The Messenger
In Christ, We Worship, Love, Grow, Serve and Send.
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SEPTEMBER 2021 | Vol. XXXXII No. 9 |
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It is Up to Each of Us!
By Cornelia Pearson, RN, MN
Each year at this time I am compelled to write about the upcoming flu season and the ever prevailing need to get a yearly flu shot! This year I am at a loss to know where to begin writing about shots and immunizations. I have just spent an hour watching the gruesome news about how hospital intensive care units are full and overflowing with extremely ill COVID-19, Delta Variant patients. These same institutions are currently running out of oxygen to treat these patients and the medical staffs are at the breaking point because there are no longer enough individuals to care for the sick and dying. Many individuals who are avidly opposed to taking a COVID-19 shot are treating themselves and becoming severely ill from a drug that is meant to treat animals that weigh 1,000 pounds, have hoofs, and eat hay. As of August 29, Tennessee has one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks, higher than 45 other States with infection rates growing at 53 percent above the previous week. Today, August 30, eleven hospital CEOs have stated that 90 percent of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. Nearly all of those patients could be safely at home with their family at the moment if they had chosen to get vaccinated.
Though I have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to the full extent that I can be at this moment I look forward to receiving a COVID-19 booster in the near future. I know that sometime in September or October I will also get the latest flu shot. Each year I look at the evidence-based science to determine the health strategies that I need to follow to keep myself healthy and wonder what might keep others from doing the same. I have heard multiple excuses for not getting flu shots over the years and now I hear an abundance of reasons – never mind evidence-based science – for not seeking a COVID-19 vaccine.
We know that the flu and COVID-19 are not the same; however, we do know that if one is to get both at the same time, recovery would be very difficult. For that reason I have combined my plan for caring for myself for flu prevention and Covid-19 prevention!
Below is my plan for staying healthy during the ever-present pandemic and I share this plan for all today! ....Read more.
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IN MEMORIAM JAMES J. STILES |
James Jay Stiles, age 55 of Thompsons Station, TN passed away August 6, 2021. James spent the last twenty years of his career as a sales representative in the food industry. Besides enjoying his career, James was passionate about feeding the homeless in Nashville through the St. Paul Breakfast ministry with St. Andrew Lutheran Church. James also loved assisting the youth group through the years, even if it meant staying up for a lock-in or chaperoning some of the canoe trips, or a game of noodle hockey in Pearson Hall. He loved to travel to Chicago, Arizona, and Hilton Head Island. He was an avid runner, he enjoyed cooking, loved to garden, and he loved spending time with his family. ...Read more.
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Dear St. Andrew Church,
We greatly appreciate all that the Celebration of Life Committee did for James’ reception. Thanks to our church family who attended James’ Celebration of Life service.
Fondly,
Stacey and Chloe Stiles and Liz and Wally Combiths
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RALLY DAY FUN AROUND THE PARISH! |
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Above: Prs. Pauline & Eric give the children's message on Rally Sunday. "Peace be upon you" tags were handed out as part of the blessing of the backpacks. |
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Sunday School children and others help assemble 170 school kits to go to Lutheran World Relief on Rally Day!
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THANK YOU to all who helped by donating supplies, money for supplies, or assembling of school bags! |
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Courtney and Pam register children for Sunday School. If you haven't registered your children, please use this link to register them. Or contact Liza Hawkins, Interim Director for Youth & Children's Ministries.
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Emily was happy to show the newly decorated youth room to all who wanted to see it on Rally Day. The youth room is Emily's Gold Award Girl Scout project. |
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Ron & Sue Hartman share information about the Columbarium and Celebration of Life ministry at St. Andrew. Please contact Ron if you would like more information.
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The Roberts family helped pack school kits on Rally Day! |
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Wayne and Charlie are open to sign up participants for Bookmen, Tuesdays at 9:00 AM and Monday Night Bible Study at 7:00 PM. Both groups are meeting in person at the church. |
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Our friends from Habitat from Humanity were present on Rally Day! Frank Thomas is looking for a coordinator to help lead our fall Habitat build for the George Davis family. Read more about the family in this newsletter.
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FROM THE DIRECTOR FOR YOUTH & CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
Youth Groups, Confirmation, Calendar, & Etc.
By Liza Hawkins
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Hi everyone! Your friendly neighborhood Director of Youth and Children’s Ministry here.
Over the last several weeks, I have enjoyed getting to see lots of faces that are new to me and some brand new to St. Andrew, as well!
