Christ Lutheran News. Twas the Night Before Advent. December, We will seek God s will, share God s love, and serve as Christ s people.

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1 Christ Lutheran News December, 2015 Twas the Night Before Advent Twas the night before Advent when all through God s House not a heart wasn t stirring, not a heart wasn t roused. His people wrapped round His Word with awe, Awaiting wonders and the fresh grace of God. The children were anxious for His Story to start, these Vision of love dancing loud in their hearts. And God in His glory, and us, in Jesus Christ, settled only for a Christmas all about Christ. When out on the streets, the frenzy came with a clatter, Yet in hearts, Joy sprang up, centered on Who matters. Away from the stresses, we flew like a prayer, Simply opened our hands and made room to prepare. For the Light of the World to warm every dark space, a luster of hope cupped in every cold place. Till what to our wandering hearts should appear, Murmurings of a King and Love drawing near. In a Book of Old Pages, so Living and True, you can hear Jesus whisper, I m coming for You. Through Every Story, The King fiercely came, And He beckons you, woos you, and calls you by name! Come Beloved! Come Chosen! Come Special Child! Come Wanted! Come Nearer! Come Feel the King s Smile! From Creation s first start to manger s bright light, Unwrap His Love Story till He holds you one night. He spoke all Love s Word, then became Word in the Skin And filled every heart that would welcome Him in. And laying Himself down into manger s straw, He s Your Immanuel, With Us is God. Advent unwraps wonder, the greatest gift ever dreamed, so come adore Him, the One who redeemed all the willing and wanting with this Advent Awe a sacred, slow Unwrapping of a season of God. 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 Sunday School (September May) 10:15 am Worship (Holy Communion 1st and 3rd Sundays) Broadcasts: Sunday, 11:30 am Worship broadcast on Radio KJOE FM Wednesday, 10:00 am Worship on Television Channels 3 & 67 Executive Council Gary Plotz, President Theresa Nysetvold, Vice President Sandy Stokesbary, Secretary Cal Wurpts, Treasurer Church Office: Street Address: 2959 Queen Avenue, Slayton, MN slaytonchristlutheran@gmail.com Website: christinslayton.lutheranweb.net Dawn Mouw, Office Manager Dale Lange, Custodian Pastor Ted Kunze Parsonage (home): cell phone: pastorkunze@gmail.com Pastor Dawn Quame Parsonage (home): cell phone: dawnquame@gmail.com Prayer Requests Inside this issue: Pastor s Column 4 Council Minutes 6 Financial Information 10 Offerings/ Christmas/Annual Meeting 12 Calendar 16 WCLC / Prayer Concerns 18 Parish Nurse 20 Ministry Projects/Youth Events 21 Canews 26 Worship Assistants 28 Birthdays/Anniversaries 30 Remember to check us out on the Web christinslayton. lutheranweb.net Slayton Christ Lutheran Church Would you prefer to read your newsletter online or by ? Please us: slaytonchrist lutheran@gmail.com Call the church office at , or us with your prayer requests. If you want a pastoral visit or would like to 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. Please call and let us know so we can support you with prayer and with presence. 2 3

3 From Pastor Dawn s Desk... 4 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and pray to me, I will hear you. ~Jeremiah 29:11-12 While some people are great planners, I cannot say that I am. Oh, I have all sorts of ideas. And some (not all) of my ideas actually turn out to be pretty good ideas. But, planning is different. Planning requires making decisions and committing to a schedule. This is not something I enjoy nor is it something I do well. Nonetheless, in order to survive in this world, we all need to do some planning from time to time. The Advent and Christmas season is one time of the year when we seem to do a great deal of planning. It often begins earlier in the year when someone in the family starts asking, When are we getting together for Christmas? If your family is anything like mine, this often involves some discussion and perhaps a little compromise. For some of us, we need to make plans according to our work schedules and there are also other family commitments to honor during the holidays. Some families have gotten creative and started celebrating Christmas in July or November or even January. All of this means we have to do some planning. Planning may also involve making lists. We make our grocery shopping lists and our address lists to send out Christmas cards. As a child, I would sit down with the JC Penney Christmas Catalog every year and make my own personal wish list of gifts I wanted and circling these items in the catalog with hopes that maybe my parents would just happen to see what I had in mind and plan accordingly (this, by the way, never worked!) Perhaps you ve done some of your own planning lately. Whether you re planning for Christmas or retirement, you know how disappointing it is when your plans fail. Once in a while, other things happen that prevent us from following through on our own plans. Some things cannot be avoided while other things just tend to take priority. Schedules change and life has more than its share of demands on us. I would imagine that Mary and Joseph had made a few plans for their lives before God stepped in and revealed to them a new and different plan. God s plan was that they would play a part in bringing God s only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. While life was happening all around them, Mary and Joseph were faced with God s plans for their lives and for the entire world. In Jeremiah 29:11, we read of God s plans and promises for the people of Israel while they live in exile. They are reminded that God does have a plan that will, in due time be revealed. This plan involved the promise of a future with hope. At a time when it seemed like God had remained silent, the promise is conveyed that God will act and will hear their prayers. These plans may not have been the plans of the people, but they were God s plans. During the Season of Advent, we hear a great deal about hope. We decorate the church sanctuary in blue because this is the color of hope. We read from scripture about reasons to be hopeful and we anticipate the coming Christmas season with a sense of hope for the new thing that God is about to do among us as we celebrate Christ s birth. Our plans may not always turn out the way we want them to, but we do still have hope. Regardless of what is happening in your life, God promises to give you hope and a future, just as God gave the Israelites hope and a future. In the midst of your list-making and planning, prepare to be surprised from time to time with God s plans and promises for your life. You may have to adjust your plans, but you can be sure that God will still be with you. Amen. 5

