I Need Thee Every Hour
By Pastor M. Sarah Breckenridge,
Sr. Executive Pastor
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As COVID-19 sends the globe into crisis, it also sends us to our knees.
"The crisis is urgent, and I feel powerless. But perhaps feeling small is the best reminder to pray. Prayer is how we actively practice believing, so simply, so confidently, that God has the whole world in his hands. It’s where we 'let petitions and praises shape our worries into prayers, letting God know our concerns' (Phil. 4:6–7, The Message). Prayer is never the last resort of God’s people. It is our first point of action."
~ Christian Century, Jen Pollock Michel, March 18, 2020
Prayer is our first point of action, and luckily prayer comes in many forms and actions. When Billy Steele added the lyrics from “I Need Thee Every Hour” to the end of his singing “Whisper His Name” (
click here to watch amazing video
), I felt the truth and power of his words in my very being. This song is a prayer. And this song, like prayer, reminds us we need God. We need each other. Every hour we need Thee! In Scripture we see songs and psalms as a form of prayer, and today we see the power of music all over social media used to bring hope and healing in these pandemic times. Sometimes prayer looks like singing a song at the top of our lungs or mouthing the words when tears stream down our face.
I encourage you this week to not only pray our community prayer below, but to think about what songs today are your prayer songs. And if you don’t have one, maybe you need to write one? How can you this week “let your petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers (and songs)?”
Write your own prayers, sing your prayers, dance your prayers, live your prayers. Like good music, prayers fill your mind, body and spirits with hope and healing.
Here are my recent ruminations on prayer this week…
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Our Daily Community Prayer
Gracious God, as we grow weary from this virus, we boldly ask for a cure. As we struggle with fears and anxieties, with focus and finding our way forward, assure us of your presence. We give thanks that even in the face of the unknown, we are completely known by you.
Thank you for all those working to preserve and renew life and health. Protect and give them strength for the days ahead. Thank you for all those who make us feel connected and cared for. Shield and bless our most vulnerable and the unemployed.
Provide wisdom to leaders as difficult decisions need to be made. Provide supplies, vaccines, and safe places for treatment. For all the sick and suffering, bring healing. For all those grieving, bring comfort. Help us to trust you and your love for all.
Renew me. Restore me. Give me your peace and the inspiration to spread your healing love. AMEN
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Join Us in
30 Days of Prayer
St. Andrew’s is leading a project called 30 Days of Prayer in the month of May. We share a common prayer among our staff, our members and our community, so that we may all stay focused on God’s grace during these uncertain times.
We invite you to pray the prayer every day during May, wherever and whenever you like. You’ll be able to hear and see people from St. Andrew’s and the community reading the prayer on our
Facebook
page.
Here is the prayer.
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Our Hearts Break in Prayer
We know the heart of God breaks every time there is a murder of an innocent person, so it is important to know that our hearts break and our prayers continue to be with all affected by blatant racism. May these tragedies remind us of all our call to act and speak out against injustice and live our prayers into a new reality, where it is on earth as it is in heaven.
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Join Us for Online Worship This and Every Weekend
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We stay in community through weekly worship, so please join us for
online worship:
- Saturday at 5 p.m. (Contemporary) *
- Sunday at 9 a.m. (Traditional) *
- Sunday at 10:15 a.m. (Contemporary) **
- Sunday at 4 p.m. (Depot Church in Hugo)
** NEW Watch Sundays at 2 p.m. on Fox 9+ WFTC
* NEW DIAL-UP AUDIO OPTION: 651-337-8284
Dial in for live and on-demand worship
for the Saturday 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. services.
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More Exciting News and Events...
Holy Invitations: Summer Spiritual Practices
Meets Monthly on Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m. on Zoom
June 2, July 7, Aug. 4, and Sept. 1
Zoom Meeting ID: 975 4653 3474 Password: 380876
Every month on Zoom we will virtually add a new spiritual practice to your spiritual toolbox. This will include, but not limited to, Lectio/Visio Divina, The Examen, Breath Prayer, and more. Join Spiritual Directors Heidi Lender, Pastor Brian Norsman, and Peg Reutten, the leaders of this year's
“Listening Circles,”
in learning a new monthly spiritual practice through a virtual large group interactive and contemplative format. All are welcome any and all weeks. For more information, contact Heidi Lender at
hlender@saintandrews.org
or Pastor Brian Norsman at
bnorsman@saintandrews.org.
