Quarterly Newsletter
The Light of the World: Advent Reflections and Christmas
Kris D. H. Ferkin, Senior Interim Pastor
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus!
The great news of Advent is the Incarnation; God becomes flesh and dwells among us in Jesus Christ. The season of Advent is a time for us to Pause, Prepare, and Ponder, a time of reassurance as we hear God is near us and with us. God is in our brokenness, and God join us in the creative work of reconciliation. This season of Advent is filled with ever-increasing light as a metaphor of things to come.
This ever-increasing light points us beyond Christmas to Easter morning and we see that this baby Jesus is the resurrected Christ. Advent points to the resurrection and brings us back to the theme: Here with Us. God Immanuel!! Christmas is a time to celebrate God’s great gift to us – through the leading of the brightest light of all Jesus Christ, our Savior, the Messiah, the Light of the World.
Jesus is the light we all need in our lives. With Jesus, we know whatever darkness we encounter; we have been given the Messiah, the Light of the World, who dwells among us. We still long for and look forward to the day when Christ will come again, fulfilling God’s promise of justice and peace, but we also know that our Lord comes to us each day
through the Scriptures, the waters of our Baptism, the bread and wine of Communion and in the community of faith. In all of these ways and more, we experience the Light of the World. May the Light of the World shine through your lives as you prepare for Christ’s coming in Bethlehem.
Let us pray: Stir up your power, O Lord Jesus, and come. Take away the hindrance the darkness our brokenness has cloaked us with, and make us ready for the celebration of your birth, that we may receive you the light of the world in joy and serve you always; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Remind us of the verse, “O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth, and praises sing to God the king, and peace to all the earth. Amen.
From my Family to yours my God’s Blessings be unto you and your family this Advent Season and a Very Merry Christmas!
In Christ,
Pastor Kris D. H. Ferkin and Family
* Youth Ministry Update * Invitation to Young Musicians * WELCA Wraps Up Lefse * A Glace Ahead
Youth Ministry: Growing in Faith and Service
Lyn Meany, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries
The youth have had an exciting and productive fall season. Since programming began, there has been a different activity nearly every week!
In Confirmation, we delved into the Ten Commandments and the Apostles’ Creed. For many students, this was their first time exploring how their faith connects with the liturgy we recite each Sunday. We’ve discussed the boldness it took during Martin Luther’s time to profess these beliefs in the face of opposition from the Catholic Church. While the students may not yet fully grasp the power of embracing the Small Catechism as a foundation for their faith, they are making progress. After Christmas, we’ll continue our journey through the remainder of the Small Catechism, with the goal of equipping them to strengthen their faith through knowledge and understanding.
Our Youth Group has been active in some incredible service projects this season. In October, sixteen of us traveled to Fridley, MN, to assist Global Health Ministries in preparing a shipping container for customs. Many of our kids helped stack packed boxes, turning the task into a giant game of Jenga! Others sorted donated items. The organization was thrilled with the amount of work we accomplished and looks forward to our visits. In November, we visited Hy-Vee to shop for the Austin Packer Pantry. The youth engaged in thoughtful discussions about how to get the most food for the money to support local families. By the end, they had filled five carts with food and essential health supplies.
Sunday School has been full of energy and creativity this year as we follow the lectionary. While it can be challenging to align fun lessons with the themes discussed in worship, we’ve embraced the challenge. On December 1, we hosted a family Advent Celebration where families created their own Advent calendars and enjoyed games together. It was a wonderful time of connection and holiday preparation.
Our monthly Salvation Army meals have continued to make a meaningful impact. In November, we prepared two meals—a sloppy joe casserole and a chicken fajita meal— feeding 100 people per meal. Thanks to donated proteins and the help of two dedicated families, we’ve been able to provide these meals every month. This ministry thrives because of the generosity of our community.
We are grateful for the opportunity to grow together in faith, serve our neighbors, and build lasting memories. Thank you for your continued support!
A Joyful Premiere and Invitation to Young Musicians
Brian Williams, Director of Worship & Music
Handbell Choir Premieres New Work in Honor of Founding Director
On Sunday, Nov. 17, the Grace Notes Handbell Choir had the distinct honor of premiering Raise Loud Sounds of Joy, a new composition by Cathy Moklebust. The piece was commissioned to celebrate Ann Flisrand, the founding director of Ecumenical Bells, in recognition of her vision and leadership.
Playing this beautiful and spirited composition for the first time was both a privilege and a joy for the choir. The performance highlighted the profound impact Ann has had on the music ministry and celebrated her legacy in a meaningful way.
Christmas Eve Prelude Features Children and Youth Musicians
This Christmas Eve, children and youth are invited to share their musical talents during the prelude to the 3:30 p.m. service. Young musicians can play their favorite Christmas pieces, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to this special celebration.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact Brian with the name of the performer and their selected piece by Dec. 18. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to contribute to the worship experience and share the joy of the season.
St. Olaf WELCA Wraps Up Lefse Making for 2024
St. Olaf WELCA has successfully concluded its 2024 lefse-making project.
Each year, we wonder if we can continue this beloved tradition, and each year we are blessed with new volunteers alongside our dedicated regulars. Many participate because they find it a joyful time to connect with the St. Olaf family, share laughter, make new friends, and support church projects.
The most common question we hear is, “How many potatoes do you use?” The answer varies, but in 2024, we worked with 410 pounds of Wisconsin russets.
