Volume 36 Issue 12 December 2015 Herald A publication of Hosanna Lutheran Church, ELCA Rochester, Minnesota

Christmas Greetings

“As a Christian

family of faith,

we’re gathered

to grow

and sent

to serve”

“Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all people: for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

INSIDE THIS ISSUE The message of ’ birth was first shared by the angel with the shepherds. We, your staff at Hosanna, pray that you will know that Discipleship Ministries 2-3 same message of joy and hope. Financial Peace With all of God’s love and blessings, University 4 Music Ministries 5

Outreach Ministries 6-7 Worship Schedule 8 Council Page 9 President’s Message 10 Pastor Meiers’ Page 11

Also Included… Monthly Calendar Christmas Eve Worship Opportunities

Serving This Month 4:00 and 5:30 pm Family Carol Service with Holy Youth News 10:00 pm Candle Light Service with Holy Communion Page 2 Herald Volume 36 Issue

November's Interactive Education Hour Thank you to the many people that helped plan, prepare and participate in our November Interactive Education Hour in November. During the time frame of one hour, we were able to decorate 40 Thanksgiving boxes (that were filled with food for families/individuals in need this Thanksgiving), decorate/color a Thanksgiving prayer to be included in each box and also

“gathered togrow…” create Hosanna's "thankful" tree which shows the many things for which we are thankful.

The children also had time to practice their musical selections while parents/ adults learned more about the focus of a family mission trip and the opportunities such a trip bring to our congregation, families and others as we serve together. A very busy hour for all!

First Communion On Sunday, November 15th, six Hosanna youth participated in their during the 10:30 worship. In preparation for this First Communion, the youth had the opportunity to design and paint their own , make unleavened bread and participate in a retreat with Pastor Meiers, Carol Strand and their parents. This retreat focused on the meaning of the Lord's Supper and the reason for participating in this meal. Thank you for Discipleship Ministries Discipleship keeping these youth/families in your prayers as they continue to build on their faith.

Book Discussion

(Book Discussion does not meet in December)

During the holidays, get an early start on your reading for 2016.Here are the books selected for 2016 and the book discussion meeting dates:

January 16: Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson February 20: 1984 by George Orwell March 19: The Residence by Kate Andersen Brower April 16: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

May 21: The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones

Herald Volume 36 Issue Page 3

Confirmation Retreat at Invitation to Hannah Bible Study grow…” to “gathered St. Olaf College in Northfield Christmas Luncheon– December 9 Three seventh grade youth participated in a All Hosanna adults are invited to the Confirmation retreat at St. Olaf college this Hannah Bible Study Christmas luncheon on past month with Pastor Meiers and Darcy December 10 in the quad room at church. Youngstrom. The group had the opportunity Arrive at 12:00 pm (noon) for setup and the to tour the campus, attend chapel, enjoy meal will begin at 12:30 pm. Please bring a lunch in the school's cafeteria and do just a dish to pass, a holiday candle, and a

bit of shopping at the bookstore. The youth Christmas story to share. Please contact also continued their Confirmation sessions Lisa Nordman at 281-4981 or [email protected] with questions. Hope to see you there!

Discipleship Ministries

Christmas Treats For Hosanna’s discussing Genesis and evolution, reviewing Senior Members the book of Job, and studying the statement Plates with a variety of treats will be "I don't know why bad things happen to assembled on December 9 to provide good people." In the spring, the eighth Christmas cheer to Hosanna’s honored graders will have the opportunity to travel to elderly or those who have physical Luther College for a similar retreat. limitations. Anyone in the congregation can be involved in donating, assembling or delivering these treats. Food donations of Little Lambs, Sunday School and Youth cookies, candies and/or fruit should be Group Schedule Reminder brought to Hosanna’s kitchen by 11:30 a.m. As a reminder, there will be on Wednesday, December 9. At this time no Sunday School, Little Lambs or Youth the treats will be sorted and assembled. group on Sunday, Dec. 27th. Regular Those helping to deliver the treats may pick sessions will resume on Sunday, January up the containers after 12 noon. (You are 3rd. welcome to stay for the Hannah Bible Study

Christmas luncheon. See related article.) A signup sheet is on the Welcome Center. If you have questions, contact Lisa Nordman [email protected].

