The Beacon – July 2015

THE BEACONThe monthly newsletter of Light of Christ Lutheran Church

Delano, Minnesota

July 2015The Marks of Discipleship

Pray dailyWorship weekly

Read the BibleServe at or beyond Light of Christ

Relate to others for spiritual growthGive of my time, talents and resources

For freedom Christ has set us free… (Galatians 5:1)

Hot dogs, parades, fireworks and fun grace the Fourth of July, a day to commemorate our independence from tyranny and to celebrate our freedom to pursue our destiny. Despite the impositions of relentless campaigns, money influence and shameful negative ads, our democratic process is still the best and fairest method of selecting our leaders.

We celebrate freedom from foreign rule, yet there is a rule that is not so foreign, a rule seeking to usurp our soul and dictate our place. The tyranny of sin relentlessly asserts that we are not good enough, not attractive enough, not man enough, not secure enough, not wealthy enough. It’s foreign domination that demeans and drives divisions among friends and communities. It’s propaganda swaying us from truth.

Truth is, you belong to Christ. Truth is, God has created you good enough. We wage battle in this treacherous world, a battle won first in spirit and then won in practice. Christ has set us free to be good people, to be holy people, to be gracious people. Ever watchful and ever prepared against the onslaughts of an enemy bent on destroying from within, Christ has set us free to pursue our destiny as God’s chosen, precious people.

~ Pastor Chris

The Beacon – July 2015Introducing Pastor Chris HagenPlease call me Pastor Chris. I am delighted to journey with you in the coming months as we listen to God in discerning the Light of Christ’s future. I have been pastor to 20 congregations in Minnesota, Chicago, Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. I have experience in small rural, small urban, mid-sized and large congregations. I am ELCA clergy, but have also served three interims in the PC-USA, in the Presbytery of Donegal and in the Twin Cities Area Presbytery. Along with the Master of Divinity degree, I have a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management and a Doctor of Ministry in Congregation Mission and Leadership.

I am married to Dr. Ann Brearley. We have two daughters. Rachel will be a junior at Mizzou (U. of Missouri). Hannah will be a junior at Wayzata High School. They have grown up fast! Ann is a biostatistician at the U of MN. She guides the designing of medical research and teaches statistics to researchers around the world.

My theology has taken a decidedly incarnational turn these last years. I see the Holy Spirit acting in events everywhere. God is constantly creating and caring and renewing and reconciling. Every instance of beauty, goodness, forgiveness is evidence of the Holy Spirit present and active. Most significantly, we hear God best when in conversation with each other. Jesus promised where two or three are gathered in his name, he will be there. It is in community, reflecting the trinity nature of God, that we know God best. That said, together as a congregation we will explore what God has in store next for Light of Christ.

My joys outside of church and family are bicycling, gardening, grilling and wine making. I have been gradually replacing useless grass in my yard with edible landscaping. Recently I purchased a Mango velomobile that I intend to make my commuter vehicle. Should you see a really cool looking red thing in the parking lot, be sure to stand in awe and ask me questions! I also sing in the Great Northern Union Chorus (http://gnusings.com), ranked one of the best barbershop men’s chorus in the world. We sing next at the State Fair, Sept. 4 on the MPR stage.

The Beacon – July 2015

31st AnnualQUILT AUCTION

Green Lake Bible Camp, Spicer, MNSaturday, July 25, 2015

Live auction begins at 11:30 amQuilt Review on Friday, July 24,5:00-8:00pm & Saturday, July 259:00–10:30am. Admission $3.00.

Green Lake Bible Camp is located 2 miles east of Spicer MN on the south side of Green Lake, 9916 Lake Ave. S.

www.glmm.org ph#320-796-2181

THRIVENT CHOICE Did you know that eligible members of Thrivent Financialcan help support our church and thousands of nonprofitorganizations through the Thrivent Choice member-advisedcharitable grant program? Directing Choice Dollars is an easy way to help our church and the nonprofit organizations you care about most. Last year, LOC received $1806.00 from this program. Simply go to Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” when prompted. Please have your nine-digit Member Identification Number or contract number available. Members may contact Thrivent after each quarter (April, July, Oct. Dec.) but no later than March 31, of the previous year. If you have questions, please contact Ginny Iverson 763-972-3591 or Mary Johnson 763-972-2735.

New for Fall – Hot Topics Book ClubYouth and Adults, Men and Women, are invited to come and discuss books on topics ranging from Islam, the biography of a man who spent his teen years in a coma, and a popular mystery author’s journey from atheism to spirituality. We meet the first Thursday of every other month—September, November, January and March—at 7:00-8:00 pm in the church library.Our first meeting will be September 3rd. The book will be “The Search for Truth about Islam: A Christian Pastor Separates Fact from Fiction” by Ben Daniel. A copy is

available in the Hot Topics book basket located in the church library, or it can be requested from your

May Financials Faith Sharing for the

month: $26,966.45

Expenses for the month: $38,694.08

The Beacon – July 2015

Light of Christ Music Ministry

Sue Quist, Director of Music

Can you Name This Hymn?Test Your Hymn Knowledge – and be a WINNER!

