Newsletter January 2018

Here we go. The new year 2018 has begun. The old is set aside. The new arrives with all of its’ freshness. In many ways, your interim pastor has leaned into the past as we have gotten to know one another during Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas. Thank you for introducing me to Kerkhoven Lutheran’s Advent wreath and candles; the Manger Scene; the Christmas tree with all of your cherished traditions. It is now time for us to go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ continues to live in our generation of Jesus followers.

As the Epiphany Season begins, how do you plan to follow Jesus in a fresh, new way? Hymn 798 is called The Summons. The song’s writer is John Bell. He uses questions in order to make statements that encourage God’s children to follow Christ. In the hymn God is speaking. Hear the verses afresh.

Will you come and follow me if I but call your name? Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same? Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known? Will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?

Kerkhoven Lutheran’s nominating committee is making contacts this month. Newcomers to leadership roles are needed to serve faithful terms on our 7 boards. Thank you for having an honest conversation with yourself as the new year begins. The Savior has placed gifts and talents in your life. Talents are meant to be used well as we all extend God’s grace and love outward toward others. Boards need you for 2, 3 or 4 years. I invite you to imagine sharing your good ideas with one another on each board as you all anticipate a new pastor bringing their personal gifts and talents into the congregation and community. We don’t know how soon that transition will unfold. From my past experiences of moving from one congregation to the next I am reminded that the good energy and communication embodied by the call committee was great to experience. The Holy Spirit can be evident in those interviews. More importantly, an incoming pastor desires the best energy and new ideas to be coming from the boards with whom they will be serving during their first three years of ministry. That is when the call committee’s prayers and discernment yield new and good fruit. I guess what I am trying to say is this. If you have not to date served in a leadership role, be ready to say yes in 2018 and continue to say yes in 2019 and beyond. The beyond of 2019 will be here more quickly than we know.

May the Spirit of the Living God fall afresh upon you and yours this new year 2018. May the Spirit of the Living God also fall afresh today upon a pastor open to Jesus leading during 2018. Yes, Spirit of the Living God, help us to discern the good future being prepared for all who follow You.

God’s peace, Christ’s joy and the Spirit’s laugher be with you. See you at the Annual Meeting on Sunday January 28th.

Interim Pastor Gary Mikkelson

IS IT YOUR TURN?

“For the body is not one member, but many.” 1 Corinthians 12:14

It is soon the time of year our church boards/council get a facelift. This transition allows us to continue the efforts of the current boards with fresh minds and ideas.

If you haven’t been on a church board recently, I urge you to contact the nominating committee or be prepared to say, “yes!” when they call. We have a helpful team of board members to guide and mentor you. If you have the willingness and an open mind, you are qualified!

The Nominating Committee consists of: Jordan Almen, Leif Carlson, Jaci Hennes, Sarah Holtkamp, Cliff Nystrom.

Let’s all take our turn and get that ballot filled!

God Bless,Naomi Baker, President

Thanks to all who turned in a congregational survey! We have taken the information you provided, compiled it, discussed it and used it to complete the Ministry Site Profile. The MSP has been submitted to our synod bishop who must approve it before posting it.

The call committee feels it is important to share a summary of the survey results with the congregation in order for everyone to realize the thoughts and opinions of other members.

Top 5 Ministry Tasks (there were 40 from which to choose)1. Pastoral Care and Visitation2. Preaching/Worship3. Youth and Family Ministry4. Spiritual Formation/Direction5. A Sense of Community

Gifts for Ministry (there were 25 from which to choose)1. Help people develop their spiritual life.2. Be active in visitation of members and non-members.3. Be effective in working with youth.4. Be effective in working with children.5. Bring joy and good humor to relationships.6. Build sense of community among people with whom he/she works.7. Be an effective communicator.8. Deal effectively with conflict.

Mutual ExpectationsA. What the congregation would like the new pastor to give special attention to the first year. (Top 5 responses)1. Youth Ministry2. Build relationships/get to know members and let members get to know her/him.3. Visitation/Shut-ins4. Passion to teach and inspire5. Community involvement.

B. How the congregation will support the new pastor so he/she can accomplish the previously listed areas. (Top 5 responses)1. Attend worship regularly/be available/participate.2. Show support and encouragement.3. Pray for her/him.4. Accept new ways/be open to new ideas.5. Give financially.

Again, thanks for the responses and your continued support. We will keep you informed as we go through the call process together.

Your Call Committee: Naomi, Jessi, Brian, Jesse, Scott, Mindy, Eric

KERKHOVEN LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES

December 6, 2017 7:30 pmThe Kerkhoven Lutheran Church Council met on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. President Naomi Baker called the meeting to order.

