NOVEMBER The BEACON. A New Day for God s Beloved. The Marks of Discipleship

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1 The BEACON A New Day for God s Beloved NOVEMBER 2018 The monthly newsletter of Light of Christ Lutheran Church, Delano, MN The Marks of Discipleship Pray daily Worship weekly Read the Bible Serve at or beyond Light of Christ Relate to others for spiritual growth Give of my time, talents and resources It s a new day at Light of Christ. We ve added new staff, launched a new confirmation ministry, welcomed dozens of new members, and introduced new worship services, songs, and celebrations. And this is just the beginning. It s a new day for us because the world around us is changing. I was ordained in 1984, the same year that Light of Christ was founded. Much has changed in the intervening years. Being a pastor today is not the same as it was thirty-four years ago and neither is being the church. Adapting to this new environment is essential. That s something we know as a congregation. Many of you took the Missional Assessment Profile over the summer and you said that our highest priority as a congregation is to find new and innovative ways to be the church in today s world. So, we are exploring what that means for us in our worship and music ministry, our youth and family ministry, our outreach ministry, and more. You also said that you want to grow as a congregation and in living out your faith in your everyday life. In addition, you said that you want us to find creative ways to serve those living in poverty. This is not the first time Light of Christ has welcomed a new day. We welcomed a new day when the church was founded, when we outgrew our facilities and had to build a sanctuary and an education wing, when new pastors and staff came, and when new challenges and opportunities presented themselves. Now, once again, it is time to embrace this new day. Embracing the new day means stepping boldly into the future. We don t know what all the steps will be. But we do know what a few of the next steps will be. We need to staff for growth, which means at the very least, to eventually have two full-time children, youth and family directors, a director of communications, and a music director that may be full-time. We need to become fully digital so that you can do everything you need to do on your phone online sermons and services, Bible studies, registrations, giving, directories, and more. We need to establish an Endowment Fund to strengthen the long-term financial health of the congregation. continued from previous page As a result of these discoveries the Church Council has called for a special congregational meeting on Sunday, November 18 th, at 9:30 AM in the sanctuary. The purpose of this special meeting is to vote on whether or not to move forward with a major capital campaign beginning in February. The primary objective of the capital campaign would be to reduce or retire our current mortgage. If we raise more than the $450,000 we need to retire the debt then we will use the additional funds to make some other much needed capital upgrades to our facilities. This is a new day at Light of Christ. But one thing remains the same Jesus new commandment that we love one another as he has first loved us. The love of God in Christ is at the heart of our life as a congregation. We are God s beloved children, living in God s beloved community, caring for God s beloved creation. God s love is the constant in the midst of great change. We are called and empowered to share the good news of God s love in our words and deeds, both near and far, in season and out of season. It is a new day for God s beloved here at Light of Christ. Please join me in praying for, and working for, the power and presence of the Holy Spirit so that we will be filled with a deeper faith, a livelier hope, and a more constant love, and live into this new day with joy and boldness. In Christ s love, Pastor Bruce SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING The Church Council is calling a special congregational meeting for Sunday, November 18, 2018 at 9:30 am in the sanctuary to vote on their recommendation to proceed with a capital campaign beginning in February We also need to retire our mortgage as quickly as possible. Right now, the mortgage on the building is about $450,000. We are currently paying about $46,000 a year in payments. If we pay off the mortgage in three years rather than thirteen years (which is the remaining time on the current note) we will save between $80,000 $100,000 in interest. The more quickly we retire our debt the more quickly we can use that money to fund the ministry and mission we believe the Spirit is calling us to do. continued on next page

