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Small enough to care; Large enough to make a Christian difference

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
2700 West Moore Road
Muncie, Indiana 47304

(765) 282-6466
fax: (765) 282-1677
saintandrew@comcast.net

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And what does the Lord require of you

but to do justice and to love mercy and to

walk humbly with your God.  (Micah 6:8)

 

Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church is

a caring, Christ-centered church dedicated

to serving others, welcoming people to

Christ, and nurturing all members.

 

Pastor Melodie’s Message

 

“If you wanna have friends,

you’ve got to be a good friend.

Show them the love of Jesus.”

                                                                                                                                             “God’s Big Backyard”

 Last week St. Andrew Church was privileged to host another wonderful week of Vacation Bible School.  During the week we learned all about what it means to “Love God, Love Neighbors,” recognizing that the whole world is God’s BIG Backyard.  Our Bible stories included: Miriam and Moses, the Good Samaritan, Zacchaeus, and the disciples Peter and John, and showed us ways in which we are all called to share the love of God. 

 One of the highlights of our week of VBS has been the emphasis on mission and service.  As we learned how important it is to serve family, serve friends, serve neighbors, serve community, and serve Jesus, we all had the chance to participate in two mission projects.  Our first project was raising money for the St. Andrew Society, which helps harvest food crops that would otherwise be discarded and distributes those crops to the hungry and homeless.  Our second project was collecting canned goods and other non-perishables for our local Food Pantry.  The children did an amazing job showing their love for Jesus by bringing in their loose change and food items!

 Many, many thanks to Miss Kitty and all the incredible volunteers who worked so very hard to make this year’s Vacation Bible School such a memorable and wonderful experience.  Their priceless commitment, dedication, and service truly showed the children the love of Jesus!

In Christ’s service,

Pastor Melodie

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The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, July 6, during our 10:00 a.m. Worship Service.  Please accept our Lord’s invitation to be present.

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 Help for Flood Victims

 St. Andrew members and friends can contribute to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program in order to help those who have suffered from the recent flooding in our state. 

 Our Presbytery is gathering “Clean-Up Buckets” to send to the areas affected.  St. Andrew’s Youth Crew will help assemble the buckets on Sunday, July 6, which will then be delivered to Camp PYOCA for distribution. 

 If you wish to donate items, please let Kitty Johnson know or sign up on the list in the narthex at church.  We will need the items at the church by Sunday, July 6.  Thank you in advance for your generous gifts.  They are very much appreciated. 

Items Needed: 

5-gallon buckets with resealable lids, scouring pads, scrub brushes, Easy-wipes, dry laundry detergent, liquid Lysol cleaner, liquid disinfectant dish soap, clothespins, clotheslines (two 50 ft. or one 100 ft.), dust masks, latex gloves, work gloves, 24-count roll trash bags, insect repellant (drops or lotion, not aerosol)

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The St. Andrew Newsletter is published monthly for the members and friends of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 2700 W. Moore Road, Muncie, IN 47304 – Telephone:  765-282-6466; FAX: 765-282-1677; WEB: http://standrewmuncie.org; E-mail: saintandrew@comcast.net.

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In our prayers:

Shut-ins:

 

JoAnne Cox

Albany Health Center

Dorothy Metzger

Heritage Commons

Ida Oster

Westminster Village

Ruby Swickard

Westminster Village

Roberta Poland

At home

Other Members:

 

Amanda Bilger

Margaret Bilger’s daughter-in-law

Barb Brodt

At home

Anne Harris

At home

Paula McCarty

At home

Angie Pruis

At home

Mary Jane Upchurch

At home

Friends in need:

 

Celia & Perry Buck

Dian Constant & Christi Clark’s parents

Casazza Family

Friends of Margaret Bilger

James Greiwe

Marilyn Weaver’s brother

Lois Horner

Jackie Nelson’s mother

Sandy Jarvis

Steve Jarvis’ sister-in-law

Jean Johnson

Eric Johnson’s mother

Michele & Cindy Kyle

Annabelle Kyle’s daughters

Ellen Osborne

Friend of Cassie Bolander

Sylvia Powers

Friend of Martha Haney

Bill Russell

Tim Nelson’s uncle

Erik Stahr

David & Melodie Wager’s nephew

Truly Stines

At home

Other concerns:

 

Tad Erb

Carma Shawger’s nephew – Soldier in Iraq

David Sutherland

Soldier in Iraq

 

 

Outside Work Projects

 It has been an active outside work project month at St. Andrew.  On behalf of the House Committee, I would like to express my gratitude to:

·         The Fascia Five + for a superb job in covering the church fascia board with aluminum (no more painting it!):  David Wager, Terry Elzey, Rodney Hayden, Tom Smith, Janet Burkhart, and Adam Bolander with cameo appearance of Hannah’s tennis racket.

·         The Grinders Two for removing old stumps around the church:  Tom Smith and Janet Burkhart.

·         The Tillers Three for tilling ground along the north side of building using Dick Artes and Van Nelson’s equipment plus planting:  David Wager, Michael McClure, and Janet Burkhart.

I hope you will take a look at the north view of St. Andrew…new fascia, newly painted steeple, new plantings, and express your thanks to the persons listed above.

  -- Janet Burkhart

House Committee Chairperson

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Wanted

 Wanted! – a good home for children’s, antique school desks.  One set is left from the Habitat Rummage Sale, and the other is a set which Sue Jacquette no longer will use for preschool. 

 If you or someone you know might be interested in the above, please call the Church Office (282-6466).

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Congratulations to Our Graduates!  

·         Nathan Ong graduated from Muncie Central High School on May 31.  His high school activities included:  Freshman and sophomore football, freshman baseball, Weight Club, and COFACS.  Hobbies are paintball, watching TV, and driving his car.  Future plans may include joining the U.S. Air Force.

·         Nick Spotts graduated from Muncie Central High School on May 31.  Hobbies include:  karate, Boy Scouts, video games, and board games.  This summer he plans to work at the Halteman Village Pool as a lifeguard, take a trip to the Boundary Waters with the Boy Scouts, and look for a second job.  He will be attending Ball State University in the fall to study Computer Technology.

·         Chelsea Thomas graduated from Delta High School on May 24.  Her high school activities included:  swimming, Job’s Daughters, piano, singing, National Honor Society, 4-H, and sewing.  This summer she plans to lifeguard at the Delaware Country Club.  She will be attending Purdue University in the fall to study Animal Science in the College of Agriculture.

We are proud of each of these young adults and wish God’s blessings on each of them as they move on in their life journeys.

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Liturgists 

July 6:             Jackie Nelson

July 13:           Don Bell

July 20:           Annabelle Kyle

July 27:           David Wager

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Senior Luncheon

 St. Andrew seniors and their guests are invited to attend our Senior Citizens’ Luncheon on Thursday, July 3, at 12:00 noon.  Theme:  “God Bless America” – Please call the Church Office (282-6466) or sign up in the narthex at church, if you plan to attend.

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Fourth of July: Fun & Fellowship

 St. Andrew members and friends will get together at the Minnetrista Cultural Center to listen to the band concert and enjoy the fireworks display.  A few of our church members play in America’s Hometown Band, performing that evening.

 You may bring a well-filled picnic basket, or just a cold drink, or just your lawn chair, and plan to sit with the group.  The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

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 Special Music for Summer

 Every summer the choir takes a well-deserved break from singing each Sunday.  In their place we ask members and friends of St. Andrew to allow us all to enjoy their musical talents.  Summer music will continue through September 7.  So it’s time to tune up your instruments and play for the glory of the Lord. 

 There’s a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex at church with each Sunday listed.  Please choose a Sunday, write your name in the space provided, and let Marilyn at the Church Office (282-6466) know what you will be playing that day (no later than the Wednesday before your performance).  It’s that simple!  The added bonus is that we all are able to enjoy your special talents.  Thank you for volunteering.

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From the Library Corner

The following books have recently been added to the Church Library collection:

No Wonder They Call Him Savior, by Max Lucado

This book contains the most important message of the Bible for the Christian; that is, the message of the cross.  Max Lucado, author of many best sellers, brings the subject of the cross to life with both everyday and Biblical applications.  This rendition would make a good study guide for groups, as there are very provocative questions covering each chapter at the end of the test.

