The Beacon - March 2016

THE BEACONThe monthly newsletter of Light of Christ Lutheran Church

Delano, Minnesota

March 2016The Marks of Discipleship

Pray dailyWorship weekly

Read the BibleServe at or beyond Light of Christ

Relate to others for spiritual growthGive of my time, talents and resources

“Woman, why are you weeping?” John 20:15

The Apostles’ Creed is a summary of what we believe about God. The second part, about Jesus, has a curious phrase, “he descended into hell.” Modern translations soften it up with “he descended to the dead.” The meaning is the same, Jesus joined those who died in a place apart.

It is a curious fact that Almighty God, Lord of all that is, Mighty and Majestic Creator of the Universe would succumb to very human death. God dies. Most people these days fear death and avoid thinking of it. It’s too frightening.

But that is where Jesus went. So wherever Jesus is, what are we to fear? Jesus descended to the dead to assert his rule and salvation even there. Nothing is beyond the reach and love of Jesus. No one is beyond Jesus’ redemption and mercy, not even those who died. Jesus is Lord of the living and of the dead.

Jesus is Lord over death itself. Not even that frightening specter shall keep us from God.

And so Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb, grieving. Gently Jesus joins her. Gently he calls her, “Woman.” And gently he wakens her to a new reality, to a new life, to a new promise that not even death shall keep us from love.

Pastor Chris

The Beacon - March 2016

January Financials Faith Sharing for the month: $ 34,477.69 Expenses for the month: $41,222.10

Mid-week Lenten worship services are offered each Wednesday through March 16 at 7:00 p.m., preceded by a Lenten Supper at 6:00 p.m.

Maundy Thursday, March 24 – Worship at 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday, March 25 – Worship at 7:00 pmChildren’s Good Friday Worship at 10:30 am

Easter Sunday, March 27 – Worship at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Interim Update for March 2016The Call Committee is completing the Ministry Site Profile, our church’s self-description that

is our first impression to candidates and guides the synod office. On Wednesday, March 16, 6:00pm, Bishop Ann Svennungsen will come to Light of Christ to review and clarify the profile. Following that meeting, the Call Committee will begin receiving names for interviewing. This meeting is open to all members.

The Children Youth and Family Task Force is preparing to interview candidates for the position of Children Youth and Family Director. Several very good candidates have submitted résumés.

A new council has begun. Committees have received new members. It is encouraging to see leadership shifting to younger adults at Light of Christ. From the Church Assessment Tool (CAT survey) taken last fall, critical to our success is that leadership be representative of the membership and that there be a broader base of leadership. That is happening with the elections at our annual meeting.

The contract with Interserve which provides us with Sonja, our CYF Director, will change at the end of February. Starting March 1, Sonja’s time will be 12 hours/week, primarily overseeing programs and coordinating transition to the next CYF Director. Most of the programs for children and youth will be managed by member volunteers until the next director is hired.

For the month of May, Light of Christ has an unprecedented opportunity of having on staff a theologian from Nigeria. Light of Christ is in partnership with Nyanya Lutheran Church in Abuja, Nigeria. In May, Ibrahim Bitrus will be in residence at Light of Christ. He has completed his PhD in systematic theology and will be teaching at a seminary in Nigeria. While at Light of Christ, Ibrahim will be teaching adult and children classes, leading worship, preaching, available to confirmation classes and committees of the congregation. More information will be coming in the next newsletter.

Pastor Chris

The Beacon - March 2016

The Women's Bible Study topic for the next couple of months is “The Power of Forgiveness.” More information can be found at http://www.thepowerofforgiveness.com.

The Peace and JusticeMinistry meets the 3rd

Saturday of each monthat 10:15 a.m.

ADULT EDUCATIONSundays 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Room 101

The 6-week Max Lucado study, You’ll Get Through This, continuesMarch 6- “Is God Good When Life Isn’t?”March 13- “Now, About those Family

Scandals and Scoundrels”March 20- “God Can Use This for Good”

MARCH HOT TOPICS BOOK CLUB

We will be discussing Accidental Saints: Finding God in all the Wrong People by Nadia Bolz-Weber. Nadia is an ELCA pastor who founded The House for all Sinners and Saints church in Denver. Nobody can believe she is an ordained ELCA pastor. Maybe it is the sleeve tattoos or the fact that she swears like a truck driver. Either way… she is fine with that. Join us on Thursday, March 3rd at 7:00 pm in the church library to discuss the book.

QuiltingThe LOC Quilters meet eachMonday at 10:00 a.m. inRoom 106 at the church. Everyone welcome – no quilting experience necessary!!

