The Weekly Newsletter

Archived issue

The St. Andrew Weekly — August 19, 2026, 2026-08-19

This Week

Reality Check As we begin to worship in a new space, we also begin a new sermon series. Do you find it difficult to identify areas in your spiritual life that require attention and change? Sometimes it’s easier to pick out personal flaws in others. Over the next couple months, we’ll use the lives of the kings of Israel and Judah as a reality check for our own personal spiritual journeys. This weekend we begin with King David, who was unable to check his blind spot. If we’re honest, we are often no different, so we come before a God of mercy and grace not for congratulations, but for forgiveness. Join us to hear his message and praise him for our salvation. Worship is Thursday night at 7 or Sunday morning at 8 or 10:30.

Highlights

Events and ministry news needing immediate attention

Worship transition This weekend, August 20 & 23, will be our first weekend worshiping in the new sanctuary. Praise God for this incredible milestone! You will be able to enter through the new main entrances and head into the new sanctuary using either set of doors. Three extra rooms will also be available for worship:

Sensory room: This room is available to anyone who may benefit from a quieter, more sensory-friendly space.

Cry room: This room is available for anyone with small children. A changing table, sink, and seats are available for anyone who needs a space for their child.

Mothers’ room: This room is for nursing mothers. It includes a changing table, sink, and TV with gliders available for moms.

Dedication of the new building will be the weekend of September 27 with a celebration following the 10:30 AM service.

Call extended St. Andrew has extended a call to Pastor Alex Groth, former St. Andrew vicar, to serve as our Pastor for Outreach. His family lives in Cincinnati where he serves as pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. The text of his acknowledgment letter is below:

Dear brothers and sisters of St. Andrew,

I received the call you extended on August 13. I’m writing to thank you for the opportunity to consider serving as part of your kingdom work at St. Andrew. Carrie and I have very fond memories of our time there, and I’ve seen how God has blessed your efforts tremendously. I look forward to discussing the ministry God has set before you. I would ask for your prayers as I deliberate my call to your congregation and my current call at Beautiful Savior.

In Christ, Pastor Alex Groth

A Place of Peace

Updates related to the ministry expansion and building project

Construction update Last week we passed our final inspection and received occupancy. This week we receive substantial completion. These were our last two major construction milestones. Work will continue for a few more weeks as we finish the final construction details.

A Place of Peace giving The building project, which is almost in the rearview mirror, happened because of God’s work through so many contributors who allowed us to meet and exceed our campaign goal. However, the goal still included a chunk of debt, so if you’re new to this and would like to contribute, giving can be set up like other offerings using “A Place of Peace” as the “Fund” or memo line, or check “Ministry Expansion” on your St. Andrew offering envelope. Contact Financial Administrator Ron Kerr(opens in new tab) with further questions.

Worship

Resources and opportunities for you to worship

Milestones Silas Paul Wittkamp, son of David Wittkamp and Lexi Witten, was baptized earlier this week, following an interesting and unlikely tradition: David was baptized in the former sanctuary before its first public worship service 25 years ago. We will have to build again just before Silas has a child! Welcome to the family, child of God.

Worship check-in If you worship on-site, please fill out the Connection Card attached to your worship folder. Online worshipers, please continue to check in here(opens in new tab).

Weekend worship songs Preview some of the songs we will use for worship on Sunday. Obviously ours won’t sound exactly like this, but listening to the links provided will certainly help you be more comfortable participating in the service.

“House of the Lord(opens in new tab)” by Phil Wickham “This Is Amazing Grace(opens in new tab)” by Phil Wickham “Love of God(opens in new tab)” by Brandon Lake “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)(opens in new tab)” by Chris Tomlin

Nurture

Ways to be connected to Jesus throughout the week in your personal life and with others

Grow in Grace Dr. Michael Berg, a Bible teacher at Wisconsin Lutheran College, gave a fantastic presentation on apologetics this past Sunday. The follow-up is this Sunday. We will discuss what was presented. You are welcome to join us even if you were not able to attend his presentation. If you would like to watch his presentation, click here(opens in new tab). Childcare is available.

Growth Group sign-ups Join a St. Andrew Growth Group to help your faith and to help others with their faith. Joining a Growth Group is also a terrific way to make new friends. For more information on St. Andrew Growth Groups, go here(opens in new tab). Sign up today. Fall Growth Groups begin after Labor Day.

College students St. Andrew has a team of volunteers that stays in contact with our college students. If you are a college student (or the parent of one), please get your college mailing address to us. Send it to Minister for Nurture Mark Kjenstad(opens in new tab), or write it on your Connection Card at church. A third option is to grab a college address card in the atrium.

GriefShare Are you grieving a loss? Do you need support as you grieve? At GriefShare(opens in new tab) you’ll receive valuable guidance and tips, leading you to relief, comfort, and peace of mind. All of this is guided by God’s Word and the love of Christ. If you would like more information about GriefShare at St. Andrew, contact Minister for Nurture Mark Kjenstad(opens in new tab) or GriefShare leader Ron Kerr(opens in new tab).

Impact podcast Genesis 2 gives additional details regarding creation. This week we sit a bit with God’s creation of Adam with Wisconsin Lutheran College Professor Justin Cloute. You can listen to Impact here(opens in new tab) or by searching for “Kjenstad Impact” wherever you listen to podcasts.

Sunday children’s ministries starting September 13 “Let the little children come to me.” Those words of our Savior direct us to bring our children to Jesus. St. Andrew helps you do that through a variety of children’s ministries:

Musikgarten | 1- and 2-year-olds with mom and/or dad* Plugged into Jesus | 3-year-olds through grade 5 Spark | grades 6 – 8

All of these ministries are served by wonderful and dedicated volunteers who are eager to share Jesus with the children of St. Andrew. There is no pre-registration. Questions can be directed to Yvonne Onsager(opens in new tab).

