St. John Lutheran Church
The HERALD Volume 112, Issue 9
“Growing Community in Christ”
November/first half Dec. 2012
ADVENT FESTIVAL
Thanksgiving Eve Worship
Saturday, December 1, 9-11 am
Tuesday, November 20, 7:00 pm
A Fun Family Event for everyone with games, crafts, and activities as we begin the season of Advent in preparation for Christ’s birth!
followed by the Annual Pie Festival Remember to bring your Food Drive donations! Please note the change of date for this service.
Service Saturday Salvation Army Bell Ringing: December 8, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
NEW MEMBER CLASSES: Sundays, Nov. 4, 11 & 18 @ 10:00 am New Member Sunday: Dec. 2 @ 11:00 am service Are you interested in joining St. John? Or just want to know more about St. John? Call the church office, 232-8521, for more information.
Sign up as an individual, family, group of friends to ring bells at one of 10 kettle sites this Advent Season! You are also welcome to recruit friends to split a shift and you can each ring for half the time. To sign up and for more information, contact Allan Peterson at 282-4644. Join us in serving this holiday season!
Change in Worship times: Sundays, November 25 at 9:30 am; December 23 & 30 at 9:30 am
From the Pastor: Meet Pastor Leslie Mahraun
“Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. Happy are those who keep his decrees, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways. You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous ordinances. I will observe your statutes; do not utterly forsake me.” Psalm 119:1-8
These words from Psalm 119, the Psalm for All Saints Day, will be my prayer for November, the month that, in the church, begins this festival that reminds us that death does not have the last word, but Jesus does! Jesus who is our life, who gives us life, life in abundance, and Jesus, who says no to death. All Saints Day is a marker in our liturgical year that brings all aching hearts together for a time of remembrance. While not every one has experienced a death of a friend, colleague or loved one in the last year, most have in a lifetime, and so this festival is a day when lighting a candle, tolling a bell, taking a moment of silence in worship, gathers us into the very heart of God to remember that death has lost its sting because Jesus Christ has overcome death for our sake. Also, in November we celebrate as a nation. We say thank you. Thank you to our neighbors, to our friends, to the universe. We celebrate Thanksgiving. While as Christian Lutherans, we say thank you to God for life’s abundance, not every person who celebrates Thanksgiving
does so with a sense of religious piety. Psalm 119, then is a fine psalm to begin and end this month with a shout of joy to God. As we begin this month remembering those we love with a sense of sadness for their loss, we also give thanks for their lives, for what they have meant to us, and for a God who so graciously gathers us close to God, through the love of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. One of the great blessings we share as brothers and sisters in Christ is the joy of stories. Stories told over dinner, a cup of coffee or tea, a glass of wine, or with family and friends who have gathered to reminisce. As your associate pastor, it is my privilege to hear your stories. I love this part of my call, indeed, it has come to be one of my favorite things. So whether we are together because I have come to visit you in your home, or to sit with you during a crisis, please know that your story is truly important and meaningful. I have learned from you already as you have opened your hearts to me in welcome, that you love your (Continued on page 2)
MUSIC NOTES!
Questions: call or text 388-4200 (Dawn) or email: dawn@stjohnfargo.com or ldpapenfuss@gmail.com
Choir Schedule: Nov. 4: All Saints Sunday & time change 8:45 Children’s choir; Jay & Marilyn Goos, guitars for prelude & communion (both) 11:00 St. John choir Nov. 11: Worship band Nov. 18: 8:45 St. John choir 11:00
PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY! Healthy Feet Are "Happy Feet" Our Foot Care Clinic provides foot care performed by volunteers and trained health personnel. It is particularly helpful to those with foot health issues. It's also a social time to visit with friends and enjoy a cup of coffee. Next clinic is Tuesday, Nov. 13. Call Cathy Chatelain at 293-6772 or 261-2707 to schedule an appointment. Cost is $16 paid to Sanford Home Health Care-Fargo. Donations are appreciated and go to support this ministry.
Nov. 25: Christ the King Sunday 9:30 Worship! NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. No choirs.
