THE BEACONThe monthly newsletter of Light of Christ Lutheran Church

Delano, Minnesota

DECEMBER 2015The Marks of Discipleship

Pray dailyWorship weekly

Read the BibleServe at or beyond Light of Christ

Relate to others for spiritual growthGive of my time, talents and resources

Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!

A hundred years ago Frederick Nietzsche said that God was dead. He was not suggesting that the Almighty had ceased to exist, just that God did not matter anymore. It is difficult to see God’s grace in an angry world. It is hard to believe in a benevolent God when there is so much violence and wrong. Even if God exists, it seems God does not have much to do with our daily struggles.

And so life is what we make it. The only thing that really matters is doing the best we can. God becomes a nice fairy tale we tell our children, but has no bearing on real life. So it seemed in Galilee twenty-one centuries ago.

Then the angel Gabriel visited a young girl in an out-of-the-way town and said, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High… and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

The rest is history, “His story” of God so loving the world.

Pastor Chris

Interim Update for December 2015

As you know, we have two call processes going on at once at Light of Christ. While plans are proceeding for calling the next pastor, at the same time there are plans for hiring a Children, Youth and Family Director (or however that role takes shape).

Two events in November explored the trends in youth ministry, recognizing the changing realities of our youth and the role of the church toward youth. With the goal of raising mature Christians, the focus of youth ministry is discipling our youth in the ways of Jesus. The center that holds it all together is a youth’s relationship to Jesus, not to a staff person. This also means moving youth ministry away from being another program done in some part of the congregation for those who seek it out, to making youth ministry an integral part of this congregation’s life.

In January there will be another congregation event to begin discussion on what this means for LoC and our search for a youth director. The task force leading the search is Gwen Egly, Ryan Green, Annette McClelland and Sandy Schansberg.

LoC on Nov. 1st elected our Call Committee. They are Amy Bigot, Stan Droneck, Sue Fink, Katie Horeis, Laurie Langner, Robin Olson, Heidi Wuerger, Bridget Mielke and John Schroedl. Their initial tasks will be team formation so that they can present LoC in the best way to candidates, plan the interview process, and design interview questions that reflect the essential requirements for LoC pastor and that will assess which candidate has the best qualifications for this call.

The Ministry Site Profile is LoC’s “résumé.” A task force is assembling basic information for the profile. The Church Assessment Tool results have been received by congregation leadership. Information from the “CAT” will go in to the profile, while other information still needs to be written. The Church Assessment Tool also identifies some possible directions and actions for LoC. The church council and Transition Team are assessing how best to act on the CAT results.

A significant factor in LoC’s future and in the filling of the two staff leadership positions is this congregation’s funding of our ministry. Currently, giving is about $58,000 short of expenses. Reserve funds have met the difference so far this year, but the reserve is running out. To meet expenses this year and next, LoC will need to receive an average of $200/month per active adult member. Council and the Stewardship Committee are addressing this problem, but ultimately the security of LoC’s future depends on each member doing their part.

Pastor Chris

December 24, 2015

NEW MEMBERS TO BE RECEIVED

On Sunday, January 24, 2016 we will welcome new members. An orientation for new members will be held on Tuesday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m. Anyone interested in becoming a member is invited to contact the church office at 763-972-2400 or

October Financials Faith Sharing for the month:

$27,045.57

Expenses for the month: $37,471.57

ADULT EDUCATIONSUNDAYS, 9:30-10:30

Room 101 Schedule:- through-Dec. 20 The Journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem – Mary & Joseph

JANUARY HOT TOPICS BOOK CLUB

We will be discussing “Ghost Boy”, the miraculous escape of a misdiagnosed boy trapped inside his own body. Join us on January 7th at 7:00 pm in the church library to discuss the book.

