December 2022
Events
Benevolence Fund Seeking Applications for End-of-Year Funding; New Committee Members Needed
The Benevolence Fund is seeking grant applications for funding before the end of the year as well as new committee members for 2023. The St. Andrew Benevolence Fund supports extraordinary ministries with financial assistance inside or outside the congregation where growth in faith, financial giving and/or Christian service are uniquely encouraged. Recently, the Benevolence Fund supported the Feed My Starving Children packing event and the upcoming Belize mission trip in August 2023 through Seeds of Support. Applications can be made…
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 (18+)
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. We plan to play weekly on Tuesdays from 6:00-7:15 PM starting September 13th. If interested, sign up using the registration link below or contact Mark Domyahn so that he can be in touch…
Band of Brothers
Age Range: Mixed men Description: 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 Description: Come for a lively discussion as we dive into the Word of God using books written by a variety of authors. Contact: Pastor Gail Bach
Sewing the Word
Age Range: Adult women Description: Would you like to learn how to quilt or how to help with the quilt group? We can use help with cutting, pinning, press¬ing, or sewing. We are happy to teach you. Our quilts have gone to an orphanage in Honduras, Haiti, Florida, Texas, battered women’s shelters, police departments, Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph Home, PROP, and many other places. Contact: Mary Ann Smith
Women of the Word—AM
Age Range: Adult Women You are invited to join us on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:30 AM for an interactive bible study and small group experience! We will begin with the second season of The Chosen, a groundbreaking television series about the life of Jesus. You do not need to have watched the first season, or have participated in last year’s study, but you can find The Chosen Season One on Peacock, YouTube, and also on The Chosen App; all of…
Thrive (4th & 5th Graders)
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: Pastor Lillejord
Shine (K-3rd Graders)
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: Pastor Lillejord
Wednesday Night Dinners
Wednesday Night Meals have begun! Put down the fry pan and join us on Wednesday evenings between 5:00–7:00 PM for stress-free, delicious dinners and wonderful community. Meals will always include the entre, side(s), salad bar, dessert and beverage.
Ring of Fire
Age Range: 4th & 5th grade Description: 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
Grace Notes (Intro to Handbells)
Age Range: Adults Description: St. Andrew member Vicki Grant will be leading Intro to Handbells this fall for adult-age beginning handbell ringers. This 10 week class is for adults and will cover all the basics and techniques of handbell ringing. They will meet from October 5 – mid-December. No experience with handbells is required but attendees should be able to read music. Contact: Vicki Grant
Peace bRingers
Age Range: 6th–12th Grade Peace bRingers 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 bRingers performs 5-6 times throughout the year in worship, and with the possibility of one outside performance as a service opportunity. Prior handbell experience is not…
Starlite Singers
Age Range: 3-year-olds–kindergarten Description: Starlite Singers welcomes the youngest children (3-year-olds–kindergarten) 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, and nursery care is available for younger siblings. Contact: Hannah Fleming
Sonshine Singers
Age Range: 1st–5th Grade Description: Sonshine Singers is an exciting and energetic children’s choir for 1st–5th Graders. 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
Spirit Singers
Age Range: 6th–9th grade Description: The Spirit Singers, ages 6th-9th grade, sing approximately once a month in worship and for special services like Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve. They sing anthems and descants for congregational hymns. Occasionally, they combine with the Canticle Choir, Sonshine Singers, and Starlite Singers. Contact: Sarah Gilbertson
Faith Anew
Join Pastor Matthew Fleming, St. Andrew’s Teaching Pastor, for a dynamic, thoughtful, and energizing series on the joy of keeping our faith alive, growing, and making a difference in our families, community, and world. Faith Anew will use scripture, our stories of the faith, and compelling speakers to encourage us follow the call of God to be both committed and growing Christians. Contact: Pastor Matthew Fleming at pastormatthew@standrewlu.org Faith Anew Topics Faith in our bodies with Ellie Roscher, author and…
Bells of Joy
Age Range: High School–Adult Description: This 5-octave handbell choir for adults meets once a week to rehearse and plays in worship about once a month. Being part of Bells of Joy is a small group opportunity for those who enjoy praising God through music. Ringing experience is helpful but not necessary, everyone is welcome! 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
Wednesday Night Youth Group (WNYG)
High Schoolers are welcome to join in on fellowship and discussion every Wednesday night. Topics can range from Bible studies and social issues in a relaxed environment where everyone is always welcomed. For more information contact Zack Benz.
