Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 O c t o b e r G A C h u r c h w w w. g a c h u r c h. o r g Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church In this month s Newsletter Thoughts from Pastor Amanda, p.3 Anointing Service, p.3 Wednesday Night Ministry, p.4 October Table Talk, p.10 OCTOBER AT GA Sunday, October 4, 11:15am Blessing of the Animals We will bless the animals at the New Life service on the first Sunday in October to honor Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. See page 6 for more information! Wednesday, October 14, 6:50pm Anointing Service A service of healing and oil anointing open to all. More details on page 3. Sunday, October 25 Reformation Sunday 9:00 AM - Reformation Service with Canon Choir of Brass An annual remembrance of the Protestant Reformation, begun on October 31, 1517, when the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther nailed 95 Theses (protest statements) on the door of the Wittenberg Church in Germany. It has been customary in Lutheran churches to wear red to worship on this day. 11:15 am - Multi-Church Harvest Worship Service with tenant churches and organizations. A potluck follows at 12:15 pm We ll worship again in the languages of the people who worship in our building English, Hmong, Lisu, Spanish and American Sign Language. Wednesday, October 28, 6:30-7:30 pm Spooktacular! Dr. Jerry Brakke will play some fun spooky surprises. Come in costume to hear haunting classical, movie and TV show theme songs. And we ll sing silly songs! Healthy Halloween treats for the kids of all ages! (Costumes are optional.)

2 Page 2 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch From the Interim Senior Pastor: Fallow Ground Dear Friends Some of the most dramatic moments of my childhood had to do with fires. Thankfully, our home was never in danger. There was no incident where any of us kids got hurt. But there was plenty of destruction and danger involved in prairie fires. Once the crops were ready for harvest, once all the moisture was wrung out of every kernel, every stem these were the times when fires could start easily, and advance quickly in the midst of the windy, semi-arid conditions. Whole fields would be charred in short order, the flames following ditches to adjacent fields, smoke and flames leaping into the air, leaving little more than blackened dirt in its wake. These thoughts come to mind, I suppose, because of our recent experience with the Saint Paul Fire Department. Hosting the funeral for Firefighter Shane Clifton caused a couple things to come to mind. First, the sense of connection and community that exists between and among firefighters is impressive. Showing up for one another is the truest gift we give. In this case, some 2000 firefighters came together from all over the city, state and nation. The second thing that comes to mind from this experience has to do with service. Dozens of you folks put away your own personal agendas in order to assist with this funeral. You not only showed up, but you offered a sincere welcome to all. You made sure that needs were heard and dealt with. You provided food for the body and the soul. I could not be prouder of you folks. Hospitality IS every Christian s #1 calling. This congregation answered that calling with genuine love and heart-felt concern. So thank you. After images of flags and ladder trucks and bagpipes and brass have slipped away, I shall recall the quiet presence of hope, the assurance of life that extends beyond the smoldering wreckage of all darkness and death. In the midst of your loving presence, the Holy Spirit did its powerful work. The flames of compassion burned brightly, thanks to you people. I do need to tell you about one incident with fire. As with most farms, we have a burning barrel. This barrel was some distance away from the house. Every day or so, we would carry out the garbage, put it into the barrel and light it on fire. Sometimes we would use gasoline to ignite the trash. One day, I added a little gasoline to the refuse, then a little more, and more still When I threw the match onto the garbage, there was an explosion. Fortunately, I lost only the hair on my eyebrows and forearms. I shall always remember that moment. I was very lucky. In the Bible, fire is both good and bad. Fire is most often used to describe eternal damnation. But it s also used to describe the power and presence of God that brings warmth and vitality, purity and light. Fire can be ferocious and utterly destructive. We consider firefighters to be heroes if for no other reason than their willingness to face into such a dangerous force. On the other hand, God promises to burn the chaff with unquenchable fire, and Lord knows, I have plenty of chaff to burn! We all do. This is the promise. The Holy Spirit brings both cleansing and vitality, pardon and rebirth all that we need to welcome the stranger, care for those in need, share the good news and love one another. My word for you folks---congratulations! The light and truth and love of God is being recognized, received, shared and celebrated! God help us all to keep up His good work. Lon Larson Interim Senior Pastor Gateway of Faith Sundays October 4: Grow Sunday October 11: Worship Sunday October 18: Embrace Sunday October 25: Build Sunday

