Download - Farmington Lutheran Church May 2011 Newsletter

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Page 1: Farmington Lutheran Church May 2011 Newsletter

NOTE CHANGE

NOTE TIMES

Inside This Issue

2 FLC Family News 3 FLC In Action 4 From the Pastor 5 Council & Ministry Teams 6 FLC News 7 FLC In Action 9 Music News 10 Children’s Ministry News 11 Youth Ministry 12 May Service Groups 13 May Calendar 14 The Back Page

F a r mi n g t o n L u t h e r a n C h u rc h

M ay 2011

TH E LI G H T

Summer Worship Begins Later this Month

It’s May already, and that means that beginning on Memorial Day weekend (May 28/29), we will embark on our Summer Worship Schedule:

Saturday night worship at 5pm Sunday morning worship at 8:30 and 9:45am

This year, on the first Sunday of each month (June 5, July 3, Aug 7, Sept 4), the 9:45am service will be held outdoors on our grounds in the beauty of God’s creation.

Looking ahead: Worship Next Fall

Beginning the weekend after Labor Day (Sept 10/11), you will notice a slight change in our September-May Worship Schedule:

Saturday night worship at 5pm Sunday morning worship at 8:30 and 10:45am

Learning and Fellowship time at 9:45am History and Rationale: This schedule was approved by the Church Council after significant deliberation and input

from a number of ministry teams (including Worship & Music, Adult Spiritual Growth, Children’s Ministry).

The schedule is designed to include an expanded time between services to better accommodate fellowship and learning opportunities for people of all ages. In September of 2008, the Sunday morning schedule was changed to our current

schedule of 9:00 and 10:30am. Prior to that, Sunday services were held at 8:00 and 10:30.

This new 8:30/10:45 model will be more consistent with the historical Sunday morning pattern which provides earlier worship for those who so desire, offers an important fellowship and learning time between services, and still concludes wor-ship before noon.

The time between services will provide opportunities for (a) extended fellowship, (b) regular adult opportunities for education or informational forums on important issues, (c) additional Sunday School classes, and (d) Sunday morning Youth gatherings.

The schedule will reduce some of the rush between services for pastors, musicians, ushers, and worship leaders, will potentially ease some parking congestion, and will allow a des-ignated time for a third “middle” service when necessary on festival Sundays (i.e., Easter).

NOTE: Sunday School will continue to be offered concurrent with service times (as it is now) with classes offered between services as well.

PLANNING AHEAD: WORSHIP SCHEDULES Plant Pick-up

Don’t forget that if you ordered plants from the youth you may pick them up on Saturday, May 7th from 10:30am-11:30am. Please make arrangements to have

them picked up or call Arlan so he can set your order aside for later pick up.

Check out Page 6 to see who’s joining

us at FLC and who’s retiring!

AGAPE* at FLC

See the Back Page for Details

Page 2: Farmington Lutheran Church May 2011 Newsletter

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Farmington Lutheran Church 20600 Akin Road Farmington MN 55024

Office Hours 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, Friday

Telephone Numbers Office ………………………………. 651-463-4100 Fax ……………………………….…. 651-463-4101

Web Address www.farmingtonlutheran.org

Farmington Lutheran Staff Interim Senior Pastor Phil Walen Ext 203 [email protected]

Administrative Assistant Susan Swenson Ext 200 [email protected]

Director of Children’s Ministries Maria Tarpinian Ext 205 [email protected]

Director of Youth Ministries Arlan Olson Ext 207 [email protected]

Director of Music Ministries Karissa Dennis Ext. 206 [email protected]

Communications Coordinator Diane Schmidtke Ext 201 [email protected]

Business Manager Shelly Lassahn Ext 208 [email protected]

Treasurer, Greg Lambert

Spiritual Care Ministers Iris Briesacher Paul Houck Marilyn Emond Diane Randall Marie Sachs June Benson

Please contact Marie Sachs at 651-399-4244 or Sue Swenson at 651-463-4100 to schedule a visit from a Spiritual Care Minister.

FLC Family News

Baptized in April Chase Thomas Annis, son of Jeffrey and Leslie Annis Kayla Jane Annis, daughter of Jeffrey and Leslie Annis Emily Jean Atwood, daughter of Anthony and Erika Atwood Caleb John Jennison, son of Andrew and Carrie Jennison Evelyn Mary Jennison, daughter of Anthony and Anna Jennison Izabelle Lea Donnellan Siebenaler, daughter of Richard and Jane Siebenaler Andrew Richard Tahtinen, son of James and Sammi Tahtinen

Thank You!

We Mourned the Loss and Celebrated the Life of Margaret Gjerning

Thank you to Tom Ryan for purchasing new signs posted near the sanctuary entrance, defibrillator, outside doors, and one pointing out the restrooms and changing stations. Thanks also for the new usher name tags!

From 360 Communities Thank you for your investment in our community. Your gift to 360 Communi-ties is more than a donation to our organization. It is a personal statement of your desire to positively shape the future of our community.

On March 22, 2011 we received your gift of $500.00 and 77 pounds of food to support 360 Communities’ Farmington Food Shelf.

