P.O. Box Second Avenue North Isanti, MN Phone: (763) Fax: (763)

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1 December 2016 The Monthly Newsletter of Faith Lutheran Church P.O. Box Second Avenue North Isanti, MN Phone: (763) Fax: (763) Have no fear, little flock, for it is your Father s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. If you would like to receive our newsletter by , please contact Erin at office@faithlutheranisanti.com From Our Pastor But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as Children. ~ Galatians 4:4-5 The last Sunday in November marks the beginning of Advent for us this year. For the next four weeks the lessons for Sunday mornings are a series of Bible readings encouraging God s people to get ready for the coming of Jesus. It s a time of anticipation. As we count the days and light candles, we watch and wait for Jesus. Advent practices vary between families and churches; some are helpful and some are less so. When I was a boy, I had classmates whose families would get a piece of birch wood, drill five holes one for each Sunday of Advent and one for Christmas and place a candle in each hole. They would decorate the logs with greens and ribbons and place them as centerpieces on their dinner tables. Every Sunday they d light a new candle until all five were burning on Christmas Eve. My dad, though, was the fire chief, and he d seen too many house fires start with one carelessly placed candle, so we usually stuck to the big cardboard calendars filled with chocolates and enjoyed the candles at church. As the people of God, our preparations can take many forms, and often involve meal planning, travel, going to church, checking the list and buying the gifts, and no small amount of wonder, anxiety, and hopefulness. Sunday, December 11 during the 9:30 a.m. worship service, the children and youth will present a Christmas Program! All Kids Welcome! Sunday, December 18, the choir will perform a Christmas Cantata, And This Shall Be a Sign, during the 9:30 a.m. worship service. continued on page 4 Celebrating Christmas with Faith Candlelight Christmas Eve Services 5:00 & 10:00 pm. Christmas Day Service 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to worship with us!

2 Children & Youth Rehearsals for the December 11 Christmas Program are: Sunday, December 4 at 10:30 am (during Sunday School time) Wednesday, December 7 at 6:30 pm (during KKC/Confirmation time) Saturday, December 10 at 10 am (Lunch will follow rehearsal.) 3rd Year Confirmation will meet at 6 pm on Wednesday, December 14 for a trip to the maternity ward at Fairview-Princeton. Please note! There will be no Sunday School December 18-January 1. (Resumes January 8.) There will be no KKC or 1st/2nd year Confirmation classes December 14-January 4. (Resumes January 11.) It s In Our Faith Library Check It Out! Submitted by Mary Lou Yerigan The Cross and the Water Tower A Christmas Story by Patrick and Mary Mangan Christmas is coming! Here is a Grinch story for you to share with and talk about with your children. The book is based on a true story that took place in Wauconda, Illinois in Some of you may remember this event. A Chicago Tribune headline on December 21, 1990 read Wauconda Residents Let Crosses Do the Talking. For over 40 years, the village of Wauconda had decorated crosses on their water towers at Christmas time. The town loved their lighted crosses. The Water Tower Club had seven young members excited about their Christmas vacation. While meeting under the water tower to decide what to do during their time off from school, they witnessed two men discussing the crosses on the towers. Mr. Herbert and Mr. Birdie obviously did not like them displayed on public property and they were going to do something about it! The children couldn t believe it, and did not want their crosses taken down. They needed a plan. Casey seemed to be the leader of the club and his father was the mayor, so they decided to start with him. The townspeople got involved. Pastor Stevens from Grace Church got involved. Father Schmidt from Sacred Heart Church got involved. The ending is not what you expect, but it is beautiful. Please take time to read this heartwarming story. It s in the children s book case in the FLC library along with other great books for any time of year! Opportunities for Fellowship Bible Study: every Wednesday at 10 am Men s Breakfast: second Saturday at 8 am Knit and Crochet at Embroidery & Ink: second Saturday at 9:30 am Stamping: third Saturday at 10:30 am Community Dinner: third Thursday at 5:30 pm Friday Fun at the Creamery: third Friday at 9 am Martha Circle: Bible/book study fellowship, December 13, 7 pm at Rendezvous Let s get together! If you know of other opportunities not listed above, contact the office!