We welcome members who joined Light of Christ Lutheran on November 1, 2015:

David & Barb Danielson Josh Kloos504 Aspen Circle Delano651-336-7083Nicolette Homan Emmett8665 10th St. NE St. Michael 206-294-1704Jeremy & Lori Prickett Caleb, Everley144 Shadywood Lane Delano763-244-9672John & Brenda Schroedl Liliana, Brian1043 3rd St. SW Delano845-902-8648

January 31, 2016 - 9:30 a.m.All members are encouraged to come and be a part of the decision-making

process of Light of Christ Lutheran Church.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRYSunday School Christmas Programs – Sunday,

December 13, 2015This year, our Christmas programs are integrated into our worship services on Dec. 13. The younger ages, 3 year olds to first grade, will be sharing their program at the 8:15 a.m. worship and the older ages, second to sixth grade, will be sharing their program at the 10:45 a.m. worship. Between services we will offer snacks and a movie for those families staying for both services. Listed below is our revised practice schedule.

Dec. 2 at 5:45 – 6:30 p.m.: Older children who are readers, small group singers, and candle lighters

Dec. 6 at 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.: Children of both ages will be practicing during Sunday School hourDec. 9 at 5:45 – 6:30 p.m.: ALL Younger children (3 yr olds – 1st grade) for last and main practice

Celebrating Christ’s BirthOn Dec. 20 during Sunday School, our children will learn about Christ’sbirth in their classroom. We hope the children will enjoy a fun and joyful hour!

YOUTH NEWSSummer Trips Meeting Dec. 6Any youth who is interested in either the Mission Trip or the Adventure Week should attend the meeting on Dec. 6 at 12:00/noon or after second service. We will be discussing important dates and fundraisers.

Two Months of DIVINEDuring January and the beginning of February, the Church celebrates Epiphany, a time where we welcome the light and acknowledge Christ’s divine holiness. The middle and high school youth will have opportunities to know that THEY are divine, that they are holy. Youth will participate in small group bible studies, worship leadership, retreats, service and more. Watch for more details in the next few weeks.

Light of Christ Music Ministry Sue Quist, Director of Music

Fun Facts About Christmas Songs……Did you know...that, along with "Angels We Have Heard On High," "O Holy Night" is one of the most well-known French Christmas songs? To this day, it is one of the most popular and beloved songs for singing as a solo during the holiday season.Did you know...that the music to "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" was composed by the famous romantic composer Felix Mendelssohn?Did you know...that Father Joseph Mohr was inspired to write the words to "Stille Nacht" in 1816 after being called to travel through the snow to bless the newly born baby of a poor parishioner? Two years later, the words were set to music by Franz Gruber. The English

Worship Music for DecemberDec. 6 Lessons and CarolsDec. 13 8:15 am “Listen to the Angels” Sunday School Christmas Musical 10:45 am “The Light Before Christmas” Sunday School MusicalDec. 24 3pm/5pm Neil Kryder/Rick Rueckert Trumpets 10:00 pm The Anderson Family sings

Can You Name This Hymn?Test your hymn knowledge and be a WINNER!“O Cornerstone that binds in one, refresh the hearts that long for you”Be the first to tell Sue the answer and be the

December 6, 2015Music will fill the sanctuary on December 6th for our annual worship services of Lessons and Carols. It will be a musical feast praising our Lord with beautiful voices, trumpet, trombone, piano solos, vocal solos and piano duets.

A Christmas carol (also called a noël) is a carol (song or hymn) whose lyrics are on the theme of Christmas or the winter season in general, and which is traditionally sung in the period immediately surrounding the holiday.

Can You Name This Hymn?Test your hymn knowledge and be a WINNER!“O Cornerstone that binds in one, refresh the hearts that long for you”Be the first to tell Sue the answer and be the

A Christmas carol (also called a noël) is a carol (song or hymn) whose lyrics are on the theme of Christmas or the winter season in general, and which is traditionally sung in the period immediately surrounding the holiday.

