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Farmington Lutheran Church 20600 Akin Road Farmington, MN 55024 - 651.463.4100 – www.farmingtonlutheran.com

December 2012 ● FLC ● farmingtonlutheran.com

December 2012

Cover Christmas Worship

FLC History Book

2 Pastor Janel’s Article

Contact Information

Simply Giving

3

Council Message

Council Notes

Altar Guild Thank You

4 Youth Ministry

5 Children’s Ministry

6 Connection Corner

Women’s Retreat

Ministry Happenings

7 Music Ministry

What Does Christmas

Mean ...

8 Youth Ministry Cont.

Parents’ Day Out

A G.I.F.T. Schedule

A Warm Welcome

9 Service & Volunteer Groups

Violet Circle

Baptisms

10 SCRIP

Finance Update

11 Calendar

12 Pastor Kevin’s Article

The Season of Giving

13 FLC’s 2013 Story Budget

As a community of believers, guided

by the Holy Spirit, we seek to do God’s

will, share God’s Word, and celebrate

the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

THE LIGHT

Ushers Needed for Christmas Services Ushers are needed for all of the Christmas services. There are also openings to fill in our

2013 ushering schedule. Ushers play an important role in our worship service. If you can

help in this area, please contact the church office or contact Cindy Haverland at

[email protected].

FLC History Book Available

Give yourself or someone else a unique Christmas gift by purchasing the 66-page

book ‘A History of Farmington Lutheran Church.’ The book, originally released for the

75th Anniversary of the congregation, has been revised and updated for the church’s

80th Anniversary observance.

The book contains more than 130 photos and tells the rich history of the

congregation. FLC was established 80 years ago when St. John’s Lutheran Church

and St. Luke’s Lutheran Church merged. Samples of the book can be viewed in the

Gathering Space Saturday, Dec. 1, after the 5 p.m. worship service and Sundays,

Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 between worship services.

This great book can be pre-ordered for $16. Payable is due at time of ordering when

ordered. You will be able to pick up your order the weekend of Dec. 15 and 16.

Please join us to help celebrate Jesus’ birth!

Christmas Eve worship

service times at FLC are as follows:

Mon., Dec. 24 — 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m.

(nursery is available at all of the above ser-

vice times)

10 p.m. (with Holy Communion)

Tues., Dec. 25 — 10 a.m.

(with Holy Communion)

We hope you can be here to share in this joyous time!

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Worship Times

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Office Hours

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday

8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday

Contact Information

office – 651.463.4100 & fax – 651.463.4101 farmingtonlutheran.com

Senior Pastor

Kevin Woestehoff – Ext 203

[email protected]

Pastor of Congregational Care

Janel Kuester – Ext 204

[email protected]

Director of Children’s Ministries

Maria Tarpinian – Ext 205

[email protected]

Director of Youth Ministries

Arlan Olson – Ext 207

[email protected]

Director of Music Ministries

Karissa Dennis – Ext 206

[email protected]

Office Administrator

Molly Baldwin – Ext 200

[email protected]

Business Manager

Shelly Lassahn – Ext 217

[email protected]

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Jill Hawkins – Ext 208

[email protected]

Ministry & Outreach Coordinator

Cindy Haverland – Ext 201

[email protected]

Facilities Maintenance

Dan Moulin

[email protected]

‘Tis the Season Pastor Janel

Every year about this time, I fight the pressures of

rushing and scurrying about to complete things

like writing Christmas cards, gift shopping,

planning travel time… and the list seems to go

on and on. Yet, I try to remember what this

season of the church year is all about…waiting. How does

one wait in the fury of hurrying? We pause and take a

moment to remember the season of Advent. Advent, the first

season of the church year, begins on the first weekend in

December and leads us into Christmas. It is meant to be a

time of waiting, a time of longing. As our days grow shorter

and our December nights grow longer, we all long for light.

One of the traditions we as a church do during Advent is the

lighting of the Advent wreath. We light one candle each

week in worship to be reminded that Christ is coming – and

He will be our light in the darkness. We bring all of our waiting,

our longings, our concerns and our yearnings before Christ

trusting that the light of the world will shine through the

darkness to bring us peace, hope, comfort and joy. So, in a

sense, among all of the busyness of rushing, we wait.