December devotions – Pastor Gary

KLC Mission Statement, All Council

The November 2017 Secretary’s Report was accepted as printed. T. Collins/K.Hauge

The November 2017 Treasurer’s Report was accepted as printed. T. Collins/R. Carlson

Worship & Witness Board: Chairperson – Marlene Hauge

Board Report by Marlene Hauge:a. Ushersb. Hymnsc. Lectors

Outreach & Evangelism Board: Chairperson-Ann Hanson

Board Report by Ann Hanson: a. December Senior Citizens Socialb. Ridgewater mealsc. Posters inviting everyone to Christmas services

Christian Education Board: Chairperson-Tiffany Collins

Board Report by Tiffany Collins:a. Christmas Programb. January lessons for Sunday Schoolc. Working on getting Wi-Fi downstairs

Stewardship and Finance Board: Chairperson-Eldon Hauge

Board Report by Eldon Hauge: a. Budget items

Property and Grounds Board: Chairperson-Barb Norton

Board Report by Barb Norton:a. Fixes at the parsonageb. Snow removal

WELCA Board: President: Carmen Maus

No Report

Pastor’s Report:Questions:

a. Confirmands as adult membersb. Church calendar & websitec. Sign in front of churchd. Call Committee blessing

Old Business:1. Railing for balcony2. Call Committee report3. Building Committee report

New Business:1. Annual meeting to be held on January 28, 2018 with board reports to Ann by January 15, 20182. Education Board will purchase and install bracket/shelf with Sunday School funds3. Motion to accept confirmands as adult members of the church. E. Hauge/A. Hanson4. Motion to designate Thanksgiving Offering to the Building Fund. E. Hauge/K. Hauge5. Motion for $500 donation to go into the Building Fund. E. Hauge/R. Carlson6. Motion for services to be held in the Fellowship Hall if temperature is 00 on Saturday before at noon.7. Motion to accept verbal bid from Barb & Mike Norton to do snow removal

Motion to Adjourn. E. Hauge/M. Hauge

Closed with the Lord’s Prayer

Bonnie Carlson, Secretary

Present: Pastor Gary, Kelly Hauge, Naomi Baker, Eldon Hauge, Ann Hanson, Ross Carlson, Tiffany Collins, Barb Norton, Marlene Hauge, Bonnie Carlson

Kerkhoven Lutheran Church Special Meeting

December 12, 2017

President, Naomi Baker, called meeting of the Executive Board to order.

Motion to accept the Ministry Site Profile as presented and submit to the Synod Office. K. Hauge/R.Carlson

Present: Naomi Baker, Bonnie Carlson, Kelly Hauge, Ross Carlson

Next Church Council Meeting: January 10, 2018 Church Boards meets at 7:00 p.m., unless board has designated an alternative date/time:

Church Council meets at 7:30 p.m.

Evangelism and Outreach Board News:

KMS Community Backpack ProjectBackpacks continue to be filled each Friday and delivered to each of the KMS schools for distribution prior to the children leaving to go home. The number of backpack returned and refilled each week is different and we have now been asked to fill some extra disposable bags with food items for children who are really in need of the weekend food supplements but do not always remember to return their backpacks. This allows the school to send food home to the families that need it the most consistently so their needs are met. We continue to

partner with Second Harvest Heartland and our balance in our backpack fund remains at a level where we can meet the needs of everyone who has requested a backpack. Thank you for your generous donations.

Ridgewater Campus Meal MinistryCampus Ministry Center at Ridgewater College - December 2017 Update From Chaplin

AmyHello Friends! It has been another exciting fall at the Ministry Center at “The Ridge”. Here’s a quick overview:*More than 75 welcome packages (laundry bag filled with toilet paper, trash bags, stress ball, pen, schedule, pocket New Testament) given away at Welcome Day (August)*At least 10 mattress and box spring sets have been given to students in need*Blankets, linens, housewares are available for students as needed

*Food Pantry stocked with non-perishable items, personal hygiene products, and schools supplies is available to all*Added a Women’s Ministry Night each Monday from 630-8pm*Tuesday and Wednesday lunches feed 140-190 students each day! Meals are brought and served by area church groups, non-profit organizations, home school families, and various volunteers*Students enjoy games, conversation, and a safe space for studying after sharing a meal

*Dozens of winter wear items- gloves, hats, scarves, sweatshirts, jackets, and coats- have been shared with students in need*Wednesday evening Worship/Study in partnership with area churches*Added Thursday Table Talk in the Student Center from 1130-1*Hosted Thursday night ALPHA course

