Walk with us through Holy Week and into the joy of Easter —where sorrow turns to hope and death gives way to life.
HOLY WEEK
MOONLIGHT DINNER
CHOSEN REVEAL
SPRING FLING
A L E T T E R F R O M P A S T O R J O H N
Dear St. Andrew’s Family and Friends,
It’s hard to believe it has been just over a month since Pastor Mat Grover took his last breath on earth and first breath in heaven Our thoughts and prayers remain with the entire Grover family in this season of profound sorrow In the midst of our shock and sadness at Mat’s death, we have been able to have meaningful and important times together as a community to process our loss. The prayer gathering a few days after hearing the tragic news allowed us to be together and offer to God the full gamut of emotions we were just beginning to grapple with Mat’s memorial service on March 15 was a healing time as we witnessed to the resurrection and celebrated his life and faith. Indeed, Mat certainly packed several lifetimes into his forty-two years on earth. There was such a tangible presence of love in the Sanctuary and overflow spaces. It was also very special hearing from so many voices within the St Andrew’s family over the years I was struck by the amazing amount and quality of ministry leaders raised up from within our congregation among Mat’s generation. I have been touched by the way our congregation, individually and as a community, has worked through this tragedy. It is difficult to convey how uplifting your prayers, notes, meals, kind words, and encouragement has been for the Grovers and my family
As we transition into the next stage of the grieving and healing process, we’re planning with the assistance of PDA (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance) for a grief workshop offering to help those in need of further care and guidance in grief and recovery. We will communicate details to the church once this offering has become determined Another milestone in the healing journey is the World Vision Reveal Sunday at all three services on April 6 There is still time to sponsor a child in Uganda if you would like to do so in memory of Mat. After each of the services you’ll see which child chose you to be their sponsor. Mat and I didn’t get to make it all the way to Uganda, but that won’t stop St Andrew’s from beginning a new relationship with Uganda that will literally change lives with clean water, education, spiritual growth in Christ, and a health clinic to help these children and their families.
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Session and the Personnel team are actively working with Presbytery to begin the process of selecting an immediate part-time short-term (for three months or less) "gap interim" as we search for a full-time Interim Associate Pastor. After this, we will soon begin the process of forming an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee slate, selected by the Nominating Committee, that the congregation will vote upon Presbytery has approved our Mission Study we completed for the PNC (Pastoral Nominating Committee) search. Not having to draft another mission study has saved our church a considerable amount of time and energy in the search process for a new Associate Pastor The Presbytery estimates the search process for a new Associate Pastor will take roughly 8-12 months. We will provide pertinent updates about the search to the congregation as needed.
Thank you for your prayers and patience as we sojourn ahead on the road of grief, healing, and transition into the future. God is with us every step of the way and we have the gift and grace of walking this road together. We are not alone.
Grace and Peace, Pastor John
UPCOMING WORSHIP CALENDAR
APRIL 13 | PALM SUNDAY
|
APRIL 20 | EASTER SUNDAY
APRIL 27
MAY 4
Seven Churches of Revelation Series Revelation 2:18-29
MAY 11
Seven Churches of Revelation Series Revelation 3: 1-6
REMEMBERING PASTOR MAT
MAY 16, 1982 - FEBRUARY 24, 2025
Rev. Mathew A. Grover, of Tucson, AZ, passed away on February 24, 2025, living out his faith while on a mission trip to Uganda with World Vision. Born on May 16, 1982, in Portland, OR, Mat was a graduate of local NW Tucson schools: St. Andrew’s Preschool & Kindergarten, Harelson Elementary, Cross Middle School, and Canyon del Oro High School. He held a B.A. in Theology and Philosophy from Whitworth University in Spokane, WA, and a Masters of Divinity from the University of Dubuque Seminary. He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in October 2015.
Growing up in the Grover family meant good food, good music, and Go Ducks! Mat’s parents not only showed compassion and care to those around them, but their quick wit and recitation of Monty Python in the home resulted in a rich environment for Mat and his sister, Melissa’s, childhood and education.
Mat met his wife Amy while helping out at the Knox Presbyterian Youth Group in Spokane, WA. While friends had to clue them into the fact that they were actually already dating, just a few years later they were married on July 23, 2005. Throughout their marriage, Mat and Amy loved doing ministry together, loving on people, hosting people in their home, nerding out about musical theater, and spending time with their friends and family. Mat’s love of good humor, big hearts, and soccer combined when he discovered Ted Lasso! (continued on page 5)
All my life I have wanted to be significant and make a difference. I had never thought that my faith would be something that would have an impact.
That was until I read Scripture like Micah 6:8 “What does the Lord require of you? Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with God” and Matthew 22 where Jesus calls His followers to Love God and Love our neighbors.
It is simply by faith, living how God has called that makes us all SIGNIFICANT > we all matter and make a difference! - Mat
Mat was a friend to all, and a lover of music across all genres. At the height of Mat’s involvement in the Tucson band scene, he was involved in his own bands and supported the bands of his friends. You could often find him at Scrappy’s and leaning into the emo, punk, ska, or whatever style was playing that night.
While he lived out many roles in his life, Mat was born to be a Dad. He loved his kids immensely and wanted to be involved in all the highs and lows of their lives. He shared his passion for sports and music with Jane and Ethan, while also showering them with the same kindness, support, and love he poured into everyone he met. He was their coach, leader of pool shenanigans, driver of road trips, and biggest cheerleader.
Mat’s heart for ministry shone through every part of his life. Over the last 15 years, he poured himself into St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church through Youth Ministry, as an Associate Pastor, as well as standing in the gap during COVID and pastoral transition. Mat never met a stranger. He saw a friend everywhere he went. From the grocery store clerk, to a soccer parent, to a member of his congregation, Mat made everyone he met feel important, supported, encouraged, worthy of his time, and loved unconditionally.
Mat led his life with empathy and understanding. He had a heart for justice and a passion for those in need. He believed in the inherent dignity of each person, no matter their faith, beliefs, or background. He believed the world could be a better place if we stopped to look at the value and worth of each person’s humanity. He strived to live by Micah 6:8 “What does the Lord require of you? Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbl with God.”
Mat is survived by his wife Amy C. Grover, and children Jane and Ethan Grover, he is also survived by his parents, Gordon and Susan Grover of Tucson, AZ, sister Melissa Hahn (Tobias Hahn), nephew Caleb Hahn, niece Olivia Hahn of Portland, OR; grandfather Cyril King of London, England; father-in-law and mother-in-law Drew and Cathy Hulse of Phoenix, AZ; sister-inlaw, Corrie Hulse (Tony Cohen) of Brooklyn, NY, and an abundance of cousins, uncles, aunts, and extended family, and close friends.
If you weren’t able to attend the memorial service, it can be found on our
youtube.com/sapctucson
P A L M S U N D A Y M A U N D Y T H U R S D A Y G O O D F R I D A Y
SUNDAY,APRIL13,2025
7:30AM|COMMUNIONSERVICE
9:00AM|CONTEMPORARYSERVICE
10:45AM|TRADITIONALSERVICE
JoinusonPalmSundayatanyone of our three regularly scheduled services and celebrate Christ’s triumphantentryintoJerusalem
THURSDAY,APRIL17,2025
7:00PM|IN-PERSON&ONLINE
Worshipwithusasweremember thedayinwhichJesusbrokebread, prayedintheGarden,andyieldedto Hisunjustarrest Joinusforthis powerfultimeofworship,ledbyour Contemporary Worship Team In PersonorOnline
FRIDAY,APRIL18,2025
7:00PM|IN-PERSON&ONLINE
OurGoodFridayservicewillwalk through the last days of Christ through the Crucifixion This contemplativeTraditionalServiceof musicandreadingswillbeledby ourChancelChoirandOrchestraIn PersonandOnline
P A L M S U N D A Y C O N C E R T
You are invited to the 12th Annual Palm Sunday Concert, featuring the St. Andrew’s Chancel Choir, Orchestra, and Wittman Ringers. This year, the program features pieces from George Frederic Handel’s Messiah as well as selections from the other ensembles.
You won’t want to miss this exciting program Sunday, April 13, at 3:00 pm in the SW Sanctuary.
sapctucson.org or contacting the Church Office. The cost will be $25.
You may select whether you would like the plant to be placed in the Chapel for the 7:30 am service or in the Sanctuary. The plants in the Chapel may be taken home following the 7:30 am Worship service and the plants in the Sanctuary may be taken home after the Traditional Worship Service Remaining plants may be picked up in the Church Office on Tuesday, April 22 Some of the left-over plants may be brought to Care Centers or given out at the next HUGS meeting on Wednesday, April 23 All orders must be received before Monday, April 14
V O L U N T E E R S N E E D E D
EASTER DECORATING
On Saturday, April 19, at 9:00 am we will be decorating the Sanctuary and Chapel for Easter. There will be plenty to do and we can use many hands! We will also need help taking down decorations on Saturday, April 26 at 9:00 am. If you would like to help out, we invite you to come either day! For questions, contact Debi Kromer at dskromer@comcast.net.
SPRING WORK DAY
The Physical Resources Committee invites you to join us for our Spring Work Day on Saturday, April 5, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm (or come when you can). Help us spruce up for Palm Sunday and Easter weekends. The majority of the work is landscape related. We hope you can join us as we fellowship together in our labor for the Lord at SAPC. For questions, contact Greg Jester at jester.greg68@gmail.com.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
E A S T E R E G G H U N T
A P R I L 1 3
SAPCKids is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 13 at 10:30 am on the NE Campus We need plastic eggs, small toys, and candy donations (no chocolate please) We hide over 1,000 Easter eggs every year! It takes many volunteers to make this event possible Visit sapctucson org/kids for more information and to volunteer!
V B S 2 0 2 5
T R U E N O R T
H
Get ready for the summer event that points kids to Jesus at True North VBS June 9-13! You can expect a week full of faith discoveries, memorable music, and epic adventures that help kids grow in friendship with Jesus! We are always in need of amazing volunteers to make this week a reality. Register your children to attend or register as a volunteer today at sapctucson.org/kids.
H O L Y MO L I E S
A P R I L 1 6
Holy Molies (4th and 5th graders) will be meeting on April 16 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in Room F We will eat pizza, play some games, and have a Bible study. Our theme for the night is We Love as God Loves. Please bring $5 to help offset the cost of dinner, a Bible, and a filled water bottle.
S UP E R F RI E NDS
A P R I L 6
Our next meeting of Super Friends and parents will be on April 6 at 10:30 am in the Sunday School Rooms Contact Heather at hbrannock@saptcusonorg with questions or to sign up
HOL Y WE E K CHI L DCARE
If you would like to request childcare at any of our Holy Week Services (Palm Sunday Concert, Maundy Thursday, or Good Friday, please fill out the Childcare Request form on sapctucsonorg/kids
S U MME R I N T E R N S
Are you(or is someone you know) interested in what goes on behind the scenes of the Youth Ministry? The Youth Ministry is currently accepting applications for volunteer and paid interns this summer! Interns will spend the summer learning and serving in the Youth Ministry while growing in their own personal faith! High School students who have completed their sophomore year are invited to apply to be a volunteer intern. Young adults who have graduated from High School qualify to apply to be a paid intern. More information and applications are available online at sapcyouth.com. Applications are due Sunday, May 4.
Y O U T H M I N I S T R Y
S U P E R S I G N U P
F O R
F O R E S T H O M E A P R I L 6 2 : 0 0 P M O N L I N E
It’s that time again for Middle and High School students to register for Forest Home Camp at Super Sign Up Sunday! Join us this summer, July 6-11, in the San Bernardino Mountains! Students completing the 5th-12th grades are invited! It is an amazing week filled with worship, teaching, zip-lining, hiking, blobbing, competitions, night games, friendships and more! Scholarships are available as well as sibling discounts Please use scholarships if you need them We don’t want financial cost to stop kids from going to camp! Contact Tim if you have any questions!