For the "Young At Heart", join us for potluck luncheon on Thurs. Nov. 8 at 11:30 am in the parlor. We want to share Christian fellowship, conversation, and activities. All are welcome. Contact Marlene Ames, 235-0241, or Cathy Chatelain, 261-2707, if you have questions. Otherwise just come and join the fun.
YOU ARE INVITED….to join the St. John Choir for the following short term commitments: 1. CHRISTMAS EVE choir. Rehearsal on Wed. Dec. 19, 7pm (you may also come to the Dec. 12 rehearsal) We will sing at the 5:30 pm Christmas Eve Service
SUNDAY NURSERY: Providing a supervised nursery for young children is an important need for young parents. We gratefully ask members to consider giving one hour of their time to provide for this ministry. To volunteer, contact Cathy Chatelain at 293-6772 or 261-2707 or the church office 232-8521.
THANKSGIVING WORSHIP SERVICE Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 7 pm Adult Handbells! And maybe children’s choir
2. CHRISTMAS MINI-CANTATA on Sun. Dec. 23, 9:30 am 3. And/or the EPIPHANY MINI-CANTATA on Sunday, Jan. 6, 8:45 and 11:00 am All the music is from the same composer and book, but we will save the portion on the kings for January 6. Join us as early as Wed., Nov 7 or as late as Wed., Dec. 5. We will rehearse this music the first 30 minutes of each rehearsal Email dawn: dawn@stjohnfargo.com or call her 701-388-4200 with questions. ADULT FORUM! Sundays at 10 am in room B-11. Sunday, Nov. 4: Matt Brunsvold will be leading a mission trip to Ecuador in May ‘13 with up to 5-6 St. John people. It is a follow-up trip from one he did with a group from Concordia last year. This experience made Matt feel the need to return and to lead a group. The presentation will go over the ‘Mission’ as well as trip logistics, schedule, cost, and planning. Questions and answers to follow. Sunday, Nov. 18: Come to meet Pastor Leslie Mahraun during this Adult Forum! Pastor Leslie is St. John’s new pastor.
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families, your children and parents, your friends and neighbors, your classmates and your colleagues, and you love your church. I give thanks to God for your welcome, for your call to be one of your pastors, and I am ever grateful that together we will begin a new story together at St. John. As we get to know one another in worship, committees, small groups, Wednesday night suppers, and other events, we will begin to see what God is up to in our lives together. With a thankful heart, Pastor Leslie
Time of Remembrance-All Saints Sunday We invite St. John members and their families, who have lost a loved one in the past year, to attend a luncheon on All Saints Sunday, Nov. 4. Lunch will be served by the Parish Health committee in the Fellowship Hall following the 11 am worship. Please call the church office, 232-8521, or Cathy Chatelain, 293-6772, to RSVP. OPEN HOUSES: All members invited! Bea Ihlenfeld will be celebrating her 100th birthday on Sunday, Nov. 18 from 2-4 pm at Touchmark. All are invited! Clarine Erickson will be celebrating her 90th birthday on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 2-4 pm at Touchmark. All are invited! (Touchmark, 1200 Harwood Drive, Fargo)
Sunday Morning Coffee/Fellowship Hour! Please consider serving coffee during our Fellowship Coffee Hour in the parlor on Sunday mornings! Sign up on the sheet located on the east wall of the parlor. A family can even sign up for both serving and bringing treats! Please support this crucial ministry! Other Faithful Ministries Church Women United: World Community Day! Fri., Nov. 2, 9:30 am at St. John Lutheran Church Program: We will look at diversity and at how we respond. Please bring a non-perishable food item. Everyone welcome! Child care provided. Rest & Rejuv Retreat (for Mom’s of Special Needs Kids) will be held on Saturday, November 18, 8:30-1:00 pm. Contact: Dawn Papenfuss (701-388-4200) or Karen (218-287-4448, gkurlacher@yahoo.com
Youth and Family Ministry Jessica Miller, Director of Youth and Family Ministry 701.232.8521, ext. 107
jmiller@stjohnfargo.com
facebook group: St. John Youth Headquarters
45s LATE NIGHT, November 2, 7-9 p.m. A night of food, fun, friends and fellowship for all our 4 & 5th graders. Grab a friend and bring snacks to share!
