NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.GOODSHEPHERDMPLS.ORG TOGETHER
celebrating our quilters’ caring ministry WHERE LOVE COMES TO LIFE A FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH A DEEPER RELATIONSHIP WITH PERFORMING ARTS THE FULTON CATECHISM SIMPSON HOUSING SERVICES ARE FOR EVERYONE CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2017
4801 France Avenue South 3 10 Minneapolis, MN 55410 Together Wednesday U Brings BY PASTOR Us Together Phone: 612-927-8849 DEBRA SAMUELSON BY KAREN WALHOF Email: [email protected] www.goodshepherdmpls.org 4 13 Golden Shepherds The Power of Two BY PASTOR KARL N. Christmas Brunch JACOBSON SUNDAY WORSHIP 4 Worship with Communion Christmas for Babies 14 8:15 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. BY HEATHER ROTH A Deeper Relationship JOHNSON with Simpson Housing Child care Services 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon 5 BY MARK HALVORSON The First Encounter with TOGETHER TEAM: The Fulton Catechism Ann Burckhardt, Julie Burrows, BY RON HOVLAND 15 Project 31: Connie Fukuda-Clark, Pastor Karl N. Reformation Vespers Jacobson, Rich May, Pastor Debra 6 BY PASTOR KARL N. Samuelson, Laura Stein, Performing Arts are JACOBSON Karen Walhof for Everyone BY CONNIE CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: FUKUDA-CLARK 16 Advent, Christmas, Ann Burckhardt, Connie Fukuda-Clark, Epiphany Worship at Cathy, Colton & Jason Davenport, Mark Halvorson, Ron Hovland, 7 Good Shepherd Pastor Karl Jacobson, Heather Roth Lifelines BY PASTOR KARL N. Johnson, Pastor Debra Samuelson, JACOBSON 8 Karen Walhof C elebrating Our Quilters’ Caring Ministry 17 PHOTOGRAPHY: BY KAREN WALHOF Life Passages Jeff Burrows, Mark Halvorson, Chris Hamond, Chris Martin 18 9 Music for Advent ART DIRECTION: God’s Work Our Hands May Advertising and Design, Inc. BY CATHY, COLTON AND and Christmas at JASON DAVENPORT Good Shepherd TOGETHER (USPS 493-740) BY RALPH JOHNSON Published Quarterly
19 Lutheran Church of the Good 10 Questions with Shepherd Sharon Vicic 4801 France Avenue South BY ANN BURCKHARDT Minneapolis, MN 55410 Periodical Publications Postage Paid St. Paul, MN Postmaster: send address changes to Together 4801 France Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55410 ON THE COVER: Vol. 7 #4 ~ November, 2017 The Quilters (l-r): Marge Meester, Judith Christian, Eva Bryan, Lois Munson, Mary Meester, Donna Jorgenson, Joan Tanger, Jean Saccoman Crain, Nancy Shelstad, Ardis Grimes, Mary Ireland, Ester Hein, Barb Glenzinski. Not pictured: Donna Brooks, Lois Drury, Marian Nichols, Hazel Odin, Jill Ries, Mae Thompson.
2 TOGETHER
Greetings, dear friends in Christ!
What a wonderful fall at Good Shepherd. Wednesday U has quickly become a central gathering place midweek (pages 10-12), our worship services are vibrant and inviting (pages 16-19), the community is open and welcoming, and you all continue giving of yourselves in so many ways. (Check out what our youth and adults are doing with Simpson Housing Services on page 14!). I love being together with this community of faith.
Reformation Vespers was a highlight for me this fall (page 15). We marked the 500th anniversary of the Reformation on October 31 by gathering together for worship. Pastor Jacobson and Ralph Johnson collaborated on a little-known Luther hymn, giving it a fresh translation both linguistically and musically. It is beautiful – a hymn I suspect (and hope!) we will use more often. It was at that Reformation Vespers service that Pastor Jacobson unveiled The Fulton WHERE Catechism (page 5) which he wrote in consultation with a small group of people from Good Shepherd. It is an accessible way to learn the principles of our faith. Be sure to get a copy of LOVE COMES your own to read and work through. And make sure you have the rest of our 500-year anniversary TO LIFE activities and ministries in your calendars (Project 31, page 15)! The Sanctuary is going to have a different feel during Advent this year. We will be worshiping in – the round I’m looking forward to this experience! “As we worship together this Advent, we literally will be re-structuring our worship space as we re-orient ourselves through our worship of the God who makes and keeps promises” (page 16). On the First Sunday in Advent, our youngest children and their families will gather to learn about the Christmas story (page 4).
Our quilters are a remarkable group of women, quietly dedicated to repurposing material to bring warmth and comfort to people they don’t even know (pages 8-9). Jason and Colton Davenport created a beautiful video of their work that you can watch on the website (www. goodshepherdmpls.org).
The Performing Arts program at Good Shepherd is one of our outreach ministries. We draw people from the community who may not have much exposure to the church. Their experience here helps them understand our faith community. And it’s a wonderful way for our children to gain self-assurance being in front of people, giving them confidence to develop in other areas of leadership in the church. (pages 6 and 7).