Pastor’s Thursday AM Study
Ages: Adults Description: A Bible study led by the pastors to foster community, spiritual growth, and prayer support. Join us even if you have not yet participated. Drop-ins are always welcome. No experience necessary. Making Sense of Martin Luther by Pastor David Lose Description: Join a St. Andrew pastor and other friends of St. Andrew for weekly discussion on a book relevant to Christian living in today’s world. In our upcoming new session beginning Thursday, November 3rd at 9AM, we…
Yoga & Devotions
Ages: Adults Description: 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 by an experienced certified yoga instructor. You are welcome to come once, twice, or any time that works in your schedule. There is no charge for participation. Contact: Carole…
Women of the Word—PM
Age Range: Adult women Description: The group will begin Fierce: Women of the Bible Who Changed the World by Jennifer Cowart on Thursday, September 15th. The word ‘fierce’ is used to describe women who are extreme athletes, high-level executives, and event supermodels. Women at the top of their game and making a difference in the world. The Bible is filled with great as well as lesser women who make changes in the world no matter their stature. Join us for…
Band of Sisters
Age Range: 30–50-Something aged women Description: 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: Kate Neiss
Sat. AM Men’s Group
Age Range: 25-70-something-aged dads Description: 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 share their faith. Contact:…
Sat. AM Men’s Bible Study
Age Range: Adult men 40+ Description: 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…
Pickleball for Beginners
Dates: Age Range: 10 years old to adult Come join the fun! Like tennis, learn to play this growing-in-popularity sport. Curt 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? No paddles or balls are needed. Just wear athletic shoes, dress for…
Worship Young
Days/Times: 1st Sunday of the month at 9:00 & 10:30 AM This is an opportunity for children to be engaged in the worship service in leadership roles through reading, assisting with ushering or offering, and other important service opportunities in worship. Contact: Pastor Lillejord
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 first and third Sunday of the month. Sunday 10:30 AM | Contemporary We are excited to…
Christmas Program Rehearsal
If your kids want to have a specific role in the program, sign up by following the link. Sunday School kids will be able to practice at either 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday School hours. Just send your kids to their normal Sunday School time slot and they will be able to practice. Hannah Fleming will be in Sunday School all 3 of these weeks to rehearse with whatever kids are there, but kids should still attend Sunday School…
First Responder Appreciation Meal
We appreciate the fine work of the First Responders of our community. A hearty soup meal is planned for all employees on Monday, December 5th both over the lunch and dinner hour and will be served at Fire Station One and the Police Department. If you would like to volunteer to bake cookies or bars, sign up on the volunteer form below. Please bring them to St. Andrew no later than Sunday, December 4th. You can also sign up to…
St. Andrew Book Group
Age Range: Mixed adults Description: 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. 2022–2023 Upcoming Reads: Contact: Mary Gustafson at mcgust104@gmail.com or 612.865.6711
50+ Followers
Age Range: 55+ Aged women Description: Providing opportunities for building and nurturing supportive relationships among 55+ aged women through Christian study and service—with lots of fun and laughs in the process! We will be reading the book The Faithful—Bible Study Book: Heroes of the Old Testament. Contact: Grace Stewart
Suicide Bereavement Support Group
Age Range: 18 or older Days/Times: 1st Tues & 3rd Thurs of each month, 7:00–9:00 PM Description: 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. All meetings are held virtually over Zoom. Please contact the facilitators if you would like the link. Contact: Tammy Sperr and Cheryl Harjes
Outside the Lines Small Group
Outside the Lines 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+ communities. Join leader Josh Eidem and others for Wednesday night supper (6:30–7:25 PM) and conversation the first Wednesdays of the month starting October 5. We will provide resources for discussion. No preparation is required, but feel free to come with questions. Contact: Josh Eidem
A More Just World: Affordable Housing in a (Big) Nutshell
Come join us as the City’s Housing & Community Services Manager, Jonathan Stanley, provides an in-depth presentation on the topic of affordable housing. Specific components will include technical and colloquial definitions of affordable housing; common misperceptions about low- and moderate-income housing and its inhabitants; how income and household size determine eventual rents in the affordability space; and the primary programs offered by—and key functions of—major stakeholders in the field. The presentation will also provide a spotlight on Eden Prairie as…
Sunday School Christmas Program: The Light Before Christmas
The Sunday School Christmas program, The Light Before Christmas, will celebrate the candles of the Advent wreath, and bring us HOPE, JOY, PEACE, and LOVE with familiar carols and new music too! Practice Schedule: Program The Light Before Christmas | December 11th (during the 9:00 AM worship service.)
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…
Job Transition Support
Just starting the search for a new company or not having your current job search efforts work the way you want them to go? How do you find jobs that are not advertised? What are the best ways to network? One of our members, Rich Gruenhagen, is available to help provide direction and support in getting your search process moving forward. Please plan to join a virtual meeting on the second Monday of September, October, and November at 10:00AM. Contact:…
Patio Crawl
Age Range: Adults Description: 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
3rd Sat. Women’s Bible Study
Age Range: Adult women Description: Come study the Word of the Lord with other women who are passionate about learning. Scripture lessons are read and discussed. No preparations necessary, just bring a Bible. Women of all ages and walks of life are welcome. Contact: Judy Burke
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. Contact: David Lerseth