Volume 58, Issue 1 JANUARY 2020

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Annual Budget Meeting of

the Congregation ................ 1

Thoughts from

Pastor Mark ......................... 2

Worship & Music ................. 3

January Lectionary ................ 3

Bible Study ............................. 3

CAN & Child Care

Giving Tree ......................... 4

January Backpacks .............. 4

CYF-TRUST Youth ............. 5

Stewardship

Moment of Generosity ...... 5

Membership

‘Young-ish’ Gathering ........ 5

Coffee Hosts Needed ........ 5

Harbor Light Project ............ 6

TRUST

Loaves & Fishes ................. 6

Grief Coalition .................... 6

A Thank You ......................... 6

‘Reflections’ ........................... 6

About Our People

Prayers ................................. 7

A Thank You ..................... 7

Welcome Statement.............. 7

Office Information ............... 7

January Celebrations ............ 7

St. John’s Staff & Council ... 8

Mission-Vision-Values ......... 8

The Messenger

ANNUAL MEETING of St. John’s Congregation

Purpose: Adopting a ministry budget for 2020

Date: Sunday, January 26, 2020, 11:15 a.m.

Place: St. John’s Fellowship Hall

Who: All voting members of the congregation

Administrati n

eighborhood

Chi RhoChi RhoChi Rho

Child Care CenterChild Care CenterChild Care Center

Wo

rship

Membership

Oratorio Chorus

Stewardship

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mily

St. John’sSt. John’sSt. John’s

Missio

nary C

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Page Backpack Program

Cam

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Blan

kets

WCC/Chi Rho Vision

Harbor Light Shelter

Pas

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Mu

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TRUST

Fellowship

Sun

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Sch

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Bib

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4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (1 Cor. 12:4-6,12,27)

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THE MESSENGER PAGE 2

Welcome to the new year! (Whew we made it!)

Though we started 2019 with a bang, we also had those moments of frustrations

and difficulties—especially in the administration side of things. Having 6 different

bookkeepers between January and October (Angela, Barb, Angela, Stacy, Sarah,

and Patty) caused many glitches within our financial management system. But after

bringing in a consultant to assist us in fixing our financial management system and adding new safeguards

to our methods of handling money, sending and receiving invoices, recording transactions, and creating

reports, I believe we are well on our way to a system that will be far more transparent and efficient than in

this past year. It is my hope and goal that 2020 will be a year of crystal clear clarity. It seems exactly right

to have 20/20 vision in the year of 2020.

But we also celebrated many wonderful things in 2019:

We accomplished some rather significant milestones in bringing all of our ministries under one roof!

We began using a new Membership Directory called Breeze, giving members access to the directory on

their computers and smart phones;

We created a new chart of accounts for our financial reports which still keeps the financial records

distinct for each “class” of the Church, Child Care Center and Chi Rho Center;

We started a new relationship with Wayzata Community Church (United Church of Christ) at the Chi

Rho Center which significantly improved the cash flow there;

In December we signed another 2-year Agreement (for the summers of 2020 and 2021) with WCC;

Kira Winter started in August as our new Director of Worship and Music and successfully directed the

30th annual performances of Handel’s Messiah;

The Child Care Center will be changing its invoicing system so as to be easier to understand;

The Child Care Center yet again has waiting lists for children to enter the program on all levels;

The church and Child Care Center families partnered to meet the needs of the Giving Tree and

Justice Page Middle School requests;

As a congregation we took in five new members:

1 by infant baptism

1 by adult baptism

3 through transfer

Our worship attendance is up 5% over 2018;

Our prayer list continues to grow by people requesting to be prayed for;

The percentage of members involved in the committees’ ministries is remarkable; and

There is a general sense of optimism and hope around the church.

Although I am tired with both the systemic stressors endured and all the moments of vitality experienced in

2019, I am grateful for all of it! Those things that were difficult caused us to learn and grow and those

things that were a blessing caused us to express our gratitude and set new goals.

With 2019 behind us and 2020 before, let us press on into God’s future for us together.

Pastor Mark

Thoughts from Pastor Mark...

THE MESSENGER PAGE 3

January

LECTIONARY

January 5 Epiphany of Our Lord

Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12

January 12

Baptism of Our Lord

Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalm 29

Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 3:13-17

January 19 Epiphany 2

Isaiah 49:1-7 Psalm 40:1-11

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 John 1:29-42

January 26 Epiphany 3

Isaiah 9:1-4 Psalm 27:1, 4-9

1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Matthew 4:12-23

Bible Study & More with Pastor Mark will resume for the new year at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 16 in St. John’s Lounge. All are welcome to join in the next adventure!

Thank you for all the Poinsettias...given by….

