sugar creek bible camp - Mindoro-Lewis Valley Lutheran Churches

PASTORNOTES
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
Poinsettias will be placed in the church by midDecember. Please write or print all names clearly and
include your check with the order.
PLEASE INCLUDE your NAME and PHONE NUMBER on the order.
Members are welcome to bring in their own plant - let the
office know for acknowledgement in the bulletin.
ORDERS MUST BE INTO THE CHURCH OFFICE BY
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015.
PLANT
#
PRICE/each
Poinsettia-Red
$12.00
Poinsettia-Pink
$12.00
Poinsettia-White
$12.00
TOTAL
COST
Name ____________________________ Phone No._______________
Please check and complete one of the following for acknowledgement
in the worship bulletin.

In memory or in honor of (circle one)
__________________________________________________
________________________________________
from
__________________________________________________
________________________________________

In celebration of
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
from
__________________________________________________
________________________________________
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DECEMBER 2015
Greetings from your Intentional Interim Pastor! Maybe right
now you’re scratching your head at the adjective “intentional”.
Interim ministers serve congregations between the period when the
settled pastor departs to a new position, and a new pastor is installed.
If congregations wish to fully utilize an intentional interim pastor, he
or she has skills to assist the congregational members to revisit the
church’s colorful history for the purpose of thinking about where
God is leading the congregation next. This collective reflection can
be helpful to the call committee as they interview candidates in the
call process. Intentional interim pastors preach and lead worship
including weddings and funerals, teach, visit members including
homebound members, and participate in church meetings and other
congregation and synod events.
My home town is Duluth, Minnesota. I studied at Luther
Seminary (St. Paul) and Eden Seminary (St. Louis). I was ordained
in the ELCA. I served at Looney Valley and Cedar Valley in
Houston, MN for ten years, and St. Paul’s Lutheran in La Crosse for
five years. I also have a M.S. in Counseling Skills, and Intentional
Interim certification. My husband, Tom Fahey, is a Software
Engineer at HAB, Inc. in La Crosse, where we live. We have two
sons: Donald, 30 years old, and Anders, 28 years old. My hobbies
are hiking in the summer and winter and cooking foods from the
farmer’s market.
Serving as an interim pastor has led me to discover how
marvelous congregations of believers in Jesus are! As people of the
Church on earth, you are wonderfully unique in some ways simply
because you follow Jesus. You confess your sins and at the same
time take hold of the forgiveness Christ offers. You are sinnerssaints. The “saint” in you comes across. This isn’t something that
you are aware of, but it happens because Christ lives in you. When
you leave worship to carry out your daily work in the world as
members of families, work places, in play, and in rest, you bring the
presence of Jesus. When you gather together as a congregation, you
magnify God, receive Communion and God’s Word and serve others
as Christ!
In Christ, Pastor Kris Fahey
1
TRANSITION INFORMATION
CALL COMMITTEE
The council is in the process of selecting three members from
each congregation for the call committee: Mindoro has
selected Betty Pfaff, Crystal Sbraggia, and Dewey Wegner;
Lewis Valley has not finalized their three members as of this
newsletter printing. Once the committee is finalized, they will
begin working on the first step of the call process. If you have
any questions or concerns, please contact the council presidents
or a council member.
Notice of
SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
AT
MINDORO and LEWIS VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCHES
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015, DURING WORSHIP
The purpose of the meetings is to elect members to the church council
for the 2016-2018 term.
PICTURES STILL NEEDED TO COMPLETE
PASTOR JANET’S SCRAP BOOK
The following baptism photos are still needed: Nora Weindorfer,
Natalie Hilliker, Kaleb Clark, Colton Koss, Tyler Christianson, Avalee
Euler, Karis Tuma, Klara Tuma, Isaac Weindorfer, Ryker Werner,
Jenna Hutschenreuter, Jaden Butler, Jackson Odegaard, Rylan Paisley,
Alanah Paulson, Kiara Clements, Sapphire Osley, and Kadyn Paisley.
If you have a baptismal picture, please bring it into or send it to the
church office. Mona will scan it in so you can keep your original. Or,
email the picture to the church office at min.lv.elca@gmail.com.
