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St. Andrew»s Chronicle February, 2018

Our Mission Statement

You are welcome here to worship and to feel God’s presence.

St. Andrew’s United Church of Christ 7610 Ann Arbor Street

Dexter, Michigan 48130

Phone (734) 426-8610

email: saintandrewsucc@dex.comcastbiz.net

website: www.standrewsdexter.org

The church office is open Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Our answering machine is always available to take a message.

Sunday Schedule

Worship Services 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Nursery Available During both services

There is a Coffee Hour following both services.

In This Issue:

Annual Meeting Info, Page 2

Ash Wednesday Service, Page 3

Attendance Figures, Page 4

Birthdays, Page 4

Calendar for February, 2018, Page 9

Consistory Highlights for January, Page 5

Consistory Members, Page 8

Interim Pastor’s Message, Page 2

Lent Planning Information, Page 2

Mission Projects

Faith In Action Sunday, Page 5

Monthly Dinners, Page 4

Stewardship Message, Page 6

Thank You Notes, Page 3

Treasurer’s Report for December, 2017,

Pages 7 and 8

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From the Interim Minister

Lenten Study Program

The theme and title for this year’s Lenten study program is: The Fourth Evangelist: A

Writer for his Time (100C.E.) and our Time (2,100C.E.) The Gospel of John is distinctly

different from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke (the Synoptic Gospels). During the

first four sessions of this program, we will be looking at the four miracles found in John to

consider how his treatment of them stands apart from what is found in the Synoptics. It can

be said that John is the most sacramental of the Gospel writer in that the sacraments (most

especially, the Eucharist) are central to his book. John’s audience was the church in his

day, possibly with a special interest in the Church in Ephesus. His purpose was to teach,

most importantly, to teach the meaning of the bread, wine and water in the worship life of

the church. In his day, much controversy was in the church around these elements. Behind

the controversy was a lot of politics as different groups strived to gain power and influence

among the early believers. John’s theology and his Gospel was the one that eventually

gained ascendency and provided the theological foundation for what became the Roman

Church. The fifth session will focus on John 21, the chapter reporting the appearance of the

resurrected Jesus to the Disciples on the beach. We will try to tie the previous sessions

together here as well as be looking ahead to the events of Holy Week.

This program comes with two parts. Part A is the fellowship around tables for a potluck

meal to begin the evening. Part B is the time for study and discussion. Both are important

and I am looking forward to these evenings with many of you and hope that you will be

there. Below is a schedule of the Sessions and readings. Try to read the passages ahead of

the sessions.

#1: February 21 Feeding the Five Thousand, John 6: 1-15.

#2: February 28 The Cana Wedding Feast, John 2: 1-12.

#3: March 7 The Samaritan Woman at the Well, John 4: 1-42.

#4: March 14 Lazarus John 11: 1-44.

#5: March 21 Breakfast on the Beach John 21: 1-25

Annual Meeting Coming Up!

The 135th annual meeting of the congregation of St. Andrew’s United Church of Christ is planned on Sunday, February 11, immediately following the 10 a.m. worship service.

The annual report for 2017 is a bit delayed. It will be distributed to members on Sunday, February 4th and mailed on Monday, February 5th to members who were not able to pick up a copy. Please plan to attend this “year in review” meeting.

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Ash Wednesday Service Planned

On Wednesday, February 14, 2018, we are planning an Ash Wednesday worship service.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. It symbolizes the days which

lead up to Jesus’ crucifixion and subsequent resurrection when Christ spent 40 days and

nights alone in the Judaean Desert being tempted by Satan.

The service will begin at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The Imposition of Ashes will be

administered during worship.

Notes of Appreciation

Jane Finkbeiner and her daughter Donna would both like to thank everyone who prayed for

Jane, signed their name or wrote a note on the Caring Letter, called and visited following

her hip surgery. Jane is doing great and recovering nicely. She will be out and about and

back in church soon.

Thank you

Donna

♥ ♥ ♥ I would like to thank everyone for all the get well wishes and prayers during my illness.

I’m very happy in my new apartment in Saline. Thank you all for your kindness.

With Gratitude,

Gerry Sharrar

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At the November, 2017 monthly dinner, the bake sale earned $145.00 which was donated to

the “Shop with a Cop” program. We received a very nice letter from them and it is posted

on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall. It’s rather long, and we don’t have room to

print the entire letter, so please check out the letter and pictures that were sent.

♥ ♥ ♥

At the December, 2017 monthly dinner, the bake sale earned $214.00 which was donated to

the Ronald McDonald house 2017 Share a Night Appeal. The donation will go toward

providing a “home-away-from-home” for families whose children are being treated for life-

threatening conditions at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Please check the bulletin board in

the fellowship hall to read the entire letter of thanks. And thank you to all of our wonderful

bakers for making this possible!