4 Council Minutes Council Minutes CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Executive Council Minutes Wednesday, November 11, 2015 President Gary Plotz called the meeting to order at 8:05 PM. Members present were: Pastor Ted Kunze, Pastor Dawn Quame, Gary Plotz, Theresa Nysetvold, Cal Wurpts, Mary Mesner, Nancy Moberg, Chuck Paulzine, and Sandy Stokesbary. Pastor Dawn led devotions from II Kings 6:8 and on, Philippians 4;6; followed by prayer. A motion to approve the agenda was made; M/S/P Pastor Ted/Theresa. The minutes of the October 14, 2015 executive council meeting were approved as printed; M/S/P Cal/Chuck. The financial report was presented by Cal. The needed income to finish the year in the black is about $60,000; that does not include paying the held-back benevolence giving. Planning for a catch-up worship weekend in November and preparing special offering envelopes for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Cal recommended requesting of the Memorial Committee to transfer 6 the memorial money for faith chests into the Faith Chest Fund so that it can be accessed for purchase of materials as needed. A motion to accept the report; M/S/P Theresa/Nancy. Pastors Reports: Pastor Dawn reported on activities to include: served as hospital chaplain November 2-8, coordinated with Pastor Ted on visits to Hospice House, grief visits, Holy Communion services at Golden Living, assisted with a request for gas help with a vehicle, preached or led worship at Faith and Christ, led Sermon Simmering, confirmation classes, Confirmation rehearsal and Confirmation Service, brief acolyte training with Carissa Clarke and students, assisted at Sam Knutson funeral, presided at Diekmann/Radke wedding, led A Conversation about Mental Health, new member sessions, Thankoffering service, CLUE event (bonfire and outing thank you to the Erickson s), w.a.l.k. events on Wednesdays for grades 3-6 (could use more volunteers for the kitchen), planning for Junior High Youth Gathering in Willmar November 21-22, contacted Secure- Search about background checks-christ Lutheran is now registered with them and able to do free electronic background checks as needed, attended Agape and Rachel Kurtz concert in Marshall with three girls from Christ, office duties, bulletin and newsletter articles/notices, stewardship committee meeting, joined women for fellowship and coffee as able, LAMB dinner event, Shetek Conference Pastors Gathering at Shalom Hill, ministerial meeting, Kiwanis breakfast, will preach at the Community Thanksgiving service at Presbyterian Church November 22, and looking forward to vacation time in Florida December 2-9. Pastor Ted reported on activities to include: Conference Pastors meeting at Shalom Hill, Thankoffering planning meeting, hospital and Hospice visits, rehearsal and wedding for Fritz/Hulstein at Lake Sarah, worship services at Faith and Christ, preparation and funeral for Sam Knutson, home communion visits, breakfast meeting as Conference Minister, Confirmation classes, rehearsal and Confirmation Service, adult Bible study, Conference Ministers meeting at Dundee, confirmation open houses, new members classes, planning and funeral at Totzke Funeral Home for Doris Bay, LAMB luncheon, communion services at Sunrise Terrace, Golden Living Center, Lindenwood, and Maple Lawn at Fulda, Slayton Ministerium meeting, Bible study leaders meeting, attended Dads & Donuts at kindergarten, Thankoffering Sunday worship, personnel committee meeting, and church council at Christ. Old Business: 1. Thank you from Marv Nysetvold of Shetek Lutheran Ministries was read. 2. The new windows have been ordered; Chuck is in contact with Southwest Glass and waiting for more information as to arrival. New Business: 1. The Blue Christmas service will be Sunday, December 20 th, 4:00 PM. 2. The December meeting schedule will be Wednesday, December 9, 2015; 7:00 PM Boards/ Committees; 8:00 PM Executive Council 7

