Builder December 2015.pub - First Lutheran Church, Duluth

D E C E M B E R
2 0 1 5
A PUBLICATION OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
Advent & Christmas
Advent Vespers Services
Wednesdays, December 2, 9, 16 - 5:30 p.m.
According to the Grace of God
given to me, like a skilled master
builder I laid a foundation, and
someone else is building on it.
Each builder must choose with
care how to build on it. No one
can lay any foundation other
than the one that has been laid;
that foundation is Jesus Christ.
In a season filled with busyness and to-do lists that can weigh us down, come
to the calming center of First Lutheran’s mid-week candlelit Advent services.
With music from “Unfailing Light”, meaningful liturgy, and Holy Communion,
reflect on Advent images of hope, courage, joy and love. Each week will feature
a printed word image that can be taken home and colored as part of your
personal Advent reflection.
1 Cor. 3:10-11
Moving through this season of waiting in the darkness, all ages are invited to
participate in a larger scale coloring project, filling the bleakness with color and
light. Each Sunday a new image will be added to an Advent banner; stop at the
table outside the sanctuary to add your part to the joyful display.
I N S I D E
Advent & Christmas
1
Pastor’s Message
2
From the President/Welcome
Pastor Dianne
3
Youth & Family
Worship & Music
Giving
4-6
6
7-8
FLCW News
8
News of First Family/Library
9
Study & Prayer
10
Relating
10, 11
Serving & Reaching Out
12, 13
Vision Council/Call Committee
13
Leadership
14
December 2015 Calendar
15
FLC Staff
16
www.flcduluth.org
Before the service on Wed., December 2, enjoy the annual Lutefisk, Salmon
& Meatball Dinner from 12:00-7:00 p.m. On Dec. 9 & 16 all are welcome to a
light supper following the Advent Vespers.
Sunday School Christmas Program
Sunday, December 20 at 11:00 a.m.
Hear the Christmas story through the voices of children.
After weeks of practice, Sunday School children 2 years old
through 5th grade will be leading the 11:00 worship on
December 20, proclaiming the birth of Jesus through music
and narrative. All are invited to the parish hall following the
service for a light lunch and fellowship
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service of Holy Communion
Thursday, December 24
3:00, 5:00 & 10:00 p.m.
(Nursery available at 3:00 & 5:00)
Christmas Day
Friday, December 25 - 10:00 a.m.
Hear the Word that dwells among us, full of grace and truth. The meaning
of Christmas is made clear: The light shines in the darkness.
Vision & Mission
The People of First
Lutheran Church will….
Love one another as
Christ loved us by:
honoring, respecting,
and affirming one another;
practicing Christian hospitality;
ministering to the elderly,
and to those with special needs.
Grow in Faith through:
strong Christian spiritual
education programs for all ages;
small group Bible studies;
inspirational worship, art and music;
cultivating a life of prayer;
compelling youth and family ministry.
Share the Gospel through:
a positive Christ-centered atmosphere;
joyful fellowship with one another
in Jesus’ name; intentional,
prayer-filled communication;
gathering around the table.
Spread the Gospel through:
active individual and
congregational involvement
in outreach to the local community;
active individual and
congregational involvement
in global ministries.
The Builder is organized along key
elements of Christian Discipleship.
The goal is to provide a resource to
assist individuals and the church
body as a whole on the journey of
spiritual transformation:
• Worship
• Study
• Prayer
• Giving
• Serving
• Relating
Page 2
F r o m Pa s t o r
Mark Holman
Check the dictionary!
Advent means “the beginning of the church year”;
advent means “coming into being.” There is a subtle
but important difference with the first letter. For
Christians, the word with the “A” capitalized, points
us to the coming of Christ. And, for all people, the
word in the lower case describes those times when
something is unfolding, something is about to become.
Whether you spell it with an “A” or an “a”, A(a)dvent is a pivotal time for
awakening and change. No wonder our prayers for the four Sundays in
Advent begin with “Stir up our hearts… Stir up our wills… Stir up your
power, Lord Christ, and come.”
As we begin this season of _dvent (however you spell it), I wonder, what are
the seasonal rituals and traditions in which you are engaging? Informed by
your unique past, what have you grown to expect from this season, from
your relationships with family and friends, and, from your church? As you
look forward, what rituals, traditions and expectations might you want to
change? This season calls us to look forward with hope and expectation to
what is new and about to unfold.
In worship, through the season of Advent, we will be reading from the
Apostle Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians and Philippians. I resonate with
Paul’s words as he wrote to his friends at Thessalonica: How can we thank
God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God
because of you? (1Thess 3:9) Then, to friends in Philippi he wrote: I thank
my God every time I remember you… because of your partnership in the
gospel from the first day until now. (Phil 1:3)
I am deeply grateful for the many seasons (two Advents!) I have experienced
among the faithful at FLC. I will always remember our partnership in
ministry; and, I thank God for the creative and reconciling Spirit who has
guided and blessed us through all our seasons.
I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation for gifts FLC members have
given to support two of my favorite global ministries. Through both of these
far-reaching ministries, Marcia and I have had first-hand experience and we
continue to provide support as best we can. Your generous gifts, given in my
honor, will be sent to Augusta Victoria Hospital (www.avh.org) to provide
kidney dialysis treatment for children from Gaza. Additional gifts will be
sent to Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry (www.lutheranpartners.org) to
provide scholarships for girls of the lowest caste system in India. Marcia
and I are humbled and deeply appreciative of gifts provided to these two
ministries.
Blessed Advent to you and yours. God only knows what we might become!
Pr. Mark K. Holman
December 2015
The Builder
From FLC President
Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord, be strong, take heart!
Taken from “Wait for the Lord” ELW 262
Waiting is hard. As a child I eagerly
awaited the lighting of the Advent
wreath each Sunday and never thought
we would get to the fourth candle.
