March 2014 tabletalk by Tabletalk

2014

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’ Pilgrimage: Walking the Faith “Lent beckons us on a journey away from the familiar toward strange and alien landscapes – internal and external … We are invited to journey toward the divine image imprinted indelibly within each one of us … and to pitch our tent where that presence is most visible and tangible.” – from Awaken: The Art of Imaginative Preaching, Lent-Easter 2008

After weeks of being cooped up inside during this crazy-intense winter, some of us are longing to stretch our legs on a good long walk. I know I am. How about you? The holy church season of Lent is right around the nearest snow bank, beginning with Ash Wednesday on March 5. This year our Lenten theme is “Pilgrimage – Walking the Faith.” It is built around our need as people of faith to stretch our faith muscles – to experience walking with others to holy sites, paying prayerful attention to everything we encounter within and outside of us, soul and body. We will be preaching on Sunday mornings and Wednesdays at noon and 7:30 PM on the many Old Testament texts about God’s people on journeys of faith. We will also hear the stories of Jesus’ final pilgrimage to the holy city of Jerusalem, where he was executed and the first Christ-believers picked up the torch and continued the journey. To lead us at FoC toward new landscapes, we will offer mini-pilgrimages to local places where we could encounter the holy. These faith-walks are designed to deepen our sense of the holy within ourselves and help us experience some ways of walking our faith alone and with others. Some of these will be scheduled for Sundays afternoons and evenings, others during weekdays. Here’s what we tentatively have so far: March 9 – Visit St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church with Pastor Josh March 23 – Worship in a Nordic-themed prayer service at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in St. Paul with Pastor Kristie April 13 – Worship in a Celtic-themed service of evening prayer at Pilgrim Lutheran Church with Pr Kristie Go on an art stroll at the St. Paul Cathedral in St. Paul with Pam Schumacher And maybe … Take a nature walk at the Arboretum, explore a museum of Russian art, visit a Hindu or Buddhist temple, or attend a Jewish Shabbat service. Dust off your walking shoes and come along! Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life…Follow me.” Let’s go!

~ Pastor Kristie 2

Lent

Table of Contents News & Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 & 5

at Family of Christ

Seeds of Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Adult Education & Study Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Ash Wednesday

How You Can Help . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

March 5

Church Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Worship at 5:30 & 7:00 pm

Preschool & Children . . . . . . . . . 9

Reflective music led by Family of Christ Singers, confession of sins, & the imposition of ashes. Bring a cross from home to include in our Blessing of the Crosses.

Confirmation & Beyond . . . . . . . 10 2014 Mission Trips . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Music Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . 12 Meet the Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Lenten Worship Wednesdays, beginning March 12 Worship at 12:30 & 7:30 pm At noon, a soup lunch is served, followed by a brief devotional service. At 7:30, the service features Holden Evening Prayer.

Volunteers are needed to help with Lenten Wednesday lunches. See page 7 for more details. See page 4 for Lenten devotional resources.

Pilgrimage: Walking the Faith Lent is a church season that signifies the forty days leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection. For Christians, it is a season of renewed commitment and learning all over again to trust in God. This year, our theme is “pilgrimage,” and we will think together of how we journey through life in faith. Lenten Wednesdays, March 12-April 9: Noon – simple soup lunches 12:30 PM – brief midday worship services 7:30 PM – Holden Evening Prayer Holy Week: April 13-20 New this year during Lent: We’re offering a series of short pilgrimages to experience symbols and signs of faith, not only from our Lutheran perspective, but from other perspectives too. Look for invitations to be part of any of these pilgrimages/field trips. See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f

& Lenten Resources Look for these and other Lenten devotional resources on the counter in the church narthex: "Let Us Hold Fast” – authored by Luther Seminary emeritus faculty (A link to these devotions will be posted daily on FoC’s Facebook page ( facebook.com/FamilyofChristLutheran ), and each day’s devotion will also be posted on our website ( familyofchristonline.com ) — click “Daily Devotions” on the sidebar of the home page.) “Too Deep for Words: Devotions for Lent 2014” - with daily readings from Romans, a photo, quote, reflection, and prayer. Sunday School and Christos families will also receive a paper-chain Lenten devotional resource geared toward families with children.

Bucket Update In March, there will be additional ways to give to our ‘side’ buckets — extra giving opportunities apart from the worship offering plate. See the Minnesota March Food Share donation envelope on the CIA bulletin board (see p. 5 for more info), look for a vitamin donation bin, and know that during the musical there are ways to give through raffles and concessions. As to our regular offering ‘bucket’ (or offering plate if you will), the harsh Minnesota winter has taken its toll on both worship attendance and giving. We are lagging behind as we start out the year, and our snowplowing costs and energy costs have hit the church pretty hard. Let’s be faithful in giving, because a giving church is a living church. General Fund Balance as of 1/01/14 $15,040

January Income $64,763

January Expenses ($68,296)

General Fund Balance as of 1/31/14___ $11,507

Help Us Stay in Touch Please make sure the church office has your current email address. We are getting ready to publish our online directory, and want to make sure our info is accurate. Also, we don’t want you to miss out on any FoC e-communications!

Build Resurrection Church The latest news on the fundraising campaign to rebuild the national Lutheran church in San Salvador, Resurrection – home church to our friend Christian Chavarria and Bishop Gomez – is that $153,000 of the $180,000 needed has been received! Recent donations have come from Sweden, from non-Lutherans, Bishop Herb & the Rev. Corinne Chilstrom, and from Salvadorans in El Salvador. (Donations from FoC members and friends were among the first gifts.) The congregation has now moved across the street to the lower level of Christian’s gallery/workshop space to allow demolition of the damaged tin and drywall structure to begin. They hope to dedicate the new church building in August. For more check out www.BuildResurrection.org .

March is Minnesota Food Share Month This month, our Christians in Action (CIA) committee encourages us to continue our usual

practice of donating food items by placing them under the El Salvador cross in the sanctuary. But money donations are also helpful (and are often boosted through corporate matching funds). Please see the display in our narthex. Gifts of cash or checks made out to Family of Christ and placed in the display will directly benefit either Bountiful Basket or PROP. Food shelf use in the Twin Cities has risen 97% since 2008. As we are reminded in Matthew 25: When we show kindness and compassion to the least among us, we do so unto the Lord. Beautify the Sanctuary for Easter and then take home a lily, tulip, mum, or hydrangea plant. Order forms are in the narthex. Order by March 16.

Seeds of Hope Seeds of Hope sponsors, you’re invited to write Easter greetings to your student(s) in El Salvador. Please write your card in Spanish, write your student’s full name and congregation on the envelope, and bring or mail your card to church by March 10. We will have Easter cards and short greetings in Spanish available at our table in the narthex on March 9th. Or you may provide your own card if you wish and bring it to church by the 10th. This is an extra opportunity for your student to hear from you. Our cards will be hand delivered by members at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Lake who are going on a Habitat for Humanity trip. In other words, we have "Free shipping"!

Thank You for Helping Save Lives Thank you to everyone who participated in our successful February blood drive. Twenty six people donated 26 pints of blood, which means up to 78 lives may be saved thanks to you!

Strength for Your Journey of Grief & Loss Losing someone we love is one of life’s most challenging passages. Understanding the grieving process and having the opportunity to explore one’s feelings with others can be helpful and can lead to personal growth and healing. Five area churches partner to offer a seven-week series, “Living and Growing Through Loss” to provide education and support to help individuals who are grieving. Each of the seven sessions provides information and a presentation on a topic of interest, as well as time for sharing in small groups. Sharing groups are available for adults, suicide survivors, young adults (age 20-35), teens (age 13-19), and children (age 8-12). (Due to the sensitive nature of the topics and ages of the attendees, telephone interviews will be conducted with parents or guardians of those attending the children’s groups. Call Karen Atkins, 952-460-0030.) The spring 2014 series will be held at Family of Christ Lutheran Church for seven consecutive Mondays, 5:307:30PM, beginning April 7. Childcare is provided (please call Marilyn to let her know to expect your kids) and there is no charge to participate. A light supper is offered at 5:30PM. Questions? See one of the pastors. See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f

& 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

Coming in April In April, Cher Sulerud & Gary Dosdall facilitate a three-session study of Exodus, with a focus on economic and racial justice. This interesting class will help us think through issues of justice that are highly relevant in our culture today. Class sessions are Wednesday nights, April 2, 9, & 16, 6:30-7:30 PM, in the conference room.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. ~ Psalm 119

Adult Leaders are needed for the high school mission trip to Heifer Ranch in Arkansas July 26-August 3. If you are interested, contact Lindsey Ruhland: 952-934-5659, ext. 30; lindsey@familyofchristonline.com

March Bountiful Basket Need: Personal care items (A list of needed items is always posted on their website: bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org)

Volunteer Opportunities Tree House Every other month, FoC provides a meal for at-risk youth who utilize Tree House, a Christian outreach program in Chaska. Volunteers are needed to provide food & to help serve on Tues., March 11. Youth or adults may help. There is a sign-up sheet on the CIA bulletin board near the kitchen. We also need pails of ice cream for Tree House’s “Homework Bash” on March 13. Sign up on the same sheet. Questions? Contact Dawn Peterson: tdnjkpeter@aol.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., March 19, 9:30-11:30 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 April 16. Volunteers Needed During Lent We need people to heat & serve soup for Wednesday noon lunches. Lenten lunch is served on March 12, 19, 26, & April 2 and 9 at noon. Servers need to be at FoC by 11:30 am. If you can help, contact Pam Schumacher at pam@familyofchristonline.com ; 934-5650, ext. 29.

El Salvador Mission Trip

Nursery Volunteers Needed The nursery needs extra volunteers over the next couple of months:

Our mission trip team traveling to El Salvador is collecting a different item each month until they leave this summer. During March, they are asking for donations of toothpaste & toothbrushes. Look for a collection box in the narthex. Thank you!

* Ash Wednesday worship, March 5 • 5:20 through 8:15 PM * Monday evenings in April and May • 5:20 to about 7:45 PM This is for the Grief Coalition taking place at Family of Christ * Holy Week Services: April 17, 18, & 19 • 6:45 to 8:15 PM * Easter Sunday, April 20 • 9:30 and 11:00 AM services If you are interested in giving of your time in this way, please contact Teri at teri@familyofchristonline.com.

Donations Needed

CIA...a ministry of sharing time, talent, and treasure with people locally & around the world.

Vitamins for Haiti Family of Christ is collecting children’s chewable vitamins for children in Haiti. Vitamins with iron are preferred. Non-gummy vitamins, which won’t stick together in heat, are required. Look for Target’s “Up and Up” brand of children’s chewables with iron. Bottles of 50-300 are preferred. Our donations will be taken to Haiti by a friend of FoC member Kayla Sanders who is going on a medical outreach mission. See the display that Kayla has created, and bring your donations to the narthex by March 9.

See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f

Newcomers’ Events Whether you’re brand new to Family of Christ or you’ve been around for a while, if you want to know more about us, come to a Newcomers’ Event. Enjoy a light lunch in a casual social setting...meet other newcomers, church council leaders, pastors, & staff...tour the building & learn more about FoC...ask questions, theological & practical…explore ways to get connected. Professional childcare is provided for age 4 & younger (let us know if you need it for older children). You may let us know at that time if you’d like to join FoC. The next Newcomers’ Event is scheduled for Sunday, March 16, at 12:15 PM. For more info, please contact Pam Schumacher at pam@familyofchristonline.com .

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.

Common Thread to the Old Log Theater Sunday, March 16 • 2:00 PM • RSVP by March 1 If you’re age 50 or better, join us at the Old Log Theater for "Almost Maine" on March 16. Ticket price: $24.00. To reserve a spot, make checks payable to Ron Larson by March 1. Optional: 12:00 brunch at Maynard's before the show. Please let Ron or Elaine know if you plan to attend the brunch so necessary arrangements can be made. Questions? Contact Ron or Elaine: lars710@mediacombb.net ; 952-442-2881. Yoga Opportunities Instructor Kim Motschenbacher is again offering Thursday evening yoga classes here at FoC. Remaining classes are March 6, March 13, March 20, April 3, April 10. There are two class options: 6:00 PM — Yoga for All: A one-hour class focusing on stretching, breathing and finding stillness within. 7:00 PM — Yoga Sculpt: A one-hour class combining yoga and weights. Fee: $15/class (for either Yoga for All or Yoga Sculpt). Limit of 14 people per class. Sign up on the kiosk. 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 get-together is March 10. FMI, contact Rod Bubke: rod.l.bubke@ampf.com

College Planning Strategies Workshop Wednesday, March 19 • 6:30-7:30 PM • at Family of Christ Is there a college student in your future? Planning for college can be overwhelming. Matthew Scherer, CFP®, CCPS®, conducts this workshop to take some of the mystery & anxiety out of the process. The hour long session is designed for families with students who are currently in 8th grade through 12th grade. We will discuss the common mistakes that both parents and students make in the college selection process, the importance of students’ grades and test scores, the differences between types of financial aid, and how you can determine what you may or may not qualify for. For planning purposes, please sign up on the kiosk in the narthex. Matthew Scherer has been a financial advisor for over 9 years. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from St. Cloud State University and is currently a partner with the independent financial planning firm, Summit Financial Advisors. Matt is also a member of the National Institute of Certified College Planners.

& Family of Christ Preschool Important Dates: * March 10 & 11 — Conferences — No preschool classes (except Monday Monkeys—see next listing) * March 10 — Monday Monkeys’ make-up class * March 24-28 — Spring break — No preschool classes

Register for Fall Preschool Registration for 2014-2015 preschool classes is now open! 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 information or a tour, contact Susan Schmidt at 952-380-9838 or preschool@familyofchristonline.com .

Thank you! Thank you to everyone who donated pajamas for the Pajama Program. We collected 51 pairs of pajamas to donate to kids waiting to be adopted. Scholastic books will match our donation with 51 books.

Children’s Ministry Sunday School   

March 9: Second grade Bible presentations during worship March 23: No classes, due to District 112 spring break March 30: All the Sunday school kids get to sing in worship this morning

Christos 

March 5: Ash Wednesday — no Wednesday evening activities. Please join us for worship at 5:30 or 7:00 PM  March 12: Ventures begins  March 26: No Wednesday evening activities, due to District 112 spring break

See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f

& Confirmation Important Dates  March 5: Ash Wednesday — no Wednesday evening activities. Please join us for worship at 5:30 or 7:00 PM  March 12: 6:30-8:00 PM  March 19: 6:30-8:00 PM  March 26: No Wednesday activities — spring break 9th Grade Confirmation Parents, watch your email this month for important information regarding Affirmation of Baptism for your daughter or son.

Middle School Middle School Event Saturday, April 5 • 11:15 AM-8:30 PM Meet at FoC & head to Base Camp in Minneapolis for an afternoon of archery, rock climbing, & team building. Then we head back to FoC for pizza, a service project, and a movie on the big screen in the sanctuary. Cost: $15. Register online at tinyurl.com/focyouthregistration

High School Bagels and Bible Study Sunday, March 9 • 10:15 AM Meet in the Youth Room to enjoy an Einstein Bros Bagel & a casual discussion of the day’s scriptures. Newcomers are always welcome! What Now? Wednesday, March 12 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. Spring Break Service Opportunity On Wednesday, March 26, we’ll help in the warehouse at Bridging in Bloomington. Bridging provides furniture and household goods to those transitioning out of homelessness. We will meet at church at 12:15 PM and return around 4:30 PM. Limited spots available, so contact lindsey@familyofchristonline.com to sign up! 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.

Mission Trips Reminder: If you are using the installment plan for your trip, the first of two payments is due Sunday, March 2. Payments are as follows: * The Soul Sisterhood Retreat — $85 * Middle and high school trips — $225 * El Salvador- $600. The second payment of the same amount is due May 1 for all trips. There may still be spots available on the mission trips. Please contact the trip leaders to find out more (p. 11). Adult leaders are needed for the high school trip. Talk to Lindsey if you’d like to be a leader or if you need more info.

For info about this 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 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 (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

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.

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.

Questions about the above instrumental opportunities? Contact Mary Renz: mrfluteloops@gmail.com

PFH (Praise for Him) A music 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.

Bell Choir We rehearse on Thursdays, 8:00-9:00 PM, & play approximately one Sunday per month. Questions? Contact Lynn Miller ( lynnmillerhandbells@gmail.com )

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 )

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

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.

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