Page 4 Herald Volume 36 Issue

Financial Peace University By: Rob Larsen Starting January 10th Dave Ramsey’s life changing program is returning to Bethel Lutheran Church. A year and a half ago my wife, Kari, and I attended this class at Bethel and it has made a significant impact on our lives ever since. I now have the opportunity to be one of the coordinators of this year's class and we are hoping to make this the biggest class to date.

What is Financial Peace University? We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! It teaches God’s ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend, and save wisely. “gathered togrow…sent serve” to What are classes like? Classes are fun, engaging, and challenge your mind. We will meet weekly Sunday nights from 6:30 to about 8:30pm at Bethel. A typical night will begin with a recap of the previous lesson and then we’ll watch the weekly FPU lesson together. After the lesson, we’ll break into small groups for more in depth discussion.

Do I have to share my income, debt load, or other personal information with the class? Not at all; that is not how this works. FPU focuses on zero-based budgeting. The FPU coordinators are obligated to help everyone work towards a zero-based budget, but we don’t look at any individual’s income or debt. A couple of times throughout the nine lessons, we will financial data to get a cumulative financial view of the class. This data is strictly confidential and will not be tied to any personally identifiable information.

What topics are covered in FPU? FPU covers financial topics relevant to everyone at any stage of life and in any financial situation. Specific topics include debt reduction strategies, preparing for emergencies, cash-flow planning, the role of insurance, saving for college/retirement, the role marketing plays

Financial Peace University Peace Financial on our financial decisions, as well as the ways different people relate to money.

Where can I learn more information about the next course? Check out our class page at www.daveramsey.com/fpu/ locations/class/1006222/atid/m_mi for more information. From that page you can watch a preview of FPU from your phone, tablet or computer and register for our next class. More specific questions can be directed to [email protected].

What is included in an FPU kit and what is the cost? An FPU member kit includes the member workbook, audio of each course on CD, budget forms, the envelope system, a progress poster, and Dave Ramsey’s book “The Complete Guide to Money.” Once an individual or couple purchases an FPU membership from Dave Ramsey’s website and activates their membership they become LIFETIME members of FPU. FPU members can retake the course as many times as they like. FPU kits are purchased directly from Dave Ramsey’s website often with free shipping. The course usually costs

between $90-100. Kits should be purchased prior to the first class if possible.

Herald Volume 36 Issue Page 5

“O Come, Emmanuel” “Gaudete! – Rejoice!” December 6 December 13 grow…” to “gathered “O Come Emmanuel” one of the oldest and For a long time, the church celebrated the probably best known hymn for many third Sunday of Advent as Gaudete Sunday of us is the theme of this year’s Advent (taken from Philippians 4:4: Rejoice, which Instrumental service. On Sunday, Dec. 6, in Latin is gaudete.) This year the third Exodus, Grace Team, King’s Ringers and Sunday of Advent is on December 13th and

Praise! will be leading worship and will be the adult will lead the congregation in using verses of this familiar tune throughout rejoicing in both word and song. During the the service to help all of us prepare for worship services, the words of Zephaniah, Christ’s coming. You will also hear other well- Isaiah, Paul, and John the Baptist will be loved tunes and participate by singing some heard. The songs and hymns from different of your favorite hymns. time periods and styles will relate to these Bible passages, encouraging all of us to The hymn, “O Come Emmanuel”, is a rejoice in the Lord always as we anticipate Medieval and is derived from the the coming of the ! seven “O ”(i.e. O Wisdom, O Root of Jesse, O Dayspring, etc.) each referring to Advent Worship led by Youth a different name for Jesus. These anitphons December 20 – 8:00am are loaded with Old and The middle school and high school youth in references and come from the time of grades 7-12 will lead the 8:00am worship Music Ministries Charlemagne in the eighth century or earlier. service on December 20th. These active It is a hymn rich in symbolism and you are youth will lead the prayers, read the invited to join us on Dec. 6 as we sing several scripture lessons, assist with music, and act of these “O Antiphons” together. in a skit. All students in grades 7-12 are encouraged to participate. Mothers and fathers of these youth will join them in leading one of the songs. More information will be available in the next couple weeks.

