“Parables makes me happy,” says Parables worship leader Jill Freivalds, “because I love seeing the kids interact with each other and the joy in the parents’ faces. It is the most joyous and energet-ic service. Having the chance to be a worship leader has brought me closer to God.” Jill Freivalds is a regular Worship Leader for Parables, our worship service for special needs families and friends, which held its first service on October 7. Jill is responsible for assisting the “Parables” choir, serving Communion, and offering the Benediction each week. Jill is the daugh-ter of new member, Susan Freivalds.

WAYZATA COMMUNITY CHURCHinspire the world

CourageousConversation

In this issueCelebrations & Transitions 2John Ross: Courageous Conversation 3 Kristen Rouner Jeide: Generations 4Big Smiles 5Generosity: Are You All in? 8Light of Hope, Celebrating Saints 9Thanksgiving Worship, Christmas Tea 10Frank Bennett: Take Heart 11 Advent: Simple Gifts 12

Volume 34, Number 10 l November 2012

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Celebrations & transitionsCelebrationsBaptismsSeptember· Joshua William Behring, son of Kathryn Behring on September 16.· Lucas Alan Petersen, son of Brad & Cheryl Petersen on September 16.• RhysSeversonRiley,sonofScottandElizabethRileyonOctober14.• LukeDavidLaRue,sonofRobertandDanielleLaRueonOctober14.

Marriages• PaigeMaterna&AdamLanoueonSeptember15.• AllisonSchulte&RyanMichaelisonSeptember29.• KaylaMarty&TylerDowonOctober5.• JenniferOhme&DerekGamberonOctober6.

CaresRecently HospitalizedMarilynAndersonRonBeauchaneCara BriocheCodyEideInezGantzAnn HullDonLuckerMarilynMcGregorBillMinkemaDickReedDonRossArthurRounerBetty VanValkenburgMollyWhitmanJodie Wright

Condolences• Thefamily&friendsofAnnParco,whodiedonOctober6.• Thefamily&friendsofGeorgePillsbury,whodiedonOctober13.

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.orgUpcomingdeadline:9:00a.m.onTuesday,November6fortheDecember2012issue.

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Contemplative Prayer ServiceWednesday, November 76:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary ChancelThisyearourprayerservicethemeisPray-ing with and for the Church.Eachmonth,we are inviting friends from the Church beyond our own congregation to join us in prayer. This month Father George Ross, an Ojibwe pastor in the Episcopal church who serves in Red Lake, MN., will be with us. He is a person of great ecumenical spirit, tender heart, and deep faith in Jesus, and we are honored to have him with us. We invite you to join us in this sweet time of reflective music, scripture, readings, prayers and candle-lighting. For more information, please contactKristenJeideatkjeide@wayza-tacommunitychurch.org.

An invitation from your Clergy Team:n contemporary American culture, people who strongly disagree on important things usually talk about one another, rather than with one another. Especiallyinanelectionseason,wecaricature,deride,and belittle our opponents, rather than engaging one another. In fact, we often listen only to the people who agree with us, choosing

ourTVstations,op-edcolumnists,andblogstofortify,ratherthanchallengeus.Thisinstinctisunderstandable.Notmanyofuslikeface-to-faceconflictmuch,andapeprally is much easier than an argument. Thetrouble,ofcourse,isthatournationisasdividedasithasbeenindecades,ourgov-ernment is grinding to a halt, our church denominations are splitting along ideological lines, and our conversations with people who differ from us have to stay on topics like the weather and the roads and the hockey scores. Our issues divide us and threaten to dissolve our community ties.

WayzataCommunityChurchcanbelighttothisworldanddemonstrateabetterway.October29isared-letterdayforourchurch.OnthatMondayevening,wewillgatheras a church family to talk respectfully with one another, which will include people who disagreewithoneanother.TheMarriageAmendmentlandsinthemiddleofourcul-ture wars, stirring deep emotions and strongly held positions. We will gather that night and talk about it anyway.

