2013
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’ In the Know For this mid-summer edition of Tabletalk, I thought I would write a couple of paragraphs to highlight and lift up some upcoming events. We want to make sure that you are “in the know” when it comes to the many things that are happening here and abroad.
Weddings:
We celebrated with Laura Woods and Levi Smith as they were married here at Family of Christ on July 13. Also, FoC-er Andrea Schenk is getting married to James Dye on July 27, and though it will be at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, I am honored to officiate at their wedding. Looking ahead to Sept. 14, Jocelyn Jenkins will marry David Fisher, and their wedding will be here at Family of Christ.
Mission Trips:
There is a busy schedule of trips being taken in the weeks ahead. Many of our church’s children and youth are attending camp at Luther Crest this week (July 14-19). I am lucky enough to be at camp for a portion of the week as well. The senior high group, with 53 youth & 9 adults, is currently in Chicago for fun and service (July 14-21). And, lastly, the El Salvador mission trip, 30 participants in all, heads south from July 26-Aug. 5.
Three Unique Worship Services:
We’ll hear from our summer chime choir as it provides some of our music this Sunday (July 21). We’ll also release our inner hippies as we groove to some retro folk-rock music for worship on Aug. 4. And on Aug. 25 we’ll be led in music by a new worship team comprised of senior high youth called “Epic,” led by Jessica Gensmer.
WOWs Continue:
Our fun BBQ suppers, small groups, walking groups, runners, and, of course, midweek worship continue every Wednesday through Aug. 21. In worship, some of the Peculiar Treasures which will be talked about include Koheleth, Hagar, and Onesimus.
Tour de Chan and the 5K:
One of two fitness events coming up in September is a bike tour that will start and end right in our church parking lot. The church council is working on this idea, which will be a fundraiser for the boiler. It will also be a ton of fun as participants get their cool t-shirts plus the chance to bike a course together on Saturday morning, Sept. 21. Only a week later, on Sunday, Sept. 29, the second fitness event will take place. It’s a 5K walk/run which will start at 10:45 and end about the time we enjoy a big church picnic together. These will be fun fitness events that also build our community of faith.
A Final Word:
I heard of a pastor in Decorah, IA, who was having difficulty getting his lapel microphone to work. He tapped it, blew into it, checked the switch — all with no success. He walked over to use the lectern microphone, and loudly said, “There’s something wrong with my mic.” On cue, a half-dozen choir members responded, “And also with you.” Let’s keep looking for each other in our worship together. Summer is a fun time in church, but offerings and attendance often slip. That can put us in some real tough spots. So keep supporting your church by attending, offering a friendly greeting to newcomers, & sharing with us your time and talent.
~ Pastor Josh
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& Sunday Worship Our summer worship schedule is in effect, with two worship services on Sunday mornings: 8:30 & 10:30. The earlier service typically leans more toward a classic worship style, utilizing hymnbooks. The later service leans more contemporary in style, often led by our Summer Band. Our school-year worship schedule begins Sunday, September 8, with services at 8:00, 9:15, & 10:45 AM. Three Unique Summer Worship Services We’ll hear from our summer chime choir as it provides some of our music on July 21. We’ll also release our inner hippies as we utilize retro folk-rock music for worship on Aug. 4. And on Aug. 25 we’ll be led in music by a new worship team comprised of senior high youth called “Epic,” led by Jessica Gensmer.
Midweek Worship Worship (& Activities) on Wednesday BBQ Dinner at 6:00 & Worship at 6:30 PM, with preaching themes centered around “Peculiar Treasures: A Biblical Who’s Who.” Wednesday Summer Yoga at 7:15 PM, a gentle yoga class tailormade for beginners. July dates: 24, 31 ($15/ea.); August dates: 7, 14, 21, 28 ($44). Drop-in sessions $15 each. FMI, contact instructor Kim Motschenbacher: johnandkimmotch@gmail.com. Happy Soles Walking Group, 7:30-8:00 PM, is a great way to get acquainted with other church members & stay healthy at the same time. Pastor Kristie & Pam Schumacher set the pace. Run & Fun Running Group, 7:15 PM. We leave from church after worship. All levels welcome. Questions? Contact Mark Laven (952-937-0479) Wednesday Small Groups meet every other week; the next meetings are July 24. 5:00 PM: Groups for 5th-9th graders; 7:15 PM: A group for 10th graders through college-aged youth. (See p. 8 under “Middle School & Senior High” for details)
Fundraiser Update Thank you to all who helped with our envelope fund raiser. We are overjoyed to announce that $14,636 was donated through this fund raiser, and we give God thanks for such a generous outpouring of gifts. Working with Gilbert Mechanical, we will soon set a date for the replacement of the broken boiler and for a small repair to be made on the other remaining boiler. Since that cost will be around $23K, we will need to have another fundraiser in September (watch for a Sept. 21 “Tour de Chan” bike outing, which will include awesome new t-shirts). The church council voted to use some of our building fund money to pay the difference of whatever we did not raise this summer. We have used building funds in the past to help repair or replace other church-property related issues, such as floor repair and bearing assemblies. But the boiler cost is so sizeable that we think it best to hold fundraisers to cover the majority of the bill. Thanks to Greg Provo, property committee members, and to the church council, especially Greg Kassebaum, for all their help in dealing with this building care concern.