5 Council Minutes 8 3. Year-end preparations include: a. The Annual Meeting will be Wednesday, January 20, 2016 (snow date January 27) at 6:45 PM. Fellowship and Service group will host a light supper at 6:00 PM. b. Board reports are due in church office 30 days before the annual meeting. c. The Nominating Committee is active. d. The Personnel Committee has met. e. Church budget planning meeting will be Wednesday, December 2 nd, 7:00 PM. f. Reminder to committees and boards; please update ministry descriptions. 4. Pastor Dawn will be on vacation December The funeral rental policy was discussed. Board Reports: Fellowship and Service: reported by Mary Mesner. There was one funeral served this past month with Group I serving. Thank you to all who helped and furnished cakes, from all four work groups. Group II will serve the next funeral and the next special event. Thank you to WELCA with helping to pay the cost of cleaning and waxing the fellowship hall floor, kitchen and bathroom floors. Thank you to Jean Asplin and Betty Hughes for purchasing kitchen supply items, dishwasher cleanser, and sanitary cleanser for dining tables. We appreciate these items are always available for use. Anyone is welcome to sign up for serving coffee following services on Sunday mornings. Savings account balance is $50 and checking balance of $ Mission Outreach: A report from the LAMB luncheon was submitted. A variety of soups, ham buns, beverage, and donated bars were served. A Thrivent Action Team card was applied for and a $250 card was granted for the project; $ for food supplies and the remainder was used by Steve and Nancy Liable to purchase fabric from Hometown Variety to send to Bangladesh also. Profit from the fundraiser was $1577. Parish Education: report was submitted. Committee members, Nicki Platt, Jessica Doeden, Megan Schryvers, and Brittany Schneider met this evening. Planning a group Sunday School activity for Sunday. Teachers will meet to dis- cuss planning for the Christmas Program on Sunday, December 13. The Sunday School children will be singing November 22. Property and Management: reported by Chuck Paulzine. Committee members, Chris Hansen, Dan Haken, Jerome Schreier, Luke Radke, Rob Rohrer, and Chuck Paulzine met this evening. Discussion of Christmas trees, parking lot stripes, fall clean-up, update on the ordered windows, and a small parsonage project of carpet area, repair ceiling, paint and light fixture. A winddamaged tree on the southwest corner of the church property was removed for safety and a replacement will be checked on. Dan Haken continues to replace the needed longer metal screws in the fellowship hall roof. Pastor Dawn suggested purchasing a slow for children portable sign to be used in the parking lot during outdoor activities with children. Stewardship: report submitted by Greg Wasberg. 80 copies of the stewardship survey were handed out the first Sunday morning with 20 returned by middle of the next week. s will remind members to complete and return the survey; also, s will be sent to members who have traveled for the winter it will include a pdf copy of survey to return. Additional surveys will be available at worship times. Worship and Evangelism: reported by Nancy Moberg. Committee members, Nancy Moberg, Lisa Saner, Randi Stoel, and Sue Isder met this evening. Worked on the December lay leaders schedule, including Christmas Eve services. Randi and Nancy worked on the year end report. Youth: report was submitted. Committee members, Cassidy Paulzine, Bridget Kluis, and Pastor Dawn met this evening. Discussion of the upcoming Junior High Youth Gathering; 22 are attending including six adults. SecureSearch was completed and was an easy process, free of cost; the committee recommends using that process in the future for anyone that works with youth and children. Planning for cookie baking on Sunday, December 6 th to be delivered to firemen, EMT s, and law enforcement as a service project. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM. We closed with the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Sandy Stokesbary, Recording Secretary 9

