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TRANSCRIPT
the vinebranch a monthly publication of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church February 2019
in this issue
Stewardship Corner 2
Special Events 3
Youth Faith Formation 5
Lenten Soup Suppers 6
Adult Faith Formation 7
Mission Endowment Fund 10
February Calendar 11
Abiding Savior Continues to Ask: What’s Next?
In September of 2012 I began to challenge our congregation
to ponder the question of “What’s Next?” What else is God
calling us to do as a congregation and as individuals? I could
sense that God had big plans for Abiding Savior, plans we
could not yet even imagine. We had just finished our Togeth-
er in God’s Love Capital Campaign and had balanced the
budget two years in a row. Things were looking good when I
wrote in 2012:
As we look toward the future, we are really in an exciting place. We have
spent the last three years looking inward and getting our so called “ducks in
a row.” Now we are ready to start focusing more on the work of God done
outside the walls of our congregation. God is at work in our community and
we are called to be helpers in that work. As we look forward, we should be
asking ourselves how we can make a real difference in God’s name right
here in Mounds View and the surrounding community?
At that time, our work with Shobi’s Table was only beginning, Quincy House
was not in existence, our Snack Pack program with Pinewood Elementary
School had not yet begun, the Community Support Center was non-existent,
we did not partner with other congregations in our community, and the
Butikima Family was living as refugees in Burundi.
Because we asked God, “What’s next?”, and listened to God’s reply, we have
been able to do so much together in God’s name. Today we continue our
partnering with Community Partners with Youth, Quincy House, the Irondale
Pantry, International Students at Luther Seminary, the Community Support
Center, the Center for Changing Lives, Sharing and Caring Hands, Feed My
Starving Children, Ralph Reeder Food Shelf, Pinewood Elementary School
and more. We work closely with other churches in our community including
Atonement and Cross of Glory Lutheran Churches and Kingdom Builders
Worship Center.
We have come so far in listening to God and following that calling. But God
is not done with us yet. As we continue to discern, we also continue to ask
God, “What’s next?” Where is God leading our congregation? What ministry
opportunities are out there for us to explore? Where can we feed the hun-
gry, provide shelter, share resources, offering loving care, or change lives
all in the name of God?
May God bless us all as we listen, discern, and act upon
the call of God in our lives and in our congregation.
God’s blessings!
Pastor Ryan
Living in God’s love, Abiding Savior Lutheran Church
is a welcoming and caring family
that nurtures spiritual growth, shares our Christian faith,
and serves all creation.
Help us grow our 11:00
contemporary service
We love our contemporary
worship service, but we need
your help to make it grow!
If you are a regular attendee
and are willing to offer
feedback regarding this
worship service or possibly
serve on a short-term task-
force to increase attendance
and increase our volunteer
involvement, please see
Pastor Ryan, Pastor Lisa or
leave your information with
the office staff.
Thank you!
page 2 / healthy congregations / endowment fund grants
Mission
Living in God’s love, Abiding Savior Lutheran Church is a welcoming and caring family
that nurtures spiritual growth, shares our Christian faith, and serves all creation.
A Generous Congregation is a Healthy Congregation*
In their book, “A Field Guide for the Missional Congregation,” Craig Van Gelder and Rick Rouse write:
Healthy, Spirit-led leaders are able to help congregations understand the importance of practic-
ing stewardship and facing their fiscal challenges. …We’ve discovered that this is the key that is
often missing as congregational leaders look to move a congregation forward on its missional
journey. Practicing stewardship toward building financial viability is an issue that, if not taken
seriously, can become a huge obstacle to a congregation seeking to implement a missional plan.
Financial generosity is essential for keeping a congregation going. Finances are essential for paying light bills
and salaries and for capital improvements and even Sunday School materials. Finances are also needed to
fund outreach ministries into the community to carry out the mission of God beyond the walls of the congre-
gation. In short, financial resources are a necessity if the church is to maintain a building, nurture faith in
adults and children, care for the sick, feed the hungry, provide quality worship services, and retain trained
and professional clergy and staff.
Congregations that have poor financial stewardship practices often have trouble taking care of the ongoing
day-to-day expenses of ministry. They regularly spend a lot of time and energy worrying about money, and
frequently create an environment of scarcity instead of participating actively in God’s mission.
When congregations are not constantly scrambling for money, they are better able to instead look for ways to
grow God’s Kingdom. They are able to say “yes” to God as they are called into new ministries and partner-
ships trusting that God will provide and has provided. Through sharing in congregations, lives are changed
with the love of God and congregations are better able to look beyond their walls to participate in God’s work
done in their neighborhoods, homes, workplaces, and out into God’s world. Whether a church is worshipping
thousands or only a few, better stewardship practices will lead to more life changing ministries done in the
name of God.