Speaking of waiting – just a reminder to all about our journey

these last 12 months as a church – we spent a great amount

of time waiting. We waited to meet our new senior pastor for

what seemed like eons, and out of this waiting something

marvelous came. Pastor Kevin is an asset to our team and a

wonderful partner to have in ministry. The light at the end of

the tunnel has definitely grown brighter in my world. Yet, I do

want to remind one another that my hours have reset back

to my part-time hours. This does not only mean that you will

physically see me less in the office or being able to engage

in a few less meetings, but it means that I won’t be present

for every worship service. My call paperwork states that I am

to be off one weekend a month, and I

am only present for worship on the

Saturdays the weekends when I am

preaching. I, also, want to remind all

that if there is something you need,

please contact me through the church

office, or you can email me through

the church website. My prayer this

month for all is we remember to hurry

up and wait!

Waiting in anticipation,

Pastor Janel Kuester

Simply Giving

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to give what you’d like to the Church without having to remember to bring an en-

velope to church each week? Simply Giving is so easy to set up. The Simply Giving form can be found online at

farmingtonlutheran.com or at the Welcome Booth in the Gathering Area. You may also give through Pay Pal,

found on our website, under Online Giving. If you have any questions regarding financial giving options, please

contact Shelly Lassahn at [email protected] or 651.463.4100.

Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven … for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

- Matthew 6:20-21

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Council Notes

President Kris Akin announced the Tool-Kit for Congregational Leaders event that will take place Feb 23, 2013.

Council members are encouraged to attend.

Pastor Kevin reported Cottage Meetings were off to a good start and the first one was well attended. He

introduced a sample program budget which would be a tool for telling our ministry story and how offerings

are used to accomplish ministry. He also requested council endorsement of the Narrative Lectionary, a new

lectionary that works through the story of God’s people from creation through Acts. In October he performed

two baptisms.

Pastor Janel reported she officiated at one wedding and three baptisms in October. She led a new member

class and a baptism class. She made six home visits, one hospital visit and five care center visits.

The Finance Committee reported October income was less than budgeted and the Leap of Faith giving in

October was $6000. The second assessment is paid off.

Under new business the anniversary celebration is planned for Nov 24 & 25. A new Financial Controls Policy was

reviewed and will be on December agenda for approval. Facility Use Policy was reviewed and approved. A

task force is being organized to study the feasibility of a preschool at FLC.

Nominating Committee will meet Thursday. There will be 3 council positions to fill for next year. Chris Patsche has

agreed to stay on as secretary and Mark Pearson will stay on as Treasurer.

The FLC Council will meet Tuesday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m.

It’s past Halloween, DO NOT BE AFRAID!

Like any journalist will tell you, grabbing the reader’s attention with a catchy title is a feat in

itself. Hopefully I caught yours to again give attention to the celebration of the Affirmations of

Baptism held a few weeks ago at Farmington Lutheran. Forty-one young women and men

studied the word of God over the past years and were NOT AFRAID. Okay, why are you

capitalizing NOT AFRAID, Kent? Glad you asked! Each year, students select a confirmation

verse and from the verses selected, they know that God is with them and they need NOT BE

AFRAID. Here are the two most popular verses from the newest confirmed members of FLC.

Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,

for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Revelation 2:10 - Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in

prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will

give you life as your victor’s crown.

As for the Halloween part of the catchy title, let it be my treat to welcome the following people of God as newly

confirmed members of our church. May God bless them and keep them from ever being AFRAID:

Ryan Newton, Caleb Bray, Hunter Siegler, Rylie McMillan, Rebecca Spars, Jay Burditt, Shelby Nehls, Tara Sauber,

Meghan Silber, Kyle Roby, John Siebenaler, Carley Mumm, Dylan Otterness, Thomas Wenstrom, Lucas Berg,

Dylan Bergstad, Joseph Cardinal, Derek Cole, Mitchell Grengs, Chase Heller, Justin King, Kassondra Kruckeberg,

Gina Mercurio, Noah Robinson, Hailey Monroe, Luke Mikiska, Cody Bali, Hannah Kemp, Abby Kost,

Jesse Aubrecht, Blaine Meyer, Kaitlyn Besler, Luke Johnston, Macy Savisik, Jessica Schmitz, Nick Adams,

Madison Farran, Cody Franks, Gregory Kania, Courtney Kimmell, Heidi Lambrecht

Kent Porter, Youth Ministry Team

Congregational Council

Kent Porter

Council

Altar Guild

Thank you to the Altar Guild members for the cards and gift

that was given to me for my last meeting as Committee Chair

of the Altar Guild. It was a surprise and very appreciated!

