2014
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’ The Thing with Feathers A ministry of hope has fluttered into our congregation this spring, arriving as lightly and quietly as a delicate monarch landing on a coneflower. Family of Christ has been a partner congregation in the Southwest Grief Coalition for a couple of years. But this spring we served for the first time as the host site of “Living and Growing Through Loss.” For seven consecutive Monday evenings, people who had experienced a loss due to death gathered to bear one another’s burdens for a while. Each evening, they shared a meal and conversation, listened to a speaker, and participated in facilitated breakout sessions according to the type of loss they had sustained – spouse, child, parent, other relative, or friend. The setting was caring, supportive, and confidential. Grieving folks came from Eden Prairie, Waconia, Shakopee, Chanhassen. And kind FoC folks hosted them with beautiful, quiet hospitality that spoke hope to heavy hearts. Any time we initiate a new ministry, pastors, volunteers, and other ministers worry: “Will anyone help with this, or is this just my crazy idea?” “Does anybody need what we want to offer?” (In other words: “Will anyone come?”) I took it as a sign that God was guiding us forward when Teri Burns, FoC minister to children and families, told me that she and her dad wanted to help with the food. In fact, she would organize the meal part for each session! I was beyond grateful for this offer, since I had my plate full lining up speakers. And yet every time I tried to thank Teri, she interrupted me to say, “No thanks needed. This is something we want and need to do. We know what grief feels like when it’s new, and we want to help.” Teri sent out an email to groups in the church she thought might yield a good handful of volunteers to help out…and she was immediately FLOODED with offers! From people who wanted to provide pots of homemade soup and breads, handcrafted desserts. People who wanted to set pretty tables with fresh flowers, serve with a smile, bus tables. People willing to give up their whole evening to serve people they didn’t know because they had some idea what these folks were going through, and they wanted to help in some small way. The grieving people felt the love and concern that the FoC people carried for them in their hearts. They appreciated it and they told me so. It’s a God-thing. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit, “who intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26b) As your pastor, I am so proud of the warmth and genuineness of our welcome here. Proud of the willingness of many to serve, who say, “I can do that and I will. You can count on me.” The Southwest Grief Coalition serves those who grieve AND those come alongside to serve their neighbors during a painful transition. Watch for information about the fall series, which will be hosted by Pax Christi Catholic Church in Eden Prairie. Maybe you struggle with grief and loss or know someone who does. You are most welcome to come and receive what God is offering through this ministry. Hopefully and gratefully,
Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul And sings the tune without the words And never stops at all. ~ Emily Dickinson
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& Table of Contents News & Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 & 5 Adult Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Sundays
How You Can Help . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
8:30 & 10:30 am
Confirmation & Beyond . . . . . . . . 9
Church Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Preschool & Children . . . . . . . . . . 8 2014 Mission Trips . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Meet the Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Wednesdays 6:30 pm Dinner from the grill served at 6:00
Summer Worship at Family of Christ Sundays Our worship services are now at 8:30 & 10:30 every Sunday morning through August 31. The earlier service typically leans more toward a classic style of worship, utilizing our hymnbooks, and the later service leans more contemporary in style, often utilizing our Summer Band. (Be part of Summer Band—see details on p. 7) Wednesdays (Worship on Wednesdays), our informal summer midweek worship, runs from June 11-Aug. 20. Come for a supper from the grill at 6:00 PM, provided by the Spartans (our men’s group), and stay for our 40-minute worship service at 6:30. Our summer worship focus is “Dining Through the Bible.” These services are especially convenient for those who find themselves absent from worship on any summer Sundays.
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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& Net Working Sessions Our visioning task force, “Making Waves,” has now had a chance to learn from confirmation and high school youth, from church council, and from staff members. Making Waves members next plan to set up home cottage visits in a variety of neighborhoods, plus interview leaders in our communities (such as city managers, high school counselors, a police chief), to discover their understanding of the changing demographics in the southwest metro. Over the summer, the Making Waves team will start compiling some of its discoveries into a report for church council, which will in turn seek a way to share these discoveries with the congregation.
