30 AM | Contemporary We are…
Sunday School
Age Range: 3 years old–5th grade Sunday Mornings will be centered on Love God. In Sunday School, we are going to experience the Wonder of God and God’s promises, love, and joy for us! This will happen through engaging activities, curious questions, and crafty fun! We will be meeting in groups and getting back into the small group tradition we know and love! There will be music. There will be Bible stories. There will be learning. Most of all, there will…
Ugly Sweater Sunday
Ugly Sweater Sunday Sunday, December 10 Show your holiday spirit by breaking out your best (or worst?) Christmas sweaters! Creativity and flair are always welcome and prizes will be awarded! Join us for the fun! 7th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest Dust off those ugly Christmas sweaters, hair tinsel, and your Santa hat, and join us for our 6th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest! The Uglier the better! Christmas Volunteers Needed! Christmas is just around the corner with lots of opportunities to…
Job Transition Support
Age Range: 18 or older Are you in one of the following situations: Just starting to look for your first job or been out of the work environment for awhile? Are your current search efforts not working out the way you hoped? Not pleased with your current job and not sure how to start a search process? One of our members, Rich Gruenhagen, is available to help provide direction and support. This includes how to find jobs that are not…
St. Andrew Book Group
First or Second Monday of the month at 1:00 – 7:00 PM , September–May Book Group meetings are held in Room 207 at St. Andrew. Participants are welcome on a regular or drop-in basis. Please join us for a lively discussion and small group fellowship. Contact: Mary Gustafson | 612.865.6711
River Valley Alcohol Anonymous Group
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial and apolitical. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem. Welcome to all who are in need. Contact: Pastor Peter Johnson
Basketball (16+)
Join members and friends of St. Andrew for a friendly game of basketball and fellowship in the St. Andrew gym. Men and women are welcome. It is a great way to stay in shape, meet some new people, and bond over a shared interest in the sport. If interested, sign up on church website or contact Mark Domyahn so that he can be in touch with you. Bring a friend! Contact: Mark Domyahn
Untapping Faith
Meet up with other young adults on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7:00–9:00 PM at a local brewery. We share conversation around the intersections of faith and our daily lives. N/A options are always available. Contact: Pastor Sarah Fike
Band of Brothers
Age Range: Mixed men Join fellow Christian men each week to examine how faith affects our daily life and relationships. This group is involved in service projects both locally and farther away. Participate weekly, when you can, or when a service project that is announced interests you. Contact: Don Mussell
Early Risers Bible Study
Age Range: Mixed adults Come for a lively discussion as we dive into the Word of God using books written by a variety of authors. These studies continue all year long and we often use Bible study materials to help us in our conversation. Come as your schedule permits. Contact: Pastor Peter Johnson
AM 6th/7th Grade Confirmation Class
Our 6th-7th graders will participate in large group learning, small group discussion and relationship building, and experiences that will help develop their faith. Contact: Pastor Sarah Fike
Women of the Word-AM
Age Range: Adult women Days/Times: Wednesdays 9:30–11:30 AM, Fall study dates: September 13 – December 13, Winter/Spring study begins January 10 A women’s Bible study of faith and fellowship. Each week includes large group lecture, small group discussion and weekly homework assignments. Each small group includes both in person and virtual options. For beginners through advanced! Study materials need to be purchased by each participant. Scholarships are available. Fall Study: “When You Pray”, by Kelly Minter, Jackie Hill Perry, Jen Wilkin, Jennifer Rothschild,…
PM 6th/7th Grade Confirmation Class
4:45-5:45 pm, & 7-8 pm Our 6th-7th graders will participate in large group learning, small group discussion and relationship building, and experiences that will help develop their faith. Contact: Pastor Sarah Fike
Wednesday Night Dinners
Have you ever considered St. Andrew a home away from home? A place you are nourished well in all ways? Where friendships are fostered, and family is infinite within the body of Christ? Bring this reality to life at St. Andrew’s Wednesday Night Dinners. Be fed home-cooked meals made by our very own Teresa Swanson-Rostad. Join other individuals and families on-the-go, taking a moment over a meal to relish in a conversation or two that extends beyond “Good Morning”. Come…
Ring of Fire
All choirs run September – May. Age Range: 4th & 5th grade Ring of Fire is a handbell experience for 4th and 5th graders focused on learning the basics of handbell technique. This choir is a great opportunity to make friends at church, learn a new instrument and grow your musical gifts! Ring of Fire will perform 2–3 times throughout the year in worship, including at the Sunday school Christmas program. No experience is necessary—everyone is welcome! Contact: Linnae Stole
8th Grade Confirmation Class
8th Grade Confirmation students will meet 2x a month (5:15-6:15pm) from Sept-Dec and then continue meeting in Jan-May with their mentor, gather for monthly check-ins with Pastor Sarah, and one final weekend Confirmation retreat at Spirit in the Pines before the Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation Service). Contact: Pastor Sarah Fike
Shine
