CHRISTMAS MEMORIES. December We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith.

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1 December 2018 Weekly TV Broadcast Mondays, 7:00 p.m. Charter Channel 986 Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. HBC Channel 20 We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith. CHRISTMAS MEMORIES Many years ago, my mother had all of our family s old 8-mm home movies transferred on to DVDs so that my siblings and I could each own a copy of them. The DVDs contain so many wonderful memories from my childhood scenes from long-ago birthday parties, family vacations, summer picnics, Fourth-of-July parades, etc., etc. They are pretty funny to watch, all these years later. Pastor Mike Zaske Of all the memories on the movie DVDs, I think I cherish the Christmas ones the most. Every year, my parents made sure to film us children opening our Christmas presents. And in the background, as we kids frantically tore open gift after gift, you see my Grandpa Zaske with his long-sleeved shirts my Grandma Zaske with her cat-eye glasses my uncle Kevin with his 1960 s mop-top hairstyle my dad with his plaid pants What fantastic remembrances! Speaking of the gifts, from the DVDs I noticed that we kids used to get at least a dozen gifts apiece (if not more). And yet, forty-plus years later as I watched those gifts being opened, it s amazing how few of those gifts I remembered. Even the few that I actually did remember mean nothing to me now as an adult. Perhaps there s a lesson in that I don t remember the gifts, but one thing about Christmas that I DO remember is that our family ALWAYS went to church at Christmas either on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. Of all the family traditions, it was the one non-negotiable. My parents made sure that we Zaske kids knew the REAL reason for Christmas, and that we knew what the most precious gift given during this holiday season is. Worshiping God for sending us his beloved Son was always a part of the Christmas holiday in our family. We never once failed to attend church at Christmas to praise God for what he had done. Now that I m older, I wouldn t trade those worship memories for any present on earth. As you go about making your Christmas-time plans for this upcoming holiday season, I pray that you will do for your loved ones what my parents did for me I pray that worship will be one of your nonnegotiables. I pray that you realize the importance of praising God for sending Jesus to save us from our sins. I pray that no child would miss out on what TRULY matters at Christmas. Bless your loved ones bless yourself come and worship! And make this the best Christmas yet! W. Wabasha Winona, MN

2 Upcoming Events The FEAST Wednesdays, 4:45-6:00 p.m., Grace Hall See Menus in the Notices section of this newsletter. Adult Forum for Advent Sun., Dec. 2, 9, 16 and Jan. 6, 9:15 a.m., Library We will be using Book of Faith: Advent Reflections- I Wonder as I Wander as our guide for this study. Each week we will explore one of these topics: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. Some books will be available. If you have any questions, contact Julie Palubicki at jules364@gmail.com or via phone at CLC Family Advent Fair Sun., Dec. 2, 8:30 10:15 a.m. Fellowship Hall We will again be offering an Advent Fair on the first Sunday in Advent for all to attend. There will be cookie decorating, Advent activities, ornament painting, and Christmas crafts to make. Fun for all ages! If you are interested in volunteering, or if you have an idea for a craft or activity, please call Shana Johnson North Star Boys Choir Sunday, Dec. 2, 10:15 am service The award-winning North Star Boys Choir will sing during the 10:15 service. Come and be blessed by their beautiful music! CLC Book Group Mon., Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m., Library Discover the traditional Advent themes of watchful waiting, repentance, and selfless love while taking a walk with Albert Holtz, O.S.B., through the streets of Newark, New Jersey. In a series of meditations, he points out the often-unnoticed connections between our secular celebrations of the holidays and the deeper, spiritual meaning of the holy seasons of Advent and Christmas. The book is From Holidays to Holy Days and all are welcome to join us. If you have questions, contact Gayle Garrity at Gather Bible Study Thurs., Dec. 6, 2:00 p.m., Library Take part in a one-hour Advent devotional, Fear Not, on page 22 in the December issue of Gather magazine. Coffee, conversation, and refreshments at 3:00 p.m. All women are welcome! Bake Sale and Coffee Social Sat., Dec. 8, 9:00-12:00 p.m., Grace hall Hosted by the Central Lutheran Church Women. Proceeds from the sale will go the Mary Ellen Kitundu Birthing Center in Tanzania and the Children's Vision International Children's Home in Bogata, Colombia. The home cares for and educates orphans and children whose parents cannot provide for them. The bake sale will include an assortment of delicious donated baked goods as well as krumkaka, rosettes and of course...lefse! The lunch will include soup, sandwich, coffee and coffee cake. A free will donation will be accepted. Ease some of that holiday stress... Get your Christmas baking done at the bake sale! Come for the sale and stay for a relaxing lunch! Prayers for Healing Sun., Dec. 16 at 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. services Prayers for healing are offered each third Sunday of the month in Holy Spirit Chapel (left) during communion. At any time before or after you commune you are invited to join the pastor in prayer for healing for yourself or someone else. Welcoming Table Mon., Dec., 17, 5:30 6:30 p.m., Grace Hall Project Fine community meal. All are welcome! Blue Christmas Service Tues., Dec., 18, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary The service will be an intimate service of remembrance and in recognition that the holidays are a difficult time for some. Please watch for more information in the upcoming weeks and invite others who may appreciate this service. Holiday Dinner Wednesday, Dec. 19, 4:45-6:00 p.m., Grace Hall Please join the Feast at the Second Annual Rita Lehnertz Holiday Dinner, honoring the vision and commitment that Rita had to the Feast. The Lehnertz family and friends will be serving up a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, in the beautiful setting of Grace Hall. Join the Feast community for a truly special evening meal. Christmas Eve/Day Services see mailing page for details 2