Here are some additional fun facts about our lefsemaking efforts this year:
Volunteers: We averaged 35 to 40 helpers per day over six days—two days for potato preparation and four days for rolling, baking, and packaging.
Ingredients: We used 27 pounds of butter, 16 halfgallons of heavy whipping cream, and more than 60 pounds of flour.
Output: About 2,000 pieces of lefse.
This year, we raised approximately $4,200 to support church projects. Our total was boosted by a Thrivent gift card to help cover ingredient costs and $350 in gifts from two generous WELCA members who value this project’s impact on the St. Olaf family.
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who contributed their time and talents. There’s always a job for everyone— men, women, young, or old. We look forward to seeing you next year!
Vernice Bishop
Gifts & Memorials
Backpackers
IMO Chuck & Mary Moline
Given by Stephanie Grotbo
Building
IMO Andrew Anhorn
Given by Randall & Wendy Kramer, Gayle & Lavonne Bergstrom, and Marie Cano
Decorating
IMO Mary Anderson
Given by Darrell & Diane Ingvaldson
Endowment
IMO Carol Bulson and Glenn Bakke
Given by Paul & Joanne Worlein, Darlys Smith, David & Diane Dammen, and Janice Krambeer
Foundation
IMO Carol Bulson & Glenn Bakke, Bob Koch, Glenn Mair, Harry & Ruby Larson, Joel Gullickson, and Mary Moline
Given by Darlene Koch, Dwight Larson, Daniel & Carla Conradt, Thomas & Gwendolyn Morem, Renae Bakke, Barbara Mair, and James & Jeanine Nelson
General
IMO Carol Bulson, David & Peggy Tollefson, Enid Thompson, Glenn Bakke, Larry Diggins, Mary Anderson, Mary Moline, & Robert Koch
Given by James & Mary Herrick, Janet Lees, Jeanette Ramseth, Jim Braaten, John & Janet Westendorf, Judith Bungum, Karen & Linda Baier, Karen Herreid, Keith & Sharon Barnes, Kenneth & Doris Hagen, Kyle & Kersten Tollefson, Larry & Joyce Crowe, Larry & Sherry Andersen, Lawrence & Joyce Crowe, Lois Gunderson, Lora Lee Bauer, Lowell & Gail Sim, Michael & Karen Lewis, Michael Ruzek, Nancy Allen, Neal & Cindy Grotsun, Norma Brown, Page Petersen, Richard & Judith Bergen, Robert & Karen Pedersen, Ronald & Alice Anderson, Rose Folken, Sarah Shaw, Steve & Barb Kime, Steve & Cheryl Greenman, Steve Bjoraker, Tamara Underwood, Friends & Family, Dave & Mary Crandall, David & Brenda Raffelson, David & Kathy Bjorge, David & Mary Jo Swoboda, Deanna Ashley, Dennis & Joy Blaser, Dianne Barrett, Esther Antonisen, Dana & Suzanne Miller,
Daniel & Rebecca Astrup, Darlene Koch & Family, Cheryl Dunlap, Collen & Bob Weimer, Craig Johnson, Barbara Mair
Music
IMO Carol Bulson
Given by Darrell & Diane Ingvaldson
Our Home
IMO Carol Bulson, Glenn Bakke, Larry Diggins, Teckla Baskin,
Given by James Braaten, Duane Dahlback, Robert & Susan Petersen, Darlene Aakre, Keith and Carolyn Eilertson, Sharron Mills, Ronald & Lois Peters, Larry & Sherry Andersen, Darlene Koch, Paul & Joanne Worlein, Walt & Sharon Alms, Alan & Alice Holst, and Ron & Lois Peters
Prayer Shawls
IMO Glenn Bakke
Given by Judith Bungum
Radio
IMO Glenn Bakke
Given by Deanna Bakke, Mr & Mrs Raymond Kyllo, and Arthur & Sharon Nott
WLC
IMO Glenn Bakke
Given by Frank & Faye Learn
A Glance Ahead
December 1, 2024: Advent Celebration during the 8:15 a.m. service.
December 11, 13, 17, & 18, 2024: WLC Christmas Program Rehearsal, 9:30–11 a.m. and 1–2 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
December 17, 2024: Deadline for children and youth to sign up for the Christmas Eve prelude. Contact Brian with performer details.
December 19, 2024: WLC Holiday Concert, time TBD, in the Sanctuary.
December 22, 2024: Live Nativity from 4–6 p.m.
December 24, 2024:
3:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship with Family Blessing and Communion (Children’s & Sunday School Choirs). Prelude begins at 3 p.m.
7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship with Holy Communion (Grace Notes & St. Olaf Church Choirs). Prelude begins at 6:30 p.m.
December 25, 2024: Christmas Day Service with Holy Communion, 10–11 a.m.
Church Office will be closed on December 24, 2024 through January 1, 2025.
WORSHIP
WITH US!
Sundays In-Person: 8:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Online: 8:15 a.m.
Radio Broadcast 99.9 FM: 10:45 a.m.
St. Olaf Staff
Check us out on our social media pages!
/stolafchurch
@stolaflutheranchurchELCA
@stolaflutheran
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Pastor Kris D. H. Ferkin
Interim Senior Pastor pastorkris@solc.org
Eric Buntrock Business Administrator ericmb@solc.org
Lyn Meany Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries lynm@solc.org
Mark Metcalf Custodian markm@solc.org
Sarv Mithaqiyan Communications Coordinator sarv@solc.org
Brian Williams Director of Worship & Music brianw@solc.org