3 Page 3 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch Thoughts from Pastor Amanda... A Gateway of Faith with our city, neighborhood and each other committed to our four values of: Growing in spiritual vitality, Worshipping creatively and faithfully together, Embracing our wonder and Building authentic Christian relationships. This is our mission statement and our motto at GA as a community of faith on the East Side. A year ago we gathered around this new mission statement and pledged ourselves to being this Gateway of Faith. We gave our offerings and commitments to the three year Gateway of Faith capital appeal to reduce our mortgage debt, provide for capital improvements and vision together about new ministry starts. The year before that we dreamed dreams, conversed within our community and with our neighbors and discerned with God who we are as a community of faith and who God is calling us to become. This year I am pleased to share with you that we are now intentionally and fully living into our Gateway of Faith mission and that our Gateway of Faith capital appeal has meet all of our first year goals. Snippets of the ways we are living out our Gateway of Faith mission: The construction of the community garden with Hmong -American Partnership to support local immigrant families to have access to healthy produce.... the formation of a high school youth group.... the continuation and growth of Wednesday Family Faith Nights with community meal, faith formation and worship.... hosting community events, such as the funeral for SPFD firefighter Shane Clifton, and welcoming congregations to worship God in our space....the annual Pentecost and Reformation services and potlucks with all of the GA building congregations....the trip to the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit with 10 youth... the partnership with Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Lifehaven House which provides supportive shelter to homeless teen mothers and their children... the hospitality of our community for families as they grieve and remember their loved ones through funerals and luncheons... the Care Team Ministry and support for our elders... a new sound system in the Sanctuary... feeding 100 children at Farnsworth Elementary throughout the school year with weekend food kits... and making it to our mortgage goal in which we now monthly pay 2/3rds to the principal and 1/3rd to interest. These are snippets of the ministry to which we are committed together, these are the snippets of how we embody our Gateway of Faith mission. This fall we will have a preaching series dedicated to our Gateway of Faith mission to highlight and re-focus our attention on how we embody our mission together. I ask that you consider how you embody our Gateway of Faith mission through your discipleship as a member of the whole body of Christ and as a member of our congregation. And I ask you to maintain your commitment to GA through your time, presence, skills and financial giving. As we enter into the second year of our Gateway of Faith capital appeal, please continue to honor the pledge that you made last fall so that we may continue our giant inroads towards paying off our mortgage. Thank you and God bless you for who you are and all the ways you share Christ with our city, neighbors and one another. Amanda Simons Associate Pastor Anointing Service All are Welcome! There is one particular Ash Wednesday service I remember with unusual clarity. The service included the Imposition of Ashes, the act of receiving the mark of an ashen cross placed on the forehead. In the 100+ years of that congregation s existence, never had they practiced the imposition of ashes. But that particular year, we were moving ahead with it. When the time came, I invited people to come forward. No one moved. I glanced around the room and caught sight of the Laugen family, sitting in their usual pew. Cynthia looked at Orville, Orville looked at Cynthia they paused, then stood up and came forward. One by one, the rest of the congregation fell in line behind them, weary of this new rite, but trusting that if Cynthia and Orville were going to give it a try, so could they. In the years that followed, annual Lenten journeys would all begin with ashes. Anxious selfawareness gave way to comfort. Being marked with the Cross of Christ seemed to generate hope. But dare I say it would have been a different story, had those two saints, pillars of the congregation, not stood up and come forward. It seems to happen this way in my life often. I enter into a new experience, most often escorted by a trusted friend, a faithful companion. There are people in our lives, in this congregation, in your own families, who might benefit greatly from receiving the oils of healing, or what the church sometimes calls an anointing. I myself am new to this rite, and I thank the people at Lutheran Church of Peace for introducing me to anointing. Once a month, it was offered. Rather than ashes, oil was used to make the sign of the cross (either on the forehead, or on the back of one s hand) along with a prayer: Spirit of the living God, present with us now, enter into you, body, mind and spirit, and heal you of all that harms you. Christians have been anointing one another from the very beginning. On some level, we all need healing. Let s give it a try. Come to the mid-week service on Wednesday, October 14. Worship begins at 6:50. It will be simple and brief, and helpful. Likely you folks have done anointing services before. If not, I m hoping some of you can follow in the Laugen s footsteps. We just need a few to step forward, and that will be enough. The Holy Spirit will do the rest. -Pastor Lon