Wewon’tdividetheSanctuary,“‘Yes’peopleonthisside, ‘No’peopleonthat!”Wewon’t establish a WCC position on the issue, as if we all agree. We won’t allow de-meaning or derisive language. We’ll simply speak and listen to one another faithfully, respectfully, and with love. We will agree to differ, resolve to love, and unite to serve.

Wewillgatherthatnightasachurchfamily,totalkabouttheMarriageAmendmentas people of faith, who are even more committed to one another than we are to our stand on the issue. We will find in the pews people for and against and undecided. We will hear from our clergy team who are themselves coming from different perspec-tives on the issue—a beautiful reflection of our church family.

Please join us. Our family meeting won’t be complete without you. Add your voice to the conversation, courageously: from the heart.

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

Courageous Conversationcou·ra·geous: from the heart

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Courageous ConversationMonday, October 29Who: MembersofWayzataCommunity Church

What: A courageous conversation abouttheMarriageAmendment

When: Monday,October29,7:00-8:30p.m.

Where: In the sacred space of our Sanctuary

Why: Mutuallearningandincreasedunderstanding

How: An open forum in which those who are moved to speak (briefly) from theirownexperienceswillbeinvitedtodo so without fear of judgment, criticism,orexclusion.

Tosetthetableandbegintheconversa-tion, members of our clergy team will share their personal perspectives on the issue. A facilitator will serve to set bound-aries of length, content, and appropri-ateness for all who choose to speak.

“Agree to differ. Resolvetolove.Unite to serve.”

To boldly challenge our own complacency through courageous conversation and transformational worship.

—WCC Mission Statement

cou·ra·geous: from the heart

Kristen Rouner Jeide: Generations

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Psalm 90:1

od has been our dwelling place in all generations. Andyou,40…50…60…70+…yearmembers,byyourenduringlivesoffaith,havemadeadwelling place for God. By anchoring this place with your presence, you have allowed this to become a sacred place where layers of memory are laiddown…whereastoryofafamilyoffaithisbeingwritten.Through

chapters of change, of joy and sorrow, of struggle and renewal, of comings and goings …youhavestayed.YouhavebeenthewitnessestoourlifetogetherandGod’sworkin and through us in this place. Your presence, your prayers, your faithfulness in giving of yourselves has allowed God to continue to breathe new life, new faith and hope, new challengeandcallingintothisfamilycalledWayzataCommunityChurch.

Weliveinadayandculturewherewearealways“ontothenextthing”andthereislittlethatinvitesustostopandreflect…orremember…whoweare…wherewe’vebeen…whatwe’velearned…howwehavebeenformed…wherewehaveseenGodatworkinourpast…andwhywearedoingwhatwearedoinginthepresent.Butweneed to remember – especially as people of faith. It is important for us to step back and remember the long view of what God is doing in and through this community of faith …andtorememberthatwearecalledtodoourparttoday…fortheworkthatGodwill bring to fruition long after we are gone.

ItisaripetimeinthelifeofWayzataCommunityChurch!TheSpiritofGodismovingamongusinamazingways.AndwearebeingcalledtoInspiretheworldwiththeinclusiveloveofJesus…inwayswedon’tevenfullyunderstandyet.

We wouldn’t be here, in quite the same way, without each of you. Andso,Isay,onbehalfofthiswholecommunityoffaith…andallthelivesthataretouchedbecauseofit…“Thankyou!ThankGodforyou!Welldone,goodandfaithfulservants!”

MayGodblessallofyou…andallofustogether…asweseektobefaithfultoJesus…today…andinallthedaystocome.

Hello to the people of Wayzata Commu-nity Church.Mynameis Mary Shaffer and Iam your ministry intern throughMayof2013.Iam currently a student at United Theologi-cal Seminary in NewBrighton where I am working on complet-ingmyMastersofDivinity.Itismyhopetobecome ordained in serving the community asaChaplain.Mostrecently,IfinishedayearofResidencywithinClinicalPastoralEduca-tion(CPE)atFairviewSouthdaleHospital inEdina.IliveinSt.LouisParkwithmyhusbandSteve and together we raised two sons — one of whom got married this summer. I am looking forward to serving, learning and growing with you during our time together as a community brought together in the light of God’s love. Peace,Mary

Rev. Kristen Rouner Jeide is Minister for Spiritual Life.