Sonja Nelson, Interim Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministry

The last few weeks I’ve been thinking about Christmas – Confirmation lesson on Christ’s birth, Christmas Operation Child, the Christmas programs, the Advent Wreath, etc. Christmas seems to be here in November, long before Christmas even begins in the church. When we’re surrounded by the cultural gluttony of Christmas (hey, Christmas products were out in stores before Halloween!), we sometimes forget some simple truths of the story of Christ’s birth.Christ is for EVERYONE. When you combine all the stories of Christ’s birth, there are a lot of people around him. From shepherds to Angels to his parents to the “wisemen”, Christ’s birth drew all people to him.Christ is the CENTER. All these different people came together because of the Messiah. Not because of friendship or a commitment or guilt but because of CHRIST.When I think of Christ’s birth related to children’s and youth ministry, I realize that the Christmas story is a perfect example of the ministry. You can’t have Jesus without Mary and Joseph, right? Children’s and youth ministry can’t happen without the parents/guardians of the students. Jesus and his family needed support from the shepherds and wisemen. Children, youth AND their families need caring adults and mentors from the congregation. Jesus needed the announcement of the angels – he is the Son of God the Messiah. Our children and youth need the blessing and reminders that they are children of God, blessed and holy.The Christmas story IS Light of Christ. Christ as our center, surrounded and connected by a diversity of people, and blessed as the people of God.May you and your families have many blessing during this time of preparation and celebration.

The Peace and Justice Ministrymeets the 3rd Saturday of each month at10:15 a.m.

The “Peacemakers” Light of Christ Quilters will not meet in December. They will resume on Monday, Jan. 11th, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in room 101.

WOMEN of LIGHT of CHRIST

will meet on Wednesday, December 9th

at 10:00 am in Room 101.

Please join us to hear Pastor Chris share his personal glimpse of

We extend our prayers andsympathy to thefamily of JanelChristensen, who diedon November 1.Mrs. Christensen’sfuneral was held at Light of Christ on November 5.

We rejoice as we welcome into our church family through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism:

Landon Joshua HiltnerBorn: September 7, 2015Baptized: November 1, 2015Parents: Joshua & Heidi HiltnerSponsors: Justin & Pamela Hiltner

Eric & Shawna Miller

Beckett Paul LudwigBorn: August 24, 2015Baptized: November 1, 2015Parents: Paul & Marcie LudwigSponsors: Meredith Huikko Aaron Vagher

William Allen NohnerBorn: September 4, 2015Baptized: November 8, 2015Parents: Matthew & Grace NohnerSponsors: Michael Nohner

Lindsey Turk

Emmett Christopher HomanBorn: April 7, 2015Baptized: November 15, 2015Parent: Niki HomanSponsors: Scott & Jessica Homan

Everley Jean PrickettBorn: September 22, 2015Baptized: November 29, 2015Parents: Jeremy & Lori Prickett

Don't forget to "Like" Light of Christ on Facebook and stay up to date on current news, events, and happenings at Light of Christ!  You can find us at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, ELCA.

Loree Kinney, Spiritual Gifts Coordinator

“Christmas is a happy timeDo you know the reason?

Hearts are loving, hearts are kindFor 'tis the giving season.”

-Dwayne Kinney's firstChristmas ProgramGrandy, MN – 1947

My husband never forgot those words his entire life. He taught them to Melissa and Willy when they were little. It was part of his JOY of Christmas. His tradition.That is the joy of Christmas. It's the kids singing during the Christmas Program. It's the carols and the joyful noise we make as we raise our voices in praise. It's giving gifts to the people you love. It's tradition, food, singing and candles glowing as we light them to His honor on Christmas Eve.It's about a 14 year-old girl who was pregnant. A 14 year-old girl who was told she was carrying the Messiah, the salvation of the world. How brave Mary was. How incredibly full of faith.In Luke 1: 46 - Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.”She wasn't bemoaning what had to be pretty scary. Not married, pregnant, having to tell not only her parents but Joseph, as well. And, oh by the way, I'm pregnant with the Savior of the world. An amazing, precious girl, beloved mother of our Jesus.The Jesus in the manger has become a Christmas tradition all over the world.Pause for a moment amid the busyness of the season and think about traditions. Not just our own, but the hundreds of thousands of people who celebrate the miracle of His joyous birth with their traditions. Think about the people, all over the world celebrating the birth of a tiny boy who would change everything. That's Christmas.As we contemplate the changes in our world, our lives and our Church, there is much comfort to be drawn from knowing that regardless of the journey (whether easy or difficult), Jesus is always there. The birth of a tiny baby that changed the world. The birth that truly changed everything!Merry Christmas, Many Blessings and Joy!Loree

We extend our prayers andsympathy to thefamily of JanelChristensen, who diedon November 1.Mrs. Christensen’sfuneral was held at Light of Christ on November 5.

