Sunday

Worship

Services

8:30 Evangelical

Lutheran Worship

10:45 Contempo-

rary Worship

***

Sign Interpreter

available upon

request.

————-

STAFF

Pastor: Grant Aaseng,

D. Min.

Music Director:

Marcia Benson

Director of Youth and

Children’s Ministries:

Shannon Anderson

Accounting:

Renae Larson

Office Administrator:

Carol Hedlund

From the Pastor Volume 13, No. 12

Shalom Now!

Shalom Lutheran Church 681 Voyager Drive, Alexandria, MN 56308

December 2013

“We believe God is calling us to invite people into a deeper relationship with Christ, that

all may discover true peace and be prepared to follow him in compassionate service”

When the angels had left them and gone into

heaven, the shepherds said to one another,

“Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this

thing that has taken place, which the Lord has

made known to us.” Luke 2:15

The news was too good to keep to

themselves. The angels had to tell someone

about what had just taken place. The long-

awaited Savior had been sent into the world to

begin the work of reconciling God and human-

kind. “I bring good news of great joy for all

the people,” announced the first Christmas an-

gel. The rest of heaven’s army likewise could

not restrain their excitement as they burst into a

song of boisterous praise: “Glory to God in

highest heaven, and peace on earth to those

God favors!”

Why would the

angels spill such an im-

portant secret to a bunch

of shepherds? There’s

no way for us to know

for sure. Perhaps the shepherds were the only

ones still awake the hour Christ was born. Per-

haps it’s just another example of how God lifts

up the lowly (Luke 1:52-53). Maybe it’s an

example of God’s sense of humor: “Let’s share

God’s best secret with the ones least likely to

be believed!” (Shepherds had a reputation for

telling “tall tales”, and it’s likely no one be-

lieved the Bethlehem shepherds when they told

what they heard and saw that night.)

It’s possible no one will believe you

either. Even so, it’s not right to keep such

wonderful news to ourselves. The Savior of the

world has come! There is hope for the human

race! God has come down to earth, in human

flesh, to pay us a little “visit”.

Our mission at Shalom is to invite

people to come and see what God is doing

among us today, as well as to hear what God has

already done in the person of Jesus Christ. De-

cember offers you several great opportunities to

make that invitation:

Invite a friend to join you for one of our

Wednesday Advent Community Suppers in

our newly remodeled “Community Room”.

Encourage them to stay for worship. (Hint:

we are trying something new for this year’s

midweek Advent services.)

Invite a relative to attend our Sunday

School Christmas program on Sunday, De-

cember 8 at 1:30 PM. That should get

them into the Christmas Spirit! (Hint: we

hope to have our new wireless microphone

system in place for this heartwarming sto-

ry.)

Invite a music-lover you know to hear our

choir cantata, “Appalachian Winter” on

Sunday, December 22 (at both services).

Invite a new neighbor or co-worker who

does not have a church home to join you

for worship on Christmas Eve (2:30 p.m.

“Children’s Service” and 4:00 PM Candle-

light Worship.)

As we make these invitations, our hope

is that not that our guests will see how wonder-

ful we are, but that they would get a glimpse of

the heavenly glory made visible when Christ

was born.

Please join me in praying that God will

send you the perfect opportunity to make a joy-

ful invitation to someone who is ready to hear

great news: The Lord has come!

Joy to the world!

Pastor Grant Aaseng

Advent 2013 A new church year begins December 1, with the first Sunday in Advent. As in years past, Shalom is offering a special mid-

week Advent program to enhance your spiritual growth in this special season. Beginning December 4, the Wednesday sched-

ule will be:

5:30—6:20 PM Advent Community Supper We need help to offer this wonderful time for building up the Shalom family! Please volunteer on the

Sign-Up Board in the narthex if you can help prepare or serve food. For the first time ever, we won’t have

to set up and take down tables to host this meal!

