peace notes (december 2012)
DESCRIPTION
Word of Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers, MNTRANSCRIPT
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
PEACE NOTESPEACE NOTESPEACE NOTESPEACE NOTES Word of PeaceWord of PeaceWord of PeaceWord of Peace
Lutheran ChurchLutheran ChurchLutheran ChurchLutheran Church DECEMBER 2012DECEMBER 2012DECEMBER 2012DECEMBER 2012
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE:
From the Pastor Page 2
December Sermons
& Readings Page 3
Fair Trade Fair Page 4
C.R.O.S.S. Corner Page 4
Parents Time Out Page 4
Christmas Joy
or Holiday Blues? Page 4
A Buffet of Choices Page 5
Music & Worship Page 5
Learning Ministry Page 6
Youth Ministry Page 6
A Cheerful Giver Page 7
Seniors Page 7
Celebrate ChristmasCelebrate ChristmasCelebrate Christmas at Word of Peaceat Word of Peace
December December
2 & 32 & 3 Sunday Worship at 8:00, 9:30
and 11:00am
Monday Worship at 6:30pm
Church School Kids Sing*
DecemberDecember
9 & 109 & 10 Sunday Worship at 8:00, 9:30
and 11:00am
Monday Worship at 6:30pm
Church School Kids Sing*
Grace Musical
DecemberDecember
16 & 1716 & 17 Sunday Worship at 8:00, 9:30
and 11:00am
Monday Worship at 6:30pm
The Fes*val of Carols
DecemberDecember
2323 Sunday Worship at 8:00, 9:30
and 11:00am
DecemberDecember
2424 Christmas Eve Candlelight Wor-
ship Services at 12:00 noon, 2:00
pm, 3:30 pm, 4:45 pm, 6:00 pm
and 11:00 pm
Holy Communion at all services
except 3:30 and 4:45
DecemberDecember
2525 Christmas Day Worship
and Birthday Party for Jesus
at 10:00 am
*see p. 6 for details
2
Pastor Ron Prasek
Senior Pastor
21705 129th Ave. N.
P.O. Box 306
Rogers, MN 55374
Church Office
763-496-2400 (press 3 to leave an emergency
message for the pastor)
On the Web
www.wordofpeace.org
www.facebook.com/
wordofpeace
Office Hours
Mon-Thurs 8am-4:30pm
Fri 8am-12:30pm
Our Vision Statement Our vision is to be a community where
everyone knows Christ’s Love and
shares Christ’s Love with all people.
Our Mission Statement Christ works through us as we:
• Welcome all people to grow in
faith, love and devoAon,
• Share Christ through word
and deed,
• Care for others and the world
God made, and
• Work for jusAce and peace.
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Contact Jennie Priebe in the
church office at 496-2401 or
January newsle�er deadline:
December 7 at Noon
Dear friends,
In his book, “Repacking Your Bag,” Richard Leider writes about a
“blinding glimpse of the obvious” on a backpacking trip in East Africa.
He writes, “I had a state-of-the-art backpack loaded with every gadget
imaginable. My group was accompanied by a Masai chief who carried a
knife and a s ck only. At the end of the day, I was completely exhausted
while the chief was fresh as a daisy. He asked me to show him what was
in my pack and as I did I explained why each component was crucial, of
course. He asked, ‘But does all this make you happy?’ I ended up leaving
half of my stuff in that Masai village. Actually, I could have le* more.”
As we head into this exciAng and busy season of Christmas, perhaps this
liIle story will help remind us that we need to prioriAze what is im-
portant and what is really not necessary for the season in which we cel-
ebrate the birth of our Savior. We want it to be a wonderful Ame, of
course. But it is so easy to over commit with everything from our sched-
ules to our giK buying. Perhaps the quesAon of the old Masai chief can
be the quesAon you and I can ask as we look at all that we think is so
important. “But does all this make you happy?”
To be so stressed and exhausted by Christmas Eve that you are unhappy
is not what the season is about. And in that stress and exhausAon, you
are certainly not going to make the people you love very happy either.
And I wonder if God is very happy with us when we get that way.
