Normandale News April 2016

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Volume 37, Issue 4 | April 2016

Step Forward & Engage Join the community today as we step forward and engage to help others in our community near and abroad.

Learn about opportunities on page 2.

New Member Community Join us for gatherings this spring!

See page 16 for more details.

Normandale Concert Series Music fills the air in April!

See page 9 for more details.

Do you have a special place in your heart for the youngest among us? Help share the love of Jesus with kids in the NLC community at VBS or Sunday School!

VBS

June 27-30, 9:00 am-12:00 noon Calling all volunteers, 6th grade and older, we need you! Be a crew leader, run a game or craft station, share a story, and more. Volunteer opportunities are available on the registration form at www.normluth.org/Kids-Summer or email Liz Paul at elizabeth@normluth.org.

Normandale Women Spring Service Event Monday, April 18, 1:00-3:00 pm | Fellowship Hall Do you want to be part of a simple service project and enjoy coffee, treats, and time to socialize with friends, new and old? Normandale Women of the ELCA will be assembling Hospice Kits for HIV/AIDS patients for Global Health Ministries and could use your help – come join the fun!

The Normandale Women will provide the supplies, but a free-will offering will be taken to help provide medicine and to defer shipping costs. Checks can be made out to Normandale Women of the ELCA. Join us!

Sunday School

Sunday A/V Team

Have a special connection with kids in a particular grade? Skip the back-to-school craziness in August and step forward for Sunday School now. It’s never too early! Contact Liz Paul today at elizabeth@normluth.org to fill a spot to teach Sunday School during the 2016-2017 school year.

Give Blood. Save Lives.

Do you love technology?

Join the Audio/Visual Tech Team. Each Sunday, teams made up of adults and youth run the tech needed for worship. Training and support provided!

Contact Wendy Reynolds at 952.929.1697 x352 or wreynolds@normluth.org to join the team!

As we step forward, we follow where Jesus leads, sharing his love and grace.

Where can you step forward & engage?

Wednesday, April 27, 1:30-6:00 pm Please consider donating and saving a life! Enjoy a delicious meal after donating! If you need nursery, please contact Janet in advance at 952.929.1697 x347. To sign up, contact Alta Fossum at 952.941.7022 / altafossum@hotmail.com, go to mbc.org/SearchDrives (sponsor code is 0546), or contact Janet Devine at 952.929.1697 x347.

Wednesday Night Dinner Servers Wednesday Evenings, 5:00-6:00 pm or 6:00-7:00 pm Each Wednesday evening, we serve a delicious community meal to over 100 people in our NLC community. Can you lend a hand? It’s a simple way to step forward, join the community – and eat free! To sign-up, contact Janet Devine at 952.929.1697 or visit www.normluth.org/Wednesday-Nights!

Kitchen Helpers Do you love to cook and spend time in the kitchen?

Spend a few hours mid-week helping to prep for Wednesday community meals or other special events.

Stay as long or as little as you can, and remember - helpers eat free! Typical shifts include: - Tuesdays, 11:00 am-1:00 pm or 1:00-3:00 pm - Wednesdays, 11:00 am-1:00 pm, 1:00-3:00 pm,

or 3:00-5:00 pm Additional help also needed Sundays, April 10 & 17 from 8:30-9:30 am.

Please contact Janet Devine at janet@normluth.org / 952.929.1697 for more information or to sign-up!

Support our Missionaries Our pledged mission support is $120 each week for Jim & Carol Sack in Japan and Neeraj & Nijhar Ekka in India. To meet our commitment, we are looking for pledges of $30 from 4 persons/couples/families each week. Sign-up today on the community board outside of Fellowship Hall, or by contacting Janet Devine at 952.929.1697 x347.

NormandaleNews

April 2016 3 | Pastor’s Page 5 | Stepping Forward in Faith 6 | NLC Stories 7 | Children & Youth Ministry 8 | Adult Opportunities 9 | Music at NLC // Senior Ministry

10 | Center for Healing & Wholeness 11 | Mission at NLC 12 | News & Announcements 13 | Life at NLC 14 | Calendar Led by the Holy Spirit and living in God’s grace, Normandale Lutheran Church is a community proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ through love, learning, worship, and service.

WORSHIP TIMES Sundays: 8:30 & 11:00 am Wednesdays: 11:30 am

COMMUNITY MEALS Wednesdays: 12:00 pm & 5:00-6:45 pm

VISIT US ONLINE www.normluth.org www.facebook.com/normluth

GIVE ONLINE www.normluth.org/give

“No Visa Required” “… in Christ Jesus our Lord, we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.”

Ephesians 3:11‒12 Olivia Mastry and I are preparing for another trip to India. But first, we must await our new visas so we can enter the country. She visited in October 2012 on a limited 30-day Tourist Visa, and she needs a new visa. I had a 10-year multiple-entry visa, but it was good for only as long as my passport was valid, and my passport expires soon. I had to obtain a new passport from the United States Department of State. So, I, too, need a new visa for India. We’ve filled out and filed the required forms, and now we wait. Complicated.

The process has invited me to think again about who I am. A passport represents your identity as the citizen of a particular country. You cannot “pass” an entry port of another country without one. The forms require you to list your parents’ names and places of birth, along with yours, and then your profession, whether you’re married, and whom to inform in an emergency. With that information, a mini-biography, others can discover a lot about you. You live each day in this identity.

But I received my deepest identity as a Child of God in baptism. In that identity I live out each day of my life clothed with Christ - received, forgiven, renewed. Do others discover a lot about my identity, Christ’s identity, in my living?

