HIRING: Office Administrator Position at St. Andrew Lutheran Church

St. Andrew Lutheran Church is seeking a well-organized Office Administrator. This position will provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere to all who walk in the doors of the building and call to receive information about the congregation. This position will help to facilitate the ministries of the congregation and the day to day business of the congregation.

The Primary Responsibilities of the Office Administrator will be:

·         To provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere to all who walk in the doors of the building and call to

receive information about the congregation.

·         To help facilitate the ministries and the day to day business of the congregation.

·         To provide administrative support to the Pastor, music director and church leaders as they carry out

the ministries of the congregation.

·         To facilitate communications within the congregation and outside the walls of the congregation.

·         Be able to maintain strict confidentiality of all communications between Pastor, staff, and members.

Failure to adhere to confidentiality requirements may result in immediate termination.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Maintain regular office hours and weekly staff meeting with Pastor and music director.

·         Maintain the master calendar of the congregation to ensure the use of both congregational

programming and community organizations. Paying special attention in making sure there are no

conflicts in scheduling.

·         Answer phone calls and emails promptly and politely. Take messages and deliver messages to the

appropriate recipients in a timely manner.

·         Process incoming and outgoing office mail for the Pastor, staff and church leaders.

·         Empower and coordinate volunteers to assist in the work and ministry of the church whenever

possible.

·         Organize and maintain an orderly filing system for all church records. Maintain reports that need to

go to the synod. Keep mailing list up to date. Maintain the computerized data bases as directed

(PowerChurch and ServiceBuilder).

·         Maintain Music Copyright records and file reports as required by Music Director.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

·         High School Graduate.  

·         Skilled interpersonal communications and relationship building.

·         Strong oral communications skills and personal demeanor.

·         Organized and effective time management.

·         Demonstrates computer skills and proficient with Microsoft Office.

·         Demonstrates and has knowledge to work on the St. Andrew website.

·         Demonstrates and has knowledge to prepare the Power Point presentations for Sunday morning

worship and other worship services at St. Andrew.

General:

·         This position is half-time, hourly employee, and as such, carries no benefits other than one week paid

vacation per year, after one year of service.

·         This position reports directly to the Pastor.

·         Must be eligible and maintain eligibility for a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card.

·         Shall be on probation for the first three months of employment.

·         St. Andrew Lutheran Church is a Drug Free Workplace.

·         St. Andrew Lutheran Church shall provide Workers Compensation Insurance and participate in the

Federal FICA/Medicare Program.

How to apply:  Submit a cover letter, resume, along with three personal references to officeadmin@saintandrewaz.org.

Pastor's Pen

Sacred Failure

The church season of Lent is upon us!  Wednesday, February 26 is Ash Wednesday, and it is on this day that we begin a journey toward the cross and ultimately the resurrection.  Christians often either give up something during Lent that gets in the way of their faith (for example, gossiping, alcohol, or complaining) or add something during Lent that enriches their faith (for example, mid-week Lenten worship, Daily Lenten Prayer, or daily Bible reading).  This year, ELCA youth are challenging the larger church to give up the use of single-use plastics because of the destructive nature of both the production and disposal of single-use plastics to Earth.  If you would like to accept their challenge, I suggest you choose one particular single-use plastic you utilize regularly and identify a sustainable alternative that truly works for you—so that you can continue using it even after Easter.  Examples include substituting bamboo or regular silverware for the plastic silverware you get at fast food restaurants, substituting a hard plastic water bottle for single-use plastic bottles, or substituting clothe grocery bags for plastic grocery bags. 

Each Wednesday at 6:30 pm beginning March 4, we gather for mid-week Lenten worship with Holden Evening Prayer around the theme Sacred Failure.  Because we are finite human beings, we have all failed.  While failure often feels scary and shameful, failure can lead to learning and growth.  In fact, in the realm of science and technology, failure is celebrated because it shows what is not true or what doesn’t work—which is revelatory and helpful!  Each Wednesday, a brave soul from our community will share a story of their failure as a way of encouraging us all and creating a space that is open to discussing failure.    

Weekly Themes

March 4: Failure is…common to humanity

March 11: Failure is…a way to grow

March 18: When failure is…sin

March 25: Failure is…a site of revelation

April 1: Failure is…common among God’s people

Please join us for mid-week Lenten worship each Wednesday as well as the meal prior to worship at 5:30 pm in Hope Hall.

