t the age of three I started singing in the Cherub Choir and I have been singing at WCC ever since. No matter how stressful my life has been at times, I’ve known that every Wednesday night I can go to church and sing and laugh and forget about everything else.

Over the years I’ve sung in countless church services, as well as 12 Christmas Musicals and 12 Mission Festivals. I love that WCC uses these big events to raise money for charities, because it takes choir to another level; we aren’t just singing to sing, we’re singing for a purpose.Music has always been more to me than just a combination of notes and words, it’s my outlet, and it’s how I handle the stress and problems of life.

During my freshman year I played the part of Mary in our WCC Christmas Musical and I sang the song “Breath of Heaven”. I was surprised at the response from the congrega-tion. It felt like they understood, and that through my music I could help other people in the same way. This past summer I sang the song “Blessings” for a Sunday service. This song is an incredibly emotional song that helped me through a really difficult time and relates to everyone in one way or another. When I looked out into the congregation I could see in people’s faces that they understood what the song was about and I realized that by sharing this music, I am giving them a bit of myself and the peace that I feel when I sing. I love that I can share with others the joy that music gives me and help others to heal through something that has always given me strength. Music will always be a part of my life, and although I don’t plan on majoring in music, I am looking forward to being involved in choir and musical theatre in college. I thank Wayzata Community Church and all the wonderful people that I’ve had the privilege to work with.

WAYZATA COMMUNITY CHURCHinspire the world

CaringCommunityLaura is a remarkable young woman who lights up a room with her smile, her voice, and her beautiful heart. We at WCC have had the blessing of watch-ing her grow musically and spiritually. On Sunday, December 23, she will play the lead role in our op-era “Amahl And The Night Visitors” at the 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. worship services. Amahl is the story of a young boy who changes the lives of all those around him through one simple gesture. As Laura ventures beyond WCC, I know she will go on to change the world with the inclusive love of Jesus wherever her journey leads. — Autumn Toussaint

In this issueCelebrations & Transitions 2John Ross: Ruthless in Advent 3 Allen Hilton: Let’s Listen Together... 4Advent: Waiting for the Light 5Generosity: Our Kids are All In! 8Special Christmas Offering 9Music at Wayzata Christmas Concerts 10Leslie Neugent: A Counter-Cultural Life 11 Christmas Eve Worship 12

Volume 34, Number 11 l December 2012

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Celebrations & transitionsCelebrationsBirths• AnnaJaneSorrentinobornonOctober29;proudparentsareTony&RachelSorrenti-no;grandparentsareJoe&SueSorrentino.

Baptisms• BrooklynnMarieBenedict,daughterofBryan&EllisunBenedictonNovember4.

Marriages• AshleyParrish&AdamDrillonOctober13.

New MembersRyan&MeganAlsteadDan&AnnBiereBill&DeniseCantwellDavid&CarlaCarlsonDarcyEllisDean&AnnikaEversonBruce&DianeFeistBertha FlynnDick&DebFlynnCraig&AndreaFriedhoffMargaret GreenRachelKozarDianne LidbergRathe&SarahMcLean

CaresRecently HospitalizedLaurie BusynRossCarlsonNancy CoslerMargo FochlerSusan FreivaldsJoanneJohnson

Condolences• ErikOtteson&familyonthedeathofhisfather,RogerWikner,onOctober15.• Thefamily&friendsofDr.MaynardReynoldswhodiedonOctober16.• KatieSchroeder&familyonthedeathofherfather,JamesA.Baran,onOctober20.• DougBrown&familyonthedeathofhismother,MarilynBrown,onOctober22.

The beacon is published by Wayzata Community Church. Assigned articles, or story ideas, may beemailedtoCamiFarleyatcommunications@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,December4fortheJanuary2013issue.

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Bruce MerryEvan&TiffanyMoldeErik&LizNerhusErik&PamNymoSarah OistadKellyPedersonSallyPillsburyPat&KellyReganDave&DianeRogersMarty&AmySchultingBryan&KimSkavnakBruce&AmyTurekTracy WeidmanLori Werch

Don LuckerDeb MacraeSuePlatouMike SnowBarb Thompson

Silent Retreat: A ReflectionReflections on my experience at Pacem in Terris Asanextrovert, I had some strong res-ervations about a silent weekend—then I realized it was actually only 40 hours(including two nights sleep!), and that helpedrelievesomeofmyanxiety. I knew that spending “quality time” with God is something that truly pleases Him, but I didn’t realize until the weekend was over that I needed it just as much. Everyone has a different experienceduring a retreat like this, but here’s how it affected me. I felt the entire gamut of emotions, from a sense of letting go (whichledtoanexhausted12hoursofsleep), to a spirited conversation with God about “issues” I had, and finally, a sense of peace and renewed energy and purpose in my life. It helped that the hermitage is an ideal setting for this kind of retreat (the staff is committedtomakingthisthebestexpe-rience possible) and that God blessed us with a perfect fall day in order to marvel at His creation. Shirley, the remarkable woman who created this hermitage, said itbestwhensheexplainedthatPacemisaplaceforustobefreetoexperiencetheHoly Spirit without the interference and interruptions of everyday life. That is truly what happened to me, and as a result, I hope to create a sense of ‘pacem’ each and every day as I move forward in my walk with God. —Nancy Anderson

A group of six of us ventured out to a beautiful Minnesota retreat center called Pacem in Terris to experience the gift of time alone with God in silent retreat. Next year’s retreat will be from October 4-6. For more information, contact Kris-ten Jeide at kjeide@wayzatacommunity-church.org.

