B e a c o n. Newpor t Lutheran Church. January Inside this issue:

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January 2016 Newpor t Lutheran Church B e a c o n Inside this issue: American Red Cross 1 Children s Christmas Program 1 Pastor s

. 6 Growing in Faith 7 Opportunities 8 Opportunities 9 Camp Wapo 10 Tanzania Update 10 Building/Property 11 Social Concerns 11

Red Cross Blood Drive here at Newport Lutheran - it will be on Friday, Jan. 15 in the fireside room from 12:30-6:30 PM.

If you have any questions, please see Jane Benson. Thanks very much!

this Christmas season. A big thank you to all the families and Ben Winkler for helping with making the program a great success.

1 January 2016 Newpor t Lutheran Church B e a c o n Inside this issue: American Red Cross 1 Children s Christmas Program 1 Pastor s Ponderings 2 God s Story-Our Story 3 Stewardship Snippets 4 Thank You Stories 5 Thank You Cont.. 6 Growing in Faith 7 Opportunities 8 Opportunities 9 Camp Wapo 10 Tanzania Update 10 Building/Property 11 Social Concerns 11 Fellowship 12 Morning Woodcarvers Men s Discussion Group Quilters Book Club Women s Bible Study Council 13 It's time for another Red Cross Blood Drive here at Newport Lutheran - it will be on Friday, Jan. 15 in the fireside room from 12:30-6:30 PM. Anyone who is eligible to donate is encouraged to sign up. The double red cell machine will be available as well. If you have any questions, please see Jane Benson. Thanks very much! Jane Benson Our Children s Christmas program Christmas in the Country and the Advent Lessons and Carols were a wonderful addition this Christmas season. A big thank you to all the families and Ben Winkler for helping with making the program a great success. In addition a big thank you to Char Bergstrom and her parents (Charles and Brenda Gruber) for designing our background for the program. The Bell Choir and the Creation Choir did an amazing job in bringing Christmas spirit to Newport Lutheran Church. Thank You!

Pastor s Ponderings 2 It is a new year! It is hard to believe that 2015 is over and 2016 has begun. Looking back on 2015 a lot has happened in the life of this congregation.

Became a Bronze Sponsor for Relay for Life through your generous donations, raising over $2,500 for the American Cancer Society.

2 Pastor s Ponderings 2 It is a new year! It is hard to believe that 2015 is over and 2016 has begun. Looking back on 2015 a lot has happened in the life of this congregation. We held 6 funerals for members who have passed away. 9 children were baptized into God s Kingdom. Held 114 worship services serving Holy Communion at 56 of these services. Became a Bronze Sponsor for Relay for Life through your generous donations, raising over $2,500 for the American Cancer Society. God s Work our Hands Sunday- made 103 fleece hats for the Tubman shelter, made and assembled 50 school kits for Lutheran World Relief, sang at White Pines Memory Care, and picked up trash for Adopt-A Highway. Sewed and donated quilts to Lutheran Social Services Refugee Services, Lutheran World Relief, and Tubman Family Shelter. 628 Diapers were delivered to the Tubman center. Collected school supplies for Friends in Need. Donated approximately 138 pints of blood. Served over 720 Community meals. Made 750 sandwiches for the homeless. Served approximately 400 meals for Loaves and Fishes. Raised over $7,200 to send 8 people to Detroit for the ELCA Youth Gathering. Collected 431 items for the mitten tree and bought presents for 35 children through Share the Joy. Sponsored community events such as Night to Unit, Easter Egg Hunt, and Trunk or Treat. 6 new members joined the ministry and mission of Newport Lutheran Church This is only a fraction of what we have accomplished here at NLC. What will 2016 bring? Only God knows, but with him by our side it is certain that we will be blessed to be a blessings as we continue to live into our mission to be a caring community that shares faith, shows love, and live as disciples of Christ! Happy New Year! Pastor Sue

God s Story Our Story On the kiosk in the hall are copies of E100 the essential 100 Bible stories to learn and better understand the Bible as a whole.

