A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson

Transcription

1 Christ Lutheran News December, 2018 A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen. We will seek God s will, share God s love, and serve as Christ s people.

2 Worship Information Contact Information Saturday: 5:15 pm Saturday Evening Worship with Holy Communion Sunday: 9:00 am Worship in September 10:00 am Sunday School (September 9 May) Broadcasts: Sunday, 11:30 am Worship broadcast on Radio KJOE FM Wednesday, 10:00 am Worship on Television Channels 3 & 67 Church Office: Street Address: 2959 Queen Avenue, Slayton, MN slaytonchristlutheran@gmail.com Website: christinslayton.weebly.com Dawn Mouw, Office Manager Dale Lange, Custodian Pastor Grant Fischer cell phone: ogfischer@gmail.com Executive Council Inside this issue: Pastor s Column 4 Summary of Council Minutes 6 Financial Information 9 Christmas Worship/Weather 10 Calendar 12 WCLC / School Kits 14 Prayer Concerns / Living Lutheran 16 Birthdays / Anniversaries 18 Worship Assistants 20 Shoe Collection / Canews 22 Mike Stelter, President Jerry Moline, Vice President Kathy Behrends, Secretary Ronda Radke, Treasurer Remember to check out our Mobile Friendly Website: christinslayton.weebly.com Slayton Christ Lutheran Church Would you prefer to read your newsletter online or by ? Please us: slaytonchrist lutheran@gmail.com Prayer Requests Call the church office at , or with your prayer requests. If you would like a pastoral visit or be included in pastoral prayers during worship, please call the church office. Address, Phone & Corrections Christ Lutheran maintains a database of all members. If you have had any changes to your address, phone number, marital status, etc. please contact Dawn with your name and the changes that need to be made. If You Are Ill Hospitals no longer notify churches when their members are admitted for care. While we feel these laws are important to maintain your privacy, we would like to support you with prayer and a visit. Please call the church office to keep us informed of your situation. 2 3

3 From the Interim... I ve been in place, here at Christ Lutheran for about 3 months. Part of my duties and responsibilities as an intentional interim to Bishop Jon and the synod staff is to provide a quarterly report to them. So, in the next couple of weeks I will be filing my first quarterly report. You should know that I do not sugarcoat any of my reports. I try to paint as realistic a picture of a congregation that I am able. Of course, that doesn t mean I can t be wrong about some of the things I see or experience. Your church council president shared the following observations with all of you back in the August/September Newsletter: Christ Lutheran will be transitioning to one ordained pastor, plus paid lay staff and will maintain one full time office staff. CLC Service Times: Saturday Worship will be at 5:15 p.m. Sunday Worship will be changing to 9:00 A.M. followed by Sunday School. A mix of Traditional and Contemporary Worship Service is wanted according to the findings of the transition team interviews. Increased emphasis on helping members to understand the finances of the church - explaining what it truly takes to operate a parish of our size and what appropriate levels of giving would look like. Increased emphasis on being more welcoming as individuals and as a church. Try to get everyone involved, whether that be during worship, or to assist with different events/functions throughout the year. Much of what has been suggested from the cottage meeting interviews is being put in place or is being acted upon or is being studied more closely as to how it can be implemented. Change does take some time to accomplish. ber of ruts and it isn t until a pastoral change that new options are being explored. That s the good news, the converse is that once a new pastor is called there is almost an overwhelming force that pull them back into the same old ruts unless there is a determined effort to resist those forces. If congregation and pastoral leadership isn t willing to push against these forces, which usually translate into individuals who want their own way, then no forward progress at renewal is made, only disappointment, resentment and apathy remains and is reinforced. The reason I m mentioning this is that those forces of resistance are present here in spades at Christ Lutheran and not just at Christ Lutheran. I see that, like every other congregation, about 20% of the membership carries 80% of the load of doing and supporting the ministry of a congregation. It is a reality that is played out across SW MN Synod and every other congregation in the USA. I have observed and learned that the funding of ministry here at Christ Lutheran has relied on golden knights to rescue the congregation financially at the end of the year. Such a practice places an unfair burden on those with generous hearts and short changes others from learning the joys of generous planned financial stewardship. At this writing Christ Lutheran is approximately $30,000 in the red. Most of this amount needs to be paid by the end of the year to the bank. Why is this the history of Christ Lutheran? Who dropped the ball? At this time of year, at Christmas, we are minded of a birth that has changed our reality forever in that Jesus s birth gave us an opportunity for a new birth daily. We have been given the ability through His life, to experience life in new and exciting ways, if and only if, we are willing to lay down what was, ignore what is, and embrace what we are called to do, LIVING EVERY DAY AS DISCIPLES. A challenge to be sure, but one that is transforming and life changing. Now let me make some observations. I applaud the members of Christ Lutheran in waiting to begin a process of renewal. Congregations have a tendency to get themselves in a num- 4 Merry Christmas and may Jesus the Christ be born in you anew this year as we work together to make him known here and in all the places we are called to in His name. 5