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hen I received the phone call from Hilary Fly-nn asking if I’d

consider being a leader in the High School ministry program, I had more questions than answers.

What was involved? Was I qualified? Could I commit to meeting with High School students from 10:15 a.m. to11:45a.m.everySundayduring thechurch program year for four years? Could I sleep (or not sleep) in a cabin with teenage girls at the twice-per-year weekend retreats?

When this opportunity was pre-sentedtome,mykidswere5and

5

by Stephanie Larsen

Stephanie

7yearsoldandIwasjustbeginningathree-yeartermontheChildren’sChristianEducationBoard. I had a pretty full plate and was pretty content. When I mentioned the opportunity to my husbandGregg,hesimplysaid,“Youhavetodothis!”HebelievedIwouldactuallygetmoreoutof it than I could possibly put in. And, almost four years later, I can say that’s the truth.

When I agreed to be a High School leader, I made a conscious decision to strengthen my faith. EventhoughIcouldneverclaimtoknowallabouttheBible,IknewIcouldlearnalongwiththestudentsandIwouldgrowinmyownfaith.Iwentoutofmycomfortzoneandhavelearnedso much about myself and others. We’ve had so many deep, meaningful discussions that have caused me to really stop and think. We’ve also had a great time together.

Overthisalmostfour-yearjourney,Ihavealsolearnedabouti-Phones,texting,schooldances,APclasses,andcountlesscrazygamesthatGabeFlynnmakesup.And,eventhoughthegirlsmakefun of my “mom pajamas” at retreats, I still manage to have fun sleeping on a bunk bed in a cold cabintwoweekendseachyear.Infact,I’mreallygoingtomissthoseretreats!

Mostofall, I’llmiss theconnections I’vemadewithmy fellow leadersand thehighschoolstudents—theyareanincrediblegroup!Theyhavetaughtmesomuch,andI’msogratefultohave been given the opportunity.

Big Smiles

We’ve had so many deep, meaningful discussions that have caused me to really stop and think.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

BoardofDeacons,6:30p.m.CommunicationsBoard,6:30p.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.Steering Committee, 7 p.m.Board of Fellowship, 7 p.m.MembershipCommittee,7p.m.Art&DesignCommittee,7p.m.HighSchoolCEBoard,7p.m.Mission&OutreachBoard,7p.m.Children’sCEBoard,7p.m.

ArchivesCommittee,9:30a.m.AA,10a.m.WC-ConnectClass,6:30p.m.AlAnon,7:30p.m.

MISSION SUNDAYRev. Dr. John F. Ross preaching8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9a.m.CelebrationsWorship,Sanctuary10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,Chapel10:45a.m.TraditionsWorship,SanctuarySundayMorningBibleStudy,9:45a.m.WorshipatMeridianManor,1p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

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

FOURTH GRADE BLESSINGRev. Dr. Allen Hilton preaching8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9a.m.CelebrationsWorship,Sanctuary10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,Chapel10:45a.m.TraditionsWorship,SanctuarySundayMorningBibleStudy,9:45a.m.WorshipatMeridianManor,1p.m.WayzataSymphonyOrchestra,3p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

ThimbleBees,9a.m.PersonnelCommittee,6:30p.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.AdultCEBoard,7p.m.Building & Grounds Board, 7 p.m.

Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.Church Council, 7 p.m.

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENTBAPTISMSRev. Lindy Purdy preaching 8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9a.m.CelebrationsWorship,Sanctuary10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,Chapel10:45a.m.TraditionsWorship,SanctuarySundayMorningBibleStudy,9:45a.m.WorshipatMeridianManor,1p.m.ArtariaConcert,3p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

EvenSongSunday Evening Worship5:30 p.m. in the SanctuaryIt’s more than just your last chance for Sunday worship... it’s a great way to start a new week. Come as you are... be blessed by this unique worship... and then head out for dinner. Childcareavailableat5:15p.m.Sanctuarydoorsopenat5:25p.m.Communionandcandlelighting.Wor-shipconcludesat6:15p.m.