Waiting is stressful. As an adult, I wish
that same Advent wreath had eight
candles to light to give me enough time
to prepare. Waiting is anxious. Sitting in the surgical family
room waiting for the doctor to assure me Brian was going to
be okay was a fearful and nervous time. Waiting is boring.
Those times when you are captive waiting for the line to
move, the appointment to start, the workday to end, the
stoplight to turn. Waiting is endless. Will the Vikings win a
Super Bowl?
The Gather magazine Bible study in
November introduced tempo giusto
which is a musical term meaning
“play at the right speed”. As I
prepared for our Mary and Martha
Gathering group study I was struck
how tempo giusto is a perfect way
to think about Advent. How do we
find the right speed for life in the
crazy, hectic preparations for
Christmas? How do we wait well?
Welcome
New Senior Pastor
Dianne Loufman
Begins Ministry at
FLC midmid-January
2016
We are excited to welcome Pastor Dianne Loufman
who was called by the congregation as Senior Pastor
at a special congregational meeting on November 1,
2015. Pastor Dianne comes to us from a congregation
in Wilmington, DE. She and her dog, Juju, will arrive
in Duluth to begin her work at First Lutheran during
the week of January 11, 2016. Her first Sunday in the
pulpit will be January 17 and her installation will be
on January 24 at both services.
Pastor Dianne is married to Dr. Erik Heen and has
two sons, Kai and Per. In addition to Juju the hound
dog, they have a canary named Flame. We look
forward to welcoming Pastor Dianne and her family
into our community of faith. A complete bio is
available from the church office.
It seems there are two kinds of waiting. There is waiting
when we want something – presents, test results, the world
to spin the way we want it to. This waiting can be hard,
stressful, anxious and boring. We want to be in control. On
the other hand, there is waiting when we give up control.
This is when we find our tempo giusto taking life at “the
right speed”. We cannot rush God’s time. “For everything
there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1); time rolls forward in spite of us. I hope
during this season of Advent you are able to find your tempo
giusto as you prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
Thank you to the call committee for their prayerful
discernment during the call process. Also, we extend
a special thank you to their families and loved ones
who supported their work over the last nine months.
Call Committee Members
Erika Bjerketvedt
Mark Britton
Catherine Carter-Huber
Becky Kilgore
Sarah McCourtney
Jonathan Rova
Jonathan Sande
David Sproat
Suzanne Rauvola
Congregational President
The Builder
December 2015
Page 3
Yo u t h & Fa m i ly M i n i s t r y
All Generations Advent Sunday School
Sunday, November 29
in the Parish Hall
Come enjoy music, activities
and family fellowship on this
1st Sunday of Advent! Along
with introducing images and
activities for our Advent theme,
we will be decorating bags for a
CHUM Holiday Wish List project. These bags will be
shared with the congregation on Sunday, December 6,
as we honor God’s great gift of love, Jesus, by
remembering our neighbor in need.
Pr. Mark, Katie Taffe and Sarah Marks help make pizza for
Journey/Confirmation on a Wednesday afternoon.
Sunday School Christmas Program
December 20, 11:00 a.m.
2 year olds through 5th grade
Come to hear the Christmas story through the voices of
our children! All are invited to the parish hall following
the service for a light lunch and fellowship.
Christmas Lunch Helpers Needed!
Connect
No matter our age, there’s lots of different ways to be
involved. Being an active part of a faith community
involves attending worship, learning and growing in
faith and taking part in the church community. Each of
us has different things we are interested in and different
gifts we can share. What is it that you like to do? How
can you use those gifts that God has given you to serve
and help at FLC? FLC Youth of all ages are encouraged
to fill out a Connect slip so that your interests can be
connected with various ways of serving the church.
There are a variety of opportunities: working with
younger kids, ushering, helping behind the scenes,
serving meals, leadership in worship, sharing your
musical gifts, and more! Connect forms are available
at Journey and also on the Kiosk in the Upper
Commons. Fill one out, turn it in to the office and get
ready to be an active part in your church community!
Page 4
A few volunteers - adults, youth, families - are needed to
help with set-up on Saturday morning, Dec. 19, or help
with serving and cleanup on Sunday, Dec. 20. This is a
great opportunity for volunteering and being involved!
If you can help, please contact Ann Beck at the church
office. THANKS!
Cinnamon Roll Sunday
December 6
Cinnamon Roll Sunday will be held on Sunday, Dec. 6.
Prep will take place on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 9:30 a.m.
(the start time can be adjusted to your schedule) and
help is needed Sunday from 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Please contact Deb if your
family is interested in helping.
Money raised will go towards
youth activities. A portion of
the proceeds will be going to
an FLC Ministry Partner that
will be decided by the youth.
December 2015
The Builder
Yo u t h & Fa m i ly M i n i s t r y
Celebration of Light and Music
Cookie Baking
at Camp Hiawatha
FLC 9th-12th Graders, meet up in the
FLC kitchen on Sunday, December 6
from 4:00-6:00 p.m. to make some
holiday treats for youth at the
Arrowhead Juvenile Center and
their holiday party.
Sunday, December 13
Deb wants to attend your event!
Do you have an upcoming game, recital, performance,
etc? Let Deb know because she would love to make attend and see you shine! Or do you want to get together
with Deb for coffee/ice cream/a meal? Let her know! Find
her on Sunday or Wednesday, send her an email at
[email protected] or give her a call at 728.3668 ext 215.
All are invited to the Celebration of Light and Music at
Camp Hiawatha on Sunday, December 13. We’ll leave
from the FLC parking lot after the 2nd Service (around
12:15). It will be an afternoon of fellowship, holiday fare,
winter activities, and celebrating the season of
Advent! There is something for all ages as we gather in
community to prepare our hearts for the coming Christ
child! Please sign up on the Kiosk in the Upper
Commons so we know who to expect.
