a monthly magazine of wayzata community church december 2016 · a monthly magazine of wayzata...

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A monthly magazine of Wayzata Community Church

December 2016Volume 38, Number 11

In this issueChristmas Worship Services on page 2.

Home for Christmas, a reflection by Rev. S. Lindy Purdy, on page 4.

Ringing the Salvation Army Bells, a Kraus family tradition, on page 5.

Reflective prayer services provide peace and hope during this season, page 12.

inspire the world with the inclusive love of Jesus

Blended Family MinistryBeing able to share their struggles,this family found new friends to enjoy the journey of stepfamily integration with. Read more on page 5.

“I’m 3rd.”God is 1st, others are 2nd, and I am 3rd. Read For the Moment by Rev. Dr. John Ross on page 3.

Advent Music at Wayzata Enjoy beautiful music in the days leading up to Christmas. More on page 10.

The Angel Haroldby Rev. S. Lindy Purdy

Hark the Herald Angels Sing! Glory to the Newborn King.Peace on Earth and Mercy Mild, God and Sinners Reconciled.

I just love that song. I know the words by heart, and just hearing the introduction gives me the shivers. What I especially love is the word, “Hark!” We don’t use the word “hark” in our daily vocabulary, but I think it might be a good word for many occasions. “Hark, dinner is ready.” “Hark, it is time for an oil change in the Toyota.” “Hark, I hear footsteps in the hall.”

The Angel Harold, continued on page 2

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The Angel Harold, from page 1It makes you kind of wonder what a herald angel is. I am not sure what a herald angel is, but I want to tell you a story about Harold, the angel.

I first heard about the angel Harold from my son Ben, when he was a pre-schooler at our church. I remember Ben com-ing home with wild stories about this white-haired angel that had gotten him out of one jam or another. This “angel” made his way into many of our after-school conversations.

“How was your day, Ben?” “It was OK, the angel helped me find my jacket.”“What angel?” “Harold.” Or“How was your class today, Ben?”“I don’t know.”“Ben, you are the only one who knows.”“Well, when Tommy lost his football, I told him that the an-gel would get it back, but he didn’t believe me.”“Ben, not everyone can see angels.” Lots of kids have imaginary friends, right?—I was trying to be a good mom, so I just took this stage in stride. I didn’t encourage the idea of angels, and when Ben’s angel came up in conversation I went along with it. I figured that this imaginary “angel” would go the way of Ben’s abandoned sippy cup. On the other hand, his well-worn blankie still ac-companied him to bed every night. At least angels were a healthy kind of pretend companion.

Then one day—“Did you have a good day at school today, Ben?”“Oh, it was great, the angel put up the Christmas tree.”“The angel?”‘Yeah, the one I’ve been telling you about mom. The angel—Harold.”“Oh.”

Just the mention of the “tree” going into place—sent me into high gear. You see, at the Pre-school Board planning meet-ing in August, I opened up my big mouth and said some-thing about loving Christmas and remembering the great “pageants” we had when I was a kid. The next thing you know, I was appointed the chairperson of this year’s “Tree House Room Christmas Pageant” for the nursery school.

HARK! There will be a Christmas pageant again this year.

And BEHOLD, (another great underused word), the church council gave a one-time grant, for some new costumes, and the Thimblebees agreed to make them! So, there I was, only three-and-a-half weeks until the big day. (story continued....)

Give the Gift of the Twelves Stories of Christmas!Read more about The Angel Harold and get to know more of the wonderful char-acters in Lindy’s book, The Twelve Stories

of Christmas. You may purchase the book ($20) online at http://bit.ly/Christmasbook, on Amazon.com, or from Cami Farley in the Pastoral Office. All net proceeds go to support families in need through our Mission & Outreach Board.

“ROCK THE MANGER”WOW ON CHRISTMAS EVE -EVE !Friday, December 23 • 6:15 p.m. in the SanctuaryFeaturing special guests Charles Lazarus & Tonia HughesIf you are going to be out of town on Christmas Eve, or you are just ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth in a “WoW” way, join us in the Sanctuary on Christmas Eve Eve! This very special time of wor-ship will feature music by our amazing friends Charles Lazarus, Tonia Hughes, our WCC House Blend, an inspiring Christmas message, from Rev. Rustin Comer, closing with candlelighting and singing of Silent Night. All are welcome!

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Build Your Own Nativity • 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., SanctuaryCalling all kings, shepherds, and sheep! Help us re-create the Nativity in this child-centered Christmas service. Bring your own costume, or wear one we provide! Childcare available for birth-24 months in the Crib Room.

Christmas in Wakefield Chapel • 2:00, 3:30, and 5:00 p.m., ChapelA traditional service of Lessons and Carols with organist, SPCO violinist Daria Adams, homily, and a Christmas message from from Rev. Dr. John F. Ross.

