January 2017 page 1

From Pastor Carl’s Desk By Pastor Carl Billings

January 2017

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3

The New Year is usually a time to take stock of where we have been and to look forward to where we are headed. We do that in all sorts of ways. The tradition of making New Year’s resolu-tions is one way. Annual meetings and Annual Reports are another way. On that note, let me take a moment for a short advertisement. Pick up your Annual Report starting January 8th at the Ministry Desk. There is a lot of important information contained in that report including the slate of council nominations, the proposed 2017 budget and reports from the staff and ministry heads – end of ad-vertisement.

When it comes to resolutions, I want to encourage a different perspective. Too often we pick something with which we are dissatisfied and try to change it drastically. Those resolutions often reflect a discontentment with who we are. We are unhappy with our weight so we resolve to diet. We worry about our health so we resolve to exercise more and on and on it goes. There is nothing wrong with those resolutions and in fact it is good to try to improve ourselves. The New Year is a good time to attempt to do just that.

I just want to encourage a different starting point – prayer! Start by reflecting on your life in a prayerful attitude. Begin by remaindering yourself what God has done for you. Saint Peter states it succinctly, “A new birth into a living hope.” You are a beloved child of God. Then ask yourself, as a beloved child, of God how does your Heavenly Father want you to grow in the year ahead: in your relationship with Him, in your relationship with others, in the stewardship of your things, in the care of your health. In short, instead of making a resolution based on your personal dissatisfaction, set a goal base on God’s love for you.

In light of that understanding, our new sermon series in 2017 is called Response Ability. We should not live our lives simply in reaction to the events that impact our lives but rather we should live our lives as a response to God’s grace and love. We should relate to our loves ones, friends, neighbors and even the stranger in light of God’s love and the hope we have in the Gospel.

The most important thing to remember is that the hope is living. It doesn’t depend on us but on Jesus. Even if a resolution is work until we grow up into the person we were created to be. Now that is something to praise God about. “Praise be to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!”

Happy New Year and Merry Christmas, Pastor Carl

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Pastor Carl 1 Contact Information 2 Vision Statement & Values 2 Pastor La 3 Youth Ministry 4 Children’s Ministry 5 Opportunities to Grow 6 Opportunities to Serve 7 Men’s Ministry 7 Amazing Grays 7 Community Care Groups 7 Reflections 8 Elijah House Update 8 Financials & Business 9 January Calendar 10

Discover Church 1400 81st Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55444 Office Phone: 763-561-5877 Email: info@discoverchurchnetwork.org Website: discoverchurchnetwork.org Pastoral Care Phone: 763-202-2741 Church Office hours: Monday – Thursday: 9AM-3PM Friday: 9AM – Noon Staff Pastor Carl Billings, Senior Pastor: Ext. 1002 Pastor La Andriamihaja, Associate Pastor: Ext. 1003 Pastor Jonathan Brandon, Youth Pastor: Ext. 1004 Christy Grigor, Children’s Director: Ext. 1005 Joe Gerber, Worship Director: Ext. 1006 Jessica Kuhn, Business Manager: Ext. 1001 Sara Brandon, Director of Hospitality: Ext. 1007 Patsy Cesare, Administrative Assistant: Ext. 1000 Bud Larson, Custodian

Discover Church Vision Statement: Inviting all people to discover

their full life in Christ

Discover Church Values Discipleship is a Priority

Inspired by the Living Word Spirit Charged

Culture of Forgiveness Ordinary People Serving an

Extraordinary God Vision for World Mission

Ethnically Diverse Rooted in Our Communities – Reaching Out

CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION

Have an announcement for the bulletin or newsletter?

Please email Patsy Cesare, Administrative Assistant at Patsy.Cesare@discoverchurchnetwork.org

Bulletin Deadline: Noon on Wednesdays Newsletter Deadline: Noon on the 3rd Friday

