Herald December 2015December 2015December 2015December 2015

Lighting of the Christmas Trees Lighting of the Christmas Trees Lighting of the Christmas Trees Lighting of the Christmas Trees ---- Tuesday, December 15Tuesday, December 15Tuesday, December 15Tuesday, December 15thththth 2PM2PM2PM2PM

Annual worship and Christmas cookies with carols in the Social Hall. Please contact the church Annual worship and Christmas cookies with carols in the Social Hall. Please contact the church Annual worship and Christmas cookies with carols in the Social Hall. Please contact the church Annual worship and Christmas cookies with carols in the Social Hall. Please contact the church

(952(952(952(952----881881881881----8600), if you need a ride to church!8600), if you need a ride to church!8600), if you need a ride to church!8600), if you need a ride to church!

BlueBlueBlueBlue Christmas WorshipChristmas WorshipChristmas WorshipChristmas Worship ---- Saturday December 19Saturday December 19Saturday December 19Saturday December 19thththth 5PM5PM5PM5PM

This worship service recognizes that the experience of Christmas, for a variety of reasons, is not always

joyful. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one, living with a painful memory, just not “into” the season,

or simply interested in a more reflective, subtle communion service.

Children’s Christmas Program & Worship Children’s Christmas Program & Worship Children’s Christmas Program & Worship Children’s Christmas Program & Worship ---- Sunday, December 20Sunday, December 20Sunday, December 20Sunday, December 20th th th th 9:30AM 9:30AM 9:30AM 9:30AM followed by cupcake & hot cider reception

Christmas EVEChristmas EVEChristmas EVEChristmas EVE ---- Thursday, December 24Thursday, December 24Thursday, December 24Thursday, December 24thththth

4:30PM4:30PM4:30PM4:30PM————Family Worship Family Worship Family Worship Family Worship w/candlelight 11:00PM11:00PM11:00PM11:00PM—Candlelight WorshipCandlelight WorshipCandlelight WorshipCandlelight Worship (O Little Town of Bethlehem at 10:30pm)

Christmas DAYChristmas DAYChristmas DAYChristmas DAY ---- Friday, December 25Friday, December 25Friday, December 25Friday, December 25thththth 9:30AM9:30AM9:30AM9:30AM

Christmas WorshipChristmas WorshipChristmas WorshipChristmas Worship - Sunday, December 27Sunday, December 27Sunday, December 27Sunday, December 27thththth 9:30AM9:30AM9:30AM9:30AM

PastorsPastorsPastorsPastors

David LersethDavid LersethDavid LersethDavid Lerseth, , , , Interim Lead Pastor dlerseth@ctkb.org Tom DanielsTom DanielsTom DanielsTom Daniels, Interim Pastor tdaniels@ctkb.org

Program StaffProgram StaffProgram StaffProgram Staff

Jane VeVeaJane VeVeaJane VeVeaJane VeVea, Congregation Coordinator jvevea@ctkb.org Nina JoyNina JoyNina JoyNina Joy, , , , Director of Children, Family and Youth Diaconal Minister njoy@ctkb.org

Music StaffMusic StaffMusic StaffMusic Staff

John SalvesonJohn SalvesonJohn SalvesonJohn Salveson, Kantor jsalveson@ctkb.org Darin TysdalDarin TysdalDarin TysdalDarin Tysdal, Assistant Music Director mahlerii@aol.com

AdministrativeAdministrativeAdministrativeAdministrative

Jane BishopJane BishopJane BishopJane Bishop, Financial/Property Administrator jbishop@ctkb.org

MaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenance

Dan LenortDan LenortDan LenortDan Lenort, Custodian dlenort@ctkb.org

Community HealthCommunity HealthCommunity HealthCommunity Health

Lynn LenortLynn LenortLynn LenortLynn Lenort , , , , Faith Community Nurse llenort@ctkb

December Prayer MeetingDecember Prayer MeetingDecember Prayer MeetingDecember Prayer Meeting

Sunday, Dec. 13 at 10:45amSunday, Dec. 13 at 10:45amSunday, Dec. 13 at 10:45amSunday, Dec. 13 at 10:45am

Prayer Request slips are available in your Prayer Request slips are available in your Prayer Request slips are available in your Prayer Request slips are available in your

worship bulletins the first Sunday of each worship bulletins the first Sunday of each worship bulletins the first Sunday of each worship bulletins the first Sunday of each

month and weekly in the pew racks. Sim-month and weekly in the pew racks. Sim-month and weekly in the pew racks. Sim-month and weekly in the pew racks. Sim-

ply fill out and fold your prayer request, ply fill out and fold your prayer request, ply fill out and fold your prayer request, ply fill out and fold your prayer request,

then place it in the offering plate. Those then place it in the offering plate. Those then place it in the offering plate. Those then place it in the offering plate. Those

attending the prayer meeting pray to-attending the prayer meeting pray to-attending the prayer meeting pray to-attending the prayer meeting pray to-

gether in Room 108 and remember you gether in Room 108 and remember you gether in Room 108 and remember you gether in Room 108 and remember you

in prayer throughout the month. Prayer in prayer throughout the month. Prayer in prayer throughout the month. Prayer in prayer throughout the month. Prayer

requests are kept confidential within the requests are kept confidential within the requests are kept confidential within the requests are kept confidential within the

group. group. group. group. All are welcome to come and par-All are welcome to come and par-All are welcome to come and par-All are welcome to come and par-ticipate in these meetings.ticipate in these meetings.ticipate in these meetings.ticipate in these meetings.

