8 ~ 2015-2016 FAITH DIRECTORY
Crane Community Chapel
Bear Creek Lutheran Church ELCA
1111 9th St, NE, Austin • 433-5844 www.cranechapel.org Pastor Dale Christiansen
74727 265th St Grand Meadow, MN 507-754-5914 Pastor Larry Iverson
Sunday worship 10:00 am, nursery provided Sunday School 9:00 am
Sunday School 8:45 am Worship Service 10:15 am
Superkidz & Youth Programs, Wednesday 6:00pm
“A community of Christians living & sharing the story of God’s grace and love.”
Fun & Exciting Motorcoach Tours Individual • Group • Charter • Vacation Packages
LEAVE THE PLANNING TO US!
507-529-8687 866-277-8687
We p rovides first-class servicewith the m ost comfortable ride possible. We provide an escort on each bus to be a company representative, to assist you, and to answer any questions you may have along the way. Everything will be done to ensure your comfort and enjoyment from the time you board our bus until the time you return home so pack your bags and join some friends and our family for a relaxing, worry-free vacation!
www.jagtours.com 5608 65th Ave SE, Rochester, MN
Do good by donating older gifts The holiday season is one firmly ensconced in the tradition of exchanging gifts. To address storage issues, some families choose to make charitable donations of some of their past holiday finery in preparation for the arrival of new gifts and goodies. The average person has many belongings he or she may not need. According to the Self Storage Association, there are 2.3 billion square feet designated to self-storage space in the United States, and one out of every 10 households in the country rents a unit. Many financial analysts say that the self-storage industry is essentially recession-proof. That’s because once a person moves items into storage, they’re not likely to move it out anytime soon. Many of the items relegated to self-storage units across the nation could be holiday gifts from years past. But rather than store items that will never see the light of day, why not help a good cause and donate such items to charity? Make it a tradition Families can make donating items prior to the holidays a tradition so that it is something that everyone anticipates and looks forward to. Much as you would decorate the home or shop for fancy holiday clothing, you can set aside a day for sorting through infrequently used items and preparing them for donation. Doing so can teach children the benefits of generosity, which often goes hand-inhand with the season.
Work with an organization There are certain organizations that gather used or new toys and other items to give to the less fortunate. Begin with churches and synagogues and inquire if they sponsor or host a collection program. Schools also may hold item swaps to help raise money for parent-teacher associations or to donate to charities. If you cannot find an organization that serves as the middleman for donations, take it upon yourself to solicit safe houses, hospitals, veteran groups and more to see if they will accept your items. Set limits on new gifts Encourage family members to give back while gifting as well. While one or two new items will be appreciated, you may want to specify that donations to charities that you support, or helping to fund extracurricular activities, is your preference. Organize storage spaces Once clutter has been removed, use this opportunity to install new closet organizers, storage bins, shelving, and any other methods of organization that you prefer. Sort and categorize existing toys and items so that new ones can be added neatly. Involve children in the donation process When donating items, bring the kids along so they can see how their former toys and books will be put to use by other children who may not have the same advantages. It will serve as a good lesson and may help children walk away with a heartwarming experience.
2015-2016
FAITH
Your Local Guide to Places of Worship
DIRECTORY
2 ~ 2015-2016 FAITH DIRECTORY
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7
2015-2016 FAITH DIRECTORY ~ 7
Westminster Presbyterian Church 802 4th St SW, Austin 507-433-3258 www.westminsteraustin.com. Senior Pastor: Rev. Mike Olmsted Associate Pastor: Rev. Mark Lee
The First United Methodist Church
204 1st Ave NW, Austin • 507-433-8839 On the corner of 1st St and 1st Ave NW downtown Austin firstumc@qwestoffice.net • www.austinfumc.org Church office hours: Mon-Thurs 9 am-5 pm; Fri 9 am-noon Sunday Fellowship Time 9:00 & 10:30 am Worship 9:30 am • Learning Hour 10:45 am Wednesday Midweek Gathering 5:15 pm • Supper • Youth & Children Activities • Confirmation • Chancel Choir Rehearsal First United Methodist Church welcomes you with Open Hearts! Open Minds! Open Doors!
“All are invited to share in the ministries here at Westminster as we seek to grow in faith and reach out in love.”
