December 2018 Weekly TV Broadcast Mondays, 7:00 p.m. Charter Channel 986 Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. HBC Channel 20

“We are ‘Central’ to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith.”

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

Many years ago, my mother had all of our family’s old 8-mm home movies transferred on to DVDs so that my siblings and I could each own a copy of them. The DVDs contain so many wonderful memories from my childhood—scenes from long-ago birthday parties, family vacations, summer picnics, Fourth-of-July parades, etc., etc. They are pretty funny to watch, all these years later.

Of all the memories on the movie DVDs, I think I cherish the Christmas ones the most. Every year, my parents made sure to film us children opening our Christmas presents. And in the background, as we kids frantically tore open gift after gift, you Pastor Mike Zaske see my Grandpa Zaske with his long-sleeved shirts…my Grandma Zaske with her “cat-eye” glasses…my uncle Kevin with his 1960’s “mop-top” hairstyle…my dad with his plaid pants… What fantastic remembrances!

Speaking of the gifts, from the DVDs I noticed that we kids used to get at least a dozen gifts apiece (if not more). And yet, forty-plus years later as I watched those gifts being opened, it’s amazing how few of those gifts I remembered. Even the few that I actually did remember mean nothing to me now as an adult. Perhaps there’s a lesson in that…

I don’t remember the gifts, but one thing about Christmas that I DO remember is that our family ALWAYS went to church at Christmas—either on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. Of all the family traditions, it was the one “non-negotiable.” My parents made sure that we Zaske kids knew the REAL reason for Christmas, and that we knew what the most precious gift given during this holiday season is. Worshiping God for sending us his beloved Son was always a part of the Christmas holiday in our family. We never once failed to attend church at Christmas to praise God for what he had done. Now that I’m older, I wouldn’t trade those worship memories for any present on earth.

As you go about making your Christmas-time plans for this upcoming holiday season, I pray that you will do for your loved ones what my parents did for me—I pray that worship will be one of your “non- negotiables.” I pray that you realize the importance of praising God for sending Jesus to save us from our sins. I pray that no child would miss out on what TRULY matters at Christmas. Bless your loved ones…bless yourself…come and worship! And make this the best Christmas yet!

259 W. Wabasha Winona, MN 55987 www.CentralLutheranChurch.org 507.452.5156 1 Upcoming Events The FEAST Bake Sale and Coffee Social Wednesdays, 4:45- 6:00 p.m., Grace Hall Sat., Dec. 8, 9:00- 12:00 p.m., Grace hall See Menus in the Notices section of this newsletter. Hosted by the Central Lutheran Church Women. Proceeds from the sale will go the Mary Ellen Adult Forum for Advent Kitundu Birthing Center in Tanzania and the Sun., Dec. 2, 9, 16 and Children's Vision International Children's Home Jan. 6, 9:15 a.m., Library in Bogata, Colombia. The home cares for and We will be using Book of Faith: educates orphans and children whose parents Advent Reflections- I Wonder as I cannot provide for them. The bake sale will Wander as our guide for this study. include an assortment of delicious donated baked Each week we will explore one of goods as well as krumkaka, rosettes and of these topics: Hope, Love, Joy, and course...LEFSE! The lunch will include soup, Peace. Some books will be sandwich, coffee and coffee cake. A free will available. If you have any donation will be accepted. Ease some of that questions, contact Julie Palubicki holiday stress.... Get your Christmas baking done at [email protected] or via at the bake sale! Come for the sale and stay for a phone at 507.458.2866. relaxing lunch!

CLC Family Advent Fair Prayers for Healing Sun., Dec. 2, 8:30– 10:15 a.m. Fellow- Sun., Dec. 16 at 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. services ship Hall Prayers for healing are offered each third Sunday We will again be offering an Advent of the month in Holy Spirit Chapel (left) during Fair on the first Sunday in Advent for communion. At any time before or after you all to attend. There will be cookie commune you are invited to join the pastor in decorating, Advent activities, prayer for healing for yourself or someone else. ornament painting, and Christmas crafts to make. Fun for all ages! If you are interested in volunteering, or if Welcoming Table you have an idea for a craft or activity, please call Mon., Dec., 17, 5:30– 6:30 p.m., Grace Hall Shana Johnson 507.474.7314. Project Fine community meal. All are welcome!