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, Blood Drive Did you know that the blood donated by one person can save up to 3 lives? On Wednesday, August 14, 4:007:00 PM, Family of Christ will sponsor a Memorial Blood Centers bloodmobile in the parking lot. Register online at http:// allstarclub.mbc.org/mbc/ mobilesch/search.php? searchtype=code&, and enter sponsor code 4049. All types of blood are needed— especially O negative (O-) and O positive (O+). For each donation, MBC will give a pound of food to Second Harvest food shelves. And all donors receive a certificate for free ice cream! Please register to donate today!
, Classes Lutheran Q & A This summer adult education class continues through July, culminating with a final session on the 28th. We meet between the Sunday worship services, around 9:30 or so. Upcoming topics include “Church,” “Sacraments,” and “The Christian Life. Manna & Mercy! “...dig deeper into the Bible & get a fresh understanding of God’s Word to us…” with this Wednesday evening adult ed opportunity beginning September 25. Class will be held from 6-7:30 PM. See p. 10 of this publication for more details.
News Making Waves is the name of a group of folks charged by our church council with taking a 3-year look at our ministry life together. They meet next on July 23 and Aug. 21, to start thinking through a process for gleaning information from the congregation as to the direction and scope of our faithful work as a church community. Pictorial Directory Photos The family portraits are here from Lifetouch! Please check the box in the narthex for your free 8x10 portrait. Questions? contact Pam Schumacher at pam@familyofchristonline.com. Home Run! The FoC defending champion softball team is still undefeated, now with a 6-0 record! They play the Mount Calvary Lightning Monday, July 22, at 7:15 PM on field #1 at Lions Park in Chaska. Come cheer for our great team! Summer Office Hours With the many Bible camp events, day camps, VBS, & mission trips, our church staff comes & goes at quite a wide variety of hours in the summer. The front office is most frequently staffed M-Th from 9-4, but pastors & other staff members are often in on Fridays & Saturdays, too. However, if you need to get in the building, please call first on a Friday or Saturday (or even Sunday afternoon or evening) to make sure someone is here to let you in. If the doors are locked, try our church doorbell, which rings through the phone system.
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Activities Common Thread Pizza & Pasta Night We invite all fun-loving over-50'ers to join us at Detello's Pizza & Pasta in Chaska on Monday, July 22, at 6:00 PM. Detello's Pizza is located at Hwy. 41 & Pioneer Trail & has a private room for us to use. Come enjoy great conversation & some of Chaska's best pizza & pasta. No need to sign up, just show up. Check out Detello's web site for menu and coupons. After supper, those who are interested will cheer our FoC softball team on to victory on field #1 in Chaska at 7:15. Join us at the game, even if you can’t come to Detello’s!
You have fixed all the bounds of the earth; you made summer and winter.
Common Thread Fall Retreat October 4-6 • Luther Crest Bible Camp near Alexandria, MN, on Lake Carlos Cost: $105/person, includes all meals. Sign up on the kiosk in the narthex, make your check payable to Family of Christ with "Common Thread Retreat" in the memo line, & return it to the office. If you have questions, please contact Ron or Elaine Larson: lars710@mediacombb.net; 952-442-2881.
Thursday Summer Yoga Taught by professional yoga instructor Kim Motschenbacher, session 2 is underway. Remaining dates are July 25, Aug. 1 ($15/ea). Session 3 dates are August 8, 15, 22, 29 ($44 for the entire series). The drop-in rate for any session is $15. Class is at 7:00 PM at FoC. Questions? Contact Kim at johnandkimmotch@gmail.com.
