2014
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’ In the midst of the snow, we continue to grow... To Grow: /grō/ verb: To undergo natural development by increasing in size and changing physically; progress to maturity To become greater over a period of time; increase At the beginning of a new year, many of us are inspired to focus on those activities and habits we’d like to add to our lives so that we might develop, change, progress, increase, become greater over a period of time…..so that we might grow. J-Term at Family of Christ provides an excellent opportunity to do just that! Please visit www.familyofchristonline.com to find all of the class options offered on three Thursdays during January, beginning January 16. There is something for everyone on a variety of topics, including knitting, woodworking, yoga, fitness and nutrition, college planning, Spanish, Christians Alive in the Workplace, Imprinted on Our Hearts (a study and craft series for moms and daughters), film series/discussion, mosaic frames, cell phone apps, Come and Save Planet Earth (make homemade and natural laundry detergent, hand soap and air freshener). You’re sure to find something of interest to you. All classes are offered free of charge and childcare is provided. Plus, fabulous treats from Family of Christ’s own Sheri Preiss (“Desserts by Design”) are served mid-evening.
You may access the on-line brochure at: http://familyofchristonline.com/docs/JTerm/J-Term_Brochure_2014.pdf There is also a sign-up board in the narthex at church, or you may email leann@familyofchristonline.com to register or get further information.
Looking to grow in this new year? Remember this: “The grass is greener where you water it!” See you at J-Term!
~ Leann Thompson Director of Faith Formation
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& FAMILY OF CHRIST ANNUAL MEETING
Table of Contents News & Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 & 5
Sunday, January 26 12:00 PM We will call our congregation’s annual meeting to order on Sunday, January 26, soon after the final worship service of the morning lets out. We’ll recite our mission statement and pray together for God’s guidance for a new year of ministry. Then we’ll receive reports on the budget, hear updates from the president and staff, and hold elections for open council positions. Confirmed members of our church are eligible to vote, and we need you to attend! A light lunch will be available as we gather to encourage each other in our ministry together.
Adult Education & Study Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Community Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 How You Can Help . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Church Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Preschool & Children . . . . . . . . . 9 Confirmation & Beyond . . . . . . . 10 2014 Mission Trips . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Music Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . 12 Meet the Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Stewardship Update To date, we have received 163 pledge cards from Family of Christ households, totaling $560,800, which is about 13% fewer pledges than last year. We thank the members and friends of this church for their generosity and faithful, prayerful support. If you have intended to turn in a pledge, but haven’t yet done so, please do. Extra pledge cards are available at the church office. We indeed begin our new year filled with faith and joy in the service of our Lord. And we thank God for working through us to bring a healthy and holy change to our world.
General Fund Balance as of 1/01/13 $17,535
Income Through 11/30/13 ___ $693,385
Expenses Through ____11/30/13 ___ ($743,065)
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
General Fund Balance ____as of 9/30/13 ___ ($32,145)
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& Say it With Flowers A gift of altar flowers for Sunday worship is a lovely and meaningful way to remember a loved one, a special occasion, or a blessing received. For a very affordable $20.00, FoC member Barbara Scharfenberg will create a beautiful fresh arrangement to adorn the altar, which you may take home after Sunday worship, if you’d like. Sign up on the flower chart on the kiosk for the date(s) on which you’d like to provide flowers. Please make your check payable to “Family of Christ,” write “flowers” on the memo line, and leave the check in Marilyn Syverson’s mailbox.
Seeds of Hope Sponsorship Funds Will Soon be Sent The El Salvador committee has processed all the Seeds of Hope sponsorship forms, and will soon send a check for over $70,000 to our Salvadoran friends for school and college sponsorships. Family of Christ members account for around $40,000 of this support, with the remainder funded by partner churches and many individuals and friends of this program. These funds make a huge difference in the lives of so many children, youth, & families in El Salvador. Seeds of Hope sponsors 360 K-12 students & 30 university students. Thanks, everyone, for your generous participation in this very large and supportive endeavor!