6 Financial Information On this page you will find a brief overview of the month s offerings. It is our goal to provide you with actual, updated information about Christ Lutheran s financial status. Following our annual meeting, the congregation voted on the 2015 budget. The budgeted amount for general offerings breaks down to $21, each month to cover our anticipated ministry expenses. In addition we will need $1, each month for our Synod Mission Support. ~Cal Wurtps, Treasurer & Dawn Mouw, Office Manager Here s a look at where we ended October, 2015: Beginning Balance: $ ( ) Receipts: $ 17, Expenses: $ 24, Transfers: $ 2, Ending Balance: $ (6,580.12) The gray bar shows our actual offerings through November 25. The black bar is our budgeted offering total. General Offerings: September - November, 2015 Nov Oct Sept $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 Sept Oct Nov Actual $14, $15, $23, Budget $21, $21, $21,

7 12 Mission Support Offering As Christians, we have a commission from Jesus to, Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you (Matthew 28:19-20). The people of the world need the Good News of God s love through Jesus Christ as much now as ever! Much of this proclamation we do through the ministries of our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and their ministry partners around the world. Enclosed with this newsletter is an envelope designated for Mission Support. All money given to Christ Lutheran through this envelope will be passed on to our Southwestern Minnesota Synod for their ministries, and on to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for the proclamation of the Gospel throughout the world. Please give generously so that the world may hear the truth of God s love! Year-End Giving Your generous donations to the work of the Church are needed before December 31 in order to complete our ministry plans and repay the loans that were taken out earlier during the year. In addition to donations of money given as cash, checks or electronically, remember that we are also able to receive donations of farm commodities or of appreciated stocks. Contact the church office if you have questions about how to give in some of these other methods. Thank you for prayerfully giving in response to what God has given to you! Christ our Savior is Born Christmas Eve Schedule Together with our partners at Faith Lutheran in Avoca we will be offering three worship services on Christmas Eve. All will feature many of your favorite Christmas carols, the beauty of candlelight, and God s gift of Holy Communion. Please bring your Christmas company with you to whichever service best fits your schedule as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas--the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ! 4:00 PM Faith Lutheran, Avoca 5:15 PM Christ Lutheran 9:00 PM Christ Lutheran Our annual Sunday School Christmas program will be the main part of our 10:15 AM worship service on Sunday, December 13 th. Heidi Winter is coordinating the program this year, and Jeff Erickson will once again be leading the musical parts. Annual Meeting Scheduled The annual meeting of Christ Lutheran Church has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 20 at 6:45 PM in our Fellowship Hall. A supper will be served at 6:00 PM, with the meeting to follow. In the event of stormy weather, the meeting will be held on January 27, instead. Please plan to attend this meeting as we review the ministry of this past year and elect leaders and make plans for

8 14 Parsonage Improvements Thank you to the Property Committee and the congregation for recent improvements in the office/family room in the parsonage, including new paint, new carpet, a more home-like light fixture, and a repaired ceiling. Special thanks to Luke Radke for delivering the carpet with his truck, and to Dan Haken for repairing and texturizing the ceiling. ~Pastor Ted & Marcia Kunze Bangladesh Lunch Thank-You On behalf of the children in Bangladesh we would like to thank Christ and Faith Lutheran for the continued support of the Bangladesh School Project by hosting the annual Lunch for LAMB event. The event is a wonderful time of fellowship and sharing of mission activities. We are also grateful for the financial support that results from the event. This year the contributions were $1, We very much appreciate the time and talent provided by the Mission Committee and the Action Team that was formed. Thanks to all who helped with the event. Special thanks to Thrivent Financial for providing $250 of support to the Action Team. ~Steve and Nancy Laible Bloodmobile Here December 3 rd The Red Cross bloodmobile will be at Christ Lutheran on Thursday, December 3 rd, from 1:00 to 7:00 PM. Even during the holidays there is an ongoing need for blood to use for transfusions following accidents, during surgeries, or for people with various blood diseases. If you are able to donate, please take the time to do so. To make an appointment, call Betty Palmer at Walk-ins are also welcome. The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign You may not know this but the Salvation Army is active right here in Murray County! We are in need of bell ringers this year. Money raised in Murray County stays right here to help people in need throughout the year. Serving as a bell ringer is a great opportunity for families to volunteer together and for young children to learn early about the value of volunteering. Our Kettle Campaign began November 23 and will run until December 24. Our kettle will be located at Jim s Market in Slayton. If you aren t able to volunteer during this busy season, there are other ways you can help. Our Christmas Kettle Campaign is the only fundraising we do. During difficult economic times of the past year, we have helped more local people than ever before. Please help us to assist even more in the year to come. Checks can be made out to Salvation Army of Murray County and sent in care of Nikki Cheskie at th St, Avoca, MN You may not be aware of all the ways Salvation Army serves your county. Listed below are some of the services we provide: New backpacks and school supplies for Fulda and MCC school children in need. Free summer camp for youth unable to afford it. Emergency utility assistance. Eye exams and glasses for those in need. Disaster relief. The Angel Tree Program, providing Christmas gifts to high school aged students. We fill a variety of needs for families when no other organization can! Anyone interested in finding out more or volunteering as a bell ringer can contact Nikki Cheskie at (507) Please call after 4:00 pm or leave a message. 15

