Newsletter of Our Savior s Lutheran Church Albany, MN

Transcription

1 Kindred the Spirıt January 2019 Newsletter of Our Savior s Lutheran Church Albany, MN Sunday Worship 8:00 & 10:30 am Education Hour 9:15 am Annual Meeting & Potluck Sunday, January 27 11:30 am

2 January 2019 Additions to the calendar? Our Savior s Lutheran Church office: oursaviors@albanytel.com or call SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 12/30 12/ am Worship Office Closed 1pm Quilting Squares 8am Men s Bible 11am Pondview 7am ReCharge 10am Christmas clean-up 7pm NA Meeting 5:30pm Congregational Life Study Bible Study 12:30pm Fellowship Hall & Mission Meeing 6pm Cub Scouts reserved-private event 6pm Confirmation Gr 6-8 Pack 30 7:30pm Choir Practice Happy New Year! am Worship 6:30pm Holy Yoga 7pm NA Meeting 1pm Quilting Squares 8am Men s Bible 11am Pondview 9:15am Adult Ed-GKTW 7:30pm Cub Scouts 7:30pm Worship & Music 6pm Confirmation Gr 6-8 Study Bible Study 9:15am Sunday School Committee Meeting Committee Mtg 7:30pm Choir Practice 9:30am Great 9:30am CCM Practice River Conference 10:30am Worship 8 Annual Report Deadline am Worship am Pondview 19 Bible Study 9:15am Adult Ed 9:15am POTS Parents of Toddlers-Fireside Room 9:15am Sunday School 9:30am CCM Practice 10:30am Worship 11:30am Baptismal Milestone 3pm Girl Scouts 248, 251 February Newsletter Articles Due pm NA Meeting 6pm Confirmation Gr 6-8 8am Men s Bible 11am Pondview 7:30pm Choir Practice Study Bible Study 8am Worship, choir sings Baptism-Remi Bestor 9:15am Future Directions Budget Information Meeting 9:15am GIFT Sunday Schl 9:30am CCM Practice 10:30am Worship, Remebering the Promise 1:00pm Log Cabin Group Quilting 6:30pm Holy Yoga 7pm Garden Club Office Closed 6:30pm Holy Yoga 7:30pm Education & Youth Committee Meeting 11am Lady Generators Meeting & Potluck 6pm Welcome Team Meeting 7pm Congregational Council Meeting 7pm NA Meeting 1pm Mary s Circle Bible Study 5:30pm Congregational Life & Mission Meeting 6pm Confirmation Gr 6-8 7:30pm Choir Practice 8am Men s Bible Study 6pm Cub Scout Pack 30 7pm Property Comm. Meeting 27 8am Worship /1 2/2 9:15am Future Directions 6:30pm Holy Yoga 7pm NA Meeting 6pm Confirmation Gr 6-8 6pm Cub Scout Budget Information Meeting 7:30pm Choir Practice Pack 30 9:15am Sunday School 9:30am CCM Practice 10:30am Worship, SS sings, Choir sings 11:30a Potluck/Annual Mtg 3pm Girls Scouts 248, :30am WELCA Quarterly Meeting

3 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Thank God for January! After all the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, travel and partying, I am guessing most of us are more than ready for a little down time. As fun as the Holiday season may be, it can also be exhausting. So here s to the month of January! Yet, now that January is here, how do we find the time to kick back? After a month of partying, so many are double booking, in an effort to make up for lost time. Down time won t just happen on its own. We have to make it happen, but in order to do that we have to know why. So, why slow down? Here is the answer. It is the only way to deepen relationships. It takes time and active attention to build relationships. Now notice I said time and attention. It is not enough just being in the same room together. We can t call it good family time, with everyone sitting around the dinner table staring at their own smart phones or tablets. We can t call it good family time when everyone has their earphones on for the long road trip. We have to see each other and actively listen to each other for it to be good family time. Unfortunately, this sort of active listening is becoming increasingly rare, and at a result people are feeling more and more isolated. This is part of why the suicide rate is climbing among men and teens. This is part of why the opiod crisis has become so rampant. We are not there for each other the way we should be, to support one another, and we are paying the price. We are also paying the price in another way. Not only have overcrowded schedules and technology brought alienation into our families, but they are also alienating us from God. For just like any relationship, our relationship with God takes time and attention. It is not just enough for me to listen to Lutheran Hour Devotions and my Bible on head phones as I work out in the morning. It is not just enough for me to come to worship on Sunday. Faith time also requires intentional one on one time with God. That is why Jesus so often went off by himself to pray. It was to have one on one time with God. When is 3

