Newsletter 2017 10970 185th Street West Lakeville MN 55044 952-435-5757 www.familyofchrist.com From the Pastor.. What a whirlwind of a summer. What began as a simple need to replace aging carpet has turned into a re imagination of our space and building for a future we have yet to completely understand. We have been seeing that God has been at work doing new and exciting things but we still aren t completely sure where that journey will lead us. We claim our identity as Family of Christ, but what makes us a family? Last year we embraced a new Vision and Value Statement that we have begun to live. Vision- Family of Christ seeks to be a Grace filled family of God, living the Gospel through faith, love and compassion, or more simply: Living the Gospel through Faith, Love, and Compassion Faith--We will gather together to grow through worship, learning, stewardship, prayer and action in the world. Acceptance--We will be a place where all are welcome and can grow into the people God has created them to be because God can be seen in the faces of all people. Meaningful Relationships--We will care for one another and grow in relationship with God and one another. Impact--We will make a difference in the world in Christ's name bringing about change in our lives and community. Love--We will provide care, compassion and support for one another. Youth--We will create an environment where the young and young at heart can learn and be supported on their faith journeys. Thank you for helping us to set the foundation for our future. This has come in the financial generosity of so many people as we met and exceeded our goal allowing us to move forward in creating the new fellowship space. It has come in the hours of painting, building, designing, moving, organizing and support of all sorts of volunteers. I ve seen leaders emerge, new friendships kindled, and great gifts being used. Thank you!! As we wrap up many of the major components of this journey, I invite you celebrate with us on September 10 for worship followed by a community picnic. We want to celebrate, but we also want to look at where this gift will to take us in the future. Thank you for your blessings, we are truly a family living the Gospel through faith, love, and compassion. Peace, Pastor Brent.
Thank You for Your Amazing Gifts More than 50 volunteers and 75 donors gave to our summer renovation and it looks incredible! Thank you for sharing your blessings with Family of Christ. We are ready for the ministry and future God has in store for us. COMMUNITY CELEBRATION September 10 Join us on, September 10 as we celebrate the renovation of our building and the beginning of a new year of ministry with worship and a community picnic. This will be an open house to see what s been done and to hear where we re headed. We could use some help with set up and with food. Look for sign ups soon. SUNDAY SCHOOL Just Like Last Year! We will be using the "Rotational Model" once again for our education program for all children ages 3 years through 4th grade. We will follow along with the sermon stories that Pastor Brent uses during worship, staying for 2 weeks on each story. Stations will be cooking, science, creative drama, art, games & Bible skills. Each group will get adult or teen shepherds who will be with the same group each week- not actually teaching- but leading their group to the stations (like VBS format) Kids Choir will be first each from 10:30-10:45, with stations afterwards. New This Year! Right before the last song during worship, all school kids will file out of the sanctuary with Sherry Goodman and the shepherds. They will pass through the hall by the sacristy directly to the choir room. (without grabbing a treat from either the narthex or the MPR). Children will sing for about 15 minutes and then move with their shepherds to the first station. After 20 minutes, groups will switch stations Snacks will be provided either during story time or after their last station. school officially begins, September 17 from 10:30-11:30 2
CARING BAGS Located in our new mission room. Pick up a bag or two to share with those asking for help on the side of the road. Help us support our neighbors. NEW CARPET RULES- Put a Lid on it! We now have new carpet and this is a great gift. Please make sure to cover all beverages you bring into the sanctuary and other spaces. We will have lids available for all our coffee and beverage cups. Clean up kits will also be available in common areas. Tanzania Secondary Student Sponsorship Our congregation, partnered with Bega Kwa Bega, has worked for many years helping the young people of our sister congregation in Usokami, Tanzania have access to basic, secondary education. Our funds have enabled students who desperately wanted to go to school that privilege. The students realize without a doubt the greatness and life changing quality of this gift. They are so thankful for it. Bega Kwa Bega has frequently added opportunities and updates to this scholarship program. Students we have sponsored have gone to many different schools in a wide variety of locations. Bega Kwa Bega is now centralizing the student selection process and adding post secondary opportunities to the program. We continue to work with Bega Kwa Bega to find successful education solutions in Tanzania. Scholarships again are $400, or any amount you care to donate. Donation deadline is Nov. 1, 2017. Thank you to Family of Christ for so generously supporting this program. Even a small donation makes a difference. Working together we are doing big things!!!! Praise & Worship Band Instrumentalists and vocalists are invited to join us on, September 10. Rehearsal begins at 8:15 that same day in the Sanctuary. All are welcome!! Questions or to request specific instrument parts, please contact Laura & Morgan lkporterjones@gmail.com 3 Giving Tree Please make sure to take a look at the giving tree in the narthex for a list of needs at Family of Christ. The giving tree is a needs list that helps us serve one another better. Take a tag from the tree and make a donation or bring back the item listed. Adult Education Opportunities Join us after Worship on September 17 @ 10:45 as we have conversation about adult education opportunities.
