The Messenger
In Christ, We Worship, Love, Grow, Serve and Send.
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AUGUST 2021 | Vol. XXXXII No. 8 |
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From our Newly Elected Council President
By Ken Cockerham
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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I’ve heard it said that the only constant in THIS world is change! That may be true, I don’t know, but we’ve sure had a lot of it recently. It likely isn’t a surprise that one of my intended purposes in writing this is to announce more change. At our congregation meeting on May 2, you voted to elect a new group of council members for St. Andrew Lutheran Church. Following that election, the new council convened in a special called meeting on July 11 to determine which council members would perform in which roles. Here is the new council for 2021-2022: ...Read more.
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Vaccine, Vaccine, Vaccine, Vaccine
By Cornelia Pearson, RN, MN
On March 2, 2021, Dolly Parton received her first COVID-19 vaccine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (be sure to click on the YouTube clip above to watch Dolly "receive a dose of her own medicine!") As she was being vaccinated, she sang the following words to the iconic tune for her song, “Jolene." The updated words go like this:
Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine,
I’m begging of you, please don’t hesitate.
Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine,
’Cause once you’re dead, then that’s a bit too late.
As I sing this tune, I want to give a big shout out and thanks to St. Andrew Lutheran Church’s very own Jolene, who as the Parish Administrator, has given more than 100 percent to keeping St. Andrew viable, visible, and safe during the pandemic. No, the original Dolly song is not about the Jolene that we know. The new words fit nicely to the meter of the original song and I can’t help but be motivated to assist Dolly by finding and writing the latest facts on why we all need to be vaccinated.
As I write on July 24, 2021, the health of the United States is in crisis with 60,000 new cases of COVID-19 a day. Unfortunately there are no state lines that can keep this virus from spreading from one state or one county within that state to another. ....Read more.
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WELCOME TO THE WORLD, LITTLE ONES! |
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Luna Rae Rockwood, newborn daughter of David and Samantha Rockwood, was born on June 16, 2021 at 10:40 AM. She weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz. and was 21 inches long. Luna is welcomed home by her big sister, Stella. Congratulations to all!
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Congratulations to Nick and Ashley Cockerham on the birth of their firstborn son,
Parker Ryan Cockerham, born on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Parker weighed 5 lb., 4.6 oz. Very proud new "Pappy" is Ken Cockerham. Congratulations to the Cockerhams!
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Congratulations to Cameron Sharp and Kate Shannon on the birth of their new daughter,
Sunny Mae Shannon Sharp, born on Tuesday, July 20. Sunny weighed 8 lbs. 14 oz.
She is welcomed home by big brother Charlie Moon Shannon Sharp, age 4. Very proud new grandparents are Jimmy and Susan Shannon. Congratulations to the Shannon and Sharp families!
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Celebrating 52 Years of Ministry |
On July 13, 2021, Pastor Emeritus, Eric C. Pearson celebrated the 52nd anniversary of his ordination. We give thanks for his ministry and witness, and we pray for God's continuing blessings for him and his family.
For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Gracious God, we thank you for the work and witness of Pastor Eric Pearson, who has enriched us with his wisdom, love, and leadership. Continue to guide and strengthen him, as he serves you with faithfulness and shares his gifts; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
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To everyone involved in our service of installation, thank you, thank you, thank you! To all of you who participated in the liturgy — from planning, processing bulletins, singing and playing instruments, ushering, carrying the cross, torches, and Bible, reading lessons and prayers, leading, directing, videoing, Prosecco popping and pouring, cookie and snack providing, to cleaning up — to every one of you, please accept our deepest gratitude. (We’re not aware of a lot of behind-the-scenes work and leadership many of you provided — to you also, thank you!) Your efforts — given in joy and love — are appreciated.
To everyone participating in our service of installation as worshipers, thank you! Your joy-and-love-filled presence made all the difference in worship. Several of you said you’re so glad we are here and you thanked us. Well, we say to you, we’re glad you are here and we thank you for your life-giving presence. You are the body of Christ, and our work depends on you — all of you — showing up and participating and leading the way. Thank you!