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

Ruthless in Advent

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Of all the seasons, this is the one in which we need to slow down.

The Sunday After: Lorie Line in Worship Sunday, December 309:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.SanctuaryCelebrate The Sunday After Christmas with pianist Lorie Line and her “Fab Five”atthe9:00a.m.and10:45a.m.services. Lorie will be playing traditional hymns and holiday favorites with legendaryPeterOstroushkoonfiddle,KenniHolmenonwoodwinds,JoshFinkonbass,YouTubesensationJean-PierreBouvetondrumsandDerekBrommeontrombone.Enjoymusicand song that inspires, preaching that carriesusforwardonthejoyofJesus’birth, and energy you won’t want to miss. Bring a friend along to worship!

n the late 1960s, a subcommittee of the Sen-ate received expert testimony on the antici-pated effects of advancements in technolo-gies that would allow people to accomplish their work faster and live their lives with

greater efficiency. The great challenge of the future was going to be what people would do with all their free time. Oops. Not so much. JohnOrtbergistheseniorministerofbig,busychurchlikeours.Whenhewentto his spiritual advisor for wisdom on how to stay spiritually healthy, his mentor took a long time to respond and then said, “You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” Ortbergresponded,“OK.Gotit!That’sagoodone.Whatelse?”Afteranotherlong pause, the wise counselor said, “There is nothing else. You must ruthlessly elimi-nate hurry from your life.” You may have noticed that WCC is starting the season of Advent a week earlier than the rest of Christendom. It’s not because we’re in a great big hurry. It’s because of all the seasons, this is the one in which we need to slow down—to ruthlessly eliminate hurry from our lives…and from our worship. My home church in Ohio is reading the following quote every day in Advent. I suggest we do the same… if for no reason other than to just SLOW DOWN. Cut it out, put it on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror or wherever you will see it daily… and read it. “If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things, if we consider our-selves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the Shepherds? Or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary? For each one of us there is a desert to travel, a star to discover, and a being within ourselves to bring to life.” (Unknown author) Forthemoment,slowdown.Remember:“Hurryisnotofthedevil;hurryisthedevil.”(CarlJung)Ifyourlifeismovingtoofast,considerbeingruthlessinAdvent:ELIM-INATEHURRYFROMYOURLIFE.

Inspire the world...

JohnF.RossSenior Minister

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Let’s Listen Together...To pay bills one summer during college, I drove truck for a fireworks company in Portland. InthoseB.I.days(Beforei-Phone),IcarriedapocketNewTestamentwherever I went, to help me memorize. One day I tossed a pile of invoices on top of it on the desk, and my boss went ballistic. “How dare you put anything above theWordofGod?!”ThemanhadneverreadtheBook,mindyou,buthewasscandalized. I’m not normally quick-witted (a sub-par trash-talker, actually, envious of buddies’ knack for rapid repartee); but that morning I didn’t hesitate to deadpan: “Paperandink.”

I’m still proud of that moment. My comment sounds crass. My boss thought it was sacrilege – yea, blasphemy – and it may surprise you from a Bible-thumper like me. But when Isaiah the prophet said,

The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah40.8)and,As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,and do not return there until they have watered the earth…so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;it shall not return to me empty,but it shall accomplish that which I purpose. . .(Isaiah55.10-11)

– when Isaiah said these things, he wasn’t talking about a tome or a scroll. Noth-inglikeourBibleexistedinhisday.Isaiahmeantmorethanabook.“WordofGod” meant nothing less than the speech of a God whose words actually work.

Why all this talk about God’s word in a December Beacon?BecauseiftheBibleprepares us to hear God speak, Advent prepares us for something even greater.

Near the end of the first century, a Christian man sat down to the inspiring but almostimpossibletaskofwritingJesus’story.Nobookcouldcontainhim,andsotheauthor’sdisclaimer:“IfIweretowriteeverythingJesusdid,allthelibrariesintheworldcouldn’tholdit!”(John21.)Buthowtostart–wheretobegin?Hesurelyaskedhimself,“HowcouldIevertelltheinestimableimportanceofthislife?”Heprayed…and thought…and then wrote these sentences:

In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the Beginning with God. All things were created through Him…AndtheWordbecamefleshandlivedamongus,andwebeheldhisglory...(John21.25)

A Bethlehem baby was God’s speech stunningly present to us in skin!