Thank you for being an ambassador of 360 Communities by telling others about our work in the community and your personal partnership with us.

Regards, Laurie Rieb, Director of Development

As this academic year comes to a close, I would like to thank all of the volunteers who have graciously and generously dedicated their time and musical gifts. I appreciate each of you, whether you sing in a choir, ring bells, partici-pate in a Praise Band, are a piano accompanist, or have provided special music. It is so rewarding to share fellowship together and praise God with our voices and instruments!

Each of you is a blessing to our music program and congregation… Karissa Dennis, Director of Music Ministries

Thank You Volunteers! A special thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who have helped make our Children’s Ministries programs run so smoothly this past school year! Don’t forget to thank a volunteer today!!

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Helpful Information

Sometimes in our day-to-day life we could use a little help. This column and the items in it could be just what your looking for.

Prayer Chain Requests If you have a prayer request for the Prayer Chain, simply fill in your request on the yellow card available at weekly services, send a request via the link on the FLC website, or contact: Iris Briesacher at 651-463-7043 or viae-mail at [email protected].

Address Change? Please notify the church office if your snail mail or e-mail address changes — 651-463-4100 or [email protected].

Community Outreach If you need assistance for daily needs of living, please check out the links provided on the FLC website: www.farmingtonlutheran.org Click on Ministry Teams, Outreach and Growth, and Community Outreach.

Hospitalized? Please call the church office for a pastoral visit - 651-463-4100.

Personal Information Policy It is the policy of Farmington Lutheran Church (FLC) that all personal information, including but not limited to home address, e-mail addresses and phone numbers (home, work or cell) be treated with care. All personal information received by FLC and entered into our database (Servant Keeper) or contained in our Member Directory, will not be shared or sold to any outside vendors or solicitors. Personal information will not be used to distribute information not affiliated with church business. Any personal information obtained will be for FLC use only and all who are employed or volunteer at FLC will adhere to this policy. The deadline for the June 2011 issue of Farmington Lutheran Church’s The Light is May 15. Email comments and/or submissions to the editor, Diane Schmidtke, at: [email protected] or drop off your information in the church office.

FLC In Action

Baptism Class If you would like to be baptized or if you have a child or children to be baptized, please plan on attending the next baptism class at FLC on Thursday, July 21, 2011 from 7-8 pm. Register at the Welcome Center in the |Gathering Area or call the church office at 651-463-4100. Child care available.

OWLs - Older Wiser Lutherans Join the OWLs on Wednesday mornings at FLC beginning at 9:30 a.m. for Bible study, devotions, coffee and fellowship.

Welcome New Members!

On Saturday, April 30th and Sunday, May 1st, Farmington Lutheran Church will be blessed with new members! Please stop and introduce yourself and welcome them into our church family.

Dan, Colleen, Aliyah & Blake Emerson

Curt Hjort & Heidi Thompsen

Jon Fellows & Amber Janaszak

Kevin, Anitra, Clara & Drew Kurtzweil

Marvin & Maxine Priebe

Brian, Stacie, Kelin & Brody Rasmussen

Clint, Jackie, Paige & Landon Williams

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Wow! What a great Easter Sunday celebration we experienced at FLC this year! On that Easter morning, the shout went up from nearly 1500 people that “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!” The Youth led off the morning at our early (6:30) “Sonrise” service. What a marvelous sight to see all those young people up so early! Oh, but more than that, what joy filled my heart to see so many of them laughing, loving, and leading us in worship – and then working so hard to serve pancakes to so many hungry people. And speaking of kids, before the morning was over, there were “hundreds” (I mean that literally!) of young children who came forward, stood on the chancel steps, and with their voices, their smiles, and their actions, they helped to tell the story of Jesus all the way through to resurrection. Thanks be to God for a congre-gation that is so full of young life! But Easter at FLC was for all the generations, from youngest to oldest, and the sanctuary was filled to capacity with God’s people, with two of the services spilling over all the way to the middle of the Gathering Area – people who were ready to hear the Good News of God’s promise of victory over sin and death as it was announced in scripture, through marvelous music, in words of faith, and in the meal of bread and wine. I think the only frustration may have been the parking situation, and for that I apologize. What a great problem to have, though, and besides, it was an absolutely gorgeous morning for a nice, long walk. So Easter was a “Wow”, just as it should be. And I am so thankful for that, because there is a better than 50/50 chance that this was my final Easter at FLC. In fact, the “new life” of this Easter celebration was just one more indication that FLC is getting ever closer to bringing an end to this transitional/interim time so as to get on with calling new pastoral leadership for the future. In my best crystal ball (no, that isn’t right) – in my best prophetic foresight(!), at Easter next year, I envision a new senior pastor having arrived or soon to arrive. The Transition Task Force will complete their work this summer and offer their report. There is every reason to foresee a Call Committee for a new senior pastor being formed in the early fall and then embarking on the important work of creating a detailed congregational profile for use in matching the ministry and mission of FLC with the gifts of potential candidates. That is a process that takes a number of months and includes eventual interviews, a selection process, and finally the relocation time for a new pastor. However, I believe FLC is in position to see all that come to pass in the next year –

maybe even by Easter? Wow! Look at the new life Christ Jesus has breathed into this community of faith here at FLC. Along with Pastor Janel joining us this month and the culmination of the Strengthening Faith campaign which raised nearly $400,000 to attack our debt situation, Easter provided one more strong indication of how God is leading us into the future, and although I love my ministry here with you, I am also very excited for the new life among us and what God has in store for Farmington Lutheran. Yes, indeed, God’s people at FLC really raised the Easter shout this year: “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!”