Prayer Vigil Tuesday, January 14 • 8:00 am-7:00 pm "I used to pray that God would feed the hungry, or do this or that, but now I pray that God will guide me to do whatever I'm supposed to do, what I can do. I used to pray for answers, but now I'm praying for strength. I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us and we change things." ~ Mother Teresa Prayer is an intentional and purposeful way that every individual — no matter of age, race or background — can deepen his or her personal relationship with God, connect in meaningful ways with other people, and, ultimately, “be changed.” As one of Family of Christ’s central habits of faith, prayer is fostered in a multitude of ways in our congregation, including a strong prayer chain ministry and a vibrant prayer shawl ministry, both of which touch the lives of many people in our congregation and in the broader community. In a continuing effort to broaden and grow our ministry of prayer, we have developed a prayer vigil ministry that offers regularly-scheduled opportunities for focused time of prayer in our church sanctuary. The next prayer vigil is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14. You are invited to come to the Family of Christ sanctuary that day anytime from 8:00 am-7:00 pm for a time of meditation and prayer. Quiet and reflective music will be playing, water will be flowing from the fountain, candles will be available to light to honor specific prayer requests, and prayer resources will be provided.
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Shrek: The Musical Mark your calendars! Friday, February 28 • 7:00 PM Saturday, March 1 • 2:00 & 7:00 PM Sunday, March 2 • 2:00 PM
Nominating Committee Update Our nominating committee was formed in November, and will complete its task this month in time for the annual meeting. The open seats to be filled are vice president, treasurer, and three at-large positions. Committee members are Deb Pladsen, Valerie Stuhr, Kelly Woods, Rhoda Beaird, Todd Leone, Mark Even, and Pastor Josh.
Couples’ Retreat Time to plan that winter weekend getaway! Join us for Family of Christ’s bi-annual couples’ retreat at Luther Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria, MN, February 14-16, 2014. Family of Christ members Kevin and Teri Burns will share thoughts and stories around the theme “The Covenant of Marriage.” Along with some time to focus on the weekend’s theme, there will also be plenty of opportunity for things like playing games, going for walks or cross-country skiing, taking naps, seeing a movie or shopping in Alex, visiting nearby Carlos Creek Winery, visiting with friends, sitting by the fire, snow tubing, and more! Cost is $225 per couple and includes a two-night stay in the Adult Retreat Center with private bath, bedding and towels, speaker and materials, and four meals. Only a few spots remain for this popular event, so don’t delay! Sign up on the poster in the narthex or email Leann Thompson, Director of Faith Formation at leann@familyofchristonline.com See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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& Classes Bible Dive — A Sunday School Class for Adults Sundays • 9:15-10:15 AM We meet on Sundays to dive deeper into the Bible texts used in worship that day. Feel free to join us at any time. Facilitated by Randy Ruckdashel, Bible Dive meets in the conference room throughout the school year.
Women’s Study Groups You’re invited to join one of our women’s study groups. This is a summary of the groups, along with the name of the person to contact if you have questions or would like to join. Additional information, including study content and start dates, is available at the Women’s Ministry display in the narthex. Book Study Group Monday afternoons • meet twice per month • 4:00 PM Usual meeting place: The Bistro in Chanhassen Contact Kris Spangrud: kris@familyofchristonline.com Bible/Book Study Groups Monday evenings • meet twice per month • 7:00 PM We meet at rotating locations Contact Tracy Sudak: tracy.sudak@embarqmail.com
Making Connections Our booklet entitled “Making Disciples, Making Connections” is available in the narthex. It lists more opportunities for study, learning, & discussion.
Tuesday afternoons • meet weekly • 1:30 PM We meet in the conference room at church Contact: Tracy Woods: tjwoods82@hotmail.com Friday mornings • meet weekly • 9:30 AM We meet at Family of Christ Contact: Leann Thompson, leann@familyofchristonline.com
In Our Community “Living & Growing Through Loss” Through the Southwest Grief Coalition, area churches (including FoC) work together to provide support & information for adults & children who are grieving. Several series of sessions are offered during the school year. There is no cost to participate and church affiliation is not required. The 7-week winter session begins Monday, January 20, at Immanuel Lutheran Church (16515 Luther Way, Eden Prairie). Light supper is at 5:30, a presentation at 6:00, & break-out groups from 6:30-7:30. Questions? Contact Immanuel at 952-937-8123.
