2014
, familyofchristonline.com
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952-934-5659
’ Oblivious to the Obvious The great escape artist, Harry Houdini, gained some degree of fame by making the boast that he could break out of any jail in an hour’s time. He had two provisions, however: one, that he would be allowed to enter the jail in street clothes; and two, that he would not be viewed – so as to preserve his art, or so he said. As his fame spread, a little country town challenged him to escape from their newly-built jail cell. He entered the town with great fanfare, and with classic showmanship made quite a circus out of the event. Then came the time for him to pull off his stunt. He entered the cell in street clothes, and all witnesses duly vacated the premises. He removed a flexible wire rod which had carefully been concealed in his belt. Then he began to work on the lock of the cell door. But it did not respond the way all the other cell doors in all the other towns had. Forty five minutes passed, then an hour, and still he had not escaped. In great frustration, he gave up, and, with a sigh, leaned his body against the door, which then opened effortlessly. It had never been locked. Very often, the most obvious gets overlooked, despite all our best efforts. By the end of this month, our nation’s citizens will be called upon to do something that should otherwise be completely obvious to us. (No I’m not talking about Black Friday shopping!!) We will pause on a Thursday and, as a nation, find a way to say a simple thanks. We are a busy people who lead fast-paced lives, and we fill our calendars from the office to school to home to church. Even our children find their days scheduled to the hilt! Running at the pace we do causes us sometimes to focus on our many activities, while forgetting that the reason we do most of them is to enhance our lives. And the reason we do our many church activities is to give honor and praise to God. Beyond the nostalgia of Currier and Ives Thanksgivings, this holiday (holy + day) can serve to stop us in our tracks, so that we find the way to give thanks to the Creator who has blessed us with every good gift. It is God who has given us our very life, freed us from the power of sin, gives us hope to overcome despair. We all get to be part of national ‘pause’ before our great feast, in order to give thanks for the beauty that is all around us — for the blessings that, when counted, overwhelm us — for the love which, from our birth, over and around us lies. There is a universe of gifts that surrounds us, and though it seems too obvious to have to mention it, let’s relish in our chance to give a prayerful thank you. What happened to Houdini after his embarrassment at the county jail? I don’t really know, as I’ve never found the end to that story. But I’m willing to bet that whenever he performed that stunt again the first thing he did was to check the door, just to see if it was locked. Maybe we will check, too: check and make sure that we do not overlook the obvious in our lives.
~ Pr Josh 2
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Worship Schedule Sundays 8:00, 9:15, 10:45 am
Sunday School (2 years old-2nd grade) at 9:15 & 10:45
Table of Contents Finance & News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Musical, Prayer Vigil, Thanks . . . . 5 How You Can Help . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 New Member Event . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Church Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Preschool & Children . . . . . . . . . . 8 Confirmation & Beyond . . . . . . . . 9 Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Meet the Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Remembering the Saints If you would like the name of a loved one who has died in the past 12 months read as part of our All Saints observance on Sunday, Nov. 2, please email the name to Marilyn ( marilyn@familyofchristonline.com ), with a guide to its pronunciation. We need to receive the names by Thursday, October 30.
Installation On Sunday, Nov. 2, we will install Kim Schaeferle into her role as Connections Coordinator, and Mary Renz into her role as Director of Music Ministry. We will say prayers over them at all our worship services, and enjoy a special fellowship time in their honor that morning. Kim Schaeferle
Mary Renz
Thanksgiving Caroling Tuesday, November 25 • 6:30-8:00 PM We had such fun last year caroling on the front doorsteps of some of our elderly members that we want to do it again! So we invite you to this unique service event to celebrate Thanksgiving. We’ll meet at the church at 6:30 and carpool to a couple of locations to sing Thanksgiving songs. We’ll even deliver special refrigerator artwork created by our church kids. Afterward, we’ll enjoy refreshments at church. No sign-up is necessary — we’ll take our show on the road with whomever can join us! See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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& Making Your Pledge On Oct. 26, many folks at Family of Christ turned in their pledges for giving for 2015. If you have not had your chance to do so yet, please pick up a pledge card from the church office. We’d love to include your commitment for financially supporting Family of Christ’s ministry as we plan for 2015. All of us continue to hear the call to “Do Justice, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly.” If you have questions or concerns, please contact Kris Spangrud in the church office: kris@familyofchristonline.com ; 952-934-5659, ext. 18.