SUGAR CREEK BIBLE CAMP
For more information, contact
Sugar Creek at 608-734-3113
or check their website at:
www.sugarcreekbiblecamp.org
UPCOMING EVENTS at SUGAR CREEK
* Dec 7 - Yesterday’s Youth
* Jan 10 - Winter Fun Day 1-5pm
* Jan 15-17 - High School Retreat
* Jan 22-24 - Family Camp Reunion Weekend
* Jan 24 - Winter Fun Day 1-5pm
* Feb 4-7 - Crafters’ Retreat
* Feb 12-14 - Couple’s Retreat
* Feb 14 - Winter Fun Day 1-5pm
* Feb 21 - Annual Meeting 2pm
* Feb 28 - Winter Fun Day 1-5pm
SUGAR CREEK WILL
CELEBRATE 50 YEARS
OF MINISTRY IN 2016!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT
WWW.MINDOROLEWISVALLEYCHURCHES.ORG
(PLEASE NOTE THE NEW ADDRESS!)
At the website, you will find the latest newsletter, an up-to-date calendar, links
to other sites, histories of each church, and W-ELCA information, - and the
pictorial directory if you call the church office for the password. :-)
2
CAMP FOR CHRISTMAS
This Christmas, give someone special the gift of a week at summer camp!
You can purchase certificates in $50 increments, or you can give the gift of a
full week at camp. Help someone you love have an unforgettable week at
Sugar Creek!
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
CRAFT SALE
Saturday, December 5, 2015, 8:00am - 5:30pm
Mike & Cheri Timm
W3231 County Road T, Mindoro
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE
will be at the
Melrose-Mindoro High School on
Monday, December 7, 2015, from
Noon - 5:00pm.
Give the gift of life by donating.
EVENTS AT THE FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY CENTER. VISIT
WWW.FSCENTER.ORG OR CALL 608-791-5295 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
---------------------------------------------Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk
Wednesday, December 9
You are invited to walk our new indoor labyrinth in a candlelight
celebration of the winter solstice. Beginning at sunset, the labyrinth will
be open for walking at any time between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. (please
plan to arrive by 6 p.m.) We will provide a resource for your private
reflection and for those who wish, a brief introduction to walking the
labyrinth. No registration necessary; freewill offerings appreciated.
There is a tendency to want to hurry from autumn to spring, to avoid
the long dark days that winter brings. But winter darkness has a
positive side to it. As we gather to celebrate the first turn from winter to
spring, we are invited to recognize and honor the beauty in the often
unwanted season of winter. (Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr,
"The Circle of Life")
PARISH W-ELCA MEMBERS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED
by the Living Hope W-ELCA to attend the Annual Advent Luncheon on
Monday, December 14, 2015, at 11:30am at Living Hope, Ettrick. No charge
but will collect offering to go to the food pantry. Please RSVP by the 7th by
calling Betty Kirchner or 608-582-2196 or 608-525-3081.
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EACH WEEK THE ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING RITUAL WILL BE CARRIED
OUT by a variety of individuals or groups at Lewis Valley and Mindoro.
Thank you to Edris Storandt, Alice Baumer, Nancy Kish, Diana Mikkelson,
Mary Stetzer, Jane Brockway, Jean Thompson, Clayton Marco, Mathias &
JoDee Marco, Faith Johnson, Chauncey & Mary Stetzer, Confirmation
Students, Kaylee Haag, Brian & Susan Haag, Dan & Sandy Haag, and Audrey
Baker.
Advent Giving Tree
There is a “Giving Tree” set up in the Narthex at both Mindoro and
Lewis Valley. On the tree/wreath are ornaments that you can take
home and put on your own Christmas tree as reminders of your
generosity this Advent and Christmas.