Thank you, Susan Brinkman

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The FLC Youth Ministry Team will meet Tuesday, December 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Youth Fundraiser — Lefse Making The youth going on the Mission Trip will be making Lefse on December 14/15. This is for

pre-orders only. There is an easel located in the gathering space where you may place

your order. The cost is $4/package (3 rounds)-Lutefisk extra!! The youth are also looking

for donations of ingredients; please check the easel in gathering space. We thank you

for your support and wish you a Blessed and Merry Christmas!!

Arlan Olson

Youth Ministry Director

I can’t help but think about the cold, the wind, and all the snow that is sure to come—I can’t get lucky two

years in a row or can I? With the last name Olson you would think I would love this weather. After all, us

Scandinavian’s have a god of winter named Ull ('Glorious'), he was famous for his marksmanship, and well—

known for being astonishingly quick on snowshoes, and skis. His weapon was a longbow made out of Yew, a

mighty shield that he could transform at will into a vessel to cross the seas, and rune engraved bones that he

could use to cross waters (skates?).

I have none of these; I am not fast on snowshoes or skis. I have never, to my knowledge used a longbow—

what is Yew by the way? And bones for skates? -not going to happen, I don’t even like to skate-weak ankles.

But I can relate to the “Mighty Shield.” It is in the month of December that we celebrate our “Mighty Shield’s”

birth. God’s son who becomes our shield, who is our protector, who takes the cold and darkness and turns it

into a promise, a promise to all of us that Jesus will be that “vessel” that helps us to cross the stormy seas (Mark

4:35-41).

So as you take time to sit with family, friends, and yes maybe do some outdoor stuff—stay warm! Take time to

celebrate your “Mighty Shield” - Jesus - who takes something as ugly as the cross and turns it into something

so spectacular—God’s full love, grace and mercy.

I wish all a very Blessed (Warm) and Merry Christmas Season.

Parents of FLC Graduates — your children are hopefully getting

settled in by now either at school, military or working away from

home. We like to stay in touch with them—through email, a

phone call, maybe a card or a care package. If you have not

already done so please pass along their contact information to

the church office or Arlan so we may update our files.

Parents of Graduates

Wednesday Night Worship Come join us on Wednesday, December 12, as the New Dimension Choir will

be singing and leading the worship with an assortment of Christmas Carols.

New Dimension, from Farmington High School, is led by Megan Dimich, and

this night promises to be a great way to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Our Mighty Shield

FLC’s confirmation youth are going Christmas Caroling on Wed., Dec. 19.

Please note the time change — we will meet at the church at 6:30 p.m. If you

know of anyone who would like to have a group of young people come

share the Christmas Spirit through song please contact Arlan. This is a great

tradition at FLC and one the youth really enjoy!

Christmas Caroling

More Youth Ministry information on page 8...

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The FLC Children’s Ministry Team will not be meeting in December.

White Christmas!

When: Fri., Dec. 14; 7:15 p.m.

Where: Lakeville Area Arts Center

Cost: $10/person

What: Join us as we see the play, “White Christmas,”

starring FLC members Morgan Baumbach as Bob,

Max Mayleben as Phil and Ethan Quist as the General.

You've seen Morgan, Max and Ethan perform at various

church events, now come and see them perform

“White Christmas.” We’ll meet at 7:15 p.m. at the

Lakeville Area Arts Center (show time is 7:30 p.m.) Kids

can be picked up after the show at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Find out more information and sign up for KiC events on the

Children’s Ministries bulletin board, or contact Maria. We’ll

need chaperones for the night too, so please contact Maria

if you can help. Hope you’ll join us!

Maria Tarpinian

Children’s Ministry Director

Wednesday Meal Menu Dec. 5 – spaghetti, garlic bread, green beans, ice cream sandwich

Dec. 12 – pizza, veggies, fruit, cookie

Dec. 19 – hot dogs, carrots, chips, pudding

REMINDER There will be no classes held during Christmas Break — Sundays, Dec. 23 & 30 or

Wednesday, Dec. 26. Classes resume on Wed., Jan. 2 & Sun., Jan. 6.

If you would like a night off from cooking for your family, please join us

for a time of food and fellowship each Wednesday from 5-6:15 p.m.

Price is $3/person (under 3 is free if sharing a plate with an adult).

