Pastors Post As I reflect on the coming of the holiday season that starts with Thanksgiving and continues with Advent (in the

church) and Christmas, our January-like weather makes it seem as if it should all be over by now.

Thankfully it is not, and I can at least stay warm inside and consider the things I am thankful for. What keeps popping

into my head goes all the way back to my first days in Zumbrota in the summer of 2006. In late June as I traveled

down Highway 52 with a truck and trailer and two horses in tow, smoke started pouring out from underneath the

truck. We pulled off the highway, as luck would have it, right next to Simon’s Trailer Sales in Cannon Falls.

As sparks were being ignited under the truck by hot fluid flowing out of the transmission, we pulled the horses out of

the trailer and hit the ditch with them, fearing a fire.

Thankfully, Jim Simon himself came out and offered to help. He called two young guys who came with his own

personal horse trailer. We loaded the horses up and got them safely to their new home in Oronoco.

That left my truck and trailer stranded in Cannon Falls with a broken transmission.

Thankfully, Don Wendt offered to rescue my trailer with his own truck, and in the process took me on a tour of the

horse barns at the Cannon Falls fairgrounds (where his own horse was stabled).

And, thankfully, I met Lonnie Berg for the first time. He rescued my truck and was able to find a rebuilt transmission

for it.

So, in the midst the hardships encountered in my introduction to Zumbrota, there was much to be thankful for – Jim

Simon, Don Wendt and Lonnie Berg. Thanks be to God for them!

“I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful

and appointed me to his service.” I Timothy 1:12

Peace, Pastor Susan <><

December News & Announcements ADVENT FOOD SHELF DRIVE

Each Sunday of Advent we are asking folks to bring a specific item for donation (that will go to the food shelf). The food shelf supplied us with a list of high demand foods & products - one item for each Sunday from Nov 9th to December 21st.

Please bring your donation with you to service and put it in the special green Food Shelf bin.

The Schedule of Sunday Items:

DEMONSTRATE YOUR THANKFULNESS

THIS SEASON Each holiday season, United Redeemer anticipates and relies on a seasonal increase in contributions. It is through the donations of every individual and family in the congregation that we are able to carry on our work now and throughout the year.

If you need a convenient way to make recurring contributions or plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to check out our electronic giving options. As the pace of life speeds up around the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions.

Please visit the church website at www.urlchurch.org and click on “Giving” (or use your phone to scan the QR code) and set up how you want to make contributions. Or if you wish, you may also complete a paper authorization form and return it to the church office. - Thank you for your generosity and support!

NOVEMBER

9TH: CANNED PEAS, CORN, GREEN BEANS 16TH: CANNED SWEET POTATOES 23RD: STUFFING MIX

30TH: BOXED POTATOES

DECEMBER 7

TH: CREAM OF MUSHROOM/CHICKEN SOUP,

CHICKEN BROTH, (DRY) ONION SOUP MIX 14

TH: CANNED PUMPKIN (OR OTHER PIE FILLING)

21ST

: CANNED FRUIT, JELLO MIX

December News & Announcements WITH ONE VOICE SING-A-LONG

NOVEMBER 30TH AT 6:30 PM

The With One Voice group invites you to help us celebrate the 1st- Sunday in Advent on November 30th at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. We will have Christmas treats with Christmas music. Come Sing-a-Long rejoicing Jesus’ Birth!

2015 OFFERING ENVELOPES

December is here, which means that a new year fast approaches. With a new year comes new offering envelopes, and it’s time for you to pick yours up (if you use envelopes). This year, thanks to your wonderful response, we were able to order 60% fewer envelopes than last year, saving hundreds of dollars. So ‘Thank You’, but also make sure you are looking for your envelopes by NAME, not your assigned number, as some of your numbers had to be changed.

Envelopes will be available for pick-up in the hallway by Sunday Nov 30th.

CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES On the September 11th, 2014 council meeting it was decided to make the council minutes available to anyone who requests them from the office. They will also be posted outside the office, but not mailed out in the VOICE.

MILITARY CHRISTMAS CARDS The Zumbrota VFW Post 5727 Ladies Auxiliary would appreciate receiving names and addresses of active military personnel as we will be sending Christmas cards to them.

Please call 732-5716 or send names & addresses to Pat Redfield, 46282 186th

Avenue Court, Zumbrota, MN 55992.