The ornaments are for ELCA Good Gifts - $10 to stock a backpack
with food, $10 for a Mosquito Net, $10 for Fruit-Tree Seedling,
$10 for Chicks, $12 for Water Jugs, $20 for Honey Bees, $30 for
a Pig, $30 to Support a Young Adult in Global Mission for a Day,
$30 for Vaccinations for a Child, $38 to Train an Evangelist, $40
for School Fees and a Uniform for a Girl, $50 for a Goat, $125 for
a Microloan, $125 for a Sheep, or $500 for a Cow; and for
Lutheran World Relief Gifts - $16 for Worms, $18 to send 8
Mission Quilts, $25 for Medical Supplies, $35 for School Supplies,
$35 for a Smokeless Cook Stove, $40 for a Hen and Chicks, $40
for Fruit-Tree Seedlings, $45 for a Piglet, $48 for Playground
Toys, $75 for Coffee Seedlings, $100 for a Goat, $100 for Cocoa
Seedlings, $125 for Farming Tools, $150 for Cocoa Dryer, $190
for Emergency Water, $300 to Improve a Farmer’s Land, $300 to
$2250 for Seeds, $375 for a Dairy Cow, $600 for a Family Water
System, $1500 to Plant a Mangrove Forest, $1800 to Sponsor a
Farmer Educator, $2500 to Water a Community’s Fields, $5700
for Crop Storage, $10000 to Fund a Farming Community.
Please select ornaments that represent the gifts you would like to
give. Write your check to the church with the gift description in
the memo; or, go online to give directly.
You can give the gifts in your own name or in the name of another –
maybe someone that is hard to buy for or has everything they
need.
3
YOUR CONGREGATIONS AT WORK
CHILDREN’S VISION INTERNATIONAL INC.
will be supported by Rebekah Circle and the Mindoro/Lewis Valley Parish
through donations brought into the churches. The group will volunteer to
assist at the Bangor location to sort and pack items. Thanks to Diane Forrest
and Ann Thicke for presenting the mission message during the November 8
services and to the congregations for their donations. Below is a list a items
on CVII’s wish list.
- New or gently used stuffed animals
- Soccer balls
- Toys for Christmas gifts - nothing violent or no action stars.
- White tennis shoes for boys and girls - all sizes
- Plain backpacks
- Hygiene items: tooth brushes, tooth paste, combs, deodorant
- Peanut butter and chocolate chips for making cookies
- New clothing through size 18 (Especially boys 6-18)
SCRIP CARDS
Christmas is
coming! Scrip cards
make great gifts.
They can also be
used to purchase
your groceries for
Christmas meals and
gas for your
Christmas travels.
Get your scrip from
Mona or Jodi on
Sundays or in the
church office during
the week ~ or place
an order using the
order form on page
10 & 11. To receive
your scrip by
Christmas, your
order must be in to
Jodi Anderson or
Mona Van Riper by
Tuesday, December
15, 2015.
4
reason for the season. Wow I'm tired of that. Could we not do that this year?
Please?
Instead, let's consider Christ's body in this Christmas moment. He is a baby.
He is helpless. He cries (don't believe Away in a Manger) as the warmth of the
womb is replaced by the harshness of cold air. He suffers. He is totally
dependent. Held in his parent's arms, he gazes into the eyes that tell him how
precious and cherished he is. He brings them great joy...along with sleepless
nights and exhausting frustration. He sleeps, eats, and poops. He observes his
world. He smiles. He is growing and learning. His body is constantly
developing. Every day he is a little different than he was the day before.
Every one of our congregations, and indeed, all of us as Church together,
embody this baby Jesus. We are not good at admitting our helplessness, but in
so many ways, we are. We suffer grief and cry as the warmth and comfort of
the church we once knew is not the church we know now. As we suffer, we are
held in God's arms whose only desire is that we know how precious and
cherished we are. We bring God and others joy. Amazing ministry is changing
people's lives in this synod. Likewise, we bring God and others exhausting
frustration as we persist in sinful behaviors that keep us awake at night.
Sometimes many, many nights.
Sometimes we sleep. We rest from years of activity, especially when those
activities have lost their joy and vitality. So things are quieter around your
church? Maybe it's not dying or dead, but taking some time for sleep. A new
day is soon to come. Sometimes we sleep with full bellies, sated by the gifts
and relationships that feed us, the lives we live together that remind us that
God is truly Good.
I hate to say so, but I must. There is some pooping going on. I suppose that's to
be expected. It's a natural process, but please, let's not do it on each other. And
if we do, we need to do the uncomfortable work of cleaning it up. Otherwise,
it stinks. A lot.
Baby Jesus doesn't talk much yet. Maybe it's time to be quiet, to take in the life
that swirls around us. Imagine Jesus on the day he figures out that the thing
with five little digits that flops in front of his face occasionally is his very own
hand. The Church, too. We could use a moment to see all of our parts, be
astounded at how the connections work and then start to experiment, smile,
play and impact the world we live in.
