PRAYERS FOR MEMBERS OF OUR CONGREGATION

Pray for blessings, health, safety and general wellbeing of

these members of Atonement. Give thanks for all who are

working with us in the mission we share.

January 1: Tory, Brian, Mark and Scott Cichosz; Yvonne Clayton; John, Sonja and Evan Clayton; Tom, Susan, Mikal, Jackie and Quinn Clemo; Merri Clifton. January 8: John & Carolyn Collis; LaVerna Conard; Joe, Conard; Audrey Conner-Rosberg; Rick, Roxann, Arielle, Sabra and Zander Cope. January 15: Ray & Charlotte Corcoran; Brandon, Heidi, Kinley and Carter Crane; Kathy Cypher; Tom & Jane Danielsen; Don & Maria Davidson. January 29: Adam, Stephanie, Ethan and Preston Davis; Chris, Sara, Mehkiyah, Tahliyah and Kendrick Davis; Betty Day; Ron Decker; Alma Decker.

January 2017 Volume 61, Issue 1

New Members Classes Scheduled! New members classes will be offered Monday evenings January 9th, 16th and 23rd at 6:30 p.m. Childcare will be available if requested. Please contact the church office to sign up.

Atonement’s Annual Business Meeting is

scheduled for Sunday, January 29, 2017. We will

have a All Church Potluck Brunch at 11:30AM,

followed by the Annual Meeting at 12:15PM.

Please make plans to participate.

ATONEMENT LUTHERAN CHURCH 2016 COUNCIL MEMBERS

Teague Westrope,

President 860-7864

Jason Beckwith,

Vice President 701-595-1932

Michel Poodry,

Secretary 855-8446

Lance King,

Treasurer 656-1183

Shellie Ehrmantraut

670-6839

Rane Paulson

248-4080

Eddy Baker

245-6809

Butch Morse

534-4036

KayDel Shelton

839-0166

Mike Klein

896-1798

Walt Marten

245-6162

Paul Mueller

(Alternate) 259-3565

Dawson Mangels

(Youth Rep) 696-5111

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Blessed Beginnings . . . . . 2 Pastor’s Page . . . . . . . . . . 3 Youth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Educational . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Thank You . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Wild Game Dinner . . . . . .8

January Calendar

Servants Schedule Insert

Commentator

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ATONEMENT LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL BLESSED BEGINNINGS

Monday, Wednesday,

Friday

9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Enrollment for children

ages 3-5 years

JOY BIBLE STUDY

Join us Wednesdays at

6:30 a.m. at Montana

Jacks 520 Hansen Lane.

For information, contact

Tina Williams at 259-

0692.

Hope Circle Ladies Bible Study

You are invited to join us the third Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Atonement Lutheran for a Ladies Bible Study and fellowship. Contact Bette Wolff at 245-5054

for details.

Blessed New Year from Blessed Beginnings Preschool! In December, Santa’s little elves were working hard in the Santa’s workshop we had set up in the dramatic play room. They learned about the Fruit of the Spirit – Peace, and also had lots of fun learning about the letters Ii, Jj, and Kk and the star shape. The students made a fun handprint project to bring home for their parents; we celebrated Jesus’ Birthday with the preschoolers having a book exchange; and had fun with trying out different things you could do with candy canes. We had to postpone the Christmas Program due to the weather (brrr cold!) and will be rescheduling it for January. In December we also welcomed a new member to our staff, Mikala Carsten, who filled our Teacher’s Aide position. She is a wonderful addition to our staff and we are blessed with her bountiful enthusiasm and love of children! Mikala is familiar with Blessed Beginnings having been a mom of two of our former students and was the parent member of the preschool board. She and her husband, Nate, have three beautiful children: Jagger, 3rd grade; Jett, 1st grade; and Harper, Kindergarten. Please give Mikala a big Atonement welcome when you see her around! We are starting the New Year with a winter program to replace the missed Christmas program; Friday, January 13th at 10:45 AM. The Fruit of the Spirit this month is Joy. It is a joy to be working with the children at Blessed Beginnings; to see and explore the many gifts and talents they all have! We will be exploring on a field trip to Wise Wonders this month. There are always adventures in the classroom and we can’t wait to tell you all about them next month! Thank you for your loving support of our wonderful ministry at Blessed Beginnings. We ask that you keep our program in your thoughts and prayers as we start our search to hire a new Preschool Director. Thank you for your numerous donations of supplies and talents, as well as monetary. Sara Westrope - Atonement Lutheran Preschool Interim Director

Family Promise of Yellowstone Valley

Beach Blizzard - Party For the Promise February 18, 2017 Big Horn Resort

Dinner, Dancing, Silent and Live Auction Contact Suzanne Bender or Janie Fitch-Danielsen for Tickets

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PASTOR’S PAGE

If Christmas is about Christ coming into the world for the sake of us, then the season of Epiphany is our going out into the world for the sake of Christ. Epiphany is about letting the light of Christ shine into the darkness, and our being witnesses to God’s presence. It’s an important time for the church.