Men’s GrouP

Saturday,

March 5 8:00

IT ONLY TAKES A 'BUCK'Think about the many ways weeasily spend a dollar.  This year,instead of marshmallow chicks,provide hope for a family in needwith some real chicks.  In additionto being cute, chicks grow up tolay nutrient-rich eggs, perfect to feed growing kids.  Extra eggs can be sold, generating income to help a family escape poverty for good.  This Lenten season, Light of Christ will be participating in Buck-A-Chick, an ELCA World Hunger program.  For only $1, you can purchase and decorate a paper chick for yourself or in honor of a friend or loved one.  Look for the table in the narthex in between services to help

Women’s Bible Study

Wednesday,March 9th @ 10:00 am in Room 101

The Beacon - March 2016

Loree Kinney, Spiritual Gifts Coordinator"Make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves." -Philippians 2: 2-3Okay - this is my fourth attempt to write this piece for the Beacon. I danced around what I want to say and I guess the Lord is saying, "Stop fooling around and just say it". So, I will.On March 1, I will be leaving as Spiritual Gifts Coordinator at Light of Christ. I'm not leaving our church, just this position. It was difficult to decide, but I feel I'm being led to do this for several reasons. The first, and most important, is that my son faced a significant health issue that has resulted in a lot of changes in our lives. Good changes, but changes nonetheless. I believe that God is calling me to step up and make my family my ministry right now. There are other factors, but this is the one closest to my heart.I've cried over this decision, I've prayed for a different answer but I do have faith. And if my faith is as strong as I believe it is, then I have to believe that God knows what He is doing. And I will do as He asks of me. Now that I've written the words, it wasn't so hard and I feel a sense of peace. Nothing will really change. I just won't be on staff. And whoever has the Joy of being the next Spiritual Gifts Coordinator is going to be so blessed, as I have been.I love our Church. I believe in our Church and I know we've only just begun what God has planned for us.It's been my pleasure and my joy to serve you. I am excited to see how the Lord writes the next chapter. And please remember, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask!Blessings and Joy!Loree

P.S.We are seeking DUSTERS!! There are three spaces in need of dusting that will take about 45 minutes every other week. The spaces are: Sue Quist's office and the choir room, the Narthex and the library. If you are willing to make this commitment, please contact Terri, Office Manager.

The Beacon - March 2016

At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. John 19:41

Very early on that Easter Day as some women made their way to a tomb, they passed through a garden. We may not know what that garden looks like but each Easter we make our own garden to help us celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Lord—Allelujah!

Orders for Easter Flowers may be made through March 6th. The following are available:Easter Lily $10.00Asiatic Lily $10.00Kalanchoe $11.00Mum $11.00Hydrangea $16.00Azalea $16.50

Return order form in the offering plate or to the office, and please remember the deadline for ordering is March 6th.

YOUTH MINISTRYRegister for Summer Trips NOW!Our Summer Trips for High School student are beginning to fill up. The Mission Trip is June 25 – July 2 to New Orleans where the students will work with local non-profit agencies to provide services to children, the homeless, and the elderly. The Adventure Week is July 30 – Aug. 6 through Flathead Lutheran Camp where students will do rock climbing and kayaking in the Glacier National Park of Montana. If you are interested, more information is posted on the website along with

Staffing and CYFTask Force Update

Beginning March 1, Sonja Nelson, Interim Dir. of Children, Youth and Family, will be going to part time, providing communication, administration, and ministry support. Questions about children, confirmation, and youth ministries should still be sent to Sonja. The CYF Task Force has developed a new position for Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry, and is in the process of accepting applications and interviewing candidates. The job description is posted on the LOC website. Please keep the Task Force in your prayers as they continue in the process of hiring staff.

The Beacon - March 2016

COMING IN MAY.......................

Peace and Justice Ministry is pleased to welcome Dr. Ibrahim Bitrus and his family to Light of Christ. Dr. Bitrus is part of the Nigerian Theologian in Residence program within the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA. The goal of this program will be to increase awareness of the Synod’s Global Companion Synod relationship with the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), and to strengthen and expand that relationship through teaching, preaching and service.Dr. Bitrus will office at Light of Christ during the month of May. Plans are underway for Dr. Bitrus and his family to participate in the life of Light of Christ by preaching in services, speaking in forums, educational, and daily activities.

HAVE YOU SHARED THE NEWS?Please take some time to share the news about our job opening for the Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries.  Please visit the church website and find the job description under

Hey Thrivent Members! Do you have Choice Dollars to direct? The deadline to direct dollars for 2015 is March 31st.