Sunday Worship: 9:30 am Sunday School & Adult Education: 11:00 am Wednesday Night Ministries for all ages begins at 5:30 pm
POET’S HEART, GOD’S GIFT, LLC
Pam Hollrah-Asleson, Poet, Speaker, Workshop Provider, Consultant, Toastmaster
507-554-0080 www.PoetsHeartGodsGift.com
Speaking Topics: Faith; Victim2Victor; Military; For Such A Time As This; Journaling the Journey through Poetry; The Tapestry of You
MY MISSION: Touching Hurting Hearts
MY VISION: Inspiring the desire to grow as individuals & be a leader for change in their own lives!
Celebrate with religious sights and sounds The Mower County Shopper is proud to bring you the 2015-2016 Faith Directory Included in this guide are places of worship with welcoming arms. Explore your faith and find comfort by visiting any of the churches listed throughout this guide. Please contact the Mower County Shopper at 507-437-7731 with interest or information for next year’s publication.
Karen Baldridge, Realtor, GRI
101 8th St NW, Suite 102, Austin, MN • 507-438-3082
In many ways, secular celebrations garner more attention than religious gatherings during the holiday season. But all it takes is a little digging to find religious services to fill our calendars come the month of December. Midnight Mass Many Catholic churches commemorate Jesus Christ’s birth with a special midnight Mass on December 24th. Some Christians wait until the clock strikes midnight to place baby Jesus figurines into their Nativity scenes at home. Midnight Mass may bring entire communities together to share the holiday season message of joy and peace. Midnight Mass also may feature awe-inspiring performances by church choirs or private performers who lend their talents to the festivities. Living Nativity Area houses of worship and community centers may produce their own Living Nativity performances. Costumed volunteers and actors present the story of Christ’s birth and the good news that followed. This can be an especially exciting experience for children and may also be a creative way to reinforce religious beliefs, especially to children who may have difficulty otherwise relating to written text. Christmas pageants In some areas, children play integral roles in recreating the story of Christmas. Churches may offer performances of Christmas pageants that explain the Nativity and other events leading up to the birth of Christ. Parents and extended
What do you need to keep you and yours safe? Physical/Emotional/Spiritual. . . Emergencies Happen: Be-Prepared! Life Safety: 4-U (CPR/Babysitting) 507-481-4469 HELP Button (Alarm Placement) 507-345-HELP (4357)
members of the family can enjoy a religious experience while also sharing praise for their youngest performers. Volunteer efforts Houses of worship may organize clothing drives, holiday meals, toy donation collections, and many other community events this time of year. Volunteer to lend a hand at such events, which can help to remind you that the holiday season is one of giving. Community candle lighting Jewish celebrants may participate in a community-sponsored hanukkiyah (Chanukah menorah) lighting ceremony. Although candles or oil is traditionally burned for Chanukah, many public places use an electric system for safety and convenience. The lighting has a schedule based on tradition and ritual. A Chanukah candle lighting service can bring the religious experience alive for many involved. Caroling Christmas caroling, which likely evolved from the British tradition of wassailing, has largely fallen out of favor. However, many close-knit towns and communities still include caroling among their traditions. Caroling can be a great way to spread holiday share cheer. Although carols are often a blend of religious and secular tunes, many people find their faith is revitalized by joining their friends and neighbors to carol during the holiday season.
6 ~ 2015-2016 FAITH DIRECTORY
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
1600 W Oakland Ave, Austin 507-437-4516 www.oursavioraustin.org Senior Pastor Glenn Monson; Pastor Karen Behling Sunday worship 9:00 & 10:30 am Sunday school 9:00 & 10:30 am Coffee Hour between services Saturday Evening Worship 5:30 pm
Faith Church
1800 12th St SW, Austin 507-437-1000 www.faithchurchaustin.org Sunday worship 8:30 & 11:00 am EquipU classes 9:45 am Wednesday Kids activities 6:00 pm; Students 7:00 pm You are invited to be part of our journey to grow in Christ like-ness through worship, Bible study and serving one another.
