LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMC

Transcription

1 LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMC Pastor A. J. Kluver th Avenue East Alexandria, MN Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are growing, sharing, and living in God s Word, Jesus Christ pastorlwlc@gctel.net; secretarylwlc@gctel.net January Brothers and Sisters in Christ- Happy New Year!! Amid the many joys of being in mission for Christ together with you, 2015 has also been a year of a great deal of suffering and sorrow. Much of our focus and energy was spent in ways that were not intended to be part of our mission in Christ not about our call of discipleship not about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with people in need of hearing it. Much of our time was spent on conflict issues and matters concerning human wants, desires, passions, and pride. As a community of faith, we ask God for forgiveness of our sins and we are called to forgive those who sin against us remembering God s great gift of grace we all have received. We have endured some troubled times but we are promised restoration, confirmation, and strength by God s grace in Christ! This is God s promise for us each one of us as individuals and as a faith community as well. With this faithful Word in heart and mind, I look forward to what the year 2016 has in store for LWLC. I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead for us as we grow, share, and living in God s Word, Jesus Christ. I look forward to what the Holy Spirit brings our way. I look forward to facing the battle together against Satan s attempts to turn us in on ourselves and away from our Lord, Jesus Christ. I look forward to working alongside of you with a foundation of joy and thanksgiving love and forgiveness mercy and grace in our life together in Christ. Thank you for your support of my family and my pastoral ministry with you this past year. I m truly blessed to be your pastor and will continue to stand firm upon the solid foundation of the promises we have been given in Christ Jesus and to boast only of the Holy Spirit s work in and through us by the Word of God. Once again, I m looking forward to this short sabbatical period that I m now beginning and see it as an opportunity for personal growth as well as an opportunity for LWLC to become stronger in regards to lay leadership and support. Thank you for those who are helping to make this period of restoration and study possible for me. You will continue to be in my thoughts and my prayers. See you at the Annual Meeting, if not before!! God s grace and peace to you in Christ- Pastor A.J.

2 EDUCATION Daily Bible Readings for January January1 Genesis 1-3 January 2 Genesis 4-7 January 3 Genesis 8-11 January 4 Genesis January 5 Genesis January 6 Genesis January 7 Genesis January 8 Genesis January 9 Genesis January 10 Genesis January 11 Genesis January 12 Genesis January 13 Genesis January 14 Genesis January 15 Genesis January 16 Genesis January 17 Exodus 1-4 January 18 Exodus 5-7 January 19 Exodus 8-10 January 20 Exodus January 21 Exodus January 22 Exodus January 23 Exodus January 24 Exodus January 25 Exodus January 26 Exodus January 27 Exodus January 28 Exodus January 29 Leviticus 1-4 January 30 Leviticus 5-7 January 31 Leviticus 8-11 Read Through the Bible in a Year The LWLC Adult Education Committee is encouraging all members to get involved in Reading Through the Bible in a Year. The Scripture readings for each month are included in the monthly newsletter. The Scripture texts for each week will also be the discussion forum for the Sunday morning Bible study as well. Please consider taking part in this exciting adventure and encourage others to do so as well. We can be assured that God s Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11) Confirmation Instruction Confirmation Instruction continues for youth in grades 7-9. Currently the class is studying the History Books focusing on the period of the Kings and the Divided Kingdom. Thank you to Tonia Hagedon for leading Confirmation during Pastor A.J. s sabbatical. Catechism Instruction The next session for youth in 6 th grade focusing on Luther s Small Catechism will begin January 13 th at 6 pm. This session will focus on the Lord s Prayer. Thank you to Laurie Kluver for leading Catechism Instruction during Pastor A.J. s sabbatical. NEWS ABOUT KREW! Our November and December schedule was busy as the children prepared to share the good news of the birth of Jesus Christ! Thank you to John Kirckof for taping the Christmas Program if you are interested in getting a DVD of the program please let the KREW staff or John know!! We begin our January KREW on Wednesday, January 6 th at 6:30 p.m. and on Sunday, January 10 th at 10:15 a.m. Our lessons continue to follow the birth and life of Jesus taken from Matthew, Luke, and John. We always welcome new KREW members and visitors to join us during this time of Bible stories, singing, crafts and fun! WORSHIP LIFE Candlelight and Carols The 2015 LWLC Christmas Eve Candlelight and Carols Worship Service was well attended a wonderful time of hearing the Christmas story from God s Word and singing praise to God the Father for the gift of Jesus! Thank you to all of those who had a part in leading this worship and for those who were able to attend.

3 CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PROCLAMATION Christmas by the Book December 13th

4 YOUTH Youth Caroling Event Canceled The 2015 Youth Caroling Event that was scheduled for Wednesday, December 16 th, was canceled due to poor road conditions. The youth were scheduled to return to the church following caroling in order to eat and take part in activities related to the theme of Patience one of the fruits of the Spirit declared in the book of Galatians. Thank you for your patience as we wait to get back on track next month! EVANGELISM Evangelism Pot Luck The Evangelism Committee is having a potluck dinner on Sunday, Feb. 14 th at 11:00 a.m. Please sign up at the information table for the dish you would like to provide. Welcome New Members On December 20th LWLC received six new members into the community of faith. Membership Directory The Evangelism Committee is working on a new Living Word Lutheran Church Member Directory. PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO ADDRESSES included in this directory. If you would like your address printed in the directory please contact the church office! THANK YOU! ADULT EDUCATION Suggested Reading: Lift Together by Dietrick Bonhoeffer Here is a quote from one LWLC member who took part in our Monday Evening Book study on this book Life Together: It seemed like every line of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book was important. There was so much to think about, sometimes I had to read the same paragraph a second time. One particular part that I really appreciated was in the first chapter, "Community". Because God has already laid the only foundation of our fellowship, because God has bound us together in one body with other Christians in Jesus Christ, long before we entered into common life with them, we enter into that common life not as demanders but as thankful recipients. We thank God for what He has done for us. We thank God for giving us brethren who live by His call, by His forgiveness, and His promise. from page 28. WOMEN OF THE WORD L-R; Angela Boswell, Jeremiah Denke, Janet & Marvin Gravley and Jeanette & Ron Stoen Benevolences Women of the Word closed out 2015 by distributing benevolences at home and world wide. In the local area, our women generously donated $389 to the Douglas County Outreach Foodshelf; this was the entire offering collected at the Advent Brunch December 12. Other local benevolences distributed were $75 each to Habitat for Humanity and LOVE, INC. Beyond the local area, benevolences of $75 each were given to the Ethiopian Project through the Augustana District and to Heifer International.

5 A generous WOW offering in September also allowed a gift of $100 to the LWLC library. WOW Bible Studies WOW Bible study continues on the first Thursday afternoon of each month; The Letters of Paul is the topic for the year. Each lesson covers a different letter, so continuity will not be lost should participants be unable to attend every month. All women of Living Word are invited to attend this study. Those wishing to purchase a book please contact Cindy Lerohl. (Cost is $8.50.) This month s study will be Thursday, January 7 at 2:00 p.m. Volunteer leader is Jean Ricks WOW Events Special speakers are being arranged for both the Spring Tea on Saturday, April 23, and the Summer Fling on Thursday, June 23. You will want to keep these dates open on your calendar to spend time with your sisters at Living Word. WOW Board Member Needed As the WOW board re-organizes for the new year, one-two new board members are needed. Meetings are held infrequently usually in advance of large-group meetings. Current board members are Cindy Lerohl, Nancy Anderson, and Carolyn Moeller. All are in their third year of serving as officers. Please contact one of these women if you would consider being on the board this year. MEMORIALS/HONORARIUMS In Memory of Evelyn Stone Given by: Carla Beem Charles & Eileen Jacobson Jim & Terri Elsey Ken & Kay Elvehjem Paul & Paulette Johnson Dorothy Van Beck David & Carolyn Moeller Steve & Jan Ferguson Curt & Sandy Aamold Dorothy Brockopp In Memory of Grace Kirckof Given by: Steve & Jan Ferguson Jim & Terri Elsey Ken & Kay Elvehjem Paul & Paulette Johnson Deloris Ewing Curt & Sandy Aamold Laura Kolden Carla Beem In Memory of Rosemary Johnson Given by Wilma Johnson In Memory of Carl Johnson Given by Wilma Johnson In Memory of Jeannette Olson Given by Wilma Johnson In Memory of Helen Snyder Given by Jim & Terry Elsey Paul & Paulette Johnson Steve & Jan Ferguson Curt & Sandy Aamold In Memory of Rev. David Sorbel Given by Chuck & Orlinda Hauck Jim & Terri Elsey Steve & Jan Ferguson Curt & Sandy Aamold Ken & Kay Elvehjem Gaylen & Cindy Lerohl Gayle Nemmers David & Carolyn Moeller Charles & Eileen Jacobson Paul & Paulette Johnson Carla Beem In Memory of Esther Wevley Given by Paul & Paulette Johnson In Honor of Terri & Jim Elsey Given by Marian Stradtman Thrivent Choice Dollars: Given by: Alton & Carolyn Fiskness

6 WOW Advent Brunch December 12 th

7 Christmas Dinner December 6 th

8 PRESIDENT S REPORT But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, You are my God. My times are in your hand Psalm 31:14,15 Our December meeting devotion was taken from Portals of Prayer. The reading asked the question, What s Ahead for Us? It went on to say: Knowing that Jesus came to earth to deliver us from our sins and that His mission was fully accomplished when He suffered, died, and rose for us, we can with confidence enter a new year, knowing with assurance that Jesus will never forsake us! With 2016 here, the council is feeling grateful for the many members who volunteer at Living Word! We appointed Mark Anderson, Maren Burgau and Steve Ferguson to the Audit Committee. Following their annual audit of all congregational financial records, they will provide a report to present at the Annual Meeting regarding the congregation s financial records accuracy and validity. Gaylen Lerohl, Treasurer, and the council have completed their work on the 2016 proposed budget. It will be presented to the congregation on January 24 th at the Annual Meeting. Justin Lee was approved to serve as a volunteer accountant for Living Word! Thank you Justin!! The council is still looking for a Treasurer to be the council officer! Please consider using your time and talent for this important job! For more information contact Gaylen Lerohl at (320) Deb Griesert continues to serve as the Financial Secretary we appreciate the wonderful job she is doing!! Pastor A.J. will be on sabbatical from January 4 th to February 8 th. He has lined up the coverage needed while he is gone. Thank you to the members who are helping with the Bible Studies, worship services, confirmation, catechism, youth group, etc. Our prayers are with Pastor A.J. during his time of study and spiritual growth! For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 Happy New Year! Jan Ferguson, President ********************************************************************************** FINANCIAL SECRETARY REPORT November 1 s November 29 Attendance 451 (4 Sunday services avg. per service) 176 (Christmas Eve service) Deposits $64, General Offering $21, Poinsettias $ Building Fund $38, Honduras $1, Portals of Prayer $6.00 Special Gifts $50.08 Initial Offering $2.00 Fellowship $ Christmas Dinner $ Memorials $ Youth Programs $ Funeral Exp. Reimb. $ Bldg. Pledges Received $216, Bldg. Pledges Receivable $344,938.50

9 MISSIONS LWLC Transportation Team The LWLC Missions Committee has established the following Transportation Team. If you are in need of a ride to worship or other church activities, please call the team member directly. Addresses are listed so that perhaps you may find a team member who lives in your area. 1. Curt and Sandy Aamold, 1119 Lake Street, Alexandria David Benson, 913 Irving Street, Alexandria Laverne and Karen Floen, 220 4th Street NE, Glenwood Laurie Kluver, 622 Kenwood, Alexandria , (cell) 6. Keith and MaryJo Redfield, 1401 Geneva Drive, Alexandria Love, INC. Requested Needs for the Week of 12/7/15 COMPETED CLIENT NEEDS (Praise the Lord!): The following donations met client needs: clothing/socks for all ages; blankets; a sleeping bag; towels; two Christmas trees; a high chair; a cart to carry groceries and a Rainbow Rider pass. Volunteers met client needs by...fixing a washer; delivering blankets; delivering needed donations; completing a client's household move; mentoring a client from the Dave Ramsey classes and shopping with clients in our clothing ministry. There were nine Love INC clients who shopped in our clothing ministry to receive needed clothes for their families. Needs met by area churches/ministries: Alexandria Covenant Church-assisted two families with utility bills Calvary Lutheran Church-provides socks for our clothing ministry Church of Saint Mary-provided and delivered furniture and household goods to three Love INC clients Lake Community Church-provides undergarments for our clothing ministry COMPLETED MINISTRY NEEDS (Praise the Lord): Volunteer(s)...donated time as volunteer receptionists and intake volunteers; completed data entry; fixed donated appliances; sorted clothes in the clothing ministry; prayed for the ministry; made deliveries of donations to the Caring and Sharing Room, United Way, Someplace Safe, Klothes Kloset and Birthright and picked up donated washers and dryers. Love INC client needs: *Washers/Dryers in good working order 10 years old or less (for four clients) *Men's' jeans with waist sizes 28-38/ lengths of all sizes for the Love INC clothing ministry *Children's clothing size 5 through Junior's for the Love INC clothing ministry-especially girls' sizes 7-14 and boys' size 16 pants *a high chair *a roll away bed *an artificial Christmas tree (small to average height) If you are able to help with any of the above needs, please contact Love INC at (320) Caring and Sharing Room Needs (Church of St. Mary's Ministry) If you can help with the needs below, contact the Caring and Sharing Room at (320) : * Bunk beds, toddler beds, toasters, microwaves, pots and pans, bake ware, kitchen chairs, end tables, lamps and bedding for twin beds Way to go Body of Christ! Over the past three weeks, there were 62 volunteers from 15 area churches mobilized to meet clients' needs and ministry needs. THANK YOU!

10 CHURCH EXTRAS Attention Committee Chairpersons The deadline for submitting your annual committee report for the LWLC Annual Report is January 8 th. Please submit them by to Paulette at secretarylwlc@gctel.net Attention All Snowbirds If anyone wants to participate in the January 24 th LWLC annual meeting electronically, let John Kirckof or the church secretary know right away. Funeral for Pastor David Sorbel Pastor David Sorbel died on Sunday, December 13 th at his home. The funeral was held on Saturday, December 19 th at LWLC. Thank you to those who volunteered to help out with the service and the lunch. Please keep his wife Dodie and the entire Sorbel family in your prayers. Pastor Sabbatical Pastor A.J. will be on vacation from December 28 th - Jan. 3 rd and then will begin his one month sabbatical from January 4 th to February 7th. He will return prior to the Lenten season, which begins with Ash Wednesday on February 10 th. Please pray for this to be a time of restoration, confirmation, and strengthening. Letter from Joan Nelson Dear Friends at Living Word, Just a note to let you know where I moved to, I am in Appleton, WI in a senior apartment complex close to my daughter s family. In my own apartment in a Touchmark complex making lots of new friends. The food is great and many activities. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Thank You John and Karen Kirckof, and family, would like to say a sincere thank-you to our church family and everyone else who sent cards, gave memorials, and said prayers for our family during Grace Kirckof's illness and after her passing. It is very much appreciated to receive these expressions of heartfelt kindness. January Birthdays 1 Dodie Sorbel 2 Michelle Klimek 5 MaKenna Bruggman 5 Ali Rach 5 Sydney Rach 13 Marv Gravley 14 Deloris Ewing 15 Cindy Forbrook 17 Terri Elsey 17 Dirk Hagedon 20 Keiki Kreklau 22 Julie Savoie 22 Jeanette Stoen 23 Jean Ricks 26 Tonia Hagedon 27 Gordon Anderson 28 Carolyn Fiskness 31 Jeremiah Denke 31 Devin Polson Children s Sermon THANK YOU Thank You Gavin and I would like to send a warm thank you to our wonderful church family for the prayers, thoughts and lovely gifts following his surgery at Gillette Children s Hospital. It meant a lot to us. God Bless each one of you. Debby Abers THE FOLLOWING HAVE WITHDRAWN THEIR MEMBERSHIP FROM LWLC as of December 28, 2015: Audrey Knollenberg

11 POINSETTIA MEMORIALS/HONORARIUMS Given By In Memory of In Honor of Curt & Sandy Aamold Wayne Kreps and Our children & grandchildren Adeline Aamold Wayne & Karen Becker Raymond Snyder, Daniel Snyder, Helen Snyder, Dorothy Becker, Donald Becker Carla Beem John Beem, John Karsten, Wanda Hummel Jim & Terri Elsey Our parents: Dr. & Mrs. E.M. Elsey Col. & Mrs. R.O. White Steven & Jan Ferguson Greg & MerriLee Henderson Jerry & Roz Johnson Richard & Marj Henderson Chester Pederson Our parents: Kenneth & Elsie Johnson, and Raymond & Marcella Beyer Pastor A. J. & Laurie Kluver, LWLC Congregation Marilyn Pederson Paul & Paulette Johnson Paul s mother and our Grandchildren: Ethan, Sidney and Erica Johnson Wilma Johnson Carl Johnson, Jeannette Olson Rosemary Johnson Dave & Darla Kaiser Ione & Jim Holt Milt & Mary Kaiser David & Carolyn Moeller Family Doyle & Susan Polson Our children and grandchildren Keith & MaryJo Redfield Parents Grandchildren Jean Ricks Jerome Ricks Sheila Spartz Larry Spartz

12 JANUARY WORSHIP HELPERS January 3 January 10 January 17 January 24 January 31 Reader Gaylen Lerohl Kay Elvehjem Carla Beem Ken Elvehjem Kathy Withers Ushers Dave & Nancy Anderson Jim Nelson, Doyle Polson Steve Ferguson Brad Forbrook Jim Nelson, Doyle Polson Harold & Kathy Withers Jim Nelson, Doyle Polson Elder & Deloris Peterson Jim Nelson Doyle Polson Gaylen & Cindy Lerohl Jim Nelson Doyle Polson Greeters Dean & LouAnn Peterson Elder & Deloris Peterson Wayne & Karen Becker Chuck & Orlinda Hauck Dan & Barb Engebretson Sheila Spartz Bonnie Pahan Paul & Paulette Johnson Keith & MaryJo Redfield Dave & Nancy Anderson Jean Ricks Wayne Peterson Altar Preparation Angie Anderson Laurie Kluver Cindy Lerohl Laurie Kluver Laurie Kluver Coffee and Refreshments Laurie Kluver Bonnie Pahan Terri Elsey Sandy Aamold LouAnn Peterson MaryJo Redfield Kathy Withers Sheila Spartz Marvelle Weispfennig Paulette Johnson Coffee Preparation Karen Becker Barb Engebretson Marvelle Weispfennig Nancy Anderson Cassie Baas Pianist Carolyn Moeller Laurie Kluver Bev Steuck Bev Steuck Nancy Anderson Assist Counting Offering Paul Johnson Brad Forbrook Keith Redfield Jerry Larson Kathy Withers Sound System Paul Johnson Carl Steuck John Kirckof Dave Anderson Keith Redfield Laverne Floen Wayne Becker John Kirckof Communion Preparation Angie Anderson Shirley Finley Wilma Johnson Cindy Lerohl Communion Servers Keith Redfield Bill & Shirley Finley Gaylen & Cindy Lerohl Carla Beem Communion Assistants MaKayla Waltzing Allison Beach Bake Bread Marvelle Weispfennig Debby Abers If you are unable to serve, please call someone from the schedule to replace or switch with you. Also, please call the church office and let them know of the change. Thank you

13 FEBRUARY WORSHIP HELPERS February 7 February 14 February 21 February 28 Reader Nancy Anderson Dave Kaiser Shelly Nelson Gaylen Lerohl Ushers Dan Engebretson Keith Redfield Jim Nelson, Doyle Polson Curt & Sandy Aamold Jim Nelson, Doyle Polson Paul Johnson Kurt Waltzing Jim Nelson, Doyle Polson Elder & Deloris Peterson Jim Nelson, Doyle Polson Greeters Julie Savoie, Dorothy Van Beck, Brad Forbrook, Carla Beem Angie & Jack Anderson Cindy Lerohl Carolyn Fiskness Harold & Kathy Withers Bill & Shirley Finley Curt & Sandy Aamold Paul & Paulette Johnson Altar Preparation Gayle Nemmers Gayle Nemmers Mary Jo Redfield Mary Jo Redfield Coffee and Refreshments Carolyn Fiskness Jean Ricks Carla Beem Shirley Finley Kay Elvehjem Barb Engebretson Karen Kirckof Deloris Ewing Coffee Preparation Terri Elsey Debby Abers Sandy Aamold Kay Elvehjem Pianist Assist Counting Offering Paul Johnson Brad Forbrook Keith Redfield Jerry Larson Sound System Paul Johnson Carl Steuck John Kirckof Dave Anderson Keith Redfield Laverne Floen Wayne Becker Communion Preparation Angie Anderson Shirley Finley Mary Jo Redfield Marvelle Weispfennig Communion Servers Dave & Nancy Anderson Wilma Johnson Paul & Paulette Johnson Terri Elsey Communion Assistant Communion Bread Gregg Stoen Dave Moeller Allison Beach Sandy Aamold If you are unable to serve, please call someone from the schedule to replace or switch with you. Also, please call the church office and let them know of the change. Thank you

14 LIVING WORD LUTHERAN CHURCH January 2016 Calendar SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 Happy New Year! 2 3 9:00 Worship/Lord s Supper Following Worship: *Fellowship and Refreshments *Adult Bible Study 4 7:00 Praise Band 7:00 Property Committee 5 9:00 Bible Study 6 6:30 KREW 6:30 Confirmation 7 2:00 WOW Bible Study 4:00 Worship Committee Office Closed :00 Worship Following Worship: *Fellowship and Refreshments *KREW *Jr./Sr. High Bible Study *Adult Bible Study 17 8:00 Choir Practice 9:00 Worship/Lord s Supper/New Member Reception Following Worship: *Fellowship and Refreshments *Adult Bible Study :00 Choir Practice 9:00 Worship Following Worship: *Fellowship and Refreshments *Annual Meeting 31 9:00 Worship Following Worship: *Fellowship and Refreshments *Adult Bible Study :00 Bible Study 6:30 Adult Ed Committee 18 7:00 Praise Band (Committee Reports Due] 25 7:00 Praise Band 19 9:00 Bible Study 4:00 VCC Meeting 7:30 Stewardship Committee 26 9:00 Bible Study 7:00 Council 13 9:00 Pieceful Quilters 6:00 Catechism 6:30 KREW 6:30 Confirmation 14 9:00 Mission Committee :30 Evangelism Committee 2:00 Between Friends Knitting & Crocheting 3:00 Executive Board 6:30 Youth Chris Ed Committee 27 6:00 Youth Group NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DEADLINE