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Volunteer Opportunities CIA Update A big thanks to all who donated books in May & June through the Christians in Action (CIA) book drive. About a half ton of books was given to the Books for Africa program, and another ten boxes of children’s books were donated to Common Bond ministry. Thanks to Bob and Sue Erickson for taking the lead in this effort! Also, the CIA committee regularly gets thankyous from the various ministries which we care for & support. Soon, you’ll be able to find some of these cards of gratitude posted on the CIA bulletin board near the kitchen window.
Habitat for Humanity Help make home ownership a reality for a low-income family. On Monday, July 22, and throughout that week, FoC will help build Habitat for Humanity homes in Chaska’s Clover Ridge development. One house is rapidly nearing completion & work will soon begin on a nearby site. So there are plenty of opportunities to contribute and have a great time with your friends along the way. Just bring your willingness to learn and work, along with safe and appropriate clothing (i.e. closed toe shoes) for a construction site. Our friend and former FoC member David Michaelson is site supervisor, and he would love our support. Habitat volunteers must be 16 years or older, with minors accompanied by a responsible adult. Please plan to arrive around 8:00 AM (check-in). We plan to start work at 8:30, with cleanup and departure scheduled between 3:45 & 4:00. Volunteers are also needed to arrange and deliver lunch for the crew. Questions? Please contact Randy Ruckdashel at RSRuckdashel@gmail.com. Urgent! Volunteer meal-packers are urgently needed at Feed My Starving Children. You may join an existing group at any time. If you have free time & are able to help, please check the FMSC website for open sessions. Register online at fmsc/org/volunteer, click on “Permanent Site,” and then “Reserve a Spot for Myself.” Packing sessions last 90 minutes to 2 hours. To join other FoC-ers for a session, come to FMSC (18732 Lake Drive East) on Wednesday, August 21, 9:30 - 11:30 AM. No sign-up necessary, just show up. Our Saviour’s Shelter Volunteers are needed to help with this CIA-sponsored mission activity. On Friday, August 16, Family of Christ is serving a meal at Our Saviour' s in Minneapolis. NEEDED are people to volunteer to make food, serve, or both. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board near the kitchen. Please have your food labeled “Our Saviours” and at the church by 5:45 on the 16th. If you’re serving, be at the church by 5:45 to car pool. Knot-tying Party! Come have fun tying knots with Family of Christ's quilters! They meet every other Friday afternoon at 1:00 at church (check the online calendar for exact dates). There is no sewing involved – just knot-tying & having a good time! Children are welcome. If you can only stay for an hour, it is appreciated. The quilts are donated to Lutheran World Relief and comfort people around the world. For more info, contact Lynne Merrick through the church office (952-934-5659).
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Donations Needed Backpacks for Kids Plan now to help needy primary school students within our Lutheran Social Services network get the start they need to attend school this year, by supplying items that will fill a provided backpack. Look for Family News updates and the poster board supply list in the narthex beginning August 11. Save Those Cans! When serving canned beverages at your summer picnics & grad parties, please hang onto your empties & bring them to the trailer in the FoC parking lot. Cans collected in the trailer are exchanged for cash that benefits our mission trips.
Foodshelf Needs In July, Bountiful Basket Requests Donations of Rice in 1lb. bags (A list of needed items is always posted on their website: bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org)
Towels for Refugees Bath towels are needed for refugees setting up homes here — a new country where they can feel free & safe at last. Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Services continues to have a need for new (or very gently-used) bath towels for newly-arriving families. To donate, contact Nancy Rogneby at rogneby@usfamily.net.
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& Summer Activities Summer Sunday School During the 10:30 AM service, please join us downstairs for a multi-aged class (ages 3 through 2nd grade). Each week we have a Bible story, movies, crafts, and other fun. This class is run by our wonderful middle and high school youth. Final class for the summer is August 18. Summer Camps Preschool: We still have room in our preschool summer camp Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! the last week in July. The camp is for 3-5 year olds. Visit our website for more info, or contact Susan Schmidt: preschool@ familyofchristonline.com. Grades 1-5: Kids getting bored? Sign them up for FoC Musical Camp, August 5-9. This camp is run by two Family of Christ students, McKenzie Woods and Emily Sanders, for their 9th grade Faith in Action project. Check out the children’s ministry bulletin board for more info, or contact teri@familyofchristonline.com.