NEW reservations are required by the Monday prior.

The children’s Christmas program is just around the corner! Join us the

weekend of December 15/16 for our performance of “Christmas: We’re On the Air,”

a live radio broadcast where you’ll tune in for good news…good news that

God's promised Savior has been born and brings hope to the whole world.

Families have been provided with a CD of program songs to practice at

home. Sunday & Wednesday school students (Pre-K through 5th grade) are

asked to participate in the program at the service corresponding to their

class session as listed below:

FLC’s Children’s Christmas Program—WE’RE ON THE AIR

4:30 p.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday classes – Sat., Dec. 15 at 5 p.m.

8:30 Sunday classes – Sun., Dec. 16 at 8:30 a.m.

10:45 Sunday classes – Sun., Dec. 16 at 10:45 a.m.

There is still one additional rehearsal coming up for the program choir

(1st – 5th grades) on Sunday, December 2 between services, from 9:45 a.m.

-10:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pre-K and Kindergarten students will be

singing three songs at the beginning of the program and will not need to

attend any special rehearsals. Children with speaking parts for the

program will perform at all 3 services and have a separate rehearsal

schedule.

KiC (Kids In Christ) December Event for 4th & 5th Grade

Epiphany Extravaganza!

Mark your calendar for our 5th

Annual Epiphany Extravaganza

on Fri., Jan. 4 from 6 - 8 p.m. More

details will be coming soon! We

hope your family can join us!

6

Connection - the linking of people or things: the joining together of two or more people or things.

This is the purpose and essence of the name of our new space — Connection Corner.

The area at the south side of the Gathering Area, between the fireside and choir rooms has

been called many things; atrium, sunroom, fishbowl to name a few. Now we’re giving it an

official name, ‘Connection Corner,’ and a defined purpose; a place to bring people together.

A place for fellowship, an area where you can meet and greet members new and old and

those visiting FLC. Where you can discover what’s happening and opportunities for service

and how you can put your gifts to use.

Connection Corner will also be a monthly feature to watch for in the newsletter and on the FLC website, under

the ‘Stay Connected’ tab. You’ll find out where your talents are needed and how to get connected.

Ephesians 4:11-13 The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some

pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ until all of us

come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stat-

ure of Christ.

What are your gifts? How can you put them to use at FLC? Watch for answers in the Connection Corner.

Welcome to Connection Corner

FLC Book Club Men & women are invited to join

FLC’s Book Club. Meetings will be in

the Fireside Room at 6:30 p.m., the

first Monday each month. ‘Red Bird

Christmas,’ by Fanny Flagg, is the

book for the Dec. 3 meeting. The

selection for the Jan. 7 meeting will

be ‘Walking Across Egypt’ by Clyde

Edgerton.

Craft Nite Women’s Craft Nite is the first Friday of each month from 6

p.m.-midnight. Snacks will be provided. Just bring a craft to

work on and a beverage. Please join us for the fun!

OWLs Older Wiser Lutherans meets at FLC every

Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. for a Pastor-led

Bible study. All are welcome, no age requirement.

If you have a prayer request

please contact the FLC

Office or fill out a request on

our website. Please also let

us know if you or someone

that you know would like a

Pastoral visit.

Prayer Request

The 4th Annual Women’s Retreat at Mount Olivet

Retreat Center in Farmington Jan 5 & 6, 2013.

Please join the women of FLC and guests as we

consider ‘What do I want to be when I grow

up?’ Living in transition and growing from life

experience with Storyteller Kris Meyer. Those that

heard Kris last year will be delighted to know

she is coming back with a different agenda

and new stories. For those that haven’t heard

Kris speak, you can look forward to an

enjoyable and inspirational experience as Kris

shares her stories with a quick wit and warm

spirit and lots of energy.

Overnight and day retreat options are

available. Additional information and

registration forms can be found online

or at the kiosk. For more information

contact Cindy Haverland in the FLC Office

[email protected].

The registration deadline is Dec 20.

Cindy Haverland

Ministry Coordinator

Attention Ministry Team Committee Chairs:

Please submit your Ministry Team’s Annual

Report by Fri., Dec. 21. The Report can be sent to

Molly at [email protected].

Annual Reports Due

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The FLC Music Ministry Team will meet Tuesday, December 18 at 6:30 p.m.

There will not be

music rehearsals on

Wed., Dec. 26, due

to Christmas break.