2 CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRY TEAM NOTES What's in a Name? Since Kirsten and David joined the staff at Light of Christ, conversation has been taking place about the names of the "committees" that they meet with monthly. For years, these groups have been called the Children's Education Committee and Youth Education Committee. Kirsten and David have talked with their respective groups and they have agreed that it's a good time to change the names of these groups. So from here forward, these committees will now be called the "Children & Family Ministry Team" (CFM Team) and the "Youth & Family Ministry Team (YFM Team). The Church Council has also been made aware of these changes and will work to formally change the name in all needed areas. There are several reasons behind this change: 1. The new names more accurately reflect what these groups of people are working so hard at. They don't just focus on education... but instead, minister to children, youth AND their families! Family ministry is SO important because parents are the #1 faith factors in their kids lives. So our Children, Youth and Family Ministry (CFM) staff believes it is just as important to minister to parents as it is to kids since ministry to parents directly impacts the kids! We know parents must be given the tools, encouragement and support needed for them to "practice faith" in the home. 2. These new team names reflect the names of the titles Kirsten and David each have (Director and Associate Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry). This allows us to be consistent in our wording and ministry. 3. This change also helps Light of Christ to be more current. Christian Education is a term that was used largely in the 1980's and 90's before the focus shifted to family ministry. We know now that we have to minister to families or children will not grow up to be faithful Christian adults. Kids really do model their actions after those they are closest to (normally parents!)! Rachel has left a legacy of wonderful ministry that has reached out to not only children and youth but also their families. We want to continue that strong tradition, as we know that when we minister to parents we truly are ministering to their children! Join us as we make this change and encourage our ministries of birth 12 th grade to be family-focused and partnered with parents. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Operation Christmas Child is a Family Servant event on Sunday, November 11 th at 9:30 am. Come as a family to pack a box full of goodies for a child who has little. Games, music, and snacks will be provided. Donations are also needed. Please check the donation tag tree to see what you can contribute to the packing. Donations are due November 4 th. YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY TEAM NOTES Homelessness Sleep Out: Youth in Grades 7-12 are welcome to join Light of Christ on Saturday November 17 th for a night dedicated to learning more about the struggles of those experiencing homelessness! Youth in grades 7-8 can join us from 6-10 pm for some pizza, s mores, games, and fellowship! Grades 9-12 will spend the night sleeping in boxes at the church and are welcomed to join the am worship the following morning. Cost will be $5. If you are interested, please sign up by talking to or ing David! Get to Know You Meetings with David: David is looking for more opportunities to get to know families and youth, especially those youth in grades 9-12! He is looking to set up small, informal meetings with 4-5 youth in order to start getting to know some of those families better. There will be a Sign-Up Genius being sent out in the next weeks to set up times and places in which to have these meetings! Meetings will last around an hour and locations can be scheduled anywhere from the local coffee shops to family s houses. If you are interested, sign up through the form or talk to David! Sunday School Supply Coordinator(s) Light of Christ Sunday School is in need of 1 or 2 volunteers to work on a weekly or monthly basis to assure that our Sunday School teachers have the necessary supplies available for each lesson. The ideal would be to have two volunteers - one to monitor Preschool needs and one to monitor needs for K through 4 th grade. Kirsten Kelly, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry, will work directly with a volunteer(s) to detail responsibilities and will continue to be a resource in any way needed. As an overview, a brief description of the role is listed below - Tasks can be done on a weekly or monthly basis. Time commitment is dependent on whether we have one or two persons volunteering but is estimated at approximately 3 hours weekly or 6-9 hours monthly for one person/less if the responsibilities are shared. A Sunday School leader guide is available outlining a supply list for each lesson/each grade. Coordinator(s) can use the guide to review lesson needs and gather supplies for class lists to ensure adequate supplies are available at church prior to each Sunday School session. In the event necessary supplies are not available the coordinator(s) will assist with ordering supplies in advance of date needed. If you can fill this need or would like additional information, please contact the church office ( ). Your service in this way will be a tremendous blessing to all Light of Christ Sunday School children!