IN THIS ISSUE

January 2017 page 3

From Pastor La’s Desk Pastor La Andriamihaja

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM PASTOR LA’S DESK

As we start a New Year, I’d like to briefly address a couple of things that took place last month. First, I want to thank all the Regional Captains (RC’s) of our Small Group Ministry for their time, commitment and passion to strengthen and guide this ministry forward. On Sat., Dec. 10

th, the RC’s held a mini-retreat at Claire and Sandy Stolee’s home. I’m thankful for their

hospitality and encouraged by the outcomes of the retreat which will all be revealed, shared and implemented in a timely manner throughout 2017. Please stay tuned! Second, the Love On Immigrants Missional Community (LOIMC) had planned to host an “Afrikan Kristmas Night” on Dec. 16

th. However, due to Winter Storm “Decima”, the event was

canceled. A very special thanks to members of the LOIMC who planned and were prepared to host such a special night. It is my hope that they would host a similar type of event for the New Year. Third, on Dec. 15

th, I asked Paul Halvorson to consider taking the lead for the Discover Net-

work Ministry (a.k.a,, the “Phone Calling” ministry) - taking Don Chamberlain’s former posi-tion. I thank Paul for agreeing to do so and he has already begun to re-energize the “Callers”, now that we are close to having more current and accurate listing of our membership. Please look forward to being “phoned” by our Callers, just as a way of keeping in touch as the Body of God. Lastly, as we embark on a brand new year, it is a year that’s both a gift from our heavenly Fa-ther and yet filled with uncertainties, opportunities and possibilities. And as tradition would have it, the customary and proper greeting that we say to one another is, “Happy New Year!” I believe most, if not all cultures around the world have similar kind of greetings at this time of year, but what are we actually saying when we say it? Is it just a saying, a simple greeting out of politeness, or is it much more? Well, I propose that this year, at this New Year, whenever and wherever we greet others with these three simple words, “Happy New Year”, that we resolve to say it to others as a prayer and a blessing unto them. This way, it’s not just a thing to say at this time of year, but let it be a prayer, a word of encouragement, a comforting thought and a blessing of peace and happi-ness throughout 2017. Thus, I pray “Happy New Year” upon you and yours!

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Youth Ministries Pastor Jonathan Brandon, Director

For more information about the Youth Ministry at Discover Church, contact Pastor Jonathan at jon.brandon@discoverchurchnetwork.org or (763) 561-5877.

Wednesday Night Small Groups Small groups are for 7-12 grade youth on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30pm. We have a time for fun and fellowship and then break into groups and focus on sharing life experiences, diving deeper into God’s Word and a time of prayer.

Journey Confirmation All 7-9 graders are invited to come to The Jour-ney, our Confirmation program. We’ll meet on Sunday, January 8th from 6:30-8:00pm in the Youth Room.

Friday Night Live - LOCK-IN!!! Friday, January 13

th – January 14

th

8:00 pm – 7:00 am @ Discover Church Cost: $20/person Covers all food, snacks & fun! Come join us for a whole night of games, fellow-ship, music and more!! Be sure to invite your friends! Sign-up at the Youth Bulletin Board ASAP!! Or email Jonathan to RSVP.

We will be heading back up to Camp Patmos, an LCMC Bible Camp, in Hackensack, MN where we will have an awesome weekend filled with Biblical teachings, small group time, worship, and a little time to relax with your friends. When: Fri, February 17

th – Sun, February 19

th, 2017

Registration: Registration materials are available outside the youth room. Cost $90: Covers all lodging, food & transportation costs. Scholarships are available. Please contact Jonathan for further information.

FATHER/DAUGHTER BANQUET

Fathers, grandfathers, and uncles, bring a special young lady in your life to our banquet on Saturday, February 11 at 4:00pm. Jon will be delivering a message that God has placed on his heart. Christy will have activities planned for girls of all ages. Watch for more information about sign ups to come soon.

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Children and Family Ministries Christy Grigor, Director

Small Group for Young Families We would like to offer a small group for families who would like childcare during the group time. Our first meeting will be January 16 at 6:00pm. Please contact Christy Grigor if you are still interested in this Small Group!

10:30 Family Service Childcare Each Sunday during the 10:30am Family Service we have around 10-15 children who are checked into childcare during the service. Please consider serving as a helper for this MINISTRY! Children simply play and need supervision. There are no lessons! Contact Christy Grigor to sign up as a once a month helper. Jesus DID call us to serve one another!!!

Childcare on New Year’s Day There will be childcare available for ages 5 and under on Sunday, January 1st.

Father/Grandfather Daughter/Granddaughter Banquet Jon Brandon has a message for our Dads and Grandfathers that has been burning in his heart. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the special young woman of your life! This will be a free event on Saturday, February 11th at 4:00pm Talk to Jon or Christy with any questions you may have. We LOVE strengthening our Dis-cover Church families.

Annual Meeting Childcare If you are attending the January 25th Annual meeting, we do provide a childcare room for children. Please contact Christy to give her an advance warning IF YOU CAN so she can best prepare.

