2015
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’ Journeying Closer to God Dear Friends in Christ, What is the significance of forty (40)? - 40° Celsius = - 40° Fahrenheit 40 is the atomic number of zirconium = fake diamond known as “cubic zirconia” 40 hours worked = full-time employee 40 weeks of pregnancy = full-term baby 40-year anniversary = ruby 40-yard dash = a measurement for selecting potential players by football scouts An ancient Arabic proverb: “To understand a people you must live among them 40 days.” Wednesday, February 18, is Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent. The season of Lent is a 40-day period (not counting Sundays) and time of recollection for the whole church. The church remembers the 40 days of the flood, the 40 days of Moses on the mountain, the 40 days of Elijah’s ascent of Mount Horeb, and Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the desert. In Lent we’re called into 40 days of spiritual discipline, meditation, and prayer as we move from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday. The liturgy of worship during Lent prepares us for our redemption and the celebration of Easter. Lent is a time when we turn toward God and think about how our lives need to change (we call this repentance). It is also a time to remember our baptism and how the gift of God’s love and promise to us gives us a new start every day. Some people “give up” something during Lent, as in “I won’t eat chocolate during Lent,” while some people “add something” during Lent, as in “I will help at a homeless shelter once a week during Lent.” Giving up or adding to: neither should be showy, but rather should express a commitment to draw closer to God. So what does drawing closer to God look like for you? Only you can answer that. I’ll share with you an ancient Lenten prayer that speaks to me: A prayer from St. Ephraim the Syrian — “O Lord and Master of my life; give me not a spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition, and vain talking, but rather a spirit of purity, humility, patience, and love bestow on me your servant. Yes, Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults, and not to judge my brother and my sister. For blessed are you unto ages of ages. Amen.” We hope you’ll join us for worship Sundays and Wednesdays in Lent. May your Lenten journey continue to reveal God’s presence, God’s peace, and God’s love for you. In Christ,
~ Pastor Jeanne 2
(See p. 5 for a Lenten service opportunity.)
& Table of Contents
Ash Wednesday Worship February 18 5:30 & 7:00 PM Our worship services on Ash Wednesday are marked by reflective music led by the FoC Singers, confession of sins, and the imposition of ashes.
Finance & News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 News & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” . . . . . . 4 Summer Camps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 How You Can Help . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Church Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Preschool & Children . . . . . . . . . . 7 Confirmation & Beyond . . . . . . . . 8 Meet the Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Rest for World-Weary People
Our Lenten theme this year is “Rest for World-Weary People,” as we explore God’s countercultural call to stop, rest, reflect, and pray. We want to help overburdened people and overscheduled folks honor God’s gift of rest and renewal. The church staff will be reading a book by Walter Brueggemann called Sabbath as Resistance –Saying No to the Culture of Now. Get the book yourself (available for e-readers) or contact Marilyn in the church office ( marilyn@familyofchristonline.com ) by Feb. 15 to reserve a paperback book at a cost of $10. Lenten Wednesdays: * Noon soup lunches followed by a brief devotional worship on Feb. 25, Mar.4, 11, 18, & 25 * Evening worship (7:30 PM) with Holden Evening Prayer on March 4, 11, and 18; Christos Ventures Drama on March 25 (Note: No Wed. evening worship on Feb. 25 due to musical rehearsal)
The Letter to the Philippians opens in this way: “I thank my God every time I remember you…because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.” This is how all of the staff and lay leaders of the church feel, because people at Family of Christ gave so generously and so faithfully that we were able to end 2014 with a surplus of over $30,000. Thank you for sharing these gifts. At the annual meeting, that surplus was accounted for in our spending plan (or budget) for 2015, which of course gives us a great running start into this new year. Now, with this new year, we can look forward to sharing our gifts again, making a difference in the life of this church, and making a difference with all the places and people we love to support. 2014 giving statements have been emailed. If you have a question, contact Kris Spangrud ( kris@familyofchristonline.com ) See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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& Interested in learning how to become a member of Family of Christ? We’d love to have you attend our new member luncheon after the 10:45 service on Sunday, April 12. Those who choose to become members will be welcomed during worship on April 26. A sign-up sheet will be up soon in the narthex. Childcare will be available for children 4 and under. Hope you can join us!
