December 2016
Advent Pot-Luck Supper & Candlelight Prayer Service
December 21st More than 800 million people — Everyone is invited to slow down during this busy holiday that’s 1 in 8 people in our world today season, and enjoy a pot-luck meal together at 6:00pm — are hungry. As members of the and then worship at 6:45pm, using the Holden’s Evening ELCA, we are called to respond. We Prayer service. Our Prayer Team will be present to offer are a church that rolls up our sleeves anointing with oil, and laying on of hands with prayer for and gets to work. Working with and healing of body, mind, and spirit. We all have wounds through our congregations, in the and brokenness in our lives. It is important to bring United States, Puerto Rico and the ourselves deliberately and expectantly to Jesus, the U.S. Virgin Islands Lutheran churches great physician. overseas and other partners, ELCA Everyone is encouraged to attend this evening as a World Hunger is uniquely positioned family, this will take the place of H2H Confirmation Class to reach communities in need. From and 5/6 Youth Group this week. Please sign-up (call health clinics to microloans, water 492-2099 or email [email protected]) to bring a wells to animal husbandry, dish to share. Beverages will be provided. community meals to advocacy, your gifts to ELCA World Hunger make it possible for the ELCA to respond, KOK Advent Presentation supporting sustainable solutions that get at the root causes of hunger and Sunday, December 18th 10:30 am poverty. This year we are There will be a special service at concentrating on purchasing medical 10:30am on Sunday, December and health based gifts. Look for the 18th. Join us as all of our Kids of tree in the narthex with the following the Kingdom children share about ornaments available: Hope, Advent and teach us about Vaccination $30 Peace, Joy and Love. Following Mosquito Net $10 the presentation we will be Clinic Visit $10 serving cookies and beverages in Water Tablets $10 the fellowship hall. All KOK Food for Orphan $21 families are asked to provide a Food for Orphan/1 year $250 small plate of cookies. Train a Health Care Worker $100
From Pastor Steve. . . O Come, O Come… O Wisdom, you came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and reach from one end of the Earth to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: Come teach us the way of prudence! O Adonai, ruler of the house of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush, on Mount Sinai you gave him your law: with outstretched arm, come and redeem us! O Root of Jesse, you stand as an ensign to the people; before you kings shall keep silence, all nations bow in worship: Come and save us, and do not delay! O Key of David, and scepter of the house of Israel; you open and no one closes; you close and no one opens: come and deliver us from the chains of prison, we who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death! O Rising Dawn, brightness of the light eternal, sun of righteousness: come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death! O King of Nations, and their desire, you are the cornerstone that binds two into one: come and save the creature whom you have fashioned from clay! O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the Desire of all nations and their Salvation: come and save us, O Lord our God! These antiphons date back at least to the reign of Charlemagne (771-814), and one source suggests they were in use in some form as early as the 6th century. These prayers of Advent remind me where I need to keep my attention focused this season. The health, healing, safety, and wholeness I seek—the Bible’s word is salvation—cannot be ordered from Amazon or procured from any source but God alone. The wonder of the season is that, when it finally does come, it’s in a form that neither I nor the world can recognize by the packaging. Yet, it—or rather he— still comes, as a babe in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Homeless families seek shelter where they can remain together; communities of color struggle for equal treatment under the law; refugees long for new places to call home; world leaders discuss scenarios for limiting climate breakdown; another enraged shooter claims the lives of innocent victims. This is the world we live in; a world where shattered lives raise their voices in hope of deliverance. We need a Savior! The miracle of Christmas is that he is already “God with us.” God grant us the eyes to recognize Emmanuel and the hearts to embrace him however, whenever, and wherever he comes among us. Living in hope, Pastor Steve
This year, please remember a few of our friends who are home bound when writing out your Christmas cards. A friendly note wishing someone a Blessed Merry Christmas is enough to brighten anyone’s day!! Here are a couple suggestions: Brett Schaumburg Dennis & Cathy Volkmann 1105 Horseshoe Lane SE 45 Valley Green Dr New Prague 56071 Jordan
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"The Inn" Men of Hope To create emergency housing of at The men’s group meets on the 1st Saturday of each month at The Feedmill least 10 beds for single adults Restaurant for breakfast. So, mark your experiencing homelessness in Scott calendar for December 3rd @ 7:30 am, and Carver Counties. and please feel free to invite anyone you Research Group (best practices, know that might be looking for a new models, programming elements) church home or just some good Finance/Facility Group (funding, Christian guys to hang out with. locations, buildings) Community Outreach and Engagement (get community and county individuals and groups interested and engaged) If you are interested in an opportunity to be engaged with creating "The Inn" from the ground up, this is for you! Interested? Contact Sarah Gavert in the church office.
Need to activate the prayer chain? Contact Sarah Gavert at 492-6102 or email: [email protected]
Happy Birthday to You! 1 Jennifer Schultz 15 Chuck Wermerskirchen, Rod Lieske, Karis Blume, 3 Dale Lecy Kelly Lorenz, Tanner Oakes 5 Lisa Evenson 16 Lori Ballard, Jon Roemmich 6 Joan Hafslund 17 Monica Fremming 7 Amy Bounds, Randy Mattson 18 Harry Janssen 8 Makenzie Hennen 20 Kari Schmidt 9 Jamie Polley 21 Liz Thaves 10 Jason Pelowski 27 Bob Templin 11 Dean Christiansen 28 Jeff Will, Tiffany Kasper 14 Gene Sieve 29 Tom Dohnansky, Mallory Thill
31 Dan Garnhardt Page 3 Parents Corner. . . . Ages 8-12 Sometimes it's the small things that help us find Jesus during the Christmas season — a smile from a Ring in an international Christmas by assigning a stranger, card from a loved one. But often parents country to each child. Besides reporting about how need to be intentional. Here are activities that parents that country celebrates the holiday, he or she can have done to help their families celebrate the birth of prepare a seasonal dish to share, or demonstrate a song our Savior or draw closer together as a family: or folkdance. Then pray for the people of that culture so that they too might understand the meaning of
God's love. Age-Appropriate Christmas Ages 13-18 Activities This age group is old enough to bundle up and go Try these fun-filled, age-appropriate activities that caroling. During each visit allow for a few seasonal will direct children, and adults, back to the true songs and readings from the scriptures proclaiming the meaning of the holiday, to celebrate Emmanuel, God birth of the newborn king. Besides visiting the who is with us. neighbors, teens may want to stop by the local Ages 0-3 convalescent home, hospital, or homeless shelter. In order to avoid making Christmas a "don't touch All Ages holiday" for little ones, give them fun things Many families choose to celebrate Advent – the days they can touch. leading up to Christmas Day. There are fun Advent Move glass ornaments and lights up to higher calendars on the market, some with doors that open branches on the Christmas tree, and help your child and play songs, others that hide chocolate candies or make fun decorations for the bottom. other treats. Focus on the Family offers various Advent calendars, some free and some to purchase. To String pieces of colored tissue paper cut into learn more about the free downloads, go to squares onto shoestrings to hang as garland. FocusOnTheFamily.com/Advent. Get out the glitter and make paper ornaments. — Lynne Thompson Mold a nativity scene from clay dough and display in a prominent place. Tell the story of Christmas while you do this. Decorate cookies and build gingerbread houses together as a family. Ages 4-7 Help your little ones focus on others this season by making use of those Christmas cards received in the mail. Place the cards in a basket on the dinner table; taking turns each night drawing one out. Then pray together for that person or family. Also, start a family tradition by picking out a new holiday picture book to read each Christmas Eve. Some of my favorites are: 10 Minutes to Showtime, by Tricia Goyer The Crippled Lamb, by Max Lucado The Stable Where Jesus was Born, by Rhonda Gowler Greene The Christmas Rose, by William H. Hooks
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~ Prayer Concerns of Our Family and Friends ~ Claire Olivia Lindell - multiple health issues Paul L - cancer Brett Schaumburg - hemophilia Gracie B - leukemia Rev Ben - congestive heart failure Penny - breast cancer Beth - treatment for breast cancer Jackie - breast cancer Sarah - recovery from stroke Lisa - pain relief Don - end of his life journey Jerry - cancer Clarence - failing health Pam - ovarian cancer Dave S - health issues Jen - colon cancer Burt - recovery from pneumonia Austin - in recovery
~ Pray for those who mourn ~ -Larry and Kristie Breitung and family as they mourn the death of his father, William Leon Breitung. William passed away November 7th. -Tammy Schleifer and family as they mourn the death of her Uncle, Perry Forcier. Perry passed away on November 17th. -Jane Nash as she mourns her lifelong friend Shirley who passed away on November 15th. -The family and friends of Iris Docken who passed from this world way too soon. -Deb and Roger Anderson and family as they mourn the death of Deb's father, Mike Kallas.
~ Pray for the following ministries & fellowship groups ~ Kids of the Kingdom, 5th & 6th Grade Youth Group, H2H Confirmation, High School Youth Group, Our Choirs-Adult, 5/8, Praise and Joy, F.I.S.H., Grief Support Group, Men of Hope, Women of Hope, ELCA Good Gifts
KOK Music Director Needed The KOK Music Director: Kids of the Kingdom is in need of a music Gathers/purchases music or materials director starting January 8. Char Senske is needed for Kids of the Kingdom musical stepping down after many years of worship time. The music used in past years is service as the KOK music director. Char available for use, but new music/ideas are has shared her gifts and love of music welcome. with many children at the beginning of the Kids Of Selects music to compliment the Bible lesson the Kingdom (KOK) hour on Sunday mornings. for the unit, church calendar or holiday. Please review the volunteer description below and Weekly commitment for the school year prayerfully consider being the next person in this role (could be shared with another person) to help the children hear and share the love of Jesus Coordinates/communicates with musician so through joyful music. If you have an interest in they can practice and prepare. discussing this role further, please reach out to Leah Leads the KOK kids in song for 15 minutes at Holmberg or Char Senske and they can enlighten you the beginning of each KOK gathering time, with more details. 10:15-10:30 am.
Thank you for your consideration for this vital need we have in our program. Page 7 ~The KOK Planning Team Advent & Christmas at Hope Lutheran
Sunday Worship Sunday, Dec 4th Bluegrass Worship Sunday, Dec 11th 7th & 8th grade students will help Hans Peterson in Worship at 9:00 am Sunday, Dec 18th In addition to our regular 9:00 service our talented Kids of the Kingdom will present a wonderful Advent Celebration at 10:30 am.
Advent Pot-luck Supper & Worship Wednesday, December 21st See the article on the first page of this newsletter for the details of this meaningful evening at Hope.
Christmas Worship Schedule Come and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior! On Christmas Eve our worship will be candlelit and will include special music and encouragement as we worship together. Christmas Eve Worship 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm. Sunday, Dec. 25th Special Christmas Day worship at 9:00am (no Adult Education or KOK Sunday School)
New Year’s Schedule Sunday, Jan. 1st Worship at 9:00 am (no Adult Education or KOK Sunday School)
Church Office Hours ~ The office will be closed on December 26th and January 2nd. In case of emergency, call Pastor Steve at: 952-210-6180.
The Gift of Generosity This holiday season, we thank everyone who has supported Hope Lutheran this past year with their time, talent and financial contributions. We look forward to support from all of our members in the year ahead. If you need a convenient way to make regular offerings or if you plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to look into our electronic giving options. As the pace of life speeds up, especially around the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions. Contact the church office for more information.
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Thank you, Char! Char Senske is stepping down after many years of service as the KOK music director. Grandma Char, as she is affectionately known by many of Hope's children, has shared her gifts and love of music with so many at the beginning of the Kids Of the Kingdom (KOK) hour on Sunday mornings. We appreciate and thank Char for her dedication to this program.
VFW Auxiliary Victor B. Langer #2854 VFW Auxiliary is working on two projects in Jordan. #1. Care packages are being sent in January 2017. We need names and addresses of persons in our military personnel serving overseas. If you know of a friend, classmate, relative and would like them to receive a care package, please give us the person’s full name & address and turn it into the church office by January 5, 2017. #2. We are also collecting cancelled stamps; must have 1/4 inch border around them. Thank you for taking the time to help us remember our service men and women who can’t be with us at this time of year. Please keep them in your prayers.
Welcome to our new members~
The Reinke Family Daniel, Kally and their 8 month old son, Camden. Daniel is in construction mangagement and Kally works in human resources. Kally and Dan enjoy traveling, outdoor activities and relaxing from their busy jobs.
The Bromeland Family Phil, Anna and their three children, Jake (7), Alex (5) and Maxwell (6months).
Page 9 Youth & Family Stuff BOYEM would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who supported our craft fair. We had several vendors, many shoppers and wonderful volunteers to help make it a success. A special thanks to Angela Wood for coordinating the event. The funds raised will be used for our youth programs.
7th & 8th Grade Students Lead Worship Sunday, December 11th Hans Peterson will be leading our Middle School students in a special Advent worship service. All Middle School students are expected to participate, and you can contact Hans Peterson with questions at 492-5314.
KOK Advent Program Rehearsal, December 17th We will meet on Saturday, December 17th from 9:30-11:00 to prepare for our special service on the 18th. ALL kids who are participating are expected to be there.
KOK Advent Presentation Sunday, December 18th 10:30am All Kids of the Kingdom children are invited to participate in our annual Children’s Advent Service. Our kids will teach our congregation about Advent and about Love, Hope, Joy, and Peace. Wear your Sunday best and invite your family to attend. Everyone is invited to enjoy cookies and juice in the fellowship fall following the program. We ask KOK families to provide a plate of cookies or treats for our reception.
Cookies, Cookies and more Cookies…. All youth 8-12 graders are invited to come and make cookies on December 11th at 10:30 am following church service. Parent volunteers are encouraged. Grilled cheese sandwiches will be provided for lunch. Cookies will be sold on December 18th and proceeds will go toward the high school mission trip in 2017.
Holiday Schedule Wed. December 21 NO Children’s Choir, Youth Groups or H2H (Family Advent Meal & Worship Service) Sun. December 25 NO Kids of the Kingdom Wed. December 28 NO Children’s Choir, Youth Groups or H2H Sun. January 1 NO Kids of the Kingdom Wed. January 4 Wednesday Youth Groups resume Sun. January 8 Kids of the Kingdom resumes
Page 10 December Service Team Schedule December December December December December December 4 11 18 24 24 25 4:00pm 6:30pm Greeter McClellan’s Connie Crimi Connie Crimi Nissen’s Pickar’s ————
Ushers John Engfer McClellan’s Soller’s John Engfer Schmidt’s ———— Swanson’s Georgette Kearin Swanson’s ———— ———— ————
Communion Tammy Schleifer Tammy Schleifer Soller’s ———— XXX ———— Prep
Communion McClellan’s Kathy Templin ———— Kathy Templin Kari Schmidt ———— Serve Kathy Templin Carime Burtzel ———— ———— ———— ———— Communion Tammy Schleifer Georgette Kearin Soller’s ———— Pickar’s ———— Clean-up
Read & Prayers Nissen’s Ginny Engfer ———— Nissen’s ———— ————
Provide Treats Jamie Lower Connie Crimi Connie Crimi XXX XXX ———— McClellan’s Jamie Lower Penny Swanson XXX XXX ———— Coffee Clean-up Larry Warden Larry Warden Larry Warden XXX XXX Larry Warden
Media Specialist ———— ———— ———— ———— ———— ————
Acolyte Lily Roemmich Christopher Schiffman Ben Swanson Sydney Templin Megan VanGarven MacKenzie Williams News of our Members & Community ~ A HUGE thank you goes out to everyone who supported the Craft and Vendor Fair last month. Money taken in, $800, for the vendor booths goes into the youth activity account for all grade levels to use when needed. A special thank you to Angie Wood for organizing it.
~ THANK YOU to all of those who volunteered to drive for Meals on Wheels last month! A meal and your smile has a huge impact on those in need!!
~ Our Operation Christmas Child box packing party was a success! Thank you to all who donated items, cash, and time for this project. We packed 100 shoeboxes and received over $1665 in donations for shipping costs!
~ Open Board Positions for 2017 Vice President (2 year term) Board of Youth and Educational Ministries (3 year term-need 2) Board of Deacons (3 year term-need 3) Is God calling you to get more involved with your church? Is He calling you to use the gifts He gave you to lead and foster fellowship opportunities for our youth programs? Call the church office, 952-492-2099, for more information about these positions.
Page 11 Council Minutes October 17, 2016
Meeting called to order 7:02 by Roger Anderson Present: Roger Anderson, Curt Wicklund, Chuck Soller, Angie Newton, Deb Barker, Pastor Steve, Ken Arntson, Dave Holzer Devotions: Pastor Steve Agenda Approved as amended September Minutes Approved Shared Ministry Report: Background checks for 5th thru 8th grade leaders is underway. November 9th the youth will pack 2,000 sandwiches for the homeless. Operation Christmas Child will be on November 13th. 5th grade retreat for the Apostles Creed will be on November 5th. A winter family retreat is being explored. November is ELCA World Hunger Drive. There are not enough leaders for the 5th thru 8th grade confirmation classes. Discussion on how we can get more parents to volunteer with their children. Financial Reports: Written Deacons Report: Lutherfest was a success. Decorating the church for Christmas will take place on Monday November 28th. BOYEM Report: Written Trustees Written: Elevator repair has been done. Furnaces will be checked in November. Pastor Report: Has officiated at 2 funerals. Wednesday night youth classes are in progress. Pastor spoke on recognizing OUR BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE Old Business: Journey Toward Justice: Curt Wicklund, Deb Hennen and Kathy Matson spoke on program called Resolution Addressing Racial Justice. Stewardship committee will be meeting to discuss the Quill Program. Budget committee will be meeting on November 20,2016 New Business: Meeting adjourned 8:20 PM
Date Description Expense Income Balance
5/8/2016 Donation in Memory of Howard Senske $100.00 $9,917
6/12/2016 Donation in Memory of Todd Oakes $25.00 $9,942
10/2/2016 Donation in Memory of Betty Herman $513.00 $10,455
10/17/2016 Webstaurant-coffee carafes $357 $10,098
10/23/2016 Donation in Memory of Glen Stoen $110 $10,208
10/27/2016 Barnd Electric-outdoor lighting $3,532 $6,676 Page 12 December 2016
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 6:00pm Women’s 7:30am Men’s Fellowship - Breakfast - Feedmill Brentwood Apts. Restaurant 8:00pm AA
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8:30am Coffee 6:30pm Knitters 5:00pm CoDA 6:00-7:25pm 8:00pm AA 9:00am-5:00pm Fellowship 7:00pm AA Children’s Choirs Schmidt Christmas 9:00am Bluegrass 6:30pm MS Pizza Party-Activity Room Worship 7:00pm H2H 6:30pm Who’s 10:15am Education Confirmation & 5/6 Coming to Dinner? Hour Youth Group 7:30pm Adult Choir 8:15pm HS Yth Grp
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 8:30am Coffee 7:00pm Grief 5:00pm CoDA 6:00-7:25pm 8:00pm AA 3:00-6:00pm Fellowship Support Group 7:00pm AA Children’s Choirs Praise the Children- 9:00am Youth Led 6:30pm MS Pizza Sanctuary Worship w/Hans 7:00pm H2H Peterson 10:15am Education Confirmation & 5/6 Hour Youth Group 10:30am Youth Cookie 7:30pm Adult Choir Baking 8:15pm HS Yth Grp
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 8:30am Coffee 6:30pm Knitters 5:00pm CoDA 6:00pm Advent Pot- 8:00pm AA 4:30pm Christmas Fellowship 7:00pm Council Mtg. 7:00pm AA Luck Supper Eve Worship 9:00am Worship 6:45pm Worship 6:00pm Christmas 10:30am KoK 7:30pm Adult Choir Eve Worship Advent Program No Youth Groups or Children’s Choirs
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 8:30am Coffee 5:00pm CoDA Christmas Break ~ 8:00pm AA Fellowship 7:00pm AA No Activities 9:00am-4:00pm 9:00am Worship 9:00am-4:00pm Threads for Teens Threads for Teens
Page 13 Hope Lutheran Church Standard Jordan, Minnesota Non-profit Organization Permit # 9 Address Service Requested Jordan MN 55352 201 Hope Avenue Jordan, Minnesota 55352
News of Hope is published monthly by Hope Lutheran Church, 201 Hope Avenue, Jordan MN. You can reach Hope Lutheran Church at (952) 492-2099, FAX (952) 492-6884. Check us out on the web at: www.hope-jordan.org Office Hours: Mon-Thur 9-12, 1-4 Fri 9-12 Pastor Steve Thompson Shared Ministry Coordinator: Lynda Schaumburg Office Manager: Angie Newton
Poinsettia Order Form If you would like to help decorate the sanctuary for Christmas, please fill out this form, and return it to the church office, or place it in the offering plate by December 18th, with your check made out to “Hope Lutheran Church.” (colors are while they last, and may change based on availability)
______Pink poinsettia $10.00 ______White poinsettia $10.00 ______Red poinsettia $10.00
I/We would like to place the plant in memory of ______
Or in honor of ______
By (your name) ______Plants may be picked up after the 6:00 pm service on Christmas Eve.