2015-2016 FAITH DIRECTORY ~ 3
St. Augustine & St. Edwards Catholic Churches St Columbanus Catholic Church St. Augustine: 405 4th St NW • 507-437-4537 St. Edwards: 2000 Oakland Ave W • 507-433-1841 www.staugustinestedward.org Mass Times: St. Edward Tuesday 7:30 am St. Augustine Saturday 4:30 pm St. Augustine Wednesday 5:15 pm St. Edward Sunday 8:30 am St. Augustine Thursday 7:30 am St. Augustine Sunday 10:30 am
114 East Main Street, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 507-583-2784 Mass Times: www.stcolumbanuschurch.com St Columbanus - Saturday 5:15 pm; Father Thomas Niehaus Sunday 8:30 am; Monday 8:30 am; Friday 8:30 am Sacred Heart, Hayfield Sunday 10:30 am; Tuesday 8:30 am Prairie Manor, Blooming Prairie Wednesday 3:00 am Youth Programs, Faith Formation, Bible Studies and Community Events
St Theodore Catholic Church
CARING FOR YOU BEYOND THE FUNERAL
315 E Clark St, Albert Lea, MN • 507-373-0603 • www.sttheo.org Father Russell Scepaniak A Welcoming Parish Community - Bienvenidos! Mass Schedule: Saturday 5:15 pm; Sunday 9:30 am Sunday 11:00 am (Spanish) Daily Mass: Tuesday & Friday 9:00 am Wednesday 8:45 am Confession: Saturday 4:00 pm
Michelle Knode, HUD Housing Manager
St Mark’s Apartment • michelleknode@ecumen.org Now taking applications for our waiting list. Call for an application and plan your move before the snow flies. 1401 4th St SW, Austin, MN | 507-434-7255
1410 21st Ave, Austin • 507.437.2837 Hours: M-Th 7:30 am-5:30 pm; Fri by appt only; Closed Sat & Sun
CSI
has been Certified by Assured Performance, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization, and officially recognized by Ford, GM, Chrysler and Enterprise.
WE CARE Memory Care Companion Memory Care Assisted Living Independent Living 700 1st Dr NW, Austin • 507-437-3246 • www.cedarsofaustin.com
A place to call home
4 ~ 2015-2016 FAITH DIRECTORY
First Baptist Church
206 East Main Street, PO Box 202, Brownsdale, MN 55918 507-567-2369 Pastor Ken Petzold 507-440-3615 Sunday Services: 10:30 am & 6:00 pm Sunday School: 9:30 am
Dexter United Methodist Church 230 Pleasant St, Dexter
United Church of Grand Meadow
104 2nd St SE, Grand Meadow Pastor Jon Marburger • 507-584-6693 Sunday worship: 9:00 am Grand Meadow and 10:30 am Dexter
Loving Church with Biblical Values
Serving All Faiths in the Austin Area Since 1915
2015-2016 FAITH DIRECTORY ~ 5
The Salvation Army of Austin, MN 409 1st Ave NE, Austin 507-437-4566 Lt David Amick
Saturday night worship 5:00 pm
Youth Programs on Tuesday nights 6:00-7:00 pm
Wednesday AXIOM Youth Service 6th-12th grades 7:00 pm
Thinking of downsizing and moving in the spring? Come in for a tour & sign up to be on our wait list!
Mayer Funeral Home Praying With Confidence
Nonprofit organizations rely on the generosity of donors to help them meet their mission statements. Billions of dollars are donated to charities each year, but few people may know that religious organizations are among the biggest beneficiaries of Americans’ charitable largesse.
ings. Tithing is mentioned in Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:26, Deuteronomy 14:24, and 2 Chronicles 31:5. While the New Testament does not recommend or demand tithing and only mentions that gifts should be “in keeping with income,” some religious groups continue to embrace tithing.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
According to data from the National Study of American Religious Giving and the National Study of American Jewish Giving, American households donated a median of $375 to congregations, $150 to religiously identified nonprofit organizations and $250 to secular charities in 2012. Various sources repeatedly state that those who identify as religious people are more likely to be philanthropic. That likelihood may be a byproduct of the tradition of tithing.
Depending on the religious organization, adherents to a particular faith may be encouraged to tithe. But many religious groups now leave it up to donors’ discretion with regard to how much to give.