During Sunday morning worship, we are invited to consider our failures, not as shameful deeds but as places of growth and revelation.  Each Sunday during both services, stones will be available for placement at the cross, stones that represent our failures.  Just as the cross was a symbol of shame and humiliation, we may feel that way about our failures.  But as Christians, we know that the cross is ultimately a symbol of new life—just as our failures give way to learning and growth.

Praying that Lent is truly a time of growth and discovery for all of us!

Pastor Sarah

Ministry Partner Spotlight: Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) is part of a larger network of Lutheran Social Services throughout the United States.  Here in Arizona, LSS-SW is celebrating 50 years of loving the neighbor in tangible ways.  Through its programs, LSS-SW tends the work of justice to which we are all called as people of God, including caring for children and our elders, resettling refugees and providing temporary refuge for those who seek asylum, and sheltering and empowering those without homes to seek a more stable future.  Though the programs of LSS-SW are staffed by professionals, many volunteers and donations from congregations and the community at large make this ministry possible.  Here at Grace, we have partnered with LSS-SW to provide diaper bags and toddler bags for foster parents.  For a time, we provided child care for foster parents, and we occasionally respond to emergent needs as identified by LSS-SW.  

If you are interested in going on a one-hour tour of LSS-SW to learn more about their ministry, Pastor Sarah and/or another Grace member who already supports the mission of LSS-SW would be delighted to set that up!  Please let us know.

We give thanks to God for the partnership and the ministry of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest!   

Capital Conference Collaboration

The Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA, of which Grace is a part, is broken into smaller “conferences” comprised of 8-12 congregations per conference.  Grace is part of the Capital Conference, and conference designations are intended to help people of faith and goodwill work together in ministry.  Here in the Capital Conference, we work together already through our shared confirmation program (CALL), our shared high school youth program (PhLY), our shared newsletter (All CAPS), our conference gatherings (next one: March 21 @ 9:00 am), and occasional events such as the conference-wide pulpit exchange and service project last September. 

Now, during February 2020, the synod is convening pastors and a few elected leaders from each congregation for intentional conversation about deeper collaboration.  Those who will be part of the process from Grace include Tim Gallen, Renee Waterstradt, Brian Flatgard, Vicar Beth, and Pastor Sarah.  We do not know what the Spirit will do in these conversations, but it is not a secret that many mainline denominations have too many buildings and too few people to pay for the upkeep.  And perhaps even more importantly, we know that we are church together for the sake of the world God loves, not isolated communities.  As this process unfolds, we will share the possibilities for deeper collaboration with the larger congregation.

Building Community

Greetings, Grace Community,

The Faith Formation Ministry Team is in motion. Thanks to all for carefully reading the excellent 2019 report contained in the annual meeting book. The team’s scope and sequence is now fresh in mind. Volunteer and participation opportunities abound with hospitality, GRACE TIME, planning/visioning VBS, Christmas Program, LSS partnership projects, and exploring new direction.

Right now, let’s focus on a new idea. Who among us is or might be isolated due to injury or illness? Who is isolated by location or lack of transportation? Who is concerned about their physical safety? Are you a fall risk? Do you have chronic medical concerns? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, let’s explore how the Grace community could help relieve or assist with this very broad need. Initially, the team has thought to develop a check-in system with those who wish to participate. This could be a scheduled phone call, text, or email. Participants might be openly signed on (as happens on the prayer chain), or they might be confidential. The check-in chat at its most basic premise is a chance to talk to a friend and connect with someone who cares. Going forward, this might expand to an assistance program for identified needs? Social/learning/wellness opportunities though classes or events? Do you see what we are getting at?

We ask for your thoughts and ideas to help this be realized. If you think it’s unnecessary, then share why that is. The team meets every second Sunday after 2nd service in the North Room. Pray about this, people of Grace, and join us for ministry.

In Christ,

Fran Fry, council liaison

WELCA Bible Studies

WELCA (Women of the ELCA) Bible Study

The WELCA Bible Study group meets every first Thursday of the month at 9:30 am in the North Room.

Women’s Biblical Equipping Bible Study

The Biblical Equipping study meets every third Thursday of every month at 9:30 am in the North Room.  Women of all ages are welcome to both!

The Holy Spirit

Throughout the Bible, the Holy Spirit is spoken of as God’s divine power. During the month of February, Grace Time (Sundays at 9:45 am in the North Room) will explore the power of the Holy Spirit.