Anna & Steve Carlson—in memory of family and in gratitude for St. John’s music

leaders

Jeff Carlson—in memory of Jane & Roger Carlson

Richard Carlson—in memory of Nancy Jane Carlson, Jill Marie Carlson, and

Julie Ann Carlson

Dona & Jim Collins—in honor of loved ones

Ron & Bonnie Conrad—in memory of parents and in honor of children &

grandchildren

Dan & Deborah Dunham—in memory of our parents

Ercolani family—in celebration of December birthdays

Mark & Tamara Gebhardt—in memory of Ella Metzger and Lillian Gebhardt

John & Jen Gerken—in memory of Joe Gerken

Marlene & Bob Holden—in memory of our families

Lori Johnson—in celebration of Lesley, Mayson & Charlotte

Linda & Mike Korman—in memory of our parents

Sharon Koschak - in memory of Gary McAllister and Maynard & Viola Peterson

Sara Marsh—in memory of Carmen Marsh

McAllister-Micco family—in memory of Nicholas Micco

Marjorie Sethna—in memory of my mother, Mary Ford, who was born on

Christmas Day

Tom Swanson—in memory of great-grandparents Kerstin & Nels Swanson

Elaine Taylor—in memory of Glenn Taylor

You are welcome to pick up your poinsettias now from church for your own or someone else’s enjoyment.

Thank you... To the congregation of St. John’s Lutheran Church— As the recipient of the John Norris Memorial Scholarship, I would like to express my deep gratitude for the honor of receiving this important scholarship. I am honored and excited to pursue my career in music education. I know

that John was passionate about his work at the church and with music, but sadly was unable to pursue his education due to various circumstances. I have the opportunity and pleasure in pursuing my dream in John’s name. This scholarship will play a crucial role in making my dream possible, and I am thankful to everyone who is making this possible.

To the life of John Norris,

Lukas Thomas

WORSHIP & MUSIC

St. John’s Choir Rehearsals resume Wednesday, January 15 at 7:30 p.m.

THE MESSENGER PAGE 4

The Giving Tree….

This was the 21st year that Child Care families teamed with St. John’s members on THE GIVING TREE service project. The past two years, we have partnered with Justice Page Middle School social workers. They confidentially identified “highly mobile/at risk" students. Just before winter break, together we helped those families make ends meet with food and gift cards. We met our goal to provide 16 families with a backpack bursting with food, one Target gift card and one Cub gift card.

Additional food items were donated to the Page School food shelf. Donated non-food items: can openers; emergency clothing: boys sweatpants, socks and underwear, girls leggings, socks and headbands, toothbrushes, deodorant, and mini-vaselines. Additional gift cards were also given to families in need by the social workers on home visits.

Whether you prayed, packed, delivered, donated time, food, non-food item, or gift card, YOU were a part of the GIVING TREE!

TOGETHER we CAN make a difference for families in our community.

Community and Neighborhood Committee - CAN

COMMUNITY & NEIGHBORHOOD/CHILD CARE

A HUGE thanks to the St. John’s community for your generosity to our students and their families. We were so excited to share the gifts that you gave to us today. It is truly a blessing to partner with you.

Happy Holidays!

Cassie Zonnefeld, MSW, LICSW School Social Worker Justice Page Middle School (ed. note—We received this thank you at church only a few hours after the gifts were delivered to the school!)

January Backpacks

We are grateful for your continued food donations to pack 15 backpacks in January. Our next delivery is scheduled to be on Thursday, January 16.

The food list includes:

cereal: Cheerios, Rice Krispies and Mini Wheats

peanut butter

tuna and chicken

chunky soup/stew,

ravioli

boxed dried noodle soup

canned fruits and vegetables

applesauce

mac and cheese

brown rice

Giving Tree 2019

Thank you!

THE MESSENGER PAGE 5

MEMBERSHIP

Young-ish Ladies Gathering

Calling all St. John's women - married, single, kids, no kids, working, stay-at-home. Those seeking communi-ty with other women of faith. Come for an afternoon of fellowship, brainstorming, and imagining how the Holy Spirit is guiding a new ministry among us!

Where: Fireroast Café 3800 37th Ave. S., Minneapolis

When: Saturday, January 25; 2PM

Contact Jennifer Burdick (mattjen0625@msn.com) to RSVP or with questions.

Fellowship Hour Hosts Needed

The Sunday fellowship hour list of hosts is sorely in need of new volunteers! Please consider joining this group!

The work is easy, it's a short time commitment, plus you get to learn the secret workings of the kitchen! You can choose how often you'd like to serve, or simply be added to the rotation but exclude dates you know you'll be out of town.

Training will be provided; you can also "shadow" fellowship hour hosts any Sunday you choose to get an overview.