We are challenged to focus on the things that will help fill this season
with the joy, love, and peace that it is meant to have. To find the joy
that is in the birth of our Savior, to share the love with our family and
friends who are so precious, and to know the peace of Christ—that is
what it is all about.
May God bless you as you celebrate this wonderful season of Christ-
mas.
Peace and Joy,
3
DECEMBERDECEMBERDECEMBERDECEMBER
Sermons & TextsSermons & TextsSermons & TextsSermons & Texts
December 2 & 3
First Week of Advent
Pastor Ron Prasek:
“How You Gonna Know?”
The Mayan calendar comes to an end this
month and there are predicAons of the
End of the World. Jesus had some im-
portant things to say about the end Ames.
Scripture Readings: Luke 21:25-36; 1 Thes-
salonians 3:9-13; Psalm 25:1-10; Jeremiah
33:14-16
December 9 & 10
Second Week of Advent
Pastor Rick Skare:
“How Many Coats do you Have?”
The Grace Choir musical, Chimes in the
Night, points out that the greatest giK we
can give God is to care for our neighbor in
need. As we “prepare the way of the
Lord,” John the BapAst also tells us about
the importance of sharing with others.
Scripture Readings: Luke 3:3-6, 10-18;
Micah 6:6-8
December 16 & 17
Third Week of Advent
Pastor Ron Prasek:
“Yay! Christmas!”
Instead of talking about puOng “Christ
back in Christmas” maybe we should be
taking it out of what it has become. Our
choirs will be helping with that.
Scripture Readings: Ma�hew 1:18-25;
Isaiah 7:14-15; Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah
12:2-6
December 23
Fourth Week of Advent
Pastor Krista Strum:
“An cipa on”
As we worship, like Mary & Elizabeth we
join in songs of praise proclaiming a saving
God who remembers, scaIers, liKs up and
fulfills all things.
Scripture Readings: Luke 1:39-45 [46-55];
Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55; Hebrews
10:5-10
December 24—Christmas Eve
Pastor Ron Prasek:
“This Baby will Change You”
We see the familiar manger scene and are
charmed and delighted. But make no mis-
take—the Baby is here to change you and
the world.
Scripture Readings: Luke 2:1-14 [15-20];
Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96;
Titus 2:11-14
December 25—Christmas Day
Pastor Krista Strum:
“Happy Birthday Jesus”
We gather together to celebrate the birth
of Jesus.
Scripture Readings: Luke 2:[1-7] 8-20;
Isaiah 62:6-12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4-7
December 30
Pastor Ron Prasek:
“Only One Childhood Snapshot”
At Christmas we get the details of Christ’s
birth. The Gospels are full of scenes of
Jesus as an adult. We only get one picture
of him as a child—but it is enough.
Scripture Readings: Luke 2:41-52; Colos-
sians 3:12-17; 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
THANK YOU for Another Successful
Gi� Drive!
4
C.R.O.S.S. Annual Holiday Program—
C.R.O.S.S. is the place where lower
income families in Osseo, Maple
Grove, Dayton, Rogers/Hassan and
west Champlin turn to for help in
making their homes happy during the
stressful holiday season. Last year,
C.R.O.S.S. served over 600 families
and 1,000 children with giKs and hol-
iday food baskets. A substanAal in-
crease is expected this year.
Word of Peace will be collecAng
items now through December 12th
for the C.R.O.S.S. Holiday Program.
° Holiday Food Needs include boxed
desserts, condiments, canned
sweet potatoes, canned cranber-
ries, boxed potatoes, jell-o.
° General Food Needs include beef
stew, beef mac chili, spam, tuna,
cereal, popcorn, large face soap,
ketchup, mustard, mayo, hamburg-
er helper, peanut buIer, jelly
° Toys for C.R.O.S.S. Kids: GiKs are
especially needed for older kids—
Sports balls, bath/body sets, dart
boards, blow dryers, hand held
games, make-up, lip gloss, body
gliIer, hair gel, nail polish, college
or professional team clothing,
movie theatre Ackets, giK cards,
etc.
Upcoming C.R.O.S.S. fundraising
events are listed in the C.R.O.S.S.
Corner in the North Gathering Area.
�ank you in advance for your generosity during the Christmas season and
throughout the entire year!
Christmas Joy or
Holiday Blues? December 4 or 11 at
11am in Room 120
If we are separated from important peo-
ple through death, distance or work or
school schedules, joy may be hard to find.
Or if our expectaAons or the expectaAons
of others is causing special stress, we may
greet the holidays with dread.
Meet with Beth Brekke for the opportuni-
ty to share concerns and our ideas for
coping with the season. All are welcome.
HEY PARENTS:
Need a Time Out?
We’ve got you covered!
Drop your kids off at
Word of Peace and have
some time to yourself
while your kids have a
fun and safe time at
church!
Friday, December 14
6-10pm
Saturday, December 22
1-5pm
Infants thru 5th Grade are Welcome!
$3 per hour per potty-trained child
$5 per infant ($35 family maximum)
Sign up on the youth bulletin board
Questions? Contact Mari Reed at 763-496-2424
*Parents’ Time Out is a fundraiser for our
middle school and high school youth, to help
them raise money for summer camps and
other youth programs.
C.R.O.S.S. Corner
Fair Trade giK items will be sold before and aKer worship services on:
Sunday, December 2 Monday December 3 Sunday, December 9
GiK items will also be sold before and aKer confirmaAon classes on:
Wednesday, December 5 Wednesday, December 12
BeauAful giKs are fashioned by arAsans who usually work within a local co-
op which has been established and operated by the arAsans themselves.
The giKs are oKen made from discarded arAcles by creaAve people who use
their skills to earn enough money to support their families. They are then
purchased for a fair price by the non profit agency called SERRV, who offer
the giKs to benevolent agencies such as our source, Lutheran World Relief.
This is a great opportunity to purchase some beauAful items as Christmas
giKs at an affordable price, while at the same Ame, making it possible for
arAsans in other countries to support themselves and their families.
FAIR TRADE FAIR December 2-12
5
Grace Musical
On December 9 and 10, Grace Choir will present
its Christmas Musical, Chimes in the Night. This is
a charming story of a town with a cathedral
whose bells have never rung. The belief was that
on Christmas Eve, when the people of the town
present their giKs to the Christ child, the bells
will ring when the greatest giK is given. Two
small children make the miracle happen when
they present the greatest giK.
Fes*val of Carols
The 2012 FesAval of Carols worship service is on
December 16th
this year. This fesAve service with
Holy Communion has become a beloved part of
the Christmas celebraAons. MulAple choirs of
singers, brass, and bells with harp, organ, piano,
flute and Ampani will accompany the congrega-
Aon in the most beloved Christmas carols. This is
a great day to invite family and friends to wor-
ship. Make it a part of your family’s Christmas
tradiAons.
Worship and Music Volunteers
December is a very busy Ame for our Worship
and Music volunteers. So many will give of their
Ame and talents to make our celebraAons of Ad-
vent and Christmas truly beauAful and joyous.
Everyone who parAcipates is a vital part of this
and please know that you are very much appre-
ciated. We wouldn’t get much done around here
without our many dedicated volunteers. Thank
you so very much for your generosity.
January begins a new year and new opportuni-
Aes to become an acAve parAcipant in our minis-
try. If you have a talent that you are not sharing,
why not make a resoluAon to become in-
volved? You will make a difference and you will
be appreciated.
May God bless you and keep you throughout this
Advent and may you have a wonderful and
blessed Christmas!
Michael Sahlen
Director of Worship & Music
One of the many blessings of a large congregation is that there are
always many opportunities to give of our time, talents and money.
This can also be a challenge for us if we feel bombarded by the
countless requests for volunteers and for financial support, particu-
larly this time of year.
Think about the many mouth-
watering selections on an end-
less Christmas buffet. Would you
load up your plate with every
tempting dish only to feel sick
and bloated afterwards? Or,
would you carefully select only
the foods that you think you will
enjoy?
God tells us to give joyfully and out of a sense of thanksgiving, not
from feelings of guilt or pressure. You are never obligated or ex-
pected to give to every opportunity that is offered. But if you want
to joyfully give your time, talent and money to your church this
Christmas, there are many ways to do so.
If you would like to volunteer this Christmas or any time, go to
www.wordofpeace.org/serve or check the Do>Ministry sheet in
your bulletin. If you wish to give to any of the causes that Word of
Peace supports, we’ve listed some options below. More ideas are
available online at www.wordofpeace.org/give.
Local Christmas Relief—Monetary gifts are collected now through
December 17 and monies are distributed to families in need in our
community.
Adopt-A-Family—Choose a wish list item from the Adopt-A Family
wall in the Gathering Area and purchase a gift for a family in our
community who is struggling financially.
God’s Global Barnyard—Donations are collected throughout the
month of December to support the ELCA World Hunger Appeal.
ELCA World Hunger animal projects offer hungry families food,
funds, fertilizer and a brighter future. Pick up a donation card in the
education office.
C.R.O.S.S.—Donations of non-perishable food is always accepted at
the C.R.O.S.S. Corner in the Gathering Area. Or, purchase new toys,
giKs, and/or hats, miIens & scarves for C.R.O.S.S. kids and teens.
Navajo Lutheran Mission School—Monetary gifts may be used to
purchase Christmas presents and food for these school chil-
dren. Donations may be sent to: Navajo Lutheran Mission School.
P.O. Box 354, Rock Point, AZ 86545.
A Bu%et of Choices Worship & Music
6
YOUTH MINISTRY
Middle School
MSM.AM (Middle School Ministry A.M.) meets twice
a month, from 9:30-10:30am in the Youth Room for
food, devoAons and games! December dates are the
2nd
and 16th
. Invite your friends!
Want a fun way to add money to your Youth Ac-
count? Sign up on the Youth Board to help at “Parents
Night Out” on Friday, December 14th
or “Parents
AKernoon Out” on Saturday, December 22nd
. Hurry
and sign up— spots go quickly!
High School
912_Sundays—Join us from 4:30-6pm on Sunday, De-
cember 2, 9 and 16 for an aKernoon of God centered
good Ames. Come hang out with friends, have some
snacks and chat about God, life and faith. As always,
please invite your friends!
Snow Tubing at Elm Creek—6-8pm on December 19
We will meet at Word of Peace at 5:30pm cost is $10.
Senior High Christmas Party—4:30pm on Sunday, De-
cember 16. Dress in your favorite ugly sweater, bring
a “white elephant” giK, a holiday treat to share and a
friend or two!
Learning Ministry Good God Ques*ons Con*nues on
Sunday Mornings at 9:30am in Room #120
All are welcome as we explore these quesAons with the help
of Luther Seminary professors and our pastors:
December 2-If I am forgiven, will I be judged?
December 9-What about my child who was bapAzed but
doesn’t believe?
December 16-What do we do about difficult Bible Passages?
Advent Reflec*ons
This Advent devoAonal resource
includes readings for each day, weekly
study quesAons for small groups and a
variety of family acAviAes to celebrate
the season. This engaging seasonal
resource will inspire and refresh
parAcipants during this season of
expectaAon.
Use the daily reflecAons on your own or with friends or fam-
ily members. Explore the weekly Bible studies in an
exisAng group or form a group with others who are reading
this book. Check out the acAviAes and choose some hands-
on ways to celebrate this Advent season. Advent Reflec ons
is $6 and can be purchased from the educaAon office.
Confirma*on Kids: Bring in those Hats,
MiNens, and Socks for C.R.O.S.S.
6th graders—hats
7th graders—miIens
8th graders—socks
This is a great way to serve God’s people!
Birthday Present to Jesus!
Church School Kids bring in your loose
change! All through December,
church school offerings will be given to
God’s Global Barnyard in honor of
Jesus’ Birthday.
Families will also be able to sponsor
animals to break the cycle of hunger and poverty for families
around the world.
Church School and Confirma*on Dates:
December 2/3–Children three-years through 1st graders
(please see excep on below) and 5th graders sing during
worship.
December 9/10—2nd through 4th graders and combined
1st/2nd grade classes sing during worship.
December 23, 24, 26-No ConfirmaAon or Church School.
For complete calendar dates visit the church school and confir-
ma on pages at www.wordofpeace.org.
7
Year-End Gi2s
of Stock
Just a reminder, if you wish
to donate stock to Word of
Peace before year end,
please contact Holly Finstad
at 763-496-2407 or
details.
