ast summer was one of transformation for me. As I headed off to work at WCC summer camp, I thought that I would be going back to Iowa State in the fall to begin my junior year. But BOY, was I wrong! As I pulled out of Pilgrim Point for the last time of the summer, I instantly had this overwhelming craving to relive all that had taken place while at sum-mer camp. It was not a familiar feeling and as I returned home, that was all I

could think about. I thought that maybe it was sadness, because I was leaving the place that had been home for the last month and a half -- but the feeling never passed. So, after a couple weeks at home, I sat down to have coffee with Allen Hilton and talk with him about what I was feeling to try to make sense of it all. After I was finished describing my insatiable desire to serve, the only words that came out of Allen’s mouth were “That’s God”. Then it hit me. What I was doing at camp was serving children of God, and in turn serving God. That feeling was God’s way of telling me to continue what I had started at camp. I had been going to school for myself; getting good grades to get ME a good job, but that left me feeling empty. By serving all the kids who went to camp, I was able to serve God and at the same time fill that emptiness. In Matthew 25:40 it says “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” I feel called to serve and I wish to make an impact in the world, and hopefully that impact can inspire others to do the same.Editors Note: Tyler Sanford is serving as an intern with WCC’s Middle School Ministry program.

WAYZATA COMMUNITY CHURCHinspire the world

Called to Serve God’sChildren

In this issueCelebrations & Transitions 2John Ross: The Whole Story 3 Lindy Purdy: Dare to Care 4The Sleep Out, Called to Care 5Summer Camp 2013 7Generosity 10Frank Bennett: Callings 14 J Term: Adult Faith & Learning 16

Volume 35, Number 1 l January 2013

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By TyLER SANFORD

Tyler (top right) at a WCC children’s camp session last summer.

Celebrations & transitionsCelebrationsBirths• LukeJosephO’BrienbornonNovember28;proudparentsareSara(Minors)&JoeO’Brien;happygrandparentsareDick&LeeMinors.• JamesOwenJezbornonDecember4;proudparentsareRandee(Carlson)&JakubJez;happygrandparentsareRich&RobinCarlson.

BaptismsNovember 25• ElsaGabrielaKurtzman,daughterofBrett&HeatherKurtzman.• AjaValentinaSwedenborg,daughterofSteven&RosalynSwedenborg.December 9• GunnarJamesBassett,sonofPeter&MeghanBassett.• WestonBrooksAlstead,sonofRyan&MeghanAlstead.• MiaJaneMorgan,daughterofPatrick&MichelleMorgan.• DeklanJonThomasGraff,sonofNathan&KimberlyGraff.

Marriages• AlysonGangstee&NathanNeblungonNovember17.

CaresRecently HospitalizedDorisDietzDave MellenDenaNaylorAmelia SarenpaCliff WallaceSharon Westman

Condolences• Julie,Anna&GinaChristofaroonthedeathofJulie’smother,MildredElaineReyburn,onNovember15inKalamazoo,MI.• TamiParker,BrianGill&familiesonthedeathoftheirson,AnthonyRaymondGill,onNovember16.• JohnTitsworthandfamilyonthedeathofhisbrother,JosephCameronTitsworth,onNovember18inRobinson,Ill.• JayErdahl&familyonthedeathofhisbrother,JosephErdahl,onDecember5inMadison, WI.• CarolynSternad&familyonthedeathofherhusband,WilliamSternad,onDecem-ber6.

The BeaconispublishedbyWayzataCommunityChurch.Assignedarticles,orstoryideas,maybeemailedtoCamiFarleyatcommunications@wayzatacommunitychurch.org.PleasecallRobinCarlsonat952-473-8877,ext.218withaddresschangesorifyouwouldliketoberemovedfromthe Beacon mailing list.Editor:CamiFarley,952-473-8877,ext.225;communications@wayzatacommunitychurch.orgDesign:MarnieBaehr,952-473-8877,ext.238;communications@wayzatacommunitychurch.orgUpcomingdeadlines:9:00a.m.onTuesday,January8fortheFebruary2013issue.

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The Boardof DeaconsWayzata Community Church is a Called to Care Congregation and we have made it a point in our Strategic Vision Plan to place emphasis on as-sisting members of our church and our community as they act on their Call to ministry or service. The Board of Deacons wants to briefly share what our role is (onbehalfofWCC)insupportingpeopleontheirFaithJourney. Each person feels this Call in a unique way. We, at Wayzata CommunityChurch,recognizethisandofferdifferentopportunities for these individuals. This is especially true for those who see their journey leading to ordination and active ministry. We hold it as part of our work as a church to provide a training ground for those who are discerning a vocation in ministry. At WCC, and the UCC in gen-eral, this steps are very organic and lo-cal, rather than from the top down as in some faith communities. Many of these journeys begin with a sponsored internship. Over the last six years, ourChurchhas sponsored anumber of adult and youth internships. Apartiallistincludes:VickiJohanek,Les-lieNeugent,SamGoodrich,MaryShaf-fer(current),KaiBrewster(Youth-current),Tyler Sanford (Youth-current), and JoshJohnson (Youth-Summer Ed.). Adult in-terns are typically enrolled in seminary and the internship is a critical part of their education. Individuals who are graduates of seminary and have chosen to continue to pursue ordination enter into a phase called “In Discernment with the UCC at WCC”- these individuals approach the Board of Deacons and formally ask for support from WCC as they continue theirFaithJourney.Thenamesofthosewho have been In Discernment at WCC over the last15yearsareeasily recog-nized: Lindy Purdy, JodieWright, BeckyParkhurst, BrigetteMonson, LeslieNeu-gent, and Frank Bennett, all of whom were ordained by this congregation. CurrentlyWCCrecognizesAndreaTatleyand Susan Finn as In Discernment. What a joy to be called as a congregation to care for, support, and nurture our future church leadership. —Jay Sturek

For the moment

For the momentRev. Dr. John F. Ross, Senior Minister

The Whole Story

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Let us never forget that... God’s final word is love.

Fruit of the SpiritA Worship SeriesBeginning on Christmas Eve, we ventured into a worship series based on the “Fruit of Spirit” from Galatians 5. Beginning with “love” we will continue to exploreall nine fruits of the spirit, concluding with “self-control” on Ash Wednesday.

JOYpeacepatienceKINDNESSfaithfulnessgentleness

SELF-CONTROL

he way we forget certain things fasci-nates me. Notice I didn’t say, “choose to forget” because I think most of the time it’s unintentional. Like a cosmic

game of Telephone, certain details are lost in trans-mission and remembered only when they become necessary to telling the whole story.

One of the most startling experiences of my visit to Haiti last month was learning how they end their children’s Christmas Pageant at the St. Joseph’s Home for Boys. After all the characters and plot-moves we’ve come to expect, the final scene is one of carnage and murder.

Staying true to the Biblical account in Matthew 2, all the children (cast and congrega-tion) return to the stage to act out Herod’s slaughter of the innocent children. Since the actors are all boys, it’s done with particular enthusiasm and fervor. Visitors who witness this unexpected ending are stunned into silence.