Confirmation Ministry Confirmation Classes for Gr. 7 & 8 are held Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Confirmation Gathering for Gr. 9 and mentors will be Wednesday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m. 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 “Traditions” series for all our youth grades 6-12 Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Calling all Youth to Write 9.5 Theses, Be “Little Christ’ ”, and Use LOTS of Toilet Paper! On Reformation Sunday, October 28, we will kick off a 4-week re-form “Traditions” series for all our youth grades 6-12, exploring our Lutheran traditions and beliefs. Oct. 28: Did Martin Luther really call the Pope the Anti-Christ? Nov.4: How can Lutherans believe in “grace alone” when they also believe in “faith alone” and “scripture alone”? Nov. 11: Do I have to memorize the Small Catechism to be Lutheran? Nov. 18: What’s a synod and why are there so many different ones? 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.
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, and ways that you can practice faith at home. We then celebrate the milestone during worship so that 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 at St. John. Look forward to joining us for your milestones, and celebrating them this year!
These Milestones will coming soon: Prayer: Talking to God for our 2 year olds, Nov. 4. Family Gathering will be November 4, 10-10:45 a.m. Milestone Celebration at 11:00 a.m. worship. Imago Dei: Created in God’s Image, 6th Grade, December 2. Family Gatherings will be Nov. 11, 18, & Dec. 2. Milestone Celebration at 11:00 a.m. worship. Baptismal Birthday Celebration, 1 year olds and all baptized in 2012! January 13. 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 will be Jan. 20, 11:00 a.m. worship.
Sunday School News Sunday School Leadership Team: Lanelle Vasichek, Heather Stephens, Bethany Grahn, Becca Sandell stjohnfargosundayschool@gmail.com
ADVENT FESTIVAL, December 1st, 9-11 a.m. A Fun Family Event for everyone with games, crafts, and activities as we begin the season of Advent in preparation for Christ’s birth! Adult and older youth help is needed—if interested, please contact Heather (Enderle) Stephens at 701.552.2839. CHRISTMAS PROGRAM, December 16th. Rehearsal at 10 am and Program during the 11:00 am Worship Service. REMINDER: There is NO Sunday School on Nov. 25, and Dec. 23 & 30. (classes will resume January 6) Advent is a time of preparation. We prepare our hearts for what the birth of the Christ child means in our lives. And this year, the Miller family is also preparing for the arrival of a new baby in January! We are making arrangements for all Youth & Family Ministry while I am on leave; please watch for more info in the next Herald. We appreciate prayers for health and safety of baby and the whole family! -Jessica M. Lutheran World Relief Fall Project Kit Shipment to Minneapolis 5 Health Kits; 45 Personal Care Kits; 42 School Kits and 10 Baby Care Kits A separate contribution of $204.30 was sent to Project Comfort Fund to help pay shipping costs for the kits to reach their international and national destinations. Contents for mission kits have been received through donations, garage sales, and thrift stores. Financial gifts have been received from St John Foundation and congregation members. We thank you for helping to make these projects possible and extending the ministry of St John Lutheran to worldwide smiles. Missions Committee: Submitted by Char Grant 2012 Financial Status: (January 1-October 10, 2012)
$ 9,615 9,697 397,589 415,445
Weekly amount needed for 500,000 Annual budget Average weekly receipts Income-to-Date (through 10-10) Budget-to-Date (through 10-10)
Memorials St. John Foundation: In memory of Skip Shirley: Dave & Gini Duval, Bob & Suzanne Schultz Special Music Fund: In memory of Natalie J. Dygve: Winnifred & Ferde Penfield Ministerial Acts: Baptism-October 7: Jaxson Carter Rasmusson, son of Travis Rasmusson and Tarah Poitra
St. John Lutheran Church 1710 South 5th Street Fargo, ND 58103
‘THE HERALD’
Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid Permit #1040 Fargo, ND 58102
Nov./first half Dec. 2012 Published 10 times/year Vol. #112, Issue #9
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
St. John Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9 am-4:30 pm Friday: 9 am-2 pm
Olivewood Carvings for Sale on Sunday, Dec. 9, 8:30 am-12:15 pm in Narthex Wood carvings from the Holy Land will be available for sale. The Christian carvers are truly artisans and they create beautiful pieces highlighting the grain of the olivewood from Palestine. Sponsored by the Mission Committee To receive this St. John monthly newsletter by email, go to www.stjohnlutheran.com, click on ‘View latest newsletter’ and follow the links to sign up. 2012-2013 Executive Committee Members Rachel Asleson, President Frayne Olson, Vice President of Ministry Stephanie Christeson, Vice President of Support Rikki Fugleberg, Secretary
2012-2013 Church Council Committee Assignments Community Life: Education/Youth: Skip Bye Mission/Social Ministry: Scott Pryor New Members: Lanelle Vasichek, Carol Stevens Parish Health: Cheryl Urbach Preschool: Stephanie Christeson Property: Steven Edwardson Stewardship: James Botnen Worship and Music: Marcia Stubstad
St. John Lutheran Church 1710 5th St. S., Fargo, ND 58103
701-232-8521
e-mail: office@stjohnfargo.com; www.stjohnfargo.com The Ministry Team of St. John: All the People of God, along with-Rev. Nathan Keith, Rev. Leslie Mahraun, Pastors Dawn Papenfuss, Director of Music/Organ Jessica Miller, Director of Youth & Family Ministries Jackie Jabens, Finance/Office Manager Judy Haugo, Secretary Richard Henderson, Custodian Jana Bruhschwein, Preschool Director Connie Tranby, Kellie Knodel, Cheryl Dietz, Preschool Teachers Jeri Ekstrom, Wedding Coordinator Peggy Hammerling, Recorders Jessica Westgard, Handbells Robert & Bonnie Ames, Gospel Group Editor: Judy Haugo Articles accepted before 1 pm on Friday, December 7 for the last half of December ‘12/January ’13 ‘Herald’.
November Mission of the Month: The FM Food Pantry & Great Plains Food Bank Perhaps it needs to be noted, that the Great Plains Food Bank and the FM Food Pantry are two separate entities but, serve a similar mission of distributing foodstuffs to people who don’t have the necessary resources to sustain themselves. The Great Plains Food Bank is one of 19 programs that operate under the umbrella of North Dakota Lutheran Social Services (NDLSS). The facility that houses the Food Bank warehouse and its offices are located at 1720 3 rd Ave. N. in Fargo; the Bank serves 271 different distribution sites that include food pantries, missions or “soup” kitchens”, and shelters, which are spread throughout North Dakota and Clay County in Minnesota. Last year, 1 in every 11 individuals in the service area received food that was distributed by the Food Bank; and, perhaps, it’s most striking that 40% of these recipients were children under the age of 18. One of the distribution sites that is served by the Food Bank is the FM Food Pantry at 1101 4 th Ave. N. The Pantry just moved to this new location which now gives them twice the space that they had in their old facility plus more parking. Last year the Pantry distributed 1,189,890 pounds of food to 26,442 individuals in 7,635 families. Given those statistics, it’s obvious that they needed the new facility! In observance of Thanksgiving, the Social Concerns Committee, is once again issuing a challenge to the St. John congregation to collect a ton of food to help replenish the shelves of our F-M Food Pantry! This marks our 16th food drive and will again be held in conjunction with our Thanksgiving Eve worship service at 7 pm on Tuesday, November 20. Your participation in our effort to collect a ton of food is absolutely essential if we are to attempt to meet or exceed this goal! As in the past, those who participate in our food drive will be given a grocery bag during worship services with a list of food items needed by the Pantry stapled on the outside of the bag. More information about the food drive will be provided at worship service announcements on Sunday mornings prior to Thanksgiving.