Growing and learning are all essential processes of being the Body of Christ
today. By no power of our own, like infants who rapidly produce neurons and
bones and muscles, we are constantly changing. We are developing
knowledge, stability and strength. Each day we are different than we were the
day before. Let us be in awe of what God is doing to make us new each day.
The birth of God in human form calls us to daily discover all the complexities
of our life together in this broken and redeemed world. We are the Body of
Christ, the infant Jesus. We are the Church. Thanks be to God.
17
Blessings be with you this Christmas season. Pastor Libby
FROM BISHOP ARENDS
Christ's light
The light shines in the darkness,and the darkness has not
overcome it. John 1:5
'Tis the season. We celebrate the birth of Jesus. We
celebrate God made flesh. We celebrate the light of the world entering the
world. We celebrate that the darkness has not overcome it.
For a few years, Jesus walked the earth and let God's light shine through him.
He ascended into heaven and left the light - in us. As the body of Christ we live
out God's light in the world.
We bring light into dark places. We share Christ's light into homes too poor to
afford gifts for their children. We sing Christ's light into lonely homes and care
facilities. We call Christ's light to conquer injustice.
'Tis the season to practice carrying Christ's light. In our personal lives - taking
time for prayer and study. In our families - praying together while looking to
each other's needs and the needs of our neighbors. In our congregations looking for the light in each other, supporting our leaders in sharing the light,
letting each Christmas guest see light in our welcome.
'Tis the season to ask the Lord of Light to remove all darkness. To let the Lord
of Light shine in our words and our thoughts - in ourselves.
'Tis the season.
Looking for the light, Bishop Jim
FROM PR. LIBBY HOWE, DIR. OF
EVANGELICAL MISSION / ASST. TO THE BISHOP
Being Christ's Body
I've had trouble figuring out what I want to write here this
month. In my mind so many different situations are present,
ranging from truly amazing to seriously awful. What do you
need to hear? What would God have me say?
The words that keep coming to mind are "Be the Church. Be Christ's body."
But I'm not sure those words are from God or from my own weariness of all
the ways we, as churches and individual Christians, fail to live up to some
"ideal" image of what the Church, Christ's body in this world, should be like.
I've learned to be suspicious of my should-ing. Too often I decide what I think
is righteous and should be must certainly be what God says is righteous and
should be.
So here we are heading into Christmas...that season when the public face of
Christians in the United States likes to claim persecution and fight about the
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COUNCILS MEET TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2015, AT MINDORO
6:30PM LEWIS VALLEY; 7:00PM JOINT; 8:00PM MINDORO
NOVEMBER COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS:
Please see council minutes on pages 14 and 15.
YEAR-END OFFERINGS MUST BE RECEIVED BY NOON ON 12/31/2015
TO BE INCLUDED IN 2015'S OFFERING.
THE LEWIS VALLEY SHALOM CIRCLE CHRISTMAS DECORATING PARTY
will be Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at 6:00pm - or come when you can.
We will have a short meeting and order pizza. We welcome new gals who
are interested in joining.
CHRISTMAS BRUNCH AT MINDORO LUTHERAN
Saturday, December 5, 2015, 9:30am
Come and Bring Friends!
REMEMBER TO CHECK WITH THE OFFICE MASTER CALENDAR
BEFORE SCHEDULING OR SETTING UP ANY EVENTS.
WE ARE A BUSY CHURCH!