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Volunteer Opportunities Worship Volunteers Thank you for helping our worship services run smoothly. Please click here to see when you are scheduled to help: http://tinyurl.com/lb7wx6b If you aren’t volunteering, but would like to, please contact Pam Schumacher: pam@familyofchristonline.com
Feed My Starving Children Help end starvation in children around the world by packing meals at FMSC. FoC has committed to working on Wed., Jan. 15, 9:3011:30 AM. No need to sign up. Just show up at 18732 Lake Dr E, Chan. If you have questions, contact Ron & Elaine Larson at lars710@mediacombb.net Our next packing session is Feb. 19.
Donations Needed Costumes Needed for “Shrek!” King and/or Queen capes and crowns Fairy costume – adult size If you have any of these items that we could use for the musical, please contact Leann Thompson at leann@familyofchristonline.com Needed for a J-Term Class We need empty, clean foaming soap dispensers for a J-Term class. Please leave them in the box outside Leann Thompson’s lower-level office. Thanks!
January Bountiful Basket Need: Boxed potatoes (A list of needed items is always posted on their website: bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org)
CIA...a ministry of sharing time, talent, and treasure with people locally & around the world.
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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John Hill
In the midst of the snow, we continue to grow...
Once again, we will offer a variety of classes on three Thursdays in January (Jan 16, 23 and 30). From knitting and woodworking to beginner Spanish, from mosaic art to a 3-part film festival, from fitness classes and yoga to smartphone apps and living out faith in the workplace, from finances to a mother/daughter series called “Imprinted on our Hearts,” there will be something for everyone! For a complete list of classes, check our on-line brochure at http:// familyofchristonline.com/docs/ JTerm/J-Term_Brochure_2014.pdf & sign up on the kiosk at church!
New to Family of Christ? Newcomers’ Events are held several times each year. The next event is scheduled for Sunday, March 16, 12:15 PM. For more info, contact Pam Schumacher: ( pam@familyofchristonline.com )
Tot Luck (For familes with young children) It’s the first Sunday of every month...it’s after the 10:45 service...and it’s a great place to bring a dish to pass, talk to grownups while your kids play happily with other kids, and have an amazing time! We meet in the family room downstairs. Next get-together: January 5. Let Jessica know if you plan on being there, please: 612-483-5843; jessica@familyofchristonline.com Town Hall Meeting January 5, 8:45 & 10:15 AM Meet with church council members, ask questions about FoC, and offer your feedback. Bring your coffee & doughnut and join us for this informal gathering. (Depending on room availability, meetings are held in either the conference room or the narthex.) Calling All 2013 New Members If you joined Family of Christ in 2013, you’re invited to a wine & cheese gathering on Saturday, Jan. 11, 4:30-6:00PM, at the home of Pr Kristie & Gene Hennig. Please RSVP to pam@familyofchristonlie.com by January 7. Downtown Lunch Bunch Work in downtown Minneapolis? Join us the second Monday of each month at 11:45 AM for lunch & conversation at an area restaurant. Our next gettogether is Jan. 13. FMI, contact Rod Bubke: rod.l.bubke@ampf.com Common Thread Night Out for Dinner Monday, January 27, 6:00 pm Tavern 4&5, Eden Prairie ( http://tavern4and5.com/ ) If you are 50+ and enjoy life, good food, and good company, please join us. No need to sign up, just show up. Tavern 4&5 is located at Hwy. 5 and Eden Prairie Road in Eden Prairie. We have reserved a private room just for our group. Any questions? Contact Ron Larson at 952-442-2881; lars710@mediacombb.net Girls’ Night Out Monday, February 10 • 6:00-9:00 PM Join us for fun, painting, and light snack. We’ll paint “Spring Vase,” pictured at right. Cost: $35.00/person, which includes the supplies and art instructor to guide us. Please sign up soon, as space is limited. Register at http://tinyurl.com/mo9nbrw Questions? Contact Pam Schumacher at Save the Date Please plan to give blood on Sunday, February 23. The Memorial Blood Centers Bloodmobile will be at Family of Christ from 8:30 AM-Noon that day. Watch for info on how to reserve your time to donate.
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& Family of Christ Preschool Important Dates: * January 6 — Classes resume after Christmas break * January 20 — Pajama Program donation week * January 31 — ELEA Teacher Conference (no preschool classes) Preschool Classes 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 information or a tour, contact Susan Schmidt: preschool@familyofchristonline.com ; 952-380-9838.