 A Woman Jesus Can Teach, by Alice Mathews

The sub-title of this book is:  Lessons from New Testament women help you make today’s choices.  Some of the chapter headings are:  “The Woman at the Well: How to Face Yourself As Is;”  “The Woman Taken in Adultery:  How to Respond to the God of Second Chances;” and, “A Sinful Woman:  How to Cultivate the Attitude of Gratitude.”  The author helps the reader see how each New Testament woman becomes a disciple…Jesus could teach.”

Amish Grace –

How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy,

by Donald P. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, and David L. Weaver-Zercher

The following statements are taken from the book jacket which help explain Amish reactions to tragedy.  “Outsiders often hold a stereotypical view of the Amish as a stubbornly, backwards people…but…the loving and compassionate response to the shooter and his family – give us insight into who the Amish are and how they live their faith.”  Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking, shares the following thoughts:  “In a world where repaying evil with evil is almost second nature, the Amish remind us there’s a better way.”  The book is worth “a read.”

 The God of the Second Change, by Greg Laurie

The story presented in the book’s preface gives some indication of what’s to come in this book.  Here are the highlights.  A man wakes up to find his name in the obituary column.  He goes to the newspaper office ranting and raving.  After continuing this outrage for some time, the editor finally says, “Cheer up buddy!  Tomorrow I’ll put your name in the birth column and give you a fresh start.”  Although the story is amusing, the reality is that God is “…the God of the second chance.”  Read more to discover this blessing.

 The Harper Collins Book of Prayer, by Robert Van de Weyer

A friend offered this book for the reference collection of our library.  Over 700 prayers are included from the Christian tradition, but others are representative of various world religions.  The “…prayers span the entire range of the human experience of reaching out to God.”  Included are indexes arranged by author and themes of the book.

 DOORPOSTS:  Sixty Calligraphic Renderings of Bible Passages with Notes by the Artist, by Timothy R. Boots

“DOORPOSTS ... takes its title from the fact that the early Hebrews placed texts of Scripture around their doorposts as reminders.”  The author, likewise, reminds us of the Scriptures and supplies a short text for each calligraphic script.  The result is an unusual, meaningful, and artistic work of instruction and beauty.

Remarks from the chair:

Occasionally, books appear on our library preparation shelves in the Treasurer’s Room, and we aren’t sure if they are gifts or if they belong to someone.  (Case in point – the beautiful DOORPOSTS book described above.)  If you are placing a book on these shelves for library consideration, a signed note in the book would be very helpful, and we could thank you in person.  Thanks for your help – and – HAPPY READING!!     

 -- Millie McGinnis

Chair, Library Committee

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God’s BIG Backyard!

 A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who helped at our 2008 VBS, God’s BIG Backyard.  Thirty-five children attended and learned about serving family, friends, neighbors, community, and Jesus. 

 We raised $50.00 for the St. Andrew’s Society “Potato Project.”  Children and VBS helpers brought in lots of canned and boxed food for the local Food Pantry.  And our Mission Station leaders helped kids assemble “Fresh Start” kits to be donated to Christian Ministries of Delaware County. 

 We also want to thank everyone who made donations to support our three mission projects.  We are truly blessed at St. Andrew to have so many talented and dedicated people working to touch others through our VBS!

Staff:

Opening/Closing Leader:  Pastor Melodie

Puppeteers:  Martha & Stefanie Haney

Media/Photography:  Eric Johnson

Music: Kitty Johnson & Michael McClure

Snacks:  Pam Smith, Carma Shawger, & Marta Flynn

Bible Storytellers:  Cassie & Adam Bolander, Van Nelson, & David Wager

Crafts:  Mary Lou Hall, Leslie Mounts, Christopher Knight, Mary Jane Upchurch

Recreation:  Jim & Heidi Ong

Mission Leaders:  Jean Haney, Fran Constant, Don Maxstadt, & Ross VanNess

Decorations:  Eunjeong An & Beth Hill

Preschool:  Stefanie & Martha Haney

Registration:  Janet Burkhart & Martha Haney

T-shirts:  Beth Hill

VBS Director:  Kitty Johnson

Jack-of-All-Trades:  Janet Burkhart & David Wager

Crew Leaders:  Eun Kim, James Ong, Eunjeong An, Nathan Ong, & Tiara Wallace

Preschool Crew Leader:  Ashley McClure

 

Youth Crew

 Sunday, July 6: 

We’ll prepare “Clean-Up Buckets” to be sent to victims of floods in Indiana.