4 Council Minutes 6 Christ Lutheran Church Summary of Executive Council Minutes November 14, 2018 The meeting was called to order by President Stelter. Those in attendance were: Mary Ellen Moline, Ronda Radke, Mike Stelter, Marie Paulzine, Nancy Boerboom, Nicki Platt, Keith Rossow, Jerry Moline, Amy Nepp, Pastor Grant and Kathy Behrends. Motion to approve the agenda: M/S/P Nancy/ Nicki The secretary s report for the October 10, 2018 board meeting was presented. M/ S/P Amy/Keith The Treasurer s Report was reviewed. It was noted that we have borrowed an additional $1, from our operating loan, which now totals $10, To date $19, has been borrowed from our savings accounts. M/S/P to approve the financial report for final audit. Jerry/Kathy The Pastors report was reviewed. Pastor Grant has been busy with training the call committee; working with the personnel committee to redefine board job descriptions; reviewing our facility for decluttering projects which would make our church property more presentable; and working on the extension of the communion table project. Discussion was held concerning the need for temple talks. We need to reiterate to the congregation, the final consensus of information gathered by the Transition Team. We also need to reiterate the dire condition of our financial status. Old Business: Kathy Behrends will contact a potential personnel committee member. Our current sound board and computer are not user friendly. A bid was received from the provider that we used for the new sound board. They will allow us a trade in allowance. Much of the current wiring system is out dated or does not work. This needs to be upgraded. The memo- rial committee will be contacted for their input on this expense. New Business: Our November meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 19 th at 6:00 p.m. The 2019 budget planning meeting will be late November or early December. Two Faith Lutheran families were approved for Membership, M/S/P Jerry/Amy. A request for the use of the fellowship hall was made by Child Care Aware. This request was tabled until more information is obtained. The Annual Meeting will be held on January 27, 2019 with February 3, 2019 as a snow date. The meeting will be held immediately following Church service. WCLC President Amy Nepp requested $500 from the Thrivent Choice Dollars account to use for bake sale expenses. A motion was made to provide $ M/S/P Nancy/Ronda Board Reports Fellowship and Service: Meals were served at 3 funerals. Their balance on hand is $3, Mission Outreach: Their burrito brunch was very successful, raising approximately $4,000. Parish Ed: The S.S. Christmas program will be held during Church on December 9, 2018 with coffee fellowship after, serving Birthday cake and juice. Property and Management: The outside nativity scene will be installed on December 2 nd. Christmas tree conversation to be held with Grant Lindberg. Slayton Plumbing and Heating will be contacted to inspect our boiler and geo thermal systems. The corner property signs are in need of repair or replacement. Quotes are being sought. Stewardship: Additional offering envelopes are needed. Generic envelopes will be purchased. The credit card tablet request from the Memorial Committee was denied. Memorial money from the Olson/ Boerboom family will be used to purchase this. Celebrating our Stewards will be- 7