To everyone who contributed to our lovely gift basket, we are overwhelmed by your generous welcome! We enjoyed reading cards of warm reception and will enjoy using the gifts you included. Your loving hospitality is the greatest gift of all. Thank you!
Now our work truly begins, all of us together, building up the body of Christ —
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this body known as St. Andrew Lutheran Church. And to God — whose power now at work in us can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine — to God be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus through all generations, world without end! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21 Inclusive Bible Translation)
Gratefully,
Pastor Pauline and Pastor Eric
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ST. ANDREW CHILDREN'S CHOIR
2021 - 2022 Season
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Children in 2nd - 6th grade are invited to sing in the St. Andrew Children’s Choir for the 2021 - 2022 season. New and returning choristers are welcome! Rehearsals will be held on Wednesday evenings beginning August 18, 6:15 - 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Please contact Children’s Choir Director, Katherine Mansouri by August 9 to join and confirm your commitment to the choir. We’re looking forward to a new choir season of joyful singing at St. Andrew!
Katherine Mansouri
St. Andrew Children’s Choir Director
Ai Yamada
St. Andrew Children’s Choir Accompanist
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INSPIRITUS BENEFIT DISASTER RELIEF CONCERT
By Linda Strickland
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Sunday, August 29, 2021
2:00-7:30 PM CT
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We hope you have all heard and seen the advertisement for the Inspiritus Benefit Disaster Relief Concert!
To give you some insight on this special developing event, on March 3, 2020, an E3 tornado hit middle Tennessee. Inspiritus Disaster Relief folks came to the rescue after so many had lost so much. A few days later, Peter and I received a phone call: “would you consider helping on a committee to plan a concert, quickly raising funds that are greatly needed?" Then…as we know, the world stopped with COVID-19! Yet there were so many folks in our surrounding area without anything but bare essentials. Please think about what you were doing during these months
However, the planning continued, and the relief concert was pushed out week after week, months into months, not knowing a definite date that we could schedule it. ...Read more.
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VOLUNTEER!! It will be a great afternoon/evening of incredible music. Pack your lawn chairs. Bring a picnic or enjoy several food trucks. Attend the whole day or come for a few hours. Play frisbee golf and enjoy fellowship with friends. There is even a dog park. Please purchase tickets to show our support and how amazing we can be.
PURCHASE TICKETS!! Tickets begin at $10 and are available HERE.
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
By Jody Smith
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Calling all knitters and crocheters! The Prayer Shawl Ministry needs your help in making baby blankets to be given to the newborns at Saint Andrew! The instructions are simple:
1. Use a soft yarn
2. No fringe
3. Size about 33 x 35 inches
4. Let me know if you need a pattern or you can use a pattern you like
Send me an e-mail or give me a call at 314-313-7852 if you are willing to help.
Peace and blessings,
Jody Smith
Leader, Prayer Shawl Ministry
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Return, Reconnect, Reform, Renew, Re-engage!
RALLY DAY! MINISTRY FAIR!
Sunday, August 15 at 9:45
By Jeana Butler
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Please join us during the RALLY DAY MINISTRY FAIR on SUNDAY, AUGUST 15 from 9:45 - 10:45 AM as we assemble school kits for those in need. WELCA and SALC Youth Ministries are partnering with Lutheran World Relief and we need your help.
You may purchase the school supplies listed above and drop them off at church prior to August 15 or if you prefer, you may donate funds. Joni Donegan will purchase the school items at approximately $5 per bag. Please write a check with "School Kits" in the memo line and place in the offering plate on Sunday. The last Sunday to donate funds is August 8 - the sooner you can donate, the better, as school supplies are in high demand right now!
During the Rally Day Ministry Fair, we will form an assembly line in Pearson Hall, adding items to the bags until they are all complete. Many hands make light work!