Thank you for your time and help, so we can show our troops the support they deserve!

FLOWER & ALTAR CARE December: Judy Krause & Sue Mann

January: Brenda Lerum & Pat Redfield

WELCA Corner WELCA NEWS

Thanksgiving is over. WELCA is busy with the Holiday Festival plans. Christmas is coming.

Big news—we have a new refrigerator! It was purchased with funds from designated memorials and donations to a kitchen fund. And surprise-surprise it matches the freezer—Beautiful! Of concern the stoves are also in badly need of replacement. If anyone would like to help rebuild the kitchen fund, memorials or donations designated to that fund would be gratefully accepted. The kitchen belongs to everyone. Just mention it on your check.

New officers have been elected: Leah Wichmann Hinz, president, Lynn Werth, secretary, Cheryl Steege and JoAnn Ring, co-treasurer, Mary Ayen, historian, and Marilyn Anderson, member at large.

Lefse making has been completed. About 20 people ( men and women) worked hard to prepare many packages of wonderful Lefse to sell for the Holiday Festival. Fresh Lefse will also be made in the Fellowship hall that day. It has been a big hit!!!

The board is in full swing of planning and preparing for the Holiday Festival, Dec. 6, 11am-1pm. Holiday goodies will be needed to sell and many helpers to share the work.

A NEW PART THIS YEAR IS A CRAFT TABLE. IF YOU HAVE SOME THINGS TO ADD TO THIS,

PLEASE BRING THEM TO CHURCH THE DAY OF THE FESTIVAL, BEFORE 10AM WE WILL PRICE THEM.

HELP IS ALWAYS NEEDED!!

Holiday Blessings, Leah Wichmann Hinz

WELCA CIRCLE’S Ruth Circle meets at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday December 3rd & January 7th at Bridget’s Café. [meets every 1st Wed. - 8 a.m. - Bridget’s]

Naomi Circle: 9:00am Wednesday December 10th at Carolyn Bartlett’s

Rebekah Circle: 1:30pm Thursday December 11th at Marge Wendt’s

WELCA HOLIDAY LUNCHEON…

AND MORE!

Saturday, December 6th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy a scrumptious meal that includes pork loin, potatoes, salad, & a variety of desserts. Take-out orders available upon request. $8

And don’t miss the bake sale including holiday treats sold by the pound, Scandinavian treats including lefse by the ½ dozen and also hot off the griddle, and a craft sale for holiday giving. All are welcome!

Sponsored by WELCA; proceeds support the missions of the women of the church.

~ NO QUILTING IN DECEMBER ~

December News & Announcements PACE SCHEDULE!

ADULT EDUCATION, COFFEE & COOKIES! COMING UP IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL: Dec 7 – Youth Annual Cookie Auction Dec 14 –Prepare packages for home-bound/assisted

living members of congregation. Dec 21 – Coffee and Fellowship Dec 28– No PACE (One worship service at 9:30) Jan 4 – Coffee and Fellowship Jan 11 – Presentation & review of the 2014 budget Jan 18 – To Be Announced Jan 25 – Congregational Annual Meeting

HOPE COALITION/KIDS COUNT THANK YOU

As a result of your generosity, $485.00 was forwarded to HOPE COALITION/KIDS COUNT. The money will be used to provide Christmas gifts and a party for children residing at the shelter in Red Wing and in safe homes in Goodhue County. Also, a "carload" of new and gently used Winter coats was delivered October 7th.

Blessings,

HOPE COALITION/KIDS COUNT Committee:

[Pastor Susan, Cheryl Beacom, Jane Buck, Dee Knutson, Barb Madison, Bev O'Connor, & Karen Whitaker]

GRAB A GIVING ORNAMENT TODAY!

It’s time once again for us to help with the Goodhue County Christmas Project and share with others. This year we have the names of 6 families in our area that are in need of our help. Families that qualify are asked to register for this project and we are asked to provide food & clothing for these families. Toys are provided by the Marines Toys for Tots program in Red Wing.

Please take an ornament (or 2) from the shelf in the back of the sanctuary, WRAP the clothing items and attach the ornament to the package. Please bring wrapped clothing and donated food to the church office by Sunday December 14th.

Be sure to sign your name on the sheets provided (next to the ornaments) so we know who to expect the gifts from on the packing day. [We do always appreciate cash to buy additional food items for the families!!]

