APPEAL UPDATE

We are now more than halfway through the Appeal we have called “For Such a Time As This.” Through your contributions to this appeal, we have been able to do so many things to grow in our ability to be welcoming and hospitable. This includes:

      • A new roof to the west of the Fellowship Hall (over youth and storage rooms)
      • A repaired roof over the Narthex and a new dry-walled ceiling with new lights
      • The completion of our Sight and Sound System
      • Carpet in the Education Wing, Fellowship Hall and Narthex as well as in the offices
      • New “LP Smart Siding” on the bell tower and wall surrounding the balcony stained glass window
      • Staining of the exterior of the church building
      • Supporting Habitat for Humanity ($10,000), Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry ($6,000) and Itasca County Special Olympics ($4,000) as part of our commitment to giving a full tithe (=10%) of funds raised through this appeal

The next project will be new carpet in the sanctuary. If we do the work of removing the pews and old carpet, the main sanctuary (minus the chancel/altar area), it will cost $15,461. We have the funds needed and will be looking for assistance on September 10th at 9:00 am to remove the pews and old carpet (see information elsewhere in this newsletter). We also have the funds to cover cost and installation of new carpet on the chancel/altar area. Help will be needed prior to October 12th installation. Please be watching for more information on that. It will be great to complete this project during the time we are not gathering in the sanctuary for worship.

Thank you for your continued financial support of the Capital Appeal Fund.

 

Prayer Shawl Ministry

I’ve been reluctant to encourage giving prayer shawls because I’m wondering if it’s safe…to give a shawl made by my hands to someone who needs the love and comfort of a prayer shawl into their hands.  Would I be spreading the virus to someone with an already lower immune system?!?! 

I know there are members of the church and friends we could be sharing this ministry with in a way safe for them.  It won’t be how we like to give prayer shawls (hand to hand, wrap the shawl around the person and say a prayer), but we can drop it at their door, porch, garage, wrapped in a bag, and it can sit there for a period of time until they feel safe to bring it into their home.  God’s love, comfort and caring are woven into each stitch. 

So if you would like a prayer shawl for someone in need, you can contact me, Gail Olijnek, at 218-326-2431 or by e-mail at golijnek@cpinternet.com, and we can work something out.
 
 

Members of the PRAYER CHAIN are ready to offer confidential help and support through prayer. Please call Jean Gardner at (218) 301-6130 or Gail Olijnek at (218) 326-2431 with prayer requests.

 

Attention Thrivent Members:   Thrivent Choice Dollars program.  By directing Choice dollars, you can recommend where Thrivent distributes a portion of its charitable grant funds.  St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church is a registered participant in Thrivent Choice.  You have two options: 1) go online to Thrivent.com/thrivent choice or 2) call 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice.”  Thank you for donating your Choice Dollars to St. Andrew’s.
Also, if you are a Thrivent Member, you may be able to apply for a Thrivent Action Team Grant. Action Team Grants provide ‘seed money’ for events hosted at/by St. Andrew’s. Please contact the church office and let us know you are a Thrivent member so we can help you can take advantage of this program.
 
 
Please help keep St. Andrew’s Faith Chest Ministry vital.  We’re looking for hands interested in building/assembling faith chests that are given to children being baptized at St. Andrew’s.  Building plans are available or create your own style.  Please check with Angie in the church office for desired sizes.  Also, looking for someone to sew pads to put inside the Faith Chests.  If you’re able to help build faith chests or sew the pads, please contact the church office at (218) 326-8508.  THANK YOU!!
 
 
Would you find it helpful to have your offerings debited directly from your bank account as you probably do with other obligations?  St. Andrew’s offers electronic giving for those of you who wish to have contributions transferred electronically to the church’s account.  If you have plans to travel or will be gone during the winter months, electronic giving gives you a convenient way to keep us with your intended offerings.  ”Simply Giving’ is easy and convenient.  If you would like to set up a convenient process for consistent giving to St. Andrew’s, please contact the church office at 218-326-8508.