Friends, this Advent, whatever else we do, “Let’s listen together for the Word of God.”

bible for DummiesAnticipation — A bible Study in the Exasperating Art of Waiting

Holidays can be disappointing. Itisnowonder“ExpectationsManagement”hasbe-comeavoguetermamongexecutivesandparentsalike.Greatexpectationssetusuptoriskdisappoint-ment. But if we set our bar too low, we may miss the magnitude of good things when they arrive.

ThisAdvent,AllenHiltonwillguidea3-weekstudyofwaiting as we see it done by faithful people in the Bi-ble:SarahandAbraham,theProphetIsaiah,thePeo-pleofIsrael,andtheearliestChristianchurch.JoinusDecember5,12and19at7or10a.m.,4:30or7p.m.intheWCCColonnade,orworktheNightShiftat9p.m.downtown.(Childcareat10a.m.and4:30p.m.)

Turkey Study TripQuest for Early ChristiansLed by Allen HiltonMay 8-18, 2013

Turkey was the key. Christianity’sexponentialgrowthinthefirstthreecenturies is one of the most fascinating phenome-nainworldhistory.FromA.D.30andA.D.330,themovementexploded froma tinybandofdisciplesinGalilee toprimacy in thewholeRomanEmpire.Astonishing! And Turkey was the key. The land ancient folk calledAsiaMinorhosted the largestexpansionofChristianityinhistory.Buthow?Whatwastheinter-facebetweenchurchandsociety?HowdidthoseearlyChristiansinspiretheirworld? Joinus thisMayaswe travel the landwhereChristianity grew. We’ll begin and end in Istanbul. Between, we’ll see marvelous ancient ruins of cities theApostlePaulvisited,thesevencitiesoftheBookofRevelation,CappadociawhereChristianslivedincaves, and a host of other remarkable sites. Interested?CometooneofourinformationalmeetingsWednesday,December5at11a.m.or8p.m. in the WCC Chapel.

Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton is Minister for Faith & Learning

Allen Hilton“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

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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Wayzata Community Church Ministry TeamsRev. Dr. John F. Ross, Senior MinisterKathleen Patterson, Assistant to Dr. Ross

MODERATORRoger KuhlPASTORAL CARE TEAMRev. S. Lindy Purdy, Pastoral CareRev. Kristen Rouner Jeide, Spiritual Life Rev. Frank Bennett, Minister at LargeRev. Leslie Neugent, Minister at LargeGeri CarlsonCami Farley, ColumbariumCHURCH LIFE TEAMBill Boulware, Mission & OutreachLynne Gehling, CommunicationsMarnie Baehr, Print/Web Graphic DesignCami Farley, Print, Events, Beacon Editor

EDUCATION TEAMRev. Dr. Allen R. Hilton, Faith & LearningRev. Bruce Hesse, M. Div. Gabe & Hilary Flynn, High School MinistryErin Lundberg, Middle School MinistryJodie Nyberg, Children’s MinistriesKathy Handy

MUSIC TEAMTom Paulson, DirectorDr. Diana Lee Lucker, Organist/Music SeriesAutumn Toussaint, Children’s Choirs & TapestryNeal Nordstrom, Bell ChoirsDick Reed, InstrumentsLynda Sleeper, Accompanist

BUSINESS TEAMScott Woolery, Director of OperationsJohn Estrem, Director of Building & GroundsLiz Hilton, Generosity DirectorKris Erdahl, WC-Connect CoordinatorTereasa Nies, AccountantRobin Carlson

WCC NURSERY SCHOOLSara Luedke, 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 Congregation125 Wayzata Boulevard East

Wayzata, MN 55391(952) 473-8877 • Fax: (952) 473-2695

www.wayzatacommunitychurch.orgwww.ucc.org

Advent: Simple Gifts

Simple Gifts: An All-Church Advent Kick-off EventWednesday, November 287 p.m. in the Sanctuary We will begin Advent with Billy McLaughlin’s Simple Gifts. This is a magical musical 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.

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worshipEvenSongSunday Evening Worship, 5:30 p.m.Add to your Advent experience with candle-lighting and Communion every Sunday evening at EvenSong. This casual, come-as-you-are worshipis a power-packed 45-minute format. Music bysinger/song-writer,PaulFran-zicandfriends.

Wednesday Prayer ServiceWednesday, December 5 • 6:00 p.m. This contemplative service of prayer includes scripture readings, short meditations, a time of reflection and prayer, and contemplative music. Our themethisyearis“PrayingwithandfortheChurch.”This month, LaDonna Hoy, Executive Director ofInterfaithOutreachandCommunityPartners,willbewith us as we pray for the needs of our community.

Music SundaySunday, December 16 • 9:00 a.m., Gloria In Excelsis Deo! Our Children’s and Youth choirs lead us to Bethlehem through story, dance, and song. You won’t want to miss the celebration. He is born!• 10:45 a.m., Lessons & CarolsCelebrate Lesson and Carols with Chancel Choir andsoloists.MusicofRutter,Porter,Hopson,Helveyand Menott.

Amahl and the Night VisitorsSunday, December 239:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. in worshipThe Good Works Community Theater, members of the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra, and the Shepherd’s Chorus will present Menotti Amahl and the Night Visitors in worship.