Blessings, Pastor Phil

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From the Pastor

Church Council Notes …

At the April meeting, the Council met with Mike Pahl to review the new FLC website design that Mike is developing. The redeveloped website is intended to be more user friendly with increased interactive tools and should be fully operational within a few weeks.

Pastor Phil reported on Holy Week and Easter prepara-tions. He also shared that the Capital Appeal commitments were closing in on $400,000.

Shelby Lunzer reported on behalf of the Finance Team that the projected Jan – Mar expenses were right on target, but again in March, the income was somewhat below expectations. The Finance Committee will continue to monitor this situation. As promised at the Annual Meeting, a detailed published 1st Quarter Financial Report will be distributed to the congregation at worship services on Sunday, April 17. [Note: Copies available by calling the church office.]

The Special Congregational Meeting set for Sunday, April 17, to call Janel Kuester as part-time Pastor of Congrega-tional Care was discussed. Pastor Phil explained the process for calling a first-call pastor, and the Council passed a resolution to recommend Janel to the congrega-tion for call.

The Council approved the dates for and the recipients of the proceeds from the Annual Garage Sale. It will be held on April 29 and 30 with 75% of the proceeds

THIS EASTER!!! … NEXT EASTER???

Pastor Phil Walen

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Please Join Us

Farmington Lutheran Church has many opportunities for participation - ministry teams, small groups, and Christian education to name a few - and you are welcome to join in at any time.

If you would like more information about the ministry activities here at FLC or to find out how to get involved, contact the church office at 651-463-4100 / [email protected] or one of the contacts listed in the Ministry Team Meeting Schedule below.

May Ministry Team Meeting Schedule

Adult Spiritual Growth Monday, May 16 6:30 pm Contact: Shelby Lunzer 651-463-8696 / [email protected]

Altar Guild Mondy, May 2 6:30 pm Contact: Susan Brinkman 651-463-7397 Bread for the World Not Meeting in May Children’s Ministries Monday, May 16 6:30 pm Contact: Alison Wenck 651-460-2667 / [email protected]

Fellowship & Service Monday, May 16 6:30 pm Contact: Connie Honrud 651-463-2475 / [email protected]

Global Missions Tuesday, May 17 6:30 pm Contact: Chris Patsche 651-463-2078 / [email protected]

Morning Glory Circle Thursday, May 19 9:30 am Outreach & Growth Monday, May 16 6:30 pm Contact: Phyllis Blees 952-432-4673 / [email protected]

Property Tuesday, May 17 6:30 pm Contact: Chris Birch 952-432-2850 / [email protected]

Quilting Circle Thursday, May 12 & 26 9:00 am Stewardship Not Meeting in May Contact: Kent Porter 763-218-7151 / [email protected]

Strategic Planning Not Meeting in May Contact: Jim Harper 651-463-2575 / [email protected]

Violet Circle Tuesday, May 17 1:30 pm Worship & Music Tuesday, May 17 6:30 pm Contact: Julie Michels 651-463-7105 / [email protected]

Youth Tuesday, May 17 6:30 pm Contact: Rick Fencl 651-460-2699 / [email protected]

Council & Ministry Teams

allocated to Women’s Ministry and 25% for Youth Mission Trips.

The Council adopted a resolution to create a Safe Haven Policy workgroup. The purpose of a Safe Haven Policy is to insure the safety of our children (physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual) while they are in our care. It also provides protection for adults who work with children. The intent is to have our FLC policy updated and in place by the fall of 2012.

The Council voted to approve a change in Sunday morning worship times for the fall, with services at 8:30 and 10:45, to include a fellowship/education hour at 9:45. The Saturday night worship services would remain at 5pm. [Note: See related article on page 1]

The Transition Task Force reported that the TTF Staffing Team has completed their interviews with the staff and will soon interview Council members and key volunteers. The entire TTF is currently working on a congregational survey instrument.

The Human Resources team is in the midst of inter-views for the vacant Facilities Management position.

Transitional Task Force Update

The Transitional Task Force will be providing an opportunity for the congregation and members to offer input and suggestions to plan for the future of Farmington Lutheran Church. A survey will be made available during the first few weeks of May in paper form and online. The survey will also be mailed to all members that do not pick up a survey between services. Please watch for the survey and let your thoughts, ideas and input be included in this important planning tool for our congregation.