We are deeply grateful to members Yvonne Grover and Jim Thvedt, who filled in on the organ and piano during the late summer and early fall as we interviewed for our accompanist position. We look forward to the congregation getting to know our new accompanist, Sharon Vicic! You can begin to get to know her through 10 Questions on page 19.
Thank you, dear people of Good Shepherd, for all the ways you live out the Gospel – the Good News – of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Debra Samuelson
3 WHERE LOVE COMES TO LIFE
GOLDEN On Thursday, December 14, the Golden Shepherds will sponsor their Annual Christmas Buffet. Punch and SHEPHERDS appetizers will be served at noon, and the buffet will begin at 12:30 p.m. Music will be provided by Rick Riddle and CHRISTMAS BRUNCH members of the Twin Cities Harmonica Society.
Christmas for Babies!
BY HEATHER ROTH JOHNSON
Baby’s Christmas Extravaganza will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2018, during the education hour in Room 226. Families with kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews (newborn to age 3) are invited to come and explore the Christmas story together. We will sing our favorite Christmas hymns, create a keepsake ornament and even take a turn sitting in the manger.
But why does this ministry matter? It matters because of what Jesus says in Matthew 14: “[He] said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” As a church community, we are called to nurture and care for people of all ages. This includes kids! Our role is to provide a safe space for the littlest members to explore the love of Jesus. The Baby’s Christmas Extravaganza does just that: We invite families into the sanctuary to play, pray and practice faith together. Jesus would not want it any other way. No hindrance. Only love.
4 BY RON HOVLAND A FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH THE FULTON CATECHISM
According to Wikipedia, catechisms are doctrinal manuals some editorial comments. In short, they were guinea pigs, – often in the form of questions followed by answers to be and these are some of their thoughts: memorized. Those of us who are older and who grew up in the Lutheran church fondly, and not so fondly, remember “Some of us had many bad memories of anything studying Luther’s Small Catechism as part of confirmation ‘catechism.’ However, we were pleasantly surprised about class. We also remember that, as part of confirmation study, The Fulton Catechism format and enjoyed the dialogue and we had to memorize much of it. conversation sparked from the open-ended questions in the book.” According to Pastor Karl Jacobson (the primary author of The Fulton Catechism), no memorization will be required “This Fulton Catechism is not your father’s Oldsmobile (for while studying it, whether you are sitting in confirmation or those who remember the commercial). Text, pictures, in an adult learning environment. The Fulton Catechism will themes, and discussion brought the teachings of the be introduced to the congregation in various settings catechism out of the 60s and 70s era some of us were throughout our year-long celebration of the 500th subjected to.” anniversary of the Reformation. “I liked The Fulton Catechism. It has been a while since I Pastor Jacobson says that the catechism was prepared so that thought about a catechism, and this one rekindles my we would have something that fits our community – both interest. From basic statements and thoughts about Good Shepherd and the neighborhood in general – and the Christianity to the part about what Lutheran Christians shifting cultural terrain more closely than, for lack of a bring to the table, I think it will be a nice starting point better term, a “generic” catechism. That concept actually for a lot of discussions.” reflects the catechetical tradition of Luther’s day, when there The Fulton Catechism will be used in-house at Good were catechisms written for and used in many communities Shepherd both for confirmation and adult education. It also – written “by the people and for the people” if you will. will be informational for visitors and given away to others. He adds that this catechism is a part of how we are marking We have already had requests from other congregations to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, and it is meant to see it and perhaps to use it for themselves. be a contribution to the continuing reform of God's church. The newFulton Catechism is filled with humor (both in One of the slogans of the Reformation was semper words and cartoons), it is easy to read, and it is thought- reformanda, “always reforming.” provoking in a non-threatening way. The church, to a large At the Men’s Retreat in early September, the participants degree, is about relationships and stories. The Fulton had the opportunity to study The Fulton Catechism and make Catechism can serve nicely in helping us deepen both. As Martin Luther said, “This is most certainly true.”
5 WHERE LOVE COMES TO LIFE
PERFORMING ARTS UPDATES
PERFORMING ARTS ARE FOR EVERYONE
BY CONNIE FUKUDA-CLARK
Good Shepherd’s Performing Arts program is on a roll! Under the creative direction of Tor Johnson, Director of Performing Arts, a variety of exciting performances are on the slate for the remainder of this year through next summer. During his eight years in his role, Tor says his proudest accomplishment is starting the Performing Arts ministry at Good Shepherd. Every year, three productions are performed – the Holiday Musical, Lenten Drama, Summer Classical Comedy – in addition to Summer Musical Theater Camps. What is unique about Good Shepherd’s productions is the cast is comprised of non- professional actors – both children and adults from within our church community and the nearby neighborhood. “ANNIE, JR.” – THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY MUSICAL
This year’s holiday musical will be “Annie, Jr.,” based on the popular comic strip, Little Orphan Annie. Featuring a cast of 60 actors, the performance dates are Thursday, December 9, through Saturday, December 11. Auditions were open to anyone interested, although most of the children come from Good Shepherd’s congregation or from the Summer Musical Theater Camps. According to Tor, “The girl who is playing Annie is brand new. She sang very well, spoke confidently and displayed spunk. The girl is also the same age as the character Annie.” Tor admits, though, that the casting decision was somewhat difficult and stressful, because there were several other girls who could have played the role of Annie. “When it’s a show like Annie, it’s hard to tell 49 parents that their kid wasn’t selected to be Annie,” he adds. However, Tor works hard to include as many children as possible in the productions. In this production of “Annie, Jr.,” there are 50 “orphans” on stage, singing and dancing!