December/January Acolytes
December 6
8:30 Chris Sampson
Daniel Sampson
11:00 Carson Cochran
Kaelin Cochran
December 13
8:30 Gabby Frohrip
Stephanie Frohrip
11:00 Cora Samuelson
Leila Samuelson
December 20
8:30 Helena Anderson, Connor Bich
11:00 Samuel Lenz, Carter Zupancich
December 27
8:30 Anna Huber, Will Van Scoy
11:00 Britta Jones, Dani Bockovich
January 3
8:30 Jordan Blais, Landon Blais
11:00 Gabby Frohrip, Stephanie Frohrip
January 10
8:30 David Fanning, Noah Westerberg
11:00 Chris Sampson, Daniel Sampson
The Builder
FLC Winter Family Retreat
January 2222-24
Pack up the family and head to Camp Hiawatha the
weekend of January 22-24 for a fun-filled Family
Retreat! The FLC Winter Family Retreat is a time for
being together in the winter wonderland of Camp
Hiawatha where there will be opportunities for worship,
Bible study, playing outside in the snow, taking a sauna,
creating, games, etc. – all while spending time together
as a family and being together with other FLC families!
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and all are welcome
to the Family Retreat – moms, dads, aunts, uncles, nieces,
nephews, grandparents, grandchildren, individuals,
friends, kids of all ages, etc.
The fun will start Friday evening (January 22) at 7:30 p.m.
(earlier arrival available) and will conclude after brunch on
Sunday (January 24).
Cost is: $70 Adults (18+), $50 (12-17 years),
$40 (4-11 years), Free (0-3 years) with a maximum of
$240/family. Each family will have their own cabin.
Registration forms will be emailed out and also available
on the Kiosk in the Upper Commons. Registrations Form
and Payment Due by Sunday, January 10. Financial
Assistance available; talk to Deb. Please don’t let finances
keep you from attending the Retreat.
December 2015
Page 5
Yo u t h & Fa m i ly
Ministry
Confirmation Mentors
The purpose of First Lutheran Church’s Journey/
Confirmation Program is to enhance and foster growth
and maturity in the faith of our youth. One way to do
this is to intentionally connect youth to adult faith
mentors. This winter FLC Sophomores will select an
adult that they see as a mentor, someone committed to
the faith, regular in worship attendance, a person
committed to the ministries of FLC by giving of time
and talents in various ways, and a concern for people.
The mentor also has a genuine interest in young people
and is willing to take time to share faith experiences
with young people.
Why a Mentoring Program?
1. Affirms the value of young people in the life of the
congregation.
2. Involves the congregation in a more direct way to
FLC Youth.
3. Offers inter-generational relationships within the
congregation.
4. Provides opportunities for adult and student
discussions on matters of faith
Once mentors have been selected and passed a
background check, they will gather as a group to be
equipped for their role. Next, parents, students and
mentors will meet together as a large group. Then
over the course of the spring and summer there will
be six times that students and mentors will meet at a
time that is convenient to the pair. In the fall, prior to
Confirmation Sunday, there will be a celebration for
all the parents, students and mentors.
While students will be picking their mentor, if you
are interested in being a part of this program, please
indicate your interest to Deb Westerberg and names
will be passed on to students as suggestions.
Worship & Music
Worship Notes
Live Radio Broadcast: KDAL AM 610, 8:30 a.m. Sundays
Live Streaming of 8:30 service, go to www.flcduluth.org.
Sun., Dec. 6
8:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Readings: Mal. 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Phil. 1:3-11;
Luke 3:1-67
Sun., Dec. 13
8:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Readings: Zeph. 3:14-20; Isa. 12:2-6; Phil. 4:4-7;
Luke 3:7-18
Sun., Dec. 20
8:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Readings: Micah 5:2-5a; Ps. 80:1-7; Heb. 10:5-10;
Luke 1:39-55
Thurs., Dec. 24 3:00, 5:00 & 10:00 p.m. “Christ mas Eve”
Readings: Isa. 9:2-7; Ps. 96; Titus 2:11-14;
Luke 2:1-20
Fri., Dec. 25
10:00 a.m. “Christmas Day”
Readings: Isa. 62:6-12; Ps. 97; Titus 3:4-8;
Luke 2:8-20
Sun., Dec. 27
8:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Readings: 1 Sam. 2:18-20, 26; Ps. 148;
Col. 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52
Readings are from Revised Common Lectionary.
December Music Opportunities
for Instrumentalists
December 20 - Sunday School Christmas Program at
11:00 a.m. service. Young pianists and instrumentalists
are invited to play a sacred Christmas piece during the
prelude music. Instrumentalists are also invited to play in
a group on the carols. Please contact Karen Sande
([email protected]) if you need help with music
choices or need an accompanist; she has lots of
beginning/intermediate music to choose from.
December 24 - Christmas Eve services at 3:00, 5:00 and
10:00 p.m. Instrumentalists from high school age through
adult are invited to play in an ensemble for one or more
of the services. We will play prelude music and
accompany some of the carols. Contact Karen
([email protected]).
Page 6
December 2015
The Builder
Giving
October 2015 Mission Plan Update
2015
Mission Plan
Ministry & Mission gifts
$62,053
Plus Other Income
7,752
Total Income
69,805
Less Expenses
68,370
$1,435
Cash surplus (Deficit)
Year to Date Year to Date
Actual
Mission Plan
Actual
$59,053
$564,051
$589,740
1,799
46,109
40,552
60,852
610,160
630,292
61,795
676,857
668,073
($943)
($66,697)
($37,781)
2014
Annual
Mission Plan
$738,082
73,491
811,573
811,573
$0
TFRTFR
Mortgage
Information
2015
Mortgage
Information
2015
$20,000.00
$18,000.00
$16,000.00
$14,000.00
$12,000.00
$10,000.00
$8,000.00
$6,000.00
$4,000.00
$2,000.00
$-
Year to Date
Actual
$594,937
38,317
633,254
724,489
($91,235)
October 2015
Contributions
$ 3,098
Payments
$
3,064
TFR Loan Balance $ 529,110
Contributio
Contributions
ns
Payments
June
July
Aug. Sept. Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Giving for the Ministries &
Missions of FLC
With joy and thanksgiving,
we have received your commitment to share your gifts
in generosity over the next year in thankfulness for the
blessings of God’s love and grace. Your gift will enable
our congregation, over the next year, to remain vibrant and
bold in sharing the love of God in Christ, through the many
ministries we have for our members and community.