Pastors often the key to creating an atmosphere of generosity in their congregations. Unfortunately, many
pastors are not feeling equipped to lead in the area of stewardship. In all areas of ministry, pastors should
seek new knowledge from classes, mentors, and practice. By equipping pastors to be leaders of generosity,
congregations will have the funding needed to carry out their mission in the world. When a congregation’s
finances are in order and generosity is practiced, the potential to touch even more lives with the love and
grace of God exists. Encourage your pastor to continue growing their knowledge of how to teach and preach
generosity as they live out their calling as leaders of stewardship.
*This article first appeared on the St. Paul Area Synod Blog: https://www.spas-elca.org/a-generous-
congregation-is-a-healthy-congregation/
Apply NOW for Endowment Fund Grants
The Endowment Committee is thrilled to be awarding over $5,000 in grants for 2019!
Any organization can apply for a grant from the Endowment Fund including commit-
tees, staff, Council members, ministries of Abiding Savior, individual church members, and community non-
profit organizations. Grant Applications are available in the church office. The application process is simple
but hurry, applications are due ASAP! Criteria for grant funding is explained further on the application.
As the Mission Endowment Fund grows, the Endowment will be able award more and more grants to be used
in sharing God’s love in the world. If you haven’t done so already, please prayerfully consider including the
Abiding Savior Endowment in your estate planning. This can be done in a variety of ways including life insur-
ance and IRA beneficiary designations, a variety of annuities, and simple language added to your will. All
gifts, big or small, are appreciated and will be used to further the work of God done in the world. For more
information contact Pastor Ryan.
Stewardship Corner
special February events / page 3
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church Newsletter | February 2019 | abidingsavior.org
Children’s Musical
Sunday, March 3rd
During both services
Join us for a special music
Sunday with the Children’s Musi-
cal “Plane Ol’ Mission Trip”.
Mark your calendars for this
wonderful message delivered to
us in song by our children’s
choirs!
Registration now open for summer
Bible Camp!
Abiding Savior youth are encouraged to register for bible
camp at WAPO! Our congregation is assigned to the follow-
ing weeks, but if these dates don’t work for you/your fami-
ly, you can go any week you choose!
SEEDS (2nd – 3rd grade): June 21-23, 2019
WAPO Youth (4th – 9th grade): June 23-28, 2019
To register: http://lwlbci.com/abidingsavior
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE! Please don’t let the cost
of camp keep you from going! If you’d like to learn more
about the scholarships available, contact Patty or Katie in
t h e c h u r c h o f f i c e a t 7 6 3 - 7 8 4 - 5 1 2 0
Confirmation Retreat Sun., Feb. 17th - Mon., Feb. 18th
Camp WAPO
All Confirmation students
and High Schoolers are
invited to our annual
Confirmation Retreat!
Registration materials
were mailed
to Confirmation families in late January.
Be sure to turn in your paperwork
to the office ASAP.
It will be an awesome weekend growing in
faith and having fun together!
Welcome to Abiding Savior
A place to belong!
Are you (or someone you know) inter-
ested in or curious about becoming a
member at Abiding Savior?
Join us for a new members class on
Wednesday, February 20th at 5:30pm
to learn more about the ministries of
Abiding Savior, what it means to be Lu-
theran, and to get to know one another!
Please contact the church office at 763-
784-5120 if you are interested!
New members will be received on
Sunday, March 10th.
Souper Bowl Sunday
February 3rd is Souper Bowl
Sunday. Please consider a do-
nation of your spare change
and dollars to help ease hun-
ger right in our community.
Collection will take place in
the Narthex after each of the services. Thank
you for caring for your neighbors!
Ladies of
Abiding Savior
You’re invited to help
celebrate Bonnie Fletcher’s
birthday!
Your presence is
the only present desired!
Saturday, February 2nd
1:30—3:30pm
Abiding Savior Lutheran
page 4 / Sunday school / middle & high school youth
Mission
Living in God’s love, Abiding Savior Lutheran Church is a welcoming and caring family
that nurtures spiritual growth, shares our Christian faith, and serves all creation.
Thanks to all who attended
our Family Sunday School
session in January. We are
all one-of-a-kind, each a
unique creation of God and
uniquely loved by God. It
was wonderful to celebrate
this together.
Schedule notes for February and March:
Sun., Feb. 10th – Sunday school children sing at
the 9:00 worship service. Warm up in the chap-
el at 8:45.
Sun., Mar. 10th – Sunday school children sing
at the 9:00 worship service. Warm up in the
chapel at 8:45.
Also on Sun., Mar. 10th – Bring-a-Friend
Morning Children are encouraged to invite a
friend, neighbor, cousin, etc. to share their
Sunday school experience.
We pray that this school year will nurture your
child in his or her faith and encourage you as a
family on your faith journey together. Your
child’s teacher is a wonderful resource for you,
and I am happy to hear your comments or sug-
gestions, as well as answer any questions when-
ever they arise. - Patty
As a reminder, we ask that you drop off and
pick up your child in person to ensure their
safety.
Always remember,
You are WELCOME
You are VALUED
You are LOVED
You BELONG
Middle & High School Youth Sunday School News
Ongoing
Wednesdays
Worship @ 6:30pm
Confirmation & High School Youth Group
following worship until 8:00pm
Last Sunday of the month
Cinnamon roll sales
between worship services
Join us at 8:30am on the last
Sunday of the month to help bake
cinnamon rolls to sell
between services!
Special Events This Winter
CAMP WAPO CONFIRMATION
& HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT
Sun., Feb. 17th—Mon., Feb. 18th
Included as part of confirmation fees;
$35 for High School students.
High School will break out
and meet separately!
LENT BEGINS!
Ash Wednesday is March 6th
Confirmation students find your mentor
(think about who that could be!).
High School will meet for 30 minutes
after the lent service!
- Lenten Soup Supper -
The youth will be hosting an evening
of Lenten soup suppers.
Stay tuned for the date of this
to come help make and serve soup!
OUTING TO ZERO GRAVITY
Wednesday, April 17th
Celebrate the end of Lent
by meeting at Zero Gravity
for an hour of trampoline fun!
children’s choirs / youth faith formation / preschool / page 5
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church Newsletter | February 2019 | abidingsavior.org
It is an exciting season as our
choirs prepare for our upcoming
children's musical! MARK YOUR
CALENDARS! Sunday, March 3rd
the children's choirs will be sharing
music and message of God's amazing
work in the musical of "PLANE OL' MISSON TRIP'.
Please keep this date marked on your calendars!
More dates to reminder:
Sun., Feb. 3rd: Choirs sing at 9:00 church service
Sun., Mar. 3rd: “Plane Ol' Mission Trip” Musical
Wed., Mar. 20th: NO WEDNESDAY NIGHT PRO-
GRAMS
Wed., Mar. 27th: Wednesday night Choirs/POWER
UP Soup Supper night! Our choir families will be
serving a meal of soup to our church community!
Please let me know if there are further questions!
Thank you for singing and rejoicing and sharing
God's love through music!!
Tanna Hoffman
Children’s Choirs
P WER Up! Wednesday Night Kid’s Devotions
Where faith meets fun in a powerful way.
What: Kids 4 years old through 5th
grade meet to
explore God’s word and the powerful ways He is
present (omnipresent – that’s power!) in our lives.
We play, experiment, sing, cook, craft, dance,
concoct, create . . . come join us.
Schedule:
5:30-6:00: 2nd through 5th grade
6:00-6:30: 4-year-olds through 1st grade
6:30-7:00: Family Worship for all
These times are coordinated with children’s choir &
bell choir times, so it’s convenient (and fun) to be a
part of both POWER Up and music programs if
you’d like. Try it. You’ll like it.
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young,
but set an example for the believers
in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
—1 Timothy 4:12
Wednesday Schedule
Wednesday evenings are a busy and exciting time at
Abiding Savior. Here’s a quick recap of February’s
schedule:
4:30—6:15pm Dinner served
Feb. 6: Scalloped Potatoes and
Ham
Feb. 13: Hamburger Gravy with
Mashed Potatoes
Feb. 20: Pizza Casserole
Feb. 27: Potato Chip Rolled Hot
Dogs with Mac-n-Cheese
5:00—5:30pm Celebration Ringers (grades 3-12)
5:30—6:00pm King’s Messengers Choir (3yrs-1st grd)
5:30—6:00pm POWER Up (grades 2-5)
6:00—6:30pm WWJD Choir (grades 2-5)
6:00—6:30pm POWER Up (4yrs - 1st grade)
6:00—6:30pm Reigning Grace Worship Band
6:30—7:00pm Wednesday Worship
6:30—8:00pm Confirmation
6:30—8:00pm High School Youth Group
7:00—8:00pm Adult Choir
Preschool News
Love is in the air! February is a great month to cele-
brate the love of friends, family, and God’s Love.
It’s also a time to celebrate the ministry between
the Abiding Savior congregation and Abiding Savior
Preschool! Join us on Sun., Feb. 3rd as the pre-
school leads the Adult Forum. The preschool will
also be hosting the brunch on Sunday, February
10th. Our preschool is appreciative of the congre-
gation’s support and we hope you’ll join us at
these ‘events’ to learn more about our preschool!
It’s time to start planning for our next school year.
In February we will begin taking registrations for
the 2019-2020 school year. Get your 3 or 4 year
old all set!!
It’s time for Butter Braids!! Is your freezer empty
of these tasty pastries? Order forms will be availa-
ble in your bulletin or stop in the office. Put your
nose in the air and smell for samples on a Sunday
near the end of the month.
Denise Lewandowski, Program Director
Abiding Savior Preschool
[email protected] or 763-784-5326
page 6 / Lenten soup suppers / out in our community
Mission
Living in God’s love, Abiding Savior Lutheran Church is a welcoming and caring family
that nurtures spiritual growth, shares our Christian faith, and serves all creation.
CPR & First Aid Did you know that the Spring Lake Park
-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department
offers CPR and First Aid Certification?
First Aid and CPR are potentially life-
saving skills to know. Check out the
brochure at church for more infor-
mation or visit www.sbmfire.org or call
763.767-4003.
Lent starts March 6th - Ash Wednesday!
During Lent, our regular “Wednesday Night Dinner Crew” is off and
you’re invited to help host a Lenten Soup Supper!
Does your group/committee want to host a Lenten Soup Supper?
These meals are a great way to raise funds for important events
done in and through Abiding Savior! Your group/committee will
be responsible for choosing the menu, cooking the meal, and all
set-up and clean-up for that week. Confirmation students will be
available to help serve the meal.
We strongly recommend using Thrivent Action Grants to help cov-
er the costs and increase your profits!
See the Sign-up sheet outside the office on the main bulletin
board. Thanks!
Wednesday Evenings - 4:30—6;30pm
$3.00 to cover costs or Free Will Offering for the Fundraiser
These are current as of January 22nd:
March 6th - Tanzania Trip Group (chicken wild rice)
March 13th - Open
March 20th - Open
March 27th - Children’s Programs (chicken noodle)
April 3rd - Abiding Savior Preschool (soup TBD)
April 10th - Lydia Circle (chili)
April 18th - Open
Soup Suppers During Lent
Did you know that Abiding Savior has a group of dedicated volunteers who delivers meals through
Meals on Wheels? Abiding Savior delivers meals for one week about once each quarter. If you are
interested in helping to deliver meals, or want to find out more about this ministry, contact Fern
Fisher or the office! Our next delivery week is February 25th—March 1st! Join us!
Our Southern Anoka County Meals on Wheels delivered over 25,000 meals last year! Our delivery area co-
vers Fridley, Columbia Heights, Hilltop and Spring Lake Park. If you would like to make a donation to help
support this important community program, your tax-deductible donation can be mailed to: Southern Anoka
County Meals on Wheels, Mercy Hospital—Unity Campus, 550 Osborne Rd. NE, Fridley, MN 55432.
Meals on Wheels Opportunities
Growing Through
Loss
Growing Through Loss is a series pro-
vided through the North Suburban
Grief Support Coalition that shares
tools people can use to cope with grief.
The Spring 2019 series will be held at
Abiding Savior beginning Tuesday,
April 16th. If you, or someone you
know, could benefit from attending
this series, be sure to mark your calen-
dar.
If you’re able help provide or serve re-
freshments during the Spring series,
please let the office know.
adult faith formation / page 7
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church Newsletter | February 2019 | abidingsavior.org
Life Long Learning
February 3 Abiding Savior Preschool by Denise Lewandowski, Preschool Director
“Scientists have recently determined that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a
new synapse in the brain—unless it is done with play, in which case, it takes between 10—20
repetitions.” — Dr. Karyn Purvis”
Do you remember your preschool years? Come spend a morning exploring (and playing) like a
preschooler! Learn about a typical day and hear some fantastic stories. Feel the fun of
preschool!!!
February 10 Brunch — Sponsored by Abiding Savior Preschool
February 17 Refugee Sponsorship and the Minnesota Council of Churches by Kathryn Berger-Refugee
Program Specialist: Volunteer and Outreach MN Council of Churches—Refugee Services
Join Kathryn Berger from the Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) to learn more about our
successful co-sponsorship of the Butikima Family. Ms. Berger will share about the process of
resettling the family, our involvement, and the work of the MCC. Also, learn more about the
experiences, challenges, and strength of the Butikima family and all refugees here in the Twin
Cities and across our nation as they work to become self-supporting and to thrive in their new
country.
February 24 Love Stories of the Bible: The Book of Ruth by Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker-Luther Seminary
The book of Ruth, though only four chapters long, can teach us much about love, loyalty, and
faithfulness. Tina Turner famously sang, "What's love got to do with it?" And the book of Ruth
answers that question: Human love has a great deal to teach us about the love of God.
Through the extraordinary lives of ordinary people - a farmer, a widow, and a foreigner - God
brings abundance out of emptiness, love out of loneliness, and life out of death. Come learn
more about the story of Ruth and celebrate the extraordinary love described there.
Sunday Adult Forums in February - Join us at 10:05am!
Abiding Savior offers many opportunities for adults to grow in their faith. Everyone is welcome to participate
in these enriching circles of fellowship.
Women’s Bible Study
Join your sisters in Christ every Thursday morning at 10:00 in the Coffee House! You’ll be
refreshed after a morning of fellowship, prayer, Bible study led by Pastor Lisa (and great
treats)!
Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study
Join Pastor Ryan and other men for a delicious hot breakfast, Bible study, prayer and fel-
lowship. This group meets on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays of the month beginning at
8:30am.
Priscilla/Rebecca Circle
This women’s circle meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1:00pm at ASLC with
prayer, scripture study using the Lutheran Women Today magazine and dessert. If any-
one is available to help with transportation for this circle, let the church office know!
Lydia Circle
Looking for an evening study and fellowship option? Our Lydia Circle meets on the 2nd
Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm at church! February’s hostess is Sonia Wilson.
page 8 / mission outreach / ways you can make a difference!
Mission
Living in God’s love, Abiding Savior Lutheran Church is a welcoming and caring family
that nurtures spiritual growth, shares our Christian faith, and serves all creation.
Thank You!
Sing for Our Neighbors
a success!
A big thanks
to everyone
who attended
the second
Sing for Our
N e i g h b o r s
fundraising concert January 27th
.
The Community Support Center
greatly appreciates the monetary
support that allows them to help
neighbors facing financial hard-
ships stay in their homes.
We do some amazing things when
we work together!
Got Irondale
Clothing?
God’s Work. Our Hands.
Ways YOU Can Make a Difference!
Did you make a resolution to get more involved? Are you blessed to
overflowing and ready to share with others? Abiding Savior’s out-
reach efforts offer a variety of activities and opportunities to make a
difference. You know what you’re good at so find the project that
suits you. Some options include:
Souper Bowl Sunday, February 3rd
We will again remember our hungry neighbor-
hood children by collecting spare dollars and
change on Super Bowl Sunday. Funds collected
will be used for our 70 Pinewood Elementary
SnackPack weekend food packs. Thanks for
making a difference!
Garden of Grace – Green Thumbs Needed
We are in need of a Head Gardener (or two)
for our Garden of Grace, growing fresh food
for Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. Fear not – Sandy
LaCroix has five years of experience and will
share her expertise with you. And, we have a
dedicated crew of sowers, weeders, waterers,
and reapers, though more are always wel-
come. Please let the office know if you are willing to take over or
talk to Sandy for details. Thank you for caring for our neighbors.
Hosting Growing Through Loss in April and May
Abiding Savior will host the six-week series Growing
Through Loss, Tuesdays starting April 16th
. The se-
ries provides an opportunity for individuals to obtain
information and support for a variety of loss and grief
issues. Brochures are in the office. We will provide
and serve refreshments each week. Consider helping
on one or more Tuesdays – you’ll be richly rewarded
with gratitude.
Kitchen Help
Our congregation knows how to share meals
and the brunch, Wednesday supper, and funeral
kitchen crews can always use a helping hand.
Chop, shop, stir, wash or wipe weekly, monthly
or annually. Just stop in the kitchen and let
them know you have a minute to spare.
Make Your Own Project
Pray for others; sign up to receive the emailed prayer chain. Write
a note or send a card to someone in need of comfort or warm wish-
es. Drive someone to church. Visit a nursing home resident or
shut-in. Join a committee; there are lots to choose from. Usher
during services. Befriend someone new. Listen to someone’s sto-
ry. Call a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Smile at children and
families to let them know how glad we are to see them.
Share it with Irondale
Students!
Have your kids outgrown their
Irondale High School clothing?
We know some Edgewood stu-
dents who would wear it with
pride. Please
bag and label
clean items
and drop them
off in the so-
cial concerns
trunk. Thank
you for shar-
ing with these
students!
sharing of our financial gifts for God’s work / page 9
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church Newsletter | February 2019 | abidingsavior.org
December 2018
Financial Highlights
2018 Monthly YTD
INCOME
Current gifts and
giving 59,558 487,690
Festival giving 17,077 38,140
SUBTOTAL 76,635 525,830
Other income 22,356 99,035
TOTAL INCOME 98,991 624,865
EXPENSES
TOTAL EXPENSES 63,784 624,773
NET INCOME OVER
EXPENSES 35,207 92
Benevolence paid
3,573
49,942
Things to Celebrate
The Abiding Savior Lutheran Church Endowment
Fund exists to be used by our church for mission and
ministry for years to come. Funds given to the En-
dowment Fund are invested and once a year, the
Fund makes grands through a granting process to
individuals, ministries, or organizations inside or out-
side of Abiding Savior. These grants total 4.25% of
the fund balance. In 2018 over $5,300 in grants
were awarded to the following:
Seminary scholarship for Becca Holland
ASLC Youth for new furniture for the Youth Room
CPY for bus repairs
Feed My Lambs (sandwich distribution to the
homeless organized by Michael Tipler—approx.