3 Congregational Vote Welcomes New Pastor On November 4, in a special congregational meeting a call was issued to Pastor Michael J. Short, who is currently serving at English Lutheran Church in Platteville. A January 1 start date is planned. The letter of call was signed and forwarded to the synod. We are grateful for God's guidance in our call process. Calling Pastor Short marks a new beginning for Central Lutheran. The call committee unanimous in its recommendation, and the council is anxious to partner with Pastor Short as we move forward together in Christ's service. Farewell Reception for Pastor Mike Join us in Grace Hall on Sunday, December 23 at 10:15 a.m. to celebrate Pastor Mike Zaskes interim ministry at Central Lutheran. Pastor Mike has brought God s word to us in thoughtful and relevant sermons; a warm and welcoming spirit, and a steady, guiding hand. We are thankful for his vibrant ministry here and wish him well in his new interim ministry in Becker, Minnesota. Thank you Pastor Mike! Photo Directories Available The Central Lutheran Church photo directory is now available in the church office. The cost is $6.00. Next month s newsletter will have information on the development, production, and future plans for this directory. Thank you to all who provided or had their photos taken for the directory. It will be helpful for our new directing pastor. Events/Notices The FEAST The Feast continues to serve a hot meal each Wednesday to members of the community and Central Lutheran. Come join us from 4:45 to 6:00 pm, and join the Wednesday evening services as a mid-week Advent service. All are welcome. The Feast will conclude the fall season with the Second Annual Rita Lehnertz Christmas Dinner on December 19. This truly special holiday meal includes all the trimmings and is lovingly prepared by the family of Rita Lehnertz, a loyal Feast volunteer coordinator and cook. We honor Rita s dedication to the Feast and her strong desire for a beautiful holiday meal open to anyone. You don t want to miss this. Thanks so much to the Lehnertz family for their loving service. The Feast will break for the Christmas holidays and resume on January 9, We look forward to another season of fellowship, served with a warm meal and good cheer. If you are interested in volunteering for the Feast, please call Cheri Weaver at , or Tami Lubinski at We are looking for a greeter to welcome guests as they enter the church. December FEAST Menu: December 5: Hamburger Gravy, corn, mashed potatoes December 12: Pull Pork Sandwiches, coleslaw, Beans December 19: Turkey Christmas dinner December 26: No Feast Welcome Our NEW MEMBERS Kyle & Sara Mollert We have 3 kids: Emma is 17, Kate is 15, and Tanner is 7. We live in Utica. We love spending time with family the human and animal kind! Julie Jenkins I grew up on a farm in SW MN outside the small town of Butterfield. I graduated with a BS degree in Botany from Mankato State University. I have 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren. I followed my oldest son, Erik Floan, to CLC to hear him play the organ. I live outside Winona with my 2nd son, Josh Smith, his wife, Natalie, and their combined 4 children. My daughter, Eva Moeckly, her husband, Steven, and son, Calvin, live in Rochester. They adopted Erik's dog, Ketel. We are all trying to adjust to losing Erik in May. Many people here at CLC have been very helpful in that endeavor and have made me feel welcome. 3