6:30--7:10 PM Advent Worship We will be trying something new this year as we take advantage of the new sanctuary. This year’s mid-

week Advent Worship will be conducted with dimmed lighting, to enhance our sense of Christ, the Light

of the World. We will be singing much of the beloved “Holden Evening Prayer” service. Instead of a

preaching or teaching series, we will guide the congregation in a time of meditative “Prayer Around the

Cross.” This is in keeping with our vision that the new sanctuary would be “a House of Prayer for All

People.” This service will feature the sand-filled cross made by Ray Myers, and you will have an oppor-

tunity to light a candle as we offer prayers for the healing of the Nations, Creation, and the Church.

The Advent Offering will go to the Habitat for Humanity “Thrivent Builds” Campaign.

7:15-8:15 Adult Choir Rehearsal—everyone is invited to join the choir as they prepare for the special

“Appalachian Christmas” choir cantata on Sunday, December 22, as well as the 4 PM Christmas Eve

service.

Christmas Eve Worship

(Tuesday, December 24)

2:30 PM “Family Christmas Worship Celebration”. This simple 35 minute service will

be especially geared towards families with young children. Anyone interested in performing

in a simple Christmas skit is encouraged to contact Shannon Anderson or Pastor Grant. We

will sing familiar Christmas carol and hear the “letters to God” written by our Sunday

School children.

4 PM A traditional service of carols, candlelight and Holy Communion.

Special music provided by the Shalom Choir and Spirit of Shalom.

It’s Coming! The new Shalom col-

or photo directory is sched-

uled to arrive before Christ-

mas. Be watching for it in

your Shalom mailbox!

ATTENTION ALL USHERS Please be advised of the important Usher

meeting scheduled between services (9:40

a.m.) on Sunday, December 22, 2013.

There are some new duties and changes

since we moved into the new Sanctuary;

and the new “Head Ushers” would like to

review them with you and explain all du-

ties. Please be sure to attend so you will be

well-informed and can get any questions

answered. Thanks, Bill McKay, Ryan Er-

ickson, Ed Arneson, Denny Nagle, Dave

Beyer and Dave Harris.

Phone (320) 762-8641

Fax (320) 762-0732

Shalom Lutheran Church 681

Voyager Drive, Alexandria,

MN 56308

OUR EMAIL:

Pastor: shalom@embarqmail.com

Secretary: slc@shalomlutheran.org

“We believe God is calling us to invite people into a deeper relationship with Christ, that all may discover true peace and be prepared to follow Him in compassionate service.”

We’re on the web

www.shalomlutheran.org

Looking Ahead:

December 4—Midweek Advent Services begin

Supper at 5:30, Worship at 6:30, Choir at 7:15

December 7—YADA Cookie Bake

December 8—Youth Ministry Cookie Sale

SS Christmas Program

December 22—Christmas Cantata at both Worship Services

December 24—Christmas Eve Services

2:30—Children’s/Family Worship

4:00 Candlelight Worship Service

BREAD for the World

“IS THERE ANYONE AMONG YOU WHO, IF YOUR CHILD ASKS FOR

BREAD, WILL GIVE A STONE?” Jesus (Matthew 7:9)

Of course not! But, if you change “your” child to “a” child whose face and

outstretched open hand cannot be seen, then that which may be offered is like a stone.

Here is an example. Of the 15% of Americans living in poverty 22% are CHILDREN,

who are asking for bread. “Is there anyone among you who, if (a) child asks for bread, will give a stone?” Unfortu-

nately, the answer surfacing in the FARM BILL reconciliation efforts has the appearance of a stone with both the Sen-

ate and House bills calling for cuts in our food and nutrition safety net. So, children get stones and with those cuts the

wealthy corporate farmers get…… more welfare checks in the form of subsidized premium insurance policies that

have no income limits. How can it be that in the richest country in the world, we offer hungry children stones?

Jesus did not say “a” child. He said “your” child and said, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good

gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him?” Can we ask

God to provide bread for hungry children (here and throughout the world)? Yes, we can and do! However, asking God

leaves us open to God’s questions. Like, are we allowing stones to be given to hungry children? Are we doing every-

thing within our power to make sure that as citizens of this rich country every hungry child gets bread? Pray and act.

There are millions of children asking!

Make a phone call, send an email, write a letter. Let our senators and representative know that it is not ac-

ceptable to give stones instead of bread to our children.

