St. Andrew’s Lutheran Times

September 2020

St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church Volume 26, Issue 9

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Staff & Ministry Coordinators

Pastors:

Manuel Retamoza

Sarah Sumner-Eisenbraun

Director of Parish Administration:

Meri Jo Petrivelli

Bookkeeper/Welcome Ministry

Coordinator:

Sara Zimmerly

Office Administrator:

Paula McDonald

Preschool Director: Stephanie Alexander

Music Director:

Scott Skinner

W.I.N. Coordinators:

Karla Barry & Kristin Hetrick

Nursery Attendants:

Teri Potts

Gianna Bertsche

Jasmine Lawson

Manuel G Retamoza

Jack Peterson

Congregation President:

Holly Ferrante

Prayer Ministry:

Sara Hench 619-583-4702

hench1@cox.net

Marilyn Duba 619-464-6362

simplysunshine27@gmail.com

Office Hours:

Monday-Thursday 9am-2pm

Friday 9am-12pm

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The submission deadline for the

October Salt Shaker is September

15th. Typed or neatly printed articles

with your name and phone number

may be left in the church office.

Articles must be 200 words or less

and may be edited for space. Email

submissions are preferred. Send

them to:

info@StAndrewsLutheran.church

A Message from Pastor Sarah...

Recently someone shared the following poem or invocation with me:

Over the last several weeks there has been a subtle, but important shift happening for us as the staff and lay leadership of St. Andrew’s. We are attempting to move ourselves out of a crisis/reactive ministry mindset and into more proactive and intentional vision for ministry for the months ahead. It’s not easy to admit that it may be a while before we are able to return to a sense of normalcy, at least we understood “normal” to look like in our pre-pandemic lives. Then again, it’s likely we will never be able to return to that “normal.”

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We spent the first several weeks and months of the shut-down in response to COVID-19 figuring out how we could continue to foster an ongoing sense of Christian community even though we couldn’t be physically together. When I think about everything that we have been through, I feel overwhelmed by how faithful, supportive, and generous this congregation was and is throughout so much upheaval. When we began live-streaming worship, you all showed up and joined in, even as your pastors and musicians were still learning how to make use of the technology. When our local food pantries expressed a need, you all filled our narthex and mailbox with donations. When George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis sparked protests and unrest across the country around the issue of racial justice, including here in La Mesa, you all responded with a desire to learn how to be a source of healing for hurting people and divided communities. When the wildfires began not far from here near our beloved LutherGlen camp and now in Northern CA, you immediately responded by lifting up these communities in prayer and supporting in whatever ways you could. In the midst of the daily challenges we all face living through a pandemic, this congregation’s heart for following Jesus by loving and serving our neighbors has continued to shine. As a pastor, your faith gives me strength and hope. In John 15, Jesus says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” So as we shift gears and look forward, I believe that we have fruitful ministry ahead of us this fall. It may not look the way we want it to- some pruning has happened. But, at the same time, Jesus promises that as we abide in him we will continue to bear fruit. I also believe that we have a chance to work together to create Brave Space here at St. Andrew’s, as the poem by Micky ScottBey Jones states. This space may not be a physical space at this time, but rather a spiritual space, where we struggle together, grow together, and support one another to continue proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for the sake of the world. In a practical sense, this Brave Space will take the shape of an intentional series we are calling our “Welcoming Initiative.” Throughout the year ahead you will be invited to participate in trainings, conversations, and learning modules that will help us as a congregation deepen our sense of how the Holy Spirit is calling us to live out our mission “to be disciples and to make disciples.” It’s going to be fun too! We look forward to sharing more specifics with you very soon. In the meantime, may you find strength and rootedness in Christ, the true vine. Pastor Sarah

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PRESCHOOL NEWS

What better way to celebrate the 20th year of St. Andrew’s Lutheran

Preschool than by welcoming children back! We re-opened the

preschool on Monday, August 31, 2020 for 10 children. We will be

following federal, state and county guidelines and protocols for keeping

our staff, the children and their families safe. We do have a few spots

available in our Tuesday, Thursday class if you know of anyone looking

for a preschool.

At this time of the year we usually ask the congregation to help support

the preschool with our coupon board, but due to the continuing COVID

pandemic we are doing it differently.

Please watch for more information for a “virtual coupon board” through Amazon and our wish

list as part of our God’s Work, Our Hands weekend.

The teachers and I are excited about returning to the work we love. Please keep us and our

returning families in your prayers as we navigate our new world.

Blessing to you all,

Stephanie Alexander, Preschool Director

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Just a reminder of our Church Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00am – 2:00pm and Friday 9:00am – 12:00pm. At this time we continue to err on the side of caution. The office is not open to the public and w e ask that no one enter . Please give us a call in the church office at (619) 464-4211 if you plan to pick something up or need to drop something off. Thank you!

Due to COVID-19, the company producing our directory has shut down

their warehouse. We are working with them to figure out a new plan

and when we will receive our directories.

We are sorry for the inconvenience. We will communicate to you when

we have more information.