3 Tree of Giving Our annual Christmas outreach began on November 27, the first Sunday of Advent. This year are again gathering items to help stock the shelves at Black Dog Hill Emergency Shelter! Annually, over 4,800 women and 6,000 children and youth are provided emergency shelter in Minnesota alone. The Refuge Network serves people in Chisago, Kanabec and Isanti counties. Their mission is to help bring an end to domestic abuse by providing supportive, non-judgmental services to the families affected by domestic violence in East Central Minnesota. Through the services of the Refuge Network, women and children who are escaping abusive relationships are welcomed with loving arms into Black Dog Hill Shelter a 15-bed facility that was built for this very purpose. The need is still great. They regularly host women and children, and have had up to 22 there at one time. That s a lot of people to house, clothe and feed! Victims need our support. Help us fill the shelves at the shelter with basic needs: Comfortable clothing for women and children of all ages -- in all sizes: socks, underwear, sweatshirts, sweat pants, t-shirts, bathrobes, slipper socks, infant wear (Remember teen boys and girls, pregnant women and plus sizes) Paper products: toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex Personal hygiene body wash, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, combs, hair brush, deodorant, feminine products, lotion Huggable items to give to kids of all ages for comfort when they arrive, something they can keep a fleece blanket or a small stuffed animal. Appropriate things to do for all ages books, movies, activity books, games, etc. Items will be collected under the tree during December. Cash donations are welcome! Thank you in advance for your gifts in support of this community outreach. Information about The Refuge Network program The Network serves people in Central Minnesota, including a phone center in the City of Isanti and an office in Cambridge. Trained community advocates provide legal advocacy, hospital advocacy, safety planning, legal filings for Orders of Protection, support groups, criminal case advocacy, mediation services, divorce and custody support, court transportation, HOPE phones, and Safe-at-Home application assistance. Most importantly, they are a friend to victims. They assist men, women and children who suffer the devastating effects of physical, sexual, emotional, economic and psychological abuse. More information and resources can be found on their website: therefugenetwork.org Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most. (Ruth Carter Stapleton)

4 **Property Committee needs people willing to help with periodic building and grounds projects! Sunday School Teachers to teach classes every Sunday after worship services Kingdom Kids Club and Confirmation Helpers on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Newsletter Production - folding, sealing, and labeling monthly newsletters for mailing Community Dinner - every third Thursday, to help prepare and serve the meal, and clean up Coffee Hour - every Sunday after service Nursery Room - during Sunday services Readers - to read scripture lessons during services Contact the church office regarding these opportunities! Secretary s Scribblings The idea of paying it forward has become increasingly popular in recent years and often, Christmas is a time when we think about how we can bless others. While we were out shopping at Menards before Christmas in 2014, our family experienced this spirit of blessing in an unexpeceted and meaningful way. We were approached by two friendly ladies who asked my oldest daughter her age. When she told them she was 10, they asked her to tell them her understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. She replied, The true meaning of Christmas is Jesus. The ladies handed her a card. Inside was $100 and a note reading, Here is $100 to pay it forward in memory of our little angel Faith Marie. Always on our minds, forever in our hearts, she is our reminder we ve got to have FAITH! May the TRUE meaning of Christmas fill your heart with joy. God Bless! My daughter decided she wanted to take the gift to Li l Farm Children s Home near Cambridge. We had a wonderful visit there with Sister Margaret, who related stories of kids helping kids in the history of Li l Farm. We also returned for their 25th anniversary celebration, where we heard many more stories of the ways Li l Farm blesses children with love and care. We did not find out the names of the women who passed along Faith s gift to my daughter, but we will never forget it. We are glad the gift went on to help children get through difficult times, and hopefully find faith and joy of their own. Merry Christmas to you all! Erin Olson Hey! Unto you a child is born! - Gladys Herdman The Best Christmas Pageant Ever From Our Pastor continued... Whatever preparations your family makes in this time approaching Christmas however you mark Advent together I encourage you to also sit down and read the Gospel of Matthew. One of the best ways to look forward to the coming of our Lord is to look back at what our Lord Jesus did when he was here all those years ago. Matthew will occupy our Sunday gospel lessons over the coming year, and he s not that difficult to sit down and read in one sitting. Enjoy the story of Jesus born of Mary and visited by the Magi, baptized by John, calling his disciples, healing the sick, and challenging the proud. Be haunted by the burden of the cross, the brutality of Calvary, and the burial in that stone cold tomb. And marvel at the angel s question, Why seek ye the living amongst the dead? Happy Advent. Merry Christmas. God bless. Come Lord Jesus. Born thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a king;born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all-sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne. ~ Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, verse 2, Charles Wesley