Candlelight Family Christmas • 2:00, 3:30 and 5:00 p.m., SanctuaryThis wonderful experience for all ages includes music from the our contemporary music team, Tapestry, traditional songs, candlelighting, a special moment for children, and a Christmas message from Rev. Dr. John F. Ross. Childcare available for birth-24 months in the Crib Room.

Festival Christmas Eve • 9:00 p.m., SanctuaryWith fanfare and joy we hear the Christmas story in festive mu-sic from the Chancel Choir and Wayzata Symphony Orchestra, and a Christmas message from Rev. Dr. John F. Ross.

Midnight Christmas • 11:00 p.m., SanctuaryA joyous and contemplative welcome of the midnight hour and the beginning of Christmas Day. We will hear a meditation by Rev. Dr. John F. Ross and share communion around the table. Moving music will guide us, hosted by the Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra.

CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP • 10:00 a.m., ChapelCome as you are on Christmas morning for warm, welcoming, and joyous Christmas Day worship. Hear Lindy Purdy’s heart-warming story and uplifting music, and celebrate baptisms. Join in a Christmas carol sing-along, followed by Christmas cookies in Founders Hall.

Christmas Worship

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“I’m 3rd”This short phrase, “I’m 3rd” began as a strategic initiative of the YMCA of Pittsburgh. Before long it became a summer theme at one of their family camps and was eventually declared a perpetual campaign among their staff members. T-shirts, bumper stickers, and wristbands were created as daily reminders of the initiative. But what does it mean?

“I’m 3rd” is about doing what Jesus commanded us to do. In all three synoptic Gospels someone asks Jesus essentially, “What’s most important to you?” His response reaches back to his Jewish heritage (Deuteronomy 6) and his answer is consistent: “Love God. Love Neighbor. Love Yourself.” In that order. (Matthew 22, Mark 12, Luke 10)

“God 1st. Others 2nd. I’m 3rd.”

This month of December and season of Advent will be spent ringing bells, raising funds, sleeping out, sharing tea, being “blue”, building a community room, singing carols, lighting candles and countless other things to “Build A Place Called Home” and by extension to prepare for Emmanuel — God with us. But the home we must first build is the one within our own heart where God, in Jesus, resides.

For the moment (which is about how long the season of Advent seems to last) consider the good in “I’m 3rd.” Think of it as much more than just a strategic initiative, summer camp theme, or slogan. Think of it as an intentional choice in Advent that not only prepares us for Jesus’ arrival, but builds a place called home for Him—the home of our hearts.

I’m 3rd,

Rev. Dr. John F. Ross, Senior Minister

for the momentRev. Dr. John F. Ross, Senior Minister

For the moment (which is about how long the season of Advent seems to last) consider the good in “I’m 3rd.”

Special Christmas OfferingThis year, the Christmas Offering will be donated to Interfaith Outreach’s “Neigh-borhood Program” for expansion of a community room at Kimberly Meadows Apartments.

Currently the residents and youth meet in an 8’ x 10’ renovated laundry room that has been converted into a small but functional community space. A larger community room will enable more residents and their children to attend programs, especially in poor weather, right on Kimberly Meadows’ grounds.

“Neighborhood Program” includes monthly dinners, and activities for residents, as well as programs for youth that help young learners build academic and social/emotional skills. Wayzata Community Church has been working with Kimberly Meadows Apartment res-idents and Interfaith Outreach for over ten years. The apartments are located near the crossroads of CR101 and CR6 in Plymouth, very close to WCC.

Contributions to this Special Christmas Offering may be made by making your check payable to Wayzata Community Church, noting “Neighborhood Program” on the memo line.

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Families Moving Forward will be here for Christmas!Our Families Moving Forward guests will be visiting us from December 18 to 25, just in time to celebrate the Christmas Holiday with us. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Not only do we need your help with supplies, food, and volunteering to spend time with our families, we also need presents for the families with items that they need and cannot afford. Until they arrive on the 18th of December, we will have a table set up in Founders Hall where you can find lists of needs and sign up to help. You can also email Peter Thompson at [email protected], Cindy LaRue at [email protected] or Sarah Boswell Healey at [email protected] for more information. Let’s make their Christmas with us special this year!

Mission FestivalMission Festival was a HUGE success! The Chil-dren’s Ministry and the Mission and Outreach Board are pleased to announce that wafter expenses, over $16,000 was raised through both events! But wait, we had TWO matches for Mission Festival this year, bringing our first match to $32,000 then the second to a grand total of $64,000! The money raised will be donated to our new mission in Nicaragua, the Emprendedora Techni-cal School, through Opportunity International. The funds will be used to build a new Library & Media Center as well as fund technology for each class-room. The impact of this donation and investment empowers children and adults living in poverty with modern technology for increased learning, promote literacy and engagement from the school and sev-en surrounding communities. Adults will pay a mini-mum fee to help the school reach sustainability. We extend our thanks to 6Smith Restaurant, and the many wine distributors, wineries, and people who so generously donated food, wine, supplies and their time to make this possible. May God Bless YOU for your good work!