Narrative Lectionary Readings for September The below scriptures are daily suggestions that lead up to s. We are walking through the Old Testament, and the readings will help us see the larger picture of God s story for us and God s people. As you read through these scriptures we invite you to ask yourself two questions: What does this text say about God? How does your life relate to this story? There will also be weekly devotionals posted online and available in the s bulletin. September 10 : Genesis 1:1 2:4a, Creation by the Word Monday: Genesis 2:4b-25, A Second Account of Creation Tuesday: Genesis 3:1-13, The First Sin Wednesday: Genesis 3:14-24, Punishment Thursday: Genesis 4:1-16, Cain Murders Abel Friday: Genesis 4:1-26, Beginnings of Civilization Saturday: Genesis 18:1-15, A Son Promised to Abraham and Sarah September 17 : Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14, Binding of Isaac Monday: Genesis 24:1-27, Choosing of Rebekah Tuesday: Genesis 24:28-49, Choosing of Rebekah Wednesday: Genesis 24:50-67, Marriage of Isaac and Rebekah Thursday: Genesis 25:19-28, The Birth of Esau and Jacob Friday: Genesis 25:29-34, Esau Sells His Birthright Saturday: Genesis 26:1-33, Isaac and Abimelech September 24 : Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17, Jacob s Dream Monday: Genesis 27:30-40, Esau s Lost Blessing Tuesday: Genesis 27:41-28:5, Jacob Escapes Wednesday: Genesis 28:6-9, Esau Marries Ishmael s Daughter Thursday: Genesis 29:1-14, Jacob Meets Rachel Friday: Genesis 29:15-35, Jacob Marries Laban s Daughters Saturday: Genesis 30:1-24, Rachel s Jealousy 4
M & M Night Second Wednesday of The Month M & M (mentors & mentees) Night has been a part of Family of Christ for many years. We involve all the Wednesday night youth in grades 5-12. They will be put into small groups with adult and high school leaders for team building games, discussions, prayer, and deep conversations. Adults who would like the chance to get to know some of our youth, please talk to Sherry Goodman to become one of our M & M Small Group Leaders. Youth Second of The Month (Oct, Nov and Dec) We are super excited to bring back our Youth s once a month, giving all youth in grades 5-12 the opportunity to be involved in worship. This will be encouraged as part of the confirmation program, but also available for all youth- both confirmed and younger. Sign up to light candles, read, help with music, usher, etc. Wednesday Night Youth Programs All 5th grade youth and older are invited to join us on September 13 for an evening of food, fun and learning. Pizza meal begins at 6:00, with classes from 6:30-8:00. Confirmation 2017-2018 As a people of God and families of faith we are to help our youth learn to take on their own faith journeys. This year we are taking on a program that will connect the stories of God to the heart of our faith. Students experience a connection between our classes and their own lives. Through peer interaction, biblical study, and family connections our goal is to help our youth develop their own faith journeys. Confirmation is for youth grades 7 th 9 th grade who wish to be a part of learning about and developing their faith. Classes begin Wed., September 13 at 6:30 pm. Contact Pastor Brent with any questions. Confirmation classes will be held Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00pm. Orientation will be held Wednesday, September 13 at 7:30. ATTENTION: 10th Graders being confirmed this year please plan on being part of the youth group from 6:30-8:00 during that time. FALL RETREAT All 2017-2018 6th-12th grade youth are invited to participate in our annual Fall Retreat! This year the Fall Retreat will be Friday evening, September 29 through morning, October 1. It will be held at the Camp Spring Lake Lodge in Rosemount. (same place as last year) SAVE THE DATE and watch for further details! 5