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MINISTRY FAIR NEWS for Rally Day! |
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ALL are welcome and encouraged to participate in the Rally Day Ministry Fair on Sunday, August 15 from 9:45-10:45 a.m. This is our kickoff to the new Sunday School year. Parents can register their children for Sunday School at the information table, or register here: https://salc.breezechms.com/form/SSregistration. The Ministry Fair will include information tables from all areas of Faith Formation. This is a great opportunity to share the wonderful educational opportunities that exist today at St. Andrew and hopefully grow your ministry!
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! We are looking for volunteers. We need one representative from each Faith Formation group to stand at the table and provide information about your class: meeting dates/times, study materials, add emails to your distribution list, etc. Some simple decorations will make your table stand out! We will set up the tables with a tablecloth. If you are willing to serve as a representative for your group, please email me at jeana.r.butler@gmail.com or text at 913-515-4684. We would like the following groups represented at the Ministry Fair:
Sunday School grades Pre-K through 12th
Companions in Christ
The Lectionary Class
Monday Night Bible Study
Women's Bible Study
The Bookman
WELCA
Navigators
SALC 101 - New Members Class
Everyday Lutherans
There will be stations set up for the children, including games, crafts, and snacks. You will get to meet your Sunday school teacher and see where your Sunday School classroom is located. We are also completing a service project, in partnership with WELCA, by assembling school kits for low income families through Lutheran World Relief. For a list of items to donate, click here for school kit supplies or make a check with "school kits" in the memo line and place it in the offering plate.
Parents: there will also be opportunities to sign up for a First Communion instruction class. Please note that if you feel your child is ready for communion, our pastors will not turn anyone away at the table. The class is not a requirement to receive First Communion at St. Andrew, but is available for those who wish to participate. We are planning a special First Communion Sunday in September, if you would like your child to receive communion with a group of their peers. More details to come.
Other highlights of Rally Day Sunday include a backpack blessing during both worship services for all students of any age, as well as teachers of any kind. Remember to bring your backpack to church! We will be installing our Sunday School teachers on August 15 as well.
We hope to see all of you at the Rally Day Ministry Fair on Sunday, August 15!
Yours in Christ,
Jeana Butler
Faith Formation Chair, St. Andrew Lutheran Church
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Companions in Christ Welcomes Guest to Class!
During the summer months, the Companions in Christ Sunday School Class has been reading and studying The Messenger: A Journey Into Hope by Mark Smeby and Cecil O. Kemp, Jr. Some of you may remember that Mark attended St. Andrew before he moved back to Minnesota. On July 11, Mark joined the class for a discussion of his book and to catch up a little. We had a small group in attendance that day but it was great to hear about the book's evolution and to discuss the book with Mark.
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SAVE THE DATE!
OKTOBERFEST
&
Haiti Hunger Fight
October 23, 2021
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WE NEED YOUR HELP! In order to hold OKTOBERFEST on October 23 at Darrel Reifschneider's lovely Look Away Farm, we need help to plan and implement this event! We already have a generous host and now we need VOLUNTEERS. There are lots of ways to help to make this a fun family and successful event! Help us put together another year of memories for the entire St. Andrew Lutheran family. If you are interested in helping plan this event, please contact Margaret Bearss at aubearss@gmail.com OR talk to her at the Ministry Fair on August 15!
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We are so excited to bring back again this year the Haiti Hunger Fight program. The needs of the children in our schools in Haiti are greater than ever.
For the past 16 years, St. Andrew has very generously supported the school children in Haiti via the Trinity Hope Feeding program, a Nashville based non-profit organization. We have done this through various Hunger Fight event programs including auctions, direct sponsorship and fellowship activities to raise awareness and to raise money for the schools. The events have been a fun fellowship event for the entire congregation and community.
We are still working on the details of this year’s program and expect to include:
- In-person and on-line silent auction. The auction will be scaled back again this year with fewer items. We are targeting creative and unique auction items to help with the “fun factor”
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Fun and fellowship event as part of the OKTOBERFEST event on October 23
- Sponsorship program
How can you help:
We are looking for auction items, which may include:
- Physical items
- Services (yard work, cleaning, sitting, lessons, etc.)