“Clear sun of righteousness, shine on my path, and show me the way to the Father.”

Be the first to come up to Sue and correctly name this hymn and you win! No winners by email this month – come up and say hello.

Top 10 Christian Songs for the last week of June 2015

1. Brother by: Need to Breathe 2. Holy Spirit by: Francesca Basttistelli3. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by:

Hillsong4. Soul on Fire by: Third Day5. Shoulders by: King and Country6. Touch the Sky by: Hillsong7. Drops in the Ocean by: Hawk

Nelson8. Something in the Water by: Carrie

Underwood9. Flawless by: Mercy Me10. Because he Lives by: Matt

MaherWhat was the Top Christian Song

The Beacon – July 2015

YOUTH PAGESonja Nelson, Interim Youth Director

Blessing of Camp and Mission Trip YouthOn July 1 at the Wednesday night, 7:00 p.m. worship, children and youth attending ANY Lutheran camp and the Mission Trip 2015 will be blessed at worship. Parents/guardians of the youth will also receive a blessing. Youth and their families are invited to stay after worship for the Youth Bonfire with root-beer floats, games, and singing.Youth Bonfire! Once a month, 9-12th grade youth will gather on Wednesday nights for bonfire, root-beer floats, and games. Our second bonfire will be on July 1, after worship and the blessing of students attending camp and the Mission Trip. See you at the fire!Please Pray for Mission Trip 2015Our high school students will be traveling to Leach Lake Reservation July 11-17. The students will be working with families and children on the

reservation, providing light construction work and children’s programs. Please pray for our students, their adult leaders, and the community they will be serving.Student LeadershipIn July and August, high school students will have opportunities to be leaders within the church. Besides the Mission Trip, students are encouraged to participate in Vacation Bible School, worship help, and the youth garden. During August, we will be recruiting and training our students to be Culture Keepers, Confirmation Guides and Sunday School teachers. Student leadership within the church is extremely important for faith development AND the long term continuation of faith. Because of its importance, Student leadership will be a main focus in the next year. Watch for more information in the next few weeks. If you know of a student or you are a student interested in leadership, please contact Sonja Nelson.

The Beacon – July 2015

JULY MONTHLYSERVICE TEAMLOC members serve the Lord by sharing, caring and loving through Monthly Service Teams.

July Service Team families:Chris & Lisa AndrewsPenny BaileyBrian & Beth BeardsleyGreg & Carol BruhnLaurie CollingsScott & Brenda DallmannAnissa EscoThomas & Patricia FriendshuhMarcus & Carmen HansonDave & Katie HensonJanine HolterMatthew & Briana JohnsonCarol KocinaPeter & Patricia KrebsbachTodd & Cherie KuechleBrian Lee & Cynthia Kramer-LeeTimothy & Cameron LeonardEllie LouxPaul & Marcie LudwigMarilyn MielkeSarah MielkeKevin & Vicki NoetzelmanJeffrey & Tara OlsonDavid & Sandy ParpartJason & Diane SchmidtJoe & Stacey SchramelNathen & Gina WillDavid & Heidi Wuerger

LOC Library "Footnotes"

"Summertime and the Readin' is Easy..." (continued)Two other books that are worth checking on are:(book section: ADULT FICTION)  Look for the book "The Yada Yada Prayer Group" by Neta Jackson. This book is contemporary fiction filled with humor, funny (but very human) characters, and a mismatched group of people who grow into friends who call themselves "all just sinners saved by Grace".  This promises to be a really good read. 

(book section: WOMEN) Look for the book "Humor for a Mom's Heart" by Patsy Clairemont, et al. This book is small, easy to read, both funny/poignant, and guaranteed to keep you reading. It is described as a "colorful collection of stories (short), quips, and quotes to lift the heart" and was written by mostly women,

The Beacon – July 2015

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWSNIGHT TIME VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS COMING!!

- Sunday, August 2nd – Wednesday, August 5th – 6:00-8:30 pm- 3 year olds (potty trained) through 5th grade- There is NO FEE for Vacation Bible School- The VBS Registration form is on the LOC web page. Please sign up by July 19 to help the committees plan & prepare in advance. - We want VBS to be BIG, so we are looking for volunteers to help us. Would you like to be a VBS coordinator, music leader, art leader, lunch leader, decoration committee, or a helper? We could sure use you & your God-given talent wherever you think you could help. Come be a part of the excitement!!!

Calling All Water Lovers: Do you love water? Do you like to hang out with kids? Do you like to share God’s word? Well…then you would love VBS this summer! Our theme this summer is “Splash in God’s Word.” VBS will be August 2nd-5th, from 6:00-8:30 pm, and all four nights have to do with water, kids, and spreading God’s word. We need you to help lead small groups (you will be a “Shepherd” - training provided), perform skits (practice provided), sing songs (we have music/CD), and tell God’s word (we have books, pictures, and crafts). If interested or if you have questions, please email Laurie Langner (l.langner@hotmail.com) or Shannon Durick (sadspeech@hotmail.com).