Ron Otterson, Member of Shalom’s Social Ministry Committee

Shalom is a Bread for the World covenant congregation

Baby Care Kits Thank you to all those who helped with the Baby Care Kits. Thanks to those who knitted, cro-cheted, sewed, shipped, assembled and packed the kits. We were able to send out 47 kits to Lutheran World Relief. Amy & Samantha Schlosser

For your Information: from the 24th Annual

Luther Crest Quilt Event. Shalom’s “Dinner is Served” quilt sold for $280.00

Shalom’s “Amish Days” quilt sold for $85

60” X 80” quilts averaged $20 to $50 bids

Full size quilts averaged $100 bids

Queen size quilts averaged $180-$600 bids

King size quilts averaged $250 to $600 bids

Fancy machine quilting does add a little more value to a

quilt.

Current colors/patterns/quality of the fabric (such as Ba-

tik Fabric) add the most to the income from the quilts—it

can even double the income listed above for any size

quilt.

PLEASE JOIN BOB & SHAWN SEWARD

between services on December 1st in the Com-

munity Room as they share their experiences of

their mission trip to Jamaica this past June.

Through Food for the Poor, they were not only

able to see the great needs in Jamaica but also the

hope in Christ those in need share.

The most worthless emotion. . . Self-pity.

The most prized possession . . . Integrity.

The most beautiful attire . . .

a SMILE!

Shalom Choir welcomes singers, 7th graders through adults.

Practices are Wednesdays, 7:00-8:15 p.m. in the sanctuary. We

sing at the 8:30 worship services and special services.

Accompanist: Kristin Wilson

Contact: Marcia Benson

marcia.n.benson@gmail.com

Cell phone (call or text): 320-282-7117

Shalom Chime Choir– Fun for all ages—has open-

ings for more ringers!

We play for both services, about once a month.

We have several practices before we play. Practic-

es are scheduled on Saturday mornings, 11:00-

11:50 a.m. and sometimes on Wednesdays, 6:00-

6:50 p.m. For more information or if interested,

contact Marcia.

Spirit of Shalom Worship Band leads music at the 10:45 worship on

Sundays. Rehearsals are held Satur-

days, 9:30-10:50 a.m., in the sanctuary.

New singers and instrumentalists are

invited to come sing and play. For

more information, contact Marcia.

“Appalachian Winter”-A Cantata

Presented by our Shalom singers on Sunday,

December 22nd, at both services.

NEW SINGERS are welcome! Practices are

Wednesdays in December at 7:15 p.m. and on

Saturday, December 14th, 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Unapproved Council Minutes

November 19, 2013

Council Members present: Elroy Frank, Dave Rogosheske, Bettie Anderson, Pastor Grant, Paul Hanson, Ted Kirst, Dave Rush,

Tim Oldenkamp, Roy Prigge.

Council Members absent: Jan Bymers, Stephanie Hegstad

1. Call to Order/Approval of Agenda

Meeting was called to Order at 7:00 P.M. by President Elroy Frank.

No new items for Agenda .

2. Devotions (Passionate Spirituality) - Pastor Grant

3. Approval of October Council Minutes Motion was made by Paul Hanson to accept the minutes as read and seconded by Ted Kirst. There was no discussion and all

were in favor.

4. Approval of Budget Meeting; Tabled until next month

5. Staff Time Pastor pleased with new member class, especially the families with small children. The new sanctuary and community

room are functioning well. The Bazaar was a huge success and it will be fun to host the Thanksgiving Eve service, Advent

Suppers, Choir's Christmas Cantata, and Christmas Eve Services. Talked about the "Wiggle Room" project. Some mothers

of young children have put together a letter requesting some modest furnishing and equipment. (The carpet is being bound

this week.) The "wish list" is growing and will be prioritized by Council. Pastor and Ruth will be gone for two weeks

leaving on Christmas Day. Pastor John Martinson will cover pastoral duties during this time.

6. Current Business

Financial Report, The past month left a shortage of $541.00. The Building Fund continues to keep growing.