This happened early in the Gospel story with the some unlikely characters – the shepherds. In Jesus’ day, shepherds were not only a scruffy band of common laborers, they were disparaged and marginalized. They could hold no public seat. If they observed a crime, their testimony would not be regarded as that of a credible witness. Their lives went conspicuously unnoticed.

So… the question is, why would the angels go first to the shepherds to announce Christ’s birth and that theirs would be among the first eyes to behold God’s Messiah – even before the Magi? Perhaps to make clear the point that God’s Good News is for everybody, regardless our station in life. Perhaps to assure us that regardless our vocation, we have a calling to bear witness to God’s mighty love in our daily activities. Perhaps to impress upon us that at some point, we cease being only hearers of Good News, but messengers of the same gospel which has encouraged us. The hearers quickly become the messengers.

This past week, I’ve been thinking a lot about traction. The recent dump of marvelous snow has left our roads chunky, sloppy and glazed with packed snow. As I type, Bill Belden is outside with a front end loader borrowed from Cal and Rane Paulson moving an incredible amount of snow that has drifted across our drive and parking lot. (Just think, we have how many open acres… and it chooses to accumulate on the paved areas! Go figure.) As I drive on the roads and through our parking lot, even my 4-wheel drive truck is challenged to gain traction.

Which piques my imagination… did the unlikely shepherds – who heard the angelic proclamation, and witnessed the promised infant child in the manger, and returned “praising God in the highest” – lose traction? Because from the biblical account, there is little evidence that the world knew about the arrival of the one who would bring “peace on earth and good will to all.” Perhaps all their talk about the Good News lacked… what… grip? The rubber wasn’t meeting the road?

It wasn’t until Jesus’ public ministry that he gained traction in the world. His ministry of compassion, forgiveness and love provided the momentum which would change hearts and minds.

Epiphany is that time in the church where we not only share the Good News that God is with us, but we embody it in our own actions of compassion, forgiveness and love. We are all unlikely witnesses to the Good News of Jesus, but as we share in Christ’s work, God’s kingdom gains traction as we move forward together. Thanks for your partnership in this ministry at Atonement Lutheran.

Pastor Darren

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Open to youth grades 7-12

Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m.

To contact Jon Bates

Director of Youth,

Family, and Education

Ministries

By Mail: Atonement Lutheran

Church 1290 Sierra Granda Blvd

Billings, MT 59105 By Email:

doyfam@atonementbillings.org By Phone:

Work: 406-245-7004 ext. 13

No Classes -

January 1st & 15th

YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY Youth Group Times - Beginning Wednesday, January 4th, youth group resumes it’s original time from 6:30-8:30pm. The Grand Escape Room- Middle School Fellowship Saturday, January 21st, 11:30a-2:30pm $15. This is open for up to 8 middle school students- registration is a MUST. Register with Jon by Wednesday, January 18th. The event will cost $15 and will cover both lunch and your admission for The Grand Escape Room. 2017 Kick-Off Meeting—Sunday, January 15th, After the 10:30 a.m. Worship service. Learn about what is happening the upcoming year within the youth & family ministry events for the rest of the spring and summer! Montana Synod Youth Gathering with rapper, Agape* - Friday, February 10 through Sunday, February 12. Turn in your registration for the youth gathering (retreat) held in Billings by Wednesday, January 11th registration is $50. Forms and more information can be found in the youth room or contact Jon. Then if you’re not able to make the Youth Gathering- if you’re a child, parent, grandparent, or friend. Agape will be having a concert the evening of Saturday, February 11th. EDUCATION Christikon Sunday - Sunday, January 22nd. Mark Donald will be coming to Atonement to share about Christikon Bible Camp in both worship and the Adult Forum time. If someone in your family unit is between the grades of 4th-12th grade come and hear what Mark Donald has to say during the education hour in the Jerusalem room! SUNDAY SCHOOL Christmas Pageant 2016 and Bake Sale - Unfortunately December’s weather led to the Christmas Pageant and Bake Sale being cancelled. Let’s all cross our fingers for better weather next December! Jon Bates - Director of Youth, Family and Education Ministries

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FINANCIAL REPORT

General Fund November 2016

Income: $29,929.94

Expense: $42,983.74

Net Income: ($13,053.80)

Net Income YTD: ($5,533.71

Budget Expense: $43,160.40

Building Fund November 2016

Income: $6,855.00

Expense: $8,150.00

Net Income: ($1,295.00)

Net Income YTD: ($4,760.77)

