UPDATEDuring this time we are reaching out as many ways as we can. We send weekly emails, if you don’t get them contact the church office to get added to the list. office@firstlutheranrw.com or 651-388-9311. (This does not effect your hard copy newsletter)

Please let us know if there is anything we can be doing for you. Contact us if you know someone that needs a call.

We will continue to add information to our website and update you all as best as we can.

For those that do not have an email address or internet access we are delivering bulletins with the sermon and songs included so you can continue to worship on Sundays if you can't be here.

WORSHIP SCHEDULEAll the worship services will be available on-line at www.firstlutheranrw.com.

The service for Sunday mornings will be available at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday so you can watch it live or watch the video later.

PRAYER MINISTRYKaitlynn Kukuska, Jenny Edmonds, Bob Swanson, Horst Radtke, Crystal Swanson, Doris Johnson, Bob Weir, Jim Miller, Cheryl Youmans, Dylan Michel family, John Oleson, Edla Bodelson, Leah Larsen, Laura Anderson, Grosso family, Richard Jonas, Nikki Mahoney, John, Brooklyn, Gerry & Louise Mewhorter, Joan Grottan, Bill Robinson, Brooke Bowen, Harold Bonde, Jeff Reames, Art Haage, Kris Lohman, Gerald Lein, Kathy, Beverly Lein, Debra Mosby, Tammy Rose and Eleanor Olson.

Prayer Ministry needs your help in updating our Prayer list. Please look it over and let the office know if you have any additions or changes (removal) to the list. Call the office 651-388-9311 or send an email to: office@firstlutheranrw.com Thank you.

Phone: (651)388-9311 office@firstlutheranrw.com www.firstlutheranrw.com

FIRST LUTHERAN STAFFArthur Sharot: Senior Pastorext. 15 / arte42@gmail.com

Marilee Anderson: Director of Musicext. 19 / marilee.a.anderson@gmail.com

Tina Goeman: Director of CYFext. 14 / tina@firstlutheranrw.com

Gina Nelson: Bookkeeper, PText. 11/ bookkeeper@firstlutheranrw.com

Glenda Wersal: Administrative Assistantext. 10 / office@firstlutheranrw.comDial 6 to leave a message

Syl Andersen: Custodian, PTH: 651/388-7453 C: 651-380-8663

Brian Fladhammer: Maintenance, PTH: 651/388-2675

2020 COUNCIL MEMBERSAlyson Kloeckner - TreasurerJoe Rice - Finance/StewardshipWendy Erickson - President Life and Growth/PersonnelJohn Laidlaw - Stewardship/EducationCyd Mark - Vice President/ WorshipJean Fjelsted - WorshipMatt Stinson - StewardshipMary Weberg - Christian ActionMark Jaeger - PropertyBunny Kulstad - Life and GrowthJon Ubbelohde - Property

Judie Bowes - Personnel Elaine Ahern - Education

theSpire

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2020 SPIRE FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH

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FROM THE PASTOR Christmas 2020 ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’

“And so this is Christmas”

How often have we heard and even pleaded ourselves, “Put Christ back in Christmas”? How often have we decried all the commercialism and nonreligious activities over shadowing Christmas? Well, look at what Covid 19 has done.

We are often so busy with all the activities and responsibilities around Christmas time that we don’t have time to even think about the babe in the manger and exactly why he was born.

God did not send his only beloved Son because everything was wonderful. God sent his Son so that we might not perish but have eternal life. Christmas comes this year at a time when everything is not wonderful. Christmas comes during a time when we need to be reminded of the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Christmas is often a time when we are asked to count our blessings. Perhaps there hasn’t been a better time to do that. During this time of frustration, fear, anxiety and mourning, we need to count our blessing in order to put things back into perspective. For example Sandy and I feel truly blessed to be a part of First Lutheran. Thank you for calling me to be your pastor and accepting us into your church family. We love being with you as brothers and sisters in Christ together here at First Lutheran.

Recently I was thinking, what an honor it is for me to go through these challenging times as your pastor. Is it fun? No. Is it hard? Yes. But I am sure that this experience will bond us together like nothing else could. Some people wonder, what will become of the Church after Covid? I think this terrible virus will serve to bring us together and remind us how important the Church is. This virus has shown us how important and how much we love First Lutheran.

