408 Ninth Street NW

Mandan, ND 58554

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Phone: 701-663-3594

Fax: 701-663-6217

E-mail: jackie@firstlutheranofmandan.org

Building Faith and

Transforming Lives

in Christ.

ADDRESS LABEL

www.firstlutheranofmandan.org

We’re on the web!

Christmas Eve

Services

2:00 P.M.

4:00 P.M.

7:00 P.M.

Merry Christmas!

Council E-mail:

cc@firstlutheranofmandan.org

I love the lights, sounds, and smells of Advent and Christmas. Each

one seems to remind me of happy memories, youthful longings, and a

sense of belonging. I remember one Christmas my grandma Mac gave

me a gift that was placed in a reusable bag. I was a deeply religious

high school student and my grandma, the only other Christian in my

family, thought I would love this reusable bag which stated in bright

bold words, “Jesus is the Reason for the SEASON!” At the time, I was

less than impressed. Still, I professed my love of it like any good grand-

daughter would do.

Since then I have lived though many more Advents and Christmas

seasons. This year looks to be the most profound yet. My son William,

who turned three in November, finally has some understanding of the

holidays. He loved Halloween. I hope he loves Advent and Christmas

too! Yet, I am more than a little worried.

You see, my son has become fixated on presents. My family sent him

presents for his birthday via UPS. So now he has made the connection

between packages and presents. Which means any package we see he

just has to open right now, because it might have a present for him.

Yes, this does include packages that aren’t ours. This leads to melt

downs and time outs. I have been reassured from others this is

normal, but still I worry. Will William think that the sum total of

Advent and Christmas equals presents?

I wonder how often you and I are blinded by the lights, sounds, and

smells of Advent and Christmas. How often do we focus on the

preparation, all that needs to get done, without the deep meaning?

How often do we forget to look up to the heavens to hear the angelic

voices proclaiming the coming birth of the Christ child, instead seeing

only packages?

Maybe, just maybe, my grandma Mac had it right all along – Jesus is

the reason for the season and we need to be reminded of that again and

again in the midst of the business of life. In the joy of giving and

receiving, in the stillness of a cold December night

- that this season called Advent is all about the

hope and anticipation of the Christ child, that this

season called Christmas is all about the joy and

longing fulfilled in a king found a manger.

With Joy and Anticipation,

Pastor Chris

December 2018

Administrative Pastor

Rev. Lee Herberg

663-3594

Associate Pastor

Rev. Christina Martin

663-3594

Administrative Assistant &

Coordinator of Lay

Ministries

Jackie Schulz

663-3594

Custodians

Ron & Mavis Watson

Financial Administration

Jennifer Scheet

First Lutheran Is A Mission

Partner with Camp of the

Cross Ministries

First Lutheran

Staff

First Lutheran Church

December Newsletter

PAGE 2 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH December 2018

Senior Christmas Gathering

Senior Service and Meal

December 18th, 2018

Service at 11:00 A.M.

Dinner at 12:00 P.M.

Roast Pork Dinner with Trimmings to follow.

RSVP the church office 663-3594 ASAP!!!

Come join us for Food, Fellowship, and Fun.

ANGEL TREE NAMES

Linda Anseth will be sitting in the narthex with angel tree names through December

12th. The gifts have to be delivered to the church no later than December 16th,

2018. Please stop by and pick up a name today. They are also wanting chapstick, hats,

mittens, scarfs, & non-perishable food items (canned goods with "pop top" lids) by the

tree to give to the children. If you have any questions please call Linda at 663-2933.

We have lefse available to buy. The cost for lefse is $1.50 per sheet. Please stop in the office or call 663-3594. Thank you!

Church School

Christmas Program

Sunday School Schedule

Practice - Sunday, December 2nd

9:30-10:30 A.M.

Program - Sunday, December 9th

at 10:45 A.M.

Wednesday School Schedule

Practice - Wednesday, December 5th

7:00-7:30 P.M.