India requires a visa stamped into your passport if you Do others discover a lot about my identity, want to visit. The Indian government essentially Christ’s identity, in my reserves the right to living? permit you to enter the country.

Does God reserve the right to admit you into the community of God? Certainly God has complete sovereignty to save whom God will save. Do I need to worry?

NO says the letter to the Ephesians. In fact, because in our baptism we have been clothed with Christ and received the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including faith, “we have access to God in boldness and confidence”! You and I have been accepted and admitted. We’re in. No visa required.

Pastor’s Page continued on page 4 >

NormandaleNews | April 2016

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Pastor’s Page, continued Oh, what about our visit to India? We have reached a point in our partnership with the NW Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church - developing congregation-based community health care - where we need to determine our next steps. We want to ensure that the solid foundation we have been building together (especially in the hiring, training, and deployment of our Community Health Workers, Salima Kujur and Arvind Khalko) supports continued development.

We will accompany them into villages to better understand their work and needs. We will talk with our partners at Holy Family Hospital and our advisors. We will create ongoing development plans with the church’s Subcommittee for the Community Health Ministry. And we will see work on the 6-unit staff housing being built on the Navin Doman seminary campus.

But it all depends on the Government of India granting us visas.

Thank God that in Jesus Christ we need no visas to enter the Kingdom of God!

He Has Risen! I Believe! ...

Now What? ... Step Forward!

During this season of Easter, we celebrate with joy, that Christ lives!

Even death could not contain God’s life-giving power. With that assurance, we are free to respond with joy and thanksgiving, as we confess our faith in our Risen Lord.

Someone once defined stewardship as “everything I do after I say I believe.” It is what we do after we together confess our faith in the Risen Christ. It is how we steward, or manage, all the gifts God has entrusted to us: our abilities, our time, our money. And, it includes, ALL of life: our vocational callings in our relationships with family and friends, co-workers and neighbors next door and around the world, 24/7 of our time, and how we use money for basic necessities, for enjoyment, for savings, and for sharing. It is how we walk in faith, each moment of each day.

During this season of Easter, I invite you to reflect on your use of money – and how faith is integrally connected to our finances. As you do, I invite you to consider how increasing your generosity is a good thing:

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April 2016 | NormandaleNews

1) Generosity is good for your faith! Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” It’s true that our use of money reflects our values. It’s also true that where we put our money, causes us to invest more of ourselves in its destination.

2) Generosity is good for your health! Many studies have found that generosity, both volunteering and charitable donations, benefits young and old physically and psychologically. The benefits of giving are significant, according to those studies: lower blood pressure, lower risk of dementia, less anxiety and depression, reduced cardiovascular risk, and overall greater happiness.

3) Generosity is good for our shared ministry! This past year at Normandale, many stepped up in faith and generosity by participating in All Together in One Place and supporting our shared annual ministry. We need this to continue in 2016 as well: • Based on those that have provided intentions for giving (“pledges”), as well as last year’s giving patterns, we need to step up in faith for an additional $100,000 in order to fully fund our shared ministry. It’s a big step, but not when each of us prayerfully considers stepping up in our financial support.

• We continue to move closer to our goal to build a Chapel and to fully fund our outreach ministries. More households have stepped up in faith and financial support (we have exceeded 90% of our ATOP campaign goal!).

4) Generosity can continue even after we have joined the Church Triumphant! Have you included Normandale Lutheran Church in your will? I have enjoyed visiting with some who have indicated the Normandale Foundation is a part of their stewardship planning. Together, the Normandale faith community has been enriched, and our shared ministry strengthened, by the great cloud of witnesses who surround us and whose impact continues through their sustaining gifts!

I would welcome the opportunity to visit with you to discuss how money has impacted your faith walk!

Pastor Steve Olson

Stepping Forward in Faith “Just Add More Water to the Beans!”

As far back as I can remember, there was always a guest at the table. Most times the guests were family, stopping by for an impromptu party; other times it was friends stopping in to pay us visit. In a family of nine kids, there was always someone around. My friends quickly learned to pick me up last because my mom wouldn’t let us leave on an empty stomach. I was dropped off first because she wouldn’t hear of them going home without having a late night feast… or “snack”. Thinking back, there was always something cooking in the kitchen.

This was never more prevalent than on Thanksgiving. It was common for us to have twenty, sometimes thirty, people at the table. On those occasions, there always seemed to be a stranger at the table, whether it was my parents’ co-worker, a friend of mine or my siblings, a friend of a friend, or simply an acquaintance. I knew that they were there because they had no place else to go and they were always welcome. My mom would say, “Just add more water to the beans…we have company!” To this day, all who know her know that there is always a seat at the table.

A few weeks ago was my youngest daughter Molly’s First Communion. She had many questions leading up to the day. “Do I have to drink the wine?” “Am I really tasting Jesus’ body and blood?” “Why doesn’t my friend at school take Communion?” “How old were you when you took Communion?” The questions were endless; most had followup questions, and great care was taken in answering each one.

The most difficult was when she asked, “Have you always taken Communion?” I explained that taking Communion is very special to me and I’ll take it every chance that I get, because at my old church I am no longer allowed to.