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Family of Christ Preschool Fall Preschool Register now for the 2013-2014 school year. FoC Preschool offers classes for 2-, 3-, 4-, & 5-year-olds, an afternoon enrichment program for 4- & 5-year-olds, and an optional Lunch Bunch and Stay & Play for afternoon care. For more info or a tour, contact Susan Schmidt at preschool@familyofchristonline.com; 952-380-9838. Important Dates: * July 22 – Monday Morning Garden camp, 9-11 AM * July 30-Aug 1 — Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! camp, 9-11 AM
Middle School & Senior High Summer Small Groups The groups next meet on Wed., July 24. Have you missed any? Doesn’t matter — come this week! For students who have completed 5th-9th grades: Guys’ and girls’ small groups meet 5-6 PM on the following Wednesdays: July 24 & Aug 14 * Girls meet for a devotion and a new craft project each time * Guys meet for a devotion and an activity: sports, video games, nerf activities, cards, etc. For students who have completed 10th grade-college age: Small group Bible study & discussion led by our summer interns after worship (approx. 7:15 PM) on Wednesdays July 24 & August 14. High School Bagels & Bible Study Our next meeting is July 28, 10:00 AM, in the Youth Room. High School Leadership Retreat The retreat is Thursday, August 8, at Base Camp in Minneapolis. It’s for youth going into 9th-12th grade who are or want to be Lifeguides, church school teachers, or lead at FoC in other ways! Sign up online at www.tinyurl.com/focyouthregistration. Cost is $20.
Children’s Ministry Final Summer Sunday School Class is August 18. Sunday school begins for the school year on Sunday, September 8, during 9:15 & 10:45 worship.
Watch for a new Drama Ministry during Sunday school this fall!
Extreme Game Night! Thursday, August 22, for all those who will be in Christos this fall (upcoming 3rd through 5th grades) Mark your calendars now for our first event of the year. Come from 6:30 - 10:00 PM for tons of crazy fun games and prizes followed by a movie in the sanctuary.
Teachers Needed for Fall We still need a lot of teachers for Sunday school & Christos this fall: * Sunday at 9:15: Two teachers for 2-year-olds; one for 3-yearolds; one kindergarten teacher; one for 1st grade; two for 2nd grade. * Sunday at 10:45: Two teachers for 2/3-year-olds; two preschool teachers; one first grade teacher * Wednesday Night Christos: Four teachers for 3rd grade: three for 4th grade; one for 5th grade. Contact Teri Burns (teri@familyofchristonline.com; 952-934-5659, ext. 21)for more information or to volunteer.
Train up [children] in the way [they] should go, and when [they are] old, [they] will not depart from it. ~ Proverbs 22: 6
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Rehearsals Family of Christ music groups begin regular rehearsals in September. Watch the website, our online calendar, Family News, and Tabletalk for the full schedule of rehearsals. Or, feel free to contact Jessica Gensmer with any questions: jessica@familyofchristonline.com
Attention, High Schoolers! EPIC is Coming! Those who are entering 9th-12th grades this fall are in for a great opportunity! A new music group, called EPIC, is starting up. EPIC will be composed entirely of high schoolers (along with its director, Jessica Gensmer). This group will lead worship monthly at the 10:45 Sunday service and occasionally during Wednesday night confirmation. Practices will be held every other Wednesday evening from 8-9, directly after confirmation. It will be a fun opportunity for 9th grade confirmation students, high school confirmation lifeguides, and other high school youth who want to be involved in a real leadership opportunity and hang out with old and new friends. We need vocalists, drummers, guitar players, & keyboardists, and we can come up with a part for any other instrument. This will be a fun, rewarding experience which will give teens the chance to have a lot of input into a group. Practices begin Wednesday, August 14. More details will be posted in the narthex. Need more info? Email jessica@familyofchristonline.com or call/text 612-4835843.
Join Choir This Fall All Adult Musicians are Invited It seems strange to think about, but summer is halfway over! (Or is it halfway full?) Anyway, Jessica Gensmer is looking ahead to fall music, and would love some new faces, voices, and instruments in the mix! There are varying opportunities throughout the fall. Email jessica@familyofchristonline.com or call/text 612-483-5843 to find a group that’s right for you!
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Adult education opportunity on Wednesdays This is perfect for parents with children in Christos and/or Confirmation!
6-7:30 PM beginning September 25 Manna and Mercy is a hand-printed paraphrase of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation --
a graphic novel of sorts, written with imagination, clarity, humor, and cartoons. Built around the twin themes of food sharing and forgiveness, it helps us look at scripture with new eyes and rediscover how it can become a means of life and grace. What a perfect opportunity to dig deeper into the Bible and get a fresh understanding of God’s Word to us while engaging in insightful conversation with others from Family of Christ. Led by Pastor Kristie and Randy Ruckdashel, watch for registration information in TableTalk and Family News, as well as at
www.familyofchristonline.com.
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