THE GREETER - standrewsomaha.org · THE GREETER August 2018 FROM RECTOR ... search, and you will...
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THE GREETER August 2018 FROM RECTOR Where do you meet Jesus in your life? I know he is risen and the Jesus who walked the earth over 2,000 years ago is not physically with us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t see Jesus in others. Scripture tells us that we are the body of Christ on the earth today and so we are called to be Jesus to others. But sometimes Jesus can show up in the actions and words in persons that may well surprise and delight us. Recently I shared in a sermon two distinct occasions where I felt Jesus’s presence in my life. They were powerful experiences borne along my pilgrimage walk on the Camino Way, an ancient Christian pilgrimage to the town of Santiago in northwestern Spain. Here are my accounts of meeting Jesus while I was on vacation. We all have ideas about who Jesus is and perhaps what he looks like. My encounters with Jesus took two different forms. But first, let us consider the words in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus gives us a version of what we know as the Lord’s prayer. It begins: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.” And as we know it, we add “your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. When I met Jesus twice, God’s will on earth came just a bit closer. The first time I met Jesus was on my second day on the Camino. My feet hurt. I mean they really hurt. Bad. I had walked about three miles when we came to one of the many bars one can find along the way. Now, these aren’t bars in the typical sense of the word, but places where one could get something to eat and drink and use a restroom. It was at one of these places where my friend The Rev. Ernesto Medina introduced me to a woman named Jen who came from Texas. I sat down and Ernesto and family moved on. Jen and her friend she was traveling with remained behind. I told Jen about my feet and she said “Let me take care of that for you”. Now remember, we had just met. But Jen, she took my feet one at a time, placed them on her lap and gently, carefully tended to each one of them using some medical supplies of her own to take care of my blisters. This was a very humbling experience for me. I felt like I was one of the disciples with whom Jesus carefully washed their feet toward the end of his ministry. And then it occurred to me. Jesus was taking care of my feet in this woman who I didn’t even know less than five minutes beforehand. I will never forget that experience, and I will probably never see Jen in my life again, but on that day, Jesus appeared to me in bodily form. The second time I met Jesus was a totally different experience. My friend, Ernesto, who had been on the trail for a month, had made many friends along the way. This particular day, about four days in on my journey, we had lunch with Keith. Now you need to know that Keith is an avowed atheist and made no bones about it. In fact, he asked Ernesto if Ernesto really believed in his heart that he, Keith, was an atheist, to which Ernesto appropriately responded, I believe what you tell me. A little later on I commented to Keith that the question really was “how do you define God”. He agreed with my assessment, for I think that many people have false views of a false God that doesn’t exist, but they think that’s the God they are supposed to believe in. At any rate, toward the end we found out that Keith had bought all eight of us lunch. And so I looked at Keith and I said to him: “Keith, you have been Jesus to me today”. He looked at me a bit dumbfounded and said, well, that’s a big burden to live into. To which I said, no Keith, it is no burden, you have simply acted as Jesus would have. And so it was. Jesus had shown up in an avowed atheist. Perhaps we need to think again where it is we meet Jesus. Let us throw away our preconceived notions and our outdated ideas. Jesus invites us in the Gospel of Luke: "So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Looking for Jesus? I suspect you don’t have to walk 66 miles in Spain like I did to find him. Jesus may be right next to you. In fact, if you open your hearts and minds, you might even be Jesus for someone else. May it be so. Fr. John
Transcript of THE GREETER - standrewsomaha.org · THE GREETER August 2018 FROM RECTOR ... search, and you will...