6 CHILDREN ACTORS: CHALLENGES AND REWARDS
“Annie, Jr.” is just one example of Tor working with an ensemble of youthful actors. “It’s harder, I admit, to work with children because we spend so much time trying to keep them focused,” Tor explains. “But that doesn’t diminish the satisfaction I get working with them.” One of the rewards of directing children actors is LIFELINES observing their fearlessness and confidence on the stage. “I didn’t start singing and acting till I was 21, so I’m always impressed by the kids’ commitment and enthusiasm,” Tor notes. “I really like when large DECEMBER 3 Everything You Know About groups of kids are on stage together – singing, dancing the Bible is WRONG! and having fun.” 10That’s in the Bible?! The biggest challenge when preparing for a What the Bible Doesn’t Say performance is working around everybody’s busy 17 schedules. Tor says, “I’ve learned to be very flexible and patient when people have to miss several rehearsals.” JANUARY 7 How Lutherans Read the Bible: DIRECTOR’S PHILOSOPHY An Introduction to the New Testament Tor’s directing philosophy is to give everyone the 14 “70 AD and All That”: 2 Dates, freedom to explore their characters within the show. 2 Kings and 2 Things You Most of the actors (kids, teens, adults) who he works Absolutely Have to Know with have not done much acting. According to Tor, “I treat almost everyone the same and try to be specific 21The Gospel of John about what I’m looking for and, occasionally, use artsy language to impress them with my knowledge of 28The Gospel of John theater.” So what about stage fright? Tor says most performers FEBRUARY 4 The Gospel of John of all ages experience varying amounts of fear, insecurity, self-doubt and anxiety when they get to the 11 Reading Galatians with Luther actual performances. Yet, he says, “Adrenaline is a (a study written and led by Rev. great elixir when it comes to quelling those fears and Del Jacobson) helping people get through the performances. I do lots of encouraging, tell them how wonderful they are and 18Reading Galatians with Luther rehearse things as thoroughly as we can in our limited amount of time so that they feel confident when it’s 25Reading Galatians with Luther show time.”
Tor explains that he also enjoys working with adults, Reading Galatians with Luther and he’s grateful to all people at Good Shepherd who MARCH 4 are willing to step out of their comfort zones and put 11 Reading Galatians with Luther on a show. 18Reading Galatians with Luther
7 WHERE LOVE COMES TO LIFE
Prayer spoken during each meeting by the Quilters, before their coffee gathering:
Bless this food to our use and us to thy service. And make us ever mindful of the needs of others. Amen.
Celebrating Our Quilters’ Caring Ministry
On Rally Day, with the theme of had photographed each step, then of support for brothers and sisters in creation in Genesis 1 and 2 before us, pieced those photos together – and we difficult situations. the people of Good Shepherd saw squares of fabric blossom into worshiped together in the midst of usable, useful quilts before our eyes. Some of the quilts go to Lutheran beautifully-crafted, multi-colored World Relief, and they are shipped to quilts created by our Quilters group. Then, at the offering, people sitting in countries throughout the world. Others Quilts were arranged on every row of the pews folded those quilts into go to 66 West (the apartment building pew chairs, on the choir chairs, manageable bundles and brought them for homeless youth), Bridging (an hanging over the balcony – 101 of them up to the altar. An exquisite offering to organization that sets up apartments displayed in the Sanctuary and God, the quilts teetered there as we for uprooted families), Global Health Narthex. sang, “All things bright and beautiful.” Ministries (where they cushion medical Indeed – brightly colored and equipment going to mission hospitals), We saw a video which compressed the beautifully fashioned. Families Moving Forward (that’s right process of constructing these – right here, for every family we serve), handiworks: first choosing and cutting Seeing those piles before the altar and seminary families. the fabrics, next assembling the quilt – vibrant slips of fabric – we wondered top, slipping the batting between the how they would be used: perhaps as I have seen the eyes of the two young top and bottom sheets, pinning the swaddles providing comfort to babies, children of one of our Ethiopian three layers together, then tying them maybe as blankets bringing warmth to seminary students light up as they with colored yarn that coordinates with families huddled together, possibly as claim the quilts they have been given, the fabrics, finally pinning the edges striking room dividers offering a then smooth them carefully as they and finishing them off with machine measure of privacy in a humble shelter place them on their beds. The stitching. Jason and Colton Davenport somewhere. But certainly they are signs bedspreads that brighten their rooms
8 BY KAREN WALHOF, CATHY DAVENPORT, COLTON DAVENPORT AND JASON DAVENPORT also cushion the insecurity that comes with moving into an unfamiliar home in a strange country. And sometimes it comes full circle. Ester Hein had a quilt laid out on the floor of her apartment at 7500 York when a woman who cleans there walked in. She asked Ester what she was doing, and when she heard the story she said excitedly, “Lutheran?” Ester responded, “Yes.” The woman continued, “World Relief?” Ester again responded positively. Then the woman went on to tell Ester about receiving one of the quilts through Lutheran World Relief when she was in her hometown in Africa. The Quilters work quietly, every other Thursday, in Fellowship Hall, but their ministry is global in scope and life- changing in impact.