Music Rehearsals

What Does Christmas Mean to You?

Special Music Schedule

What does Christmas mean to you? As I was growing up, it meant candy canes, toys, delicious food, decorated

trees, bright lights, family and friends, presents, snowflakes, music, and rejoicing in the birth of our Savior. I can

remember the built-up excitement December held as I wrote a list of gifts I wanted, hoping Santa would find me.

Then, when Christmas morning came, I’d run downstairs anticipating the presents under the tree and in my stock-

ing. The overwhelming joy I experienced as a child made me full of energy and happiness. I can still smell the roast

in the oven. Warm cinnamon scented my home around the holidays. Family and friends were even more caring

and supportive. I would imagine that to most of us, these are the sights, sounds, and experiences of Christmas. This

innocent belief and trust I had as a child has grown through my faith that Jesus our Lord is the most precious gift of

all. What a reason to celebrate!

Who wouldn’t love Christmas, especially children? But, for some people, there are no bright lights and decorated

trees, presents under the tree, a warm bed, or even a loving family. We must be thankful for all we have and

remember that there are people in our community who don’t have the security of necessities often taken for

granted: a home, clothes, and food. The beauty and excitement of Christmas can be lost for those who have so

little and have given up hope. Young, vulnerable children, kids missing loving parents in their lives, adults struggling

to make ends meet, lonely and homeless people of all ages, and those who are sick or disabled all need our

prayers, love, and support.

As you are decorating the tree, baking cookies, attending concerts, and enjoying parties, I encourage and

challenge you to help spread the joy of Christ’s birth. Consider donating to the Salvation Army, Food Shelf or Toys

for Town. Invite someone to church or a concert. Look for ways to show friendship, kindness, and generosity. Small

acts of love like these may surprise you because giving truly brings the greatest joy of all. Let us rejoice in Jesus’

birth and be thankful for all the blessings we have received, sharing God’s goodness with our brothers and sisters in

Christ.

God’s peace and love this Christmas season and always,

Karissa Dennis, Director of Music Ministries

Karissa Dennis

Music Director

Praise Band rehearses the third

Monday of each month at 7 p.m.

and leads worship the 4th weekend

of each month at all three services.

If you are interested in participat-

ing, please contact Karissa.

Musical needs include singers and

instrumentalists (guitar, bass, drums,

flute).

Nursery is provided during Monday

rehearsals and both Sunday morn-

ing services. It is a really fun group!

Praise Band

Sat., Dec.1 5 p.m. Special Music

Sun., Dec. 2 8:30 a.m. Joyful Ringers

10:45 a.m. Sanctuary Choir

Sat., Dec. 8 5 p.m. Jammin’ for Jesus

Sun., Dec. 9 8:30 a.m. Jammin’ for Jesus

10:45 a.m. Jammin’ for Jesus

Sat., Dec.15 5 p.m. Children’s Christmas Program

Sun., Dec. 16 8:30 a.m. Children’s Christmas Program

10:45 a.m. Children’s Christmas Program

Sat., Dec. 22 5 p.m. Praise Band

Sun., Dec. 23 8:30 a.m. Praise Band

10:45 a.m. Praise Band

Mon., Dec. 24 2 p.m. Special Music

3:30 p.m. SonShine Singers, Hallelujah Bells & Wee Praise

5 p.m. Joyful Ringers & Sanctuary Choir

Tues., Dec. 25 10 a.m. Special Music

Sat., Dec. 29 5 p.m. Special Music

Sun., Dec. 30 8:30 a.m. Special Music

10:45 a.m. Special Music

If you are interested in

participating in a

Brass Ensemble on

Christmas Eve,

please contact

Karissa Dennis,

Director of Music Ministries.

Brass Ensemble

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D.O.C. — Dedicated On Christ — is the NEW name for FLC’s Senior High School Youth Ministry Program for 9th-12th

grades.

When you see or hear the word D.O.C. what comes to your mind?

Maybe for you a D.O.C. is a place you put your iPod, cell phone, or camera. It is a place that is a connection

point - where a connection is made, to download or upload information. Or maybe you like to be out on the

water so a D.O.C. is place to tie up your boat. It is a berth to secure your boat to in rough and stormy weather.

Or a D.O.C. is a safe place to fish from when no boat is available. Or maybe if you are sick, just feeling “down”

and achy, a D.O.C. is a place you go to feel better. A place that provides you the medicine you need. Or just

gives you an opportunity to talk with a D.O.C., someone who cares for you just as you are.