Check Signing: Tim Oldenkamp along with Elroy Frank will be added to the bank records. Closing Date for

Building: Elroy Frank reported that he has signed the needed paper and the closing date will be January 1, 2014. Policy for Sexual Misconduct was requested by Shalom's Insurance Co. A Policy was reviewed and a discussion fol-

lowed. Motion was made by Dave Rush to accept the Policy, also having it as a rider on the insurance policy, with a

second by Tim Oldenkamp, all voted in favor. Policy for Same Sex Marriages was discussed. A decision was made to have

a sub-committee look at the Shalom Marriage Policy and a working document by Bishop Wohlrabe. Additional infor-

mation will be sought and the Committee will bring their understandings back to the Council.

Building Committee: One final meeting will take place. Property Committee will make decisions regarding building and

property issues as it has in the past.

Appointment of Council members to Ministry Teams:

Evangelism - Jan Bymers; Spiritual Growth - Ted Kirst; Stewardship - Paul Hanson; Worship -1st Service -

Bettie Anderson, 2nd Service - Ted Kirst; Fellowship - Tim Oldenkamp; Shared Ministry - Carol Hedlund; Caring Community - Bettie Anderson; Social Ministry - Roy Prigge; Christian Education - Jan Bymers;

Youth - Elroy Frank; Staff Development - Dave Rogosheske; Property - Dave Rush; Finance - Stephanie Hegstad.

7. New Business Altar Guild has presented a request for two new candle lighters, to be paid for with Memorial Funds. The old lighters are

hard to keep working in a safe manner. Two new lighters will cost $230.00. Ted Kirst made a motion to purchase the candle

lighters for $230.00 with motion seconded by Tim Oldenkamp. Ted also offered to pay any amount over the $230.00. Worship Team Request: A decision regarding the lighting over the Praise Band and Choir was discussed. with no decision

made until some of the sound issues are dealt with.

8. Ministry Team reports Property: Storage issues will be addressed by the Property Committee. This will include building storage in the building and

need to organize the storage shed by sorting out needed items, and items with no need or owner ship.

Community Room will be addressed by a Sub-committee of users of the Community Room. Policy will be developed.

Snow Removal— A contract will be signed for one fee to remove snow when reaching 1 1/2 ". A need for church members

to shovel door ways and side walks. A sign up sheet will be put up in Community room . Y Team: The members requested Council to approve selling of T-shirts for a fund raiser. The request was made into a

motion by Ted Kirst and seconded by Dave Rogosheske. All were in favor.

Building Committee: Information regarding the ceiling issue was presented by an Email from Tom Wacholz. The

Insurance company informed ORB that "they will not be participating in coverage for the ceiling repair work”. ORB will

not ask Shalom to participate in the repair costs.

9. Comments from visitors; None

10. Closing Prayers; Prayers of Thanksgiving by Council members and prayers of intervention by Pastor

11. Meeting adjournment by motion.

Respectfully Submitted, Bettie Anderson

Meet. . . Daniel (Danny) Kuhn

Danny Kuhn usually attends the 8:30 a.m. service at Sha-

lom Lutheran Church where he volunteers as an Usher. He was

confirmed at Shalom and may possibly go on the youth trip next

summer. Jeff and Beth Kuhn are Danny’s parents and he was born

in Mankato, MN. The Kuhns moved to Alexandria when Danny

was 3 years old. He has a younger brother, Michael, and they are

good pals at home. Danny attended Voyager, Discovery Middle School and

is presently a Junior at Jefferson High School. That means that

he will be in the first class to graduate from the new “Alexandria

Area” High School in 2015. His school activities include soccer, basketball, baseball

and he was the kicker on the football team. He is also a member

of the Jefferson High School Choir. This past summer he had an interesting experience as a

member of the Alexandria VFW 16s baseball team. He was a

pitcher, and according to the Echo Press pitched some pretty good

games. The VFW 16s won the opportunity to go to the State

Tournament. To prepare for that, the VFW 16s hosted an exhibition game against a team composed of two players from

each district. Alexandria won that game 11-4 behind 5 pitchers who didn’t allow any earned runs. One of those pitchers

was Danny Kuhn. The State Tournament was held soon after that at Ely, MN. At the State Tournament the Alexandria

VFW 16s won 2 games and lost 2 games. Last summer, in addition to playing baseball, Danny found time to officiate a

number of youth basketball games.