Thank You Dear Family of Christ Friends, I would like to take this time to say “thank you” for the great & heartfelt send-off to Boise, Idaho. It has been my pleasure to work with this great staff & congregation. May you touch the next person with all the joy & love you have brought to me in my years of service here. Peace be with you. Blessings, Pam Schumacher & family
Summer Adult Ed Opportunities Pastors’ Summer Class: “Our Neighbors’ Faith 2” Sundays • 9:30-10:20 AM • June 1-August 10 A few years ago, the summer pastors’ class covered several denominations and religions such as the Roman Catholic Church, Islam, Mormonism, and the Methodist Church. In part 2 of that series, our three pastors will tackle even more overviews of belief systems, such as the 7th Day Adventists, followers of Shintoism, Coptic Christians, and Rastafarians. We respectfully present and then discuss these religious beliefs while providing an interesting way to contrast our own Lutheran theological insights into God’s big wide world. Come ready to learn and to share some of your thoughts and questions. Runs June 11 to August 10. Wed Book Study: I Was Just Wondering, by Philip Yancey Wednesdays • 5:00-6:00 PM • June 11-July 30 (except July 2) Dick Braun is leading this group, which will discuss a clever and interesting book that tackles questions such as, “Do gorillas and aardvarks go through a mid-life crisis? Why do so many Christians feel more guilty than forgiven? How does one God listen to so many people at the same time?” Using Yancey’s probing book, we will enter into an enjoyable discussion and strive to explore some of God’s answers. Come join the conversation, spend time with friends, and most of all listen for God’s voice in our world. Contact Marilyn in the office ( marilyn@familyofchristonline.com ) by June 2 if you’d like us to order a book for you at $14 (of course, you can order it yourself or get it through Kindle). There will be reading assignments for this class.
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Meet the Family of Christ Summer Interns Katie Anderson & Erik Olson are returning as summer interns with the Faith Formation Team, positions they also held last summer. Faith Formation interns are able to serve up to two summers. Summer interns spend their time working in children’s and youth Ministry. They help with day camps & Bagels and Bible Study, lead a college-aged small group, attend the high school mission trip, and help plan and lead the leadership retreat. At the end of the summer, they receive a scholarship in thanks for all their hard work. Please join us in welcoming them back for another great summer! Katie Anderson School: North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND. Major: Pre-Pharmacy I am looking forward to the mission trip that I get to help out with and growing a deeper connection with God. Erik Olson School: St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN. Major(s): Political Science and Economics One thing I'm looking forward to this summer is leading a thought-provoking and energetic bible study. Also, helping plan the high school mission trip will be a blast!
Extreme Makeover: Sanctuary Edition You will soon see a wall of envelopes that invite your donation to our June fundraiser to provide makeover touch-ups for our sanctuary. The church council and building & grounds committee are promoting these needed projects: repaint sanctuary walls, replace about 1/3 of our chairs, deep clean our carpet, and enhance our media capabilities. Our goal is to raise $20,000, and here’s an added incentive to give: Surpass $20K and we will donate some of our funds to help spruce up the kitchen at Our Saviour’s Shelter in Minneapolis. In June, take an envelope from the display, fill it with the listed amount (or more, if you want ), & return it to the church office no later than June 29. There are a variety of dollar amounts listed on the envelopes, allowing folks to give at all levels. Please help us upgrade and provide a needed makeover for our worship space.
Stewardship Corner Our congregation continues to give in a wide variety of ways through special food collections, items to send to El Salvador, health kits for refugees, books for Africa, etc. Children and youth also give offerings & conduct food drives. And now we’re beginning a fund drive to improve the sanctuary. One area of concern for our church council and staff continues to be our giving through the regular offering baskets during worship, as those gifts are lagging quite a bit behind expectation. Let’s each do our part in showing generosity and making sure we are joyfully giving what we can. If each of us does even a little bit, we can make a huge difference. General Fund Balance Income as of 1/01/14____ thru 4/30/14
$15,040
$256,122
Expenses thru 4/30/14
General Fund Balance as of 4/30/14___
($274,770)
($3,608)
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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Bee Involved Jim Sulerud is looking for one or two excited bee people to accompany Family of Christ’s bee project with him. Email Jim at jim.sulerud@gmail.com
June Bountiful Basket Need: Cereal (A list of needed items is always posted on their website: bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org)
El Salvador Mission Trip Our mission team traveling to El Salvador is collecting cash to buy books in Spanish for each student in the Seeds of Hope program. In addition, they’re still collecting hotel size toiletries for the moms of our sponsored students. Look for a collection box in the narthex. Thank you!