75 sandwiches are distributed each week!)
Community Support Center for luncheon
funding
Quincy House
In 2019, over $5,000 is again available for grants.
See the article on page 2 of the Vinebranch for
more information!
Anyone and everyone can make or leave a give to the
endowment! All gifts, big or small, add up to make a
big impact!
Giving to the Mission Endowment Fund of Abiding
Savior Lutheran Church is Simple and Joyful! Gifts can
be made any time and in any amount (simply note
“Endowment Fund” on a check memo line).
If you are making or revising your Will or Trust or re-
viewing your life insurance contracts or retirement
funds, please consider Abiding Savior as one of your
beneficiaries using the following language:
I bequeath ___ % (or $ ___ ) of my estate to
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church
located at
8211 Red Oak Drive, Mounds View, MN,
designated for the
Mission Endowment Fund
of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church.
Mission Endowment Fund
A fun, service-filled night at FMSC!
Thanks to everyone who took part to help pack
35,640 meals which will feed 98 kids for a year!
Annual Meeting
Thanks to everyone who attended our congregational
annual meeting and to our council and committees
who prepared information for the meeting!
CSC Sing for Our Neighbors concert
A wonderful afternoon of music and raising funds for
the Community Support Center!
page 10 / book club invitation / church directory / thank you’s
Join Our Book Club! The Abiding Savior book club
will be meeting at church on
Wed., February 20th at 4:00pm.
Everyone is welcome! Please
join us!
THE HERO TWO DOORS DOWN
by Sharon Robinson
The author is the daughter of the famous
Jackie Robinson of baseball fame. This book
is based on a true story of a little boy who
knew Jackie and his family. The year is 1948,
and the place is Brooklyn, New York. Eight
year old Stephen Satlow is a great baseball
fan and becomes super excited when Jackie
Robinson moves two doors down. This area is
predominately Jewish so when Jackie gives
Stephen’s Jewish family a Christmas tree, a bit
of tension arises. Despite their religious, ra-
cial, and cultural differences, the two families
become great friends, and remain so for sev-
eral decades.
Prayers are appreciated
Thank you to everyone for all the cards and prayers sent to
me and our family in the death of my mother, Gladys
Noyes. Thank you also for all the cards and prayers in the
new diagnosis of my cancer that has spread to my lungs.
This is a wonderful, caring congregation. We are blessed
by you all.
— Ken and Bonnie Fletcher
God’s blessings
Thank you for the myriad of ways you have extended a wel-
come to our international community and cared for them in
all seasons!
— Luther Seminary International Student & Scholars
Thanks for helping us fight hunger
Thank you very much for your generous donations to Ralph
Reeder. The food shelf is a bustling place these days, with
record demand for food requests and many new families
visiting us each and every day. Your critical support en-
sures that all of our neighbors have access to nutritious
foods and were able to have holiday gifts under the tree for
their children. Plus, your donations are eligible for a match
by generous donors; increasing the impact you have made
on our ability to offer critical programs and services all year
round. Thank you!
— Lisa Baker, Program Manager
Love from Quincy House
Thank you for your generous donation of $500 to Quincy
House from your Mission Outreach Committee. We are so
grateful that we are able to continue to serve the students
in our community thanks to donations like this. We consid-
er our ministry very fortunate to have the support of Abid-
ing Savior and we could not do this journey with out you!
The meals your team provides for our students and volun-
teers allows us to meet the basic needs of the students we
serve while building on the foundation of family and faith.
You make it possible for us to make a difference in the lives
of the Quincy students.
—Tami Moberg, Executive Director
Thank you for partnering with us
I was completely surprised to open a letter from Abiding
Savior which included a $500 donation for a scholarship to
CPY. My heart fluttered by your sweet act of love for CPY
and the children that are a part of our programs. Thank
you for partnering with us to love on these children and
encourage them in their success! From all of us at CPY,
THANK YOU!
— Mary Stewart, Executive Director
Notes of Thanks
New Church Directory Thank you to everyone who took part in get-
ting pictures taken for our new church direc-
tory. It will be so nice to ‘put a face to the
name’! In addition, the contact information
for many members has changed since our last
directory was printed. Help us keep our rec-
ords up-to-date by notifying the office of any
changes to your phone number or address or
complete this form: http://abidingsavior.org/
OutreachPro/update-my-contact-information/.!
Stay tuned for updates on when we expect the
new directories to arrive!
Mission
Living in God’s love, Abiding Savior Lutheran Church is a welcoming and caring family
that nurtures spiritual growth, shares our Christian faith, and serves all creation.