January Newsletter DeadlineJanuary Newsletter DeadlineJanuary Newsletter DeadlineJanuary Newsletter Deadline Friday, December 11Friday, December 11Friday, December 11Friday, December 11

Please email newsletter articles to Please email newsletter articles to Please email newsletter articles to Please email newsletter articles to jvevea@ctkb.org or leave a hard copy jvevea@ctkb.org or leave a hard copy jvevea@ctkb.org or leave a hard copy jvevea@ctkb.org or leave a hard copy with Jane V. in the church office.with Jane V. in the church office.with Jane V. in the church office.with Jane V. in the church office.

Birthday GreetingsBirthday GreetingsBirthday GreetingsBirthday Greetings to our homebound and semito our homebound and semito our homebound and semito our homebound and semi----

homebound members homebound members homebound members homebound members

celebrating December celebrating December celebrating December celebrating December

birthdays:birthdays:birthdays:birthdays:

• Richard Jackson 12/24Richard Jackson 12/24Richard Jackson 12/24Richard Jackson 12/24

• Kathleen Dauphinais 12/24Kathleen Dauphinais 12/24Kathleen Dauphinais 12/24Kathleen Dauphinais 12/24

The King’s Herald The King’s Herald The King’s Herald The King’s Herald is published monthly by

Christ the King Lutheran Church Jane VeVeaJane VeVeaJane VeVeaJane VeVea, Editor & Publisher

jvevea@ctkb.org 952jvevea@ctkb.org 952jvevea@ctkb.org 952jvevea@ctkb.org 952----881881881881----8600860086008600

Men’s Bible StudyMen’s Bible StudyMen’s Bible StudyMen’s Bible Study

Wednesdays: Wednesdays: Wednesdays: Wednesdays: 7:30AM7:30AM7:30AM7:30AM

Perkins in Edina off of 494/France

Women’s Bible Women’s Bible Women’s Bible Women’s Bible

Study at CTKStudy at CTKStudy at CTKStudy at CTK Wednesdays: Wednesdays: Wednesdays: Wednesdays:

9:009:009:009:00----10:00AM10:00AM10:00AM10:00AM All are Welcome!

GHM Volunteer Date GHM Volunteer Date GHM Volunteer Date GHM Volunteer Date ---- Tuesday, December 1Tuesday, December 1Tuesday, December 1Tuesday, December 1 Leave Bloomington at 8:50am. Return from the warehouse at 2:00pm. If you would like to ride along

call Sharon Wood (952-888-7351)or Verla Olson (952-881-4086).

page 2

In September Christ the King celebrated 60 years of faith community and fellowship.

We are “rooted in the past.” There, are the experiences and lessons that have

shaped our values. Healthy roots yield good fruit, flourishing and nourishing spiritual

life. CTK roots have provided good fruit: opportunities to worship together and learn,

to care for and support one other, to participate in God’s mission of service inside

and outside our walls.

Reconstruction of “our walls” began just over five years ago. “Days of dust and tarps” led to our beautiful

and welcoming gathering space. $1,700,000 was approved for the project. It was anticipated that at

least two three-year Capital Campaigns would be necessary. This year unforeseen property expenses

also arose with a city street assessment of $31,272.40. In June, 2013, you generously pledged over

$800,000 toward the second Campaign. As of October 31, 2015, $615,580 has been contributed, as

well as $17,770 toward the street assessment. You have given generously, and we are grateful. With a

mortgage balance of $841,703 a third campaign is planned. No further construction will be involved;

rather, the excitement will be looking forward to a “mortgage burning” celebration which will hopefully

follow. The third and final year of this Campaign doesn’t end until May 31, 2016. However, as always,

contributions made by December 31 will be shown on your 2015 giving statement, if that is helpful to

you.

Beyond your generous contributions, we are grateful for your gifts of time – priceless! You are not just

hearers, but indeed you are doers, participating in the many programs CTK offers, maintaining our build-

ing and grounds, serving our community, offering hospitality and a welcoming attitude.

Recent CTK slogans reflect growth and moving forward: “Growing in Community” (Capital Campaign I) and “Trusting in God’s Future” (Capital Campaign II). The current stewardship letter reads: “Built on Faith, Believe in Tomorrow.” Our roots give us purpose and nurture our dedication to continuing God’s mission at home, nearby, and to the ends of the earth.

Good news! The search begins!Good news! The search begins!Good news! The search begins!Good news! The search begins!

The call committee has met several times to begin the process of calling the new lead pas-tor. Pastor Craig Pederson from the Mpls area synod went through the process and offered suggestions, encouragement and above all blessings! Pastor Lerseth was present also to share his experience in this process. Updates will be provided though out the process.

