Keeping Christ Central In January Wednesday, January 1, 2020 - Happy New Year! No Wednesday Worship. Enjoy! Sunday, January 5, 2020 – Worship with Holy Communion at 9:00 a.m. Sunday School is at 10:00 a.m. We fire up for a new year. “The feast of Epiphany concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah and Ephesians, that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are claimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to be beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love to all people”. Wednesday, January 8, 2020 – Worship at 6:00 p.m. Mondovi Sharing Table from 4:30-6 p.m. Sixth Grade Confirmation and choirs resume at 7:00 p.m. Focus reading: Mark 2:1-22. We journey with Jesus through eyes of the Gospel of Mark. “Jesus’ ministry was in full swing. He was beginning to do and say things that were shocking and chal-lenging. Healings, forgiveness, eating with tax collectors on the sabbath—was there anything this trouble-maker wouldn’t do?” Sunday, January 12, 2020 – Worship at 9:00 a.m. Sunday School is at 10:00 a.m. Jesus is going like a house of fire. Healing, casting out demons, even healing a leper which was considered to be incurable. With this kind of trajectory of success, this should be over in no time. But wait, there’s opposition. How can this be? This is the world Jesus came to save. Wednesday, January 15, 2020 – Worship with Holy Communion at 6:00 and 6th grade Confirmation and choirs at 7:00 p.m. Focus reading: Mark 4:1-34 – Parable of the Sower. This is a long chunk of Bible to read in one sitting. But this is how the Bible is meant to be heard. Listen. Let its story carry you. Believe.

Sunday, January 19, 2020 – Worship with Holy Communion and the Praise Band at 9:00 a.m. Sunday School gathers at 10:00 a.m. “Jesus taught by parables so that some would understand, while others were kept from knowing the word. For now, Jesus would invest in those ready to follow”. Also, the Central Lutheran Annual Meeting will be today in the Fellowship Hall at 10:30 a.m. following the brunch at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2020 – Worship at 6:00 p.m. 6th grade Confirmation and choirs at 7:00 p.m. Focus reading: Mark 5:1-20. Strangely, faith in Jesus is a hard thing to grasp. Even more strangely, it is the demons and not the religious experts who get who Jesus really is and the demons tremble with fear. Sunday, January 26, 2020 – Worship at 9:00 a.m. Sunday School is at 10:00 a.m. Also, as part of our worship is the service for prayer and healing. Healing, the laying on of hands or anointing with oil has been part of the Christian faith for as long as the church has existed. Such prayers are not meant to take the place of medical care and healing, but all healing, including that of medical professionals and medical science comes from God the great healer. Come and worship. Wednesday, January 29, 2020 – Worship at 6:00 p.m. Confirmation Fellowship Event, departs at 5:30 p.m. and returns at 8:00 p.m. Choirs meet at 7:00 p.m. Focus reading: Mark 5:21-43. Jesus gets delayed. A beloved daughter dies. Jesus is too late. But it’s never too late for Jesus or for the breaking in of the Good News.

January 2020 Worship Schedule

Jesus Christ is the bridge between God and us.

Happy New Year! Let us be thankful for the year that has passed. It is good to pause for a moment and enjoy the view. Like running and running with some far-off goal in mind, it is a good thing to pause, to stop and take in the view that’s there in the moment. I think we’ve done okay. Yet, there’s so much more to build and so much further yet to go. I am thankful for how we as a congregation had taken up sharing responsibility for the ministry we share in Jesus’ name. Therefore, without going into lists of things, let me tell you how it feels from my vantage point as pastor. It feels like there is a certain sense of satisfaction. When we all pull together, there is less anxiety about our state of affairs. That’s a good thing. There is a certain amount of joy in seeing children and even adults interacting with the children during the recent Sunday School Christmas program. When you’ve been taught to just sit there in worship, it’s an amazing thing to see a little joyous interaction, even to have fun in Jesus’ name. It felt good. Accordingly, as we go forward, and this comes from the book, “Owl Sight” from which comes the CAT survey we took this past year (also, a good thing), there are three things we want to avoid.

1. We want to keep the good vibe happening. God is calling us into a life in Christ that beckons us forward. We want all who are touched by Central’s ministry to get a sense that God is beckoning us all to life into God’s future. Sometimes, congregations get so focused on their own needs and try to satisfy the institution-al hunger, that the lives of people become of secondary importance.

2. Second, we have to do it our way. There is no magic program or strategy that will somehow make everything go gangbusters. Or another magic solution a congregation may be tempted to do is to find that one charismatic leader to make it all happen. Yet, such longings often disguise a congregation’s resistance to change. They don’t realize that change begins with the congregation finding its own way.

3. Third, is not going over to the dark side. This has to do with maintaining healthy communica-tion in which everyone takes responsibility for addressing issues directly, rather than through blame or other unhealthy behaviors. It is also to remember we cannot expect too much of our-selves trying to meet unreasonable expectations.