Thank You for sharing! If you have questions please call René Steger

CHRISTMAS EVE Cindy is looking for prelude talent for 4pm Christmas Eve service. This can be piano, singing, or instrumental. She can accompany you on the piano too. Maybe you don’t have a musical interest, but you would like to read a Christmas poem or verse. Please contact us, we would love any kind of an extra touch to the beautiful family service on Christmas Eve!

NOISY OFFERING

November 2nd was the 2nd of 4 Sundays that we do the Noisy Offering. It’s amazing how much spare change can add up. Thank You to everyone that brought loose change (& paper money) to help support our Sunday school program. We brought in an extra $260 on November 2nd! Thank you for helping!

“COAT CLOSET FOR KIDS” NEEDS In the Spring of 2013 our Social Ministry Team found a space in the building to store children’s winter ‘outerwear’ to give out to kiddos in need in the Zumbrota area. Thank you to everyone for your donations. We have provided a number of kids warm clothes since this closet project started. As you dig out your youngster’s winter clothing, we would be delighted to add items they’ve outgrown, to the closet for others in need of warm clothing.

NEEDED: sizes 2T-10 youth (new or gently used &

clean): Jackets/Coats & Snow Pants

(especially boys)

SOCIAL MINISTRY MEALS The Social Ministry team can always use more volunteers to help prepare & deliver meals for the homebound and any person or family in need. The meals are served on the second Sunday evening from October thru March. Meal prep starts a 4:30 pm in the URLC kitchen.

This is an opportunity for the whole family to participate in a ministry that is appreciated by many.

This month we are meeting on December 14th

!

You may sign up in the back of the sanctuary or contact René Steger at 732-7605 or Pastor Susan at 732-7303.

HOPE COALITION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Hope Coalition is looking for people with an open heart and mind to serve as volunteer advocates to help answer a 24-hour crisis line in support of victims of sexual assault. Training Provided. For more information, please contact Laura at (651) 388-9360 ext.1, or sa@hope-coalition.org

LUTHER COLLEGE NORDIC CHOIR Luther College Nordic Choir, one of the top college choirs in the nation, will present a concert at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Zumbro Lutheran Church, 624 3rd Ave SW, Rochester, Minn. The concert is co-sponsored by Zumbro and Gloria Dei Lutheran Churches. Conducted by Dr. Allen Hightower, the choir will perform sacred choral works including “Ave Verum Corpus” by Byrd, “Singet dem Herr nein neues Lied” by J. S. Bach, and “When David Heard” by Eric Whitacre.

$20 for adults, $10 for students; for tickets, call 563-387-1357, or go to www.tickets.luther.edu.

SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday school meets each week at 9:15 – 10:15am. We will NOT be meeting this month December 21st or December 28th. We will meet again starting January 4th.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Our Sunday school Christmas program is Dec. 14th at 10:30am for Nursery to 7th grade age. We have a special practice Saturday Dec. 13th from 9-11:30am. Please mark your calendars to come to the program! Those kiddos are always fantastic! We ask the kids to come by 10:10am to prepare for the program in the Sunday school area.

Without you, there would be no Sunday school, so Thank You for all your volunteer work you do with

our Youth here at URLC Please contact Cindy if you are interested in helping in the

different areas of our Sunday school classes, or if you would like more information about Sunday school!

youth@urlchurch.org

CONFIRMATION CLASS Confirmation Classes meet this month:

Dec 03 - 6:45 PM Large Group

Dec 10 - 6:45 PM Large Group

Dec 17 - 5:30 PM Caroling in Wanamingo (leave at 5:45pm)

Dec 24 & 31 - NO CLASS

Jan 07 - 6:45 PM Large Group

ANNUAL COOKIE AUCTION The Annual Cookie Auction is set for December 7th at 9:15am during PACE. This auction helps our youth trips, activities, & youth ministry. We are always LOOKING for any baked goods or other auction gifts to be auctioned off. Please contact Cindy Wilson if you can help out with a donation.

ORDER YOUR “GIFTS IN A JAR” This year we started a new gift the kids will put together, “Christmas in a Jar!” We have 2 kinds of cookies: Christmas M&M, & Reese's Peanut Butter cup, & 2 kinds of soups: Mushroom Wild Rice, & Chili in a Jar! Please fill out an order form anytime during the week, or slip it in the offering basket on Sunday! These will be delicious on those cold winter days! They will be ready for pick up Sunday, December 7th after each service.