It’s that time of year again! We are collecting items for the 2025 Moonlight Dinner and Auction on April 26 Your donations are taxdeductible All money raised at the event goes to support the Youth Intern Program, Camp Scholarships, and Youth Ministry Operating Budget New Items can be donated through the Youth Office For more information, contact Tim at tchristian@sapctucsonorg Thank you so much for helping support the Youth Ministry
P R E S C H O O L A N D K I N D E R G A R T E N
Join Us for Our Preschool and Kindergarten Spring Fling!
Mark your calendar and get ready for an evening of fun, food, and fellowshipatourSpringFling,Friday,April11,2025,from5:00pm-7:00pm ontheNECampus
Thisexcitingeventisopentoourchurchandschoolcommunity Youare invited to enjoy live musical entertainment by Mr. Nature, an exciting obstacle course with MyGym, and bouncy castles for endless fun. Food truckswillbeon-sitewithtastytreatsavailableforpurchase Therewillbe games,activities,andicecreamavailabletoenjoy.
We’dloveforyoutojoinusforthisfunopportunitytogather,fellowship, and enjoy a beautiful spring evening together. If you would like to be involved,pleasecalltheschoolofficeat520-742-2969tolearnmoreabout ourSpringFlingorhowtohelp.
S T . ANDRE W’ S L I B RARY NE WS
Our church library catalog is now online: https://18290.rmwebopac com (Note: “Sign in” feature is not enabled) The site offers convenient search capability from anywhere with web access. You can see if a book is in our collection and whether it’s available Searchbytitle,author,subject,orkey word.Forexample:
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: April6isbookgiveawaydayintheSWNarthex!
CUP OF COL D WAT E R
We have an opportunity to partner with Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church with their “Cup of Cold Water” ministry which involves taking their Manna Bag and handing it out to those who need it at DES on Ft. Lowell and Oracle Road. This ministry operates on Thursdaystwiceamonth
from 10:00-Noon The dates available are: April 17, May 1, and May 15 The program takes a break for the summer Volunteers would meet at Beautiful Savior at 10:00 Men are especially needed as volunteers If you are interested, please contact RuthAnn, Local Outreach Director, at rsmithrud@sapctucsonorg
C H O S E N R E V E A L A P R I L 6
On Sunday, April 6, World Vision returns to SAPC for our Chosen Reveal event. Everyone who signed up to sponsor a child will discover which child chose them, receiving a photo of their new sponsored child and begin a meaningful journey together. If you haven't had the chance to sponsor a child yet, there’s still time!
S T E P HE N MI NI S T R Y
Dealing with multiple issues over a long time can make you weary. You might have forgotten how to experience hope and joy.
A Stephen Minister would love to come alongside you and help you rediscover what feeling better looks like Stephen Ministry is a free confidential resource that our church provides-just for you For more information visit sapctucsonorg/care or call the Church Office, 520-297-7201, or Cheryl Smith at 520-271-6591
World Vision has provided a special link where you can sponsor a child from the same Ugandan community. While these children won’t be part of the reveal envelopes on April 6, your sponsorship is a powerful way to bring hope to a child in need To sponsor a child, visit WorldVisionorg/SAPC
DI D Y OU KNOW?
Fruit of Grace Deaf Fellowship meets here at St. Andrew's every Sunday from 10:00 am-11:00 am in the Garden Room on our NE campus.
This small but growing congregation is passionately sharing God's word through sign language.
F I N A N C I A L R E P O R T
AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2025
We are thankful to St. Andrew’s for supporting the ministry of Marriage Missions International. You help us to work worldwide with those who are married and those who are intending to marry to seek Jesus to help them to build and maintain a firm marital foundation. A main goal is to inspire them to reveal and reflect the love of Christ within their marriages. And as they enjoy their covenant partnership we hope it inspires others to want to know their God better. Marriage Missions does this through providing an interactive website at marriagemissions.com, which has thousands of articles posted (and added to weekly), an active marriage Prayer Wall (where every posted prayer request is prayed for) and the opportunity to leave comments and questions under each article, which we oversee. Plus, a new Marriage Insight is sent out weekly to tens of thousands of subscribers worldwide to help them grow their marriages, and post relevant marriage tips daily on Facebook and X. In addition, we meet with pre-married couples and spouses who need Biblical insights into matters concerning their marriages. We count it a privilege to participate with God in this way.