 

Sunday, July 20: 

We’ll do a surprise service project for our community.

 

Please meet at St. Andrew Church by 2:00 p.m. on both Sundays.

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Andrew’s Angels

Preschool News

We have openings in both classes for the 2008-2009 school year.  The Monday-Wednesday-Friday class meets from 9:00-12:00 noon ($90.00/month), and the Tuesday-Thursday class meets from 9:00-11:15 a.m. ($60.00/month).  There is a one time supply fee of $40.00.  For more information please call me at home (282-3236) or the Church Office (282-6466).

 -- Sue Jacquette

Director/Teacher

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Greeters

          July 6:                Van & Jackie Nelson

          July 13:               Leslie Mounts

          July 20:               Janet Burkhart

          July 27:               Carma Shawger

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 Attendance

          June 1:                            78

          June 8:                            47

          June 15:                          63

          June 22:                          62

          June 29:                          96

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July Birthdays

  4        -           Pastor Melodie

  8        -           David Wager

15         -           Carolyn Gilbert

18         -           Kristi Kramer

19         -           Michael Bell

20         -           Zach Bilger

23         -           Jim Ong

            -           Ida Oster

25         -           Kendrick Churchill

            -           Meredith McClure

27         -           Joe Harris

29         -           Kaitlyn Bolander

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Thank You from

Muncie Habitat

Following is a letter received by Pastor Melodie from Muncie Habitat regarding St. Andrew’s gift to them from our Annual Rummage Sale:

 Dear Rev. Wager:

Thank you so much for your generous gift of $529.80 to Muncie Habitat.  Your faithful support of Habitat is so appreciated.  We feel fortunate to count on you as a committed friend!

 Your generosity to Habitat gives less fortunate families in Muncie the opportunity of homeownership.  Over the past several years, Muncie Habitat for Humanity has helped 75 families become homeowners, which has allowed them to transition from poverty to middle class.

 By investing in Muncie Habitat, you are instilling hope within local families throughout this community.  At a time when so many residents in this area are in need of safe, affordable housing, Muncie Habitat is blessed to have the opportunity to serve.

 With gratitude,

 Lindsey Arthur

Executive Director

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Recipe of the Month

Nuttiest Ever Coffee Cake

(Submitted by:  Jean Haney)

 Streusel:

½ c. nuts toasted, cooled, and ground fine*

3 Tbls. dark brown sugar

1 Tbls. flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

-- Mix together and set aside.

 Cake:

16 Tbls. (2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature)

6 large eggs

1 ¾ c. sour cream

¼ c. pure maple syrup

1 ½ Tbls. vanilla extract

3 c. flour

½ c. pecans toasted, cooled, and ground fine*

1 ¼ c. sugar

1 ½ Tbls. baking powder

1 ¼ tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

-- Mix all together for 2-3 min. on low speed of mixer until well blended, scraping sides of bowl often.

 

Put about half of the batter in a bundt pan that’s been greased with 1 Tbls. unsalted butter.  Sprinkle streusel over batter; pour the rest of the batter over the streusel.

Bake on lowest rack in oven at 350 degrees for about 1 hour.  Cool cake in pan on wire rack for 30 minutes; turn upside down on plate until it comes out clean – about 1 hour. 

 Glaze:

1 c. powdered sugar

3 Tbls. pure maple syrup

-- Whisk together and drizzle over cooled cake.

 *Arrange nuts on flat cookie sheet, bake at 200 degrees for 15-20 min., cool, and run through food processor.

 This is so delicious!  Enjoy!

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