Scan the QR code to introduce yourself to us and/ or to sign up to receive our e-communications.
Tickets are on sale now! Ticket sales for our all-church musical are ONLINE ONLY this year. Click on this link to buy tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1082671 Representatives are at church to help with online sales every Sunday morning, 8:00 am-noon, through Feb. 22. New this year: reserved seating! Tickets are $12.00/person. Performance dates: • Friday, Feb. 27, 7:00 PM • Saturday, Feb. 28, 2:00 & 7:00 PM • Sunday, March 1, 2:00 PM Buy early: Most performances sell out!
camps
Registration for summer camps is underway on our website. Check out the different options and sign up online: Pre-K through 5th grade: Luther Crest Day Camp at Family of Christ; June 15-18 1st grade +: Back by popular demand—our musical day camp for kids who have finished 1st grade & up; July 6-10 1st-5th grade girls: Little Sisterhood day camp. This is every young girls dream camp! Crafts, creativity, food, fun, and faith in a day-camp-sized package for girls who have finished 1st through 5th grades; Aug. 3-5 3rd-8th grade: Mission Day camp for those who have finished grades 3-8; high school leaders; June 22- 25 6th-8th grade girls: Soul Sisterhood camp for girls who have completed grades 6-8; June 29-July2 Various ages: Our FoC-sponsored week at Luther Crest is July 12-17, but you can go any time over the summer. See the Luther Crest web site for details and registration: www.luthercrest.org. Each camper will receive a campership (amount to be determined) from FoC out of the funds raised in last fall’s silent auction.
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“But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers.” Bountiful Basket Need: February — Rice & pasta (A list of needed items is always posted on their website: bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org)
(James 1:22)
Join Christians in Action Christians in Action (CIA): a ministry of sharing time, talent, and treasure with people locally and around the world. The CIA committee is meeting after worship on Sunday, Feb. 22, at noon. This is their annual opportunity to allocate many of the benevolence dollars which we share with organizations that work for God’s Kingdom, such as Tree House, Our Saviour’s Housing, Simpson Housing Services, Bountiful Basket, Luther Crest, LWR quilts, Lutheran Social Services, Bethania, and more. Co-chairs Erin Kassebaum ( erink74@gmail.com ) and Jim Seifert ( jimseif11@gmail.com ) are always looking for new members to join this team, so let us know of your interest! Feed My Starving Children in Lent Looking for a Lenten practice that focuses on helping others? Family of Christ has committed to packing sessions at FMSC every Wednesday in Lent (Feb. 18 through April 1), 9:30-11:30 AM. No need to sign up, just join us whenever you can (18732 Lake Drive East, Chan, MN 55317) as we walk the servant’s path during Lent.
Our Saviour’s Housing On Friday, February 20, FoC serves a meal at Our Saviour’s, a shelter for homeless men & women located in Minneapolis. Volunteers are needed to make food (residents love our home-cooked meals), serve, or both. Watch for a sign-up sheet on the CIA bulletin board near the kitchen. Please label the container your food is in "Our Saviour’s," and bring it to church by 5:45 PM on the 20 th. If you are serving, please be at church by 5:45 to car pool. This is a great service project for a group (Bible study group, sports team, etc.). If your group would like to ‘adopt’ a date, or if you have any questions, call Elaine Larson (952-442-2881).
“Many hands make light work...” Not to sound motherly, but we could use a lot more hands helping out in our shared ministry group! We have a wonderful, dedicated bunch of volunteers currently working very hard to make everyone’s weekly worship experience enjoyable. Please consider helping out in this area. Whether you serve coffee, prepare communion, usher, or bravely step up to be an assisting minister, we would all benefit from your help! If you’re at all intrigued, contact Kim – kim@familyofchristonline.com
Prayer Shawl Ministry Join the prayer shawl ministry & bring comfort to people going through challenging times. We meet at FoC on Mondays at 7:00 PM & Tuesdays at 11:00 AM to knit or crochet shawls. Knitters/crocheters of all experience (or lack-of-experience) levels are welcome! Contact: Melanie Wegner (melanie.wegner@embarqmail.com) See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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Yoga with Kim A new 7-week yoga series, open to all skill levels, will run Thursdays: Feb. 5, 12, & 19, and March 5, 12, 19 & 26; 6-7 PM. Taught by FoC member Kim Motschenbacher. Cost for the series: $84. Sign up on the narthex kiosk. Questions? Leann Thompson: leann@familyofchristonline.com
Pr Kristie’s Book Club Thursday, March 12 • 7:00 PM Pr Kristie’s book club is reading Aleph by Paulo Coelho, & will gather at the Hennigs’ house on March 12 to discuss it. Get your copy now and plan on coming for a rich conversation. Men and women, young and old are invited. Appropriate beverages will be available for all.