Why would they end such a story of mystery, joy, and expectation in such a way? Simply put: to tell the whole story. Certainly there’s more to understanding this tra-dition than that, but at the heart of it is to make sure the people of God don’t forget to tell the whole story of God.

When we scrub our memories of the dark, scary, and painful chapters, we limit the potential for light, courage, and healing. Aside from slavery and slaughter being part of everyday life for children in Haiti, the remembering of Herod’s evil puts into play the possibility of goodness.

The whole story of Advent & Christmas 2012 will forever include the slaughter of innocents in Newtown. May God help us never forget this chapter of our story, no matter how dark, scary, and painful it is. Remembering this unspeakable event opens us, now, to God’s care amidst suffering, and ultimately moves us toward God’s joy, strength, and wholeness.

To be sure, there are things that must change in our culture, government, commu-nities, hearts, and minds… but for now the call is to simply remember. Let us never forget that the worst thing is not the last thing, and God’s final word is Love.

Inspire the world,

JohnF.RossSenior Minister

Dare to Careo you remember the old sto-ry of Christmas giving, The Gift of the Magi, by O’Henry? In that story, a young husband

and wife want to find the perfect gift for each other. The wife has beautiful long hair, that is so admired by her husband, and the hus-band has only one possession he values—his pocket watch which was given to him byhisgrandfather.Neitherofthemhasanymoney to spare, so in an act of sacrificial giv-ing, she cuts her magnificent hair and sells it to purchase a watch chain; and he sells his watch to buy combs for her beautiful hair. Giving like the Magi, like the wise ones, is giv-ing a gift of yourself.

This issue of the Beacon is dedicated to our CALLfromGod,whichistolove.AndwhatIthinkGodcallsustodoisgiveourbestgifts to the world. Everyone clambers for our financial gifts, and they are indeed im-portant and should be considered carefully and generously. But the best gift that we give—is the gift of ourselves. And sometimes that means giving the gift of presence.

This is not an easy thing to do. Our culture and our ingrained independence build barriers to intimate contact and the disease of loneliness takes hold. There are ways to ease barriers and skills that make it possible to overcome the malady of isolation. That is what the Called-to-Care training is designed to do. I think this is good training and practice for everyone, everyone who cares about relationship. And I think it trans-lates from relationships in the pews, within families, with friends, and with strangers.

IamonaquesttoreachallthegoodandgenerouspeopleofWayzataCommunityChurch with a message. We can care for each other and care for the world. And to that end, I invite all of you to consider a commitment to the Called-to-Care training thatiscominginJanuaryandFebruaryof2013.Icanguaranteethatyouwilllearnandthatyouwillstrengthenexistingrelationshipsandmakenewones.Andmaybefind a new calling to give the gift of yourself.

Epiphanyisnow,andwecelebratethegiftsoftheMagionJanuary6.Letmeknowifyouwillbeattendingthe2013Called-to-Careworkshop.Theschedulefollows.

TrainingforCalled-to-Careministryis18hoursandincludesinstruction,casestudiesand role play. It is a mini-seminary course in pastoral care. Topics include: The theol-ogyofcare,Listening,BoundariesandConfidentiality,Emotionallanguage,Thepowerofstory,Sharingscriptureandprayer,Griefandgriefcare,Spiritualassessment,Visiting,andDiscernment.(Seetrainingscheduleatright.)

MaypeacebeyoursandoursinthisNewYear.—Lindy

Lindy Purdy

Called-to-Care TrainingAll training sessions will be held in the Colon-nade. The cost is $25 for materials.Session IThursday,January31,2013,6:00-8:30p.m.

Session IIThursday,February7,2013,6:00-8:30p.m.

Session IIISaturday,February9,2013,8:30-11:00a.m.

Session IVThursday,February21,2013,6:00-8:30p.m.

Session VSaturday,February23,2013,8:30a.m.-2:30p.m.(Includeslunch)

Session VIThursday,February28,2013,6:00-8:30p.m.

Rev. Lindy Purdy is Minister of Pastoral Care.

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Inspire the world

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The Sleep OutThe Sleep Out has been a staple in the Middle School ministry program at WCC for years. Its growth in the past few years has been aboutmorethanthenumberof6th-8thgradersinvolvedintheSleepOut. The growth has been in the education, advocacy, and hands-onservice.Participantspacked20+boxesoffoodforKidsAgainstHungeranddonatedover700poundsoffoodtotheIOCPfoodshelf!

This year the Sleep Out turned into a ”Sleep In” when a spectacular lightening storm came throughWayzata.Afterprocessing their ex-periences and talking about the impact the Sleep Out had on them, they completed the following state-ments. • Ifelt__________________

whenIwasoutsidewhenthelighteningstormstarted.(Answers:“kindofscared”,“weird”,“excited”,“confused”,“gratefultohaveaplacetogoinside”)• Ilearned__________________byparticipatingintheSleepOut.(An-swers: “to be grateful for the things I have”, “about homelessness”, “whatit’sliketofeelhelpless”,“worried”,and“scared”.)• Iwilldo__________________tohelpsolvetheproblemofhome-lessness.(Answers:“volunteeranddonatefood”,“donatetoshelters”,“volunteeratIOCP”,“domoreSleepOuts”,“basicallyanything”.)—Erin Lundberg

Inspire the world

Called To CarebyRickGraftLast year I attended the Called-to-Care training session at WCC. Little did I know how the skills I learned would be used in the year ahead. Soon after completing the training, I was introduced to a man who was grieving the loss of his wife to cancer, as was I. He was having a difficult time. We began to

talk, and as I walked with him, we were able to share our stories and both of us began to move toward healing. That is the core of the training model, walking with and being a companion to another. Using my Called-to-Care training, I decided to become a “di-sasterresponder”withtheRedCross.Iamtrainedtogotohouseor apartment fires and help displaced families with their immediate needs for housing, clothing, and food. After Hurricane Sandy, I spent 2-1/2weeksonLongIsland,NewYork,helpingwiththedisasterre-liefefforts.Itwasanamazingexperience.Weserved300mealsdaily,including a full Thanksgiving dinner. The greatest reward for me was looking into tired eyes, holding cold hands, providing nourishment, and listening -- listening to the stories of lives unfolding—using skills I learned in my Called-to-Care training. That training has been a benefit to me personally in my relation-ships with family and friends, but beyond those comfortable borders, Ihaverealizedthattheseskillscanbeappliedinavarietyofcircum-stances. This training is valuable for all relationships, from the pew to our homes, and beyond.

Fifty Middle School youth participated in the IOCP Sleep Out in November, and donated over 700 lbs. of food to the IOCP food shelf.

