DECEMBER Highlights Dec. 11 WELCA Christmas Cheer Box Packing

Dec. 13 Confirmation Caroling

Dec. 17 Sunday School Christmas Program

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve

Dec. 25 Christmas Day

Dec. 31 New Year's Eve

THE PARISH RECORD COLFAX LUTHERAN CHURCH

962-3336

Nurturing Faith in Christ The Mission of Colfax Lutheran Church is to provide a nurturing

environment for growth in faith of all people through ...

Worship ...Outreach ...Education ...Service ...Fellowship ...

THE PARISH RECORD

Colfax Lutheran Church

Colfax, Wisconsin, 54730

(715)962-3336

Leslie Walck, Ph.D. Pastor

Barb Entzminger, Editor

Terry Moen, Custodian

Paul Verdon, Congregational President

Vol. 92 December 2017 No. 12 A conduit is a channel through which things can pass

easily. An electrical conduit is a channel through which

wiring passes unobstructed. A conduit under a highway is a

channel or culvert through which water after a rain storm

can flow unimpeded. Conduits are channels that accomplish

important tasks, and those tasks benefit us by providing

power sources for lighting or appliances, or drained fields

that produce crops for food.

The conduit can be an image for our lives as followers of Jesus. As

God’s love flowed through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, so God’s love

can flow through us to the benefit of others who need to hear about God’s

love or experience it in personal ways.

In 1 John 4:11-12 we read 11

Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love

one another. 12

No one has ever seen God; if we love one

another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

In this passage we are being admonished to let God’s love flow through

us. If we would see God, we should look to where God’s love is being

exhibited in the lives of followers of Christ. In other words, as followers of

Christ, we are called to be “conduits” of God’s love.

Our one-day Fall Stewardship Emphasis (Dec 3) encourages us to

consider how we can be “conduits” of God’s love, both in our gifts and

offerings to God through our congregation, and in the way we use the talents

and abilities God blesses us with for our interaction with others in our daily

lives. God’s love can shine through us in our interactions with others as we

treat one another with love and respect. It can show through us in

volunteering for service projects, or in sending “get well” cards, or in

sharing a meal with someone who is just home from the hospital.

May we creatively and effectively be conduits of God’s love in our daily

interactions with others.

WE THANK THOSE SERVING US December 3: Greeters: Adam & Rachel Fruit family Ushers: Lee & Kathie Bjurquist Acolytes: Alana Smith & Josilyn Rundle Reader: Jaci Ackerlund Coffee Setup: Mona Thorson Treats: Mary Knutson

December 10: Greeters: Brian & Karen Longdo Ushers: Jim & Dana Kallstrom & family Acolytes: Mariah Smith & Emilee Bauer Reader: Michelle Knutson Coffee Setup: Mona Thorson Treats: Coryne Knutson

December 17: Greeters: Linnea Thompson Ushers: Mark Halpin & Kathy Mitchell Acolytes: Alex Swanson & Austin Swanson Reader: Dorothy Enger Treats: Downstairs following Christmas Program

December 24: Greeters: Priscilla & Heath Suvada Ushers: Brian Dehnhoff Acolytes: Bailey Bradford & Anna Geissler Reader: Karen Longdo

December 31: Greeters: Ushers: Gary & Mona Thorson Acolytes: Aimee Fruit & Mariah Smith Reader: Michelle Knutson Coffee Setup: Joe & Sara Lisowski family Treats: JoAnn Mayfield

Altar Workers:

Wanda Edwards, Karen Henderson, Carolyn Dobbs, Heather Foyt & Rhonda Rose

Baptism: Maci Jean Crotteau, born 7/3/16 in Eau Claire; baptized 11/12/17 at CLC. Her sponsors were Owen & Kalyn Lewis and Aaron Crotteau and Jamie Poirier.