Ages: K – 5th Wednesday Nights are centered around Love People. This is a time for community, connection, friendship and fellowship! We are going to play high energy games, have creative competitions, silly challenges and lots of laughs with friends, old and new! We’ll probably even get messy. There will be opportunities for service events to Love People outside of our community as well. If you’re looking for something fun to do, Wednesday Night is the place for you! Contact:…
Grace Notes (Intro to Handbells)
All choirs run September – May. Age Range: Adults St. Andrew member Vicki Grant will be leading Intro to Handbells for beginning handbell ringers. No experience with handbells is required but attendees should be able to read music. Adults welcome. Contact: Vicki Grant
Peace Ringers
All choirs run September – May. Age Range: 6th–12th Grade Peace Ringers is a handbell choir for middle and high school students. We are a group that loves to have fun together while also making beautiful music! This group will explore both basic and advanced musical and handbell techniques and work on growing as an ensemble through the year. Peace Ringers performs 5-6 times throughout the year in worship, and with the possibility of one outside performance as a service…
Starlight Singers
All choirs run September – May. Age Range: 3-year-olds–kindergarten Description: Starlight Singers welcomes the youngest children with a variety of activities. Children sing, dance, make music, and learn of Jesus’ love for them. Participate in worship approximately once per month, as well as additional Wiggle & Worship services. Parents are always invited to attend. Contact: Hannah Fleming
Sonshine Singers
All choirs run September – May. Age Range: 1st–5th Grade Description: Sonshine Singers is an exciting and energetic children’s choir. Singers learn age-appropriate choral singing basics in a nurturing and fun environment. Kids will make new friends and have a blast with Jill Boyd. The choir sings during worship approximately once a month. Contact: Jill Boyd
Outside the Lines Small Group
Outside the Lines Support Group is a small group learning together about how we as individuals, families and the church can be a fully welcoming congregation by including the LGBTQ+ community. Join leader Josh Eidem, a St. Andrew pastor, and others for conversation and support. The group discusses current events, reads articles and books, and other resources for discussion and learning. The group meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30PM at St. Andrew (subjected to change based on…
Wednesday Night Youth Group (WNYG)
Connect with other high school students from around the southwest metro at Wednesday Night Youth Group and monthly special events! On Wednesday nights, students will connect with God while connecting with one another through inspiring Bible studies, rewarding service projects, and ridiculously fun fellowship nights. Come for special events too! Invite your friends—All are welcome! Follow @StAndrewHS on Instagram for the latest updates. Contact: Pastor Sarah Fike
Spirit Singers
All choirs run September – May. Age Range: 6th–12th grade The Spirit Singers sing approximately once a month in worship and for special services like Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve. Spirit Singers is a great place to sing with friends, serve God, and to make music with a top notch director. Occasionally, they combine with the Canticle Choir, Sonshine Singers, and Starlite Singers. Contact: Sarah Gilbertson
Bells of Joy
All choirs run September – May. Age Range: Adult This 5-octave handbell choir for adults meets once a week to rehearse and plays in worship about once a month. Bells of Joy is a small group opportunity for those who enjoy praising God through music. Ringing experience is helpful in this advanced bell choir. Contact: Tim Graf
Canticle Choir
The Canticle Choir singers lead the congregation at two 9:00 AM Sunday services a month and occasionally at the 10:30 AM service by singing the liturgy, special hymn arrangements, anthems, calls to worship, and the occasional major choral/orchestral compositions. Contact: Larry Bach
Be Still and Know…Beginning Yoga & Devotion
Most Thursdays at 10:30 AM beginning September 21 through May either in person or on Zoom. Contact Carole to be placed on the email list to receive updates on dates and times. Open to adult men and women. Each session opens with scripture and closes with a devotion and prayer. No previous yoga experience necessary. Participants wear yoga type stretchy pants with a semi-fitted top that allows for movement and bring a yoga mat or beach towel. Classes are taught…
Women of the Word—PM
Age Range: Adult women Join us for a women’s Bible study of faith and fellowship using lessons and small group discussions. For beginners and advanced! All women are welcome, members and nonmembers. We will be studying the book of Ruth by Kelly Mintner. This is a 7 session study. We split each week in two so this will be a 13 week study for our group. Contact: Karen Willyard | (952) 937-2722
Band of Sisters
Age Range: 30–50-Something aged women To connect 30–50-something aged women to Christ and to one another through book discussions and Bible studies. Focused on building authentic relationships, fun, and spiritual growth. Contact: Kimberly Nelson
Men Who Love Old Cars
Old Cars Men’s Group is meant to merge together interest in refurbished old cars and the faith we share. Join classic car enthusiast David Lerseth (a retired ELCA pastor) for monthly gatherings at St. Andrew to share your car and discuss basic Christian teaching and spirituality through easy conversation. And we always have coffee, juice, and donuts. Contact: David Lerseth
‘Christmas Snapshots’ — Annual Sunday School Christmas Program