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

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

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ThimbleBees,9a.m.CaregiversSupportGroup,1:30p.m.SpecialNeedsSupportGroup,6:30p.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.Caregivers Support Group, 7 p.m.Women’sEveningReadingGroup,7p.m.

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ALL SAINTS SUNDAYRev. Dr. John F. Ross preaching8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9a.m.CelebrationsWorship,Sanctuary10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,Chapel10:45a.m.TraditionsWorship,SanctuarySundayMorningBibleStudy,9:45a.m.WorshipatMeridianManor,1p.m.AllSaintsConcert,3p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

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Save the Date: Anne LamottBest-selling Author Anne Lamott will be speaking at WCC on Tuesday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Parables Worship ServiceSundays • 10:10 -10:40 a.m.., ChapelParables is a time for our friends with special needs to share their unique andextraordinarygiftswithusandtheworld. All are welcome to this worship ofradicalwelcome!LedbyRev.LeslieNeugent.

Coming Up in DecemberAdvent Workshop: Sunday,December2,3p.m.inGraceLandA Child’s Christmas with the Minnetonka Chamber Choir: Sunday,December8,3p.m.Music Sunday, Youth Choirs Christmas Festival and the Chancel Choir: Sunday,December16inworshipAmahl and the Night Visitors:Sunday,December23,9a.m.and10:45a.m.worshipservices

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

BoardofDeacons,6:30p.m.CommunicationsBoard,6:30p.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.Steering Committee, 7 p.m.Board of Fellowship, 7 p.m.MembershipCommittee,7p.m.Art&DesignCommittee,7p.m.HighSchoolCEBoard,7p.m.Mission&OutreachBoard,7p.m.Children’sCEBoard,7p.m.

SaturdaySeekers,8a.m.WC-ConnectClass,10:30a.m.FluteChoir,11:30a.m.

ALL WEDNESDAY PROGRAMS BibleforDummies,7&10a.m.,4:30&7p.m.AA,10a.m.BridgeBuildersBibleStudy,9:30a.m.Suppers,Etc.,5p.m.Contemplative Service of Prayer, 6 p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.DummiesNightShift,9p.m.(Sunsets)

AA,10a.m.Women’sFaithBibleStudy,10a.m.Bridge,12noonHSMinistrytoCOOLintheCity,4:30p.m.Fourth Grade Bible Stepping Stone, 7 p.m.

ThimbleBees,9a.m.PersonnelCommittee,6:30p.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.AdultCEBoard,7p.m.Building & Grounds Board, 7 p.m.

SaturdaySeekers,8a.m.

ALL WEDNESDAY PROGRAMS BibleforDummies,7&10a.m.,4:30&7p.m.AA,10a.m.BridgeBuildersBibleStudy,9:30a.m.Suppers,Etc.,5p.m.Stewardship Board, 6 p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.DummiesNightShift,9p.m.(Sunsets)

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Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.Church Council, 7 p.m.

AA,10a.m.BridgeBuildersBibleStudy,9:30a.m.Soup,Salad&SongLuncheon,12noonHighSchoolMinistryTurkeyBowl,3p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.

THANKSGIVINGThanksgivingWorship,9a.m.

Building Closedfor Holiday

SaturdaySeekers,8a.m.

EvenSongSunday Evening Worship5:30 p.m. in the SanctuaryIt’s more than just your last chance for Sunday worship... it’s a great way to start a new week. Come as you are... be blessed by this unique worship... and then head out for dinner. Childcareavailableat5:15p.m.Sanctuarydoorsopenat5:25p.m.Communionandcandlelighting.Wor-shipconcludesat6:15p.m.

7 8 9 St. Paul Chamber

Orchestra Concert, 8p.m.

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15 16 Kids’NightOut, 6 p.m.

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ThimbleBees,9a.m.CaregiversSupportGroup,1:30p.m.SpecialNeedsSupportGroup,6:30p.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.Caregivers Support Group, 7 p.m.Women’sEveningReadingGroup,7p.m.

