Commentator

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.

November 1: Conrad & Phyllis Burns; Craig & June Canfield; Toby, Amy, Madisen, and Callie Carter; Trudy Chester; Scott, Tory, Mark and Brian Cichosz. November 8: John, Sonja, and Evan Clayton; Yvonne Clayton; Tom, Susann, Mikal, Jackie, and Quinn Clemo; Merri Clifton; Alyah Cochrane. November 15: John & Carolyn Collis; Joe Conard; LaVerna Conard; Audrey, Chais, Mathew and Marco Conner-Rosberg; Rick, Roxann, Arielle and Zander Cope. November 29: Ray & Charlotte Corcoran; Brandon, Heidi, Kinley and Carter Crane; Len Crome; Kathy Cypher; Tom & Janie Danielsen.

November 2015 Volume 59, Issue 11

“We bring the hope we

share in Christ to all!”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Blessed Beginnings .. 2

Pastor’s Page ............. 3

Youth ……………………...3

Finance …………………..4

Advent News .………...4

Adult Education & Classes ……………….…..5

Music Notes…………….6

Atonement Bazaar.….7

Servants Schedule &

November Calendar

………………..…...…Insert

ATONEMENT LUTHERAN CHURCH 2015 COUNCIL

Teague Westrope, President 860-7864

Mike Klein, Vice President 896-1798

Shellie Ehrmantraut, Secretary 670-6839

Lance King, Treasurer 656-1183

Rane Paulson 248-4080

Eddy Baker 245-6809

Vivian Beals 248-7930

Jeanne Heine 256-3898

Kim Plaggemeyer 860-0365

Jesse Gonzalez 698-7709

Butch Morse (Alternate) 534-4036

David Hull (Youth Rep) 245-6414

STAFF EMAIL

Darren Paulson pastor@atonementbillings.org

Nancy Rupe nancy@atonementbillings.org

Kristin LaVe` worship@atonementbillings.org

Sara Davis preschool@atonementbillings.org

ADVENT

ALL SAINTS VETERANS

THANKSGIVING

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Hello Everyone –

We had quite a few super-fun things happen at preschool in October. To name a few, we had the Billings Fire Department bring a REAL firetruck and teach us about fire safety (courtesy of a preschool parent who happens to be a fireman), we took our individual and class preschool pictures with Miranda Murdock Photography, we dug our hands into the inside of pumpkins and felt the ooey-gooey seeds (this was a blast!), we dressed up in our costumes on the day before Halloween and had a costume parade around the church, and some of our preschoolers were even spotted at the Trunk n’ Treat! All in all, it was a crazy-busy, but amazing month! November has some big shoes to fill!

Thank you for all your help with our wish list. This is a running list that we continue to update and add to. Your generosity is so much appreciated!

We are looking for some help with preschool snacks. Please see the preschool snack information and sign-up sheets outside of the Sanctuary (close to the wish list). If you have any questions about helping with snacks, you may contact Sara Davis or Nancy Rupe.

Preschool is tossing around the idea of having “buddy readers.” This would likely be something we do once a month. We would like to pair a preschooler up with a member of the congregation – they would become reading buddies for the whole school year and once a month, they would read together for a designated time during the preschool day. We do have 18 preschoolers, so this would require 18 reading buddies. If you are interested in being a reading buddy, please leave your contact information with Nancy or contact Sara Davis. Who knows, you may gain a buddy for life!

If you are interested in volunteering your help with prepping projects (cutting, gluing, etc.) either at preschool or at home, being one of our mystery readers (Mondays and Wednesdays at 11am), or even being an extra set of hands during the preschool day, please contact Sara Davis or leave your contact info with Nancy.

As always, we are so grateful for your donations, time, support, well wishes, and prayers.

Sara Davis

Preschool Director

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 406-259-

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. Contact

Bette Wolff at 245-5054 for details.

3

Several years ago, our family took a vacation to Italy for the

wedding of a family member. A particularly memorable destination

was the Cinqua Terra, five ancient villages perched along the northern

Mediterranean coastline. Centuries old houses and shops were packed

and stacked, one upon another as buildings clung to the sides of the

steep, rocky hillside that swept into the sea.

Making our way along the narrow, twisted streets, I especially

noticed the construction detail of buildings. A survey of the walls –

from the city street all the way to the roofline – took the appearance of

an archaeological cross section: stones, beams, brick and stucco layered

to chronicle the span of history as recorded in building material. Eras

of human history were built upon the foundation and ruins of those

before it – extending deeper than what was visible to our eye. In the

architectural disorder and disarray, there was a wondrous beauty and

harmony to the community.