Weekly offering through:
Sun., Oct. 18 $13,402
Sun., Oct. 25 $10,175
Sun., Nov. 1
$18,182
Sun., Nov. 8
$15,440
Sun., Nov. 15 $14,401
Worship Attendance
Oct. 18
Oct. 25
Nov. 1
Nov. 8
Nov. 15
Stewardship Ministry Team
Mary Schmitz, Pastor Mark Holman,
Dave Lothner, Margaret Broderius,
Dick Swenson and Carlene Sippola
323
440
414
372
335
Hunger Offering
Amount donated to the Hunger
Offering in September: $795.
The Builder
December 2015
Page 7
Giving
FLCW News
October/November 2015 Memorials &
Gifts
Festive Christmas Luncheon
Thurs., Dec. 10 at 11:30 a.m.
Gift to El Salvador Ministry in celebration of Dory
Sjoblom’s birthday by Nancy Madich.
Gift to the Bell Choir Ministry/Memorials in memory
of Arlene Hamre by Bob & Candy Madich, Marshall
Moen, Egil & Gudrun Hoivik, Bill & Mavis Keller,
Muriel Lehman, Dory & Will Sjoblom, Bob & Jackie
Johnson.
Gift to Memorials in memory of Merlin Canfield by
James & Mary Johnson, Kurt & Shelley Michalicek,
Karin Ramberg, Robert Baldrica, Clifford Enberg, Jack
& Nancy Eilefson, Paul & Carol Anderson, Steve &
Margaret Broderius, Bob & Jackie Johnson, Gail Tate,
Robert & Karen Newstrom, Kim Keelor, Jim & Mary
Zastrow; in memory of Kay Buus by Steve & Margaret
Broderius, Betty Monson, Barbara Nelson.
Gift to FLC Gardens in memory of Merlin Canfield
by Glenn & Erna Peterson.
Gift to FLC Music Ministry in memory of Merlin
Canfield by David & Marcia Lothner.
“Let's celebrate Christmas together.” The Women of First
Lutheran Church invite all Topnotchers to celebrate with
them on Thurs., Dec. 10 at 11:30 a.m. A delicious lunch,
music by the East Choralaires, and friendly company will
be yours for a $5.00 donation.
“We look forward to spending time with you!”
FLCW Bible Study Gathering
All FLC women are invited to attend any of the
gathering meetings listed. Call church office for info.
Ruth Gathering
Sun., Dec. 6 - 5:30 p.m. - S. Wuchter home
Mary & Martha Gathering
Thurs., Dec. 10 - 7:00 p.m., Upper Commons
Leah Gathering
Tues., Dec. 8 - 9:30 a.m. - Parish Hall
Naomi Gathering
Thurs., Dec. 17 - 12:30 p.m. - E. Collin’s home
Gift to FLC Foundation in memory of Merlin
Canfield by Julia & Dean Sampson.
Dorcas Gathering
Wed., Dec. 16 - 10:00 a.m., Homes/UC
Gift to Time for Renewal in memory of Merlin
Canfield by Tim & Beth Holst; in memory of Phil
Friest by Matt & Kay Eckman; in memory of Kay
Buus by Tim & Beth Holst.
Esther Gathering
Wed., Dec. 16 - 1:00 p.m., Parish Hall
Breaking Bread Gathering
Mon., Dec. 28 - 6:30 p.m. - Homes
Gft to Radio Ministry in memory of Kay Buus by
Richard & Yvonne Anderson, Lois Janson, Bill & Peggy
Carlson.
Gift to World Hunger in memory of Kay Buus by Fern
Olin, Gudrun Hoivik.
Fair Trade Sales December 13
Great gift ideas!
Fair Trade coffee, tea, and
chocolate will be on sale
Sun., Dec. 13. Sales are
held the second Sunday
of each month. Thanks to
all the customers who
continue to support this
project which supports
Lutheran World Relief.
Gift to Prayer Shawl Ministry in memory of Kay
Buus by Carol & Jim Settergren.
Gift to FLC Library in memory of Kay Buus by
Claryce Swensen.
Page 8
December 2015
The Builder
News of the
F i r s t Fa m i ly
New Members Welcomed
On Sunday, November 22, First Lutheran
received new members into the congregation.
We welcome these new members:
Karen Dale
Jane Miller
Jodi Lochner
Sorrel Kaspszak
Michael Hallgren Kevin Anderson
Gail & Jerry Leverson
Tim, Sarah & Greg Climis
Monita Gibson & Justin Nieman
Baptisms
10/25/2015 Olivia Lauren Johnson
Daughter of Eric & Katie Johnson
10/25/2015 Isabella Sue Curnow
Daughter of Stacie Krause & Tyler Curnow
Weddings
10/10/2015 Rachel Sertich & Michael Keogan
10/2015
Erika Bjerketvedt & Nathan Feld
A Loss in the Family
Please keep these families in your prayers as
they mourn the loss of their loved one:
Family of Merlin Canfield
Family of William Vann
Family of Kay Buus
Family of Susan Prusak on the death of her
father Wally Svedsen
Family of Phil Friest
Family of Donna Schilling
Family of Karen Schaumberger
Library News
Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas!
Visit the Library for Advent and Christmas books and
videos for you and your family to enjoy.