Blankets, Blankets, and More BlanketsEver had too many guests overnight at your home and not have enough blankets to keep them warm? Now add to that by 400. That is what happens every night at Salvation Army Harbor LightsinMinneapolis.Duetothehugeincreaseinhomelessness in the Twin Cities and a budget cut of$70,000fromdonors,HarborLightsisaskingusto help keep people warm who have to sleep on mats on the floor due to overcrowding. Background: WCC Staff and members of the MissionandOutreachBoardrecentlyvisitedHarborLights totalkwiththemabouttheir needs and concerns. One of the most immediate needs was blankets. We toured

thefacility,hadlunchwithHarborLightstaffintheircafeteria,andsawwherethemenandwomensleep. TheMinneapolisHarborLightCenterprovidesemergencyassistance,shelter,housing,chemicaldependencytreatment, transitional housing, health care services and spiritual support to its clients. TheSalvationArmyhasbeenbattlinghomelessnessinMinnesotasince1886.Theirworkismadepossiblethanks to dedicated volunteers, donors, businesses and fellow nonprofits that share their mission of providing unrelentingserviceandcompassiontopeopleincrisis...theyalsoserveamealatlunchanddinnertoover1,200peopleeachdayandprovideovernighthousingforapproximately200-400menandwomendaily. Questions?ContactLouVlahos,DirectorMissionandCommunication(lvlahos@wayzatacommunitychurch.org),952-473-8877ext.262,orJoBuchanan,MissionandOutreachBoardmember(jolbuchanan@gmail.com).

How you can help? We need over 100 twin-sized washable and dura-ble blankets; usually the polyester-blend blankets are the best. WewillstartourblanketdriveJanuary1,2013andcontinueuntilwereachourgoalofatleast100blankets,hopefullybyFebruary1. OnJanuary1,startbringingnewandgently-usedtwin-sizedblankets to WCC. We will have stations at each entrance with signs showing the location to leavetheblankets.NOTE:Pleasefoldyourblanketintoa bag so that it stays clean and folded.

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Spirit AwardIn the last few months the Special Needs minis-try at WCC has grown by leaps and bounds. This program, which helps our children with special needs participate fully in the church experience, wouldnot be what it is without some very dedicated volun-teers like Jo EllenWillmanand Preston Grundy. This mother - son duo have em-braced these kids whole heartedly, making it easier for these special children to feel like “just another kid”, instead of “the kids with special needs.“ JoEllen spendsherWednesdayafternoonsandeveningshelping to takecareofKevinToussaintwhileAutumnisdirectingthechildren’schoirs.Inadditiontothis,shehelps with the Alleluia choir in which several of the kids participate, helping them to participatewithsiblingsandfriendsonWednesdaysandSunday.JoEllen’sservicetothechurch doesn’t stop there. She also helps with Wednesday night suppers every week andduring theGodspellproductionshespearheaded theboxoffice,settingupandcoordinating the ticketing system. She handled hundreds of ticket requests, the will-call table,andquiteafewunrulycastmembersdesperateforextraticketseverynight.JoEllen just gets in there and does what needs to be done with a smile on her face. Preston, a 9th grader, volunteers his time every Wednesday and Sunday to work with KevinToussaintandseveralotherchildren.Hehasarealgiftwiththesechildren.Hiscalm, laid back personality puts others at ease, and makes it easier for the kids he works with to participate. His caring for kids hasn’t stopped there. Preston was the only youth toparticipateintheLightofHopemarathoninnorthernMinnesotalastspring,running25Kthroughhills,rocks,andtreerootstoraisemoneyforLightofHopeHome&Schoolfor Girls. It’s great to see Preston, at such a young age, being so dedicated to the care and support of those in his church, community, and the world. JoEllenandPrestonaregreatexamplesofbeingcalledtosharetheinclusiveloveofJesus. — Tracy Busyn

Sing with JD Steele at Super Bowl of SoulGospel king JD Steele (of the Steele family sing-ers) will sing in worship on Sunday, February 3 (Super Bowl Sunday) for “The Super Bowl Of Soul”, a Gospel Extravaganza! Worship will be filledwithmusictaughtanddirectedbyJDhimself!We are forming One Big Gospel Choir from many

organizationsandfaiths,andwewouldLOVEforanyoneandeveryonetobeapartofthisamazingmorningofworship. There will be two workshops to learn the music (attend both or one): • Wednesday,January30(6:00-7:30p.m.),and • Saturday,February2(10:00-11:30a.m.)We’llsinginworshiponSunday,February3attwoservices:9:00a.m.and10:45a.m.intheSanctuary.Don’tmissthisextraordinaryopportunitytoraisetheroofinjoyoussong!

Inspire the worldFaith Stepping StonesDo you, as parents promise to nourish and teach your child in the ways of the Christian life, as you live your faith each day? Do you promise, accord-ing to the grace given you, to grow with your child in the Christian faith, to help your child to be a faith-fulmemberofthechurchofJesusChrist? These are the questions asked of parents who bring their children for baptism in our church. Par-ents respond “We promise, with the help of God.” Yet, many of us don’t really feel equipped to know how to carry out these promises in our everyday family lives. It can feel a little daunting to know what to do. The good news is: You don’t have to do it alone! We, as a faith community, also make a promise at baptism to partner with parents in nur-turing the faith of children. One of the ways we fulfill our promise is through Faith Stepping Stones: a faith-based ministry for families built around 5 spiritual practices to do in daily life. Stepping Stones makes a deep connection between church and home; builds our sense of meaningful community; and deepens the bonds among family members and with God. Parents, you won’t want to miss the opportuni-ty to deepen your connection with God, your child, your family, and church family!

Winter Faith Stepping Stones Classes• 5thGradeStone:Communion Wednesdays,January23,30 andFebruary6,7:00-8:30p.m.• 7thGradeStone: Thriving in Adolescence Thursdays,February1,28,and March7,7:00-8:30p.m.• 9thGradeStone:Confirmation Sunday,January27,10:15a.m.-12:15p.m.• 12thGradeStone:Graduation Sunday,January27,10:15a.m.-12:15p.m.• PreschoolStone:RaisingaHealthy Preschooler (ages2-4) Wednesdays,February20,27and March6,5:30-7:00p.m. For more information and to register, visit www.wayzatacommunitychurch.org/steppingstone.

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Inspire the world

Music at Wayzata January ConcertsWestminster College Choir Monday,January14•7:00p.m.HailedbyAmericanRecordGuideas“thegoldstandard for academic choirs in America ,” the Westminster Choir travels to Wayzata from itshome at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J.aspartofits2013Tour.Thisrenowneden-semble will perform classic and contemporary choral works with the passion and musicality that led The New York Times to praise its “full-bod-ied, incisive singing.” The program will feature worksbyJ.S.Bach,GustavHolst,ClaudeDebussy,MortenLauridsenandBenjaminBritten,includinghis choral masterwork Hymn to Saint Cecelia. Mary Ohm and Friends Sunday,January20•3:00p.m.Mary Ohm, soprano section leader in the WCC Chancel Choir, presents a program of ensemble and solo vocal music, which includes her friends SarahMiller,pianoandJeanaOgren,piano,Pa-tricia Kent, soprano, Mari Scott, soprano, ClaraOsowski, mezzo soprano, Larry Hill, tenor, TomPaulson, bass, and Doug Muller, bass.