By writing it down, you are more likely to continue with it and it gives you the chance to connect with your friends who are taking part.

3 God s Story Our Story On the kiosk in the hall are copies of E100 the essential 100 Bible stories to learn and better understand the Bible as a whole. You can determine the time frame to complete these 100 readings do it in 100 days or longer it is your choice. As you take one, sign the E100 Wall (across from the office). By writing it down, you are more likely to continue with it and it gives you the chance to connect with your friends who are taking part. This is a great way to deepen your faith and understanding of scripture at your own pace without getting overwhelmed with trying to read the entire Bible. There is also a handout The Seven Habits of Effective Bible Readers which gives you ideas of how to stay on track. Give it a try! Learn more about God, deepen your faith, and better understand Jesus and his message for the world. God s story is our story. Read and find yourself wrapped in his loving arms. This column will cover some of the highlights of the readings and there will be other opportunities to engage these readings deeper, such as periodic adult forums. There will also be a box in which you can put your questions. 3

4 Stewardship Snippets I AM AFRAID!! I am afraid I will not have enough money for retirement. I am afraid I will not be able to make my house payment. I am afraid I Social Security will not cover my expenses. I am afraid that... What are your fears? How does your faith play into helping you alleviate your fears? Fear is permeating this world in many ways. Fear of global warming, fear of terrorists, fear of failing health, fear, fear, fear. Yet the Bible tells us, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. (Proverbs 3:5) One way we can begin to deepen our faith and learn to trust God more is by starting with our finances. At first it may seem strange, but think about it a bit. What drives most of our life money. We need money to live. If we are worried about not having enough, we begin to turn in on ourselves and think of others less. We fear there isn t enough to go around. But when you give to God first, whether to charity, family in need, church, etc. you begin to align your money with your values and with your faith. You may need to make some changes in your spending habits, but ultimately you grow in your trust in God. You will find yourself worrying less. You will find you are happier. When we put God first, we are not only following the first commandment, we are growing our faith, and ultimately freeing ourselves to live the life God intends for us not one ruled by fear, but a life lived in love and joy. Do not be afraid, for see-i am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people. To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah the Lord. Luke 2:

Thank You Stories of Changing Lives Dear Newport Lutheran Church, Thank you for your recent gift of $678.00 to ELCA World Hunger.

Through your generous gifts, you enable ELCA World Hunger to share Christ s love in a concrete way: by empowering communities to reduce hunger and poverty.

5 Thank You Stories of Changing Lives Dear Newport Lutheran Church, Thank you for your recent gift of $ to ELCA World Hunger. Your faithful support makes a difference for families and communities in need in hundreds of places around the world including our own communities. Through your generous gifts, you enable ELCA World Hunger to share Christ s love in a concrete way: by empowering communities to reduce hunger and poverty. In the past decade, chronic hunger has been dramatically reduced among God s people: from 17% to 12% of he world s population. At the crossroads of hunger and hope, your gifts bring promise and possibility. As the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American (ELCA), we do more together than any one of us could ever do alone. Now in the second year of Campaign for the ELCA, we are privileged to work with you as programs are expanding for greater impact on hunger and poverty. Thank you for your support. What a blessing it was to receive your gift in the mail! Thank you so musch for your check in the amount of $ received on 12/4/2015 for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. With all of the ways your benevolence dollars might be invested, we are grateful ou have shared them with those who use the services of LSS of MN. It s because of you that LSS is able to provide; A hot nutritious meal or a caring companion for an older adult Financial or family counseling for a returning veteran A second chance for a homeless youth Independence for a person with a disability Recovery from natural disaster for a family trying a rebuild And so much more! To learn more about our programs in your community and in our state, visit You ll find lots of information about how you can become more involved as a volunteer or advocate. Thank you again for your important contribution. Your gift will provide new life and hope to the 1 and 65 Minnesotans who utilize the services of LSS of MN each year. Many blessings! Thank you to everyone that donated hats and mittens. Your donation was greatly appreciated: Going to the Tubman Shelter we had 48 scarves, 76 stocking hats, 55 gloves, 103 fleece hats, 8 quilts, 7 pairs of socks, 10 boys briefs, 4 training pants, and 9 misc. items. Going to the Union Gospel Mission: 80 hats and 31 gloves/mittens. Thank you to all who prayed for my husband while he was in the hospital. He came home Christmas Eve night. Thank you. Jennifer McCrory. Continued on page 6 5

On behalf of all of us here at Children s Defence Fund-Minnesota, please accept our heartfelt thanks for the generous contribution of $833.00.