9 WHERE LOVE COMES TO LIFE
music-making
BringsBY KARENUs WALHOF Together family time
easy conversation
10 We really didn’t know what it would become – Wednesday U, For Conversations, people gather near the Nathex altar to discuss that is. The vision was that it would be a midweek opportunity to the week’s topic. The subjects are wildly diverse, each led by a gather as a congregation. The hope was that the offerings and the congregation member or friend who has related experience or schedule would make a Wednesday night commitment easier and training. Those attending, for example, have climbed Kilimanjaro more engaging for families. Could we construct a weekly event at with Andrea Brandt and filled out advance directives regarding which people could eat dinner, be involved in what interests them end-of-life decisions with Dorothy Ellerbroek. Each topic has – choirs, the confirmation program, adult education, the youth stimulated profound questions and wide-ranging discussion. John group meeting – and enjoy time chatting together at Sacred Mendesh attended the Conversation led by Emma Stein: “It was Grounds? Through the years at Good Shepherd we had done many a thoughtful discussion about faith and science. Emma did a great of those things in various ways, but it seemed like it was time to job of inviting everyone in the group into the conversation. I think shake things up, to renew Wednesday evenings. ‘science is explaining God to God,’ as Francis Collins says in The Language of God, a book we discussed at Midrash on France. I’m Now, a few months in, the questions are: How are we doing? Does glad we’re talking about this kind of thing here at Good Shepherd.” Wednesday U fit the community of faith at Good Shepherd? Is it working? Let’s see. Kevin Roelinger and his family are at Sacred Grounds most Wednesdays, for pizza and family time. “It’s a phenomenal idea, At 5:30 p.m., Sacred Grounds gets busy as adults, youth and buck-a-slice pizza,” he says. “And I like having it up here in the children choose the buck-a-slice pizza that suits them – freshly Narthex; it feels a lot fuller than Fellowship Hall, so there’s a lot baked pepperoni, cheese, vegetarian or gluten-free – then return more conversation going on here.” He likes the convenience. “We for an americano or latte or hot chocolate from a barista. Some have three kids going to three different choirs every Wednesday,” families eat together; others individually scatter to their favorite he points out, “so this is perfect for us.” As we talk, son Joel strolls places or friends. by with his pizza on the way to the Child Care Center, assuring By 6:00 p.m., most children and youth have run off to choir his dad he has “lots of napkins.” rehearsals – Alleluia Choir, Caroler Choir, Choristers, Cantáre. Ingrid Krafve, who serves the pizza, echoes Kevin’s comments. Adults have made their selection for the evening – Pastor Jacobson’s “It’s been very well received,” she says. “And there’s great fellowship Class, Conversations, the Chapel for silent prayer and quiet up here.” Then she adds, “It’s fun to see people who didn’t come meditation, or lingering at Sacred Grounds with friends. to the dinner downstairs. I’ve met some new people up here.” Mike Meanwhile, young children in the Child Care Center have a place Thomes is a frequent Wednesday barista, making specialty coffees to play while their parents and older siblings pursue other interests. and hot chocolate. He is enthusiastic about Wednesday U and says, Some come and go to attend their own choir rehearsals. “It brings the community together,” then hurriedly turns away to Debbie Holmstrom is a near-weekly visitor to the Chapel, where take another order. she sits amid lighted candles and soft Celtic or classical music. “I By 7:00 p.m., most children have gone home with their parents. have three friends with health issues or church problems,” Debbie Now it’s time for youth to gather – for Confirmation and the High family says. “I pray for them.” The world also drives Debbie to prayer: School Youth Group. Some have been at Cantáre rehearsal; others “There have been so many natural disasters, plus I wonder about slip in just as the groups begin meeting. For Mark Halvorson it’s time the future of our country. So many people need so many different a very busy hour, but the adult leaders in Confirmation make it all things,” she muses. Why make the trip to the Chapel each week? possible. And now parents with kids in both youth groups only Debbie responds, “It’s the atmosphere. It’s the quiet. With the need to make one round-trip trek to church on Wednesdays. On music and the candles, it’s such a relaxing, comforting atmosphere.” the other side of the building the Good Shepherd Choir gathers, Pastor Jacobson’s class has covered a few topics already this fall. A preparing music for Sunday worship. Some rush in from home or three-week series explored parenting and technology, and Cathy work; others have spent the previous hour learning or praying Mooney attended those sessions. “I have grandkids,” she says. “I upstairs. went to get the book, hear what Karl had to say about it and then When the choir completes its rehearsal and the youth finish their pass that on to my kids and grandkids.” Barb Halvorson attended hilarity and holy talk, the building empties and the doors are the second series, “Crazy Talk,” about thinking, speaking and locked. It’s quiet again. But in the span of three hours, Wednesday acting theologically. “It’s always interesting to listen to Pastor U has brought scores of people together for purposeful learning, Jacobson,” she says with a smile. “We’re looking forward to more silent prayer, easy conversation, friendly play, delightful music- classes on this topic next spring.” making and a slice or two of pizza. Not bad.
