2013
, familyofchristonline.com
,
55317 952-934-5659
’ We’ll be using the phrase ‘Be the Change’ throughout November because our stewardship committee has happily borrowed it from our faith formation team. They utilized it all through the summer of 2013 as the motto for the mission trips, but we realize it serves also as a great motto for our stewardship efforts. It is interesting how much stewardship and mission have in common, isn’t it? I want to encourage us all in this church family to think about letting God use us as agents of blessing, agents of good change, agents of mercy, agents of faithfulness and hope. God is always working in and through our lives, blessing us that we may in turn share such blessings with others. Can you think about your own acts of giving in terms of being an agent of change and blessing to a world that needs you? God wants to use whatever size gift you have to give — and whatever size heart you have to share. And God calls you to respond. I love how, in this church, there are always opportunities to serve and give of your time and skills. We don’t just speak of this annually, or even just monthly. But every single week, in the Family News announcements, there is a list of ways you can pitch in and offer dollars to help this cause or that one … or there is a list of ways you can donate coats, food, your artistic effort, or your time to volunteer. Sometimes in our staff meetings we worry out loud to each other about whether we’re overtaxing the good folks at Family of Christ. We wonder if we’re asking too much of you, presenting too many things to connect to and be a part of. But truly, I don’t know that I’ve ever heard anyone complain about this. We just keep setting posters, donation bins, or invitations to show up and help out with this project or that one — and folks in this church roll up their sleeves and jump in. A November stewardship emphasis is a chance for us to say thank you for that kind spirit of giving. Thank you for your generosity and the remarkable sharing of your time through acts of discipleship and faith. And, of course, as a church family which strives to be good stewards as we plan and dream for future ministry, we will indeed provide pledge cards along with our invitation for you to share with us your plan for giving into the next year. Maybe your giving patterns haven’t changed much over the past few years, so is this the year to think about changing the amount, and increasing your gifts? I certainly know that not everyone can take on that challenge. Some have struggles in their finances, and have to plan very carefully. Not only are we aware of that, we also wish to be gracious and comforting to those who might be dealing with such a hardship. But others are in a different spot, and they can stretch themselves in some new ways. If that is you, please consider making a change in your giving this next year. If many of us make increased commitments, we can effect a huge change in our overall ministry together. On Sunday, November 24, we will hold our Commitment Sunday, when we gather in the pledges for our 2014 ministry. You’ll receive more information on this throughout the month, and we’ll have a small token of appreciation to share with this church family on that date. We will give God thanks for continuing to work in us, always transforming us through the love of Christ. I’ll end by sharing this challenging Bible verse: “Fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what God wants from you, and quickly respond to it.” (Romans 12:2 from The Message) May the excitement and joy of following Christ work a holy change in us all!
~ Pastor Josh Nelson 2
& Sunday Worship Worship Times Sunday worship is at 8:00, 9:15, & 10:45 AM. There is a staffed nursery from 9:00 AM—12:00 PM.
Table of Contents
Worship Volunteers Please click here to see when you are scheduled to help:
Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 & 5
http://tinyurl.com/lb7wx6b
Study Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
What’s the Buzz? Family of Christ sponsors 2 bee colonies through the U of M. These first-year colonies were unusually productive, making 40 pounds of honey beyond what the bees need for the upcoming winter. On Creation Care Sunday, November 3, we will all taste from this bounty! To find out more about ‘our’ bees, check out the blog Jim Sulerud wrote: http://tinyurl.com/m4c6gx8
Town Hall Meetings
Community Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Adult Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 News, Finances & More . . . . . . . . 8 Church Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 How You Can Help . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Preschool & Children . . . . . . . . . 11 Confirmation & Beyond . . . . . . . 12 2014 Mission Trips . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Music Opportunities . . . . . 15 & 15 Meet the Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Town Hall Meetings are the perfect place to meet with church council members, ask them questions about FoC, and offer them feedback. These meetings are generally held the first Sunday of each month, at 8:45 & 10:15 AM, during the school year (see familyofchristonline.com for exact dates). Next meeting: November 3. Bring your coffee & doughnut and join us for this informal gathering! (Depending on room availability, meetings are held in either the conference room or the narthex.)
Newcomers’ Event 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. For more info, & to find out when the next event is scheduled, contact Pam Schumacher ( pam@familyofchristonline.com ). See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
Scan the QR code to introduce yourself to us and/or to sign up to receive our e-communications.
