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A Message from Pastor

Dear St. Andrews Family,
We had a BLAST in worship last Sunday. It was so fun to see all the school families and staff, and to have Ice Cream and Hotdogs after the service. The best part for me was all of the noise of the morning. Holy noise of people greeting each other at the start of the service, of the kids shouting Hallelujah in the Children's sermon, of people chatting in the gym and kids running around. What Joy! What sounds of the Christian life fill you with joy? One thing I know, the sound is much better when it includes YOUR voice! I am so glad you are here, let's enjoy celebrating God's grace together.

Your Brother in Christ,
Pastor Matt
TRANSFER THE BLESSINGS: Tax-Free Sale
Howard and Lynn were age 55 when they purchased some land outside of town. They thought it would be a worthwhile investment that they could later sell for a higher price. Over the years, development from town has moved toward the property and their land is now next to a large
commercial store. They now rent the property to the commercial store for overflow parking.
Howard: We have owned this property for over 10 years. It has been a sound investment and increased in value. We have received just enough rental income in the last few years to pay the taxes. However, we now would like to sell.
Lynn: It would be nice if we could sell without paying a large tax. Our tax advisor has told us that if we were to sell, there would be a large capital gains tax. We also could use some tax deductions this year.
The good news is that Howard and Lynn were able to create a special trust called a charitable remainder unitrust and receive three nice benefits.
Bypass capital gain
 Increase income ( select 5%, 5 ½%, 6% or 6 ½% paid annually)
 Charitable deduction
 After 20 years, the remaining investment will be gifted to St. Andrews Lutheran Church
Howard: We are delighted with our unitrust. With our unitrust, we saved about $36,000 in capital gains tax and almost $18,000 in income taxes. That is over $54,000 in tax savings!
Lynn: Plus, we increased our income. The land was producing almost no income before. Now, we receive over $12,000 in income each year for 20 years. This increased income is one of my favorite parts of the plan.
Contact Ray Pagels, [email protected] or 847-226-2262
for more information. LCMS Foundation Assoc. Gift Planner


FOOD PANTRY UPDATE: 138 households visited the St Paul of the Cross food pantry in July. Most needed items are cold cereal, pancake mix and syrup, and WHITE rice (l lb.). Thank you for your continuing support!

MISSION OF THE MONTH: Lutheran Church Charities (LCC), our August mission of the month, operates a unique ministry that is very familiar to members of St. Andrews, namely the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. Myra, our beloved comfort dog, is a reminder of how special this ministry is. LCC sponsors over 130 comfort dogs in 27 states, all of which have been specially trained to interact with people of all ages and circumstances, acting as a bridge for conversations about faith and creating opportunities to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and compassion of Christ. LCC comfort dogs visit nursing homes and deploy to scenes of natural and man-made disasters. Our Myra visits classrooms on a regular basis and gives children special love and attention. St. Andrews worshipers are also treated to her loving presence. As we take note of this special LCC program, we also gratefully acknowledge the dedicated service of Myra’s handlers and caregivers.

PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR PRAYERS:
Elizabeth Okray, Frank Brant Avila, Janet Reich, Carol Claybaker, Gigi Breitzman, Livia Grace Gallo, Daniel Avila, Sr., Eleanor Claybaker, Richard Avila, Carol Mraz, Laura Peter, Jeanette Peter, Shant Esho
LAST WEEK'S ATTENDANCE AND FINANCIALS

Weekly Giving Report - 08/21/26
Internal Gifts/Receipts - General Fund External Gifts/Receipts
White Envelope Giving/Plate Offering
$2661.89
Electronic Giving
$6756.31
TOTAL
$9418.20

Designated Funds:
Lobby Beautification - $520Comfort Dog - $310Chancel Flowers - $90Endowment - $30St Andrews School - $20

Worship Attendance: Saturday 08/20 60 Sunday 08/21 267 TOTAL 327

LATEST NEWS

Pasta Under the Stars Fundraiser for 6th Grade Walcamp

Pasta Under the Stars Fundraiser for 6th Grade Walcamp
Join us for Pasta Under the Stars on Nov 7, from 6pm-8pm, to support our 6th graders' Walcamp trip. Great food, fun, and community await!

Comfort Dog Ministry Shoe Drive

Comfort Dog Ministry Shoe Drive
We're still collecting shoes through November 7! Ask your family, friends, and neighbors if they have any shoes to donate!

Friday Family Fellowship November 13

Friday Family Fellowship November 13
Join us for Friday Family Fellowship on November 13 at 6:00 PM in the gym! Enjoy dinner and Bible study for all ages.

Be a Bethlehem Walk Volunteer

Be a Bethlehem Walk Volunteer
Bethlehem Walk is coming December 5 & 6, and we need YOU to help make this special event possible! Read more for link to Volunteer Interest Form.

Coat, Turkey, and Funding Drive for St. Matthew

Coat, Turkey, and Funding Drive for St. Matthew
Support St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Chicago by donating gently used coats, signing up to provide a turkey, or contributing funds from October 24 through November 15.

LATEST PODCAST

How the Sausage is Made (Sermon Study) - October 28, 2026

Pastors Ethan Luft and Matt give a behind-the-scenes look at sermon prep at St. Andrews. - **Reformation Sunday recap (0:20–1:18):** They praise the weekend's worship, including Jordan, the choir and the brass. The music included "Thy Strong Word," Luther's Morning Prayer and "A Mighty Fortress." - **Matt's sermon (1:31–4:48):** He preached on 2 Timothy, where Paul says "Luke alone is …

LATEST SERMONS

All You Need to Know

Pastor Ethan invites us to meditate on a few words from John's first letter while celebrating All Saints Day. This week we'll remember those who have gone before us in the faith and are currently rejoicing with the risen Savior. John's letter reminds us of a few important things: we are privileged to be God’s children, we a different than …

Never Alone - Reformation 2026

We live in an age when people feel increasingly disconnected, but that never how God intended for us to live!  We celebrate the Reformation this year by looking at Smalcald Part III Article IV, which was written about 20 years after the famous nailing of the 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg chapel.  This article instructs on the …
CHURCH OFFICE 847-823-6656
Nichole Wandel, Office Administrator
Matthew J. Hoffmann, Pastor
Ethan Luft, Associate Pastor
Jordan Holliday, Director of Music
Christa Neve, Director of Comm. and Media
Greg Lendy, Contemporary Worship
Hillary Delanty, Principal
EMAIL: [email protected]
SCHOOL OFFICE 847-823-9308
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