Children’s Ministry Sunday School & Christos Our Sunday school and Christos students will be doing something a bit different in January. Each age will study a different part of the Lutheran faith. Here’s what we will be working on:
3 year olds: “Let Us Pray.” We will look at four different stories in which prayer is key. 4 year/Pre-K: “How Would God Like us to Live?” We will use 4 different Veggie Tales movies and study how God would like us to live our lives and treat others. Kindergarten: “My Friend Jesus.” Students learn stories about Jesus. 1st Grade: The Lord’s Prayer. 2nd Grade: Meet Martin Luther: Who was this man? 3rd Grade: The 10 Commandments. 4th Grade: First communion training with the pastors. 5th Grade: We will look at Martin Luther again (in a little more grown-up way) exploring some tough questions and what the Bible says.
We are proud to once again partner with the Pajama Program and Scholastic during the month of January. The Pajama Program is a non-profit organization that provides new, warm pajamas to children in need in the United States and around the world, many who are waiting and hoping to be adopted. These youngsters may not know the comfort of a mother or father tucking them into bed and reading them a bedtime story. Scholastic works with the Pajama Program to provide a book along with each pair of pajamas donated. Each of our classrooms will celebrate its special “pajama day” during the week of January 20. If you’d like to donate a pair of new pajamas, please place them in the bin at the bottom of the stairs. Thank you!
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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& Confirmation Important Dates Jan. 1: No Wednesday activities — happy new year! Jan. 8: 6:30-8:00 PM Jan. 15: 6:30-8:00 PM Jan. 22: 6:30-8:00 PM Jan. 29: 6:30-8:00 PM
Save the Date The Famine is coming next month — February 15-16. This overnight event is for middle- and high-school students. We volunteer at Feed my Starving Children, play games, learn about hunger issues, go on a fun outing, sleep over at church, and attend worship the next morning. Check Family News for more info as the date gets closer.
High School Bagels and Bible Study Sundays, January 12 & 26 • 10:15 AM Meet in the Youth Room to enjoy an Einstein Bros Bagel & a casual discussion of the day’s scriptures. Newcomers always welcome! What Now? Wednesday, January 8 High school seniors, come for pizza, pop, & a time to talk about life as you transition out of high school. This group is led by Dean Brown. Watch Family News, Facebook ( http://tinyurl.com/lnkyqtw ), or Twitter ( https://twitter.com/FoCYouth ) for more info to come about small groups and regular service opportunities.
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Winter Retreat The confirmation winter retreat is January 18-19 at Luther Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria, MN. We leave early Saturday morning for a fun-filled day at camp. There will be games, Bible studies, group-building activities, crafts, and time for small groups to get to know each other better. We spend the night in winterized cabins (heat, electricity, and running water). If you haven’t done so, please RSVP for the retreat ASAP at www.tinyurl.com/ focretreatrsvp
Mission Trips The mission trip deadline has passed, but there are a few spots still available. Please contact the trip leaders to find out more. Adult leaders are needed for both the middle- and high-school trips. Talk to Lindsey if you’d like to be a leader or if you need more info.
For info about next year’s middle- & highschool mission trips & retreats, see page 11.
2014 Middle School Youthworks Martin, South Dakota • July 27-August 3 Martin offers a warm mix of a small town South Dakota community with Native American heritage. Martin boasts a Native American population of nearly 50%. Martin is the county seat of Bennett County, in which about 35% of the population lives below the poverty line – nearly three times more than the South Dakota state average. Spend the week leading Kids’ Club and working on home improvement projects. At the end of the week, visit popular tourist sites around Rapid City. Contact Lindsey Ruhland with questions ( lindsey@familyofchristonline.com ).
Please check with trip leaders to see if there are any slots open for the mission trips. Adult leaders are needed for both the middle and high school trips. Talk to Lindsey if you’re considering being a leader and for more information.
NEW! The Soul Sisterhood Retreat July 6-10 • South Fork Farm • Lester Prairie, Minnesota For girls who have completed 6th-8th grade. Spend a week on an all-girl adventure! The Soul Sisterhood retreat inspires young women to learn new skills, discover new passions, make new friends, and build confidence through trying and creating — all in a Christ-centered, supportive environment. For more information, check out www.thesoulsisterhood.com or talk to Lindsey Ruhland. Limited number of spots available, so sign up ASAP!
