Cross & Cradle Newsletter December 2019

Christ the Servant Lutheran Church 3676 Centerville Road

Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 651-429-6595

office@cslcvh.org www.cslcvh.org

Advent

A Season of Expectation

Dec. 1st Sanctuary Set-up for Christmas 10:30 AM Dec. 4th Hanging of the Greens 6:15 PM with Youth Missional Community Dec. 7th Sunday School Program Rehearsal 11:00 AM — 7:00 PM Dec. 8th Second Sunday in Advent Sunday School Christmas Program

9:00 AM Dec. 13th Christmas Party Open House - 6:00 - 9:00 PM

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICES

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM

Church Events Advent is a season of waiting, watching, hoping. And then, in just a few weeks, the Christ Child will come. There will be feasts and gifts, trumpets and cymbals, visits and the noise of family. The expectation of advent will culminate in the celebration of Christmas – and as quickly as it came, it will be over. If you’re anything like me, as you’re picking up the tinsel and wrapping paper, you’ll find yourself wondering, “Was that all?” This time of year isn’t always easy. For some, it’s as much a time of grief as it is joy. That’s why I try to remember that the gift of Christmas isn’t really in its splendor but its scandal. The King of Kings, Emmanuel – God with Us – is a baby born in a barn, laid to rest in a feeding trough, and announced to shepherds. This isn’t a King who requires gleaming palaces and spectacular decor to feel at home. This is a King who enters the gritty brokenness of real life. That’s a different kind of hope from what we might be used to this time of year, but it’s a hope that lingers after the fanfare dies down –a hope rooted in the grace of a God who loves us enough to join us where we are. May this hope sustain you throughout this season and always!

Intern Katie

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CONGREGATION MEETING NOTES November 17, 2019

1. New Mission, Vision, Values, and desired outcomes were approved by Ballot Vote. 2. Narrative Budget presented noting growth in 2019 Financial Giving. 3. Nominating Committee for open Church Council positions includes Sandy Meyer, Jim Mason, and Mary Barlau.

The Church is in the process of recruiting volunteers that would be willing to help in an emergency. Tim Kelvie is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

SO, he’s looking for volunteers of those willing to help during a Worship Service or other Church events so that a list may be published. If you would like to be on this list, please let Tim Kelvie know, or leave a note in the office for Tim Kelvie. Don’t forget it’s almost time for the Snow Shoveling to begin. If you would like to help early on a Sunday morning to clear any snow that may have fallen, feel free to come in around 7 AM to help clear the sidewalks and the Exit by the Sound Booth. Lists never seem to work.

PUMPKIN PATCH...A VERY SINCERE THANK YOU to everyone who took part in any way to make the 16th annual Pumpkin Patch such a success! Even with the rain and snow we were still blessed with another good year. Thanks, also to members and non-members who generously donated to the event—many of whom didn’t even buy pumpkins. Here are this year’s totals: Pumpkins Sales = $11,442.25 CSLC Percentage = $ 3,810.27 Straw/Cornstalks = $ 128.00 Donations = $ 763.75 Grand Total = $ 4,702.02 10% will be tithed / ELCA - Majority of remaining funds will go to our Children & Youth Ministry.

GOD IS GOOD!! SINCERE BLESSINGS!! (MARY BARLAU)

EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY

CONGREGATION MEETING

FOLLOW-UP

Jan. Thru. October ACTUAL BUDGET

Regular Giving $150,858 $147,900

Above and Beyond Giving $23,008 $16,300

Use of Property Donations $680 $1,600

Grants $16,500 $16,200

INCOME $191,046 $182,000

EXPENSES $176,921 $176,026

Mortgage Principle $11,453 $11,453

Other (prepaid expenses/deferred income) $11,751

CASH (Increase/decrease) $14,423 -$1,229

Weekly Attendance 2018 2019

102 81

Extravagant Generosity

Rooted and Growing

to the other four practice groups for their help in our stewardship campaign. A very special Thank You! to all the members of Christ the Servant for their past and future “Extravagant Generosity.”

We now have the “Square” set up at the Welcome Desk for the convenience of giving or payments of any kind. We will be making an effort to have it out and staffed.

Electronic Giving

Getting away for a few months? We wish you safe travels and enjoy the warm weather! You can stay current with your commitment while you are basking in the sun, via electronic giving, or pre-pay before you leave.

Visit our web site https://www.cslcvh.org

Contact a member if you would like to know more about our team.

Tom Farm - Roger Gullickson - Lois McKeag - Mike Woehrle - Tim Kelvie

Join Our Team

YTD Christ the Servant through your generosity has given a total of $8,933. God is at work in our church!