“And so this is Christmas” but Christ is with us.

Merry ChristmasPastor Arte

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As your know COVID 19 is surging in MN, the country and around the world. The Red Wing schools have gone to distance learning. The Governor has set new restrictions in the fight against the virus.

Technically and legally we could continue to worship as we have and hope we don't get anyone of you and/or the staff sick and that we don't contribute to the spread of the virus.

The other option is to join the fight against this enemy of world. Our schools, businesses and families are being asked to sacrifice for the sake of our community, and country and to better protect you and our staff. During wars we have sent our men and women of the armed service to make sacrifices. During WWII our citizens were asked to sacrifice. My parents even had to eat liver.

Effective after yesterday's service we are suspending in-person worship and Wednesdayin-person activities until further notice. For those who cannot go on-line, we will broadcast to the parking lot. We are also working on a way you can call a number and listen to the Sunday service on your phone.

I know this is hard for you, it is hard for me. I miss being able to see you and be with you but these are hard times. Yet Christ will carry us through. I don't want to criticize other churches that continue to worship. They have to do what they see is right. However, we will do what we can to fight this thing. We want to be part of the solution. I hope we are doing the right thing. I believe we are.

This includes Wednesday and Sunday school and confirmation. We are working on plans that hopefully will start after Thanksgiving. Look for Tina's email. Believe it or not we didn't expect that we would have to stop meeting again. However it is what it is.

God bless you, stay safe.Pastor Arte

Moving Forward

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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTESFirst Lutheran ChurchCouncil Meeting Minutes November 10th, 2020

Members Present by ZOOM: Wendy Erickson, Cyd Mark, Mark Jaeger, Bunny Kulstad, Jean Fjelsted, Judie Bowes, Joe Rice, Jon Ubbelohde, Aly Kloeckner, John Laidlaw

Staff Present: Pastor Arte Sharot

The meeting was called to order by Wendy Erickson, council president.

Secretary’s Report: It was MSC to accept secretary’s report as presented.

Treasurer’s Report: It was MSC to accept report (motion by John Laidlaw, second by Judie Bowes). Aly has put together a budget based on previous year.

Staff Reports:

-Pastor Arte -Tina -Marilee Ministry Team Reports

Worship & Music: Christmas Eve services will be at 3:00pm & 4:30pm. Linda Olsen is coordinating ushers for the services. The church will be decorated on Friday, at 10am. Please come to help decorate - all are welcome! We are asking our congregation to call the office (beginning Tuesday, 12/1) to let us know which service they would like to attend. Communion is always available after Sunday worship services, but will have “to go” communion packets available upon request.

Property: Nick Greseth will provide snow removal this winter. Our roofing service located the area on the roof that had been leaking & repaired it. He also noted some missing shingles, so we are investigating repair plans. Learning Circle will be replacing their current playground fencing. They will be covering all costs for the replacement. Our AC repair/replacement is paid in full. Our Fire Suppression System is due for a complete system inspection. This is an expensive undertaking (as it is labor intensive), but is a non-negotiable item. The cost of the inspection is $6,195. We will share information as updates become available. We will be in contact with the fire department regarding deadlines, etc.

Life & Growth: A refrigerator magnet has been developed & approved! This magnet will be included with packets sent out to new Red Wing residents. An update for our new member packets is currently being developed.

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Stewardship: November 19th is Give to the Max day. Information will be sent out in next week’s emails, along with informational Facebook & Twitter posts. The 2021 stewardship letter to congregants has been formulated & will be sent out with pledge cards by next week.

Youth & Family: The pumpkin Carving event was a success! A craft night is currently being planned. The youth Christmas Pageant will take place 12/27. Small circles, Women & Wine, Sunday & Wednesday schools are all currently meeting.

Wednesday evening worship is being live streamed.

