GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS LUTHERAN CHURCH INSIDE THIS ISSUE: NEWS FOR OCTOBER 2018 NOTES FROM THE PASTORS PAGE TWO SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS PAGE FOUR FALL BOOK GROUPS PAGE SEVEN REFORMATION: BEGINNING THE SECOND 500 PAGE ELEVEN
Page 2 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch Thoughts from Pastor John Grace and peace be to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. - Psalm 118:24 One of the great things of living in this fine state of Minnesota is the change of seasons. We get to fully live into what the Psalmist was getting at in Psalm 118. I know for me the change in seasons provides space to be much more aware of God s gifts of creation around us. Although there is much to enjoy about each of the seasons, the fall has always been a favorite of mine. There is something about having to pull out long pants and sweatshirts after a summer of shorts and t- shirts. The leaves start to paint the horizon with some of the most magnificent colors before they leave the trees. The first full weekend of September was our first annual family camping trip here at GA. We were spoiled with a beautiful weekend of clear blue skies, sunshine and warmth during the day and a chill in the air where we needed a sweatshirt as we sat around the campfire. It truly was a wonderful time. If you missed out, but think this would be something you would enjoy, keep your eye out for details about a family camping trip coming up in 2019. Of course we don t get decide what the weather is like and trust me there have been plenty of times when our camping trips have been rained out. Those rainouts make weekends like we had when were camping as a church group that much greater. I kept thanking God for those perfect days and wishing for more and more days like it. As great as the weather was though, that wasn t even the highlight for me. Here is what happened-as we were all wrapped up at the campfire on Saturday night, we each made our way to our tents to settle in for the night. I had to make one more trip back to the fire to grab my jacket and walked by one of the dads on the trip talking with his son. I overheard the son ask his dad if this was a trip that they had taken before, a camping weekend with church. His dad responded no, this was the first time. Then here is where my weekend was made-the boy said, Dad we HAVE to do this again because it's been awesome! I know I had a great time, but to know others also had as much fun was so wonderful to hear, and it reminded me of how great of church we have at GA. It is important that we as a faith community provide a variety of ways for people to build relationships, enjoy God s creation and have AWESOME times together. Another reminder for me way GA matters and is doing great things for its member. BECOMING By now, many of you may know that you have a new Pastoral Intern at church and that she is me. The first weeks have flown by and I have enjoyed discovering so many aspects of your life together, and of my new role as Pastor Kimberly. Internship is a time to continue the learning begun in seminary, and to further the formation and call that began a long time before seminary. Yet, being called Pastor is a new and sometimes still surprising title for me, one that I am in the long process of growing into. Getting married was a little like that for me. When Bill and I got married, 18 years ago now, I remember not feeling all that different for a while, even though pretty much everything, including where I lived, had changed. I also remember feeling a bit surprised to be referred to as my wife, Kimberly. Maybe all our roles, the important ones and the more minor, are really about the precess of what we are becoming, not so much about a single moment of change. Even though there are certainly moments in our lives that matter to a greater degree than others, I think the Holy Spirit moves in all our days and in all our circumstances, to help form, shape, and redeem our lives, over and over in a pattern for good. Thankfully, our becomings are never on our own. In John chapter 14, Jesus expresses his love for his followers and lets them know of the coming of the Spirit. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. (John 14: 26) As I live into this new role at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, I am thankful for becoming a part of the exciting variety of ministries, becoming colleagues with your talented, committed staff, and becoming friends and coworkers with many of you. May God bless all our becomings in this year together as we wonder at the power of the Spirit moving among us. Your Partner on the Journey, John Hierlinger Peace, Pastor Kimberly