Home for Christmasby Rev. S. Lindy Purdy

I often confess to folks that I meet for the first time, that I am geograph-ically challenged. I have really only lived in two zip codes, and those zip codes are adjacent—55331 and 55391. But the truth is, I actually lived before there were such things as a zip codes.

So in one way, “Home for Christmas” means a very specific place in this world. I celebrated the first ten Christmases of my life at 5305 Clinton Avenue in Minneapolis, where my grandmother lived. I loved that house. I so wished I could live there forever. It was such a great Christmas house with a real fireplace and a sunroom that was just big enough for a Christmas tree.

Then when I was in 5th grade, my parents convinced my grandmother that they should be the ones to host the family Christmas celebration. And so our new Christmas home became 3501 Shore Drive, Excelsior MN, my first zip code. This is memorable in many ways, but mostly because “Santa” had to dismount the sleigh and climb up a long hill from the lake carrying his sack of packages, with all of us watching.

Then when my kids were around 10 and 7, we insisted on having Christ-mas at our house, 1975 Fagerness Pt. Rd. Wayzata, my second zip code. We had such fun all those years and I loved welcoming everyone to my home and decorating every space with Christmas decor. John and I still live at this address, and we still love to be around at Christmas, but over the last 13 years, I have felt most at “Home for Christmas” at 125 E. Wayzata Blvd. It has been the only place I have wanted to be, in church with my larger family of faith. The celebration of God incarnate has been so especially important to me in this place and with all of you who are my faith family.

Oh yeah— I love to see the faces of my grandkids on Christmas (when it is our turn), at the kids’ Christmas Pageant or by our fireplace on Christ-mas morning. But really, being “Home for Christmas” is not really a place at all, it is where we experience the magic and mystery of God’s love, in the remarkable and inconceivable image of a baby, born for us this day. May it be so for you this Christmas.

Lindy

Adoration of the Shepherds, Gerard van Honthorst, 1622

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Margaret and Charlie Kraus ringing the bells and sipping hot chocolate!

Ringing the Bellsby Katie Kraus

The first year, I asked (or maybe told!) my kids we would be ringing the Salvation Army bells on Christmas Eve, they were hardly overflowing with enthusiasm. I recall something like: “Why? How long? Why? Do we have to? Why? Can’t you do it by yourself? Why?”

I responded as most mothers would— it’s only an hour. The why was easy... we are so fortunate, we have a house, clothes, food— we have everything we NEED, but many others don’t, this is our way to show we care and that we can help.

That didn’t change their attitude. I did bribe them with the offer of hot chocolate— everyone gets one free hot chocolate during a shift. That worked! It might be worth it after all… The first year was freezing cold— we each had several layers on and I think we were there about 5 minutes before they asked when it was time for the hot chocolate. It was going to be a L O N G hour. We rang the bells, we greeted friends and strangers, we collected money and we finished the shift — I felt wonderful and felt such a sense of pride for my kids! How-ever, they let me know it was cold, it was awful, and yet again, “why” did “we” have to do this?

The following year, when we were traveling out of Minnesota for Christmas, they asked “but what about ringing the bells on Christmas Eve?” They wanted to do it! It was ironic that after all of the complaining… something obviously clicked with them.

We missed that year, but have done it ever since— they no lon-ger moan or whine, they know it is now our tradition and part of being “home for Christmas”— and I think they even pass on the hot chocolate!

A Smart StepfamilyBeing married by Lindy Purdy in Lake Tahoe was amaz-ing. Our new blended family was exciting. Our Schnoo-dle puppy Oscar was perfect. Our involvement with WCC as a family was a true blessing. But we quickly found ourselves struggling to find friends or family who could relate to what we thought was a unique ex-perience of blending our new family into a harmonious place for everyone to survive – let alone grow. We found ourselves struggling to agree on dinner, much less co-parenting, and alone in trying to cre-ate the perfect home we had envisioned. Fortunately, WCC was just about to start a Unique Family Ministries’ Smart Stepfamily study group aided by the curriculum of renowned therapist/author Ron Deal. With some hesitation we signed up for the class and began reading The Smart Stepfamily. The book was helpful, but find-ing other parents, grandparents, and associated family members affected by the complexity of stepfamily liv-ing was truly a new beginning for us. Being able to share our struggles and no longer feeling alone, we knew we had found new friends to enjoy the journey of stepfami-ly integration with. The kids still struggle to get straight A’s, and some nights feel like we’re running through mud, but knowing we have friends working through the same issues has helped change our expectations of a perfect stepfamily. Our class has since ended, but our learning and friendships continue.—Chris & Lynn Dale Resources for Smart Step FamiliesIf you are interested in joining a transformative experi-ence, the next eight week session of The Smart Step-family is registering now. The first class will held Thurs-days, January 12-March 2, 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Piper Library. Chris and Lynn Dale will lead the class. Regis-tration is required and class size is limited. Register on WC-Connect.