THE GREETER
August 2018
FROM RECTOR Where do you meet Jesus in your life? I know he is risen and the Jesus who walked the earth over 2,000 years ago is not physically with us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t see Jesus in others. Scripture tells us that we are the body of Christ on the earth today and so we are called to be Jesus to others. But sometimes Jesus can show up in the actions and words in persons that may well surprise and delight us. Recently I shared in a sermon two distinct occasions where I felt Jesus’s presence in my life. They were powerful experiences borne along my pilgrimage walk on the Camino Way, an ancient Christian pilgrimage to the town of Santiago in northwestern Spain. Here are my accounts of meeting Jesus while I was on vacation. We all have ideas about who Jesus is and perhaps what he looks like. My encounters with Jesus took two different forms. But first, let us consider the words in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus gives us a version of what we know as the Lord’s prayer. It begins: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.” And as we know it, we add “your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. When I met Jesus twice, God’s will on earth came just a bit closer. The first time I met Jesus was on my second day on the Camino. My feet hurt. I mean they really hurt. Bad. I had walked about three miles when we came to one of the many bars one can find along the way. Now, these aren’t bars in the typical sense of the word, but places where one could get something to eat and drink and use a restroom. It was at one of these places where my friend The Rev. Ernesto Medina introduced me to a woman named Jen who came from Texas. I sat down and Ernesto and family moved on. Jen and her friend she was traveling with remained behind. I told Jen about my feet and she said “Let me take care of that for you”. Now remember, we had just met. But Jen, she took my feet one at a time, placed them on her lap and gently, carefully tended to each one of them using some medical supplies of her own to take care of my blisters. This was a very humbling experience for me. I felt like I was one of the disciples with whom Jesus carefully washed their feet toward the end of his ministry. And then it occurred to me. Jesus was taking care of my feet in this woman who I didn’t even know less than five minutes beforehand. I will never forget that experience, and I will probably never see Jen in my life again, but on that day, Jesus appeared to me in bodily form. The second time I met Jesus was a totally different experience. My friend, Ernesto, who had been on the trail for a month, had made many friends along the way. This particular day, about four days in on my journey, we had lunch with Keith. Now you need to know that Keith is an avowed atheist and made no bones about it. In fact, he asked Ernesto if Ernesto really believed in his heart that he, Keith, was an atheist, to which Ernesto appropriately responded, I believe what you tell me. A little later on I commented to Keith that the question really was “how do you define God”. He agreed with my assessment, for I think that many people have false views of a false God that doesn’t exist, but they think that’s the God they are supposed to believe in. At any rate, toward the end we found out that Keith had bought all eight of us lunch. And so I looked at Keith and I said to him: “Keith, you have been Jesus to me today”. He looked at me a bit dumbfounded and said, well, that’s a big burden to live into. To which I said, no Keith, it is no burden, you have simply acted as Jesus would have. And so it was. Jesus had shown up in an avowed atheist. Perhaps we need to think again where it is we meet Jesus. Let us throw away our preconceived notions and our outdated ideas. Jesus invites us in the Gospel of Luke: "So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Looking for Jesus? I suspect you don’t have to walk 66 miles in Spain like I did to find him. Jesus may be right next to you. In fact, if you open your hearts and minds, you might even be Jesus for someone else. May it be so. Fr. John
Vision Statement We are a Christ-centered community,
joyfully making a difference by…. Worshipping, Loving, Welcoming, Including, Supporting
MINISTRY NEWS
FINANCIALS Erin, our Executive Assistant, is taking over some of the financial duties. Please send all Financial inquiries and receipts to Erin at [email protected] and please be patient as we work through this transition. If your pledge payment or contribution is meant to be split between multiple funds or line items, please let us know. ALTAR GUILD ANNOUNCEMENTS Important Dates Coffee hour--August 19 Next meeting--September 5
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Each week we will look at the lessons assigned for the upcoming Sunday, and read and
discuss them as a group. The great thing about this format is there is no homework! You can come and go as the Spirit moves you. If you are free at 10:00 am on Tuesday mornings for an hour, join us for Spirit-filled and animated discussion.
EVENING MEN’S GROUP AUGUST 8
This is not intended to replace the Saturday morning men’s group, but is being offered in addition to that group in order to accommodate men who, for whatever reason, are not able to meet on Saturday mornings. This group is open to all men of the parish (21 years and older) who seek spiritual growth, fellowship and fun! This is also a great way to introduce others to our parish, so feel free to invite a friend to join us! The beginning of each meeting will starts with socializing and fellowship and conclude with spiritual growth centered toward men and some of the challenges we all face in life. Food and beverages will be provided, as well as a copy of the book we will be studying for the summer - Slaying Your Goliaths by The Rev. John Ohmer. Our final meeting is scheduled for August 8 at 7pm. For more information please reach out to Father Tony ([email protected]) or Blake Zogleman ([email protected])
WOMEN’S AUGUST BOOK CLUB The second order of the book has arrived and books are available in the office or see Diane+ on Sunday. They are $13 each. Because so many women signed up for this opportunity, we will have THREE offerings: Thursday, August 23rd 7:00 pm Tuesday, August 28th 7:00 pm Wednesday, August 29th 10:00 am (following morning Eucharist)
So we know how to plan, please sign up for the date you plan to attend. If you need to switch it won't be a big deal. But we plan to provide nibbles and beverages for our gatherings. Please plan about 1.5 hours for our discussions which will be held in Havilland Hall (Blue Room). Looking forward to this fun time together.
