Peace Notes (January 2013)
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Transcript of Peace Notes (January 2013)
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
PEACE NOTESPEACE NOTESPEACE NOTESPEACE NOTES Word of PeaceWord of PeaceWord of PeaceWord of Peace
Lutheran ChurchLutheran ChurchLutheran ChurchLutheran Church JANUARY 2013JANUARY 2013JANUARY 2013JANUARY 2013
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE:
From the Pastor Page 2
Happenings Page 3
January Sermons
& Readings Page 3
C.R.O.S.S. Corner Page 3
Annual Congrega�onal
Mee�ng Page 4
Lutheran Marriage
Encounter Wkd. Page 4
Music & Worship Page 4
Thank You Page 6
Direct Giving Page 6
Learning Ministry Page 6
Youth Ministry Page 6
A Cheerful Giver Page 7
Seniors Page 7
Alpha is a 9-week prac�cal explora�on of the
Chris�an faith and gives everyone the oppor-
tunity to explore the meaning of life in a re-
laxed, friendly se4ng.
Alpha meets once a week for 9 weeks. Ses-
sions begin with an informal dinner, followed
by a short Pastor-led talk and �me to discuss
what's been taught.
Everyone is welcome at Alpha. Alpha is for
people from all backgrounds, religions, and
perspec�ves. It’s perfect for those looking for
“more,” even if you’re not sure what that
“more” is.
If you’re wondering if Alpha is right for you,
contact Pastor Rick at (763) 496-2400 or
email [email protected].
How to sign-up... Please register for Alpha by January 13.
Registra�on Forms are available at the Infor-
ma�on Desk. Register online at
www.wordofpeace.org. There is a $5 fee to
cover the cost of the workbook.
• WHO IS JESUS?
• WHY DID JESUS DIE?
• HOW CAN I BE SURE OF MY FAITH?
• WHY & HOW SHOULD I READ THE BIBLE?
• WHY AND HOW DO I PRAY?
• HOW DOES GOD GUIDE US?
• WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?
• HOW CAN I BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT?
• HOW CAN I RESIST EVIL?
Topics we explore...
THE ALPHA COURSETHE ALPHA COURSETHE ALPHA COURSETHE ALPHA COURSE Sunday Evenings ~ 6:00 Sunday Evenings ~ 6:00 Sunday Evenings ~ 6:00 Sunday Evenings ~ 6:00 ———— 8:30pm8:30pm8:30pm8:30pm
January 20January 20January 20January 20————March 24, 2013March 24, 2013March 24, 2013March 24, 2013
WORD OF PEACE LUTHERWORD OF PEACE LUTHERWORD OF PEACE LUTHERWORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHAN CHURCHAN CHURCHAN CHURCH
SUNDAY EVENINGSSUNDAY EVENINGSSUNDAY EVENINGSSUNDAY EVENINGS
6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 ———— 8:30pm8:30pm8:30pm8:30pm January 20January 20January 20January 20————March 24, 2013March 24, 2013March 24, 2013March 24, 2013
6:006:006:006:00————6:30 DINNER6:30 DINNER6:30 DINNER6:30 DINNER 6:306:306:306:30————7:30 PRESENTATION7:30 PRESENTATION7:30 PRESENTATION7:30 PRESENTATION 7:307:307:307:30————8:30 SMALL GROUPS8:30 SMALL GROUPS8:30 SMALL GROUPS8:30 SMALL GROUPS
2
The season of celebra�on con�nues at
Word of Peace as 105 ninth graders
affirm their bap�sms on January 12 and
13. This is an exci�ng �me for the ninth
graders, their families, the Faith For-
ma�on staff and the congrega�on.
As the New Year begins with hope, an-
�cipa�on and goal se4ng, there is
something symbolic about celebra�ng
the Affirma�on of Bap�sm
(Confirma�on) at the beginning of the
year. These young people are beginning
a new chapter in their faith as adults in
the congrega�on. The promises made
by their parents and sponsors at their
bap�sm now become their own.
Our young people, their families, and
each one of us are reminded that in
bap�sm, we are named and claimed as
children of God, promised forgiveness
of sin and eternal life and given the giG
of the Holy Spirit. Confirma�on is not an
ending but the beginning of a new
chapter of a life-encompassing journey
of faith. As part of the Service of Affir-
ma�on of Bap�sm, our ninth graders
will profess their faith using the words
of the Apostle’s Creed and then they
will be asked the following ques�on:
Do you intend to con�nue in the cove-
nant God made with you in holy bap-
�sm:
to live among God's faithful people,
to hear the word of God and
share in the Lord's supper,
to proclaim the good news of God
in Christ through word and deed,
to serve all people, following the
example of Jesus,
and to strive for jus�ce and peace
in all the earth?