Next summer Danny hopes to play on the Alexandria Legion Baseball Team. His feelings about Shalom Lutheran Church? “I like being a member at Shalom because everyone is very warm

and welcoming. I think Shalom has given me a good foundation for the rest of my life.”

Don’t Forget. . . . . .Christmas Flowers

Shalom members may give a gift to the Flower Fund in honor or memory of

loved ones to purchase flowers for Christmas. The Altar Guild will provide the enve-

lopes, collect the money and make the list of donations for the bulletin insert on Christ-

mas . The Artistic Design Team will select, order and display the flowers in the Sanc-

tuary.

The envelopes can be found on the Information Counter in the narthex. Please

fill out the front of the envelope, insert whatever amount you wish and put the

completed envelope in Vic Dale’s mailbox. Return the envelopes as soon as possi-

ble. Flowers may be taken home after the second service on January 5th. Any left at

church will be taken to group homes and other facilities.

COFFEE HOUR FORUM For the Advent Sundays of December 8, 15 and 22, we will be using the Lu-

ther Seminary, ELCA Advent devotional entitled “Days of Desire: Longing

for the Advent Dawn”. Come and be a part of the excitement: The dawning of

the “Coming One”, Jesus Christ our Lord!

YOU ARE INVITED TO…

“Tree-Mendous Love: From

the Manger to the Cross”, an

all church Christmas program,

featuring the Sunday school

and other church friends! The

program is scheduled for De-

cember 8th, at 1:30 p.m. Come start your Christmas season fo-

cused on the TRUE REASON OF THE SEASON.

We are still in need of a few helpers; a few more adult readers

(no costumes), a “kid” (an older youth preferred), and a couple

of wise men (costumes, but no speaking parts.) A sign up

sheet is posted in the narthex (or community room). Any ques-

tions, ask Shannon or Kim.

There IS Sunday

school on

December 15th AND 22nd!

Hope to see you there!

Act 4 Him will NOT

meet during Advent. (Come

to supper and worship in-

stead!)

The Children’s Choir

WILL meet on Wednes-

day, December 18th, but not the 25th.

GO! Children’s Ministry

will continue to meet as

usual on Wednesdays

throughout Advent (except for the

25th).

We are looking for a few children

who would be interested in helping

with our Family Christmas Eve Ser-

vice at 2:30 p.m. (You would be

asked to talk in front of the congre-

gation.)

If you know

FOR SURE

that you will

be there and

are interest-

ed, please talk

to Shannon.

Thanks!

Growing up, we had this “grandpa” who taught us our Sunday school

songs. This time of year, I can’t but help to think of Stanley and “In A

Little Stable”. It was part of our Christmas program...every year. Here

are the lyrics…

In a little stable

Far across the sea

Was a little Baby

Just like you and me.

Not a bed or cradle,

Not a pillow deep,

But a lowly manger

Was His place to sleep.

Oh, I love this Jesus,

Who was little then.

For He surely loves me,

Little though I am.

What’s Up in December? (And a peek ahead…)

December 4th, 11th, and 18th: No Confirmation/YADA,

BUT Advent Worship at 6:30 p.m. (Suppers beforehand.)

December 7th, 9:00 a.m.: YADA Cookie Bake

December 8th, between services: ALL YOUTH Christ-

mas Cookie Sale

NO Cross Training OR Go Deep in December.

January 18th: Youth Movie Marathon (or bowling?)

March 9th-April 6th: Penny Wars

March 14-15, 7:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.: Youth All-

Nighter/Lock-In

April 27th, after second service: Pie Eating Contest

May 1st-3rd: Youth Garage Sale Fundraiser

PLEASE be saving your treas-

ures for our sale! We’ll begin

collecting items the Sunday be-

fore the sale. Thank you!

SHALOM'S ANNUAL

CHRISTMAS COOKIE

SALE/EXCHANGE

is planned for December

8th, between the first and

second service. This is a

youth fundraiser event that

helps fund our youth activities, events, and trips.

