2016 faithful giving allows for generous...
TRANSCRIPT
From the Pastor 1
Worship & Arts 2
Stewardship 3
Building Fund 4
Greens 5
Calendar 6-7
FLC Youth 8
Christian Education 8
FLC News 9-10
Service List 11
Inside
Pastor Alan Bray & Karen Smithers
February 2017
On behalf of the Steward-
ship Committee, we want
to thank you for your
faithfulness in giving for
the year 2016. You should
know that your giving
made it possible for us as
a congregation to give
generously to the mission
of Christ outside the walls
of our congregation.
The following is a list of
our benevolence giving for
the year 2016...totaling
over $72,000. Thanks to
you!...and thanks be to
God!
SW Minnesota Synod & ELCA $48, 600
Missionary Sponsorship $3,000
Lutheran Social Services $3,000
Shetek Lutheran Bible Camp $1,500
VINE $500
The Garden $500
Other Gifts $387
World Hunger $3,864
Lenten Offering for Hunger $1,920
St. Peter Area Food Shelf $1746
Holiday Baskets (vouchers) $2,515
Giving Tree/Pastors’ Discretionary Fund $3,168
ELCA Disaster Relief/LIRS $1,262
Sunday School-World Hunger $180
Total $72,142
2016 Faithful Giving allows for
Generous Benevolence
Worship & Arts/From the Intern
From the Cantor
From the Intern
SAVE THE DATE
On Sunday, February 19th, the GAC and FLC worshiping communities will join together at First Lutheran for our 10:30 service. This will be the first of many commemorative opportunities in 2017 as we celebrate and reflect on the Refor-mation and its past, present, and future impact on the church. We look forward to welcoming and working with the GAC community, including musical support from the handbell choir, Chapel Brass, and members of the various choirs on campus. YOU are welcome to join in the mass choir, which will meet in the loft immediately following the
first service for a rehearsal from 9:20 - 10:20.
FESTIVAL CHOIR
Coming this Lent, there will be another choir opportunity. Choir will begin on Wednesday, February 22nd and will meet from 7:45 - 8:15 on Wednesday nights and from 9:45 - 10:15 on Sunday mornings. Please contact Emily ([email protected]) if you have interest in participating. It would make a great activity for confirmation mentors and mentees!
LUTHER HYMN FOCUS
The hymn "O Lord, We Praise You" was a common text used as a post-communion Leise (hymn used as a congrega-tional response) before the Reformation. Luther liked the hymn but cut a couple of the lines that he thought were theo-logically incorrect. It was well-loved, and Luther wrote two additional stanzas, which was later translated to English and modified for our current hymnal to avoid male exclusivity. The tune, GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENEDEIET first appeared with this text in a 1524 hymnal and is in bar form. Unlike the popular myth that Luther took secular tunes from bars and made them church hymns, bar form refers to the structure of the tune: an "A" section is sung twice, fol-lowed by a "B" section with new material, or AAB. In the case of this hymn, "AA" and "B" are each followed by a Kyrie.
SEARCHING FOR BRASS Did you play a brass instrument in school "back in the day?" Emily is looking for a trumpet and a trombone player to create an FLC Brass Ensemble. Please let her know if you would like to play or would like more information!
EPIPHANY SONG
During the musical, the adults and youth learned the song "Many Are the Lightbeams." Throughout the season of Epiphany, we will continue to sing two verses of this song during our worship. Epiphany brings us many themes of light, and the song fittingly reminds us that "our one light is Jesus."
Women of the Reformation Monday Morning Bible Study
As part of our 500th year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, I invite you to come and celebrate some of the least know participants of the Reformation: Women. As part of a four week study, we will look at the life, faith, and liter-ature of four women of the Reformation: Katharine von Bora, Anne Askew, Teresa of Avila, and Marguerite de Valois. We will meet in the Conference Room at 9:30 AM on the following Mondays: February 6, February 13, February 27, and March 6. Come, learn, and celebrate some of the Mothers of our Christian faith. All are welcome to attend!