Register now! Summer Camp 2013 “Survivor”“Survivor” is coming to WCC’s Summer Camp at Pilgrim Point, and we hope you mark your calendars now for all the amaz-ing fun and faith-formation that will take place during your time at Camp! All camp sessions are open toeveryone (membersofWCC or not)... so invite friendsand share in the incredible min-istry that God is building through our church.EverycamperwhoisregisteredbyFebruary2ndwillreceive$100offtheir camp fees! Campersarestill talkingabouttheiramazingexperiencesfromthelasttwo summers. Here are some things that campers have shared with us... At Camp they are encouraged to grow in faith, build a supportive community of peers and adult leaders, and to have unique opportunities to connect with God personally and through other faithful people. Campers have out-rageous fun in a setting that is personal, safe and connected to their home community.Campersareaffirmedandengagedbyanexceptionallytalentedandthoroughlytrainedcollege-agestaff,andhaveextendedtimetobuildrelationshipswithWCC’s full-timechildrenandyouthstaff, includingJodieNyberg,ErinLundbergandGabeandHilaryFlynn.Campershavebeenpleas-antly surprised by the “break” from the pace of life that they can get at camp, and the sense of peace and love that comes from a session at our camp. The ways that each camper grows are numerous and unique to the individual... what is common is how spectacular that growth can be. We hope each eligiblecamper(incoming3rdgradethroughgraduatedsenior)comesanddiscovers what Camp can mean for their life this summer!

Camp Sessions & DatesHighSchoolCamp(forincoming9th-12thgradecampers)· June 8-14, 2013Middle School Camps (for incoming 6-8th grade campers)· June 15-20, 2013· June 28-July 3, 2013Children’s Camps (for incoming 3rd-5th grade campers)· June 21-24, 2013· June 24-27, 2013·July6-9,2013 RegistrationRegistrationisavailablenowthroughthewebsiteatwww.wayzatacommu-nitychurch.org/summercamp.We are excited to announce our Early Birdregistrationdiscount: $100offof your registration (throughFebruary2nd)!Payment plans are easy to use through the online registration and payment system. Multiple child discounts help make camp affordable, and scholar-ships are available as well. Please let us know how we can help. The fullCamp2013brochurewillbeavailable in January. Formore infor-mation, including registration, fees and scholarships, and Frequently Asked Questions, checkout the church website, or talk to any of the Education Team staff or Hilary Flynn, Camp Director.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Thimble Bees, 9 a.m.ExecutiveCommittee,5p.m.PersonnelCommittee,6:30p.m.BoardofDeacons,6:30p.m.Building&GroundsBoard,7p.m.MembershipCommittee,7p.m.AdultCEBoard,7p.m.Children’sCEBoard,7p.m.BoardofFellowship,7p.m.HighSchoolCEBoard,7p.m.Mission&OutreachBoard,7p.m.

ArchivesCommittee,9:30a.m.AA,10a.m.AlAnon,7:30p.m.

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: PATIENCERev. Lindy Purdy preaching8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9 a.m. Celebrations Worship, Sanctuary10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,Chapel10:45a.m.TraditionsWorship,SanctuaryWorshipatMeridianManor,1p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

ArchivesCommittee,9:30a.m.AA,10a.m.WestminsterChoirConcert,7p.m.AlAnon,7:30p.m.

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: KINDNESSRev. Kristen Rouner Jeide preaching8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9 a.m. Celebrations Worship, Sanctuary10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,Chapel10:45a.m.TraditionsWorship,SanctuaryWorshipatMeridianManor,1p.m.MaryOhm&FriendsConcert,3p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

Body&SpiritYoga,6:30p.m.ChurchCouncil,7p.m.WCCNSParentBoard,7p.m.

Thimble Bees, 9 a.m.CaregiversSupportGroup,1:30p.m.Body&SpiritYoga,6:30p.m.CaregiversSupportGroup,7p.m.

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: GENEROSITyRev. Dr. Allen R. Hilton preaching 8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9 a.m. Celebrations Worship, Sanctuary10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,ChapelConfirmationSteppingStone,10:15a.m.GraduationSteppingStone,10:15a.m.10:45a.m.TraditionsWorship,SanctuaryWorshipatMeridianManor,1p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

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ArchivesCommittee,9:30a.m.AA,10a.m.AlAnon,7:30p.m.

ArchivesCommittee,9:30a.m.AA,10a.m.AlAnon,7:30p.m

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ThimbleBeesKnitters,9a.m.WCCNSFamilyVisitNight,6p.m.SpecialNeedsSupportGroup,6:30p.m.Body&SpiritYoga,6:30p.m.

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6 FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: PEACERev. Dr. John F. Ross preaching8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9 a.m. Celebrations Worship, Sanctuary10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,Chapel10:45a.m.TraditionsWorship,SanctuaryWorshipatMeridianManor,1p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

NEW yEAR’S DAyBUILDINGCLOSED

1Body & Spirit yogaBody&SpiritYogaisbackforawintersessionstartingJanuary15,continuingthroughMarch5.JoinuseveryTuesdayfrom6:30to7:45p.m.for8weekswithinstructorMomiJhung.Thepriceforthewintersessionis$80.RegisterontheBody&SpiritportionoftheWCCwebpage(UnderLearningtab/AdultFaithFormation)Formoreinformation,contactE.JHaaseat715-579-9227orejfredrickson@gmail.com.

January Blanket DriveSalvation Army Harbor Lights needs 100 twin-sized washable and durable blankets for use in their emergency shelter. Usually the polyester-blend blankets are the best. OurblanketdrivebeginsJanuary1,2013andcontinuesuntilwereachourgoalofatleast100blankets,hopefullybyFebruary1.Donatenewandgently-usedtwin-sizedblankets to WCC. We will have stations at each entrance with signs showing the loca-tiontoleavetheblankets.NOTE:Pleasefoldyourblanketintoabagsothatitstayscleanand folded. For more information, see page 5 in this issue of the Beacon.

Coming Up in FebruaryGospel Sunday:Sunday,February3atthe9a.m.and10:45a.m.worshipSweetheart Luncheon Hosted by the Deacons: Wednesday, February 13 at 11:30 a.m.Ash Wednesday Worship: February 13, 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Thimble Bees, 9 a.m.ExecutiveCommittee,5p.m.PersonnelCommittee,6:30p.m.BoardofDeacons,6:30p.m.Building&GroundsBoard,7p.m.MembershipCommittee,7p.m.AdultCEBoard,7p.m.Children’sCEBoard,7p.m.BoardofFellowship,7p.m.HighSchoolCEBoard,7p.m.Mission&OutreachBoard,7p.m.

Saturday Seekers: Book Study - Exclusion & Embrace, 8a.m.SaturdayBasketball,9:30a.m.