Our mission to improve the lives of Minnesota s children through outreach, education, advocacy and research-is accomplished with the support we receive from our friends like you.

Your gift will be put to work immediately on behalf of all Minnesota s children. Please accept my sincere thanks for your commitment to children and our work at Children s Defense Fund Minnesota.

6 On behalf of all of us here at Children s Defence Fund-Minnesota, please accept our heartfelt thanks for the generous contribution of $ We are truly grateful for the support from the Newport Lutheran Church and your ongoing commitment to Children s Sabbath. Our mission to improve the lives of Minnesota s children through outreach, education, advocacy and research-is accomplished with the support we receive from our friends like you. With this contribution, you are giving a voice to children of Minnesota who cannot advocate, speak or vote for themselves. Your gift will be put to work immediately on behalf of all Minnesota s children. Please accept my sincere thanks for your commitment to children and our work at Children s Defense Fund Minnesota. With hope for our children, Peggy Flanagan Executive Director. I would like to Thank everyone for the card and monetary gift in honor of the 5 year anniversary of my ordination. It has been a blessing and pleasure to be able to serve with such a caring and wonderful congregation. Thank You! Pastor Sue A big Thank you to Bonnie Berg for making the cake and helping with the intergenerational crafts during the Birthday party for Jesus. The cake was absolutely beautiful and the crafts were great! We are so blessed to have her here to share her talents with us! 6

7 Grow in Faith and as a Disciple Christ There are many opportunities to learn and grow our faith. E Essential Bible Readings (see God s Story Our Story for more info) Anna Grunner will be here in February and March to do a series on the Old Testament. She is currently working on her PhD and is on the synod staff. There will be intergenerational activities to take part in and other opportunities as well. Seven Marks of a Disciple 1. Serve as you can see from the Pastor s page and Changing Lives we do this well. You can also serve in many other ways as well. 2. Learn Participate by reading the 100 essential Bible stories. 3. Worship Saturday and Sunday opportunities for worship 4. Pray Prayer chain, private prayers 5. Give See Stewardship Snippets 6. Inviting Invite others (the majority of new members were invited by others) 7. Encouraging - We are called to encourage, console, and inspire one another to live like a follower of Jesus. The most powerful message we can give our neighbors and others we meet is that Jesus loves them; he forgives them, and is generous and gracious to them. Encouraging is one of the aspects of our relationship with Kimala they encourage us and we in turn encourage them. The Marks of a Disciple are part of our baptismal and confirmation promises. We are to...live among God s faithful people; hear the word of God and share in the Lord s Supper; proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed; serve all people following the example of Jesus; and strive for justice and peace in all the earth. The liturgy for the Affirmation of Baptism describes the faith practices that grow out of our baptism (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, page 236). 7

8 Opportunities to Serve Do you like to help cast the vision? Are you interested in being a leader in the congregation? Do you have the following gifts for leadership? Not sure? Answer the following questions:* I can motivate others and get people to work together toward a common goal. I have enough confidence in my vision of what could be done to give direction to others. I frequently accept responsibility in group setting where leadership is r required. People under my leadership sense that they are headed in a good direction. When necessary, I can make unpopular decisions and work through any conflict that follow. I can see in advance what people can achieve and know what needs to be done to make it happen. (*based of LifeKeys by Jane A.G. Kise, David Start, and Sandra Krebs Hirsh.) If you answered yes to 5 or more, Leadership is a spiritual gift. If you answered yes to 4, Leadership is probably a gift If you answered yes to 3, you are unsure if it is a gift learn more or experiment with ways to use this gift (chair a committee or take other leadership roles) The nominating committee will be looking for interested people to serve our congregation by participating in church council. Each position is a two-year term, with the option to continue for a max of four years. We have openings for the following positions on council: Evangelism Stewardship/Finance Treasurer Worship and Music Social Concerns If you have gifts for leadership and want to get involved contact Pastor Sue. 8