These communities persevered through centuries of war,

famine, disease, poverty and natural disaster. One shop owner took

the time to proudly point out a mortar shell still lodged in his wall – a

bittersweet reminder of World War II. Yet, there they continue to live

and thrive, honoring their past, building upon the remnants and

moving courageously into the future.

Atonement Lutheran, too, honors our past and moves into the

future. We have been built upon the foundation of those who have

gone before us – and, yes, even upon the ruins of conflict and disasters

past. This month, we honor those who have gone before us, notably

with our All Saints Services on Nov. 1st. With thanksgiving, we pause to

acknowledge the character, strength, courage and faith of those who

have preceded us – and cast our eyes to the future of where God is

leading us as we celebrate those who were baptized in this past year.

I’m excited to see the “new construction” that is happening at

this time. We continue to welcome visitors and receive new members.

Please take a moment each time you’re at church to introduce

yourselves to someone you don’t know – your welcome is profoundly

important! We are also planning to expand our staff in the new year in

the area of Youth and Family Ministry. The exact job description is still

in development and the budget is being prepared – but there’s

excitement growing around this addition. Ministries continue to thrive

and grow. And our stewardship appeal builds with gratitude upon your

faithful generosity as we grow with Christ.

While we navigate our way through challenges and difficulties,

there is an assurance. There is an assurance in the Foundation that

extends deeper than what is visible to our eye. There is a mighty and

gracious God who is able to build with wondrous beauty and harmony

a community of people who will move into the future with an ancient

promise: “I will be your God, and you will be my people.”

Peace in Christ,

Darren

PASTOR’S PAGE

Atonement Youth Group

Open to youth

grades 7-12

Wednesdays @

6:30 p.m.

November 4, 11, and 25 we will meet at Peace Lutheran.

& November 18

we will meet at Atonement Lutheran

*If you would like a ride to

Peace Lutheran, contact

Pastor Darren. We’ll depart

from the Atonement parking

lot at 6:00 pm

Friendship Club

The Friendship Club

meets on the second

Wednesday of each

month. We meet for a

time of fellowship and

share a potluck meal. If

you are a senior 55+ we

extend an invitation to

you too join us as we

share our faith and get

to know one another

better. For more details

please call the Bakers at

245-6809

3

4

FINANCIAL REPORT

General Fund September 2015

Income: $ 28,627.30

Expense: $ 29,117.54

Net Income: ($490.24)

Net Income YTD: $ 13,350.13

Budget Expense: $ 28,806.76

Building Fund September 2015

Income: $ 7,826.90

Expense: $ 9,559.00

Net Income: ($1,732.10)

Net Income YTD: $ 9,195.22

Budget Expense: $ 9559.00

Advent begins on Sunday, November 29 as we wait in expectation for Christ’s full arrival into our lives. This year, we will be using the Holden Evening Prayer liturgy during the midweek worship service in our Atonement Lutheran sanctuary on Wednesdays at 6:45 pm on December 2, 9, and 16 (note: no midweek service on Dec. 23). As part of our time of preparation, we will “grow” the decorations week-by-week in the sanctuary, beginning with paraments and gradually adding the trees, lights and chrismons (tree ornaments). We’ll pause each week to focus on each added element. While there will be no shared meal prior to worship, we will be doing a “reverse pot-luck” – which means we will collect non-perishable food items not to be consumed by us, but distributed through the Billings Food Bank.

ADVENT MIDWEEK WORSHIP SERVICES

Advent Fair

November 29, 2015

3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Join in craft making, cookie

decorating.

Setting up the sanctuary trees for the

Advent season.

Soup supper and Christmas Carols.

Be a part of the fellowship as we

prepare for Christmas.

Altar Guild Meeting

There will be an Altar

Guild Meeting on

Monday, November

9th at 7:00 PM

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Sunday Morning 9:15am Adult Forum – in the Jerusalem Room Nov 1 Radical Hospitality: Welcoming All – Panel discussion coordinated by Tina Williams

What do we, as a church, mean when we proclaim the words “All are welcome!” And what do we, as individuals, do to practice this hospitality in our words and in our actions. A panel will discuss various aspects of Radical Hospitality as we endeavor to welcome people who come in all shapes, sizes, colors, capabilities, means and manners!