As we celebrate the New Year and
make our resolu�ons, can you think of
any beKer resolu�on than to affirm our
bap�sms each day? As we make this
daily affirma�on, it is about how we live
our life in Christ. We ask for and receive
forgiveness of sins. We put down our
guilt and shame at the foot of the cross
and use our precious life energy to
serve God’s family. Let us join together
with our confirmands to consciously live
out our bap�smal promises—Living
among God’s faithful people, worship-
ing together, sharing the good news
through our words and ac�ons, serving
others and striving for peace.
Remembering the promises God made
to us in our bap�sms by living our lives
in response to the amazing grace and
love God has given to us. Let us live out
our bap�smal iden�ty by le4ng the
light of Christ shine through our lives
bringing glory to our Father in heaven.
Happy New Year!
21705 129th Ave. N.
P.O. Box 306
Rogers, MN 55374
Church Office
763-496-2400 (press 3 to leave an emergency
message for the pastor)
On the Web
www.wordofpeace.org
www.facebook.com/
wordofpeace
Office Hours
Mon-Thurs 8am-4:30pm
Fri 8am-12:30pm
Our Vision Statement Our vision is to be a community where
everyone knows Christ’s Love and
shares Christ’s Love with all people.
Our Mission Statement Christ works through us as we:
• Welcome all people to grow in
faith, love and devo�on,
• Share Christ through word
and deed,
• Care for others and the world
God made, and
• Work for jus�ce and peace.
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Contact Jennie Priebe in the
church office at 496-2401 or
February newsle%er deadline:
January 11 at Noon
Pastor Krista Strum
Faith Formation Pastor
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
3
JANUARYJANUARYJANUARYJANUARY
Sermons & TextsSermons & TextsSermons & TextsSermons & Texts
January 6 & 7
Pastor Rick Skare:
“How Do You Respond to Starlight?”
In today’s Gospel there are all kinds of
different reac�ons to the Rising Star.
The Wise Men were overwhelmed with
joy and adora�on. King Herod was
frightened and panicked. How do you
respond to starlight?
Scripture Readings: Ma%hew 2:1-12;
Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
January 13 & 14
Pastor Ron Prasek:
“Through the Waters”
In all of life we work hard to keep our
head above water. Our Bible reading
gives us some help when we must pass
through the waters.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 43:1-7;
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22; Acts 8:14-17;
Psalm 29
January 20 & 21
Pastor Ron Prasek: “He Did What?!?!?”
The party was a hit un�l the wine ran
out, but the life of the party turned out
to be Jesus. Jesus came that we might
have life and live it abundantly.
Scripture Readings: John 2:1-11,
Psalm 36:5-10
January 27 & 28
Pastor Rick: “Gi? Exchange”
God has given each of us diverse giGs.
Following Jesus entails learning to
affirm and u�lize our own giGs in learn-
ing to u�lize the giGs of others.
Scripture Readings: 1 Corinthians 12:
12-31a, Luke 4:14-21; Nehemiah 8:1-3,
5-6, 8-10; Psalm 19
Happenings
What a fantas�c holiday giving season we had at the C.R.O.S.S. Cor-
ner! 1,500 pounds of food was collected for Thanksgiving and Christmas,
$120 was given in giG cards and cash, 100 pair of hand-knit miKens were
donated by Dorothy Bern, plus hats, gloves, scarves, brand new bicycles,
and a corner filled with toys!!! Thanks to all who made the holidays beKer
for others that may have otherwise gone without!
FOOD NEEDS:
Beef stew, beef mac chili, spam, tuna, cereal, popcorn, large face soap,
ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, Hamburger Helper, peanut buKer, jelly
FUNDRAISING EVENTS:
Stop by the C.R.O.S.S. Corner in the North Gathering Area for upcoming
events and fundraisers.
C.R.O.S.S. Corner
The church office will close on Mon-
day, December 31 at 12:00pm and
reopen on Wednesday, January 2 at
8am.
New Year’s Eve Worship—Bring in the
New Year in a very special way, with a
very special worship service on New
Year’s Eve at 6:30 p.m.
Because of your generosity, 15 Word
of Peace families had a brighter
Christmas through the Adopt-A-
Family program. Families received
their giGs in plenty of �me for Christ-
mas. Thank you for showing God’s love
to these fellow members of Word of
Peace!
The Friendship Circle will be on a
“recess” beginning December 25th
and
will resume mee�ng on January 15th
.