You will be invited to create a mix and match

cookie tray of a dozen cookies for $5. Plan now

for this GREAT sale!

YOUTH! Each family is asked to bring at

least 4 dozen cookies/treats. (More are wel-

come!) Please bring cookies BEFORE 8:30

service, so that they can be set out before the

service ends. There is a sign-up in the narthex

(or community room) for you to sign up the

kind of cookie/treat you plan on bringing. Set-

up is at 8:15 a.m. Clean-up takes place after the

sale (and possibly after the 2nd service).

MISSION TRIPPERS: This is a REQUIRED

fundraiser. Thanks!

HEY, SENIOR HIGHERS!

We need some feedback from you...We ordered

NEW Shalom t-shirts and would LOVE to gift

YOU with one. All I (Shannon) need is your size

of choice and I will get it ordered. Please order

BY December 15th. To see an example, one is

available in Shannon’s office.

A joint (ELCA churches) Sr. High Bible

Study.

When: December 16th, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

(Always the 3rd Monday of the month.)

Where: Luther Crest Bible Camp

Who: All those in 9th-12th grade

OPERATION CARDBOARD BOX EVENT: Youth Raising

Awareness for the Homeless

Site Hosted by: Calvary Lutheran Church

Co-Sponsored by: United Way, Salvation Army, and West Central

Minnesota Communities Action

Where: Calvary Lutheran Church

When: Saturday, December 7, 2013-December 8th, 2013

Who: Douglas County Jr/Sr High Youth (Children under 12 accom-

panied by adult)

Time: 8:00 pm through 9:00 am Sunday morning

Cost: Nominal fee of $20.00 (all proceeds benefiting the local food

shelf and other local charities)

What do I need: Warm outside

clothes, sleeping bags, newspapers & a

positive attitude!!!

If you are interested, please talk to

Shannon as she has some registration

sheets/sponsorship forms available.

Thank you to all the children that attend the after

school Go! Children’s Ministry for coloring all the

ornaments for the Christmas Family Caring tree.

The gift box to the left is one of them and unfortu-

nately we can’t show it to you in color. The Visual

Arts Team was delighted with the wonderful variety

of vibrant colors used. Look for them on the Christ-

mas Family Caring tree in the narthex.

Christmas Family Caring Tree Please take an ornament (decorated by Go! Chil-

dren’s Ministry) from the Caring Tree in the nar-

thex. Each ornament has either a gift or prayer re-

quest on it. Please bring the gifts (wrapped or un-

wrapped), with the ornament attached, to the red

wagon that will be by the tree, on or before Tues-

day, December 17th.

Thank you for your support of families in need.

~He is God~ He is the First and Last,

The Beginning and the End!

He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!

He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of

all times.

He always was, He always is and He always will be. . .

Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.

He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.

He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful and pure.

His ways are right,

His word is eternal,

His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.

He is my Savior,

He is my guide, and He is my peace!

He is my Joy,

He is my comfort,

He is my Lord, and He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,

His burden is Light, and His goal for me is abun-

dant life.

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,

The power of the powerful,

The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader

of leaders, the overseer of overcomers, and is to

come. And if that seems impressive to you, try

this for size.

His goal is a relationship with ME!

He will never leave me,

Never forsake me,

Never mislead me,

Never forget me,

Never overlook me and

Never cancel my appointment in His appointment

book!

December 1, 2013 8:30 10:45

Acolyte Quentin Bymers Kenzy Gustafson

Ushers Dave Malvin & Jim Whipkey Clark & Judy Hoffman

Communion Assistant Dean & Catherine Kliewer Doris Mays & Sue Engstrom Lector Vi Dilly Alli Halvorson