Home for Christmas! Christmas Day WorshipTuesday, December 25 • 10:00 a.m.Come as you are on Christmas morning for warm, welcoming, and joyous Christmas Day worship. HearLindyPurdy’sheartwarmingstory,“IHeardtheBellsonChristmasEve”andupliftingmusicfromourBellCarillon.Jointhe“HomeForChristmasCollegeSingers” in a Christmas carol sing-along, followed by commemorative crafts and Christmas cookies in Founders Hall.

eventsSimple GiftsA Concert with billy McLaughlinAn All-Church Advent Kick-off EventWednesday, November 28 • 7:00 p.m. We will begin Advent with a magical musical concert that brings 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.

Advent WorkshopSunday, December 2 • 3:00-6:00 p.m., Great HallJoinyour friends in faithaswering in theholidayseason with an amazing craft experience for allages!!Meet intheGymandchoosefromover50one-of-a-kind ornaments, gifts, and decorations to createwithyourfamily.Therewillevenbe3differentkinds of greenery for making swags and wreaths. Crafts for ages 3 through adult!! Cost is $10 percrafter,$30maxperfamily.(Childcareprovidedforkids too young to craft.) We also need volunteers to run the craft stations. If you’d be willing to help, e-mailJodieatjnyberg@wayzatacommunitychurch.org.

Author Anne LamottTuesday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m.Best-selling author, Anne Lamott will speak at Wayzata Community Church on Tuesday, December 11. Anne is author of Operating Instructions, Some Assembly Required, Traveling Mercies, and Bird by Bird. Among many subjects, she will talk about her new book, Help! Thanks! Wow! Her candor and down-to-earth angle on the world has earned Anne the unofficial title, “The People’sAuthor.”Inaninterview,sheoncedescribedher goals as an author: “I want to write books…that are honest, concerned with real lives, human hearts, spiritual transformation, families, secrets, wonder, craziness—and that can make me laugh.” Hundreds ofthousandsofdevotedfansthinkshehasexceededher goals. Join us for this very special literary evening asguests of WCC’s Adult Christian Education board.Admission is free. Childcare is free.

“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

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

in

spire

the

wor

ld w

ith th

e in

clus

ive

love

of J

esus

Wayzata Community Church Ministry TeamsRev. Dr. John F. Ross, Senior MinisterKathleen Patterson, Assistant to Dr. Ross

MODERATORRoger KuhlPASTORAL CARE TEAMRev. S. Lindy Purdy, Pastoral CareRev. Kristen Rouner Jeide, Spiritual Life Rev. Frank Bennett, Minister at LargeRev. Leslie Neugent, Minister at LargeGeri CarlsonCami Farley, ColumbariumCHURCH LIFE TEAMBill Boulware, Mission & OutreachLynne Gehling, CommunicationsMarnie Baehr, Print/Web Graphic DesignCami Farley, Print, Events, Beacon Editor

EDUCATION TEAMRev. Dr. Allen R. Hilton, Faith & LearningRev. Bruce Hesse, M. Div. Gabe & Hilary Flynn, High School MinistryErin Lundberg, Middle School MinistryJodie Nyberg, Children’s MinistriesKathy Handy

MUSIC TEAMTom Paulson, DirectorDr. Diana Lee Lucker, Organist/Music SeriesAutumn Toussaint, Children’s Choirs & TapestryNeal Nordstrom, Bell ChoirsDick Reed, InstrumentsLynda Sleeper, Accompanist

BUSINESS TEAMScott Woolery, Director of OperationsJohn Estrem, Director of Building & GroundsLiz Hilton, Generosity DirectorKris Erdahl, WC-Connect CoordinatorTereasa Nies, AccountantRobin Carlson

WCC NURSERY SCHOOLSara Luedke, 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 Congregation125 Wayzata Boulevard East

Wayzata, MN 55391(952) 473-8877 • Fax: (952) 473-2695

www.wayzatacommunitychurch.orgwww.ucc.org

Advent: Simple Gifts

Simple Gifts: An All-Church Advent Kick-off EventWednesday, November 287 p.m. in the Sanctuary We will begin Advent with Billy McLaughlin’s Simple Gifts. This is a magical musical 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.

Author Anne Lamott

billy McLaughlinSimple Gifts

Christmas DayWorship

SuNDAy MONDAy TuESDAy WEDNESDAy THuRSDAy FRIDAy SATuRDAy

BoardofDeacons,6:30p.m.MembershipCommittee,7p.m.SteeringCommittee,7p.m.Art&DesignCommittee,7p.m.BoardofFellowship,7p.m.HighSchoolCEBoard,7p.m.Mission&OutreachBoard,7p.m.Children’sCEBoard,7p.m.