Please save your Campbell’s Soup
Labels proofs of purchases! The labels
are used to purchase passenger vans
and educa�onal equipment
for the Navajo Lutheran Mission
School in Rock Point, AZ. For more in-
forma�on, go to hKp://www.nelm.
org/support-the-mission.php. Drop
your labels off at the Informa�on Desk
or the church office.
Pictures Wanted! Do
you have pictures
from a church event
or ac�vity? Word of
Peace is always look-
ing for great photos
of the life of our con-
grega�on for use on
our website, in newsleKers and other
media and publica�ons. Please send
your great photos to
[email protected] or stop by the
church office with your USB drive.
Thank you!
4
Happy New Year! I would like to
thank all of the many volunteers
and staff who helped to make our
Christmas celebra�ons wonderful.
Greeters, ushers, worship coordi-
nators, sound techs and media
techs, Communion servers, singers,
ringers, instrumentalists, bulle�n
makers and stuffers, parking lot
helpers, nursery helpers, chair
seKer-uppers and taker-downers,
coffee makers, the Pastors, the
Worship & Visual Arts Team, the
church office staff, Dawn Saxton,
Mary Miller, Lois Woolard, Dave
Metcalf, Lisa Wiger and Dain Swan-
son. It certainly takes a village to
make it all happen and I am so
grateful for you!
All rehearsals will begin the week
of January 13th
. If you’d like to join
a vocal choir, this is a perfect �me.
We especially invite grades 1 and 2
into Kids of the Kingdom, and
grades 3-6 for Grace Choir. The
spring musical is The Rock Slinger
and His Greatest Hit, which is the
story of David and Goliath.
Michael Sahlen
Director of Worship & Music
Worship & Music
The 2013 Annual Congrega�onal Mee�ng will be held on
Sunday, January 27 at 12:00 noon. Quorum for an Annual
Congrega�onal Mee�ng at Word of Peace is 108 vo�ng
members. We hope you can aKend the mee�ng. We will
review and vote on the 2013 General Fund budget and
vote on our 2013 leadership. We will also ra�fy the cons�-
tu�on changes that were approved in November at the
Special Congrega�onal Mee�ng and approve the pro-
posed Bylaw changes (see below).
Proposed Cons@tu@on & Bylaw Changes
Your church leadership is proposing changes to the Cons�-
tu�on and Bylaws for Word of Peace. The primary goal of
this effort is to make us more efficient and beKer able to
handle the increasingly complex management of our
church as the result of recent and an�cipated future
growth.
To view the proposed Cons�tu�on and Bylaw changes, go
to www.wordofpeace.org/annual-mee�ng.
Endowment Fund Governing Document
The Execu�ve Team and Council have made one addi�onal
proposed change involving the Endowment Fund Team.
Currently, the Endowment Fund is proposed by a standing
commiKee. The proposed Bylaw change is to eliminate the
standing commiKee and change it to a Ministry Team,
mee�ng on a more regular basis to encourage awareness
and growth of this Fund. The Team requests a governing
document to operate under due to the nature of the work
that the Team will do.
Annual Congrega@onal Mee@ng
Sunday, January 27 at 12:00 noon
Lutheran Marriage
Encounter Weekend
All marriages benefit from taking some quality
�me together. Show your spouse you care by
signing up for this weekend-long experience.
The weekends run from Friday at 7:00 pm to
Sunday at 5:00 pm and include two nights lodg-
ing plus five meals at a comfortable hotel. Four
presen�ng couples, including a Lutheran clergy
couple, give a series of presenta�ons followed
by ques�ons the couples discuss in the privacy
of their hotel room. There is no counseling or
required group sharing.
The next Lutheran Marriage Encounter Week-
ends in Minnesota are February 15-17 in Brook-
lyn Center (think Valen�ne’s Day); March 15-17
in Alexandria and April 5-7 in Duluth. Please reg-
ister a month in advance.
For more informa�on, contact Dick & Judy
Dehnel at 952-432-3105 or Pete & Phyllis
McMahon at 763-561-1575 or visit
www.godlovesmarriage.org.
5
It’s Easy.
• You determine the frequency and amount of your automa�c
dona�on.
• Cancel or change your preferences at any �me.
• Use Direct Giving for recurring offerings or one-�me pay-
ments of dona�ons/fees
It’s Safe.
• Funds are transferred using a secure website to process the
transac�ons.
• Strong, reputable companies process the transac�ons.
It Helps.
Word of Peace benefits from steady, more predictable reve-
nues throughout the year, more efficient bookkeeping, and
greater confidence in mee�ng its financial commitments.
