2014
, familyofchristonline.com
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952-934-5659
’ Needing Directions & Reminders A bagpiper named Ian Wallace was in high demand to play for a wide variety of events, which caused him to drive here and there and everywhere, ready to play his mournful music. A funeral director called upon Ian to play the pipes for a homeless man who had died. Apparently the deceased had no family or friends, so the service was to be at a paupers’ cemetery in the Nova Scotia back country. Ian Wallace was not at all familiar with that part of the country, and promptly got lost. And, as is typical for some people (I’m not naming names!), he refused to stop and ask for directions. Instead he drove ‘round and ‘round, searching for the cemetery. He arrived a full hour late, and realized the funeral director was gone, as was the hearse. Only the diggers and crew were left, and they were eating lunch at the side of the open grave. Taking out his squawking bagpipes, Ian apologized to the men for being late, and then, not knowing what else to do, he started playing hymns. The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around reverently. Ian played his heart and soul out for the poor homeless man who had no family and friends. He played as he had never played before, and by the time he was wrapping things up with a hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace,” the gathered men began to wipe away tears. Indeed, a few of them wept openly, and soon Ian himself had tears streaming down his cheeks. In silence, they all stood like sentinels until Ian turned on his heels and walked back to his car. His heart was full as he packed away his bagpipes. As he was climbing into the driver’s seat, he overheard one of the workers say, “I’ve never seen anything like that, and I’ve been putting in septic tanks for twenty years.” Oh, how often we get ourselves going in the wrong direction and end up at the wrong destination at the wrong time. So, Lord help us, we need good directions and helpful reminders along the way. That is how we head down the right path, and that is how we play our music and live out our faith in the right way. It is easy to get our priorities turned upside down in our modern culture. It is easy to lose track of the things we hold dear, and neglect that which needs attention, while focusing on those things that are not helpful for us. I am talking about stewardship, believe it or not! This is a subject that is important for churches to talk about with regular frequency, because it helps us get good directions for our path and provides the reminders we need to be faithful. In October, we will all be invited to be good stewards, or caretakers, of the many blessings God has given us. We will seek directions and reminders about how to live lives of exciting generosity. Our scripture theme is the great passage from Micah 6 where the prophet invites the followers of God to “Do Justice, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with God.” Such a passage points us in the right direction. On three Sundays — Oct. 12, 19 & 26 — we will encourage each other to think and pray about the ways we give offerings to God through the work of our church, and about the ways we offer our very lives to the glory of God. On Commitment Sunday, Oct. 26, there will be a special time to bring forward your pledge for our ministry together in 2015. The directional sign for us will be to DO, LOVE, and WALK. As an added bonus, a good friend of this congregation, Pastor Steve Olson, who used to be a part-time pastor here, will be our guest preacher on the 26th. Watch for more information from a variety of sources, inviting you to consider your responses to the great love which God has offered us in Christ. We won’t wander around aimlessly, nor will we show up at the wrong places at the wrong times. We will seek to respond with thankful hearts and joyful praise to the God who has called us with amazing grace.
~ Pr Josh
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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 News & Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 How You Can Help . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 New Member Event . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Church Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Preschool & Children . . . . . . . . . . 7 Confirmation & Beyond . . . . . . . . 8 Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Meet the Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Stewardship in October On the final three Sundays of October, we will hear about God’s call to faithful stewardship and generosity. Using the theme “Do Justice, Love Mercy, & Walk Humbly,” we will be invited to prayerfully consider our pledge for giving in 2015. Pr Steve Olson is our guest preacher on Commitment Sunday, October 26, & the stewardship committee will provide special treats that day.
New Staff Members
Mary Renz
Two people have been added to our church staff: Kim Schaeferle has accepted the job of Connections Coordinator and Mary Renz has accepted the job of Director of Music Ministry. Both women have been connected to Family of Christ for many years, and bring a wealth of relationships to their respective tasks. They have already begun their work, and we will officially install them into their ministry roles during worship services on Sunday, Nov. 2. Congratulations, Kim and Mary, and welcome aboard! See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
Kim Schaeferle
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& Show Your Spirit! Family of Christ apparel is now available! Update your fall wardrobe, add to your workout attire, or maybe find a Christmas gift, all while proudly supporting Family of Christ. Choose from many styles, including shortand long-sleeved t-shirts (performance and cotton fabric), sweatshirts, polos, pullovers, and bowling shirts. You can even select your favorite color! The sale runs through Oct. 12. Order forms are available at church, as well as on our FoC website ( http://familyofchristonline.com/adults/family-of-christ-apparel.html ).
Seeds of Hope Seeds of Hope is a sponsorship ministry that directly benefits students of all grade levels, including college, in El Salvador. Living in extreme poverty, many families cannot afford to buy the shoes, books, supplies, uniforms, & transportation required for school. To receive a sponsorship, students must attend school, show satisfactory progress, & attend church regularly. Seeds of Hope covers those costs for over 350 students, including 35 at university (161 students are sponsored by FoC). Representatives will be at church Oct. 5 & 12 to provide info, answer questions, & connect with current & prospective sponsors.
Young Adult Ministry 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!