GIFTS AND MEMORIALS ARE GIVEN TO THE:

CANDLE STANDARD FUND:

in Memory of Dale Johnson by Ann Ayres, Marette Danielson, Greg & Jaci Evenson, Melvina Evenson, Lois Fox, Dr. David & Ethel Frogner, Del & Sharon Gunderson, Vivian Hayden, Jerry & Colleen Schwegman

FURNACE FUND: in Memory of Ray Johnson by Marylee Knutson in Memory of Dale Johnson by Marylee Knutson in Memory of Ray Johnson by Jon & Marian Scott

GENERAL FUND: in Memory of Ray Johnson by Hank & Gladys Berg in Memory of Rick Rose by Hank & Gladys Berg in Memory of Harvey Dreger by Hank & Gladys Berg in Memory of Dale Johnson by Martha Roy, Hank & Gladys Berg

MEGAN’S FUND: in Memory of Dick Rose by Mike & Jodi Kiekhafer, David Grambo, Robert & Dorothy

Groshong in Memory of Dale Johnson by Butch & Mary Ellen Mathews

MUSIC FUND: in Memory of Dale Johnson by Norman & Coryne Knutson

PRAISE KIDS: in Memory of Dale Johnson by Kathy Mitchell & Mark Halpin

You are invited to…

a one-day

STEWARDSHIP Emphasis

& Potluck Lunch on Sunday, December 3

rd, 2017,

with Worship at 9:30 a.m. and Potluck

after worship.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

November 26, 2017

Russ & Sue ASZMANN 715/962-1091

N7653 770th Street

Colfax, WI 54730

Jane BECKWITH 715/702-2337

210 Main Street

Colfax, WI 54730

Gustave FEHR 715/642-2455

506 Big Bluestem Lane, Apt. #3

Colfax, WI 54730

Please add this page to your Church Directory

“Christmas for Kids” Gifts Project Colfax Lutheran congregation along with the Sunday School

will once again participate in the county’s “Christmas for Kids”

project, giving gifts to needy children in our area.

All Members of the Church are invited to make a donation

toward a $200 goal, to purchase gifts for 5 children. Sunday

School families may contribute to this project in place of giving

a gift to the Sunday School teacher. Everyone gets to join in the Christmas Spirit. What a

difference this will make to the kids in our area!

Please place your contributions in the “Christmas for Kids” jar

at the back of the church by Dec. 3rd. Sunday School families

may send donations to the teachers any time on or before Sun.

Dec. 6th. Please make checks payable to Paula Moen (this helps

speed up the turn-around time), making a notation in the memo

line that the check is for “Christmas for Kids.”

We thank you in advance for helping out needy children in

our communities.

2017 - 2018 COLFAX LUTHERAN CHURCH Council & Committee Members

Music & Worship Dr. Terri Stovern Buckley 715/309-3137 Gary Thorson 715/962-3038 Stewardship & Evangelism Adam Fruit 715/781-6310 Kara Zutter 715/556-4829 Christian Ed & Youth Beth Kley 715/308-2807 Lauri Rothbauer 715/962-4098 Finance Dr. Lee Bjurquist 715/962-4231 Kara Zutter 715/556-4829 Social Ministry Barb Braaten 715/309-8989 Jim Kallstrom 715/962-2157 Property & Grounds Dr. Lee Bjurquist 715/962-4231 Dave Enger 715/962-4300 Paul Verdon 715/962-3896

President Paul Verdon 715/962-3896

Vice-President Gary Thorson 715/962-3038

Secretary Sue Swanson 715/658-1283

Treasurer Dr. Lee Bjurquist 715/962-4231

Pastor Pastor Les Walck 715/962-2000

(cell) 715/704-0005

Ministry Assistant Barb Entzminger 715/962-3336

Custodian Terry Moen 715/962-3336

Audit Committee: Denise Wysocki Freeberg, Dean Stokke, Ellie Toycen

Nominating Committee: Dorothy Enger, Chris Olson, Ed Reitz,

Kerry Smith, Gary Thorson

Mission Endowment Committee: Ron Hoffman, Denise Wysocki Freeberg

Sue Jenson, Eileen Stokke, Mona Thorson

Thank you to each one o f you fo r your w i l l ingness to serve in these capac i t i es . Your church fami l y is ver y gra te fu l .

SPECIAL MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS

Any persons or groups wanting to offer special music for Christmas Services should contact or call Pastor Walck (962-3336) or Joan Foris (962-4005) for inclusion in those services. This will add variety to the Christmas celebrations.. All are welcome to participate!