Smart Stepfamilies Support and Socialize GroupSaturday, January 14, 9-10 a.m., Piper Library“How to cook a step family.” Most families believe blending a family means throwing all of the ingredi-ents into a blender and turning it on high speed. After all, it’s called a blended family. That’s fine when making smoothies but not when blending a family. Join our Step Family Support & Socialize group to learn tips on blend-ing a step family and get support and encouragement from other families working through the complexities of step family living.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

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Planning Committee, 6 p.m.High School CE Board, 6:30 p.m.Art & Design Committee, 7 p.m.Board of Deacons, 7 p.m.Children’s CE Board, 7 p.m.Generosity Committee, 7 p.m.WCCNS Parent Organziation, 7 p.m.OA, 7 p.m.

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18 FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT BAPTISMSRev. Dr. John F. Ross preaching 8 a.m. Chapel Communion, Chapel9:00 a.m. Celebrations Worship, Sanctuary10:10 a.m. Parables Worship, Chapel10:45 a.m. Traditions Worship, SanctuaryHillcrest Golden Living Worship, 11 a.m. Meridian Manor Worship, 1 p.m.Music Association of Minnetonka Concert, 3 p.m.Families Moving Forward at WCC

11 THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT MUSIC SUNDAY8 a.m. Chapel Communion, ChapelNominating Board, 8 a.m.9:00 a.m. Celebrations Worship, Sanctuary10:10 a.m. Parables Worship, Chapel10:45 a.m. Parables Christmas Party10:45 a.m. Traditions Worship, SanctuaryMeridian Manor Worship, 1 p.m.A Child’s Christmas Concert, 3 p.m.

12 Archives, 9 a.m. AA, 10 a.m.I Am That Girl MS, 7 p.m.I Am That Girl HS, 7 p.m.I Am That Girl Moms, 7 p.m.Al Anon, 7:30 p.m.

Thimble Bees, 9 a.m.Executive Committee of Council, 5:30 p.m.Membership Committee, 6:30 p.m.Adult CE Board, 7 p.m.Personnel Committee, 7 p.m.OA, 7 p.m.Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony Concert, 8 p.m.

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19 20Families Moving Forward at WCCArchives, 9 a.m. AA, 10 a.m.Music Board, 7 p.m.Al Anon, 7:30 p.m.

Families Moving Forward at WCCChurch Council 7 p.m.Unique Family Ministry Meeting, 7 p.m.OA, 7 p.m.

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25 CHRISTMAS DAY Christmas Day Worship, 10 a.m. 26 Building Closed

for Christmas

27 CHC Meeting, 4:30 p.m.OA, 7 p.m.

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4 SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENTRev. Dr. John F. Ross preaching8 a.m. Chapel Communion, Chapel9:00 a.m. Celebrations Worship, Sanctuary 10:10 a.m. Parables Worship, Chapel10:45 a.m. Traditions Worship, SanctuaryHillcrest Golden Living Worship, 11 a.m. Meridian Manor Worship, 1 p.m.Advent Workshop, Parables Families, 2:30 p.m.The Singers Concert,, 3 p.m.Advent Workshop, All Families, 3 p.m.

5 Archives, 9 a.m. AA, 10 a.m.Board of Fellowship, 7 p.m.Middle School CE Board, 7 p.m.Al Anon, 7:30 p.m.

Soup, Salad and Song LuncheonLed by Rev. Lindy PurdyDecember 14 • 12:00 noon in Mithun HallJoin us for a Christmas potluck lunch for all folks 55 or better, featuring music, games, fellowship and great food! All are welcome.

Join Lindy Purdy for Soup, Salad and Song

the 3rd Wednesday of each month,

October through May!12 noon, Mithun Hall

2015 DatesOctober 21, November 18,

December 16

2016 DatesJanuary 20, February 17,

March 16, April 20, and May 18





December 16







December 16



S3soup, salad

& song

Join Lindy Purdy for S3: Soup, Salad and Song




December 19


March 20, April 17, May 15

magnet size:3.5” x 8.5”

S3soup, salad

& song





December 19




S3soup, salad

& song





December 19




A D V E N T D E V O T I O N A L 2 0 1 5

Wonder

home for christmas

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

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Planning Committee, 6 p.m.High School CE Board, 6:30 p.m.Art & Design Committee, 7 p.m.Board of Deacons, 7 p.m.Children’s CE Board, 7 p.m.Generosity Committee, 7 p.m.WCCNS Parent Organziation, 7 p.m.OA, 7 p.m.