3
Make a Difference Day Saturday, November 2 We invite individuals, families, & groups to join our Christos & confirmation students in making a difference in the life of someone in need. Serve at Feed My Starving Children, bake cookies for the annual cookie walk, rake leaves — opportunities to help are limited only by your own imagination! For further info, to share ideas, OR to suggest someone you know who needs help this fall (cleaning, raking, window washing, etc.) please contact Leann Thompson at leann@familyofchristonline.com .
Make a Difference Day Donation Drop
• 10:00 am-1:00 pm
On Make a Difference Day, Nov. 2, bring items you’d like to recycle to the FoC parking lot. We’ll accept electronics, eyeglasses (for Lions to distribute worldwide), pop cans (for FoC mission trips), broken china & pottery (for a J-Term mosaic project), cell phones & chargers (for women’s shelters).
Prayer Vigil Tuesday, November 12 • 8:00 am-8:00 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 12. You are invited to come to the Family of Christ sanctuary that day anytime from 8am-8pm 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.
Thanksgiving Caroling Tuesday, November 26 • 6:30-8:00 pm We are trying something new and different this year: a service event to celebrate Thanksgiving. On Tuesday, November 26, we’ll meet at church at 6:30. From there, we’ll go out to sing a couple of Thanksgiving songs to our church’s shut-ins and a few other special people, & to give them special refrigerator artwork made by our church children. We’ll return to church for hot apple cider & pumpkin bars, & finish up around 8:00 PM. No sign-up is necessary. We’ll just take our show on the road with whoever can join us, carpooling along the way.
4
All-church Musical The Fun Begins Again! Our 2014 all-church musical is “Shrek: The Musical!” Performances: Friday, February 28 • 7:00 PM Saturday, March 1 • 2:00 & 7:00 PM Sunday, March 2 • 2:00 PM Auditions: Sundays, November 3 & 10 • 12:15 PM Wednesday, November 13 • 8:00 PM Please sign up by the music office for an audition time. Audition materials are available near the sign-up sheet. Volunteers needed for auditions At each audition session, we need several volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, including measuring, data entry, photography, etc. Please contact leann@famlyofchristonline.com Sewers & Crafters needed Please contact leann@familyofchristonline.com if you are a skilled seamstress willing to work on more complicated costume projects, OR if you are good with a hot glue gun and willing to work on miscellaneous costume projects. Miscellaneous fairytale costumes needed If you have gently-used or new Halloween costumes, fairytale in nature, that you would be willing to donate for possible use in our production, please contact leann@familyofchristonline.com
Cookies, Cookies, Cookies! The annual Family of Christ Cookie Walk is on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 9:00 AM. What makes the cookie walk a success is YOUR cookies. The more we have, the more we sell, & the more money the church has for unexpected expenses during the coming year. Now’s the time to start baking — just freeze the cookies until Friday, Dec. 13, when you bring them to church. Smaller, holiday-themed cookies are the most popular. Thank you! See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
5
& 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 Tuesday afternoons • meet weekly • 1:30 PM We meet in the conference room at church Contact: Tracy Woods: tjwoods82@hotmail.com
Making Connections Our updated booklet entitled “Making Disciples, Making Connections” is available in the narthex. It lists more opportunities for study, learning, & discussion.
Friday mornings • meet weekly • 9:30 AM We meet at Family of Christ Contact: Leann Thompson, leann@familyofchristonline.com
In Our Community Free! Resiliency Event for Women + Come hear Immaculée Ilibagiza, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide and a resilient woman of faith. Dr. Henry Emmons, M.D., leading resiliency expert and author of The Chemistry of Joy and The Chemistry of Calm, opens the evening. * Sunday, Nov. 17, 6:30-8PM, at the Mt. Olivet Minneapolis Campus (5025 Knox Ave. So.) The event is free, but tickets are required. Call 612-926-7651.
6
“Living & Growing Through Loss” Through the Southwest Grief Coalition, area churches (including FoC) work together to provide support & information for adults & children who are grieving. Three 7-week series are offered during the school year. There is no cost to participate and church affiliation is not required. The fall session is underway on Thursdays at Eden Prairie United Methodist Church (15050 Scenic Heights Road). Light supper is at 5:30, a presentation at 6:00, & break-out groups from 6:30-7:30. Pastor Kristie will attend many of the sessions; contact her with your questions and/or to get a ride ( kristie@familyofchristonline.com ; 952-934-5659 ext. 12)
& Classes Sunday mornings • Ongoing: 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.
Wednesday evenings • Ongoing: Manna & Mercy! God Gives Freedom and Faith, for Life Wednesdays • 6:30-8:00 PM Manna and Mercy is a paraphrase of the entire Bible, built around the twin themes of food sharing & forgiveness. Open to all, this course is on Wednesday evenings to make it easy for parents with children in Christos and/or confirmation to attend, but it’s open to everyone. Sessions led by Pr Kristie & Randy Ruckdashel. Course books (available in church office) are $10.
Looking to the Future “Making Waves” is the name of a visioning team here at Family of Christ that has been engaged in a book discussion and a group learning process about our church’s future ministry. We will be in retreat on Saturday, November 9, in order to determine how best to engage the congregation in this discovery process, and to decide which questions we wish to ask. We will map out our plans for congregational events in 2014 that will help us learn your hopes and dreams for our work together in God’s Kingdom.
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
7
& Church Council Nominations Family of Christ Vice President Mark Even is convening a nominating committee to fill several openings on our church council for 2014. The committee will be made up of outgoing council members plus a few at-large church members appointed by President Chris Nelson. If you are interested in being a candidate for a seat on our church council, or if you’d like to nominate a fellow congregation member, please contact Mark Even or any member of the church council or the pastors. Contact info is listed on our website: http://familyofchristonline.com/about/staff-a-leadership.html
Simply Giving
Picture Directories If you had your picture taken for our new Family of Christ picture directory, you’re entitled to a free copy of the directory. Pick it up at the information center in the narthex. If you weren’t photographed for the book but would like a copy, the cost is $5.00 per directory. Remember: The online directory of the entire FoC community will be available soon, at no charge, to all. Questions? Contact Connections Coordinator Pam Schumacher: pam@familyofchristonline.com
An easy way to stay up-to-date on your donation is to enroll in Simply Giving, a program through which you make automatic online payments to Family of Christ. To enroll in Simply Giving, contact our finance staff member, Kris Spangrud: 952-934-5659; kris@familyofchristonline.com
Thrivent Match Attention Thrivent Members: Through Nov. 30, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will DOUBLE all Choice Dollars directed to churches — including Family of Christ — until it has given away $15 million. Make your direction today at Thrivent.com/thriventchoice . Or call Thrivent (800-847-4836) and say, “Thrivent Choice.” Questions? Contact Kris Spangrud: 952-934-5659; kris@familyofchristonline.com
Financial Update General Fund Balance as of 1/01/13 $17,535
8
Income Through 9/30/13 ___ $570,412
Expenses Through ____9/30/13 ___ ($601,784)
General Fund Balance ____as of 9/30/13 ___ ($13,837)
ps
Early First Communion Class Thursday, November 21 6:00 PM We offer early first communion classes twice each year (once in the fall and once in the spring) for those children who, together with their parents, believe they are at a point in their faith journey where they are ready to receive the bread & wine of Holy Communion. If your child has expressed this desire and you believe they are ready to take this step and explore this sacrament in a deeper way, please contact Leann Thompson, Director of Faith Formation, for more info and/or to register: 952-934-5659, x 24; leann@familyofchristonline.com All Christos students in fourth grade receive in-depth instruction about communion, whether they have taken an “Early First Communion Class” previously or not.
