Herald. As a Christian. family of faith, we re gathered. to grow. and sent. to serve. December 24 Christmas Eve. December 25 Christmas Day

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1 Volume 37 Issue As a Christian family of faith, we re gathered to grow and sent to serve Herald A publication of Hosanna Lutheran Church, ELCA Rochester, Minnesota INSIDE THIS ISSUE Discipleship Ministries Fellowship/Support Ministries Music Ministries Outreach Ministries Worship Schedule Council Page President s Message Pastor Meiers Page ,6-7 5,7, Advent Worship Schedule Sent to Serve in Hope December 24 Christmas Eve 3:30p.m. Family Carol Service with Communion 5:30p.m. Family Carol Service with Communion 7:00p.m. Candlelight Service with Communion December 25 Christmas Day 9:00a.m. (one service) Liturgy: Christmas Lessons and Carols November 30 7:00p.m. Midweek Advent Worship Liturgy: Holden Evening Prayer Theme: God s Promise of Hope Texts: Job 11: John 1: 6-8, December 7 7:00p.m. Midweek Advent Worship Liturgy: Holden Evening Prayer Theme: God s Proclamation of Hope Texts: Isaiah 6: 1-3 Romans 8:18-25 December 14 7:00p.m. Midweek Advent Worship Liturgy: Holden Evening Prayer Theme: God s Fulfillment of Hope Texts: Revelation 21: 1-4 Luke 4: 14-21

2 Page 2 Herald Volume 37 Issue 12 Discipleship Ministries gathered to grow First Communion On Sunday, Nov. 20th five fifth grade youth took part in their First Communion during the 10:30 worship service. In preparation for this First Communion the youth decorated their own chalice, participated in a retreat with Pastor Meiers and Darcy Youngstrom, and made unleavened bread. Through these activities the youth learned more about Passover, the Lord's Supper and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Thank you for keeping these youth/families in your prayers as they continue to build on their faith. Front Row: Cecelia, Tyler 2nd Row: Zachary, Ben, Nolan Books in Worship! Children of all ages are encouraged to grab a Spark Bible or any of the books from the shelf just outside the sanctuary to look at during worship. Some of the books displayed will coordinate with the themes of worship or the season of the church year. Help yourself and return to the shelf after worship. Thanks. Advent To Go Looking for a way to worship during Advent outside of the Wednesday night services offered at Hosanna? If so, stop by the table labeled Advent To Go and pick up a box for you to use, to share with a family or with a neighbor. The Advent to Go boxes are a perfect way to bring families together during this Christmas season. Families (or individuals) can use these boxes to do simple, meaningful family devotions during the Advent season. Each box contains 10 devotional cards and objects that go with the cards (pipe cleaners, cookie cutter, play dough etc.). Feel free to take a box for a family (or individual) that you know as your gift to them during Advent. Lighting the Advent Candles Please sign-up to assist with the readings and lighting of the Advent candles for Sunday services during Advent. Individuals and families are encouraged to participate. You will find the sign-up list at the welcome center desk. If you would like, you can also contact the office with the Sunday you would like to sign up for. Book Discussion (Book Discussion does not meet in December) During the holidays, get an early start on your reading for Here are the books selected for 2017 and the book discussion meeting dates: January 21: The Girl on the Train by Paul Hawkins February 18: Mansfield Park by Jane Austen March 18: The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan April 15: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Zafon May 20: The Relic Master by Christopher Buckley

3 gathered to grow Discipleship/Outreach Ministries Herald Volume 37 Issue 12 Page 3 Invitation to Hannah Bible Study Christmas Luncheon December 14 All Hosanna adults are invited to the Hannah Bible Study Christmas luncheon on December 14 in the quad room at church. Arrive at 12:00 for setup and the meal will begin at 12:30 pm. Please bring a dish to pass, a holiday candle, and a Christmas story to share. You can contact Lisa Nordman at or lnordman@charter.net with questions. Hope to see you there! Christmas Treats for Hosanna s Senior Members Plates with a variety of treats will be assembled on December 14 to provide Christmas cheer to Hosanna s honored elderly, or those who have physical limitations. Anyone in the congregation can be involved in donating, assembling or delivering these treats. Food donations of cookies, candies and/ or fruit should be brought to Hosanna s kitchen by 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 14. At this time the treats will be sorted and assembled. Those helping to deliver the treats may pick up the containers after 12 noon. (You are welcome to stay for the Hannah Bible Study Christmas Luncheon. See related article.) A signup sheet is at the Welcome Center. If you have questions, contact Lisa Nordman at lnordman@charter.net. Children s Christmas Program Practices December 3: 9:00 am 10:00am 1st - 6th grades only December 4: 9:15-10:15 am (practice during Sunday School) December 10: 9:00 am 11:30am Preschool-6th grade December 11 9:15-10:15 am (practice during Sunday School) December 17: 9:00am-11:30am Preschool-6th grade December 18: 9:15-10:15 Only 1st 6th graders practice 10:00 a.m. Preschool Kindergarten arrive and prepare Children's Christmas Program at 10:30 Worship.

4 Page 4 Herald Volume 37 Issue 12 Fellowship/Support Ministries gathered to grow sent to serve Nominating Committee Fall has arrived and it is time to start planning for the 2017 Hosanna Council. We have a few openings on the council, which the Nominating Committee is working hard to fill. The positions we are looking to fill are Council Secretary, Discipleship Advocate, Worship Advocate and the Nominations Committee for next year. If you are interested in learning about the advocate positions, I would encourage you to talk with Natalie Sand about Discipleship and Fred Lust about Worship. They have done a great job in their roles and I know they would be happy to share information with you. We look forward to new members on the council. If you are contacted about filling one of these positions, please prayerfully consider joining us. If we haven t called or talked with you about a position and you are interested, you can talk to Laurie Maidl, Amy Johnson, Sinde Finnegan or Ray Ashworth. We would love to hear from you! Greetings from Our Redeemer in St. Paul, Hello Hosanna family. Things are going well here at my internship site. I am very busy in a leadership role here as my supervisor s mother is dying from cancer. Pastor Karsten, my supervisor, has been away from the church much of the time, tending to his mother as she prepares for her journey to her eternal home. So much of the responsibility has fallen on me. I am learning well and gaining knowledge on what will be useful for me in future ministry. I want to give my heartfelt thanks for the donations you have made to me for my studies and living during internship. I am not sure if you all know, but Scott has been laid off from IBM so these extra dollars are very much appreciated. My stipend for internship is $1300 per month (take home pay) so your generous gift has been timely and a blessing for us. This year, I am preaching at the area Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve service and also am preparing for Advent Wednesday worship services. These are exciting and rewarding times for me and I appreciate your support. Peace and blessings to each of you, Carol Strand Quilters and Prayer Shawls No Meeting in December During this holiday season, members may stop by the office at any time to pick up a prayer shawl for a family member or friend in need of prayer and comfort.

5 gathered to grow Music/Worship Ministries Herald Volume 37 Issue 12 Page 5 Prepare December 4 Worship led by instrumental groups and the Grace Team Exodus, King s Ringers, Praise! and Grace Team, will lead the Second Sunday of Advent worship services on December 4. You will hear jazz band pieces, handbell selections, music by hand chimes and vocal songs accompanied by an instrumental ensemble. The variety of musical selections presented by these groups will encourage all of us to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Come, Lord Jesus December 11 Choral Advent Service In the readings for the third Sunday of Advent, Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom and Jesus points to signs of God s reign. Like John the Baptist we ask Jesus, are you the one who is to come, or should we still wait?. The answer to both parts of the question is yes. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us. We contemplate that the new life promised by the coming of a savior is both realized and still to come. The Hosanna Choir will lead the congregation in reflecting on these readings in both word and music. Join us as we pray Come, Lord Jesus. Emmanuel December 18 8:00am Advent Worship led by Youth The Hosanna youth in grades 7 th -12 th will be leading the 8:00 am service on Sunday, December 18 th. The Gospel reading for that Sunday is Matthew 1:18-25: "and they shall name him Emmanuel", which means "God is with us". Come hear how God is with us in our daily lives. Barb Schepp will be reaching out to youth to assist with this service or you can contact her directly. Come and support these young people as they lead us in praise of the coming of Emmanuel, our Lord Jesus. Sing a Song of Christmas December 18-10:30am Children s Christmas Program Preschool grade 6 students will present the Christmas program, Sing a Song of Christmas, during the 10:30am worship service on December 18. Christmas is associated with many sights, sounds and fragrances, but it is often the songs about Christmas that help us to remember why we re celebrating. Some of the carols included have been sung for over a hundred years like O Come, All Ye Faithful, Joy to the World and Angels We Have Heard on High. There are also new songs entitled Sing a Song of Christmas and Love Letters of Christmas. Through all these songs and the narration, the children will present the message that God so loved the world that he sent his only Son, Jesus. That s what Christmas is all about. Opportunities to Provide Musical Selections In November and December there are several opportunities for individuals to provide a musical selection during worship services. If you are interested in sharing a musical piece for any of these services contact Nancy Wales ( ; music@hosannalutheran.org;) Wednesdays, Advent Services December 7 or 14 at 7:00 pm Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm or 7:00 pm Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day 9:00 am!

6 Page 6 Herald Volume 37 Issue 12 Outreach Ministries...sent to serve Red Cross Shelter Team Celebrates Ten Years! Holds Fall Quarterly Meeting New Members Are Always Welcome The Hosanna Red Cross Shelter Team observed ten years as a team at a celebration at Hosanna on November 6. The founding members of the team were presented with their ten-year pins by Melanie Tschida, Regional Red Cross CEO. After a PowerPoint presentation which recapped the history of the team, team members talked about their experiences and what they have enjoyed the most. The Hosanna Shelter has been activated three times: in 2007 due to flooding in Rushford and Rochester; in 2010 due to flooding in the Zumbro Falls area; and in 2015 due to an apartment fire in Rochester. The original 14 members of the team are as follows: Barb Anderson, Julie Edvenson, Ron Fess, Lou Hermansen, Jane Johnson, Pastor Bill Meiers, Jean Ostgulen, Donna Rasmussen, Barb Schepp, Bill Weis, Emily Weis, Karla Weis, Beth Wiegand, and Niel Wiegand. Additional team members include the following: Diane Click, Ashley Edvenson, Kelly Gangelhoff, Keith Johnson, Kristina Johnson, Lisa King, Paige Linquist, Laurie Maidl, Matt McKay, Sonja Meiers, Lisa Nordman, Gene Ohnstad, Leon Plantz, and Stephanie Stevens. Further, a quarterly meeting was held on November 14 with 17 members in attendance. The new EDGE Learning System was discussed and new sheltering documents and forms were reviewed. The shelter team has meetings in both the spring and fall and occasional trainings are offered. Also, additional trainings can be completed online. If you are interested in learning more about the team, please contact Jane Johnson, Shelter Team Manager, at kgjjej@charter.net or We can always use more members and we would love to have you join us! Christmas Cookie Exchange December 10 & 11 Do you enjoy baking Christmas cookies? This is the 5th year for our Christmas Cookie Exchange which is a fundraiser for the Pastor s Discretionary Fund. You re invited to bring your favorite Christmas cookies or candies (suggested: 4 dozen), and we will share them on Saturday, December 10 at 10:00 am. (during the children s Christmas program practice.) If you cannot make it on December 10, you can bring your cookies to the church kitchen anytime during the week of December Label your cookies Cookie Exchange with your name. Each baker will get a plate of cookies to bring home. The rest of the plates will be sold on Sunday, December 11, to support the Pastor s Discretionary Fund. Any cookie plates that aren t sold will be used for our Channel One families who come to Hosanna s pantry on December 17. Sign up at the Welcome Center to bring cookies and/or to work at the Christmas Cookie Exchange on December 10. Please contact Barb Anderson at barbpaul@charter.net with questions.

7 ...sent to serve Outreach/Worship Ministries Herald Volume 37 Issue 12 Page Feet and Counting On Sunday, November 13th Curtis and Katie Kline, who we formed a new ELCA Global Sponsorship with, introduced themselves via a video that was shown at the beginning of both services. Curtis accompanies the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Columbia in promoting and protecting human rights and building peace. His wife, Katie serves with the youth and women's ministries of the church. Their blog, 8000 Feet and Counting is their stories while living in Columbia and working with the ELCA to promote and protect human rights and build peace. As well as the day to day adventures of living abroad. "8000 Feet and Counting" refers to the elevation of Bogota: 8,612 ft. If you are interested in hearing more about their efforts in helping promote peace and highlights from their ministries you may subscribe to their blog at: 8000feetandcounting.blogspot.com If you did not have a chance to see their video go to Missionary Support under Outreach on our Hosanna Website. Dear Heavenly Father, We pray for a spirit of unity as Curtis and Katie work together with the people of Columbia and other ministry partners. We pray for them to have a spirit of humility and to willingly ask God for wisdom in carrying out their assignment. Amen. Hosanna s Pantry December 16 & 17 (note the change of dates for December) Bring your family and friends to help with Hosanna s Pantry during the weekend before Christmas. Helping to provide food to families in need is a fulfilling way to prepare for the Christmas giving season. You can help with the pantry set up on Friday morning December 16 at 10:00 am. Or you can help greet families, help them shop, carry out groceries or clean up on Saturday, December 17 from 9:00 11:30 am. There s a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center or you may contact Barb Anderson, at barbpaul@charter.net with questions. Why Worship? This will be a continuing series which offers reflections on why people attend worship services. Below are the feelings from one of Hosanna s members. If you would like to submit your thoughts on why you attend worship services send them to Nancy Wales (music@hosannalutheran.org). Personally, I worship because I feel the need for God s forgiveness. Also, I feel the need to give God thanks for my many gifts and blessings. I feel the need to strengthen my faith. And, speaking of feelings, I look forward to the feeling of warmth and comfort I experience in the presence of the Lord and fellow worshipers! Hilltoppers December 13 at Noon All those 55+ or who are retired are invited to a catered lunch. This month we will be singing Christmas carols. Please sign up at the Welcome Center to let us know you are coming. You may call the office at for a ride.

8 Worship Ministries gathered to grow Page 8 Symbolism of the Saints and Sinners Banners New banners were created for All Saints Sunday, which was November 6. The white and black Saints and Sinners banners are symbolic of the mixture in our lives of being both saints and sinners. The solid black squares represent those times when we totally turn away from God and our relationship with the Lord is broken. The pure white squares remind us that in Holy Baptism our sinful self was put to death and we were given new birth, that our sins are forgiven and washed away whenever we confess and repent, and that God forgives us and nourishes us when we receive Christ s body and blood during Holy Communion. The multiple squares with white and black colors signify that we are simultaneously both saints and sinners. How much we are one or the other changes. In addition, no two people are exactly alike, so hence there are five banners where the patterns on the banners are not alike. The creation of these banners began when the Quilters gave Nancy Wales multiple squares of fabrics. Nancy noticed all of the black and white pieces and solicited the help of Roxanne Darnell to create a banner for All Saints Sunday. Together they put the multiple squares into five long banners with varying patterns. Roxanne finished the project by sewing the pieces together. Herald Volume 37 Issue 12 December Worship Schedule Sunday 8:00 and 10:30am Wednesdays 7:00pm December Worship Theme: Sent to Serve in Hope December 4 Liturgy: Instrumental/Grace Team Service with Communion Theme: Advent Music Worship December 7 7:00pm Liturgy: Holden Evening Prayer Theme: God s Promise of Hope Texts: Job 11: 17-19, John 1 6-8, December 11 Liturgy: Choral Advent Service Theme: Hosanna Choir Choral Advent Worship December 14 7:00pm Liturgy: Holden Evening Prayer Theme: God s Fulfillment of Hope Texts: Revelation 21: 1-4, Luke 4: December 18 Liturgy: 8:00a.am. Hosanna Youth Advent Service 10:30a.m. Children s Christmas Service December 24 Liturgy: 3:30p.m. Family Carol Service/ Communion 5:30p.m. Family Carol Service/ Communion 7:00p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service/Communion December 25 9:00 a.m. (one service only) Liturgy: Christmas Lessons and Carols

9 gathered to grow sent to serve Council Page Herald Volume 37 Issue 12 Page 9 Hosanna Lutheran Church November 8, 2016 Council Minutes Council Attendees: Pastor Bill Meiers, Ray Ashworth, Les Fullem, Terri Ashworth, Alice Kub, Fred Lust, Ron Machacek, Laurie Maidl, Natalie Sand. Nancy Wales & Darcy Youngstrom were also in attendance. The meeting was called to order at 7:08pm by Ray Ashworth. Pastor Meiers led the Council in a devotion based on Romans 3: Council members shared highs & lows. Revenue is behind and expenses continue to be reduced through the holding off of paying down the mortgage, teams using less of their budgeted funds and decreased costs in Pastor Meiers Health insurance. Laurie moved (Natalie seconded) that we accept the Business & Finance Report. It passed unanimously. Music & Worship: Enjoyed working with the youth and the Affirmation of the Baptism worship. Families participated in singing with the Confirmands. Nancy will probably continue with this format in future years. The hand chime group is active. Saint and Sinners banner was created/utilized this year for All Saints Sunday. Chorale liturgy will be used on Nov. 20 th and led by the choir. For the Thanksgiving Eve worship people will be asked to bring a canned good for the Sharing and Caring Box. Christmas Eve worships will be at: 3:30, 5:30 and 7:00 7:00). Thank you to Nancy and the Worship Planning Team for their work. Discipleship: Hosanna is creating a Snowed In basket for Family Promise silent auction which is held on Nov. 18 th. Six youth were confirmed this year. Third graders received their Bibles in October. The fifth graders are preparing for First Communion which will be held on Nov. 20 th. New Business: Annual reports are due Sunday, Dec. 18th. Annual meeting will be Sunday, January 29 th, Bishop Delzer will be at Hosanna on this particular Sunday. Les moved (Natalie seconded) that we adjourn. It passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:06pm & was closed with the Lord s Prayer. Darcy Youngstrom TREASURER & FINANCIAL SECRETARY REPORT Budget/Contributions Comparison General 2016 Oct YTD Budget 35, ,420 Contributions 29, ,566 Difference (6,244) (36,854) , ,012 Difference 15/ (11,446) Capital Appeal ,607 Receipts/Expenditures Comparison General Capital YTD Appeal Receipts 321, ,350 Expenditures 326, ,873 Difference (4,882) 3,477 Account Balances - October Account Name Balance General 9,757 General Reserve 50,251 Special Gifts 46,983 Endowment 65,291 ELCA Scholarship 50,568 Mortgage 327,615 The 2017 offering envelopes can be picked up. If you have not been issued offering envelopes, contract Paul Anderson, Financial Secretary at

10 President s Message Page 10 Herald Volume 37 Issue 12 Hello, As I write this I am thinking about all of the many things I am thankful for and thinking ahead to the delicious Thanksgiving dinners I will be sharing with family and friends. The month of November was a very busy month at Hosanna. One of things I am thankful for is to be part of a congregation whose members exemplify the meaning of being good servant leaders. As I look around the church there are so many people of all ages who just naturally want to serve others first and focus on the well being of others and the community to which they belong. Just take a moment to go back and read all of the Discipleship, Fellowship, Music, Outreach, and Worship happenings in November and I bet you may have had a part in one of them. On November 27, there is a wonderful opportunity for all members and visitors to be part of a special Interactive Event during the educational hour. I encourage you to attend and bring along a friend. When you come to church on Sunday, December 4th it will be decorated for the season of Advent which leads up to Christmas. Grace will lead worship services with special music selections by Exodus and Bells and if you are looking for something fun to do in the evening plan to attend The Reason at the Mayo Civic Center, an energetic night of music and message of Hope. So enjoy the upcoming services and fellowship activities as we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ. President Ray Ashworth Customer Appreciation Holiday Shopping Event December 8 & 9 from 5-8pm in the quad room. Vendors to include: Thirty-One Gifts, Norwex, MaryKay, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Lularoe, Lipsense and more! There will be appetizers, desserts, give aways, discounts and goody bags (to all who RSVP). RSVP to Mandi Mora: ajkitty2@hotmail.com by Dec. 6th.

11 Pastor Meiers Page Herald Volume 37 Issue 12 Page 11 Dear Members and Friends of Hosanna, You may be on watch if you received word that a thief was known to be in your neighborhood and had stolen goods from some of your neighbors. This time of year many are on watch for the arrival of family and friends who will be coming for Christmas. When Jesus urged watch therefore for you do not know when the master of the house will come, he obviously spoke of a day of accounting. We are all trustees, responsible to the Owner of all. The Lord has given us management of this planet and the care of one another. We all hope that God may finally greet us with the statement, Well done, good and faithful servant. Whether we think of a day of final world reckoning or of our own death or of God s daily assessment of our lives, we have the high privilege of facing our Lord as forgiven and reclaimed children. We bask in the good news of Jesus Christ and the salvation he brings. Although we are aware of our sins and shortcomings, we rest securely in God s promise, I will remember their sins no more. We watch for Christ s coming without fear. Joy replaces fear. One of Christians most beloved Christmas Carols written by Isaac Watts captures our emotion. Joy to the World, the Lord is come! We wait with joy and anticipation for the day when we shall see Jesus face to face and live with him in God s Kingdom forever. Before Jesus returned to be with hi Heavenly Father, he comforted his disciples with this promise which is also directed to us, When I go and prepare a place for You, I will come again and will take you to myself. John 14:3 This is the promise we cling to in Advent and celebrate during the Christmas Season. The final prayer written in the Bible is found in Revelation 22:20 where we read and pray, Come, Lord Jesus. This is the church s greeting to the Lord as we wait and watch. Have a blessed Advent and Christmas. Yours in Christ, Pastor Bill Meiers November Pastoral Acts November 19 Funeral for Beverly DeWitz November 20 First Communion Cecelia Halleck Ben Johnson Nolan Radtke Zachary Razidlo Tyler Sass November 20 New Member Recognition Missy Bolles David and Connie Buhs Travis Dockter Maryann Gathje Bruce and Julie Goracke Justin and Andrea Gundelach, Nicolette Kathi Kline Paul and Jodi Solum Marlys Stensgard Ruth Vining

12 Hosanna Lutheran Church th St. NW Rochester, MN (507) Gathered to Grow, Sent to Serve Check out Hosanna s Website! ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED WORSHIP TIMES SUNDAYS at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Education Hour 9:15 a.m. Midweek Advent Services 7:00 p.m. Wednesday 7,14 and 21 NON-PROFIT ORG. U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 603 ROCHESTER MN God s work. Our hands. Hosanna Herald Writers: Hosanna Staff & members Editor: Jodi Solum Check out Hosanna s Facebook fan page! STAFF Pastor Bill Meiers Nancy Wales Darcy Youngstrom Jodi Solum Charlie Bohlke COUNCIL OFFICERS Ray Ashworth, President Laurie Maidl, Pres. Elect Rachel Gray, Secretary seniorpastor@hosannalutheran.org music@hosannalutheran.org darcy.youngstrom@hosannalutheran.org jodi.solum@hosannalutheran.org custodian@hosannalutheran.org president@hosannalutheran.org president-elect@hosannalutheran.org councilsecretary@hosannalutheran.org COUNCIL ADVISORS Alice Kub, Treasurer treasurer@hosannalutheran.org Paul Anderson, Financial Sec. financialsecretary@hosannalutheran.org OFFICE HOURS 9:00 am 4:00 pm Monday Friday COUNCIL ADVOCATES Natalie Sand, Discipleship Ron Machacek, Fellowship Terri Ashworth, Outreach Les Fullem, Support Fred Lust, Worship discipleship@hosannalutheran.org fellowship@hosannalutheran.org outreach@hosannalutheran.org support@hosannalutheran.org worship@hosannalutheran.org