TEAM LEADERS
CHURCH COUNCILS: Sharon Pfaff (Pres-LV), Jason Young (VP-LV), Karen
Knutson (Sec.-LV), Lillian Nordin, Becky Whalen, Steve Timm, John McRae
(Pres-M), Mary Johnsrud (VP-M), Betty Pfaff (Sec.-M), Bill Cox, Rick Dobbs,
Ben Jostad, Debbie Peterson, Mary Lynn Sinclair
STAFF SUPPORT: Alice Baumer, Ginny Wegner, Lillian Nordin, Gary Steele
FINANCE: Karen Knutson, Jim Hines, John McRae
OUTREACH: Mary Kastenschmidt, Diana Mikkelson, Cheryl Card, Cathy
Gabrielson, Betty Kirchner, Barb Drogseth, Sandy Freng, Ginny Wegner
WORSHIP: Ginny Wegner, Lillian Nordin, Sharon Pfaff, Debbie Peterson,
Mary Lynn Sinclair
EDUCATION: Becky Berg, Lara Hines, Beth McRae, Jenna Oefstedahl, Betty
Pfaff, Nikki Christopherson, Rita Holley
PROPERTY: Bill Cox, Dennis Anderson, Dennis Olson, Jerome Nelson
5
Lewis Valley Council Minutes - November 10, 2015
Baptismal Anniversaries
Dec 3
Greg Kastenschmidt
Dec 4
Jerry Zeroth
Aaron Stetzer
Dec 5
John & Cindy Tracey
Dec 6
Shari Krause
Dec 7
Jeff & Debbie Salek
Dec 7
Nicholas Kunes
Dec 9
Doyle & Shirley Gates
Dec 8
Mary Kastenschmidt
Gary Koss
Tamria Hutschenreuter
Dec 12
Brian & Jenna Hanson
Dec 20
Jason & Margo Weindorfer
Dec 9
Wendell Pfaff
Janelle Kraudy
Dec 21
Mark & Shawna Dale
Dec 10
Devin Johnson
Christina Roberts
Hunter Kastenschmidt
Dec 27
Dave & Becky Whalen
Dec 29
Alan & Marie Puent
Ryan & Darcy Sawyer
Dec 11
Kiara Clements
Dec 12
Crystal Sbraggia
Kaitlynn Severson
Dec 13
Mary Olson
Dec 15
Becky Whalen
Amber Pierce
Dec 16
Diana Lundt
Dec 18
Diana Mikkelson
Dec 21
Natalie Caulum
Kacy Anderson
Dec 24
Delbert Stair
Nikki Christopherson
Dec 28
Katrina Wharton
Melinda Van Riper
Dec 29
Elizabeth Pfaff
Dec 30
Anthony Hernandez
6
Wedding Anniversaries
Please let Mona in the church
office know if a name or date is
incorrect or if someone needs to
be added. The information is
from the church records and all
records are not complete.
Happy Days to all!!
In Attendance: Jason Young, Lillian Nordin, Karen Knutson, Steve Timm, Becky
Whalen, Jodi Anderson
Vice - President Jason Young called the meeting to order:
Approval of Agenda –MMSP; Secretary Report – MMSP; Treasurer Report – MMSP
Team Reports:
Education: Sunday school has small enrollment, it’s not held every Sunday,
depending on attendance. Advise Rita to discuss options with Pastor Fahey.
Finance: Jodi handed out 2016 Budget, council members will review and budget will
be finalized at December meeting.
Property: Lights on sign are working. When leaving after dark it is still difficult to
see the steps.
Worship: Mona contacts committee to review hymns & service in bulletin
Other Business: Discussion on a call committee, close to being finalized. Church
Constitution – discussed areas that need specific details relating to Lewis Valley. It is
in the final stages.
Communion Servers: 12/6 Jason Young, 12/20 Karen Knutson, 12/24 Becky Whalen
Next meeting is Tuesday Dec. 8th at Mindoro
Adjournment - MMSP
Submitted by: Karen Knutson, Secretary
Mindoro Lutheran Church Council Meeting
November 10, 2015
Present: Mary Sinclair, Bill Cox, Ben Jostad, John McRae, Rick Dobbs, Debbie
Peterson, Pastor Kris Fahey, Jodi Anderson, and Betty Pfaff arrived after the meeting
started
Agenda Approved MMSP to approve by unanimous voice vote.
Secretary’s Report MMSP to approve by unanimous voice vote.
Treasurer’s Report MMSP to approve by unanimous voice vote.
Team Reports:
Education Betty reported that confirmation is going good. There are currently 12
students. The students have signed up for bell ringing at Festival. There are still
spots open and the congregation is welcome to fill in some of the spots.
Finance 2016 budget was passed out. Council members were asked to look over
before the December meeting.
Outreach Outreach team will be serving at the Warming Center on November 9 th.