WEDNESDAy PROGRAMSBridge Builders Bible Study, 9:00 a.m.AA,10a.m.Book Study - Help, Thanks, Wow, 10:30a.m.Book Study - Operating Instructions, 4:30p.m.Suppers, Etc., 5 p.m.Book Study - Exclusion & Embrace, 7p.m.Book Study - Traveling Mercies,7p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.

AA,10a.m.PreschoolSteppingStone,6p.m.

Body&SpiritYoga,6:30p.m.ChurchCouncil,7p.m.WCCNSParentBoard,7p.m.

Saturday Seekers: Book Study - Exclusion & Embrace, 8a.m.SaturdayBasketball,9:30a.m.

WEDNESDAy PROGRAMSBridge Builders Bible Study, 9:00 a.m.SpeakerMiroslavVolf:Inclusion,10a.m.AA,10a.m.Book Study - Help, Thanks, Wow, 10:30a.m.Soup,Salad&SongLuncheon,12noonBook Study - Operating Instructions, 4:30p.m.Suppers, Etc., 5 p.m.StewardshipBoard,6p.m.SpeakerMiroslavVolf:Inclusion,7p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.

Thimble Bees, 9 a.m.CaregiversSupportGroup,1:30p.m.Body&SpiritYoga,6:30p.m.CaregiversSupportGroup,7p.m.

WEDNESDAy PROGRAMSBridge Builders Bible Study, 9:00 a.m.AA,10a.m.Book Study - Help, Thanks, Wow, 10:30a.m.Book Study - Operating Instructions, 4:30p.m.Suppers, Etc., 5 p.m.5thGradeSteppingStone,7p.m.Book Study - Exclusion & Embrace, 7p.m.Book Study - Traveling Mercies,7p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.

AA,10a.m.Women’sFaithBibleStudy,10a.m.Bridge,12noonPreschoolSteppingStone,6p.m.

Saturday Seekers: Book Study - Exclusion & Embrace, 8a.m.SaturdayBasketball,9:30a.m.

9 10 11 12

16

23

17 18

25 26

19

24

ThimbleBeesKnitters,9a.m.WCCNSFamilyVisitNight,6p.m.SpecialNeedsSupportGroup,6:30p.m.Body&SpiritYoga,6:30p.m.

WEDNESDAy PROGRAMSBridge Builders Bible Study, 9:00 a.m.AA,10a.m.Book Study - Help, Thanks, Wow, 10:30a.m.Book Study - Operating Instructions, 4:30p.m.Suppers, Etc., 5 p.m.5thGradeSteppingStone,7p.m.Book Study - Exclusion & Embrace, 7p.m.Book Study - Traveling Mercies,7p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.

30 31 AA,10a.m.Women’sFaithBibleStudy,10a.m.HeritageBoard,12noonPreschoolSteppingStone,6p.m.Called-to-CareTraining,6p.m.

9

FinanceCommittee,6:45a.m.AA,10a.m.Women’sFaithBibleStudy,10a.m.Women’sDaytimeReadingGroup,2 p.m.HighSchoolMinistrytoCOOLintheCity,4:30p.m.(offsite)

SaturdaySeekers,8a.m.SaturdayBasketball,9:30a.m.

5

Kids’NightOut,6p.m.

NEW yEAR’S DAyBUILDINGCLOSED

WEDNESDAy PROGRAMSAA,10a.m.Bridge Builders Bible Study, 9:00 a.m.Suppers, Etc., 5 p.m.ContemplativeServiceofPrayer,6p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.

2 3 AA,10a.m.Women’sFaithBibleStudy,10a.m.LibraryCommittee,10:30a.m.

4

Carolyn AckerbergJudyAdamsJoyceAgnewAna AguadoErik and Sara AhlquistCarol and Timothy AlberBradandLoriAlexanderTomandSueAlexanderJudyAlexanderBrookeAlexanderSamandJanisAllenRyanandMeghanAlsteadPete and Amy AlworthJimandJackyAndersonGillianJeffy-AndersonandMichaelAndersonNancyAndersonPatricia AndersonPaul and Marilyn AndersonBeccaandJerryAndersonMike and Sandy AndertErika and Marcelo AndradeJonandGretchenArneCarolyn and David ArnebeckFrances AtwoodBruce and Betty BaconJohnandPattyBaileyCharlie BaileyJaimeBakerPatriciaandJeffBakerBillandJillBartelAnneDarnayandJonBastableGordy and Connie BatdorfBill and Ellie BatheBillandShirleyBaxterMark and Danna BayleyBobandJaneBeachJakeandNanBeardJoyceBeauchaneAlexandMelissaBeckerBryan and Ellisun BenedictMaryLenardandFrankBennettDeborah BensonThelma BensonRichandCarolBergenstalLloydandBonnieBergmanPeterandLaurenBergslandRobandKarenBerrellDonald and Deborah BierbaumKullenandJeanneBirkeland

Steve and Shari BjorklundTheoandNancyBlackLarryandRitaBlackstadJoyceBlaineFern BlairDennis and Mari-Ellen BobelDebra BondMonica and Craig BongartMartyandKayBoorsmaTanja BorchardtNancyandBrentBordsonBrianandLydiaBothamBill and Barb BoulwareNaomiandJoeBoveeNancyHovrenandAlanBoviDianaCrinklaw-BoweandJimBoweMarian BowserSondra BradenWardandKrisBrehmCara and Glen BroichDougandKarenBrosTony and Catherine BrownBarbara Ann BryantJohnandDebraBryantMatt and Margaret BuechelMick BundulMarnie BurattoEric and Erin BurggraffSteven and Carol BurkTracy BurlowLukeBurlowPat BurmasterLukeandMelanieBurnsRodandBarbaraBurwellRobertandMarneyBussMichaelandLaurieBusynTracy and Thomas BusynHunter BusynTrafton BusynJimandSusanneEgliCadaJeffandJessicaCallinanKimberlyandRickCarlsenDavid and Carla CarlsonGeri CarlsonHarriet CarlsonJillCarlsonJohnCarlsonRichandRobinCarlsonRusselandDianeCarlson

Tom CarlsonBill and Sliv CarlsonPolly CarverKathyCasmerTomandKarenCaswellThomasandNancyCaswellRickandKathleenCathcartCarlandKathieChallgrenAmy and Scott ChapmanDarin and Sherry ChristensonPhil and Francene ChristiansonJackChristiansonLarryandSherriChristofaroMarc and Christen ChristophersonAllenandJunelleChristyBob and Ann CiardelliJulieandBradCloseJeffandLynnColyerPatrick ConwayJustinandDinaConzemiusDickandJudyCorsonNancyCoslerSusan CraddockJerryandJohnCraigNancyCristTarah CummingsGregandJennieD’AlessandroRossandAngelaDahlofAlan and Sarah DaleDarrelandJoDamhofJonBastableandAnneDarnayDavid and Belle DavenportJohnandJillDavisTom and Sandy DavisHayley DavisonKarinandKenDaytonLeonardandBethDaytonKimberlyTolmanandGaryDebeleMadeleine DebeleBradenandKarinDentJohnandWendyDePaolisJamesandRosellaDePietroMaddy DeWittCharlotte DickersonMikeandDorisDietzJimandMarleneDoakBob and Pat DoanHarriet DoerrieRichardDonnay

Generosity Thank you to everyone who has pledged to support our 2013 ministry! We are close to reaching our $2,000,000 pledge goal for 2013. If you haven’t yet pledged, it is not too late! Contact Liz Hilton at lhilton@wayzatacommunitychurch.org for more information on pledging.