Program - Wednesday, December

12th at 6:00 P.M.

PAGE 10 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH DECEMBER 2018

Mark Your

Calendar…

5th: 7pm - Confirmation -

Large Group

6th: LAF ~ Sandwiches

12th: 7pm - Confirmation -

Large Group

13th: LAF ~ Nachos

19th: 7pm - Confirmation -

Small Group

20th: LAF ~ Mac & Cheese

26th: No Confirmation

27th: No LAF

Upcoming Events

The youth of First Lutheran Church Of Mandan are

going on a mission trip this

summer to Atlanta, Georgia

and are doing fundraisers to

raise money for this event.

Please come and SUPPORT

Us on December 1st at

STATION WEST from 11:00

AM to 10:00 PM.

You are invited to

join us on December

9th at 10:45 AM or

December 12th at 6:00

PM for a Christmas

Program all about

decorations. Come

and learn about the

meaning of some of

your favorite

decorations.

Every child will receive a goodie bag as they leave. A cart

will in the Narthex.

Peanut-free bags are available on request.

PAGE 4 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH DECEMBER 2018

Sunday ~

8:30 am ~ Traditional

10:45 am ~ Contemporary

9:30 am ~ Coffee

9:30 am ~ Church School

Wednesday ~

6:00 pm ~ Transitional

6:00 pm ~ Church School

7:00 pm ~ Confirmation

Worship Schedule

Special Thanks

Thank you to all the greeters, ushers, communion servers,

readers, communion set-up, coffee hour workers, and to all

who have supplied goodies for the last month. Your help is

greatly appreciated!

Baptisms:

November 11 Alden Louis Davis

November 17 Riley Derek Schultz

November 18 Kayd Lee Breuer

Weddings:

Funerals:

November 7 Elvira Grenz

November 19 Lloyd Keidel

Memorial Fund

Pastoral Acts

In memory of Richard Gaasland given by Arden &

Pat Hagerott, Dennis & Bernice Meyer.

In memory of Ann Perry given by Arden & Pat

Hagerott.

In memory of Elvira Grenz given by Marie

Weinberger, Ernie & Anita Seeman, Dave & Cindy

Schoonover.

Deadline for

articles for the

January

Newsletter will be

December18th.

December ~ Mission of the Month

No Mission of the Month this month

due to the giving for the Christmas

Angel Tree!

Tax Planning information….

A State Tax Credit for Endowment Gifts is available for individuals if they make a gift to a qualified ND endowment (First Lutheran Church Mission Endowment Fund is a qualified Fund.). Individuals may receive a

state tax credit for a contribution of $5,000 or more (lump sum or aggregate in one year) to a qualified ND endowment. The tax credit is 40% of the chartable deduction allowed by the IRS up to a maximum credit of

$10,000 per year per taxpayer or $20,000 per year per couple filing jointly. Effective for taxable years starting in 2007.

Businesses (C corporations, S corporations, estates, limited liability companies, trusts, and financial institutions) that pay state income tax may receive a 40% credit up to a maximum credit of $10,000 for

contributions to a qualified ND endowment. Effective for taxable years starting in 2007, except for financial institutions effective in 2011.

Please consult your own attorney, accountant or financial advisor for advise on your situation.

For other ways to contribute, please refer to the Leave a Legacy brochure located in the Narthex and complete the “Information Request Form” located in the brochure. Also, find helpful information provided by the First Lutheran Mission Endowment Committee in the weekly bulletins and monthly newsletters. Contact any of the

Committee Members: Michelle Radke (400-9687), Heather Heinle (226-4956), Terry Bohn (471-7725),

Kristi Entzi (400-6900) or Dave Anderson (400-5081) or call the church office for more information on how you can contribute (663-3594).

The Dakota Pioneer Chapter of Germans from Russia invite you to their annual

German – English Advent Christmas Service

Sunday, December 2, 2018 at 2:00 P.M.

First Lutheran Church

800 N 7th Street

Bismarck, ND

A time to visit, coffee & treats after the service!