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

THIRD SuNDAy IN ADVENTRev. Dr. John F. Ross preaching8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9a.m.CelebrationsWorship,Sanctuary10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,Chapel10:45a.m.TraditionsWorship,SanctuaryWorship at Meridian Manor, 1 p.m.AChild’sChristmasConcert,3p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

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

FOuRTH SuNDAy IN ADVENT, MuSIC SuNDAy8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9a.m.GloriainExcelsisDeo,Children’s&YouthChoirs10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,Chapel10:45a.m.Lessons&Carols,ChancelChoirWorship at Meridian Manor, 1 p.m.JuletideConcert,3p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

ThimbleBees,9a.m.ExecutiveCommittee,5p.m.Adopt-a-Neighborhood:KimberleyMeadowsBonfireandChiliDinner,5:45p.m.PersonnelCommittee,7p.m.AuthorEvent:AnneLamott,7p.m.Building&GroundsBoard,7p.m.

ChurchCouncil,7p.m.

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS 8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9a.m.AmahlOpera10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,Chapel10:45a.m.AmahlOperaWorship at Meridian Manor, 1 p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

THE SuNDAy AFTER WITH LORIE LINERev. Dr. Allen Hilton preaching 8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9a.m.CelebrationsWorship,Sanctuary10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,Chapel10:45a.m.TraditionsWorship,SanctuaryWorship at Meridian Manor, 1 p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

EVENSONGSunday Evening Worship5:30 p.m. in the SanctuaryAddtoyourAdventexperiencewithcandlelightingandCommunioneverySundayeveningatEvenSong.This casual, come-as-you-are worship is a power-packed45-minuteformat.Musicbysinger/song-writer,PaulFran-zicandfriends.

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9 10 11

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

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP•BuildYourOwnPageant10:30-11:30a.m.,Sanctuary•ChristmasinWakefieldChapel2:00,3:30,and5:00p.m.•CandlelightFamilyChristmas2:00,3:30and5:00p.m.,Sanctuary• FestivalChristmasEve, 9:00p.m.,Sanctuary• MidnightChristmas, 11:30p.m.,Sanctuary

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HOME FOR CHRISTMASCHRISTMAS DAy WORSHIPRev.LindyPurdypreaching10a.m.,Sanctuary

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

2 SECOND SuNDAy IN ADVENTRev. Dr. John F. Ross preaching8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9a.m.CelebrationsWorship,Sanctuary10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,Chapel10:45a.m.TraditionsWorship,SanctuaryWorship at Meridian Manor, 1 p.m.AdventWorkshop,3p.m.SPCOMusiciansConcert,3p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

Coming Up in January“J Term: A Time to Grow”: AdultFaithFormationopportunitiesduringthemonthofJanuaryMusic at Wayzata Presents the Westminster Choir: Monday,January14at7:00p.m.

SuNDAy MONDAy TuESDAy WEDNESDAy THuRSDAy FRIDAy SATuRDAy

BoardofDeacons,6:30p.m.MembershipCommittee,7p.m.SteeringCommittee,7p.m.Art&DesignCommittee,7p.m.BoardofFellowship,7p.m.HighSchoolCEBoard,7p.m.Mission&OutreachBoard,7p.m.Children’sCEBoard,7p.m.

SaturdaySeekers,8a.m.Children’s and Youth ChoirsMusicalRehearsal,10:30a.m.

ALL WEDNESDAy PROGRAMS BibleforDummies,7&10a.m.,4:30&7p.m.AA,10a.m.BridgeBuildersBibleStudy,9:00a.m.Turkey Study Trip Information Meeting, 11 a.m.Suppers,Etc.,5p.m.ContemplativeServiceofPrayer,6p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.TurkeyStudyTripInformationMeeting,8p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.DummiesNightShift,9p.m.(Sunsets)

FinanceCommittee,6:45a.m.AA,10a.m.Women’sFaithBibleStudy,10a.m.Women’sDaytimeReadingGroup,2p.m

ThimbleBees,9a.m.ExecutiveCommittee,5p.m.Adopt-a-Neighborhood:KimberleyMeadowsBonfireandChiliDinner,5:45p.m.PersonnelCommittee,7p.m.AuthorEvent:AnneLamott,7p.m.Building&GroundsBoard,7p.m.

SaturdaySeekers,8a.m.TheSingersConcert,7:30p.m.

ALL WEDNESDAy PROGRAMS BibleforDummies,7&10a.m.,4:30&7p.m.AA,10a.m.BridgeBuildersBibleStudy,9:00a.m.Suppers,Etc.,5p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.DummiesNightShift,9p.m.(Sunsets)

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ChurchCouncil,7p.m.

ALL WEDNESDAy PROGRAMS BibleforDummies,7&10a.m.,4:30&7p.m.AA,10a.m.BridgeBuildersBibleStudy,9:00a.m.Soup,Salad&SongLuncheon,12noonSuppers,Etc.,5p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.DummiesNightShift,9p.m.(Sunsets)

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

SaturdaySeekers,8a.m.AmahlRehearsal,9a.m.

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HOME FOR CHRISTMASCHRISTMAS DAy WORSHIPRev.LindyPurdypreaching10a.m.,Sanctuary

NO WEDNESDAy PROGRAMS AA,10a.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.

26 27 AA,10a.m.Women’sFaithBibleStudy,10a.m.Bridge, 12 noon

28 29 SaturdaySeekers,8a.m.