8 Land and Mission: Purpose, Priorities and Planning – Campus Planning Team

15 The Ethics of Stem Cell Research – Facilitated by Pastor Darren We are faced with new genetic technologies, based upon the use of human stem cells in biological research, which has sparked some heated ethical debates in our nation. How has our public policy responded to these challenges, and what should families and the general public know about the moral issues being debated?

22 We are an Advent People – Presented by Pastor Darren and the Worship Board

As a liturgical people of faith, our church year begins with the season of Advent. We’ll explore the biblical roots of this observance, traditions that have developed thru the centuries, and new opportunities for us to “wait in joyful expectation” for the fullness of Christ’s arrival into our world and into our lives.

29 No Forum – Thanksgiving Weekend

ADULT EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Same-Sex Marriage Study Sessions Thursday, November 12 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 16 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 19 – 4:00 p.m. Last month during the Adult Education hour, Atonement had an initial conversation on same-sex marriage – principally, a review of decisions on the church and state levels. While it is now legal in all 50 states, churches retain the freedom to conduct such weddings – or not – should they decide. Further, the ELCA has affirmed that the authority to set wedding policies is not a denominational decision, but remains in the hands of individual congregations, including same-sex marriages. Atonement Lutheran has not – and still does not have – a policy to celebrate same-sex marriages – largely because it was previously not a legally acknowledged union. However, now that it is legal on a state and federal level, it would be responsible for our congregation to determine our position, preferably prior to a couple requesting a same-sex marriage.

Three sessions will be offered in the month of November covering identical material. Our primary material will be the Evangelical Teaching Statement produced through the Montana Synod in February 2015. Printed copies will be provided, or a copy may be downloaded by going to the Montana Synod website at www.montanasynod.org. While the material presented each week will be identical, the discussion may vary according to the composition of those attending, the nature of the questions asked, and follow-up discussion. Please sign up for these sessions. A sign up sheet will be located in Welcome Area that we may anticipate attendance to plan accordingly.

November’s

Wednesday Adult

Bible Study

“The Book of Revelation”

Nov. 4 4:1-6a; 5:1-10

Visions of God and the Lamb

Nov. 11 6:15-7:17

Destruction and Protection

Nov. 18 12:1-17

The Great Battle

Nov. 25 18:1-24

The Fall of a Great and Powerful Empire

Dec. 2 21:1-8

Our New Home is Here but Not Here

Join us at 10:00 a.m.

6

WELCA Christmas Dessert

Mark your calendars now for the WELCA Christmas Dessert

gathering on Monday, December 7th at 6:00 p.m. Offering will go to Christikon

Scholarships, Great eats and entertainment!

MUSIC NOTES

This time of the year we are getting our groove on with the choir, band, singers, children and some brave members of the congregation singing and clapping with the music. Thank you for sharing your voices with us during worship! The Lutheran tradition is rich with music as a very integral part of the worship experience and I get the best seat in the house hearing voices from many generations lifting up songs of old and new together!

November is full of opportunities to be a part of some wonderful services. Our All-Saints Day service is Nov. 1st honoring those we have buried and those we have baptized this past year. It's a beautiful opportunity to remember. At the 10:30 Worship Service Nov. 1st, the Sunday School children will share a couple of songs including a new favorite "Shake Another Hand".

Our choir will be singing songs of harvest and thanksgiving this month; Nov. 8th at the 8:00 service and Nov. 22nd at the 10:30 service. The Teen Praise Band will lead worship on the 22nd at the 10:30 service. The end of the month begins our season of Advent as we shift into a time of anticipation for the birth of Jesus. Our music will reflect that change.

If you are thinking about joining one of our music groups, let me know and I'll add you to our email lists. The choir is a friendly, fun and joyful group that meets on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Our adult praise band is always seeking instrumentalists and singers and our teens have a lot of fun rockin' to some new music. If helping in the tech booth sounds like a great opportunity to avoid the "Lutheran Aerobics" of standing and sitting during worship, and you'd like to help run the slides, let Tina Williams or myself know and we will train you to assist in this very important and fun job.

Thank you for being a part of our very musical family.

With a joyful heart,

Kristin LaVe` Director of Worship

Thank you to our Atonement Family for all of the prayers and the support during

my recent knee surgery and recovery. Eddy & Clara Baker

7

Bazaar 2015

Saturday, November 7, 2015 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Crafts, Quilt raffle, Baked goods! Lefse, Garden produce, Silent Auction!