3 WAYS TO GIVE:
Checking
Savings
Credit/Debit Card
Get Started Today! Go to
www.wordofpeace.org
or stop by the Informa@on Desk
For more Informa�on, Contact Holly Finstad at
[email protected] or 763-496-0407
Dear members of Rogers Word of Peace congrega�on,
Praise God for meaning and mission in life! As God promises,
He upholds me and Jackie with His mighty righteous, right
hand. Thank you for all your prayers and words of encour-
agement. I am wri�ng this with the hand that was affected
by the mild stroke...Recovery was quite quick! As of this
wri�ng I have been back home with Jackie and the girls and
have been back at the college for nearly three weeks al-
ready.
While the trial of this medical thing was heavy for me, Jack-
ie, Hannah, Yuko and Jackie's father, it was yet another trial
that we have come through with God's POWER and not of
ourselves but with God's healing and working in us and oth-
ers.
Again, Thank you for all you do for us and for what you do to
upli? and support others.
In Christ,
Patrick Bencke
(our Missionary in Japan)
We would like to express our gra�tude to all of you in our
congrega�on that are so willing to bake, set-up, serve and
clean-up for funerals that we have at Word of Peace. We are
very grateful and blessed to have such awesome volunteers
that step up at very short no�ce and do such fabulous work
for the families that are mourning over the loss of a loved
one.
Thank you for all your hard work and �me, we couldn’t do it
without each and every one of you.
Blessings,
— Mari Reed and Shelly Gellrich
Funeral Coordinators
Thank you so much for your prayers for my brother, Michael,
and our family. Knowing that so many are praying for us
helps so much. God is good.
— Sharon Chastek & Family
Trust God. That’s where all healing begins.
I wish to thank everyone for all the thoughts and prayers
during my brother's illness and his passing.
— Esther and Marshall Parsons Family
6
YOUTH MINISTRY
Middle School MSM.AM (Middle School Ministry A.M.) meets two Sundays a
month from 9:30-10:30am in the youth room. Come for food,
devo�ons and fun games! In January, come to MSM.AM on the
6th and 20th
.
Winter Retreat at Luther Crest in Alexandria, March 1-3
Join us for Bible studies, snow tubing, worship, broom hockey,
warm cabins, and much more! Cost is $70 and friends are wel-
come! Register by February 1.
Camp Sunday, January 27
Lots of exci�ng new things are planned for summer 2013! Check
out the informa�on tables, visit with real camp staff, and sign-up
early! Got ques�ons? We’ve got answers!
Registra@on forms for all youth events are located on the youth
bulle@n board.
High School 912_Sunday Nights
Looking for a New Year’s resolu�on? Come to 912 Sunday
Nights! This High School youth group is filled with…you name it.
January will be awesome, you won’t want to miss it. Join us Sun-
day nights 4:30-6pm.
Coffee Thursdays
Love coffee, tea or smoothies? Love good conversa�ons? We
have both. Dain hosts informal gatherings at Starbucks in
Rogers (by Noodles) Thursdays 3-4 pm. Join us for warm drinks
and good conversa�on by the fire.
Tubing at Elm Creek
Snow is here and we are going tubing! Join your friends for a
night of tubing fun at Elm Creek Park on Thursday, January 30
from 5:30-8:15pm. Cost is just $10. Fill out an Elm Creek release
form and meet at Word of Peace to ride together.
Learning Ministry
Adult Forum Sundays @ 9:30 AM
Room #120
January 6—How do I know God’s will for my life?
January 13—What happens to us aGer death?
January 20—How do I know the Spirit is ac�ve in my
life?
All are Welcome!
Church School
and
Confirma�on
Informa�on
Church School Resumes on January 13
2nd Grade Keeping the Promise Event for 2nd
Graders and their Families
January 20 and 21
Choose Sunday at 9:20 or 10:50
or Monday 5:00 or 6:15
Confirma�on Resumes on January 16
Confirma�on Servant/Fellowship Event on January
30—Check with your child’s guide for details.
Congratula@ons Ninth Graders! More than 100 ninth graders Affirm their Bap�sm at four
different worship services on January 12 and 13th.
Surrounded by friends, family, staff, and congrega�on they
will proclaim their faith and be blessed by the Word of
Peace Community.
Please pray for the these students and their families as they
prepare for their special day.
5th Graders….
The next Celebrate Communion Keeping the Promise Event
is Sunday, February 10 from 2-5 pm.
Sign-up for this opportunity online at
www.wordofpeace.org
Ques�ons? Contact Kris�n Skare at
763-496-2404 or [email protected]
7
Seniors
Please contact Judy Hanson at 763-428-7657 for resource, community
or general informa�on for seniors.
