Sunday our congregation will commission our new Stephen Ministers, Edie Chavira, Linda Fite, Lauri Goldston, Elaine Kennedy, and Ray Speir. Throughout history, when God has called people to special ministry, members of their community have commissioned them for the important new work they are taking on. Now we invite you to help carry on that biblical tradition by being a part of commissioning those who have responded to God's call to be part of our congregation's Stephen Ministry.

   Our Stephen Ministers have already completed substantial training to equip them for their task. We now lay hands on them, pray for them, and send them out to minister, asking for God's blessing and the Spirit's wisdom and power.

   This commissioning service offers an opportunity to show our support for this ministry. Our Stephen Ministers will be depending on our support in the time ahead as they assume the duties of their ministry. How can we help?

   First of all, we can pray for our Stephen Leaders, our Stephen Ministers, and their care receivers. This ministry calls for both time and effort. At times they may feel tired, discouraged, or convinced that they are not accomplishing anything. The assurance of our prayers and appreciation will help them keep moving forward.

   We can also affirm and show our appreciation for this valuable ministry. We can tell them how much their hard work means to us, tell others how much we value our Stephen Ministry, and focus attention on our Stephen Ministers to bless and affirm them in special ways-as we do with our commissioning services.

   We can become involved in this ministry in many ways. Some of us may recognize a call to use our special gifts in this ministry and may apply to be a Stephen Minister. Others may accept the care of a Stephen Minister. We can be ministers of referral, watching for people in need and suggesting a Stephen Minister's care. We all can give our enthusiastic support by keeping Stephen Ministry always before us and by praying for and affirming those who have answered God's call to serve in this way.

   As we commission our newly trained Stephen Ministers, let us thank God for all that they will bring to this congregation in providing care to others, and let us promise them our daily prayer and support as we send them out to minister among us.

Bake Auction
   Brandi and the Youth Ministry Team ask all who can to Please bring baked goods (uncut cakes and pies, bagged cookies and brownies) to auction off at the 9th Annual Youth BBQ on Sunday, May 17. Please drop them off in the Fellowship Hall kitchen, clearly marked with your name and the item name. The bake auction usually brings in anywhere from $500-$800, so this request is very important for our Youth Ministry. Thanks for all your support! 

   What is more Presbyterian than food and lively conversation?  Practically nothing!  After the success and fun of last summer's "coffee hour" after Sunday worship, we will do it again this summer, enjoying good food and sharing in the fellowship!  We will need each of you to help make this work!  Since we all enjoy good food, each Sunday different groups will provide some treats to share, and you will only have one Sunday to bring something all summer. Some suggestions might be a small fruit tray, a couple dozen cookies or muffins (either homemade or purchased), coffee cakes, pastries, cheeses, breakfast casserole, etc.  Just use your imagination!  If possible, please use disposable plates/dishes for the treats.  If the plate/dish is not disposable, you may pick it up in the Narthex workroom later, so please make sure your name is on it.
   We will divide the summer dates by alphabet, so note your alphabet letter and put it on your calendar!  If you will be gone that week, trade with someone of a different letter or just bring your treat on any other Sunday.  It is always welcome!  Extras will be frozen for later use and not wasted. Bon appetit!

May 24 - A                   July 19 - M 

June 7 - B                 July 26 - N,O,P  

June 14 - C               August 2 - Q,R 

June 21 - D, E, F            August 9 - S 

June 28 - G            August 16 - T,U,V
July 5 - H             August 23 - W,X,Y,Z  
July 12 - I,J,K,L   August 31 - Memb. Committee 

Cornerstone Group Crab Boil!
Saturday, May 30 at 5:00pm (weather permitting)
   Join St. Andrew's newest group, Cornerstone, for a crab boil at the Chavira home, 2405 Green Oaks Street in Denton on May 30. Bring a side or dessert and a chair. BYOB or beverage of choice. Kids are welcome!
RSVP to eden51671@gmail.com. Please join the Facebook group "Cornerstone" & email list for updates. 

Mission Study Committee at Work
   The Mission Study Committee is continuing their ongoing work and study to complete their report for Session and the presbytery. If you have noticed Judy Keith taking a lot of pictures and video, please continue to act naturally and let her take your picture. She is doing important work in chronicling who we are as a congregation that will result in the eventual formation of a report that will be used in our efforts to call a new, installed pastor. 

How to Reach the Financial Secretary
   Tonya Hernandez, our Financial Secretary, is happy to answer any questions regarding financial matters for members and guests. Tonya's office hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:00am - 11:45am.  During the months of June, July, and August her office hours will be Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:00am - 12:00pm.  When she is not in the office her extension is forwarded to her cell phone, so please feel free to call her at any time.  If she is not able to come to the phone at that moment, please leave a message on her voicemail and she will gladly get back to you as soon as possible, usually on the same day. Her number is 940-387-3897 ext 225. 

   The Mission Committee is again coordinating the distribution of lunches provided by the Denton Parks & Recreation Department. This summer we will be serving many more students at the Village East Apartments (University and Mingo).  It takes less than an hour per shift. You can sign up in the narthex and complete the application forms or email scanned forms. Contact Bob Stewart (940-262-3364) for more information.

Fabulous New Name Tags
   On Sunday May 17, there will not be a table set up for distributing name tags. However, you can pick up your name tag from a box in the Narthex workroom.   If you haven't ordered a name tag and wish to do so, please contact Lynn Carrico at lwcarrico@verizon.net or 940.453.7088.

Directories for All!
   Whether you had a portrait taken for the directory or not, there is one for you!  There is a box in the office with your name on it!  You may also stop by the table in the Narthex on May 10 where the name tags are being distributed.   

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance responds to earthquake disaster in Nepal
   The death toll from the massive earthquake continues to rise. Nearly 4,000 are known dead and more than 6,000 were injured. PDA is providing emergency relief and short-term recovery as well as long term recovery in the impacted areas.
   The needs for the response assistance will be great. Here are two ways you you can help by giving. Put a check in the offering plate on Sunday marked "PDA for Nepal" or give online at https://pda.pcusa.org/situation/nepal-earthquake-april-2015/

Volunteers Needed
   Interfaith Ministries of Denton, Inc. is looking for volunteers to help with screening and assistance to working families. Available hours are 1:00-3:30pm, Tuesdays and 9:00-11:30 am, and 1:00-3:30pm Fridays. For more information, contact Interfaith Ministries at (940) 566-5927.