YEAR END OFFERINGS and STATEMENTS All members are encouraged to bring their offerings to worship before year’s end, for credit on their 2017 Offering Statement. Statements will be available after January 15th. If you do not receive yours, please call Barb at the church office and she will get yours to you. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL FOR YOUR GENEROUS AND FAITHFUL GIVING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTICE: We are coming to a busy time of year! Please practice parts and verses for songs that have been sent home with each student! THANK YOU! Please note the following dates on your family calendars: Sunday, December 3—Christmas Program Practice during the Sunday School time (pot luck downstairs for everyone else!) Sunday, December 10—Christmas Program Practice during the Sunday School time Saturday, December 16—Practice at Church from 9-10:30 for the Christmas Program Sunday, December 17—CHRISTMAS PROGRAM “Come to Bethlehem and See” at 9:30 a.m. service! Invite all family and friends! Please have students to Church by 9:10 a.m. Treats after Church. Sunday School classes resume on Sunday, January 7, 2018.

† † † † † † † † † † †

Record of Giving: Our Ministry Goal for 2017-2018: $154,297 Giving for November: $10,126.20 Average Giving Per Week: $2,531.55 Current General Fund Balance: $2,041.44

Record of Attendance: Ave. Attendance for November: 85

Joy is the simplest form of Gratitude. Worship with us! Be a part of our family each Sunday!

WE THANK THOSE SERVING US FOR CHRISTMAS Christmas Eve (4:30): Acolytes: Bailey Bradford & Anna Geissler Reader: Jaci Ackerlund

Christmas Eve (11:00): Ushers: Dorothy Enger Acolytes: Scout Flodquist & Tanner Hoffman Reader: Kerry Smith

Christmas Day: Acolytes: Liza Johnson & Branson Longdo

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 2017

Mon., Dec. 11 9:00 a.m. Christmas Cheer Cookie Packing Christmas tree arrives at Church Sat., Dec. 16 9-10:30 a.m. Sunday School Christmas Program practice 10:30 a.m. Decorate Christmas tree Sun., Dec. 17 9:30 a.m. Sunday School Christmas Program followed by Refreshments Wed., Dec. 20 3:30-5:00 p.m. Confirmation Caroling Sat., Dec. 24 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship w/Holy Communion Sun., Dec. 25 9:30 a.m. Christmas Day Worship w/Holy Communion Sun., Jan. 7 9:30 a.m. Regular Sunday Worship Schedule All regular schedules resume Sunday, January 7, 2018. Worship as often as you can during

this Christmas Season. Celebrate the birth of the Savior!

Thanksgiving Offering A community Thanksgiving Service was held on November 15. It was planned by the Colfax Ministerium, and hosted by Bethany Lutheran Brethren Church. Pr. Ron Wik preached, and Pr. Jordan Herrick prepared and provided special music. Kathy Tape was accompanist and choirs from Colfax Lutheran and Norton Lutheran Churches offered anthems. A Thank offering of $335 was received and will be directed towards the Feed My People Colfax Community Cares monthly pantry and the Caring Ministries emergency food pantry. Many thanks to all who contributed and participated.

ELCW HIGHLIGHTS QUILTING WITH “PIECEMAKERS” will be the 1st Thursday this month on Dec. 7th,

at 1:00 p.m. All are welcome!

MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS Mon. Dec. 4, 1:00 p.m. - ELCW General Board Meeting Mon. Dec. 11, 9:00 a.m. - Christmas Cheer Cookie Packing

CIRCLE BIBLE STUDIES Come and be a part of Fellowship at one of our Circles. All are invited! Wed. Dec. 13, 11:00 a.m. – Charity-Hope Circle meets. Wed. Dec. 13, 7:00 p.m. - Faith Circle at Eileen Stokke home.

FROM THE ELCW: It’s that time again! Christmas Cheer tins will need goodies to fill them. As you plan your Christmas baking, please consider putting a couple dozen cookies, bars or candies aside for the homebound and the residents at Colfax Health and Rehab. Packing the tins will be on Mon., Dec. 11th. Please bring goodies to share by then, and help pack!