Volunteer Opportunity - Altar Guild

If you’re looking for somewhere to serve at FLC, this may be for you! In their designated month, Altar Guild members: Fill the Communion cups Clean the altar area Fill candles with oil and replace wicks Maintain the acolyte robes and supplies

The Altar Guild will be having its semi-annual meeting at FLC on Monday, May 2nd at 6:30 pm and everyone is welcome. Please contact Susan Brinkman with questions at 651-463-7397

FLC’s Annual Salad Luncheon Thursday, June 16th from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Watch for volunteer and salad sign-ups in mid-May!

Page 6: Farmington Lutheran Church May 2011 Newsletter

FLC News

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FLC to welcome Pastor Janel Kuester At the Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, April 17th, the congregation over-whelmingly voted to call Janel Kuester as part-time Pastor of Congregational Care. Pastor Janel will join our ministry team beginning on May 9th and will serve half-time at FLC. As a first-call candidate, Pastor Janel is now eligible to be ordained into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament, a worship event that will be held at her home congregation, House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Oakdale, on Saturday, May 14th. A special “Service of Installa-tion” will be part of our Sunday morning services here at FLC on Sunday, May 22nd.

Pastor Janel served briefly here at FLC last summer as a “pastoral assistant,” so she already has some familiarity with our faith community. She brings to us a wealth of gifts well suited to our present needs in this period of transition, not the least of which is a personality that bubbles over with the joy of Christ Jesus and a passion to share the Good News in the world. We are excited to welcome Pastor Janel among us. Please keep her in your prayers as she experiences these exciting transitions and celebrations in her life of faith.

Sue Swenson to retire After 16 years of faithful, dedicated service working in the FLC office, Sue Swenson is “retiring” from her position of administrative assistant to concentrate more on … well, on her grandchildren and some new projects and just plain having fun in retirement (not that working here at FLC wasn’t fun!). Sue has been a delightful mainstay in the church office, and we will certainly miss her – but we wish her only the best with her future.

Since this is Sue’s church home as well as her workplace, she really won’t be leaving us. Nevertheless, we are planning a “thanksgiving” reception for Sue on Sunday morning, May 22nd, where you will be able to personally share a word of gratitude with her.

Service of Ordination for

Janel Lynn Kuester

When: Saturday, May 14th, 2011

Ordination Service begins at 1 pm

Where: House of Prayer Lutheran Church

6039-40th Street North

Oakdale, MN 55128

Church Phone: 651.777.1607

A Light Lunch will be served following service

Please RSVP by phoning Janel at 651.330.9411 or

Emailing [email protected]

They called the church together

and told of all that God had done with them, how God had opened a door of faith for all people.

Acts 14:27

Thanks be to God for the generous response of God’s people at FLC to the Strengthening Faith Together Capital Appeal. As of Easter Sunday, 276 commitment cards had been returned with a total of just over $380,000 in financial gifts (both initial gifts and three-year pledges). With additional commitments still to come, we look forward to breaking the $400,000 threshold.

As these monies come in over in the upcoming weeks and months, we will first of all be able to eliminate the onerous “assessment” debt (City/County assessments that were levied for improvements with the new building), thereby saving thousands of dollars in interest and eliminating that significant budget line item in future years. Once that step is accomplished, we will use the remaining funds to begin paying down the principal on our large mortgage debt. All of this is intended to better position FLC financially for our future.

Page 7: Farmington Lutheran Church May 2011 Newsletter

Women’s Book Club Tuesday, May 3rd - 7:00 pm at FLC

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards

Bring a friend and join us for fellowship and discussion around the monthly book selection. Recommendations

for books to read are welcome!

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Mother’s Day and graduation are just around the corner! Pick up a SCRIP gift card as a present & help the church at the same time! Remember, SCRIP cards are for more than just gifts! Consider purchasing SCRIP cards for your every-day shopping needs. “Shopping cards” are available for the places you shop every day: grocery stores, gas stations, department and discount stores, and restaurants (NEW – Target gift cards are now available!). We have a wide variety of popular cards on-hand every week, and if you don’t see what you want, we can probably order it for you! A portion of each card sold will come back to the church to help support the ministry of FLC.

Find more information and purchase SCRIP cards at the SCRIP table, which will be set up on Sundays between services. An all-inclusive list of participating stores is available. Cards ordered Sunday are available for pick-up the following week.

You can help sell cards, too! We are looking for volunteers to help sell SCRIP gift cards on Sunday mornings. Please con-tact Mara Ceason – 651-463-8660 or [email protected] – if you’d be willing to volunteer.

SCRIP at FLC

Craft Nite Out Bring friends and chat while you do your craft on Friday, May 6th from 6:00 – Midnight. Baked potato bar provided by Women’s Ministry!! Hope to see you there! If you have any questions please email Alison at [email protected].

FLC In Action

The Youth are in need of donations of soda (Coke or Pepsi products are preferred)

and candy/chips for the vending machines. All money raised helps send a kid to summer camp!!

Please bring donations to the church office. Thank you!

Mark your calendars!! Senior Recognition Sunday is June 5th at the 10:30 service.

Another truly AWESOME group of young people that God has blessed us with. So join us as we celebrate this huge milestone in the

lives of our 12th graders.