Check page 4 for information about these events:
Make a Difference Day
Prayer Vigil
Thanksgiving Caroling
Tot Luck (For familes with young children) Totluck is a potluck for families with children aged 8 and younger. Its intent is to bring together families to eat and chat while the kids play. Upcoming Totluck dates: Sundays November 3 and December 1. We meet in the conference room around 11:45 or so, right after the 10:45 service. Bring a dish to share. Contact Jessica Gensmer for more info: 952-934-5659, ext. 23; jessica@familyofchristonline.com Pilgrimage for Citizenship Come hear stories from immigrants who are seeking a path to U.S. citizenship. The ISAIAH organization (which works for social justice issues in Minnesota) is sponsoring a week-long pilgrimage which will travel church to church in the SW metro. FoC has been asked to host on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Six or seven pilgrims will arrive to be fed by us. Then they will share their stories & challenge Christians to take action. Join us at FoC for this unique event on Nov. 5 at 7:00 PM. Ladies’ Night Out Ladies’ Night Our first get-together was a fun success. Join us for our second event! Meet other women from the church & enjoy pleasant conversation in a relaxed Growing together in faith setting. We might even take in a movie (we’ll decide through the seasons of life that night). Our November meeting is Monday, November 11, 6:30 PM, at School II Bistro & Wine Bar in Chanhassen. RSVP to Pam Schumacher: pam@familyofchristonlnie.com ; 952-454-4457. Fall Yoga Fall yoga with professional instructor Kim Motschenbacher is underway on Thursday evenings at FoC. At 6:00 is “Gentle Yoga,” for anyone new to yoga or any yogi who enjoys a well-rounded class with lots of stretching. At 7:00 is “Flow Yoga,” a slightly more advanced class with a faster pace, to get our heart rates slightly elevated as we enjoy old & new poses. Dates for the November classes are the 7th, 14th, & 21st. Cost: $15.00/drop-in class (payable to Kim Motschenbacher). If you have any questions, please contact Kim: johnandkimmotch@gmail.com J-Term We are planning classes and content for J-Term 2014 and would love your input! If you have a fun idea for a special interest class or presenter, or have a special skill that you’d like to share, please contact Leann Thompson, Director of Faith Formation, at leann@familyofchristonline.com
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
9
Thank You THANK YOU to everyone who donated a coat to Sharing & Caring Hands. 19 large bags of coats were delivered just in time to keep children and adults warm and cozy this fall and winter.
Volunteer Opportunities Bingo! Family of Christ hosts a bingo party for special-needs residents from Bethesda Community Living in Victoria on Saturday, November 2, 10:30 AM - 1:15 PM. For this CIA-sponsored event, we need small prizes, small bottles of water, & volunteers to help host. Pizza is provided by Lutheran Social Services. A signup sheet is on the bulletin board near the kitchen. Questions? Contact Elaine Larson at 952-442-2881; lars710@mediacombb.net Feed My Starving Children Help end starvation in children around the world by packing meals at FMSC. FoC has committed to working on Wed., Nov. 20, 9:3011:30 AM. No need to sign up. Just show up at 18732 Lake Dr E, Chan. If you have questions, contact Ron & Elaine Larson at lars710@mediacombb.net Future dates are Dec. 18 & Jan. 15.
November Bountiful Basket Need: Beans (A list of needed items is always posted on their website: bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org)
Tree House Service Opportunity Every other month, FoC provides a meal for at-risk youth who utilize Tree House, a Christian outreach program in Chaska that provides hope, guidance, and unconditional love. Volunteers are needed to provide food & to help serve Thursday, November 21. Youth or adults may help with this special meal. There is a sign-up sheet on the CIA bulletin board near the kitchen. Contact Dawn Peterson (tdnjkpeter@aol.com) if you have any questions. CIA...a ministry of sharing time, talent, and treasure with people locally & around the world.
Donations Needed Help Bring a Merry Christmas to Abused Children There are 170+ new children in the FACIC (Families Advocating for Children in Crisis) shelter, & a gift of new clothing or toys would really brighten their spirits! Paper tags with each child’s name and wish list will be posted on the CIA bulletin board Nov. 1. Necessities & hoped-for items will be listed. Participate at your comfort level. All children need socks & underwear, but they have received winter coats. Velcro shoes are preferred for up to age 7. Please wrap the presents, securely attach the tag to the outside, & bring them to church by Wednesday, Dec. 4, so they can be delivered to the Christmas party on time. Questions: Nancy Rogneby: rogneby@usfamily.net ; 952-934-5960 Seeds of Hope There's still time to donate to the Seeds of Hope El Salvador sponsorship program. We are seeking one-time donations of $100-$1500 to enable 12 more students to attend university. Without our support, these students won’t be able to continue their education. In a country where the average income is $240/month, college is out of reach for most. Send contributions (payable to Family of Christ) to Mark Laven, 8641 Chanhassen Hills Drive N., Chan, MN 55317. All donations tax-deductible. Dec. 1. is the deadline for renewing sponsorships and for donating. Plastic Bags are No Longer Needed Thank you for your generous donations.
