St. John Lutheran Church
The HERALD Volume 112, Issue 10
“Growing Community in Christ”
Monday, December 24
Christmas Eve Worship 3:30 p.m. Lessons and Carols with the Trax of Faith Worship Band & Communion 5:30 p.m. Lessons & Carols with Candlelight & the St. John Choir 10:30 p.m. Meditative worship with Communion & Candlelight
Last half Dec. ‘12/January 2013
Sunday, December 16: SS Christmas Program at the 11:00 a.m. service Sunday, December 23: 9:30 a.m. CHRISTMAS MINI-CANTATA One Worship only - No Sunday School
Sunday, December 30: 9:30 a.m. One Worship only - No Sunday School Sunday, January 6: 8:45 & 11:00 a.m. Epiphany Celebration with Cantata Sunday School at 10:00 a.m.
St. John Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 27 at 12:30 pm With a luncheon served at 12:00 noon.
From the Pastor: We are now a couple of weeks into our new liturgical season which starts with Advent. Soon we will be gathering around the manger to witness together what God is doing in Christ. And with a blink of an eye, we will be gathering with friends and families again, while we wish those around us a happy New Year. This time of year brings so much excitement, busyness, and joy that it can often be difficult to keep our lives from spiraling out of control. I often become so excited and focused on our church and family festivities that I have a hard time focusing on the day that is before me. But that is the point of Advent. It’s hard to have patience while knowing a great party is coming. One practice that I enjoy this time of year is the art of reflection. As we come to close a new year and begin a new one I find joy along with heartache as I think about what took place this last year. All of us have had great moments of joy and have had moments of frustration and despair. The reason that I enjoy looking back is to witness and remind myself that God was there. God was there as I shared many smiles and God was there when I shared many tears. It’s a great reminder to know that God is faithful and that God has not left our side.
Another practice that I enjoy this time of year is the art of reflecting forward. I love sitting with my family and reflecting on our future. I can’t help but think about the ways God is going to change our lives through St. John. I smile as I think about the ways God is inviting us to do ministry in the world for the sake of justice, peace, hunger, and love. One thing that I am truly excited about this next year is a lay visitation program called Stephen Ministry. “Stephen Ministry provides congregations with the training, resources, and ongoing support to organize and equip a team of lay caregivers--called Stephen Ministers--in the congregation. Stephen Ministers provide high-quality, confidential, Christcentered care and support to people experiencing grief, divorce, cancer, job loss, loneliness, disability, relocation, and other life difficulties.” (http://www.stephenministries.org) In the coming weeks you will hear more about Stephen Ministry and many of you will be called by God to serve your congregation in this unique way. So as the excitement of Advent and Christmas enters your heart and as the excitement of new ministries enters St. John, may each of us open our hearts and allow God to lead us in faith, so that we together can live out our vision as a “growing community in Christ.” Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Pastor Nathan Keith
MUSIC NOTES!
Questions: call or text 388-4200 (Dawn) or email: dawn@stjohnfargo.com or ldpapenfuss@gmail.com
Choir Schedule: Dec. 16: 8:45 St. John Choir 11:00 Sunday School Christmas Program Wed., Dec. 19: 7-8 pm: Rehearsal for Dec. 23 Cantata 8-8:45 pm Rehearsal for Christmas Eve Choir (Dec. 24, 5:30 pm service: open to high school and older. Let Dawn know if you would like to sing in the Christmas Eve Choir in case of rehearsal time changes.) Dec. 23: 9:30 am Worship only! Last portion of service will be the Christmas Cantata led by St. John Choir NO Rehearsal on Wed., Dec. 26 Wed. Jan. 2: 7-8:30 pm, CANTATA Rehearsal. We will have the “Epiphany” Celebration and sing the last portion of the cantata. Orchestra and Choir will rehearse on Wed., Jan. 2. Jan. 6: 8:45 & 11:00, Epiphany Celebration with St. John Choir, the Cantata, Congregational singing and the Kings!
PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY!