Schedule & Classes 11 WHERE LOVE COMES TO LIFE
WINTER TERM WEDNESDAY U CLASSES
JANUARY 10, 17, 24: My Neighbor is Muslim: Exploring the Muslim Faith
JANUARY 31: Project 31: Feed My Starving Children Metro Meal-Pak
WEDNESDAY U CONVERSATIONS
JANUARY 10: New Year’s Resolution: Family Finances – Joy & Kevin Roelinger
JANUARY 17: New Year’s Resolution: Talking about My Faith – Deb Stehlin, Minneapolis Area Synod
JANUARY 24: New Year’s Resolution: Effective Political Action for Hungry People – The Hunger Team
JANUARY 31: Project 31 – Feed My Starving Children Metro Meal-Pack
12 SCRIPTURE STORY the power of
Two(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) BY PASTOR KARL N. JACOBSON
My great-grandmother Ellen was, in many ways, a The book of Ecclesiastes says something quite similar, Renaissance woman. She cooked and cared for her family of Two are better than one, course, she knitted and darned, and (my favorite) she wrote poetry. The following is a poem she wrote in Norwegian, because they have a good reward for their toil. which my grandfather translated – “amateurishly” in his 10For if they fall, one will lift up the other; self-deprecating analysis. It is called “Two.” In time of youth when the heart beats fastest, but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. 11 Hope reaches farthest when there are two; Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; In later years when disappointments may weaken hope and faith, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 Then strength is gained by being two; And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. At eventide when strength fades, A threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
When years remain in glorious memory, I don’t know that my great-grandmotherBY was RON thinking HOVLAND of Ecclesiastes when she wrote “Two,” but there is no doubt in The heart whispers, “Thanks that we are two.” my mind that its words resonated and worked in her to produce her own poetry. This idea that we are more together This poem lends both the title and the opening words to the than we are individually is no simplistic call to tearing down family history that my grandfather wrote for his parents. It is the walls that separate us (although this, too, is good) nor a story of the family’s emigration to the United States, of the merely an idealistic plea for unity (although unity is not a bad ups and downs of the early days of the Wisconsin lumber thing, to be sure), rather it is a hopeful, spiritual claim that boom, of losses and joys; but most of all it is a story of love God gives us to one another to care for, and to be cared for by and faith. one another. Two. When there are two – friends, lovers, spouses, siblings But there is one more wrinkle here. My great-grandmother’s – when there are two, there are hope, strength, and reason to poem finishes with the statement that in all things we give give thanks in ways that we cannot imagine when we are thanks that “we are two.” We give thanks, and these thanks alone, when we are all one. Two, a believer and her God with are directed to God. Hidden in the call to give thanks we are whom she shares a sense of this life; a seeker and his sense two, is a third – in other words we two are not two, but three. that there is something, someone beyond him whom he longs For it is God who gives the gift of love and companionship, to find; the child of God and the community of faith where who binds us together in hope and in strength in the face of there will always be place, and welcome, and refuge in times disappointment. of trouble. This, too, is an echo of Ecclesiastes. “Two are better than one,” it begins, but it ends by pointing to a third, to a threefold cord, the third of which is the God who binds us together, and will not let us go.
13 WHERE LOVE COMES TO LIFE
BY MARK HALVORSON A DEEPER RELATIONSHIP WITH SIMPSON HOUSING SERVICES
This October, on a cold and rainy meal would come from. We exchanged Saturday evening, a group of 11 students smiles and heard thank you, we met and adults took 3-1/2 hours out of their folks that were kind and polite and, day to prepare and serve a warm meal to after some of those guests are gone over 100 guests at the Simpson Shelter through for seconds and thirds, we sat in Minneapolis. By doing so we joined and ate at those same tables. We the dozens of other churches and carefully set aside 24 meals for folks community groups that have stepped up who couldn't make it during dinnertime in order to provide nourishing and because they were either working late or hearty meals to those who pass through out pursuing employment or stable the doors of that shelter every night of housing. the year. Good Shepherd has long supported the Simpson Shelter through Simpson Housing Services began as an the donation of sandwiches, toiletries emergency overnight shelter in the and other necessities. Now, by preparing basement of Simpson United Methodist and sharing meals, we are working to Church in 1982. Simpson has since deepen our relationship with and become a leading nonprofit providing “Going to the Simpson commitment to that shelter and their assistance to people experiencing Shelter was a really mission. homelessness. In response to unmet amazing experience. community needs, their programs have Eight years ago I went for Each night at approximately 5:00 p.m., grown to include emergency shelter, single adult supportive housing and the first time; and to be the Simpson shelter opens its doors to provide a place for those without. family supportive housing. They work able to go back and Guests spend time before dinner in across the metro area, partnering with experience it again was conversation and card games, some relax landlords and developers to find incredible. It was a huge watching the evening news, while others affordable housing for families and eye opener into how much get situated and organized by their air individuals. At any given time, they we all take for granted and mattresses, if they are one of the lucky provide supportive services to 100 how much we truly have.” ones to have won a bed that month individuals and 200 families with over through the lottery system. Others take 400 children. -Mara Halvorson advantage of a warm shower or complete a quick load of laundry. Our group of Good Shepherd members and friends did not eliminate hunger or The night we joined them, we prepared homelessness in Minneapolis that night, a simple spaghetti meal, with the sides however, we would like to believe that you would come to expect. Promptly at we may made a difference, if even just a 7:00 p.m., we began serving the guests little, in lives of the people we were who had assembled in the dining room privileged to serve. Our goal is to bring waiting for this meal prepared with love. a group to serve dinner every other After a quick prayer and short blessing, month, and we look forward to our next everything moved into high gear, opportunity on Friday, December 22, working quickly to prepare plates of 2017. If you’re interested in being a part food for those who, at least this day, of this ministry, please contact Mark didn't have to worry where that next Halvorson.