4 the last time you went one-on-one with God? When was the last time you were totally so focused in your prayer that someone would have to call your name twice to get your attention? Why not? Sometimes people say to me God seems so distant, to which I want say, Who moved? God s message to us in this new year is Be still and know that I am God. Will we listen to that message? Will we make active face-to-face time with our families a priorities? Those are our choices to make. If we chose to do it, here are some suggestions. Try to eat together at least four days, without tech, no phones, pads, no TV, no computers, no radio. Try to have at least one night a week together with no outside responsibilities and guard that night. If someone asks you to do something that night, just say no, sorry, I am booked. I know that won t be easy, but get out your calendars and make it happen. Parents, as for you, have one date night a week. It doesn t have to be expensive, maybe just a trip out for a walk or a treat at Dairy Queen. Why? Because the best gift you can give your kids is a strong marriage. They don t want to have a couple of married singles as their parents and we don t want you waking up one day as empty nesters saying, Who are you? Finally, make time for God, oneon-one time, and I am not just 4 taking about listening to Christian radio and going to church. I am talking about doing what Jesus did, finding a quiet place to pray and listen for that still small voice of God. Don t make God shout above the tumult of your life. Be still, so that you may indeed know God. Pastor Steve Baptism Reunion January 13th Each year on the second Sunday of January, we have a baptism reunion for all those baptized in the previous year. In 2018 we had celebrated the baptisms of 21 people including 1 adult, 3 youth and 17 babies. There will be a remembrance of baptism as part of that second service, followed by a social hour in their honor. Annual Meeting Sunday, January 27 following 2nd Service Please join us for a potluck lunch followed by the Annual Meeting. All reports for the Annual Report are due to the church office by January 11 thank you! February Newsletter Deadline: January 18

5 Let us thank God for His priceless gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 They have Lagniappes, we have Lefse. This was the message on the t-shirt that the Southwestern Minnesota Synod made available for the youth attending the 2009 ELCA National Youth Gathering. The reference was to something that they had in New Orleans where 34,000 youth would gather. As you can imagine, very few of us knew what lagniappes were. We assumed they were an edible treat similar to lefse. I ve just recently found out that is wrong. I happened to notice an article on Dictionary.com titled, Do you give presents or gifts? The article explained the vast difference in the origin of those two terms and how we have gradually used the two interchangeably. It was a fascinating article but what caught my attention was the use of the lagniappe. The article explained that the word gift was the specific word for the exchange of a dowry in a marriage and began to assume a more general meaning of an object freely given to another person, in the 1300 s. Present originally meant the same thing as the adjective present, being there. It later began to mean something offered in the presence of. At the bottom of the article were other words to explore if you wanted to use something besides gift or present. They were: lagniappe, succor, potlatch, bonhomie and beneficence. I confess I haven t looked at all of the others. I was quick to look up lagniappe (lahn - yop) though! Lagniappe: A small gift given by way of a compliment or for good measure; a bonus. An unexpected or indirect benefit. God has given us a lagniappe in the birth of Jesus! A seemingly small bonus, complimenting who we are (or God would have come as something beside human) that carried with it the most unexpected and indirect benefit of forgiveness and eternal life! I guess when I thought it was a sweet treat I was somewhat correct but the lagniappe of Jesus, forgive me all of Scandinavian descent, cannot compare to lefse. Suddenly a great army of heaven's angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased! Luke 2:13-14 God s Peace, Pastor Bobbi Bell 5