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Playing Fare Fare For All Express, a cooperative food purchasing program, has come to Chaska. The program is open to everyone who wants to stretch their food dollars. Because Fare For All is a bulk buying program, the more people who participate, the better. The site is cash and carry (cash, EBT, credit card, & debit card accepted -- no checks). Fare For All provides packages of fresh fruits and vegetables ($10), as well as quality frozen meat items ($11 or $25). Fare For All will be in Chaska one Thursday per month, 4:00-6:00 PM, at Crown of Glory (1141 Cardinal Street). Remaining 2014 dates are: June 26, July 31, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Dec. 18. Besides shopping at these events, you may volunteer to help out. Erin Kassebaum is hoping to build a team of 15-20 volunteers. If you’re interested or have any questions, please contact Erin Kassebaum at erink74@gmail.com or 612-910-0607. Feed My Starving Children Help end starvation in children around the world by packing meals at FMSC. Family of Christ has committed to two packing sessions in June: Wednesday, June 18, 9:30 -11:30 AM, & Thursday, June 26, 8:00 - 9:30 PM. During summer, there is even a greater need for people to pack meals for the hungry children of the world. No need to sign up, just show up at 18732 Lake Dr E, Chan. Questions? Ron & Elaine Larson — lars710@mediacombb.net Helping the Homeless On Friday, June 20, Family of Christ is serving a meal at Our Saviour’s, a shelter for homeless men & women in Minneapolis. If you’re willing to provide food, serve that evening, or both, sign up on the CIA bulletin board near the kitchen. Questions? Contact Elaine Larson: lars710@mediacombb.net ; 952-442-2881 BFA and RIF If these initials puzzle you, your dictionary (also a great book) will explain them as Books For Africa and Reading Is Fundamental. The first is a global distribution; the second is local. BFA accepts appropriate books that are not political or judgmental. We take them to the St. Paul warehouse, where they are packed and shipped to schools and libraries in Africa. (See the map on the CIA bulletin board.) RIF seeks books for children and teenagers, which are placed in Common Bond Community Housing throughout the Twin Cities (one here in Excelsior). As you continue your spring cleaning, please search for books that fit these needs & bring them to FoC by Sunday, June 15.
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
What’s the Buzz? We’ve been “busy as bees” planning a fun and educational event to highlight our partnership with The Beez Knees. Honeybees pollinate 1/3 of the food we eat. Beekeepers lose 30-40% of their hives annually. Raising public awareness of, and connection to, honey bees is essential to a healthy food system. That’s the mission of The Beez Kneez. The Beez Kneez establishes and maintains honey bee hives in public spaces in the Twin Cities, teaches classes, and delivers honey to the community. On Wednesday, June 25, 4:30-6:00 PM, staff from The Beez Kneez will come to FoC with beekeeping suits to try on, honey to sample, beekeeping equipment to use, and a working observation hive of honey bees with a viewing window — so we can see the bees but they can’t get out. This will be a great event for all ages! Come learn how FoC is continuing to support efforts to protect and prosper this important part of our creation. This event is scheduled as part of our summer WOW! (Worship on Wednesday) programming, and will flow right into our Wednesday evening BBQ at 6:00 followed by worship at 6:30. Sign up on the kiosk in the church narthex or RSVP to leann@familyofchristonline.com
Summer Band Can you sing or play with our summer worship teams? You may join us just once, if that’s all your schedule allows, or join us as many times as possible. Two pianists, Mary Renz and Andrea Jeitz, will help lead our summer worship services. On the Sundays that Summer Band leads worship, Mary or Andrea will rehearse the group on the Wednesday prior at 7:20 PM and just before the worship service on Sunday at 9:40 AM. We love to welcome musicians into these joyful summer worship services. In June, Summer Band is scheduled to play for worship on June 1, 15, and 29. To sign up & to indicate the Sundays on which you can participate, click here: http://tinyurl.com/ pqolhpo (Please note that the first Summer Band rehearsal is at 8:00 PM this Wednesday, May 28.) Common Thread Dinner Out We invite all fun-loving over-50'ers to join us at Santorini Greek restaurant ( http://www.santorinimn.com ; 13000 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie) Monday, June 2, 6:00 PM. Enjoy great conversation and fabulous Greek food. No need to sign up, just show up. Opa! Common Thread Picnic Sunday, July 20, 2:00 pm • Lake Pierson Everyone age 50 or better is invited to enjoy an afternoon of games, boat rides, water skiing, and great conversation at Kay and Jim Leonard ‘s house (9750 County Rd. 43, Chaska). The Leonards will provide meat for grilling & general beverages (soda, beer, water). Please bring dishes to share (appetizers/salads/desserts) along with any special beverages desired. RSVP by Sunday, July 13, to the Leonards: kandjleonard@embarqmail.com ; 612-817-7891 Knit Together Please join us this summer to knit/crochet prayer shawls. We welcome new knitters/crochet-ers and experienced ones. Beginning on June 16, we’ll meet every other Monday at 11:00 AM in different homes. Our first gathering is at Melanie Wegner’s home. Please contact Melanie for directions or if you have questions: 952-361-9494; melanie.wegner@embarqmail.com . Also, if you know of someone who would benefit from a prayer shawl, please let Melanie know.