We rejoice as we welcome into our church family through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism:

Landon Joshua HiltnerBorn: September 7, 2015Baptized: November 1, 2015Parents: Joshua & Heidi HiltnerSponsors: Justin & Pamela Hiltner

Eric & Shawna Miller

Beckett Paul LudwigBorn: August 24, 2015Baptized: November 1, 2015Parents: Paul & Marcie LudwigSponsors: Meredith Huikko Aaron Vagher

William Allen NohnerBorn: September 4, 2015Baptized: November 8, 2015Parents: Matthew & Grace NohnerSponsors: Michael Nohner

Lindsey Turk

Emmett Christopher HomanBorn: April 7, 2015Baptized: November 15, 2015Parent: Niki HomanSponsors: Scott & Jessica Homan

Everley Jean PrickettBorn: September 22, 2015Baptized: November 29, 2015Parents: Jeremy & Lori Prickett

MONTHLY SERVICE TEAM

Members of Light of Christ are dedicated to serving the Lord by sharing, caring and

loving, and do so through the work of Monthly Service Teams, serving at funerals and other functions. December Service Team families:

Don & LoyAnn AndersonSivian BarfnechtBruce & Shannon BeltrandCraig & Tracy BistodeauDoug & Helen CampbellDavid & Linda CarterVirginia DallyThelma EstbyMike & Wendy FranklinBob & Cheryl GielauMark GoemerTristen & Lynne GriffinJoe GriffithsJohn & Mary HagerDerek & Katie HoreisCharles & Lona JoseMatt & Sarah KirchmannTravis & Kim KnisleyDavid & Carol KraftSherri LeydaBonnie LotzerJim & Cindy MuellerPatrick & Gina NeeScott & Deanna OlsonAndrea QuandtMike & Becky Schluter

Upcoming Love INC Events Want to help?Love INC is looking for help for the following upcoming events:

Volunteers at the Love INC store for the Old Fashioned Christmas event on Saturday, Dec. 5th

Volunteers for Christmas Sharing/Toy Store set up on Friday, Dec. 11th

Volunteers for Christmas Sharing/Toy Store event on Saturday, Dec. 12th

Help in their warehouse, store and office.

Please call or email Lisa at Love INC if you are interested – 763-972-6547 opt. 3 or lisa@loveincheartland.org.

Planning to move? Did your phone # or email address change? Have you cancelled your landline? Please help us keep our records up-to-date by notifying the church office of any changes @ lochrist@frontiernet.net. Thank you!