Adopt a Kitchen Cupboard! The Fellowship & Service Ministry Team would like to invite you to Adopt a Kitchen Cupboard as a way to keep the kitchen neat and clean. You would be responsible for periodically cleaning out your adopted cupboard. Pick the one you want now! Sign your name to the card located inside the cupboard door. Thank you!

Page 8: Farmington Lutheran Church May 2011 Newsletter

FLC In Action

Job Connections Group Prince of Peace, Christian Life Center

13901 Fairview Drive - Burnsville, MN 55337 Information Hotline: 952-898-9388

While there are job groups all over the metro area, the Job Connections Group goes beyond just mutual support. A dedicated group of volunteers have partnered

for years to combine knowledge and support into a weekly Job Connections Group which meets Tuesday evenings from 6:30 - 8:15 p.m. at the Prince of

Peace Christian Life Center in Burnsville.

For a list of upcoming workshops, go to www.princeofpeaceonline.org/jcg.

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Garland Hall Orphanage Update The following message was received from Pastor Tom Nyman, written from his winter home in Florida. Tom is the former Director of Mission Jamaica and is currently on the Board of Directors.

Easter Blessings. Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Greetings from Captiva Island. I've been in frequent communicate with our friends at Garland Hall Children's Home.

Gwen Woodit reports that she currently has 34 children in residence at Garland Hall Children's Home. They are all well.

The children all have school uniforms and shoes now. They are still glad for the towels we brought for them in February.

Because of some generous gifts, the children were able to go on a spring break trip to Black River. They had a wonderful time there and on the bus ride to and from.

We provided "Easter Buns," for their Easter celebration. Easter bins are a Jamaican Easter tradition. (They're like hot cross buns).

Thank to all who have given gifts this past year. Because of your gifts, these two treats were possible.

Soon summer will be over in Minnesota - Oh Wait. It hasn't come yet!!

Soon it will be spring, grass and flowers will grow in the vast northland and we will bask in the beauty of the earth around us.

While making your plans for summer, might I suggest that you circle February 1-8, 2012 on your calendar.

Those are the dates for our Mission Trip back to Garland Hall Children's Home. The cost will be similar to the fees this year and depend upon from whence you come.

There is more work to be done. There are more children to be hugged. There will be more times for shared devotions and meals as we celebrate our common ministry. There is a place for you on the trip as we minister to some of the poorest children.

Keep them in your prayers.

Blessings, Tom

Lace up those Walking Shoes! Simple Steps Program Aims

to Get Residents Walking

Dakota County residents are invited to step up and step out this spring – and start walking. For the fifth year, Dakota County is sponsoring the Simple Steps program as a fun, easy way for people to improve their health. People who walk regularly will be eligible for prizes, including Simple Steps reflective arm band and gift cards. The program is free and runs through August 31. New this year is a Simple Steps Facebook page (search for Dakota County Simple Steps) where participants can share ideas about favorite walking trails, discuss how they stay motivated, and learn about walking events in the county.

Any adult who lives or works in Dakota County is invited to participate in Simple Steps, along with friends and neighbors. Participants can either form a new group or join an existing group of walkers. A group can be just one additional person or as many as 12 people. Sign up by visiting the Simple Steps Web site (www.DakotaCounty.us - search Simple Steps) or Facebook page, or by calling 651-554-6100.

W W I I RE - E N A C T M E N T E V E N T S C H E D U L E D MAY 2 1- 2 2A T DA K O T A CI T Y

Dakota City’s second annual World War II Historical Re-enactment event will take place Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dakota City Heritage Village in Farmington. More than 20 living history organi-zations will portray American, British, Canadian, Russian and German soldiers.

The admission charge will be $5.00 for those 13 years and older, $3.00 for chil-dren ages 3 through 12 and $10 per carload. Children under three will enter free.

Dakota City is located at 4008-220th St. W. on the fairgrounds in Farmington. For information, visit the village’s web site at www.dakotacity.org or call Boorom at 612-432-2231 or Dakota City at 651-460-8050.

Page 9: Farmington Lutheran Church May 2011 Newsletter

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Sunday Music Performance Schedule:

May 1 9:00 & 10:30am Tim Grundler, solo May 8 9:00am Sanctuary Choir; Jansen family, song 10:30am SonShine Singers and Hallelujah Bells May 15 9:00 & 10:30am SonShine Singers, Music Celebration Hallelujah Bells, Sanctuary Choir, Joyful Ringers, Wee Sing (9am only) May 22 All services Praise Band May 29 9:45am Special Music Summer time change

Music News

Choir & Bell Rehearsal Schedule Wednesdays (through May 11) 4:30-5:00pm Little Lambs (18 months–Age 3, with a parent) Lisa Molitor, Director 4:30-5:00pm SonShine Singers (Grades 2 – 5) Karissa Dennis, Director 5:00-5:30pm Wee Sing 1 (Age 4 – 1st Grade) Lisa Molitor, Director 5:30-6:00pm Wee Sing 2 (Age 4 – 1st Grade) Lisa Molitor, Director 5:30-6:00pm Hallelujah Bells (Grades 3 – 8) Karissa Dennis, Director 6:00-7:00pm Joyful Ringers (Grades 9 – Adults) Karissa Dennis, Director 7:00-8:00pm Sanctuary Choir (Grades 9 – 12 & Adults) Karissa Dennis, Director

Last Day of Choir & Bell Rehearsals: May 11th!