Financial Health Update How are we doing this year with our church finances? The church council, lay leaders, and staff members have worked well to keep our expenses a little lower than expected to date. That has been particularly helpful since our offerings also lagged behind expectations. We are currently behind by over $7,000, but we are hopeful that in this final quarter of the year, we will see strong, faithful responses in stewardship to not only make up the difference, but to move our church finances into the black. We thank you for the generosity and gifts you have been able to share. Later in October, we will be invited to keep being good stewards as we make pledges for 2015, to be presented on Commitment Sunday, October 26.
Financial Update General Fund Balance as of 1/01/14 $15,040
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Income thru 8/31/14 $500,662
Expenses thru 7/31/14 ($523,350)
General Fund Balance as of 7/31/14___ ($7,648)
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
Volunteers Needed at Feed My Starving Children Three packing sessions at FMSC have been scheduled for the month of October: 1) Wednesday, Oct. 1, 9:30-11:30 AM; 2) Wednesday, Oct. 15, 9:30-11:30 AM; (A list of needed items is always 3) Tuesday, Oct. 21, 6:00-7:30 PM. FMSC says the number of volunteers packing food has dropped since the start of the school year, but the number of starving posted on their website: bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org) children has not. Please join your FoC family and help pack some meals. No need to sign up—just show up at 18732 Lake Drive E., Chan. Direct questions to Ron Larson ( lars710@mediacombb.net ; 952-442-2881) Bountiful Basket Need: October: Soup
Our Saviour’s Shelter Volunteers are needed to help with this CIA-sponsored mission activity. On Fri., October 17, FoC serves a meal at Our Saviour’s, a shelter for homeless men & women located in Minneapolis. Volunteers are needed to make food (residents love our home-cooked meals), serve, or both. There is a sign-up sheet on the CIA bulletin board near the kitchen. Please label the container your food is in "Our Saviour’s," and bring it to church by 5:45 PM on the 17th. If you are serving, please be at church by 5:45 to car pool. Questions? Call Elaine Larson (952-442-2881). Make a Difference Day Make a Difference Day is Sat., Nov. 1, and many of our confirmation groups take part in service projects that day. A community bingo event has been set up for residents and friends of Bethesda Lutheran Community starting at 11 AM. We encourage everyone to find a way to serve, give, and love on or around Nov. 1, so that you join in the spirit of our Make a Difference Day. Thank You — You’ve Made a Difference! Backpacks & School Supplies Jim Seifert, co-chair of our Christians in Action Committee, extends a thank you to everyone who participated in our 2014 Lutheran Social Services Backpack Program! With the donated backpacks and the scientific calculators, FoC members assembled the needed school supplies to fill 24 backpacks for high school students coming into the country as new immigrants this year. Thanks to all who helped with this great outreach. A Personal Thank-you ...to Randy & Meg Ruckdashel, who faithfully come to visit me Sunday mornings, bringing me the news from church and the worship folders. Also, thanks to Bev Gossard & Janet Sabinski for picking me up for Wednesday services last summer. I really enjoyed coming and the food was delicious. Sincerely, Val Swedberg
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 Pr Josh at josh@familyofchristonline.com; 952-934-5659, ext. 13. New members will be received Sunday, Nov. 16.
Scan the QR code to introduce yourself to us and/or to sign up to receive our e-communications.
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NEW! Pr Kristie’s Book Club #1 Adults are invited to a free-wheeling discussion of The Giver, by Lois Lowry – a book many a middle-schooler has been assigned through the years. The book (available at any bookstore or downloadable on your e-reader) is a quick read. Read it & come to Pr Kristie & Gene’s home (2446 Highover Trail, Chan.) at 7:00 PM Thurs., Oct. 2, to share insights & questions raised by one of the most influential novels of our time. Beverages and dessert will be served. Bring a friend or neighbor. If you’re coming, email her at kristie@familyofchristonline.com.
The Border Crisis
Walking with Our Partners in El Salvador Thursday, Oct. 23, 7:00-8:30 PM Gethsemane Lutheran Church
Men’s Group October Fest Saturday, Oct. 4 • 5:00 PM Men of the church, join the Spartans (even if you aren’t a member) for fellowship, feasting, & frolicking! We’ll BBQ brats & burgers & enjoy beverages! For men who haven’t come to Men's Group because Saturday is your only morning to sleep in, we welcome you to our late afternoon gathering!
(715 Minnetonka Mills Road, Hopkins)
Come to a forum to learn about the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.Mexico border, especially as it relates to El Salvador. Advocates for Human Rights Staff Attorney Emily Good will present the story behind the crisis, providing key information and suggesting ways we can get involved. Following the speaker, we will hear an updated report from the Lutheran Church in El Salvador, and have an opportunity to share with other congregations in the Minneapolis Area and St. Paul Area Synods regarding our partnerships in E Salvador. Refreshments will be served. Want to carpool? Give Pr Kristie a shout: kristie@familyofchristonline.com or 952-934-5659.
It’s always the right time to join a music group! See page 13 for music opportunities.