9 6 Christ Lutheran s Calendar for December 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 8:45 Faith 9:00 Sunday School & Adult Class 10:15 Worship w/ Holy Comm Coffee 3:00 Youth Event 6:30 Community Band Concert 13 8:45 Faith 9:00 Sunday School & Adult Class 10:15 Christmas Program Coffee Fellowship 20 8:45 Faith 9:00 Sunday School & Adult Class 10:15 Worship w/ Holy Comm Coffee 4:00 Blue Christmas Worship 27 8:45 Faith 9:00 Sunday School & Adult Class 10:15 Worship Coffee Fellowship 7 14 Pastor Ted s Day Off 1:00 Quilting Pastor Ted s Day Off Pastor Ted s Day Off Pastor Ted s Day Off 1 9:00 Sunrise 10:15 Golden Liv 11:30 Sack Lunch Bible Study 1:30 WCLC Board Meeting 8 10:15 Lindenwood 11:30 Sack Lunch Bible Study 15 11:30 Sack Lunch Bible Study 1:00 Quilting 6:00 Love Circle 22 11:30 Sack Lunch Bible Study 29 11:30 Sack Lunch Bible Study 2 10:00 Worship on Channels 3 & 67 11:30 WCLC Potluck, Bible Study & Unit Mtg 3:30 w.a.l.k. 6:00 Endowment 7:00 Confirmation 7:00 Choir 9 10:00 Worship on Channels 3 & 67 3:30 w.a.l.k. 7:00 Confirmation 7:00 Choir 7:00 Committees 8:00 Executive Council 16 10:00 Worship on Channels 3 & 67 3:30 w.a.l.k. 5:15 Ugly Sweater Party 7:00 Confirmation 7:00 Choir 23 10:00 Worship on Channels 3 & 67 7:00 Choir 30 10:00 Worship on Channels 3 & Blood Mobile 6:30 Community Band Practice :00 Worship at Faith Lutheran 5:15 Worship 9:00 Worship Pastor Dawn s Day Off Pastor Dawn s Day Off 5 9:00 Yarn & Yak 5:15 Worship 12 5:15 Worship w/holy Communion 19 Pastor Dawn s Day Off w/holy Communion Christmas Day Office Closed Pastor Ted Kunze Pastor s Home # Cell Phone # pastorkunze@ gmail.com 5:15 Worship w/holy 26 5:15 Worship w/holy Communion Pastor Dawn Quame Pastor s Home # Cell Phone # dawnquame@ gmail.com 16 17

10 Women of Christ Lutheran Church Acts Our Mission: To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ. December Visitation: Peace All Circle Bible Study Wednesday, December 2 11:30 am Potluck Dinner Followed by Bible Study and Unit Meeting All Women are welcome! Christmas Project Wednesday, December 2 2:00 pm at Golden Living Center Love Circle Tuesday, December 15 at 6:00 pm Everyone is asked to bring an appetizer to pass and also a plate of Christmas cookies or treats to share with shut-ins. Quilting Monday, December 14 and Tuesday, December 15 at 1:00 pm Donna Carnahan, Vera Chmela, Stan & Joan Dahlgren, Sheldon & Judy Dean, Lori DeGreeff, Robert Domina, Elaine Donaldson, Clarence & Gladys Feste, Cody Finke, Allison Grieme, Orv & Shar Grieme, Spencer Gurrola, Darlene Hartwell, Scott Hegstad, Evelyn Herder, Iris Idler, Julia Johnson, Amie Rowden-Kidd, Lynn Knutson, Alan Kramer, Dave LaBoda, Tom Lange, Bob & Betty Like, Elsie Lindberg, Ramona Lindberg, Kim Nesmoe, Lorane Onken, Avalon Paulson, Amy Petersen, Lynda Petersen, Jeneane Quame, Floyd Schadt, Twilla & Robert Sellman, Maxine Skouge, Mary Ann Suedbeck, Dorothy Thovson, Nicole Thovson, Kathy Uittenbogaard, Heidi Veestra & Harold Yotter 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 Baptisms~ Brody Patrick Hoffmann November 21 Son of Jesse & Amy Hoffmann Nicholas Allan Knutson November 28 Son of Samuel Knutson & Brittany Moon Cake Pans Please stop by and check out our growing collection of cake pans and pie plates. If you find one that belongs to you, please take it home. Thanks! Prayer Concerns Ministerial 18 19