4 October 2015 WEDNESDAY NIGHT MINISTRY Page 4 Wednesdays Family Faith Nights October 7, 14, 21, 28 Young or old, or somewhere in between, there is something for you and your faith on Wednesday nights: 5:00 pm TASTY MEAL (suggested donation, $3/ person) 6:00 pm FAITH FORMATION for everyone Adult Book Conversations: Isaiah Speaks, by Merrill Morse. Confirmation for youth in grades 6 9 K.I.N.G.S. for children in grades K 5 Nursery care 6:50 pm-7:15pm WORSHIP for all!* Adult Book Conversations: Isaiah Speaks, by Merrill Morse. An adult Bible/book study will be offered on Wednesday evenings this Fall. We will be reading Isaiah Speaks, by Merrill Morse. Come read and discuss in this low stress, low prep, and highly engaging opportunity. Meet the Isaiah you never knew. Isaiah Speaks connects this famous prophet to such concerns of modern life as Islam and world religions, family conflicts, worship, and globalization. A signup is available in the Gathering Space. Please add your name so we know how many books to order. Everyone is welcome any Wednesday evening you are able to attend, even if you are not reading the book. Come one, come all! Confirmation for Youth in Grades 6 9 This year will focus on the Old Testament. With large-group presentations by our pastors followed by small group conversation with adult leaders. K.I.N.G.S. for children in grades K 5 Younger children learn a Bible story with Holy Moly videos and activities along with active play time in the gym. adults to take a break from the busy-ness of life. Week 1 (Oct. 7) - Prayer Around the Cross a meaningful prayer service with music, God s word, silence and candles that was originally developed at Holden village in Washington State. Week 2 (Oct. 14) - Anointing Service Worship a new worship opportunity this year! Week 3 (Oct. 21) - Campfire Worship Songs from Bible camp known to our youth plus skits led by Sophie Bauer. This is an active worship service! Plus, on October 28, we will hold a special night of Spooktacular Music (see pg. 4) played by Dr. Jerry Brakke. Wear a costume and join the fun! CONFIRMATION MINISTRY October 2015 Classes will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 7 Oct. 7 Adam & Eve Oct. 14 Noah Oct. 21 Abraham & Sarah Oct. 28 Spooktacular event! Service Hour Opportunities! Acolyte at 9:00 worship Sign up on the Youth Kiosk in the Gathering area! Assist with communion at New Life Worship Sign up on the Youth Kiosk in the Gathering area! Greet Worshipers with your family on Sunday morning Sign up at the Welcome Desk Assist with Spooktacular event on Oct. 28 Set up snack & activity stations with your small group at 6pm. Concert begins at 6:30. Come in costume! For more information about our Confirmation program, contact Sherrie Nordquist at the Church office or sherrie@gachurch.org. Nursery care Our nursery is staffed by paid caregivers who provide a safe environment for play. *Wednesday Worship will include four distinct worship styles. They were chosen to allow youth and

5 Page 5 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY Parents Night Out Saturday, October 24, 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. Bring your child to a fun-filled night while you have some time to yourself, go to a movie, out to dinner, or just read a book without interruption. Your child will get to hang out with Children s Ministry adult leaders and youth. We ll play games, watch a movie, play in the gym or just sit and chat. Preregistration is required. $10 per child, $5 for each additional child. Sign up at the Welcome desk or e- mail sherrie@gachurch.org or lojehoward@comcast.net. Fall Leaf Raking! If you are in need of help raking leaves in your yard this fall, or if you know someone else who does, GA youth and families are organizing a fall service day and may be able to help. Please contact Lori Howard at or her at lojehoward@comcast.net for more information. A Spooktacular Organ Concert! Wednesday, October 28, 6:30-7:30 pm Dr. Jerry Brakke will play some fun spooky surprises. Come in costume to hear haunting classical, movie and TV show theme songs. And we ll sing silly songs! Healthy Halloween treats for the kids of all ages! (Costumes are optional.) FREE! CHILDREN S MINISTRIES News from the Tree House! SPARK!! Is back at the Tree House this fall! Designed to get kids ages 3 grade 5 opening the Bible and exploring God s Word in each and every lesson. Children will study Bible stories through many different types of learning such as Art, Drama, Storytelling, Games and more. They will hear and experience the same Bible story in all of the workshops for three weeks rotating to a different workshop each week. Educators have long realized that it is necessary to repeat information in order to retain it. When children hear the same story through several different lessons, they remember it better. They are also able to go deeper into the material and have a better chance of personally reflecting on the importance of the lessons. Workshops at the Tree House this fall Noah: October 4, 11, 18, 25 Isaac and Rebekah: November 1, 8, 15, 22 SPARK Bible Time for Preschoolers at the Tree House, 10:10-11:10 AM Parents are encouraged to sign-up for Sundays to assist and provide & serve a snack. Sign-up is located on the bulletin board just outside the classroom entrance. Our preschool department uses a sign-in/sign-out system. We love hearing our GA kids sing! Our Tree House Children s Choir rehearses as part of Sunday School on Sunday mornings from 10:10-10:30. Children s Choir under the direction of Camille Farinella is open to any child in grades K-5! The choir performs at the start of the New Life Service on the last Sunday of each month.