D.O.C. is all of these. It is your connection point to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. A place for you to connect

with friends. To ask questions and to find answers. It is a place to tie your life to when life gets rough and stormy.

It is a place to come when you need healing, rest, and someone to just listen.

D.O.C meets three Sundays a month at 7 p.m. Come join your friends for food, fellowship and faith. Check the

Youth Board for upcoming events!

Parents’ Day Out How would you

like to have an

afternoon off for

shopping, a date

or heck, maybe

even a nap!

Boy do we have a deal for you! On Sun.,

Dec. 9 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. drop your little-

ones off at FLC for an afternoon of food, fun

and games. What a great, safe place for

your kiddos! Donations will be accepted.

The money raised will go toward the FLC

2013 Youth Mission Trip. You can RSVP for this

great opportunity at the kiosk in the

Gathering Area or online!

D.O.C. (Dedicated On Christ) - A Youth Ministry Program

Greeting Cards Greeting cards are available to

purchase in the Gathering Area

before and after services. The

proceeds go to the FLC youth

programs.

A G.I.F.T Schedule Please join Adult Spiritual Growth for A G.I.F.T. Bible Study

Sundays from 9:45-10:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Future

topics can be found on the FLC website

(www.farmingtonlutheran.com). Nursery is available.

FUTURE TOPICS:

Dec. 2 — A Glance at an ELCA Social Statement

Dec. 9 — Free Market Jesus—DVD Series

Dec. 16 — Free Market Jesus—DVD Series

Dec. 23 — No A G.I.F.T. (Christmas Break)

Dec. 30 — No A G.I.F.T. (Christmas Break)

This beautiful hand-carved cross pendant was made by David Rausch, and

presented to Pastor Kevin Woestehoff on behalf of the FLC congregation at Pastor

Kevin’s installation service on Saturday, October 13.

David carved the cross out of walnut and the very center is made from Ebony from

Idete, Tanzania.

A Warm Welcome

9

December

Worship Coordinators Dec. 2

8:30 Sheryn Hayes & Julie Houck

10:45 Sheryn Hayes & Julie Houck

Dec. 9

8:30 Kent & Jennifer Tonsager

10:45 CORRDINATORS NEEDED

Dec. 16

8:30 Jack & Teri Cordes

10:45 Herb & Cindy Haverland

Dec. 23



Dec. 30

8:30 Bob & Karen Brownawell


Usher Schedule (12-8 — 12/30)

