Christmas Eve December 24 at 5 PM Candlelight Worship with the full Choir. This is a great opportunity for you, your visiting relatives, and the unchurched friends you invite to come and hear the good news of God’s love poured out for the world at Christmas! Christmas is about hope—the hope that comes to us in the midst of the darkness in the birth of a little baby in Bethlehem. Jesus. The Son of God. The Christ. The Messiah. God with us! The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it! May all of you have a most blessed and wonderful Christmas! Merry Christmas! Pastor Andrew, Vallorie and Elizabeth Schlecht

Dear Kindred Family, Many moons ago, Elvis Presley sang the song Blue Christmas: I'll have a Blue Christmas without you I'll be so blue just thinking about you Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree Won't be the same dear, if you're not here with me And when those blue snowflakes start falling That's when those blue memories start calling You'll be doin' all right, with your Christmas of white But I'll have a blue, blue blue blue Christmas You'll be doin' all right, with your Christmas of white, But I'll have a blue, blue Christmas

Elvis Presley sang of loss, pain and sadness. And while the Christmas Season is typically one of joy, nostalgia and good cheer, it can also be brutal for anyone who is struggling with death, divorce, job loss, illness, painful memories and broken relationships. To meet the needs of our community, the Kindred Area Ministerial Association is sponsoring a special Blue Christmas worship service. Blue Christmas December 20 at 11 AM Join us in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture, and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle—and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Everyone, regardless of church background (or lack of it) is welcome. Christmas Program December 21 at 5 PM Join us for the Sunday School Christmas Program! Afterward we will enjoy a potluck dinner and good fellowship.

December 2014

News & Notes 1

Baptisms 2

Stephen Ministry 3

Sunday School 3

Hymn History 4

November Events 5

Prayers 6

Calendar 7

News & Notes from Pastor Andrew

KINDRED CONNECTIONS

Page 2

Purpose: Be disciples and make disciples who are bold, daring, adventurous followers of Jesus Christ.

Jesus tells Nicodemus, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again…. Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.

Flesh

gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:3,5-6). As Christians, our baptismal birthday is more important than our birthday! “I am baptized!” Baptism makes all the difference!

Electronic Giving

Consider scheduling a recurring contribution today. It’s very convenient. You will no longer need to write out checks and prepare envelopes every week. Even when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending services, your electronic contributions will continue to be received on an uninterrupted basis. Authorization Forms are available at the church office.

BAPTISMAL BIRTHDAYS Alec Braaten 12 1

Jason Kub 12 1

Sarah Bergh 12 3

Philip Rostad 12 6

Dustin Erickson 12 7

Ron Lundquist 12 8

Seth Johnson 12 9

Jeremy Swanson 12 9

Elizabeth Blumer 12 11

Kiturah Blilie 12 13

Delana Thomas 12 16

Darcy Lies 12 16

Rodell Lee 12 16

Kristen Jensen 12 18

Altha Johnson 12 20

Lindsey Mitchell 12 21

Kyle Toppen 12 22

Breanna Ordahl 12 24

Glenn Halvorson 12 25

Jean Hertsgaard 12 25

David Hertsgaard 12 25

Heidi Isaman 12 25

Lisa Carpenter 12 26

Austin Goerger 12 27

Dana Otterson 12 30

Page 3

Vision: Gathered to grow . . . sent to serve!

It's Okay to Be Human . . .

We’re brought up to be strong, self-sufficient, independent people. We tend to think that if we ask for help, it’s a sign of weakness. So we try to keep our struggles hidden, stuffed deep inside. However, that’s not God’s plan. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” God wants us to care for others—and allow others to care for us in our time of need.

If you’re sad or struggling inside, don’t suffer alone. Ask for help. We’ve got a team of Stephen Ministers who are ready to listen, care, encourage, pray, and help you through a tough time. Men are matched with men, and women with women. (It’s completely confidential too!) To find out more about Stephen Ministry for you or someone you know, talk with Pastor Andrew or one of our Stephen Ministry Leaders:, Vallorie Schlecht (428-9187) or Scott Gietzen (428-3011).

A potluck will follow the program.

Reminders for All Sunday School Students There will be rehearsal for the Christmas Program on Wednesday, December 17th from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM for 3rd to 5th grade students only and Saturday, December 20th from 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM for all students. Also, there will be no Sunday School classes December 21st & 28th. Enjoy this blessed season with your family! Also, a reminder to all Confirmation students that there will be no class on December 17th, 24th, and 31st. Classes will resume Wednesday, January 7th @ 4:00 PM.