6 OSLC YOUTH & FAMILIES Sunday School Sunday School is open to all children age 3 (toilet trained) through 5th Grade. Classes are each Sunday between services, 9:15 to 10:15 am. Jan 6 - Wisemen Jan 13 - Jesus Baptism Jan 20 - The Disciples Jan 27 - The Lord s Prayer Joyful Noise Alternative Children s Worship Jan 6 - Wisemen Jan 13 - Jesus baptism Jan 20 - Wedding at Cana Jan 27 - Jesus goes to Nazareth Joyful Noise is for children who are potty trained up through 4th grade. This is a great opportunity to hear the Good News in ways that are engaging, such as videos, music, crafts and activities. Children and their parents are invited to come to worship together at the second service. Following the children s sermon, they are free to go to Joyful 6 Noise. At the end of communion they come back into the church for a blessing and to be returned to their parents. Joyful Noise is designed to give our children and their parents the chance to grow in faith and to make the most of our time together. Confirmation Schedule during Advent, 6 8 Grade Wednesdays: 6:00 pm - Supper 6:30 pm - Lessons 7:45 pm - Depart Home 6th Grade: Jan 2 - The Promise: Jacob Esua Jan 9 - Unit Rewind: The Promise Jan 16 - Freedom: Moses Jan 23 - Freedom: Exodus Jan 30 - Freedom: Wilderness 7 8th Grade: Jan 2 - Why did Jesus get baptized? Jan 9 - Do I have to believe Jesus performed miracles? Jan 16 - Is believing in Jesus really the only way to get to heaven? Jan 23 - Is it okay to be angry at God? Jan 30 - Is it a sin to think about sex?

7 THINK SUMMER! Mark your calendars for these great summer opportunities: June Sr. High Mission Trip to Wind River, WY Sign up by February 14 July 7-12 OSLC at Luther Crest August 4-8 Vacation Bible School Confirmation Camp! Calling all current 6th graders. We are excited to announce that OSLC will be bringing the soonto-be 7th grade confirmation students to Luther Crest Bible Camp this summer! The group will be a part of the Witnesses camp at Luther Crest; friendships, faith, fun, and a ton of memories to be made! During your week of Witnesses Camp, we ll fill our days riding the zip line and swimming on the sandy lake shore. We ll camp underneath the stars and sing camp songs at the top of our lungs! Join us as we grow together and witness God s love and grace through creation and community! OSLC will be going to camp Sunday, July 7-12, there are camper spots reserved, if you are a soon-to-be 7th grader and you would like to attend Luther Crest with other OSLC soon-to-be 7th graders, please let Diana Brown, OSLC Ministry Associate for Youth & Families know by February 10th. DEADLINE EXTENDED You can contact Diana at diana.oslc@gmail.com, Parents of Tots (POTS): January 13th Between services on the 13th we are kicking off a new monthly group for parents of Tots. This group will meet in the Fireside Room. As we begin, our main goal is to create community and support one another facing the same joys and challenges. Later we will see where it goes. Bring the Tots, and leave the performance anxiety at home. This is just for fun. Calling all students entering 9th grade in the fall. Mark it on your calendar now. We have booked a week at Luthercrest for our incoming 9th graders. The dates are Friday July 12th to Sunday July 14th. Instead of having 2019/20 9th graders doing 6 weeks of lessons on Wednesdays this fall, we are looking at a summer weekend retreat. The event will be at Luthercrest. Recycle your aluminum cans and support the Youth & Family Ministry! Drop off your cans in the fenced area next to the garage at the back of the parking lot. 7

8 Give Kids The World Give Kids The World Village is an 84-acre, nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides weeklong, cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families. The Village and its community partners provide children and their families accommodations in fullyfurnished villas, transportation, tickets to theme parks, meals, daily entertainment and much more. Each year 27,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with a critical illness. Half of all children eligible for a wish through a partnering wishgranting organization choose to visit Central Florida and its collection of theme parks and other attractions. The goal, quite simply, is to provide everything these deserving families need to make their trip the vacation of a lifetime. Since 1986, more than 165,000 children and families have had their dreams fulfilled in a whimsical Village unlike any other place on earth. Volunteering at Give Kids The World Village inspires hope, creates priceless memories, and helps kids with life-threatening illnesses and their families celebrate life. It means being a part of an organization that is truly unique. And it means giving your best and feeling your best. 8 Join us April 7-12 in making a difference in someone s life - and that life may be your own! You ve never seen a mission trip like this and God will be with you every step of the way. As the scripture says, What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 Come and see what the Lord has prepared for you! Pastor Bobbi Adult Education Hour 1/6 - Give Kids The World mission trip meeting. If you are interested at all, please attend! 1/13 1st Informational Meeting regarding budget, future directions, and visioning 1/20 2nd Informational Meeting regarding budget, future directions, and visioning 1/27 Bible Study - Joseph - Beyond the Coat of Many Colors We will begin a 12 week series from the book. OUR MISSION: Our Savior s Lutheran Church is one people united in Christ, empowered by God s grace through worship and the study of His Word, to glorify God by serving and witnessing in the community and the world.