5 Financial Information gin when the new computer is installed. The Grow one Step giving program will be presented in January. Women of Christ Lutheran: Several of the women made Lefsa today, for the upcoming bake sale which will be November 17 th. The Al Opland event is December 9th. On December 4 th, we will deliver Christmas gifts to the Nursing home, followed by a Pot Luck lunch and Bible study. We are still seeking donations for this project. Our Thank Offering service was a great success. Worship and Evangelism: Worked on the December assistant schedule and the preparation of our annual report. Youth: No report M/S/P to adjourn the meeting. Kathy/Nancy. The meeting was closed with the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted Kathy Behrends Year End Financial Update This is an estimation of Christ Lutheran s current financial situation and a rough idea of what is needed to break even at the end of the year. October 31 Balance: $ (2,325.50) Estimated November Income: $ 17, Estimated November Expense: $ (17,700.00) Estimated December Expense: $ (17,700.00) Estimated Year End Balance: $ (20,225.00) The following amounts were borrowed and need to be repaid at the end of the year: Minnwest Loan: $ (11,000.00) Savings Account: $ (19,000.00) Estimated Total Amount Needed: $ 50, The gray bar shows our actual offerings through November 29. The black bar is our budgeted offering total. Mark your Calendars!! Saturday, February 23, :30 am 3:30 pm Vinje Lutheran & Bethel Lutheran, Willmar, MN All Are Welcome Congregation Members, Council Officers, Youth Leaders, Christian Educators, Pastors Everyone! You can find more information on the posters in the church or on the church website. 8 9

6 Christmas Schedule Sunday, December 9 8:30 AM Children Arrive at Church 9:00 AM Children s Christmas Program Saturday, December 22 5:15 PM Worship at Christ Lutheran Sunday, December 23 9:00 AM Worship at Christ, Slayton Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve 5:15 PM Candlelight Carol Service with Holy Communion at Christ 9:00 PM Candlelight Carol Service with Holy Communion at Christ Weather Policy When school is let out early because of stormy weather, we will automatically cancel after-school and evening events that night. We will rarely cancel Sunday morning worship, as people appreciate the radio broadcast even more in stormy weather. Sunday School may be cancelled, however, as may Saturday evening worship. Listen to KJOE Radio for news of storm-related cancellations, or check the Slayton Christ Lutheran Church Facebook page. Six Gifts That Don t Cost a Cent to Give The Gift Of Listening But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening. Of Affection Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends. 10 Radio Broadcast Ministry Thank you to everyone who has helped to support the Radio Broadcast Ministry in A new sign-up sheet for 2019 will be out soon. Checks ($65) can be made out to Christ Lutheran with Radio Broadcast in the memo or you can pay online by visiting our website. Christ Lutheran is in need of an additional flat screen computer monitor. Please contact Keith Rossow or the church office if you have one to donate. Thanks!! Of Laughter Funny pictures. Share articles, funny stories and funny greetings. Your gift will say, I love to laugh with you. Written Note It can be a simple Thanks for the help note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life. A Compliment A simple and sincere, You look great in red, You did a super job or That was a wonderful meal can make someone s day. A Favor Every day, go out of your way to do something kind. 11