5:00 Rick & Tracy Tuttle & Garey Burditt

8:30 Kent Tonsager, Harry Jenness,

Vern & Pam Schoolmeester

10:45 Herb Haverland, Jon Albrecht,

Kari Stewart & Orren Lucht

Screen & Sound Schedule

Dec. 1 Steve Quist

Dec. 2 Jim Harper

Dec. 8 Colin Ceason & Mary Lebens

Dec. 9 Greg & Beth Gulsvig

Dec. 15 Denise May & Steve Quist

Dec. 16 Denise May & Steve Quist

Dec. 22 Darrin Ceason

Dec. 23 Darrin Ceason & Beth Gulsvig Dec. 24

2 p.m. Steve Quist

3:30 p.m. Steve Quist

5 p.m. Steve Quist

10 p.m. Darrin Ceason

Dec. 25 Darrin Ceason

Dec. 29 Denise May

Dec. 30 VOLUNTEER NEEDED

Anderson, Bob & Sonja

Anderson, Dale & Jill

Baago, Jay & Lori

Baker, Greg & Chrissy

Barth, Jeremy & Nicole

Bergstrom, Brian & Jennifer

Bigbee, Damian & Nicole

Briggs, John & Karin

Conway, Jason & Shanen

Curreri, Jim & Carol

Egge, Mark & Kelly

Ellis, Aaron & Cindy

Fedde, Karen

Gehring, Dale & Debra

Gregor, Anne

Guenther, Ronald & Leatrice

Guenther, Rory

Hagedorn, Chad & Tricia

Hodges, Tim & Annie

Jackson, Mike & Libby

Lickfelt, Mark & Shelly

Muehlenkamp, Angie & Ron

Nelson, Matt & Shelly

Noland, Mike & Dorothy

Orndorff, Dick & Pat

Ott, Daniel & Regina

Page, Mark

Patsche, Mark & Chris

Pechauer, Sara

Pettis, Dale & Leslie

Piller, Matt & Lisa

Preston, Judy

Rodgers, Greg & Lisa

Seurer, Pauline & Greg

Shaffer, Lisa & Dean

Shea, Kevin & Cathy

Shoberg, Scott & Sheila

Stewart, Ken & Kari

Stier, Rick & Amber

Stoeckmann, Greg & Patricia

Trapp, Greg & Jenni

Tschetter, Steven & Andrea

Wisdorf, Jeff & Karen

Wong, Jamie & Crystal

December Service Groups

Every member is asked to serve one time annually. Please

prayerfully consider what you can do to help out

at FLC this month. If your name is below, please contact

Connie Honrud. If you’re interested in co-chairing this

ministry please contact Connie at 651.463.2475.

Marketing & Newsletter

All newsletter information is due by the 15th of the previous

month. Please submit all January newsletter information to

[email protected] by Dec.15.

There is also a Marketing Request Form online and in the

FLC Office. If you have any FLC events or information that

you would like to be published in the weekly bulletin

announcements, screens, or Weekly Update please turn in

the completed form to the Office.

Violet Circle Violet Circle will not be meeting

in December. The next meeting

will be Tues., Jan. 8 at 9:30 a.m.

Please contact the Church Office

at 651.463.4100, with questions.

Johnathon Dean Padilla was baptized on Nov., 10. Parents are Israel & Mindy Padilla.

Nolan Scott Rademaker was baptized on Nov. 10. Parents are Scott & Nicole Rademaker.

Collin James Fellows was baptized Nov. 11. Parents are Jonathan & Amber Fellows.

Harper Lily Darnell was baptized on Nov. 24. Parents are Christopher and Kristina Darnell.

Congratulations and welcome to the family of Christ!

10

SCRIP Check out the new SCRIP options on the FLC website, under the Giving tab. Complete all of your Christmas

shopping in one place! Pick up a SCRIP gift card as a gift or consider purchasing cards to pay for your gifts!

Remember, you can purchase SCRIP cards for your everyday shopping needs too. “Shopping cards” are

available for the places you shop every day: grocery stores, gas stations, department and discount stores,

and restaurants. We have a wide variety of popular cards on-hand every week, and if you don’t see what

you want, we can probably order it for you! A portion of each card sold will come back to the church to

help support the ministry of FLC.

Find more information and purchase SCRIP cards at the SCRIP table, which will be set up on Sundays

between services. An all-inclusive list of participating stores is available. Generally cards ordered Sunday

are available for pick-up the following week.

You can help sell cards, too! We are looking for volunteers to help sell SCRIP gift cards on Sunday mornings.

Please contact Mara Ceason – 651-463-8660 or [email protected] – if you’d be willing to volunteer.

October – Finance Committee Update

‘To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose.’ – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Thank you for your gifts in October and throughout the year! The purpose for your gifts is good and we strive to

use these gifts to fulfill all the good purposes of the Ministries at FLC.

The Numbers

The Story Behind the Numbers

As you may recall, October was the last of three opportunities in 2012 for all of us to take the “Leap of Faith”

and contribute an extra week of giving to help overcome a potential 2012 deficit of $52,000. As things turned

out, Leap of Faith giving did not noticeably improve general offering receipts. Fortunately, church expenses

have been running below expectations (see table above) which has been keeping our church from running

out of cash. The main reason for the lower expenses is that we did not have a Senior Pastor on staff until early

in October.

We are now in the season of budgeting for 2013 and once again facing a structural deficit of

$50,000-$60,000. While, in the long term, we are hopeful we will be able to grow our giving to fully support

our ministries, in the short term we are facing the need to consider some staff reductions. Please join us in

praying that we will find our way to a balanced budget in order to strengthen the ministries of FLC that mean so

much to so many people.

On a positive note, in October we were able to retire in full our second and final city assessment using

accumulated funds from the Dedicated Fund “Strengthening Faith”. Now we can focus on using your

gifts to “Strengthening Faith” to begin paying off the second (and smaller) of our two mortgages.

Thank you again for your generosity to FLC.

The Finance Committee: Mark Pearson, Shelby Lunzer, Bob Brownawell, Sandy Christensen & Denny Betz

GENERAL OPERATING

FUND

OCTOBER YTD

Actual Budget Diff. Actual Budget Diff.