Nursery Sheila Anderson & Jackson Grove volunteer needed

Greeters Ron & Linda Fenelon Juanita & Tim Freier

Assistant Minister Dave Vagle Joyce Crowe

Altar Guild Judy Hoffman

Kitchen Monitor Naomi Paine

Communion Bread Stephanie Hegstad

December 8, 2013 8:30 10:45

Acolyte Hannah Linn Aliah Roers

Ushers Al & Bettie Anderson Ryan Erickson & Rikki Anderson

Communion Assist Terry & Janel Mays Alli Halvorson & Karen Toivonen

Lector Carol Hedlund Joann Kirkeby

Nursery volunteer needed volunteer needed

Greeters Dick & Mary Ann Bahe Ted & Barbara Kirst

Assistant Minister Jan Keller Dan Baker

December 15, 2013 8:30 10:45

Acolyte Alli Prestby Brooklyn Von Bank

Ushers Scott Hegstad & Jason Winter Ray & Evie Raguse

Communion Assist Ron Fenelon & Elroy Frank Troy Frovarp & Sue Engstrom

Lector Emily Prestby Shannon Anderson

Nursery Connie Johnson & Michael Loken volunteer needed

Greeters Jeanette Priebe & Renae Hills Greg & Karen Toivonen

Assistant Minister Gerry Kingsberg Ted Kirst

December 22, 2013 8:30 10:45

Acolyte Jackson Grove Sarah Wacholz

Ushers Ron & Linda Fenelon Dale & Naty Kittleson

Communion Assistant Skeeter & Gerry Kingsberg Alicia Davidson & Shelli Crowe

Lector Lloyd Berger Ted Kirst

Nursery Vickie Wohlfeil & Abby Forester volunteer needed

Greeters Jim & Connie Johnson Pam McCormick & Beth Wacholz

Assistant Minister Dick Bahe Colleen Rooney

December 24, 2013 Tuesday Christmas Eve 2:30 pm 4:00 pm

Acolyte Beau Granning Bruce Navratil

Ushers Grant Pexsa & Tammy Drewes Denny & Ruth Nagle, Clark & Judy Hoffman

Lector Karsen Granning Dave Burbank

Greeters Tiffany & Jason Winter Alli & Rol Halvorson & Glen & Linda Huebner

Communion Assistants Dean Kliewer, Carol Hedlund, Ray & Marilyn Myers

Nursery Liz Burbank & Kiera Mohon

Assistant Minister Deb Kramer

December 29, 2013 8:30 10:45

Acolyte Michael Kuhn Spencer Lamb

Ushers Dave Rush & Elroy Frank Devin Crowe & Corey Drews

Communion Assistants Al & Bettie Anderson Judy Hoffman & Dan Baker

Lector Jan Keller Doris Mays

Nursery volunteer needed volunteer needed

Greeters Emilie Pfeffer & Naomi Paine Todd Zarbok & Carol Jensen

Assistant Greg Anderson Brian Hiles

SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT

December

1

8:30 Worship-choir 9:40 Sunday School Xmas Program Prac-tice/Adult Forum 10:45 Worship Noon - Late Service Worship Team 6 pm Women’s Book Study/Caribou Small Group

2 3

9:00 am Dartball

7 pm Stewardship

4

3:45 Go!

5:15-6 Act 4 Him

5:30 Community Advent Supper

6:30 Worship

7:15-8:15 Choir

5

8-9:45 Quilting

10:00 Bible Study

11:00 Caring

Community 8:30am-2 pm Someplace Safe Meeting

6

7:30 Men’s Bible

Breakfast at Trav-

elers Inn

7

9:00 YADA

Cookie Bake

9:30 SOS Re-

hearsal

8 8:30 Worship-choir

Youth Cookie Sale

9:40 Sunday School/Adult Forum

10:45 Worship

1:30 SS Christmas

6 pm Women’s Book Study/Caribou Small Group

9

6 pm Y-Team

7 pm Education

10

9:00 am Dartball

10:00 am Circle

11

3:45 Go!

5:15-6 Act 4 Him

5:30 Community Advent Supper

6:30 Worship

7:15-8:15 Choir

12

8-9:45 Quilting

10:00 Bible Study

13

7:30 Men’s Bible

Breakfast at Trav-

elers Inn

14

9:30 SOS Re-

hearsal

15

8:30 Worship-choir

9:40 Sunday School/Adult Forum

10:45 Worship

6 pm Women’s Book Study/Caribou

Small Group

16

7-8:30 pm “Collide” Sr. High Bible Study at Luther Crest

17

9:00 am Dartball

7 pm Council

18

3:45 Go!