“The Christmas Clinic” December 20 - 10:30am Preschool – Grade 6 students will present the Christmas program, The Christmas Clinic, during the 10:30am worship service on December 20. In this story by Cathy Skogen-Soldner, a variety of patients come to the Christmas Clinic, each with a different ailment. During their office visit, the medical team is reminded of different parts of the Christmas story which are retold through Bible readings, familiar carols and the nativity scene. Watch as the Christmas story is incorporated into every case at this special medical clinic.

Practice times are: Saturday, December 5 9:00 - 10:00 am; Grades 1-6 only Sunday, December 6 9:15 - 10:15 am; (Practice 30 minutes, Sunday School 30 minutes) Saturday, December 12 9:00 - 11:30 am; Preschool-Grade 6 Sunday, December 13 9:15 - 10:15 am; (Practice during entire Sunday School hour) Saturday, December 19 9:00 - 11:30 am; Preschool-Grade 6 Sunday, December 20 9:15 - 10:15 am; only 1st - 6th grades practice 10:00 am Preschool - Kindergarten arrive and prepare 10:30 am Present program during the worship service Page 6 Herald Volume 36 Issue

Hosanna’s Pantry Susan’s Suppers December 18 & 19 Sign up to Help in 2016! (note the change of dates for December) Sign up at the Welcome Center with your family, church group, or just with a group of Bring your family and friends to help with friends to help make Susan’s Suppers one Hosanna’s Pantry during the weekend before “...sent serve” to month during 2016. Christmas. Helping to provide food to families in need is a fulfilling way to prepare for the It’s easy. The instructions, recipes, shopping Christmas giving season. You can help with lists and printed inserts are all ready for you. the pantry set up on Friday morning You choose the date and time and Hosanna’s December 18 at 10:00 am. Or you can help kitchen will be scheduled for you. greet families, help them shop, carry out The Susan’s Suppers ministry is designed to groceries or clean up on Saturday, comfort those in need with a warm meal. Any December 19 from 9:00—11:30 am. There’s member is invited to bring meals to those a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center or who need them. Just take a meal from the you may contact Barb Anderson, at small kitchen freezer and sign it out in the [email protected] with questions. Susan’s Suppers binder there so we know who has received it. Contact Gina Razidlo Christmas Cookie Exchange with questions at [email protected] December 12 & 13

or 507-292-0685.

Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army December 3, 5 and 8

Do you enjoy baking Christmas cookies? This is the 4th year for our Christmas Cookie Exchange which is a fundraiser for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. Members will again have the opportunity to help ring bells for the Salvation Army at You’re invited to bring your favorite Christmas HyVee North (it’s indoors) on Thursday, cookies or candies (suggested: 4 dozen), and Outreach Ministries Outreach December 3 from 5:00—6:00 pm, we will share them on Saturday, December 12 Saturday, December 5 from 12:00—1:00 at 10:00 am. (during the children’s Christmas pm or Tuesday, December 8 from 5:00— program practice.) 6:00 pm. If you cannot make it on December 12, you can bring your cookies to the church kitchen This is a wonderful activity for families to anytime during the week of December 7-12. share during the weeks before Christmas. Label your cookies “Cookie Exchange” with Sign up at the Welcome Center. Family your name. Each baker will get a plate of and friends are welcome. You may contact cookies to bring home. The rest of the plates Kelly Gangelhoff at [email protected], or will be sold on Sunday, December 13, to Barb Anderson at [email protected], support the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. Any with questions. cookie plates that aren’t sold will be used for Not Meeting in December our Channel One families who come to Quilters Hosanna’s pantry on December 19. Prayer Shawls Sign up at the Welcome Center to bring During this holiday season, cookies and/or to work at the Christmas Cookie members may stop by the office at any time Exchange on December 12. Please contact to pick up a prayer shawl for a family Barb Anderson at [email protected] with member or friend in need of prayer and questions. comfort. Herald Volume 36 Issue Page 7