Financial Health Update Even as we celebrated our call to stewardship in October, we can celebrate that we are in a strong position of financial health going into to our final two months of the year. Income is notably behind expectation, but with faithful and joyful giving we know we can end this year very strong. Let’s keep being a vibrant servant church that embraces our call to ministry and is ever-willing to share our many blessings.
Financial Update General Fund Balance as of 1/01/14 $15,040
Income thru 9/30/14 $557,198
Expenses thru 9/30/14 ($582,355)
General Fund Balance as of 9/30/14___ ($10,117)
Average fall weekend attendance: 355 people/weekend
Christian Education Enrollment Sunday School: 120
Christos: 82
Teacher Support: 52
Confirmation: 125
Lifeguides: 53
Early First Communion Thursday, November 20 • 6:00 PM We offer early first communion classes twice each year (once in the fall and once in the spring) for children who, together with their parents, believe they are are ready to receive the bread and wine of Holy Communion. If your child has expressed this desire, and you, as parents, believe that he or she is ready to take this step and explore this sacrament in a deeper way, please contact Director of Faith Formation Leann Thompson for more information and/or to register: 952-934-5659, ext. 24; leann@familyofchristonline.com (More in-depth communion preparation/review is offered each year in January as a part of our Christos 4th grade curriculum, culminating in a Seder meal experience and celebration of communion during Holy Week.)
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,
,& Auditions
AUDITION DATES Sundays November 9 & 16, 12:15 pm Wednesday November 12 8:00 pm
Audition for our 8th annual all-church musical, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!” Large and small speaking/singing parts available for all ages, interests & abilities. Rehearsals begin in early January. Performances are February 27-March 1.
Sign-ups and audition materials available by the music office
Prayer Vigil Tuesday, November 11 • 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, November 11. 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 played, water will be flowing from the fountain, candles will be available to light to honor specific prayer requests, and prayer resources will be provided.
Thank You Many thanks for the kind & sympathetic cards & comments that FoC folks sent upon my father's death. He was 101+ and faithfully ready for a good death since achieving his goal of 100 years. He got his wishes, and therefore so did we. Your assurances of resurrection keep us in good cheer. God go with you. ~ Nate Castens, PRet (pastor retired)
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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Bountiful Basket Need: November — Beans (A list of needed items is always posted on their website: bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org)
Make a Difference Day MDD culminates on Saturday, Nov. 1, with many of our Christos and confirmation groups active in their service projects! Thanks to all who regularly enact God’s love through service and caring.
Bingo! Volunteers are needed to help with a bingo event for our special-needs friends. We also need small prizes to award. The event is Sat., Nov. 1, 11:00 AM, at FoC. Christians in Action and Lutheran Social Services sponsor this event. There is a sign-up sheet on the CIA bulletin board near the kitchen; place prizes in the basket on the nearby table. Questions? Elaine Larson: 952-442-2881; lars710@mediacombb.net Tree House Service Opportunity On Tues., Nov. 11, 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 or 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
Feed My Starving Children From Donna Even: I'm in the process of contacting churches, requesting extra volunteers for FMSC. We have been approved by our board to produce an extra 10 million meals on top of what we are scheduled to produce between now and December 31. We are looking for extra volunteers for our particularly slow sessions, which are Monday and Tuesday during the day and our 8:00 PM session during the week. Volunteers may sign up for other times, also, if spots are available. Volunteers can sign up on our website at FMSC.org as an individual or in groups of up to 110 people. If volunteers have questions, contact me at deven@fmsc.org “Holiday Wishes” Adopt-a-Family Program For many years, our church family has provided Christmas gifts for the “Families Advocating for Children in Crisis” program. Due to staffing changes, this program is no longer available to us. To provide a similar service opportunity, we will help Simpson Housing Services (a provider of shelter & temporary family housing for the homeless) with its adopt-a-family program. At any one time, up to 170 families receive transition services. “Holiday Wishes” provides thoughtful gifts for approx. 450 men, women & children. Watch for our Christmas tree with “ornaments” containing gift suggestions for men, women & children in need. The program runs from Nov. 16 through Nov. 30. Save a Life Did you know that every 2 seconds someone needs a blood donation? Memorial Blood Center will be here for the morning of Sun., Dec. 7. Sign-ups will be online. Though advance sign-ups are helpful, walk-ins are also welcomed.