Property No Report
Staff Support No Report
Worship Council voted to try a month trial for music on the audio visual screen. It
will be purchased from digitalsongsandhymns.com
Call Committee Five congregation members have volunteered to serve on the call
committee. Council members each voted for two members to serve on the call
committee. Voting was done anonymously on a written ballot. Those selected to the
call committee were: Crystal Sbraggia and Dewey Wegner. Betty Pfaff agreed to
serve as the council representative on the call committee.
Constitution No further action was taken on rewriting the constitution.
Communion Servers 6th – Mary Sinclair
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Next Meeting – December 8, 2015 @ Mindoro Lutheran Church
Respectfully submitted – Jodi Anderson
Joint Council Meeting Minutes
Mindoro & Lewis Valley Lutheran Churches
November 10, 2015 at Lewis Valley
In Attendance: Mary Sinclair, Debbie Peterson, Bill Cox, Rick Dobbs,
Lillian Nordin, Jason Young, Karen Knutson, Steve Timm, John McRae, Betty
Pfaff, Becky Whalen, Ben Jostad, Jodi Anderson, Pastor Fahey
Lewis Valley Vice-President Jason Young called the meeting to order:
Devotions: Pastor Fahey lead us in Prayer
Approval of Agenda – MMSP
Secretary Report – MMSP
Pastor Report – nothing to report, first week in the office
Call Committee – Mindoro has finalized their committee, Lewis Valley will
finalize soon.
GPS meetings: Nov. 21st GPS is “We’re a Friendly Church!(Aren’t we?)”
9:00am – 1:00pm, cost is $10.00 per person. Anyone interested, contact the
church office
Happy Birthday!!
Dec 1
Arlyn Raymer
Nathan Brown
Michael Young
Dec 2
Joan Schmidt
Amber Pierce
Dec 5
Christina Pfaff
Carol Euler
Dec 6
Eileen Collins
Jason Weindorfer
Dec 7
Bradley Pfaff
Ethan Kastenschmidt
Dec 8
David Gabrielson
Dec 9
Thanksgiving Worship: Services will be at Mindoro on Wednesday Nov. 25th
at 7:00 p.m.
Scott Kirchner
Casey Puent
Aksel Oefstedahl
Dec 10
Christmas Worship: Services will be a Lewis Valley at 4:00 p.m on Dec. 24th,
Mindoro worship time on Dec. 24th is being reviewed. Services will be at
Mindoro on Dec. 25th at 9:00 a.m.
Cindy Tracey
Tyler Hoerres
Dec 11
Website address: Discussion on domain name. MMSP to change domain
name to: Mindorolewisvalleychurches.org at a cost of $45.00 per year.
Devon Christopherson
Isaac Weindorfer
Dec 13
Doug Ender
Dec 15
Carol Taylor
Danielle Spors
Dec 16
Benjamin Puent
Dec 17
Marian Simonson
Jane Zeroth
Aaron Opland
Dec 18
Caden Caulum
Dec 20
Jeff Hanson
Stewardship: Pastor Fahey will help with a Stewardship plan to be done in
February.
Nomination Process: Mindoro did nominations on Sunday Nov. 8th & again
on Sunday Nov. 15th. Lewis Valley is doing nominations on Sunday Nov.
15th & Sunday Nov. 22nd.
Interim Pastor Contract: Discussed contract for Pastor Fahey, usually the
Bishop compiles the contract for interim pastors, currently the Asst. Bishop is
handling the contracts and Pastor Fahey’s contract has not been done. The
contract needs to finalized, Pastor Fahey will meet with the Asst. Bishop on
Nov. 11th to finalize the contract, and then meet with council Presidents to
sign contract. Pastor Fahey’s contract will not include insurance or mileage;
salary will be comparable to Pastor Wollam’s.
MMSP to adjourn.
Closed with Lord’s Prayer.
Next meeting Dec. 8th at Mindoro.
Submitted by: Karen Knutson, Lewis Valley Secretary
14
Birthdays Continued
Dec 21
Faith Johnson
Dec 24
Nikki Christopherson
Jackson Paisley
Dec 27
David Hoff
Dec 28
Carol Timm
Sandy Stetzer
Debbie Peterson
Mona Van Riper
Dec 29
Shelly Kunes
Dec 31
Kory Anderson
Bolded
names are
members
celebrating
an 80th
Birthday
or above.
Let’s shower them with
birthday cards on their special
day.
