Witness/Newsletter

May, 2008

St. Andrew Lutheran Church

1605 Neuse Blvd

New Bern, NC 28560

(252) 637-5879

“Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:43b-45

SATURDAY CONTEMPORARY WOSHIP 6:30 P.M.

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES 8:00 A.M. & 10:45 A.M.

Sunday School 9:30 A.M.

FREE MEAL EVERY SATURDAY: 5:30 P.M.

Rev. Dr. Theodore H. Rust............Pastor and Mission Director

Pastor Ted’s email address: trust@embarqmail.com

J. T. Ellenberger …………………. Music Director

Laura Scott ……………………….. Nursery Coordinator

Theresa Lindquist …………………Administrative Assistant

Martha A. Nordstrom………………Volunteer Administrative Assistant

Arden & Susan Strasser …Our Lutheran Missionaries in Zambia, Africa

THE SEVEN MARKS OF DISCIPLESHIP

Mark 10:43b-45

During Lent in 2008, I preached on the Seven Marks of Christian Discipleship. These practices are great blessings from God when used faithfully and properly. You might ask yourself which of these seven marks you actually practice. Do you practice them all? Could you add at least one of them to your normal practice of spirituality and faith?

What is the reason you are not practicing all seven marks?

1. I will try to pray daily.

2. I will try to study God’s Word daily.

3. I will worship the Lord each week.

4. I will serve in a specific ministry at St. Andrew Lutheran Church and beyond.

5. I will invite others to know and experience God’s love.

6. I will give the Biblical Tithe of 10%.

7. I will encourage spiritual growth in myself and others through Christian fellowship.

During May and June of this current year we will be praying and discussing among ourselves a -very important question. What is the vision and purpose of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in New Bern, North Carolina? Our Congregation does not exist to simply meet my needs or your needs or be a nice place to worship. Our congregation exists for the purpose of mission. God loves us and invites us to share his love with many others. A few days ago, I was making some door to door visits with Roland Hoekman, Carole Reed, and Gerry Schulz. There was no one home at the first three doors, but at the 4^th door a nice lady named Lou welcomed me. I told her that we were from St. Andrew and that we were tying to make contact with anyone who is looking for a church home. Her eyes got really big. She smiled and said: “It is really strange that you knocked on my door today because I have been thinking about coming to St. Andrew.”

When it comes to an authentic Christian vision the best place to begin is with these seven marks. It is very important that when we are done with this visioning process that our vision is a Biblical and Spirit driven vision. Some will simply want us to re-create the church of their youth or keep up with the most exciting church they know. Some will want to do nothing but maintain the status quo (whatever that is). We dare not stand still! There are many people looking for a loving and positive church home. There are many who would gladly join us in practicing the seven marks of discipleship. I love you and look forward to seeing you in Worship and Sunday school.

Pastor Ted Rust

Dear Pastor Rust, Members and families of St. Andrew,

We thank you for all of the love and warmth shown to my family and me.

I do feel God was with my husband at all times during his failing health. He was a believer. Your kindness has made all the difference. Special thanks to Pastor Rust; his comfort to all the family will be remembered. God be with you all,

Gloria Harris

Dear Members of St. Andrew Lutheran Church,

The family of Evelyn Smith acknowledges with deep appreciation your kind expression of sympathy. Special thanks to all of the volunteers who served the delicious refreshments and to Pastor Rust for the lovely Funeral Service. We appreciated everything you did for us.

Thank you,

Hank & Colleen Henry

Dear Members of St. Andrew Lutheran Church,

Thinking of you and wanting you to know, how much happiness you’re wished. On this day and always! Sorry we haven’t been to church lately, health problems. Hope to see you soon. Ilse & Charles Schuettler

Dear Pastor Rust,

I can’t thank you enough for all your time, support and prayers in our time of sorrow. Thank you for being there for both my mom and dad. Our family will always remember you and the church family that made the memorial service so meaningful.