We will provide you with
the Delivery InstrucAons for
Cash, SecuriAes or Mutual
Funds for transfer to our
broker, Edward Jones.
Thank you for your
generous giKs and your
partnership in the ministry
at Word of Peace.
Seniors
Please contact Judy Hanson at 763-428-7657 for resource, community
or general informaAon for seniors.
To subscribe to the Senior NewsleIer, call 763-241-3520. Or, you can
read the newsleIer online at ww.seniors.cityofrogers.org.
• Thursday Senior Shop Rogers Bus—Thursdays at 10am,
$1.00 per rider. Contact Judy at 763-428-7657
• Jammers Potluck & Music—Sunday, December 2 from 1-
5pm (eat at 4pm) at the Dayton Community Center
• Rogers Senior Dining—Monday through Thursday every
week at 12:00noon at the Rogers Community Center. Call at
least 2 days in advance by 2pm for reservaAons, 763-428-
0976. Cost: 55+ $4.00/Under 55 $7.00
• Cards & Games—Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
aKer Senior Dining (open to all) - 12:30-2:00pm at the Rog-
ers Community Room. No cards & games on 12/10, 12/24,
12/25 or 12/31. Call Margaret, 763-428-8650
• Breakfast at Denny’s in Rogers—Friday, December 21 from
9-10:30am. Menu items for $6.99 (includes drink). Call Mar-
garet, 763-428-8650
• Holiday Party for All Seniors—Monday, Dec. 31st, 2-4pm at
the Rogers Community Room. Come play Bingo and win
prizes. The party is free and there will be refreshments. Call
Margaret, 763-428-8650
• The Word of Peace Kids-Care Bus takes seniors shopping at
Ridgedale every other month. The next trip will be Decem-
ber 11th. Cost is $1.00 for the round trip. The bus will pick
us up at Word of Peace at 9:30am and return us by 1:30pm.
Call Judy to sign up at 763-428-7657.
Thank you and praise God for all of your giving this year!
It is not too late to turn in a Pledge Card to make a financial pledge to our Lord and our
Lord’s work through Word of Peace’s General Fund for the year 2013. Pledge cards are
available at the InformaAon Desk in the Gathering Area and can be turned in to the
church office or placed in the worship offering. If you prefer, complete your pledge card
online at www.wordofpeace.org.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Currently, we are behind in our General Fund offerings (by
$97,000 as of mid-November), leaving us with a potenAal shorZall by the end of the
year. In order to meet our financial commitments and enter 2013 without any debt, we
encourage you to meet your 2012 General Fund commitment and give extra, if you are
able.
If each Word of Peace household gives an extra $75 in November and $75 in Decem-
ber—above and beyond their regular giving—we will meet our 2012 budget. We real-
ize that this is not possible for everyone but our prayer is that those who can give more
will help make up for those who cannot.
Please pick up your Giving Statement (a summary of all of your giving to Word of Peace
so far in 2012) in the church Gathering Area following all worship services on December
2 & 3. This will save your church a great deal in postage costs.
Thank you and God bless!
The Stewardship Team and Pastors
NonNonNonNon----Profit Org.Profit Org.Profit Org.Profit Org. US PostageUS PostageUS PostageUS Postage
PAIDPAIDPAIDPAID ROGERS, MNROGERS, MNROGERS, MNROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 9PERMIT NO. 9PERMIT NO. 9PERMIT NO. 9
C h a n g e S e r v i c e R e q u e s t e d
SundaysSundaysSundaysSundays 8:00 a.m. Traditional8:00 a.m. Traditional8:00 a.m. Traditional8:00 a.m. Traditional 9:30 a.m. Blended9:30 a.m. Blended9:30 a.m. Blended9:30 a.m. Blended
11:00 a.m. Contemporary11:00 a.m. Contemporary11:00 a.m. Contemporary11:00 a.m. Contemporary
MondaysMondaysMondaysMondays 6:30 p.m. Contemporary6:30 p.m. Contemporary6:30 p.m. Contemporary6:30 p.m. Contemporary
HEY!!! HELLO? CAN YOU HEAR ME? “
ARE YOU REALLY
THERE? ”
THE ALPHA COURSE
explore the meaning of life
Sunday, January 20-March 24 Questions? Contact the Education Office