New Children’s Books
Bread, Bread, Bread by Ann Morris (Call #: B Mor)
The Christmas Mouse by Toby Forward (Call #: B For)
Finding Home by Kristy Abbott (Call #: B Abb)
If I Were a Mouse by Karma Wilson (Call #: B
Wil)
In God’s Name by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso (Call
#: B Sas)
Itsy Bitsy Christmas by Max Lucado (Call #: B
Luc)
The Lion Bible in Its Time by Lois Rock (Call #: C Roc)
A Love Letter from God [Board Book] by P. K. Hallinan (Call
#: A Hal)
Odd Duck by Cecil Castellucci (Call #: B Cas)
The Song of the King by Max Lucado (Call #: B Luc)
A Treasury of Christmas Stories and Songs (Call #: B Tre)
A Selection of Adult Books on Display
Christmas Poems selected and edited by John Hollander and
J.D. McClatchy (Call #: 821.008 Chr)
Come, Lord Jesus: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany by Susan
Briehl (Call #: 242.33 Bri)
In the Bleak Midwinter: Forty Meditations and Prayers for
Advent and Christmas by Herb Brokering (Call #: 242.33 Bro)
Making Room for Christmas: Preparing a Place for the
Christ Child by Herbert F. Brokering (Call #: 242.33 Bro)
The Promise of Christmas is Jesus: A 30-Day Devotional by
Jack Countryman (Call #: 242.335 Cou)
Spirit of the Lights by Chuck Frederick (Call #:
394.2661 Fre)
Treasured Stories of Christmas (Call #: 813.6 Tre)
Videos and DVDs for Adults
Confirmed
Celia Napoli-Quisling
Ben Hilliard
Anna Jones
The Builder
Christmas Across America (Video #508)
The Nativity Story New Line Home Entertainment
(DVD #26)
Videos and DVDs for Children
Animated Stories from the Bible-The King is Born (Vid #215)
The Toy That Saved Christmas Veggie Tales (Video #264)
Saint Nicholas, A Story of Joyful Giving (DVD #21)
The Star of Christmas (DVD #22)
December 2015
Page 9
Relating
S t u d y & P r ay e r
Sunday Adult Forums
The Angel Tree is Coming!
DECEMBER 6
10:00 a.m. Preparing for a New Pastor - Parish Hall
Moving Forward Together: Creating a Mutual Ministry
Covenant with Pastor Loufman
The word covenant means to be bound together
by mutual agreement, "...as persons who row a boat
together. We journey forward in Christ in the company
of one another. A beautiful image is that of the redwood
trees whose roots are not so remarkably deep for their
tremendous height, but are intertwined in a way that makes
them strong for one another; their interconnected roots
give them the support they need to stand.” (Bryant, Grana
& Thompson, 2006.)
In some synods, the congregation and the new pastor
fill out a mutual ministry covenant. The covenant lists
the promises we make to one another as a new ministry
begins. Some of the promises are true in any call. For
instance, a pastor promises to preach and teach the
Word of God and administer the Sacraments according
to the practices and understanding of the ELCA. Every
congregation promises to pray for the pastor and her or
his family. Other promises are particular to time and
place. There are particular gifts and emphases we at
First were looking for and are embracing in Pastor
Loufman. There are expectations she has of us as she
begins this call. The call committee thought it would be
a healthy way to begin our ministry together if we put
down on paper what we are hoping and expecting from
one another.
Please join the Call Committee on Sunday, December
6, during the adult education forum as we begin work on
our side of the covenant. During the session the Call Committee will share some of the work already done during the
call process.
There soon will be a beautiful tree in
the Upper Commons filled with angels.
Those angels will have special tags on
them each representing the Christmas
wishes of Duluth families in transitional housing as well
as youth housed at the Renaissance House.
First Lutheran will again have a wonderful opportunity to
share in the upcoming Christmas season with others by
demonstrating Christ’s love through helping others. Families
in the American Indian Community Housing Organization,
Renaissance House and Transitional Housing are in need of
extra help this Christmas to provide some special gifts for
their families. Beginning Sunday, Nov. 29, please stop by
the Angel Tree and take an angel off the tree (our goal is to
have all of them taken). Once you have taken an angel,
please sign-up in the Angel folder (next to the tree).
There will also be more in-depth instructions available for
you at the Angel Tree. Financial contributions will also be
accepted. We have some eager people ready to shop for
extra gifts.
If you have any more questions, contact Brenda Johnson,
(715) 392-1794. Thanks and blessing as First Lutheran
embarks on the gift-giving season, remembering the
ultimate gift given to us-Christ!
Deadline to drop gifts off at FLC is December 18.
DECEMBER 13
10:00 a.m. What? So what? Now what? A YAGM year
in South Africa - Parish Hall
David Zastrow will give an overview of lessons learned,
relationships made, values gained, and fun times in South
Africa as part of the ELCA’s Youth In Global Mission.
DECEMBER 20
No forums – enjoy the fellowship and treats in the
Gathering Space & Upper Commons!
Page 10
Order Poinsettias for Advent & Christmas
Help beautify the sanctuary with poinsettias for the
Advent and Christmas seasons. Please fill out this form
and attach a check (made out to FLC) for $15 per plant.
Return to church office by Wed., Dec. 16.
Name _________________________ Phone #_________
# Plants _________________ at $15 each = $_________
Given in memory of / in honor of (circle one):
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
December 2015
The Builder
Relating
Calling all Cookie Lovers and their
Favorite “Ugly” Holiday Sweater!
Lutefisk, Salmon & Meatball Dinner
Wed., December 2, 12:0012:00-7:00 p.m.
$15 for adults / $5 for children under 10
Sat., December 5, 9:009:00-10:00 a.m.
More help is always needed! If you can
help, see the instructions below. A list of
"example jobs" are posted on near the
Gathering space, along with the sign up
sheets.