11 Parish Nurse Ministry Ministry & Fellowship Opportunities 20 Christmas Blues~ Christmas for many people means happiness, but Christmas can also be a difficult time for others. Perhaps you have experienced a loss in your life. Holidays are hard if you are grieving. Or maybe you are feeling lonely, stressed, depressed or sad related to other issues in life as Christmas draws near. Know that you are not alone. Christ Lutheran will again be hosting a Blue Christmas worship service on Sunday, December 20 at 4 PM. The service will acknowledge your feelings of sadness or loneliness and offer support through the worship service. Come to remember and honor those you miss, plus know that your being there can be a support to others. Plan to stay following the service to share a time of fellowship and sharing over coffee, cider and a light snack. It is sponsored by the Slayton Ministerial and anyone in the community is welcome, so please invite your friends and family to attend this special service with you. Here are a few things to remember as Christmas comes near~ Be kind to yourself. Maybe simplify your plans this year. Share your feelings with family and friends. It s healthy to talk about it. Look for ways to reach out to others. Looking past ourselves and doing acts of kindness for others often help us feel better. Be grateful for each day even as you miss a loved one. Remember and share your good memories of that person and time spent with them. Try to get regular exercise as it can be very beneficial for our emotional health. It s okay to enjoy Christmas activities and have some fun. Do not feel guilty. Death teaches us that every day of life is precious. Take time to worship and pray. Remember that God loves you. May this Christmas season be a blessing to you. Ongoing Ministry Projects: Yarn & Yak the first Saturday of each month at 9:00 am in the Chapel Lounge. This is a time to visit, share ideas, and learn from each other as we work on prayer shawls, baby hats, or other items. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Bring your projects! Birthday Bags Murray County Food Shelf is in need of Birthday Bags. The bags contain a cake mix, a can of frosting, candles, balloons, and birthday plates and napkins. All donations can be placed in the birthday shopping cart just inside the church doors. Quilting December 14 & 15 at 1:00 pm. It s time to renew, or even begin, your subscription to The Lutheran 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 The Lutheran in the memo. On-Line Giving You can now make a one-time or recurring donation to the church using a credit card by going to and search for Christ Lutheran Church, Slayton, MN. Once there you can donate to our general fund, or pay for the radio broadcast. You can also go to our congregation s website, christinslayton.lutheranweb.net and follow a link from there to Give MN. 21

12 Youth Events 22 C.L.U.E. Youth Event is December 6 All youth in grades 7-12 are invited to make Christmas cookies that will be shared with local law enforcement, firefighters and ambulance crews on Sunday, December 6 at 3:00 pm. Please sign up by contacting the church office at or Christmas Gift Making for Kids! Children and youth will join Pastor Dawn and some other adults for an afternoon of making simple Christmas gifts for friends and loved ones followed by a meal on Tuesday, December 15 from 3:30 6:00 pm at Christ Lutheran Church. We will have several stations prepared for kids to create gift items such as ornaments, greeting cards, tissue pouches, and Santa baskets. There is no cost for this event but please sign up in advance so we have enough supplies. Adult helpers are also needed to help with crafts or making and serving the meal. If you wish to contribute any supplies for this event, our wish list includes the following: Red and white craft paint Small paintbrushes Black electrical tape Washi tape Glitter Clear glass ornaments Plain white pillar candles Battery operated votive candles and small strings of lights Fabric remnants ¾ 1 elastic Wood matches Embroidery thread Fabric stiffener Plain white plates of all sizes 2015 Junior High Youth Gathering Update On November 21 and 22, youth and adults from Faith and Christ Lutheran Churches attended the SW Minnesota ELCA Junior High Youth Gathering in Willmar, MN. This year s theme was Can You Hear Me? You Are Heard! and it was based on Micah 7:7, But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior, my God will hear me. One of the speakers was David Hunstad from Old Lutheran in Moorhead, MN and music was led by the band, Tanner Clark. Highlights included hearing several members the Lutheran Youth Organization share Faith Talks, Night Life opportunities and worshiping with nearly 800 other youth and adults on Sunday morning. Special thanks go out to the following adults who attended the gathering: Kari Mathiowetz, Travis Pierson, Steve Telkamp, Dawn Groves, Sarah Dahlgren and Pastor Dawn Quame. Youth who attended included: Anna Mathiowetz, Sara Mathiowetz, Naomi Berglund, Jack Pierson, Cole Ahlers, Nate Everson, Noah Boerboom, Justin Benda, Drew Coulter, Brayden Ahlers, Rylan Behnke, Alyssa Groves, Vanessa Dahlgren, Victoria Pierson, Tracy Leysen and Kalli Johnson. This annual event is for Junior High Youth and is sponsored by the Lutheran Youth Organization of your Southwestern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA. Mission support provided to your synod helps to make events like this affordable for all youth and their families. Radio Broadcast Ministry Thank you to everyone who has supported our Radio Broadcast Ministry this year. All of the dates for 2015 have been filled. The next available date is January 3. Checks ($65) can be made out to Christ Lutheran with Radio Broadcast in the memo or you can pay online by visiting our website. 23