North Star Boys Choir Blue Christmas Service Sunday, Dec. 2, 10:15 am service Tues., Dec., 18, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary The award-winning North Star Boys Choir will sing The service will be an intimate service of during the 10:15 service. Come and be blessed by their remembrance and in recognition that the holidays beautiful music! are a difficult time for some. Please watch for more information in the upcoming weeks and invite others CLC Book Group who may appreciate this service. Mon., Dec. 3 , 9:30 a.m., Library Discover the traditional Advent themes of watchful Holiday Dinner waiting, repentance, and selfless love while taking a Wednesday, Dec. 19, 4:45-6:00 p.m., Grace Hall walk with Albert Holtz, O.S.B., through the streets of Please join the Feast at the Second Annual Rita Newark, New Jersey. In a series of meditations, he Lehnertz Holiday Dinner, honoring the vision and points out the often-unnoticed connections between our commitment that Rita had to the Feast. The Lehnertz secular celebrations of the holidays and the deeper, family and friends will be serving up a turkey dinner spiritual meaning of the holy seasons of Advent and with all the trimmings, in the beautiful setting of Christmas. The book is “From Holidays to Holy Days” Grace Hall. Join the Feast community for a truly and all are welcome to join us. If you have questions, special evening meal. contact Gayle Garrity at 507.961.0465. Christmas Eve/Day Services—see mailing “Gather” Bible Study page for details Thurs., Dec. 6, 2:00 p.m., Library Take part in a one-hour Advent devotional, “Fear Not”, on page 22 in the December issue of “Gather” magazine. Coffee, conversation, and refreshments at 3:00 p.m. All women are welcome!

2 Events/Notices Congregational Vote Welcomes New Pastor The FEAST On November 4, in a special congregational meeting a The Feast continues to serve a hot meal each call was issued to Pastor Michael J. Short, who is Wednesday to members of the community and currently serving at English Lutheran Church in Central Lutheran. Come join us from 4:45 to 6:00 Platteville. A January 1 start date is planned. pm, and join the Wednesday evening services as a The letter of call was signed and forwarded to the mid-week Advent service. All are welcome. synod. We are grateful for God's guidance in our call The Feast will conclude the fall season with the process. Calling Pastor Short marks a new beginning for Second Annual Rita Lehnertz Christmas Dinner on Central Lutheran. The call committee unanimous in its December 19. This truly special holiday meal in- recommendation, and the council is anxious to partner cludes all the trimmings and is lovingly prepared by with Pastor Short as we move forward together in the family of Rita Lehnertz, a loyal Feast volunteer Christ's service. coordinator and cook. We honor Rita’s dedication to the Feast and her strong desire for a beautiful Farewell Reception for Pastor Mike holiday meal open to anyone. You don’t want to Join us in Grace Hall on Sunday, December 23 at 10:15 miss this. Thanks so much to the Lehnertz family a.m. to celebrate Pastor Mike Zaskes interim ministry at for their loving service. Central Lutheran. Pastor Mike has brought God’s word The Feast will break for the Christmas holidays and to us in thoughtful and relevant sermons; a warm and resume on January 9, 2019. We look forward to welcoming spirit, and a steady, guiding hand. We are another season of fellowship, served with a warm thankful for his vibrant ministry here and wish him well meal and good cheer. in his new interim ministry in Becker, Minnesota. Thank If you are interested in volunteering for the Feast, you Pastor Mike! please call Cheri Weaver at 507.689.2416, or Tami Lubinski at 507.452.1594. We are looking for a Photo Directories Available greeter to welcome guests as they enter the church. The Central Lutheran Church photo directory is now December FEAST Menu: available in the church office. The cost is $6.00. Next December 5: Hamburger Gravy, corn, month’s newsletter will have information on the mashed potatoes development, production, and future plans for this December 12: Pull Pork Sandwiches, coleslaw, directory. Thank you to all who provided or had their Beans photos taken for the directory. It will be helpful for our December 19: Turkey Christmas dinner new directing pastor. December 26: No Feast

Welcome Our NEW MEMBERS

Kyle & Sara Mollert We have 3 kids: Emma is 17, Kate is 15, and Tanner is 7. We live in Utica. We love spending time with family– the human and animal kind!