Please feel free to contact any one of the committee members if there are any ques-tions or concerns: Curtis Griesel – Chair, Kirk McKinley, Peggy Indahl, Marilyn Akimoto, Will Herrmann, Bre Starks, and Mike Haddox

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A couple of friendly reminders from Jane A couple of friendly reminders from Jane A couple of friendly reminders from Jane A couple of friendly reminders from Jane Bishop, Finance & Property Administrator:Bishop, Finance & Property Administrator:Bishop, Finance & Property Administrator:Bishop, Finance & Property Administrator:

· It’s not too late to turn in an Estimate of Giving (commitment card) for 2016.2016.2016.2016. If it’s convenient, you can phone it in or email me at jbishop@ctkb.org.

· If you have any questions about your 2015201520152015 givinggivinggivinggiving, please give me a call in the office. If you find it within your means during this Christmas season, please con-sider making a year-end gift above and beyond what you had planned. It does make a difference. The IRS requires that charitable contributions for the year be received or postmarked by December 31 in order to be recorded for that year. Please let me know if I can help. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your generous Thank you, thank you, thank you for your generous Thank you, thank you, thank you for your generous Thank you, thank you, thank you for your generous support of our life together!support of our life together!support of our life together!support of our life together!

J.O.Y. AWAITS J.O.Y. AWAITS J.O.Y. AWAITS J.O.Y. AWAITS

CHRISTMAS SEASONCHRISTMAS SEASONCHRISTMAS SEASONCHRISTMAS SEASON

Following an exciting fall season, J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) now looks forward to lighting the Christmas tree in the CTK sanctuary. This will happen at 2:00 p.m.,2:00 p.m.,2:00 p.m.,2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 15thTuesday, December 15thTuesday, December 15thTuesday, December 15th, followed by Christmas cookies and caroling in the Social Hall. The Bartimaeus group is responsible for decorating the Christmas tree. Our Kantor, Dr. Jon Salveson, will pro-duce and play piano accompaniment for the popular Christmas carols.

Steering committee members wish to thank all who participated in recent J.O.Y. activities. Most gratifying has been the attendance at the fall programs. Several outstanding programs are being secured for the year ahead.

Christmas Cookies for Christmas Cookies for Christmas Cookies for Christmas Cookies for Homebound MembersHomebound MembersHomebound MembersHomebound Members

Christ the King members will

again deliver Christmas cookies

to about 50 of our homebound

members. We need volunteers

to each bake two dozen smaller

cookies. A sign----up sheet is at

the Library desk. Bring your

ready-to-pack cookies to the CTKB kitchen by

December 7 in the morning. December 7 in the morning. December 7 in the morning. December 7 in the morning. Our quilters will

pack them that morning. The packed cookies

will then be delivered later in the week.

Volunteer drivers are also needed to make the

deliveries. Please call Jane VeVea (952Jane VeVea (952Jane VeVea (952Jane VeVea (952----881881881881----

8600) 8600) 8600) 8600) if you can help. This is a great oppor-

tunity to meet our homebound members and

to extend Christmas greetings to them.

Advent/Christmas SeasonAdvent/Christmas SeasonAdvent/Christmas SeasonAdvent/Christmas Season

Please consider making a donation

“in honor of” or “in memory of”

loved ones to beautify our sanctu-

ary for the Advent/Christmas sea-

son. Order forms may be picked

up on the library desk. Forms are due by Dec. 13Forms are due by Dec. 13Forms are due by Dec. 13Forms are due by Dec. 13thththth....

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Dear members and friends of Christ the King!Dear members and friends of Christ the King!Dear members and friends of Christ the King!Dear members and friends of Christ the King!

I have been your interim senior pastor for only 3 months, but I must share with you that my wife and I feel

very much AT HOMEAT HOMEAT HOMEAT HOME in your midst! Thank you for your welcome, your hospitality and your friendship. It

is a wonderful privilege to be a pastor, your pastor! How much more special it is when I have the opportu-

nity to serve Christ the King and feel so much AT HOMEAT HOMEAT HOMEAT HOME!

This Advent and Christmas season when we celebrate God sending his Son, Jesus to be born into our

world --- to be AT HOMEAT HOMEAT HOMEAT HOME --- to live with us; I encourage you to focus upon what it means that Jesus

came to be AT HOME AT HOME AT HOME AT HOME with you in your life. Do not let the activities, the lights and decorations, the parties

and rat race of buying gifts detract you from the wonderful story of God’s redemption and love. We can-

not give our life meaning through our own efforts: with our talents, money or life status. God alone can

give our life meaning and purpose.

Welcome HOME HOME HOME HOME to God’s wonderful gifts of meaning, to a renewed spiritual dimension in your life this

Advent and Christmas season!

Welcome HOMEHOMEHOMEHOME to Christ the King --- a place where you will experience the miracle and blessing of

Jesus Christ being born anew into your life each day!

PEACE IN CHRIST!

Pastor David P. Lerseth

Thank you’s!Thank you’s!Thank you’s!Thank you’s!

Regarding the Fellowship Breakfast, Thursday, November 5th, I would just like to say thank you so much to all the servers. You did an amazing job of serving coffee before and then getting everyone served so VERY quickly! As to the clean-up process, I couldn’t believe how many pitched in to get the dishes to the kitchen, the tables all cleaned off, and the table covers folded. It is amazingly true that many hands make jobs go quickly. So, all I can say is THANK YOU to ALL who helped either Wednesday night or Thursday morning. Bonnie Westermoe

A BIG THANK YOUA BIG THANK YOUA BIG THANK YOUA BIG THANK YOU To everyone in the congregation who responded to our request for towels and toothpaste for Global Health Ministries’ hospice kits. On Tuesday, November 3rd, we took a van packed with your donations to GHM and they were immediately used to pack kits.