4 Opportunities to Serve (Time and Talents) Bake at Church on Thursday, December 6th Please sign up at the information desk in the Narthex if you would like to help make rosettes and krumkaka with other volunteers on Thursday, December 6th. This is an "equal opportunity event! All are welcome. No experience necessary! There are morning, afternoon and evening shifts. Questions about making krumkaka can be directed to Carol Wadewitz, Questions about making rosettes can be directed to Janice Brown, If baking isn't your thing we have other volunteer opportunities available to help on Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning and early afternoon. Come and help. It's for a great cause! Cookie Baker s Needed!! All hands on deck! We need all kinds of baked goods for the WELCA Bake Sale on Saturday, December 8th, from 9:00 to 12:00. It would be much appreciated if you could donate some of your favorite cookies, candy, cakes, bars, pies, or breads for the sale. Please bring them to Grace Hall on Friday, December 7th, between 3:00 and 6:00 pm. The Feast The Feast is looking for a greeter to welcome guests as they enter the church. If you are able and available, please call Cheri Weaver or Tami Lubinski Thanks for considering this fun and important service. Holiday Assistance During the Holiday Season Social Concerns is again collecting $25.00 gift cards for members of Central who may need a helping hand/remembrance at this time of year. We are suggesting the gift cards be for gas or food. Anyone interested in donating, please bring the cards to the office by December 15th or place them in the collection plate. If you know of anyone who might need assistance please contact Pastor Louise at clc3.pastor@gmail.com with the name and address of that person or persons. Thank you for helping us make the holidays brighter. ~Social Concerns/Missions Committee Seeking Communion Assistants Each month approximately 30 communion assistant slots are filled by a dedicated group of volunteers, but we could really use a few more to help share the responsibility. Communion assistants are those that help serve the bread and wine and pick up the communion cups during the service. Please consider trying it. Many have found it to be a meaningful way to participate in worship. Contact Greta Poser if you're interested at or by ing gbernatz@gmail.com. Someone will meet with you before the service to go through the process and then serve alongside you during the service. If you like it, you can choose to be added to the distribution list and sign-up to help when it works for you. Opportunities to Give October Food Basket We are doing very well with the Food Basket in food and money. Currently, we are up to 7643 lbs which includes the non perishable food and money converted to pounds. We thank you for your continued support. ~Social Concerns/Missions Committee Convenient Giving You can make an automatic gift to Central Lutheran Church from your savings or checking account once a week, once a month, or twice a month. Pick up the form in the entrance, or check out other automatic giving options on Central s website. Thrivent Choice Dollars If you have any Thrivent Choice Dollars, please consider directing them to Central Lutheran Church. 4