AA, 10 a.m.Soul Sisters Lunch Bucnh, 11:30 a.m. Afternoon Classes, 4:30-6:00 p.m.Soul Sisters Book Study, 4:30 p.m.Food for the Soul (Suppers), 5-6:15 p.m. Worship on Wednesday, 6:20 p.m.Smart Stepfamilies Class, 7:15 p.m.Fourth Grade Stepping Stone, 7:15 p.m.Evening Classes, 7:15-8:30 p.m.Al Anon, 7:45 p.m.

7 8 Finance Committee, 6:45 a.m.Women’s AA, 10 a.mFaith Bible Study, 10 a.m. at FolkestoneLibrary Committee, 11 a.m.Called to Care Intensive, 12 noonMinister Search Committee, 5:30 p.m.Soul Sisters Book Study, 6:30 p.m.

9 10 Saturday Seekers, 8 a.m.Soul Sisters Yoga, 8 a.m.Baptism Stepping Stone, 9 a.m.Old Timers’ Basketball, 9 a.m.AA, 11 a.m.

Thimble Bees, 9 a.m.Executive Committee of Council, 5:30 p.m.Membership Committee, 6:30 p.m.Adult CE Board, 7 p.m.Personnel Committee, 7 p.m.OA, 7 p.m.Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony Concert, 8 p.m.

AA, 10 a.m.Soup, Salad and Song Luncheon, 12 noonAfternoon Classes, 4:30-6:00 p.m.Soul Sisters Book Study, 4:30 p.m.Parables Young Adult Bible Study, 5 p.m. Food for the Soul (Suppers), 5-6:15 p.m.Worship on Wednesday, 6:20 p.m.Fourth Grade Stepping Stone, 7:15 p.m.Smart Stepfamilies Class, 7:15 p.m.Evening Classes, 7:15-8:30 p.m.Al Anon, 7:45 p.m.

14 15 Women’s AA, 10 a.m.Blue Christmas Service, 12 noonMinister Search Committee, 5:30 p.m.Soul Sisters Book Study, 6:30 p.m.Blue Christmas Service, 7 p.m.

16 17 Saturday Seekers, 8 a.m.Soul Sisters Yoga, 8 a.m. Old Timers’ Basketball, 9 a.m.AA, 11 a.m.

Families Moving Forward at WCCRock the Manger, 6:15 p.m.

Families Moving Forward at WCCChurch Council 7 p.m.Unique Family Ministry Meeting, 7 p.m.OA, 7 p.m.

Families Moving Forward at WCCAA, 10 a.m.Chancel Choir, 7:15 p.m.Al Anon, 7:45 p.m.

21 22 Families Moving Forward at WCC Women’s AA, 10 a.m.Minister Search Committee, 5:30 p.m.Soul Sisters Book Study, 6:30 p.m.Chancel Choir and Orchestra Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.

23 24 CHRISTMAS EVEBuild Your Own Nativity, 10 a.m.Chapel Worship, 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m.Candelight Worship(Sanctuary), 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m.Festival Christmas Worship (Sanctuary), 9 p.m.Midnight Christmas, 11 p.m.

Kids’ Night Out, 6 p.m.

CHC Meeting, 4:30 p.m.OA, 7 p.m.

28 AA, 10 a.m.Al Anon, 7:45 p.m.

3 Saturday Seekers, 8 a.m.Soul Sisters Yoga, 8 .m.WCCNS Santa Breakfast, 8:30 a.m.Old Timers’ Basketball, 9:30 a.m.AA, 11 a.m.

Coming Up in January • The Sunday After with Jason Gray, January 8, 9 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.• Smart Stepfamilies Class begins Wednesday, January 12, 7 p.m.• Coffeehouse Concert: Tapestry Unplugged, January 13 at 7 p.m.• Third Thursday Readers, January 19, 1 p.m. • Coffeehouse Concert: Charlie Roth, January 27 at 7 p.m.

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1 Women’s AA, 10 a.mFaith Bible Study, 10 a.m. at FolkestoneBridge, 12 noonCalled to Care Intensive, 12 noonMinister Search Committee, 5:30 p.m.Soul Sisters Book Study, 6:30 p.m.Women’s Christmas Tea, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

West Metro League Kids Night Out, 4 p.m.Interfaith Out-reach Client Holiday Party, 5 p.m.

Parables Respite Care, 5 p.m.Alison Scott Con-cert, 7:30 p.m.

Women’s AA, 10 a.m.Bridge, 12 noonMinister Search Committee, 5:30 p.m.

AA, 11 a.m.