6 October 2015 Page 6 CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY WAYS TO BE INVOLVED AS A LEADER IN WORKSHOP ROTATION SUNDAY SCHOOL Workshop Leader Prepare and lead a faithbased workshop such as drama, art, Bible skills & games, Cooking, Science, Video. 2 - week commitment. Use your expertise and a little of your time with our Sunday School children. Shepherd Guide a small group of children through the workshops each week. Assist the workshop leaders with activities. Adopt a Workshop Room - Re-decorate bulletin boards, walls, furniture. Materials & supplies provided. Contact Sherrie Nordquist at the church office for details. 651/ or sherrie@gachurch.org PRESENTATION OF NEW BIBLES October 18 at both services! Each year at GA, new Spark Story Bibles are presented to young children just starting Sunday School and Spark NRSV Bibles are presented to children in grade 3. These Bibles are gifts from our congregation supporting parents in their baptismal promise to place in their children s hands the holy scriptures COME PLAY IN OUR CHURCH NURSERY! Loving care by professional educator and experienced caregiver Cindy Crayne is offered for infants through 4 year olds on Sunday mornings from 9:00 am through 12:30 pm each Sunday morning in our church nursery. Blessing of the Animals! Sunday, October 4, 11:15am We will bless the animals at the New Life service on the first Sunday in October to honor Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. Animals of all religious beliefs, shapes and sizes are welcome to attend with their pet parents. Please ensure the safety of all pets by leashing dogs, crating cats, caging birds, and bringing other animals in travel appropriate containers. (Fish should travel in non-breakable bowls.) You are welcome to bring a photo if your pet cannot make it to the blessing. Stuffed animals are also welcome! We acknowledge God as creator of all in heaven and on earth. We give thanks for the gift of animals of all kinds and the contribution they make to enrich our lives, especially the love of our pets, through which we can sense the love of our gracious God. For more information about Sunday School and Confirmation programs, contact Sherrie Nordquist by calling the Church office (direct line) or sherrie@gachurch.org

7 October 2015 Global Mission: Savor the Flavors Page 7 While I am writing this one week before the Bites for Tanzania Student Scholarships big food extravaganza, I am sure that all who attended will agree that their plates were filled with some very tasty items, and hopefully, you tried something new too. A huge THANK YOU to all who prepared an item or two, and also THANK YOU to those that bought tickets and enjoyed the foods. It is the generosity of preparers and purchasers that will help provide scholarships for our partner parish students in Kiponzelo and Igangidungu u. duka (store) with Tanzania items opens at 4:30. Reservations needed by Oct. 4 to jschwartz@q.com or call Oct. 25 Iringa Hope (micro-financing) will hold their event at Incarnation Lutheran Church, Shoreview, starting at 6:30. All are welcome. Nov. 7 BegaKwaBega Fall Mission Festival will be at King of Kings Lutheran Church, Woodbury, from 8:30 noon. This is a wonderful way to see what other Synod churches are doing to support Tanzania partnerships. All are welcome. We will need to continue our support of these students through the next months. By December 1 we need to submit our support dollars to the BegaKwaBega office so our parish leaders will be able to issue scholarships to their students who start a new school year in January The goal of the Bites event was to raise $1,200 that will make a large dent in the $4,500 expenditure. There are people who have sponsored a student in past years some with $400, some with $200 and other varied amounts. Those gifts of sponsorship continue to be needed in any amount. If making a check to GA church, please add to the memo line Tanzania scholarship so it is deposited to the correct account. If doing it electronically, specify your additional contribution. It truly is another way of God s Work, Our Hands at work. It is the many that come together that makes for a fun event, and together we can accomplish a mission