Instituted in ancient times, tithing is a concept of giving 10 percent of one’s personal income to a religious organization. Because donors’ income was unlike it is today, centuries ago tithes often came as donations of produce and livestock. Tithing was compulsory within traditional Jewish law and practice, and Christians adopted the practice through Old Testament teach-
Individuals who plan to give to religious organizations can determine a donation figure that is within their means and adjust it accordingly through the years - giving out of feelings of purpose and not obligation.
Sunday worship 9:00 am & 10:30 am
• Maintenance-Free Living • Affordability • Sense of Community • Heated Garage & Car Wash
Call Norma for more information | 507-433-1310 | 2301 10th Street NW, Austin, MN
Religious giving and tithing today
Givers are encouraged to see where their donations go, and it’s not without reason to ask for accounting from a church, synagogue or mosque to understand how donations are attributed. Many religious groups voluntarily publish this information in weekly bulletins.
1403 1st Ave SW, Austin • 507-433-7008 www.cornerstoneaustin.org Lead Pastor: Dave Simerson
Sunday School 10:00 am Sunday Worship 11:00 am
Compassion • Caring • Service with Respect
507-433-1817 | 600 2nd St NW, Austin MN | www.mayerfh.com
Cornerstone Church
How do you pray with confidence? How do you know if God will answer your prayers? Four key words answer this question: Abide Abiding is the key to successful praying. In John 15:7, Jesus states,“If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you.” Colossians 3:16 says,“Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you.”Abiding means you want to stay as close to Christ as possible. Ask Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one who asks receives; and he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks it shall be opened.” We can ask God for anything and He listens - He will answer. Ask specifically! Someone has said when we get to heaven we’ll find a lot of unopened gift packages with our name on them because we did not claim them through prayer.
Believe In Matthew 21:22 we read, “Everything you ask in prayer, believing you shall receive.” Faith, which is an attitude of believing, pleases God. With Him, all things are possible. Remind yourself of this verse when you pray. Receive If you are abiding in Christ and you have asked and believe, get ready to receive the answer. In other words, when you pray for rain, carry an umbrella. John 16:24 says, “Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.” Remember these four words to pray with confidence: • abide • ask • believe • receive Father, teach us to pray with confidence. To abide in Jesus, to ask, to believe You will answer our prayers and to be ready to receive Your answers. Amen.
4 ~ 2015-2016 FAITH DIRECTORY
First Baptist Church
206 East Main Street, PO Box 202, Brownsdale, MN 55918 507-567-2369 Pastor Ken Petzold 507-440-3615 Sunday Services: 10:30 am & 6:00 pm Sunday School: 9:30 am
Dexter United Methodist Church 230 Pleasant St, Dexter
United Church of Grand Meadow
104 2nd St SE, Grand Meadow Pastor Jon Marburger • 507-584-6693 Sunday worship: 9:00 am Grand Meadow and 10:30 am Dexter
Loving Church with Biblical Values
Serving All Faiths in the Austin Area Since 1915
2015-2016 FAITH DIRECTORY ~ 5
The Salvation Army of Austin, MN 409 1st Ave NE, Austin 507-437-4566 Lt David Amick
Saturday night worship 5:00 pm
Youth Programs on Tuesday nights 6:00-7:00 pm
Wednesday AXIOM Youth Service 6th-12th grades 7:00 pm
Thinking of downsizing and moving in the spring? Come in for a tour & sign up to be on our wait list!
Mayer Funeral Home Praying With Confidence
Nonprofit organizations rely on the generosity of donors to help them meet their mission statements. Billions of dollars are donated to charities each year, but few people may know that religious organizations are among the biggest beneficiaries of Americans’ charitable largesse.
ings. Tithing is mentioned in Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:26, Deuteronomy 14:24, and 2 Chronicles 31:5. While the New Testament does not recommend or demand tithing and only mentions that gifts should be “in keeping with income,” some religious groups continue to embrace tithing.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
According to data from the National Study of American Religious Giving and the National Study of American Jewish Giving, American households donated a median of $375 to congregations, $150 to religiously identified nonprofit organizations and $250 to secular charities in 2012. Various sources repeatedly state that those who identify as religious people are more likely to be philanthropic. That likelihood may be a byproduct of the tradition of tithing.
Depending on the religious organization, adherents to a particular faith may be encouraged to tithe. But many religious groups now leave it up to donors’ discretion with regard to how much to give.
