Friends:
The congregational meeting last Sunday was both difficult and necessary. We discussed the church financial situation related to the upkeep of our building and grounds, and our declining worship attendance numbers. Very nice presentations were made by both Gary and Suzy Henschen on the cost and care of our physical building and grounds. Jennifer Baker led the meeting giving some of the statistics of our congregational members related to age, length of time at the church, and a breakdown of how far people live from the church. 
We then broke into small groups at our tables and talked about the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Concerns we face as a congregation. A Council spokesperson from each table read the highlights from their respective tables. We will get those results out to you shortly. 
 While much was discussed and shared, a key "strength" we have relied on for over 80 years is that God is with us! From Matthew 1:23 when Jesus was born "You shall name the child, Emmanuel, which means "God with us!" Be encouraged my family of faith at St. Andrews, as I have said before, we don't know what the future holds. But we do know Who holds that future: Jesus!
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TOP THREE THINGS TO KNOW FOR THIS WEEK OF MARCH 19th:
1) Lenten Services, Wednesday, the 22nd, 6 p.m. light supper/ 7 p.m. worship at St. Andrews. Our experiential study of Christian faith practices continues with Journaling. Everyone will get a small journal to use to experience this faith-based practice of Christian spirituality.
2) Saturday, Clothes Closet 10-12. Do you know anyone who needs help with clothes? Do you have a little time to come help volunteer??
3) Holy Week and Easter:
    Maundy Thursday:  Agape Dinner at Faith, Thursday, April 6, 6 p.m
    Good Friday: Service at St. Andrews, 7 p.m., April 7th 
        (*There is also a G.F. Community Worship service at Speedway Baptist at 7 p.m.)
    Easter Sunday:  Sunrise Easter service (indoors) at Faith, April 9th, 7:16 a.m.
            Easter breakfast at St. A's 10 a.m./ Festival Worship service 11 a.m.
Please remember in your prayers David Schmaltz, Bobbie Moore and Jeannette Burbrink. 
God be with you until we meet again!
+Pastor Doug