The Beacon - March 2016

Light of Christ Music Ministry Sue Quist, Director of Music

These are the current top Contemporary ChristianSongs of 2016:

Good, Good Father – Chris TomlinThe River – Jordan FelizOceans (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong Just Be Held – Casting CrownsTrust in You – Lauren DaigleGrace Wins – Matthew WestMy Story – Big Daddy WeaveYou Are Loved – Stars Go DimSame Power – Jeremy CampTell Your Heart to Beat Again –

AMAZING GRACE

"Amazing Grace" was published in 1779, with words written by the English poet and clergyman John Newton (1725–1807). With the message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of sins committed and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God, "Amazing Grace" is one of the most recognizable songs in the English-speaking world. Here are 4 different versions of Amazing Grace:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsCp5LG_zNE Celtic Singershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogxLNlgKM8c Alan Jacksonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM02ZP13fPk Aretha Franklin

On the Lighter Side:This was recently sent to me by a congregational member with a sense of humor:Hymn Suggestions: The Dentist's Hymn:....Crown Him with Many Crowns The Weatherman's Hymn:.....There Shall Be Showers of Blessings The Contractor's Hymn:.....The Church's One Foundation The Tailor's Hymn:.....Holy, Holy, Holy The Golfer's Hymn:.....There's a Green Hill Far Away The Politician's Hymn:.....Standing on the Promises The Optometrist's Hymn:.....Open My Eyes That I Might See The IRS Agent's Hymn:.....I Surrender All The Gossip's Hymn:.....Pass It On The Electrician's Hymn:.....Send The Light The Shopper's Hymn:.....Sweet By and By

Can You name this Hymn? Test your hymn knowledge and be a winner!“What though the darkness gather round? Songs in the night he giveth.” Do you know this familiar hymn? Tell Sue, and be this month’s winner. You can only win Name That Hymn 3 times a year – so…someone new email Sue, and be a Winner!

HAVE YOU SHARED THE NEWS?Please take some time to share the news about our job opening for the Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries.  Please visit the church website and find the job description under

The Beacon - March 2016

MONTHLYSERVICE TEAM

Members of Light of Christ are dedicated to serving the Lord by sharing, caring and loving, and do so through the work of Monthly Service Teams, serving at funerals and other functions.

March Service Team families:John & Wendy AndersonWes & Jessie AylsworthLarry & Lynn BartelsJamey & Lisa BoeckerRichard & Rebecca FarniokJake & Jessica FitchRyan & Angela GreenMike HeinzenDennis & Ginny IversonErika KlugeDoug & Sherri LaddusawMike & Susan LarisonDennis Lohmann & JoMarie WilliamsonJohn & Tracy Magner

AMAZING GRACE

"Amazing Grace" was published in 1779, with words written by the English poet and clergyman John Newton (1725–1807). With the message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of sins committed and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God, "Amazing Grace" is one of the most recognizable songs in the English-speaking world. Here are 4 different versions of Amazing Grace:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsCp5LG_zNE Celtic Singershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogxLNlgKM8c Alan Jacksonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM02ZP13fPk Aretha Franklin

On the Lighter Side:This was recently sent to me by a congregational member with a sense of humor:Hymn Suggestions: The Dentist's Hymn:....Crown Him with Many Crowns The Weatherman's Hymn:.....There Shall Be Showers of Blessings The Contractor's Hymn:.....The Church's One Foundation The Tailor's Hymn:.....Holy, Holy, Holy The Golfer's Hymn:.....There's a Green Hill Far Away The Politician's Hymn:.....Standing on the Promises The Optometrist's Hymn:.....Open My Eyes That I Might See The IRS Agent's Hymn:.....I Surrender All The Gossip's Hymn:.....Pass It On The Electrician's Hymn:.....Send The Light The Shopper's Hymn:.....Sweet By and By

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY is coming to Light of Christ! Do you live paycheck to paycheck like 75% of Americans? Is managing money a stress in your marriage? FPU is just for you. Financial Peace University is a biblically based personal finance curriculum developed by renowned author and speaker Dave Ramsey. The bible tells us a lot about how to manage money in a way that pleases the Lord. FPU will be offered at Light of Christ Church starting Monday, March 28. The course runs each Monday for nine weeks, 6:30-8:00 each evening. Everyone is welcomed to come and try out the first class without financial obligation. Local Delano resident Sarah Hellmich will be leading the class. This will be the 18th time Sarah has taught the class in Delano area churches. This is not a business for Sarah but a mission. She donates her time and energy in an effort to share these important biblical lessons with others. For more information, to watch a preview video or to purchase course materials, go to www.daveramsey.com/fpu. Contact Sarah Hellmich or Adam Wortz of LOC (763) 218-2601 if you have questions about the course or if you would like to join us for the first lesson. Sarah can be reached at 763-226-1799 or sarah.hellmich@me.com. “FPU will not only transform the way you handle money, but also your marriage and other areas of your