A D V E N T D E V O T I O N A L 2 0 1 5

Wonder

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Gingerbread people without heads, live ants, and other warm Christmas talesWe all have funny Christmas tales from our past... here are a few anecdotes shared by WCC staff. Can you guess which staff person told which story?

A. My kids and I spent an entire day building an elaborate Gingerbread House a few days before Christmas. We went over to our neighbors’ house for a holiday party and when we came back it was gone. Our black lab had climbed up on the table and had eaten the entire thing! She was sick for a week.

B. My children and I made adorable little gingerbread people and I put them on the dining room table to cool while I was cleaning up the kitchen. When I returned to the dining room, all the heads were gone. (My 4 year old son had eaten every one!)

C. My elderly aunt gave all 8 great nephews in the family sleeping bags for Christmas, and when they unfurled them in the air, thousands of live ants came flying out all over the 25 people sitting around each of the kids. All of us were completely covered with live ants and went screaming out of the room trying to brush them off!

D. When I walked from the kitchen into the living room, I found my little daughter saying the pledge of allegiance to the Christmas Tree.

E. When I was 5, my brother came home from college for Christmas and brought with him a cuddly German Shepherd puppy named Schultz. He wanted to surprise us in the morning, so he put Schultz in the laundry room, but didn’t close the door all the way. In the morning we made our way to the Christmas tree and found all the wrapping paper torn off every present, my sister’s new

cowboy boots full of teeth holes, and my Barbie Dream House roof chewed off. He also left a very “special present” on the new chenille bathrobe my Dad had wrapped for my mom!

F. One Christmas, my then fiance joined my family for Christmas. My mother had set up many beautifully decorated card tables in our living room to accommodate all the Christmas Eve guests. My soon-to-be husband and I sat down to eat with my parents and mid-meal, my “football-player-sized” fiance stood up to go to the restroom. The force flipped the table we were sitting at completely over, sending my mother head-over- tea- kettle across the room!

G. When I was first out of college and on my own I had a cat who liked to climb the inside of the Christmas tree and hide. She did this several times until once when she climbed too high and toppled the tree, scattering the decorations throughout the living room, and scaring herself out of her wits! I heard the crash, then saw her tear down the hallway to hide underneath the bed, her favorite spot. That was the last time she ever climbed a tree. continued on page 9

1. The Interfaith Outreach Food Shelf serves over 250 households per week. 40% of the people served are children. The food shelf is a safety net and supplemental resource for families and seniors who live on low and fixed incomes. Please remember our neighbors and bring food donations to the drop points in the East and West entrances of WCC. Click here for a list of suggested items.

2. Join us for Adopt-a-Neighborhood at Interfaith Outreach for Movie Night on Decem-ber 20! Our program of Food, Fun and Fellowship helps us to be good neighbors to residents at Kimberly Meadows. Volunteers are needed to help bring food, to set up and serve dinner. Please contact Vicki Thompson at [email protected] or 952-542-9152.

3. Soul Sisters Christmas Celebration! Please join the Soul Sisters for a fellowship celebration of Christ’s birth on Thursday, December 8 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Karin Dayton’s home (355 Lake St W, Wayzata)! Birthday Cake will be served. Please bring an appetizer to share. RSVP by December 5th. You can register online at www.wayzatacommu-nitychurch.org/soulsisters.

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A. ) Jodie Nyberg B.) Cami Farley C.) Lou Vlahos D. )John Estrem E.) Autumn Toussaint F.) Leslie Neugent G.) Tom Paulson H.) Lindy Purdy I.) John Ross

Christmas Tales, from page 8

H. One of the traditions is the appearance of Santa on Christmas Eve, with a HO, HO, HO, and dragging a sack of toys for us kids of all ages. Most Christmases a male from the family is drafted to play this role—preferably one that not any little kids would recognize easily. When my brother and I were quite young (just a few years ago), we celebrated Christmas Eve at my grandmother’s. One year, a friend of the family played the role of Santa. He dressed in the Santa suit at

my grandmother’s house and took off out the back door to the alley. We were distracted waiting and watching for Santa to come up the sidewalk to the front door. We waited and waited and waited. Eventually, “our Santa” snuck back in the back door again—and only then realized his mistake. He had delivered our sack of toys to the wrong house. Somehow all the gifts made it to the right people, but this incident led to many a chuckle in the years to come—and often a map for the Santa of the Eve.

I. Back when we used cameras with self-timers and tripods, we were setting up for our annual family Christmas photo but I was running very late for an engagement that I was in charge of. As I huffed and puffed around, setting up the camera and getting the family all posed, I was complaining about how late I was and what a silly tradition Christmas photos was… and JUST before the self-timer snapped the picture-perfect photo of our family all smiling, my wife whispered out of the corner of her smiling mouth: “Merry Christmas, you jerk.” :)

4. “Woody” Budnick was the beloved organist and choir director at WCC from 1946 until 1980. He was also band director at Wayzata High School. A “Woody” Budnick music scholarship exists for a Wayzata High School senior who hopes to pursue a music education. If you would like to support this scholar-ship, please contact Ann Shaver Hammer at [email protected].