Final instructions:
• If you haven’t signed up to work and
would like to, please email [email protected],
call her at 218-590-0420 or see her between and after
services on Sunday, Nov 29. Jobs are scheduled so it is
important to check the schedule for work times.
• If you have signed up and are not sure of where you work
or what you will be doing, also see Char to check the
master schedule. Once you have seen the schedule, please
check off your name.
When you arrive on Wednesday to work, please check in
with the volunteer coordinator in the library (Beth Holst and
helpers).
Homebound Ministry
At this time during the holiday season, we are
focusing on caring connections with members
who are no longer able to attend worship. If you
are aware of someone who is currently homebound that we might not know of; if you would
be willing to deliver a small poinsettia plant with a friendly
visit; or if you would like to learn more about participating
as a home communion minister, please contact Ann Beck at
the church office (728-3668).
FLC Crafters Group
Do you have a project you want to
finish but don’t have the space or
motivation to work on it? Pack up
your supplies and spread out at FLC on the 4th Thursday of
each month beginning January 28 from 6:30-8:30. The FLC
Crafters Group is open to anyone who wants to work on a
project and share fellowship with other crafters. Enjoy the
group while you work on your individual project. For more
information contact Suzanne Rauvola at 525-5077 or
[email protected].
The Builder
A little sugar, a lot of fun…We’re having a cookie
exchange…so please plan to come!
Dust off your favorite “Ugly”
Holiday Sweater because we
want to see you wearing it at the
annual FLCW Holiday Cookie
Exchange! Festivities take place
in the FLC Parish Hall Sat.,
December 5, from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Join us for fellowship, treats and some much
anticipated cookie exchanging fun.
***Cookie exchanging begins at 9:30***
Please bring one dozen cookies (no nuts please) in a
separate bag or disposable container for donation to the
family Christmas party held at the St. Louis County
Jail.
For exchanging: Plan to bring at least 3 dozen of your
favorite cookies. (If you bring 3 dozen cookies, you
will go home with 3 dozen exchanged cookies.) To
showcase the cookies as our decorations and add to
the festivity of the table, creatively arrange your
exchangeable cookies in a basket or on a platter.
Invite a friend or two and their “Ugly” Holiday
Sweater. Don’t forget to bring a large container to
carry away your cookies to enjoy during
Advent and Christmas gatherings!
Hope to see you all on December 5!
Friday Morning Bible Study
Members and friends are invited to
attend the Friday Morning Bible
Studies. This pastor led Bible study meets Friday
mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the Adult Ed Room. Invite a
friend or neighbor along this year. Have you met
someone new at worship, a visitor? Invite them to
Bible Study. All are welcome - no preparation or
homework required.
December 2015
Page 11
Serving & Reaching Out
Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry (VLM) Update
VLM is enjoying a very good year. At a time when many faith
formation camps are struggling, VLM is finishing a very productive
year. They had 933 summer campers between Camp Vermilion and
Camp Hiawatha vs. a plan of 834, and significantly more than 2014’s
actual number of 823. Boundary Waters camping was down because
of the focus on the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit, but still healthy.
Retreats are expected to bring in $75K; and Day Camp participation
was 40% above plan. Overall revenue through 10/31/15 was $11K
above plan. Expenses were $56K better than plan. The bottom line:
$67K better than plan as of 10/31/15.
First Lutheran continued to have a solid connection to VLM and Camp
Vermilion. The VLM staff joined FLC staff, led by Ann Beck and
Deb Westerberg, and volunteers to provide a meaningful Day Camp
experience for 40 K through 4th grade children, and we sent 21 young
people to Camp Vermilion. FLC volunteers helped get the Boathouse
ready for the summer, and we will finish up the refurbishment of that
iconic structure by replacing the last bit of old siding this fall or next
spring with new material funded by a grant from Thrivent (thank you
Thrivent).
The biggest news at VLM
and Camp Vermilion is
the new Dining Hall and
Retreat Center. As the photo
shows, construction is well
underway. The shell will be
completed before winter, and
the Dining Hall portion will be ready for campers by next June (the
Retreat Center in the walkout level will take a bit longer). The old
dining hall no longer meets state codes and it must be rebuilt and reequipped, or replaced. At the same time, VLM must grow its retreat
business to survive long-term. Financial support from synod churches
simply will not, by itself, keep VLM going. VLM has stayed relatively
healthy, as the above numbers indicate, by connecting with churches
outside the synod, such as the Roseville, MN Lutheran congregation
and by aggressively pursuing retreat business where it does not conflict
with our core ministry to youth and families; but there is a limit to what
that can accomplish.
ELCA Good Gifts
Americans spend over $300 billion on
Christmas shopping each year. That is
a lot of stocking stuffers, fruitcake and
Christmas sweaters! What if even part of
this spending were redirected to fight
against hunger and poverty? That ornament
for a teacher could be changed into health
and dental care for a child in an orphanage,
or that sweater for your spouse could be
transformed into a micro loan for a woman
in Mexico. You could actually give a gift
that changes lives for generations. Rethink
your Christmas shopping this year and
substitute at least one gift with a gift from
the ELCA Good Gifts catalog. Look for
the Good Gifts table in the gathering space
between services during December and
browse more than 65 different giving
options that support life-changing projects
and programs around the world. These
gifts can be purchased in honor of a special
person in your life - just in time for
Christmas.
As you might expect, this kind of project does not come cheaply. The
projected overall cost is $2.433M, of which about $746K has been
raised through a major league fund-raising effort entitled “Watch Them
Flourish”. Even though First Lutheran is the largest supporter, we have
not been approached because of our 2015 constraint on outside fundraisers. Joel talked about “Watch Them Flourish” at an adult forum on
Nov. 22, but only for our information. We plan to have an in-depth Forum on the Dining Hall after the first of the year, at which time Joel will
ask for our help. With that help, and help from many other friends of
VLM, they expect to keep long term debt at or below $1M-a number
which can be dealt with via donations and/or increased revenue from
the Retreat Center. In short, the reason FLC supports VLM, youth and
family faith development, will be enhanced, not compromised, by the
Dining Hall/ Retreat Center project.