That conversation went a little Molly said, deeper than I expected, but the outcome was perfect. While “I’ll add a little extra brown sugar we were preparing her loaf of bread to donate, I explained to mine in case how having Communion at a stranger gets a Normandale feels just like Thanksgiving dinner when I was piece.” a kid. There’s always people we know: the pastors, the other church members, our family and friends, the choirs, and, yes, even strangers. Molly said, “I’ll add a little extra brown sugar to mine in case a stranger gets a piece.” It’s wonderful that there is always enough bread and wine to go around. As for the strangers, we’re always given the chance to shake hands and share the peace. As the saying goes, “There’s no such thing as strangers - just friends we haven’t met.”

Angel Arreola On the day of her First Communion, I could see Molly observing every aspect of the service: the people around us, the singing of songs, the shaking of the hands, the prayers, and then she heard those three beautiful words, “All are welcome!” I get chills just thinking about it.

When her turn came, I watched with pride as she received a blessing, the bread, the grape juice (her choice), and then she turned to me with a smile and whispered, “I did it!” Walking out I overheard her saying to my wife, “Well, this is pretty much the best day of my life!” AMEN!

Angel lives in St. Louis Park with this wife, Michelle, and kids Emmy, Max and Molly. He’s been a member of Normandale for 13 years and sings in the Normandale Choir.

Photo: Molly & Pastor Charlie after First Communion on Sunday, March 6, 2016.

NormandaleNews | April 2016

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NLC Stories Superheros From Across the Congregation United at Super Service Sampler!

The Super Service Sampler was a fun and educational afternoon that focused on hunger in the U.S. and learning about two of Normandale’s partners in ministry, The Sheridan Story and Community Emergency Service. NLC members and families enjoyed fellowship and lunch together after the service on Sunday, March 6, played a Jeopardy game which got everyone talking about hunger and statistics in the U.S., heard from Sam Wikoff and Chris Nelson - representatives from our partners in ministry, and participated in a service project.

Sam Wikoff led an interactive and informational discussion about The Sheridan Story and Normandale’s sponsorship at Cornelia Elementary School in Edina. Over 200,000 children in the state of Minnesota live in food insecurity and do not always know when they will receive their next meal. The Sheridan Story’s purpose is to respond to this need through what is commonly called a backpack program, by making sure that children have food over the weekend when they are not able to participate in the free or reduced meal programs at school.

We discussed what we, as a congregation, can do to support children and families involved with The Sheridan Story; we also learned about volunteer opportunities for NLC members, including volunteering in various ways at Cornelia Elementary School and actually filling students’ backpacks with food.

Chris Nelson facilitated a discussion about Community Emergency Service (CES), which provides high-quality, direct service to people in need through direct aid relief, advocacy, referral, guidance, and prayer support in the inner city of South Minneapolis. CES meets hunger where it is a critical need, on client’s food shelves and with home food delivery to elderly and disabled people. Chris led us in a group service project making beautiful Easter cards that were delivered through their Meals on Wheels home food delivery to elderly and disabled clients.

There will be a continuing donation opportunity for CES, where congregation members are invited to fill an M&M tube from CES with quarters. One M&M tube filled with $14 of quarters is enough to give 2 seniors a hot delivered lunch, a week’s worth of groceries for a family of two, can provide 8 East African families ingredients for their cultural dishes, and can help 10 families get fresh produce and bread weekly. For more information or if you would like to pick up an M&M tube, contact Liz Paul at elizabeth@normluth.org, or Maggie Jones at mjones@normluth.org.

Thank you to all the Superheros who attended this year’s Super Service Sampler - you made a super difference!

See page 15 for photos of some NLC superheros in action!

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April 2016 | NormandaleNews

Given For You: First Communion at NLC This winter, twenty-five children from 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades studied the Sacrament of Holy Communion in preparation for their First Communion. Together with their parents, they dove into the history, meaning, and traditions of Communion. On March 6, they worshipped among our community, and heard “given for you” and “shed for you” directed to them with bread and wine for the first time. Here are some reflections from two Normandale families on this special event:

Watching Ollie take his first communion was special, and additionally, the laying on of hands at the beginning of worship in celebration was heart warming. Knowing that Ollie is surrounded by a rich community of faithful people who care about his relationship with Christ was so special, and I know he felt it, too. We are so thankful for this community of faith.

It

was awesome!

It was a super

special day, and now I feel like a grownup when I go to church.

Colleen Lindstrom

Ollie Lindstrom, 3rd grade

It was awesome when we did a prayer and the people near me put their hands on me. When I went up to get the bread and wine, I said to myself, ‘Finally.’

Emmett Swendseid, 5th grade Watching Emmett’s excitement grow - not just on the day of First Communion, but the days leading up to it - was exciting to see. Answering Emmett’s questions moments before we went up there, seeing him smile - he was so proud of himself, as was I. I think one of the coolest moments was when Pastor Charlie said, “I’m going to bless you one last time before I give you the bread.” And he blessed him.

Not going to lie – it brought a little tear to my eye.

A very proud moment for Jen and I.

Travis Swendseid

Children & Youth Ministry Camp Wapogasset Seeds Weekend Ages: Students completing 2nd-3rd grade Dates: July 8-10 Youth Camp Ages: Students completing 4th-8th grade Dates: July 10-15 Family Camp Dates: July 29-31

Choir Camp

Dates: Tuesday, August 16-Wednesday, August 17 Ages: All kids completing 2nd-5th grade

Vacation Bible School: Expedition Norway!

Dates: Monday, June 27-Thursday, June 30 Ages: 3 years old-5th Grade

Scholarships are available to any child wishing to attend Camp Wapo, Choir Camp, or Vacation Bible School.

Children: Save The Dates!

April Faith Markers

1 year old Faith Marker: Bedtime Blessings April 10, 2016 | 10:00 am | Sanctuary 6th Grade Faith Marker: Sacraments April 17, 2016 | 9:45-10:45 am | Multi-Purpose Room North

Youth: Save The Dates!

Confirmation Fellowship Afternoon | Sunday, April 24 *Times & Registration Forms coming soon!

Confirmation Celebration Night | Wednesday, April 27 Parent & Senior Night | Thursday, May 5 All seniors and parents of seniors are invited to an evening of conversation and recognition as we celebrate and discuss the transition out of high school and onto new paths.

Seniors, please submit a photo of you as a baby/toddler and a recent photo of yourself to Maggie Jones (mjones@normluth. org) by Thursday, April 28 along with a sentence or two answering, “The thing I’m looking forward to most about next year is…”

Confirmation Elective Classes

April 6, 13 & 20 There is still room in Other Faiths, Normandale Mission Ministries, and Faith and God’s Diverse Community. If you haven’t signed up for an elective yet, let Maggie know at mjones@normluth.org so that you can get placed in one of these great courses!

Faith and God’s Diverse Community: Confronting Racism and Racial Disparity Thor Anderson, Dillon Hanson, Cooper Mollet, Sawyer Mowbray, Rachel Stouffer, Anna Wesselman Normandale Mission Ministries: Minneapolis, Edina, Peru, and India – Brothers and Sisters around the World Megan Bonneville, Ella Boyd, Ava Chow, Nathaniel Green, Lindsay James Faith & Fitness: I Can Do All Things (Even Yoga!)

Through Christ Max Doom, Liam Doyle, Vishakha Kanwar, Tessa Kilberg, Kate Linden, Alex Morton, Jake Noble, Lainey Patzloff, Ella Pfeifer, Natalie Pfeifer, Lauren Stauffer, Carmen Wesselman Other Faiths: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism - What do we have in common? Anything?

William Anderson, Morgan Brothers, Hayden Carlson, Owen Keating, Jakob Klein, Paul Krenik, Max Knudson, Noah Meffert, Jacob Strand, Owen Swenson, Samantha Lewis Faith and Broadcasting: Storytelling for a Broad Audience Linnea Askegaard, Natalie Eide, Michael Gaasedelen, Libby Heitzmann, Katy Meffert, Jack Niemeier, Jayne Parry, Lissi Reid, Jessica Ruud, Luke Rubin, Ethan Tungesvick, Katie Wetmore Faith and Food: A Stomach-full of Grace Lars Askegaard, Jacob Chow, Anders Freeland, Hadley Henriksen, Payton Hanson, Jackson Mollet, Ben Moss, Owen Phernetton, Mari Reid, Kayla Ruud, PJ Rubin, Sydney Schroeder, Andrea Zantek

High School Lock-In Friday, April 29-Saturday, April 30 *Times & Registration Forms coming soon!

Senior Graduate Recognition Sunday, June 5 | 9:30 am Worship NormandaleNews | April 2016

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Adult Opportunities Inviting All Women!

5th Annual Spring Service Project Monday, April 18 | 1:00-3:00 pm For more information, see page 2.

Volunteer Opportunity: Methodist Hospital Hospice

Training sessions will be held in May for new volunteers.

Volunteers give respite care to caregivers who are caring for terminally ill loved ones in their own private homes, or visit terminally ill patients to provide comfort. Commitment is a maximum of 4 hours per week (can be less), and training is 4 sessions.

To sign up, please call Libby Swanson at 952.993.5381.

ParentRest

Sundays | 9:45-10:45 am Rooms 212-213 ParentRest is a community with opportunity for parents with kids of all ages to share challenges, victories, and wisdom with one another. We meet every Sunday with a unique topic and vibrant conversation. Good coffee and treats provided.

April 3 | April 10 | April 17 | April 24 |

NO ParentRest (Spring Break) Meet the new Youth Director, Maggie Jones Discipline: What works for you?

Bullying

Wanted: Meals on Wheels Volunteers!

Bring meals & smiles to someone in need!

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that is fun, fulfilling, and can be done over lunch? Join us as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels!

Normandale provides drivers in Edina 2-3 times a month, and new volunteer drivers are needed. All you need is a car, an hour or so over the lunch hour, and a smile.

After many years of service, Nancy McCann, who has been the Coordinator of Meals on Wheels, is stepping down. We thank her for many years of faithful service to Normandale and the surrounding community. Betsy Pfeifer has taken on the coordination of Meals on Wheels. Please contact Betsy at brpfeifer@comcast.net / 612.306.8999 to sign up!

“Words can’t express how much I appreciate all the volunteers who deliver the meals. If it wasn’t for them, I couldn’t live at home.”

Saturday, April 16 | 9:00-11:00 am | Rooms 205-206 Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel Interested in joining this book club?

Please contact Dee Henriksen at 952.927.9980 / deehenriksen@gmail.com.

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April 2016 | NormandaleNews

Music at NLC Augsburg Choir Concert

Sunday, April 10 | 4:00 pm Augsburg College, Minneapolis The 70-voice Augsburg Choir celebrates a long tradition of excellence in choral music. In addition to national tours throughout the United States, the Choir has toured in Scandinavia, Russia, Estonia, the Czech Republic, and China.

This choral tradition, in it’s 79th year, encompasses not only the mission of Augsburg but also the legacy of noted conductors such as Larry L. Fleming and Leland B. Sateren.

Mass Brass: Three Brass Ensembles in One Concert!

