PARISH LIGHT. Scenes from the Christmas Program. The Seasons of Christmas & Epiphany 2013 AMERICAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

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1 PARISH LIGHT AMERICAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH A BEACON OF GOD S LOVE, A HOME FOR ALL PEOPLE The Seasons of Christmas & Epiphany 2013 Scenes from the Christmas Program Flynn Drive, Milbank SD 57252

2 Pastor Carl Larson Admin Assistant Carol Ydstie Church Council President Mark Leddy Vice President Sid Fosheim Secretary Kathy Sussex Treasurer Mary Bjordahl Property/ Management Tom Schuneman Susan Stinson Gerald Grimm Youth & Education Jonathan Ydstie Kristen Ash Emily Mueller Finance Tom Goetz Mark Leddy Dennis Mears Worship/Evangelism Lynn Maass Sid Fosheim Kathy Sussex COUNCIL UPDATE The annual meeting of American Evangelical Lutheran Church will be held Sunday, January 20 immediately following the worship service. The purpose of the meeting is to review 2012, elect new Church Council members and approve the budget for THANK YOU to outgoing Council members: Kristen Pearson-Ash, Tom Schuneman, Dennis Mears, and Jonathan Ydstie. Nominees to serve new 3-year terms are Jessica Zemlicka, Shane Schucard, Neil Pauli, and Gary Wellnitz. Council committee chairmen and heads of other committees within the church are asked to submit their annual report to the church office by Thursday, January 3. January 20 10:00 am MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP Dear sisters and brothers in Christ: The ELCA is a church that shares a living, daring confidence in God s grace. We are a church rooted in Scripture, tradition, the Lutheran confessions and the rich histories of our congregations. It is through God s grace that we are made new day by day to proclaim Jesus Christ and boldly participate in God s work. As Martin Luther said, this faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we get to look back at the people and events that have shaped us as a church. We celebrate the stories that have made us vibrant and distinctive yet brought us together as nearly 10,000 congregations, 65 synods and numerous churchwide ministries freed in Christ to love and serve neighbors in our communities, our country and around the world. What God has done through us is indeed worth celebrating. In 25 years, we have: Started 435 congregations. Ordained nearly 8,000 pastors. Sent more than 2,000 missionaries to serve around the world. Contributed more than $350 million toward the alleviation of hunger and poverty. The year of our 25th anniversary begins Jan. 1, 2013, with the theme Always being made new. I invite you to join me in celebrating these 25 years together in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul writes: So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! In Jesus Christ we are not unchanged. It is through our willingness as a church to boldly participate in God s work in the world that we are made new day by day. I am grateful for your leadership, support and prayers in making the work of this church possible. Thanks be to God. --ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson JANUARY/FEBRUARY LECTIONARY First Reading Psalm Second Reading Gospel Jan 6 Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7, Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 Jan 13 Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm 29 Acts 8:14-17 Luke 3:15-17, Jan 20 Isaiah 62:1-5 Psalm 36: Corinthians 12:1-11 John 2:1-11 Jan 27 Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Luke 4:14-21 Feb 3 Jeremiah 1:4-10 Psalm 71:1-6 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Luke 4:21-30 Feb 10 Exodus 34:29-35 Psalm 99 2 Corinthians 3:12 4:2 Luke 9:28-36(37-43) Feb 17 Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13 Feb 24 Genesis 15:1-12, Psalm 27 Philippians 3:17 4:1 Luke 13:31-35 "A Beacon of God's Love -- A Home for All People"

3 A NEW YEAR S START USING OLD WISDOM I n an ar cle en tled Journey With Jesus, Dan Clendenin penned his resolu ons for the coming year, but instead of wri ng them by looking forward into the new year, he listed his resolu ons by looking backward into the vast insight offered by me and faith. Using this model, the following are a few of my resolu ons for ) I resolve to con nue to work at building up both my mind and my body. Psalm 139:13 14 For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. God made me in His image and for that reason my mind and body are worthy of care and blessing. I resolve, therefore, that in this new year I will work at building up the temple of Christ within. 2) I resolve to live inten onally, not aimlessly. 1 Corinthians 9:24 27 Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable garland, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though bea ng the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that a er proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified. The Apostle Paul used the metaphor of athle c training to discuss the importance of being diligent to the faith. His words provide me with direc on to live each day with purpose. 3) I resolve to pray simply, not stupidly. Lord s Prayer: thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. So o en I find myself asking for things that I really don t need, or find out I don t want. I resolve to pray that God s will and His me will guide my life. 4) I resolve to daily acknowledge my brokenness. Psalm 130:1 2, 7 8 Out of the depths I cry to you, O L. Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be a en ve to the voice of my supplica ons! O Israel, hope in the L! For with the L there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniqui es. I am a sinner, but I am also jus fied by faith through God s grace. Each day I resolve to acknowledge my brokenness and come to my most Gracious God on bended knees. 5) I resolve to never stop star ng over. Ezekiel 36:26 28 A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you, and make you follow my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances. Then you shall live in the land that I gave to your ancestors; and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. God has blessed my life in so many ways and yet I con nually turn my back to His graciousness. But through Word and Sacrament, I understand that God wants goodness for me, so I resolve to start fresh each day in our covenantal rela onship. And I will try to be His as I know that He is mine. God s richest of blessings to you as you begin your 2013 Journey with Jesus. Pastor Carl Flynn Drive, Milbank SD 57252