*Celebrated Thanksgiving with 16 students and community members*Hosted guest presenters during lunches (Hope Pregnancy Center, Drug Free Coalition, Financial planners)*Gave away 75 Christmas Care Packages (Two food kits, laundry detergent, personal hygiene supplies, candy)*Helped a number of students with transportation to church, doctor’s appointments, work, airport, interviews*Supported students through prayer, conversation, and fellowship. Thank you to all of you who have blessed this ministry with your prayers, financial donations, and gifts of time and talent. We could not serve this number of students without your help. If the Holy Spirit is encouraging you to partner with us in

some way, please contact me anytime!How can you help? Here are a few suggestions (and we are open to more ideas!):*Sign up to serve a meal once, monthly, quarterly. Gather a group of friends & have some fun!*Desserts are always needed! Bring treats for a special occasion, or treats we can freeze to be used as needed. Home made or store bought, either is welcome and appreciated!*Household/kitchen items, linens, outerwear are desperately needed by students. Donations of new or gently used items are welcome- please bear in mind we don’t have a storage space 🙂 If

you would like to host a drive to collect a specific item, please contact me to coordinate*Non-perishables for the Food Pantry are always needed *Host a Bible Study, Coffee and Conversation get together at an area coffee shop, a Baking Party, a Football game watching party, present your expertise during lunch!*Do you have experience with capital campaigns and/or building updates and repairs? Share your God-given talents with the community here at Campus Ministry as we plan for the future!We are standing in a Mission Field that is in various stages of germination. We need your help to nurture, grow, and bring in a harvest for our God whom we humbly serve. Thank you for your continued prayers, hard word, and faith!In His Service,Chaplain Amy320.282.2225 aljuelpalmer@yahoo.com

KLC Next Serving Date: The noon meal ministry at the Campus Ministry Center at Ridgewater College continues the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. We serve 150 - 190 students. The line is nearly constant with very few breaks during the 11-2 serving time. Our next serving date is January 30, sign-up sheets are on the table between the offices. We are especially thankful for the following KLC members who helped

with food and or worked at our last Tuesday serving: Mona Doering, Barb Wenisch, Marcia and Donnie Lottman, Naomi Baker, Lee and Phyllis Meyer, Juanita Halverson, Doris Bakken, Eldon and Marlene Hauge, Pam Johnson, Ev Williams, Donna Baker, Faye Helms Judy Halverson, Phyllis Loven, Pastor Gary and Ann Hanson.

Community Senior Citizens Appreciation DinnerFriday, December 15, a Senior Citizens Appreciation Dinner was hosted by Kerkhoven Lutheran

Church and held at the Kerkhoven Civic Center for all Community seniors to attend. The dinner was followed by fellowship, games and afternoon coffee. Everyone seemed to have a very good time. Thank you to the members of the KLC Evangelism and Outreach board for furnishing and serving this meal, Alison Nelson, Pam Johnson, Phyllis Meyer, Ev Williams and Ann Hanson.

This dinner is being followed by a series of Senior meals called Thursday’s Food and Fun! They kick off on January 11, 2018 at 11:30 am at the Kerkhoven Civic Center. They are being hosted by various organizations and

churches in the area. Follows is the notice that we received:

“Are you over 55? Do you like a good meal?? Does having fun sound like a good time??? Then Thursday’s Food and Fun is for you! A FREE WILL DONATION meal will be held the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Kerkhoven Civic Center at 11:30 am. There will be entertainment, information OR games available after lunch. Prizes may be included. All you have to do is come and join us!!

Transportation may be available in your area, if you RSVP ahead of time. Deadline for transportation is Tuesday at 3:00 pm. Please call the City Office, 320-264-2581, to save your spot.

Meals on Wheels Delivery

Kerkhoven Lutheran Church was responsible for the local delivery of Meals on Wheels for the month of December. Thank you to the following KLC members who delivered these meals: Faye and Roger Helms, Bill and Kaye Brendemuehl, Kent and Judy Baker and Connie Lindqusit.

Prairie 5 Donations DeliveredThank you to Barney and Jean Lilly for delivering our Thanksgiving donations of 95 pounds of non-perishable food and $50.00 to the Prairie 5 Food Shelf. They also delivered all of the hat, mittens, gloves and scraves that were collected on the tree at the top of the stairs to our sanctuary. Thank you to everyone for your generous donations.

Thank you to everyone that was involved in the Sunday School Christmas Program on December 10. The regular Sunday School rotation will resume following the Christmas

break, January 7.

LUTHER LEAGUE EVENTSSUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018

– ICE SKATING AT THE HOCKEY RINK IN WILLMAR On Sunday, January 21, 2018 the Luther League and their families will meet at Kerkhoven Lutheran Church at 5:30 p.m. to carpool to a fast food restaurant in Willmar before going skating. The meal is on your own. Luther League will pay for ice skating and rental. Ice skating is from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. You can invite friends to come skating. They will need to pay for their meal, $3.00 skating and $2.00 skate rental cost. We need parents to carpool.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2018 – HELP WITH MEAL AT CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCHOn Sunday, February 18, 2018 the Luther League and their families will meet at Kerkhoven Lutheran Church at 4:15 p.m. to car pool to Willmar. We will eat at Culver’s before going to Calvary Lutheran

Church which will be paid by Luther League. We will help serve meal at 6:00 p.m. and help with clean-up which will be finished by 7:45 p.m. Members of the congregation are invited to help with the meal at Calvary. We need parents to carpool. Call Loretta at 979-6959 if you have any questions.

MARCH 9-10, 2018 - SWMN SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GATHERING Keep the dates for the Senior High Youth Gathering – March 9 & 10, 2018. This is a SWMN Synod youth event and is for any youth grades 9 through 12. This year the gathering will be held at Lake Geneva Christian Center in Alexandria on March 9 - 10, 2018. More information to come.

THANK YOU!!!

Kerkhoven Luther League would like to thank Cindy Krieger and Tami Ruf for making chili and Sarah Holtkamp for making potato soup for lunch before caroling. Also, thank you to Chuck & Jean Rustad for providing the warm bus to

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go Christmas caroling. Also, thank you to Dean Nichols for driving the bus. Thank you to the Luther League for bringing Christmas cookies and thank you to everyone who went caroling. We had a fun time caroling!

Luther League Sunday Morning Coffee Schedule

- -The individual with the * in front of their name is responsible for contacting the people they serve with. If you are unable to serve on the day you are scheduled, please find your own replacement. Plan for around 130 people. Be at church around 9 a.m., as church may get out early. --Bring juice or lemonade. --Jean Lilly usually has already started the coffee.

January 7 th January 21st * Matthew Molenaar *Masyn OlsonLuke Hoefer Regan CarlsonLauren Krieger Matthew Zvorak

January 14 th January 28 th * Carter Novak *Ethan Hauge

Mattea & Brett Brendemuehl Easton Wenisch & Katie KlaphakeNoah Tullis-Klaphake

January Acolyte ScheduleJanuary 7, 2018 8:30 am Abby Holtkamp and Kelsey Cortez

10:45 am Elyse Vanden Einde and Quinn Lottman

January 14, 2018 8:30 am Emily Zurn and Ella Molenaar 10:45 am Boyd Doering and Axel Nelson

January 21, 2018 8:30 am Addison Kelley and Emily Wagner10:45 am Jett Olson and Logan Rudningen

January 28, 2018 8:30 am Abby Holtkamp and Lily Winter10:45 am Savannah Petersen and

January WELCA News

Quilting begins on January 3. We are looking forward to all of the fellowship and completed quilts over the next couple of months.

The project for January: QuiltsNew or used material 64 x 84Sewn up would be 60 x 80

January dates to remember: Roses circle serves for JanuaryJanuary 3: 9:00 a.m. QuiltingJanuary 6: 9:30 a.m. Togetherness Meeting (All Circles) Board servesJanuary 10: 9:00 a.m. QuiltingJanuary 17: 9:00 a.m. QuiltingJanuary 24: 9:00 a.m. QuiltingJanuary 28: 11:45 a.m. Potluck followed by Annual meeting (Church Council serves)January 31: 9:00 a.m. Quilting

JANUARY DECON, LECTOR AND USHER SCHEDULE

Deacon Lector Ushers

January 7: 8:30 am Marlene Hauge Kayla Kelm Kelly Hauge Family10:45 am Eric Rudningen Mona Doering Gene and Judy Halverson

January 14: 8:30 am Viva Lundberg Carmen Maus Ryan and Carmen Maus10:45 am Theresa Smith Theresa Smith Darrell and Dorothy Toutge

January 21: 8:30 am Sue Nelson Barney, Jean Lilly, Chris Voss10:45 am Jim Just Jerry and Viva Lundberg

January 28: 8:30 am Mary Lou Carlson Barney, Jean Lilly, Chris Voss10:45 am Eldon Hauge Eldon and Marlene Hauge

DECEMBER AND JANUARY ALTAR GUILDMona Just and Jean Rustad

RECOGNITION OF BAPTISMSWe will be recognizing all of our Sunday School youth who have baptisms in January at the worship service on January 21. All of these children will be invited up to the front and presented with a hand-made cross in memory of their baptism. We celebrate their baptisms because that is the day that they became a part of God’s family and started on their journey of faith in God.

Jorunn Rudningen – 1st Jared Cortez – 15th Emmet Rudningen – 25th

Libby Holtkamp – 4th Julia Carlson – 16th Elyse Vanden Einde – 29th

Dominic Wersinger – 11th Jacob Walsh – 23rd

BAPTISMS IN JANUARYMany people remember people’s birthdays, but we also need to remember the day of our spiritual birth, our baptismal day. If your baptism is not listed below, and you know you were baptized in January please give the office a call and we will update our church records. Also please take note of who was baptized during this month and wish them a happy baptismal day.

Jorunn Rudningen – 1st Roger Holtkamp – 13th Alex Mulder – 22nd

Jesse Nelson – 1st John Zvorak – 14th David Quale – 22nd

Wayne Rudningen – 3rd Jared Cortez – 15th Jacob Walsh – 23rd

Libby Holtkamp – 4th Julia Carlson – 16th Emmet Rudningen – 23rd

Kyle Chan – 4th Dana Molenaar – 17th Melissa Just 26th

Kayla Mitteness – 5th Cody Dokkebakken – 20th Elyse Vanden Enide – 29th

Dominic Wersinger – 11th Kayla Wersinger – 21st Steve Jahn – 30th

Aaron Collins – 12th Sonja Kinney – 22nd Brooke Simenson – 31st

JANUARY BIRTHDAYSCarmen Maus – 1st Dan Loven – 14th Terry Yokom – 22nd

Emily Wagner – 1st Lisa Welberg – 15th Tyler Carlson – 23rd

Kyle Baker – 3rd Dana Molenaar – 16th Lauren Anderson – 24th

Pam Johnson – 5th Donovan Halverson – 18th Judy Baker – 28th

Wayne Nelson – 9th Karl Holtkamp – 19th Steve Jahn – 30th

Janie Schoen – 9th Renee McCleary – 20th Kathryn Ziehl – 31st

Amanda Sundin – 11th Kris Cortez – 20th Jane Quale – 31st

Braedan Wersinger – 12th Jordan Almen – 21st Gemma Rudningen – 31st

Corey Dokkebakken – 14th Mary Ann Holtkamp – 21st

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL! If we missed your birthday, please let Ann Hanson know.

CONFIRMATION CLASS SCHEDULEJanuary 17: 6:00 pm 8th Grade (alone) 7:00 pm 9th Grade (alone)

8:00 pm 10th Grade

January 24: 6:00 pm 8th Grade (alone) 7:00 pm 9th Grade (alone) 8:00 pm 10th Grade

January 31: 6:00 pm 8th Grade (alone) 7:00 pm 9th Grade (alone) 8:00 pm 10th Grade

Equipping Congregations DaySaturday, February 10, 2018

8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Vinje Lutheran & Bethel Lutheran, Willmar, MN

KLC has already registered for the unlimited number of members to attend this event. Presiding Bishop of the ELCA will be the keynote speaker at this event and it will be an excellent opportunity to hear her speak. If you would like to attend, please sign up on the sheets that are on the table between the church offices. If you would like to car pool please let Ann know and we can arrange to share rides.

We will be using the buildings of both Vinje and Bethel Lutheran Churches in Willmar, to accommodate up to 1000 registrants. Both locations will have the same program elements, the schedules will just be in a different order. The keynote speaker and workshop leaders will move between the two church buildings. 

All are welcome!Congregation Members, Council Officers, Christian Educators, Worship & Youth Leaders, Pastors… Everyone!

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be our keynote speaker for the day, speaking on the theme of Everyday Reformers. 

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop of the ELCA

Elected as the ELCA’s fourth presiding bishop at the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton earned a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School and a Bachelor of Music Education from the College of Wooster.

Ordained in 1981, Eaton served three different congregations in Ohio as assistant pastor, interim pastor and pastor before being elected bishop of the ELCA Northeastern Ohio Synod in 2006 and re-elected in May 2013.

Your Bishop of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod, The Rev. Jon V. Anderson, will share stories of everyday reformers in your SW MN Synod. He will reflect light toward some of the bright spots across our synod.

Workshops: Choose 1 workshop from each group to attend.

Group A:

Insurance Issues Facing Today’s Church Presenters: Timothy Marks & Dan Shultz, Church Mutual Insurance Company Have questions about insurance for your church? Some of the things I would like to cover are: Questions about appropriate coverage. What is too much or too little? Some country rural churches may wonder about rebuilding, if there was to be a great loss of building and therefore maybe dropping replacement cost. How would congregation leaders make these kinds of decisions? Also what should leaders know about programs of safety in their church, background checks and cemetery coverage? Sexual Misconduct coverage and the issues facing the church in this area in today’s culture. What are liability issues for congregations who want to open their space to community ministry opportunities? Does your Church need a Facilities Use Agreement, and if so, what do you include in it? I would also like to open things up for questions, if we have time, about any topics churches may be struggling with when it comes to insurance.

Taking a Group to Houston - ELCA Youth Gathering Presenter: Ashley Gilbertson, SW MN ELCA Youth Gathering Synod Coordinator Are you registered to bring a group to Houston in 2018 for the ELCA Youth Gathering and wondering about the logistics? Join me for some discussions on things like: daily

schedule, feeding your group, getting around, things to do, and whatever other questions you bring with you! My goal

is for you to leave this workshop feeling more confident about leading your group, as well as acquainted with some other leaders from our synod who will also be attending.

Whose Job is it Anyway? Presenter: Pastor Don McKee, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Montevideo Considerations about the work of funerals in a world moving toward more and more cremations. What is the Church's job and responsibilities when a Funeral home is not used for a funeral at your church? There are lots of things to think about.

And Who is My Neighbor? Presenter: Jodi Harpstead, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota This workshop is another LSS of MN congregational discussion guide in the format of My Neighbor is Muslim. This one addresses the questions of race and racial equity with Biblical readings from theologians and pastors of color and rich video material drawn from LSS's own Anti-Racism work. Come think about how you might use this in your congregation.

Music that Makes Community Presenter: John Jahr, Vinje Lutheran Church, Willmar Music that Makes Community is an organization that seeks to promote healing, building peace and reconciliation, and revitalizing worshiping bodies through singing. The concept of MMC is teaching simple, easy to repeat melodies, using the human voice instead of paper. This workshop will explore the basics of MMC singing, including how to teach echo songs, call and response, and rounds. Music the Makes Community encourages participation in singing, and is another way to engage people of all ages and backgrounds. Come prepared to sing!!

Moving Forward through Grief and Loss Presenter: Dr. Katie Wojtalewicz, Licensed Psychologist, southern Minnesota Description Coming!

Millennials and Generation Z "take on" Jesus Presenter: Maddie Gray, Program Director, Luther Crest Bible Camp The next generations challenge and question the church. Are we listening as they "take on" Jesus? What is their "take on" Jesus? And are they "taking on" Jesus. Let's discuss faith formation in the upcoming generation. We'll explore what the Millennials and Gen Z’ers are all about, where are they interacting with and in the church, and what are our next steps as whole body of Christ?

The Women and Justice Social Statement: Your Voice in the Process Presenter: Pastor Bruce Berg, The Draft of a Social Statement on Women and Justice is available for your review. All ELCA Social Statements are considered a work of the church (meaning you) therefore, your voice and comments are important and need to be heard. Come learn about the Social Statement process and how you can be part of the vetting process of this draft document before it goes to the ELCA Church Council and Church-wide Assembly for adoption.

Group B:

Becoming an Effective Treasurer Presenter: David Anfinson, CPA, Former SW MN Synod Treasurer Whether you are new to church finances or a veteran, equip yourself with the best practices to help your congregation manage its financial resources. It may not be the most popular job but it certainly is important.

Smart Practices for Everyday Well-being Presenter: Pastor Mari Thorkelson, Spiritual Coach Supported by upgraded scientific research, we will practice prayer forms, mindfulness, awareness and other learnable skills for improving our mind-body-spirit connection and life skills we can teach our children. Facing a fractured world, growing anxiety and depression, we can learn the latest altered traits for improving working memory, fostering human betterment, goodness, compassion and a broader view of our human potential.

Living With Your Best Intentions in Your 60s, 70s, 80s and Beyond Presenter: Bev Werder, Founder of Compassionate Care, an in-home care service and Compassionate Cottage The one thing certain about life is change. How can we embrace the blessings and challenges that arise in our second half of life? Providing care, receiving care…Is one more difficult than the other? Using your gifts on purpose. How can you help?

Digital Engagement for Ministry Presenters: Lindy Kaden & Christina Nelson

How do you connect with your faith community during the week? Ready to get your church out there on social media but not sure where to start? Come discuss some tips and tricks for making the most of the free and easy optionsout there. Learn some of the best ways to utilize Facebook, find out ways to build a free website, a free email newsletter, and more!

Cultivating Healthy Church Leaders Presenter: The Rev. Jeff Thiemann, President and CEO, Portico Benefit Services What does it mean to cultivate and support healthy leaders and congregations in a constantly changing landscape? The ELCA has named Leadership and Congregational Vitality as the two lenses through which we work together as one church. There is abundant research that shows that healthy leaders enhance lives and congregations, but developing healthy leaders needs to happen in community, not in isolation. This workshop takes a reforming look at ideas such as “self-care” in light of programs and evidence from Portico and other researchers. Using Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones coming to life, we will explore ancient wisdom and faithful trust in God’s guidance as we develop practical approaches to inviting members of your congregation to become everyday reformers in cultivating healthy leadership in the 21st century faith communities of which you are a part.

Fandoms: A Model for the Future Church? Presenter: Pastor Courtney Young, Lutheran Campus Ministry, St. Cloud State University There is a lot of talk about the church changing but not a lot of talk of what a renewed and reformed church in the 21st century and beyond could actually look like. In this session, Pastor Courtney Young (LuMin in St. Cloud) will lift up fandoms, the communities of people who gather online and in person around stories like Harry Potter, Star Trek, or The Lord of the Rings, as a potential model for the future church. In a playful conversation, we will take a look at the defining characteristics of fandoms and consider what the church can learn about gathering together and being shaped by our story from these groups. In the end, we may realize that those people who get dressed up in costumes and go to conventions are not so weird after all.

Love Thy Neighbor Presenters: Pastor Mandy France, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Bird Island & Dr. Ayaz Virji, Dawson, MN Explore and learn about ways to respond to Islamophobia. Hear from a Lutheran Pastor as well as a practicing Muslim doctor on ways we can be better neighbors to one another.

Developing a Congregational Culture of Generosity Presenter: Rev. Larry Strenge, Director for Evangelical Mission, SW MN Synod & Amy Bigot, ELCA Regional Gift Planner What stories, practices and processes are needed in today’s congregation to create enthusiasm for generosity? What can lay leaders and pastors do to help create new pathways to fund ministries, ones that your congregation’s people care about? This workshop includes a brief overview of a “Ministry Funding Plan” (Amy) as well as other practices to encourage a culture of generosity (Larry). In the face of a changing world of giving participants will leave with an introduction toward ways to meet congregational funding dreams as well as ideas to support ministries for which people are passionate about.

Group C:

Top 10 Conversations Every 21st Century Church Must Have Presenter: Pastor Chad Peterson, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Cloud No matter if your faith community is rural, urban, small, or large there is no getting around that the 21st century church is different. While many will acknowledge this ‘change,’ few know what to do about it. Some want to do nothing. Others know that ‘nothing’ is NOT AN OPTION but also have no idea what ‘something’ else is. There is NO clear-cut, or one size fits all solution to this question but there are important conversations every church MUST have to continue to minister in the 21st century. Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Saint Could is currently having these 21st century church conversations. We are not experts but we are trying to be very intentional in our conversations that will lead us to change HOW we do things for the sake of God’s mission, passion, and love for the world in the 21st century. Are you having these conversations…should you? With your context in mind, come and join the discussion.

Death and Dying: Ministry at the End of Life Presenter: Judie Dunlop, LSW, CHP-SW, Social Work Coordinator, Rice Hospice

We will be discussing “The Four Things That Matter Most, A Book About Living” by Ira Byok, MD, and discuss how we can help others die with dignity. We will have an experiential presentation of “The Game of Life…and Death”. Judie has been practicing in the field of Social Work for over 37 years and with Rice Hospice for the past 20 years. She is a certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker with the NASW and currently oversees Social Work Services, Bereavement programming, Camp GK Bear and facilitates the Healing Hearts Bereavement Support Groups for the Willmar area.

From Somalia to Snow Presenter: Hudda Ibrahim, St. Cloud, MN Hudda Ibrahim is a faculty member at St Cloud Technical and Community College and president of Filsan Consulting LLC, a company founded on the principles of cultural integration. She is a community bridge builder, mentor, proponent of women’s empowerment, peace activist, author, aspiring entrepreneur, and source of inspiration to many. At a time when United States citizens are being told to fear their Muslim neighbors, where does the truth lie? Hudda Ibrahim unpacks the immigration narrative of Somali Americans gives an invaluable insider’s look into the lives and culture of our Somali neighbors. This presentation will draw from her book of the same name and will give an introduction to Somali culture, Islamic beliefs and the roles these beliefs play in Somalis’ lives.

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences: Building Resiliency and Self-Healing Communities Presenters: Rick Loseth, PACT for Families Collaborative, Willmar & Tari Niemeyer, Southwest Initiative Foundation What are ACE’s (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and why does it matter to our Congregation? Conversations are taking place all across Minnesota on ACE’s, Resilience and how to support individuals, families and kids who might be dealing with the impact of high stress and adverse life experiences. The ACE study is the largest study of its kind and has led to a deeper understanding of the impact of stress on our health and well-being. Time will be spent hearing

about the ACE study and how we might use the knowledge to build resiliency in our congregation and community. The New Rules of Money Presenter: Cherrish Holland, LSS Financial Counselor Reform your ideas about money and reduce financial stress. Things have changed from even 10 years ago. Learn the “new rules”

of the post-recession economy -- the old guidelines that your parents used may no longer apply. Make financial decisions about money management, debt, credit, savings, and consumer protection in a new light. Navigate the new economy like a pro, by knowing what’s changed.

Keeping Our Youth Safe Presenters: Becki Jordan, Safe Harbor Regional Navigator for Someplace Safe & Kasey Baker, Director of Community Outreach for Safe Avenues Description Coming!

Spirituality and the Old Testament Presenter: Professor Cameron B. R. Howard, Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary, St. Paul We will explore the many ways spirituality is alive in the Old Testament. We will listen for the ways Old Testament voices, including the characters in it and the writers behind it, conceive of spirit and interact with the divine. We will consider how Christians can engage the Old Testament as a resource for a life of faith, especially by observing the encounters with God described in scripture. Our study will investigate various forms of divine-human interaction in the Old Testament, including covenant, sacrificial worship, prophecy, and wisdom.