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CHRIST THE SERVANT GIVING TREE

We will be partnering with the Vadnais Heights Elementary School to help families in our community as we celebrate the Christmas season. There may also be other families, and we pray we will be able to

help them as well. If you or someone you know who could use some help to celebrate Christmas, please speak to Pastor Chris… information will be kept confidential. Contacts: Sandy K Johnson, Lynn LeMire, Lois McKeag.

CHRISTMAS PARTY OPEN HOUSE

Friday, December 13 6:00 to 9:00 PM

We will have an evening full of music and laughter, readings, refreshments, and celebration for our community. To begin, there will be appetizers, desserts, coffee and

hot chocolate. We believe Santa will make an appearance! Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Invite your friends, family and neighbors. Contact: Laura VanDerWerff, Lois McKeag or Lori Moore if you have questions or would like to help. THANKSGIVING GIFTS We were able to send grocery gift cards to several families in our community who needed a little help with Thanksgiving dinner this year. THANK YOU! Thank you to Vadnais Heights Fire Fighters Relief Association for the generous contribution to help with our food shelf commitments. We are blessed to be in a community such as Vadnais Heights, where people help each other in times of need. FUNERAL LUNCHEON COMMITTEE Thank you to Marilyn Auge for beginning to put together a plan for a Funeral Luncheon Group. Contact Marilyn, if you would like to help. RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE Our next blood drive at Christ the Servant is on Saturday, January 25, 2020, with a goal of 25! You may signup now at the church or online at redcrossblood.org!

HURUMA CENTRE The Mission of Friends of Huruma The Huruma Centre, a ministry of the Iringa Diocese, is a children's home in Iringa, Tanzania, which provides a safe home, nurture, nutrition, and education for children who, for a variety of reasons, have no family or others to care for them.

Total CSLC Coffee Hour donations to Huruma Centre for 2019: $954.55! The next Huruma Sunday at CSLC is December 15! Let’s go over $1000 for this year! Special donations are also welcome!

“The Everyday Way to Make an Impact” It’s the convenient way to fundraise for Christ the Servant: using gift cards to turn everyday shopping into earnings. Scrip is the #1 gift card fundraiser in the U.S. with 50,000+ organizations that have raised $800 million for what matters to them. Use eGift cards and physical gift cards to earn on gas, groceries, eating out, clothes—the list goes on. It’s easy, it’s rewarding, and it fits right into our busy schedules. Christ the Servant earns in 3 simple steps… 1. Shop brands you love… Shop eGift cards and physical cards from your favorite brands. Most physical cards can be reloaded so you can keep using the same one. 2. Buy gift cards… Buy eGift cards to use on the spot. Physical cards are delivered to your coordinator to personally hand out. Both types of cards are worth face value and not a penny less. 3. Earn for what matters… Brands offer rebates up to 20% of a gift card’s face value, so earnings add up fast. In fact, a single family can earn $1,000 or more every year for the things they love. Rebates are always earned immediately—you don’t have to wait until you use the gift card. Now is the time to do your Christmas shopping. On Sunday mornings, check with Lori Moore or Lois McKeag for more information on how to order.

RISK-TAKING MISSION & SERVICE: NEXT MEETING DECEMBER 10 AT 5:30 PM AT CSLC.

RISK TAKING MISSION & SERVICE

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Join the Passionate Worship Team and the Youth Missional Community as we decorate the Church for Advent and Christmas. See the sign-up sheet at the Welcome Desk, if you would like to help. The evening will begin with a light supper. ALSO...SANCTUARY RE-ORGANIZATION of the music area is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 1st at 10:30am in preparation for the church decorating. Your assistance is welcomed!

ADVENT DEVOTIONS Thank you to all who contributed to our 2019 Advent Devotional. The devotional booklet will be

available at the Welcome Desk on Thanksgiving Eve and throughout the month of December.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

SUNDAY, DEC 8TH DURING THE 9:00AM

WORSHIP SERVICE

CARING FRIENDS MINISTRY UPCOMING VISIT DAY

Caring Friends will be making visits this month on Tuesday, December 10th. If you are interested in being a part of this ministry, contact Debbie Erickson for information.

Christmas Poinsettia Garden

Poinsettia order forms are available at the Welcome Desk. Cost is $10.00 each. Colors: Red — White — Pink The form may be placed in offering

plate or turned into the office on or before Dec. 8th. You may take your plant after the 10:00 PM service on December 24th.

CHRISTMAS EVE

CANDLELIGHT SERVICES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM

Both will include joyful Christmas music and

Holy Communion will be Celebrated.