Healthy Feet Are "Happy Feet" Our Foot Care Clinic provides foot care performed by volunteers and trained health personnel. It is helpful to those with foot health issues. It's also a time of fellowship. Next clinics: Tue., Dec. 18 & January 15. Call Cathy Chatelain at 293-6772 or 261-2707 to schedule an appointment. Cost is $16 paid to Sanford Home Health Care-Fargo. Donations appreciated and go to support this ministry. January YAH Gathering: Thurs., January 10 at 11 am. Join us for “A Souper Bowl” luncheon! Questions: Marlene Ames, 235-0241 or Cathy Chatelain, 261-2707. Foot Care at the Gladys Rae Homeless Shelter On Sunday, Jan. 13, the Parish Health Ministry will provide foot care (and new socks) at the Gladys Rae Shelter from 6-8 pm. We will meet at the church at 5 pm to load supplies. We need your help and donations (new socks for men and women, wash cloths, travel size lotion, hotel size soaps). There will be a display of needed items prior and after Christmas. To participate, call Cathy Chatelain, 261-2707. As you write your Christmas cards, remember those who serve us in far away places and are not able to be home for Christmas. Military serving on active duty:
Jan. 13: Worship Band Jan. 20: 8:45 Gospel Group-?, 11:00 Children’s Choir Jan. 27: 8:45-?, 11:00 St. John Choir-?
LCPL Braaten Adam J CEM Unit 57181 FPO AP 96603-7181
Email dawn: dawn@stjohnfargo.com or call her 701-388-4200 with questions.
ELCA Missionary in Japan: Lucas Jens Chatelain 1-8-1A Sengoku, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo, Japan 112-0011 Email: jens.chatelain@gmail.com
ADULT FORUM! Sundays at 10 am in room B-11. December 16: Pastor Leslie will lead a discussion about Advent. All are invited to come and share their memories about Advent and consider what God is calling us to think, pray and believe during this season of our lives, today. January 6 & 20: World Hunger emphasis
Casey Thomas Charon 11898 Via Hacienda El Cajon, CA 92019
A BIG THANK YOU to Jeri Ekstrom and Mary Ann Walen for their many years (over 12 years!) of cleaning out the pews for Sunday morning worship and special events. Jeri and Mary Ann have been faithful volunteers in this ministry at St. John. They have now decided to pursue other volunteer interests. St. John is now in need of volunteers to take over this task. If you are interested or have questions, call the church office and talk to Judy, 232-8521.
ELCA World Hunger Emphasis set for January 6-27, 2013 Some of you may remember that our ELCA World Hunger emphasis the past 2 years came in October and November. This year, following the new monthly guidelines that our congregation has adopted, we will be focusing on world hunger during January. We hear much about the needs of hungry people in our local area and rightly so. There are many in need. Fortunately there are agencies in the FM area, such as the Great Plains Food Bank, that can and do help. A number of our youth have helped to “Fill The Dome” with non-perishable food items. We are fortunate to live in the United States where there are ‘safety nets’ so people do not starve. When we look at the world-scene, the situation is entirely different. You may have heard about the worst drought in 60 years that continues in East Africa and now extends to at least eight countries in Central Africa, just south of the Sahara Desert. More than 15 million people are at risk, many
of them young children. Because geographically these people are so far away, it is easy to forget them. They live where there are few if any ‘safety nets’. Can we at St. John Lutheran make a difference? We can! Our Lord calls us to feed the hungry. In Matthew chapter 25, Jesus makes it very personal when he says, “for I was hungry and you gave me food. . .” The righteous answer Jesus, “when did we see you hungry?” Jesus’ response is, “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.” What can we do? From Sunday, January 6 through Sunday, January 27, we will have a 4-week emphasis highlighting the needs of the hungry in our world. On Sunday, January 27 we will have our financial ingathering. ELCA World Hunger offering envelopes will be available to use for your gift. Please consider prayerfully what your gift might be. Watch for more information in the coming weeks. If you have questions, feel free to call Elwood Rieke at 701-293-0717.