REAGAN GONZALEZ ORDINATION Reagan, who many of you remember from when she served here as an intern will be ordained to the priesthood Friday, August 10 at 7pm at St. Matthew’s in Lincoln. 2325 S 24th St, Lincoln, NE 68502 All are welcome to attend this celebration.
OUTREACH NEWS
AUGUST GARAGE SALE The Final Countdown has begun. Showtime for our sale is Friday, August 10 (9am-6pm) and Saturday, August 11 (9am-3pm). We will offer leftover merchandise for half price, Sunday morning, August 12 in the undercroft. HELP is still needed in the following areas: Pricing and Displaying of Merchandise. Check the work schedule for days that we will be here in the nave or on the boardroom windows outside the office. Donations The final day to donate is Sunday, August 5. Donation slips are available in the office or on the work tables downstairs. WORK THE SALE We need people to work the during the sale. Please see the sign-up sheets in nave or on the boardroom windows outside the office. Boxing Up Leftover merchandise needs to be boxed up after the services on Sunday, August 12 for pick up by Tip Top Thrift Shop.
Please help us make this sale a financial success. Remember, funds raised at the sale go toward our yearly pledge to Habitat Humanity. Have fun working the sale with fellow parishioners and making our customers happy. Thank you for all of your support.
OMAHA STREET SCHOOL For the month of August, our focus for outreach is collecting items for The Omaha Street School. This is their wish list. You can place items in the large plastic bins at church. I have included some Amazon links. If you have an Amazon Account, you can shop through the Amazon Smile site instead of the normal Amazon site and designate that a portion of your purchase benefit the Omaha Street School. You can also find these items at any store.
BUILDING ITEMS Heavyweight Plastic Forks - Amazon Link: http://a.co/gyrWust Heavyweight Paper Plates Paper Towels Toilet Paper Hand Soap in a Small Dispenser + Refill Bottles Clorox/Lysol Wet Wipes Large Trash Bags - 33 Gallon - Amazon Link: http://a.co/bzd8XIE 40 Gallon and 55 Gallon
CLASSROOM ITEMS 3-Ring 1.5" color binder with plastic sheet on front to allow customization - 1 dozen each of red, green, yellow, blue. Amazon Link: http://a.co/3slt2e8 Velcro Strips - Costco may have them in large boxes or see Amazon Smile Link: http://a.co/doG84Nx Bandaids - Assorted Sizes 16 Reusable Water Bottles - Amazon Link: http://a.co/3pTvfii Did you know we are one of the lunch providers at the Omaha Street School? We purchase, prepare and serve lunch from 11:45-12:45 on the second Monday every month during the school year. Our first lunch date is September 10. If this is something you are interested in, give Melissa Peeler a call at 402 212-3827 or email at [email protected].
ST. MONICA’S GUILD The Ladies of St. Monica's Guild would like to thank you once again for your generous donations to our Welcome Bag Project. With your help, we were able to deliver 24 completed bags to the St. Monica's Home in Lincoln for women who are undergoing treatment for substance abuse. This brings the total amount of bags we have delivered to 365. We plan to make our next delivery in January, and we have already begun collecting the necessary items. We depleted a lot of our supplies on this last run, so we are in need of nearly everything. What we are most in need of is new bath-size towels and washcloths, full size bottles of shampoo (Suave or store brands are perfect), conditioner, body wash, body lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and feminine products. If you happen to
see a good sale on any of these items when doing your shopping between now and the end of the year, please consider picking something up. Donated items can be placed in the St. Monica's bin outside the sanctuary, or brought to any St. Monica's luncheon. We will be starting our meetings up again in September. Thank you once again for your support of our ministry.
MEAL TRAIN Do you know a church member who just had baby, surgery, death in the family, or you simply need assistance for a personal situation? St. Andrew’s is here for you. We are also starting a rotation of Meal Train Volunteers. If you would like to be a part of this ministry or be a recipient of this ministry please contact Niki Rodawig at [email protected] or 402-415-3635 FROM THE DESK
If you would like to have something included in the electronic Newsletter that comes out early Friday morning, please send it to me at [email protected] before 12 noon on Thursdays. Articles for the September edition of The Greeter are due Tuesday, August 28.
DEAN FRICKE FOOD PANTRY The items most needed right now are mac and cheese, jelly IN PLASTIC CONTAINERS, and 7 1/2 oz. individual meals, *THE SMALLER CANS* like ravioli, spaghettios, or beanie weenies.