4 JANUARY LOVE IN ACTION Barlund, Doug & Gail Biersbach, Robert & Gwen Borah, Keith & Jennifer Cook, Mel & Robin Davis, Brian & Maren Fischer, Mark & Monica Gruba, William & Joyce Hamman, Wallace & Diane Hansen, Ralph & Nancy Hintz, Mark & Ardis Johnson, Bryan & Sara Johnson, Jeremy Morris, Kenneth & Kathryn Nelson, Vicki Nodsle, Jeffrey & Becky Ogdahl, Ray Olson, Clayton & Shirley Pauli, Keith Pauli, Neil & Cheryl Prendergast, Harry & Dorothy Schneck, Mildred Schultz, Shirley Schuneman, Tom & Melissa* Scriver, Jan & Amber Searcy, Ardell & Bernette Stinson, Jason & Susan Tesch, Lee & Michelle Theye, Marilyn Tucholke, Shirley Tumlinson, Sheri Unzen, Suzanne Welberg, Jordan & Rochelle Wellnitz, Tamara Zemlicka, Shane & Jessica *Chairmen Ed. Note: This issue of the Parish Light will cover the seasons of Christmas (December 24 - January 5) and Epiphany (January 6 -February 12). The next issue will include all of the Season of Lent (February 13 - March 30) and Easter Sunday. THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS T he Christmas season celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the incarnation of God. It lasts for 12 days, December 24 through January 5, the eve of the Epiphany of our Lord. Principal Themes God's presence in human life God's love for all of creation Paschal mystery of Christ's passion, death and resurrection Color of the Season White, a color associated with the festivals of Christ and suggesting gladness, joy and light THE SEASON OF EPIPHANY n the day of Epiphany, January 6, the church celebrates the revelation O of Christ to all nations as represented by the magi who come to worship Jesus. The church calendar recognizes the season of Epiphany from January 6 until the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday which is celebrated as the Transfiguration of our Lord. The length of the season of Epiphany varies and is determined by working backwards through the season of Lent from the moveable date for the celebration of Easter. Principal Themes The revelation of Christ to all nations Jesus' baptism in the River Jordan Christ as the light of the world The public ministry of Jesus Christ, including Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding at Cana Growth in a Christian's baptized identity Color of the Season White, a color associated with the festivals of Christ and suggesting gladness, joy and light for the day of Epiphany, the first week after the Epiphany when the Baptism of our Lord is celebrated, and the last week of the season of Epiphany when the Transfiguration of our Lord is celebrated. Green, the color used for times when festival or penitential colors are not appropriate. Green is reminiscent of living plants and suggests spiritual growth. Green is used in the season of Epiphany beginning with the second week after the Epiphany until the week before the Transfiguration of our Lord is celebrated. "A Beacon of God's Love -- A Home for All People"

5 PANCAKE BREAKFAST JANUARY 13 ANOTHER YEAR Frances R. Havergal Another year is dawning, Dear Father let it be, In working or in waiting, Another year with thee. Another year of progress, Another year of praise, Another year of proving Thy presence all the days. Another year of mercies, Of faithfulness and grace, Another year of gladness, The glory of thy face. Another year of leaning Upon thy loving breast, Another year of trusting, Of quiet, happy rest. Another year of service, Of witness for thy love, Another year of training For holier work above. Another year is dawning, Dear Father, let it be, On earth, or else in heaven, Another year for thee. COME JOIN THE FUN! BIBLE STUDY The incredibly rich story told in the book of Ruth captures the fears, challenges, and hope of those who find themselves pulled away from home and of those who are there when they return. In this book we are invited into the deep emotions and conversations of the three central characters of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, while exploring the themes of loss, loyalty, risk, and hope. This four-session course explores the entire book of Ruth. Sessions include: 1. Where Does Loss Push Us? (Ruth 1:1-18) 2. Where Does Loyalty Pull Us? (Ruth 1:19-2:23) 3. Where Does Risk Take Us? (Ruth 3:1-18) 4. Where Does Hope Lead Us? (Ruth 4:1-22) QUOTES FROM THE REV. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. ( ) We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. It s Time For Camp Sunday! 9:00 - Worship 10-Noon: Pancakes! A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love. Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?, 1967 Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. The church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Better than being the head of the family is being the heart of it. Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 1963 The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at the times of challenge and controversy. Strength to Love, Flynn Drive, Milbank SD 57252

6 TAG TEENS AMONG GOD I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone at ALC and to all the TAG members. As we finish off 2012, TAG members had a busy month of December and look forward to an active As many of you may recall, last Sunday the TAG members helped with the Klub Supper held at the church. Some of these funds will help the youth with their Nicaragua trip expenses. We are very grateful for all the support from the congregation. We would like to extend a special Thanks to Al and Kathy Mathiason who got the ball rolling for this supper! Who knew so many people liked Klub that well! TAG members were also favored with one of the first showings of a movie in The Holy Word theatre! There were 7 members present to watch the premier showing of The Nativity Story. The picture and sounds affects were amazing! We all are looking forward to the next showing. Coming fast in the New Year is a meeting of the Youth Trip participants and their parents. We will be having Wing Night on January 16 th at 5:55 pm. Please note that this is a change in the original date to enable everyone to attend. We will be taking a look at where we are in planning our trip plus evaluating our present fund status. Please plan to attend! As in the past three years, the TAG members will once again be hosting a Prime Rib Dinner for Valentines Day on February 10 th. Please watch the newsletter and bulletin for details in the coming weeks. We hope that everyone will be planning to attend. Finally, on behalf of the TAG members, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the congregation of ALC for all their support and encouragement given to the youth of the church. These are the church leaders of the future and they are so honored to have been blessed with such a caring congregation. Thank You for your constant love and prayers! Merry Christmas! Jonathan T.A.G. Teens Among God Thank You TO ALL WHO HELPED IN ANY WAY TO BRING THE THEATRE TO FRUITION: Tom Goetz Susan Stinson Jake Stinson Dave Bergan Gary Wellnitz Karla Wellnitz Neil Pauli Ryan Magedanz Jeff Schmidt Shane Zemlicka Galen Zemlicka Pastor Carl Jerry Kathman Sid Fosheim Mark Leddy "A Beacon of ACOLYTE/BULLETIN DELIVERY/SERVERS Jan 6 ACOLYTE BULLETIN DELIVERY FELLOWSHIP Mackayla Schuelke Kasi Schleuter Maddy Foss Ria Teske Claire Kastrup Jan 13 Sarah Grabow Gretchen Biersbach Camp Sunday Jan 20 Bailey Storm Hannah Scriver Caleb Nolz Hannah Scriver Jan 27 Caden Bjordahl Miranda Madsen Ka e & Chris Loutsch Steven Grabow Feb 3 Jonny Ash Ethan Paysen Andrew Mears Feb 10 Jordan Thiele Caleb Nolz Gretchen & Kirsten Biersbach Trevor S ckland Andrew Mears William Hins

7 Parish MUSIC NEWS Chancel Choir will meet on Wednesdays, January 2, 16 & 30 at 7:00. We will sing at worship on Sundays, January 6 & February 3. Note-a-bells will rehearse on Wednesdays at 5:15, beginning on January 9. They will share special music on January 20. Celebration Singers will rehearse on Wednesday, January 9 at 6:00. We will lead worship on Camp Sunday, January 13. Nurse Diana Dirksen Diana Dirksen Blood Pressure Checks January 6 February 3 I am just in the beginning stages of our winter walking plan but would like to have a short gettogether for all those interested on January 15 at American Lutheran church at 5:30. Look for more details in your bulletin or call me if you are interested. MISSION..ACTION..COMMUNITY The Circle Bible Study Gathered By God continues in January and February. In the January study, we find Jesus inviting the disciples to get away from it all, pause from their work, and spend time apart from the clamor of people. How welcome after the busy-ness of December to accept the invitation of Jesus to come away with Him and rest! The February study focuses on our calling into a faith community, and the gifts we have been given to empower that community. Circles meet on the third Tuesday of each month. MARK YOUR CALENDARS for events coming in the spring where we celebrate our community of faith: Saturday, April 20 is the Prairie Coteau Conference Spring Gathering of Women of the ELCA, hosted here in Milbank, with former Bishop Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl as the guest speaker. Then in May, on the Saturday before Mothers Day, our Mother/Daughter/Sister/Friend fellowship will feature Treava Lundberg, who had to cancel last year s event due to illness in the family. THIS N THAT PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY - Crocheted or Knitted shawls are needed. Instructions and yarn are available in the cupboard in the multipurpose room. Winter is a great time to work on these, an easy project to do while watching TV in the evenings. Contact Janelle Kelly if you have any questions. PAGE TURNERS - The book discussion group has read some great books lately, with more lined up for the winter months: January - House Rules - Jodi Picoult February - This Time Together - Carol Burnett March - Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini The Page Turners meet on the third Thursday of the month at 7 pm in the fireside room of the church; ALL ARE WELCOME! THANK Y OU Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer shawl. What a blessing to be wrapped in it for prayer to our Lord. They have another angel in heaven our precious daughter DeeAnn. Neil & Shirley Thorson and family. Men of all ages to help with the pancake breakfast on January 13 Thread - any color, any size spool - for quilting Crocheted or knitted prayer shawls Special monies for AV equipment - $3000 Teachers for 9:57 Sunday School Radio broadcast sponsors for 2013 Thanks to the ALC council members and congregation for the wine and cheese gift basket. I would also like to thank you all for the many things you do for American Lutheran. We truly are blessed to have such wonderful, caring, committed members. God bless you all! Mary Bjordahl, ALC Treasurer THANK YOU to the ALC Council & Congregation for the cheese box, cheese slicer & Gift card. Your generosity was very much appreciated. THANK YOU also to the Chancel Choir for the beautiful poinsettia. We are truly blessed to have all of you as a part of our church family. God's Blessings, Carol Ydstie Flynn Drive, Milbank SD 57252

8 MEET OUR MEMBERS - KEN & MARGE KELLER Ken and Marge Keller have been a part of the Milbank community and American Lutheran Church since Ken opened Keller Realty in 1974, and they were also part owners of the Manor Motel and Millstone Restaurant. They have been married for 57 years, and spent the early years of their marriage in New York City where Ken was a sales rep for Alcoa. Ken was Treasurer of American Lutheran at three different times during these years, and Marge was a substitute Sunday School teacher while their children Keith (Sioux Falls) and Linda (Collins - Fargo) were young. Both are active with committee assignments and helping whenever and wherever possible. Ken is an avid golfer and likes to read in the winter. Marge s hobbies are gardening, canning and reading. They deliver Meals on Wheels, and Marge volunteers at the Thrift Store. She also enjoys monthly get-togethers with high school classmates from Montevideo. (B)irthdays & (W)edding Anniveraries Please inform the church office if we are missing your birthday/anniversary. Or if we have the wrong date. Thank you. JANUARY FIRST HALF FEBRUARY 1 Cody Dorneman (b) 17 Patty Hamman (b) 1 Duane Prisinger (b) Dillon Lichtsinn (b) 18 Ryan & Whitney Saxton (w) 2 Wynn Boerger (b) David Thompson (b) 19 Pam Gomer (b) Morgan Jones (b) Chris Walters (b) Trevor Stickland (b) 3 Kasi Schlueter (b) 2 Greg Grimm (b) 20 Robin Cook (b) Susan Stinson (b) Janelle Kelly (b) Suzanne Unzen (b) 5 Holly Hilbrands (b) 3 Keith & Diane Grabow (w) 21 Mandy DeLong (b) 6 Deanna Schaefer (b) Kathy Sussex (b) Melody DeLong (b) Tyler Stickland (b) 4 Debra Pauli (b) Susan Leddy (b) Hal Teske (b) 7 Becky Gomer (b) 23 Spencer Boerger (b) 7 Tom Goetz (b) 8 Doug Dohrer (b) Garret Christopherson (b) 8 Arden Richardt (b) Rosemary Goestschius (b) Brayden Gomer (b) Cody Storm (b) Mark Granquist (b) Karmen LaRoche (b) Aimee Thyne (b) Jason Stinson (b) McKenzie Severson (b) 10 Gretchen Biersbach (b) Matthew Unzen (b) 24 Karen Smith (b) Kirsten Biersbach (b) 9 Bob Biersbach (b) 25 Jeremy Johnson (b) Nicole Kasuske (b) Shaylee Pekelder (b) 26 Peg Dohrer (b) 11 Karen Jaquet (b) Daniel Volkenant (b) Ken Johnson (b) Boyd Sussex (b) 10 Monica Fischer (b) Emily Madsen (b) 12 Bill St. Martin (b) Katie LaRoche (b) 27 Olivia Barlund (b) 14 Nicole Appl (b) Jennifer Roggenbuck (b) Alan & Linda DeLong (b) Keith & Jennifer Borah (w) 14 Rebecca Welberg (b) Samantha Madsen (b) Shane & Jessica Schuchard (w) 15 Sarah Grabow (b) Jamie Pekelder (b) Jan & Amber Scriver (w) Theresa Granquist (b) 28 Jonathan Ash (b) Jason Wellnitz (b) Mervyn Larson (b) 29 Gail Selgeby (b) Peyton Snell (b) 30 Marjorie Keller (b) Brett Storm (b) Madison Tesch (b) 16 Mike & Monica Gruba (w) 31 Lois Buhler (b) Holly Neuharth (b) David Dorneman (b) Ardell Searcy (b) MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCK-IN January Please meet at the church at 5:00 on that Saturday. A Concordia College outreach team will be conducting the lock-in. We will hear Ester Meyer share about her time in Rwanda at the Visitor Center. Plans will be made to lead worship the next morning. Wilmot Lutheran confirmation class will be joining in. There will be food, movies, lots of fun. GOOD GIFT PROJECT The Sunday School purchased a cow, 4 goats & 4 sheep for $1200 through the ELCA Good Gift program. All the money goes to the purchase of these animals to help lift communities out of hunger & poverty. "A Beacon of God's Love -- A Home for All People"

9 January 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Happy New Year! 9-10:30 TOT School DEADLINE FOR ANNUAL REPORTS 7:00 Chancel Choir 1-2:30 TOT School :00 Worship/KMSD/Communion 9:00 Quilting 9-10:30 TOT School 7:00 Men's Bible Study 9:57 Sunday School 10:00 Bible Study 10:00 Coffee Fellowship 3:30 Confirmation 1-2:30 TOT School 10:00 Blood Pressure checks 5:00 Note-a-bells 7:00 Boy Scouts 6:00 Celebration Singers 7:00 Church Council Camp Sunday 12:00 Peace Circle 9-10:30 TOT School 7:00 Men's Bible Study 9:00 Worship/KMSD/Communion 10:00 Bible Study Baptism 5:30 Winter 3:30 Confirmation 1-2:30 TOT School 9:57 Sunday School 7:00 Boy Scouts Walking Mtg. 5:00 Note-a-bells 10:00-Noon Pancake Breakfast 5:55 TAG HS Youth 7:00 Book Discussion :00 Worship/KMSD/Communion 9:00 Quilting 9-10:30 TOT School 7:00 Men's Bible Study 9:57 Sunday School 10:00 Bible Study 10:00 Coffee Fellowship 3:30 Confirmation 1-2:30 TOT School Middle School 10:00 February LIA Lock-in 10:00 Annual Meeting :00 Worship/KMSD/Communion 9-10:30 TOT School 7:00 Men's Bible Study 9:57 Sunday School 10:00 Bible Study 10:00 Coffee Fellowship No Confirmation 1-2:30 TOT School 7:00 Boy Scouts 5:00 Note-a-bells 7:00 Chancel Choir February :00 Birthday Party for Ken Fryer :00 Worship/KMSD/Communion Workshop at Luther Seminary 9:57 Sunday School 9:00 Quilting 9-10:30 TOT School 7:00 Men's Bible Study 10:00 Coffee Fellowship 7:00 Boy Scouts 5:00 Note-a-bells 1-2:30 TOT School :00 Worship/KMSD/Communion 12:00 Peace Circle Ash Wednesday 9:57 Sunday School 9-10:30 TOT School 7:00 Men's Bible Study 10:00 Coffee Fellowship 10:00 Bible Study 1-2:30 TOT School 4:00 Celebration Practice 7:00 Boy Scouts 5:00 Love Circle 5:00 Note-a-bells 5:00 Soup Supper Valentine's Dinner 6:30 Worship 7:30 Church Council