7 2 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 9:00 Worship w/ Holy Comm 10:00 Sunday School, Adult Class, Coffee Fellowship 1st Sunday of Advent 9 9:00 Sunday School Christmas Program 10:00 Coffee Fellowship; NO Sunday School or Adult Class 16 2nd Sunday of Advent 9:00 Worship w/ Holy Comm 10:00 Coffee Fellowship; NO Sunday School or Adult Class 3:00 Community Band Christmas Concert 3rd Sunday of Advent 23 9:00 Worship 10:00 Coffee Fellowship, NO Sunday School or Adult Class 4th Sunday of Advent 30 9:00 Worship 10:00 Coffee Fellowship, NO Sunday School or Adult Class 1st Sunday of Christmas Christ Lutheran s Calendar for December :00 WCLC Board 10 6:00 Love Circle 4 9:00 Sunrise 10:15 Lindenwood 11:30 WCLC Christmas Project, Potluck Lunch, Bible Study 6:30 Community Band Practice in the Fellowship Hall 11 6:30 Community Band Practice in the Sanctuary Christmas Eve Office Closes at Noon 5:15 pm Worship with Communion 9:00 pm Worship with Communion 31 New Year s Eve Office Closes at Noon 25 Christmas Day Office Closed 5 Normal Wednesday Schedule + 11:30 Ministerial 12 Normal Wednesday Schedule + Normal Wednesday Schedule + 7:00 Committees 8:00 Council 26 10:00 Worship on Channels 3 & 67 6 Interim Pastor Meeting 7 Angel Tree Gift Distribution in the Chapel Lounge Newsletter Deadline 9:00 Conference Pastors Pastor Grant Fischer Cell Phone #: ogfischer@ gmail.com 1 9:00 Yarn & Yak 5:15 Worship w/holy Communion 8 5:15 Worship w/holy Communion 5:15 Worship w/holy Communion 5:15 Worship w/holy Communion 5:15 Worship w/holy Communion Worship Service is broadcast every Sunday 11:30 am on KJOE FM 12 13

8 Women of Christ Lutheran Church Our Mission: To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ. All Circle Potluck & Bible Study Tuesday, December 4 Meet at the church at 11:30 to go to Slayton Rehabilitation to deliver Christmas gifts and then return for the potluck and Bible study. All women are welcome to join us! Ongoing Ministry Projects: Yarn & Yak Saturday, December 1 at 9:00 am in the Chapel Lounge Quilting Monday, January 7 and Tuesday, January 8 at 1:00 School Kits Love Circle Monday, December 10 at 6:00 pm Quilting Monday, January 7 and Tuesday, January 8 at 1:00 pm Circle Bible Study The Circle Bible Study groups meet once a month. Please feel free to attend any of the Circles anytime. You do not have to sign up, just come. The Bible Studies are found in the current Gather magazine. Extra copies are available in the library. We enjoy getting know each other and we have great discussions. All are welcome to come any time. The following items will be included in School Kits for Lutheran World Relief. Please donate new items only. NO items with religious symbols, US flag, patriotic or military or armed forces symbols including camouflage sheet notebooks of wide- or college-ruled paper, approximately 8 x 10 1/2 ; no loose leaf paper 1 30-centimeter ruler, or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other 1 pencil sharpener 1 pair of blunt scissors (safety scissors with embedded steel blades work well) 5 unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers 5 black or blue ballpoint pens (no gel ink) 1 box of 16 or 24 crayons 1 2 ½ eraser 1 sturdy drawstring backpackstyle cloth bag, approximately 14 x 17 with shoulder straps Handmade Greeting Cards are available in the Library for $1 each. Proceeds will go to WCLC

9 Prayer Concerns Bernice Crompton, Roger Busswitz, Lavonne Goering, Karen Burch, Gary Muecke, Jon Hoyme and Carl Schreier Continue to remember in prayer ~ Those dealing with cancer and other long-term illnesses. Members who are shut-in Service men and women Those who mourn the loss of loved ones Ministerial Acts Deaths~ Randy Christiansen passed away November 3 Funeral held November 10 Alice Magnus passed away November 9 Funeral held November 14 Denis Schneider passed away November 15 Funeral held November 19 Evelyn Herder passed away November 19 Funeral held November 24 Christmas Giving Opportunity Kyle Cheskie and friends are collecting Christmas gifts for the patients at Sanford Children's Hospital. They are asking for donations of toys, games, books and DVD's for children of all ages. Teen gifts are especially needed. A collection box will be located in the narthex until December 16. It s time to renew, or even begin, your subscription to Living Lutheran magazine for Many of you have chosen to receive this in your home. If you purchase your subscription through Christ Lutheran you are able to receive this for only $8.95 per year. Please send a check to the office with Living Lutheran in the memo to renew or add your subscription for Dear Friends, Thanksgiving is the time of year when we remember with gratitude all those who have shown us kindness and support. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Thank you for being a part of our village through your generosity. Many thanks for your kind donation to our Backpack Program. We appreciate your support as we work to provide food for children in need! We are so blessed to live in a community with people and organizations like you who value education and care about kids! With Our Sincere Thanks, The Staff and Students of MCC Elementary School WWAM Meals Needed Meals are needed for Wednesday nights in January. Sign up sheet is on the bulletin board across from the kitchen. Please contact Kari Mathiowetz ( ) with questions. Thank you to all who have helped to provide meals this fall, they are very much appreciated! 16 17