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NEW!
Young Adult Small Group: Abide
Begins the week of June 1!
Join these virtual small groups by May 26 for age 18-35. We’ll use the ELCA Abide curriculum with short, weekly video.
for the Zoom signup link.
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Online Bible Studies Underway
- LIVE ONLINE - "Living Hope" with Pastors Carlson and Breckenridge every Thursday at 10 a.m. Through July 2 -- jump in any time! We are currently in Philippians and will study Jonah June 11 thru July 2. We'll send you a reminder and the link to join in -- sign up here.
- "Gospel on Monday" with Pastor John Straiton, audio on-demand goes up every Monday morning, so listen right here.
- LIVE ONLINE - 7:30 a.m. Men's Tuesday Bible Study -- now online! Join the Zoom link right here, password is 905957. It's also recorded here for on-demand class.
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Adopt a Planter for Watering!
The large flower pots around campus (at the door entrances and the columbarium) need watering. The responsibility is to adopt one planter and water on a tri-weekly basis (if needed). The days and times are flexible to fit your schedule; if it rains, no need to water. Provide your own watering can and water. Timeframe: the week of May 24-Aug. 30. Your gift of service will brighten our doors with color, provide nectar for butterflies, and enhance the space for solace in the columbarium. Please contact Christa Getchell
cgetchel@saintandrews.org.
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Curbside Food Bag Pick-ups
Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Pre-packed bags of shelf-stable items along with milk, cheese, eggs and bread.
No appointment necessary. All are welcome!
Call 651-762-9148 with any questions.
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Contemporary Worship on Fox 9+ Television Sundays at 2 p.m.
Check out St. Andrew's Contemporary Worship on WFTC Fox 9+ television every Sunday at 2 p.m. We've included a list of the stations depending on your local carrier. One more way to attend worship at St. Andrew's, so join in!
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Senior Blessing Skipping Stone
We will recognize and honor our 2020 high school graduates during worship on May 30 & 31! A special online worship service just for seniors and their families to celebrate a year like none other will also be held the afternoon of May 31, led by our youth ministry staff and pastors. Details were mailed and emailed to 12th grade families. Didn't receive yours? Contact Mary Post at
mpost@saintandrews.org
.
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***NEW MATERIAL Added Frequently***
From Dock at Home to Preschool Chapel to Game Night and more, Join the Creative Fun with Children, Youth and Family!
A plethora of information and resources that's frequently updated with fresh information. Our Children, Youth & Family Ministry Team continues to find creative ways to stay in touch even if we can’t gather in person. Explore
these creative activities and events
to get involved and stay connected!
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Financial Gifts and Offering
We thank you for your generosity during these disrupting times and remind you there are three ways to give to St. Andrew's:
- Gifts can be made online at saintandrews.org/give
- Gifts can be sent through the U.S. Post Office. If you need postage-paid envelopes, please call our finance office at 651-762-9101.
- Gifts of Stock/IRA/Other: please reach out Patricia Ingberg at 651-762-9174 or pingberg@saintandrews.org.
Thank you for your generous support of St. Andrew's, and please be safe with your health and your money.
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Counseling, Grief and Support
We are facing unprecedented challenges, but you don’t have to walk through them alone. St. Andrew’s Pastoral Care ministry exists to reach out to members, friends and families of the church and community to share Christ’s healing love with all people.
Click here for details.
Our care team consists of Pastoral Staff, a spiritual advisor, a parish nurse, a resource counselor and a variety of caring individuals experienced in walking with people through the storms of life, bringing the presence of Christ and promise of God to others.
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Dial Up Live Worship
We know not everyone has reliable internet capabilities at all times, so we've launched a new dial-up option for live and on-demand worship. Simply call 651-337-8284 to listen to the Saturday 5 p.m. Contemporary service or the Sunday 9 a.m. Traditional service. SHARE THIS INFORMATION with a friend or relative who might benefit.
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Funeral Notifications
Members can now receive email notification on upcoming funerals and memorial services by signing up at
saintandrews.org/funerals
.
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Blood Drive
to Be Held
at St. Andrew's
St. Andrew's is hosting a blood drive in the Great Hall on Wednesday, June 3. Sign up
online now
to donate blood.
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Update Your Contact Information
If you want to change or add email addresses or mobile phone numbers to ensure you receive messages in your preferred location, you can do that
here
. If you need further assistance, email
office@saintandrews.org
.
Did You Miss Worship?
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