PAGE 9 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH DECEMBER 2018

PAGE 8 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH DECEMBER 2018 DECEMBER 2018 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH PAGE 5

First Lutheran Church Council Minutes

Date: October 18, 2018

Members present: Pastor Lee Herberg, President DJ Campbell, Vice President Wayne Friesz,

Secretary Andrea Bonness, Ron Webb, Mike Hatzenbuhler, Kevin Fishbeck, and Jeff Bradford.

Members absent: Pastor Christina Martin, Jill Miller and Tony Michlitsch.

Devotions were presented by Pastor Lee Herberg

Approval of Agenda:

Moved by: Jeff Bradford

Seconded by: Wayne Friesz

Motion Passed

Approval of Secretary’s Report and Minutes

Moved by: Kevin Fishbeck

Seconded by: Mike Hatzenbuhler

Motion Passed

Financial Report:

Income for September 2018= $32,710.08 Expenses= $38,404.63

Additional expenses for September included Supplies $1,329.21, repairs $1,114.04, leadership

seminar $1,000.00, and mowing for $780.00.

Building Fund Balance= $30,902.60

Cash on Hand= $116,019.06

Unfinished Business

* Sanctuary Ceiling Fans: The current ones will be monitored and will be accessed after the

improvements are completed and review of budget at that time.

* Education/Youth Director Staff Position: Advertising continues, task force is meeting

second week in November.

*Sanctuary Choir Director/Worship Coordinator Position(s): Search continues President

DJ Campbell will present a temple talk at all 3 church services to update the congregation on

efforts being made to fill all open positions.

* Review of Bidding Process: Still in progress, team will meet to review the process.

New Business

All teams were given handouts to provide budget line item amounts for the November 15

council meeting.

Stewardship Sunday will be Sunday, November 18, 2018 and Wednesday, November 14,

2018

Congregation Issues: concerned members have stated concerns over hand shaking & 10:45

AM music. It will be reminded to everyone that they are not required to shake hands at

greeting time and solutions to the praise team music will take some time. Again, President

DJ Campbell will address this to all at a temple talk.

Reports

Pastor Lee: 2 Baptisms 2 Funerals 0 Weddings 0 Committals

37 students will be confirmed on October 28, 2018 at 2:00 pm. The Confirmation Banquet will

be held on October 21st.

Pastor Christina: No Report (out due to surgery)

Stewardship: No report

Worship: No report

Parish Education/Youth: No report

Evangelism and Outreach: LAF continues to be a success. Upcoming event Trunk or Treat

will be held October 31, 2018 in the church parking lot from 5:00 to 7:30. Free hot dogs, chips

and drinks will be served in the basement.

Property and Management: The renovations are 95% complete and a ribbon cutting

ceremony will be set for a future date.

Correspondence

Thank you memo was received from Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center for contributions of

$123.60 for the M-Club, thank you received from Golden Age for donation of $73.25. A thank

you card was received from Lewis & Clark Elementary School for the back pack and school

supply donations. A thank you was also received from Lutheran Social Services for a

contribution of $160.00.

Motion to Adjourn/Lord’s Prayer

Motion by: Jeff Braford

Seconded by: Kevin Fishbeck

The meeting was adjourned by President DJ Campbell. The next Council meeting will be one

hour earlier at 6:00PM on November 15, 2018 in order to allow sufficient time to work on the

budget. DJ Campbell and Jeff Bradford volunteered to bring pizza for the meeting. The meeting

was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Minutes submitted by: Andrea Bonness, Secretary

Lessons & Carol Services will be December 16th and 19th at all services. Bells will be accompanying some of the carols. We are looking for Carol Song leaders (solo, small group, choir, instrumental, etc.). If you are interested in the groups or choir Jeanne House will be contacting you (or leave your name at the office). Solo or instrumental please contact Cathy Long 527-0548. Please notate if you want to participate but cannot do all services; we will plan accordingly.

PAGE 6 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH DECEMBER 2018