Parents of Light of Christ middle school students:We are looking for middle school students to help this summer with VBS. We need your child’s help this summer- especially if they love water, like to hang out with kids, and want to hear God’s word! Our theme this summer is “Splash in God’s Word.” VBS will be August 2nd-5th, from 6:00-8:30 pm, and all four nights have to do with water, kids, and spreading God’s word. We need your child to help us as a “Junior Shepherd” where they would be assisting a high school youth with small group work (training provided), performing skits (practice provided), singing songs (we have music/CD), and telling God’s word (we have books, pictures, and crafts). If interested or if you have questions, please email Laurie Langner (l.langner@hotmail.com) or Shannon Durick (sadspeech@hotmail.com).

There is a "Giving Ark" filled with animals in the narthex. The Christian Ed Committee is asking for the congregation’s help by taking an animal and purchasing the VBS supply listed on the animal. Please drop off the donated VBS supplies in the box in the narthex by July 15th. Thanks for your help in making VBS a huge splash!!

LOC Women &friends will host Golden LivingCenter Julybirthdays on Wednesday, July 22nd at 2:00 pm. Come at 1:45 to help get ready. Music by Sue Quist. Call Ginny Iverson @ 763-972-3591 if you can

The Beacon – July 2015

Alley Sales – July 15, September 16

Golf Tournament – July 19 Back to School Bash – August 19 Dental Van – September 4,

November 6For more information and/or volunteer opportunities, please contact Love INC

Upcoming Love INC Events

Do You Love God? Do You Love Youth?The LOC Youth Ministry is looking for caring adults who wantto support and encourage the youth of the congregation. Caring adults who are 1. Authentic, 2. Available, 3. Affirming,can impact the faith lives of our students. Do the 3 A’s describe you? Then we want YOU to be part of the youth ministry. The ministry’s goal is to fit the role to the gifts of the person. We have many opportunities that are in direct ministry like teaching confirmation small group and going on a mission trip or indirect ministry like recording sermon notes and helping with the sound board during confirmation. Contact Sonja Nelson if you are curious about the opportunities to serve and be served in the youth ministry.

A CONCLUDING NOTE:The time I have been with you has been short but challenging and eventful. I arrived one day after Pr. Lee’s final Sunday with you. His ministry among you was effective and memorable. The question was, NOW WHAT? Now you have begun your interim process. While you grieve the past, you are open to the future. I have been challenged by your powerful MISSION STATEMENT and have challenged you to center it as the foundation of your movement into the future. I have been inspired by your gifts, and commitment to the present and the future at LOC. I have also appreciated working with your dedicated and gifted staff. Thank you all for your welcoming and your willingness to embrace me as part of interim time at Light of Christ Lutheran Church. I continue to pray for you, your staff, and Pr. Chris as you move forward into the future. SHALOM! Pr. Dave

The Beacon – July 2015

Update from Church Council: June 17, 2015

With the departure of our first Interim Pastor Dave, we now transition to our settled Interim Pastor Chris Hagen. His official start date is June 22nd, but he already has begun some work with committees and council. We are now ready for the Interim process to truly begin!Council has spent a lot of time this last month talking with both Christian Ed committees and our Interim Youth Director Sonja to come up with a plan to fill the void in the Christian Ed Director’s position and also the upcoming Confirmation program. At this time we are looking to have Sonja transition to full time and take over those duties. This does require a bigger financial obligation so please look for notification from the council soon for a special congregational meeting to discuss the details and any approval needed to move forward. A few maintenance items…Property committee had to replace a condenser for the air conditioning in the fellowship hall at a cost of $4050.00. We also had a portion of the roof shingles replaced due to wind damage. Insurance picked up the majority of the bill but Property committee added an extra small area to be done as well. Total investment including deductible was $3863.16.Please take time to thank your committee members also. There has been a larger work load put on them lately and they are doing a fantastic job! We are blessed to have the members we do!Peace,Light of Christ Church CouncilJeff Rubertus- PresidentJanine Holter- Vice PresidentAdam Wortz- SecretaryLaura JaunichStacy VanCuraDoug LudwigCraig SwensonBonnie Lotzer

The Beacon – July 2015

BIRTHDAYS 01 Cora Boyack, Sara Johnson, Colton Kettenacker, Stephanie McClelland, Isabel Mielke, Deanna Olson, Annika Reierson, Dawn VanderBroek

02 Kim Haley, Dan Maxwell, Matt Noetzelman, Mitch Rue

03 Kayla Banick, Ryan Cardinal, Jason Thompson, Kim Wortz

04 Judy Crosby, Don Johaneson05 Jade Kalash06 Tate Gallus07 Aaron Duda, Sam Fink, Sam Haley, Chris

Meyer, