The MAY

Witness

MAY, 2006

St. Andrew Lutheran Church

1605 Neuse Blvd

New Bern, NC 28560

(252) 637-5879

Web Site: www.standy.org

Email: standrew@always-online.com

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

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP SERVICE STARTING:

SATURDAY, June 3^rd, 6:30 P.M.

Rev. Dr. Theodore H. Rust............Pastor

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

Laura Scott ……………………….. Nursery Attendant

Theresa Lindquist …………………Administrative Assistant

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

LOST AND FOUND

“Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found”.

(Parable of Jesus in Luke 15:31-32)

It was not one of my better days. I had used the wrong name for a well known church member and the lady at the Wendy’s drive in asked me if I wanted a senior discount for the first time in my life. I had picked up some flowers to take to one of our sick members and was being very careful to not spill the flowers or water all over the blue goose (my car). I was pleased how I had found the perfect way to balance the flowers on my lap as I drove down the road. It turned out my way was not all that perfect as I spilled a considerable amount of water on my pants while making a sharp turn. Now I was a Pastor with wet pants and that is not a good thing especially with some people’s imagination. I made the visit on the shut-in member and delivered the flowers covering my pants as best as I could. I was glad I had my Bible with me for this purpose. I decided to go home before another nursing home resident offered me a referral to an outstanding urologist they knew.

I decided that a nice quiet run in God’s beautiful creation would be very relaxing. I ran down the first trail behind my house I could find and was really enjoying the scenery and the exercise until I realized a profound truth: I was lost. After 3 or 4 miles I had taken a few new trails and I had no idea which one of these trails would wind back to my subdivision. I did not panic at first (that came later), but just kept trying different trails. I was amazed that I could not see a single person, car or building. “This is a really big forest” I thought. I wondered if I would be spending the night in this beautiful place.

After running about 10 miles up and down various trails I still had no idea which way to go. Panic was beginning to creep in so I admit I started to pray. When the first prayer did not work I prayed harder if that is possible. I knew my return home had to be a very low priority for the Lord, but I prayed anyway. Finally, I heard some cars in the distance. I could not see the cars or the highway, but I knew I heard them. I decided to hike through the thick forest to the sound even though there was not a trail. It was slow going, but after what seemed like a long time I saw Interstate 70. I climbed over a barbed wire fence and made my way to the road. The first sign I saw said “New Bern

7 Miles”. I ran on the side of this busy road back to town very thankful that God had answered my prayer. What was supposed to be a 4 mile run ended up being a half-marathon. I was lost, but now I was found.

I certainly was not planning on getting lost that day in the woods. There are times in our lives when I think all of us get lost. We are lost in our work. We are lost in our own self-interests and concerns. We are lost in worry about money or what others think about us or our family. We are lost in a world in bondage to sin and death. We get lost and become distant from precious family members we should be spending more time with. It is great if we eventually are “found” but it is also true that some people stay lost.

In Luke 15 the aim of Jesus was to portray the difference between God’s loving forgiveness and the self-centered complacency that not only denies love, but cannot understand it. Lost in sin and unbelief is not a good thing. When God finds us and forgives us and loves us and welcomes us back into his eternal family this is always good. It is something we should never take for granted. God’s love and forgiveness should also be seen in the manner in which we deal with others. Reaching out to the lost and hurting people was something Jesus did often and we can follow his leadership and vision even in our feeble attempts.

When I told my story of being lost in the woods behind my home I noticed that no one really was interested. It had been a very bad experience for me, but everyone has there own problems and pains. I hope I never get lost like that again, but I probably will one day when I am not careful. I also, hope that God would help us all identify more with those who are lost, but could be found if we effectively share His love and promises with them. In many ways, we have a strange mission which is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.

If you ever see someone walking around the church or your neighborhood who looks lost, you may want to see if you could help guide them home. If you ever notice a brother or sister who is lost in despair or some darkness perhaps you are the one God has chosen to help guide them to a better way and life. And if you ever find me lost in the woods of Craven County or running along Interstate 70 with a very tired look, you may want to stop and offer me a ride. You could make some big bucks off my poor sense of direction. Of course, you could also just share your own story of being lost and found by the grace of God.

“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”.

(1 Cor.15:57)

PASTOR RUST’S March 2006 REPORT

A brief report of some of the ministry activity of Pastor Ted Rust to the mission leaders of St. Andrew Lutheran church in New Bern, North Carolina. God loves you and calls you to a positive life and witness.

97 was the average attendance for 8:00 a.m. Worship Events (387)

147 was the average attendance for 10:45 a.m. Worship Events (587)

244 was the average attendance for both services (974)

98 was the average for Sunday School.

Prospects visited: Joe & Diana Childers, Don & Deb Robinson, Joe & Connie

McDermond, Matt & Nicolas Davis, family of five and family of two.

95 Pastoral visits were made including 15 prospects, 24 members, 14 shut-in/special concern,

5 church management, 4 conflict management, 8 counseling, 7 follow-up on sick, 15 hospital visits, and 3 comfort.

Community Involvements: Midweek Lenten Services, Funeral of Irma Hunt, Coach Youth Soccer Team, Teach Grief Support Group, Organize Youth Drama for Worship, Organize LARC Stations of the Cross, Teach Sunday Bible Class, Teach Youth Confirmation Class, Direct Two Youth Choirs and Receive 10 New Members.

Miles driven for St. Andrew: 682 in March, 2006

People visited in the Hospital by Pastor.

3/7	Audrey Lipes	3/28	Matt McElhaney
3/9	Lois Jacobsen	3/29	John Anderson
3/10	Lois Jacobsen	3/29	Sylvia Weeks
3/16	Peter Nordstrom	3/31	John Anderson
3/22	Ken McCain	3/31	Matt McElhaney
3/27	Matt McElhaney

PRESIDENT’S Corner

April, 2006

As we look at today’s youth, we might jump to the conclusion that they are so very different from our day. However, over the years every generation is basically the same…only different. Sure their hair may be a different color or a different length and other than the current fashions, the youth are not much different inside than their parents were at the same age.

Generation after generation has evolved into very capable adults. We have seen the good and the bad. We have seen styles and fashions come and go. We have experienced the change from impossible to the possible.

Children can help us to find God. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”.

How wonderful to see so many little ones come in for the children’s sermon. How wonderful to hear laughter and noise coming from the Sunday School rooms. How much fun to see youngsters running outside. I have heard it said many times that we need more children and young people in our church and now it is happening. Our Pastor has young children and we need to remember that sometimes he needs to be with them and not at a meeting. We all need to make all the children and youth feel welcome at St. Andrew.

Carol Burkhardt

Council President

THE ADULT FORUM meets every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Conference Room of the Educational Building.  Persons 18 and over are invited to attend.  A nursery is provided for the small children of parents who wish to attend the Adult forum.  Each Sunday, an in depth study will be presented on the scriptures that will be read in the worship services.   THE ADULT FORUM FOR THIS SUNDAY SCHOOL YEAR WILL END ON MAY 28.  The scriptures for May will be presented under the following topics:

May 7 - SHEPHERD: GATHERING GOD'S CHILDREN

                (Scriptures -Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; I John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18)

May 14 - LOVE: TO ABIDE AND OBEY

                (Scriptures - Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22: 24-30; I John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8)

May 21 - COMMUNITY: CHOSEN FOR LOVE

                (Scriptures - Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; I John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17)

May 28 - APOSTLES: JOYFUL WITNESSES

                (Scriptures - Acts 1: 15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1; I John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19)

Come and join this discussion format faith study! All are welcome! Over the next several months, discussion will focus on Relationships and Conflicts including: Jesus’ relationship with social “outcasts” and with those who are opposed to his work, abortion, assisted suicide, sexuality, and the death penalty. Please join us for discussion on the ELCA statements regarding some of these issues and how as a congregation, we can converse on difficult issues.

You can also join our group in conversation online at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lutheranstoday/

Is a new Sunday School Class that is just getting started. It meets every Sunday in the Sanctuary beginning at 9:30 a.m. Our high attendance so far is 12 members as we work toward a goal of 15. All adults not presently attending “Adult Forum” or “Lutherans Today” are encouraged to attend.

There will be a nursery attendant for infants and toddlers below the age of two during the Sunday School Hour. Two year olds are welcome in the preschool class and adults now have three class choices. Join in the learning and fellowship!

February 16, 2006

Dear Friends,

I want to thank all of you who gave so much support to my family and me during my sister, Joanna’s illness and subsequent death. This was a very difficult time, but your prayers, expressions of concern and cards have helped so much. The death of her husband in late January added to an already sad time, but again so many of you expressed your concern and sympathy.

I especially want to thank Dottie Blake and Barbara Matthews for sitting with Joanna in the morning after her husband’s accident until I could come to the nursing home. Joanna appreciated receiving the altar flowers and they added a bright spot of cheer to her room. Thanks also to the women who organized and prepared the luncheon after her memorial service. You did a wonderful job and it was very much appreciated.

I want to thank Chaplain Bostian for his visits to Joanna in the hospital and his words of encouragement and prayers. I cannot thank Pastor Rust enough for his visits to Joanna, his prayers and the love and support he gave to Sam and me. Our friends at St. Andrew have truly been a blessing to Joanna and our family.

Sincerely,

Mary Rachel Mascia

February 28, 2006

Dear Mrs. Bloomfield:

I would like to thank St. Andrew Lutheran Church for the privilege you have granted me in allowing my clients to park in your lot. As always, I will continue to comply with the agreement. I understand that the church is not liable for any damage that might occur to any of my clients’ vehicles, and we will continue to use the row of spaces closest to the road.

Please accept the enclosed contribution of $150.00 as a token of my gratitude and appreciation.

Again, thank you for your kindness and hospitality. May God bless you all.

Sincerely,

Coral Russell,

Owner-Keemie’s Kuts

609 Chatawka Lane

New Bern, NC 28560

** Please note: The Council voted to put the donated monies from Keemie’s Kuts into Property.

March 18, 2006

Dear Rev. Rust,

Please accept our donation to your organ fund in memory of Irma Sterling Hunt. I also want to thank the members of your church, especially Carol and Everett Minck for all they did on Irma’s behalf and yourself for your kind words about Irma.

Sincerely,

William J. Hunt, Jr.

April 9, 2006

To St. Andrew Lutheran Church:

My note of thanks to this church family. All the cards, prayers, and sweet offerings were so loved and appreciated. It is really very special to have all your prayers to help me through this unexpected problem and they have helped me feel better every day.

Fondly,

Lois Jacobsen

April 9, 2006

To Pastor Ted & Beverly:

Thank you for the carpet that you gave the children in the nursery.

Sincerely, The Children & Laura Scott

April 10, 2006

Matt & I want to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, visits and calls during Matt’s recent illness. We especially want to thank Pastor Ted, Chaplains Mike Bostian and Bob Weeks for their prayers and visits.

Sincerely,

Shirley and Matt McElhaney

April 10, 2006

I want to thank everyone for all their prayers, cards and offers of condolences that we received due to my mother’s passing this past month. I also, want to thank the Brice’s Creek Area Support Group for the meal they provided when we were back in town. It was all greatly appreciated. Pastor Ted coming to the house was more of a help than I thought I needed at the time.

Thank you all for your help,

Kathi Ruger

Good Bye,

To all my St. Andrew Family, thank you for all your support and love. In my 14 years here, I have seen St. Andrew struggle, as well as grow, but always the love wins out. I am moving to Colorado – a radical change from coastal Carolina; however, my entire family, children and grands, will be living in the same town for the first time in many years. Exciting as this all is, I will miss my many friends. There are so many exciting things going on here, my hope and prayers are for God to continue to bless each and every one of you as you continue His work here in New Bern and within St. Andrew.

Peace and Joy,

Donna Heim

20 Peachtree Circle

Castle Rock, CO 80104

The Little Donkey

Thank you! Thank you to all who helped me produce this play!

Nicky Beall, pianist; Pastor Ted, who taught songs; Suzanne Walker, wonderful program; Daryl Anderson, sound; Ed Kobylarz, donkey’s tails; Linda Bloomfield & Nancy Michaels prompters and makeup; Doris Bitely, Sandra Fiorentino & Suzanne Walker for keeping kids calm Sunday.