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AA,10a.m.Women’sFaithBibleStudy,10a.m.Women’sChristmasTea7p.m.

SaturdaySeekers,8a.m.WCCNSSantaBreakfast,9a.m.

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Kids’NightOut,6p.m.

MuSIC SuNDAyDecember 16 • 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. worshipThe Children’s and Youth Choirs will present “Gloria in ExcelsisDeo”atthe9a.m.worshipserviceinstory,danceandsong!Atthe10:45a.m.service,we’llcelebrateLessonandCarolswithChancelChoirandsoloists.Joinusforthisfestive morning in worship!

Spirit AwardThe Church Council had the pleasure of recognizing Jay Erdahl with the Spirit Award at our October Council meeting.Jayradiateswarmth,welcoming,andinclusivelovein everything he does. AsChairoftheDeacons,Jayhasengagedneweffortsandexcitedthedeacons.Hehasre-engagedtheDeaconsEmeritusandhasfocusedoninvolvingtheDeaconsinourWelcomeMinistry.AcurrentdeaconsharedthatJayisfullofideasanditisexcitingtoattend the Deacons meetings. Moder-

atorRogerKuhlsaid that itseems that with every board or committee Jay leads hefinds ways to get everyone involved and takes it to a new level. As our Church tran-sitioned to WC-Connect, our new member informa-tion and communications system, Jay was extremelyhelpful in its implementa-tion.Hevolunteeredhisex-pertise to help convert data from our servers and the Shelby software system over to WC-Connect. Director of OperationsScottWoolerysaysJaysavedusthousandsofdollarswithhisef-forts. He was instrumental in helping move the data effectively and efficiently. His counsel continues to be invaluable. Jay’spositiveattitude,humor,andquickwitareknownandappreciat-edbymanyatWCC.ChurchmemberBartForemanshared,“Jayisacaringand wonderful person, always willing to help and always with a smile on his face.IalwaysenjoyworkingwithJayandamcontinuallyimpressedwithhisinsights on so many subjects. He is living proof that something good and positive can come out of Wisconsin! (ha, ha) He brightens our lives with his presence.” Can I get an Amen?— Rima Torgerson

Our Kids are All In!Look out! Wayzata Community Church’s children and youth are ALL IN. During the fall ALL IN pledge campaign, High School and Middle School youths had the option to pledge financial support, service hours, or both. They re-sponded in a BIG way. Fifty one MS and HS youths made pledges. Of these:• 34youthsmadefinancialpledgestotalingnearly$1,000.• 42youthspledgedatotalof450hoursofvolunteertime. GraceLand children had the opportunity to promise to keep learning about God and to help others in need. Over 100childrenmadethispromise.Someofthemalsodrewpictures to express their hopes and gratitude. Several ofthese are shown above. —Liz Hilton, Generosity Director

year-End Christmas GiftsAdventandChristmascelebratethecomingtruthofJesus– a babe who will bring Light and Hope to all. Your year-end gift helps us share this truth with friends, family, and neighbors. But the power of this love also means that we canextendJesus’loveeventoourenemies. Nearly25%ofourannualrevenueisgeneratedbygen-erous year-end gifts. Help us live fully into our calling to in-spiretheworldwiththeinclusiveloveofJesus.Makeayear-endgiftthatcelebratesthetruthofJesus’loveinyourown

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Inspire the world

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Inspire the world

Families Moving ForwardThere are many stories about how God has worked through our WCC volunteers who help with Families Moving Forward right here at WCC. Here is Shirley Hogan’s story. “MystoryisoneofpureunexpectedjoywhenIbroughtafleeceIndianblankettoFamiliesMovingForwardlastyear.IhadbeensenttheblanketfromtheSt.Joseph’sIndianSchoolforLaKotachildren in Chamberlain, South Dakota as a thank-you for my support. After having the blanket in my closet for many months, I suddenly decided to take it to church when I was going to prepareamealfortheFMFfamilies.IgaveittoKaraO’Brien,andshesaidtherewasanIndi-an couple with us for the week, and suggested I give it to them personally. I went over and showed the woman the brightly colored red and orange blanket. She immediately took it and exclaimedthatitwasanauthenticIndianblanket!Sheknewthehistoryofitandhelditclosetoher with tears in her eyes. She thanked me profusely and told me that their baby boy was in the hospital and this would be such a comfort to her. I was overjoyed that I could make them so happy. It goes to showyouwhatunexpectedjoycancomefromasimplegesture.” FMF families will be staying with us at WCC again in April. To share the joy by volunteering, contact KaraO’Brienk.obrien@mchsi.comor952-412-5793

Special Christmas Offering: Families Moving ForwardThisChristmaswearegatheringaspecialoffering forFamiliesMovingForward(Portico),oneofourministrypartners.Incollaborationwith42congregationsthroughouttheTwinCities,FamiliesMovingForwardofferslow-incomehousing,emergencyshelter,andadvocacyforfamiliesexperiencinghome-lessness in our community. Contributions to this special offering may be made anytime between now and Christmas by making your checks payable to Wayzata Community Church and noting “Families Moving Forward” on the memo line.