Hosanna Red Cross Shelter Team serve” to “...sent Holds Quarterly Meeting with Years of Service Celebration

On November 17, the Red Cross Shelter Team held a quarterly meeting with a Years of Service Celebration. Twenty out of twenty eight members were able to attend. In addition, Kris Ihrke and Ellie Decker from the local Red Cross chapter conducted training and gave updates. Shelter team members who received years of service pins include the following: Diane Click -10 years; Matt McKay, Gene Ohnstad, and Betsy Will – 7.5 years; Kelly Gangelhoff, Lisa King, and Kristi Pesch – 6.5 years; Matt Linquist, Paige Linquist, Laurie Maidl, Leon Plantz, Judy Ruegg, and Stephanie Stevens – 5 years. Congratulations to these team members! Ellie Decker presenting a 10-year pin to Diane Click

Missionary in Papua, New Guinea

By: Pastor Ann Klavano OutreachMinistries

Last October wrote about sitting on my couch, drinking hot tea and listening to the rain pour down.

In some ways this could have been a scene in the United States. However, as I looked out the window, everything was a verdant green, quite a difference from October colors in the United States. Here leaves never change color and don't drop at one time.

Rain can be a noisy presence when you have a tin roof. Last year the long, late rain raised concerns for the student's food supply. First of all, they can't always get to their gardens to dig their crops. Second, there is more occurrence of mold type plant diseases.

This October, after months of rain, we were all relieved when the sunshine returned. This year's rainy season was finally gone. It is usually over by the end of September so people were again getting concerned. It was a bit like being on Noah's ark after 39 days. Now the food will grow faster and other work, like cutting the new gardens, can be done. Ground is used on a rotating basis here.

Each year a new garden is started for food for the next year The students that are leaving plant a garden so that the new or returning students will have something to eat when they arrive.

Ironically, other parts of PNG have been having a drought One of the other schools, Amron Evangelist Training Center had to send their students home. Not only did they have no crops growing, they had to buy water to drink.

Now it is mid-November. I gave my last final exam today. Five classes this semester meant a lot of tests. We have one week of teaching left then it will be graduation for some, off to a year of internship/vicarage for others and summer/Christmas break for many of us.

Pastor Ann Klavano Senior Flierl Seminary Papua New Guinea Page 8 Herald Volume 36 Issue

Worship Schedule December 2015 “Grow in Joy” December 2 Midweek Advent Service, 7:00 pm : Holden Evening Prayer

“gathered togrow…” Theme: Redeeming Light

December 6 Liturgy: Instrumental and Grace Team Advent Service/Communion King’s Ringers, Praise!, Exodus, Grace Team Midweek Advent Worship 2015 December 9

Please take time this Advent Season to listen for the “still small voice of God” Wednesday Midweek Advent Service, 7:00 pm evenings at 7:00 pm as we gather for worship. Liturgy: Holden Evening Prayer Theme: Everlasting Light Holden Evening Prayer and lighting of candles around the prayer boxes provide a December 13 contemplative environment in preparation for Liturgy: Choral Advent Service Christmas. Hosanna Senior Choir

Advent Worship Theme December 16 “Jesus: True Light of Hope” Midweek Advent Service, 7:00 pm Liturgy: Holden Evening Prayer December 2— “Redeeming Light” Theme: Light of the World December 9— “Everlasting Light” December 16— “Light of the World” December 20 8:00am Advent Youth Service (Grades 7-12) You are encouraged to set aside time each 10:30am Children’s Christmas Program (3yr old- day in Advent to read your Hosanna Advent grade 6) Devotional.