Lunch will be offered! 406-245-7004

Presented by Atonement Lutheran’s WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Church of America)

All proceeds from the Bazaar will be combined with the

proceeds from “Fall Bazaar 2014 “ to be earmarked for the

purchase of the New Atonement Sign.

8

30th Annual

Atonement Lutheran Church

1290 Sierra Granda Blvd

Billings, MT 59105

Phone: 406-245-7004

www.atonementbillings.org

FESTIVAL OF TREES Once again Atonement WELCA will be participating in the “Festival of Trees” in early December.

This community outreach is sponsored by “The Family Tree Center”. The theme this year is “All

Hearts Come Home for Christmas”. There will be a gray container in the Commons area during

the month of November for your donations of winter hats, gloves, scarves and mittens. These

items will be giving to the “Festival of Trees”. If you have any questions please contact Cindy

Dunmeyer at 724-986-2973 or June Canfield at 706-245-6557.

9

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

November 1 Lora Pederson Nancy King

November 8 Judy Lawrence Teague Westrope

November 15 Pat Zellar Trudi Paulson

November 22 Tina Williams Jane Hansen

November 29 Janet Rubich Linda Michaelis

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

November 1 Clarence Robinson John Olsen

November 8 Bill Belden KayDel Shelton

November 15 Tina Williams Linda Lange

November 22 Pat Zellar Betty Jo Furstenberg

November 29 Rose Steiner Trudi Paulson

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

November 1 Amanda King Brayden Mikkelson

November 8 Ben Johnston Danara Tulimaiau

November 15 Noah Paulson Zach Mangels

November 22 Tailey Leatherberry Noah Paulson

November 29 Erica Severson Race Nugent

ACOLYTES

MARVELOUS MONDAY

WONDERFUL

WEDNESDAY MEALS

Canned Cranberries

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS

Erin Koepp

HOSPITAL

VISITATION

LOVE OFFERING

WORSHIP ASSISANTS

LECTOR

CANTORS

Montana Rescue

Mission, Women and

Children’s Shelter

November 1 Becky Lujan/Debbie Heyd

November 8 Terri Porisch

November 15 Marilyn Franklin

November 22 Kelly & Linda Michaelis

November 29 Gary Dunmeyer

Wednesday, 11/11

Applebee’s

Monday, 11/23

Play Inn

Join us at 6:00 p.m.

For details contact

Julie Amundson

10

November 1 George & Shirley DeMars; Jo Bott, Roxann Cope November 8 Bill & Judy Belden; Dale Molyneaux, Debbie Goodheart November 15 Vicki Leatherberry; Karen Underwood, Del & Rose Steiner November 22 Clarence Robinson; John & Bertha Olsen, Bette Wolff November 29 George & Shirley DeMars; Dale Molyneaux, Jo Bott, Roxann Cope Bold Names indicate Head Usher(s)

November 1 Open

November 8 Betty Jo Furstenberg

November 15 Todd & Erin Koepp

November 22 Open

November 29 Open

November 1 Worship Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. November 2 Property Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. WELCA Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. November 6 Men’s Square 6:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. November 9 Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 p.m. Altar Guild Meeting 7:00 p.m. November 10 Evangelism Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m.. Education Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. November 11 Friendship Club 11:30 a.m. November 17 Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. November 19 Hope Circle 9:30 a.m.

November 1 Todd Koepp

November 8

Kyle Johnston

November 15 Leno’s

November 22 Trudi Paulson

November 29 Craig Canfield

Drivers

Marlon & Julie Leno 248-5359

Kyle Johnston 325-1235 Todd Koepp 256-1569 Trudi Paulson 690-4351 Craig Canfield 245-6557 Paul Mueller 259-3565

November 1 Mark & Shirley Jennings

November 8 Tammy Johnston

November 15 Jay & Janelle Berry

November 22 Donna Slater

November 29 Betty Jo Furstenberg

Jamie Hass

Church Council

Teague Westrope

COFFEE HOUR

COMMUNION BREAD

COMMUNION PREPARERS

TRANSPORTATION 8:00 A.M. USHERS

SANCTUARY FLOWERS

MONTHLY MEETINGS

November 1 Steve & Donna Slater;

Joan Siemers, Tyler Westrope

November 8 Gene & Stacey Arneson;

Jay & Janelle Berry

November 15 Jack & Vivian Beals; Cindy Dunmeyer, Shellie Ehrmantraut November 22 Craig & June Canfield; Jesse & Sandi Gonzalez November 29 Todd & Erin Koepp;

10:30 A.M. USHERS