FROM PRESIDING BISHOP MICHAEL B. CURRY July 25, 2018
Dear Friends in Christ,
A few months ago, through my annual physical, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After a variety of tests, consultations, and conversations with my wife and daughters, I decided on a surgical treatment course. On this coming Tuesday, July 31st, I will have surgery to remove the prostate gland.
I am happy to say that the prognosis looks very good and quite positive. I have spoken with several others who have gone through this, and who have offered both encouragement and helpful advice. I will be in the hospital for at least a day, then at home to recuperate.
I’ve been told that 4-6 weeks is a reasonable time to anticipate. I plan to resume my duties in early September and I do not anticipate any significant changes in my commitments.
I am very blessed with a wonderful family, a first-rate medical team, a great staff, dear colleagues and friends, a calling to which I have given my life, and above all a good, great and loving God in whose hands we always remain. So, do say a prayer. And know that I look forward to being back at my post in September.
God bless you, and keep the faith,
+Michael
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry Presiding Bishop and Primate The Episcopal Church
*Further information will be released by the Presiding Bishop’s office as it becomes available.*
FROM THE TREASURER Following the retirement of Ginny, our financial administrator, I’d like to remind parishioners of the electronic giving options available at St. Andrew’s that you may find more convenient. I’d also like to make myself available if anyone has any questions. You can always email me, Eric Rodawig, at [email protected]. ACH Payments – St. Andrew’s can automatically debit your bank account each month for 1/12 of your annual pledge or any other recurring amount you choose. Appreciated Securities – If you have stocks, mutual funds, bonds, or other securities that have appreciated in value, did you know you can get a double tax break by donating them directly to St. Andrew’s? Not only do you receive a tax deduction for the full value of the securities donated, but you also avoid paying any capital gains on their increase in value. St. Andrew’s has recently opened a new brokerage account with Charles Schwab: for instructions on how to donate, please contact the church office or me. Bill Pay – Your bank can automatically mail a bill-pay check to St. Andrew’s on a recurring schedule of your choice. You can typically set these up in your online banking portal. Credit Cards – Credit cards are accepted at the Church or by clicking “Online Giving” at the top of St. Andrew’s website. However, please keep in mind that St. Andrew’s pays a fee of approximately 3% on all giving through credit cards. We appreciate everyone who supports St. Andrew’s with their time, talent, or treasure! Thanks. Eric Rodawig
August Birthdays and Anniversaries
Sahara Freed 8/1 Pat Addison 8/3 Libby Huss 8/3 Elizabeth “Jo” Johnson 8/3 Helen Stewart 8/4 Ardie Vickery 8/6 Kim Hawekotte 8/7 Herbert Hartman Jr. 8/8 Lily O’Shea 8/8 Cyndi Hartman 8/9
Parker Woodson 8/10 Carolyn Fleming 8/12 Billie Lee 8/12 Jim Ortman 8/12 Shelly Smith 8/12 Betty White 8/12 Cheryl Huss 8/14 Shaun Rife 8/14 Mike Spence 8/14 Don Baxter 8/15 Zachary Ahrendsen 8/17 Sydney Rodawig 8/17 Susie Trupp 8/17 Izzy Dodge 8/18 Margaret Schaefer 8/18 John Burns 8/20 Emily Sanderford 8/20 Jenny Summers 8/20 Bryan Anderson 8/21 Robert Miller 8/22 Bert Van Blerk 8/22 Devin Murray 8/23 Emma Huss 8/25 Emily Smythe 8/25 Charley Pugsley IV 8/26 Leslie VanderVeen 8/26 Paige Rife 8/27 Josh Gottschalk 8/28 Kathryn Thorne 8/28 Daryl Wagner 8/28 Grace Bathel 8/29 Sophia Bathel 8/29 Grace Sagert 8/29 Asher Zogleman 8/29 Heather Murray 8/30 Kayleigh Baker 8/31
Aaron and May Sanderford 8/2 Jarrod and Amanda Olson 8/2 Bill and Sarah Black 8/5 Dan and Cindy Dornbush 8/6 Scott and Janice Nelson 8/7 Tim and Jen Pierce 8/7 Francesca Swynford & Gene Anderson 8/8
Russ and Connie Krieger 8/14 Wayne and Camille Culp 8/14 Tony and Amy Anderson 8/14 James and Mary Schreiber 8/16 Ken and Val West 8/16 Jordan and Kathy Hankins 8/17 Rob and Kim Johansen 8/23 Todd and Cathy Engle 8/26 Eric and Niki Rodawig 8/29 Larry and Phyllis Lee 8/30 *Are we missing your birthday or anniversary? E-mail Erin in the office at [email protected] to add you or your family members to the list.