Budget Expense: $8,150.00

Building Fund Mortgage Savings

11/30/16: $79,834.51

10/31/16: $81,111.05

9/30/16: $82,374.05

ADULT EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Wednesday Adult Bible Study Jan. 4 “Christmas: The Real Story” – The Epiphany New Series: The Parables of Jesus

Jan. 11 “The Fox, the Funeral, the Farewell and Furrow”

Jan. 18 “The Good Samaritan”

Jan. 25 “The Friend at Midnight”

Join us at 10:00 a.m. at the Little White Church

Sunday Mornings @ 9:15am Adult Forum – in the Jerusalem Room

1 No Forum 8 Baptism: Into Christ, for the World - Pastor Darren 15 Habitat for Humanity, Apostles Build Guest Speaker from Habitat for Humanity. 22 Christikon Sunday Guest Speaker - Mark Donald 29 Landscape Master Plan - Tyler Westrope

Lenten Series 2017

Around the Cross of Jesus

Beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 1, we will distribute a small wooden cross to each household that participates in the Lenten worship services. We are looking for woodworkers who are willing to make simple wooden crosses, and some draftspersons who are willing to make a small crown of thorns, small leather whips, and a short purple strip of cloth. These will be added to square nails and dice that will be distributed each week. The goal is to have 100 of each. If you can help provide any of these, please contact Pastor Darren for more instruction.

SAVE THE DATE! Tuesday, February 28, 2017 We are planning a FAT TUESDAY Pancake Supper to get us ready for the Lenten season. More details to follow.

The Christikon annual meeting was held Sunday, November 13th

in Big Timber. As two of Atonement’s Christikon delegates, we made the trip over to see what we could learn. We enjoyed some great desserts, heard updates on the past year, and learned of some exciting things that we’d like to share. Christikon is in the beginning stages of organizing a Capital Campaign in order to build a new “welcome” building at camp, and also to make some badly needed improvements to existing buildings. So we look forward to hearing more about that next year! Also keep in mind that the Christikon Benefit Auction will be held April 30th and they are always looking for donations of time, talents or items for that annual event. We are considering putting together a basket or something for the silent auction, so we’ll spread the word about that after the first of the year! Nikki Salveson and Michelle Morgan

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ATONEMENT’S FRIENDSHIP CLUB

at 12:00 p.m. January 11, 2017.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the prayers, the beautiful cards & flowers you sent me when I was in the hospital. They certainly brightened my days. May God Bless you all.

Lillian Sheafer

Thank you to everyone who supported the impromptu Bake Sale that happened on Sunday, December 18th. $286.75 was raised. Thank you for the support, care, and grace! Atonement Youth Group Thank you to the following for bringing in meals and sides for both youth group and confirmation in December! Trudi Paulson, Kim Mangels, Robert & Michelle Morgan,

Nikki & Blaine Salveson, Todd & Shauna Denowh, Jackie & Bruce Hill, and Christina & Ryan Kapperud.

Atonement Youth Group To all who removed, moved, blew, and shoveled the snow during the month of December, especially Jack Beals and Bill Belden and to Cal & Rane Paulson for the use of the Bobcat… we all say THANK YOU!

Atonement Lutheran

WyndStone has some volunteer driving opportunities for the WyndStone shuttle bus (no CDL needed): There is a need for drivers on Sunday morning to pick up people at the front door at 10:10 and

then to return residents after the service. WyndStone is also looking for volunteer shuttle drivers on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from

9:45am – 2:00pm. These hours vary according to the need for transportation. There would be delivery and pick-up to any place in the Heights to the downtown medical community. It does not pay well, but we will provide a delicious and nutritious lunch in our dining room for week day drivers.

Let Vivian know (655-7700) if you are interested. Thank you for considering this important ministry to our neighbors!

Helpers Needed

Communion Preparers

We are in need of a few more volunteers to help set up communion (fill cups) and clean up after Sunday services. Please

see Janelle Berry, Judy Belden, or let the church office know if you would be

interested in helping.

On the job training is available!

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HANDYMAN MINISTRY During the month of January, Atonement has targeted our Love Offering to support the Apostles Build from Habitat for Humanity. The Stewardship and Property Committees encourage you to support this exciting opportunity. The Committees have set a goal of $2000 or more through the January Love Offering period. At the January 15, 2017 adult forum, there will be a representative from Habitat for Humanity to discuss this opportunity. The Handyman Ministries has committed to the volunteer work day (or more) as outlined below. Please prayerfully consider giving to this ministry to provide a needy family with affordable housing.