ALL WEDNESDAY PROGRAMS BibleforDummies,7&10a.m.,4:30&7p.m.BridgeBuildersBibleStudy,9:30a.m.AA,10a.m.Suppers,Etc.,5p.m.AdventKick-OffEvent,7p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.DummiesNightShift,9p.m.(Sunsets)

28 29 AA,10a.m.Women’sFaithBibleStudy,10a.m.

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FinanceCommittee,6:45a.m.AA,10a.m.Women’sFaithBibleStudy,10a.m.Women’sDaytimeReadingGroup,2p.m.Fourth Grade Bible Stepping Stone, 7 p.m.

IOCP Christmas Party,5:30p.m.

1 AA,10a.m.Women’sFaithBibleStudy,10a.m.PiperLibraryCommittee,10:30a.m.HeritageBoard,12noonFourth Grade Bible Stepping Stone, 7 p.m.

2 SaturdaySeekers,8a.m. FluteChoir,11:30a.m.

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Save the Date: Anne LamottBest-selling Author Anne Lamott will be speaking at WCC on Tuesday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Are You All In?Our fall Generos-ity campaign asks if we are ALL IN. Are we – all of us – in this together? Have each one of us stepped up and offered our financial

commitment to support the work and ministry of the church? It also asks more deeply are you ALL IN. Have you really thought abouthow you will support our ministry? JoyceisALLIN.JoyceridesMetroTransittoget church each Sunday, usually arriving about an hour before service because of the bus schedule. When she rides the bus, Joyce (who is in her90’s) doesn’tmiss a chance to tellafellowpassengerabouttheamazingthingsGod is doing here. She knows we are in this together. She isn’t waiting for the church to take out a newspaper ad or send out a mail-ing. She’s telling total strangers about the love ofGodbreakingouthereinWayzataandin-viting others to come share in that love. AaronLutzandhisfamilyareALLIN.Aaronandhiswife,Dani, feel their liveshavebeenblessed in some many ways. Taking Luke12:48toheart“(foruntowhomsoevermuchis given, much shall be required”), they want to bless others. So, Aaron and his wife and three children are currently offering two tiny children (3montholdand13monthold)afosterhome.Thisisn’tthefirsttimetheyhaveserved as a foster family. And it likely isn’t the last.Drawingontheirfaithtraditions(Christianand Jewish), they just simply want to do what they can to help some kids who need a home. Aaron and his family aren’t look-ingforthechurchtoreachoutinmission.Theyarereachingoutwith God’s love right in their own home. GoingALLINisabouteachofusdoingourpart.JoyceandAaron do their part financially supporting the church, and then theybuildonthatfaithfulnessinextraordinaryways.AreyouALLIN?HelpusinspiretheworldwiththeinclusiveloveofJesus.Doyourpartbymakingapledgetosupportourministry.Everypledgemovesusclosertoour$2,000,000goal.Pledgeformsareavailable in thechurchofficeoronlineatwww.wayzata-communitychurch.org.—Liz Hilton, Generosity Director

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Inspire the worldSpirit AwardThe Church Council enthusiastically presented Karin Dayton with the Spirit Award at the September Council meet-ing. Karin radiates the inclusive love of Jesus in every way. For years, Karin has been a consistent, energetic and loving lay leader inourMiddleSchoolMinistry.When the program struggled with lack of consistent staff leadership, Karin Day-ton was there to carry the torch and keep theprogramafloat.TwoyearsagoasaMiddleSchoolboardmember,Karinhesi-tantly accepted the position of Chairper-son, concerned that Board leadership was not her gift. She went on to lead with vision, confidence and enthusiasm. ErinLundberg,DirectorofMiddleSchoolMinistrysays,“KariniscompletelydedicatedtotheMiddleSchoolMinistryatthischurch–fromservingontheBoard,toadvocatingfor the program, to supporting the program with her own gifts and talents. It is such a blessingtohaveKarinasavolunteerandmemberofthischurch.Icanneverexplainhowthankful I am for her.” Karin is now starting her third year as a Crossroads small group leader, even though her ownchildrenarenowinhighschoolandcollege.TypicalofKarin,shedoesn’tjustconnectwith the kids on Wednesday nights. She is in contact with them during the week (yes, theylovetotext)andalwaysgreetsthemwithherinfectiousenergyatWorshipandotherchurch events. She affirms the kids and shows them that they are loved for who they are, no matter what. Karin has a gift for demonstrating the inclusive love of Jesus to everyone. As a part of thegroupthattravelledwithAllenHiltonalongtheFootstepsofPaulinGreeceinMayof2011,Karinwasalovingandunitingspirit.ShenotonlydemonstratedJesus’lovetothetravelers from our WCC group, but to all she encountered. One particularly rocky ride on the Aegean resulted in the majority of the passengers becoming sea-sick. As the WCC group helped each other as much as possible, Karin helped a terribly sick German woman whose own group had disregarded her. Although they didn’t speak the same tongue, KarinspokeinJesus’universallanguageoflove.Whataninspiration!— Rima Torgerson