Matt & Jen StrobelBrad & Desiree vanSytzamaSonja Wahl

December:01 Will Brown

Mary FriendshuhDoug LudwigMax Peterson

02 Cody AndersonAutumn ChapaLydia FarniokBrianna GoldbeckAngela GreenSteffany Truax

03 Craig BistodeauElise FarniokCorbyn Menz

04 Rylan BrownDillon FieldJenny GallagherKevin Jaunich

05 Justin EidemJon LangnerIsabelle NeeReed Schmidt

06 John AllaireKiersten KimballRachael Rumpza

07 Louise HaugeJonathan Ness

08 Dan LangnerCynthia Moe

09 Mark LarsonSteve MoeDavid NelsonJinnelle Weis

10 Fred CaslavkaEdith DroneckBrayden GrossTom VieauRyan Zerull

12 David BoeckerMike BurleyGabby CordesStuart DallmannEmme Finkelson

Ray LeonardMeagan MaschinoJennifer Schmitt

12 Kayla VieauKailyn Warne

13 Ginny IversonLeo LindgrenDarla StabnowCorey Tritz

14 Kurtis BurleyEric KraminIain LeeKevin Noetzelman

15 Dave EidahlDeAnn FinkEvalyn GreenLoree KinneyCarol LofranoJames Sprengeler

16 Lauren BersieSharla BurleyDan HaleyTom Klason

17 Tammy AllisonJulie BernickAmy DanielsonPeter FroehleJack Nelson

18 Aniston Klaphake19 Darrell Egly

Carson HalbersmaCarol KraftKim MuckenhirnKylie Strobl

20 Lee AshfeldBrian KettenackerLisa SchmitBrennan SlipkaTerry Splettstoeszer

21 Rita CopusRandy HemmerClarence Holm

22 Patrick Birotte Jr.Sam BrownAnissa Esco

24 Cathy BerghoffJason GabrickKelly Harstad

25 Alec AndreasenPenelope JaunichConnie OlsonHolly Sprengeler

26 Michaella Magaard26 Tim Underhill27 Logan Bistodeau

Oda CarlsonShannon DurickGarrett FreeseAnnika MoenHunter Ulferts

28 Emily BehrmanMel BernickBobbi BohnsackStacie EngelPete KrebsbachMike PavlovichOlivia SalonekJanet Way

29 Pat CzockAlicia MuckenhirnNate PetersonRob SchaustOwen St. Aubin

30 Breann MickolichekSamantha Noetzelman

31 David CarterJoey GriffithsRick HaleyTad PetersenJack RussellElizabeth SieversBrandon SleypenSally Torfin

ANNIVERSARIES02 John & Wendy Anderson02 Jonathan & Robin Olson03 Merlyn & Shirley Banick05 Butch & Val Donahue08 Travis & Kim Knisley16 Joni & John Danzl21 Brandon & Denise Mitchell21 Jon & Rene Moen23 Brad & Andrea Klatke

Planning to move? Did your phone # or email address change? Have you cancelled your landline? Please help us keep our records up-to-date by notifying the church office of any changes @ lochrist@frontiernet.net. Thank you!

23 Steve & Sue Stahlke28 Murray & Janet Way29 Don & Linda Johaneson29 Mike & Susan Larison30 Marcus & Carmen Hanson

WORSHIP ASSISTANT SCHEDULEPlease note: If you are unable to serve on your assigned day, please arrange for a substitute and notify the church office. Thank you! 763-972-2400 Email: lochrist@frontiernet.net

Sunday, December 6, 20158:15 a.m. 10:45 a.m.

Council Rep: Janine Holter Stacy VanCuraGreeters: David & Barb Danielson Kevin & Erin OlsonAcolyte: Grace Popp Kristy CaylerLector: Cheri Ashfeld Dale RussenbergerUshers: Len Beilke, Lisa Boecker Becky Coyle, Derek Schansberg

Dale & Janelle RussenbergerAltar Guild: Kim Niedzielski, Bea Zerull Kylee Amdor, Jan Styve

Sunday, December 13, 20158:15 a.m. 10:45 a.m.

Council Rep: Doug Ludwig Adam WortzGreeters: Terry & Linda Splettstoeszer Gordon & Eileen TorgerudAcolyte: Hunter Ulferts Kylie StroblLector: Amber Becker Anne FarniokUshers: Steve Crosby, Craig Schansberg Steve & Anne Farniok

Wade & Holly Sprengeler Brad & Lisa Spencer

Sunday, December 20, 20158:15 a.m. 10:45 a.m.

Council Rep: Stacy VanCura Jeff RubertusGreeters: John & Barb Sweet Tom & Amy BigotAcolyte: Braeden Collings Gracie PetersonLector: Rhonda Current Amy BigotUshers: Greg Johnson, Tom McKay John McClelland, Kent Wischmann

Joe Vieau, John ZerullAltar Guild: Ginny Iverson, JoMarie Williamson Linda Moore, Dawn Vaadeland

Monday, December 24, 2015 – Christmas Eve3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.

Council Rep:Acolyte: Reno Bredahl Jennifer SlipkaBook Bearer: Tyson Kroells David Boecker Logan BistodeauCross Bearer: Tanner Kroells Duncan BistodeauAltar Guild: Ginny Iverson, Kim Niedzielski Sue Stahlke

Sunday, December 27, 20158:15 a.m. 10:45 a.m.

Council Rep: Laura JaunichGreeters: Roger & Janet Swenson Jim & Stacy VanCuraAcolyte: Jack Magner Zach FinkLector: Brenda Dalbec Tracy BistodeauUshers: Penny Bailey, Loree Kinney Mark & Lori Vatnsdal

Dennis & Ginny Iverson Lindsay & Theresa Wallace