3 We rejoice as we welcome into our church family through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism: Hailey Jo Metz Born: July 16, 2018 Baptized: October 14, 2018 Parents: Troy & Kimberly Metz Sponsors: Devin & Rachael Bagniewski Henrik Melvin Hillmyer Born: July 8, 2018 Baptized: October 28, 2018 Parents: Josh & Melissa Hillmyer Sponsors: Keith & Cami Eckhoff God s blessings on Megan Baluski & Stephen Markfort, who were married on October 13, The couple resides in Rochester, MN Sunday, November 18 at 4:00 pm at Delano United Methodist Church We welcome the newest members of Light of Christ, who joined on October 28, 2018: Brandt & Natalie Dinger Bella, Eva, Sienna 501 Riverview Rd. Delano, MN Matt & Molly Hagen Allie, Will 1486 Woods Creek Dr. Delano, MN Scott & Laura Heideman Connor 627 Emerson Ave. N. Montrose, MN Brandon & Jill Johnson Rowan, Breck 550 Nelson Rd. Independence, MN Adam & Rachel Kopperud Sophie, Olivia 273 Krause Ave. W. Delano, MN Paul & M.J. Pearson Peyton 507 Frankfort Way Waverly, MN Anton & Wendy Towne Zachary, Gavyn, Sydney 278 Lori Lane Delano, MN HONORING OUR VETERANS We will be honoring our Veterans on Sunday, November 11. With gratitude we thank the following members of Light of Christ for their service to our country: NAME BRANCH OF MILITARY YEARS SERVED LOCATION Ben Altenhofen Navy Viet Nam Don Anderson Air Force Eglin AFB Florida Lee Ashfeld Air Force Japan, Turkey Len Beilke Navy Viet Nam Don Collins Army Reserve US Pete Froehle Army 2001-present currently Saudi Arabia Del Hirsch Army US Dennis Iverson Army Kitzingen, Germany Lowell Johnson Army Germany Mike Klaphake Army Vern Lange Navy & Army Reserve San Diego, CA & Norfolk, VA John Magner Navy Norfolk, VA Tom McKay Navy Seabees Viet Nam David Rosaaen Navy Lemoore, CA Naval Air Station Loren Rumpza Army Texas & Bordeau, France Tom Sebelien 1 st Division Army Viet Nam Bob Stabnow Army Germany Dan Torfin US Navy Viet Nam Gordon Torgerud US Navy USS Parsons, Viet Nam Bill Weis Air Force Reserve US If you would like opportunities to give or volunteer for organizations that support our Veterans, the Peace and Justice Ministry recommends the following organizations: USO (United Service Organizations) has been the bridge between the American public and the U.S. military. In times of peace and war, the USO has consistently delivered its special brand of comfort, morale and recreational services to the military National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). As conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan wind down, waves of service members are reuniting with loved ones. But the joy can be short-lived once the realities of readjustment into everyday life begin to sink in. NAMI has partnered with Army OneSource to provide a free 5- course online training program, Treating the Invisible Wounds of War, offering best practices in military culture, PTSB, and the impact of combat stress and deployment NAMI. Armed Forces Service Center is an all free stop located at the Mpls./St. Paul Internat l Airport, for active duty military, dependents, activated reservists and national guardsmen. The center is located in Terminal 1- Lindbergh, on the mezzanine level above the main ticket area American Legion Post 377 in Delano is devoted to serving all veterans

4 Women s Advent Brunch at Wild Marsh Golf Course 1710 Montrose Blvd., Buffalo Saturday, November 17, :00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Once Upon a Time Presented by guest speaker Gaye Lindfors Gaye brings you a breath of fresh air! She is a speaker, author, blogger, and self-proclaimed Chief Encourager for your faith journey. $15.00 per person Please R.S.V.P. by Monday, November 12, or lochrist@frontiernet.net Return portion below to office with payment. SHARE this Joy with a Friend! NAME (s) Brunch Reservation - $15.00/Person Gluten-free upon request A limited number of tickets at no charge are available for those having financial hardship. Contact Terri at the church office CHRISTMAS 2018 The Light of Christ Worship and Music Committee is asking for your support in decorating our church for the Christmas season. Flower choices are: Quantity Price Flower type Circle Color $ poinsettia RED WHITE PINK $ poinsettia RED WHITE PINK $ base Norfolk Pine TOTAL SUBMITTED: $ YOUR NAME (Please print legibly) In memory of: OR In honor of: Please place a check (payable to Light of Christ Lutheran Church) and this form in the Poinsettia order box in Narthex. You may also mail your order to the church office (3976 County Line Road SE) All orders must be received by 9:00 am, Monday, November 19, 2018.