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January Worship Service Attendance Figures

January, 2018 January, 2017

59 56

52 48

70 61

58 66

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2018 Upcoming Monthly Dinners

February through May, 2018

Listed below are the upcoming monthly dinners we have planned for the first half of the

2018 calendar year. The cost of the dinners is -- $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for youth ages 5-12

and free for children 4 and younger. If you are not able to stay and eat in the fellowship

hall, carry out meals are available as well. Tickets are sold at the door. Please join us for a

tasty meal and a wonderful time of fellowship.

Thursday, February 1 Roast Pork, Knoeffle, and Sauerkraut Dinner

Thursday, March 1 Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner

Thursday, April 5 Baked Chicken Dinner

Thursday, May 3 Meat Loaf Dinner

On a related note, if you are interested in helping to prepare or serve the dinners, please

contact Judie Dioszegi at 433-9132 or Carolyn Lowery at 424-9213. Let us do the cookin’ for

you and enjoy a wonderful time of fellowship at our upcoming dinners. We look forward to

seeing and serving you!

February Birthdays

3 - Cindy Strudgeon 14 - Cheryl Brown

7 - Shanna Judit 15 - Kyle Slavik

- Emily Mosher 18 - Ben Wheeler

- Peggy Otto 20 - Sarah Even

8 - Courtney Thompson

- Suzanne Van Natter 28 - Mike Sweet

9 - Ann Shoop

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As there was not a quorum present, the Consistory did not officially meet but held

discussions on the following:

Elder Report – Looking at changing to one service on Sunday.

Pastor Report – Will continue with Lenten study and Potluck. I am looking to do a

visioning process as a preparation toward the search process.

Music Committee – Meet to discuss a possible Youth Music program. Rev. Brown would

like to have a Music Appreciation Sunday.

Old Business – Still looking at purchasing (or donation) an AED (Defibrillator) and some

type of video doorbell for the Fellowship Hall.

New Business – We are still looking for candidates for Consistory.

Mission and Outreach

FAITH IN ACTION SUNDAY

The first Sunday of the month has been designated Faith in Action Sunday for the

collection of food items and personal items for the Dexter Food Pantry of Faith in Action.

Donations can be left in the basket in the Narthex and the box in the fellowship hall that

are designated “Faith In Action”. Each month we will publish in the Chronicle items that

are needed. The food pantry can use most non-perishable items and household cleaning

products. They will even accept frozen meats. All donated items are appreciated. Below

are the items in most need.

FOOD ITEMS IN THE MOST NEED FOR FEBRUARY

Cake Mixes Frosting Mandarin Oranges

Canned Pineapple Peanut Butter Mayonnaise

Salad Dressing Sugar (2 lb. bag) Mac and Cheese (7.25 oz. box)

Kleenex Tissue

Please note… The Dexter Pantry has relocated to 7275 Joy Rd. and has re-opened in its

new space. It is right next to the Canine Sports.

Any items you wish to donate are appreciated. A good place to shop for non-brand items

is the Dollar Stores or Dollar isles at the grocery store.

January 15, 2018

Consistory Committee

Meeting Briefing

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Seasonal clothing can be donated to the Chelsea office as well as any medical equipment.

Want to be a volunteer, contact Faith in Action at 475-3305 or visit their website at

www.faithinaction1.org. February Stewardship Message Inspirational and Inspiring Gifts - Making Pancakes

-- Author Unknown

Six-year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes He

found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled

out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk

and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor, which by now had a few tracks left

by his kitten.

Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something

very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad. He didn't know what to do next,

whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked!

Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away,

knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess

but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.

And just then, he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in

Brandon's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess.

He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But, his father just watched

him. Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved

him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!

That's how God deals with us. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a

mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we can't stand our job, or our

health goes sour.

Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do.

That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess

gets all over Him.

But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to "make pancakes" for God or

for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried.

I was thinking, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships

that need rekindling or three words needing to be said... sometimes, "I love you" can heal

and bless!

Suppose one morning you were called to God... do all of your friends know you care about

them? Remind your special friends and relatives that you love them dearly, while you can,

even if you don't think they love back. You would be amazed at what those three little

words, a smile, and a reminder like this can do.

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Pass some of this love on to others... send this to everyone you love... and never stop

"making pancakes."