GLOW (Grace Lutheran on Wednesdays)

Wednesdays in Hope Hall

5:30 pm Meal

6:15 pm Bible Study

During February, we will explore the theme Confounding Our Expectations: Rereading Familiar Biblical Stories.  Each week, we will welcome a person of faith from outside our community who comes from a different tradition to share their perspective on familiar biblical stories and characters.  All are welcome!

On the third Wednesday of every month, just after dinner and just prior to Bible study, at about 6:15 pm, we grieve the loss and celebrate the lives of those who died in the previous month but remain unclaimed at the coroner’s office.

Ash Wednesday is February 23, and beginning that night, GLOW attendees will participate in mid-week Lenten worship. 

Ministry Map 2020

Here’s how we organize ministry at Grace Lutheran Church! If you would like a copy of this Mission Map, please contact Adrienne in the church (officemanager@graceinthecity.com) or Pastor Sarah (pastorsarah@graceinthecity.com).

February CALL @ Grace

During February, CALL participants meet on Sundays, February 2 and 16, 12:45-3:00 pm at Grace in Hope Hall.

PhLY 80's Night!

High school youth, you are encouraged to attend the next PhLY event which is 80’s Night on Saturday, February 8, 4:00-8:00 pm at St. Andrew Lutheran Church at 31st Avenue and Cholla!  For more information, contact Casey at PhLYministry@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/PhLYministry.

February Wilbur Emphasis: ELCA World Hunger & Mount of Olives Food Closet

During February, Wilbur the Pig is receiving monetary donations for ELCA World Hunger and non-perishable food donations for the Mount of Olives Food Closet.  You may bring your food donations to Sunday morning worship or to the church office.  Specifically, the food closet is in need of:

Plastic Spoons

Plastic Forks

Plastic Knives

Soup Cans with a pop top

Plastic Grocery Bags 

However, all non-perishable food donations are much appreciated!  The food closet distributes food to around 100 households each Thursday.  Only about 10-12 of those people do not have a fridge/freezer/place to cook, so the food closet volunteers make special on-the-go bags for those guests. That is how the closet uses soups, plastic ware, and bags. 

Spiritual Adventure 2020: February 9 Hike

For those going on the spiritual adventure to northern Minnesota in July 2020, part of our covenant to one another is participation in all team building sessions as listed in the covenant.  Our next team building hike is Sunday, February 9 at 12:30 pm.  We will meet in Hope Hall and carpool to Dreamy Draw Recreation Area for a hike.  Make sure you are going for walks and hikes are your own in the meantime!

Sunday Morning Breakfast

Grace’s Next Serving Date: Sunday, February 2

As usual, the Grace community is “on” to serve the Sunday morning breakfast of biscuits and gravy on Sunday, February 2.  Anyone who would like to help is encouraged to show up in the church kitchen by 6:30 am.  During the month of February, we give thanks to God for the partnership of the following congregations who will serve: Ascension Lutheran Church (Paradise Valley), Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church (Goodyear), Desert Cross Lutheran Church (Tempe), and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (Phoenix).

Traditional Worship Planning

All are welcome to help plan traditional worship on Thursday, February 6 at 10:00 am in the Choir Room.  This group, after prayer and reading the gospel lesson for each Sunday, picks the hymns and service music for traditional worship. 

Transfigured Worship for Transfiguration Sunday

On Transfiguration Sunday (February 23), we will transfigure our worship by flipping the worship order front to back, back to front.  On Transfiguration Sunday, we read the sacred story of Jesus and three of his disciples hiking up a mountain where Jesus is transfigured before them.  His transfiguration causes them to see Jesus in a new light: one of glory.  Similarly, on this one Sunday of the church year, we hope that this liturgical flip will help us see God and our communal spiritual practice of worship in a new and refreshing way!   

Safeguarding God's Children Training

Sunday, February 23, 12:30 pm, North Room

All are welcome to attend a one-hour Safeguarding God’s Children training in the North Room on Sunday, February 23 at 12:30 pm.  Everyone is encouraged to attend, especially those who nurture relationships with children and youth.  The simple structures we set up for accountability and transparency make a big difference in helping all of us nurture healthy, safe relationships with our children and youth.  If you have attended before but have not done so in the last three years, you are especially encouraged to attend.