RECEIPTS $64,234 $80,230 ($15,996) $600,665 $633,510 ($32,845)

EXPENSES $64,479 $65,046 ($567) $625,133 $660,213 ($35,080)

Net Gain/(Loss) ($245) $15,184 ($14,939) ($24,468) ($26,703) $2,235

A very special “thank you” to all who have generously supported the 2012 “Leap of Faith” campaign. The

“Leap of Faith” was a 2012 campaign to help overcome our potential 2012 deficit of $52,000. The congregation

was asked to contribute an extra week of giving in February, May & October. The Leap of Faith raised $24,827 for

the general fund. Thank you for your generous gifts throughout the year!

Blessings,

Finance & Stewardship Teams

Thank you for your Leap of Faith!

mailto:[email protected]

12

The 2013 Story of FLC’s Ministry As Proverbs tells us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish!” The number one factor that

separates growing, healthy congregations from declining congregations is vision. Our series of

Cottage Meetings is helping us to come together on a shared vision and core values to guide our

future ministry at FLC. Over 70 people have participated in the first two meetings. More Cottage

Meetings are being scheduled for January. The more people involved in this process, the stronger

our ministry will be! We are not just here trying to survive, but we are a people who have been

blessed to be a blessing. We are about making disciples who make a difference in the world.

Looking at a line item budget can be confusing for many. To help you better understand our ministry and where

your offering goes a “Story of our Ministry” Budget is found on page 13. This is a ‘working draft,’ and it not finalized,

but it should help you get an idea of what our ministry looks like, and the offerings needed to fund it in 2013. To

do our current level of ministry, the average household offering is $1,600.

The largest portion of our budget goes to the “support” category. Nearly $200,000, 25% of the budget, is used for

mortgage payments for our church building, constructed in 2004. Your growth in giving can result in FLC paying

down our mortgage faster, and resulting in fewer dollars spent on interest and more dollars serving people and

needs through ministry programs.

The smallest portion of our budget goes to the three areas of Service efforts in the community, Beyond Our Walls

efforts to those beyond the Farmington area, and Outreach. These three areas currently combine for only 14% of

our budget. We will develop a plan for growth in these areas, so that we can grow in using our gifts and grow in

the impact we make in the community and world.

Worship and Education – God’s Word is a powerful thing. At the core of congregations where people are

continually transformed and on fire for God, is a people shaped by God who encounters us in his Word, the Bible.

An education focus for 2013 will be in how we equip families to pass on the Christian faith at home. These areas

are the focus of our full time program staff and their ministry teams: Music Director, Children’s Ministry Director

and Youth Director.

Our Inreach ministry is about 15% of our budget. To enhance our visitation ministry efforts, FLC will strive to further

develop a system of congregational care that equips more people to provide and receive care. Another

initiative we would like to develop came from the TTF report that spoke to the need to develop small groups

where you can make a meaningful connection.

Thank you for your generosity, and your partnership in forming a vision and serving in ministry together. I am

excited about what God might be able to do through us in 2013!

Blessings,

Pastor Kevin Woestehoff

2013 Story of our Ministry Budget at FARMINGTON LUTHERAN CHURCH

Total Budget = $797,000. Details on opposite page.

Pastor Kevin

The Season of Giving

This holiday season, we thank everyone who has supported Farmington Lutheran Church

this past year with their time, talent and financial contributions and look forward to support

from all of our members in the year ahead. If you need a convenient way to make regular

offerings or if you plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we

encourage you to check out our electronic giving options, including the QR code to the

right. A QR (Quick Response) code that will take smart phone users to FLC’s mobile giving

page on our church website. In response to requests, this program has been implemented

for members and friends that wish to make an electronic offering with their smart phone or

mobile device. As the pace of life speeds up, especially around the holidays, you may find

electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions. Visit the FLC website at

www.farmingtonlutheran.com or contact the FLC Office for more information.

http://www.farmingtonlutheran.com

13

40 Days of Love Thank you!

14

Farmington Lutheran Church

20600 Akin Rd.

Farmington, MN 55024

p: 651.463.4100

[email protected]

www.farmingtonlutheran.com

Farmington Lutheran Church 20600 Akin Road Farmington, MN 55024

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 3

Farmington, MN

55024

FLC Worship Opportunities

Saturday - 5 p.m.

Sunday - 8:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

Wednesday - 6:45 p.m.

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