Highlights of Nov. 8, 2017 Council Meeting The meeting opened with prayer. First an Organizational Meeting for the new Council was

held, and Dave Enger was appointed for a one-year term on Property and Grounds Committee. Minutes of the October Meeting and the Special Meeting and bills for October were approved. Pastor reported on his ministry activities, which included hospital visits, home communions, and confirmation instruction. Several new members will be received into membership in November.

Committees had all been active; highlights are: a flute choir is meeting for special musical occasions; the Thanksgiving Service will be held at Bethany, Nov 15; the Bread Sale for Bread for the World raised $346; A One-Sunday Stewardship Emphasis is being planned for Dec 3; the Christmas Program is being rehearsed for Dec 17; Youth are taking $200 offering and donated clothing items to Godstock, Nov 10-12 to aid homeless students; the old wooden Christmas candle standards, keeping the three-candle configuration would be used again this year, and a new sample with a single pillar candle would be re-visited for next year. A letter from Hay-River and Ridgeland Lutheran Churches will be further looked into by Paul Verdon.

The next meeting will be December 13, 7 PM, (with Christmas treats); the meeting closed with prayer.

Pray For One Another “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I Thess. 5:16-18.

Pray for these fellow members as we remember them in the Prayer of the Church each Sunday.

Dec. 3: Mark Johnson; Roger Jones, Gary & Sharon; Jim & Dana Kallstrom, Erica & Wesley; Ethin Kiekhafer; Mary Kiekhafer; Mike & Jodi Kiekhafer; Teren Kiekhafer; Dale & Veda Kiekhoefer; Jim & Becky Kiesow

Dec. 10: Beth Kley & Ed Reitz & Cassidy; Laura Klukas; Andy & Denise Knauer; Brian & Kristy Knutson, Lucy & Molly; David & Mary Knutson, Justin & Cody; Keith & Julie Knutson; Larry & Karen Knutson

Dec. 17: Lee & Bonnie Knutson; Marylee Knutson; Norman & Coryne Knutson; Rich & Becky Knutson; Troy & Michelle Knutson, Eddie & Josie; Avis Kragness; Dave & Linda Kragness; Dennis & Mary Kragness; John & Jane Kragness

Dec 24: Karl & Mandy Kragness & Olivia; Todd & Cassie Kragness, Brianne & Benjamin; Jamie Kuesel, Tianna, Blayde, Lance & Vannessa; William & Sarah Kurtz & Anthony; Chris & Tammy Larson, & Joshua

Dec. 31: Shane Larson & Ryleigh; Shawn Larson; Sidney & Nancy Larson, Sr.; Sidney & Christie Larson Jr.; Skyler Larson; Wade & Kim Leibfried, Nate & Mikaela; Owen & Kalyn Lewis, Oliver & Kalem; Chris Lunn; Sue Lunn

May we all be blessed as we remember one another in prayer.

December Birthdays Below are names and birthdays of our members. Send greetings to one another! 12/02 Ellie Verdon 12/03 Donna Higbie 12/06 Keith Burton 12/07 Denise Freeberg 12/07 Lori Halpin 12/07 Joe Phillips 12/08 Dale Haugle 12/08 Jack North 12/10 Janet Hovland 12/11 Liliana Poirier 12/12 Peyton Van Roekel 12/12 Madelyn Van Roekel 12/13 Katie Halvorson 12/13 Russell Polkoski 12/14 Mike Rothbauer 12/16 Christy Larson 12/17 Brett Foyt 12/19 Marian Scott 12/19 Alana Smith 12/19 Mariah Smith 12/20 Janet Haines 12/20 Emily Moen 12/21 Scout Flodquist 12/22 Dr. David Frogner 12/23 Debi Huebsch 12/26 Tami De Moe 12/26 Chris Fogarty 12/26 Nicole Bird 12/26 Gavin Swanson 12/27 Clayton Hibbard 12/27 Liza Johnson 12/29 Sam Buckley 12/30 Logan Kiekhafer 12/31 Wm. Mathews 12/31 Dean Swanson 12/31 Kylie Dalhoe

A very Happy Birthday to each and every one!