Page 12
December 2015
The Builder
Serving & Reaching Out
Short Term Mission Opportunities with
our Global Mission Partners
Russia: Friendship English Language Camps in
Petrozavodsk or Kondopoga in connection with
Vision Petrozavodsk and our Friendship Congregation relationship with the Petrozavodsk Lutheran
Church and Nadia and Pastor Alexei Krongolm
(May 24 – June 6, 2016).
Malaysia: Variety of opportunities hosted by our
missionaries Marlys and Tradasha Wittmer at their
Youth With A Mission site in Ipoh, Malaysia, e.g.,
help teach at their refugee school; become friends
with Vietnamese migrant workers, practice
English; sports ministry, working with handicap
children and young adults, children’s ministry,
youth ministry. Hospitality house available for
housing, great food! Dates: arranged (Marlys notes:
a great place during a cold hard winter in MN!)
Contact Paul Anderson for information (728-5853)
First Lutheran Receives Certificate of
Appreciation
We received this certificate of appreciation from the
ELCA Malaria Campaign for being one of the top 25
congregational supporters. The Campaign was the topic
of an Adult Forum and was featured in one of our Global
Festivals of Faith and bulletin inserts. Thank you all!
- Local and Global Missions Ministry Team
Vision Council
End of Year Gifts
For contributions to be
recorded as gifts for 2015, they
must be received in the office
by noon on Thurs., December
31, 2015, or postmarked by
December 31, 2015. All mail
postmarked or received in
January 2015 will be recorded
as 2016 gifts. The IRS does not
allow exceptions.
The Builder
NOVEMBER VISION COUNCIL UPDATE
• Treasurer Ron Carlson remains cautiously optimistic regarding
finishing the year on budget
• Income is above plan and expenses were below plan for October
• A new printer has been purchased for the office
• A task force will be formed to address parking issues
TFR UPDATE
An additional $1,500 will be paid on the mortgage principle in
October, November, and December.
• $40,000 will be kept in the reserve TFR fund.
• Mortgage bank loan balance at the end of October 2015 was
$529,110
• Mortgage FLC Foundation loan balance at the end of October
2015 was $250,000
•
December 2015
Page 13
Leadership
Get Better Connected
on our Website
VISION COUNCIL MEMBERS
President
[email protected]
Suzanne Rauvola
H# 740-7310
Vice President
[email protected]
Candy Madich
H# 206-0196
Past President
[email protected]
Tim Holst
C# 348-2747
Treasurer
[email protected]
Ron Carlson
H# 525-6542
Secretary
[email protected]
Becky Kilgore
H# 724-6288
Ministry Board Chair
[email protected]
Diana Ream
H# 727-4704
Councilor-at-Large
[email protected]
Brian Bich
H# 727-3682
Councilor-at-Large
[email protected]
Greta Johnson
H# 525-2193
Councilor-at-Large
[email protected]
Tom Whittaker
H# 729-5025
Senior Pastor
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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• Sign up for FirstNews weekly e-mail updates
by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
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The Builder via email (go green)
• Download new and previous editions
of The Builder
• An audio "widget" has been added on the sidebar of the web page/home page. This widget
connects to the worship audio files stored
online. Click on the one you want to download
and it will take you to download link. These
are large files that will take a few minutes to
download (you can minimize) and then you
just play on windows media player or other
players.
Home Communion Ministry
MINISTRY BOARD MEMBERS
First Lutheran has an active home communion ministry,
with trained visitors who lovingly extend
the sharing of the Lord’s table from our
congregation’s worship service to many
homebound members on a monthly basis.
There is an expanding need to bring
communion to our members who are no
longer able to attend worship. New visitors
are being sought to help in this important ministry of our
congregation. If you are interested, or for more
information, please contact Ann Beck at the church
office.
KDAL AM Radio Broadcast
FLC Sunday Worship Service at 8:30 a.m.
First Lutheran Foundation invites and encourages
members and friends of the congregation to sponsor a
Sunday morning KDAL radio broadcast for $100. The
Foundation will match that gift with $100 to cover the
full cost of a broadcast ($200). Call Nancy, 728-3668,
to make arrangements.
STANDING MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS
Hospitalized? Death of a loved one?
If you or a family member is hospitalized or if there is
a death in the family, please call the church office at
728-3668. Because of hospital policies, the church is not
always informed when a member is in the hospital. For
emergencies after hours, contact information is provided
on the church answering system.
Page 14
Interim Senior Pastor
(ending interim 11/29/2015)
Pastor Mark Holman
728-3668
Associate Pastor
[email protected]
Pastor Greg Garmer
728-3668
Ministerial Associate
[email protected]
Ann Beck
728-3668
Director of Music Ministries [email protected]
Dr. Jason Branham
728-3668
Director of Youth and Family [email protected]
Deb Westerberg
728-3668
FLCW Co-Chairs
[email protected]
Margaret Broderius
H# 728-6101
Carol Prohaska - [email protected] -H#724-2204
Ministry Board Chair
[email protected]
Diana Ream
H# 727-4704
Councilor-at-Large
[email protected]
Dawn Boman
C# 310-4887
Councilor-at-Large
[email protected]
Steve Samuelson
H# 722-1788
Councilor-at-Large
[email protected]
Sharon Turnboom
C# 218-428-2175
---------------------------------------------------------------------Stewardship
[email protected]
Mary Schmitz
C# 591-6331
Worship Ministry
[email protected]
Mark Britton
C# 260-7034
Beth Domholdt [email protected] C# 213-6102
Local & Global Mission [email protected]
Paul Anderson
H# 728-5853
Brenda S-Johnson [email protected] 340-8284
Evangelism & Welcome [email protected]
Margy Bell
C# 310-6930
Lifelong Learning
[email protected]
George Rennan (acting)
C# 390-3526
December 2015
The Builder
D e c e m b e r 2 015
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
4:45 Extreme
Parent ing-LC
6:30 Ministry Bd-AER
10:30 Staff-AER
5:30 Advent Service-S
7:15 Soli Deo Gloria-S
7:30 Sojourners I -CH
9:30 Friday Morning
Bible Study-AER
9:00 Cookie ExchangePH
10:00 AA-YR
12:00-7:00 p.m.