Youth and Family Ministry Jessica Miller, Director of Youth and Family Ministry 701.232.8521, ext. 107
jmiller@stjohnfargo.com
GR. 6-12 SKI TRIP, January 19-21. Cost: $195 (incl. travel, lift tics, hotel, meals, not ski rentals). Travel to Giants Ridge Ski Resort near Virginia, MN, for an awesome ski weekend! We'll be staying in a hotel near the ski hill and skiing two half days and one full day with our evenings filled with food, recreation, worship, relaxation and tons of fun. Sign up today to save your spot! Sign-up by Dec. 19 with $60 deposit by Sunday, Jan. 6! ADVENT DEVOTIONS are available for everyone on the Youth & Family Ministry board near the sanctuary. We have our “Taking Faith Home” weekly resources, that are wonderful ways to reflect on the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons, along with our “Message in the Manger” Advent Calendar for teens and young adults. Please find ways to use these to grow your faith everyday, or share them with a friend or neighbor. SNOWFLAKE DINNER will be held February 10, with tickets for sale in the Narthex between services on January 20, 27, and February 3. Enjoy a fantastic evening of delicious food and fellowship, while supporting our youth ministry. THE ANNUAL ST. JOHN TALENT SHOW & AUCTION IS COMING SOON: March 10! Start planning your talent now! New, gift items and baked goods are very appreciated for the auction. Gift items can be brought to the church office starting Feb. 3, and baked items can be brought on March 10. BABY MILLER is expected to arrive the second week of January. We expect Jessica to be home with baby through most of January. During that time, all Youth and Family Ministries will continue as scheduled, with Pastor Nate, Pastor Leslie, and other great adult leaders filling in. Check the calendar, bulletin and website for updates. We certainly appreciate all your prayers for the baby’s safe and healthy arrival.
Confirmation Ministry Confirmation Classes for Gr. 7&8 are held Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. We begin our New Testament studies, with the stories of Christ’s birth, parables, and more. Reminders to: 1. Do your Taking Faith Home sheets; 2. Complete your worship notes; and 3. Sign up for your 10 service opportunities. Confirmation Gathering for Gr. 9 and mentors will be Wednesday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. Keep practicing your new ministry skills “Outside the Walls”. If you are interested in participating in our Confirmation Ministries, we welcome you to join us! Please contact Jessica Miller for more information.
Weekly Youth Ministries hands & feet for Gr. 6-8 meets Sundays, 10-10:45 in the youth room. A time for faith, fun and service, with a service event, church visit, and 2 great discussion sessions each month. High School Bible Study, Gr. 9-12, Sundays, 10-10:45 in The Nook by the Parlor. Come find out more about our New Testament Ancestors! Crossroads for youth in Grades 9-12 meets on Wednesdays, 7:308:30 p.m. in the youth room. This is a great time of fun, fellowship, and deep faith as we talk about life and pray for one another. All high school youth are welcome—Join us! For more information on these weekly ministries, please see the Youth Board or website.
facebook group: St. John Youth Headquarters
Milestone Ministry Milestone Ministry engages the whole family in celebrating milestones in your child’s life. For each milestone, we have a Family Gathering to learn how God is at work in your life, ways that you can practice faith at home, then we celebrate the milestone during worship, so our whole community can pray for and support you in your faith journey. Please see our Milestone Ministry brochure or our website for a full outline of Milestones celebrated here at St. John. Coming up soon, are these Milestones: Baptismal Birthday Celebration, 1 year olds and all baptized in 2012! January 13, 9:45 am. A baptismal birthday party for all those baptized in 2012. Lord’s Prayer, 2nd Grade, January 20. Family Gatherings will be January 6, 13, & 20. Milestone Celebration Jan. 20 at 11:00 a.m. worship. Apostle’s Creed, 3rd Grade, February 10. Family Gatherings will be January 27, February 3, and February 10. Milestone Celebration February 10 at 11:00 a.m. worship.