Special thanks to the Parents who helped kids learn lines and be at rehearsals.

You and the children made this play possible! I think we can be proud of our Sunday School,

I am. Thanks kids for all your hard work! Bea Finkbeiner

THANK YOU, GOD BE PRAISED, THANKS BE TO THE LORD!

For all the wonderful folks we have at St. Andrrew Lutheran Church in New Bern. Our Supper and Auction was more successful than our wildest dreams. Through the work of our fantastic committee, the folks who donated to the auction, and to all those who came to partake in all the festivities we made over $6,000.00 for Pastor’s Discretionary/ Compassion Fund. Not only did they spend their time, talents and money, they actually had a wonderful entertaining evening; thanks primarily to our accomplished auctioneers Janet & Elmer Stenzel.

It is with great humility on my part and affection for all of you that I thank you, and especially the Stenzels and Suzanne Walker for all of her work on the certificate of talents offered. I further thank all the others who worked on our supper, cooking, setting up and cleaning up, and to all those who contributed items and services and to all who attended.

It was indeed a wonderful evening, however, let us keep in mind that without God’s guidance, we never could have accomplished this; so again, from the bottom of my heart, Thank You All!

God Bless you all with faith, love and praise to our Lord, Barbara Geib

APRIL 1, 2006 REPORT ON TIME AND TALENT AUCTION

AT ST. ANDREW

The following 20 people provided soup, sandwiches, desserts, or helped with the various needed work to hold this function were:

Geib Walker Sabo

Fischer Hoekman Bitely

Finkbeiner Rogers Stenzel

Alberts Herold Kobylarz

Rupkalvis Berkshire Wills

Steady Minck Cella

Ramsden Anderson

The following 30 people donated their time and talents to be auctioned:

J. & E. Stenzel J. Steady R. & B. Hoekman

D. Willard G. & B. Finkbeiner F. & S. Walker

P. & B. Geib D. Cella L. Drabeck

B. Scott R. & R. Schweizer R. Ramsden

B. Roach R. & D. Bitely B. Weeks

R. Becker J. Rupkalvis K. Corriher-Banks

K. Forbes D. Long H. M. Pontick

C. Morrissey

125 people had signed up and had paid their $5.00 to attend for supper.

15 of the above people helped set up and clean up.

The Stenzels, retired professional auctioneers, donated their expertise to giving us a true auction.

Due to all the food and services being donated our only expense was for paper products and amounted to $36.23, which needs to be paid to Barbara Hoekman out of our proceeds.

The Total Amount of net profit is: $6, 097.30

Respectfully submitted by the Chairman,

Barbara Geib

The Mutual Ministry Committee's purpose is to support our church staff and help strengthen the mission of the congregation.  Communication is essential to define expectations and roles, identify misunderstandings and celebrate successes.

If you have a concern or would like to discuss an issue, the Mutual Ministry Committee is willing to listen.  We meet the first Wednesday of each month.  Also, a Mutual Ministry Committee comment box has been set up in the hallway leading to the education wing.  Please use it for your comments, suggestions, concerns or special recognition of good works by the church staff.  All communications should be signed and will be strictly confidential.  The comment box will be checked weekly.  If a concern needs to be addressed immediately, please contact Cindy Bach, Chairperson or any committee members: Don Alberts, Dottie Blake, David Lloyd, Shirley McElhaney or Nancy Michaels

Social Ministry Report April 7, 2006

Bonnie Roach

After School Program:

The goal of an after school ministry program will be put on hold for the present time.

In order to have the program it is necessary for St. Andrew Lutheran Church to pick up students from school in its own vehicle as the bus can no longer drop them off at the Church. The goal of having a church van is a worthy one because of the many other uses there would be for it. Due to financial and budgetary considerations I will postpone consideration for this expense for now.