December 24 Worship Ministries Ministries Worship 4pm & 5:30pm Family Carol Service (Communion) 10:00pm Christmas Eve Candle Light (Communion)

December 27 One service, 9am

Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols

Herald Volume 36 Issue Page 9

Hosanna Council Minutes Treasurer & Financial Secretary Report to serve” grow…sent to “gathered November 10, 2015 Budget/Contributions Comparison The 434rd meeting of the congregation council General was called to order by President Jim Hansen at 7:04 pm. Jim Hansen, Ray Ashworth, Pastor 2015 October YTD Meiers, Barb Anderson, Fred Lust, Lou Budget 36,044 360,440 Hermansen, and Natalie Sand, were in Contributions 29,347 333,012 attendance. Also present were Alice Kub, Nancy Wales, and Darcy Youngstrom. Pastor Meiers Difference (6,697) (27,428) led devotions and Highs and Lows were shared. 2014 33,281 325,079

Les moved (Ray second) to approve the minutes Difference 14/15 (3,934) 7,933 of the last meeting with the addition of a notation that there is new Curriculum for Confirmation. Capital Appeal 1,259 70,078 Passed. Natalie moved (James second) to accept Pastor Meiers report. Passed. Receipts/Expenditures Comparison The reports of the advocates were accepted. General Capital Youth and confirmation kids have been very YTD Appeal active with service projects. Health ministry has Receipts 333,082 70,078 also been quite active this fall with the Winona Expenditures 339,109 13,114 nursing program outreach for Channel One clients, and Walgreens doing flu shots here on Difference (6,027) 56,964 CouncilPage site. Channel One Pantry will be third Saturdays to avoid the holidays in Nov and Dec. Time and Account Balances - October Talent forms are being updated. Business and Finance reports that giving and expenses are Account Name Balance trending as expected. General 3,624

Monthly deficit is being covered by the reserves General Reserve 50,179 established for this purpose. Budget information Special Gifts 34,031 is almost compiled for next year. Income is Endowment 60,579 projected to be flat for next year. Council will ELCA Scholarship 50,287 discuss the budget at the Dec meeting. Les moved (Natalie second) to approve the financial Mortgage 365,220 reports. Passed.

Barb moved (Ray second) to adjourn the 2015 Capital Appeal meeting. Pledges Receipts

The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s 71/130,099 70.078

Prayer. Respectfully Submitted, Stewardship Pledges to date are as follows: Lou Hermansen Pledges 2015 2016 Council Secretary General 89/364,600 72/315,100 2016 Estimate of Giving Cards

If you have not returned your Estimate of Giving The 2016 offering envelopes can be picked card for 2106 Tithes and Offerings, please do so up. If you have not been issued offering as soon as possible to enable our parish envelopes, contract Paul Anderson, leadership to make informed decisions Financial Secretary at 282-7213. concerning Hosanna’s ministry next year. Page 10 Herald Volume 36 Issue

Greetings Everyone,

It’s officially winter in my book. We have had our first snow that didn’t melt right away, we’ve reached the end of the church year, and are starting Advent. I really enjoyed the anthem “Thou Shalt Know Him” the choir sang in memory of Pam Fullem on Christ the King Sunday. It is a beautiful song and fit very well with the liturgy.

The last month has focused on stewardship, everyone please turn in your pledge cards if you haven’t already. It really helps when putting the budget together. A special thanks to those that gave stewardship temple talks, Darcy Youngstrom, Danielle Koster, and Karl Dirksen on ways they serve. As you know, stewardship is more than just pledges. There are many ways that people serve in our church.