Upcoming Events: Find details for these events at the Children’s Ministry table Snow Tubing at Elm Creek Park Reserve: Saturday, January 28

th

Roller Gardens Family Skate Night: Saturday, February 4

th

Father/Grandfather Daughter/Granddaughter Banquet for ALL Ages: Saturday, February 11

th

Girl’s 5th and 6

th Grade Overnight: Saturday, February 18

th.

Your Teachers will give you handouts!

For more information about Children’s Ministry contact Christy Grigor in the church office at 763-561-5877 or by email at Christy.Grigor@discoverchurchnetwork.org

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All Church Prayer Saturday, January 7

at 9:00am Every first Saturday

of the month

Moms in Prayer International is a Christ-centered prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who desires to pray for children and schools. We gather one hour each week to lift up our children, their teachers and school staff before the Lord. Through praying together, we also provide support and encouragement to moms who carry heavy burdens for their children. Join us on Wednes-day nights at 6:30pm in the girl’s 56ers classroom. For more information contact April Eisenberg at aprildayeveryday@aol.com.

Opportunities To Learn And Grow

SACRED STRETCHES EXERCISE CLASS Pamela Billings is leading a Sacred Stretches exer-cise class on Tuesday nights from 7-8pm. This class combines breathing techniques, Scripture meditation, stretches and postures. It is the inten-tional practice of connecting our entire being, body, mind and spirit with God. Bring an exercise mat if you have one. No experience needed. You need to sign a waiver to participate. A free will offering will be taken. For more information contact Pamela at 763-360-4792.

9:15AM ADULT EDUCATION HOUR

No Children’s or Adult Education Hour on New Year’s Day

Understanding Our Muslim Neighbors

January 8, 15, 22 & 29 Taught By Pastor John Spaulding in Faith Hall

The resurgence of worldwide Islam challenges all followers of Jesus to deeper faithfulness. God has brought us many new neighbors from Muslim back-grounds. Can we learn to know Muslims as people God loves and to see Islam not as a vague menace but as a gospel challenge? Rev. John Spaulding directs “Christians Meeting Muslims,” a Minneapolis-based ministry promoting respect, understanding and friendship between Christians and Muslims and equipping Christians to be faithful witnesses of Je-sus Christ to their Muslim neighbors. He served 13 years as a Lutheran pastor in Senegal, a predomi-nantly Muslim West African nation. He will lead this 4 week class beginning January 8 exploring how we can understand our Muslim neighbors.

Via De Cristo is a Spanish phrase meaning “Way of Christ.” This is a highly structured three-day week-end designed to strengthen and renew your faith and bring you to a new awareness of living in God's grace. We encourage any Discover member to par-ticipate. For more information speak to Pastor Carl or register online at mnviadecristo.org. Upcoming Via De Christo Retreat Dates: Bethel, Hudson, WI- Men: January 12-15 &

Women: January 19-22

Join us for a Bible Study series on the book of Mat-thew lead by Pastor Carl on Wednesday mornings at 9:30am in the foyer begin-ning January 11th. All are welcome!

NEW YEARS DAY TRADITIONAL LUTHERAN LITURGICAL SERVICE

Join us on New Years Day at 10:00am as we start the new year with a traditional Lutheran liturgical ser-vice with communion. Please note there will only be one service this day and no education hour for chil-dren or adults. Child care will be available during the service for ages 5 and under.

January 2017 page 7

Thursday Night Bible Study: All men are invited to join us on Thursday nights at 7:00pm for a Bible study, prayer and fellowship. For more info contact Chad Murray at chadderinmn@gmail.com or 763-242-3470.

Weekly Prayer Meeting: Every Saturday morning at 9:00am. All men are invited.

Brunch Bunch: There will be no brunch in January due to the New Years Day holiday.

Lunch at HyVee: Join us at 11:00am on Thursday, Janu-ary 19 for lunch at the Brooklyn Park HyVee located at 610 and Zane.

For more information contact Elaine Sorensen at 763-515-6178 or Carol Pahl at 763-323-8233.

Life After Loss: This grief group meets on the last Sunday of each month in the Conference Room at 10:30am and deals with all kinds of loss, including illness, divorce, and job loss to name a few. Call Nancy at 763-783-8367 or Bob at 612-804-7568 with questions. Next Meeting: Sunday, January 29 Prayer Shawls: Know of someone who is having surgery, or has other physical or spiritual needs and would ap-preciate a prayer shawl? These shawls are made with loving care and prayed over for the recipi-ents. Contact Barbara Horn at 651-483-3063 or contact the church office for more information.

