THE TRUMPET A PUBLICATION OF

Christ the King Lutheran Church 1660 Birch Lake Avenue January 2021 White Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110

Pastor’s Ponderings

New Year Blessings for 2021! For many years now, I’ve shared my media favorites from the previous year in my January Trumpet articles. 2020 included lots of time to read (but maybe not the concentration needed to focus on a book). Note these aren’t things that were necessarily released in 2020, but simply things I enjoyed and appreciated over the past year.

Fiction Books: The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix Harrow: A sprawling fantasy, mystery and family story. I listened to it on audio and enjoyed it in that format.

The Lady Hardcastle Mystery Series by T.E. Kinsey: I love cozy mysteries. These books are set in England in the early 1900s and feature two smart women as the main characters.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster: Rachel and I read this classic together and she loved it. It’s a spectacular read-aloud full of interesting and funny characters.

Non-Fiction Books: Embodied by Lee Ann M. Pomrenke: This book is very close to my heart, as it’s written by my writing partner and fellow pastor in St. Paul and I walked with her through her process to edit and publish it. It’s a book about motherhood full of touching, funny and heartbreaking stories told by a clergywoman and mom.

Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow: Fascinating and infuriating all at once. Wonderful on audio.

Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram Kendi: This essential book changed the way I view the history of racism in the US.

TV: Watchmen (the series): Mind-bending, complex and full of stellar acting performances, this is a bold and sometimes difficult watch. Tim & I both loved it.

Schitt’s Creek: Hilarious, surprisingly touching, and full of joy.

A bonus: Watching both my kids enjoy watching The Golden Girls for the first time. I had no idea how well this show stands up and appeals to all ages; many of the episodes leave them both belly-laughing!

Podcasts: Some of my favorites are Office Ladies, No Stupid Questions, Literally! with Rob Lowe, and It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders. I’ve also found The Osterholm Update to be essential listening during the pandemic. It’s informative while also being reassuring and hopeful.

Let me know what books, shows and podcasts you’ve enjoyed this past year. Have a great start to 2021! Pastor Jen WORSHIP & EDUCATION

January Worship Children & Youth

Sunday, 1/3: Jesus the Word Sunday School (online over Zoom) Sundays 10:30 am Pre-recorded worship w/ Organ & Communion https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85002534603? Psalm 147:12-20, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1: 1-18 pwd=cW81WVVkcjQ1U21RcFBuM3IrYlBaQT09 Passcode: 971683 Sunday, 1/10: In the Beginning/Baptism of our Lord Pre-recorded worship w/ King’s House Band 1/3: Jesus the Word Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29, Mark 1:4-11 1/10: In the Beginning Sunday, 1/17: God Calls Samuel 1/17: God Calls Samuel Pre-recorded worship w/ Organ & Communion 1/24: Jonah in Nineveh 1 Samuel 3:1-10; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; John 1:43-51 1/31: No Sunday School - Annual Meeting Sunday, 1/24: Jonah in Nineveh Confirmation (online over Zoom) Pre-recorded worship w/ King’s House Band Wednesdays at 6:30 pm Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12; Mark 1:14-20 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84805011303? pwd=NWZKUzVIT0hrQWhQaFFmYWt4cForUT09

Sunday, 1/31: Healing Passcode: 593781 Annual Meeting Pre-recorded worship w/ KHB & Communion 1/6: Family Class Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111, Mark 1:21-28 1/13: Joint Youth Group 1/20: Class Pastoral Acts 1/27: Class 11/22/20: Baptism of Audrey Janet La Yang Adult Education 12/6/20: Baptism of Hanks Haze Hennessey Zoom Book Study led by Pastor Laurel Both of these children were baptized at Christ the King in Tuesdays, January 12, 19 & 26 - 7 pm small, family-only, socially distanced services. We pray “First to Fall: A Deceiver’s Tale” God’s richest blessings on the children, their parents, and By our own Timothy Klecker their sponsors, that they would grow together in faith and love. Tim’s book can be found under the name T. K. Dale on Amazon - or a few copies are available for $10 in the church office. We will discuss the book and learn about Tim’s journey to becoming a self-published author (known as an “Indie Author”). Tim says the book may not be “your cup of tea,” but I assured him we are more interested to support his journey as an author. Hope you can join the book study! If not, Prayer List please drop Tim a note of encouragement. On January 1, the worship bulletin prayer list will be "re- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83915962092? set." If you'd like yourself or your loved one to continue pwd=VGZYc2pwQU1EbHAyK0NSWFlyc0JEUT09 Meeting ID: 839 1596 2092 on the list, please contact the church office. Passcode: 766856

January 2021 Trumpet Page 2 EMMANUEL - GOD WITH US (IN 2021)

One of the earliest (and few) memories of my maternal grandmoth- Emmanuel—God With Us, every trial, every joy, every doubt, every er was how gracious and generous she was. She was an amazing confidence, every pain, every healing, every failure, and every suc- cook and I, but a toddler, can remember the ambrosia of her culi- cess we could ever accomplish in our humanness, You’ve experi- nary gifts to us. An immigrant from Poland with my grandfather, my enced and triumphed over. And when you came to us in a stable, grandma was a symbol of selflessness. The cares of others came you established Your redemption of us, forevermore. Emmanuel— first in her universe. I’ve been told that she never kept track of the You are with us. We love You, our Lord and Savior. Lead us with bad stuff; she just gave and was always a teacher in her faith—by Your Grace in 2021. Amen. the life she led. Indeed, and even in my immaturity, she helped me Prayerfully in Christ, Michael Stepan learn from my selfishness and mistakes. I was just a babe, but I saw her example. She taught me of Emmanuel—God With Us.

As we begin our journey together into 2021, and having hiked a few summits (actual and virtual), I find myself looking back over the challenging terrain we traversed in 2020 – somewhat like I envision a mountain climber looking back over the progress made on a diffi- cult mountain ascent, but not yet quite to the summit, of course. And I think of Moses and the Israelites. FINANCE

Regardless of how you view it, the year 2020 was a challenging real deal—on countless levels—for each of us. But we unquestionably Giving to CTK had the assistance of, and continue to need, Emmanuel. One of my favorite teachers, ELCA Bishop Michael Rinehart, describes it this In addition to using offering envelopes and automatic elec- way, after describing the work of Moses and the years of wandering tronic giving, you may now give to CTK online through our in the wilderness by the Israelites: website at www.ctkwbl.org. Click on the “Give” tab on the The beauty of “God with us” is not that God is our buddy, in our front page. back pocket. It is the mystery of the magnificent, inscrutable divine, God, also immanent. This is the sacramental reality of You may also use Amazon Smile: simply go to faith. We glimpse, just barely, the divine. We see as through a mirror dimly. It is not a direct view, but mediated, a reflection. smile.amazon.com before you shop at Amazon, choose CTK as your charity of choice, and 0.5% of the price of your eligi- It’s only fair that Moses, as a leader, wants signs of God’s pres- ble purchases will be donated to CTK. ence and power. Don’t we need this as well? Show us your glo- ry. I am reminded of the disciples request to Jesus: “Show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus replies, “Have I been Here is the CTK financial report for November 2020. with you all this time and you don’t recognize me?” In John, CTK is so blessed by your generosity! Jesus is the reflection of the divine. What bread for the wilderness is there for us here? Moses mod- els prayer for us. Prayer is a pitched negotiation, like Jacob Envelope and online offerings monthly comparison: wrestling with the angel for a blessing. Wandering and uncer- 11/1/2019 through 11/30/2019 = $19,338 tain in the wilderness, we need assurance. We need to connect 11/1/2020 through 11/30/2020 = $20,545 with the bedrock of something that is deep, true, real, profound, and life-giving. Envelope and online offerings Year-To-Date comparison: Prayer is absolutely essential in the wilderness. Ask for what you 1/1/2019 through 11/30/2019 = $223,024 need. Keep asking. Demand even. It might be presumptuous, 1/1/2020 through 11/30/2020 = $244,408 but wrestle with God. Lord, I will follow you. Show me the way. Lord, I believe; help my unbelief. Expenses Year-To-Date: This pandemic has offered us ample opportunities for prayer. 1/1/2019 through 11/30/2019 = $242,180 Give us wisdom. Protect your people. Give me patience. Help me listen. Sustain my joy. Comfort us in our grief. Be with all who 1/1/2020 through 11/30/2020 = $240,126 are oppressed. Use us to serve those whose homes were de- stroyed in the hurricane. Watch over our loved ones. Lead us in the ways of justice and peace. Cash account balances as of November 30: North Star Bank: Checking = $8,777 Savings = $40,478, and Online Giving = Moses can be our example. The more challenging the terrain, the more time on the mountain in prayer. Trust in the one who $85. Mission Investment Fund demand account = $35,864. will raise you up on eagles’ wings, make you to shine like the The amount of temporarily restricted funds, including memo- sun, ordering our days and our deeds in God’s peace. rials, is $63,177 and not available for continued in next column day-to-day operational expenses.

January 2021 Trumpet Page 3 THIS ‘N THAT

GATHER - PRAY - EAT

As we think about ways CTK can interact and connect, please share your favorite recipes and where you gathered to eat: worship meeting, choir Christmas party, etc. Also, feel free to share a special table prayer, if you wish. A cookbook is going to be compiled from our mem- bers called GATHER - PRAY - EAT. This is not a fundraiser, and the categories are less than traditional (see below). The cookbook will be available in PDF form or printed for a minimal cost. This is a chance to share your cooking creativity at its best! Here are some suggested categories:

1) Stay Safe & Healthy - heart-healthy, gluten-free, updated classics. 2) Cleanliness is close to Godliness - Sanitizer, detergent, cleaner recipes you make at home. Any hints on staying safe. 3) Feeding your Soul - comfort foods you and your family enjoy. 4) Deep Within My Heart There’s a Melody—Choir, Kings Band, Bell Choir: Share recipes you have brought to Christmas parties, potlucks. 5) If I Had A Hammer - “Habitat for Humanity” volunteer workers both inside and out of CTK - Sandwiches and snacks. 6) Lenten Soup Suppers - Soup recipes and recipes from Holden Cookbook. 7) Rites of Passage - Foods you have brought for weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc. Include foods you have purchased and from where. 8) Masisiwe - Foods people ate when visiting there or recipes, spices or other food ideas. 9) Worship Teams - Council, committees, Lam’s, Altar Guild, Mom’s Group, Women’s Group, Small Groups: Any group where you provided food including council team bringing food to Birch Lake Elementary for teachers. 10) Recollections - Recipes from old CTK cookbooks that you have enjoyed and want to share. Recipes from people who have passed. 11) Appliances and gadgets - Your favorite recipes using a stand up mixer, air fryer, etc. 12) HODGEPODGE - any recipe that does not fit any category goes here!!

You can take a clear photo of your recipe if you don’t have it typed already. Mail or Email to:

Bonnie Jackelen - [email protected] Isabel Karon - [email protected] 743 Gilfilan Lane 894 Evergreen Court White Bear Township, MN 55127 Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 651-246-4202 218-232-7170

To the Property Team . . . for working on various projects this fall: repairing and replacing outdoor lights, adjusting Annual Meeting thermostats, replacing bulbs, and everything else they pro- vide for the church building. This year’s annual meeting will be held virtually at10:30 am on Sunday, Jan-

uary 31, 2021. Watch upcoming bulletin announcements for details and a Zoom link. To everyone . . . who made our Advent & Christmas season special: contributors to our daily devotions, all worship par- Submissions for the 2020 Annual Report are due in the ticipants and musicians. A special thank you to Elida Olson for creating our Advent Wreath kits and to Bea Jones for cre- church office byThursday, January 7. Please Email your ating lots of fun video content for us, including the King's Choir 12 Daze of Christmas! To the whole CTK congregation . . . A special thank from Bishop Lull of the Saint Paul Area Synod for a generous con- COVID-19 Update tribution of $3,000, which will be directed to synod funds that support new mission starts and redevelopment congre- The CTK COVID Team is working to create a flowchart that gations. This donation was made by vote of the CTK Council outlines the metrics that need to be in place before we in grateful response to CTK’s generous giving in a time of can have indoor worship. More information will be provid- pandemic and in appreciation for synod support during this ed later this month. Stay safe and stay tuned! very challenging time.

January 2021 Trumpet Page 4 2021

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Offering envelopes for 2021 are available! If you’ve not yet received yours, please contact Bobbi in the church office to make arrange- ments. Bread Min. 7A King’s House Band 9A 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PRE-RECORDED WORSHIP Deadline for . . . W/ORGAN & COMMUNION Worship Team Bread Min. 7A 10:30 AM ZOOM SUNDAY Zoom Confirmation SCHOOL 6:30P 6:30P King’s House Band 9A 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

PRE-RECORDED WORSHIP W/KING’S HOUSE BAND

10:30 AM ZOOM SUNDAY Bread Min. 7A SCHOOL Zoom Confirmation King’s House Band 9A Admin/Finance 7P 6:30P 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

PRE-RECORDED WORSHIP W/ORGAN & Trumpet Deadline COMMUNION Bread Min. 7A 10:30 AM ZOOM SUNDAY Zoom Confirmation SCHOOL Church Council 7P 6:30P King’s House Band 9A 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

PRE-RECORDED WORSHIP W/KING’S HOUSE BAND

10:30 AM ZOOM SUNDAY Bread Min. 7A SCHOOL Zoom Confirmation 6:30P King’s House Band 9A 31 Worship Team link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83261139483 PRE-RECORDED WORSHIP W/KING’S HOUSE BAND & Council Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81230416282 COMMUNION Administration & Finance Team link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88570340898 10:30 AM ANNUAL MEETING - NO SUNDAY SCHOOL

January 2021 Trumpet Page 5 January 2021

STAFF

Pastor Visitation & Teaching Pastor Rev. Jennifer Hackbarth Laurel Halvorson Bernard [email protected] [email protected] 651-434-2537 763-228-7862

Organist Office Administrator Betsy Murray Bobbi French [email protected]

Director of Music Dir. Jr. & Sr. High Ministries Lynette Campbell Heidi Caldecott

[email protected] [email protected]

Children’s Choir Custodian Elida Olson Kristen Jackelen

Christ the King Lutheran Church 1660 Birch Lake Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Phone: 651-429-4828 • Fax: 651-429-1464 • Email: [email protected] • www.ctkwbl.org