Thinking About Joining Family of Christ? Our next New Member Event is Sunday, Nov. 2, 12:00-2:30 PM. Enjoy getting acquainted in a casual social setting, learn something about the Lutheran flavor of Christian faith, & ask your questions. To register or for more info, contact Kim Schaeferle at kim@familyofchristonline.com; 952-934-5659, ext. 13. New members will be received Sunday, Nov. 16.
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Scan the QR code to introduce yourself to us and/or to sign up to receive our e-communications.
Town Hall Meeting Sunday, Nov. 2 • 8:45 & 10:15 AM Meet with FoC Church Council President Chris Nelson, ask questions about FoC, and offer your feedback. Come to the narthex for this informal meeting.
Ya, Sure, You Betcha! Scandinavian Baking Fest Saturday, Nov. 15 • 9 am-12 pm At Family of Christ Learn how to make (and then get to sample!) traditional Scandinavian Christmas treats such as lefse, rosettes, krumkake, and spritz. You’ll go home with a full belly and plenty of recipes, tips, and tricks to create the most delicious sweets! Free, and so much fun! And, just as on the TV show “New Scandinavian Cooking” with Andreas Viestad, you’ll be taught by authentic Scandinavian Lutherans using time-honored recipes and techniques! Sign-up coming soon.
Are you baking yet? The Cookie Walk is Sat., Dec. 13, 9-11:30 AM, & we need lots & LOTS of cookies! Bake now (before the holiday rush), freeze the treats, & bring them to church Friday, Dec. 12.
College Funding Strategies Wednesday, Nov. 5 • 7:00 PM Is there a future college student in your life? Did you know that tuition & fees at public four-year colleges increased 5.2% more than the rate of inflation over the last decade? On Nov. 5 at FoC, Gary Schmidt of Summit Financial Advisors will introduce his partner Matthew Scherer, a certified college planning specialist, who will give you valuable information on how to effectively plan your child’s higher education. There is no cost and the workshop is informational only. No financial products will be discussed. To register, email Leann Thompson ( leann@familyofchristonline.com ) or Gary Schmidt ( gary@summitadvisorsmn.com ) Service of Remembrance On Thursday, Nov. 13, there will be a service of remembrance at Immanuel Lutheran Church (16515 Luther Way, Eden Prairie) at 7:00 PM. Anyone grieving the death of a loved one is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Immanuel Lutheran (952-937-8123), Pr Kristie ( kristie@familyofchristonline.com ), or Pr Jeanne ( Jeanne@familyofchristonline.com ).
(Connecting from different angles and sharing insights) If you’re 20-30 something, single or married without kids, join us to pack meals at Feed My Starving Children in Chanhassen, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 8:00-9:30 PM. No need to sign-up — just come! Or join us Wednesday, Dec. 10, for a discussion of the book “Unbroken.” For more information, contact Derek Syverson ( djsyverson@comcast.net ) or Pastor Jeanne ( jeanne@familyofchristonline.com ). Pr Kristie’s Book Club Tuesday, Dec. 2 • 7:00 PM We’re reading Unbroken by Laura Hildenbrand, and everyone is invited to join us! We’ll gather at the Hennigs’ house on Dec. 2 to talk about it. Get your copy now and plan on coming for a rich conversation about an inspiring WW II story of courage and resilience. Men and women, young and old are invited. Appropriate beverages will be available for all.
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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& Family of Christ Preschool Our main focus in preschool this month will be around the theme of Thanksgiving. We will talk about turkeys, of course. But our main focus is how we celebrate this holiday with our family, and the many ways we are blessed. We will round out the month with our classroom Thanksgiving feasts on Monday & Tuesday, Nov. 24 & 25. Families are invited to come and share a small meal with their preschooler and classmates.
Important Dates: * Monday & Tuesday, Nov. 3 & 4 — Conferences; no classes * Thursday, Nov. 20 — Reindeer and elf visit * Monday & Tuesday, Nov. 24 & 25 — Thanksgiving classroom feasts * Nov. 26– Dec. 1 — Thanksgiving break; preschool closed
Family of Christ 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 information or a tour, contact Susan Schmidt: preschool@familyofchristonline.com ; 952-380-9838.
Children’s Ministry Sunday School Christmas Program Rehearsals We will start practicing for the Sunday school Christmas program on November 2 in Sunday school. Watch your email for information and songs to rehearse at home.
Important Date
Sunday, Nov. 30: Thanksgiving break — No Sunday school classes
Christos Make a Difference Day Saturday, November 1 All Christos kids and parent chaperones meet at the Chanhassen location of Feed My Starving Children at 9:00 AM. Pick up at 11:00 AM.