5 If you need to change your Simply Giving contribution amount due to your 2019 pledge, please log in to your MyVanco account or contact Terri in the church office to make the change. Your pledge card does not authorize the church to make these changes. STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY CONTINUES... Thank you to all who brought their 2019 pledge commitments to worship on October 14 th. Our giving supports both ministry and mission of Light of Christ. We pray that we meet our challenge to give as Jesus gives - to give freely, fully, generously and joyfully! Our pledge is a personal faith statement but also a practical necessity - mission and ministry have obligations (bills, salaries, etc.) to pay on a regular basis just as our own households have. Our pledge commitments are needed to budget just as we budget as individuals. Budgeting for 2019 is in process and is dependent on knowing what dollars will be available. If you have not yet completed your pledge commitment, please prayerfully do so and turn into the church office or put in the offering plate on Sunday morning. Stewardship Sunday Continues... your pledge commitment is welcome at any time! LOVE INC OPPORTUNITIES Personal Care Item Ministry needs laundry soap Lullaby Ministry needs size 6 diapers Fresh Start program is looking for church groups willing to provide a meal for a Monday evening for people. Also needed are childcare workers (adults or youth). Old Fashioned Christmas in Delano on December 1; Love INC store open 9-3 Love INC Christmas Sharing event will be held on December 15. If you re interested in giving to this program, please contact Lisa at ALERT: The Property Committee will be cleaning out the garage around November 10 th. If any committee or person has items in there, please put notes on it if you d like it saved. Do you RECYCLE? Do you try to REUSE items you no longer need? Are you interested in COST SAVINGS for Light of Christ? If you answered YES to any of these questions, the Green Team needs you! We have very short meetings once a month to brainstorm and look at ideas to try at Light of Christ that will promote and/or educate all of us about ways to take good care of God s beautiful creation. Watch for meeting dates in the bulletins/newsletters or contact Becky Coyle ( ) or Cheryl Collins ( ). FROM THE SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY Repairing the Fabric of Democracy The human heart is the first home of democracy. It is where we embrace our questions. Can we be equitable? Can we be generous? Can we listen with our whole beings, not just our minds and offer our attention rather than our opinions? --Terry Tempest Williams The Social Justice Ministry invites you to read the article (follow this link: articles/five-habits-heal-heart-democracy) about the Critical Habits of the Heart and to stay tuned for more information to follow. LOC Library Foot Notes The Library Committee is proud to announce the following additions to our LOC library collection. Good News from North Haven A Novel. Written by Michael Lindvall in 2002 incorporates short stories about a Presbyterian Pastor in a small Minnesota town. A quick enjoyable read that offers an entertaining and insightful look into the life of a mid-west small town pastor. This book is located in the Adult Fiction section of the Library. Trouble I ve Seen Changing the Way the Church Views Racism. Written by Drew G.I. Hart. This book is currently being read and discussed by the Social Justice Ministry and three copies are available for check-out from the LOC library. The copies can be found in the Christian Living section of the LOC Library. Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race. Written by Debby Irving. In this book, Irving tells her often cringe-worthy story of racial tensions. This book is located in the Christian Living section of the LOC Library. Members are welcome to browse through the library and check out books using the simple checkout system. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, please contact any of the Library Committee members. Sisters of LOC November Event- Our November event is scheduled for Thursday, November 15 th at 6:00 p.m. at Crow Valley Market in Delano to see LULU's Retail Therapy. Laurie Schaust will show us the latest in fashions while we enjoy appetizers and refreshments.