WCC Leadership Headed to HaitiBy the time you receive this issue of the Beacon,ourSeniorMinister,JohnF.RossandDirectorofBuildings&Grounds,JohnEstrem,alongwithDenaZiegler,LisetteChap-man,andChadGehrman,willhavejustreturnedfromHaiti.Dr.RosshasbeeneagerlyawaitingthechancetovisittheprofoundministriesofSt.Joseph’sHomeforBoysandWings of Hope Home for special needs children, which WCC is involved with on the groundinPort-au-Princeandbeyond. FordecadesJohnEstremhasbeenworkingasourAmbassadorofLovewiththeseorganizationsandwecanallbeproudandgratefulforhisimpact.Hehasledover100WCCmembersonhis25missiontripstoHaiti,andlooksforwardtothepossibilityofmany more.

Adopt-a-Neighborhood bonfire & Chili DinnerAdopt-A-Neighborhood events are great volunteer opportunities for families, adults and high school students. We provide opportunities that encourage neighbors to come to-gether to share in fun and conversation. Most of the clients of Interfaith Outreach reside in9apartment/townhomecomplexesinPlymouth.Theseresidentsareourneighbors.Pleasejoinusinreachingouttoourneighborswithjoyandfriendship! On Tuesday, December 11, from 5:45 - 7:15 p.m. we will host a Holiday Bonfire and Chili Dinner at the Kimberly Meadows Townhomes(SEcornerofHwy101andCountyRd.6).Pleasejoinusforthisfuneveningoffellowship.Formoreinformationandtovolunteer,contactVickiThompsonatpeterthompson9@comcast.net,orcall952-542-9152.

Inspire the world

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Music at Wayzata Christmas ConcertsPinchas Zukerman and SPCO MusiciansSunday, December 2 • 3:00 p.m.Hear internationally acclaimed violin soloist and conductorPinchasZukermanandtheMusiciansoftheSaintPaulChamberOrchestraastheypres-ent a concert for the benefit of the Musicians. Ticketsare$30-$60,availableforpurchaseonlineat www.musiciansspco.org and at the door.

The Singers: What Sweeter MusicSaturday, December 8 • 7:30 p.m.Audienceshavecometoexpectauniquearrayof works at The Singers’ “What Sweeter Music” Christmasprograms,and thisyear isnoexcep-tion! Harpist Min Kim again joins The Singers,performing Frank Ferko’s Festival of Carols, Steve Heitzig’s Little Tree, and Abbie Betinis’ setting of In the Bleak Midwinter. Rene Clausen’sAve Rosa(writtenforthe100thanniversaryoftheSt.OlafChoir)isalsofeatured.Tickets:Students$10,Adults$20-$30.Availableat thedoor,atwww.singersmca.org,orcall651-917-1948.

Minnetonka Chamber Choir: Child’s ChristmasSunday, December 9 • 3:00 p.m.The internationally recognized Minnetonka Cham-berChoirwill present its 19thannual “AChild’sChristmas” concert, featuring the Minnetonka Concert Choir, Minnetonka Cappella Choir, the CelebrationBrassandtheSaintPaulConservatoryofMusicBaroqueEnsemble.Theconcertisfree.

Minnetonka Symphony Orchestra: JuletideSunday, December 16 • 3:00 p.m.The Minnetonka Symphony Orchestra will pres-entthe39thannualcommunityHolidayconcert,“Juletide,”including“TheGift”bySt.OlafCollegecomposer Steven Amundson. The concert is free.

WCC Christmas ShoppeAll kids ages 3-10 are invited to shop right here at church for special little gifts to surprise your family and friends this Christmas! Our first annual WCC Christmas Shoppe will be open on 2 Sundays and 2 Wednesdays in December: Wednesdays, December5and12th4:15-6:15p.m.,andSundaysDecember9and16from10:00-12:15p.m.inWCCH(MiddleSchoolRoom).MiddleSchoolandHighSchoolkidswillbe partnering with us as “elves” to walk kids (especially young ones) through the shop tohelpthemchooseandpurchaseitems.Allitemswillbepricedfrom$1.00to$10.00and will be gift wrapped as a part of the purchase price. All proceeds from the shop will be donated to Operation Christmas Child, an organization which sends Christmas giftstokidslivinginextremepovertyaroundtheworld.TheChildren’sMinistriesBoardis looking for volunteers to help in the shop on any of the dates listed. If you can help, e-mailJodieatjnyberg@wayzatacommunitychurch.org.

Save-the-Date: Summer Camp Ministry presents “Survivor” 2013

“Survivor” is coming to WCC’s Summer Camp at PilgrimPoint,andwehopeyou mark your calendars now for all the amazing fun and formation that will take place during your time at Camp! All camp ses-sions are open to everyone (members of WCC or not)... so invite friends and share in the incredible ministry that God is building with our church!

Campersarestilltalkingabouttheiramazingexperiencesfromthelasttwosum-mers. Campers not only have outrageous fun in a setting that is personal and safe, but 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.