9 Council Notes (Approved Monthly Congregation Council Meeting minutes are available to you in church on the Congregation Council Bulletin Board (located by the Fellowship Hall.) At their meeting on December 18th, the council approved an interim contract for Pr. Bobbi Bell that that runs through the end of April. A proposal will come before the congregation for an ongoing part time assistant pastor position at our annual meeting in January. Our Nominating Committee members for 2019 positions are Pat Johnson, Mike Hartwig, and Cheri Salzer. According to our Constitution, each year we elect a President, Vice-President and Secretary as officers, plus four members at large. The council also appoints a Treasurer and Financial Secretary. Finally, we elect 6 delegates for our conference with three of them also serving as synod assembly members. If you are interested in serving please contact a member of the Nominating Committee. Work on the 2019 budget is underway. Based on the intentions received so far, we are looking at conservative numbers for offerings. If you have not submitted your intentions please do so soon. In the meantime, the council is now approaching members to serve on the 2019 Finance Committee. As this committee is being put together, other committees are receiving their line items for review. Please get back to the council before January 8th with any desired adjustments or additions. Also at the December meeting the council approved fund raising guidelines for sponsored youth and children programs and an updated building use policy. Future Directions and Budget Information Meetings On January 20th and 27th, there will be information meetings between services to discuss questions about the future directions of our church, the 2019 budget and the bequests we have received. On January 27th, following the second service, we will have our annual meeting where we will be voting on all of these matters. New Members! Bryan & Keri Burrow, with their daughter Ella Haley Power, and her son Ian Jordan and Aaron Banister, and their daughter Lillian 9

10 Help those over 70 ½ with this RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) info December 5, 2018 by SW MN Synod, + Rev. Larry Strenge Director for Evangelical Mission, SW MN Synod, ELCA Last week a retired pastor called me seeking advice on how to give a gift to our synod. His desire was to support rural congregations, so I told him about ways that could be done through our Funding Initiative and Advent Appeal. He liked the awork we are doing together. This led to a discussion about what he, like many other retired people, both lay persons and clergy, face when they reach 70 ½ years old: A new money challenge.how does one wisely invest a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), the required withdrawal from accumulated retirement accounts? In case you aren t aware every person who reaches 70 ½ (and in each year after that) MUST make required minimum distributions (RMDs) from the total of ALL retirements accounts IRAs, 401K, 403B, etc. Roth IRAs are an exception. Once a person reaches 70 ½ they MUST take out money an RMD from this total accumulated value of ALL these accounts every year. It can be a LARGE amount of money as the RMD percentage keeps going up as a person ages!!! This RMD amount is based on a formula called the RMD 10 formula. It starts at around 4% of the value of the accumulated value of all those retirement accounts (exception again, the ROTH IRA) on December 31 of the previous year. (Example: If your retirement accounts total $400,000 on 12/31/17 and you are 70 ½ years old you are REQUIRED to take out $14,599 in 2018! At 75 that amount is $17,468) Even if you had other income to live on income from rent, a part time job, inheritance, etc or because you simply lived on Social Security, you HAVE TO take this RMD. So does a spouse! In this case the pastor above saw the end of the year coming. He saw that he had three choices: Withdraw the RMD and pay taxes; Give a gift to our synod and other charitable organizations and that amount would count toward his RMD but not be taxed; or Ignore taking it out and pay a 50% penalty to the IRS! I m glad he was a wise person and chose #2! And we, as well as the numerous recipients of these ministry funds, are grateful for his forethought and his generosity! Do you have RMDs? Act now. Remember, after December 31st an RMD of all retirement funds is still required. And as I said above in #3, you are charged a penalty of 50% of the difference between what you withdrew and your actual calculated RMD for The IRS will be the grateful ones!