14 JANUARY 31ST: feed my starving children
BY PASTOR KARL N. JACOBSON BY MARK HALVORSON : reformation vespers
On October 31st we marked the 500th anniversary of the Luther wrote which hasn’t had a wide reception in English. Lutheran Reformation with Reformation Vespers. We marked That hymn’s first line in German is “Unser große Sünde und that anniversary date by paying attention to two things that schwere Missetat,” which roughly means, “Our great sin and are classic Luther, and therefore (we believe), classic Lutheran terrible iniquity.” Catchy. Maybe it’s no wonder that it isn’t in and classic Christian: hymns and catechisms, or rather a our hymnal! But this hymn is an important window into hymn and a catechism – The Fulton Catechism. Luther’s understanding of sin, grace and the importance of God’s redeeming action in Christ Jesus. The Fulton Catechism is now available at church as a resource for education, for home use and for sharing with people The Fulton Catechism and “Unser große Sünde” were the focal outside of our worshipping community. It was written in the points of what we called Reformation Vespers, a chance for us spirit of the Reformation, that is, to put the promise of the to gather in prayer and song and reflection on the continuing Gospel and the language of Scripture into people’s hands in a power of the Good News in our lives, and in the life of the welcome and accessible way. world. The Reformation began 500 years ago, but if the Gospel is still true, then the Reformation – which reclaimed it for a Ralph Johnson and Pastor Jacobson worked on a translation new generation – is still true, and it is still happening. – both linguistic and musical – of the one hymn that Martin
Throughout this Reformation year, Project 31 will take place on each of the 31sts of the given months. Here is what is still to come: NEW YEAR’S EVE AT GOOD SHEPHERD, 5:00-6:30 P.M. DECEMBER 31ST Appetizers, cookies, coffee, and a prayer-service to end the old year and begin the new with Christ at the center of our celebrations. FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN 5TH ANNUAL SOUTH METRO MEAL PACK JANUARY 31ST During the week of January 29 through February 3, we will be joining the effort to answer the hunger needs of our world – the world God has called and sent us to serve. Volunteering anytime during the week is great, but we are hoping to mark the Reformation celebration on January 31st as “Good Shepherd Night” at this FMSC Mobile pack. Look for sign-up opportunities. ST MARCH 31 OUR EASTER VIGIL, 7:00 P.M., EASTER SATURDAY We are taking the leap into a full-on Easter Vigil, Good Shepherd style. Join us for candle-lit prayer, singing, psalmody and shared reflection on the hope that is ours in the Risen Lord. Thanks to Louise Campbell and others who planted the seeds for this by organizing a prayer service on Easter Saturday. ST YEAR-END GALA AND “FESTIVAL TO THE LORD,” 6:00-7:30 P.M. MAY 31 Deuteronomy tells us that God’s people would gather, once a year (at least) simply to celebrate their shared life in the LORD. We will come together to remember the year that has been, and to look forward to the year to come. This will include our neighborhood party, usually held in August as the Neighborhood Plaza Party.