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Peggy DouglasBobbie DressenPatricia DuernerRodandKarenDummerAmyandAlexEdwardsJanEickhoffBill and Betsy EllgrenDarcy EllisLynnandMaryEndorfAndy and Sally EngebretsonPaul and Charlotte EnglundKatieErdahlRayErdalNancyEricksonSteve and Allison EricksonPaulaEllweinandJackErrettJonandAllisonErricksonJohnEstremMyrna EstremBob EtemSandy and Carol EvansDean and Annika EversonWayneandElizabethFaddenSteveandMarceyFahrenholtzBobandLibbyFairchildDavidSpottsFalzoneJeffreyandRhondaFarranDiane and Bruce FeistRalphFeldhausMintie FergusonBillandLouFerrilAllanandLoriFiedlerMichaelandJuliaFinkJohnandLynnFinnSusan FinnBob and Terrisa FisherDavid and Anne FliggeGabe and Hilary FlynnRichardandDebFlynnHelga Fochler-SmileyJulieForchayAnnaLouFordBarbandJessFordyceBart and Phyllis ForemanTanya FosterWilliam and Sharon FrankDougandDianneFrantzSusan FreivaldsCara Mulder and Webb FriedlyRonandSharonFrisbieAmyandJoseFulcoBob and Susan GammillRichandAmyGammillJimmyGammillJeffreyandGretchenGanfieldInezGantz

Ann GavinRogerandDorothyGaySharon GayRichardandJaniceGerhartJimandEllenGessfordDavid and Mary GoehleAnn GoodmundsonDaveandLisaGoodwinHeidiGraczykNathanandKimberlyGraffRickGraftRogerandRuthGranbergBrandt GrandyMargaret GreenMattandJodieGreerKarenGronvoldCooper and Deb GundryTomandKelleyGunkelGarry and Pam HaasRyanandE.J.HaaseRayHackNormanandDianaHageboeckJeffandJeannieHagenDana and Pat HallLindaHallJohnandReneeHallbergVictorandSusanHallbergJimandKrisHallenbergMark and Pat HalstenJudithandBudHamiltonJayandKathyHandySteve and Dana HarrisonDan HartJimandMarthaHartfielAnne HartmanAnita HawksJessicaandJimHealySteph and Brody HeinrichKurtandNancyHellbergKarenHenleyCal and Peg HenningerMike Uttormark and Sharon HeplerZac and Cari HernessGlennandGinnyHerzenachDeva HessCarlosAguadoandLaurelHessKenandLauraHigginsMikeandJennyHigginsCharlie HigginsBob and Mollie HildebrandtJohnandLonnieHillisAllenandLizHiltonDennisandJanHimanRuthHimanConnie HinesWendy Hitch

Gene and Barbara HiteLisaSmithandBillHiteGalenandMaryJaneHochsteinMorryandAJHodgesHeather Gay and Parker HodgesAtticus HodgesDonnaandRogerHoelMarc and Beth HoffmanPhilip and Sarah HofherrEli HofherrDick and Shirley HoganMaxineHollandChuck and Bonnie HollenhorstBarbara Cameron and Dan HollingerMark and Amber HolmMarkandLynnHolmbergSpencerandNancyHolmesKipHolmesKarenHoltmeierKatieandPhilHomanRebeccaHopfRuthHorvathJohnandDorisHosfieldBob and Amy HoughtonJimandAnnHowardBetty HuberMichael and Paula HuddyDon HullsiekJohnHenryandKariHullsiekJackandBeckyHustedtScottandKaraHuttonAndrew HydeJenIdemaSteve and Sherri IngvarssonScottJabergToddandLauraJableCheriJacobyKarenandAlistairJacquesScottandLauraJanckilaBruceandKristenJeideRonandRitaKayJelinekLauraBabcockandJimJensenLauraJensenChrisandSarahJewettBobandLindaJodanSusanandDennisJohnsonBetteJohnsonGaryandJoanneJohnsonGunnarandJanetJohnsonJeffandAnneJohnsonJerrieandJanJohnsonPaulandSandiJohnsonRyanandStacyJohnsonScottandLendaJohnsonSueandKevinJohnsonJanetJones

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ChrisandDelphineKahlerPhilipandNicoleKaufmanRonandAnneKaufmanChrisandMindyKeenanRichardKelleyLewisandJeanKennedyTJandErinKieleyJimandCathyKindemEstelleKingPatrickandTracieKinneyLavonneandCraigKippScottandJackieKirkMaryBethandJ.C.KiserMaryJoandTedKlineMarkandHillaryKnueppelDonaldandHelenKnutzenCorinneKoefodJillandJohnKokkinenShelleyKonradMarkandKimKowalskiMitchellKowalskiCarterKowalskiDawnandTimKraskeyAshleighKreiderDickandJanKrierErikaandJeffKringenScottandMelissaKrusemarkKeithandJoyKubyBillandJesseKuendigRogerandNancyKuhlAliceKullmanBrettandHeatherKurtzmanMarkandElizabethLaFrenzAliceLaineDavidandMonaLaneMikeandJulieLangJuliaLaRoseGreggandStephanieLarsenJimandJackieLarsonLeighandKellyLarsonBobandChrisLarsonCindyLaRueMargaretLatterellDaveandJodiLeeFrankBennettandMaryLenardVoigtandMaryLenmarkJohnandGraceLephartCoryandHeatherLepperMuggsLerbergDianneLidbergBettyLindahlDaveandJillLindahlJackandCathyLindahlMattandAngieLindbergDeanLindbloomMikeandKarlaLitchLouiseLockGregandSaraLuedkeGordonLundmanJohnandMaryLuseAaronandDanielleLutzYvonneandLarryLutzLeslieMacDonaldToddandLaurieMacgregorScottandKrisMachut

Dan and Debbie MackamanTomandJeanneMacLeodJohnandCarolineMacWherterSamantha MaddockGreg and Tammy MaddreyWill MaddreySteve MagnusonMichaelandLinMakiLukeandBethMalloyMike and Holly MannGregandJayneMarionMark MarlinJerryandKayMartinDick and Bev MastKarlynMattsonDavis MattsonBennett MattsonChristineMaxsonChris and Solveig MayerRustyandBrendaMayesDebbieMazzucoJoyceMcCarthyKeithandTeresaMcDonaldAnika McDonaldStephani McElroyMarjie McFarlandGraceMcKayMaryMcKeeHowardandJanetMcMillanWilliam and Mary McMillanMary Ann MeadTom MedcalfNancyandDanMeisterShirl MeltonBruce MerryMatt and Michelle MesenburgFred and Christine MeyerJimandMaryMeyerMark and Barbara MichelJulieJorgensenandThomasMichelettiLauraMilesB.J.andKariMillerJohnandElizabethMillerDickandLeeMinorsBeth MitchellMark and Michele MitchellBonnie MoccioKarinandRobertMoeJakeMoelkEvan and Tiffany MoldeRaymondandGloriaMooneyIrene MoorePatrick and Michelle MorganTruxtunJr.andDanaMorrisonTruck and Adrienne MorrisonGinny MorrisonMarcandRobertaMosimanTim and Stephanie MoyFrederick and Monica MuschenheimMatt and Cara MyerBrooksandLibbyMyhranMavis MyhranBobandJaneAnnNashAlandDenaNaylorMarkandSandyNebel