Downtown Lunch Bunch If you work in Minneapolis, join other FoC members & friends for lunch & fellowship. We meet at 11:45 AM on the second Monday of each month. In February, we’ll meet on Monday, Feb. 9, at a place TBD. Questions? Rod Bubke: rod.l.bubke@ampf.com Girls’ Night on the Town! Gather with other FoC women and friends for a casual evening out. Great conversation & fellowship over a delicious meal. During the coming months, we will try some new, unique, and fun places in the metro area. Watch Family News & future issues of Tabletalk for sign-up info (normally, you’ll be able to sign up online & on a poster in the narthex). Our first night on the town is Fri., Jan. 30, 7:00 PM, at Psycho Suzy’s in Minneapolis! Future dates and locations: Friday, February 20, at Red Cow in Edina Friday, March 27, at Rojo in St. Louis Park Saturday morning, April 25, brunch at Hot Plate in Minneapolis Friday, May 29, at a place TBD Contact Kim Schaeferle ( kim@familyofchristonline.com ) or Leann Thompson ( leann@familyofchristonline.com ) with questions.
Common Thread Gathering (for those age 50+) Tim & Dawn Peterson’s Farm • Sunday, February 15 • 2:00-8:00 pm Embrace winter with friends! Walk, ski, snowshoe, or play games inside by the fire at the Peterson farm (1300 Deer Creek Rd., Maple Plain) on Feb. 15. We’ll have a traditional Lutheran potluck, so everyone will bring a soup, salad, snack, or sweet. BYOBeverage. RSVP by Sun., Feb 8, to: tdnjkpeter@aol.com; 952-443-2573. Women’s Retreat April 17-19 • Luther Crest Bible Camp, Alexandria, MN Pastor Jeanne Aamot will lead this retreat on the theme “Created, Claimed, Called.” A sign-up poster is in the church narthex. Cost for the retreat is $130. A $50 deposit is due when you register — place your check (to Family of Christ with Women’s Retreat written in the memo line) in the payment box on the wall outside the church office. Questions? Contact Leann Thompson, Director of Faith Formation: leann@familyofchristonline.com The Southwest Grief Coalition The grief coalition’s winter series, Living and Growing Through Loss, is held on Thursdays at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie. This is a time of education and support for those grieving the death of a loved one. Each session begins at 5:30 PM with a light supper, followed by a time with a speaker and small group discussion from 6:00 – 7:30 PM. For more information, contact Pr Kristie (kristie@familyofchristonline.com) or Pr Jeanne (jeanne@familyofchristonline.com)
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& Family of Christ Preschool Registration for 2015-2016 is Underway! FoC Preschool offers classes for 2-, 3-, 4-, & 5-year-olds, a Jump Start Kindergarten class, afternoon enrichment classes, and optional Lunch Bunch and Stay & Play for afternoon care. Check out the complete list of class offerings on our website ( http://familyofchristonline.com/preschool/classes-a-activities.html ). For more information or a tour, contact Susan Schmidt: preschool@familyofchristonline.com ; 952-380-9838.
Important Dates: * Friday, Feb. 6 — ELEA Teacher Conference; no school * Feb. 11, 12, & 13 — Valentine’s Day parties in classes * Monday, Feb. 16 — Presidents’ Day; no school
SEE PAGE 4 FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SUMMER CAMPS
Children’s Ministry Sunday School Sunday School We’re back to our regular curriculum after 4 fun & informative weeks of studying the “I am Lutheran” curriculum in January. We will be entertained by our FoC Drama Ministry with great skits on February 1 and 22.