Area Coordinators:

This committee met March 12 along with Margaret Cahoon of Bereavement Committee and Rene Salvatore of Shut-in Visitation Committee. We discussed ways to make Area Groups more efficient and useful to the life of the church. It became obvious the area groups were outdated, some grown too big, others small, new members, and leavings. I divided St. Andrew into 12 groups to be included in the new member directory. There are two coordinators for most of the groups; all will soon have two. Area groups will share more responsibilities for routine matters such as coffee making on Sundays, food preparation for Thursday nights, and bereavement meals. The role of the coordinator will be more involved. It should be emphasized no one is locked into “their” area. We should all be alert to the needs of our church family and act accordingly. I welcome input from anyone. When we are nurtured we are made stronger to care for others. The committee met again Wed., April 19, 7:30 p.m. at the church.

Eastern Pregnancy Care Center

The Baby Bottle Campaign is going well. Bottles are due Easter Sunday. Thank you for your participation. St. Andrew Lutheran is well represented again this Holy season. Thrivent is sponsoring the event also.

No one attended the Walk for Life, March 25, at Creekside. Are we better givers than doers?

Respectfully,

Bonnie Roach

Here we are coming upon Vacation times, and some of us will be gone for the summer or part of the summer. You know that there is an easy way to have your pledge turned in; it is called “Simply Giving”.

“Simply Giving” is a pre-authorized withdrawal from your bank account. All that needs to be done is pick-up an enrollment form found in the Narthex, fill it out and return the enrollment form in to the Financial Secretary. Only the Financial Secretary will know about this. This is an easy way to continue your pledge while you are out of town.

LMIM next breakfast will be on Saturday – June 3^rd at 8:30 am. Please sign up if you are planning to attend. We will be having a short meeting afterwards.

We are now in the North Coastal Conference and the Spring Gathering was held at Good Shepherd in Goldsboro on April 1^st. Sharon Branch, Sandra Fiorentino, Bobbie Fischer, Janice Ramsden, Sylvia Weeks and Jane Wills attended. The program was interesting as women of the Bible spoke to us about praying boldly and acting boldly. Sharon was elected Director of Communications. Having been a secretary, she should do a great job. The lunch was excellent and we were treated to a dance to “Our Father” by two young members of the Goldsboro Ballet. The time for starting the Gathering was pushed forward so we had plenty of time to get there for a light breakfast before the meeting started. It is hoped that more of our ladies will attend the Fall Gathering.

Coming Soon! The Celebration of Gifts. Presentations by vocal and bell choirs and other musical talent. Anybody, wishing to display their personally created crafts may do so. A meal catered by Smithfield will follow.

In order for us to provide enough food a sign-up sheet will be provided. Be sure and put May 7^th at 4:00 pm on your calendar.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!

The annual church picnic will be on June 10th – 4:00 pm at Creekside Park!  This event will be catered by Moore's BBQ.  There will be southern BBQ, fried chicken, baked beans, corn on the cob, hush puppies, iced tea and Moore's delicious BBQ sauce!  The church picnic is one you won't want to miss.  Bring any games you would like to share (ex. Bocce ball, lawn darts, etc).  There is a beach volleyball court and a big playground for the kids!  We are asking for donations to cover our costs of at least $7.00 per person.  Please give your donation to Dawn Jones or during the week, Terry Lindquist.  Don't forget to bring your lawn chair & sun screen!

JOIN THE MARATHON RELAY TEAM – APRIL 30th

Raise money and awareness for the Eastern Pregnancy Care Center. This is a “team” of youth and “young at heart” adults who will push a baby buggy around the parking lot of St. Andrew Lutheran Church on Sunday, April 30^th beginning at 1:00p.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m.

Take turns running or walking laps around the church; our goal is to push the buggy 26.2 miles. If you don’t want to participate in the marathon; just come and cheer Pastor Ted and our members on. The more members who join the relay team the easier it will be to reach our goal!!

Please contact Pastor Ted at 675-5936 for more information. Pastor Rust will match dollar to dollar from his compassion fund every dollar we raise. If you would like to sponsor Pastor Ted in this marathon, please make your check payable to “Easter Pregnancy Care Center” and give it to him or mail it to the church.

Sign up sheets are still available in the narthex for this event.

The Five Finger Prayer

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a “sweet duty”.

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God’s guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly our little finger, the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, “The least shall be the greatest among you”. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.