“Christmas Snapshots” catches snapshots of the characters in the Christmas story as they tell the story of Jesus’ birth! Come hear the story through our Children’s choirs and Sunday School kids as they share their gifts of music, creative pictures and the narrated story. Christmas Volunteers Needed! Christmas is just around the corner with lots of opportunities to volunteer! Ushers and greeters are needed for our Monday, Dec 18 for “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas,” Sunday, December 24 for Christmas Eve and Monday, Dec 25 for Christmas…
Messiah Christmas Food Baskets
Collate and distribute food bags containing Christmas meal ingredients through Community Bridge and Messiah Lutheran Church at the Center for Changing Lives located at 2400 Park Avenue in Minneapolis. Sign up to donate books or baked goods, packing bags Monday, December 18, through Friday, December 22, and/or delivery on Saturday, December 23. All ages—families welcomed and encouraged. Contact Kathy Olson at kathyolson39@hotmail.com. Contact: Kathy Olson
Prime Timer’s Annual Christmas Pot Luck
Join us for a pot luck lunch & white elephant gift exchange! Contact: Pastor Roger Schindel
Monday Evening Men’s Group
First and Third Mondays Age Range: Adult men (husbands/fathers) With so many places to go and things to do, it is often hard to take time for yourself. We want to gather men together to share experiences and wisdom about life and being a good dad, husband and Christian. The group uses various faith-based resources to stimulate conversation and learning. We provide men with networking and relationship-building opportunities, giving one another a source of support, laughter, and a chance to…
I Won’t Be Home for Christmas
I Won’t Be Home for Christmas 7:00 PM This service brings Christmas Eve early to those who plan to travel for the holidays but still want to worship at your home church of St. Andrew. Christmas Volunteers Needed! Christmas is just around the corner with lots of opportunities to volunteer! Ushers and greeters are needed for our Monday, Dec 18 for “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas,” Sunday, December 24 for Christmas Eve and Monday, Dec 25 for Christmas Day services. It will take a village of volunteers…
Patio Crawl
Age Range: Adults Looking for an easy way to connect with others from St. Andrew in a friendly and relaxed setting? In order for us to grow in our friendships and Christian faith, we are encouraged to engage with others from our church community. Join St. Andrew staff and other members and friends for casual conversation and easy discussion topics. No preparation is needed. Come as you are. Upcoming Locations Contact: Pastor Peter Johnson
Suicide Bereavement Support Group
Every 1st Thursday (In person) and 3rd Thursday (Online) Age Range: 18 or older This support group aims to provide a safe, accepting and non-judgmental place for people struggling with the challenge of suicide loss. Leadership of this support group have experienced personal loss of their own and have received specialized training. Meetings on the 1st Tuesday of each month in the conference room at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie (enter through main entrance and the conference room…
Christmas Eve Worship
Christmas Eve at St. Andrew Sunday, December 24 9:30 AM Favorite carols, stirring duets, and a story for the children are all part of this service, a great option for those with busy schedules later in the day. Saturday, December 24 10:30 AM (Wiggle & Worship) The name says it all. This service is for families with young children and will feature energetic music by our Wiggle Band and the Starlite Singers and we will share the Christmas story in a…
Christmas Day Worship
Christmas Day Monday, December 25, 10:00 AM Join us for worship on Christmas Day as we celebrate the birth of Jesus with favorite carols, Holy Communion, inspired preaching, and special music. Christmas Volunteers Needed! Christmas is just around the corner with lots of opportunities to volunteer! Ushers and greeters are needed for our Monday, Dec 18 for “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas,” Sunday, December 24 for Christmas Eve and Monday, Dec 25 for Christmas Day services. It will take a village of volunteers and families to help…
Lessons & Carols Worship
Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 31, 9:00 & 10:30 AM We continue to celebrate the season of Christmas as we hear the story told through a series of scripture readings, beloved carols, devotional reflections, Holy Communion, and beautiful choral music sung by a chamber choir. Join us as we start off the New Year by worshiping the Savior!
Loom Knitting Class and Gathering
Those with no loom knitting experience along with experienced loom knitters are invited to gather the first Wednesday of each month for an easy-to-learn hat knitting class and connect with others from St. Andrew. Beginner knitters will be provided the loom, tools, yarn, and instructions to knit a hat that will be donated to charity. Beginners will complete the brim of a hat, and will knit the balance of the hat on their own at home then return the following week to learn how to remove…
Parent’s Night Out
Kids 5th grade and younger are invited to join the Children’s Ministry Staff and camp counselors for dinner, games, crafts, a bibles lesson and a movie! All families who sign up will need to volunteer to one month (November-May) but then can enjoy a night out the other six months! Parent’s Night Out will happen every First Friday of the month! The fee of $20 for one child or $30 for 2 or more children to help cover costs of…
Dinner for Eight
Description: Get connected and find community with others in your church family. Gather monthly for four months in groups of eight to enjoy a casual, relaxed meal together. This is not a lecture; nor is it a book study. The focus is on forming and caring for new relationships and inviting God to be a part of it. Materials can be made available to help shepherd conversation. All are welcome to participate. Sign up as an individual or a couple.…