far greater than we can do alone. Our Tanzanian scholars say a huge THANK YOU and GOD BLESS! There are some upcoming events that support a variety of ways related to missions. Oct St. Paul Partners (Tanzania water projects) will hold their annual fundraiser at GA. The freewill offering Tanzanian meal will be served at 5:30 with a program to follow. Displays and a We are still planning a mission trip to visit our partners in These are excellent opportunities to become acquainted with some of the work being done in Tanzania, and better prepare your mind for what you could enjoy as you travel there. THANK YOU again for supporting the Bites for Tanzania Student Scholarships event you truly did make a difference for students. Blessings, Jean Schwartz Global Mission Chair MONTHLY MISSION EMPHASIS The Church Council has re-set our Mission Emphases to support ministries beyond our church. Please note that the mission of the month may have changed from last year. October LSS Homeless Youth Services November Merrick Community Services December ELCA World Hunger Use the blue giving envelope that comes from the church. If you give electronically, designate a one-time or ongoing gift for Missions.

8 Page 8 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch Community Caring 2015 Craft Show Save the date for : The annual GA Craft Show and Bake Sale that will be held on Saturday, November 28 th, 2015 from 9:00am 4:00pm in the Gathering Area, Gymnasium and Fish Market. Application forms are available at the Hospitality Desk for any exhibitors who are interested in selling their hand made items. SUNDAY MORNING TABLE TALK! Sundays, 10:10am Each week between services, all adults at GA (members, friends, visitors) are invited to come into the Fireside Room to spend time exploring how faith and daily life intersect. The format is somewhat informal and interactive, and (we hope) more inviting for adults of all ages and interests. Table Talk will begin on Sunday, October 4 th. Watch for details about upcoming topics in the Sunday bulletins! CHECK OUT THE COLLECTION OF BOOKS, VIDEOS, AND MUSIC CDS IN OUR CHURCH LIBRARY! The Ronald C. Peterson library is open between services from 10:00-11:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Thank you for returning materials within two weeks. Librarians: Carol Sandberg, Marlys Siverson GA Women s Book Club meets the 4 th Tuesday of each month, at 1:00 p.m. New readers are always welcome. Our next meeting will be held on October 27 Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. Copies of the book are available to check out. Stop by the church library for details. Thank you A huge Thank you to everyone who helped in GA's parking lot for the State Fair. We had another successful year and I received many compliments on how everyone was so friendly and loved the convenience of parking in our lot. This is a wonderful mission to the community, and God has blessed us with this space. Karen Landkamer Newsletter Submission Deadlines GA Newsletter submission deadline is the 1st Monday of the month for the upcoming month newsletter: 1st Monday in October for November s newsletter 1st Monday in November for December s newsletter If you are responsible for a monthly article, please put these dates in your personal calendar. Send your article to info@gachurch.org. Update: Tanzania Mission Trip There are many things that came into play as we evaluated doing a mission trip to our partner parishes in February The decision to cancel further planning for the trip were based upon 1) not having a senior pastor in place, 2) lack of leadership in light of Wes Johnson s death, and 3) uncertainty in Ps. Amanda s schedule based upon her duties until we have a new senior pastor in place. The good news is that we will continue to explore a possible trip for the summer of 2016 or a 2017 trip, at the latest. Continue to think about being a part of a mission trip save your money and talk it up among family and friends. It is a rich experience as you share Christ shoulder-to-shoulder (BegaKwaBega) with our African brothers and sisters. If you have questions, interest in going, and ways of supporting our partnership relationship, please talk with Jean Schwartz.