5. Arizona Snowbirds! We hope you will save the date for our annual Snowbird event with John & Sheila Ross on February 16, 5 p.m. at the home of Pete & Margie Ankeny in Rio Verde. If you would like to be added to the AZ mailing list please contact Mandi Lee at [email protected]

6. Join the Soul Sisters for a yoga class! On December 3 & 17 we’ll meet from 8-9:30 a.m. in the Community Room. On December 10, we’ll meet from 8-9:30 a.m. in The Loft (3rd floor). Open to everyone, the cost is $10 per session.

7. The Annual WCCNS Santa Breakfast is on Saturday, December 3 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in Mithun Hall! Enjoy a delicious Pancake Breakfast and storytime & photos with Santa. Tickets are $5/child and $10/adults. You may pre-order tickets at www.wayzatacom-munitychurch.org/santabreakfast.

Advent WorkshopRing in the holiday season with your family and faith friends at this Annu-al Craft Extravaganza on Sunday, December 4 in the Gym (best for ages 3 through adult). • 2:30 p.m. Parables families only • 3:00-5:30 p.m. General Public

Everyone is invited! We’ll make (and take) ornaments, gifts and decorations for you to hang on your tree or give as gifts to loved ones. This year all ornaments will be Christian based and will include: nativity, candles, wreaths and trees, angels, and common symbols. As is our tradition, we’ll also have three kinds of fresh greenery and will teach you how to make your own swag, wreath or centerpiece! The cost is only $10 per crafter. Enjoy Christmas cookies, healthy snacks, and Christmas music while you craft. Register online to attend, bring cookies, or help with one of our craft stations at www.wayzatacommunitychurch.org/adventworkshop.

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Advent Music at WayzataTHE SINGERS: WHAT SWEETER MUSIC*SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 3:00 P.M.Benjamin Britten composed A Ceremony of Carols on a Swedish cargo vessel in 1942 as he was sailing from the States home to England. Women of The Singers will be performing the original version for treble voices, along with harpist Min Kim. Many traditional carols will also be featured alongside joyous and contemplative music for this special concert. *Tickets can be purchased at www.singersmca.org.

ALISON SCOTT’S SOULFUL CHRISTMAS*FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 7:30 P.M.Alison Scott’s “Soulful Christmas” offers a beautiful mix of real soul music and Christ-mas cheer. Enjoy some great new original holiday songs mixed with creative reinter-preted classics, along with amazing guest musicians. *Tickets can be purchased at www.alisonscott.com

A CHILD’S CHRISTMASSUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 3:00 P.M.Young voices of the Minnetonka Chamber Choir will present its annu-al “A Child’s Christmas”. The concert is free.

GREATER TWIN CITIES YOUTH SYMPHONY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 8:00 P.M.GTCYS provides a rigorous and inspir-ing year-round youth orchestra expe-riences for young musicians of all ages and abilities, and aids in their develop-ment as young artists and adults, un-der the dynamic leadership of Artistic Director Mark Russell Smith. The con-cert is free.

JULETIDE, MUSIC ASSOCIATION OF MTKA.SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 3:00 P.M.Join the Minnetonka Symphony Or-chestra for a selection of seasonal fa-vorites, free and open to all ages! The concert is free.

The Sunday After with Jason GreySunday, January 8, 2017 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Jason Gray is an award-winning Christian artist whose current album, Where the Light Gets In, has been hailed by critics as “Album of the Year.” This Minnesota native’s songwriting has always empha-sized how “strength is the new weakness,” something he learned as a chronic stutter-er as a child. Jason has gained a beautiful following of those who relate to his com-mon reflections on goodness and grace.

Music SundaySunday, December 11, 2016

9:00 a.m. “Christmas Is....” Our Children’s & Youth Choirs (ages 3-18) lead us in song, scripture, dance, and spoken word as we explore what Christmas is, and what it isn’t. With special guests CREO Arts & Dance Conservatory, Tapestry band (featuring our amazing hornline), and other surprises, we hope all ages and stages will celebrate this glorious Sunday with us.

10:45 a.m. Word Made FleshCarol settings of Craig Hella Johnson, Mack Wilberg and Carolyn Jennings, and readings from William Sloan Coffin bring new light to the Word Made Flesh for our lives and our living. Chancel Choir with Kraig Windschitl, organ, and Geoff Senn, trumpet.

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We would love to hear from you when you have a new baby or grandbaby, so we can share the good news with your church family.