Learn About WC-ConnectYou’ve heard about WC-Connect and you’ve seen some WC-Connect emails. If you aren’t sure what WC-Connect is all about, comeandsee!Kriswillshowyouhowtologin,setupyourprofile,and get started using our new system. It is so much more than a directory! We have two show-and-tell times available for you to attend:• Mondayevening,November5,6:30–7:30p.m. in the Colonnade• Saturdaymorning,November17,10:30–11:30a.m. in the ColonnadeChoosethetimethatbestsuitsyourschedule,orcallKrisErdahlat952-473-8877,ext.228tosetupaseparatetimetolearnaboutWC-Connect.

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Light of Hope Raises the Roof: A New Kitchen and Dining HallThe very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope for.And the most you can do is live right inside that hope.Not admire it from a distance, but live right in it, under its roof.— Unknown

For the more than 70 young girls who call Light of Hope their home, the roof of their new modern kitchen and dining hall represents far more than a place for them to eat and gather. It represents:• HOPEforabetterfutureandalovinghomeenvironment.• LOVEoffriendsandstrangerswhosupportthem,eveniftheyhavenevermetthem.• GENEROSITY of hundreds ofpeoplefromWayzataCommunityChurch and the surrounding com-munities who have contributed financially.• SECURITY that comes fromknowing that now they are safe, well-fed and loved in their home at Light of Hope.• PEACE from a faith that car-ries them from painful past into a bright future of learning and thriv-ing. The construction of the newkitchen and dining hall at Light of Hope began just a couple of months ago and will be complet-edbyJanuary2013,whenagroupof25peoplefromWayzataCom-munity Church will travel there to blessthenewbuildingandexpe-rience one of the first meals in it with the girls. —Sheila Ross

WCC Members Climb Mt. Kenya The mission partnership between WCC and Light of Hope, whichbeganin2007,hasresultedinmanylivesbeingtrans-formed – not only of the girls who live there, but also for the manypeoplewhohaveexperiencedtheir loveclose-uporfrom far away. Thisyearalone,morethan30peoplewilltraveltoKenyatoexperience theblessingsof thisministry firsthand. Andwhile WCC offers prayerful support to all of the travelers, it does not financially support the participants, which is one moreindicationoftheamazingcommitmentofourinterna-tional travelers. WCC members Will Avery, Christa Bowman, Jamie Lee and MonicaBongart (picturedhere), recently tookon thechal-lengeofclimbingMt.Kenya(16,355feet)toraisemoneyforthemedicalneedsatLightofHope. ChristaandWillhavechosentoextendtheirstaysatLightofHopeandoffertheirservicesasin-terns at the school. Will Avery, during his nine weeks, will be involved in the construction of pathways betweenthebuildings.DuringChrista’sfourmonths,shewillassisttheteachers,teacharttothegirls,and “do whatever is needed”. We are proud of all our travelers for taking the vision of WCC to heart: to relentlessly share our extraordinarygiftsthroughlife-changingmissionandservice—nearandfar.

