Monthly Newsletter of Sharon Lutheran Church South 20th Street, Grand Forks ND Sunday, December 17th

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1 DECEMBER 2017 Sharon Sharings Monthly Newsletter of Sharon Lutheran Church 1720 South 20th Street, Grand Forks ND Sunday, December 17th 9:00am Joint Worship & Program in the Sanctuary 10:30am Worship & Program In Celebration Hall Wednesday, December 20th 6:15pm 4th Sunday of Advent Worship December 24th at10:00am in Celebration Hall Celebration Hall Candlelight Service 1:00pm 2:30pm 4:00pm Sanctuary Candlelight Service 4:00pm, 5:30pm, 11:00pm Wednesday, December 27th NO Worship Sunday, December 31st 9:00am Sanctuary 9:00 & 10:30am Celebration Hall 10:30am in the Sanctuary

2 Dear Friends, As you read this article, the Advent season has most likely begun. (Although this year Advent has waited until December 3rd to begin the latest possible date!) If you are like me, the Advent and Christmas seasons can be the most wonderful time of the year, as the song says, as well as the most frantic and exhausting time of the year. First of all, this season of the year is indeed wonderful! I love the story of Immanuel, God becoming human to be with us in Jesus! I love the music, the lights, the trees, the family gatherings, the foods, the festivity! It is truly a celebration of God s gift to us of the Christ Child. On the other hand, how is it that we can turn such a marvelous gift into a nightmare of frenzied activity? (By the way, pastors and their families are not immune to such a convoluted take of the season. With seven worship services on Christmas Eve/Day, we re often ready for winter hibernation after that.) The Advent countdown to Christmas can often become a ticking time clock to an explosion by the time we reach Christmas. You know the things that need to get done: cards, gift buying, baking, cleaning, parties, concerts, etc. So what do we do about it? Here are a few suggestions that apply to me as much as they do to you. 1) Worship throughout the season! What better way to pause and get away from the frenzy of streets and stores and to remember the reason for the season than to worship weekly throughout the seasons of Advent and Christmas. What better way to focus on the coming of the Messiah than to sing and pray and listen and reflect and be fed by God. 2) Use an Advent wreath or calendar for home use. Spend some devotional time in lighting the Advent candles or marking time with an Advent calendar. Devotional readings are available at church ( Christ in Our Home devotional booklets) or go to Sharon s website ( and click on Resources to find daily Bible readings, studies, and God Pause devotionals from Luther Seminary in St. Paul. 3) Stop for a moment of quiet at some point each day. My memories take me back to childhood and sitting in a recliner in the front room of the house and gazing at the lights of the Christmas tree. Find a moment when the house is somewhat quiet to focus and center oneself through lights, a candle, a creche, an ornament, or whatever. 4) Pace yourself. Plan ahead. Cut back on activities, if necessary. Say no if necessary. Relish the moment. Live each day to the fullest (without overfilling it). Breathe! I m sure you may have developed your own techniques which you can add to mine. Make this month and season a time to enjoy and celebrate God s greatest gift to humanity! Blessings to you this holiday season! Pastor John Poinsettias and other floral arrangements help beautify the church during the Christmas season. If you would like to donate $20 or more in loving memory or in honor of a loved one, your donation will help purchase flowers and other items to help decorate the worship spaces for the Christmas season. Please have your donation to the church office before December 17th. Thank you. If you shop on Amazon, Please use this link. /ch/ A portion of all sales are returned to Sharon Lutheran Church to support ministry and mission. New! Sharon Sharing s Weekly This year, all programming (i.e. Church School, Confirmation, etc.) and all Sharonwide announcements will be sent through a weekly that you receive on Wednesday mornings. If you are not already receiving Sharon s Sharings weekly announcements, please contact the office. We will get you added so you don t miss out on information about what to expect at programming, announcements, and ministry opportunities.

3 Faith Formation Giving Opportunities Faith Formation Stewardship Corner: SHARON LUTHERAN: CHANGING LIVES Our mission and our ministry is changing lives with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We do that every week. As you consider your year-end gifts, remember Sharon Lutheran and our life-changing ministry! Personal Care Kits For many years, the contents of kits and the act of service to our neighbors has brought together Lutherans and their friends to help people around the world. During the month of December our congregation will focus on collecting supplies for Personal Care Kits. You can help people dealing with some of life s most difficult situations the aftermath of earthquakes and floods, fleeing home to escape violence and living in extreme poverty. Our kits will go around the world, helping people in need. A collection tote is in the narthex. We will hold a fun assembly event in January. Each Personal Care Kit contains: One light-weight bath-size towel (between 20 x40 and 52 x 27 ), dark color recommended Two or three bath size bars of soap equaling 8 to 9 oz. One adult-size toothbrush in its original packaging (toothbrush multi-packs may be donated and will be individually wrapped during assembly) One sturdy comb One metal nail clippers (attached file optional) Board of Church in Society Noisy Offering Sunday, Dec. 31st and Wednesday, Jan. 3rd goes to Grand Forks Foster Care Program BackPack Program "Food for Kids" Northlands Rescue Mission is committed to ending hunger in our community. Locally over 610 children each week receive a grocery bag filled with two breakfasts, two snacks, two lunches and two beverages. Children who don't have enough to eat are able to have food throughout the weekend because of this program. Sharon Lutheran is looking for 10 volunteers to help pack the grocery bags with food the last Monday of each month at 6 pm. We meet at Agassiz Enterprises-2105 Gateway Dr. Sign up using Signup Genius or notify the church office. Thank you for helping feed children and end hunger in our community. This year we invite the congregation to make a difference in people s lives around the world by donating to God s Global Barnyard. 1) Simply choose an ornament off the tree representing the gift you d like to give. 2) Include your check payable to ELCA in the provided envelope and indicate which gift you are sponsoring. 3) Turn into the church office and keep the ornament as a reminder of your generosity. Your donation supports long-term, sustainable solutions that keep on giving for years to come. Sponsored by Board of Church in Society If you have a smart phone just download a qr reader to your phone. Scan the code and it will take you right to Sharon Lutheran s donations web page. Never miss a donation opportunity again!

4 Faith Formation Learning Opportunities Sharon Lutheran Book Group Tuesday, Dec. 5th at 7 p.m. Sharon Book Group meets in the Rose of Sharon Lounge. If you have ever considered joining a book group because you like to read and enjoy fun, lively discussions, please come join us. Dec 5 Outlaw Christian Dr. Jacqueline Bussey Jan 2 As We Are Now May Sarton So begins May Sarton's short, swift blow of a novel, about the powerlessness of the old and the rage it can bring. As We Are Now tells the story of Caroline Spencer, a 76-year-old retired schoolteacher, mentally strong but physically frail, who has been moved by relatives into a "home." Subjected to subtle humiliations and petty cruelties, sustained for too short a time by the love of another person, she fights back with all she has, and in a powerful climax wins a terrible victory. Feb 6 The Kitchen House - Kathleen Grissom In this gripping New York Times bestseller, Kathleen Grissom brings to life a thriving plantation in Virginia in the decades before the Civil War, where a dark secret threatens to expose the best and worst in everyone tied to the estate. Through the unique eyes of Lavinia and Belle, Grissom s debut novel unfolds in a heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful story of class, race, dignity, deep-buried secrets, and familial bonds. Faith Formation: Learning In Faith Together (L.I.F.T.) Join us each Sunday morning in the Sanctuary at 10:23 for a time of education and conversation. Bring your coffee and come join us! The schedule for December is: December 3 - The Old Catechism - Pastor Dominique December 10 - Luther s Catechism - Pastor Lynn December 17 - Preparing for Christmas - Pastor John December 24 - No L.I.F.T. Come to Advent IV worship at 10:00am December 31 - No L.I.F.T WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY The Wednesday morning Bible Study with Pastor John continues in the month of December, but only on Wednesday, December 6th and Wednesday, December 20th. This weekly Bible Study delves into the Bible for study and discussion. The format for our study will include a look at the appointed scripture readings for the coming week. It will be an opportunity to become familiar with these texts before they are read in worship and to recognize the themes that are presented in our weekly lectionary readings. We may even raise insights that will weave their way into the sermon for the coming week! Everyone is welcome to join in the study (even if you weren t part of a Wednesday study before). The hour-long study begins at 9:45 AM in the South Hall. The coffee pot is always on and quite often snacks make their way into the room as well. Come and be renewed by our biblical study! Faith in Film Come join us for food, fellowship, and a film! Faith in Film is for any one 18* or older who enjoys a good movie and enlightening discussion. Due to unpredictable movie schedules we don t always know more than a week ahead of time which movie we will see. If you are interested in joining this group or if you simply want more details contact Bruce or Cheryl Nyhlen. We ll get you on our list, so you can be updated as we know more, and you can share your ideas as well. bruce@nyhlen.com cheryl@nyhlen.com *Children are welcome if accompanied by parent. Calling All Babysitters! Are you. in Jr. High and ready to take on more responsibility? In High School and hoping to make some money this year? Retired or have time that you would love to share with little ones from our congregation? A babysitting class that includes CPR training is required. Please contact the church office at: office@sharonlutheran.org or and you will get information on an upcoming class. We are in need of people interested in both paid babysitting and volunteer child care for things like: church events, the nursery, and a list families can use for childcare at their home.

5 GOLDEN AGE CLUB Christmas Potluck Child Care at Sharon In need of adults aged 18-retirement Friday, December 8th 12:30 PM Friday, December 8th will be the day on which the Golden Age Club will gather to celebrate the joy of Christmas. A potluck Christmas dinner begins the festivities at 12:30 p.m. in the Celebration Hall. Turkey, potatoes, dressing and gravy will be provided, so bring a side dish to share. Along with singing carols, we will reflect on our personal remembrances of Christmases past. If you have an ornament or picture or crèche or decoration that reminds you of a past Christmas, bring it along for show and tell. If you would like, gifts may be brought for the residents of the Northlands Rescue Mission. Some suggested items include: gloves, billfolds, candy, or gift cards. Most of the residents are men, so keep this in mind when purchasing your gift. If you bring a gift, label it for a man or woman. Bring a friend or two and celebrate God s gift of Christmas. S H A R ON LU T H E R A N One of the greatest barriers for couples and single parents alike is finding childcare. Please consider serving the young families of Sharon by signing up to provide childcare at church events. These events will include both paid and volunteer opportunities. Your gifts for working with children are needed and so much appreciated. We are especially in need of adults aged 18-retirement. To sign up or learn more, please contact Pastor Dominique Buchholz at dbuchholz@sharonlutheran.org. Weekly Thursday Gathering & Topics Schedule We gather around a different focus each Thursday. This is an opportunity to meet other people in a similar place in life, and to learn and grow in faith. This group is made up of people who feel completely at home at church, and people who have struggled with church. All 18-35ish are welcome. Dec. 7 God Talk on Tap: 7:00pm at Half Brother s Brewery Dec. 14 Christmas Crafts: 6:30pm in South Hall (registration required) (Aged ish) Develop real friendships & put your faith into action. What this group has in common is a drive to create a space where we can develop real friendships and figure out how to put our faith into action. These gatherings will often include outside speakers and hands-on opportunities to serve the Grand Forks community. Join the Facebook group, Sharon Lutheran Young Adults Community, to learn more and keep up to date on where and when we are gathering. RETREAT: Young Adults (18-35ish) January 20th-21st at Red Willow Bible Camp Unplug from all the chaos of work, politics, social media, parenting, electronics, and busyness. Plug into a weekend of: worship, cross country skiing, camp fires, crafting, prayer, quiet, games, and quality time over shared meals. This is an opportunity to disconnect from all that distracts us and connect with God and one another. You are invited to participate in as many activities as you would like, or to embrace the quiet time away. To register, please contact Rachel Miessler at rmiessler@sharonlutheran.org, or go online to the Sharon website. The registration cost is $25 and is due January 12th. * Funds are available if the cost is prohibitive.

6 Northlands Rescue Mission Presents Sharon gear is now for sale! Dave Boyer in Concert You can purchase items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, winter beanies and scarves, jackets, and fleece blankets to help support youth summer trips. All orders placed by 5pm on December 6th will be delivered before Christmas! Orders placed after December 6th will be delivered in the new year. Place your order at: Contact Rachel Miessler for more information. Performing music of the Christmas Season Tuesday, December 12th at 7pm Hope Evangelical Church th Ave S., Grand Forks, ND Free Will Offering All proceeds benefit the Northlands Rescue Mission An Early Christmas Meal for Older Adults Each year the Grand Forks Senior Center (620 4th Ave S) hosts an early, wonderful Christmas meal for older adults. Come join us Tuesday, December 19 for either the 11:30 am meal (entertainment at 11:30 am) or the 5:00 pm meal (entertainment at 5:50 pm). Reservations required. Limited seating. Make your reservation as soon as possible by calling Suggested donation for people 60 and over is $4.25. GF Senior Center is located at 620 4th Ave S. The Teddy Bears are back from their summer vacation at the North Pole. If you or someone you know would like a Teddy Bear please take one. Board of Church in Society. Welcome to Baptism Orientation MEMORIALS In Loving Memory of: Jeff Fosse, by Harvey Schmiginske, Holly & Lance Lavasseur, Brad Schmidt & Marci Guenther, JoAnn Hjelseth family; Vernon Anderson, by Linda Butler PASTORAL ACTS BAPTISMS Lauren Kay Sussex, child of Valerie & Jackson Sussex Mac Thomas Henderson, child of Lindsay & Thomas Henderson FUNERALS Evelyn Stenerson Martha Circle Dec. 19th at 9:30am at Pizza Ranch Mary Circle Dec. 19th at 1:00pm at TBA If you are planning a baptism in your family, plan to come to a one-hour orientation called Welcome to Baptism on Sunday, Dec. 3rd at 2:30pm in the church lounge. Please enter through door #1. To register for the class, please call the church office by Friday before the class at ; the church office at office@sharonlutheran.org; or speak to one of the pastors. Sponsors are welcome too in addition to parents. The class is designed to help answer questions about baptism, including: What is baptism? When should baptism occur? What is my role as a parent, sponsor, or family member? Rachel Circle Dec. 12th at 1:30pm Hannah Circle Dec. 11th at 7:00pm Come engage with your neighbors. Come encounter Christ!

7 OCTOBER MINISTRY SUPPORT Amount needed in Operating Revenue each month per approved 2017/2018 budget is $ 87, October Actual YTD Actual Budget Revenue 2017/ / /2018 Current Ministry Gifts $ 74,794 $ 262,988 $ 927,000 Loose/Misc. Offering Gifts $ 2,828 $ 7,379 $ 35,500 Operating Fund Memorial Gifts $ 165 $ 4,405 $ 1,500 Church School, Confirmation & VBS Registrations $ 450 $ 11,285 $ 15,500 Benevolence Gifts $ 910 $ 4,218 $ 13,000 Other Gifts and Donations $ 1,936 $ 10,512 $ 39, /2018 Total $ 81,083 $ 300,787 $ 1,031, Carryover $ 17,500 $ 1,049,000 October Actual YTD Actual Budget 2017/ / /2018 Expenses/Debt Reduction $ 81,650 $ 339,542 $ 1,049,000 October Designated Gifts Received ELCA World Hunger $ 140 Thrivent Choice $ 70 Prayer Shawl Ministries $ 70 Cups/Mugs $ 20 Faith Formation Ministries $ 100 Church School Benevolences-Project Promise School Kits $ 95 Confirmation Benevolences-Project Promise School Kits $ 18 Confirmation Benevolences-Hurricane Relief $ 17 Confirmation Benevolences-COF Humane Society $ 10 Undesignated Memorials $ 1,070 Noisy Offering-Christus Rex $ 815 Honey Sunday-Christus Rex $ 75 Honey Sunday-Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch $ 93 Health Ministries Donations $ 10 Choir Fund Memorial Donations $ 20 CROPWALK $ 1,039 Fellowship Donations $ 570 Total 4,231 PARISH PLANNING COUNCIL MEMBERS Executive Director Jon Green jdboyergreen@outlook.com Assistant Ex. Director Heather Strandell hstrandell@altru.org Assistant Ex. Director Haley Wamstad haley.wamstad@gmail.com Treasurer Traci LaDouceur tladouceur@ndad.org Board of Church in Society Jeannie Sollom (Co-Dir) jvsollom_1@juno.com Board of Church in Society Kaye Carlson (Co-Dir) kayeccarlson@gmail.com Board of Education Mary Adams (Co-Dir) mka@gra.midco.net Board of Education Sara Peters (Co-Dir) sara.peters@ .und.edu Board of Evangelism Jim Schober (Co-Dir) jimtess2001@yahoo.com Board of Evangelism Bonnie Nerby (Co-Dir) bonnielnerby@gra.midco.net Board of Lay Ministry Kristine Sande ksande@gra.midco.net Board of Parish Fellowship Lori Bott (Co-Dir) lbott@valleymemorial.org Board of Parish Fellowship Beth Hetletved (Co-Dir) bjhetletved@hotmail.com Board of Property Roger Johnson rogerljohnson@gra.midco.net Board of Public Relations Cheryl Nyhlen cheryl@nyhlen.com Board of Stewardship Steve Erlandson earlandud@gra.midco.net Board of Youth Carol Hagen (Co-Dir) clhagen@gmail.com

8 Health Ministries Hand-Up Program The Health Ministry Team sponsors a Hand-Up Program. We know that there are some members of our congregation that sometimes need a little help with the expenses of daily life. Maybe it is food for the family this week, a new pair of shoes for the kids or a tank of gas to get to work. Most likely, we have all been there sometime during our life. So, when we can, we would like to offer our fellow friends at Sharon a Hand-Up. If you need help or know of a Sharon member that needs help (with their permission) please let a pastor or Health Ministry team member know. The Health Ministry Team relies solely on congregational support. We do not have a designated church budget. We would appreciate your support in either of two ways a $20 gift card from a gas station, grocery store or retail store or a family donation. Please leave your gift cards and/or donations in the church office. Please designate for the Health Ministry Team Hand-Up Program. Thank you for your help. We make a difference during a friends stressful time. The Pastors will confidentially work with members of our congregation that need this support during the year. Friend to Friend Ministry Are you going through a life changing event? Having someone to talk to who has wisdom and experience to share can be a life saver to the person who is feeling overwhelmed by a new diagnosis or serious life changing event. Some examples are: a new diagnosis of cancer, diabetes, MS, heart disease, mental illness, stroke, paralysis; loss of a job, parent entering a Nursing Home, and the list can go on and on. If you would like more information please contact the church office. -Care Baskets The Health Ministry Team has created Care Baskets for members of Sharon Lutheran that are experiencing significant health conditions. If you know someone that would enjoy a Care Basket (with their permission) please call the church office. Health Ministry Team Members The Health Ministry Team is looking for new members. It is the goal of the team to support a variety of activities that focus on the emotional, physical and spiritual health of the congregation. Some of our activities include: Care Basket Ministry, Hand-Up Program, Congregational Potlucks, Safe Kids Sunday, Undies Sundays, Faithfully Fit, Care of the Church Plants. Please consider joining our team. Current members include: Bernell Bachmeier, Ginger Johnson, Jodi Boettner, Lisa Lloyd and Cindy Siders. For more information, please Cindy Siders at: cindysiders@gra.midco.net. TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY Are you unable to attend church because of a health reason or disability? The Health Ministry Team provides rides through Grand Forks Taxi/Nodak Taxi. Call the church office for more information. This program is dependent on your congregational donations. Please consider sending a contribution so that we can keep this important ministry going. Thank you.

9 FAITH FORMATION MINISTRIES DECEMBER 2017 News Confirmation groups are spreading Christmas Cheer! During the month of December, our 6th-9th grade Confirmation groups will be making a difference in our congregation and community in a variety of ways! Our middle school students will be visiting shut-ins and nursing home residents, serving coffee and goodies in South Hall, collecting a variety of donations, sending holiday greetings to soldiers, assembling blankets and kits, and numerous other activities and projects. Our 9th grade students will be doing various cleaning projects around the church. Thank you to our students for serving in this way! STORIES TO SHARE... DAVE BERGER Upper Elementary Ministries On Sunday afternoons at Sharon we have a program for our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders called Alive!. We meet downstairs in the Living Room for an hour, beginning at 3:45. (Get it?) We have been having an awesome time this year getting to know each other, sharing the highs and lows in our daily lives, playing games, and talking about making good decisions at home, at school, and with our friends. These students have so much to share, and I love that many of them are bringing friends on a regular basis - friends from school, from their neighborhood, or from their teams or activities. They appreciate that there is a space at Sharon just for them, and it s a great way to grow togeth- RACHEL MIESSLER High School Ministries High school students ~ there is still space for you on the Summer 2018 trip to the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas! Please contact me for all of the information, including trip dates, cost, fundraising efforts, a meeting schedule, and a list of other participants. All students currently in grades 9-12 are invited, and some financial assistance is available. Please consider joining us for this amazing experience with over 30,000 other high school students from across the country and around the world! Friends from other congregations and faith communities (or A look inside Page 2: Information on Christmas programs, church school offering, the Giving Tree, Christmas parties, and more! Page 3: Confirmation information, including a look at what our students have been learning this year! Plus fundraiser info!! Page 4: Faith Formation Ministries for high school students, including Bacon & Bible Study, Re:New Christmas party details, a full calendar of events, and contact information for the Faith Formation Ministries team. A la Carte December Menu December 6 ~ Taco in a Bag (Last A la Carte until January 10th) 5:00-6:30 p.m. in South Hall

10 MORE DECEMBER NEWS Sharon Lutheran Giving Tree: Sponsored by Faith Formation Ministries Once again this year we are adopting area families in need. Please stop by the tree in the Narthex and follow the directions you find there. Family names have been provided to us through Red River Valley Community Action and the Community Violence Intervention Center. Thank you in advance for your generosity to those in need. Please return Giving Tree gifts by Friday, December 15th 3RD, 4TH, AND 5TH GRADERS... It s time for ALIVE! A weekly program for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to gather together in community for Bible learning fun through stories, games, food, and friends. We meet on Sunday afternoons from 3:45-4:45 p.m. in the Living Room (lower level youth room). Join us and be part of ALIVE! Friends are always welcome! Alive! will meet on December 3rd and 10th and have a Christmas Party on Sunday, December 17th! NEW Children s Music Ministry from 4:30-5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays! We have unveiled a BRAND NEW music ministry this fall, designed for students in Kindergarten through 9th grade. We meet on Wednesdays in the choir room beginning at 4:30 p.m. (or whenever you can make it), and we will finish just before 5:15 p.m. so that we can provide music leadership for Faithful Families, our new intergenerational learning option! Sharon Lutheran Youth Choir will meet on Dec. 6th and have our Christmas party on Dec. 13th. We ll see you there! CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS 50% of all church school Offering collected in December will be given to Lutheran Disaster Response to support relief efforts throughout our country and the world. 50% will be given to the Sharon Lutheran general fund. Thank you for Lambs - Grade 2 Christmas Programs... Sunday, December 17th: All 11:00 Lambs 2 nd Grade will share their Christmas program at a 10:30 a.m. worship service in Celebration Hall. Rehearsal for this program will be Sunday, December 10th at 2:30pm Wednesday, December 20th: All 6:15 Lambs 2 nd Grade will share their Christmas program at a 6:15 p.m. worship service in Celebration Hall. Rehearsal for this program will be Sunday, December 17th at 2:30pm 3rd 5th graders are invited to be readers or characters in the nativity scene for our programs if they would like. Please to sign up your student(s). Thank you! Our Faithful Families (9:30am on Sundays and 5:15pm Wednesdays) are also Preparing ways to share the Christmas story with our congregations!

11 FAITH FORMATION MINISTRIES DECEMBER 2017 MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS We re continuing to get ready for next summer s mission trip! Plans for a 3rd-8th grade ski trip are in the works! Watch for more information in the January REMINDER: Christmas Party for all middle school mission trip participants will be held on Sunday, DECEMBER 17th from 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Living Room. Confirmation Notes... Wednesday, December 6 Regular Confirmation (7:15-8:15 p.m.) Wednesday, December 13 Christmas Cheer Wednesday, December 20 and 27 No Confirmation - Christmas Break In , 6th - 8th graders are studying Luther s Small Catechism. So far, these students have learned, studied, and shared conversation about Baptism and the Apostles Creed. Upcoming units will focus on Holy Communion, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord s Prayer. Students also spend time asking their tough questions ( How do I know that God is always there? Does God really love me no matter what? Why do we say we believe in the holy catholic church if we re Lutheran? ) and gathering in small groups with a trusted adult to wrestle with matters of faith. 9th graders have studied varied topics, including Doubt, the Church. the Word, Saint & Sinner, and Grace. 6th-9th graders have also participated in a wide range of service projects and will also serve as worship assistants during the season of Lent. 4G 4G is a weekly gathering of young people in grades 6-8 on Wednesdays from 8:15-9:00 p.m. in the Living Room (lower level). We will play games, eat, have fun, and grapple with questions middle schoolers ask about family, friends, and faith. Bring your friends and take the 4G Challenge!! December 4G Schedule: December 6th - Christmas Party

12 FAITH FORMATION MINI STRIES HIGH SCHOOL AND OTHER NEWS Uniquely You high school girls Bible study! Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Locations TBA! 10th graders and mentors should meet on their own in December. Next group meeting: Sunday, January 14th at 7:00 p.m. five: sixteen This is a new group for 10th-12th grade students focused on service, community involvement, and leadership. *This group can count for volunteer hours.* Please contact Rachel or Klaudia to learn more about fun volunteer events in December, and bring your friends! Attention ALL high school youth ~ come gather at the end of each Wednesday! Re:NEW meets in the T.P. (Terra Pacis; main level youth room) from 8:15-9:30 p.m. where we spend time sharing about our week, laughing, playing games, supporting each other, asking questions about faith, and having fun together. Christmas Party on Wednesday, December 13th!!! Bacon and Bible Study Wednesday, December 13th at 7:30 a.m. B&B meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7:30 a.m. (these are one hour late start days for Central and Red River). Come to Sharon and gather with friends to share a warm breakfast, Bible learning great conversation, and lots of laughs. Please contact Rachel Miessler for more info. ELCA Youth Gathering ~ Houston, Texas There is still room! (see the front page) Weekend VBS for families! Friday, Feb. 2nd - Sunday, Feb. 4th CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS December 6 - Sharon Gear fundraiser deadline at 5:00 p.m. (to ensure Christmas delivery); 4G Christmas party at 8:15 p.m.; Last night of A la Carte until January 10th December 10 - Christmas program rehearsal for Sunday 11:00 a.m. Lambs- 2nd Grade at 2:30 p.m. in Celebration Hall December 13 - Bacon and Bible Study at 7:30 a.m.; Youth Choir Christmas party at 4:30 p.m.; Re:New Christmas party at 8:15 p.m. December 15 - Deadline for returning Giving Tree gifts December 17- Faithful Families Christmas program at 9:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary; Lambs-Grade 2 Christmas program at 10:30 a.m. in Celebration Hall; Middle school mission trip Christmas party at 11:45 a.m.; Christmas program rehearsal for Wednesday 6:15 p.m. Lambs-2nd Grade at 2:30 p.m.; Alive Christmas party at 3:45 p.m. December 20 - Lambs-Grade 2 Christmas program at 6:15 p.m. in Celebration Hall December 24, 27, & 31 - No Activities (Christmas Break) CONTACT US... Dave Berger Director of Faith Formation Ministries and Youth Music Ministries dberger@sharonlutheran.org ext. 208 Rachel Miessler Faith Formation Ministries Associate (Grades 9-12, College/Young Adult) rmiessler@sharonlutheran.org ext. 209 Klaudia Price Faith Formation Ministries Associate (Grades 9-12) kprice@sharonlutheran.org ext. 209 For church school or other educationrelated questions, please education@sharonlutheran.org or call the church office. Thank you!

13 DECEMBER 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2:00pm Jubilant Bells rehearsal 2 3 9:00am Sanctuary worship 9:00 & 10:30am Celebration worship 9:30am Faithful Families 10:23 L.I.F.T. 11:00am Church School 2:30pm Welcome to Baptism 2:30pm Ringers of Faith rehearsal 3:45pm Alive 4 8:30am Faithfully Fit 5 9:00am Women s Book of Faith 5:15pm Board of Stewardship 7:00pm Sharon Book Group 6 8:30am Faithfully Fit 9:45am Bible Study 4:30pm Youth Choir 5:00pm A la carte 5:15pm Faithful Families 6:15pm Church School 6:15pm Worship 7:00pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 7:15pm Gr. 6-9 Conf. 8:15pm 4G & ReNew 7 6:30pm Board of Church in Society 8 12:30pm Golden Age club Christmas Potluck 9 4:00pm Wedding 10 9:00am Sanctuary worship 9:00 & 10:30am Celebration worship 9:30am Faithful Families 10:23 L.I.F.T. 11:00am Church School 2:30pm 11am Church School Christmas Program rehearsal 3:45pm Alive 11 8:30am Faithfully Fit 7:00pm Hannah Circle 12 1:30pm Rachel Circle 5:30pm Youth Team & Education Team 6:00pm Board of Properties NO Men s Study 13 7:30am Bacon & Bible 8:30am Faithfully Fit NO Bible Study 4:30pm Youth Choir NO A la carte 5:15pm Faithful Families 6:15pm Church School 6:15pm Worship 7:00pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 7:15pm Prayer Shawl 7:15pm Gr. 6-9 Conf. 8:15pm ReNew NO 4G 14 5:30pm Board of Fellowship 6:00pm Making Christmas Crafts 6:30pm Board of Lay Ministry 15 7:00am Executive Committee Deadline for January Newsletter Articles :00am Joint Worship & Christmas Program in Sanctuary 10:30am Worship & Christmas Program in Celebration Hall 10:23 L.I.F.T. 11:45am Middle School Mission Trip Christmas Party 2:30pm Wed. 6:15 Church School Christmas Program rehearsal 3:45pm Alive 18 8:30am Faithfully Fit 19 9:00am Martha Circle 1:00pm Mary Circle 6:30pm Board of Public Relations 20 8:30am Faithfully Fit 9:45am Bible Study 6:15pm Worship & Church School Christmas Program 7:00pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 21 5:30pm Parish Planning Council th Sunday of Advent 10:00am worship in Celebration Hall CHRISTMAS EVE Services 1:00, 2:30, 4:00 in Celebration Hall 4:00, 5:30, 11:00 in Sanctuary 25 CHRISTMAS DAY Worship 10:00am in the Sanctuary 26 NO Men s Study 27 8:30am Faithfully Fit NO Bible Study 5:15pm Bd. of Evangelism NO Worship NO Church School NO Youth Activities 28 9:00am Assemble Parish Newsletter :00am Sanctuary worship 9:00 & 10:30am Celebration worship

14 Sharon Lutheran Church 1720 S 20th St Grand Forks, ND Phone: office@sharonlutheran.org Website: Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Grand Forks, ND Permit No. 270 Mailing Address Line 1 Mailing Address Line 2 Mailing Address Line 3 Mailing Address Line 4 Sunday Worship 9:00am Sanctuary 9:00 & 10:30am Celebration Hall Wednesday Worship 6:15pm Celebration Hall Sharon Lutheran Staff Pastor... Lynn Ronsberg (lronsberg@sharonlutheran.org) Pastor... John H. Fick (jfick@sharonlutheran.org) Pastor... Dominique Buchholz (dbuchholz@sharonlutheran.org) Part-time Visitation Pastor... Roger Brockmeyer (rbrockmeyer@sharonlutheran.org) Administrative Assistant... Missy Thompson (mthompson@sharonlutheran.org) Secretary... Molly Mohn (mmohn@sharonlutheran.org) Finance Manager... Stephanie Leighton (sleighton@sharonlutheran.org) Faith Formation Ministries Director... David Berger (dberger@sharonlutheran.org) Faith Formation Associate (High School & Young Adult)... RachelMiessler (rmiessler@sharonlutheran.org) Faith Formation Associate (Birth Grade 8)... Meg Harrington (mharrington@sharonlutheran.org) Faith Formation Associate (High School)... Klaudia Price (kprice@sharonlutheran.org) Director of Music Ministries... Roxanne Gessler (rgessler@sharonlutheran.org) Ministry & Communications Coordinator... Nicki Green (myministry@sharonlutheran.org) Organist... Sue Kerr & Carolyn Tunseth Sanctuary Choir Director... Tom Young Custodian... Dan Kuzel Office... office@sharonlutheran.org Church Office Hours Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm