2015
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’ Keep an Eye on the Whole Board I lost at the game “Connect Four” the other day. I lost to a computer, of all things, even though I had been on the verge of winning. No, really! I’m certain that I was one or two moves away from winning! Connect Four is a great children’s game, where you drop checker-sized pieces into a slot, letting them fall to the bottom, with the object being to create a horizontal, vertical or diagonal pattern of four in a row. At the same time, you try to block your opponent from creating her or his own pattern of four. Now, my contest was against a giant computerized game at one of those fun zones connected to a bowling alley. It cost me two whole dollars to play, only to get bested by that soulless, emotionless machine! (So yes, you can see that I’m still smarting.) I made the classic mistake of getting so caught up in my own efforts to achieve a goal, that I lost sight of the rest of the board. I had two diagonal lines of three pieces each ... and then the computer built the simplest vertical row of four right up and down the middle section, thus humbling me in the process. It is so very easy to lose sight of the bigger picture, isn’t it? It’s easy to overlook what others are doing around us. We can get so caught up in our own perspective, our own problems, our own agendas, that we forget to lift up our heads, take in a wider perspective, and pay attention to the world around us. In the season of Lent, we may concentrate hard on working to improve ourselves. That, of course, is a worthy goal. But sometimes our inward focus, even an inward spiritual focus, can lead us to neglect the community around us. Yet we are called to be connected as people of God. The ten commandments are helpfully understood as a primer on how to be in caring, loving community. At the outset of his ministry, Jesus didn’t just stay out in the desert by himself. He called together twelve disciples to do the work of God’s kingdom. “Where two or three or more are gathered, there I am in the midst of them,” said the Lord. The prodigal son parable had to do with being reunited with family — a message that was true for both the younger child and the older child in the story. The parable of the good Samaritan was about caring for people, even those outside of your defined circle, so the compassion we foster for others emanates ever outward to include more and more people. So, yes, we at Family of Christ hope and pray that you are finding ways to grow as a disciple of Jesus. But know that we are especially interested in how all of us connect together and grow together as fellow travelers on the road of faith. We need each other, and rely on each other. Don’t simply pursue your own strategy without ever looking up, looking around, and keeping an eye on the whole board. Instead, seek out important connections of love and care for others, paying attention to the gifts and abilities that others have to share. Pay attention, too, to the hurts and needs that others are struggling with, and to the compassion that others are ever ready to give. I wish us all a blessed Lent, filled with rest in God’s arms, and restoration in the community of faith! Thank you for your generosity! In February, Family of Christ donated 180 pounds of food to Bountiful Basket Food Shelf!
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~ Pr Josh
& Rest for World-Weary People
This Lenten season, we continue to explore God’s countercultural call to stop, rest, reflect, and pray. Overburdened and overscheduled people need opportunities to honor God’s gift of Sabbath, which leads to rest and renewal. Remaining Lenten Wednesday dates: March 4, 11, 18, & 25 * Noon — Simple soup lunch * 12:30 pm — Brief midday worship service * 7:30 pm — Holden Evening Prayer The upcoming titles of our midweek messages are: Rest for Anxious Souls by Pastor Kristie (3/4); Is Multitasking a Virtue? by Pastor Josh (3/11); Mindfulness in Worship by Leann Thompson (3/18); and Not Running the Rat Race by Pastor Jeanne (3/25). Note that in the evening on March 25, the Christos students present their Ventures Drama. Holy Week is March 29-April 5, and we are looking for people who may wish to celebrate a baptism at our Easter Vigil on Saturday, Apr. 4 — speak with a pastor if this is of interest to you .
We’re offering a few interesting ‘extras’ to help you deepen your walk of faith during this Lenten season. Daily devotions that reveal various responses to questions of faith are being posted on facebook and the church website. An adult study begins March 4, 6:30 pm, led by Dick Braun entitled “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction” (see p. 6). Pastor Kristie will invite people on a number of peace walks at various times in Lent. Experience a guided loving kindness meditation event on March 17 or 18 (see p. 5). And our high-schoolers are doing a special social media project using Bible Verses and photographs. All of these are ways to make your Lenten journey more meaningful.
Lenten Extras
Table of Contents News & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 & 5 Summer Camps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 How You Can Help . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Church Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Holy Week Palm Sunday • March 29 Worship at 8:00, 9:15, & 10:45 am
Preschool & Children . . . . . . . . . . 8 Confirmation & Beyond . . . . . . . . 9 Meet the Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Maundy Thursday • April 2 Good Friday • April 3 Easter Vigil • April 4 Worship at 7:00 each evening
Easter Sunday April 5 Worship at 8:00, 9:30, & 11:00 am
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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& Caring for the Homeless NEW MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY: FAMILIES MOVING FORWARD Are you looking for a new/ additional way to serve? Do the issues of affordable housing and ending homelessness speak to your heart? Then this might be what you’re looking for. Immanuel Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie is a host congregation for “Families Moving Forward” (FMF). Four to six times a year, they turn a few of their church school rooms into homey bedrooms so they can host 3-5 families from Scott/ Carver Counties each night for one week. There is a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available each time they host; setting up the site bedrooms, helping serve breakfast or dinner; providing evening hospitality; being overnight hosts; and, of course, cleaning up. Immanuel is looking for some help from FoC. This is a wonderful opportunity to help end homelessness one family at a time, and to make new friends while serving others. Immanuel is hosting an informational session on March 2 at 7:00 PM. If you are interested in attending or want to know more about this awesome new opportunity, please contact Wendie Ulku Wendie.Ulku@iwco.com or Kim Schaeferle kim@familyofchristonline.com .
Watch it Grow! The rain garden is coming! What is a rain garden? And why is Family of Christ undertaking such a project? A rain garden is a naturally-made area that captures rainwater and pollutants before they enter local water bodies. The runoff from the FoC parking lot, as of now, goes untreated into Bluff Creek waterway. The rain garden is filled with native plants that absorb nutrients and water, filter off sediment, and help create food sources for songbirds and pollinators. The rain garden excavation and installation will begin in the spring, and we hope people will support this ministry in two ways: 1) by volunteering to work in the garden (helping plant and maintain it), and 2) by contributing financially to support the cost of installation. We need to raise $5,000 towards the total cost of $42,000 (note: a good portion of the funding is coming from a grant from the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District and the city of Chanhassen). The fundraiser begins March 15 and wraps up April 19 (Earth Day). God calls us to be good stewards of God’s creation, and we have a chance to make a difference in this new way. For more information contact, Jeff Stuhr, Jim Leonard, Jim Sulerud, Melissa Lynk, Pastor Kristie, or Pastor Jeanne.
New Member Event Scan the QR code to introduce yourself to us and/ or to sign up to receive our e-communications.
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Sunday, April 12 • 12:15-2:30 pm Gather in the narthex right after 10:45 worship for a light lunch and to learn more about Family of Christ. You’ll meet other newcomers and have all your Lutheran theological questions answered! If you’d like to join us, please contact Kim Schaeferle ( kim@familyofchristonline.com ). There is childcare for children under the age of 4 — just let Kim know if you’d like to take advantage of this. New members will be welcomed at church services on April 26.
Selma Commemorative March Fifty years ago, members from diverse faith communities answered Dr. Martin Luther King's call to show up in Selma, Alabama, and support black civil rights protestors who were putting their lives on the line for the right to vote. Our Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA, invites us to take part in a local march commemorating the Selma Marches of 1965 and the interfaith movement that supported them. Meet at the capitol building Sun., March 8, 2:00 pm. The march will cross the Cedar Street Bridge over I-94, recalling the Selma marchers who crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The march will end at Central Presbyterian, 500 Cedar Street, with a program to follow.
Mindfulness Meditation It’s easy to get caught up in the fast pace and busy-ness of life. And although we know that the negative consequences of getting stuck in that pace are numerous, we don’t always know how to slow down and find rest. One tool for doing that is mindfulness meditation. We invite you to learn a little more about this practice and how it can have a positive place in your life. Join us either Tuesday, March 17, 6:00-7:00 pm* (the last hour of our regular Prayer Vigil — see below) or Wednesday, March 18, 1:00-2:00 pm* (following the noon Lenten service) for an introduction to mindfulness meditation: the science between the mind/body connection, the health benefits of practicing meditation, and brief exercises in the practices of concentrative and loving kindness meditation. No previous experience or knowledge is necessary. If you pray, you’ve already practiced a form of meditation. Our guide, Sheila Bauer, is an educator and the owner of Zany & Zen Studio, which teaches the science of self-care and meditation. She holds a Masters of Education degree from the University of Minnesota and has facilitated groups for over 20 years in various educational and professional settings. *You’re invited to come early on Tuesday, March 17 — wild rice soup will be served beginning at 5:15 pm; or come early on Wednesday, March 18 for soup at noon, followed by our weekly Lenten worship at 12:30.
Prayer Vigil Prayer is an intentional and purposeful way that every individual — regardless of age, race, or background — can deepen his or her personal relationship with God. Our next Prayer Vigil is Tuesday, March 17. We invite everyone 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 played, our fountain will be running, candles will be available to light to honor specific prayer requests, and prayer resources will be provided. (See above for an intro to meditation being offered at 6:00 pm on the 17 th)
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 rd th 3 -8 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. See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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“But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers.” March is Minnesota Food Share Month Our Christians in Action (CIA) Committee encourages us to continue our practice of donating food items by placing them under the El Salvador Cross in the sanctuary. But since donations of money are especially helpful (and often are boosted through corporate matching funds), we encourage you to be generous during “Minnesota Food Share Month.” See the display on the bulletin board by the kitchen window. Gifts of cash or checks made out to “Family of Christ” and placed in the display will directly benefit either Bountiful Basket or PROP. Last year, there were more than 3 million visits to Minnesota food shelves, including daily visits from 3,500 children. Senior hunger is a rising concern in our state as well. In 2014, Minnesotans raised over $8 million & donated 4 million pounds of food. Let us keep sharing on a monthly basis. If you have any extra cash to give to Minnesota Food Share, please leave it in the envelope. As Jesus told Peter in the Gospel of John: “Feed my sheep!”