- Meals or small dinner parties
- Vacation rentals
- Music and sports events
- Beer, wine, and liquor
- Direct donation via check, cash, or through sponsorship program
- Join our team or plan to help at the Oktoberfest event
- Prayers
As the children attend class, they continue to receive a daily meal of rice and beans to create hope for a brighter future. Thank you in advance for your on-going support.
Your Haiti Hunger Fight Team
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Consuming the Gospel, One Meal at a Time
By Keith Logan,
Co‐Executive Director, Trinity HOPE
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Even facing a tumultuous year throughout Haiti, God provided the blessings necessary to allow Trinity HOPE to serve more meals to hungry children this school year than ever before. For the first time in the history of the ministry, Trinity HOPE served over 6,750,000 meals to children, teachers, and cooks in over 200 Christian schools. This feat did not come without significant challenges. Haiti faced unexplainable and irrational fluctuations in the value of their currency (Haitian Gourde), disruptions in operations due to widespread political unrest, and limitations on safely traveling within the country due to both COVID‐19 restrictions and a rise in gang violence. Trinity HOPE was certainly not immune from those distractions, and we found ourselves having to make many "game time" adjustments. Fortunately, we have a God bigger than all those challenges and He was "a lamp unto our feet," providing us a way to successfully navigate the path we found ourselves on. We give God all the thanks and glory for the blessings and protection this past school year.
As we look ahead to the upcoming 2021/2022 school year, we continue to be
amazed and grateful. God has positioned Trinity HOPE to be able to add an
additional 35‐40 new feeding programs this September. This will allow
approximately 10,000 additional children, teachers, and cooks to receive a
nutritious meal every school day. As we know from experience, close to half of
these children are likely only receiving a meal at home every one‐to‐two days. They
will now be able to better comprehend the education they are getting, and most
importantly, be able to better retain the Good News of Jesus Christ they are hearing in their Christian schools. Praise be to God!
If you are interested in partnering with Trinity HOPE to help us feed these beautiful children, please visit our website at www.trinityhope.org, or email us at admin@trinityhope.org. Thank you for your continued support, and may God continue to bless you and your families.
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Cooks in the kitchen at a school in Haiti preparing the daily rice and beans for the children and teachers. |
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HABITAT BUILD COMING!
Can you help?
By Frank Thomas
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St. Andrew Lutheran Church continues our commitment to Habitat for Humanity to support a fortunate family in Columbia, Tennessee. We are looking for someone to help lead this ministry for St Andrew as the main point of contact between St. Andrew and the local Habit for Humanity team. Volunteers are needed to help with the build. The build dates are Saturdays in late October and early November. Please consider this outreach ministry to be part of. More information will be coming soon.
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CHANGES FOR ST. PAUL'S BREAKFAST MINISTRY! |
We recently learned that residents and staff of the Nashville Women's Mission have been relocated to the Men's Mission in order for the Women's Mission to be completely rebuilt. The Mission will be rebuilt in the same location. In a conversation to discuss this, my contact at the Women's Mission told me how much our donations mean to them, and was hopeful that we could continue this partnership. She said they look forward to our monthly breakfast of casseroles, sausage and fruit, and call it their "potluck." |
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We will be continuing this ministry! Going forward, we will send our donations to them on the 2nd Saturday of each month. We will continue to accept your donations at St. Andrew on Saturdays from *11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (note time change).
Because the men and women will all be living at this location, they will now have approximately 300 people under their roof at any one time. My goal is to provide enough food that we can share our blessings with all the residents of the mission.
Looking ahead, there are opportunities to go to the mission and serve their residents directly. This is something that I will be exploring in the next couple of months, with the goal of taking a group down once a month to serve, just like we did when the breakfast was at St. Paul's Lutheran.
Below is the link to sign up for food donations. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for the generosity this congregation has shown to this ministry.