Sunday School News Sunday School Leadership Team: Lanelle Vasichek, Heather Stephens, Bethany Grahn, Becca Sandell stjohnfargosundayschool@gmail.com
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM, December 16th Rehearsal at 10 a.m. with Program during the 11 am Worship. No Sunday School December 23 or 30. January is a big “All About Jesus Month! Our lessons throughout January: Jesus the Word, Jesus’ Baptism, The Wedding at Cana, and Jesus Goes to Nazareth. Come and learn more! All ages 3-Gr. 5 meet in the Sanctuary at 10 for opening, before going to classes. We encourage you to use your “Taking Faith Home” sheets during the week to nurture faith in your families. 2012 Financial Status: (January 1-December 12, 2012)
$ 9,615 9,414 470,716 476,648
Weekly amount needed for 500,000 Annual budget Average weekly receipts Income-to-Date (through 12-12-12) Budget-to-Date (through 12-12-12)
Memorials Special Music: Marion DeAllesandro: given by Deborah Livingood Charlie Peterson: given by Rick & Shirley Bolme Parish Health: Eileen Johnson: given by Ruth & Ken Kautzman, Rick & Shirley Bolme Herbert Weiss: given by Rick & Shirley Bolme, Jane Nissen Charlie Peterson: given by Jane Nissen General Memorial: Herbert Weiss: given by Rosalie & Lyle Fritz Ministerial Acts: Baptism October 28: Tatum Andrew Oie Keith,
son of Andrew Keith and Rebecca Oie November 20: Christopher Neal DeSherlia
St. John Lutheran Church 1710 South 5th Street Fargo, ND 58103
‘THE HERALD’ Last half Dec.’12/January 2013 Published 10 times/year Vol. #112, Issue #10
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
St. John Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9 am-4:30 pm Friday: 9 am-2 pm
Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid Permit #1040 Fargo, ND 58102
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for tidying up the pew racks in preparation for Sunday worship and special events. Time commitment is about 1 hour per week. If you are interested or have questions, call the church office and talk to Judy, 232-8521.
To receive this St. John monthly newsletter by email, go to http://stjohnfargo.com/ click on ‘View latest newsletter’ and follow the links to sign up.
SHELTERING the HOMELESS PROJECT Winter of ‘12-’13 Area churches and emergency shelters will again collaborate to provide overflow sheltering for people who are homeless in the F-M area beginning Sunday, Dec. 2. Because more congregations in the area are now willing to be a part of helping to shelter, we at St. John will be involved for one week in the upcoming “sheltering season.”
Our week is February 17-23 (Sunday night through Saturday night.) Sheltering Churches Project Volunteer Training: Your help is needed! A 2-hour volunteer training is required for anyone who plans to help provide temporary sheltering in a church site. You can attend the training without making a commitment to volunteer. Training will include: How volunteers will run their church host site; Instruction on establishing relationships and effectively communicating with guests; All participants receive a Volunteer Training Manual Training Schedule: Sat., Jan. 5: 1-3 pm, Elim Lutheran (321 9th St N, Fgo); Th., Jan. 17: 7-9 pm, First United Methodist (906 1st Ave S, Fgo); Sat., Feb. 2: 1-3 pm, First United Methodist; Th., Feb. 21: 7-9 pm, First United Methodist
Please help make this winter season an effective sheltering project.
Introducing the ELCA Malaria Campaign St. John Lutheran will be sponsoring a wonderful Christmas gift opportunity this year. The ELCA has been working hard to encourage everyone to think about the worldwide epidemic of malaria, and this Christmas we can be a part of making the threat of malaria obsolete. A gift of $10 will provide a net to protect a child, youth or adult from malaria. Please join thousands of Lutherans as we make a difference in the lives of so many suffering from this horrible epidemic. Why malaria? Just one bite from an infected mosquito is all it takes for a person to come down with malaria. Almost 800,000 people die of malaria each year. But it shouldn’t be this way. We know what it takes to stop malaria. The disease is completely preventable and treatable. Why now? Ending deaths from malaria is now a goal within our reach, thanks to a global movement of governments and international organizations. The ELCA and Lutheran churches in Africa are now part of this historic effort. Why us? Working as a church, through churches in Africa,
we already have the structure in place to reach individuals and communities that other organizations cannot reach. We
already have health care providers trained to make a difference. What’s next? We need your help. Your prayers, your leadership and your generous donations are needed to meet our fundraising goal of $15 million by 2015.Malaria is a leading cause of death in Africa. It claims the life of a child every 45 seconds. The 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted to approve the ELCA Malaria Campaign to help eliminate deaths from this disease—for good. www.elca.org/malaria ! Your gifts to the ELCA Malaria Campaign will help our companion churches in Africa provide mosquito nets, insecticides, medication, mosquito control and comprehensive health education to help fight malaria. To give, watch for the special envelopes provided by the ELCA. Each $10 donation will provide a much needed mosquito net. Each net will save a life. Questions? contact Pastor Leslie, lmahraun@stjohnfargo.com or Cathy Chatelain, cooterbell1951@yahoo.com.