5 Faith Lutheran Church s Annual Meeting will be on January 29, 2017 following the worship service. Join us in celebrating the past year and preparing for the year to come. Also enjoy the youth spaghetti dinner and browse the Heavenly Sunshine Silent Auction! We will also be seeking congregation members to serve in various leadership roles. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Cliff so your name can be forwarded to the nominating committee. Council Members President Ron Schleif Vice President Sue Larson Secretary Kathy Smith Finance Cindy Weiss Youth Rep Chase Petron Carol Kruse Dan Johnson Joel Reinhard Matt Derby Harold Pedersen Jennifer Milz Denise Roetzer Ron Oliver Sr. October Financials Total Income 16, Total Expenses. 14, Net Income 2, Donations of time and talent are also greatly appreciated and can help financially! Sunday Morning Volunteers If you would like to be added to either of these rotating schedules, contact the office! Readers: December 4: Andrew Milz December 11: Joyce Johnson December 18: Rick Bridston December 25: Pastor Cliff January 1: Kathy Smith Nursery: December 4: Joyce Johnson December 11: Kathy Johnson December 18: Cat Bridston December 25: none January 1: none October Council Meeting Highlights Members Present: Pastor Cliff, Ron Schleif, Sue Larson, Kathy Smith, Denise Roetzer, Carol Kruse, Dan Johnson, Jennifer Milz, Harold Pedersen, Matt Derby, Ron Oliver Sr. Staff Members Present: Erika Zdon, Erin Olson Meeting called to order by Ron Schleif. Devotions and Opening Prayer by Pastor Cliff. Pastor s Report: Piano from downstairs has been taken to St. Andrew. Van from Long Lake is ready to be picked up. Pastor Cliff and Erin (office) have new addresses created along with website overhaul. Fellowship hall will be used by Senior Dining on Nov. 7-9 and Dec , 10:30 am-1:30 pm. It was mentioned that confirmation kids have been staying later than adult supervision, and need to be picked up by 7:30, follow rules, and be respectful. Discussed idea of having an adult hall monitor on Wednesday evenings, and the need to emphasize there should be no phones used in bathrooms (just like at the schools). Finance: Net income in September negative again. October will have additional income from Fall Fest, etc. Heavenly Sunshine Preschool: HSP will get a smaller garbage can to use and empty daily, as the large cans are not always emptied. Poinsettia fundraiser will be happening soon, and funds may be used for window updates and van expenses. Still need a dehumidifier for the basement. Property: Trees trimmed, grass growing back, steps are half done. The motion light is out at the parsonage, partly due to resident birds. Ron is getting bids for sanctuary door repair. Handicapped signs in the parking lot need replacing. Will look into purchasing a dehumidifier. Social Ministry: Some discussion about mission statement, based on Learn, Lead, Launch and input received. Some ideas include, Here we speak God s truth, community, caring, sharing, outreach, welcome. New FLC website pastor has created seems more user-friendly. Discussed presenting Learn, Lead, Launch report at annual meeting, and possibly forum with LLL coach. Worship and Music: Organ parts still out for repair. Possibly seeking small piano for basement. Christian Education: Planning for Christmas program. Pastor would like to plan a trip to Boundary Waters for summer Discussed ideas for shorter youth service trips to increase participation. Other Business: Will need to fill remaining 2 years of Joel Reinhard s term will wait for annual meeting on January 29. Discussed possibility of having fewer council members and reviewing committee structure. Meeting adjourned and Pastor Cliff closed in prayer. Council meetings are every third Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the FLC library.

6 Heavenly Happenings at Heavenly Sunshine Preschool We have been very blessed to have some special volunteers visit and help us in the past month! Leroy Christensen came in uniform so we could learn about Veterans Day. Rhonda Brown has become our Stone Soup head chef, and we are so thankful. Thanks to Lee Schleif and Kohls AIA for all your help with Breakfast With Santa! We don't slow down after the holidays HSP moves right into planning for our silent auction on January29th! This years proceeds will go towards van insurance, repairs, and general vehicle upkeep. If you have items you would like to donate, feel free to drop them off anytime after the Christmas break. Don't forget to mark it on your 2017 calendar too Heavenly Sunshine wishes all of you a warm and Merry Christmas!

7 December 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Check It Out! New Faith Website, Same Address! 1 Worship & Music 7 pm Service/ Communion 9:30 am New Members Coffee Hour 10:30 am Christmas Program Practice 10:30 a.m. 5 6 Property, Social & Stewardship, 7 pm 7 Bible Study 10 am Choir 6:30 pm Christmas Program Practice 6:30 pm 8 Praise Band 7 pm 9 10 Men s Breakfast 8 am Knit & Crochet at Embroidery & Ink 9:30 am Christmas Program Practice 10 am-noon (lunch following) 11 Service 9:30 am with Children s Christmas Program Sunday School/ Coffee Hour 10:30 am 12 Senior Dining in Fellowship Hall Dec 12-16, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Bible Study 10 am Choir 6:30 pm 3rd year Confirmation leaves for trip 6 pm No KKC/ Confirmation1&2 Finance 7 pm 15 Community Dinner 5:30 pm Praise Band 7 pm 16 Friday Fun at the Creamery 9 am 17 Stamping 10:30 am 18 Service/ Communion 9:30 am with Choir Cantata Coffee Hour 10:30 am 19 January Faith News submissions due! 20 Council Meeting 7 pm 21 Bible Study 10 am Prep for mailing January Faith News No KKC/ Confirmation Christmas Eve Service 5 pm Service 10 pm 25 Christmas Day Service 9:30 am Bible Study 10 am Choir 6:30 pm No KKC/ Confirmation New Year s Eve Acolytes: Kaycee Lenox & Leotta Madsen Communion Assistant: Jennifer Milz

8 Faith Lutheran Church 109 Second Avenue P.O. Box 87 Isanti, MN (763) Christ is Lord. Non Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 3 ISANTI, MINN Current Resident Sunday Services at 9:30 a.m. Children s Christmas Program December 11 Choir Cantata December 18 Christmas Eve Services at 5 & 10 p.m. Christmas Day Service at 9:30 a.m. May God Smile on YOU today!!