Towels are always in short supply for the kits, so if you are able, please consider bringing more and dropping them off at the office of CTK. Towels should be bath size, new or gently used. (If considering buying new, we have been told that WalMart has a low price for a good towel.)

Thanks to all for your gifts to help God’s children in ELCA hospitals in Africa. Global Mission Team

A big thank you to Sandy Roisum for taking the time to make sure the portico area always looks beauti-ful. You make it look great so effortlessly and we know it takes a lot of work. Thank you!!!

Lighting of the Christmas TreesLighting of the Christmas TreesLighting of the Christmas TreesLighting of the Christmas Trees

Tuesday, December 15th Tuesday, December 15th Tuesday, December 15th Tuesday, December 15th ---- 2:00pm2:00pm2:00pm2:00pm

Our traditional Lighting of the Christmas Trees and Dedication of

the chancel for the Nativity of Our Lord will be on Tuesday, Dec. 15, Tuesday, Dec. 15, Tuesday, Dec. 15, Tuesday, Dec. 15,

at 2:00pm.at 2:00pm.at 2:00pm.at 2:00pm.

This is a special service for many in our congregation who prefer a

service during the day and for those who may not be in town Christ-

mas Eve or Christmas Day. Everyone is invited! If you know of some-

one who does not have transportation to church, please call them

and offer to bring them to this service. Or they can contact the

church office (952952952952----881881881881----8600860086008600), and a ride will be arranged. This

service will include reading the Christmas gospel in several languages and Holy Communion. Special

music will be provided by John SalvesonJohn SalvesonJohn SalvesonJohn Salveson. We will also give recognition to Bartimaeus for decorating the

chancel area. Following the service, we will gather in the social hall to sing Christmas carols and enjoy

cookies and coffee. We invite you to bring your favorite Christmas cookies to share with others. Coffee

and beverages will be provided. This service is J.O.Y.’s regular December meeting.

Adult Forum in DecemberAdult Forum in DecemberAdult Forum in DecemberAdult Forum in December————10:45am in Social Hall10:45am in Social Hall10:45am in Social Hall10:45am in Social Hall

December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 ---- Nina Joy, Diaconal MinisterNina Joy, Diaconal MinisterNina Joy, Diaconal MinisterNina Joy, Diaconal Minister

December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 ---- Chapel Ringers Christmas Concert Chapel Ringers Christmas Concert Chapel Ringers Christmas Concert Chapel Ringers Christmas Concert

December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 ---- Children’s Program Reception Children’s Program Reception Children’s Program Reception Children’s Program Reception ---- Cupcakes & Hot CiderCupcakes & Hot CiderCupcakes & Hot CiderCupcakes & Hot Cider

December 27 December 27 December 27 December 27 ---- Library Open House Library Open House Library Open House Library Open House ---- CommonsCommonsCommonsCommons

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December Gift of LoveDecember Gift of LoveDecember Gift of LoveDecember Gift of Love

Midwest Social Services (MSS)Midwest Social Services (MSS)Midwest Social Services (MSS)Midwest Social Services (MSS) Midwest Social Services (MSS) serves individuals with a wide range of disabilities. Their programs are for adults aged 18 and older. Their staff are trained and fully prepared to respond to the needs of their most fragile program participants, and they maintain facilities designed to support those efforts. Their geographic reach covers the entire seven county metro with licensed facilities in Hennepin, Ramsey, and Dakota coun-ties. Decisions about placement are made based on the personal choice of the client and care givers, ap-propriateness of the programming, and funding source. Vocational training and opportunity are driving con-cepts in all of their programming, and as a result, more than 90% of the people they serve choose the work opportunities offered as part of or the focus of their personal achievement plan. A commitment to assisting individuals, who have and continue to experience barriers to accessing employment opportunities and their communities, is the guiding principle for program design and implementation. MSS is committed to maxi-mizing services and minimizing administrative overhead; thus 90 cents of every dollar they receive goes di-rectly to their programs. For more information, please visit: www.mwsservices.org.

College Student Fights HungerCollege Student Fights HungerCollege Student Fights HungerCollege Student Fights Hunger Nothing irks Maria Rose Belding more than hearing legislators say that food pantries can fill in the food gap when SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) benefits are cut. "No, no, no. That is not how the math works,” she says, fervently. Collectively, food banks and private charities account for only 6 percent of food aid. The rest is provided by the federal government through programs like SNAP, Belding says.

In June, she took her knowledge about hunger to Capitol Hill as part of Bread for the World’s Lobby Day. She, along with Bread for the World members from Iowa, met with U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). Bending grew up in Iowa but lives as a college student in Washington, D.C. Belding, 19, believes in the power of lobbying. "One vote from a legislator has more influence than all the staffs of a food pantry put together," she says. “Their influence on hungry people is significant. I want them to know and understand that.”