5 Worship & Music News Aleah Harvey, Director of Worship, Music, and Arts Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. ~Lao Tzu My initial reaction to this quote is, What a beautiful reminder! But I need to create a shopping list, organize my home for upcoming visits from guests, decorate, plan meals, prepare Christmas cards, actually mail those cards before Christmas.. the list goes on and on. Very quickly, words that were intended to make me pause and breathe have only filled me with more anxiety. However, I am learning. I lost my father to cancer nearly six years ago and my mother-inlaw just last February. Now, instead of focusing on a to-do list, material gifts, and satisfying everyone s expectations, I have a deep desire to stop, take a breath, and appreciate the beauty in my life: God, family, friends, music, love, acceptance, community, nature, this list could also go on and on. I encourage you to pause in this season, remember, and appreciate. Please watch for a postcard informing you of upcoming services at Central this December. Let us worship together and express gratitude to God for all the beauty in our lives. Meeting Summary WELCA is wrapping up the year with a focus on missions. Thank you to Angela Gotz for her informative and inspiring presentation at our November meeting about her children in Colombia and her family s involvement with the Children's Vision International Children's Home in Bogata, Colombia. Thank you also to Esther Circle for hosting and providing delicious apple crisp to accompany the Colombian coffee donated by the Gotz family. The meeting also included a distribution of WELCA directories, a report on financial giving from the past year, and the election of Susan Cooper as WELCA secretary. The proceeds of our upcoming Christmas Bake Sale and Lunch will support the Children's Vision International Children's Home in Bogotá, Colombia and the Mary Ellen Kitundu Birthing Center in Tanzania. Please watch for opportunities to support this event. One more save the date the Epiphany Tea is on the calendar for January 6th. All are welcome! Bring a friend! WELCA Christmas Bake Sale and Lunch See Opportunities to Serve for more details. Epiphany Tea We will be celebrating Epiphany Sunday, January 6th with our annual tea. Our committee is hoping that you will have an epiphany and sign up to be one of our hostesses. We need 15 hostesses to adorn our tables with your favorite table ware. Each table will seat 6 guests. We will set our tables on Saturday, January 5th. Please consider sharing your talents as a hostess in God s House. If you are interested, please contact Mary Reeck at or breeck@hbci.com. 5

6 YOUTH NEWS Sunday School DECEMBER Sunday, December 2nd: Advent Fair during Sunday School hour (First Sunday in Advent) Please plan to attend as a family (8:30-10:15). Saturday, December 8th: Christmas Program Rehearsal ALL students Pre-K through 6th Grade, 9:00-10:00 AM Sunday, December 16h Christmas Program Presentation at 10:15 Service Christmas Social following 10:15 Service- ALL are welcome! Sunday, December 23rd: NO Sunday School Sunday, December 30th: NO Sunday School Confirmation On Reformation Sunday, October 28, 2018 the following young people of our congregation made Affirmation of their Baptism and were confirmed as members of Central Lutheran Church: Justin Brickner, Samuel Buerck Madelyn Cone, Mikayla Corcoran, Brock Herczeg, Kain Maurud, Ella Mueller, Caleb Nisbit, McKinlee Northrup, Spencer Olson, Kaydee Overton, Benjamin Rustad, Kathleen Stevens, and Matthew Thesing We offer our congratulations and ask God s blessings on you as you continue in the faith of your Baptism. 6 We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith. 259 W. Wabasha Winona, MN

7 December 2018 Mission: Provide the building blocks of child care by creating learning opportunities infused with faith while supporting the whole family Update on the Appeal We have great news to share. The State of MN has amended their determination after we requested an appeal due to the lack of evidence to support the determination. Last month the article in the news letter informed the congregation about a child that had a fall on the playground, in which, that child broke their arm. The staff responded to the incident seriously, timely and with compassion. The incident was reported to the state, as all incidents of this magnitude have to be. The state classified the incident as Serious Maltreatment with a $5000 fine. Many discussions were had at different levels of the law, the state and with other centers through out the area. Through our persistence and the appeal process the state reviewed the investigation findings and have reversed the determination of maltreatment and rescinded the fine. Making Memories with our youngest community members! Here are pictures of our younger children learning, experiencing and having fun! Through this process we have seen the need for age appropriate labels on playground equipment in Winona. We plan on perusing making the playgrounds safer for all children and raising awareness on the need for a preschool aged playground in Winona. Young Readers Week We had parents come in and read for Young Readers week. The children loved sharing their parents with their class. The parents were able to sign up for a morning or afternoon to read their favorite book to the group. Thank you to all the parents that were able to give their time and share their books with our kids here at CLC CCC. 7 Questions, please contact us Phone childclc@hbci.com