*Newborns are welcome to join parents in Growth Group until they are ready for Musikgartern.

Service & Outreach

Opportunities for you to live your faith and love for Jesus by sharing Jesus with others

A perfect time to join a serving team Transitioning to the new building is a perfect time to join a serving team. Opportunities abound in many established and some new roles. Want to make coffee and serve donuts? The Nourishment Team is for you. Want to greet and connect with people or help people worship comfortably? The Impressions Team is just for that. Want to lean into the tech a little bit, or a lot? The Production Team has a place for you. And the list goes on. Take a look in the atrium and sign up for a role right away! You can also view the position descriptions and sign up online(opens in new tab).

Care box assembly party | August 23 at 9:15 Women of St. Andrew are invited to a miscarriage and infant loss awareness event and service project. There will be refreshments, a presentation by Rachel Greiner from Christian Life Resources(opens in new tab), and an opportunity to serve by helping assemble care boxes for those who have experienced miscarriage or infant loss. This will be in the Vineyard, our new multipurpose room. Please confirm your attendance here(opens in new tab).

Monthly Mission Partner Our August partner is our local assistance fund. This is one way we help those in physical need. We show the love of Christ by helping not out of obligation, but out of thanksgiving for Christ’s love. St. Andrew has helped community members with groceries, gas, utilities, car repairs, children’s Christmas gifts, and more. If you are or know someone in need, please let us know how we can help.

Westside Christian School

A ministry of St. Andrew, preparing students for academic success and lives of Christian service founded on God’s Word

Installation Sunday We are excited to officially welcome our three new teachers this Sunday at their installation.

Mr. Raul Ramos | Early childhood director

Ms. Malia Faessler | Grade 4 teacher

Ms. Hannah Zabel | Grade 5 teacher

This will be the last weekend to give them a friendly note of encouragement, a welcome card, or a gift card. Card boxes are located in the atrium. May God bless each of these teachers as they begin their ministries at Westside.

School starts soon Tuesday, August 25, is the first day of school at Westside. We are excited to get into the new classrooms and get the rest of the school settled. Your continued prayers for our teachers and staff are always appreciated.

Open school positions Westside Christian School has several part-time paid positions that need to be filled for the 2026-27 school year. If you know of someone that might be interested, please pass this information along.

School lunch server | 11 AM – 1 PM, Monday – Friday

Preschool classroom assistant | full day, Monday and Tuesday

Study hall supervisor | 1:30 – 3:00 PM

Extended care facilitator | 3:15 – 5:30 PM, Monday – Friday (two openings)

For more information regarding the school lunch server and classroom aide positions, please contact Westside Christian School Administrative Assistant Dana Miller(opens in new tab) or Principal Daniel Plath(opens in new tab). For more information on the preschool classroom assistant or the study hall and extended care facilitator positions, contact Early Childhood Director Raul Ramos(opens in new tab) or Principal Daniel Plath.

Fall coaching opportunities Do you want to make an impact on the lives of student athletes? Be a coach! Westside Christian School has two opportunities for you to coach this upcoming fall sports season.

One cross country head coach

One soccer assistant coach that can attend practices

If you are interested, contact Athletic Director Jack Murphy(opens in new tab). Thank you!

Serving This Week

Serving Jesus at St. Andrew this week, August 20 & 23, 2026

Musicians Lead musician: Jonathan Fricke Vocalists: Rachel Kamin, Jack Murphy, Emma Nolte Guitar: Clayton Grow, Elijah Grow, Jon Povich Drums: Scott Fanello Flute: Sarah Wendorf Trumpet: Ian Eberle

Greeters Thursday: Alex Bindl, Tracey Bindl, Ellen Goetz 8:00 AM: Carlson family, Ron and Piri Kerr 10:30 AM: Diercks family, Amelia Maron, Brian Maron

Outdoor Greeters Thursday: Noelle Gates 8:00 AM: Paul and Yvonne Onsager 10:30 AM:

Sanctuary Greeters Thursday: James Lund, Dave Rortvedt 8:00 AM: Jesus Avila, Duane Ehlke, John Kamin 10:30 AM: Greg Yunger, Zach Yunger

Lay Readers 8:00 AM: Paul Wittkamp 10:30 AM: Dick Smith

Communion Assistants Thursday: Andy Bindl 8:00 AM: Jeff Grim, Karl Kuschel 10:30 AM: Orv Jordahl, Ron Kerr

Communion Care Thursday: Rachel Martalock 8:00 AM: Sue Martalock 10:30 AM: Rachel Martalock

Audio Thursday: Naomi Laabs 8:00 AM: Connor Dix 10:30 AM: Naomi Laabs

Slide Tech Thursday: Dan Fischer 8:00 AM: Ron Kerr 10:30 AM: Stephanie Grow

Livestream Video Elle Walleck

Hospitality Thursday: Amanda Taticek 8:00 AM: Heidi Wolf 10:30 AM: Jennifer Maron

Connection Card Assembly Larry and Connie Stolzman

Offering Caretakers Jim and Heidi Pease

The St. Andrew Weekly — August 19, 2026

August 19, 2026

Past issues

• The Weekly — September 26, 2026September 26, 2026
• The St. Andrew Weekly — September 16, 2026September 16, 2026
• The St. Andrew Weekly — September 9, 2026September 9, 2026
• The St. Andrew Weekly — September 2, 2026September 2, 2026
• The St. Andrew Weekly — August 26, 2026August 26, 2026
• The St. Andrew Weekly — August 12, 2026August 12, 2026
• The St. Andrew Weekly — August 5, 2026August 5, 2026
• The St. Andrew Weekly — July 29, 2026July 29, 2026