High School Heifer Ranch, Perryville • Arkansas July 26-August 3 (tentative) Heifer’s Alternative Mission Trips combine experiential learning, team building, and service activities. Participants experience the challenges of living with hunger and poverty. They develop a deeper understanding of the complications that hunger and poverty present, and become inspired to create change that brings possibility and hope to the world. The program is a great educational tool that teaches about the value of giving your service to others. The week will end with a fun sightseeing activity in or near Little Rock. Contact Lindsey Ruhland with questions ( lindsey@familyofchristonline.com ).
College & Adult El Salvador ● July 10-20 Learn how the legacy of the civil war impacts the building of peace in today’s El Salvador. Enjoy amazing hospitality, participate in a work project, and meet your sponsored student! Qualified participants will have completed their junior year in high school AND been on a previous mission trip. This is for college students and other adults, too. For more information, contact Pr Kristie, kristie@familyofchristonline.com ; 952-934-5659, ext.12 See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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Instrumental Groups Chamber Players This group of instrumentalists plays during worship periodically throughout the year. All skill levels are welcome. Brass Ensemble If you play a brass instrument, please consider joining this fun group which plays occasionally during the school year. Questions about the above instrumental opportunities? Contact Mary Renz: mrfluteloops@gmail.com
Bell Choir We rehearse on Thursdays, 8:00-9:00 PM, & play one Sunday per month. If you can’t commit for the full year, come to a rehearsal and we‘ll work out a time frame that includes you. Questions? Contact Lynn Miller ( lynnmillerhandbells@gmail.com )
All Family of Christ music groups are open to everyone. Interested in one? Just come to a scheduled rehearsal! Rehearsals are listed on our website calendar at http://tinyurl.com/mf6vm6z
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Vocal & Instrumental Praise Unlimited (3rd-5th grade) We practice Wednesdays, 5:30-5:55 PM, & sing songs during Sunday worship about 4 times during the year. Lux Aeterna (6th-8th grade) We practice Wednesdays, 6:00-6:25 PM & sing in church approximately one time/month. EPIC! (high school) We rehearse every other Wed. night at 8:00 PM (after confirmation), and lead worship the 4th Sunday of each month at 10:45. PFH (Praise for Him) A musical group for adults (16 or older). We lead worship in church for the 9:15 and 10:45 AM services the first Sunday of the month. Our practices are on the Tuesday night (7:00 PM) and the Saturday morning (9:00 AM) before we sing. ROJ (River of Joy) A music group for adults (16 or older) that leads worship in church for the 9:15 and 10:45 services on the third Sunday of the month. We practice the Tuesday night (7:00 PM) and the Saturday morning (9:00 AM) before we perform. For more information on any of the above music groups, contact Jessica Gensmer (612-483-5843; jessica@familyofchristonline.com ) Family of Christ Singers Directed by Ron Larson & Mary Renz, we sing at the 9:15 worship service on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. We rehearse on Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:00 PM, always starting & ending on time. Questions? Contact Mary ( mrfluteloops@gmail.com ) or Ron ( lars710@mediacombb.net ). Exsoultation Directed by Andrea Jeitz, we rehearse contemporary music on the first two Saturdays of the month at 11:45 AM, and play for the 10:45 worship service on the second Sunday of the month. Please contact Andrea ( andreajeitz@yahoo.com ) with your questions.
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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
Lindsey Ruhland Minister to Youth & Families 952-934-5659, ext. 30 lindsey@familyofchristonline.com
Teri Burns Minister to Children & Families 952-934-5659, ext. 21 teri@familyofchristonline.com
Pam Schumacher Connections Coordinator 952-934-5659, ext. 29 pam@familyofchristonline.com
Jessica Gensmer Director of Worship & Music 952-934-5659, ext. 23 jessica@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
Marilyn Syverson Church Administrator 952-934-5659, ext. 10 marilyn@familyofchristonline.com
Jolene Satre Communications/Website 952-934-5659, ext. 11 jolene@familyofchristonline.com
Greg Provo Custodian 952-934-5659, ext. 26 greg@familyofchristonline.com