For those who don’t know me yet, my name is Liza Hawkins, and I am the interim Director for Youth and Children’s Ministry here at St. Andrew. I came on staff in September of 2020 and it has been a wild ride ever since. I grew up down the road in Murfreesboro, TN at Advent Lutheran. I’ve been involved in youth activities in this conference and in the synod for many years, from chair of the synod youth board to synod council to a Unit Director at AFFIRM and more! I have worked in camp ministry, campus ministry, and all around “church work” for many years. I graduated from Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas as a Master of Divinity in May of 2020, where I focused my studies on justice for marginalized communities and a concentration in History, Theology, and Ethics.
My office is located in the hallway between the narthex (area near the main doors to worship) and the lobby where the wooden mailboxes are. Occasionally, I can even be found in that office!
Youth Group
It has been a long time since we were last able to gather our youth together! We hope to resume regular, safe gatherings after Labor Day. All youth in 5th-12th grades are invited to come hang out on Sunday, September 12 from 5:00-6:30.
Throughout the year, different grades will gather at different times. “St. Andrew Kingdom Kids” (STAKK) is a youth group specifically for 5th and 6th graders. “St. Andrew Lutheran Youth” (SLY) is for our 7th through 12th graders. Occasionally we will have gatherings for “all youth” in grades 5 through 12. ...Read more.
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First Communion and Bible Presentations
By Jeana Butler, Faith Formation Chair
Even with our long time spent apart because of COVID-19, the children of St. Andrew continued to grow! Hasn't it been fun to see how much they've grown as we've gathered over the last several weeks? During our time apart, we missed a few classes that we offer our children on an annual or ongoing basis and wanted to offer them again.
Each year, we gift our 3rd graders with a new Bible. To accompany this gift, we offer a Bible 101 class. This is to introduce the children to the Bible, teach them how to locate chapters and verses, and answer any questions they may have. We did not hold this class in 2020 due to the pandemic, so we are delighted to offer it on Saturday, September 25 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Andrew in Pearson Hall. If your child is in 4th grade and missed the class last year, please have them attend the class and the Bible presentation. If you are new to St. Andrew and have a child older than 3rd or 4th grade and would like for them to receive a Bible with instruction, please plan to attend the class as well. All are welcome! Please contact Jeana Butler at jeana.r.butler@gmail.com or text her at 913-515-4684 to let her know you would like a Bible and would like to participate in the class on September 25. We will do a formal presentation of these Bibles during both worship services on Sunday, September 26, so please plan to attend that as well.
Another class that we have not offered during the pandemic is our First Communion Class. We will be offering this class on Saturday, September 25 at 3:00 p.m. in Pearson Hall. We encourage parents to attend the class with their children. Some children may be attending the Bible 101 class and the First Communion Class, which is great. They are back to back. We thought it would be nice to offer these on the same day for convenience. We are doing something new with First Communion at St. Andrew to make it a little more special. We are having a First Communion Sunday on September 26 during both worship services. The children receiving their first communion will go up to the altar together and receive communion as a group.
Please be aware that if these dates don't work for your family, that is perfectly fine. We are happy to schedule a one-on-one First Communion Class or a Bible 101 class at any time. Children can receive their first communion on any Sunday.
Classes will be taught by our pastors and Liza Hawkins, Director of Youth and Children's Ministries. We hope to see you there!
Jeana Butler
Faith Formation
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Everyday Lutherans to Resume Meeting in September
By Jeana Butler, Faith Formation Chair
What is Everyday Lutherans? Everyday Lutherans is a Faith Formation group at St. Andrew that started as a class of parents of preschoolers. We have studied Active Christian Parenting, Parenting with Love and Logic, and completed a marriage course.
As our kids grow and our church has new leadership, the vision for the group has shifted to a lectionary-based curriculum. Just like the Sunday School children, this group will meet weekly to discuss the lessons from our Sunday worship service. All are welcome to join. We anticipate that our conversations will lean towards how these Bible lessons shape our lives at home with our children. How can we share this message effectively at home? What can we do this week to put these lessons into action?
This class will help parents of Sunday School-aged children to make Faith Formation come alive in your home! The messages that we hear in church can be echoed in our homes. We are one church, one body, all living the Word of Christ.