Finally, if we can always keep in front of us the big picture. The big picture is our mission and ministry. Everything else needs to follow from that vision. We don’t have the time and the resources to chase down every opportunity. We must choose wisely. This vision comes through prayer, Bible study and spiritual discernment for everyone. There is no magic way to do this other than what has guided the Christian faith for all these centuries. Hence, the spiritual growth of some will lead to greater spiritual health for all. We are thankful for the year that has passed. Let us look forward to the journey ahead. We will be challenged, but that is the beauty of being the body of Christ in the world. Happy New Year! Keeping Christ Central, Pastor Rolf G. Morck

From the Pastor

2019 Christmas Poinsettias

In honor of the newborn king by the Hannah Circle In memory of Don Loomans by Lois and family In memory of Ralfe and Marie Moats and Stella and Peter Peterson by Grace and Howard Peterson and Family

In honor of Ruth La Porte from her great grandsons In memory of loved ones by Ruth La Porte In memory of William H. Larson by Shirley and family In memory of Darrel Olson by Alice and family In honor of Arlene Johnson by the Rebekah Circle In honor of Donna Eide by the Rebekah Circle In loving memory of Lucille and Duttie and Doug Deetz by Pam Deetz

In honor of honorary members by the Martha Circle In honor of grandchildren by Karen and Fran Pattison In honor of honorary members by the Ruth Circle In memory of Keith (Shorty) Koenig and Ester Haugen by Linda Koenig and Charles Haugen

In memory of Arde and Margie Bollinger by the family In memory of George and Inga Jackson, Carmen and Billy Odegard, and Dutee and Dorothy Seyforth by Fred and Karen Seyforth and families and Dennis and Sandy Jackson and families

In memory of Art and Irma Dregney and Barbara Dregney by the family

In memory of Loren Loomis by Sharon and family In memory of Elmer and Virgil Johnson by the Johnson family

In memory of Betty Rudy by Jane Johnson family In loving memory of family by Marje Rice and family In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Mellwood Synstad and Elroy and Gloria Letts given by Roberta Cota and family

In memory of Andy and Lois Yealey by the family In honor of honorary members by the Sarah Circle In memory of Charles Scharf, Ella Ruth Hesselman, Jack Hessleman, Adelle Preston, Alex Johnson, Edith Johnson, Don Preston by Linda and Gary Preston

Central Council December 9, 2019

ACTION ITEMS 1. Motion made and passed to give $1700 to synod for

the month of November, $500 to Luther Park Campaign and $1200 in bonuses.

2. Motion made and passed to approve to forward 2020 compensation packages for Pastor and Noelle.

3. Plans for child care during church services are under way. Children age 1 and older would meet for an organized activity/play group after the children’s sermon. Anyone interested in being involved with this program should reach out to a council member.

4. Lighting Project—letters have been sent out to the congregation. Start date is to be determined.

5. Motion made and passed to designate remaining $883 profit from Central Fest to the technology fund.

6. Motion made and passed to designate the Thanksgiving offering to KFC for a future Sharing Table sponsor.

INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Worship—decorating is complete. Starting next

year, would like two council members on the committee.

2. Congregational Life—planning the longest night service and meal afterwards. Also planning the annual meeting brunch.

3. Stewardship/Reaching and Caring Team—Food Pantry total for Nov.—96 families and 65 seniors. During December each family visiting the pantry receives an extra Christmas food box containing a ham and other food items. Sharing Table served 180 meals in December. Volunteers are always needed and welcome.

4. Property—There is some concern with damage of last year’s heavy snow in the sacristy ceiling.

Next Meeting: Executive—January @ 6:00 p.m.. Council—January 13 @ 6:00 p.m.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 we read, “...encourage one another and build each other up.” Families and individuals who are remembered in prayer during January: Jan. 5—Joan Yealey; Jennifer Yealey and Grayce; Joy Welch; Dale Accola; John and Krista DeWitt, Brett and Paige; Phyllis Ede Hovey; Rick and Kay Geraghty; Galen Hagen Jan. 12—Ruth La Porte; Ed and Shirley Mahlum; Jeanne Larson, Joseph and Benjamin; Chad and Julie Reinhardt, Owen, Charlie and Ian; Jerome and Connie Gillespie and Jordyn Jan. 19—Lance and Brenda Yealey and Brittany; Cherylin Yealey and Noah; Beth Stanton; Pamela Deetz; Doug and Rosemary Fisk; Jane Johnson; Shelby and Lance Meier, Nolan and Marli Jan. 26—Glen Johnson; Tracy and Debra Laehn, Shanna and Mitch; Scott and Laurie Mahlum, Nicholas, Kenadie and Connor; Margaret Nelson; Mark and Lori Whelan, Lance and Julia; Dylan and Miranda Zahara, Carter, Rylee and Coen; Niki Ede and John

Pastor Rolf can be reached at home at 715-926-1128 or by cell phone at 715-495-7007.

CLCW Holiday Bake Sale Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s CLCW Holiday Luncheon and Bake Sale to make it a huge success. Over $2,000 were raised—these funds help the CLCW contribute to numerous benevolent projects and donations.