Camp Sessions & DatesHigh School Camp (for incoming 9th-12th grade campers)· 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· July 6-9, 2013

OurfullcampbrochurewillbeavailableinJanuary,2013.Formoreinformation,contactanyoftheEducationTeamstafforHilaryFlynn,CampDirector.

Leslie Neugent

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Living a Counter-Cultural Life Recently at our Parables Worship Service, I spoke about the gift of being count-er-cultural. The dictionary defines this word as “when the values and behavior of a particular group stray from the soci-etal norm.” I told the community of folks withspecialneeds,“That’sus!That’sPar-ables—we stray from the societal norm!” This community’s courage to be authen-tic, to prize relationship over boundless competition and achievement, to honor cooperation over individualism, sets themapart—itmakesthemcounter-cultural.IremindedthemthatJesushim-selffitthisdefinition.Jesuswasboldlycounter-cultural—fromhishumblebirthin a poor part of town, to his call to “turn the other cheek”, to his modeling of radical love and inclusivity and finally to his death as a criminal on a cross—we see a counter-cultural spirit. And, in the gospels, he left us with a call to be in the world, but not of the world.

Attheendoftheservice,IaskedtheParablescongregationtonoticethatinour logo there is a picture of a school of fish, swimming all together in one direction, with one lone red fish swimming the opposite way. The red fish is swimming “against the tide.” He is being in the world, but not of it. He is swimming a different way, not the “wrong” way. He is being counter-cultural.

When the service ended, I was surprised to have people from our wider con-gregation share that my words that day resonated deeply with them as well. While they or those they love may not be members of the special needs com-munity, they too often feel like the lone red fish, swimming against the tide. It gotmethinkingthatthismessagemightspeaktoallofus.PerhapsweareeachabitlikethelittleredfishinourParableslogo,tryingtoswimagainstthetide. Our mission to “be a caring community drawn together by God’s grace and called to personally live out Christ’s love” is not the way of the world, it is a call to be counter-cultural.

So, when we intentionally honor and celebrate the gifts of those in our midst with special needs in a weekly worship service, we are indeed being count-er-cultural.AndwhenwedothingslikegathertogethertomodelJesusbyembracing a posture of love in a “Courageous Conversation” on a controver-sial topic, we are doing the same. It is at moments like these that we are not onlylivingoutourmission,butweareboldlywalkinginthefootstepsofJesus.

The Parables worship service is offered every Sunday morning at 10:10 a.m. in the Chapel. Everyone is invited and welcomed!

Rev. Leslie Neugent is Minister at Large at WCC.

Photo:MikeAndert

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, Minister at LargeRev.LeslieNeugent,MinisteratLargeGeri CarlsonCami Farley, ColumbariumCHuRCH LIFE TEAMLouVlahos,DirectorofMission&CommunicationMarnieBaehr,Print/WebGraphicDesignCamiFarley,Print,Events,BeaconEditorBillBoulware,RummageSaleMinistries

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

MuSIC TEAMTomPaulson,DirectorDr. Diana Lee Lucker, Organist/Music SeriesAutumnToussaint,Children’sChoirs&TapestryNeal Nordstrom, Bell ChoirsDickReed,InstrumentsLynda Sleeper, Accompanist

buSINESS TEAMScott Woolery, Director of OperationsJohnEstrem,DirectorofBuilding&GroundsLiz Hilton, Generosity DirectorKrisErdahl,WC-ConnectCoordinatorTereasa Nies, AccountantRobinCarlsonAshleighKreider

WCC NuRSERy SCHOOLSara Luedke, 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

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A United Church of Christ Congregation125WayzataBoulevardEastWayzata,MN55391

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

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Christmas Evebuild your Own Pageant10:30 - 11:30 a.m., SanctuaryCalling all kings, shepherds, and sheep! Help us re-create the Nativity in this child-centered Christmas service. Bring your own costume, or wear one we provide! Childcare available for birth-24 months in the Crib Room.

Christmas in Wakefield Chapel 2:00, 3:30, and 5:00 p.m., ChapelA traditional service with organists, soloists, and a Christmas message fromRev.Dr.JohnF.Ross.

Candlelight Family Christmas2:00. 3:30 and 5:00 p.m., SanctuaryThiswonderfulexperienceforallagesincludesmusicfromourcontemporary music team, Tapestry, traditional songs, candlelighting, aspecialmomentforchildren,andaChristmasmessagefromRev.Dr.JohnF.Ross.Childcare available for birth-24 months in the Crib Room.

Festival Christmas Eve9:00 p.m., SanctuaryWith fanfare and joy we hear the Christmas story in festive music from theChancelChoirandorchestra,andaChristmasmessagefromRev.Dr.JohnF.Ross.

Midnight Christmas 11:30 p.m., Sanctuary A joyous and contemplative welcome of the midnight hour and the beginningofChristmasDay.WewillhearameditationbyRev.Dr.JohnF.Rossandsharecommunionaroundthetable.Movingmusicwillguideus,withoboe,cello,andorgan.Joinus!