Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church

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1 News In Our Pews Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church December B r o a d w a y A v e N P O B 5 4 5, F o l e y, M N h t t p : / / w w w. g u s t a v u s a d o l p h u s. o r g L i k e u s o n F a c e b o o k a t g u s t a v u s a d o l p h u s l u t h e r a n c h u r c h by Pastor Timothy J. Wittwer What Happens When we Die? A very intelligent and truly delightful fellow human being recently asked me, What happens to us when we die? At first I was taken aback because the person asking me the question has a PhD in Behavioral Psychology and teaches at a major medical school. He not only teaches but he travels around the world and articulates the latest scientific innovations in psychopharmacological research quite eloquently. You can find him quoted in books and even in documentaries. This man is truly a top notch scientist. What happens to us when we die? Well? How would you answer someone like that? I felt intimidated. Do you answer them the same way that you talk to your children when they ask you that question? Or do you feel as though you have to step up your game since you are talking to a world class scientist? I still shudder about the way I answered because I feel as though I didn t provide enough scientific evidence to convince him. I wasn t speaking his language at all. What happens to us when we die? I said, We become like Jesus. Jesus had a body that would appear and disappear. It could walk through solid doors. He could eat just like we eat. That s what happens to us. We become like the body of Christ. I think I blew it. I didn t say anything about love or the cross or the resurrection or forgiveness of sins or everlasting life. I went with a short answer. I would imagine I could have gone on talking a lot longer but I knew he didn t have all day. I cut to the chase and I hope that helped him. He is a busy guy after all. But he asked the question not me. He is the one on the quest, the journey. They say that the key to really understanding anything is to ask the right question. He is a scientist after all. I think he asked a very good question. What I learned is that we have to let people walk their own journey and not feel responsible for whether or not they come to faith in Christ. That is the work of the Holy Spirit after all. We are allowed to give it our best shot by being loving, caring, compassionate good neighbors. If we can put the right words out there all the better but our calling is to be faithful as followers of Christ. Getting other people to believe is up to the Holy Spirit. I said, We become like Jesus. Jesus had a body that would appear and disappear. It could walk through solid doors. He could eat just like we eat. That s what happens to us. We become like the body of Christ. As it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, I m glad that we didn t get into a conversation about the incarnation of God in the form of a little baby in a manger. He might have asked me how God did that. That d be a tough one. See you in Worship, Our Mission Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church worships God by inviting people to: What s New.... Welcome our NEW Members GA fellowship Events Sunday School News What CROSS Needs Today NEW Cemetary sign GA Fellowship Events Community Events CROSS Events Enter In to a relationship with God and one another; Grow in abundant grace through faith in Christ; Serve God and neighbor as Jesus taught us; Reach Out to invite others to be a part of our faith community. It s A Wonder Night Dinner and Entertainment Praise Singers Present Come, Let Us Adore Hm Onomia Winter Events GA Calendar and Volunteer Schedule

2 News In Our Pews - December 2015 Page 2 Meet GA s New Family Members Norma Williams Tiffany Platz and Ty Forner Riley and Carter Mark and Kimberly Hess Todd & Jeanne Foreman Tami & Jason Hermanson Jayden and Reed Cindy Abraham Kim Stofflet Mike and Jan Reideman Pam Hansen Julie and Kurt Funk Kylie and Hunter Elaine Hartman Darlene and Casey Jones Confirmation Class Schedule December 9 5:30pm Meal & Class #8 - Lord s Prayer December 16th 5:30pm Meal & Christmas Caroling Party games following with hot apple cider and cookies December 24th & 30th - no class Christmas break December 25th January 1st Sunday School Programs From Alecia Hageman Sunday School Superintendent Christmas Program The Sunday School Christmas program is coming up soon! We are trying something different this year, an afternoon program at 4:00 pm on December 6 th. Please invite your family and friends to join us for singing and of course the kids will act out the Christmas story! Students should arrive at 3:30, and it would be great to have a few parents to help assist getting the kiddos into their costumes. Please let me know if you would be available to help! It is very important for your child to attend Sunday School on December 6 th so that they can practice for the program. If for some reason your child will not be able to participate in the program please let me know. Santa Lucia Program Students are also invited to participate in the Santa Lucia program on Saturday, December 12 th at 6:30. They should meet downstairs in the big Sunday School room across from Pastor s office at 6:15 to get into their costumes. After the children sing they will be brought back upstairs to join their parents for goodies. Sunday School classes will resume on January 10 th after the Christmas break! If you have any questions please feel free to call or AHageman@foley.k12.mn.us.

3 News In Our Pews - December 2015 Page 3 Gustavus Adolphus 2015 Income/Expense Report Income July August September October November December Year-to-Date Total Deposit 7, , , , , Electronic Giving 3, , , , , Direct Deposit Total Giving 11, , , , , Adjustments Adjusted Income 11, , , , , Expenses 13, , , , , Net Income (2,366.42) 7, (2,154.23) , E-Offering - Forms available on the ushers stand What are you Doing this Winter? Winter BLAST! Grades 6-9 February 26-28, 2016: Friday 7 PM - Sunday 11 AM Stay at our hotel-like Retreat Center 2 nights, 4 meals: fee $75 How about a weekend away from parents and school work among your friends at camp? We'll have college age counselors to lead you in games, Bible study, crafts, worship, songs, and much more. It is a great time of year to come back to camp and see all your old friends and meet new ones. You don't have to wait till summer to be a part of Camp Onomia. Friends are totally welcome so get signed up and get ready to have the time of your life! You don't want to miss it! Adults are encouraged to attend. 1 free adult for every 7 kids. Presidents Weekend Youth Ski Event Grades 6-12 Downhill Skiing, Broomball and Much More!!! February 13-15, 2016: Saturday 11:00 AM- Monday 11:00 AM Base Fee: $115 (Includes all meals/lift ticket... Additional fees for rental equipment) Join us for an incredible opportunity this year for youth groups looking for something to do this holiday weekend! How about spending 2 nights at Camp Onomia enjoying various outdoor activities, daily worship/devotional time and a day of skiing at Spirit Mt. in Duluth, MN! Join youth groups from across the region with this event! This is meant to be a group event if you are looking to register individually please contact the Program Director Tim Slinger at Register online By mail Shakopee Lake Rd, Onamia, MN By phone GA Fall Dinner Financial Report DINNER Income Donations $ Thrivent $ Ticket Sales $ TOTAL $ Expenses Henry s Catering $ Postage/envelopes $47.64 Advertising $ Cash Box start up $ Lefse $85.00 TOTAL $ NET INCOME: $ BAKE SALE Income Expenses $ $ NET INCOME: $ SILENT AUCTION Total $ Please Remember Call or the Church Office... If there is a change in your home address or phone number If you have a new baby in the family If a member of your family is hospitalized or ill If you would like a Pastoral visit or if any Pastoral needs arise djones@gustavusadolphus.org Pastor Wittwer twittwer@gustavusadolphus.org

4 News In Our Pews - December 2015 Page 4 What We Need Today! Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Body Wash, Diapers, Cereal, Crackers, Kleenex, Canned Corn, Canned Peas, Deodorant, and Popcorn. Toys for Cross Dates December 10 - Last day to register children 0-16 for the Toy distribution December 11 - Set-up for the Toy Distribution at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Foley. December 12 - Toy Distribution from 12:00-5:00. Giving Tree Sponsors for the Giving Tree: please bring in gifts to the bank before December 17. Please contact CROSS if you can help distribute gifts on December 24. WANTED: FOOD MANAGER: Responsibilities include ordering food from the food bank two times a month, which can be done on your home computer. Call the CROSS Center if you are interested or have questions, Monday 1-4, 6-8; Thursday BOARD MEMBER: Please fill out a volunteer application and indicate on it that you would like to serve on the board. For mailed donations, our address is: 150 4th Ave N PO Box 205 Foley, MN Website: Thank You for Your Support! New Cemetary Sign Riverside Lutheran Cemetary now has a great new sign! We thank Ivan Olson for all of his efforts in creating and installing the new sign on Ronneby Rd. Top Photo Left to Right: Thoko, Polly, Kate and Gwyn distribute Bibles as Monica, deputy principal, watches as each child receives one. Bottom Photo Left to Right: principal Kholi, Kate, and Thoko (Grade R teacher) plus three little lambs. Sunday School Donates Bibles The Gustavus Adolphus Sunday School students raised and donated $ to God s Little Lambs in South Africa. They were able to purchase Bibles for 58 of their students. GA Fellowship Events December 6 Sunday School Program at 4:00pm at GA 12 Santa Lucia by the Heritage Team at 6:30pm at GA 13 It s A Wonderful Night 6pm at Henry s Dining Center 16 Confirmation Meal at 5:30pm, Christmas Caroling, and Party Games followed with hot apple cider and cookies 20 Praise Singers Present Come Let Us Adore Him 8&10:30 24 Christmas Eve Service 4:00pm and 11:00pm Groups and Meetings GOD S LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL Tumbleweed, Howick Mondays 9-12:00 am Quilt Group Tuesdays 9:00am Chair Yoga with Cheryl Dahl 10-11:00 am GA Bible Study 7:00 am Council meets 3rd Tues. of the Month Wednesdays 5:30-7:30 pm Confirmation (Check your Schedule) Thursday 9:00am Chair Yoga with Cheryl Dahl Fridays 7:00 am Men s Bible Study at The Other Bar, Foley Sunday 8:00 am Sunday Worship 9:00 am Coffee/Fellowship 9:15-10:10 am Sunday School 9:20-10:10 am Choir Practice 10:30 am Second Worship Service

5 Sunday December 20, :00am and 10:30pm T h e G u s t a v u s A d o l p h u s P r a i s e S i n g e r s P r e s e n t Come, Let Us Adore Him Come, Let Us Adore Him is a musical presentation of God coming to earth to live among us. You will hear the stories within the bigger story : the stories of Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, Simeon, and the Wise Men. Each of these people played a significant role in the context of the larger story of God s miraculous plan: Christ s birth. Gustavus Adolphus invites you to start the holiday season at Henry s Banquet and Catering Center on December 13, 2015 The Preacher and the Teacher Pastor Marilee Bergerson and Cindy Bigger, former Benton Extension Educator, will share stories with a message! 6:00pm: Social Hour 6:30pm: Dinner served Followed by Dessert and Entertainment Reservations can be made by calling the banquet center at or dchapp@henryscatering.com. Cost is $15 per person. Laugh and remember stories of your own life after an evening the these two ladies.

6 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church 640 Broadway Ave. North P.O. Box 545 Foley, MN Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID FOLEY, MN PERMIT # 37 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED News In Our Pews - December 2015 Page 8 Council Officers and Contact Information Fred Bengtson (320) sandprairie@frontiernet.net Leah Swendra/Ziwicki Secretary (320) leah.7kids@gmail.com Heidi Runyon (320) runyonhempeck@cloudnet.com Al Niemann President (320) aniemann@msn.com Kenneth Hartman 320) John David (320) Carrie Peterson (320) nordicpack@hotmail.com Amy Marquard Vice-President (320) amy.marquard@gmail.com Brett Erlandson (320) merlandson@foley.k12.mn.us Nita Lindgren Church Treasurer (320) nitalindgren@msn.com Teresa Johnson Financial Secretary (320) ljsfoley@gmail.com Timothy Wittwer Pastor (320) twittwer@gustavusadolphus.org Office Phone Office Hours Mon to Thurs: 9:00 am - 12:30 djones@gustavusadolphus.org Like Us on Facebook Thank You GA Family Thank you for the special fellowship time with bars, ice cream and cookies for my last days of being GA s secretary. (I think of how it s going every day!) Also, I would like to thank everyone for the gifts of cards and many prayers and well wishes. Thank you all. Love, Darlene A Gift to Future Generations! Please consider how a GIFT in your WILL could help Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church meet the needs of future generations. Prayer Chain If you have a request for the prayer chain, call Gloria Fouquette ( ) or the Church office (320) The Youth Group Thanks You! Thank you to everyone who purchased Christmas Wreaths and Decorations! We use the funds we raise to send our youth to Summer camps and some funds will be used in updating the youth room. We appreciate your support and hope you are enjoying your decorations. Thanks. Gustavus Adolphus Youth Group