10 18 1 Natalie Brown Sydney Cuperus Coby Mahon 3 Anna Falk Terri Hurd 4 Mike Schreier Paul Hacker Leena Lindberg 6 Mason Gertsema 7 Abigale Loosbroock Wyatt Loosbrock Carter Hanson Demi Carlson 8 Brooklyn Johnson Lucus Noerenberg Linda Thovson Layla Gertsema 9 Grant Everson Paige Schuur 10 Dallas DeGreeff Barbara Kirchner Aliyah Klaassen Judy Dean Karlee Gass Wyatt Kirchner Torrence Domeyer 12 Martha Giefer Levi Carlson 13 Rick Manderscheid Jason Platt 14 Mark Wajer Brandon Winter Brooke Swart Owen Moline Henry Haugen 15 Bernice Crompton James Dahlgren Vicki Hansen Katie Titus-Schmahl Bette Meinerts 16 Staci Kleven Rebekah Nysetvold Jessica Lamb 17 Pam Schreier 1 Dick & Gayle Davidson (1963) 18 Erin Klein 3 Larry & Heidi Rachuy (1983) Natalie Schmidt 13 William & Mary Baune (1980) 19 Ann Muecke 14 Robert & Amanda Lentsch (2012) Laurie Hardekopf 16 Dennis & Jessica Doeden (2000) Aria Bergerson 21 Lloyd & Elayne Finke (1956) Kinley Opdahl Robert & Twilla Sellman (1956) 20 Cameron Johnson Colton Johnson 28 Dave & LeAnn Van Meveren (1968) 21 Benjamin Kirchner Philip Klingbeil 22 Karen Johnson Carl Lindberg Please contact the office if you notice a mistake or omission on Khristian Rakowski the Birthday or Anniversary lists. Thanks for your help! 24 James Estum Gary Muecke Trevor Rosenbrook Christian Fransen Victoria Pierson 25 Twilla Sellman 26 Ryan Erickson Chayce Johnson Betty Lee John Meyer Greg Wasberg 27 Jena Wajer 28 Chad Wilkison 29 Tom Kappes Donna Mollema Ruthie Nelson Minnie Schwartz 30 Dale Lange Briar Lindberg Angel Gertsema Thea Radke 31 James Davidson Sue Johnson Wesley Leysen 19