Is the Camp Experience Limited to One Week? Presenter: Marv Nysetvold, Shetek Lutheran Ministries, Slayton The Effective Camp Research Project is a multi-year study examining the impact of the Christian summer camp experience on campers, families, and church communities. Evidence is building that camp experiences continue affecting young people long after the last tearful goodbye, and we can build on the success of these experiences in our ministry contexts by knowing the potential impacts and forging connections between camp, congregation, and home. Learn about the findings and implications of this exciting project, which has involved more than 2000 campers and 600 parents at camps across the country.

Dear Friend,

On behalf of Love One Another, I would like to thank you for the outpouring of support, prayers, and encouragement in 2017. Due to the remarkable generosity of our donors, with in kind donations included, LOA delivered over $1,500,000 in support to those in need in 2017! This year the 363 Days Food Program distributed more than 800,000 sandwiches alone, donated by more than 600 community groups, churches, schools, individuals, and companies. In total, more than 9,000 volunteers participated in sandwich making events. In addition, we served thousands of people in need distributing other food and basic living items through our Samaritans Outreach Program, and provided over 300 underprivileged children in need with new backpacks filled with school supplies, school clothing, and funding for field trips.

This month, we also received two incredible blessings!

1) We’re currently searching for a building to lease or buy to serve as a long term storage facility & headquarters. We’ve grown to the point where we can actually reduce some of our operating expenses by having our own facility vs. renting outside storage from vendors. In addition, it will increase our capacity to serve more individuals & families within the homeless community. A building also offers space to conduct volunteer meetings & training, and a centralized sandwich drop site beyond the 10 we currently have throughout the Twin Cities. In support of our efforts, dedicated long term LOA volunteer & donor Teri Bennett started a GoFundMe Campaign https://www.gofundme.com/alan-law-needs-a-warehouse, and we were honored that WCCO News ran a feature highlighting her efforts: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2017/11/30/twin-cities-sandwich-man-helps-homeless/. The campaign has already raised over $50,000 vs. our goal of $100,000!2) The WCCO feature also mentioned that we hoped to acquire a larger Van in the near future to expand our efforts. Within days we were contacted by a family (who wishes to remain anonymous,) who learned of our need and wanted to donate a Van in memory of their late son. If miracles come on wheels, this is it: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2017/12/15/new-van-for-sandwich-man/.

If you’d like to help, we’d be extremely grateful if you’d consider making a tax deductible contribution to our LOA warehouse campaign fund. Donations can be made on our website www.mrdinc.org , at GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/alan-law-needs-a-warehouse, or by mail to: Love One Another 7220 York Ave S. #610 Edina, MN 55435. If you have questions, or would like more information you can email mrd.363days@gmail.com, or call 612.423.9923. Thank you for all of your encouragement, support & compassion in 2017!  

Sincerely,  Allan Law

Thank you to WELCA for the beautiful poinsettia plant. Donna Baker

Thank you to WELCA for the lovely poinsettia plant. Carol Glembin

Thank you to everyone who delivered Meals on Wheels during December: Fay and Roger Helms, Bill and Kaye Brendemuehl, Kent and Judy Baker and Connie Lindquist. Also thank youto all of the KLC volunteers who daily drive to Benson to pick up the meals and then deliver them in DeGraff and Murdock before bringing the remainder of the meals back to the church to be picked up for local delivery: Ruth Ann Ashburn, Jerry and Viva Lundberg, Eldon and Marlene Hauge, Lee and Phyllis Meyer and Jane Quale.

There are some of you receiving the Messenger who have been given the gift of prayer and others of you have loved ones and friends in need of prayer. Please continue to remember the following person during the month.

Mary Kay Austvold Elaine Bengston Harsey ScottPhyllis Loven Gladys Powers Carl JustBev Johnson Cami FernholzDemi Schreiner Kaehlen Fernholz

MISSIONARY FOR A DAY

December 2, 2017 In Memory of Opal Petersen by Clarine BeckDecember 10, 2017 In Thanks for goodness of friends by Mary Kay AustvoldDecember 17, 2017 In Thanks to God for family, friends & neighbors by Wally & Phyllis LovenDecember 29, 2017 In Honor of Lee Meyer’s 80th Birthday by Mary Kay AustvoldDecember 29, 2017 In Honor of Lee Meyer’s 80th Birthday by Roger and Faye Helms

---------------------------------CLIP AND PLACE IN OFFERING PLATE----------------------------

I would like to support Missionary for a Day on the date of __________________________________________________________________________

Circle one: In honor of/In Memory of/In Thanks to God for __________________________________________________________________________

Signed: ______________________________________________________________________________