September 2018 Page 3 Thoughts from Pastor Amanda Grace and peace to you from God our Father and Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. This fall members of our congregation and staff will be reading and discussing the theme of gratitude as we immerse ourselves in Diana Butler Bass book Grateful. Bass book reveals through stories, spirituality and research that we as American people highly value gratitude and thanksgiving yet struggle to embody it in our personal and communal lives. One of the goals of the book for readers is to create and foster habits and practices of gratitude to develop a more keen and innate virtue of gratitude. I had the joy of hearing the author Diana Butler Bass speak at the Festival of Homiletics in Washington, DC in May, which is an annual preaching conference for clergy and provided me with a unique continuing education opportunity this year. Bass passionately spoke about the gap between our perceptions of the importance of gratitude in our lives with the reality of practicing gratitude in our personal and communal lives. I experienced this aha moment in which I felt she was speaking about and to my own experience. I began reading this book as a part of my spiritual quest and formation for this summer and fall and I look forward to the ways in which I will grow in relationship with God, others, and self. Already, just a couple of chapters in, and I find myself reflecting upon daily experiences through a lens of gratitude. I am discovering that this lens of gratitude is fostering a deeper sense of joyfulness within me. I am excited for more discovery. I hope that you will consider joining Pastor John, our staff and me in our spiritual journey of gratitude this fall. You can join along with us in prayer, in worship as we wonder at generosity, gratitude and discipleship this October, in small groups offered on Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon, and, in reflecting upon your own experiences of gratitude and how you practice acts of gratitude. You can even read the book Grateful together with our church, with a friend or by yourself at home! As I reflect upon gratitude this week, I have one story to share with you that reflects the blessings of our congregation and my gratitude for your commitment to being the body of Christ together and in supporting all ages. The youth of our congregation who attended the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston this past summer have continued to remain active and engaged in our congregation. They participated in Camp Onomia this summer, they led Vacation Bible School, and they re showing up this fall for youth events, and, when I ve asked them, to write a devotion, assist with the State Fair Park and Ride, or participate in a service project. I am beyond grateful for them, their parents, and this congregation. We have amazingly gifted, lovable, and loved youth. I give thanks to God that they are choosing to remain active in our congregation even though they have been confirmed and many congregational youth tend to lessen their involvement in church once they enter high school. This past Sunday I was elated to see several of our youth in worship. I was even more elated and astonished when I looked around for the parents of one of our youth and realized they were not present. Out of curiosity I asked this young adult about this, and when he shared that he chose to come to church today by himself, I was filled with tears of joy and gratitude. He chose to attend worship. He chose to make a commitment to our congregation to be present. I give thanks to God for him and I give thanks to God for the community and relationships which have sustained him in his faith. I give thanks to God that he has chosen to make a practice out of being a part of our community of faith. For what and whom do you give thanks? What practices of gratitude and commitment guide your life? God s peace be with you, Pastor Amanda Simons Newsletter Submission Deadlines GA Newsletter submission deadline is the 2nd Monday of the month for the upcoming month newsletter: 2nd Monday in Octber for November s Newsletter is October 8, 2018. If you are responsible for a monthly article, please put these dates in your personal calendar. Send your article to info@gachurch.org. WEEKLY ADULT BIBLE STUDY Learn more about the Bible readings for the coming Sunday
Page 4 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILY MINISTRY To register for Sunday School Pick up a registration form at the Welcome Desk at church or download a copy on the church website. The Kid s Cavern is for children who have turned Kindergartners through 5 th grade. Children are welcome to start Sunday School whenever they turn 3 years old. SPARK Sunday School for the Pre-K set is held next door to the nursery. You are encouraged to register your child if she turns three by September 1, or anytime after her third birthday. KIDS CAVERN (Preschool Grade 5) Follow the stairs near the Chapel to our new children s ministry space. 10:10 Kids Choir 10:35 October Bible Stories 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. October 7 Moses and the Red Sea October 14 Ten Commandments October 21 Battle of Jericho October 28 Reformation Sunday WAYS TO BE INVOLVED AS A LEADER IN ALL-KIDS SUNDAY SCHOOL Prepare and lead an All-Kids lesson including Gather warm-up activity, Open the Bible explore the day s story Activate Faith get moving and engaged in the story Closing activity and prayer Lead the lesson with a helper or support the leader as an assistant for the morning. Use your expertise and a little of your time with our Sunday School children. Contact Sherrie Nordquist at the church office for details. 651/289-9882 or sherrie@gachurch.org PRESENTATION OF NEW BIBLES October 7 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 WHO? Parents and young children (three years and under) WHEN? Sunday mornings at 10:30am starting September 30 WHERE? Room #222 next to the Nursery WHAT? You and your child are invited to join Stephanie Surine in exploring a Bible story and activity stations to enjoy together. Join us! COME PLAY IN OUR CHURCH NURSERY! Loving care by experienced caregivers is offered for infants through 4 year olds on Sunday mornings! 9:00 am through 12:30 pm in our church nursery.
September 2018 Page 5 CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILY MINISTRY October 3, 10, and 17 Young or old, or somewhere in between, there is something for you and your faith on Wednesday nights: ALL ARE WELCOME! Chancel Choir rehearses Wednesday nights at 7:30 pm. Plan on coming to GA for Wednesday Faith Nights Enjoy dinner, worship, and education activities followed by choral singing in the Sanctuary. We ll see you soon! Join us for the family-friendly Spooktacular on October 24 (see page 8)! Not so scary songs and crafts and treats for all ages! Bring a friend! 5:30 pm TASTY MEAL (suggested donation, $5/person, $15 max per family) 6:00 pm WORSHIP for all! 6:30 pm FAITH FORMATION for everyone Adult Study From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians (Video & Conversation) Adult Small Group Book discussion Grateful High School Youth Group Confirmation for youth in grades 6 8 This year will focus on Discipleship and Luther s Small Catechism. 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 and service projects. Join your friends for some Holy Moly fun! Pre-K children: Nursery childcare K.I. N.G.S. (Kids IN God s Service) Wednesday Faith Nights, 6:30-7:30 pm Kids in grades K-5 are invited for games, Bible fun, service projects and hanging out with friends. Hope to see you in Kids NO WEDNESDAY FAITH NIGHT ON OCTOBER 31 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. Watch for details in the Sunday bulletins! For more information about Sunday School and Confirmation programs, contact Sherrie Nordquist by calling the Church office 651.289.9882 (direct line) or sherrie@gachurch.org
Page 6 OUR LIFE TOGETHER Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch OCTOBER 7 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM WORSHIP Moses has successfully and safely led the Israelites out of slavery into the wilderness. How would they live in their newly gained freedom? Never fear, God is about to lay down the law. And that s not a bad thing. BIBLE PRESENTATIONS SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS OCTOBER 14 STEWARDSHIP The Journey of Generosity 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM WORSHIP OCTOBER 21 STEWARDSHIP Daring to be Generous 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM WORSHIP OCTOBER 28 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM WORSHIP Reformation for Mission REFORMATION SUNDAY Creation Care: A Better Way to Manage the GA Waste Stream We were fortunate to receive grant funding this summer to help us implement a waste reduction plan and improve our recycling program while developing an organics composting program. This is a wonderful way for us to meet our Creation Care goals without impacting our other mission spending priorities. This new initiative also means three dumpsters, which could create an unsightly mess. A new dumpster enclosure adjacent to the garage alleviates this eyesore. Thanks to Merrick Community Services for also contributing to the cost of this project. Learning new ways to be a better steward and community member...these are all new ways of being church at GA! 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: Place your check or cash in the offering plate during the service. Envelopes are in the pews. Electronic Funds Transfer from our website, gachurch.org (upper right corner). You can set up a one-time or recurring donation. You can also give electronically from your phone by texting the numeric value of your desired gift to Bill Pay. Follow the directions for your bank or credit union to create GA as a Payee at 1669 Arcade St. N, St. Paul, MN 55106, and choose to make a regular weekly or monthly offering. Stock Transfer to the church. For more information, contact Maggie Kidnie in the business office, 651.289.9885.
September 2018 Page 7 OUR LIFE TOGETHER The Ronald C. Peterson Library is open between services from 10:00 am -11:15 am on Sunday mornings, and during weekday office hours. Large print selections are also available. Thank you for returning materials within two weeks. Library Committee Meeting & Workday Second Monday of each month at 1:00 pm. Join us! Librarians: Carol Sandberg, Marlys Siverson Women s Book Club: Watch for details about the reading selection for our October 24 meeting at 1:00 pm in the church library. All are welcome. Grateful Book Groups Last fall a small group of women of our congregation met weekly to grow in relationship with God, each other, and self through intentional conversation around Brene Brown's books. The feedback that Pastor John and I received was positive, particularly in providing a group focus and sacred space for members of GA to gather together. We'd like to offer a similar opportunity this fall, one group on Wednesday evenings for women and one group on Thursday afternoons for women and men, both with a six-week commitment. The focus of these small groups will be discussion around gratitude and our understanding of gratitude in our personal and communal lives. We will base our conversation in material from Diana Butler Bass book Grateful which explores gratitude in America through stories, spirituality and research. Bass proposes ways to create and foster habits of gratitude for ourselves and our congregations. The Wednesday evening group will gather from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the Olsenius Fireside Room beginning October 3rd with a time of introductions and discussion of the prologue. The Thursday evening group will gather from 3:00 to 4:00 pm in the Olsenius Fireside Room beginning October 4 with a time of introductions and discussion of the prologue. Please contact Pr. Amanda at a.simons@gachurch.org or 651-774-5954 if you would like to participate. She will share the six-week schedule with you and answer any questions. If you would like to participate and can attend most of the dates but not all, please be a part of this group and participate as often as you can. Members are responsible for the purchase of their own book. The book is available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and at the library. The great GA WHO DREW THE ARMY OF AI OUT OF THE CITY WHILE ANOTHER GROUP AMBUSHED THE CITY AND DESTROYED IT?? Find the answer in your GA library! MUST READS in our church library Accidental Saints: Finding God in all the Wrong People by Nadia Bolz-Weber The author is the founding pastor of House for All Sinners and Saints in Denver. A former stand-up comic finds that God keeps showing up in the least likely of people. As she lives and worships alongside these accidental saints, Nadia is swept into firsthand encounters with grace. A Place to Stand by Jimmy Santiago Baca A memoir of childhood on small farms in New Mexico, his adolescence spent in orphanages and detention centers, his years as a drug dealer in San Diego and Arizona, and his extraordinary personal transformation under harrowing conditions behind bars. A Place to Stand is a vivid portrait of life inside a maximum-security prison and an affirmation of one man s spirit in overcoming adversity. Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted millions of Trees by Franck Prevot Environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Wangari Maathai was born in Kenya when girls didn t normally go to school. She founded the Green Belt movement to save Kenyan forests and engaged in politics when women didn t normally have a voice. Her life is the story of one person who challenged the rules and rufused to give up can make a difference. Illustrated by Aurelia Fronty
Page 8 OUR LIFE TOGETHER A Spooktacular Organ Concert! Wednesday, October 24, 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! Join us for this month s edition of Brewing Faith, on Thursday October 11 beginning at 7:00 pm at Brunson s Pub. We enjoy good food and drink and conversation. Come and join us for an open gym play date on October 27 from 10:30 am 12:00 pm in the gym! Families with children ages 1-5 can come and play using gym toys, throw balls, or just to run around and have fun. We will have refreshments and time for fellowship. Contact Stephanie Surine with questions (651-325- 8668).No sign-up needed just come and play! Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch Parents Night Out Saturday, October 13 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. Pre-registration 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. Women s Refresh Weekend @ Camp Onomia An overnight retreat November 2-3 Our annual women s retreat begins at 6:00 pm on Friday and runs through 4:00 pm on Saturday. Lodging will be in double occupancy rooms with private baths. Please bring your own bedding and toiletries. Cost is $60, including one overnight stay and two meals. Register at CampOnomia.org by October 28.
September 2018 Page 9 COMMUNITY CARING SAVE THE DATE! DECEMBER 1, 2018 The Advent Senior Moments Worship and Luncheon will be Saturday, December 1 with worship with communion at 11:30 am and lunch with program to follow at 12:00 pm. OCTOBER SPECIAL CONCERN LSS LIFEHAVEN Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota s Lifehaven program is a family style home here on the Eastside that gives housing and support to 16-17 year old mothers and their babies, as well as expectant mothers. GA is proud to support this life sustaining mission of LSS. THINKING AHEAD: BAKERS NEEDED FOR CRAFT & BAKE SALE! Attention, bakers! We re counting on your to stock the shelves for our annual youth bake sale, part of our holiday craft fair on November 25! Your baked goodies fund GA youth programming! Thanks to all who came out to work for our meal packing day with Meals from the Heart! More than 500 volunteers packed more than 200,000 meals at GA in two days! These meals will make all the difference in the world for food shelf clients throughout the region. Thanks!
2 3 4 5 OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS Nolan Bayer Barbara Higgins Ron Paul Brittany Buzay Callie McDonough Michael Siebert Nancy Weflen Serena Hills BEAMING BOOK FAIR Jewel Olson 6 Molly Jost Brad Nelson Peter Weiblen 7 Ron Cornier Carole Dahlquist Brianna Swanson 8 Emily Challgren Jori Jones 10 Barb Josephson 11 Brett Bowman Barbara Johnson SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 AND OCTOBER 7 10:00 AM 11:00 AM GA CHURCH LIBRARY SHOP BOOKS TO HELP KIDS THRIVE EMOTIONALLY, SOCIALLY, AND SPIRITUALLY. ALL BOOKS ARE SOLD AT A DISCOUNT UP TO 40% OFF! OCTOBER 28, 2018 Ron Reichel 12 Diane Bertsch Merritt Linzie 13 Dawn Reichel Amber Stone 14 Betty Fiebiger Gavin LaMotte 16 Lois Buzay Katie Krispin Austin Schluendert Violet Simons 17 Gordon Pierson 18 19 20 21 22 23 Alexander Wilhelmy Carole Wangerin Orpha Woods 24 Lois Gunter Bradley Luchsinger Thilde Hogen Shannon Strong King Catie Madison Judy Grauer Dominic Madison Nkauj Ntxhee Her Sharon Reimers Cliff Potter 26 Lorelei Bracken Johannes Weiblen Temperance Bracken Brandon Van EWrt 27 Zacceus Ronning Alisha Williams 30 Tom Madison Gail Newberg Thrond 31 Debbie Johnson Grant Siebert Carol Sandberg Reformation Day is a Protestant Christian religious holiday celebrated on October 31, alongside All Hallows' Eve (Halloween) during the triduum of Allhallowtide, in remembrance of the onset of the Reformation. According to Philip Melanchthon, 31st October 1517 was the day German monk Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the All Saints' Church in Wittenberg, Electorate of Saxony in the Holy Roman Empire. Historians and other experts on the subject argue that Luther may have chosen All Hallows' Eve on purpose to get the attention of common people, although this has never been proven. Available data suggests that October 31 was when Luther sent his work to Albert of Brandenburg, the Archbishop of Mainz. This has been verified; nowadays, it is regarded as the start of the Reformation alongside the unconfirmed (Melanchthon appears to be the only source for that) nailing of the Ninety-five Theses to All Saints' Church's door on the same date. The holiday is a significant one for both Lutheran and Calvinist churches, although other Protestant communities also tend to commemorate this day. The Catholic Church recognized it only recently, and often sends its official representatives in ecumenical spirit to various commemoration events held by Protestants. It is lawfully and officially recognized in some states of Germany and sovereign countries of Slovenia and Chile. In addition, countries like Switzerland and Austria provide specifics in laws pertaining to Protestant churches, while not officially proclaiming it a nationwide holiday It is celebrated among various Protestants, especially by Lutheran and Reformed churches. Due to ecumenical movements, some other Christian groups tend to acknowledge or co-participate in church services celebrating the Reformation Day. That includes the Roman Catholic Church, as well as various Protestant denominations that are neither Lutheran nor Reformed, i.e. lack a connection to religious events of the 16th century Europe. In the United States churches often transfer the holiday, so that it falls on the Sunday (called Reformation Sunday) on or before October 31, with All Saints' Day moved to the Sunday on or after November 1. Source: Wikipedia
GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS LUTHERAN CHURCH 1669 Arcade Street North St. Paul, MN 55106 651.774.5954 - www.gachurch.org Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage P A I D Twin Cities MN Permit No. 585 Church Staff & Contact Information The Rev. John Hierlinger, johnh@gachurch.org Senior Pastor 651.289.9880 The Rev. Amanda Simons, a.simons@gachurch.org Associate Pastor 651.289.9881 Kimberly Ryan kimberlyr@gachurch.org Pastoral Intern 651.289.9887 Dr. Jerry Brakke, jerry@gachurch.org Director of Music 651.289.9886 Sherrie Nordquist, sherrie@gachurch.org Director of Christian Education 651.289.9882 Maggie Kidnie, maggie@gachurch.org Business Manager 651.289.9885 Rob Sebo Lubke, rob@gachurch.org Office Administrator/Communication Specialist 651.289.9884 Judy Hitchcock, judy@gachurch.org Administrative Assistant 651.289.9883 Kevin Berglund, Jerry Martin, custodians@gachurch.org Custodians 651.289.9889 We are inspired by the Spirit to: GROW in spiritual vitality WORSHIP creatively and faithfully together EMBRACE our wonder BUILD authentic Christian relationships