Any questions, please contact Sara Zimmerly at

saraz@standrewslutheran.church

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY UPDATE

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Please remember to take a look at our Facebook page for the most up to date congregational information and what’s happening here at St. Andrew’s! If you are not receiving our weekly emails containing links, bulletins, and more, please call the church office at (619) 464-4211. Don’t forget to go to the YouTube channel for recorded worship services and all other recorded activities!

We are grateful for the financial support provided throughout the year, but especially during this challenging time. You can make a contribution via the donation tab on our website, mail us a check, drop a check into our office mail slot, or use Venmo. St. Andrew’s Website: standrew slutheran.church Venmo: @StAndrew sLutheran-church

REMINDER

ST. ANDREW’S YOUTH

SALT (High School Youth Group) continues to meet on Zoom on Sunday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm. We will be revisiting the day and time that we gather to try and accommodate the needs and schedules of the youth.

Confirmation will also begin again online at the end of September. More information will be shared soon with our Confirmation families and guides.

THANK YOU

“Dear Meri Jo, Rachel and all the ladies of the parish who made

the prayer quilt for my daughter Serena. She’s had two surgeries

since the first of the year, both successful, with great pathology

results. Your prayers and thoughtfulness and the quilt are greatly

appreciated. The prayer quilt is absolutely beautiful and will be

cherished for all of our lives. Thank you so much. Sincerely,

Iolanda Sardo & Family.”

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STEPHEN MINISTRY

Our Mission Statement: “…bringing Christ’s love to people who are hurting.” As I write this, we are quarantined-- keeping a safe distance and staying home. I don’t think any of us can remember a situation quite like this in our lifetime. I do remember the polio quarantine when I was a child. Schools were closed, and we could only play with our brothers and sisters in our own yards. We lived in a housing project at that time where living was close, very small yards, if any, and there were a lot of children. The local police would come around and check to make sure we were not playing with children other than our brothers and sisters. Every day someone from the health department would come by and check to see if we had a stiff neck, fever or were not feeling well. People did go to work and businesses continued. This pandemic is world-wide and the quarantine is really unprecedented. I know these things can add tremendous stress on all of us especially those of us who have lost jobs, income, have children home and cannot get out to grocery shop. When and if we go, the supplies are short or nonexistent. There seems to be no end to the stress and concerns for the people in health care and other service organizations as they continue to care for people and take care of themselves. Then there are the people in the food industry, grocers and all the other underappreciated people that work in the retail industry. The list goes on. Whether you are at home, staying safe with your children or you are on the front lines trying to keep us safe and supplied, the stress is there. Stephen Ministers are here for you. We are just a phone call away. Stephen Ministers are trained lay ministers that will listen to you in the midst of all this chaos. Telecare is available to you if you need to talk. We are trained to actively listen. Telecare has been around since the inception of Stephen Ministry. The same rules of confidentiality and one-on-one caring apply. Please know we care and will listen to you and allow you to process through your struggles. Christ will be in the midst and will do the curing; we will do the caring. If you want to talk, pick up the phone and call the church office. You will be put in touch with a Stephen Minister. It’s just a phone call away. In His Service, Jo Shortreed, Co-Leader, Stephen Ministry

OPEN DOOR PRAYER TIME

Greetings! Open Door Prayer Time was halted this last Spring. However, I continue to set aside

Thursdays during the hours of 10AM and 1PM each week for prayer and spiritual reading. My door

is closed but my phone line is open. I welcome any call regarding prayer during those hours on

Thursdays. We can pray together in each other’s presence on the phone, a prayer can be left with me

or we can decide to pray together later at a specific time, separately.

My phone number is 619-464-6362. If you have the need during those hours do

phone. Always know for on-going prayer our Prayer Ministry continues with Sara

Hench or myself or the church office. Just phone us.

Thanks to everyone who keep us intact and bring us His word. Peace and safety

everyone.

Marilyn Tabor Duba

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PRAYER MINISTRY

Here is a list of those we prayed for

in August:

HEALING: Joanne Beets; Melissa (Kay

Sweet’s granddaughter); Ryan McElvain

PEACE & COMFORT: Fam ily & Friends of

Pastor Laurie Line; Pastor George Johnson (friend

of Laurel Gray); Friends & Family of Shirley

Haldiman

SUCCESSFUL PROCEDURE: Em m a Lyon (Bill Lyon ’s mother)

SAFE DEPLOYMENT: David Herman (Lori & Frank Herm an ’s son)

THANKSGIVING FOR THE LIFE OF: Laurie Line; Shirley Haldim an

To place a prayer on the prayer list, please contact Sara Hench at (619) 583-4702

Hench1@cox.net or Marilyn Duba at (619) 464-6362 simplysunshine27@gmail.com

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Here are the Prayer Quilt Recipients for August:

Joanne Beets-Prayers are for complete recovery and healing.

Shirley Wallen-Ball-Prayers are for God’s healing grace and peace.

Holly Sinford-Prayers are for comfort and peace.

Rachel Line-Prayers are for comfort and peace.