The format is simple. Each week simply show up to class. We meet in Room 126/127 off the Fellowship Hall. Handouts will be on the table for you to review as a class. Read through the material and discuss as a group. Enjoy this time with adults, knowing that your children are learning similar material, in an age-appropriate way during their Sunday School class. Our first class is Sunday, September 12, and we will meet every Sunday from 9:50 - 10:50 a.m.
We hope you will join us! All are welcome!
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Pastor Pauline works with the youth for acolyte and crucifer training. |
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Assisting Ministers get updated instructions from Pastor Eric on Sunday, August 29. |
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SAVE THE DATE!
OKTOBERFEST
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Haiti Hunger Fight Auction
October 23, 2021
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Hayrides! Train Rides! Games! Food! Silent auction! Music! Oktoberfest is on track, to comply with COVID-19 protocols the church will provide the entree (brauts, hamburgers, and hot dogs) and drinks (soda, beer, and wine). We ask that each family bring their own side dish and dessert. Please bring your lawn chairs and a blanket to picnic on if you wish. We will be holding the Haiti Hunger Fight Silent Auction to raise funds for the school we sponsor at Oktoberfest. Please contact Margaret Bearss at aubearss@gmail.com for questions or to help with the event.
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Finding the Aroma of Life in a Dark and Sinful World
By Rev. John Gierke
“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.” 2 Corinthians 2:15-16
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With the news of the recent assassination of Haiti’s President, I reflected on what I had seen in one of my previous trips to Haiti. It is true the trip brought smiling children eager for their noon meal and excited to hear about the mercies of God, but the trip also brought some eye-opening experiences in the way of civil unrest.
There is nothing like the stench of burning tires, and I remember it well from this particular visit. Riots and violence sparked fires in the streets. The smoke and the aroma of piles of burning tires permeated the air from every direction, and there was no getting away from it. Far worse than any burning tire you drive around on the interstate, this aroma is one I would compare to a fragrance from “death to death.”
We were unable to get out of town due to the riots. Stranded for an extra day, we began to pray. We prayed for a way out and for the safety and sanctuary of our brothers and sisters who remained behind. We prayed fervently for those in the community to see the HOPE of Jesus and His light. We prayed that His light would shine through the darkness.
Seeing the work of Trinity HOPE in action, we also experienced the fragrance of life. We visited the schools and surveyed the kitchens. The smoke and the aroma of the pots cooking beans and rice was a pleasing one. It was made brighter and more pleasing when joined with the children’s praises and prayers of thanksgiving. They lifted their voices to God in thanks for the meal and the HOPE of Jesus Christ. As the children learn of Jesus in school, they learn that His mercy provides nourishment for their bodies and their souls. This good news gives HOPE to those living in a dark world.
Continue to pray for the children and their families as they lead others to Jesus with the HOPE they find in knowing He is their Lord and Savior. Even though a religious and political coup was also involved in Jesus’ crucifixion and death, He still gave His life for us all. We know there is a “soul-ution” for every soul. It is in Christ and Christ alone, who offered Himself up as the sacrifice for all people for all time. What a difference is made then when we are Christ’s ambassadors in this world sharing His HOPE in word and deed!
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OUR HABITAT BUILD IS COMING!
Meet the George Davis Family
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Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury is happy to welcome George Davis, Jr. and his children Geonna(13), Karionna(12), Aarionna(12), and Malachi (5), to the Homeownership Program.
Mr. Davis was born and raised in Columbia, TN, graduating from Columbia Central High School in 2001. He and his siblings were raised by their mother. George describes his childhood as wonderful, noting “we didn’t have a care in the world.”
As a single father, George works very hard to provide for his children, working full time at Spring Hill Seating Systems and part time at Stanfill Hardwood Lumber Company. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, going to the park with his kids, and fixing cars. The family attends New Hope Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant, TN.
Raising four children comes with a lot of extracurricular activities to juggle. Geonna loves to dance and is interested in cosmetology. Aarionna enjoys playing with her dolls and likes being out in nature. Karionna stays busy solving puzzles, and Malachi enjoys video games and playing football. Mr. Davis also cares part-time for 13-year-old Zamaria who is the daughter of a friend. He strives to always make sure Zamaria feels like part of his family. He can’t wait to have a backyard where all the children can be outdoors safely. “I am looking forward to grilling, cutting my own lawn, and just sitting on the porch to get some fresh air,” he says with a big smile.
Homeownership has always been a goal for Mr. Davis, and looks forward to getting his hands dirty on his build site. “I want to be remembered as a peaceful person who loves his kids very much. I am happy to be able to be able to secure a better future for myself, but this is really for my children,” he explains. “I want to say thank you to all of my sponsors for giving me this opportunity. It is a true blessing.”