Christos February 4: Third graders have a 30-minute review of the ten commandments, and the 4th and 5th graders have acolyte training with Pastor Jeanne. Everyone then joins the confirmation students in the sanctuary for a performance of “Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat” by the Jubilation Choir from St. Stephen’s church. February 11: Ventures begins. Throughout Lent, Christos kids participate in a family service project, a Bible study, or the Lenten drama. February 18: Ash Wednesday. There are no classes this evening. Families may attend one of our two worship services: 5:30 or 7:00 PM. February 25: NO CLASSES this evening, due to a dress rehearsal for “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” our all-church musical. Christos classes resume March 4, with Ventures options.
Youth Readers & Acolytes At Family of Christ, we LOVE having our young people involved in meaningful ways in our worship services! You are invited to serve in the following ways: * 3rd grade and older: Youth reader (usually reading a lesson and the sending prayer) *4th grade and older: Acolyte (lighting the candles prior to worship, helping with communion, other various duties) Sign up online for the worship services that work for you: http://tinyurl.com/kcmsn3e Contact Leann Thompson, Director of Faith Formation, at leann@familyofchristonline.com with questions. See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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& Confirmation
SEE PAGE 4 FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SUMMER CAMPS
Confirmation meets Wednesdays Feb. 4 & 11. There is no confirmation on Feb. 18. Please attend Ash Wednesday worship with your family. Due to the “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” dress rehearsal, there is no confirmation Feb. 25.
High School What Now? High school seniors, come and talk about your faith and life as you transition out of high school. Newcomers are always welcome! We meet at 10:15 in the youth room the first Sunday of each month: Feb. 1, March 1, April 12 (the 5th is Easter), and May 3. Drive-thru Devotions! High school students are invited to stop by the youth room after confirmation on Wed., Feb. 11, to pick up a devotion & a treat! The devotion will be something simple & quick you can do in the midst of your daily life. The Drive-Thru devotional materials will also be available in the youth room on Sunday, February 15. Bagels and Bible Study Enjoy an Einstein Bros Bagel & a discussion about the day’s Gospel text. We meet at 10:15 AM in the youth room on Sundays. Newcomers are always welcome! * High school: Feb. 8 & 22 * Middle school: Feb. 15
Mission Trips Mission Trip Participants: Watch your email this month to sign up to help at the all-church musical, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” Feb. 27- Mar. 1. Mission Trip Payments A reminder that the next payments are due Feb. 1. After Feb. 1, payments increase by $25. Final payments are due April 1. Payment amounts: Soul Sisterhood: $150 Kansas City: $275 Detroit Youth Gathering: $525 El Salvador: $675 If you’re interested in going on a mission trip, please contact trip leaders to see if there is space available.
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Senior Pastor Josh Nelson 952-934-5659, ext. 13 josh@familyofchristonline.com
Pastor Kristie Hennig 952-934-5659, ext. 12 kristie@familyofchristonline.com
Leann Thompson Director of Faith Formation 952-934-5659, ext. 24 leann@familyofchristonline.com
Pastor Jeanne Aamot 952-934-5659, ext. 14 jeanne@familyofchristonline.com
Teri Burns Minister to Children & Families 952-934-5659, ext. 21 teri@familyofchristonline.com
Lindsey Ruhland Minister to Youth & Families 952-934-5659, ext. 30 lindsey@familyofchristonline.com
Mary Renz Director of Music Ministry 952-934-5659, ext. 23 mary@familyofchristonline.com
Susan Schmidt Family of Christ Preschool Director 952-380-9838 preschool@familyofchristonline.com
Kris Spangrud Finance 952-934-5659, ext. 18 kris@familyofchristonline.com
Jolene Satre Communications/Website 952-934-5659, ext. 11 jolene@familyofchristonline.com
Kim Schaeferle Connections Coordinator 952-934-5659, ext. 29 kim@familyofchristonline.com
Marilyn Syverson Church Administrator 952-934-5659, ext. 10 marilyn@familyofchristonline.com
Greg Provo Custodian 952-934-5659, ext. 26 greg@familyofchristonline.com
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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