7
MINDORO WORSHIP
MISSION STATEMENT: Mindoro Lutheran Church is committed to
reaching toward God and to each other, to grow together in faith,
fellowship and love.
THANK YOU
MINDORO MEMORIALS
Date
Lector
Ushers
Acolyte
In Memory of Waldemar Mades from Scott & Shari Bockenhauer.
John McRae, Tim Kunes
Ethan K
LEWIS VALLEY MEMORIALS
12/13 Sunday School Program John McRae, Tim Kunes
Kaitlyn O
12/20 Becky Berg
Les Pfaff, Rob Sbraggia
Ava S
In Memory of Verna Okeson from Steve & Kay Timm and Leon & Ruth
Pfaff.
12/24 8:00pm Christmas Eve
David Pfaff, Christopher Pfaff
Ethan K
12/25 9:00am Christmas Day
Head Ushers
Kaitlyn O
12/27 Monika Tracey
Les Pfaff, Rob Sbraggia
Monika T
12/06 John McRae
Date
Coffee Fellowship
12/06 Beth & John McRae
12/13 Anita and Abbie Ames
12/20 Kay Pfaff
12/27 Josie & Steve Groth
DECEMBER
COMMUNION SET UP Josie Groth, Mary
Johnsrud, Kay Pfaff
ALTAR COLORS Dec 6, 13, 20: Blue
Dec 24, 25, 27: White
A PERSONAL HEARTFELT THANK YOU for all the prayers, hugs, and acts of
kindness shown to me these past months during my mother's long illness and
now her passing. We are so blessed to have such caring neighbors and
friends that supported us along this journey.
~Cheryl and Jack Card
Thank you so much to everyone who donated to the Warming Center. They were
so grateful to receive all of our food and other donations. They let us know that
we spoil them because we always bring homemade food. We served Bar-B-Q,
potato salad, macaroni salad, beans, chips, pickles and cookies and also furnished
breakfast for them on Tuesday. We also took seven gallons of milk. We, and
especially the Warming Center, appreciate your donations. We went at a perfect
time because they had very little food and no milk. Thank you again for all that
you donate.
Outreach Team - Barb, Betty, Cathy, Cheryl, Diana, Ginny, Mary and Sandy
REBEKAH CIRCLE WILL MEET MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2015,
to decorate the church for Christmas. Potluck will be enjoyed.
NOVEMBER FINANCIAL GIVING THROUGH 11/22/15
Sunday Envelope Offering .................................................... $4,234.00
Sunday Loose Offering .............................................................. $26.80
Simply Giving (electronic transfer) ........................................ $1,887.00
Refunds........................................................................................ $0.00
Thrivent ........................................................................................ $0.00
Total Giving ........................................................................... $6,147.80
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A HUGE THANK YOU to all those that raised vegetables and fruit, sliced,
diced, peeled and mashed those vegetables and fruit, those that rolled meatballs, made gravy and served those meatballs, baked and served pies, ran to
get Lefse and groceries, all the youth and parents that helped set up tables,
dished up and served the meal and the faithful clean-up crew. Everyone's
help is so appreciated. A total of over 200 volunteer hours were logged. Our
Thrivent funds, donated fruit and vegetables, as well as monetary donations
from our families helped cover some of the meal expenses and we will be
able to donate about $1800 to local and international missions. Sincerely,
Barb Anderson and Kay Timm
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LEWIS VALLEY WORSHIP
IN OUR PRAYERS
PRAYED FOR IN NOVEMBER: John Edris’ mom Mary Lou
Endris, Bob & Jane Everitt, Lisa Foster, Don Heidel, Don Koss,
Hunter Linder, Larry Mahlum, Spencer Olson, Mark Roberts,
Mary Sacia, Larry Seekamp, Gary Wortman, Pr Ben Morris &
family on the death of his grandfather, Durad “Red” Morris, Spencer &
Shirley Olson on the death of Shirley’s brother Kenneth Mc Connell, Jack &
Cheryl Card on the death of Cheryl’s mom Verna Okeson, and Amelia Pike
on the death of her brother Andrew Pike.