EVERGREEN 12 Days of Christmas Devotional Beginning December 25 Inspired by the beloved holiday boughs, Walt Lichtenberger of lightfromthishill.com writes about God’s ever-near presence. Each day features a five-minute inspiration consisting of a reflection, scripture, and a prayer. In the midst of a busy time of year EVERGREEN, will help you make some time to grow your spirit. Devotions are delivered to your inbox starting December 25 - they come early in the morning so that they will be there in time for your morning coffee. Registration link: https://mailchi.mp/d54fd794989b/evergreen-sign-up-ctslc

CRAFT/PROJECT DAY SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21ST

9:00AM TO 9:00PM Come join us for a fun day of crafting, sewing, scrapbooking, card-making, or whatever else you want to do. Bring your own lunch and perhaps a snack to share. Come anytime and stay as long as you wish. ALL are welcome! Invite your friends, neighbors, family members. Contact: Leila Horazdovsky.

PASSIONATE WORSHIP

HANGING OF THE GREENS - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH

6:15 PM The church will be decorated for

Advent and Christmas.

RADICAL HOSPITALITY

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CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY

SUNDAY SCHOOL AGE 3 THROUGH

5TH GRADE

Sunday School Children’s Christmas

Program Rehearsal and Family Potluck Saturday, December 7 from 11 AM - 7 PM

Drop your student off at 11:00 AM. Come for dinner at 5:00 PM. Please bring an item for the potluck. See Jodie for sign up. After dinner the students will exchange gifts. Please bring a wrapped gender neutral gift not to exceed $5. Questions: Contact Jodie or Wendy.

SUNDAY SCHOOL INTER-GENERATIONAL CLASSES

Instead of the regular Sunday School classes December 15 and December 22, our Sunday School leaders invite you to join the students in making special craft projects.

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY December 4, 11, & 18

10:00 AM Study - The New Testament book of “Romans”

Winter/Spring Women’s Bible Study All are welcome at the next learning and fellowship series! Join us from 9 - 11 AM, beginning January 18 (every other Saturday). Gathering Dates: January 18 February 1, 15 & 29 March 14 & 28 April 11 & 25 Watch for further information on the study guide to order. Please contact Jodie or Amy for further information.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS WORKSHOP: DISCOVERING GOD'S

VISION FOR YOUR LIFE Led by Rev. Justin Grimm, Christ the Servant Member and St. Paul Area Synod Director of Evangelical Mission

When: Friday, January 10, 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Saturday, January 11, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This course helps people understand spiritual gifts, find out what their own gifts are, and get excited about using those gifts in ministry. Through Discovering God’s Vision for Your Life, men and women are mobilized as ministers - called by God to use their unique spiritual gifts. Sign up at www.cslcvh.org or with the church office.

CONNECT THE DROPS:

FAITH, SCIENCE & YOUTH LEADERSHIP

CSLC hosted the Connect-the-Drops Celebration Event, “We All Use Water”, with Frassati Catholic Academy, Peace United Methodist, VLAWMO, and Growing Green Hearts, on Sunday, November 10th. We had a wonderful time learning of the events of this past year, working together to spread the word that we all use water, and we need water, and let’s keep our water safe and clean!

INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT

RISK TAKING MISSION & SERVICE

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U S H E R S: December 1: Kevin Barrett, Lynn LeMire December 8: Glen & Dianne Johnson December 15: Roger Gullickson, Loretta Markham December 22: Youth December 24: Christmas Eve 4:00: 10:00: December 29:

ADVENT CANDLE READERS: December 1: Grace Blesener, Julita Bonghan December 8: Passionate Worship Team December 15: Church Council December 22: Youth December 24 - 4:00PM _____________ December 24 - 10:00PM Mason Family

READERS: December 1: Peter Songster December 8: Sarah Kelvie December 15: Ron Hawkinson December 22: Youth December 24: Christmas Eve 4:00: Peter Songster & Youth 10:00: Dan Hamilton & Youth December 29: Sandy Hammerlind

COMMUNION SERVERS: Dec 1: Bread: Pastor Chris, Intern Katie Wine: Grace Blesener, Pam Irgens Basket: __________, ___________ Dec 15: Bread: Pastor Chris Wine: __________ Basket: Julie Jones December 24: Christmas Eve 4:00: Bread: Pastor Chris, Intern Katie Wine: Peter Songster, ________ Basket: Sarah Songster, ________ 10:00: Bread: Pastor Chris, Wine: Grace Blesener Basket: ____________

COFFEE SERVERS: December 1: Mary Barlau, Sylvia Timmers Grace Blesener December 8: Jacquelyn & Tom Farm December 15: Debbie & Mike Gennow December 22: Leila Horazdovsky/Loretta Markham December 29: Sandy L. Johnson/Charlie Steffen

BIRTHDAY’S THIS MONTH

Dec 3 Anna Grimm Dec 20 Dawn Napier Dec 4 Jordynn Gittins Dec 25 Cheri Schouweiler Dec 7 Jason Markham Dec 25 Peter Songster Dec 13 Justin (Bear) Richmond Dec 15 Paige Bailey Dec 26 Corey Erickson Dec 15 Steven Peterson Dec 26 Pamela Gennow Dec 15 Wendy Schulze Dec 26 Erica Jameson Dec 16 Nora Yoder Dec 26 Linda Wigdahl Dec 17 Mary Vesel Dec 29 Betty Shaw Dec 19 Karen Lehner Dec 30 Ella Caruth Dec 19 Sue Woehrle

We extend prayers for God’s Blessing

on your Birthday!!