13 Upcoming Synod Events Mark your calendars for the following upcoming events: Equipping Congregations for all congregations of the SW MN Synod of the ELCA is Saturday, February 20, 2016 in Willmar, MN. If you serve on any boards or committees, please consider attending this event. It is well worth the time. SW MN ELCA Senior High Youth Gathering is March 4-6, 2016 in Mankato. This is for youth in grades Music that weekend will be led by Agape! More details to come! Scraptacular! Scrapbooking and Stamping retreat at Shetek Lutheran Ministries is January 22-24, Come and enjoy a weekend away at camp as you work on your favorite projects! This year s theme is Made to Create and is based on Psalm 139. Cost is $120 and includes meals, housing, snacks, make-and-take projects and retreat leadership. Go to for more information or talk to Pastor Dawn Quame. Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! On Wednesday, December 16 from 5:15 7:00 pm Christ Lutheran is hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. All ages are welcome to attend and wear their favorite ugly Christmas Sweater. While there will not be any contests this year, there will be a Sweater Parade and drawings for some fun prizes! We will also play a few games and sing some Christmas carols. Barbeque sandwiches and beverages will be served. Please bring a salad or some Christmas cookies to share. At 7:00 pm confirmation students will be singing Christmas carols throughout the community and all are welcome to stay for this as well. So, dig out your old sweaters or design your own sweater and join us for a fun evening! Please sign up on the bulletin board outside the chapel lounge. Hoop Heroes for Hope Youth Basketball Challenge 2015 Build a Shelter School in Bangladesh A group of local children have teamed up with Shetek Lutheran Ministries and Nativity Lutheran Church of Minneapolis to raise $10,000 to build a small shelter school. A Hoop Hero for Hope is any child who wants to participate, have fun and shoot basketballs to help their brothers and sisters across the globe. How can you help? Your donation of $10 $100 will provide the incentive for the children to make a basketball point for every dollar donated. The goal is 10,000 basketball points and $10,000. You can find more information on the bulletin board at church or on Christ Lutheran s youth website christinslayton.weebly.com

14 December, Keeley Island Dr Slayton, MN Help send Kids to camp Become a Pelican/Timber member today. Mark Your Calendar Lutefisk Supper December 6, 5:30 pm Beginning Snowshoeing December 18, 3-5 pm Winter Fun Day December 29 Summer Staff Reunion December 29 & 30 Stargazing and Skiing January 2, 8-10 pm Scraptacular Retreat- January nd Annual Women s Tea and Ski- February 6 Marriage Retreat February SLM Annual Meeting February 14 Any questions call (507) or Check out our website at Come to camp over your holiday break to be reminded of God's love and to have a blustery blast with winter camp activities like: snowshoeing, broomball, Bible time, cross country skiing and more! Who: 3-6th grade youth. Youth advisors are also welcome! When: December 29th, 9:30 am -4:30 pm Cost: $25 per youth, $10 deposit due with registration (included in total cost) What to Bring: List will be sent upon registration confirmation Questions: Contact Dana: dana@shetek.org or Thank you for your support! The Shetek staff and board would like to thank you for your support! Your gift enables us to offer outstanding programs, maintain the day to day operation, provide camperships, and continually update our facilities. As we look forward to the future we are excited about all that is ahead as God continues to lead us in new directions. May God richly bless you for your support! Wishing you a Merry Christmas! Mark your calendar now for the Scraptacular! (Scrapbooking & Stamping Retreat) January 22-24, 2016 at Shetek Lutheran Ministries Find details at Shetek.org/Adult Retreats and click on the Scraptacular tab 26 27