8 From Pastor Corrine Winona Lutheran Campus Center Midterms took on a new meaning at the LCC this fall, as students registered to vote for the first time, or helped others register to vote. In the midst of the focus on the midterm elections, students also studied for midterm exams, wrote midterm papers, and presented midterm projects for classes. It was a stressful time, to say the least. And in the midst of all of that, students kept showing up- for worship, Bible study, service opportunities, like fall cleaning, serving a community meal, and participating in Trunk-or-Treat and Feed My Starving Children. They also showed up for each other at Independent Theo(logy.) A couple students took the lead in sharing our intentions, or ground rules for Independent Theo- practicing radical listening in order to understand, not necessarily to respond; practicing compassion for someone s experience and not assuming they ll have this same thought forever; practicing mindful presence for one hour- really being together and keeping confidence. It struck me one week, as midterms (elections and tests) were fast-approaching, that this is essential, holy, and counter cultural. In a time that seems to push towards divisiveness and fear, our students are resisting through the practice of radical listening and compassion. They are showing up for one another and others in our community. They are listening and learning what it s like to be a student of color, or an immigrant, or live with depression, or be on one s own due to an estrangement in family, etc. They are showing up with curiosity and openness- What s your story? What do you think? How can I come alongside you, and will you come alongside me, too? They are also discovering the strength in vulnerability. Like I said, this is essential, holy, and countercultural. Perhaps that s because it s what Jesus teaches us- to be present, get curious and open up to one another s story; to walk with and love one another as he loves us. At this time of Thanksgiving, we are grateful for that. And, we are grateful, as always, for you, dear friend. I may say this all the time, but that s because I feel it so often, and because it is true- we couldn t do what we do without you. You make possible this essential, holy, and countercultural gathering of community in Christ. May you, too, find spaces and people with whom you can be yourself and feel the inescapable love of God in Christ Jesus. With a humble & full heart, Pastor Corrine Haulotte 8 Welcoming All Engaging Worship Growing Faith Compassionate Service

9 Council Update Council Minutes, Tuesday, October 16, 2018 Present: Gayle Garrity, Bill Pfaff, Paul Ness, Marie Holmquist, Carol Kramer, Pastor Mike, Judy Davis and Dian Biesanz Pastor Mike opened with devotions meeting called to order by President Gayle Garrity. Kelly Dicke was present at our meeting to inform us of consequences for the child care center as a result of a child falling from the monkey bars at Madison School while on a field trip there. The state of MN has fined the child care center and labeled them with a child maltreatment investigation. We all felt this to be an unfair assessment of this obvious accident and a motion was made by Marie and seconded by Judy to support Kelly (as director of the child care center) to appeal this action with whatever action necessary, this motion passed. September council minutes and treasurer s reports were presented for approval; motion made by Dian seconded by Bill to approve, motion carried. Staff reports, Director of Worship and Music, Operation Direction, Pastor and Visitation Pastors reports were presented for approval; motion made by Marie seconded by Judy, motion passed. Committee Reports: Worship and Welcome, Technology, and Property were approved - - motion made by Marie seconded by Paul, motion passed. Old Business: Call for Directing Pastor; reviewed letter to the congregation, notices to be posted for congregational meeting to be held Sunday November 4,2018 following the 10:15 worship service. Water issue in the basement; discussed findings of the property committee and Winona Nursery and plan to move forward. A soft start to informing and educating the congregation of the severity and cost to fix this issue was discussed. We are on Winona Nursery s docket for a formal bid and possible date to begin repair. Bill has a reliable friend as a reference resource to aid us in decisions regarding this project. Possibility of a congregational forum in January... Stewardship Emphasis in the month of November on the 1 st and 3 rd Sunday. The Bereavement Group is about half over, good attendance, this group is led by Pastor Bill Flesch. Motion was made by Paul seconded by Bill that we authorize payment of $500 to him at the completion of this session (from memorial fund) this motion passed, New Business: Youth plans for continuing confirmation and youth group activities; John Bartholow has volunteered to help in this area as plans for youth director position are still in the talking stage - - a new job description will need to be prepared. Discussion on the importance of communication of council with the congregation, agreed that we remain transparent and let everyone know what is happening. Policies still on the table for discussion are: Use of the building, cash gifts and gifts in kind; clarification of these policies. Quarterly staff evaluations are being done by Pastor Mike. Dian Biesanz, Council Secretary Treasurer s Note Christmas and the New Year will quickly be here. The year's end will certainly produce very memorable times in our church year, and is a good time to look back. As we reflect, our church lives have been a bit unusual during the last several years. Change is evident everywhere, most of which is positive. Our interim pastors have been great, sharing their unique faith and expertise, which for each was a distinctly different talent. We have learned from each and every one of them. We recognize that, when things are changing rapidly, some members change their giving while waiting for more clarity and stability. However, the church expenses go on. Nearly all of our expenses are fixed, supporting staff and facility. Central Lutheran does not sell a product for which we strive to sell more each year. We are here to serve the faith of our members and others in our community. This we do not wish to change. Typically, December is the month our members are most generous to Central Lutheran, and for this we are ever thankful. Contributions through October 2018 were $10 thousand below those from the first ten months of Our expenses, however, are the same as last year because we are fully staffed. Based on history, for December we expect our contributions to be $68,000 - the highest of the year. To assist in your year-end contributions, there are several special contribution methods which our members have used in the past to receive tax advantages for their gifts. First, if you have an Individual Retirement Account which has a Required Minimum Distribution, you can request that your IRA contribute your RMD to a charitable organization such as Central Lutheran, thereby providing tax benefits. Second, if you have long term appreciated stocks, you may be able to contribute the stock to a charitable organization and not have to report the long term capital gain, while receiving a charitable deduction. If you have any questions regarding these methods, the church office has some information. Finally, we hope you will reflect on Central Lutheran s mission this month and support it fully with your time and financial resources. Paul D. Ness, Treasurer 9