6 SPECIAL MUSIC NEEDED - Soloists, duets, groups, or anyone who can play along with hymns or lead in singing - please consider sharing your talents to glorify our God in our Sunday morning services. Call the church office or check the church calendar for information on which pianist to contact for the Sunday you're available and to set up rehearsals (Bridget: ; Michelle: ; Sue: ). You can also go to this link to sign up for a service: go/20f084da8aa22a0fe3-special. Thank you! ADULT CHOIR PRACTICE will be held from 6:45-7:45 pm in the choir room on 5, 12, 19 & 26, led by Pastor Bruce. All are welcome to come and make a joyful noise to the Lord. DECK THE HALLS The Worship and Music Committee welcomes all those who would like to help make our church festive and bright for the Advent Season. PLEASE JOIN US TO DECORATE on Saturday, December 1 st, 10am-12pm. All ages invited we would love entire families to join us in making our church reflect the joy of the season. Are You Looking to Shine Brighter... Are You "Plugged" Into the Needs of Light of Christ... This Is Your Time to Serve! Light of Christ is a church built on the belief of Shared Leadership where participation is needed from everyone! Filling a volunteer need is a blessing for Light of Christ but always gives a greater blessing in return - it is the ultimate "you get more out of it than what you put into it"! Currently, Light of Christ needs worship assistants - Ushers, Lectors, Greeters, Soundboard, Fellowship Hosts and Communion Assistants! Jobs everyone can do - you choose dates & times that fit your schedule and all roles come with training support if desired. Immediate needs also include additional support for our Green Team and two Sunday School Supply Coordinators. We have open positions on committees and always welcome additional office volunteers! As you receive s, read Bulletin or Beacon requests, are asked personally or simply see a need please prayerfully consider and then respond positively. Shared Leadership requires every person at Light of Christ participating - where will you help? QUILTING The LOC Quilters meet each Monday at 10:00 am in Room 106/107 at the church. Everyone welcome! No quilting experience necessary! ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, 9:30-10:30, Room 106 Being a Twenty-First Century Church will be the topic of our Sunday morning adult education hour this fall. Light of Christ was founded in 1984, which is the same year that I (Pastor K) was ordained. Much has changed in the intervening thirty-four years. Being a pastor is not the same as it was in 1984 and being a thriving congregation is not the same either. What has changed in these last three decades? How did we get to where we are at today both as a congregation and as a larger church body? What is the path forward for us as a congregation? How do we hold on to the things that are worth keeping and at the same time embrace the new things the Spirit is doing? Join us on Sunday mornings this fall from 9:30-10:30 for prayer, study, and conversation around these questions. WOMEN S BIBLE STUDY The Holy Spirit: Past, Present, and Future is the topic for our Women's Bible Study this year. We will explore questions like "What does the Bible and Christian history teach us about the power and presence of the Holy Spirit? How is the Holy Spirit at work in our lives and our world today? Where is the Holy Spirit leading us as we move into a new future?" Come and join us for prayer, study, and conversation about the least known and least understood person of the Holy Trinity. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 AM. MONTHLY SERVICE TEAM Members of Light of Christ are dedicated to serving the Lord by sharing, caring and loving, and do so through the work of Monthly Service Teams, serving at funerals, Sunday morning coffee time and other functions. November Service Team families: Larry & Sally Adams Ken & Rhonda Almquist Brian & Lori Anderson Ryan & Kali Anderson Amy Bigot Evan & Aimee Burgstaler Lori Checkal Jim & Michelle Chiapetta Jason & Stacie Engel Peter & Kelly Froehle Jeff & Lori Graunke Chris & Melanie Gross Matt & Molly Hagen Josh & Heidi Hiltner Lowell & Maxine Johnson Mike & Kristy Klaphake Mark & Melissa Larson Greg & Lisa Maschino Jon & Robin Olson Gary & Sally Prinsen David & Linda Rosaaen Aaron & Elizabeth Sievers Jeff & Sue VanDenEinde Mark & Lori Vatnsdal Murray & Janet Way

7 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS NOVEMBER 2018 Worship assistants are now scheduled via SignUpGenius.com. If you have not received an invite via to sign up, please contact the church office. If you are unable to serve on your assigned day, please arrange for a substitute or notify the church office. Thank you! Telephone: Council Rep Dave Wuerger Gary Prinsen Dan Langner Brenna Demeules Dave Wuerger Kylee Amdor Dan Langner Greeters Ushers Communion Amber Dawn Andrews Carol Kocina Ludwig family Don & LoyAnn Anderson Lesley Berscheid Ann Bassett Paul Ludwig family Assistants Vicki Noetzelman Sue Stahlke Acolytes Lectors Altar Guild Soundboard Bonnie Lotzer Amber Dawn Andrews Bea Zerull Dorothy Henry Carmen Hanson Ben Engel DeeAnne Palan Lee Ashfeld Harlan Grimm Kevin & Vicki Noetzelman Dorothy Henry Grace Horeis Katie Horeis Dorothy Henry Lisa Spencer MaryAnn McKay Stacy VanCura Carmen Hanson Cynthia Kuenzel Jinnelle Weis Ben Kelly Amber Becker Jan Styve JoMarie Williamson Marcus Hanson Cheri Ashfeld Kaitlyn Malo Sally Torfin Brad Spencer Grant Horeis Cael Olson Carmen Hanson Corbyn Menz Brogan Stoddard Cynthia Kuenzel Lisa Spencer Cynthia Kuenzel Robin Olson Will Brown Laurie Brown lochrist@frontiernet.net Lisa Hemmer Cynthia Kuenzel Ginny Iverson Linda Moore Kim Wortz Brad Spencer Marcus Hanson November Birthdays 11/1 Sue Pumper 02 Annabel Frake 03 Megan Baluski Emme Savage 04 Grace Horeis Kristine Lotzer 05 Hannah Bigot Jessie Gallagher Sarah Mielke Eva Nohner Curt Reuter Brooks Thompson 06 Rachel Boyack Michelle Chiapetta Jackson Hjelle Jeremy Maschino Derek Spencer 07 Heidi Goldbeck Lori Graunke Braelyn Ludwig 08 Andrew Carter Dominique Clare 09 Cameron Leonard Joe Vieau 10 Sloan Demeules 11 Austin Lundquist Landon Menz 12 Emma Reske Claudia Schmidt 13 Ian Johnson Claire Vanderlinde 14 Corey Black Joseph Coyle Alexis Magaard Kristin Peterson 16 Wanda Bingea Erin Green Josie Strobl Jamie Ulferts Sheldon Way Dave Wuerger 17 Iza Demeules Sarah Ness Krista Reske 18 Kylee Amdor Greg Bersie Chelsea Freese Kali Larson Melissa Spicer 19 Anne Farniok Jessica Motzko 20 Olive Bernick Ava Reierson 21 Sarah Gierke Aubrey Schmitt Karla Vieau 22 Tim Current Nicholas Farniok Lydia Gierke Jim Schafer Bryce Stahlke Charlene Warne Kent Wischmann 23 Jane Lewis Ellie Stahlke 24 Lon Droneck Sylvia Leonard Marilyn Mielke 25 Anna Henry 26 Seth Klason Dana Radermacher 27 Lynn Bartels 27 Tony Donahue Sherry Laddusaw Mike Schluter Raife St. Aubin 28 Reese Black Stan Droneck Benjamin Engel Howard Glas Collin Magner Joshua Rothstein 29 Jeremiah Werner 30 John Anderson Terry Cook Quentin Goemer 11/2 Courtney & Melissa Spicer 07 Matt & Molly Hagen 09 Dennis & Ginny Iverson 10 Tim & Tammy Allison 13 Troy & Angie Malo 14 Greg & Lisa Krause 15 Paul & Carol Henry 19 Jason & Janie Thompson 20 Doug & Sherry Laddusaw 20 Derek & Sandy Schansberg 22 Joe & Karla Vieau 23 Steve & Judy Crosby 25 Dennis Lohmann & JoMarie Williamson 26 Lee & Cheri Ashfeld 26 Dave & Mary Robinson