10
& Family of Christ Preschool Thank you! Our thanks to everyone who attended the Daddy & Me Fall Festival. We appreciate your support!
On, Button!
Thanksgiving Feasts We will once again host Thanksgiving feasts in our classrooms this month where preschoolers will get to help prepare food, set the table and share a meal with loved ones. Important Dates: * November 4 & 5 – Conferences; no preschool classes * November 19 — Reindeer visit * November 25 & 26 — Thanksgiving classroom feasts * November 27-29 — Thanksgiving break; no preschool classes Preschool Classes FoC Preschool offers classes for 2-, 3-, 4-, & 5-year-olds, an afternoon enrichment program for 4- & 5-year-olds, and an optional Lunch Bunch and Stay & Play for afternoon care. For more information or a tour, contact Susan Schmidt: preschool@familyofchristonline.com ; 952-380-9838. Our program strives to help each child develop self awareness & self esteem through positive recognition, reinforcement, & successful play. If you’re interested in a preschool which is faith-based, positive, safe, nurturing, and fun, please contact Susan Schmidt.
One of our most popular events of the year is coming up on November 19 – a visit from a real live reindeer! Button the reindeer will be here once again to meet the preschoolers and pose for pictures.
Children’s Ministry Sunday School Important Dates * November 3 — During Sunday school, we’ll have another one of our great dramas: “A Voice in the Night” * November 24 — • All Sunday school kids sing at the worship service they normally attend. • Today’s children’s message is “Toejam Man,” a drama performed by our new children’s drama ministry. • We will also have another drama during Sunday school just for the kids: “The Bravest Beauty Queen.”
Looking Ahead: * December 1: Thanksgiving break; no Sunday school classes * December 4: Shopping event for 4th & 5th grades, 6:00-7:30 PM * December 8: Rehearsal for Sunday school Christmas program during Sunday school * December 15: Sunday school Christmas program performance
Christos Important Dates * November 2 — Meet at Feed My Starving Children in Chanhassen at 11:30 AM to work a 2-hour shift, then head across the parking lot for fun at ‘Jump and Jam.’ Watch your email for all the details. * November 20 — Third grade shopping event from 6:00 - 7:30 PM * November 27 — Thanksgiving break: No Wednesday night activities See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
11
& Post High School Hey, college-aged folks: We want your addresses! Several times a year, Family of Christ sends care packages and letters to our young adults. Please go to www.tinyurl.com/focyam and fill out the online form with your address. If you have previously given us your address, please give it to us again so we can make sure we have the most up-to-date way to reach you.
High School Service Opportunities Several times each month, a small group of high-schoolers will have the opportunity to take part in a service project in the Twin Cities area. For more info, contact Lindsey ( lindsey@familyofchristonline.com ) or Leann ( leann@familyofchristonline.com ). Check Family News, Twitter, and www.familyofchristonline.com for details. Parents, we need adults to help as drivers and chaperones. Please contact us if you can volunteer.
12
Confirmation Important Dates November 2: Make a Difference Day November 6: 6:30-8:00 PM November 13: 6:30-8:00 PM November 20: 6:30-8:00 PM November 27: Happy Thanksgiving! No Wednesday evening activities Check out the info on page 5 regarding an exciting adult education opportunity on Wednesday evenings: Manna and Mercy!
High School Winter Retreat Planning Meeting Wednesday, November 6 • 5:30 PM The confirmation winter retreat happens January 17-19, & students in grades 9-12 are invited to take part as leaders. The first planning meeting is on Nov. 6 in Lindsey’s office. All high-schoolers are welcome to be on the planning team. Contact Lindsey if you want to help but can’t make the meeting. Bagels and Bible Study November 10 & 24 Meet in the Youth Room at 10:15 AM on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of each month to enjoy an Einstein Bros Bagel, conversation about that Sunday’s scripture, and time to hang out with your FoC buds. What Now? Nov. 6, Dec. 4, Jan. 8, Feb. 5, March 12, April 2, and May 14 This monthly small group is for high school seniors. Led by Dean Brown, the group meets the 1st Wednesday of each month from 8:00-9:00 PM for pizza, pop, and conversations about life and how to transition out of high school. High School Faith Group (for 10th-12th graders) November 3 & 17, December 1 & 15 • 4:00-5:30 PM Learn how to grow in your spirituality and connect more deeply with God in your daily life. Led by Megan Woods. 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.