10 Financial Report Operating Fund October 2018 Total Income: $49, Total Expenses: $55, Offering Goal December $43, Thank you for your support of Central s ministry. Mortgage Monthly payments for interest and principal October: $3,146 Gifts for Building Fund October: $ 941 Gifts for additional mortgage principal reduction October: $ 190 Mortgage principal balance on Nov 1: $327, Gifts in memory or honor of someone MEMORIALS Oct THRU Nov UNDESIGNATED Memory of Carole Forest Given by Diana & Michael Cyert Given by Conway & Elizabeth Elton Given by David Forest Given by Rich & Gayle Garrity Given by Cherly Harvey Given by Jane Haugen Given by Chuck & Norma Lockwood Given by Marion Mason Given by Sharon Schultz CLC FOUNDATION Memory of Erik Floan Given by Mia Martin YOUTH Memory of Rich & Eugenia Moe s Granddaughter Sophia Moe Given By Mia Martin Memory of Brenda Stark s Father Timothy Stark Given By Mia Martin FEAST Memory of Karen Erickson Given By Grace Miner Memory of Carole Forest Given By Grace Miner DONATIONS Memory of Mervin & Charlotte Tripp Baptismal Candle Designated Gifts in October CLC Foundation-$25.00 Hannah Circle-$45.00 Hurricane Relief- $1, Feast- $1, Flower Fund -$ Food Shelf-$68.00 Funeral Fund -$ Missions Envelopes - $ Music & Arts -$ Sunday School -$ Quilters-$ WELCA- $10.00 World Hunger- $ Youth Fund -$ Undesignated Memorials- $1,

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12 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # W. Wabasha Winona, MN Return Service Requested Sunday, December 23, 2018: Fourth Sunday in Advent 9:15 a.m. Monday, December 24, 2018: Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. All three services will be festival Christmas services for every family with music, candles, and Holy Communion. (Nursery is not available due to holiday Childcare schedule.) Tuesday, December 25, 2018: Christmas Day 9:15 a.m. Sunday, December 30, :15 a.m. 12 Christmas seasonal needlepoint kneeler, Central Lutheran Church, Winona, MN