To subscribe to the Senior NewsleKer, call 763-241-3520. Or, you can
read the newsleKer online at ww.seniors.cityofrogers.org.
• Thursday Senior Shop Rogers Bus—
Thursdays at 10am, $1.00 per rider.
Contact Judy at 763-428-7657.
• Jammers Potluck & Music—Sunday,
January 6 from 1-5pm (eat at 4pm) at
the Rogers Community Room. Contact
Dave at 763-428-4217.
• Rogers Senior Dining—Monday
through Thursday every week at
12:00noon at the Rogers Community
Center. Call at least 2 days in advance
by 2pm for reserva�ons, 763-428-
0976. Cost: 55+ $4.00/Under 55 $7.00
• Cards & Games—Every Monday,
Wednesday and Thursday aGer Senior
Dining (open to all) - 12:30-2:00pm at
the Rogers Community Room. No
cards & games on January 14. Call
Margaret, 763-428-8650.
• Breakfast at Denny’s in Rogers—
Friday, January 18 from 9-10:30am.
Menu items for $6.99 (includes drink).
Call Margaret, 763-428-8650.
• Soup and Chili Supper on January
16th at 6:00 PM at the Rogers Com-
munity Room—Come and enjoy a
supper of either homemade chili and
corn bread/muffins or homemade
chicken and wild rice soup & crackers.
Coffee and cake for dessert. $5.00 for
adults, $3.00 for children age 10 and
under.
• The Word of Peace Kids-Care Bus
takes seniors shopping at Ridgedale
every other month. The next trip will
be December 11th. Cost is $1.00 for
the round trip. The bus will pick us up
at Word of Peace at 9:30am and re-
turn us by 1:30pm. Call Judy to sign
up at 763-428-7657.
• Church School Kids collected $1,345 for Feed My
Starving Children
• We have 29 BeFrienders to minister to people in
need
• 83 Children are enrolled in Preschool
• We have 191 church school teachers and confirma-
�on guides
• We support Chris�an missionaries in Japan
• 15 Families aKended Family Camp
• Over 1,000 children are enrolled in Church School
and Confirma�on
• $3,585 was given to God’s Global Barnyard
• 69 Students and adults aKended the Na�onal Youth
Gathering in New Orleans
• 24 youth went to Middle School Quake in Wisconsin
• 4,600 of lbs. of food has been donated to C.R.O.S.S.
• 450 Bibles were given to 3 year olds, 3rd graders and
6th graders
• 67 youth par�cipated in Summer Stretch (the sum-
mer youth program for middle schoolers)
• AGer receiving $100,000 for A Strong Founda�on,
$5,000 was given to C.R.O.S.S.
• 63 children and youth aKended summer camp
• 15 families were helped through the Christmas
Adopt-A-Family program
• As of mid-December, over $2,000 was collected for
financially struggling families in our congrega�on
and community through our Local Christmas Relief
• Over $30,000 has been given in local benevolence
• VBS gave $3,585 for Chris�an libraries in India
We celebrate and thank you for your giving to our Lord and our Lord’s work through Word of Peace this year! Every giG
makes a difference! Here is just a sample of what your giving has made possible in 2012:
And don’t forget all of the other on-going ministries that you help support, such as: the worship services, Church School, Con-
firma�on, Vaca�on Bible School, youth group, adult educa�on, Kids of Peace Preschool, ministry to those in crisis, local pov-
erty relief, funerals, weddings, bap�sms, community outreach, and a beau�ful, climate controlled building used by both the
church and the community.
NonNonNonNon----Profit Org.Profit Org.Profit Org.Profit Org. US PostageUS PostageUS PostageUS Postage
PAIDPAIDPAIDPAID ROGERS, MNROGERS, MNROGERS, MNROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 9PERMIT NO. 9PERMIT NO. 9PERMIT NO. 9
C h a n g e S e r v i c e R e q u e s t e d
SundaysSundaysSundaysSundays 8:00 a.m. Traditional8:00 a.m. Traditional8:00 a.m. Traditional8:00 a.m. Traditional 9:30 a.m. Blended9:30 a.m. Blended9:30 a.m. Blended9:30 a.m. Blended
11:00 a.m. Contemporary11:00 a.m. Contemporary11:00 a.m. Contemporary11:00 a.m. Contemporary
MondaysMondaysMondaysMondays 6:30 p.m. Contemporary6:30 p.m. Contemporary6:30 p.m. Contemporary6:30 p.m. Contemporary
MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS And HAPPY NEW YEAR!And HAPPY NEW YEAR!And HAPPY NEW YEAR!