SPECIAL MUSIC CELEBRATION! Save the Date: Sunday, May 15,

for a Special Music Celebration here at FLC, in which the Sanctuary Choir, Joyful Ringers,

SonShine Singers, Hallelujah Bells, and Wee Sing will sing and play at the morning

services. We invite you to attend and celebrate the dedication and hard work these musicians have put

in this past year! We pray that you will be inspired by the fun, beautiful music that has

been prepared. Come join us!

Praise Band will rehearse Monday, May 16 th, at 7pm.

If you are interested in offering Special Music

during a service this summer, whether you sing or play an instru-ment, please contact Karissa.Our

congregation would love to hear you share your musical gifts!

Thank you.

I have made fun of Lutherans for years - who wouldn't, if you lived in Minnesota? But I have also sung with Lutherans and that is one of the main joys of life, along with hot baths and fresh sweet corn.

We make fun of Lutherans for their blandness, their excessive calm, their fear of giving offense, their lack of speed and also for their secret fondness for macaroni and cheese. But nobody sings like they do.

If you ask an audience in New York City, a relatively Lutheranless place, to sing along on the chorus of 'Michael Row the Boat Ashore,' they will look daggers at you as if you had asked them to strip to their under-wear. But if you do this among Lutherans they'll smile and row that boat ashore and up on the beach! And down the road!

Lutherans are bred from childhood to sing in four-part harmony. It's a talent that comes from sitting on the lap of someone singing alto or tenor or bass and hearing the harmonic intervals by putting your little head against that person's rib cage. It's natural for Lutherans to sing in harmony. We're too modest to be soloists, too worldly to sing in unison. When you're singing in the key of C and you slide into the A7th and D7th chords, all two hundred of you, it's an emotionally fulfilling moment.

I once sang the bass line of Children of the Heavenly Father in a room with about three thousand Lutherans in it; and when we finished, we all had tears in our eyes, partly from the promise that God will not forsake us, partly from the proximity of all those lovely voices. By our joining in harmony, we somehow promise that we will not forsake each other.

Singing With the Lutherans By Garrison Keillor

Karissa Dennis, Director of Music Ministries

[email protected]

Page 10: Farmington Lutheran Church May 2011 Newsletter

Camp Emmaus June 17th – 18th For kids currently in 2nd & 3rd grade This new overnight camp will take place right here at FLC! Find out more information and pick up a registration form at the Children’s Ministries bulle-tin board! Registration forms and camp fee are due May 15th!

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Children’s Ministry News

Wednesday Meal Menu

May 4 – Spaghetti, Green Beans, Garlic Bread, Ice Cream Sandwich, Beverage May 11 – Pizza, Corn, Fruit, Brownies, Beverage (Last Day)

If you would like a night off from cooking for your family, please join us for a time of food and fellowship each Wednesday from 5:30-6pm. Prices are as follows: Adult/Youth - $3.50, Children 3-5 - $2.00, Under 3 – Free (if sharing plate with adult). Please contact Maria to register your family for Wednesday Meals.

Important! If your family is signed up for Wednesday Meals and you can’t make it to eat, please contact Maria so she can let the cooks know not to prepare a meal for your family.

Last Day of Classes Mark your calendar! The last day of classes at Farmington Lu-theran will be held on Sunday, May 8th and Wednesday, May 11th. On Sunday, kids will be enjoying group games and ice cream sundaes! On Wednesday, we’ll have a special musical guest – Agape! See the extra announcement on the back page for more information about Agape.

2011-2012 Sunday/Wednesday Class Times and Registration

Sunday & Wednesday school registration for the 2011-2012 school year will be coming soon! We’re working on updat-ing our website and online registration, which will be com-pleted sometime mid-May. Keep an eye on newsletters, bul-letins, and weekly email updates for registration information! The following are proposed class options for the fall (please take note of the NEW fall worship schedule!):

Sunday 8:45am (Worship will be at 8:30am – kids be-gin in worship with parents)

Sunday 9:45am (during our NEW education hour!) Sunday 11:00am (Worship will be at 10:45am – kids

begin in worship with parents) Wednesday 4:30pm Wednesday 6:00pm

Dates: July 25th – 29th Time: 9am - noon Ages: For kids entering Kindergarten through 6th grade in 2011 (a 3’s & 4’s class will be offered for volunteers’ children). NEW this year – KiC ROCKS! – a “week of service” for kids entering 5th & 6th grade. Cost: $25 for the first child, $20 for each additional child, $70 family maximum. Scholarships are available upon request. (All requests are confidential.) Each family will receive a VBS music CD with their registration and FREE t-shirt if you register by June 15th!

Vacation Bible School 2011

Register online (http://www.farmingtonlutheran.org/vacation_bible_school.htm) or pick up a registration form at church.

Maria Tarpinian, Director of Children’s Ministries

651-463-4100 ext 205 [email protected]

Check out the back page for information on

AGAPE* in concert at FLC and the

ELCA Day at Valley Fair!!