RyanandElsaNechasChadandNancyNelsonHalandMarilynNelsonKarmenNelsonRandallandKathrynNelsonTomandJaneNelsonTroyandJodiNelsonRichardandMabethNeslundChrisandLeslieNeugentBobandMaryJoNewmanCraigandJaneNibbeDanaEssexandTomNicholsJaneNorrisSvenandJodieNybergErikandPamNymoDoug and Barbara O’BrienKaraO’BrienSaraandJoeO’BrienAndyandLaurieOareSteve and Marne ObergDavid ObergNormOestreichPeggy OglandSarah OistadCully and Cindy OlmansonJohnandShellyOlsenCarolandRogerOlsonJulieOlsonTodd and Wendy OlsonRyanandBreahOstendorfTeresa Tembreull and Bruce OverlidAndyandJuliePageJeffandHeatherPageTom and Marilyn PageElizabethPageJoeandDebbiePalasekEdie PalmerMarkandKathleenPalmerDaniel PalmerBob and Betsy ParishKayParkhurstLarryandBeckyParkhurstAmy ParnellPaulandKathleenParrishJohnandCaryPasnauRogerandKathleenPattersonErikandJenniferPaulsenBill and Mary PaustisMelinda Greer and Todd PearsonMario and Sharon PederciniSeanandKatiePedersenKellyandSophiaPedersonEric and Shelley PerkinsJanePettyEdandJosiePhelpsDon and Marylaine PhillipsChris and Becky PiersonDave and Christine PlantanJimandNancyPohtillaKatherinePoindexterDarrylandJuliPonderMarilyn PowersMichelle Cooper and Scot PralleBill and Patricia PriesmeyerMarguerite Prine

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JohnandLindyPurdyVitoandMelanieQuagliaJeffandSueRahmJoeandCherryRamakerBrettandMicheleRamertJimandKathrynRamstadMichaelandLindaRedmondMarkandKarenReedDickandJudyReedCarterandKarenReesePatandKellyReganDonandJoanneRenquistJohnandHelenbethReynoldsJimandJudithRiceBillandSharonRichardsonWalterandGladysRiechmannMarlysRiedeselStephanieandJ.R.RigleyCarolynRileyRobandElizabethRobertsonAnnRobinsonJonathanandAmyRobinsonPattyRobinsonFrankandAnnieRoederEricandJennyRoesnerDaveandDianeRogersSamandMichelleRogersWaltandBettyRohmannMarilynRoodSheilaandJohnRossRogerandCarolRovickAnneHarbisonandSteveRuedisiliSamRuschDougandLoreneRutherfordThomasandEveRutterKarenRydingGeorgeandBarbaraRyeGregandLisaRyeJimandDebSackrisonRodandAvisSandersJimandKrisSanfordPaula SanfordMason SauerDaniel and Maggie SavalojaCharles SawyerJeffDavisandCarynSchallAnn SchenkelMark and Betsy SchillElmer SchindelBonnie and Todd SchindlerDeanandNancySchumannJackSchwarzScottGoldsmithandLynnSchwieBetty ScottAnna SeibertBill and Sandy SeibertJaneShanardCraig and Maureen ShaverSylvia SheeranTJandTinaSheldonRandyandPatShellAlec and Cindy ShellumTroyandJennyShortSusanne ShulerSallyShultz

Barbara SigurdsonMarilyn and Dale SimmonsGinger and Greg SimonStan and Sallie SkinnerBradandLyndaSleeperRobertandMechthildSlocumDougandKathrynSmithFredandKateSmithJackieSmithJimandMaryAgnesSmithJasonandElizabethSmithMark and Christine SmithKenandSusanSnowMichael SnowMary Stuart SnyderCarl and Mari SomekawaTonyandRachelSorrentinoJoeandSueSorrentinoJudySpechtHarriet SpencerPaulandJodySperdutoPhyllis SpillersMattandJaniceSrnecNaomiSt.GregoryDick and Carol StahlAnnJohnsonStewartandJeffStewartMichael and Teresa StewartNadineStormsSteveandJoyStroupJaySturekMike and Carolyn SundGeorgeandKathySuttonCassidy SuttonAndrea SwansonCraigandLareyAnneSwansonEarl SweenJohnandDonnetteTannerBrian and Carolyn TaylorPeterandVickiThompsonAdam and Carol ThompsonBruce and Patty ThompsonChris and Becky ThompsonEric and Brenda ThompsonJimandGeorgiaThompsonShirley ThompsonRickandChristinThurstonJohnTitsworthBetteandKeithTjornhomDave and Sara TorgersonRimaandErikTorgersonChris and Autumn ToussaintPam ToussaintJanTraffJerryandKathyTrappHansandNancyTrechselMarshall and Mary TreesSkip and Cathy TroyakChuck and Diane TryonBruce and Amy TurekMeme TurnerScott and Deah UdellJeffandDoloresUrbanBob and Dotty UrbanGretchen UsherAndyandMarthaVandeVen

VaughnVanDerHeydenRobertandBettyVanTasselChrisandPageVanattaJanetVaughanHendrikandGretchenVroegeEllenVroegeCharlieandVickiWagenerEricandSuzanneWalcherClifford and Marlys WallaceGladys WallaceBrianandLiseWallerMary WallfredCurt and Sarah WallrathChris and Serene WarrenJeffandLenoreWatkinsDolly and William WeastPeggy WeaverTimandKrisWebertLaurenWebertKristiWedelTonyandJodiWeinzetlDorothy WelchRichardandJanetWendrothLoriWerchSandy WertsDale and Anita WestdalNickandSharonWestmanJohnandKarenWeyrauchTomandNancyWhiteheadMolly WhitmanKathleenBlatzandWheelockWhitneyKentWhitworthLawrenceandBarbaraWikenJoanieWildmanHeather WilkieDave and Marion WilliamsDave and Bonnie WilliamsElena WilseyTara Sutton and Gary WilsonKristalWilsonMaxandHeidiWindmillerRichardandStephanieWingMervin and Gerri WinstonMichael and Sarah WinstonJennyMasters-WolfeandWarrenWolfeDickNiglioandDanaWoodNanandBobWoodburnKirtWoodhouseWoody and Margie WoodhouseSusanna WoodsScottandJoyceWooleryLindaandLeeWotipkaLeftyandNanWrightGaryandVickiWyardJimandKathyWymanChris YargerScottandJenniYokielDanielandNicoleZapzalkaGeneandKarenZaskeRobbandJenniferZavitzKathleenandDavidZenkJimZimmerman

14

Frank Bennett

CallingsIn the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. Luke1:26-29

ary had her moment of call-ing in this angelic visitation. For years I wondered when, how, or even if my moment of calling would come. As a

child when I saw a shaft of sunlight break-ing through the clouds and hitting the earth, I thought God was speaking to whomever - or whatever - was there in that circle of light and wished I could be there so I could hear God speaking, too. As a people of faith, I think this

isatrueyearningforeveryone.Wewanttostandinthislightandsay“HereIamLord!”as we look and listen for God speaking to us. As we seek our calling throughout our life,wewonder,“IsthiswhatGodwantsofme?”