Page 4

Purpose: Be disciples and make disciples who are bold, daring, adventurous followers of Jesus Christ.

Christmas Poinsettias This Christmas season, don't forget to honor or memorialize a loved one(s) with a beautiful poinsettia that will be displayed in the Sanctuary throughout Advent and Christmastide. The cost is only $9.00! Please sign up at the lectern located in the church Narthex.

History of a Hymn A Christmas favorite, "What Child Is This?" is a staple of any worship service or carol singing outing. It was written in 1865 by William

Chatterton Dix, a 29 year old manager of the Maritime Insurance Company. Dix was struck with a near fatal illness that year and was confined to his bed for months. Although in a deep depression, during this time he wrote many of his hymns, including "What Child Is This?" It's wonderful to think of how an uplifting and joyful carol could be composed under such difficult circumstances. The tune that is most commonly used with these lyrics is "Greensleeves", a traditional English folk tune composed in the late 16th century. "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice" is a translation from a much older song. "In dulce jubilo" (literally "In sweet rejoicing") is thought to have been written in the early 14th century by the German mystic Heinrich Seuse. Originally in Medieval German and in Latin, there have been several English translations through the ages. The best known translation is by John Mason Neale from 1853, though there has been some criticism that this version takes too much license with the original lyrics. On older translation by Robert Lucas de Pearsall in 1837 is usually included in the Nine Lessons and Carols program that is quite popular for Christmas Eve services.

Page 5

Vision: Gathered to grow . . . sent to serve!

November Events

Confirmation, 10/26

Operation Christmas Child, 11/16

Page 6

Purpose: Be disciples and make disciples who are bold, daring, adventurous followers of Jesus Christ.

Prayers of Intercession

"The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective!”

James 5.16

Please lift up the following in your

prayers this month.

THANKFULNESS Blessings & prayers for our confirmands who affirmed their Baptism: Brandon Hoyme, Matthew Kapaun, Zach Laverdure, and Haley Thompson.

COMFORT Family of JoAnn Ordahl's father.

HOPE Norman and Davenport Parish and Shepherd of the Prairie Parish as they wait for new pastors. The people of Africa and an end to the Ebola epidemic. Peace in the Central African Republic, Syria and Iraq. Missionaries: Sam & Rebekka Rood; Louis and Annie Liss and son David in Lebanon; Susan Smith in the Central African Republic. Christians in Egypt, Iraq, Central African Republic and throughout the world who face persecution. The Gideon's ministry that doors would be opened and Scripture would be placed and God's Word would accomplish what God sets out to do! Our brave men and women in Libya, Afghanistan and Iraq and throughout the world.

Note: If you have a prayer request to add to the prayer chain, please submit on line under "Prayer Chain" and you may submit a prayer request directly to Pastor Andrew and to the prayer chain.

HEALING Rhonda Kuhn (broken leg), Mark Perry (knee surgery), Velora Robertsdahl (hip surgery), Harlen (gastroschisis - born w/ intestines outside body), Jason Allison and Family, Hannah Lundquist (skull fracture), Sandra Johnson (juvenile myoclonic epilepsy), Mikel Karels (5 year old, cancer), Eleanor Braaten, Arlene Lykken, Phil (paralyzed, auto-immune disease), Marci Conlin and Genny, Katelyn Alyce (baby 12 weeks premature), Dick Kniesly (friend of Pastor Andrew; back surgery), Layne Billing (cancer), Jere Hill (cancer; Pastor Andrew's friend), Blair Grandalen, Jim Ostenson (dementia, kidney failure), Sarah (Marian Perhus' granddaughter, tumor), Bev & Reuben Braaten (parents of Paula Erickson), Casey Perhus (cancer, Leon Perhus' daughter-in-law), Sue (Marian Perhus' daughter), Marvin & Corrine Swanson (Deb Leslie's parents), Todd (prison, suicidal, addiction), Lorraine (mother of JoAnn Ordahl)

Page 7

Vision: Gathered to grow . . . sent to serve!

DECEMBER 2014

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

30

Advent Counters - Brian Ordahl & Christine

Ilvedson

10:00 AM Celebration Worship

11:00 AM Fellowship

1

9:30 AM 9:30 AM -

3:30 PM Church

Office Hours

2

9:00 AM KAMA

Meeting

9:00 AM Pastors

Text Study

3

9:30 AM 9:30 AM -

3:30 PM Church

Office Hours

4:00 PM 8th & 9th

Grade Confirmation

8:00 PM Adult Choir

Rehearsal

4 5

9:30 AM 9:30 AM -

3:30 PM Church

Office Hours

9:30 AM Quilting

1:00 PM Seniors

Gathering

6

Pastor Andrew's

Day Off

1:00 PM Baby

Shower (NE)

7

Counters - Deb Perhus & Dona

Schock

8:45 AM Learning

10:00 AM Celebration Worship/Adult

Choir

11:00 AM Fellowship

8

9:30 AM 9:30 AM -

3:30 PM Church

Office Hours

12:00 PM Seniors

Center Dinner

9

9:00 AM Pastors

Text Study

10

9:30 AM 9:30 AM -

3:30 PM Church

Office Hours

4:00 PM 8th & 9th

Grade Confirmation

8:00 PM Adult Choir

Rehearsal

11

6:30 PM KLC Council

Mtg.

12

9:30 AM 9:30 AM -

3:30 PM Church

Office Hours

1:00 PM Seniors

Gathering

13

Pastor Andrew's

Day Off

14

Counters - Hali Schneider & Joan

Ottis

8:45 AM Learning

10:00 AM Celebration

Worship/Children's Choir

11:00 AM Fellowship

11:15 AM Stephen Ministry Meeting

6:30 PM 4H

15

9:30 AM 9:30 AM -

3:30 PM Church

Office Hours

16

Newsletter Articles

Due

9:00 AM Pastors

Text Study

17

9:30 AM 9:30 AM -

3:30 PM Church

Office Hours

7:00 PM Sunday

School Program

Rehearsal 3rd - 5th

Grade Only

8:00 PM Adult Choir

Rehearsal

18

Deadline for Christmas

Food Baskets

19

9:30 AM 9:30 AM -

3:30 PM Church

Office Hours

9:30 AM Quilting

1:00 PM Seniors

Gathering

4:00 PM Feed

Homeless at

Churches United for

the Homeless/Group

B

20

Pastor Andrew's

Day Off

9:00 AM Sunday

School Program

Rehearsal

11:00 AM Blue

Christmas

Community

Worship

21

Counters - Joann Ordahl & Jodi

Nesemeier

10:00 AM Celebration Worship/Adult

Choir

11:00 AM Fellowship

5:00 PM Sunday School Christmas

Program

22

9:30 AM 9:30 AM -

3:30 PM Church

Office Hours

23

9:00 AM Pastors

Text Study

24

Counters - Kari

Johnson & Kevin

Kvamme

9:30 AM 9:30 AM -

3:30 PM Church

Office Hours

5:00 PM Christmas

Eve Candlelight

Service/Adult Choir

25

Christmas Day

26

Church Office Closed

1:00 PM Seniors

Gathering

27

Pastor Andrew's

Day Off

28

Counters - Susie/Arlan Mathias &

Leah Lundquist

10:00 AM Celebration Worship

11:00 AM Fellowship

11:15 AM Stephen Ministry Meeting

29

9:30 AM 9:30 AM -

3:30 PM Church

Office Hours

30

9:00 AM Pastors

Text Study

31

9:30 AM 9:30 AM -

3:30 PM Church

Office Hours

1

New Year's Day

2

9:30 AM 9:30 AM -

3:30 PM Church

Office Hours

9:30 AM Quilting

1:00 PM Seniors

Gathering

3

Pastor Andrew's

Day Off

Serving group for December is Matthew (Families with last names beginning with A – H) Confirmation Worship Assistants: Tori Braaten, Brittany Fowler

“

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Vision

Following Jesus is a journey, a lifelong process of faith formation that we describe simply as: Gathered to Grow . . . Sent to Serve! This is our vision. And everything that we do at Kindred Lutheran is focused on this faith formation process. It is our way of helping one another become the disciple Jesus is calling us to be. Discipleship is what we do. Faith formation is what God does. Repent. Trust his promise. Respond to his call. Follow Jesus. Be his disciple. Enter the kingdom. And together let’s be his witnesses! Join us on the journey of a lifetime . . .