Christian Action: Currently busy working on the Christmas Project. Mary Weberg is devising creative ways to get the names of the families in need to our congregants. Personnel: no report

Old Business: The nominating committee will meet on 11/17 and have a report for us in December. Coronavirus update: Wednesday dinners will continue as long as social distancing guidelines can continue to be met. For now, we will continue to offer all our current “in person” worship opportunities with the same precautions being adhered to. The Boy Scouts are now having the Cubs meet distantly, but the Scouts will continue to meet at the church, continuing to follow Covid guidelines.

New Business: Due to the pandemic, our 2021 budget will not show significant change from 2020. Aly plans to make necessary adjustments as committee requests are submitted. The Building Reserve expense line will no longer be included in our new budget. This expense line has never been used & has no impact on the budget. We are still looking for people to join our AV team. Please contact the office if youcan help!

The next regular church council meeting is scheduled for December 8th.

Respectfully submitted,

Cyd Mark

Life and Growth would like to thank you for all your help in handing in your Family Fare receipts. We reached our first goal of $150,000.00 last September! We are well on our way to another $150,000.00!

Remember, the church receives $1,000.00 for each $150,000.00 collected.

We have noticed some receipts coming in with the bottom cut off, which also could cut off the Direct Your Dollars. We need the full receipt. Also, if you pick up prescriptions only, that receipt is not useable.

Special Thank You to Candy Fleck for all the hours she put into this endeavor.

Life and Growth Committee

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This and that . . .

HOSPITALIZATIONS AND ILLNESSHospitals no longer notify churches when their members are admitted for care. If you are ill or hospitalized and would like a pastoral visit or to be on the church prayer list, please notify us at (651)388-9311 or office@firstlutheranrw.com.

We extend our prayers & sympathy to the families of the following:Marcia Krause passed October 30thJerry Krie passed November 5thRosie Oldenburg passed November 19thLarry Peterson passed November 22nd

RESERVE SPACE FOR CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIPWe are not sure if or when we will be able to open up again. However we want to be prepared for Christmas if we can celebrate it in person. We are planning on having 2 in-person services at 3 and 4:30 pm with a recorded service you can watch at anytime. In order to make sure we have enough space for everyone we will be asking people to reserve space for the Christmas Eve service they plan to attend. You will be able to sign up by calling in or stopping by the office, sending an email and possibly “signup genius”. I’m sure we will be able to accommodate everyone that wants to attend. We just want to make sure we know how many to expect so we can plan for it. We will begin sign up on December 14th.

Faith in ActionNeed for Drivers! The numbers of drivers are down 20% but the need keeps growing. Please call Faith in Action 651-327-2400 or Diane Ringeisen 651-380-3838.

Grief Group & SupportPlease know that bereavement support remains available through telephone contacts. For bereavement support please contact us at: 1-800-679-9084 or 507-284-4002. E-mail: rsthospicebereavement@mayo.edu.

Prayer ChainWould you like to join the Prayer Chain? Pat Swanson is looking for people to join her calling list. If interested please call the office at 651-388-9311. Thank you

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MUSIC MINISTRIES

In this crazy year of who knows what will happen next, we are all doing the best we can. Some of the music people are stepping up to help lead at least some music for our worship services. It is frustrating to see you the congregation sitting in the pews on Sunday morning with your masks on not being able to sing wonderful hymns of the church. I have almost forgotten what congregation singing sounds like. But we need to keep our protocols in place and hope that in the near future, this “thing” will be gone and we can all be back to normal and worship the way we are used to….by praising God with our voices through prayer, responses, singing, etc.

On that note I am thankful for the people who have stepped forward. Cheri Roberts, Kelly Kolby, Rollie Meffert, Kevin Mark, Jean Fjelsted, Sandy Sharot have sung the hymns with the words on the screen so that you can soak in the meaning of them as best you are able. The bell ringers - Jean Fjelsted, Kathy Olson, Brenda Carlstrom, Kay Carlson, Sandy Sharot, Heidi Jones, Cheri Roberts are playing. Kathy and Jean are learning bell duets. Jean is practicing bell solos. The Praise Team - Margaret Johnson, Gloria Solsaa, Chuck Schwartau and David Watson have lead worship about three times this fall.

You will think that this is a-lot of people but it is not enough. Some of these people double up into two groups. We need more people willing to step forward to take their turn so the regulars can have a day off too.