WEDDING

ANNIVERSARIES THIS MONTH

December 14 Dave & Sandy K. Johnson December 27 Peter & Rebecca Songster

We extend prayers for God’s Blessing

as you celebrate your

Wedding Anniversary!

November 14—December 26 (7 week Session)

Chair yoga: 3:45pm

Next Class: January 2 - February 20 8 weeks - $72

Checks to YogaDevotion Signup on bulletin board or on their website:

https://yogadevotion.com/class/christ-the-servant-lutheran-church-vadnais-hts-seated-in-the-

presence/2020-01-02/

CELEBRATING MILESTONES

If we have missed your milestone or have incorrect information, please contact the

church office at (651) 429-6595 or office@cslcvh.org

SERVING SUNDAYS IN DECEMBER

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December 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 First Sunday in Advent 9:00AM: Worship / Holy Communion 10:15AM:Fellowship Time 10:15AM: Sunday School Youth Bible Study 10:30AM: Sanctuary Set-up - Advent

2 3:30PM: Piecemakers

3 9:00AM - 6:00 PM: Free Bread Distribution 6:30PM: Passionate Worship Team 7:00PM: AA Meeting

4 7:30AM: Extravagant Generosity Team Mtg. 10:00AM: Bible Study 1:00PM: LOL Quilt Guild Group 6:15PM: Hanging of the Greens & Youth Missional Community

5 3:45PM: Chair YogaDevotion

5:30PM: Executive Committee with Practice Team Leaders Meeting

6 8:15AM: VHES Overflow Parking: Donuts with Dad

7 8:15 AM: Men’s Breakfast & Discussion 9:00 AM: Women’s Bible Study 11:00AM-7:00PM: Sunday School Christmas Program Rehearsal

8 Second Sunday in Advent 9:00AM: Worship with Sunday School Christmas Program 10:15AM: Fellowship Time (No Sunday School)

9

3:30PM: Piecemakers

10 Caring Friends Visit Day

9:00AM--6:00PM: Free Bread

5:30PM: Risk-Taking Mission & Service

6:30PM: Lake Country Chorus Mtg.

7:00PM: AA Meeting

11 10:00AM: Bible Study

12:00PM: VH Senior HiLites

6:15PM: Youth Missional Community

12 3:45PM: Chair YogaDevotion

6:45PM: Council Open Forum 7:00PM: Church Council Meeting

13 6:00 - 9:00PM: Christmas Party Open House

14

15 Third Sunday in Advent 9:00AM: Worship/ Holy Communion 10:15AM:Fellowship Time 10:15AM: Inter-generational Learning Event 10:30AM: Radical Hospitality Team Meeting 11:30AM: Intentional Faith Team Meeting

16

3:30PM: Piecemakers

5:30PM: Estates of Evergreen Ponds Assoc. Meeting

17

9:00AM--6:00PM Free Bread Distribution 7:00PM: AA Meeting

18

7:30AM: Extravagant Generosity Team Mtg. 10:00AM: Bible Study 1:00PM: LOL Quilt Guild Group 6:15PM: Youth Missional Community

19 3:45PM: Chair YogaDevotion

20

21

9:00 AM: Craft & Project Day

22 Fourth Sunday in Advent 9:00AM Worship / Holy Communion 10:15AM Fellowship Time 10:15AM Inter-generational Learning Event

23

24 9:00 -- 11:00AM: Free Bread Distribution

4:00PM &

10:00PM Christmas Eve

Candlelight Services

(Communion)

25

26 3:45PM: Chair YogaDevotion

27

28

29 First Sunday of Christmas 9:00AM: Worship 10:15AM:Fellowship Time (No Sunday School)

30

31 9:00--11:00AM: Free Bread Distribution 7:00PM: AA Meeting

January 1

2 3:45PM: Chair YogaDevotion 5:30PM:Executive Committee with Practice Team Leaders Meeting

3

4

8:15 AM: Men’s Breakfast & Discussion

December 2019 Page 8

Christ the Servant Lutheran Church 3676 Centerville Road Vadnais Heights, MN 55127

JOIN US SUNDAY MORNINGS

WORSHIP — 9:00AM

EDUCATION HOUR — 10:15AM

www.cslcvh.org Pastor Chris Steubing - pastorchris@cslcvh.org Intern Katie Langston - internkatie@cslcvh.org

Ministry Coordinator: Sandy Hammerlind Church Office (651) 429-6595; office@cslcvh.org