Instituted in ancient times, tithing is a concept of giving 10 percent of one’s personal income to a religious organization. Because donors’ income was unlike it is today, centuries ago tithes often came as donations of produce and livestock. Tithing was compulsory within traditional Jewish law and practice, and Christians adopted the practice through Old Testament teach-
Individuals who plan to give to religious organizations can determine a donation figure that is within their means and adjust it accordingly through the years - giving out of feelings of purpose and not obligation.
Sunday worship 9:00 am & 10:30 am
• Maintenance-Free Living • Affordability • Sense of Community • Heated Garage & Car Wash
Call Norma for more information | 507-433-1310 | 2301 10th Street NW, Austin, MN
Religious giving and tithing today
Givers are encouraged to see where their donations go, and it’s not without reason to ask for accounting from a church, synagogue or mosque to understand how donations are attributed. Many religious groups voluntarily publish this information in weekly bulletins.
1403 1st Ave SW, Austin • 507-433-7008 www.cornerstoneaustin.org Lead Pastor: Dave Simerson
Sunday School 10:00 am Sunday Worship 11:00 am
Compassion • Caring • Service with Respect
507-433-1817 | 600 2nd St NW, Austin MN | www.mayerfh.com
Cornerstone Church
How do you pray with confidence? How do you know if God will answer your prayers? Four key words answer this question: Abide Abiding is the key to successful praying. In John 15:7, Jesus states,“If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you.” Colossians 3:16 says,“Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you.”Abiding means you want to stay as close to Christ as possible. Ask Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one who asks receives; and he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks it shall be opened.” We can ask God for anything and He listens - He will answer. Ask specifically! Someone has said when we get to heaven we’ll find a lot of unopened gift packages with our name on them because we did not claim them through prayer.
Believe In Matthew 21:22 we read, “Everything you ask in prayer, believing you shall receive.” Faith, which is an attitude of believing, pleases God. With Him, all things are possible. Remind yourself of this verse when you pray. Receive If you are abiding in Christ and you have asked and believe, get ready to receive the answer. In other words, when you pray for rain, carry an umbrella. John 16:24 says, “Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.” Remember these four words to pray with confidence: • abide • ask • believe • receive Father, teach us to pray with confidence. To abide in Jesus, to ask, to believe You will answer our prayers and to be ready to receive Your answers. Amen.
6 ~ 2015-2016 FAITH DIRECTORY
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
1600 W Oakland Ave, Austin 507-437-4516 www.oursavioraustin.org Senior Pastor Glenn Monson; Pastor Karen Behling Sunday worship 9:00 & 10:30 am Sunday school 9:00 & 10:30 am Coffee Hour between services Saturday Evening Worship 5:30 pm
Faith Church
1800 12th St SW, Austin 507-437-1000 www.faithchurchaustin.org Sunday worship 8:30 & 11:00 am EquipU classes 9:45 am Wednesday Kids activities 6:00 pm; Students 7:00 pm You are invited to be part of our journey to grow in Christ like-ness through worship, Bible study and serving one another.
2015-2016 FAITH DIRECTORY ~ 3
St. Augustine & St. Edwards Catholic Churches St Columbanus Catholic Church St. Augustine: 405 4th St NW • 507-437-4537 St. Edwards: 2000 Oakland Ave W • 507-433-1841 www.staugustinestedward.org Mass Times: St. Edward Tuesday 7:30 am St. Augustine Saturday 4:30 pm St. Augustine Wednesday 5:15 pm St. Edward Sunday 8:30 am St. Augustine Thursday 7:30 am St. Augustine Sunday 10:30 am
114 East Main Street, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 507-583-2784 Mass Times: www.stcolumbanuschurch.com St Columbanus - Saturday 5:15 pm; Father Thomas Niehaus Sunday 8:30 am; Monday 8:30 am; Friday 8:30 am Sacred Heart, Hayfield Sunday 10:30 am; Tuesday 8:30 am Prairie Manor, Blooming Prairie Wednesday 3:00 am Youth Programs, Faith Formation, Bible Studies and Community Events
St Theodore Catholic Church
CARING FOR YOU BEYOND THE FUNERAL
315 E Clark St, Albert Lea, MN • 507-373-0603 • www.sttheo.org Father Russell Scepaniak A Welcoming Parish Community - Bienvenidos! Mass Schedule: Saturday 5:15 pm; Sunday 9:30 am Sunday 11:00 am (Spanish) Daily Mass: Tuesday & Friday 9:00 am Wednesday 8:45 am Confession: Saturday 4:00 pm
Michelle Knode, HUD Housing Manager
St Mark’s Apartment • michelleknode@ecumen.org Now taking applications for our waiting list. Call for an application and plan your move before the snow flies. 1401 4th St SW, Austin, MN | 507-434-7255
1410 21st Ave, Austin • 507.437.2837 Hours: M-Th 7:30 am-5:30 pm; Fri by appt only; Closed Sat & Sun
CSI
has been Certified by Assured Performance, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization, and officially recognized by Ford, GM, Chrysler and Enterprise.