MISSION OF THE MONTH CAMP NOAH In September, our noisy offering will go to support Camp Noah, a fun-filled, faith-based, weeklong day camp for children who have experienced disaster or trauma. Camp Noah offers structure, connectedness and play to children in first through sixth grades, to build resiliency and hope. Our noisy offering goes to support local, regional and international missions. Thank you for your generosity. FINANCIAL UPDATE July 2017 Total giving for the month was $30,668 Total expenses for the month was $29,603 Noisy Offering for the month was $302.98 (Rezek - Youth Homeless Shelter) Date August GIVING TO DATE Attendance Giving Electronic Giving GENERAL FUND 8/06/2017 122 $1,851 $3,890 $5,741 8/13/2017 125 $4,049 $2,064 $6,113 8/20/2017 101 $2,039 $5,232 $7,271 Family of Christ Staff Ministry Team: Pastor: Brent Erler, Pastor, Ext. 202 Faith Formation: Sherry Goodman, Ext. 206 Musicians: Mary Wescott, Laura Porter-Jones, Morgan Jones, Jessica Christensen Choir: Debra Capener Administrative Asst: Linda Bauer Ext. 203 Custodian: Dan Benson Family of Christ Lutheran Church is a member of the ELCA Email us at: office@familyofchrist.com Visit us at: www.familyofchrist.com Telephone: 952-435-5757 Office Hours: 9:00-3:30 Tues Thurs Closed Monday & Friday FoCus is a monthly publication of Family of Christ Lutheran Church. Please contact the church office to submit items for publication in our newsletter. 6
September Family of Christ Servants 9/3/17 AV Tech 9/10/17 AV Tech 9/17/17 AV Tech 9/24/17 AV Tech Closer Gerry Wills Closer Mark Warner Closer David/Vicki Lind Closer David/Vicki Lind Communion Server Jean Bakken Linda Bartz Maury Bartz Paul Nadon Sandra Nadon Communion Server Kelly Benning Dan Benson Lisa Cecchini Chad Specht Kirsten Specht Communion Server Cindy Carlson Jim Carlson Kathy Derner Becky Donner Paul Donner Communion Server Kevin Hatlestad Vickie Heggen Ed Hellier Luke Hellier Sandy Soukup Communion Setup Gerry Wills Communion Setup Kirsten Specht Communion Setup Chad Specht Communion Setup Karen Agee Fellowship Betty Peterson Fellowship Martha Johnson Fellowship Barb Buswell Fellowship Vicki Heggen Greeter Glenda Lind Terry Lind Greeter Paul Nadon Sandra Nadon Greeter Becky Nystuen Ron Nystuen Greeter Betty Peterson Marshall Peterson Offering Count Chuck Halvorson Angie Korsa Offering Count Eric Eisenbeisz Renee Eisenbeisz Offering Count Lisa Cecchini Jim Schiprett Offering Count Kris Smith Gerry Wills Opener Mark Warner Opener Gerry Wills Opener Sherry Goodman Opener Mark Warner Reader Bob Johnson Reader Charlie Johnson Reader Emma Johnson Reader Brian Knoke Usher Josi Hellier Luke Hellier Usher Ed Hellier Janeen Immerfall Usher Brian Knoke Lori Knoke Usher Lisa Cecchini Chuck Halvorson Please notify Linda at the church office if you make changes to the schedule. THANK YOU!!! If you would like to volunteer at worship, please contact Linda Bauer at the church office or linda@familyofchrist.com. 7
10970 185th Street West Lakeville MN 55044 Dates to Remember September 3 - Worship September 10 Worship Community Picnic September 13 - Youth Programing and Confirmation Orientation September 17 - Worship and Education September 20 - Confirmation/Youth Programs September 24 - Worship and Education September 27 - Confirmation/Youth Programs 8