Page 11: Farmington Lutheran Church May 2011 Newsletter

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The Youth Team meets at FLC on Tuesday, May 17th

beginning at 6:30 pm.

May Confirmation Sign-ups Greeter Schedule Sat, Apr 30 5:00 Tyler Morical, Jen Sun, May 1 9:00 Megan & Rachel Rebnord, Tony & Mary 10:30 Sarah Curtis, Peggy Sat, May 7 5:00 Kyle & Ryan Roby, Chris Sun, May 8 9:00 Jay Burditt, Michelle & Gary 10:30 Madison Farran, Chris & Kristie Sat, May 14 5:00 Tyler Morical, Jen Sun, May 15 9:00 Sarah Curtis, Peggy 10:30 Kayla Peterson, Mat & Kim Sat. May 21 5:00 Tyler Wenck & Family Sun. May 22 9:00 10:30 Leah Hammond & Jordyn Homeier Sat, May 28 5:00 Sun. May 29 8:30 Hailey Monroe & Gina Mercurio 9:45 Sarah Curtis, Peggy

Acolyte Schedule Sat, Apr 30 5:00 Morgan Baumbach Sun, May 1 9:00 Derek Cole, Bailey Wexler, Matthew Yaptinchay 10:30 Reed Collins, Sam Wilson, Joe Wilson Sat, May 7 5:00 Ryan Roby Sun, May 8 9:00 Sam Wilson, Joe Wilson 10:30 Tanner Sundt, Darby Grengs, Hanna Sundt Sat, May 14 5:00 Cody Bali Sun, May 15 9:00 Mitch Grengs, Tara Sauber 10:30 Allie Welter, Sarah Curtis, Brenna Snesrud Sat. May 21 5:00 Sun. May 22 9:00 Jordyn Homeier, Leah Hammond, Matthew Yaptinchay 10:30 Hanna Sundt, Tanner Sundt, Darby Grengs Sat, May 28 5:00 Sun. May 29 8:30 Matthew Yaptinchay 9:45 Gina Mercurio, Hailey Monroe

Youth Ministry

Mission Trip Meeting Sunday, May 22nd at noon

in the youth room for all youth going to Sault Ste Marie this summer.

6-8th Grade Summer Mystery Trips!!

6, 7, 8th graders do you like a good mystery? The summer of 2011 we are teaming up with

Light of the World and St. Michaels to offer three Mystery Trips all on Wednesdays-June 15th, July 6 & 20th. What is a Mystery Trip you ask? It is a

day of service and fun-half the day we will be God’s Hands in the community and the second half will be a time for enjoying fun and fellow-

ship. The Mystery Trips will also help you fulfill your retreat expectations for confirmation 2010/11 if you haven’t already met them. The cost is $20 for each trip or $10 if a parent helps out. We will be brown bagging it to hold down costs. Check

the youth board for sign-ups, Mystery Trip release form and more information. We do have limited

spots for the Mystery Trips. On Thursday, August 4th it is off to ValleyFair for a reduced cost of $25 (this DOES NOT fulfill the retreat expectation).

9-12th Grade - Adventure Trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior!! We are heading back for another three days, two nights at Tettegouche State Park July 21-23, 2011. Come join us and enjoy AWESOME scenery, God’s masterpiece at work in the beautiful scenery of Lake Superior and its North Shore. Enjoy GREAT food, cooked over an open campfire. Enjoy GREAT fellowship and devotion times with friends!! And did I mention Bears? Check out the youth board for details. Cost to be determined.

May 6/7th - Box City and 30 Hour Famine Did you know that a total of 2,726 children age 17 and younger experienced homelessness with their parents every night last year according to the latest surveys? That is just in the Twin Cities. Come experience what it’s like to be without a warm place to stay. What does it feel like to go to bed hungry and cold? Let’s make a difference. Pick up one of the pledge sheets and sign up on the youth board to be a part of the change. This is for all 9-12th graders sign up is on the youth board!!

5th Grade Youth & Parent Confirmation Meal & Meeting

Wednesday, May 18th 6:00 pm

This is for all parents and youth that are in 5th grade. Enjoy a meal and learn what to expect as

your young person prepares for confirmation.

7/8th Grade Lock-in Friday, May 20th @ 8pm-8am.

Catch the last lock-in before summer!! A night of NO SLEEP-sounds like fun to me! It will be a night of food, games, bonfire and friends. Check the youth board for sign-ups. The cost is, bring snacks and soda to share!! WE NEED PARENTS TO HELP OUT!!!!!

Arlan Olson, Director of Youth Ministries

[email protected]

Page 12: Farmington Lutheran Church May 2011 Newsletter

12

May Service Groups

Every member is assigned to one of 12 monthly serving groups. Please prayerfully consider what you can do to help out at FLC this month when you are contacted by your May chairperson. Thank you!