Belding knows Bread well. She interned last year with the Alliance to End Hunger, a Bread affiliate. “Bread is such a cool Christian community,” she says. "It’s nice to be in an environment that embraces the Gospel and acts on it.” Social Justice Team

VEAP NewsVEAP NewsVEAP NewsVEAP News December comes and with a swarm of thoughts, memories,

and mixed feelings. We think of Christmas and some of the ac-

tivities that CTK joins with VEAP to add to the season. An an-

nual event is the gift and toy exchange for the children of fami-

lies experiencing hard times financially this year. VEAP will post

gift suggestions by the office and a box to receive the gifts.

Money gifts for older children are always welcome. The drive The drive The drive The drive

runs until Dec. 11, 2015. runs until Dec. 11, 2015. runs until Dec. 11, 2015. runs until Dec. 11, 2015. As usual we will put up a Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas

tree to be decorated with offerings of hats, gloves, mittens tree to be decorated with offerings of hats, gloves, mittens tree to be decorated with offerings of hats, gloves, mittens tree to be decorated with offerings of hats, gloves, mittens

and scarves. and scarves. and scarves. and scarves.

Each week when our food and household necessities are taken

to VEAP we will take them into VEAP as they are needed before

Christmas, as soon as the weather gets cold. Keep them com-

ing as there is always a great need for cold weather clothing

items.

Food and household supplies are essential every season and

especially appreciated this time of year. Thank you for your

thoughtfulness.

Open HouseOpen HouseOpen HouseOpen House

Where: CTK LibraryWhere: CTK LibraryWhere: CTK LibraryWhere: CTK Library

When: Sunday, Dec. 27When: Sunday, Dec. 27When: Sunday, Dec. 27When: Sunday, Dec. 27thththth

After the 9:30am serviceAfter the 9:30am serviceAfter the 9:30am serviceAfter the 9:30am service

Get acquainted with the new Get acquainted with the new Get acquainted with the new Get acquainted with the new

books and the Library Staff. books and the Library Staff. books and the Library Staff. books and the Library Staff.

There will be smiles, great There will be smiles, great There will be smiles, great There will be smiles, great

Fair TradeFair TradeFair TradeFair Trade coffee and home-coffee and home-coffee and home-coffee and home-

made goodies. made goodies. made goodies. made goodies.

All are welcome!All are welcome!All are welcome!All are welcome!

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ELCA GOOD GIFTSELCA GOOD GIFTSELCA GOOD GIFTSELCA GOOD GIFTS

What is the best gift you ever received? It was probably given out of love. Love comes to us as a gift from God, and we are called to share it with others. The best gifts are those that deepen our relation-ships with one another. They are unexpected. They are filled with love. And, they are impossible to wrap.

Again this year, Americans will spend $700-$800 on Christmas gifts. What could you buy for that amount: a nice, new TV? How about a cow? And a couple of goats? Gifts such as these purchased through the ELCA Good Gift Catalog can provide a lifetime of food to eat and sell on the market, help-ing a family escape the cycle of hunger and poverty – for good. For as little as $10, you could purchase 1000 water purification tablets. Just one of these tablets is enough to transform one gallon of contami-nated water into clean drinking water and protect people from illnesses like cholera and typhoid. Ten dollars also can send 10 little chicks to a family struggling with poverty and hunger and supply them with protein-rich meals and eggs to sell at the market. Adding a rooster for $15 will help their farm grow!

The ELCA Good GiftsELCA Good GiftsELCA Good GiftsELCA Good Gifts catalog contains many different gift ideas for your loved ones which will carry that love on to others, making a difference in their lives and the world.

Good Gift Catalogs were distributed after services the weekend of November 28November 28November 28November 28----29292929. If you did not re-ceive one, please look for one in the library on the Global Mission shelf. Or, you may find the catalog on line at www.ELCA.org/goodgifts. Take a few moments to explore the catalog, and discover the life-changing ministry we do together as a response to Christ’s love in our lives.

God’s Blessings to All, Global Mission Team

CTK Reads! News from the Library CTK Reads! News from the Library CTK Reads! News from the Library CTK Reads! News from the Library

The joy of reading is not something that can be easily described in words. It is something that can only be understood by actually doing the reading yourself.

Books can mean many things to people. They can guide and encourage us. We can learn of faraway places and philosophies. They can make us cry and make us laugh, sometimes in the same book.

We can improve our vocabulary, get inspired, find the meaning of life, help us to be successful, take us places we’ve never seen, teach us a lesson, cheer us up, and give us company when we feel lonely.

When we read a book, we can put ourselves into the world the author has cre-ated for us. Whether it is about an exotic land faraway or the city we call home.

Books are like gold mines, with treasures in between the front and back cover.

And then there is this one book. It has a couple of chapters that tell us about two young travelers and the trip they took. It was a long trip and the roads were jammed with people. They had been on the road for three days and they only had two more days to get to their destination.

And they might not make it, because well, she was pregnant and anyone could tell just by looking at her, the baby was not going to wait much longer. And she could not get comfortable. Everything hurt, walking hurt, sitting hurt, breathing hurt. And riding was probably worst of all.

But here they were, slowly making their way on a road next to the River Jordan.

Find this book and many others in the CTK Library. We have comfy chairs and plenty of light.

“Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.” p.j. o’rourke

Peace, Susan Hanson and the Library Team

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The Nurse Is InThe Nurse Is InThe Nurse Is InThe Nurse Is In

Diabetes Support GroupDiabetes Support GroupDiabetes Support GroupDiabetes Support Group I have heard there is some interest in a Diabe-

tes Support Group. I would like to discuss this

vision with anyone that is interested.