Sunday, April 17 | 7:00 pm | Sanctuary Our own Normandale Brass Quintet, together with the Classic Brass Quintet and the Westside Trombone Quartet, will perform both separately and together as a brass choir. If you enjoy hearing the brass on Sunday mornings, you won’t want to miss this free concert! You might even hear some music you won’t necessarily hear on Sundays!

Cantus: 2016 Culmination Concert Friday, April 22 | 7:30 pm | Sanctuary The “intellectually, emotionally and musically rich” (Star Tribune) nine-member men’s vocal ensemble Cantus is known worldwide for its trademark warmth and blend and its engaging performances. Past performances have brought Cantus to the Kennedy Center, San Francisco Performances, and Atlanta’s Spivey Hall.

Each year, the Cantus singers share their own love of singing with thousands of students through workshops and master classes to ensure the future of choral arts. Cantus works in depth with three high school choirs each year, coaching them on various vocal techniques and encouraging excellent musicianship – this year with Osseo, Robbinsdale Cooper, and Champlin Park. This culmination concert will feature a Cantus performance, individual performances from each of the three choirs, and a mass choir & Cantus set.

Senior Ministry Second Wednesday is on April 13!

Join us for warm friendships and coffee at Lynn and Frank’s Kaffebord at 10:00 am. Then if you choose, the Book Club at 10:30 am (Death by Living by N.D. Wilson), the Matins Service at 11:30 am, lunch at 12:00 noon, and the program starting at 1:00 pm. Piano music provided by Joanna Swanson. Speaker is Carrie Kilberg, one of The Minneapolis Institute of Art’s “Art in Bloom” 2016 Chairs and a Normandale member.

Transportation Service Available to Second Wednesday

We have established a bus service to Normandale Lutheran Church for Second Wednesday each month. This service is provided by Transit Link, a service by the Metropolitan Council.

Cost is $4.50 for a roundtrip ride. This price applies to anyone within 10 miles of Normandale. If you are interested in receiving a ride or have questions, call Fred Transportation service to Normandale is offered Arndt at 612.275.4622 or Janet Devine at

by Transit Link. Cost is $4.50 for round trip 952.929.1697. rides.

55+ Driver Improvement Classes: 4 Hour Refresher Courses

May 10, July 11, October 4 12:30-4:30 pm | Rooms 209-211 Cost: $22. Call 1.888.234.1294 to register.

55+ Driver Improvement Classes: 8 Hour Refresher Course

September 10 & 19 5:30-9:30 pm | Rooms 209-211 Cost: $26. Call 1.888.234.1294 to register.

NormandaleNews | April 2016

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Normandale Center for Healing & Wholeness

Leading Healthier Lives The Normandale Center for Healing and Wholeness was founded over 18 years ago to support older adults in transition and their caregivers towards health in spirit, mind, and body. This year, Normandale Lutheran Church and the Center for Healing and Wholeness, in their commitment to work together more closely, are entering into a strategic planning process which involves seeking input into how to promote a holistic view of health, to help people within the congregation and the broader community lead healthy lives, not only from a physical perspective, but also socially, emotionally, and spiritually. This spring we will be implementing a survey tool to find out what people need to live a healthy life, what supports are needed, and to gather ideas for expanded health and wellness programming. If you are interested in completing the survey, drop by the center any Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am-4:00 pm to say hello and share your thoughts.

Volunteer Spotlight: Jan Johnson Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? Well Jan Johnson knows!

Jan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from St. Olaf College, and has worked with seniors all of her life in hospitals and long-term care facilities. She is also a member of the Edina Federated Women’s Club and has been a volunteer speaker, sharing her knowledge of nutrition with the community. Jan and her husband Gordon have been members of Normandale Lutheran Church since 1983.

In recognition of National Nutrition Month, Jan will be at the Edina Senior Center on Friday, April 8, at 9:30 am to give a presentation on food safety for seniors. Free manuals on food safety will be distributed at the seminar which is open to anyone interested at no cost. If you would like to attend, please call 952.833.9570.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers Are you feeling stretched caring for a loved one?

This 6-week small-group education program is designed to provide you with self-care tools that will help you take care of yourself while taking care of others. You will learn to reduce stress, improve your self-confidence, balance your life, better communicate your feelings, increase your ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources. To learn more or to register, contact Mary Cordell at 952.977.9363 or call the Edina Senior Center at 952.833.9570.

When: Thursdays, April 14-May 19 | 10:00 am-12:00 noon Where: Edina Senior Center | 5280 Grandview Square

Better Choices, Better Health Take control of your health!

As we grow older, we all wish for good health and a sense of well-being. But, chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, depression, high blood pressure and many others can make life and health hard to manage. This 6-week workshop can help you take control of your health! Contact the Center at 952.929.1698 for more information and to register.

When: Tuesdays, April 19-May 24 | 1:00-3:00 pm Where: Creekside Community Center, Bloomington

Volunteer Facilitators Needed We are currently looking to fill some volunteer facilitator positions for our health and wellness workshops. As a facilitator, you will receive certification training and be asked to co-facilitate at least one group workshop a year. Trained facilitators are used for our 6-8 week workshops, such as the upcoming Matter of Balance workshop being held at the Edina Senior Center beginning April 21.

Please consider becoming a volunteer facilitator and contact us today at 952.929.1698.

You will be providing an invaluable service to the seniors and caregivers in the community!

10 April 2016 | NormandaleNews

Mission at NLC Reading Buddies

Mission Exposure & Vision Trip

Reading Buddies continues this spring at Hope Academy in the Phillips Neighborhood. Each session features a meal along with homework help, reading encouragement, games, projects, and relationships built between youth and adults from Normandale and children from our Normandale Housing community.

Spring 2016 Dates: April 4, 11, 18, 25 May 2, 9, 16 Time: 5:30-8:00 pm To participate, please meet at the main entrance of the church at 5:30 pm.

Transportation provided to Hope Academy. Return to church at 8:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Phil Larson at 952.994.7898 or plarson@normandalehouse.org. Thank you!

Huch’uy Runa, Peru … and Machu Picchu, too! July 17-29, 2016 Join Pastor Dale and Pastora Fran Schmidt on a Mission Exposure / Vision Trip to Peru this summer. We will fly to Lima, catch our breath for a day, and then visit Huch’uy Runa, our partner school for Quechua children, in Cusco. We’ll spend several days learning from Señora Clara Santander about the context of the school while getting to know staff and students. (Hang on to your heart!)

We’ll spend a day traveling by train down the Sacred Valley to visit Machu Picchu, before returning to Lima. During our second week, we’ll visit our Lutheran churches in Lima, learning about their witness and challenges. We will strengthen our already deep relationships with Pastora Ofelia, Pastora Adita, Pastor Pedro, and others, while supporting their ministries. Your faith will be strengthened through this experience!

Photos: Enjoying a fun night of Reading Buddies in March!

Dates: July 17-29 Team: At least 10 (12-15 preferred) Decision: By April 15 Cost: About $3,000 (Ask Pastor Dale about scholarships) Contact: Pastor Dale Howard, dale@normluth.org /

952.929.1697 x353.

Photo: Smiles all around with children in Peru!

NormandaleNews | April 2016

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News & Announcements Generosity Summit

Saturday, April 9 | 9:00-11:00 am | Fellowship Hall The purpose of this gathering is to bring together a range of age groups to consider how we can promote generosity at Normandale Lutheran Church. During our time together, you will be provided with fascinating new information on national giving trends and the changing landscape of charitable giving in our culture. RSVP to Steve Olson at steve@normluth.org / 253.973.2611 by Monday, April 3 if you would like to attend. Continental breakfast provided.

Frank & Lois Carderelle Property Available to Rent!

A beautiful and spacious 4 bedroom, 4 1/2 bathroom with a walkout basement, 3 car garage, and 3 season porch.

Contact Wendy Reynolds, Business Administrator, at 952.977.9352 / wreynolds@normluth.org.

Hearing Assisted Devices in Normandale Sanctuary Available for Purchase

If you use the hearing assisted devices during worship services at Normandale and would like to have one of your own to keep, the information to order and cost is listed below.

You can go online at www.abbn.com or call 1.888.556.3887.

Here is the link to the Receiver and Headphone, Earbud, and Neck Loop options: www.abbn.com/product/FR/PPA-R37-N.html Body Pack Receiver | PPA R37N | $94 (runs on two AA batteries) Single Mono Earbud | EAR 013 | $11.30 Neck Loop | NKL 001 | $55

Save the Date!

Pentecost Sunday

May 15 | 9:30 am One service only.

All congregation picnic following worship.

Join us!

12 April 2016 | NormandaleNews

Life @ NLC Chancel Flowers or Plants: Sign Up Today!

If there is a special occasion, blessing, or person you wish to acknowledge by placing flowers or a plant in the Chancel for Sunday morning worship, please call the church office at 952.929.1697 or sign up on the community board outside the Fellowship Hall. Be sure to include a brief description of the occasion and indicate flower or plant. Two arrangements may be ordered each Sunday.

Come for homestyle meals & community!

Light lunch served after Wednesday Matins worship.

Dinner served 5:00-6:45 pm.

All meals are served in the Fellowship Hall.

A $50 contribution for each occasion is requested. Write check payable to Normandale Lutheran Church with a notation “Chancel Flowers” on memo line.

A Session on Boundaries

Tuesday, April 18 | 7:00 pm | Room 209-211 Open to all Normandale members and friends! Join us to learn all about boundaries: the definition, popular myths, boundary problems, and how to set boundaries. Presented by Peg Roberts, LMFT, President and Clinical Director of the Spirit of Hope Counseling Center.

Sponsored by Normandale’s Stephen Ministry Program.

Meet The New Staff!

Sunday, April 24 | 9:45 am | Fireside Room Stop by and say hello to new staff members of Normandale and the Center for Healing & Wholeness!

Amanda Allen: Communications Coordinator Jenny Bock: Director of Connections Maggie Jones: Director of Youth & Family Ministry Jennifer Monroe: H&W Executive Director Wendy Reynolds: Business Administrator

Upcoming Meals

April 6 | Spaghetti & Meatballs, Baked Mac & Cheese April 13 | Three-Cheese Lasagna April 20 | Gyros April 27 | Baked Chicken & Chili

Adults: $5.00 | Children under 12: $3.00

Life Events Baptisms “For freedom Christ has set us free.” Galatians 5 March 13:

Lindy Mae Wild, daughter of Jordon & Kimberly Wild

Funerals “I am the resurrection and the life.” John 1 March 1: March 3: March 23:

Steven Arnold Keating Neva Hjelmstad-Forslund Betty (Dixie) Robertson

NormandaleNews | April 2016

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Calendar

Blessing Place 9:00 am-12:00 noon, Monday-Friday | Normandale Preschool 9:00 am-3:00 pm, Monday-Friday

Monday, March 28 | Easter Flower Delivery 7:00 am Men’s Morning Bible Study 8:30 am Sew Day Quilting 7:00 pm Priscilla Circle @Vicki Brunsvold’s home Tuesday, March 29 6:30 pm Alcoholics Anonymous Wednesday, March 30 9:00 am A Matter of Balance @ Bloomington 10:00 am Adaptive Yoga 11:30 am Matins Worship 4:45 pm Boys Choir Rehearsal (3-6th gr.)