5:00-5:40 Children’s

Choir 5:30 Community

Advent Supper

6:30 Worship 7:15-8:15 Choir

19

8-9:45 Quilting

10:00 Bible Study

20

7:30 Men’s Bible

Breakfast at Trav-

elers Inn

21

9:30 SOS Re-

hearsal

22

8:30 Worship Christmas Cantata 9:40 Sunday School/Adult Fo-rum/Usher meet-ing & review 10:45 Worship

23

Newsletter article

deadline

24 Christmas Eve Worship: 2:30 Children’s /Family Worship 4:00 Candlelight Worship Service

25

No Wednesday

Programs

Christmas Day

Church Office

Closed

26

No Bible Study

27

No Men’s Bible

Breakfast

28

9:30 SOS Re-

hearsal

29

8:30 Worship

9:40 Hospitality

10:45 Worship

30 31

Providing time to share the love of Christ with our fellow members and guests is the reason we have Sunday Morning Hos-

pitality. Thank you for being on the Sunday Morning hospitality team for December. It is a real gift you are providing. Thank you!

1. Each week four family units are assigned. Each of them is requested to bring 5 dozen cookies, donuts or bars.—or you

may bring half healthy treats (fruit, cheese, nuts, etc.).

2. The first 2 on the list will be in charge of setting up before early service is finished, (9:30 am) (Trays for treats are in

the kitchen or under the serving area and pitchers for water are in the kitchen.) and then acting as hosts during the coffee hour. The

second two on the list will be in charge hosting after the second service and cleaning up. (This includes washing the cups and

other dishes, emptying and rinsing the coffee pots, and cleaning up the serving area. Directions for the dishwasher are on the dish-

washer door.) These duties rotate.

We realize that it is a problem for those who usually worship at 2nd service to get the goodies here by 9:30 am and

those who usually worship at the 8:30 service to return and help clean up. Because our congregation has increased over

the years we each have to only serve about 2 times each year. Maybe for the times we are scheduled, we can attend the oth-

er service and meet and greet other of our fellow members.

December 1, 2013

Debra Samples

Amy & Sam Schlosser

Dave & Joyce Rogosheske

Mike & Faith Steussy

December 8, 2013

Bob & Shawn Seward

Steve & Mary Steinle

Jim & Christie Stueve

Garrett & Joyce Visser

Joyce Thompson 12/1

Ray Paulson 12/4

Kayla Fisher 12/2

Steve Radjenovich 12/3

Kristin Wheeler 12/5

Caleb Gimbel 12/6

Tiffany Anderson 12/6

Catherine Scholer-Kliewer 12/9

Ryan Buse 12/9

Deb Halvorson 12/11

Kiera Mohon 12/11

Tom Arnquist 12/11

Mike Flaten 12/11

Chloe Tickhill 12/12

Joyce Crowe 12/12

Joseph McTigue 12/13

Ronald Fenelon 12/13

Caleb Baker 12/13

Ed Arneson 12/15

Ryan Erickson 12/16

Susan Engstrom 12/16

Doris Mays 12/16

Chad Croonquist 12/17

MaCee Linow 12/17

Jenna Seward 12/18

Natalie Klimek 12/18

Beth Wacholz 12/20

Debbie Hoven 12/22

Bernie Engdahl 12/23

Brad Engeldorf 12/23

Garrett Visser 12/23

Jacob Dale 12/24

Gerry Bullis 12/24

Alan Scholer 12/26

Terry Mays 12/28

Tom Wacholz 12/29

Marcia Benson 12/30

Melissa Lundebrek 12/31

Your Shalom family rejoices with you as

you celebrate the day God gave you life.

If we missed your birthday, please let us know in the church office because

we would like to include you in our thoughts and prayers on your birthday!

December 22, 2013

Greg & Karen Toivonen

Dave & Irene Vagle

Nadine Walz

Jim & Tami Wheeler

December 15, 2013

Vickie Wohlfeil

Lisa Tickhill

Ryan & Lisa Voigt

Tom & Beth Wacholz

December 29, 2013

Marlys Wanttie

Janet Wilkins

Kristin Wilson

Jason & Tiffany Winter