9 Opportunities to Serve Confirmation Lenten Mentoring It is your chance to shine and make a difference in the life of a young person and the church. One of the top reasons kids come back to church after they are confirmed is that they have a meaningful relationship with an adult in the congregation who is not related to them. It doesn t have to be time intensive. All you have to do is to care about them as a person. We have a great group of kids in and they are excited about Lenten mentoring and are ready for you to share your talents with them. When asked what they would like to do the responses were many and varied. Cross-stitch Remote Control Cars Someone who played college athletics (especially basketball, football, or track) Quilting Wood-carving Clay Baking Woodburning Art Sewing (both with a machine and by hand) If you are willing to spend time with a confirmation youth and help them to try one of the above areas of interest, please contact Pastor Sue. The time would be Sunday afternoons from 4:00 5:30. You can decide what supplies you need and they will be provided or you can be reimbursed if you prefer to purchase your own. (The exception to this is the Remote Control Cars they are too expensive!!!) Mentors who have participated in the past have enjoyed their time and found it to be as meaningful to them as to the student. Thank you for sharing your talents with our teens! 9

Camp Wapo Camp Sunday will be January 17th. This kicks of the priority registration for Camp Wapo. After the service and before Sunday school, we will make survival bracelets.

Scholarships are available and we want everyone to go to camp who would like to attend.

10 Camp Wapo Camp Sunday will be January 17th. This kicks of the priority registration for Camp Wapo. After the service and before Sunday school, we will make survival bracelets. All are invited to participate! (Pastor Sue will be leading this). If you would like to go to camp, but are unable to afford it, please see Pastor Sue. Scholarships are available and we want everyone to go to camp who would like to attend. Tanzania Update- Currently Pastor Sue is the only one who will be traveling to Tanzania along with a small group from Amazing Grace in Inver Grove Heights. it is important to continue our commitment to our partnership agreement by visiting them. There is no substitute for an in-person visit. Although Pastor Sue is the only one traveling at this time, there are others interested in a future trip. She will also need your input and support to make this a successful trip. If you are interested in becoming part of the Tanzania team there will be opportunities to do so. The goals of this trip are to 1. Fulfill our promise to Kimala to visit them. 2. Continue to strengthen the relationship we have with them. 3. Discover how God has been active in their lives. 4. Lay the ground work for a visit with more people in the future possibly 2018 or If you are interested in our Kimala partnership and do not desire to travel to Africa you are still welcome to join the team! All you need is a love for learning more about the people of Kimala and our partnership with them. There will be a meeting in the spring to share information about the upcoming trip. Pray this month for the crops that have been and are being planted. May they take root and produce plentifully as they near their rainy season. 10

The estimated cost is around $125,000 but we will start getting bids soon. In the spring we will start fundraising to save our roof! If you have any questions or concerns please contact Dave Partch.

11 Building and Property As some of you may know our roof here at Newport Lutheran Church has seen its last days of sunshine, rain, and snow. We will be discussing this issue at our annual meeting and felt that it was important that the congregation was informed prior to the meeting. The estimated cost is around $125,000 but we will start getting bids soon. In the spring we will start fundraising to save our roof! If you have any questions or concerns please contact Dave Partch. Social Concerns Our church's mission for January is under the heading housing/shelter and our offerings will be directed to Habitat for Humanity (HforH). This organization is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that seeks to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience. God's love extends to all and HforH welcomes people of all races, ages, and faith backgrounds. Three major factors attribute to the success of HforH: 1) Labor is volunteered; 2) Cash donations come from individuals (such as NLC members), businesses, foundations, and civic and faith-based groups; and 3) No interest is charged to new home owners. Each year, HforH builds multi-unit townhouses, single-family homes, and/or rehab homes. For each home that is purchased, there are five families on the waiting list for one. A typical HforH home contains at least 1,200 square feet and the people who purchase one is required to work between 300 and 500 "sweat hours" before purchase. They must also attend classes on home-ownership, are typically very proud of their homes, and the foreclosure rate is less than 2% as opposed to the much higher percent on regularly-priced homes. Mission Sunday is January 10th and your support of this organization is very much appreciated. Temple talk on January 10th with Jesse Anderson-Reitz 11