Julie Jenkins I grew up on a farm in SW MN outside the small town of Butterfield. I graduated with a BS degree in Botany from Mankato State University. I have 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren. I followed my oldest son, Erik Floan, to CLC to hear him play the organ. I live outside Winona with my 2nd son, Josh Smith, his wife, Natalie, and their combined 4 children. My daughter, Eva Moeckly, her husband, Steven, and son, Calvin, live in Rochester. They adopted Erik's dog, Ketel. We are all trying to adjust to losing Erik in May. Many people here at CLC have been very helpful in that endeavor and have made me feel welcome.

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Opportunities to Serve (Time and Talents)

Bake at Church on Thursday, December 6th Please sign up at the information desk in the Narthex if you would like to help make rosettes and krumkaka with other volunteers on Thursday, December 6th. This is an "equal opportunity event! All are welcome. No experience necessary! There are morning, afternoon and evening shifts. Questions about making krumkaka can be directed to Carol Wadewitz, 507.454.3502. Questions about making rosettes can be directed to Janice Brown, 507.689.2455. If baking isn't your thing we have other volunteer opportunities available to help on Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning and early afternoon. Come and help. It's for a great cause!

Cookie Baker’s Needed!! All hands on deck! We need all kinds of baked goods for the WELCA Bake Sale on Saturday, December 8th, from 9:00 to 12:00. It would be much appreciated if you could donate some of your favorite cookies, candy, cakes, bars, pies, or breads for the sale. Please bring them to Grace Hall on Friday, December 7th, between 3:00 and 6:00 pm.

The Feast The Feast is looking for a greeter to welcome guests as they enter the church. If you are able and available, please call Cheri Weaver 507.689.2416 or Tami Lubinski 507.452.1594. Thanks for considering this fun and important service.

Holiday Assistance During the Holiday Season Social Concerns is again collecting $25.00 gift cards for members of Central who may need a helping hand/remembrance at this time of year. We are suggesting the gift cards be for gas or food. Anyone interested in donating, please bring the cards to the office by December 15th or place them in the collection plate. If you know of anyone who might need assistance please contact Pastor Louise at [email protected] with the name and address of that person or persons. Thank you for helping us make the holidays brighter. ~Social Concerns/Missions Committee

Seeking Communion Assistants Each month approximately 30 communion assistant slots are filled by a dedicated group of volunteers, but we could really use a few more to help share the responsibility. Communion assistants are those that help serve the bread and wine and pick up the communion cups during the service. Please consider trying it. Many have found it to be a meaningful way to participate in worship. Contact Greta Poser if you're interested at 507.458.4455 or by emailing [email protected]. Someone will meet with you before the service to go through the process and then serve alongside you during the service. If you like it, you can choose to be added to the distribution list and sign-up to help when it works for you.

Opportunities to Give

October Food Basket We are doing very well with the Food Basket in food and money. Currently, we are up to 7643 lbs which includes the non perishable food and money converted to pounds. We thank you for your continued support. ~Social Concerns/Missions Committee

Convenient Giving You can make an automatic gift to Central Lutheran Church from your savings or checking account once a week, once a month, or twice a month. Pick up the form in the entrance, or check out other automatic giving options on Central’s website.

Thrivent Choice Dollars If you have any Thrivent Choice Dollars, please consider directing them to Central Lutheran Church.

4 Worship & Music News Aleah Harvey, Director of Worship, Music, and Arts

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” ~Lao Tzu My initial reaction to this quote is, “What a beautiful reminder! But………I need to create a shopping list, organize my home for upcoming visits from guests, decorate, plan meals, prepare Christmas cards, actually mail those cards before Christmas…..” the list goes on and on. Very quickly, words that were intended to make me pause and breathe have only filled me with more anxiety. However, I am learning. I lost my father to cancer nearly six years ago and my mother-in- law just last February. Now, instead of focusing on a to-do list, material gifts, and satisfying everyone’s expectations, I have a deep desire to stop, take a breath, and appreciate the beauty in my life: God, family, friends, music, love, acceptance, community, nature, this list could also go on and on. I encourage you to pause in this season, remember, and appreciate. Please watch for a postcard informing you of upcoming services at Central this December. Let us worship together and express gratitude to God for all the beauty in our lives.

WELCA

Meeting Summary WELCA is wrapping up the year with a focus on missions. Thank you to Angela Gotz for her informative and inspiring presentation at our November meeting about her children in Colombia and her family’s involvement with the Children's Vision International Children's Home in Bogata, Colombia. Thank you also to Esther Circle for hosting and providing delicious apple crisp to accompany the Colombian coffee donated by the Gotz family. The meeting also included a distribution of WELCA directories, a report on financial giving from the past year, and the election of Susan Cooper as WELCA secretary.

The proceeds of our upcoming Christmas Bake Sale and Lunch will support the Children's Vision International Children's Home in Bogotá, Colombia and the Mary Ellen Kitundu Birthing Center in Tanzania. Please watch for opportunities to support this event.

One more “save the date” – the Epiphany Tea is on the calendar for January 6th. All are welcome! Bring a friend!

Christmas Bake Sale and Lunch See Opportunities to Serve for more details.

Epiphany Tea We will be celebrating Epiphany Sunday, January 6th with our annual “tea”. Our committee is hoping that you will have an epiphany and sign up to be one of our hostesses. We need 15 hostesses to adorn our tables with your favorite table ware. Each table will seat 6 guests. We will set our tables on Saturday, January 5th. Please consider sharing your talents as a hostess in God’s House. If you are interested, please contact Mary Reeck at 507.429.7052 or email [email protected].

5 YOUTH NEWS

Sunday School DECEMBER Sunday, December 2nd: Advent Fair during Sunday School hour (First Sunday in Advent) Please plan to attend as a family (8:30-10:15). Saturday, December 8th: Christmas Program Rehearsal ALL students Pre-K through 6th Grade, 9:00-10:00 AM Sunday, December 16h Christmas Program Presentation at 10:15 Service Christmas Social following 10:15 Service- ALL are welcome! Sunday, December 23rd: NO Sunday School Sunday, December 30th: NO Sunday School

Confirmation

On Reformation Sunday, October 28, 2018 the following young people of our congregation made Affirmation of their Baptism and were confirmed as members of Central Lutheran Church: Justin Brickner, Caleb Nisbit, Samuel Buerck McKinlee Northrup, Madelyn Cone, Spencer Olson, Mikayla Corcoran, Kaydee Overton, Brock Herczeg, Benjamin Rustad, Kain Maurud, Kathleen Stevens, and Ella Mueller, Matthew Thesing

We offer our congratulations and ask God’s blessings on you as you continue in the faith of your Baptism.

“We are ‘Central’ to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith.”

259 W. Wabasha Winona, MN 55987 www.CentralLutheranChurch.org 507.452.5156

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December 2018

Mission: Provide the building blocks of child care by creating learning opportunities infused with faith while supporting the whole family

Update on the Appeal Making Memories We have great news to share. The State of MN has amended their determination after we requested an appeal due to the with our youngest

lack of evidence to support the determination. community members! Last month the article in the news letter informed the con- gregation about a child that had a fall on the playground, in Here are pictures of our younger children which, that child broke their arm. The staff responded to the learning, experiencing and having fun! incident seriously, timely and with compassion. The incident was reported to the state, as all incidents of this magnitude have to be. The state classified the incident as“ Serious Mal- treatment” with a $5000 fine. Many discussions were had at different levels of the law, the state and with other centers through out the area. Through our persistence and the ap- peal process the state reviewed the investigation findings

and have reversed the determination of maltreatment and rescinded the fine. Through this process we have seen the need for age appro-

priate labels on playground equipment in Winona. We plan on perusing making the playgrounds safer for all children and raising awareness on the need for a preschool aged play- ground in Winona.

Young Readers Week

We had parents come in and read for Young Readers

week. The children loved sharing their parents with their

class. The parents were able to sign up for a morning or

afternoon to read their favorite book to the group. Thank

you to all the parents that were able to give their time and share their books with our kids here at CLC CCC. Questions, please contact us… Phone 507.452.5493 Email: [email protected] 7 From Pastor Corrine— Winona Lutheran Campus Center

Midterms took on a new meaning at the LCC this fall, as students registered to vote for the first time, or helped others register to vote. In the midst of the focus on the midterm elections, students also studied for midterm exams, wrote mid- term papers, and presented midterm projects for classes. It was a stressful time, to say the least.

And in the midst of all of that, students kept showing up- for worship, Bible study, service opportunities, like fall clean- ing, serving a community meal, and participating in “Trunk-or-Treat” and Feed My Starving Children.

They also showed up for each other at Independent Theo(logy.)

A couple students took the lead in sharing our intentions, or “ground rules” for Independent Theo- practicing radical lis- tening in order to understand, not necessarily to respond; practicing compassion for someone’s experience and not as- suming they’ll have this same thought forever; practicing mindful presence for one hour- really being together and keeping confidence.

It struck me one week, as midterms (elections and tests) were fast-approaching, that this is essential, holy, and counter cultural. In a time that seems to push towards divisiveness and fear, our students are resisting through the practice of radical listening and compassion. They are showing up for one another and others in our community. They are listening and learning what it’s like to be a student of color, or an immigrant, or live with depression, or be on one’s own due to an estrangement in family, etc. They are showing up with curiosity and openness- “What’s your story? What do you think? How can I come alongside you, and will you come alongside me, too?” They are also discovering the strength in vulnerability.

Like I said, this is essential, holy, and countercultural. Perhaps that’s because it’s what Jesus teaches us- to be present, get curious and open up to one another’s story; to walk with and love one another as he loves us.

At this time of Thanksgiving, we are grateful for that. And, we are grateful, as always, for you, dear friend. I may say this all the time, but that’s because I feel it so often, and because it is true- we couldn’t do what we do without you. You make possible this essential, holy, and countercultural gathering of community in Christ. May you, too, find spaces and people with whom you can be yourself and feel the inescapable love of God in Christ Jesus.

With a humble & full heart, Pastor Corrine Haulotte

Welcoming All Growing Faith

Engaging Worship Compassionate Service 8 Council Update Council Minutes, Tuesday, October 16, 2018 Water issue in the basement; discussed findings of the property committee and Winona Nursery and Present: Gayle Garrity, Bill Pfaff, Paul Ness, Marie plan to move forward. A “soft” start to informing Holmquist, Carol Kramer, Pastor Mike, Judy Davis and and educating the congregation of the severity and Dian Biesanz cost to fix this issue was discussed. We are on Pastor Mike opened with devotions – meeting called to Winona Nursery’s docket for a formal bid and order by President Gayle Garrity. possible date to begin repair. Bill has a reliable Kelly Dicke was present at our meeting to inform us of friend as a reference resource to aid us in decisions consequences for the child care center as a result of a regarding this project. Possibility of a child falling from the monkey bars at Madison School congregational forum in January . . . while on a field trip there. The state of MN has fined the Stewardship Emphasis in the month of November on child care center and labeled them with a child the 1st and 3rd Sunday. maltreatment investigation. We all felt this to be an The Bereavement Group is about half over, good unfair assessment of this obvious accident and a motion attendance, this group is led by Pastor Bill Flesch. was made by Marie and seconded by Judy to support Motion was made by Paul seconded by Bill that we Kelly (as director of the child care center) to appeal this authorize payment of $500 to him at the completion of action with whatever action necessary, this motion this session (from memorial fund) this motion passed, passed. New Business: Youth plans for continuing confirmation September council minutes and treasurer’s reports were and youth group activities; John Bartholow has presented for approval; motion made by Dian seconded volunteered to help in this area as plans for youth by Bill to approve, motion carried. director position are still in the talking stage - - a new Staff reports, Director of Worship and Music, Operation job description will need to be prepared. Direction, Pastor and Visitation Pastors reports were Discussion on the importance of communication of presented for approval; motion made by Marie seconded council with the congregation, agreed that we remain by Judy, motion passed. transparent and let everyone know what is happening. Committee Reports: Worship and Welcome, Policies still on the table for discussion are: Use of the Technology, and Property were approved - - motion building, cash gifts and gifts in kind; clarification of made by Marie seconded by Paul, motion passed. these policies. Old Business: Call for Directing Pastor; reviewed letter Quarterly staff evaluations are being done by Pastor to the congregation, notices to be posted for Mike. congregational meeting to be held Sunday November Dian Biesanz, Council Secretary 4,2018 following the 10:15 worship service.

Treasurer’s Note Christmas and the New Year will quickly be here. The year's end will certainly produce very memorable times in our church year, and is a good time to look back. As we reflect, our church lives have been a bit unusual during the last several years. Change is evident everywhere, most of which is positive. Our interim pastors have been great, sharing their unique faith and expertise, which for each was a distinctly different talent. We have learned from each and every one of them. We recognize that, when things are changing rapidly, some members change their giving while waiting for more clarity and stability. However, the church expenses go on. Nearly all of our expenses are fixed, supporting staff and facili- ty. Central Lutheran does not sell a product for which we strive to sell more each year. We are here to serve the faith of our members and others in our community. This we do not wish to change. Typically, December is the month our members are most generous to Central Lutheran, and for this we are ever thankful. Contributions through October 2018 were $10 thousand below those from the first ten months of 2017. Our expenses, however, are the same as last year because we are fully staffed. Based on history, for December we expect our contributions to be $68,000 - the highest of the year. To assist in your year-end contributions, there are several special contribution methods which our members have used in the past to receive tax advantages for their gifts. First, if you have an Individual Retirement Account which has a Required Minimum Distribution, you can request that your IRA contribute your RMD to a charitable organization such as Central Lutheran, thereby providing tax benefits. Second, if you have long term appreciated stocks, you may be able to contribute the stock to a charitable organization and not have to report the long term capital gain, while receiving a charitable deduction. If you have any questions regarding these methods, the church office has some information. Finally, we hope you will reflect on Central Lutheran’s mission this month and support it fully with your time and financial resources.

Paul D. Ness, Treasurer 9 Financial Report Operating Fund YOUTH October 2018 Memory of Rich & Eugenia Moe’s Total Income: $49,497.40 Granddaughter Sophia Moe Total Expenses: $55,533.08 Given By Mia Martin Memory of Brenda Stark’s Father Timothy Stark Offering Goal December $43,366.35 Given By Mia Martin Thank you for your support of Central’s ministry.

FEAST Mortgage Memory of Karen Erickson Monthly payments for interest and principal Given By Grace Miner October: $3,146

Gifts for Building Fund October: $ 941 Memory of Carole Forest Gifts for additional mortgage principal Given By Grace Miner reduction October: $ 190

Mortgage principal balance on Nov 1: DONATIONS $327,397.04

Memory of Mervin & Charlotte Tripp Baptismal Candle Gifts in memory or honor of someone

MEMORIALS Designated Gifts in October Oct 20-2018 THRU Nov 16-2018 - CLC Foundation $25.00 Hannah Circle-$45.00 UNDESIGNATED Hurricane Relief- $1,520.00 Memory of Carole Forest Feast- $1,127.76 Given by Diana & Michael Cyert Flower Fund -$100.00 Given by Conway & Elizabeth Elton Food Shelf-$68.00 Given by David Forest Funeral Fund -$125.00 Given by Rich & Gayle Garrity Missions Envelopes - $133.00 Given by Cherly Harvey Music & Arts -$350.00 Given by Jane Haugen Sunday School -$169.99 Given by Chuck & Norma Lockwood Quilters-$380.00 Given by Marion Mason WELCA- $10.00 Given by Sharon Schultz - World Hunger $550.00 Youth Fund -$150.00 CLC FOUNDATION Undesignated Memorials- $1,030.00 Memory of Erik Floan

Given by Mia Martin

10 11 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID| Permit #145

259 W. Wabasha  Winona, MN 55987 www.CentralLutheranChurch.org [email protected] 507.452.5156 Return Service Requested

Sunday, December 23, 2018: Fourth Sunday in Advent 9:15 a.m. Monday, December 24, 2018: Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. All three services will be festival Christmas services for every family with music, candles, and Holy Communion. (Nursery is not available due to holiday Childcare schedule.) Tuesday, December 25, 2018: Christmas Day 9:15 a.m. Sunday, December 30, 2018 9:15 a.m.

12 Christmas seasonal needlepoint kneeler, Central Lutheran Church, Winona, MN