Altar Guild

Tricia Murphy Becky Ruud Elaine McGonigle

Worship Coordinators

May 1 Vern & Pam Schoolmeester

May 8 Open

May 15 Vern & Pam Schoolmeester

May 22 Connie Honrud

May 29 Open

Prayer Teams

Week of: May 1 Team 2 Teri Cordes, Alison Wenck, Sara Pechauer, Alleen Wicktor, Pat Sweet

May 8 Team 3 Autumn Enright, Michelle Beauvais, Lea Guenther, Shelby Lunzer, Amy Bache

May 15 Team 4 Blanche Reichert, Sharon Schiller, Iris Briesacher, Marce Danner, Phyllis Brunelle

May 22 Team 5 Dale & Leslie Pettis, Barb & Tuffy Westenberg

May 29 Team 6 Jeanne Trygstad, Della Parker, Darlene Hagen, Elaine McGonigle, Marion Pelach

Saturday, 5:00 Richard & Nancy Cornair

Usher Schedule May 7 - June 5

Sunday, 9:00 Roger Wood (Cap) Blanche Reichert Kent Porter Trent Wood Jason Conway

Sunday, 10:30 Carrol Westenberg (Cap) Barb Westenberg Bryan Hoeve Denise May Aamon Garvey

Please see the Youth News on Page 11 for the schedule of Confirmation Student Acolytes and Greeters.

Lay Readers

May 1 9:00 Becky Blood 10:30 Ann Mikiska

May 8 9:00 Mark Kiecker 10:30 Megan Elliott

May 15 9:00 Sara Getting 10:30 Craig Benson

May 22 9:00 Dave Baumbach 10:30 Diane Randall

May 29 8:30 Lura Jackson 9:45 Cathy Johnson

Agerter, Jared & Theresa Albrecht, Jonathan & Dawn Amundson, Jake & Sonia Anderson, Kari Bauer, Tracy & Jackie Baumbach, David & Janet Beltz, Mark & Karen Bennis, Scott & Kari Blood, Rick & Becky Bostrom, Dean & Michelle Brunner, Chuck & Kim Buckman, Kevin & Tricia Castle, Orville & Shirley Derner, Marion Dickerson, Matt & Sarah Ehmer, David & Sonya

Fuller, Andy & Allison Garvey, Aamon & Staci Harper, Jim & Wanda Heidelberger, Kevin & Lori Heller, Scott & Denise Herkenratt, Carol Hodgkins, Brent & Dallas Hodgkins, Robert & Michelle Johnson, Richard & Dawn Johnson, Travis & Dani Johnston, Jeff & Sharon Jones, Jeffrey & Cheryl Jones, Ruth Kaldunski, Tom & Cindy Kolander, Judy Lafferty, Derek & Melanie

Lippert, Joe & Vicky Lysholm, Duane & Nancy Monroe, Trevor & Suzanne Nelson, Tracy & Julie O'Connor, Pat & Cindy Pietsch, Gloria Quaal, Bruce & Kristen Schiller, Tara Simon, Nathan & Dawn Sloss, Marlis Smedshammer, Todd & Marcia Stoa, Robert & Jerilyn Vraa, Tiffany Whittier, Karen Wood, Roger & Shirley Zimmer, Erwin & Janet

Page 13: Farmington Lutheran Church May 2011 Newsletter
Page 14: Farmington Lutheran Church May 2011 Newsletter

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 3 Farmington, MN

55024 Farmington Lutheran Church 20600 Akin Road Farmington, MN 55024

Change Service Requested

SPARK is a place that all the 9-12th graders are welcome! Come check us out!

May 1 Worship Field Trip May 6 30 Hour Famine / Tent City May 11 AGAPE* Concert May 13 Feed My Starving Children May 22 Faith Story May 29 SPARKIES

Check out the SPARK website for more information at www.sparkyouthgroup.com!

Agape* is coming! Christian hip hop artist,

Agape*, will be at FLC on Wednesday, May 11th.

Everyone is invited to join us for his concert from 7-8pm that

evening. Agape will be spending an extra hour with Wednesday school students

from 6-7pm that night as part of their end-of-year celebration. Hope you can join us for this extra special night! To learn more about Agape, visit his

website - www.hiphopoutreach.com.

ELCA Day at Valleyfair! Looking for a fun family activity? The St. Paul Area Synod is planning an ELCA day at Valleyfair on Monday, June 20th. The park will be open that day from 10am-10pm. Cost is $20.50 per person. Purchase tickets that day between 9:30-11:30am at the ELCA ticket window (checks must be made payable to St. Paul Area Synod or bring cash – full price tickets can be purchased with a credit card). Invite a friend and go have fun!

May 8, 2011

The FLC Men’s Softball Team is 2-0 (with one rain-out)! Come and support our team! All Games are played at Aronson Park in Lakeville!

Tue 5/3/2011 8:00pm Faith Covenant vs. Farmington Lutheran Field 2 Mon 5/9/2011 9:00pm Farmington Lutheran vs. Crossroads Church Field 2 Tue 5/17/2011 8:00pm Farmington Lutheran vs. Hosanna Lutheran #2 Field 2 Tue 5/17/2011 9:00pm Farmington Lutheran vs. Hope Church Field 2 Tue 5/24/2011 9:00pm Mt. Olivet A of G #1 vs. Farmington Lutheran Field 2