5:15 pm Brass Quintet Rehearsal 6:00 pm Girls Choir Rehearsal (3-6th gr.)

6:30 pm Normandale Choir Rehearsal Thursday, March 31 2:00 pm H & W Tai Chi 4:30 pm Cherub Choir Rehearsal (K-2nd gr.)

5:45 pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal Friday, April 1 | No scheduled activities Saturday, April 2 9:30 am Flute Rehearsal 10:30 am Food Disorders Support Group Sunday, April 3 8:30 am Worship | Holy Communion 9:30 am Coffee Fellowship 11:00 am Worship | Holy Communion Monday, April 4 7:00 am Men’s Morning Bible Study 5:30 pm Reading Buddies @ Hope Academy Tuesday, April 5 6:30 pm Alcoholics Anonymous Wednesday, April 6 7:00 am Preschool Staff Meeting 9:00 am A Matter of Balance @ Bloomington 9am-12 noon H & W Podiatry Clinic 9:30 am Women’s Bible Study 10:00 am Adaptive Yoga 11:30 am Matins Worship & Luncheon 4:45 pm Boys Choir Rehearsal (3-6th gr.)

5-6:45 pm Wednesday Night Dinner 5:15 pm Brass Quintet Rehearsal 5:30 pm Crossways 5:30 pm Preschool Committee Meeting 5:30 pm Wednesday Night Explorers 5:30 pm Youth Choir Rehearsal (7-12th gr.)

6:00 pm Girls Choir Rehearsal (3-6th gr.)

6:30 pm Normandale Choir Rehearsal 6:45 pm Confirmation Large Group (7-9th gr.)

6:45 pm High School Hangout (10-12th gr.)

7:10 pm Confirmation Electives Thursday, April 7 9 am-12 noon H & W Podiatry Clinic 10:00 am Crossways 2:00 pm H & W Tai Chi 4:30 pm Cherub Choir Rehearsal (K-2nd gr.)

5:45 pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal Friday, April 8 7:00 am Crossways Saturday, April 9 9:00 am Generosity Summit (see page 12) 10:30 am Alzheimer’s Support Group 4:00 pm Kids Night Out Sunday, April 10 8:30 am Worship 9:30 am Coffee Fellowship 9:45 am New Member Community Coffee 9:45 am Crossways 9:45 am Normandale Women Board Meeting 9:45 am FnL (Fellowship n Learning/7-12th gr.)

9:45 am ParentRest 9:45 am Sunday School 10:00 am One Year Old Faith Marker 10:25 am Cherub Choir Pre-worship Rehearsal 11:00 am Worship 4:00 pm Augsburg Choir Concert

14 April 2016 | NormandaleNews

Monday, April 11 7:00 am Monday Morning Bible Study 8:30 am Sew Day Quilting 1:00 pm Archives Committee 5:30 pm Reading Buddies @ Hope Academy Tuesday, April 12 10:00 am Staff Meeting 6:00 pm Alzheimer’s Adult | Child Support Group 6:30 pm Alcoholics Anonymous 7:00 pm Executive Council Wednesday, April 13 9:00 am A Matter of Balance @ Bloomington 9:30 am Women’s Bible Study 10:00 am Adaptive Yoga 10 am-2 pm Second Wednesday 11:30 am Matins Worship & Luncheon 4:45 pm Boys Choir Rehearsal 5-6:45 pm Wednesday Night Dinner 5:15 pm Brass Quintet Rehearsal 5:30 pm Crossways 5:30 pm Wednesday Night Explorers 5:30 pm Youth Choir Rehearsal 6:00 pm Girls Choir Rehearsal 6:45 pm Normandale Choir Rehearsal 6:45 pm Confirmation Large Group (7-9th gr.)

6:45 pm High School Hangout 7:10 pm Confirmation Electives Thursday, April 14 10:00 am Preschool Circus 10:00 am Crossways 2:00 pm H & W Tai Chi 4:30 pm Cherub Choir Rehearsal 5:45 pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal 6:00 pm Serving @ Our Saviour’s Shelter 7:00 pm Mary Circle @ Diane Fritz’s home Friday, April 15 7:00 am Crossways Saturday, April 16 9:00 am Book, Bagel & Brew 9:30 am Flute Rehearsal 10:30 am Food Disorders Support Group Sunday, April 17 7:45 am Boys & Girls Pre-worship Rehearsal 8:30 am Worship | Holy Communion 9:30 am Coffee Fellowship 9:45 am 6th Grade Faith Marker 9:45 am Crossways 9:45 am New Member Community Coffee 9:45 am FnL (Fellowship n Learning/7-12th gr) 9:45 am ParentRest 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Worship | Holy Communion 7:00 pm Mass Brass Concert (see page 9) Monday, April 18 7:00 am Men’s Morning Bible Study 1:00 pm Normandale Women Spring

Service Project 5:30 pm Reading Buddies @ Hope Academy 6:00 pm Stephen Ministry Leadership 7:00 pm “Boundaries” Spirit of Hope Counseling (see page 13) Tuesday, April 19 1:00 pm Better Choices, Better Health @

Creekside Community Ctr., Bloomington 7:00 pm Church Council Wednesday, April 20 9:00 am A Matter of Balance @ Bloomington 9:30 am Women’s Bible Study 10:00 am Adaptive Yoga 11:30 am Matins Worship & Luncheon 4:45 pm Boys Choir Rehearsal 5-6:45 pm Wednesday Night Dinner 6:00 pm Prospective New Members Family Meal (see next column for Wed, April 20 activities)

5:15 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 6:45 pm 6:45 pm 7:10 pm

Brass Rehearsal Crossways Youth Choir Rehearsal Girls Choir Rehearsal (3-6th gr.)