August Ministry Schedule
August 5 August 12 August 19 August 26
Acolytes
9:00 Noah Haakinson Anna Kay Sitzman Lucy Puls
Connor Smith Marcus Else Theo Puls
10:30 Liam O’Shea Josh Conrad Nathan Gottschalk
Ron Dunic
Altar Guild
S Jane Hoover Polly Goecke Sue Hillman Jane Hoover
E Liz Bourne Karen Ekholm Susie Trupp Gretchen Gottschalk
L Mina Witherspoon
Christina Harter Jan Buhr/ Mary Schreiber
Aileen Henry/ Betty White
Healing Prayer
7:45 Lois Westfall Lois Westfall Lois Westfall Lois Westfall
9:00 Andy Hawekotte Karen Ekholm
Nancy Ponec Lance Baker
Andy Hawekotte Karen Ekholm
Karen Ekholm Nancy Ponec
10:30 Janice Nelson Janice Nelson Janice Nelson Janice Nelson
Lay Readers
7:45 Jordan Hankins Keith Ross Ron Dunic Keith Ross
9:00 Jenny Else Anna Kay Sitzman
Fred Gottschalk Karen Conrad
Cathy Rife Camille Culp
Dan Sitzman Sharon Kryger
10:30 Lee Hammond Tara O’Shea
Ron Dunic Andy Ketterson
Bert Van Blerk Benji Pettiford
Kelly Bourne Kaitlan Pettiford
Ushers
7:45 John Mabry John Mabry John Mabry John Mabry
9:00 Stephen Haakinson, Andy Hawekotte, Dan Coonce
Don Peeler Barb Jackson
Kim Johansen, Liz Orrick, Karen Quintana
Shaun Rife Susan Menter
10:30 Lee Hammond D.J. O’Shea
Charley and Nancy Pugsley Scott Nelson
Charley and Nancy Pugsley Dave and Anne Gambal
Lee Hammond D.J. O’Shea Scott Nelson
Greeters
7:45 John Mabry Laraine Crane John Mabry Laraine Crane
9:00 Dana Coonce Barb Jackson Camille Culp Dana Coonce
10:30 Lisa Hammond Anne Gambal Janice Nelson Lisa Hammond
Sr. Choir Hand bells
Ushers ECW Board
Altar Guild Outreach
Sr. Choir Hand bells
Ministry Leaders at St. Andrew’s Acolyte Coordinator Dan Sitzman (402-556-5344) [email protected]
Adult Formation The Rev. Diane Pike
Altar Flowers Mina Witherspoon (402-965-9795) [email protected]
Altar Guild Terrie Saunders (402-592-0242) [email protected]
Building and Grounds Jim Saunders 402-592-0242 [email protected]
Caring Community Nancy Ponec (402-331-2575) /Karen Ekholm (402-393-2625)
Children’s Formation Sarah Black (402-660-7649) [email protected]
Daughters of the King Melissa Peeler (402-572-7556) [email protected]
Episcopal Church Women Mae Ahrendsen (402-689-6614) [email protected]
Episcopal Men’s Fellowship Joe Engle (402-551-0909) [email protected]
Flower keepers Bebe Miller (402-391-6879) [email protected] /Carolyn Fleming (402-390-6082) [email protected]
Food Pantry Noreen Witty (402-289-3882) [email protected]
Fun Club Loree MacNeill (402-933-1236) [email protected]
Habitat for Humanity, Recycling, Tree Care Phil Pierce (402-253-2860) [email protected]
Kitchen Manager Mary Schreiber (314-753-6243)
Lawn care Tim Witty (402-289-3882) [email protected]
Lay Eucharistic Visitors Nancy Ponec (402-331-2575) [email protected]
Lay Readers Ron Dunic (402-596-2921) [email protected]
Nearly New Shop Denise Benson (402-393-5888) [email protected]
Outreach TBD
Prayer Shawl Ministry Margaret Schaefer (402-397-5859) [email protected]
Prayer Team Karen Ekholm (402-393-2625) [email protected]
Reception Teams Camille Culp (402-320-0506) [email protected]/Lisa Hammond (402-250-0286) [email protected]
St. Monica’s Guild Amy Urban (402-319-8676) [email protected]
Ushers 10 am Dave Gambal (402-571-7487) [email protected]
Invite. Welcome. Connect Sharon Kryger (402-659-2391) [email protected]
Youth Group Steven and Lauren White (402-216-8584) [email protected]