Remembering SaintsAll Saints Sunday, November 4, is a day in which we remember and give thanks for all those saints who have died in the past year, especially members of this community of faith, our family, and friends. We will also remember and give thanks for all those saints who have gone before us and showed us the way, who now belong to the world and the ages, such asRev.MartinLutherKing,Jr.,AbrahamLincoln,Gandhi, John Calvin, and Francis of Assisi. We’ll celebrate that “clouds of witnesses” with arequiemthatisnotcalledrequiem.TheChan-cel Choir will sing Five Mystical Songs. RalphVaughan Williams wrote the music on poems of George Herbert. We will be accompanied by membersoftheWayzataSymphonyOrchestra,withBass-BaritoneDouglasMullerassoloist. Williams(1872-1956),aBritishcomposer,wasan agnostic and self–proclaimed “disappointed theist.”Despitethat,hewroteaplethoraofbeau-tiful music for the church. Sine Nomine, the tune to which we sing for all the Saints, who from theirlaborsrest,isthemostfamousexampleofhis music. He was drawn to the mystic poetry ofGeorgeHerbert (1593-1632) for theways inwhichHerbertexpressedtheconflictsbetweenGod and humanity, flesh and spirit. All the music of the morning will celebrate all the saints, old and new. We will remember, and give thanks.

Inspire the world

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Have Your Beacon Emailed!DidyouknowthateveryyeartheWayzataCommunityChurch’smonthlynewsletter,the Beacon, prints and mails over a quarter million pagesofpaper?That’salotofpaperandink! We are launching a new, electronic version of the Beacon that will be in full color,haveadditionalenhancementsandwillbedeliveredtoyouremailinbox.Theelectronic version will also be accessible through the Church’s website under the Resourcesection. ThenewWC-ConnectsystemtracksyourBeacon subscription by household. We will be sending an email everyone listed in WC-Connect to give them instructions on how to sign up for the electronic version of the Beacon. When you receive that email please discuss your Beacon subscription with other householdmemberssotheycanbepartofthedecision.Thenrespondtotheon-line subscription form (link in your email) to discontinue your print Beacon and begin receiving it electronically. If you have additional household members or friends who would like to receive a copy, add them to the form and we will sign them up for you! While the cost per issue is low – less than $1 per month – the environmental impact is not. Please consider signing up for the new electronic Beacon. Getting it is free and a great way to keep up on happenings at the church. If you have questions please email:membership@wayzatacommunitychurch.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Music at WayzataOn Friday, November 9, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra will present two quintes-sentialvoicesoftheViennesetradition,HaydnandBerg,at8p.m.intheSanctuary.Fortickets,visitwww.thespco.orgorcall651-291-1144. The Wayzata Symphony Orchestra will present Trumpets to the Fore on Sun-day, November 18 at 3p.m. in the Sanctuary,withguest artist, trumpterMannyLaureano.Theconcertisfree. Artaria will return to WCC on Sunday, November 25 at 3 p.m. with Inside Shostakovich, partofaseriesof15stringquartetsbySovietcomposerDmitriShosta-kovich.Theconcertisfree.

Women’s Christmas TeaSave the Date for the Women’s Christmas Tea, Thursday, December 6.Thisisawonderfulwaytokickofftheholidayseason! ·ThemagicaltransformationofMithunHallintoaChristmasWonderland · A fun and inspiring original story by Lindy Purdy ·HolidaymusicbytheMinnetonkaChamberChoirIf you would like to host a table, please contact Kris Weber: webert_kris@comcast.net,orLynneLaRose:sllarose@comcast.net.TheChristmasTeaissponsoredbytheBoard of Fellowship.

Boy Scout WreathsWCC’s own Boy Scout Troop 283 will have its Annual Wreath Sales Fund Raiser on Sunday, November 18 at Wayzata Community Church from 8 a.m – 12:00 noon. Threedifferenttypesofwreathsareavailable:Classic,Victorian,andCranberryindifferentsizes.SpraysandGarlandarealsoavailable.TheTroopandScoutsusetheproceedsfromthesalestohelppayforscoutactivitiessuchasCampingTrips/EquipmentandHighAdventures.ThankyoufromTroop283!

We Gather Together:Thanksgiving WorshipThursday, November 229 a.m. in the ChapelStart your day of giving thanks by gathering together with family and friends to worship God. This service of Thanksgiving, led by clergy and lay readers, will include favorite Thanksgiving hymns. Come as you are for this 45-minute service designed for all ages. Refreshments & fellowship will follow in the Colonnade. Childcare available for Birth to age 5.