If you do not have a partner, fear not! We'll pair you up! Being a Sunday fellowship hour host is a fun way to meet other people, provide hospitality for our members and visitors, AND you get to pretend you're running your own coffee shop! What more could you want?! Please contact Jennifer Burdick or the church office with questions or to sign up! THANK YOU!

CHILDREN, YOUTH, & FAMILY

Moment of Generosity

Sincerest thank you goes to Kira Winter for being our fearless Worship and Music leader.

The evening Advent services were beautiful, the 30th annual productions of the Messiah were AMAZING, and Sunday morning services have been filled with inspirational praise music.

We are fiercely grateful that God has brought you to us to share your talents!

STEWARDSHIP

TRUST Youth Mini Lock-in

Friday, January 10

5:30-10:30 p.m.

Hosted by Lynnhurst UCC

We’ll probably start with getting-to-know-you and group-building games. This is partly to allow for kids whose after school activities/parents’ commutes mean they can’t be there right at 5:30.

We’ll have pizza delivered around 6:30, then play some games (sardines, human foosball, maybe a scavenger hunt). Later we’ll settle down for popcorn and a movie.

Youth should bring $5 plus a sleeping bag and pillow since we’re going to be sprawled out on the gym floor for the movie.

We’ll nail down the rest of the details as the date approaches. Looking forward to it!

Ellen Green Director of Children, Youth, and Families Faith Formation Lynnhurst Congregational UCC

THE MESSENGER PAGE 6

Thank you, St. John’s!

St. John’s Lutheran folks retired from Loaves and Fishes at the end of 2019. Many of them had been doing it since we began in 1982. We thank them for

all of their work and dedication over the 37 years.

TRUST - Loaves & Fishes

Reflections of a Church Member

Even though I've accompanied Messiah rehearsals and some performances for nearly 20 years, first in college and now at St. John's, it seemed to me that this year my attention was drawn especially to the words, rather than as more usual for me, the music itself. I can’t say whether this has to do with the way Kira prepared the Chorus, or with the way this Chorus shaped its proclamation...or if it has more to do with 'where I'm at' right now.

Anyway, one day I was thinking about how some-times things seem so easy to do; while at other times we struggle so to act in the midst of conflicts of conscience, priorities, needs, or desires. The 'oughts' and the 'shoulds' line up in a tug-of-war with what we really wish to do...or maybe between what we believe others might think or want and being true to our own creative nature. Why do sometimes things just flow? Then it came to me: 'That which is done with love is not difficult.' It might take more time or patience or resourcefulness than we think we have, yes; but it isn't difficult. And suddenly these words from Messiah made sense to me: 'His yoke is easy...' Maybe that’s what Jesus’ words in Matthew are about: 'For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light'! Whatever is done in Jesus’ name, with his love, is not difficult. Yoked with Christ and powered by God's Spirit of love, we grow in becoming more truly ourselves. We are able to do more than we ever thought possible, yet with a sense of having done nothing at all. We feel more energy than when we began. One chorister commented after the dress rehearsal, “ ‘His Yoke Is Easy’ - isn’t easy!” I am willing to bet, though, that singing his heart out that weekend, he didn’t even notice. For then, it was in-deed—easy.

1-2-2020 amp

Please consider submitting your own 'Reflection'...whether some-thing you write or find that says what you want to say. This could become a regular feature of our monthly ‘Messenger’!

Harbor Light Project

Thank you for your donations during December of many warm blankets, sleeping bags and mats for those who come to use the Harbor Light Shelter in Minneapolis.

During January 2020 we are asking for donations of new and clean used towels.

Looking ahead—in 2020:

February – toothpaste, tooth-brushes, toiletries March – socks April – new or used blankets and sleeping bags May – new or clean used towels June – toothpaste, toothbrushes and toiletries

Thank you for all of your donations to this project!

-St. John’s Missionary Circle

TRUST’s South Minneapolis Coalition for Grief Support is offered to anyone in the

community who is experiencing a loss. There is no pre-registration, no fee, no expectations. Just come and listen. Chances are you will hear one thing that will help you through the next week. The Winter Series 2020 runs on Thursdays, January 23 – March 26, gathering at 6:15 until 8 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2914 W 44th St, Minneapolis, phone 612-922-0041. Schedule, topics, and speakers available from TRUST, 612-827-6159 or posted flyers.

Dear St. John’s Staff,

Thank you so much for welcoming Delia to your church. Your warm hospitality is so appreciated by the entire family.

Gratefully, Maureen (grandmother) & Kristen (mother)

THE MESSENGER PAGE 7

About Our People...

Please let the church office know if you would like to share information with the congregation.