Parents' Time OutParents' Time OutParents' Time OutParents' Time Out

Saturday December 5thSaturday December 5thSaturday December 5thSaturday December 5th fromfromfromfrom 1111----4pm4pm4pm4pm

Parents,

Are you feeling holiday stressed? Take a few

hours and do what you need to do to bring

calm back into your lives. We will be offering a

Parents' Time Out—December 5th.

You can drop off your children at church and they will participate in a movie, games or crafts and enjoy a snack. A sign-up sheet will be in the commons or call the office.

Daring Women of FaithDaring Women of FaithDaring Women of FaithDaring Women of Faith

Are you wanting to show up in your relationships, your work, your faith and life more authentically? Are

you wanting to share more of who God created you to be with those around you? Is the crazy schedule

making it hard to care for yourself and connect with God?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, the winter women’s retreat on January 9thJanuary 9thJanuary 9thJanuary 9th just might be

what your soul is craving. This retreat will empower women to say yes to what is life-giving for them and

no to the things that aren’t.

Using the Daring Way™, developed by best-selling author, Ted Talk favorite, and researcher Dr. Brené

Brown, we will laugh, learn, and grow together in practicing being wholehearted, and understanding the

powerful relationship between vulnerability and courage, connection, and compassion and what we do

when we armor up to vulnerability. We’ll learn how showing up and being brave helps us bounce back

quicker. Our time will be wrapped in prayer, Scripture, and faith connections. Our facilitator, Rev. Sarah

Ciavarri served as Associate Pastor at Christ the King from 2001-2007.

Cost for this all-day retreat, which includes a light breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack is $25.00.

Scholarships are available. SignSignSignSign----up in the commons!up in the commons!up in the commons!up in the commons!

Reading Dr. Brown’s books, Daring Greatly and Rising Strong is helpful, but not required. If you would

like and introduction to Dr. Brene Brown’s work or a refresher of last year’s Connections Class, join us on

Thursday, December 3rd Thursday, December 3rd Thursday, December 3rd Thursday, December 3rd from 7:00 - 8:30PM. We will watch Dr. Brown’s TED talks and discuss her

books. Child care and treats provided. Coordinators: Lynn Lenort and Becky Buhler

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Stress, depression and the holidaysStress, depression and the holidaysStress, depression and the holidaysStress, depression and the holidays

Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt

your health.

Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support

can help ward off stress and depression.

Tips for coping during the holidays are located on the

bulletin board across from my office.

You can also get tips online @

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-

management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544

Notes From the LoftNotes From the LoftNotes From the LoftNotes From the Loft Sometimes I wonder what’s left to say about Christmas. We’ve all talked about the challenges people face

– how hard it can be that first Christmas (or even second and third) when the once occupied place at the

table sits empty. We all know about those who face despair and depression when the real holiday doesn’t

live up to the Hallmark movie version. Sometimes, even the story (the REAL story) seams old and tired to.

Mary, Joseph, Angels, Shepherds, Silent night, time for dinner.

Lest you be worried, I’m really not trying to imitate scrooge. In a real, way, I’m still wondering what we, or

better yet, what I have missed. There are days that story of incarnation seems so far away. There are days

when that baby laying in the sanitized manger seems too far away to do any good.

Then, sometimes out of nowhere, it hits me again. I’m sitting waiting to start the music for the “holy” and

once again I hear “as we join with angels and archangels, and all the company of heaven.” Could it be that

that’s my clue? Is it possible that as the liturgies were put together, the church mothers and fathers knew

something I have a habit of forgetting?

Maybe we repeat that same old song, time and time again, because it reminds us that Jesus incarnation is

not just in a manger many years ago. It reminds us that we join with the faith of all creation in all time, and

in that faith, mountains are moved, and that Jesus, crucified and risen, is right here with us; incarnate, given

to us in, with, and under the forms of bread and wine.

Could it be that each time we come to the table, we are once again celebrating not only Christmas, but

Good Friday and Easter too? Perhaps that Jesus in the manger, comes to us once again, each week, in

simple forms and says to us, again and again, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.”

May Christ continue to dwell in your hearts and homes in this wonderful season.

The peace of Christ be with you,

John Salveson, Kantor

Christmas MusicChristmas MusicChristmas MusicChristmas Music:::: You are invited to join the chapel ringers as they once again present the Bells of Christmas on Sunday, De-cember 13 during the adult forum time. On Christmas Eve at 10:30, the Trinity Choir and Chapel Ringers will be joined by strings and piano for a special Christmas prelude including John Leavitt’s beautiful setting of O Little Town of Bethlehem.