Normandale Choir Rehearsal Confirmation Large Group (7-9th gr.)

High School Hangout Confirmation Electives

Thursday, April 21 10:00 am Crossways 1:00 pm A Matter of Balance @ Edina Sr. Ctr. 2:00 pm H & W Tai Chi 4:30 pm Cherub Choir Rehearsal 5:45 pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal Friday, April 22 7:00 am Crossways 7:00 pm Cantus Concert (see page 9) Saturday, April 23 10:30 am Food Disorders Support Group Sunday, April 24 8:30 am Worship 9:30 am Coffee & Fellowship for

Reception of New Staff Members 9:45 am Crossways 9:45 am FnL (Fellowship n Learning/7-12th gr.)

9:45 am ParentRest 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Worship 1:00 pm Confirmation Fellowship Monday, April 25 7:00 am Men’s Morning Bible Study 8:30 am Sew Day Quilting 5:30 pm Reading Buddies @ Hope Academy 7:00 pm Priscilla Circle | Sue Elenkiwich’s home Tuesday, April 26 1:00 pm Better Choices, Better Health

Creekside Community Ctr., Bloomington 1:00 pm Ruth Circle | Carol Trelstad’s home 6:30 pm Alcoholics Anonymous Wednesday, April 27 9:00 am A Matter of Balance @ Bloomington 9:30 am Rachel Circle 9:30 am Women’s Bible Study 10:00 am Adaptive Yoga 11:30 am Matins Worship & Luncheon 12 noon Miriam Circle 1:30-6:00 pm Memorial Blood Drive 4:45 pm Boys Choir Rehearsal (3-6th gr.)

5-6:45 pm Wednesday Night Dinner 6:00 pm Prospective New Members Family Meal 5:15 pm Brass Quintet Rehearsal 5:30 pm Crossways 5:30 pm Wednesday Night Explorers 5:30 pm Youth Choir Rehearsal (7-12th gr.)

6:00 pm Girls Choir Rehearsal (3-6th gr.)

6:30 pm Normandale Choir Rehearsal 6:45 pm Confirmation Celebration 6:45 pm High School Hangout (10-12th gr.)

Thursday, April 28 10:00 am Crossways 2:00 pm H & W Tai Chi 4:30 pm Cherub Choir Rehearsal (K-2nd gr.)

5:45 pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal Friday, April 29 7:00 am Crossways 7:30 pm High School Lock-in (starts) Saturday, April 30 9:30 am High School Lock-in (ends) 10:30 am Food Disorders Support group 12:45 pm Boys & Girls Choir Rehearsal 2:30 pm Boys & Girls Choir @ The Colony

$3,142

*

With Gratitude

2016

Did you know that 1 in 10 Minnesotans is food insecure? *As of March 15, we have collected $3,142 in monetary donations, as well as many donations of food items to stock the shelves at CES and VEAP. Thank you for your generosity as we Fill the Plate and help feed the hungry.

NormandaleNews | April 2016

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Normandale Lutheran Church 6100 Normandale Road Edina, MN 55436

CONTACT US Phone: 952.929.1697 Fax: 952.929.2767 Email: office@normluth.org Web: www.normluth.org

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FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED IN MY NAME, I AM THERE AMONG THEM. MATTHEW 18:20

New Member Community Events // Spring 2016 NEW TO NORMANDALE? HAVE YOU BEEN A REGULAR ATTENDER FOR SOME TIME? YOU’RE INVITED!

PROSPECTIVE NEW MEMBER

Coffee

Join us for a gathering of welcome, introductions, and question and answer time.

PROSPECTIVE NEW MEMBER

Family Meal Join us for community building, connections, and a fantastic dinner!

* Sundays, April 10 & 17

* Wednesdays, April 20 & 27

* 9:45-10:45 am * Lower Level Conf. Room * Refreshments provided

* 6:00 pm * Fellowship Hall * Dinner provided

(Come to one or both!)

(Come to one or both!)

NEW MEMBER LUNCH

With Staff Loving, learning, worshiping, and serving at NLC. Get to know our staff and the missions & ministries we are called to serve. * Sunday, May 1 * 12:00 noon, following 11:00 am worship * Fellowship Hall * Lunch provided

NEW MEMBER RECOGNITION

Sunday

We joyfully recognize & welcome new members in worship! * Pentecost Sunday, May 15 * All congregation worship service, 9:30 am * All congregation picnic following worship

Ready to RSVP? Have Questions? Please contact Jenny Bock, Director of Connections, jbock@normluth.org or 952.929.1697.

NormandaleNews is published monthly by Normandale Lutheran Church, 6100 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55436. Periodical postage paid at St. Paul, MN. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: NormandaleNews, Normandale Lutheran Church, 6100 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55436.