“CBC” CHRISTIAN BREAKFAST CLUB Breakfast / Conversation / Prayers before your school day. This is open to any Confirmation age students & above. We meet at 7:15am until 7:50am so you can get to school. There is always a ride to catch to school so you don’t have to walk. Please bring a few $ for the delicious food! We will break 2 weeks during the holidays!

GIFT CARDS – THINK CHRISTMAS GIFTS The confirmation youth have forms for you to look over all the stores that will give URLC a percentage of the $$$ when you order a gift card! There is a huge selection of retailers to pick from for that perfect gift! There will also be forms at both usher stands! The dates Cindy will put the orders in Wednesday, December 10th. The gift cards will be ready to pick up Monday December 15th. (See details below)

SCRIP PROGRAM We are revisiting our Scrip fundraiser! Scrip cards are gift cards you buy & can use at many different retail stores, restaurants, & gas stations in our area and around the country!

Here’s how it works:

1. Guy buys a Scrip card for ‘Store XYZ’ (listed with an 8% return). He pays URLC youth $100.

2. Then URLC pays ‘Scrip’ $92 for the $100 card,

3. and keeps $8 (the 8% return).

4. Card arrives, goes to Guy. Guy (or whoever he gives the card to) spends $100 at ‘Store XYZ’.

5. The Youth just made $8, and Guy didn’t loose a penny.

It’s a Win-Win for Guy & URLC. Ask any Confirmation age student or older to help get your hands on an order form. The forms will also be available outside of the office, or you can download and print the order form from our website. Not only do these make awesome gifts for any holiday or special occasion they are also great to use while doing your own shopping.

Help get the most out of this fundraiser:

1. We all have to fill our gas tank, why not use a Scrip card at Kwik Trip so 9% goes back into URLC’s youth account?

2. For those who shop on Amazon.com, consider having 4% of the money you spend (using one of

these cards) go toward URLC’s youth funds!

3. Keep some spare cards in a drawer at home with a few blank greeting cards to grab for any short notice gift you may need.

4. This time of year it’s a good gift idea for upcoming Holiday gifts!

Order forms are around the church, on our website, or you can ask a youth to get you one. Contact Cindy if you have any questions. Thank you for your support!

2015 ELCA YOUTH GATHERING DETROIT Our next trip is the BIG Youth gathering next summer held in Detroit July 15-19th. We have 17 youth that have signed up for this amazing trip! We still need another male/female chaperone, please contact Cindy if you are interested.

December for the Youth!

Worship Assistant Schedule 11/30/2014 8:00 AM AV: JoAnn Ring

Ushers: The Stiller Family

Acolytes: To Be Announced

Reader: Tricia Stiller

10:30:00 AM

Reader: Jana Scholl

Acolytes: To Be Announced

Ushers: Martha Schaefer & To Be Announced

12/07/2014 8:00 AM AV: Garry Ring

Acolytes: Hannah Keach & Rylee Schliep

Communion: Dennis & Irene Swenson with Brian Haugen

Reader: Pastor Susan

Ushers: Mike & Laurie Brengman with Nolan & Cindy Biorn

10:30 AM

Acolytes: Abby Rosenquist & Kaitlyn Swanson

Reader: Eric Bergstralh

Ushers: Ellen Mittelstadt, Volunteers Needed

Communion: Eric & Deb Bergstralh with Roger Madison

12/14/2014 8:00 am AV: Deb Bradt

Acolytes: Nathan Bradt & Kyra Nichols

Ushers: Luke Dahlen & Josh Drackley

Youth Reader: Alex Aarsvold

Youth Ushers: Luke Dahlen & Josh Drackley

Cantor: To Be Announced

10:30 AM - Sunday School Program

12/21/2014 8:00 am AV: Steve Lodermeier

Acolytes: Anthony Cylkowski & Carly Fredrickson

Reader: Linda Pahl

Cantor: To Be Announced

Communion: Darren & Linda Pahl

Ushers: Volunteers Needed

10:30 AM

Reader: To Be Announced

Ushers: Harlan & Pat Redfield

Acolytes: To Be Announced

Communion: To Be Announced

12/28/2014 9:30 AM AV: Greg Korsten

Acolytes: Calen Scholl & Greta Gartner

AV: Greg Korsten

Reader: To Be Announced

Ushers: Jon & LeAnn Stee with Wayne & Cathy Radke

01/04/2015 8:00 AM AV: Nolan Biorn

Acolytes: Vincent Herges & Blake Stiller

AV: Nolan Biorn

Ushers: Lynn & MaryAnn Urban with Mark & Sue Behrends

10:30 AM

Acolytes: Jenna Stene & Hailee Hammel

Ushers: Peggy Keller & Volunteer Needed

Prayer Chain Please pray for our members &

friends with long-term illnesses, those recovering, and those in our hearts and thoughts. Also please keep praying for the families of all military personnel and world peace.