The Beacon - March 2016Chris & Wendy MeyerNicki PetersonSean & Kristin PetersonSue SchultzBob & Jennifer SlipkaTory & Sarah SpanierTerry & Marie Techam

Lindsay & Theresa WallaceMichael Warmuth & Michael McAdamBill & Jinnelle Weis

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY is coming to Light of Christ! Do you live paycheck to paycheck like 75% of Americans? Is managing money a stress in your marriage? FPU is just for you. Financial Peace University is a biblically based personal finance curriculum developed by renowned author and speaker Dave Ramsey. The bible tells us a lot about how to manage money in a way that pleases the Lord. FPU will be offered at Light of Christ Church starting Monday, March 28. The course runs each Monday for nine weeks, 6:30-8:00 each evening. Everyone is welcomed to come and try out the first class without financial obligation. Local Delano resident Sarah Hellmich will be leading the class. This will be the 18th time Sarah has taught the class in Delano area churches. This is not a business for Sarah but a mission. She donates her time and energy in an effort to share these important biblical lessons with others. For more information, to watch a preview video or to purchase course materials, go to www.daveramsey.com/fpu. Contact Sarah Hellmich or Adam Wortz of LOC (763) 218-2601 if you have questions about the course or if you would like to join us for the first lesson. Sarah can be reached at 763-226-1799 or sarah.hellmich@me.com. “FPU will not only transform the way you handle money, but also your marriage and other areas of your

The Women of LOC would like to acknowledge and thank Iten Funeral Home for their generous donation of 3 wooden easels to be used for events here at Light of Christ.

Vacation Bible School RegistrationIt may still be cold but it’s time to plan your summer! Join us for our evening Vacation Bible School onJuly 31 – Aug. 3. Register on-line at our website,www.lightofchristlutheran.com. Volunteers are needed in many areas!

Easter Baskets for Local ChildrenOnce again the Sunday School children will be putting together Easter Baskets for children to receive through Delano Helping Hands Food Shelf. The SS children will assemble the baskets on March 13 and will be collecting donations through the month of February. The SS needs candy, new small toys (such as hair bands, balls, stuffed animals, trinkets), plastic eggs (can be used but in good condition),

and medium baskets appropriate for a child. Drop items in the Narthex or have your child bring the items to Sunday School. NEW! Children’s Good Friday Worship A special worship will be provided for children, their familyand congregation on Good Friday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m.The worship will be 30 minutes, interactive, and adaptedto little children. All are welcome! We to hope to see you uring this important time of our faith.

Thank you for supporting Camp Noah.!Our Sunday School families made 15 blankets for children who will attend Camp Noah this summer. Camp Noah provides a safe, caring and fun environment where children build resiliency skills within the familiarity of their own communities, using a proven curriculum designed to help children process their disaster and/or trauma experience through creative activities and play. We hope to continue to support this great ministry!

The Beacon - March 2016

March Birthdays01 Lee Bunker, Linda Johaneson, Evan

Lemmerman, Aidan Quandt, Melissa Sandberg, Lexi Thomas

02 Bev Bauman, Katie Bernick Friehl, Toby Ingebrigtson, Cheryl Schleper

03 Grace Beltrand, Gloria Schuette, Samantha VanCura, Steve Zitzloff

04 Peter Grant05 Kayla Buenger, Matt Kirchmann06 James Henry, Addison Kirchmann, Tyler

Kyrola, Adam Wortz07 Camden Lee, Mathea Schafer, Taylor

Williams08 Allison Goldbeck09 Rhonda Almquist, Megan Burgstaler,

Cheryl Collins, Annette McClelland10 Meagan Boecker11 Carol Anderson, Denise Mitchell, Carissa

Rootes, Loren Rumpza 12 Brenna Durick, Amanda Krampf, Kelly

Thompson13 Sophia Grant, Vern Lange, Lisa Maschino,

Gretchen Ness, Brian Schroedl, Ashley Simenson

14 Wendy Franklin, Rosalie Grant, Calin Graunke

15 Sean Peterson16 Billie Chock, Katie Henson17 Shannon Beltrand, Melanie Elstad, Nora

Slipka, Tory Spanier

18 Jeff Olson, Britta Reierson19 Carol Bruhn, Elisabeth Lofrano, Katherine

Lofrano, Grace Maschino, Aidan Schrein20 Allison Bauman, Greg Johnson, Liam

Langner, Nicole Rubertus24 Brenda Dalbec, Dave Henson, Andrew Ihde25 Jeff Demeules, Kay Klason, Hildy Palo, Jerry