Important Date
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Wednesday, Nov. 26: Thanksgiving break — No Christos classes
& Confirmation Important Dates: Sat., Nov. 1 • Make a Difference Day Wed., Nov. 5 • 6:30-8:00 PM Wed., Nov. 12 • 6:30-8:00 PM Wed., Nov. 19 • 6:30-8:00 PM Wed., Nov. 26 • Thanksgiving break — no activities. Happy Thanksgiving!
High School What Now? Hey, high school seniors, you’re invited to a special small group just for you! Meet monthly to talk about life & faith as you transition out of high school. Led by Dean Brown. You’ll meet at 10:15 AM in the youth room the first Sunday of each month. The remaining dates are Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 4, Feb. 1, Mar. 1, Apr. 12 (the 5 th is Easter), and May 3. Bagels and Bible Study Enjoy an Einstein Bros Bagel & a discussion about the day’s Gospel text. We meet on the 2 nd & 4th Sundays of the month at 10:15 AM in the youth room. In Nov., we meet on the 9 th & the 23rd. Newcomers are always welcome!
Mission Trips Mission Trip Registration Registration is going on now for 2015 trips! For more info, visit www.familyofchristonline.com/youth . You may register online at www.tinyurl.com/focmissiontrips 2015 Mission Trips Mission Day Camp (3rd-8th graders) • June 22-25 Soul Sisterhood Retreat (6th-8th grade girls) • June 28-July 2 YouthWorks Kansas City (6th-12th graders) • July 26-Aug 1 ELCA National Youth Gathering in Detroit (9th-12th graders) • July 14-20
Mission Trip Meetings If you are signed up for a 2015 mission trip or are planning to sign up, please mark your calendar to attend a mandatory meeting on either Wed., Nov. 5, at 8:00 PM or Sun., Nov. 9, at 11:45 AM. Participants and at least one parent must attend one of these two identical meetings.
Post High School Hey, college-aged youth: The YAM (Young Adult Ministry) team wants to know your address for the school year. YAM sends letters and care packages out through the year — you don’t want to miss this! Go to www.tinyurl.com/focyam and give us your address. Please fill out this form new each year so we know we have your most current address! See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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It’s Never Too Late... ...to join a music group! If you sing or play an instrument, you’re welcome to join one of our groups — simply attend a rehearsal! If you have a musical talent and you’re not sure where you fit, talk to Mary Renz and she’ll find a place for you! All are welcome! Family of Christ Singers (Traditional style)–Rehearse every Thurs., 7:00-8:00 PM; sing at 9:15 worship two times per month. Led by Ron Larson ( lars710@mediacombb.net ) & Mary Renz ( mary@familyofchristonline.com ). Spirit of Praise (Contemporary style)–Rehearses two Tuesdays (7:00 PM) & two Saturdays (9:00 AM) per month; leads worship two times per month; led by Mary Renz. Exsoultation (Contemporary style)-Rehearses two Saturdays per month; leads worship one Sunday per month; led by Andrea Jeitz (andreajeitz@yahoo.com) Chamber Players–Rehearse one time per month: play for one 9:15 service per month; led by Mary Renz Brass Ensemble–Plays on special Sundays/holidays; led by Mary Renz Flute Choir–Plays on special Sundays/holidays; led by Mary Renz Bell Choir–Rehearses every Thurs. at 6:00 PM; plays for worship once per month; led by Lynn Miller (lynn_s_geldert@hotmail.com) EPIC!–Rehearses every other Wednesday at 8:00 PM Praise Unlimited–Rehearses on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM Lux Aeterna–Rehearses on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM Contact Mary Renz with any questions: mary@familyofchristonline.com; cell: 952-393-5981
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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
Mary Renz Director of Music Ministry 952-934-5659, ext. 23 mary@familyofchristonline.com
Susan Schmidt Family of Christ Preschool Director 952-380-9838 preschool@familyofchristonline.com
Kris Spangrud Finance 952-934-5659, ext. 18 kris@familyofchristonline.com
Jolene Satre Communications/Website 952-934-5659, ext. 11 jolene@familyofchristonline.com
Kim Schaeferle Connections Coordinator 952-934-5659, ext. 29 kim@familyofchristonline.com
Marilyn Syverson Church Administrator 952-934-5659, ext. 10 marilyn@familyofchristonline.com
Greg Provo Custodian 952-934-5659, ext. 26 greg@familyofchristonline.com
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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