WE CARE Memory Care Companion Memory Care Assisted Living Independent Living 700 1st Dr NW, Austin • 507-437-3246 • www.cedarsofaustin.com
A place to call home
2 ~ 2015-2016 FAITH DIRECTORY
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7
2015-2016 FAITH DIRECTORY ~ 7
Westminster Presbyterian Church 802 4th St SW, Austin 507-433-3258 www.westminsteraustin.com. Senior Pastor: Rev. Mike Olmsted Associate Pastor: Rev. Mark Lee
The First United Methodist Church
204 1st Ave NW, Austin • 507-433-8839 On the corner of 1st St and 1st Ave NW downtown Austin firstumc@qwestoffice.net • www.austinfumc.org Church office hours: Mon-Thurs 9 am-5 pm; Fri 9 am-noon Sunday Fellowship Time 9:00 & 10:30 am Worship 9:30 am • Learning Hour 10:45 am Wednesday Midweek Gathering 5:15 pm • Supper • Youth & Children Activities • Confirmation • Chancel Choir Rehearsal First United Methodist Church welcomes you with Open Hearts! Open Minds! Open Doors!
“All are invited to share in the ministries here at Westminster as we seek to grow in faith and reach out in love.”
Sunday Worship: 9:30 am Sunday School & Adult Education: 11:00 am Wednesday Night Ministries for all ages begins at 5:30 pm
POET’S HEART, GOD’S GIFT, LLC
Pam Hollrah-Asleson, Poet, Speaker, Workshop Provider, Consultant, Toastmaster
507-554-0080 www.PoetsHeartGodsGift.com
Speaking Topics: Faith; Victim2Victor; Military; For Such A Time As This; Journaling the Journey through Poetry; The Tapestry of You
MY MISSION: Touching Hurting Hearts
MY VISION: Inspiring the desire to grow as individuals & be a leader for change in their own lives!
Celebrate with religious sights and sounds The Mower County Shopper is proud to bring you the 2015-2016 Faith Directory Included in this guide are places of worship with welcoming arms. Explore your faith and find comfort by visiting any of the churches listed throughout this guide. Please contact the Mower County Shopper at 507-437-7731 with interest or information for next year’s publication.
Karen Baldridge, Realtor, GRI
101 8th St NW, Suite 102, Austin, MN • 507-438-3082
In many ways, secular celebrations garner more attention than religious gatherings during the holiday season. But all it takes is a little digging to find religious services to fill our calendars come the month of December. Midnight Mass Many Catholic churches commemorate Jesus Christ’s birth with a special midnight Mass on December 24th. Some Christians wait until the clock strikes midnight to place baby Jesus figurines into their Nativity scenes at home. Midnight Mass may bring entire communities together to share the holiday season message of joy and peace. Midnight Mass also may feature awe-inspiring performances by church choirs or private performers who lend their talents to the festivities. Living Nativity Area houses of worship and community centers may produce their own Living Nativity performances. Costumed volunteers and actors present the story of Christ’s birth and the good news that followed. This can be an especially exciting experience for children and may also be a creative way to reinforce religious beliefs, especially to children who may have difficulty otherwise relating to written text. Christmas pageants In some areas, children play integral roles in recreating the story of Christmas. Churches may offer performances of Christmas pageants that explain the Nativity and other events leading up to the birth of Christ. Parents and extended
What do you need to keep you and yours safe? Physical/Emotional/Spiritual. . . Emergencies Happen: Be-Prepared! Life Safety: 4-U (CPR/Babysitting) 507-481-4469 HELP Button (Alarm Placement) 507-345-HELP (4357)
members of the family can enjoy a religious experience while also sharing praise for their youngest performers. Volunteer efforts Houses of worship may organize clothing drives, holiday meals, toy donation collections, and many other community events this time of year. Volunteer to lend a hand at such events, which can help to remind you that the holiday season is one of giving. Community candle lighting Jewish celebrants may participate in a community-sponsored hanukkiyah (Chanukah menorah) lighting ceremony. Although candles or oil is traditionally burned for Chanukah, many public places use an electric system for safety and convenience. The lighting has a schedule based on tradition and ritual. A Chanukah candle lighting service can bring the religious experience alive for many involved. Caroling Christmas caroling, which likely evolved from the British tradition of wassailing, has largely fallen out of favor. However, many close-knit towns and communities still include caroling among their traditions. Caroling can be a great way to spread holiday share cheer. Although carols are often a blend of religious and secular tunes, many people find their faith is revitalized by joining their friends and neighbors to carol during the holiday season.