Lutefisk, Salmon &
Meatball Dinner
7:00 Mens Grp-UC
9:00 MOPS - PH
5:30 Vsn Council-AER
5:30 Jubilation Rngrs
6:00 Maintenance
Night
7:00 Comp I - Homes
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
8:30 Worship - S
9:45 Sunday School
9:45 Youth Rngrs-MR
9:45 Altar Guild-CF
10:00 Forum-PH
11:00 Worship - S
5:30 Ruth Christmas
Gathering-Wuchter’s
1:00 Library Comm-L
5:15 AA - PH
6:30 YW Comp-Homes
6:30 Soj. II - CH
7:00 Soj. III - CF
9:30 Leah-PH
5:30 Evang/Wel-PH
5:30 Stewardship-PH
6:00 Lifelong Lrng-PH
7:15 Local/Global-UC
7:15 Worship-PH
10:30 Staff-AER
5:30 Advent Service-S
7:15 Soli Deo Gloria-S
7:00 Mens Grp-UC
9:00 MOPS Strng-UC
11:30 FLCW Christmas Luncheon-PH
1:00 Prayer Shawl-CF
5:30 Jubilation Rgrs
6:00 Maintenance
7:00 M&M Gather-UC
7:00 OSC-Lib.
7:30 Sojourners I -CH
9:30 Friday Morning
Bible Study-AER
10:00 AA-YR
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
8-11:15 Fair Trade-UC
8:30 Worship - S
9:30 Healing Pryrs-S
9:45 Sunday School
9:45 Youth Rngrs-MR
10:00 Forum-PH
11:00 Worship - S
5:15 AA - PH
6:30 AGO-AER
6:30 YW Comp-Homes
6:30 Soj. II - CH
7:00 Soj. III - CF
11:00 Finance-307
4:45 Extreme Parenting-LC
6:30 Foundation-CF
10:00 Dorcas
10:30 Staff-AER
1:00 Esther
5:30 Advent Service-S
7:15 Soli Deo Gloria-S
7:00 Mens Grp-UC
9:00 MOPS-PH,etc.
10:30 PPS Chrismtas
Program-S
12:30 Naomi-Home
5:30 Jubilation Rgrs
6:00 Maintenance
7:30 Sojourners I -CH
9:30 Friday Morning
Bible Study-AER
10:00 AA-YR
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
8:30 Worship - S
9:45 Sunday School
9:45 Youth Rngrs-MR
11:00 Sunday School
Christmas Worship- S
5:15 AA - PH
6:30 YW Comp-Homes
6:30 Soj. II - CH
7:00 Soj. III - CF
10:30 Staff-AER
7:15 Soli Deo Gloria-S
Christmas Eve
Worship Services
3:00, 5:00, 10:00 p.m.
Christmas Day
Worship Service
10:00 a.m.
10:00 AA-YR
27
28
30
31
8:30 Worship - S
9:00 Healing Pryrs-S
11:00 Worship - S
5:15 AA - PH
6:30 YW Comp-Homes
6:30 Soj. II - CH
7:00 Soj. III - CF
The Builder
29
10:30 Staff-AER
December 2015
Page 15
VOLUME 68 No 12
The Builder (USPS 552-000) is published monthly by First Lutheran
Church, 1100 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802-2285.
Periodicals Postage Paid at Duluth MN 55806.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE BUILDER,
First Lutheran Church, 1100 E. Superior St, Duluth MN 55806-2285
First Lutheran Church
1100 E. Superior St.
Duluth, MN 55802
218-728-3668
[email protected]
Welcoming
S ta t e m e n t
S ta f f
First Lutheran Church
Office: (218)728-3668
Pastors: (Ext. #)
Pastor Greg Garmer (202)
www.flcduluth.org
Fax: (218) 728-6227
[email protected]
E-mail
[email protected]
Program Staff:
Dr. Jason Branham (212)
[email protected]
Director of Music Ministry
Karen Sande (213)
[email protected]
Asst. Director of Music Ministry
Ann Beck (210)
[email protected]
Ministerial Associate
Deb Westerberg (215)
[email protected]
Director of Youth & Family Ministry
Office Staff:
Janet Freund (203)
Nancy Hamre (204)
The Builder Editor
Custodial Staff:
Duane Sieger (232)
Carl Guldner
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Other extension numbers:
Archives (231)
Youth Room (225)
Promise Preschool (214)
Kitchen (218)
First Lutheran Church, dedicated to the mission of Jesus
Christ, welcomes you into our community of faith, where we
share life in its entirety, with all its joys and sorrows. We
believe all people are created in the image of God and are
offered God's love, grace and forgiveness, regardless of:
religious tradition, age, gender, race, education, economic
status, sexual orientation, family structure, mental or physical
abilities. If you have felt excluded here or elsewhere, to you
we extend a special welcome in Christ’s love.
The Builder Schedule
The following date is the deadline for submitting articles.
Articles submitted after deadline will be published in the next
issue. If possible, e-mail articles to: [email protected].
Deadline date:
January 2016 issue: Tues., Dec. 15, 2015
For more information about staff, programs and
events at First Lutheran Church, please go to our
website:
www.flcduluth.org
PLEASE RECYCLE
Page 16
December 2015
The Builder