Habitat for Humanity APOSTLES BUILD

Unless the Lord builds a house, the builder labors in vain—Psalms 127 Mission Statement: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, community and hope. What is an Apostles Build? In an Apostles Build, 12 churches or organizations, come together to build a Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) house. Habitat challenges us as people of compassion to provide the initial capital, through gifts, donations, grants and sponsorships to build simple, decent houses for the inadequately sheltered. The house will be sold at no profit, with a no interest mortgage repaid over a typical mortgage length of 20-30 years to a family who qualifies by need, stability, and ability to pay and willingness to partner. When and where will the house be built? 2

nd Quarter 2017 (April through June) at the Habitat for

Humanity construction site on Megan Circle in the Heights off Dorothy Lane. What is expected from each Apostles Build organization? We will need a donation of at least $2,000 plus send about 10 volunteers to build on at least one Saturday (and providing lunch on that day). Who will belong to the Apostles Build? Eleven or more other churches of any denomination and community organizations interested in improving community housing. Join Billings First UMC and Mid-Yellowstone Valley Habit for Humanity in the 2017 Apostles Build!

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Atonement Lutheran Church

1290 Sierra Granda Blvd

Billings, MT 59105

Phone: 406-245-7004

www.atonementbillings.org

Non Profit Organization

U.S. Postage PAID Billings, MT

Permit # 904

Return Service Requested

9

8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m.

January 1 *9:15 a.m. Aubrey Hagerty

January 8 Easton Boyles Trae Rickman

January 15 Tanner Dupre Daylon Rinebarger

January 22 Lauren Rodacker Grace Adams

January 29 Ashley Kapperud Madisen Carter

MARVELOUS MONDAY

WONDERFUL

WEDNESDAY MEALS

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS

PEANUT BUTTER

Shirley Jennings

HOSPITAL

VISITATION

LOVE OFFERING

Habitat for Humanity Apostles Build

WORSHIP ASSISANT

LECTOR

Janelle Berry

Joyce Nitschke

8:00 a.m.

January 1 Becky Lujan/Debbie Heyd

January 8 Gary Dunmeyer/Eddy Baker

January 15 Kelly & Linda Michaelis

January 22 Becky Lujan/Debbie Heyd

January 29 Gary Dunmeyer/Eddy Baker

Wednesday, 1/11

Applebee’s

Monday, 1/23

Play Inn

8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m.

January 1 *9:15 a.m. Stacey Arneson

January 8 Mark Halvorson Vivian Beals

January 15 Judy Lawrence Jason Beckwith

January 22 Cindy Osland Marilyn Franklin

January 29 John Olsen Gary Dunmeyer

8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m.

January 1 *9:15 a.m. Pat Zellar

January 8 Bill Belden Amy Carter

January 15 Mark Halvorson Vivian Beals

January 22 John Olsen Janie Danielsen

January 29 Cindy Osland Betty Jo Furstenberg

CANTOR

ALTAR GUILD

ACOLYTE

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January 1 Open

January 8 Julie Amundson

January 15 Open

January 22 Julie Andersen

January 29 Jack & Vivian Beals

January 6 Men’s Square 6:30 a.m. January 9 WELCA Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. Property Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. Youth & Family Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. January 10 Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 p.m. Evangelism Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m. Education Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. January 11 Friendship Club 11:30 a.m. January 12 Archery & Bow Hunter’s Christian Fellowship 6:30p.m. January 17 Church Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. January 19 Hope Circle Ladies Bible Study 9:30 a.m.

January 1 *9:15 a.m. Craig Canfield

January 8 Kyle Johnston

January 15 Todd Koepp

January 22 Leno’s

January 29 Paul Mueller

Drivers

Leno’s 248-5359 Kyle Johnston 325-1235 Todd Koepp 256-1569

Craig Canfield 245-6557 Paul Mueller 259-3565

January 1 *9:15 a.m. Jay & Janelle Berry

January 8 Bill & Judy Belden

January 15 Tammy Johnston

January 22 Kathy Cypher

January 29 Trudi Paulson

Stacey Arneson

COFFEE HOUR

COMMUNION BREAD

COMMUNION PREPARERS

SANCTUARY FLOWERS

MONTHLY MEETINGS

USHER/GREETERS 10:30 AM

TRANSPORTATION

January 1 *9:15 a.m. Mike & Janet Rubich; Del & Rose Steiner

January 8 Gene & Stacey Arneson; Russ & Suzanne Bender

January 15 Jack & Vivian Beals; Eddy Baker, Kay Bollinger

January 22 Craig & June Canfield; Jason Beckwith, Cindy Dunmeyer

January 29 Jesse & Sandi Gonzalez; Betty Jo Furstenberg, Bob Holloway

Bold Names indicate Head Usher(s)

Joy Circle

January 1 *9:15 a.m. Mike & Janet Rubich; Del & Rose Steiner

January 8 Mike & Janet Rubich; Dale Molyneaux, Roxann Cope

January 15 George & Shirley DeMars; Bob Holloway, Amy Severson

January 22 Mike & Janet Rubich; Ed & Rita Reeve

January 29 Mike & Janet Rubich; John Olsen, Sara Westrope

Bold Names indicate Head Usher(s)

USHER/GREETERS 8:00 AM