Peace,
Laura McElroy, Coordinator for St. Paul's Breakfast
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Pastors Pauline, Eric and God’s faithful at Saint Andrew,
It’s July and the sights and sounds from all four NovusWay sites are a living testimony to God’s abundant grace! You are among the many helping to make camp possible again for children and youth. Your recent gift of $375 is part of God’s abundance that continues long after our successful Light the Fire for Summer Camp 2021 concluded June 1. To survive the pandemic year of 2020 and be able to offer summer camp this year we had an unfunded need of $1.8 million by June 1. God provided about $1.89 million for our need through the generosity of countless individuals and congregations. Giving now helps us cover the cost of summer camp and funds preparation for adult programs for this fall and winter. You’re part of God’s goodness to provide this ministry for God’s people of all ages. Thank you! We expect about 50% of our pre-pandemic participation in this first summer back. I’m grateful for all who believe we can do camp safely and so entrust children and youth to us again. We are on the way back to our pre-pandemic level of serving about 5,000 people of all ages each year. You’re helping make that happen. Thank you for your part in God's great effort.
Of special joy to me this summer are the community outreach efforts in all four synods we serve that are reaching out into local communities to recruit children who would not otherwise have a summer camp experience and bringing them to one of our sites. Annual fund gifts provide outreach scholarship funding. Come to the Water, the churchwide effort begun by Lutheran Men in Mission, thriving in the Greater Knoxville area, to recruit and scholarship youth who (their website reports) “because of life circumstances may otherwise never have the opportunity of a life-changing summer camp experience in a Christian setting” brought 50 Knoxville youth to Lutheridge June 27. Other outreach efforts and partnerships across our four synods are providing youth who otherwise would not have this opportunity a life-changing week of summer camp. They join campers from congregations like yours coming to camp. It could not have been possible without the generous support of so many individuals and congregations.
We are/I am so grateful for the support of so many individuals and congregations, near and far, who are our "partners" in God's work of faith formation. Bless you. Spread the word.
The Rev. Dr. John L. (Jan) Setzler
Senior Development Officer, Deployed
NovusWay Ministries
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The Southeastern Weaver is the official newsletter of the Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA. It is published four times a year and contains all the latest information about the synodical board, convention, and programs of our organization. You can access the Weaver by CLICKING HERE.
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Quilting Days at St. Andrew |
Tentative plans are in place for in-person quilting at church for August 23 from 9:30-11:30 a.m., returning to our regular schedule of the second and fourth Mondays beginning in September. (This is all dependent on how we are proceeding with the ongoing pandemic)
We will still provide quilt kits for those who may want to continue working at home...Read more.
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August 3 Chuck & Cindy Campbell
August 3 Jason & Paula McNiel
August 4 Peter & Linda Strickland
August 4 Bernie & Kim Olszewski
August 6 Ron & Kathy Schrimpf
August 6 David & Samantha Rockwood
August 7 Marc & Allison Bussone
August 11 Earl & Beverly Scott
August 14 Gus & Jackie Gustafson
August 14 David & Jennifer Aprea
August 15 Jim & Pat Pitt
August 16 Bill & Diane Dalius
August 16 Mike & Jolene Richardson
August 16 Flip & Pamela Lukens
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August 18 Fred & Susie Bess
August 19 Bob & Connie Gemeny
August 19 James & Stacey Stiles
August 20 Edward & Cheryl Borg-Breen
August 20 Bobby Jansi & Koilraja Baulsingh
August 25 Jen & Michael Roberts
August 26 Bill & Evelyn Luetzow
August 26 Will & Michelle Gordy
August 27 Bill & Angie Casey
August 27 Chris & McLain Franks
August 28 Wally & Liz Combiths
August 29 Tim & Joni Donegan
August 30 Jeff & Cindi Curry
August 31 Tom & Pam Vincent
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AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
For a list of August birthdays,
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NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE IS MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021.
Jolene Richardson, The Messenger Editor
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