8 ~ 2015-2016 FAITH DIRECTORY
Crane Community Chapel
Bear Creek Lutheran Church ELCA
1111 9th St, NE, Austin • 433-5844 www.cranechapel.org Pastor Dale Christiansen
74727 265th St Grand Meadow, MN 507-754-5914 Pastor Larry Iverson
Sunday worship 10:00 am, nursery provided Sunday School 9:00 am
Sunday School 8:45 am Worship Service 10:15 am
Superkidz & Youth Programs, Wednesday 6:00pm
“A community of Christians living & sharing the story of God’s grace and love.”
Fun & Exciting Motorcoach Tours Individual • Group • Charter • Vacation Packages
LEAVE THE PLANNING TO US!
507-529-8687 866-277-8687
We p rovides first-class servicewith the m ost comfortable ride possible. We provide an escort on each bus to be a company representative, to assist you, and to answer any questions you may have along the way. Everything will be done to ensure your comfort and enjoyment from the time you board our bus until the time you return home so pack your bags and join some friends and our family for a relaxing, worry-free vacation!
www.jagtours.com 5608 65th Ave SE, Rochester, MN
Do good by donating older gifts The holiday season is one firmly ensconced in the tradition of exchanging gifts. To address storage issues, some families choose to make charitable donations of some of their past holiday finery in preparation for the arrival of new gifts and goodies. The average person has many belongings he or she may not need. According to the Self Storage Association, there are 2.3 billion square feet designated to self-storage space in the United States, and one out of every 10 households in the country rents a unit. Many financial analysts say that the self-storage industry is essentially recession-proof. That’s because once a person moves items into storage, they’re not likely to move it out anytime soon. Many of the items relegated to self-storage units across the nation could be holiday gifts from years past. But rather than store items that will never see the light of day, why not help a good cause and donate such items to charity? Make it a tradition Families can make donating items prior to the holidays a tradition so that it is something that everyone anticipates and looks forward to. Much as you would decorate the home or shop for fancy holiday clothing, you can set aside a day for sorting through infrequently used items and preparing them for donation. Doing so can teach children the benefits of generosity, which often goes hand-inhand with the season.
Work with an organization There are certain organizations that gather used or new toys and other items to give to the less fortunate. Begin with churches and synagogues and inquire if they sponsor or host a collection program. Schools also may hold item swaps to help raise money for parent-teacher associations or to donate to charities. If you cannot find an organization that serves as the middleman for donations, take it upon yourself to solicit safe houses, hospitals, veteran groups and more to see if they will accept your items. Set limits on new gifts Encourage family members to give back while gifting as well. While one or two new items will be appreciated, you may want to specify that donations to charities that you support, or helping to fund extracurricular activities, is your preference. Organize storage spaces Once clutter has been removed, use this opportunity to install new closet organizers, storage bins, shelving, and any other methods of organization that you prefer. Sort and categorize existing toys and items so that new ones can be added neatly. Involve children in the donation process When donating items, bring the kids along so they can see how their former toys and books will be put to use by other children who may not have the same advantages. It will serve as a good lesson and may help children walk away with a heartwarming experience.
2015-2016
FAITH
Your Local Guide to Places of Worship
DIRECTORY