15 WHERE LOVE COMES TO LIFE
ADVENT, CHRISTMAS, EPIPHANY WORSHIP AT GOOD SHEPHERD BY PASTOR KARL N. JACOBSON ADVENT: THE PROMISES OF THE PROMISED ONE
The first Advent text, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the Christmas morning text from John 1 bookend a set of stories by promising that God will be – is – with us. The “promises of the Promised One” are that God will – does – work in our lives, is present with us in our troubles and trials, brings life out of death and accomplishes all of this through the power of God’s divine Word. As we worship together this Advent, we literally will be re-structuring our worship space as we re-orient ourselves in and through our worship of the God who makes and keep promises. DECEMBER 3 | Daniel: The Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3:1, 8-30) “God promises to be in it, with us.” Worshipping in the round for Advent, building the central worship space week by week. 1. The Cross DECEMBER 10 | Ezekiel: Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14) “God promises to work life in us.” Worshipping in the round for Advent, building the central worship space week by week. 1. The Cross 2. The Font
DECEMBER 17 | Word Accomplishes God’s Purpose (Isaiah 55:1-11) “God promises to keep speaking to us.” Worshipping in the round for Advent, building the central worship space week by week. 1. The Cross 2. The Font 3. The Altar DECEMBER 24 | 10:00 – Word Made Flesh (John 1:1-18) “God promises to dwell among us.” Worshipping in the round for Advent, building the central worship space week by week. 1. The Cross 2. The Font 3. The Altar 4. The Lectern
16 [IN OUR COMMUNITY OF FAITH] AT GOOD SHEPHERD LIFE PASSAGES
EPIPHANY, THE WORD MADE FLESH, SUMMONS US TO COME, SEE, HEAR AND WITNESS
What would a New Year, lived in the newness of the (re)birth that is ours in Christ, look like? The first six weeks of the new year bring texts that invite us to encounter the Word that is dwelling among us. Each of these stories serve both as invitation and commission CONFIRMATION: – we are invited to meet the living Lord and shown how to JASON DAVENPORT extend that invitation to others. The Word dwells among us LUKE GILBERTSON and through us, and it dwells in all the world MARY GRANTHAM ELLA HAMMOND DECEMBER 31 | A Voice in the Wilderness GUS JOHNSON (John 1:19-34) SEBASTIEN SAGEL “Come and hear” BAPTISMS:
JANUARY 7 | Jesus Says, Come and See 10.22.17 (John 1:35-51) KLARA MARGARET NELSON “Come and follow/come and see” 10.08.17 KYLE STEWART PICKETT JANUARY 14 | Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11) DEATHS: “Come and witness” 02.13.23 - 09.04.17 JOHN SIEBERZ JANUARY 21 | Jesus Cleanses the Temple (John 2:13-25) 10.20.35 - 09.27.17 MARILYN REITAN “Witness: Zeal for the Lord’s house” 08.15.23 - 10.18.17 CAMILLA JOHNSON JANUARY 28 | Nicodemus (John 3:1-21) “Witness: A life of rebirth” THANK YOU! FEBRUARY 4 | The Woman at the Well • OUR ANNUAL GOLF (John 4:1-42) TOURNAMENT RAISED $1,187 FOR 66 WEST. “Witness: He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” • THE PENTECOST OFFERING RAISED $1,409 FOR CAMDEN PROMISE.
17 WHERE LOVE COMES TO LIFE
BY RALPH JOHNSON MUSIC FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS AT GOOD SHEPHERD Our Advent/Christmas theme this year is “The Promises of the Promised One.” God has promised to be “with us” (Emmanuel – “God with us”). As we move through the Sundays of December, we encounter examples of God being “with” God’s people through wonderful stories from Daniel, Ezekiel, and Isaiah – all leading to the story of God coming to us as the Word made flesh, and dwelling with us in the person of Jesus. God’s promise and continuing presence with us will be expressed in word, song, rich new artistic visions and the thoughtful reshaping of our worship space for the Advent season. ADVENT SCHEDULE: CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE: Sunday, December 3, 8:15 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday, December 24 – Christmas Eve
First Sunday in Advent 3 p.m. Family Christmas Service with music by Alleluia Choir, Carolers Thursday – Saturday, December 7, 8 & 9, 7 p.m. and Choristers. Holiday musical, “Annie, Jr.” 5 p.m. Christmas Festival Service with music by Good Shepherd Sunday, December 10, 8:15 & 10:30 a.m. musicians, with a special prelude Second Sunday of Advent by the Good Shepherd Christmas Orchestra.