*Pray for our pastors, staff, church council, transition committees and congregation as we work together to accomplish God's will and purpose.

-Sympathies to Roger Hinz & family after the loss of his father, Bernie Hinz.

Weekly Prayers: Amanda Edstrom Wanda Hinrichs Suzanne Klevan Gracelyn Sather Lillian Froisland Judy Nord (Kathey Erickson’s sister) Nancy Griffith (Kari Nichols’ mom) Mary Fleming Ragna Ring (Sandy Larson’s mother) Cindy (Daughter of Sandy-nonmember) Lonnie Berg Rev. Trey Roberson Lori Buvinghausen Pat Hinrichs Leland Johnson (Karolin's uncle) Pat Lawler Molly Lex (Pete & Karolin Lex's niece) Gail Schaal (Kay Esser's Sister)

Continuing Prayers: Lynda Kinney (rel. Angie Stockmo) Brenda (Carol Hansen's Niece) Phillip & Elsie Goplen Jerry Rauvola Malachi Bjorngaard Randi Carlson (friend of Nancy P. & Pat R.) Martha Thompson (friend to all) Shelly (Rohe) Maciujec Alexis Barton (Hannah Keach’s friend) Judy Marshall (Marc Ratgen’s Rel) Sue Edwards Alex (Evie Korsten's Grandson) Linda Nelson Melroy Ronningen Mavis Tanem Marlys

December Worship Schedule

*Switching Sunday communion to December 14th & 21st (From 1st Sunday of the month to the 2nd Sunday due to the Sanctuary

Choir service on Dec 7th)

Nov 30th: Sunday after Thanksgiving 8:00 am & 10:30

am (no Communion)

Dec 7th: Choral Worship 8:00 am & 10:30 am (no

Communion)

Dec 14th: 8:00 am Worship (Intinction)

Dec 14th: 10:30 am SS Christmas Program (no

Communion)

Dec 21st: Sunday before Christmas 8:00 am & 10:30

am (Intinction)

Dec 24th: Christmas Eve Family 4:00 pm (no Communion)

Dec 24th: Christmas Eve Candlelight 10:00 pm (Intinction)

Dec 25th: Christmas Day 9:30 am (no Communion)

Dec 28th: Sunday after Christmas 9:30 am (no

Communion)

Jan 4th: Worship 8:00 am & 10:30 am (Intinction)

*email questions or donation/order information to admin@urlchurch.org or youth@urlchurch.org

YOUTH MINISTRY’S ANNUAL COOKIE AUCTION S U N D A Y , D E C E M B E R 7 T H D U R I N G P A C E (9:15-10:15 a.m.)

This is a fundraising event for our Youth, and the proceeds will go toward Mission Trips & Youth

Ministry. In order to help us, you may either order gift jars to be picked up on Sunday December 7th, or volunteer

to make cookies or donate other items to be auctioned off.

TO ORDER GIFT JARS* ~ Please fill in the order form on the back and drop it in the offering

plate any Sunday, or bring it to the church office by Wednesday, December 3rd. (You may pay for the jars at pick up.)

TO DONATE COOKIES* ~ We will auction all donated cookies & other items, please let Cindy

know what you will bring or the amount of cookies you are willing to bring.

QUESTIONS* ~ Contact the church office, any Youth or Cindy Wilson 732-7303

AND MANY, MANY THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!!!

The Youth are making “Gifts in a Jar” this Holiday Season! These make awesome Christmas presents. Let us

take care of those small presents you might need for teachers, friends, or relatives! Each jar is $10.00.

The Christmas Jars will be ready for pick up on December 7th.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Mix in a Jar ___________Jars

Holiday M&M’s Cookie Mix in a Jar ___________Jars

Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Mix in a Jar ___________Jars

Chili Mix in a Jar ___________Jars

Name________________________________________________________Total Jars Ordered___________________.