We’d love to get to know you better! Scan the code to introduce yourself to us and/or to sign up for our e-newsletter.
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& Family of Christ Preschool Important Dates: * June 2, 9, 23 — Monday Morning Garden Camp * June 24-26 — In the Deep Blue Sea summer camp
Register for Fall Preschool 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. For more info or a tour, contact Susan Schmidt: preschool@familyofchristonline.com ; 952-380-9838.
Children’s Ministry Summer Sunday School Please join us for Summer Sunday School beginning June 1 and running through August 17 during the 10:30 worship service. There is no class on July 6. This is a multi-aged class (for children age 3 through 2nd grade) taught by our wonderful youth.
Family of Christ Vacation Bible School Luther Crest Preschool & Elementary Day Camp, June 16-19 Pre-kindergarten: 9:00-11:30 AM; Cost: $50 K-5th Grade: 9:00 AM — 3:00 PM; Cost: $75 ($85 for kids staying overnight on Wednesday the 18 th) Once again the counselors from Luther Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria, MN, will be with us to lead this fun, Christfilled week of day camp. This camp is for all students age 3 through 5th grade. Kids who have completed 3rd-5th grade may stay overnight at FoC on Wednesday, June 18, with the counselors.
Family of Christ Musical Camp ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT! Musical Camp • July 7-11 • 9:00 AM — 2:00 PM; Performance: July 11, 7:30 PM • Cost: $75 Spend a week at day camp rehearsing a part for a musical at the end of the week, playing games, growing in faith, and having tons of fun!
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See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
& Summer Mid-week Activities Watch for details in Family News and view Tweets for information regarding regular youth activities on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer.
Confirmation Confirmation Retreat Save the date! We’re moving the annual confirmation retreat from January to October 25-26 at Luther Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria. Watch for details.
High School Bagels and Bible Study We continue to meet throughout the summer. Students who have just completed 8th grade are invited to join us now, too! We will meet at 10:00 in the youth room on the following Sundays: June 8 & 22, July 13, August 10 & 24. Enjoy an Einstein Bros Bagel & a casual discussion about the day’s scripture. Newcomers are always welcome! Leadership Retreat August 16-17 at Luther Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria. Participation in this retreat is strongly encouraged for all current and new high school Lifeguides. Students who are Sunday school teachers or who serve in other leadership capacities are welcome to attend as well. Register online at www.tinyurl.com/focyouthregistration
Mission Trips Mission Trip Training Training for students and trip leaders takes place on Wednesday, June 1, 7:15-8:30 PM (any outstanding paperwork is due). Final Info Meeting for parents, students, and trip leaders: Wednesday, July 16, 7:15 PM There may still be spots available on the mission trips. Please contact the trip leaders to find out more (p. 10).
For info about this year’s middle- & highschool mission trips & retreats, see page 10. 9
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 ON THE MISSION TRIP THAT INTERESTS YOU. Adult leaders are needed for the high school trip. 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.
High School Heifer Ranch, Perryville • Arkansas July 26-August 3 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 Twenty adults & young adults will enjoy amazing hospitality, participate in a work project, and meet their sponsored students on the FoC/Gethsemane mission trip. Still needed: cash donations to purchase books for Seeds of Hope sponsored students.
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See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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
Kris Spangrud Finance 952-934-5659, ext. 18 kris@familyofchristonline.com
Susan Schmidt Family of Christ Preschool Director 952-380-9838 preschool@familyofchristonline.com
Jolene Satre Communications/Website 952-934-5659, ext. 11 jolene@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
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