Frank Bennett: Take Heart

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Take Heart: Do Not Be Afraid of Advanced Care PlanningJesus calms fears and encourages his followers by telling them to take “heart” or “courage.”(Matthew14:27)Weareremindedthroughoutscripturetohavefaithand trust in God.

We seek inspiration to quell our fears when we face the unknown of illness or ac-cidents. One thing we can do to plan for the unknown, is to give ourselves and our familiesthegiftofAdvancedCarePlanning(ACP).Thisisaprocessofdecidingwhatyou do - and do not - want for your healthcare choices if you are unable speak for yourself.

Wecandothisforourselves,whetherwe’re18or88,becauseitmeanswecanlivejoyfully and peacefully, knowing our wishes will be carried out. It’s a gift to our fami-lies,becausetheycanlivewiththeassurancethattheyarecarryingoutourexplicitchoices. It’s also a gift to the community, because these courageous conversations deepen our faith and the faith of people around us.

Mostofusprocrastinateabouthavingthiscourageousconversationfor3reasons:(1)webelievewe’llhaveenoughtimetotalkifsomethinghappenstous;(2)wealreadyhavea“livingwill”ora“5Choices”document;and(3)whowantstotalkabout future calamity?

Since we can’t predict our future, we may not have the time we need to prepare ourselves, our families, and our doctors. In addition, most doctors and hospitals no longerfind“livingwills”or“5Choices”documentstobeusefulinmakinghealthcaredecisions.

An added benefit to planning for our healthcare choices is that it usually leads to talking about what we cherish and value about life, rather than talking about death ordisease.Manypeoplewho’vedoneACPremarkthattheyinitiallyavoidedit,butwere pleasantly surprised to find it was a life-giving, affirming, and deeply spiritual time with the people they love.

PartofmycallatWayzataCommunityChurchisleadinganAdvancedCarePlanningministry.Iencouragethesecourageousconversations,becauseIrecognizethatlifecould change tomorrow. If you want to discuss how you might start a courageous conversation about your values and how they affect your healthcare choices, contact me at fbennett@wayzatacommunitychurch.org.

Embracing Your JourneyA Called to Care Forum with Rev. Frank BennettThursday, November 157:00-9:00 p.m. in the ColonnadeWhatdoyouvalue?Thiswillbeareflectivetimetotalk about what we value most in life. We will use these insights to challenge ourselves about choos-ing what we want to do with the rest of our lives. Thisself-reflectionandarticulationisthefirststepin the Advanced Care Planning process, because we can faithfully make our healthcare choices if we knowwhatwevalue.Thisisaforumforpeopleofallages.

Rev. Frank Bennett is Minister at Large at WCC.

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 TEAMBillBoulware,Mission&OutreachLynne Gehling, CommunicationsMarnieBaehr,Print/WebGraphicDesignCamiFarley,Print,Events,BeaconEditor

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

MUSIC TEAMTomPaulson,DirectorDr.DianaLeeLucker,Organist/MusicSeriesAutumnToussaint,Children’sChoirs&TapestryNealNordstrom,BellChoirsDickReed,InstrumentsLynda Sleeper, Accompanist

BUSINESS TEAMScottWoolery,DirectorofOperationsJohnEstrem,DirectorofBuilding&GroundsLizHilton,GenerosityDirectorKrisErdahl,WC-ConnectCoordinatorTereasaNies,AccountantRobinCarlson

WCC NURSERY SCHOOLSaraLuedke,DirectorWendyOlson,AssistantDirector

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

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A United Church of Christ Congregation125WayzataBoulevardEastWayzata,MN55391

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

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Advent: Simple Gifts

Simple Gifts: An All-Church Advent Kick-off EventWednesday, November 287 p.m. in the Sanctuary WewillbeginAdventwithBillyMcLaughlin’sSimple Gifts.Thisisamagicalmusical concert bringing a modern flair to traditional Christmas carols and hymns. Simple Gifts combines violin, celtic whistle, piano, guitar, and percussion with angelic vocals to delight all ages and prepare us for Advent and Christmas.