11 Worship Assistants for December, 2018 Acolytes Lector Greeters Communion Usher Video Power Point Saturday 12/1 5:15 PM Marshal Isder Cheryl Krant Jim & Carolyn Gillette Keith Rossow Dodi Haugen Dodi Haugen Sunday 12/2 Ashlyn Kirchner Arnie Guild Leann Giesen 10:15 AM Conner Kirchner Arnie Guild, Gerald Giesen, Perry Hegstad Leon Kruse Alex Schuur Gayleen Kirchner Lorie Kruse, Jim Johnson (Katie Gillette) Saturday 12/8 5:15 PM Marlys Hegstad Marlys Hestad Sue Gass Linda Thovson Vicki Hoffmann Leon Hegstad Sunday 12/9 Dylan Kluis Jem Hamilton 10:15 AM Jim & Joan Kluis Chayce Johnson, Camdyn Kluis Sara Mathiowetz Karissa Hurd Saturday 12/15 5:15 PM Marshall Isder Marshall Isder Cheryl Krant Marv Nysetvold Sunday 12/16 Erin Klein Betty Hughes George & Robin 10:15 AM Hemmingson Lynn Knutson Perry Hegstad, Jim Johnson Jim Berglund Emily Rohrer Betty Hughes Betty Hughes, Gerald Giesen Saturday 12/22 5:15 PM Linda Wing Clarice Kappes Tom & Clarice Kappes Keith Rossow Vicki Hoffmann Sunday 12/23 Lauren Stoel Lorie Kruse Logan & Caroline 10:15 AM Stoel Christmas Eve 12/24 Connor Kirchner Jem Hamilton Randy & Dawn 5:15 PM Groves Leon & Lorie Kruse Tim Lange Lauren Stoel Travis & Randi Stoel Vicki Hoffmann Sue Gass, Marshall Isder Linda Nelson Lauren Stoel Gayleen Kirchner Betty Hughes, Gayleen Kirchner Christmas Eve 12/24 Brooke Neilson 9:00 PM Saturday 12/29 5:15 PM Jim Kluis Lorie Kruse Lynn Knutson Jim & Joan Kluis Tim Lange Camdyn Kluis, Derek Kluis Cheryl Krant Brad & Pam Hovdet Marv Nysetvold Marlys Hegstad Leon Hegstad Sunday 12/30 Lilly Kleven Andy Kleven 10:15 PM Katie Gillette, Arnie Guild Nate Kleven Alex Kleven Alex & Paige Schuur 20 Bread Bakers: Twilla Sellman, Cari Schreier, Vicki Hoffmann DVD to City Hall: Kari Mathiowetz Thank you to everyone who is helping during worship services at Christ Lutheran Church this month. If you cannot fulfill your ministry responsibilities, please find your own substitute and let the office know of your replacement. Thank you!!! 21

12 22 Hadley Lioness Shoe Collection Hadley Lioness is still collecting new and gently used shoes for a fundraiser for Hearts and Hands of Murray County. There is now a collection box at Christ Lutheran Church. Please take a few minutes and look through your closets for any shoes your family doesn't wear anymore - for men, women, children, infants, even boots and flipflops - and drop them off at Christ Lutheran by Sunday, December 9. Christmas Reminders May the Christmas presents remind you of God s greatest gift His only begotten Son. May the Christmas candles remind you of Him who is the Light of the world. May the Christmas tree remind you of another tree on which He died for you. May the Christmas cheer remind you of Him who said, Be of good cheer. May the Christmas feast remind you of Him who is the bread of life. May the Christmas snow remind you of the cleansing power of Christ. May the Christmas bells remind you of the glorious proclamation of His birth. May the Christmas carols remind you of the song the angels sang, Glory to God in the Highest. May the Christmas season remind you in every way of Jesus Christ your King. December 2018 Shetek Lutheran Ministries Where Christ Renews and Empowers Mark Your Calendar December 2 Lutefisk Supper December 27 Winter Fun Day January 11 Snowshoeing & Stargazing January SLM Quilting Retreat January Scraptacular January 27, 2-4 pm Family Ski Day February 2 Family Snowshoe Day February 10 SLM Annual Meeting February 10 Women s Tea & Ski February 23 Winter toddlers & trees For more information go to Shetek.org or Call Shetek Lutheran Ministries Quilting Retreat January 18-20, 2019 Enjoy a crafting weekend at SLM! Spend time in a relaxed, Christcentered environment sewing, bonding with other crafters of faith, eating delicious food and engaging in daily devotions. Questions? Contact SLM at or at 14 Keeley Island Dr Slayton, MN slbc@frontiernet.net Shetek Lutheran Ministries Annual Lutefisk supper will be held Sunday December 2, 2018, 5:30p.m. Tickets $17.00 RSVP by November 21 st Prepaid reservations only. Thank you! For more information call or check out our website at Shetek.org Help send Kids to Camp Become a Pelican/Timber member today. For more info. Call or check out our website at 23

13 God s work. Our hands. CHRIST LUTHERAN CHUR CH 2959 QUEEN AVENUE SLAYTON MN Phone: Fax: slaytonchristlutheran@gmail.com RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Visit us on the web at... christinslayton.weebly.com Published 11 times a year Volume 2018, Issue #11 November 30, 2018 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US Postage Paid Permit #4 Slayton MN