11 Let s see this as an act of ministry. Let s help others in our congregation and our community know all the good that can be done by acting wisely with these RMDs! As I told this retired pastor, We have $15,000 in matching funds in our Advent Appeal. Your gift will be doubled! And you ll be doing this important ministry of training leaders! He was grateful to give to this partnership in the Gospel! So I invite you and thank you as you use those RMDs to support our synod, your congregation, or other qualified charitable organizations! We can serve God s Mission and Vision by our actions! Still confused or other questions? There is plenty of help available. Talk to your accountant, see a financial advisor (e.g. Thrivent agent), or simply go to the many online Q and A of an RMD. Or call me ( ). I ll be happy to help! Thanks for your partnership in the Gospel as you invest in God s Mission and Vision with an RMD this year! Helpful sheets are available: Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) Information Sheet Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) Bulletin Insert You can download these at: required-minimum-distributioninfo/ Financial Peace University Following the Holidays sometimes financial reality comes crashing in with the arrival of credit card bills. If you happen to be in that boat or you just want to become a better steward of your money, consider finding a Financial Peace University course in our area. You can register for these courses on line, and once you are registered they will give you a list of courses in the area. You can also take the course on line. Millions have found this course to be a turning point in their lives. Just Google Financial Peace University and you will find all the information you need. If you need help in getting started or you are interested in us offering another course here in Albany, talk to Pastor Steve. Simply Giving Program The Simply Giving Program is a way to automate your giving online, in a secure, automatic recurring contributions. There are two ways to enroll. You can pick up a form at the office and use that to enroll or you can enroll online. For those who enroll online, you can view your history anytime. To enroll online, follow these easy steps: 1. Visit the church website at oursaviorslutheranalbany.org, 2. Click the Online Giving button Click the Create Profile button. Then follow the onscreen instructions to create your profile. 11

12 WELCA Quarterly Meeting We will meet Saturday, January 26 and 9:30 in the Fellowhip Hall for the quarterly meeting. All women are welcome! Women s Ministry Lady Generators Tuesday, January 15 11:00 am Potluck lunch and meeting in the Fireside Room. Join us! Women s Bible Study Mary s Circle Wednesday, January 16 1:00 pm Quilting Squares If you like color and fabric...come to the Quilting Squares. We will be cutting 12" fabric squares of many color to make kits to sew together for the top. We will put the pattern and direction into the roll. The rolls will be available for the congregation ladies to sew the tops together. The quilts will be assembled and tied and given to the Terebinth Refuge for ladies in this place of healing. We will meet on Wednesday, January 2, at 1:00 pm. Albany Food Shelf The following items are needed this month at the Albany Food Shelf: 12 Conditioner Paper Towels Remember...the first Sunday of every month is Food Shelf Sunday. Bring a food item donation for our local food shelf. The need is great, and with your help, people right here in our community are able to provide food on the table for their families. Donations can be dropped off in the designated bins in the Narthex. Thank you! Log Cabin block The Log Cabin quilt group will start up on Monday, January 14, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. We will be discussing our new project. Bring your sewing machine and fabric scrap collection. New ideas are welcome and so are you! Join us for sewing fun. Making quilts with love, Elaine Randall,