BROOKLYN PARK CONNECT Help deliver welcome packs from the city of BP that

include an invitation to Discover Church! We meet the

3rd Saturday of each month at 9:30am at Brooklyn

Park City Hall. Our next outing is Saturday, January

21. For more info about this outreach opportunity con-

tact Andy & Mary DeMorett: 612-804-9242 or Dave &

Rhonda Dalbey: 763-227-5968.

Men’s Ministry

Community Care Groups

Opportunities To Serve

MEAL MINISTRY

Help us bless our members with meals in the event of a new baby, illness or death in the family. We need volunteers who know how to cook as well as those who don't. It doesn't really matter what you make or buy, because when you provide a meal for a family, you are showing them Christ's love. If you are willing to be contacted when a need arises, contact Director of Hospitality Sara Brandon in the church office or at sara.brandon@discoverchurchnetwork.org

We need your help with some cleaning & maintenance pro-jects around the building. Many hands make light work so please consider giving a few hours of your morning to help keep the church looking great! Sign up at the ministry desk or contact Pastor La for more info.

SATURDAY JANUARY 7

9:00am - NOON

Last year we joined with churches from all around the north metro to pack over a million meals with Feed My Starving Children. Watch for more info coming soon about how you can get involived again this February and help feed kids in need all over the world.

Amazing Grays

CHRISTMAS CLEAN UP SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 9:00am

We need volunteers to help take down the Christmas decorations and clean up after Christmas. Please join us at 9:00am on Saturday, January 7. Many hands make light work. Contact Sara Brandon in the office if you can help or email sara.brandon@discoverchurchnetwork.org.

January 2016 Page 8

Reflections

God is Moving Today By Jean Hansen

God is moving today!

God’s promises are real and true. What do they mean to you?

Let Your Glory fall and go from here

To the nations of the world we hold dear. The signs in politics and Heaven’s signs we fear.

Let us remember our God is near.

In our times as knowledge does increase, The love of the World waxes cold and may cease.

The heroes of the faith were persecuted and died

Some like Judas betrayed, Peter denied Remember Jesus is by your side.

“Follow me, I’ve shown you the way,

Take my example – live it today.” Be strengthened – don’t be dismayed.

Our Lord Jesus will show you the way!

* * *

Great is our Lord and of great power: His understanding is infinite. Psalms 147:5

UPDATE ON THE ELIJAH HOUSE

Discover Church has an opportunity to divest and sell the Elijah house, which is no longer being used for ministry purposes. The house has been inspected and appears to be in need of $70-$85,000 in repairs to bring it back into mint condition for top dollar sale. We currently have two parties that are interested in purchasing the Elijah house “as-is.” Our mortgage holder, Thrivent, has given us an unofficial go ahead to divest. We would then be able to di-rect any proceeds from the sale of the house towards capital improvements to the church, such as replacing the parking lot, church building repairs or parsonage building improvements. More information will be available in the annual report, available on January 8th. The council is planning to bring this up for a congregational vote at the annual meeting on January 25th. The vote will be to either (Yes) – Divest and sell the Elijah house “as is” for the highest price possible or (No) – Keep the Elijah house as part of the church prop-erty and utilize it for some future Discover Church missional purpose.” If you have questions about the Elijah house, please contact Church Council member Jason Waldron at 763-528-5194 or jasonmwaldron@gmail.com.

January 2017 Devotion

As I understand it, the month of January was named for the two-faced Roman god, Janus. It is because we stand looking back at the old year and looking beforehand into the new year and the unknown future. Friends, you know that our God is never two faced. He tells us that he has a plan for each of our lives. He knows our past, present and future and is a loving Father who cares about us more than we can imagine. Therefore we can walk into the 2017 future with confidence. We know He holds the "keys" to our new adventures carefully in His hands. He is God with us, Immanuel! Amen! The Word says in II Cor. 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: Old things are passed away: behold, all things are new!" Holy hugs, Nancy Brown

Update On The Elijah House

January 2017 page 9

Business and Financials

Electronic Giving Program

The Simply Giving® Program, endorsed by Thrivent Federal Credit Union, is an auto-withdrawl program. You determine what amount and how of-ten you want to give and your contribution will be automatically transferred from your account to Dis-cover Church. Go to discoverchurchnetwork.org and click on “give” to set this up, or call the church office for more help.

Discover gives 10% of our yearly income toward these missions and ministries: International Student Fellowship YWAM – Todd & Vickie Hedgepeth Wycliffe Associates - Chuck & Cheryl Liesch China Outreach – Tom & Kathy Lindstrom World Mission Prayer League – Jeff & Kathy

Dahl Guyanese Outreach – Ruth Singh South American Missions – Greg Dahl NICO – Dinesh Chand Hope Lutheran, Madagascar Realife Church TeamServe – Ethopia Disaster Relief Madagascar Seminary Street Level Ministry Teen Homeless Shelter (Avenues) Beacon Interfaith Housing

Financial Report through December 18, 2016 2016 Annual Budget 943,476 Year-to-Date Budget 925,332 Year-to-Date Offerings 838,054 Year-to-Date Actual Spending 851,549 Year-to-Date Actual Cash Over / (Shortage) (13,495)

2016 YEAR END CONTRIBUTIONS DUE BY NOON ON DECEMBER 29th In order to have contributions recorded for 2016, you must have them to the church of-fice by noon on December 29. Please con-tact Business Manager, Jessica Kuhn in the church office for more information.

DONATE TO THE ORGAN REPAIR FUND

The speakers that amplify the organ have stopped functioning. Currently we can not use it without causing further damage. We have had a technician give us an estimate and the repairs will cost $3,000. We do not have the funds in our budget to make the repairs at this time. If you would like to make a donation to the organ repair fund, please contact Business Manager, Jessica Kuhn in the church office for more information.

Do you shop on Amazon? Discover Church is now a member of the Ama-zon Smile program, which earns us a small percentage on the purchases you are already making with no addi-

tional cost to you. To participate go to www.smile.amazon.com. Select Brooklyn Park Lu-theran as your charity of choice. Then make your purchases as usual. There is also a link on our website and Facebook page to help you. Contact Jessica Kuhn for more info.

DISCOVER CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25 7:00PM

PICK UP YOUR ANNUAL REPORT AND 2017 CHURCH COUNCIL

NOMINEE PACKET AT THE MINISTRY DESK

STARTING SUNDAY, JANUARY 8.

January 2016 Page 10

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 10:00am Worship

2 9:00am Quilters

3 7:00pm Sacred Stretches

4 6:30pm Youth Small Groups 6:30pm Moms In Prayer

5 7:00pm Men’s Bible Study

6

7 9:00am All Church Prayer 9:00am Christmas Clean Up 9:00am Church Work Day

8 8:00am Trad. 9:15am Ed. Hour 10:30am Cont. 6:30pm Youth: Journey

9 10 6:00pm Stewardship Committee 7:00pm Church Council 7:00pm Sacred Stretches

11 9:30am Bible Study 6:30pm Youth Small Groups 6:30pm Moms In Prayer

12 6:30pm Quilters 7:00pm Men’s Bible Study

13 8:00am Youth Lock In

14 9:00am Men’s Prayer Mtg

15 8:00am Trad. 9:15am Ed. Hour 10:30am Cont.

16 9:00am Quilters 6:00pm Family Small Group

17 7:00pm Sacred Stretches

18 9:30am Bible Study 6:30pm Youth Small Groups 6:30pm Moms In Prayer

19 11:00am Amazing Grays 7:00pm Men’s Bible Study

20

21 9:00am Men’s Prayer Mtg 9:30am BP Connect

22 8:00am Trad. 9:15am Ed. Hour 10:30am Cont.

23

24 7:00pm Sacred Stretches

25 9:30am Bible Study 6:30pm Youth Small Groups 6:30pm Moms In Prayer 7:00pm Annual Meeting

26 7:00pm Men’s Bible Study

27

28 9:00 Men’s Prayer Mtg Time TBD: Family Snow Tubing

29 8:00am Trad. 9:15am Ed. Hour 10:30am Cont. 10:30 Life After Loss

30

31 7:00pm Sacred Stretches

January 2017

LONG RANGE DATES: Feb 17-19: Youth Winter Retreat Feb 18: Girls 5th-6th Grade Overnight Feb 24-25: Church Council/Staff Retreat March 1: Ash Wednesday April 9: Palm Sunday April 16: Easter

Church Office

Closed

Men’s Via De Cristo Retreat

Women’s Via De Cristo Retreat Via De Cristo

Via De Cristo