Thanks to everyone
who donated blood
during our blood drive
on January 8th! 22
units of blood were
collected. You are helping to SAVE LIVES!
Red Cross Blood Drive
Su
n
Mo
n
Tu
e
Wed
T
hu
Fri
Sat
1
2
Bonnie
Fle
tcher
Birth
day P
arty
1:3
0—
3:3
0pm
3 C
OM
MU
NIO
N
Kid
s Choirs sin
gin
g
Souper B
ow
l
9:0
0 - W
orsh
ip S
erv
ice
10:0
5 - S
unday S
chool
10:0
5 - A
dult F
oru
m(P
resch
ool)
11:0
0 - C
onte
mpora
ry W
orsh
ip
1:0
0 - D
aisy
Tro
op (C
H)
3:0
0 - G
irl Sco
uts (C
H)
4
7:0
0 - S
ons o
f Norw
ay
5
8:3
0 - M
en’s B
reakfa
st/Bib
le
10:1
5 - S
taff M
eetin
g
6:0
0 - C
om
mitte
e M
eetin
gs
6 4
:30 - W
ed. N
ight S
upper
5:0
0 - 5
:30 C
ele
bra
tion R
ingers
5:3
0 - 6
:00 P
ow
erU
P/K
ing’s M
sgr
6:0
0 - 6
:30 P
ow
erU
p/W
WJD
Choir
6:0
0 - 6
:30 R
eig
nin
g G
race
6:3
0 - 7
:00 W
ed. W
orsh
ip
6:3
0 - 8
:00 C
onfirm
atio
n
6:3
0 - 8
:00 H
S Y
outh
Gro
up
7:0
0 - 8
:00 A
dult C
hoir
7
10:0
0 - W
om
en’s B
ible
Stu
dy
4:3
0 - S
elf A
dvoca
tes L
ead
in
g T
ogeth
er (C
H)
6:1
5 - Ju
bila
tion R
ingers
8
9
Fam
ily M
inistry
Event
10:0
0—
11:3
0am
10 Ju
bila
tion R
ingers p
layin
g
Sunday S
chool k
ids sin
gin
g
9:0
0 - W
orsh
ip S
erv
ice
10:0
5 - S
unday S
chool
10:0
5 - B
runch
11:0
0 - C
onte
mpora
ry W
orsh
ip
11
6:3
0 - S
couts 2
67 (C
H)
12
10:1
5 - S
taff M
eetin
g
1:0
0 - P
riscilla/R
ebecca
C
ircle a
t ASLC
6:0
0 - L
ydia
Circle
at ch
urch
6
:30 - P
resch
ool C
om
mitte
e
13 4
:30 - W
ed. N
ight S
upper
5:0
0 - 5
:30 C
ele
bra
tion R
ingers
5:3
0 - 6
:00 P
ow
erU
P/K
ing’s M
sgr
6:0
0 - 6
:30 P
ow
erU
p/W
WJD
Choir
6:0
0 - 6
:30 R
eig
nin
g G
race
6:3
0 - 7
:00 W
ed. W
orsh
ip
6:3
0 - 8
:00 C
onfirm
atio
n
6:3
0 - 8
:00 H
S Y
outh
Gro
up
7:0
0 - 8
:00 A
dult C
hoir
14 V
ale
ntin
e’s D
ay
9:0
0 - W
ork
Cre
w
10:0
0 - W
om
en’s B
ible
Stu
dy
6:1
5 - Ju
bila
tion R
ingers
15
16
17 C
OM
MU
NIO
N
9:0
0 - W
orsh
ip S
erv
ice
10:0
5 - S
unday S
chool
10:0
5 - A
dult F
oru
m (M
CC)
11:0
0 - C
onte
mpora
ry W
orsh
ip
18 N
O P
RESCH
OO
L
12:0
0 - Q
uiltin
g S
etu
p
6:3
0 - S
couts 2
67 (C
H)
19
8:3
0 - M
en’s B
reakfa
st/Bib
le
9:0
0 - Q
uiltin
g
6:3
0 - C
ouncil M
eetin
g
20
4:0
0 - B
ook C
lub
4:3
0 - W
ed. N
ight S
upper
5:0
0 - 5
:30 C
ele
bra
tion R
ingers
5:3
0 - 8
:00 N
EW
MEM
BER C
LASS
5:3
0 - 6
:00 P
ow
erU
P/K
ing’s M
sgr
6:0
0 - 6
:30 P
ow
erU
p/W
WJD
Choir
6:0
0 - 6
:30 R
eig
nin
g G
race
6:3
0 - 7
:00 W
ed. W
orsh
ip
6:3
0 - 8
:00 C
onfirm
atio
n
6:3
0 - 8
:00 H
S Y
outh
Gro
up
7:0
0 - 8
:00 A
dult C
hoir
21
10:0
0 - W
om
en’s B
ible
Stu
dy
2:0
0 - S
harin
g/C
arin
g H
ands
4:3
0 - S
elf A
dvoca
tes L
ead
in
g T
ogeth
er (C
H)
22
23
24 M
S/H
S Y
outh
Sunday
9:0
0 - W
orsh
ip S
erv
ice
10:0
5 - S
unday S
chool
10:0
5 - Y
outh
Cin
nam
on R
olls
10:0
5 - A
dult F
oru
m (R
uth
) 11:0
0 - C
onte
mpora
ry W
orsh
ip
1:0
0 - D
aisy
Tro
op
3:0
0 - G
irl Sco
uts (C
H)
25
26
11:4
5 - B
enedictin
e S
erv
ice
(N
o G
osp
el S
ingers in
Febru
ary
)
274:3
0 - W
ed. N
ight S
upper
5:0
0 - 5
:30 C
ele
bra
tion R
ingers
5:3
0 - 6
:00 P
ow
erU
P/K
ing’s M
sgr
6:0
0 - 6
:30 P
ow
erU
p/W
WJD
Choir
6:0
0 - 6
:30 R
eig
nin
g G
race
6:3
0 - 7
:00 W
ed. W
orsh
ip
6:3
0 - 8