MARRIAGES Congratulations to Christa Bowman (Director of Middle School Ministry) & Mitch Workmon, who were married September 24.

BAPTISMS• Sadie James Cruzen was born on September 22 to Ashley Fournier and Will Cruzen, Grandma is Dana Essex Cruzen and auntie is Hannah Cruzen. • Congratulations to CJ and Julie Nibbe on the birth of their son, Nash James Nibbe on September 23. Little brother of Knox and grandson of Craig & Jane Nibbe.

CARESIf we can be helpful before or during your hospital stay, please call our Pastoral staff at the church, 952-473-8877.

RECENTLY HOSPITALIZEDAdrienne MorrisonLenore WatkinsMary Jane Hochstein CONDOLENCES• Chris Bonte and family on the death of their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Virginia Mamecke on September 21• Tim and Maggie Mohnkern on the death of their wife and mother, Karen Mohnkern, on October 23.• Carol Parrish and family on the death of her husband, Richard Parrish, on November 6• David Vegemast and family on the death of his wife, Therese Vegemast, on November 6• Family of Darrell Zink, brother of Vicki Thompson, uncle of Shelly Perkins, died November 10 in Portland, Oregon• Steven Eastman and family on the death of his father, Win Eastman, on November 4• Becky Hustedt on the death of her mother, Georgia Anderson, on November 3• Scott Janckila and family on the death of his mother, Emma Janckila, on November 9.• Larry Christofaro on the death of his mother

inspire! Magazine is published by Wayzata Community Church. Assigned articles, or story ideas, may be emailed to Cami Farley at [email protected]. Please call Robin Carlson at 952-473-8877, ext. 218 with address changes or if you would like to be removed from the inspire! Magazine mailing list. Upcoming deadlines: 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 6 for the January 2017 issue. ©2016 Wayzata Community Church. All rights reserved.• Editor: Cami Farley, 952-473-8877, ext. 225; [email protected]• Design: Marnie Baehr, 952-473-8877, ext. 238; [email protected]

The Spirit AwardRenee HallbergRenee Hallberg has been “all in” in every-thing she has done at WCC! As she be-gan her four years as a high school lead-er, she “ jumped in with both feet”, even if she didn’t know what that quite meant when she said “yes”. She has been an active member of the Council, followed by two terms as an at-large member of the personnel committee. During our WCC Raise the Roof renova-tions, Renee donated countless hours of design services and was an important member of the Raise the Roof team. Her high quality and tasteful touch can be seen throughout the church.

Lee Minors, who worked closely with Renee commented, “Renee is a gentle soul with a very giving heart! Working with her on the campaign was….FUN! She offered terrific professional advice. We had some delicate decisions to make, particularly over the design elements of the Chapel. Renee was so patient and determined to listen to all perspectives so that we truly understood what would be the best way to bring the history and memories of that very special room alongside a warm, new, functional and beautiful worship space.”

We can all be thankful for Renee’s hard work, patience, and great design skills as we look around our beautiful church.

Inspire! (USPS 472-430) is published monthly, June-July combined,by Wayzata Community Church, 125 Wayzata Boulevard East, Wayzata, MN 55391.Periodical postage paid at Wayzata, MN.Postmaster: send address changes to Inspire! 125 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata, MN 55391PERIODICAL TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL

WAYZATA COMMUNITY CHURCHinspire the world

125 Wayzata Boulevard EastWayzata, MN 55391

(952) 473-8877 • Fax: (952) 473-2695www.wayzatacommunitychurch.org

www.ucc.org

BLUE CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT WORSHIPThursday, December 15 12 noon and 7:00 p.m. , Wakefield Chapel The celebrations of this holy season have a way of shining light on our griefs, fears, and longings, so that we feel them more deeply. Recogniz-ing that, we invite you into the simple warmth and beauty of this Advent Candlelight Worship. Through scripture, prayers, music and message, we offer you the gift of a time to reflect on the comfort and hope of this season – for you, for those you love, for the wider world. This special service will be led by our Pastoral Care clergy, Tapestry musicians, and will include a meditation by Molly Rouner.

AN EVENING OF INTERFAITH PRAYERS FOR PEACE AND UNITY Saturday, December 17, 6:30 p.m. St. Edward the Confessor Episcopal ChurchThe Communities of Adath Jeshurun Congregation, Bet Shalom Congregation, Northwest Islamic Community Center, St. Edward the Confessor Episcopal Church and Wayzata Community Church invite you to An Evening of Interfaith Prayers for Peace and Unity on Decem-ber 17, 6:30 p.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Episcopal Church (865 Ferndale Road, Wayzata). All are welcome. Carpooling is encouraged to ensure parking for all.

a monthly magazine of wayzata community church december 2016 · a monthly magazine of wayzata...

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