Untiedt26 Alaina Grant, Kurt Lofrano, Lynda

Pavlovich, Alexis Svien, Kelsey Svien27 Mike Christensen, Lisa Hemmer, Emily

Lind, Sam Lodermeier28 Midge Amend, LoyAnn Anderson, Tom

Bigot, Alisha Klason, Bonnie Lotzer, Austin Wallace, Alex Williams, John Zerull

29 John Cardinal, Grace Nohner30 Nathan Donley, Linda Rosaaen, Liliana

Schroedl31 Amber Dawn Andrews, Mike Heinzen,

Nicole Kimball, DeeAnne Palan

March Anniversaries05 Paul & Nan Schoborg08 Lori & Dale Skogman18 Lowell & Maxine Johnson18 Rod & Tammy Schmidt19 Don & LoyAnn Anderson20 Michael & Kari Magaard21 Nate & Jen Peterson24 Doug & Becky Schaust

MARCH WORSHIP ASSISTANT SCHEDULEPlease note: If you are unable to serve on your assigned day, please arrange for a substitute and notify the church office. Thank you! Telephone: 763-972-2400 Email: lochrist@frontiernet.net

Wednesday, March 2, 2016 – 7:00 p.m. Council Rep: Bruce Beltrand Lector: Loree Kinney

Thank you for supporting Camp Noah.!Our Sunday School families made 15 blankets for children who will attend Camp Noah this summer. Camp Noah provides a safe, caring and fun environment where children build resiliency skills within the familiarity of their own communities, using a proven curriculum designed to help children process their disaster and/or trauma experience through creative activities and play. We hope to continue to support this great ministry!

The Beacon - March 2016 Ushers: Matt Coyle, Jason Engel, Cheryl Thomas

Sunday, March 6, 2016Council Rep: 8:15 a.m. Janine Holter 10:45 a.m. Robin OlsonGreeters: Bill & Sherri Field Greg & Melanie ElstadLector: Cheri Ashfeld Anne FarniokUshers: Penny Bailey, Loree Kinney, Dennis & Ginny Iverson Steve & Anne Farniok, Brad & Lisa SpencerAltar Guild: Ginny Iverson, Kim Niedzielski

Wednesday, March 9, 2016 – 7:00 p.m. Council Rep: John Schroedl Lector: Amber Becker Ushers: Chris Andrews, Greg Johnson, David & Linda Rosaaen

Sunday, March 13, 2016Council Rep: 8:15 a.m. Dan Langner 10:45 a.m. Robin OlsonGreeters: Rick & Wendy Haley Randy & Lisa HemmerLector: Rhonda Current Dale RussenbergerUshers: Dan & Laurie Langner, John & Tracy Magner Beck Coyle, Derek Schansberg

Dale & Janelle Russenberger

Wednesday, March 16, 2016 – 7:00 p.m. Council Rep: Lector: Tracy Bistodeau Ushers: John McClelland, Kent Wischmann

Sunday, March 20, 2016Council Rep: 8:15 a.m. 10:45 a.m. Robin OlsonGreeters: Amy Aylsworth, Jessica Holmer Brian & Aimee KettenackerLector: Becky Schaust Carol GalarneaultUshers: Penny Bailey, Doug & Becky Schaust John McClelland, Cheryl Thomas Altar Guild: Kim Niedzielski, JoMarie Williamson Kylee Amdor, Linda Moore

Maundy Thursday, March 24, 2016 – 7:00 p.m. Council Rep: Stacy VanCura Lector: Lisa Spencer Ushers: Brad, Lisa, Derek & Jordan Spencer Altar Guild: Linda Moore

Good Friday, March 25, 2016 – 7:00 p.m. Council Rep: Lector: Judy Crosby Ushers: Steve Crosby, Craig Schansberg, Wade & Holly Sprengeler

Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 8:00 am 9:30 am 11:00 am

Council Rep: Stacy VanCuraGreeters: Joel & Jan Lemke Tim & Cameron Leonard Dan & Jodi LindLector: Mary Johnson Loree Kinney Bob GielauUshers: Greg Johnson, John Zerull Penny Bailey, Lisa Boecker Bob Gielau, Jim Schafer, Cheryl Thomas

The Beacon - March 2016John Schroedl

Altar Guild:Kim Niedzielski, Jan Styve Ginny Iverson, Kim Wortz