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(Connecting from different angles and sharing insights) For those young adults who are 20-30 something, single or married without kids, please join us for our monthly discussion group on Wednesday, October 15, at 7 PM, in the conference room at FoC. Our discussion topic is “Faith and Relationships.” If you have questions, contact Derek Syverson ( djsyverson@comcast.net ) or Pastor Jeanne ( jeanne@familyofchristonline.com ). Southwest Grief Coalition For those who are grieving the death of a loved one, the Southwest Grief Coalition meets on Mondays, October 20 – December 1, at Pax Christi in Eden Prairie. For more info, contact Pr Kristie ( kristie@familyofchristonline.com ) or Pr Jeanne ( Jeanne@familyofchristonline.com ). CHEERS! Sacred Seasons is hosting a wine tasting Sat., Oct. 25, at Dolce Vita Wine Shop in Chaska. All proceeds from ticket sales will be used to beautify our worship space throughout the year. Drop in any time between 5:00 & 7:00 PM, and with your ticket ($15/person) you’ll receive 6 tastings + light appetizers. Dolce Vita will also donate 15% of event sales. Tickets on sale soon; limited to 60 people. Looking for an Activity ...that you can do until you’re 100? Learn how to knit or crochet at our prayer shawl meetings. It’s easy, & we’ve got extra knitting needles & yarn for you to practice with! Our patterns are very easy. New knitters & crochet-ers are always welcome! We meet Mon. evenings at 7:00 & Tues. mornings at 11:00 at church. Questions? Contact Melanie Wegner (952-361-9494; melanie.wegner@embarqmail.com )
See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
& Family of Christ Preschool Important Dates: * Thursday, Oct. 2 — Field trip to Minnetonka Apple Orchards for the Bumblebee, Frog, & Monkey classes * Thursday & Friday, Oct. 16 & 17 — MEA break, no classes * Thursday, Oct. 23 — Daddy & Me Fall Festival, 6:00-7:30 PM * Oct. 29, 30, & 31 — Fall classroom parties
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.
Daddy & Me Fall Festival (Not just for dads!)
Thursday, Oct. 23 • 6:00-7:30 PM Although this event is called “Daddy & Me,” it is not limited to dads! Uncles, grandpas, and even moms are welcome. This event is a fundraiser for the preschool. There will be games with prizes, crafts, pizza, cookie decorating, and a TON of FUN!! Cost is $20 for one adult and one child. Additional adults or children are $5 each.
Children’s Ministry Sunday School Important Dates
October 12: All kids sing during worship at the service they attend October 19: MEA break — No Sunday school classes
Christos MEA Break • Wednesday, October 15 No Wednesday activities See our complete online calendar at http://tinyurl.com/kjy643f
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& Confirmation The confirmation retreat has moved to the fall this year: Sat. & Sun. Oct. 25-26, at Luther Crest Bible Camp. The retreat is for all 6th-8th grade confirmation students and Lifeguides. If you have not yet done so, please RSVP at www.tinyurl.com/focretreatrsvp . (High school students who’d like to help lead the retreat, see details below.) Important Dates: Wed., Oct. 1 • 6:30-8:00 PM Wed., Oct. 8 • 6:30-8:00 PM Wed., Oct. 15 • MEA break — No confirmation Wed., Oct. 22 • 6:30-8:00 PM Sat. & Sun., Oct. 25-26 • Confirmation retreat Wed., Oct. 29 • 6:30-8:00 PM
High School Bagels and Bible Study Enjoy an Einstein Bros Bagel & a discussion about the day’s Gospel text. We meet on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month at 10:15 AM in the youth room. In October, we only meet on Oct. 12, due to the confirmation retreat on the 26th. Newcomers are always welcome! Confirmation Retreat Planning Team High school students may go up a night early (Friday, Oct. 24) for the confirmation retreat (Oct. 25-26), to help lead the event! If you’re interested, you’re invited to attend planning meetings on Oct. 1 & 8 (both Wednesdays) at 5:00 PM in Lindsey’s office. What Now? Hey, high school seniors, you’re invited to a special small group just for you! Meet monthly to talk about life and faith as you transition out of high school. Led by Dean Brown. New this year: meet on Sunday mornings! You’ll meet at 10:15 in the youth room the first Sunday of each month, October 5. The remaining dates are Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 4, Feb. 1, Mar. 1, Apr. 12 (the 5th is Easter), and May 3.
Mission Trips Mission Trip Sunday: October 5 2014 trip participants — make sure to attend worship that morning and wear your mission trip t-shirts. Registration is going on now for 2015 trips! For more info, visit www.familyofchristonline.com/you th . 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
New High School Ministry A new high school ministry is starting Wed., Oct. 1! This three-part series will meet Oct 1 & 29 and Nov. 12 (all Wednesdays) at 8:00 PM. See Twitter for more details!
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!
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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. 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 ). New Group (Contemporary style & soon-to-be-named)–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 on Wed., Oct. 8, 8:00 PM Praise Unlimited-Rehearses this Wed. at 5:30 PM Lux Aeterna-Rehearses this Wed. at 5:30 PM Contact Mary Renz with any questions: mary@familyofchristonline.com; cell: 952-393-5981
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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