Callers to St. John’s have the option to talk with or leave messages for individual staff, Child Care or Chi Rho by choosing one of these eight prompts:

1. Church Office/Ann Paulson 5. Joseph Sahai 2. Pastor Mark 6. Patty Smith, Bookkeeper 3. Kira Winter 7. Dave Helm, Chi Rho Manager 4. 8. Tina Shear, Child Care Director

Happy Birthday!

1 Dustin Olson

Lesley Spaeth

Nicole Dosdall

Anna Dosdall

3 Peder Flaten

Marcella Hicks

Bonnie Anderson

4 Mark Gebhardt

5 Christian Belz

5 Susan Lillevold

9 Abbey Koliha

10 Debra Jacobs

11 Laurel Fricke

14 Patt Ackman

20 Erik Belz

22 Jon Dosdall

Kris Edel

24 Mark Nervig

26 Liela Nordstrom

27 Emma Hurbanis

28 Grace Noaman

29 Tamara Gebhardt

Happy Anniversary!

1 Ron & Bea Hasselmann

Joyous New Year!

If your birthdate and/or anniversary has been

inadvertently omitted or is incorrect, please forgive us, then call the church office

at 612-827-4406. Thank you!

St. John’s is a Reconciling in Christ congregation that celebrates and cares for all people.

As followers of Christ, who calls us to reconciliation and wholeness through baptism, the

members of St. John’s Lutheran Church welcome all who are seeking God.

We affirm that this reconciliation extends to people of all gender identities and sexual

orientations. We welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as those who may have been excluded because of other human distinctions.

We strive to live as a welcoming people in our life together and our outreach to the community.

Our doors are open. Come as you are. You belong.

You can reach the church office at 612-827-4406 or communications@stjohnsmpls.org Email Pastor Mark at pastortiede@stjohnsmpls.org

January

Celebrations

We pray for:

Ones in need of healing, comfort, encouragement or sustaining care: † Amy Arens, Margery Arens, Sandy Bell, Andrew Ellis, Harriet Ellis, Robert

Ferdinand, Ervin Gebhardt, Debra Jacobs, Anna Koosman, Sharon Kunz,

Ken Marsh, Jane McDonald, Jane McNaughton, John McWatters, Sara

Reineke, Mike Schlagel, Norleen Schmidt, Marj Sethna, Bob Slifer, Susan

Stagg, Rhonda Stanley, Gloria Swanson, Bruce Walker, and others held in

our hearts and known by God.

Ones mourning loss: † The family and friends of Margaret Thompson, long-time St. John’s

member, whose memorial service will be held at St. John’s on Saturday,

January 4 at 11:00 a.m.

Information Church Office ................. 612-827-4406 Church Office Fax ........ 612-827-0574 Child Care Center .......... 612-827-1237 Chi Rho Center .............. 320-274-8307 Church Office email: communications@stjohnsmpls.org Website: www.stjohnsmpls.org Facebook: .www.facebook.com/ StJohnsMpls

Parish Staff

PASTOR Mark Tiede

DIRECTOR OF WORSHIP & MUSIC MINISTRY Kira Winter

ASSISTANT FOR MINISTRY Ann Paulson

ORGANIST Peder Flaten

BOOKKEEPER Patty Smith

CUSTODIANS Joseph Sahai (day) Larry Fraser (summer Sundays/events) Ben Gebhardt (Sundays/events) Mill City Cleaning (Child Care)

CHILD CARE DIRECTOR Tina Shear

CHI RHO CENTER MANAGER David Helm

Church Council Lori Johnson, President Jennifer Burdick, Vice President Patrick Coveney, Secretary Jim Gambucci Tamara Gebhardt Bea Hasselmann Ann Paulson Jeanne Tuvey Clara Willette Susan Zabel, Treasurer

THE MESSENGER

St. John’s Lutheran Church 4842 Nicollet Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55419

St. John’s Lutheran Church A Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Our Mission:

Fueled by Christ’s redeeming love, St. John’s is called into a joyful life of welcoming hospitality, grace-filled worship, transformational relationships, and Gospel-driven service in the world.

Our Core Values:

Welcoming Celebrating and caring for all people. Our doors are open.

You belong. Come as you are.

Worshiping Gathering together to joyfully thank God in prayer and praise for Jesus, who calls us, centers us, and sends us into the world. Healing Reflecting God’s unconditional grace and love by walking

together through the joys and pains of life.

Serving Gratefully responding to the needs of the world with the

abilities God has gifted us. Our Vision for the Future: A vibrant community living faith boldly

Sunday Morning Worship Hour 10:00 a.m.

Nursery care is provided.

Traditional worship that is joyful and welcoming to all.

ELCA Presiding Bishop: Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

Minneapolis Area Synod Bishop: Bishop Ann Svennungsen

THE MESSENGER