CTK Foundation Memorials & GiftsCTK Foundation Memorials & GiftsCTK Foundation Memorials & GiftsCTK Foundation Memorials & Gifts

In memory of Esther WatneIn memory of Esther WatneIn memory of Esther WatneIn memory of Esther Watne (Jo Hofstad’s mother): Darlene and Wayne Hansen

In memory of Lola Gronseth:In memory of Lola Gronseth:In memory of Lola Gronseth:In memory of Lola Gronseth: Del and Florence Smallfield

In memory of Joyce Nesse: In memory of Joyce Nesse: In memory of Joyce Nesse: In memory of Joyce Nesse: Sharon Anderson, Susan Hanson, Rosie & James Dotson, Lori, Whitney & Kelsey Barkley, Jenny Nesse, Virgil & Bernice Huff-man, Vicki Nelson, Jon Oleson, Sandy Oleson, Steve & Donnis Tolle

Gifts and Donations:Gifts and Donations:Gifts and Donations:Gifts and Donations: Alexander Gonzales

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Memorials & GiftsMemorials & GiftsMemorials & GiftsMemorials & Gifts

for Christ the Kingfor Christ the Kingfor Christ the Kingfor Christ the King

November 2015November 2015November 2015November 2015

Thrivent Choice Dollars:Thrivent Choice Dollars:Thrivent Choice Dollars:Thrivent Choice Dollars: Gifts from Everett Anderson, Jack and Ginny Bergerson, Darlene and Lyle Bordson, Jeroy and Lorraine Carlson, Dayna Corbett, Karen Gregory, John and Gail Hill, Rudy and Marion Jaeger, Pearl Lien, Irene Neumann, Mary and Dale Peterson, Marv and Shirley Roloff, Luther and Bernice Schmidt

In Memory of Joyce Nesse:In Memory of Joyce Nesse:In Memory of Joyce Nesse:In Memory of Joyce Nesse: Gifts from John and Sandy Roisum

It’s about time for HopeIt’s about time for HopeIt’s about time for HopeIt’s about time for Hope

What is the great weight in your life? That which holds you back from abundant and wholehearted living?

What is it that you are holding your breath for? For what do you desperately hope? Maybe you are wait-

ing for a return to what was normal … or for a restoration of health. Maybe you are waiting for healing of

the deep or unspeakable pain in your life. Or the end of a long and overworked semester or year.

Advent is the time and season where we wait with baited breath. We bring forward our deep longing for

redemption. We sit in stillness, (and in our latitude) darkness, and cold – waiting for light and hope and

fullness to come to us.

We wait for the fullness of Jesus to come into our world, in among us and all our aching and longing.

We wait for the full redemption of our bodies, and broken relationships, and souls, and God’s whole crea-

tion.

As we make our preparations for parties and ugly sweater contents, gift-giving, banquets, family time – let

us stop and hold our breathes for a moment. Let us gather together those parts of ourselves and our

lives in need of hope that defeats all darkness and cold and loneliness and despair. Let us gather to-

gether in the illuminating light of the unexpected Christ-child. God-with-us comes in the total humility of

a rancher’s stable and the poverty of unwed teenage parents. Join me in wrapping up and gifting our

greatest needs to this tiny baby, the one who heals, redeems, and saves all in his relentless and unyielding

compassion and grace. It is time for us to turn to a hope greater than ourselves and more extravagant

than we can imagine.

Thanks be to God Immanuel!

Nina

6666thththth----8888thththth Graders Graders Graders Graders –––– All Bloomington All Bloomington All Bloomington All Bloomington

LockLockLockLock----Out (ABLO)Out (ABLO)Out (ABLO)Out (ABLO)

Join with youth from churches around Bloom-

ington for this awesome event! Friday, Decem-Friday, Decem-Friday, Decem-Friday, Decem-

ber 4 from 7 pm ber 4 from 7 pm ber 4 from 7 pm ber 4 from 7 pm ---- midnight! midnight! midnight! midnight! Drop-off/Pick-up

@ Normandale Hylands United Methodist

Church, 9920 Normandale Blvd in Bloomington.

The Lock-Out includes Game Show Blitz and

Grand Slam fun like go-karts, batting cages, la-

ser tag, mini-golf, and arcade tokens. Cost is

$25/person and includes pizza & a drink. Open

for youth grades 6 – 8. Scholarships are avail-

able, ask Nina Joy. Registration deadline is Registration deadline is Registration deadline is Registration deadline is

Sunday, November 29. Sunday, November 29. Sunday, November 29. Sunday, November 29. Registration forms

available in the Narthex.

Wednesday Evenings @CTKBWednesday Evenings @CTKBWednesday Evenings @CTKBWednesday Evenings @CTKB

Fun and faith happen for kids of all ages on

Wednesday evenings @CTKB. Kids in pre-

school – 5th grade have gamesgamesgamesgames in the Fun

Zone downstairs beginning at 5:30 pm, fol-

lowed by WOWWOWWOWWOW at 5:45 pm. At 6 pm the

NurseryNurseryNurseryNursery is open for birth – age 3, 6th – 8th

graders have ConfirmationConfirmationConfirmationConfirmation, and 9th-12th

graders have the CrowdCrowdCrowdCrowd. Friends, neighbors,

grandchildren, and CTK folks are all welcome

to join us. Registration forms available in the

Commons.

Children, Youth and Family News!Children, Youth and Family News!Children, Youth and Family News!Children, Youth and Family News!

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Oct BudgetOct BudgetOct BudgetOct Budget Oct ActualOct ActualOct ActualOct Actual YTDYTDYTDYTD

DifferenceDifferenceDifferenceDifference

Income $53,773 $44,420 -$54,403

Disbursements $61,492 $54,944 $62,754

Margin (Deficit) ($7,719) ($10,524) $8,351

Children’s Christmas Children’s Christmas Children’s Christmas Children’s Christmas

Worship & Faith Family PracticeWorship & Faith Family PracticeWorship & Faith Family PracticeWorship & Faith Family Practice

All are invited to our special worship service led by

our children/youth on Sunday, December 20Sunday, December 20Sunday, December 20Sunday, December 20 at

9:30 am. There will be a special cupcake & hot

cider reception at 10:45 – join us in the social hall

for all the fun! All are welcome!