Financial Report, December, 2017 Funds and Account Balances Report

RRRReported at the January 15eported at the January 15eported at the January 15eported at the January 15, 2018, 2018, 2018, 2018 Consistory Meeting Consistory Meeting Consistory Meeting Consistory Meeting GENERAL

November 30, 2017 Actual Ending Balance $ 32,806.62 December Income Giving 64,835.00 Flowers 50.00 Monthly Dinner 1,075.00 Rental 175.00 Coffee Hour 20.00 Pass Through 240.00 Christmas Fund 26.00 Total Income 66,421.00 December Expenses Payroll 2,148.00 Payroll Taxes & Processing 1,108.55 Utilities – Church 1,245.85 Utilities – Parsonage 249.11 Repairs, Maintenance & Custodial 721.85 Repairs, Maintenance – Parsonage 420.52 Office Expense 45.00 Insurance/Worker’s Comp 1,543.50 Monthly Dinner 232.49 Pass Through 240.00 Flowers 437.00 Lawn mowing (Oct & Nov) 500.00 Snow Plowing 2,680.00 Rummage Sale 25.00 Organ Repair 250.00 Christmas Fund 26.00 Total Expenses $11,872.87

Ending Cash Balance 87,354.75 Checks outstanding + 5,814.98 Unposted Deposit - 836.00 Ending Bank Balance-General Fund 92,333.73 OTHER FUNDS Buildings Fund Balance 12/31/2017 16,562.79 Bank Account Balance 12/31/2017 108,896.52 MONEY OWED TO MEMORIAL FUND (38,748.98)

(Continued on Page 8)

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BUDGET Budgeted Income 152,791.00 Actual Income 176,087.00 Budgeted Expenses 152,791.00 Actual Expenses 137,985.00 NOTES: Income in December and for the year is much higher than anticipated due to a $50,000 donation at the

end of the year. The donor has requested that the Church invest this money in an endowment fund for future use by the Church. The Finance Committee will meet with an investor for a safe investment much like the Cemetery and Memorial Funds are placed into.

Had we not had such an unexpected donation, the income/giving this year would have been $26,000

less than expected and expenses were more than $14,000 than budgeted.

St. Andrew’s Consistory Members

President Carol Jones

Vice-President Johnny Weber

Secretary Cathy Gagalis

Rev. Kendall Brown Interim Pastor

Madison Even Youth Representative

Cathy Gagalis Deacon

Carol Jones Deacon, Stewardship Committee

Carolyn Lowery Deacon, Kitchen Committee

Ray Lowery Deacon, Technical Committee

Denise Marshall Deacon, Christian Education Committee

Scott Marshall Elder, Ushers

Karen McIlroy Deacon, Missions and Outreach

Bob Stacey Elder, Building Committee

Coleen Tomshany Deacon, Good Shepherds Committee

Gerri Van Doren Elder, Music Committee

Joyce Waggoner Deacon, Memorial Board

Johnny Weber Deacon, Fellowship Committee

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February, 2018

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 9-11 am: 5-6:30 pm: Monthly Dinner

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8:30 and 10 am Holy Communion

Received

11:30 am: Finance Comm. Meets

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11 am: Church Staff Meeting

7 7-9 am: BNI Group Meets 1 pm: Ladies Bible Study 7 pm: Chancel Choir Rehearsal

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9-11 am: Piece- makers Quilting Group

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10 11 am-1:30 pm: Girl Scout Troop #40679 Meet in Fellowship Hall

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8:30 and 10 am Worship Services 11:30 am: 135th Annual Meeting Takes Place

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11 am: Church Staff Meeting

14 7-9 am: BNI Group Meets 1 pm: Ladies Bible Study 6 pm: Ash Wednesday Worship Service 7 pm: Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Ash Wednesday

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9-11 am: Piece-makers Quilting

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18 8:30 and 10 am Worship Services 11:30 am: Pastoral Relations Comm. Meets

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6 pm: Elders Meet 7 pm: Consistory Comm. Meets

20 11 am: Church Staff Meeting

March, 2018

Chronicle Items

Due

21 7-9 am: BNI Group Meets 1 pm: Ladies Bible Study 5 pm: Lenten Pot Luck 6 pm: Lenten Study Series 7 pm: Chancel Choir Rehearsal

22 9-11 am: Piece-makers Quilting 12:30 pm: Dominoes Group

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24 11 am-1:30 pm: Girl Scout Troop #40679 Meet in Fellowship Hall

25 8:30 and 10 am: Worship Services 3 pm: Vision for the Future Open Meeting

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27 11 am: Church Staff Meeting

28 7-9 am: BNI Group Meets 1 pm: Ladies Bible Study 5 pm: Lenten Pot Luck 6 pm: Lenten Study Series 7 pm: Chancel Choir Rehearsal

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