15 Worship Assistants for December, 2015 Acolytes Lector Greeters Communion Usher Video Power Point Sat, Dec 5 5:15 PM Carolyn Gillette Vicki Hoffman Jim & Carolyn Gillette Brandon Winter Marshall Isder Sun, Dec 6 Camryn Boerboom Arnie Guild Dawn & Randy 10:15 AM Noah Boerboom Groves Sat, Dec 12 5:15 PM Anna Mathiowetz Sun, Dec 13 Cole Ahlers Andy Kleven Kent & Donna 10:15 AM Johanson Katie Gillette Arnie Guild, Noah Boerboom Tyler Winter Mallory Loosbrock Betty Hughes Grace Moline, Maddie Hanson Cheryl Krant Bob & Sue Gass Mason Gertsema Bev Knapp Leon & Lorie Kruse Nichole Boese, Nathan Everson Koyer Wendorff Alex Kleven Sat, Dec 19 5:15 PM Jaedon Anderson Marlys Hegstad Paul & Barb Kirchner Brooke Engbarth Marshall Isder Sun, Dec 20 Tyler Groves Marcia Kunze Gerold & LeAnn 10:15 AM Giesen Thurs, Dec 24 Elise Rohrer Terry Larson Darren & Lisa 5:15 PM Saner Thurs, Dec 24 Sarah Mathiowetz Ann Muecke Greg & Nancy 9:00 PM Moberg Jon & Ruth Hoyme Jim Johnson, Justin Clarke Sam Larson Alyssa Groves MaCoy Swenson, Kolton Wendorff Luther & Pat Onken Terry & Natalie Schmidt Leon Kruse Grant Rohrer Rob & Kris Rohrer Karen Onken Kari & Anna Mathiowetz Nysetvold Family Laurel Nelson Steve & Ann Muecke Sat, Dec 26 5:15 PM Marshal Isder Tom & Claris Kappes Faith Bose Marshall Isder Mason Whitehead Sun, Dec 27 Naomi Berglund Jack Pierson Perry & Stacy 10:15 AM Hegstad Perry Hegstad, Jack Pierson Jim Berglund Vanessa Dahlgren Grand Rohrer, Trish Erickson Bread Bakers: Cari Schreier / Vicki Hoffmann DVD to City Hall: Karen Onken 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!!! 28 29

16 1 Natalie Brown Sydney Cuperus Coby Mahon 3 Anna Falk Terri Hurd 4 Mike Schreier Paul Hacker 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 12 Martha Giefer Levi Carlson 13 Rick Manderscheid Jason Platt 14 Mark Wajer Brandon Winter Brooke Swart Owen Moline 15 Bernice Crompton James Dahlgren Vicki Hansen Katie Titus-Schmahl Bette Meinerts 16 Staci Kleven Rebekah Nysetvold 17 Pam Schreier 18 Erin Klein Natalie Schmidt 19 Ann Muecke Laurie Hardekopf 20 Cameron Johnson Colton Johnson 21 Benjamin Kirchner Philip Klingbeil 22 Karen Johnson Carl Lindberg 24 James Estum Gary Muecke Trevor Rosenbrook Christian Fransen 25 Twilla Sellman 26 Ryan Erickson Chayce Johnson Irene Johnson Betty Lee John Meyer Greg Wasberg 27 Jena Wajer 28 Chad Wilkison 29 Tom Kappes Donna Mollema Ruthie Nelson Minnie Schwartz Chris Hansen 30 Dale Lange Briar Lindberg Angel Gertsema 31 James Davidson Sue Johnson Wesley Leysen 1 Dick & Gayle Davidson (1963) 3 Larry & Heidi Rachuy (1983) 13 William & Mary Baune (1980) 14 Robert & Amanda Lentsch (2012) 16 Dennis & Jessica Doeden (2000) 21 Lloyd & Elayne Finke (1956) Robert & Twilla Sellman (1956) 28 Dave & LeAnn Van Meveren (1968) 29 Clarence & Gladys Feste (1945) Please contact the office if you notice a mistake or omission on the Birthday or Anniversary lists. Thanks for your help! 30 31

17 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.lutheranweb.net Published 11 times a year Volume 2015, Issue #11 November 30, 2015 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US Postage Paid Permit #4 Slayton MN