Christmas Worship RehearsalChristmas Worship RehearsalChristmas Worship RehearsalChristmas Worship Rehearsal

All children/youth participating in the Children’s

Christmas Worship should attend a required re-

hearsal on Saturday, December 19 Saturday, December 19 Saturday, December 19 Saturday, December 19 from 9:30 am

– 11:30 am. Please make sure you can attend!

Adults are still needed to help – contact Nina Joy!

There are no regular Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) programs There are no regular Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) programs There are no regular Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) programs There are no regular Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) programs

on Wednesdays, December 23/30 or Sunday, December 20/27. on Wednesdays, December 23/30 or Sunday, December 20/27. on Wednesdays, December 23/30 or Sunday, December 20/27. on Wednesdays, December 23/30 or Sunday, December 20/27.

Please join us again in January!Please join us again in January!Please join us again in January!Please join us again in January!

CYF Sunday MorningsCYF Sunday MorningsCYF Sunday MorningsCYF Sunday Mornings

All are invited to participate or bring their kids,

grandkids, neighbors and friends to our chil-

dren, youth, and family (CYF) opportunities

Sunday mornings. NurseryNurseryNurseryNursery is open for babies

through age 3. At 10:45 am kids in preschool –

5th grade have Sunday SchoolSunday SchoolSunday SchoolSunday School, 9th-12th grades

have monthly Breakfast with GodBreakfast with GodBreakfast with GodBreakfast with God, and adults

of all ages and stages are welcome to Modern Modern Modern Modern

FamilyFamilyFamilyFamily. We currently do not have opportunities

for 6th -8th graders on Sundays because we

don’t have enough leaders. Please let Nina Joy

know if you would like to lead so we can keep

our middle schoolers connected. Registration

forms available in the Commons.

Treasurer’s Report for October Treasurer’s Report for October Treasurer’s Report for October Treasurer’s Report for October

For the month of October we had income of $44,420 and disbursements of $54,944 for a deficit of $10,524. Pledged and non-pledged income came in approximately $7,000 below our budgeted amount of $47,000. Spending continues to be below budget primarily in properties and personnel.

For the year, income is $528,093 with pledged and non-pledged income approximately $57,000 below budget. We continue to fall behind in pledged income. As we approach year-end, please review your pledges and get caught up to date. Income must be received by December 31 to be counted in this year’s income. Operating expenses for the year are $62,754 below budget. As reported in prior months, proper-ties continues to spend below budget due to lower gas bills and boiler contract expense and we continue to see some favorability in the personnel line due to the recent changes in staff.

October Gift of Love donations were $723. Proceeds will benefit Families Moving Forward.

Your gifts and contributions - both financial and talents - are greatly appreciated! If you have any questions regarding financials, please feel free to contact CTKB Treasurer, Margaret Berg at 612-867-7885 or ma-berg7@gmail.com.

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Christ the King Lutheran ChurchChrist the King Lutheran ChurchChrist the King Lutheran ChurchChrist the King Lutheran Church

8600 Fremont Avenue South

Bloomington, MN 55420

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage Paid

Twin Cities MN

Permit No. 1608

December WorshipDecember WorshipDecember WorshipDecember Worship SaturdaysSaturdaysSaturdaysSaturdays

5:00PM Holy Communion Served

Blue Christmas 12/19Blue Christmas 12/19Blue Christmas 12/19Blue Christmas 12/19

Sundays Sundays Sundays Sundays

9:30AM Holy Communion Served

every Sunday

Christmas Eve WorshipChristmas Eve WorshipChristmas Eve WorshipChristmas Eve Worship 12/24 4:30pm & 11pm12/24 4:30pm & 11pm12/24 4:30pm & 11pm12/24 4:30pm & 11pm Christmas Day WorshipChristmas Day WorshipChristmas Day WorshipChristmas Day Worship

9:30am9:30am9:30am9:30am

Church Office HoursChurch Office HoursChurch Office HoursChurch Office Hours Monday Monday Monday Monday –––– ThursdayThursdayThursdayThursday 8:00AM-4:30PM

FridayFridayFridayFriday————8am to Noon8am to Noon8am to Noon8am to Noon Closed 12/25 Closed 12/25 Closed 12/25 Closed 12/25

Inside the Herald:Inside the Herald:Inside the Herald:Inside the Herald:

This & That..……..…………………………..…..page 2

Capital Campaign & Giving……….……..page3

Call Committee Update…………………..page 3

Pastor Lerseth, Cookies & Advent…..page 4

Thank yous, Christmas Tree Lightingpage 5

Gift of Love………………….…………………...page 6

Social Justice News………………………...page 6

Library News & ELCA Good Gifts.....page 7

Daring Women & Nurse Is In..…….....page 8

Volunteer Sheet & Calendar.……..……...Insert

Notes from the Loft & Memorials…..page 9

Nina Joy & Confirmation……..…….….page 10

CFY News & Treasurer’s Report...…..page 11