Morning Woodcarving Wednesdays, 8-11 am Wednesdays from 8-11 am. in the Fireside room.

Women's Evening Circle Bible Study will meet on Monday, January 11th 7:00 p.m. All women are welcome to join in.

discover how the Bible is relevant to the issues we face in the 21st century.

We meet on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 8:00 9:00 am at Newport Lutheran Church.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BOOK CLUB NEWS Book club is on winter break until April 26th.

We will be setting our summer reading schedule at that meeting. So keep reading!

12 Morning Woodcarving Wednesdays, 8-11 am Wednesdays from 8-11 am. in the Fireside room. Come and join our group for a fun filled morning of carving, fellowship and coffee. Women's Evening Circle Bible Study will meet on Monday, January 11th 7:00 p.m. All women are welcome to join in. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fellowship Join the men of Newport Lutheran to discuss the issues of the day and discover how the Bible is relevant to the issues we face in the 21st century. Join us for refreshments, Christian fellowship, stimulating discussion and life long friendships. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 8:00 9:00 am at Newport Lutheran Church. Call Gordy Urdhal (651) or Neal Wells (651) with questions. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BOOK CLUB NEWS Book club is on winter break until April 26th. You are asked to continue reading during winter and be ready to report on the titles that you read. We will be setting our summer reading schedule at that meeting. So keep reading! Quilters Quilters meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month from 9-11am. All are welcome! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Women s Morning Bible Study will meet January 12th, at 9am at church. All women are welcome. 12

13 Council Members President: Emily White, Vice President: Kalee McKusky, Secretary: Amy Schall, Evangelism: Jane Benson, Pastoral/Staff: Lin Gisselquist, , cell Property: Dave Partch, , cell , Worship and Music: Ben Winkler, Youth and Family Ministry: Brian Klinga, Announcements From the Treasurer To request a copy of the Treasurer s Report, Treasurer at treasurer900@comcast.net Beacon Items for the Beacon are due in the church office by the 20th of the month. Any items you want in Sunday s bulletin are due by Tuesday of that week. Prayer Requests To be part of or to make prayer requests on the prayer chain, contact Vicki Gardner at (651) or vicki.gardner68@gmail.com THANK YOU!!! Thank you for your generous gifts in November. Because of your generosity, we were able to be once again in the black. Strong giving over the next months will ensure that we end the year in a positive financial position. This is important because the budget is based off giving the previous year. THANK YOU for your donations now and in the months to come! November Revenue $27, Year-to-date Revenue $132, November Expenses $14, Year-to-date Expenses $122, November Income $13, Year-to-date Income $9,

Postage Paid Permit # 1 Newport, MN 55055 Address Service Requested 14 Our Mission We are a caring community that shares faith, shows

14 Newport Lutheran Church 900 Fifteenth Street Newport MN Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Permit # 1 Newport, MN Address Service Requested 14 Our Mission We are a caring community that shares faith, shows love, and lives as disciples of Christ. Newport Lutheran Church Pastor Susan Gravelle Phone: Fax: newportlutheran@comcast.net Web Address: Office Hours Tuesday-Friday 9a-Noon Worship Sunday: 9:00 a.m. Saturday: 5:30 p.m. Holy Communion Served: 1st & 3rd Weekends

October Inside this issue:

October Inside this issue: October 2017 Newport Lutheran Church B e a c o n Inside this issue: Trunk or Treat 1 Blood Drive 1 Community Meal 1 Pastor s Ponderings 2 Worship and Music 3 Social Concerns 4 Roof Fundraiser 4 August