13 Life congregational & mission committee Next meeting: Wednesday, January 2 at 5:30 pm in the Fireside Room. Join us! Annual Meeting Potluck Join us on January 27, 11:30 am for the Congregational Potluck followed by the Annual Meeting. We will provide the main protein and ask that you bring a side dish, salad or dessert. We will have sign up sheets in the lobby for you to let us know what you would like to bring. Remeber to include an ingredients list with your dish for those with food sensitivities. See you on the 27th thank you! Giving Tree Thank You! We want to thank everyone who took a tag and purchased gifts for the Albany Women of Today Giving Tree at OSLC. You made 35 children s or seniors Christmas a little merrier. We appreciate all of your support! Holy Yoga Plan for a new you for the new year with Holy Yoga, a new way to pray, hear God s word and improve your strength and balance. This class is for all levels as options will be given. Please wear comfortable clothing, bring your yoga mats, and water, if desired. Everyone is welcome, anytime! Mondays, 6:30 to 7:30 pm January 7, 14, 21, and 28 Fee donation is $10.00 per class or $36.00 for all four classes. We will meet in the Lobby. Instructor: Rebecca Pierskalla, rebeccapierskalla@gmail.com Our Savior s Church Staff Pastor Steven Olson cell: Steven.Olson2004@gmail.com Pastor Bobbi Bell cell: BobbiBell@hotmail.com Ministry Associate for Youth & Families: Diana Brown Music Coordinator: Mike Aronson Receptionist / Secretary: Angela Mosman Custodians: Jim & Deb Kurtz Church Office Hours: Monday Friday 9am 1pm 13

14 Kristin Wolford, Missionary to the Dominican Republic December 2018 Merry Christmas! Our Coconut Christmas This will be our first family Christmas in the Dominican Republic. The Wonder of Christmas It is that time of year we light the tree, make our favorite treats and nestle in. Though it s cold outside, our hearts are warm as we remember and cherish the most precious gift we ve ever been given Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, here on earth, as a newborn baby, for you and for me. Though every year we pause to ponder and celebrate the birth of God s son, we never fully grasp the beauty, the cost and wonder of it all. The King of Kings chose to enter this world in the humblest way: as a vulnerable baby, born to a young virgin, in a lonely stable even the majestic announcement of His arrival to earth sung by a choir of angels was heard only by a few poor, lowly shepherds. God s love is so wide, long, high and deep. His thoughts and His ways are much higher than ours. I pray that God s power and His Spirit would help each of us know this love that surpasses knowledge again this Christmas season. Our Family Elliot is four. This fall he started homeschool preschool. While is 14 brother naps, we work on letter sounds, handwriting, counting and reading. Elliot also loves going to the park, riding his scooter and playing tag. Evan is 20 months. He repeats everything English and Spanish. He likes to play with trains and books and loves to laugh! In January, Joselo will take some of the last classes he needs to finish his degree in Psychology. Yahoo! As I write this letter, we find ourselves in the season of peace and expectation. We are filled with gratitude as we reflect on the past year of our lives and ministry. We are refreshed and blessed in many ways by our time in Minnesota. We are in the Dominican Republic now and see God moving and leading in new and wonderful ways. God s grace is amazing and abundant. Our Ministry Our ministry team now includes 34 young adult teachers from four cities. We are working in seven neighborhoods and reaching

15 nearly 300 children every week with the gospel. The young adult leaders of our ministry are growing in leadership, sharing their faith and inspiring others. Children are learning, being encouraged, and responding to the message of God s love. Our newlyformed board of directions is engaged, supportive and committed, and God has given us a vision of more. More youth have been asking to join our ministry. They want to be discipled and commissioned to serve with us in new neighborhoods. We want to invite them to join us, but we need to prepare ourselves financially first. Adding more leaders and working in more neighborhoods will create additional expenses for our ministry. To make our ministry sustainable here in the Dominican Republic, we are going to open a ministry funding water purification center, Lord willing. We will drill a well, construct a building, purchase equipment to purify water, and sell the clean drinking water to members of the community. We expect to earn a profit that will allow us to double our ministry in size and reach. We have already purchased land. Now, we are focused on two things for this project: the building plans and raising the remaining funds needed. We want you to be a part of this team who puts this water project on the map. God has already provided $60,000 for this project. We are asking for at least $40,000 more. We need families and individuals to invest $100, $1000, $5000, or even $10,000, so that we can build this business, sustain and expand our ministry. More youth, children and families are waiting to hear a message of hope and receive the best gift they will ever be given: relationship with Jesus Christ. We want to be there to build meaningful relationships with them, help them learn and grow and share the life-changing message of Christ. As you prepare to give this Christmas season, will you invest in a generous way in our ministry? Wishing you and yours a very, Merry Christmas! Kristin, Joselo, Elliot & Evan Our Invitation Please send your tax-deductible donation to IGO Worldwide P.O. Box 2164 Stillwater, MN Checks made payable to IGO Worldwide with EMA written on the memo line. 15