Sincerely,

Nancy

(Daughter of Clarence & Gladys Bergsma)

Ben Epting is currently deployed to the Persian Gulf. Thank you for keeping all those who are serving our country in your thoughts and prayers. As a mother it is a great comfort to know that Ben's church members are praying for him. If you would like to send him a card or note here is his new address. Linda Bloomfield

AEAN EPTING, BENJAMIN

USS Abraham Lincoln (cvn-72)

AIMD/IM-3/SHOP 5

FPO AP 96612-2872

Kevin Hagy is deployed in Iraq. If you would like to drop him a card/note, his address is:

MSgt Kevin W. Hagy

VMAQ-3 AVIONICS

UNIT 78007

FPO AE 09509-8007

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

VBS -Power Lab will be held June 23-25 from 5-8 PM. Each night a lite dinner will be served for the VBS children. Our goal is to include as many children and their friends for three power-packed evenings to hear about God and His works through daily Bible Stories along with songs and enjoyable learning. Daily events include Bible Blasts, Chadder’s Science Adventure, and Test Tube Treats, Wacky Works Crafts / Missions, Spotlight Drama and Hyper speed games. Volunteers are needed; please sign up to make this year’s VBS the best ever.

Our Sunday school program for fall 2008 and winter 2009 will be a series titled for Season of the Spirit. This program follows the liturgical calendar and will reinforce the Sunday’s reading and the Pastor’s sermon. The teachers reviewed sample materials from Season of the Spirit and agreed this is the direction to go to educate our younger Lutherans. We have at least one teacher leaving and believe there may be another one as well. Linda Bloomfield will do some recruiting. Teaching takes a lot of time and commitment; we hope God blesses us with a dedicated teacher (s). Funds collected each week from our Sunday school donations will be earmarked for our missionary’s specific request. Barbara Riegel

SIX OF OUR YOUTH TO BE CONFIRMED MAY 11^TH AT 10:45 A.M.

Marlee Albrecht

Caitlyn Blakelock

Rebecca Epting

Katelyn Hagy

Brittany Scott

Hope Rust

We are thankful to God for these 6 young Christians who are completing 3 years of Discipleship Classes and Confirmation Instruction. They have attended Bible Camps in Ohio and North Carolina. They have served faithfully as acolytes, crucifers, and assisting ministers. They helped start our Jr. Youth Choir and have been very active in our youth program and St. Andrew Congregational life. Here is a schedule of upcoming Confirmation Related Events:

Ø Sunday, May 4^th – 6:30 p.m. – Confirmation practice for those being Confirmed.

Ø Sunday, May 11^th – 9:30 a.m. – Statements of Faith read in Sanctuary.

Ø Sunday, May 11^th – 10:45 a.m. – Day of Confirmation and Oral Review.

Ø Sunday, May 11^th – 12:30 p.m. – Special lunch for Confirmation

Tithes and Offerings

‘Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings.” – Mal.3:8

“But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 1Cor.9:6-7

No single area of life says more about the condition of a person’s heart toward God than the area of tithes and offerings.

“And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set. And he took of the stones of that place and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it….And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it….And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in the way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then shall the Lord by me God. And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house, and of all that Thou shalt give me, I will surely give the tenth unto Thee.” Gen.28

The tithe is the tenth of one’s income, which the righteous have always devoted to the Lord. Some teach that tithing belonged only to the time of the Law of Moses and, therefore, does not apply to the church. Yet, long before the time of Moses, we read that Abraham, paid tithes.

The refusal to bring tithes and offerings to the Lord is sin. It is the sin of covetousness which prevents one from rendering his tithes and gifts to the Lord. The love of money hinders many from being able to express gratitude to God for all His benefits. How much are the blessings of God worth?

So if a tithe is one tenth given to the Lord, then what is an offering? An offering is a gift over and above the ten percent. A gift that overflows from a generous and giving spirit. Paul wrote, “every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give: not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver.

When we, as Christians, present our tithes and offerings let us give in a thankful, loving, spirit. May our giving truly represent our commitment to Christ and our thankful and joyous gifts to Him and His church.

(Some materials from: Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts)

Submitted by Chuck Carpenter

Member, Stewardship Committee

HELP WANTED

LMIM need help on Friday – May 9^th and Saturday – May 10^th.

On Friday – May 9^th we need help setting up the Yard Sale items and on Saturday – May 10^th we need help at the Yard Sale. If someone would like to help sell hot dogs and sodas, please contact Everett Minck.

Everyone from the congregation is encouraged to come out Saturday, you do not have to buy anything; just giving the LMIM your support would be great. The proceeds from this Yard Sale are going toward the mortgage payment.

If you are able to help there are sign-up sheets in the Fellowship Hall on the LMIM Bulletin Board or just come out and give us a hand for a short time. Thank you everyone and May God bless you all.

Thrivent for Lutherans will match funds for this endeavor up to $500.00.

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers are needed for the nursery at the following worship services:

Ø 6:30 pm service on Saturday,

Ø 8:00 am service on Sunday

Ø 10:45 am service on Sunday.