For info about next year’s middle- & high-school mission trips & retreats, see page 13.
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 ).
Mission trip registration is underway. Registrations are due Sunday, December 1. Register online at www.tinyurl.com/ focmissiontrips
NEW! The Soul Sisterhood Retreat July 6-10 • South Fork Farm • Lester Prairie, Minnesota For girls who have completed 6th-8th grade. Spend a week on an all-girl adventure! The Soul Sisterhood retreat inspires young women to learn new skills, discover new passions, make new friends, and build confidence through trying and creating — all in a Christ-centered, supportive environment. For more information, check out www.thesoulsisterhood.com or talk to Lindsey Ruhland. Limited number of spots available, so sign up ASAP!
High School Heifer Ranch, Perryville • Arkansas July 26-August 3 (tentative) Heifer’s Alternative Mission Trips combine experiential learning, team building, and service activities. Participants experience the challenges of living with hunger and poverty. They develop a deeper understanding of the complications that hunger and poverty present, and become inspired to create change that brings possibility and hope to the world. The program is a great educational tool that teaches about the value of giving your service to others. The week will end with a fun sightseeing activity in or near Little Rock. Contact Lindsey Ruhland with questions ( lindsey@familyofchristonline.com ).
College & Adult El Salvador ● July 10-20 Learn how the legacy of the civil war impacts the building of peace in today’s El Salvador. Enjoy amazing hospitality, participate in a work project, and meet your sponsored student! Qualified participants will have completed their junior year in high school AND been on a previous mission trip. This is for college students and other adults, too. For more information, contact Pr Kristie, kristie@familyofchristonline.com ; 952-934-5659, ext.12 See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
13
Vocal & Instrumental Choir Performance Schedule Praise Unlimited sings in worship on November 3 at the 10:45 service, and on December 15 at the 9:15 and 10:45 services. Lux Aeterna sings in worship on November 17 at the 10:45 service, and on December 15 at the 9:15 and 10:45 services. The choir is singing special anthems and it will be wonderful!
Praise Unlimited An awesome group for 3rd-5th graders! We practice on Wednesdays, 5:30-5:55 PM, sing songs during Sunday worship about 4 times throughout the year, and also do some outreach in the community. Lux Aeterna A super cool music group for 6th-8th graders! We practice on Wednesdays, 6:00-6:25 PM, sing in church roughly one time/ month and will also do some community outreach. EPIC! A music band for high school students. We practice every other Wednesday night at 8:00 PM (after confirmation), and lead worship in church the 4th Sunday of each month at 10:45. PFH (Praise for Him) A musical group for adults (16 or older). We lead worship in church for the 9:15 and 10:45 AM services the first Sunday of the month. Our practices are on the Tuesday night (7:00 PM) and the Saturday morning (9:00 AM) before we sing. We are dedicated to incorporating current, edgy contemporary music into the morning’s worship. 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. Our team is a solid group who loves to do slightly difficult arrangements of contemporary Christian music, while still being accessible to help the congregation join in singing. For more information on any of the above music groups, contact Jessica Gensmer ( jessica@familyofchristonline.com ; 612-483-5843). We are always looking for more people and would love to help you find your musical place here at FoC!
14
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. FoC Singers 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.
Instrumental Groups Whether you play a string, woodwind, or brass instrument, FoC has an opportunity for you. Mary Renz is coordinating instrumentalists to play once per month at the 8:00 and 9:15 AM worship services. If you play a string, woodwind, or brass instrument, there is a place for you in one (or more) of our instrumental groups. To find out more, contact Mary.
Praise the Lord in Song! 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 If you have questions, feel free to contact the specific group’s listed director.
Chamber Players This group of instrumentalists plays during worship periodically throughout the year. All skill levels are welcome. Brass Ensemble If you play a brass instrument, please consider joining this fun group which plays occasionally during the school year. Questions about the above instrumental opportunities? Contact Mary Renz: mrfluteloops@gmail.com
Bell Choir Our new Family of Christ Bell Choir uses 3 octaves of bells & is under Lynn Miller’s direction. We rehearse on Thursdays, 8:00-9:00 PM, & play one Sunday per month. If you can’t commit for the full year, still come to a rehearsal and we‘ll work out a time frame that includes you. Contact Lynn Miller ( lynnmillerhandbells@gmail.com ) with questions.
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
15
16
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