Sunday, December 17, 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. 10:30 p.m. Christmas Candlelight Service with Third Sunday in Advent music by the Good Shepherd Choir and Cantáre, with an Tuesday, December 19, 6 p.m. extended Christmas prelude by Service of Remembrance Good Shepherd musicians and the Good Shepherd Christmas Orchestra beginning, at 10:00 p.m. Saturday, December 23, 10 a.m. Good Shepherd Christmas Orchestra rehearsal Monday, December 25 – Christmas Day The Good Shepherd Christmas Orchestra is made up . Christmas Day Lessons and Carols of Good Shepherd instrumentalists (members, 10 a.m with music by the Good Shepherd families and friends of all ages) who want to play Pop-up Choir (members of Good some wonderful – but not too difficult – Christmas Shepherd Choir, Cantáre, and music for our 5:00 and/or 10:30 p.m. services on anyone else who wants to sing Christmas Eve. Please contact Ralph Johnson, some beautiful, easy-to-learn Director of Music (ralph.johnson@ Christmas choral music, with goodshepherdmpls.org), to sign up. rehearsal at 9:20 a.m. in the Choir Room). Sunday, December 24, 10 a.m. Fourth Sunday in Advent
18 BY ANN BURCKHARDT QUESTIONS WITH 10 SHARON VICIC Welcome, Sharon, to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, and your new position as organist/accompanist
1 WHEN DID YOU BEGIN PLAYING THE PIANO? 6 WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THIS WORK? THE ORGAN? Believe it or not, often my biggest challenge is getting my pages turned I began piano lessons when I was almost 8 and organ lessons at 18. while accompanying choirs and soloists! I usually find a volunteer from the choir to turn my pages for organ solos, though! 2 ARE YOU A MEMBER OF A MUSICAL FAMILY? 7 DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE COMPOSER? Dad played trumpet in the band in high school; Mom had about six months of piano lessons. Both had a good ear for music. Of the five children in my I’ve always loved playing Bach, but I’m also a fan of many current family, three took piano lessons and all of us played a band instrument. composers, such as Michael Burkhardt, Aaron David Miller and my friend, Mine was flute. Rebecca Groom teVelde. These composers are so talented and clever! There is always something interesting for me to work on. One of my DID YOU STUDY MUSIC AT COLLEGE? 3 undergraduate organ professors, Lester Groom, was also a talented AND, IF SO, WHERE? composer and even composed the processional for my wedding. Playing his compositions brings back wonderful memories. I started college as a piano major but was guilted into studying organ as well! The choral conductor at this two-year college was also the organ 8 DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE HYMN? instructor. When I offered my services as a choir accompanist, he learned “Praise My Soul, the God of Heaven.” that I was the organist at a local church, playing a very basic electronic organ. He strongly suggested that I study with him. Those lessons were 9 WILL YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY? held at the only church in town with a pipe organ. That was my first exposure to a pipe organ, and I really thought it was magnificent! After I am married to Silvester Vicic (vih’-sick). We met in graduate school two years at the local college, I dropped piano lessons and moved on to while working on our music degrees. He is also a musician, an accordionist, study organ performance at Seattle Pacific University, followed and occasionally has the opportunity to play both seriously and just for immediately by completing a Master of Music in Organ Performance at fun! He runs Sundin Music Hall at Hamline University and teaches a the University of Western Ontario. course in Digital Audio Media there. He’s also a freelance producer of programs for the National Public Radio system. WHAT EXPERIENCE HAVE YOU HAD AS AN 4 Evan, our eldest son, is the assistant principal violist with the Louisville ORGANIST/ACCOMPANIST? Orchestra and occasionally comes home to play in the viola section of the Since beginning my career at 16 on that first electronic organ, I have held Minnesota Orchestra. He will be marrying another violist, Laura, next organist and organist/choir director positions in Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver summer. and Los Angeles. I have been at Arlington Hills Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Son William is an accomplished violinist and pianist but has decided his the past 24 years. passion is working with computers, so he’s pursuing a computer programming degree at St. Paul College. My first time as an accompanist, age 10, was when I played for a soloist, my grandfather, in church. I enjoyed accompanying, so I volunteered my services Julia is a senior at Indiana University where she’s working toward a degree all the way through school beginning as a 6th grader until I broke my wrist in in viola performance. She is considering her options for graduate school graduate school! More recently, I have accompanied choirs, vocal and next year, and they’re all over the country! instrumental soloists around town in a couple of different high schools, plus Our extended families live in the Seattle area and in Toronto. being the built-in accompanist for my three children and some of their studio IF BEING OUR ORGANIST IS A PART-TIME JOB, DO colleagues. 10 YOU ALSO HAVE ANOTHER JOB? 5 WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING AN ORGANIST/ACCOMPANIST? Being your organist is my main job, but I also help my husband with some of his freelance work as a transcriber. As my children grew up, I found my I love the “big” occasions on the church calendar where I can “pull out all second calling as a chauffeur. There were years when I drove to six different the stops,” like Easter and Christmas Eve. I know the music is part of what music lessons a week – three violin and three piano. There were also makes those services meaningful to many people and that really make me Minnesota Youth Symphonies Saturday rehearsals for all three of them for feel good. I truly love to play and feel so blessed to have been given the 15 years total, plus chamber music school on Saturdays for about 10 years. talent and opportunity to be an organist. I know I am doing what God Not to be forgotten: those 10 years of high school orchestra rehearsals meant for me to do! I also really enjoy working with other musicians. starting at 6:40 a.m. twice a week! Though Silvester drove them, I was Collaboration is fun! getting breakfast and packing lunches. We’ve always been grateful I could have a part-time job doing something I love while guiding my children through school. Oh, and before having children, I taught piano.
19 4801 France Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55410
Small group gatherings to study and reflect, using The Fulton Catechism, are being planned. Watch for opportunities!
The Fulton Catechism is: • written by Pastor Jacobson with input by a congregational team. • a study of faith for our time and our place – that’s why it’s titled The Fulton Catechism. • an exploration of the basics of faith and life in modern-day language, with delightful illustrations. • an invitation to honest conversation and authentic reflection on your life of faith. • inclusive, offering space for a variety of experiences and understandings of what it means to be God’s people. • already spurring honest conversations that reflect real-life experiences of faith and doubt.
The Fulton Catechism is not: • a recitation of textbook definitions of faith. • burdened by “church speak.” • rigid or inflexible in its approach toward the personal experience of faith.