Stewardship
NOTES FROM THE FUNDS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
First Lutheran Church has, over many years, received gifts from members and friends primarily to invest in an endow-
ment fund. Most of these funds are designated endowments meaning that a reasonable share of the earnings from
the fund are to be distributed according to the wishes of the donor(s). For example, the Agnes Holmberg Fund is to be
used to enhance the musical program of the Church.
The Funds Management Committee (FMC) is responsible for investing the endowment funds into various types of
monetary groups. As of December 31,2016, the market value of all endowed funds owned by the Church was
$335,996 A year ago, that figure was $314,583. Based on past, present, and future predictions of how the stock
market will perform, the Committee has approved a disbursement of 3% of the market value of all our investments as
of December 31, 2016, or $9,277 for use in 2017. As the Committee restructures its portfolio periodically, the Com-
mittee also recognizes the fact that they are obligated to invest a portion of its total portfolio into what are called so-
cially responsible funds, funds that focus on environmental issues. One such fund is the Parnassus Fund which so
far has had a good “track” record (above average returns).
One of the better funds in terms of annual earnings and value held by the Church in recent years is the Short Term
Bond Fund of the Vanguard Group. At the last meeting of the FMC (January 19, 2017) the Committee decided to
cash in the Short Term Bond Fund valued at approximately $40,151 to be used as follows: $9,277 for the 2017 3%
distribution to each of the Church’s endowment funds with the balance ( $30,874) to be invested in the ELCA Mission
Investment Fund.
The Resurrection Cemetery also has an endowment fund – also called perpetual care funds – the annual earnings of
which help with maintenance expenses. The primary source for these funds comes from the sale of grave sites. Up
until a couple years ago the Cemetery Board assumed sole responsibility for investing the Cemetery’s endowment
fund. The majority of its investments were in CD certificates – which since 2008 have had a very low rate of return.
Consequently, the Cemetery Board decided to have a portion of its portphoio managed by the FMC. In December,
2016 three CD’s owned by the Cemetery matured for a total of $19,000. By action of the Resurrection Cemetery
Board, the sum of these three CD’s were placed in the hands of the FMC hoping for better returns given the experi-
ence of the three members of the FMC in buying and selling investments that over the long term yield higher returns
than CD’s. The FMC decided to place $7,500 into the Parnassus Fund, and $11,500 into Vanguard’s Small Cap Val-
ue Fund.
Members of the Funds Management Committee: H. Stuart Johnson, Chair
Tom Thorkelson
Ken Westphal
Paul Aasen, Advisory
Alan Bray, Advisory
Building Fund
Green Committee
TOWARD ZERO WASTE----AND OTHER GREEN ACTIVITIES
As Jim Dontje wrote in the last month’s Heartbeat the Greens are working on “regenerating” our waste and recycling here at First Lutheran. A container for the coffee grounds has been placed in the Gathering Space, and has been used quite well. Thank you for all who have been placing the grounds in the container for com-posting. In the kitchen a container is on the counter that can be used for food prep scraps, with a composta-ble bag inside. It will be labeled SCRAPS. Hopefully soon we will have a way to collect all the food scraps for composting.
Our 2017 ECO FAIR will be on March 19th between services. Tables will focus on games, information, fellow-ship, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, and ways we will be working to regenerate our refuse into new products and food for the soil. As the poet wrote “Turning all that is into all that will be”
Also during the ECO FAIR we will be collecting L.E.D. bulbs that will be then donated to the Saint Peter Area Food Shelf and offered to the client; so bring a pack or bring one, and share your light.
Also in March we are excited to say that on March 12th Jim Gilbert will be speaking at the forum. Jim Gilbert is a consulting naturalist for WCCO and teaches part time in the Environmental Studies program at Gustavus Adolphus. He has written several books on nature in Minnesota and is a regular columnist for several news-paper columns. Many of you have taken his walks through the GAC Arboretum and have commented on what a wonderful experience it was.
Photo Directory update….
The FLC Photo Directory is still a work in progress
Thank you for your patience
Stay tuned for more details!
February 2017
Sunday Monday Tuesday
1
7:00 a.m. Men’s Conversation (GAC)
8:30 a.m. Staff
11:30 a.m. SPAM (Church of St. Peter)
3:00 p.m. WOW
5:30 p.m. Supper
6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir
6:15 p.m. Confirmation
7:15 p.m. Worship
7:45 p.m. Youth Group
5
5th Sunday after Epiphany
First Communion
8:15 a.m. Worship
9:15 a.m. Fellowship
9:30 a.m. Education
10:30 a.m. Worship
6
9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:30 a.m. Adult Study
6:30 p.m. Welcoming Committee
7
8:30-10:00 a.m. Pastor Alan’s Office
Hours (Co-op)
12-6:00 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive
1:00 p.m. Green Committee
8
7:00 a.m. Men’s Conversation (GAC)
8:30 a.m. Staff
3:00 p.m. WOW
5:30-6:10 p.m. Supper
6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir
6:15 p.m. Confirmation
7:15 p.m. Worship
7:45 p.m. Youth Group
12
6th Sunday after Epiphany
8:15 a.m. Worship
9:15 a.m. Fellowship
9:30 a.m. Education
10:30 a.m. Worship
11:45 a.m. YLT
13
7:00 a.m. Executive Committee
9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:30 a.m. Adult Study
11:30 p.m. Christian Education
1:30 p.m. Pastor Support Group
7:00 p.m. Internship Committee
14
8:30-10:00 a.m. Intern Caitlin’s Office
Hours (River Rock)
11:00 a.m. Staff Support
6:00 p.m. Building & Grounds
6:30 p.m. Social Ministry
7:00 p.m. Altar Guild
15
7:00 a.m. Men’s Conversation (GAC)
8:30 a.m. Staff
3:00 p.m. WOW
5:00 p.m. Worship & Arts
5:30 p.m. Supper
6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir
6:15 p.m. Confirmation
7:15 p.m. Worship
7:45 p.m. Youth Group
19
Third Sunday after Epiphany
8:15 a.m. Worship
9:15 a.m. Fellowship
9:30 a.m. Education
10:30 a.m. Worship—FLC & GAC
2:00 p.m. MN Valley Conference Assembly
(Immanuel Lutheran in New Auburn)
20 PRESIDENT’S DAY
OFFICE CLOSED—No Activities
21
9:00 a.m. MN Valley Conf. of Pastors
7:00 p.m. Council
22
7:00 a.m. Men’s Conversation (GAC)
8:30 a.m. Staff
3:00 p.m. WOW
5:30 p.m. Supper
6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir
6:15 p.m. Confirmation
7:15 p.m. Worship
7:45 p.m. Youth Group
26
Transfiguration Sunday
8:15 a.m. Worship
9:15 a.m. Fellowship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship
5-7:00 p.m. FLC Dinner & Variety Show
27
9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:30 a.m. Adult Study
28
February 2017
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
7:00 a.m. Men’s Conversation (GAC)
8:30 a.m. Staff
11:30 a.m. SPAM (Church of St. Peter)
3:00 p.m. WOW
5:30 p.m. Supper
6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir
6:15 p.m. Confirmation
7:15 p.m. Worship
7:45 p.m. Youth Group
2
2:00 p.m. Text Study
3
4
7:00 a.m. Men’s Conversation (GAC)
8:30 a.m. Staff
3:00 p.m. WOW
6:10 p.m. Supper
6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir
6:15 p.m. Confirmation
7:15 p.m. Worship
7:45 p.m. Youth Group
9
2:00 p.m. Text Study
10
11
9:00 a.m. Kitchen Cleaning
7:00 a.m. Men’s Conversation (GAC)
8:30 a.m. Staff
3:00 p.m. WOW
5:00 p.m. Worship & Arts
5:30 p.m. Supper
6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir
6:15 p.m. Confirmation
7:15 p.m. Worship
7:45 p.m. Youth Group
16
8:00 a.m. Finance Committee
9:00 a.m. Stewardship Committee
2:00 p.m. Text Study
17
18
7:00 a.m. Men’s Conversation (GAC)
8:30 a.m. Staff
3:00 p.m. WOW
5:30 p.m. Supper
6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir
6:15 p.m. Confirmation
7:15 p.m. Worship
7:45 p.m. Youth Group
23
8:30-10:00 a.m. Pastor Alan’s Office
Hours (River Rock)
2:00 p.m. Text Study
24 25
FLC Youth/Christian Education
Christian Education Happenings Sunday School for PreK-Gr6 meets 9:30-10:15 each Sunday. We continue our look at Old Testament stories this month. If you would
like to lead or help check out our Sign Up http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0844aaa72fa6ff2-sunday
WOW K-Grade 6 meets Wednesdays 3-5 p.m. FLC members and friends are welcome to attend.