I have discovered that I find my calling when I respond to what is before me in this time and place. Some people I know have found their calling by responding to the need in front of them: Paul Fogelberg, a member of this congregation, started a non-profit to advocate for research on pulmonary fibrosis after he was diagnosed withthisdiseasethathasnocure.JulieSjordahl,ExecutiveDirectorofSt.David’sCenterinMinnetonka,referstoherworkinearlychildhoodeducationashercalling.LeslieNeugentisfollowinghercallingtostarttheParablesserviceinpartbecauseofherexperienceinworshipwithspecialneedsfamilies. IbegantofollowmycallinginpastoralcarewhenIvolunteeredtoleadworshipatMeridianManorin2006.

I believe that our calling becomes clearer to us when we faithfully respond with both compassion and passion to what moves us. Perhaps this is why it is named a “calling.” As we hear God speak to us through something or someone in our life, we can trust thattheHolySpiritwillguideourfirststepstowardexploringwhatourcallingmightbecome.

When I think of callings, I see them less as specific moments and more as chapters in a book — I’m only in the middle of mine. I take comfort and courage from a

gracious and inspirational God, and trust that I will continue to discover my calling and find the people and resources I need as I go. Mary trusted that God would guide her on her journey, to Bethlehem and beyond. As you contemplate the new year, what purpose do you hear, see, or sense that God is calling you toundertake?I’dlovetohearfromyouaboutwhatismovingyou in this time and place.

Rev. Frank Bennett is Minister at Large at WCC.

Annunication,BenozzoGozzoli,1449

Caregivers Support Groups 4th Tuesday each month1:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. in the ParlorIf you care for someone, you know how hard dailylifecanbe.Rev.FrankBennettofthePas-toral Care ministry leads support groups that are designed to be safe places for caregivers to bring their stories, concerns, questions, and hopes. The support groups are in the afternoon and evening to accomodate everyone’s sched-ule. You can sign up or ask questions by con-tactingFrankBennett(612)940-3372oremailatfbennett@wayzatacommunitychurch.org.

Frank Bennett

15

Inspiring the world!

Children’s Musical, December 2012

Photos:ChrisPierson,MikeAndert.MorganChapman,KristenEvans

Parables Worship

EvenSong Worship

High School Summer Camp

Worship on Wednesday (WoW)

Suppers, Etc.

Actively extend welcome and compassion. Boldy challenge complacency. Relentlessly share our gifts.

Friends,Januaryisagreatmonthforexplorationandgrowthinfaith.EachyearatWCCwereservethefirst4-6weeksoftheNewYearfor“elective”time,whenyoucanchooseamonglecturers and small group opportunities. This year’s offerings are rich. Choose well! If you have questions,pleasecontactKathyHandy(khandy@wayzatacommunitychurch.org).

FEATURED LECTURE“ONE – A Theological Exploration of Faithful Unity”Dr.MiroslavVolf,Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology, Yale Divinity School; Director, The Yale Center for Faith and Culture Wednesday,January16,7:00p.m.

SMALL GROUP BOOK STUDIES• MiroslavVolf,Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness and Reconciliation Leader:AndreaTatley,M.Div.,MemberofWCC Wednesdays,7-8:30p.m.,Colonnade,January9,23,30,andFebruary6 Saturdays,8-9:30a.m.,Colonnade,January5,12,19,26

• AnneLamott, Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers Leader:Rev.KristenRounerJeide Wednesdays,10:30-11:45a.m.,Colonnade,January9,16,23,30

• AnneLamott, Operating Instructions Leader:KaraO’Brien Wednesdays,4:30p.m.,Colonnade,January9,16,23,30

• AnneLamott,Traveling Mercies Leaders:KarenBrosandKellyLarson Wednesdays7-8:30p.m.,HolmesRoom,January9,23,30,andFebruary6

For more information about J Term, visit www.wayzata communitychurch.org/jterm

JANUARY ADULT FAITH y LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Small Group

Book Studies

begin January 9

WAYZATA COMMUNITY CHURCHinspire the world

Wayzata Community Church Ministry TeamsRev.Dr.JohnF.Ross,SeniorMinisterKathleenPatterson,AssistanttoDr.Ross

MODERATORRogerKuhlPASTORAL CARE TEAMRev.S.LindyPurdy,PastoralCareRev.KristenRounerJeide,SpiritualLifeRev.FrankBennett, MinisteratLargeRev.LeslieNeugent,MinisteratLargeGeri CarlsonCami Farley, ColumbariumCHURCH LIFE TEAMLouVlahos,DirectorofMission&CommunicationMarnieBaehr,Print/WebGraphicDesignCami Farley, Print, Events, Beacon Editor AshleighKreider,CommunityManagerBillBoulware,RummageSaleMinistries

EDUCATION TEAMRev.Dr.AllenR.Hilton,Faith&LearningRev.BruceHesse,M.Div.Gabe&HilaryFlynn,HighSchoolMinistryErinLundberg,MiddleSchoolMinistryJodieNyberg,Children’sMinistriesKathyHandy

MUSIC TEAMTom Paulson, DirectorDr.DianaLeeLucker,Organist/MusicSeriesAutumnToussaint,Children’sChoirs&TapestryNealNordstrom,BellChoirsDickReed,InstrumentsLyndaSleeper,Accompanist

BUSINESS TEAMScott Woolery, Director of OperationsJohnEstrem,DirectorofBuilding&GroundsLizHilton,GenerosityDirectorKrisErdahl,WC-ConnectCoordinatorTereasaNies,AccountantRobinCarlson

WCC NURSERy SCHOOLSaraLuedke,DirectorWendy Olson, Assistant Director

THE BEACON *USPS 472-430* is published monthly by Wayzata Community Church, United Church of Christ, 125 Wayzata Boulevard East, Wayzata, MN 55391Periodical postage paid at Wayzata, MN.Postmaster: send address changes toTHE BEACON, 125 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata, MN 55391

PERIODICAL TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL

A United Church of Christ Congregation125WayzataBoulevardEastWayzata,MN55391

(952)473-8877•Fax:(952)473-2695www.wayzatacommunitychurch.org

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