People may contact me at home; leave a note in the nursery mail bin or leave a note with Terry, our Administrative Assistant.

Prerequisite needed: enjoy being with children!

ALTAR FLOWER DATES STILL AVAILABLE FOR THIS YEAR

There are still some opportunities to place flowers on the altar this year. These flowers may be placed in honor of a special person or a special event in your life or to be a memorial for a loved one. The dates still available are:

May 18, June 15 & 29, July 6, 13, & 20, August 3, 24, & 4, November 2, 9, 30 and December 7. Thank you for your support of this ministry.

The Altar Flower Calendar can be found in the Administrative Assistant office wing.

We have a standard order with Wiley’s Florist and the cost of flowers is $50.00.

Your check should be made payable to St. Andrew Lutheran Church with an indication in the memo area that it is for Altar Flowers.

Social Ministry

Survey Report: A total of 8 surveys were returned.

Two persons indicated they didn’t understand the functions of the Eastern Pregnancy Care Center. One person didn’t know the purpose of the Stephen Ministry.

Under suggestions one person wrote of a need for mental health awareness and a prison ministry.

Under “special ministry” the following was offered:

New Comer – Chamber of Commerce

Let’s look at organization of the congregation for that fit and involvement?

How does SM encourage and nurture this?

One area had a coffee/dessert get together last month and reported good attendance. They enjoyed getting to know each other better.

Two mentioned S.O.D. Saturday Outreach Disciples is not a committee under Social ministry. It was begun by Pastor Ted, depends on many volunteers to cook, serve, clean up, greet visitors, etc.

In the coming weeks I will provide information on the above questions.

Altar Flowers: Barbara Matthews is area coordinator in MAY. She will see that flowers are delivered. Anyone can make suggestions as to who receives flowers or offer to take them if they are going that way. I will be back up for Barbara if there is a need.

Barbara Riegel continues to give weekly updates on the Htoo Lay Dwe family. They continue to adjust well to their surroundings. Htoo Lay Dwe has been invited to attend Temple Baptist, exploring his goal to serve as a Christian minister. With a little sadness we have to let the family follow their spirit. He has also been offered the use of our church to hold a service or classroom to teach in. St. Andrew had the privilege of nurturing their beginnings in their new life and will continue to be involved. I thank the Lord for them, and for all at St. Andrew who generously helped in any capacity.

In his service,

Bonnie Roach

COMMUNITY NEWS

Bern Street Historical and Beautification Committee

KICK – OFF!

Toward the 300^th Anniversary of the City of New Bern

Presents

The Great Fire of New Bern

the Fire that Destroyed New Bern

A Must see and Hear for everyone

Presenter

Bill Hand

Historian – Researcher –Writer

Bill Hand has written a book on the City of New Bern

Thursday, May 8, 2008 – 5:00 p.m.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m.; Craven County Library

Free to the Public; Refreshment Will Be Served

Contact 637-7192

SATURDAY WORSHIP 6:30 P.M. – BIBLE READING

DATE
May 3	1 Peter 4:12-14,5:6-11; John 17:1-11
May 10	1 Corinthians 12:3-13; John 20:19-23
May 17	Psalm 8; Matthew 28:16-20
May 24	1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew 6:24-34
May 31	Deuteronomy 11;18-21,26-28; Matthew 7:21-29

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:00 A.M. & 10:45 A.M.

DATE	*FIRST READING*	*PSALM*	*SECOND READING*	*GOSPEL*
May 4	Acts 1: 6-14	68:1-10, 32-35	1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11	John 17:1-11
May 11	Acts 2:1-21	104:24-34, 35b	1 Corinthians 12:3b-13	John 20:19-23
May 18	Genesis 1:1-2:4a,	8	2 Corinthians 13:11-13	Matthew 28:16-20
May 25	Isaiah 49:8-16a	131	1 Corinthians 4:1-5	Matthew 6:24-34

NEW BERN SUNDAY SCHOOL LEAGUE

MAJOR DIVISION

ST. ANDREW

Date	Time	Place	Home	Away	Score
Tues. 4/8/08	08:00 PM	Field 1	Clarks	St. Andrew
Tues. 4/17/08	08:00 PM	Field 1	St. Andrew	Croatan
Tues. 4/22/08	06:00 PM	Field 1	Temple	St. Andrew
Mon. 4/28/08	08:00 PM	Field 1	New Hope