We need more people to volunteer in the sound booth. We have one high school student who helps when he can - Josh Kolby. Sandy Sharot is multi tasking between music and the projection. Penny Oleson is helping with live streaming. I know they all would appreciate more help.

Consider being an active part of this journey if you are able. Everyone would appreciate it.

I hope you are all staying safe and following all protocols. It is the one way we will get rid of this virus.

To God be the Glory (soli deo Gloria)

Marilee

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OCTOBER 2020 FINANCIAL REPORT

Goodhue County Christmas ProjectFirst Lutheran Church will participate in the Goodhue County Christmas Project providing food and gifts for the children of families in need. We will continue to have trees with ornaments listing a child's need in the church narthex. The sign up sheets will be spread out more and I will have a container fcr clean and dirty pens and pencils. If you have your own pen or pencil, please use it. With church services going online, it will not be as convenient to take an ornament and purchase a gift but please make an effort to stop at church during the week to choose an ornament and help a family in need. Times are even more difficult now so if you can please help please do.

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DECEMBER Prayer & Activities 2020Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

19am CDEAP - Fellowship Hall/ Nursery11:00am Staff Mtg 4pm Property5pm Executive Council6pm Team Mtgs

2 39am CDEAP - Fellowship Hall/ Nursery1pm Blood Drive

411am Blood Drive

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69:30am Worship Online

7 89am CDEAP - Fellowship Hall/ Nursery11:00am Staff Mtg 4pm Finance6:30pm Council Mtg

9 109am CDEAP - Fellowship Hall/ Nursery

11 12

139:30am Worship Online

145pm Learning Circle Bd Mtg

159am CDEAP - Fellowship Hall/ Nursery11:00am Staff Mtg

16 179am CDEAP - Fellowship Hall/ Nursery

18 19

209:30am Worship Online

21 229am CDEAP - Fellowship Hall/ Nursery11:00am Staff Mtg

23 24CLOSED

25CLOSED

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279:30am Worship Online

28 299am CDEAP - Fellowship Hall/ Nursery11:00am Staff Mtg

30 31CLOSED

WEEK OF DECEMBER 6 Joel 2:12-13, 28-29 (Luke 11:13) Turn to a merciful God

WEEK OF DECEMBER 13 Isaiah 61:1-11 (Luke 4:16-21) The Spirit of the Lord

WEEK OF DECEMBER 20 Luke 1:26-45 [46-56] (Psalm 113) Announcement of Jesus’ birth to Mary

DECEMBER 24Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] (Psalm 96)Birth of Jesus

DECEMBER 25Luke 2:8-20 (Psalm 123:1-2)Shepherds visit the infant Jesus

DECEMBER 27Luke 2:21-38 (Psalm 131)Simeon and Anna

These are the readings for December

Children, Youth and Family Ministry

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Do you want to be my pen pal?

Write a letter, draw a picture. Let's give a smile with a piece of mail to everyone! We will partner you with someone so that you can write to each other this month. Can’t write? No problem, just color or draw a picture, or do what you can to send someone a smile. We also have supplies available if you need help with that too.

What do I say? I know this can be a tough one so here are some writing prompts for you.

• My favorite part of church is…how about you? • My favorite song we sing is…what is yours? • I love(d) this when I was in Sunday school…what is your favorite part? • I did this in my confirmation class…. • Church camp was great because of…. • My favorite thing at Christmas is…. • My favorite sport is…. • I like to do….when I have time to be outdoors.

Still need ideas reach out to Tina and she will help.

Eve Circle Mary Circle Martha Circle Quilt group

Wednesday Night LiveSunday In Person WorshipMen's Bible Study (Zoom?)

In Person Sunday / Wednesday School Classes

Children, Youth and Family Ministry

Cancellations Until Further Notice

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First Lutheran Church615 West 5th Street

Red Wing MN 55066651.388.9311

Address Service Requested

December 2020

NON-PROFIT ORG.U. S. Postage

PAIDPermit # 311

Red Wing MN 55066

HAPPENINGS

HOLY COMMUNION AT HOME

If you would like to participate in Holy Communion as you watch the service online stop by the church office and pick up some communion kits.