:00 C
onf P
are
nt’s N
ight
6:3
0 - 8
:00 H
S Y
outh
Gro
up
7:0
0 - 8
:00 A
dult C
hoir
28
9:0
0 - W
ork
Cre
w
10:0
0 - W
om
en’s B
ible
Stu
dy
6:1
5 - Ju
bila
tion R
ingers
Feb
ru
ary 2
01
9
C
on
firm
ation
R
etreat at W
APO
M
eals on W
heels d
elivery (Feb
ruary 2
5th
—M
arch 1st)
Upcoming Events in February
February 2 - Birthday Party for Bonnie Fletcher 1:30—3:30pm
February 3 - Worship with Communion at 9:00 & 11:00am
- Souper Bowl Sunday
- Adult Forum - Abiding Savior Preschool
February 5 - Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study
- Committee Meetings
February 6 - Wednesday Night Dinner, Worship & Activities
February 7 - Women’s Bible Study
February 9 - Family Ministry Event 10:00—11:30am
February 10 - Worship at 9:00 & 11:00am
- Brunch Sunday sponsored by ASLC Preschool
February 12 - Priscilla/Rebecca Circle & Lydia Circle
February 13 - Wednesday Night Dinner, Worship & Activities
February 14 - Happy Valentine’s Day!
- Work Crew
- Women’s Bible Study
February 17 - Worship with Communion at 9:00 & 11:00am
- Adult Forum - Refugee Sponsorship and the MCC
Feb. 17—18 - Confirmation Retreat at Camp WAPO
February 19 - Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study
- Quilting
- Council Meeting
February 20 - Wednesday Night Dinner, Worship & Activities
- New Member Class
February 21 - Women’s Bible Study
February 24 - Worship at 9:00 & 11:00am
- Youth Cinnamon Roll Sale
- Adult Forum - Love Stories of the Bible: Ruth
February 26 - Benedictine Service (No Gospel Singers in Feb.)
February 27 - Wednesday Night Dinner, Worship & Activities
February 28 - Work Crew
- Women’s Bible Study
Ryan Brodin, Senior Pastor
Lisa Richardson, Associate Pastor
Patty Mesenbring, Director of Children’s Ministry
Brad Mills, Director of Youth Ministry
Gary Peterson, Senior Choir Director
Paul Weller, Bell Choir Director
Janelle Schauer, Organist
Tanna Hoffman, Children’s Choir Director
Janet Wilcox, Parish Nurse
Katie Brouillard, Office Manager
Amy Haugen, Office Assistant
Connie Clausen, Office Assistant
Denise Lewandowski, Preschool Director
Steven Hill, Custodian
Pastors & Staff
Non-Profit Organization
US POSTAGE
PAID
TWIN CITIES MN
PERMIT NO. 4987
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church
8211 Red Oak Drive
Mounds View, MN 55112-5929
Phone: 763.784.5120
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.abidingsavior.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abidingsaviorlc/
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
February Vinebranch Newsletter
Volume 19 Number 02 Date 2019
Please consider receiving
your Vinebranch via email!
Reduce waste and help
our church save paper
and the cost of mailing!
If you want to go paperless,
call the Church office at 763.784.5120
or email us at [email protected]. When moving, changing addresses, email address,
and/or phone, please notify the church office.
Help keep our contact information up-to-date! If you
have a new home phone, cell phone or new email ad-
dress, please call the church office at 763.784.5120
or visit http://abidingsavior.org/OutreachPro/update-
my-contact-information/.