16 January Health Tidbits Water keeps your body in balance Janet Handrigan, MD CentraCare Health Medical Director of Wellness H2O. Agua. Eau. Wasser. Acqua. Woda. Biyaha. However you say it, water is essential to maintain optimal hydration. Promoting water consumption is an important strategy for reducing the intake of sugary drinks to ultimately reduce or prevent obesity. Consumption of sugary drinks has been identified as the largest contributor of calories and added sugars in the U.S. diet. A study from the University of North Carolina and Virginia Tech found that just swapping eight ounces of a sugary drink with eight ounces of water every day can help you lose four pounds in six months. Replacing sugary drinks with water could cut up to 235 calories per day from the average American child s diet. As a replacement strategy, people frequently choose to drink bottled water as a healthy alternative to other beverages. Although drinking bottled water is healthier than drinking sodas and other sugary drinks, tap water is more affordable and can offer additional benefits. How much water do you need? More than 50 percent of your body weight is water. Without 16 water, you couldn t maintain a normal body temperature, lubricate your joints or get rid of waste through urination, sweat and bowel movements. Not getting enough water can lead to dehydration, which causes muscle weakness, cramping and lack of coordination. You also could get heat exhaustion and heat stroke. You need enough water to replace what you lose daily through urination, sweating and even exhaling. The Institute of Medicine s Food and Nutrition Board recommended that women need 91 ounces (11 cups) of water daily and men need 125 ounces (15 cups). Keep in mind that your need for water increases: When the temperature increases With physical activity During illnesses especially fevers, vomiting and diarrhea Together we can make healthy happen! Submitted by Patty Carbert RN

17 Prayer Box January 2019 Seeing a Sermon But someone will say, You have faith and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:18 Sermons We See by Edgar Guest I d rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way. The eye s a better pupil and more willing than the ear, Fine counsel is confusing, but example s always clear; And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds, For to see good put in action is what everybody needs. I soon can learn to do it if you ll let me see it done; I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run. And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true, But I d rather get my lessons by observing what you do; For I might misunderstand you and the high advise you give, But there s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live. When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind. When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be. And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way. One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold; One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told. Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear, For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear. Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say, I d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day. 17

18 Worship Ministers January 2019 Sunday, January 6 18 Reader Communion Ushers 8:00 am Lisa Beuning Lisa Beuning Jerry & Renee sound board: Kevin Beuning Lisa Halvorson Stark Marilyn Stonehouse 10:30 am Dana Amdahl Dana & Al Kyle & Michelle sound board: Eric Ruch Amdahl Evenson Denise Croatt Sunday, January 13 8:00 am Kathy Hildreth Kathy Hildreth Howard & Jan sound board: Jerry Stark Evie Fischer Koglin Mary Adelman 10:30 am Angie Aronson Angie Aronson Pat & Shelley sound board: John Sundet Jim & Deb Johnson & Kurtz family Sunday, January 20 8:00 am Lynda Hartwig Lynda & Mike Dale & Kelly sound board: Matt Rafteseth Hartwig Rafteseth Deb Solarz 10:30 am Angie Aronson Angie Aronson Pat & Shelley sound board: Pat Johnson Jim & Deb Johnson & Kurtz family Sunday, January 27 8:00 am Lisa Beuning Lisa Beuning Mark & Jan sound board: Kevin Beuning Jolene Lobitz Roering Evie Fischer 10:30 am Jon Habben Paul, Karla, Ed & McKayla sound board: Eric Ruch & Kenzie Feia & family Fauk

19 Sunday Worship: 8:00 and 10:30 am Pastors: Steven Olson & Bobbi Bell Ministry Associate for Youth & Families: Diana Brown Music Coordinator: Mike Aronson Receptionist/Secretary: Angela Mosman Custodians: Jim & Deb Kurtz Church Office Hours: Monday Friday 9am 1pm (320) Lake Avenue P.O. Box 670 Albany, MN Vol. 25, No. 1 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED U.S. POSTAGE PAID NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PERMIT #2 ALBANY, MN 56307