Alex Hobbs-Prayers are for healing, peace and comfort.

How You Can Request a Prayer Quilt:

Prayer quilt request forms can be found in the church office, or online at the church

website, https://standrewslutheran.church

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TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

We are happy to announce that the Tuesday Morning Bible Study resum ed last m onth! This group will “meet” via the Zoom platform at 10:00am Tuesday mornings. Everyone will be able to participate using either their computer/tablet or with a phone. You do not need an internet connection to dial in.

We are discussing the Old Testament book of Micah. He was a prophet who spoke God’s word to a nation in turmoil in the 8th century BCE. We are looking at what God’s message was to the original audience, and what God’s message might be for us today. If you are interested in joining, please email Meri Jo Petrivelli (merijop@standrewslutheran.church) or call the church office. The link to the discussion will not be posted publicly, and you must have the link or phone number to join us. We hope many of you will participate – it will be good to “be together” even as we are still apart. Contact Meri Jo Petrivelli if you have any questions.

2020 DONOR INCENTIVES

Did you know the Cares Act provided great incentives for donors in 2020? For those who don't

itemize, you can give up to $300 to your favorite church or nonprofit and claim the standard

deduction. This is new for 2020.

For individuals who do itemize there is an incentive for you to give more as the

adjusted gross income has been increased from 60% to 100%. This means

donors who make large gifts may want to give this larger amount all in one

year instead of over several years. Corporations can also give 25% rather

than10% of their taxable income to churches or nonprofits.

If your company makes contributions perhaps they should consider St.

Andrew’s. These incentives are in place to help churches and nonprofits now

when the help is needed most!!

SAVE THE DATE! GOD’S WORK, OUR HANDS

God’s Work, Our Hands w eekend Septem ber 12 & 13, 2020. This weekend is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America-one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. Stay tuned for service activities which we will take part in, to help make our community a better place!

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ZOOM, ZOOM , ZOOM, ON-LINE, & STREAMING…

That seems to be the hot word these days, “Zoom” this and that! Along with on-line and streaming. We are adapting to an ever changing world and we thank you all for continuing to support our journey together. Though we may not be amongst each other physically in person, we are most definitely spiritually connected, thanks to a little help from our on-line platforms. Happy Hour Zoom: Saturday evenings at 6:15pm after w orship. The link to join the Happy Hour will be posted in the chat box at the end of the Live Stream worship service on Saturday and is included in the weekly email. Adult Forum Zoom: Sunday m ornings at 11:15am after w orship. W e continue our discussion of Dear Church by ELCA pastor Lenny Duncan. The link to the forum will be posted in the chat box at the end of the Live Stream on Sunday and is included in the weekly email. SALT (High School Group) Zoom: Sunday evenings at 6:30pm . Look for the link to join this meeting via GroupMe or contact one of the pastors to receive the link. Tuesday Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:00 am via Zoom . See the previous article for details. Yoga On-line: Join Saige W alding W ednesday m ornings at 9:15am . Go to our Facebook page to tune in and participate! All ages and skill levels are welcome! Men’s Bible Study Zoom: Fr iday m ornings at 8:00am . Contact Don Bauza at donbauza@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link.

LOL—LENSES OF LOVE

So many people have lost their ability to physically connect to their families and friends. I have. But I’m discovering that I’m part of a larger family too. I’m beginning to see my connections to people all over.

We all have people we love deeply and dearly; those people we call our family. Our blood ties, genetic ties, long-term relationships. But as we open our hearts we’ll discover a larger family. We have a kinship with those we’ve never met. We share many of the same emotional responses to the experiences in our lives.

What are you going through in your life right now? Don’t feel you’re the only one. Open your eyes. Open your hearts to your connections with your larger family. Let them share their stories with you. Let them share their strengths, hopes, fears, and joys. Go on an adventure of discovering your common bonds.

An excellent vehicle to do this is through LOL – Lenses of Love which is a Discipleship ministry that pairs people to be joy and love as they receive joy and love from others and also while creating a new friend relationship. It’s a ministry that identifies universal love between us.

I’m looking for people who wish to be that joy and love - the LOL Befrienders – those who are able to visit either in person (depending on the comfort of each of you) or by phone; and am also looking for those who are not able to leave their homes – the LOL Friends, who wish to receive the joy and love through a call or a visit (depending on the comfort of each of you). Please contact me via email cdwalczak@gmail.com or by phone (858) 414-1173 if you wish to be part of this universal love ministry.

We’re not in this alone, we’re in this together! That’s why it’s called universal love.

—Cheryl Walczak, LOL Coordinator

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St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church

8350 Lake Murray Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92119

OUR MISSION: TO BE DISCIPLES AND TO MAKE DISCIPLES

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St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church 8350 Lake Murray Boulevard

San Diego, CA 92119

Phone: 619-464-4211

Website: www.standrewslutheran.church

E-mail: Info@StAndrewslutheran.church

PastorManuel@StAndrewslutheran.church PastorSarah@StAndrewslutheran.church

Preschool: 619-469-3531