(James 1:22)
Bountiful Basket Need: March — Personal care items (A list of needed items is always posted on their website: bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org)
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 (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.
Tree House Service Opportunity On Tuesday, March 17, 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. Youth and adults may help with this special meal. There is a sign-up sheet on the CIA bulletin board near the kitchen. Questions? Contact Dawn Peterson at tdnjkpeter@aol.com Blood Drive at Family of Christ In this season of Lent, as we reflect on Christ shedding his blood for us … we are hosting a blood drive. Memorial Blood Centers will be here Sunday, March 22, 8:00 – 11:30 AM. Sign up through our website ( familyofchristonline.com ). Contact Kim Schaeferle with any questions: kim@familyofchristonline.com. “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
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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.
New Adult Book Study Join with a group to read and discuss an interesting book by Eugene Peterson titled A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society. Dick Braun is leading this class, which has two parts: Part 1 meets on all March Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 PM; and part 2 meets April 8 -29 on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30. This class will study the Psalms of Ascent (which are Psalms 120 to 134), helping us think more reflectively about our journey through life. Please see the sign-up poster on the kiosk, where you can also indicate your need for a book or for childcare. Common Thread Dinner Night Out (for those age 50+) Monday, March 2 • 6:00 pm • Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille, Minnetonka If you are 50 or over...and like to eat...come for an evening of great food & warm fellowship. In March, we meet at Gold Nugget—join us! No need to sign up, just show up. Questions? Contact Ron Larson (952-442-2881). 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 March, we’ll meet on Monday, March 9, at a place TBD. Questions? Rod Bubke: rod.l.bubke@ampf.com
Game Night for Young Families Hut, hut, hike! Mad Dog, Junk in the Trunk – just some of the fun “Minute To Win it” games we’ll tackle at our first Family Game Night! Bring your elementary-aged kids for dinner and fun games (younger ones can join us for dinner & we’ll have childcare for them afterwards)! Sat., March 21, 6-8 PM. We’re planning on this becoming a regular event. Sign up on the poster in the narthex. Questions? Contact Leann ( leann@familyofchristonline.com ) or Kim ( kim@familyofchristonline.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. On March 27, we’ll head to Rojo in St. Louis Park for fabulous Mexican food! Future dates and locations: 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. 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: leann@familyofchristonline.com See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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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: * March 9 & 10 — Spring conferences; no school * March 27-April 3 — Spring break; no school
SEE PAGE 4 FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SUMMER CAMPS?
Children’s Ministry Sunday School Sunday School March 8: All Sunday school kids sing in worship this morning. March 15: All second-graders receive the Bibles they will use during their Christos years. March 29: Palm Sunday! We’ll have special Easter stations for Sunday school this morning.
Christos March 4, 11, & 18: Ventures continues. Sunday, March 22: First of two opportunities for our fourth-graders to receive their first communion during worship. Students may worship at any service. The second opportunity is on the evening of Maundy Thursday, April 3, at 7:00 PM. Sunday, March 22: The Seder Meal Experience for all fourth-graders and their parents at 4:00 PM. March 23: Dress rehearsal for the Ventures drama from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. March 25: Drama rehearsal and then the performance at 7:30 PM worship.
REMEMBER: A list of our 2015 summer camps & registrations for the camps are online: http://tinyurl.com/nf7gdcw
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& Confirmation
SEE PAGE 5 FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SUMMER CAMPS
Confirmation meets Wednesdays March 4, 11, 18, & 25; 6:30 pm.
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: March 1, April 12 (the 5 th is Easter), and May 3. Counselors Needed High school counselors are needed for Mission Day Camp June 22-25. Spend the week leading a group of elementary or middle school students as we serve in Chanhassen and Minneapolis. Celebrate at Valleyfair the last day of camp. Let Lindsey know if you’re interested: lindsey@familyofchristonline.com Drive-thru Devotions! High school students are invited to stop by the youth room after confirmation on Wed., March 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, March 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: March 8 & 22 * Middle school: March 15
Mission Trips Mission Trip Participants: Mission trip training for the Kansas City & Detroit trips is coming up on April 12 at 6:30 pm. Mission Trip Payments A reminder that your 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. See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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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
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