Pastor Bill has been showing a video series on stewardship by Dr. Mark Allen Powell between services. They are very good and come at stewardship from different perspectives. The second video shown was based on Mathew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”. The video focused on the idea that where you put your treasure (time and money) inevitably that is where your heart will be. So, you can act your way to change by where you put your treasure as opposed to thinking your way to change. Nike has it right, where stewardship is concerned, just do it.

On the youth front, we have another student that is receiving the Hosanna Lutheran Church Scholarship to attend an ELCA school. Lauren Rupprecht will be attending Wartburg College after Christmas. Little did I know this spring when I said “maybe someday we would be able to give a scholarship to a Knight”, how soon that would be. Congratulations, Lauren. Thanks to those involved with the “Interactive Education Hour” last month. It was fun watching and participating with the activities (Decorate a Thanksgiving box – Color a prayer – Create a leaf for the thankful tree). There is a true spirit of service at Hosanna.

President’s President’s Message God Bless, Jim

Herald Volume 36 Issue Page 11

Dear Members and Friends of Hosanna,

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

Have you decorated your Christmas tree yet? Because the evergreen tree remains green and life like when other vegetation appears to have dried and faded for the season, it has become a symbol of the constant and ongoing faithfulness of God.

As we decorate our Christmas trees each year, we may well remember that the Christmas season speaks to us a word of assurance that, like the evergreen, our God is faithful and ever present with us. God can be trusted to keep God’s word; God will not fail us or forsake us. God proved that by faithfully keeping the promise to send the world a Savior, one who was not only ‘faithful unto death’ for us, but who remains alive beyond the grave for us. The evergreen is a vivid symbol of this great gift too.

As our God is faithful in keeping promises made to us, so God calls on us to also be faithful too, to take God’s word seriously, trusting that God can and will keep all promises made to

us, and then live in such a way that everything we do gives glory to God. Pastor PageMeiers’

O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree! Forever true your color. You bid us true and faithful be and trust in God unceasingly. O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree! Forever true your color.

Have a blessed Christmas.

Yours in Christ, Pastor Bill Meiers

November Pastoral Acts

November 8 –New Member Sunday Mary Ann Bremseth, David & Connie Buhs, Doug Chadwick, Ann Coplen, Manuel & Delia Guajardo, Sue Holt, Adam, Pam and Sean Lynch, Gordon & Mary Ellen Meyers Laila Stenberg, Peter & Shawnee Tinaglia

November 4—Holly Stefan transfer to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lakewood, Missouri

November 11—Tricia Sutherland transfer to Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minnesota NON-PROFIT ORG. ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 603 ROCHESTER MN Hosanna Lutheran Church WORSHIP TIMES 2815 57th St. NW SUNDAYS at 8:00am and 10:30 am Rochester, MN 55901 SUNDAYS at 8:00am and 10:30 am (507) 285-0092 Sunday School and Adult Forum 9:15am Gathered to Grow, Sent to Serve Midweek Advent Services, 7:00 pm Check out Hosanna’s Website! Wednesday, December 2, 9, and 16 www.hosannalutheran.org

God’s work. Our hands.

STAFF Hosanna Herald Pastor Bill Meiers [email protected] Nancy Wales [email protected] Writers: Hosanna Staff Darcy Youngstrom [email protected] & members Liz Coltom [email protected] Editor: Charlie Bohlke [email protected] Liz Coltom COUNCIL OFFICERS Jim Hansen, President [email protected] Check out Hosanna’s Ray Ashworth, Pres. Elect [email protected] Facebook fan page! Lou Hermansen, Secretary [email protected]

COUNCIL ADVISORS Alice Kub, Treasurer [email protected] Paul Anderson, Financial Sec. [email protected]

OFFICE HOURS COUNCIL ADVOCATES 9:00 am—4:00 pm Natalie Sand, Discipleship [email protected] Ron Machacek, Fellowship [email protected] Monday—Friday Barb Anderson, Outreach [email protected] Les Fullem, Support [email protected] Fred Lust, Worship [email protected]