The Davis home build will begin in the fall of 2021 in Columbia.
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Dear Lutheran Church of St. Andrew,
The Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury team would like thank you for your sponsorship of $1,125.00 received 7/29/2021 in support of 2021 Fall Faith Build. We cannot thank you enough for answering our call to join us in support of affordable housing.
Thanks to caring community partners like you, future homeowners are able to purchase an affordable home in our community, positively changing the lives of their families today and for generations to come!
On behalf of our staff, Board of Directors, and most importantly our future homeowners whose lives will improve thanks to you, we offer our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you again for your investment in building a better community, one family at a time.
Sincerely,
Kim Randell
Chief Development Officer
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St. Paul's Breakfast Ministry |
Thanks to all who donated food for the August breakfast! We were able to provide 18 casseroles, 300 servings of sausage, and 39 batches of fresh fruit. The residents of the women's mission have temporarily relocated to the men's mission on Lafayette St. There are about 300 people staying at that one mission now! We hope to provide enough food to feed them all each month. The next drop-off will be Saturday, September 11 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 NOON at St. Andrew.
Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. Proverbs 22:9
Blessings and Peace,
Laura McElroy
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SIGN UP HERE to bring food for the next St. Paul's Breakfast on September 11.
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QUILT-A-THON
Saturday, September 18, 2021
9:00 am to 1:00 p.m.
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The ladies of St. Andrew WELCA will participate in a Quilt-a-thon in-person at St. Andrew while joining the Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA for the thirty-third annual convention by Zoom. The convention is taking place in Atlanta, GA. Join us for a fun day or drop in anytime for Bible study and quilting at St. Andrew Lutheran Church. PLEASE wear your mask!
For questions, please contact Peggy Bowker.
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“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Cor. 4:7
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WELCA September Gathering
September 21 at 6:30 pm Fellowship Hall
St. Andrew Lutheran Church
The Rev. Dr. Morgan Gordy, Assistant to Bishop Kevin Strickland for Disaster Relief, will speak to us concerning the needs in the Southeastern Synod for help. In Tennessee alone, we have had recent tornados and flooding! Pastor Gordy, wife of our own Bishop Emeritus, Julian Gordy, Master of Nursing degree and has served as a parish pastor most recently at Christ Lutheran Church in Nashville.
Please join us on Tuesday, September 21 at 6:30 PM. If COVID-19 restrictions lift, bring a finger food. Watch communications on this prior to the meeting. A zoom link is provided below for those who wish to participate at home.
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Meeting ID: 861 3384 9904
Passcode: WELCA
One tap mobile - 1.301.715.8592
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BLESSING OF THE SCHOOL KITS AND QUILTS, SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 |
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Quilting Days at St. Andrew |
In-person quilting at the church are the second and fourth Mondays at 9:30 AM. If you can tie a knot, you can quilt! Quilt dates are September 13 and 27.
We will still provide quilt kits for those who may want to continue working at home. Pick them up at church.
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56 Quilts and 170 School Kits ready for the Lutheran World Relief truck! |
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Lutheran World Relief quilts have been put together at home during COVID this past year and what a great job everyone has done. Thanks to all who cut material, washed material, sewed tops, created kits, put quilts together and tacked them, hemmed the quilts, boxed, weighed, and counted them.
AT HOME WE MADE A TOTAL OF 52 quilts plus 4 quilts at church for a TOTAL of 56! recently. You are an amazing group of missionaries!
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Meredith Frantz, President of Women of the ELCA at St. Andrew, shown here participating on Rally Day.
Meredith invites all women to join on the third Tuesday of each month either in person at the church or on Zoom and attend WELCA gatherings for fun and fellowship. In addition, a guest speaker, craft, or informative subject are part of the evening. For more information on WELCA, contact Meredith.
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September 2 DR & Sammy Smith
September 5 Ron & Sue Hartman
September 6 Ryan & Krystin Lemmon
September 8 Matt & Melissa Coleman
September 9 Brian & Jennifer Abrahamson
September 13 Howard & Bev Hissner
September 14 Walt & Barbara Lichtenberger
September 20 Mark & Allison Cannon
September 28 Bill & Lynn Robinson
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SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
For a list of September birthdays,
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NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE IS
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021.
Jolene Richardson, The Messenger Editor
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