Pastoral Acts Baptisms: Alea Matthews Dec. 8

Funerals: Richard A. Forsyth I Dec. 28 Richard "Richie" A. Forsyth III Dec. 28

THANK YOU to John and Sue Iverson for making and donating the beautiful wreaths that are hanging in the sanctuary and on the outside of the church.

Our Financial Status December 26

Income to date: $256,671 Expenses to date: $258,110 Borrowed to meet expenses:

Central Lutheran Church Women

Central Lutheran Church women - All women of Central are invited to participate - meetings are held monthly - see bulletin, CLCW Directory and news-letter for upcoming programs and features.

Central’s 2019 Annual Meeting Sunday, January 19, 2020 Worship at 9:00 a.m. Brunch at 10:00 a.m. Annual Meeting at 10:30 a.m. Council and committee reports are due in the office by January 10.

Gifts and Memorials - December 2019 Ongoing Central Funds: Music Ministry, Education Ministry, Missionary Sponsorship, Central Trust Fund, Riverside Lutheran Cemetery Association, Worship Furnishings Capital Fund Appeal Projects and Items— Lighting Project Cradle Roll, Organ Fund, Prayer Shawl Ministry

Lighting Project In honor of honorary members by Rebekah Circle Gift by Sarah Circle

Quilting Fund Gift by Sarah Circle

Operational Fund In honor of Margaret Nelson by the Giese family In memory of Shirley Lawrence, Clarice Reetz, Mick Fraser, Sherman Ronnei, Lyal Bloom, and Loren Loomis, Theresa Brantner by Gary and Linda Preston In memory of William H. Larson by Bruce and Deborah Konkel

Thank you for all the wonderful gifts, cards and expressions of kindness we received during the Christmas season. - Your church staff

YOUTH NEWS

January 8 Confirmation Resumes (6th Grade) January 5 Sunday School Resumes January 29—Confirmation Fellowship event——

Grades 6,7 & 8 February 9—3rd-5th Grade Sing @ 9:00 a.m. March 1—4K-2nd Grade Sing @9:00 a.m.

CLCW NEWS The CLCW will not meet in January or February.

Our next meeting is scheduled Tuesday, March 17, 2020. CLCW Directories will be

available soon that will list circles, projects and programs. Be sure to take a copy!

~HEART TREE~ Thank you to everyone who donated items to our heart tree this year. We were able to help 105 children from 44 families.

God Bless!

QUILTER’S CORNER Have you thought about trying something new in 2020? Or perhaps getting back to something you enjoyed at some time in the past? Might you consider giving quilting a try? Some see that word “quilting” and conjure up a picture of ladies of a hundred years ago sitting around a quilt hand stitching it together. Thank goodness what we do now is totally different. We lay down a fabric back, put a soft layer down for the middle, put a sewn top to complete the sandwich and tie the 3 layers together. If you can tie a knot you qualify to be a Central Quilter. We meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month and we would welcome you! Thanks to all who helped in 2019 with tying quilts, sewing them together, hemming them and donating fabric, other supplies and monetary contributions. We appreciate it all.

MEAL MINISTRY The Meal Ministry folks are looking for some new helpers. What is the Meal Ministry? We take a fresh, home-made meal to a family who is experiencing an illness or injury, a death or a new baby. You would be expected to make one or two meals per year. If you’re asked and it isn’t convenient you can tell us that and we’ll ask you another time. We don’t do fancy food. Usually two people plan, prepare and deliver the meal so you won’t be on your own. We’ll help as much as you want! The purpose of the ministry is to let people know that their congregation cares about them as they go through hardships and experience blessings. Call the church office, Lois Loomans or Sharon Bornfleth o get more information or to volunteer. Thank you!

CENTRAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 221 West Main Street Mondovi, WI 54755-0009

Return Service Requested

Mail to:

Pastor Rolf G. Morck Cell: 495-7007 Home: 926-1128

Administrative Assistant: Noelle Schmidtknecht

Organist/Accompanist: Joanne Erickson

Music Director: Michelle Alexander

Sunday School Superintendent: Diane Schultz

Custodian: Gary Holmen

Missionaries to Japan: Patrick and Jacquelyn Bencke

OFFICE HOURS-MONDAY-THURSDAY

8:00-4:00 p.m.

(715)926-3811

E-mail address: centralmondovi@frontiernet.net

revrolf@frontiernet.net

Website: centralmondovi.org

Council Members: Brenda Yealey, Monica Brantner,

Paul Franzwa, Vicki Bloom, Carlee Norby, Roselle

Schlosser, Judy Thompson, David Plagenz, Kaydi

Amidon, Melissa Kreibich, Nick Flinner

A NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Permit No. 15 Mondovi, WI

Central Lutheran Church

Our Vision Statement:

To be people of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit grow-

ing in Jesus’ love and love for one another.

Our Mission Statement:

As a living body of Christ, we will minister within the con-

gregation, the community, and the world.

Mondovi Sharing Table Wednesday, Jan. 8 4:30-6:00 p.m. Sponsored in Memory of: Lyal Bloom **Meals are offered monthly and

are open to everyone – absolutely FREE.**

Next Meal—Feb. 5th