9 October 2015 Page 9 FINANCE UPDATE Here are income figures for the General Fund of the church from January through August of this year. We have compared these numbers to budget. Also we are showing the income and expenses for the GAteway Fund for the same time period. If you have questions or would like more information please feel free to contact Maggie Kidnie, Business Manager at maggie@gachurch.org. We always welcome new members to the Finance Committee as well, we meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30. Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church is financed entirely by the generous, direct financial gifts of its members and friends. There are several ways you can bless this mission of Jesus with your gifts: 1. Place your check or cash in the offering plate passed during the service. Envelopes are in the pews. 2. Electronic Funds Transfer from our website, gachurch.org (upper right corner). It gives you options to have your weekly, bimonthly or monthly offerings deducted from your checking or savings account and deposited directly to the GA Church bank account. 3. Bill Pay. Follow the directions for your bank or credit union to create GA Church as a Payee at 1669 N. Arcade St., St. Paul, MN 55106, and choose to make a regular weekly or monthly offering. 4. Stock Transfer to the church. For more information, contact Maggie Kidnie in the business office,

10 Page 10 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS 1 Shaunna Monette 2 Nolan Bayer Barbara Higgins Ron Paul 3 Brittany Buzay Callie McDonough Michael Siebert 5 Serena Hills Jewel Olson 6 Molly Jost Brad Nelson Peter Weiblen 7 Carole Dahlquist Kye Kirkendahl Brianna Swanson 8 Emily Challgren Jori Jones 10 Barb Josephson 11 Brett Bowman Barbara Johnson Ron Reichel 12 Diane Bertsch Marjorie Johnson Merritt Linzie 13 Dawn Reichel Amber Stone 14 Betty Fiebiger Gavin LaMotte Lucas Pavel 16 Lois Buzay Katie Krispin 17 Gordon Pierson 18 Orpha Woods 19 Bradley Luchsinger Shannon King Strong 20 Judy Grauer 21 Cliff Potter Johannes Weiblen 22 Heidi Larson Brandon Van Ert Alisha Williams 23 Gail Newberg Carol Sandberg Carole Wangerin 24 Sharon Geiger Lois Gunter Thilde Hogen Catie Madison Dominic Madison Sharon Reimers 27 Zacceus Ronning 28 Danielle Jones 29 Megan Knutson 30 Alyssa Blackbird Tom Madison 31 Debbie Johnson Grant Siebert October Table Talk Join us on Sunday morning from 10:15-11:10 in the Fireside Room. Coffee will be available. October 4: Digging Around in Israel Pastor Lon shares his experiences at an archaeological dig site in Israel. October 11: Travels in Turkey Pastor Lon shares stories of his journey to Turkey with his wife Margaret. October 18: Secrets of the Undertaker Learn about the funeral industry and how it is changing with Emily Anderson. WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY Thursdays, 10:00 am Learn more about the Bible readings for the coming Sunday October 25: Schutz, Scheidt, and Schein: Shoulders on Which Bach Would Stand Learn about the great music of master composers from the Baroque era who influenced Bach and how they contributed to Lutheran tradition with Christopher Stordalen.

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12 Gustavus Adolphus (GA) Lutheran Church 1669 Arcade St St. Paul, MN Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage P A I D Twin Cities MN Permit No. 585 Gustavus Adolphus (GA) is a member of the Saint Paul Area Synod ( of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Church Staff & Contact Information Lon Larson, Interim Senior Pastor Amanda Simons, Associate Pastor Maggie Novak, Interim Visitation Pastor l.larson@gachurch.org a.simons@gachurch.org visitation@gachurch.org (none) Jerry Brakke, Dir. of Music Sherrie Nordquist, Dir. of Christian Education Maggie Kidnie, Accountant Brit Barkholtz, Administrative Assistant Judy Hitchcock, Administrative Assistant jerry@gachurch.org sherrie@gachurch.org Maggie@gachurch.org brit@gachurch.org judy@gachurch.org Nelson Tracey & Kevin Berglund, (none) Custodians Kendra Nielsen, Diana Williams, ASL Interpreters 125 years...and forward. We are inspired by the Spirit to: GROW in spiritual vitality WORSHIP creatively and faithfully together EMBRACE our wonder BUILD authentic Christian relationships