First Communion
Ten of our young children will receive their first communion on February 5th at the worship service of their choice. Con-
gratulations to these families and may God continue to bless these young people as they continue their faith journey.
Adult Study Opportunities
First Forum & Luther’s Small Catechism Study 9:30-10:20 each Sunday morning.
Monday Morning Study – 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Topics for February/March:
Women of the Reformation – Intern Caitlin—February 6,13, 27 and March 6
Roots of the Reformation – Pastor Alan—March 13, 20, 27
Confirmation meets Wednesdays 6:15-7:10 p.m.
9th Graders are studying the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer
7th/8
th Graders continue to look at the life of Jesus
All students, grades 7-9, are in the midst of their 2017 Faith Project assignment, which is to think of their own faith rela-
tive to the Apostles’ Creed. This project is due at the end of Lent.
FLC News
FLC News
FEBRUARY SERVICE LIST
Coordinators: Doug & Sue Peterson
Eunice Amos
Glen Anderberg
Mark & Laura Boomgaarden
Eric & Michelle Borseth
Chris Braun
Maxine Brown
Kathryn Christenson
Martin & Bonnie Davig
Jim Dontje & Laura Lindell
Sara Emich
Craig & Colleen Hanson
Kelsie Hatlevig
Linda Irvin
Cliff & Brenda Isley
John & Marit Kvamme
Steve & Kris Larson
Mark & Shannon Lloyd
Jim & Kim Neubauer
Bonnie & Darrell Pettis
Wesley & Carol Quick
Joel & Heidi Rimstad
Bernie & Lenore Schnobrich
Tyson & Michelle Twait
Jim & Karen Wendroth
Merwin & Joan Williams
Barbara Ylinen
Thank You for sharing your time and talent!
Prayer Ventures
Prayer Ventures are available in
the FLC website at www.flcstp.org.
Paper copies are also available on
the table in the narthex near the
Gathering Space.
Financial Notes:
Through December 3, 2016
Income $ 506,992
Expenses $ 505,725
Balance $ 1,287
Red Cross Blood Drives at FLC
February 7 Noon-6:00 p.m.
Coordinated by FLC Youth Katelynn Erickson
Sign up to donate:
http://www.redcrossblood.org/rcbmobile/drive
/chooseDonationTime.jsp
April 20th - Times TBD
Renewed by Christ in Word, water, bread and wine, we serve the community and the world
1114 Traverse Road
St. Peter MN 56082
Welcome to First Lutheran Church
Phone: 507-934-3060
Fax: 507-934-3847
E-mail: [email protected]
Address Service
Requested
We’re on the
Web!
www.flcstp.org
Worship Schedule
Public Access Channel 7
TV broadcast
3:00 p.m. Sunday
6:00 p.m. Monday
8:00 a.m. Tuesday
11:30 a.m. Sunday
Sunday Worship Schedule
8:15 a.m. Worship
9:15 a.m. Fellowship
9:30 a.m. Education
10:30 a.m. Worship
Weekday Worship
Monday 9:15 a.m. Prayer
Wednesday 7:15 p.m. Worship