WE ALSO PRAYED FOR: Audrey Baker, Carol Timm, Del Pohl, Delores
Wang, Doris Long, Eloise Thum, Esther Odegaard, Grace Kastenschmidt,
Helen Mikkelson, John & Dorothy Ofstedahl, Karen Indahl, Karen Johnson,
Marilyn Hollis, Marion Simonson, Mildred Timm, Phyllis Timm, Roy &
Mary Fonstad, Ruby Knudson, Sara Pfaff, Pr Wes Dunbar & Grace
Lutheran, Prs Dan/Julie Wollman & Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran and Vang
Lutheran, Pr Jeff Ruetten & St Peter’s Lutheran Shennington, Pr John Dumke
& Skogdalen Lutheran, Pr Dale Ruosch Family & friends on his death, Pr
Mark Kvale & Trinity Lutheran Sparta, Pr Kristin Wendland & St Paul’s
Lutheran Wilton, Pr Dana Jackson & Mt Calvary Lutheran, Pr Duane
Baardseth & Bethel Lutheran La Crosse, Pr Margaret Hoversten & Middle
Coon Valley Lutheran, Pr Dawn Lindberg & Peace Lutheran Tomah, Pr John
Stennes-Spidahl & Brush Creek Lutheran, Pr Pete Beckstrand & Bethany
Lutheran Esofea and Grace Lutheran, Pr John Ashland & South Beaver Creek
Lutheran, Good Shepherd Lutheran Viroqua, the Greater Milwaukee Synod,
the Sierra Pacific Synod, the Oregon Synod, the Western North Dakota
Synod, the Minneapolis Area Synod, the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, the
Upstate New York Synod, and the Central/Southern Illinois Synod.
GOD’S WORD EACH WEEK
You are encouraged to read the Bible each week.
Below are the Sunday readings for this month.
Set aside personal or family time to read each week.
12/06/15
Isaiah 40:1-11
Mark 1:1-4
12/13/15
Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13
Luke 2:25-27
12/20/15
Luke 1:5-13, 57-80
Zechariah’s Song
12/24/15
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)
Birth of Jesus
12/25/15
Luke 2:8-20
Shepherds Visit
12/27/15
Mark 1:1-20
Beginning of Good News
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MISSION STATEMENT: Lewis Valley Lutheran Church is
committed to reaching toward God and each other, to grow
in faith, fellowship and love. We offer opportunities for the
community to experience the grace of God and respond in
Christian commitment.
Date
Lector
Ushers
Acolyte
Coffee Fellowship
Gary & Barb Spangler
Ben P
Cathy Gabrielson
12/13 Cathy Gabrielson Gary & Barb Spangler
Cassidy C
Laurie Gappa
12/20 Carol Taylor
Jerome & JoAnn Nelson
Kaylee H
Sandy Haag
12/24 4:00pm Worship
Wendell Pfaff Family
Ben P
Christmas Eve
12/27 Sonja Steele
Jerome & JoAnn Nelson
Cassidy C
Karen Knutson
12/06 Karen Knutson
THE LEWIS VALLEY SHALOM
CIRCLE CHRISTMAS
DECORATING PARTY will be
Wednesday, December 2, 2015,
at 6:00pm - or come when you
can. We will have a short
meeting and order pizza. We
welcome new gals who are
interested in joining.
DECEMBER
COMMUNION SET UP Barb Anderson, Edris
Storandt, JoAnn Nelson
ALTAR COLORS Dec 6, 13, 20: Blue
Dec 24, 25, 27: White
THE LEWIS VALLEY W-ELCA WILL MEET on Saturday, December 5,
2015, at noon for a business meeting, dessert, and coffee. Thank
offerings will be collected. Please bring gifts for Lakeview to the meeting.
There will be a box in the narthex if you can’t make it to the meeting. Items
residents need/would like include: *Candy (please... soft chocolate, no nuts
or coconut), *calendars, *word games or word search, *coloring books and
crayons *lotions, *socks, sweat shirts and pants, *CD's,* fleece throws and
jewelry. They also desire some CD players. Anyone that wants to donate
the gift of time is always welcome.
NOVEMBER FINANCIAL GIVING THROUGH 11/22/15
Sunday Envelope Offering ........................................................ $3,325
Sunday Loose Offering................................................................. $122
Simply Giving (electronic transfer) ............................................ $1,300
Total Giving ............................................................................... $4,747
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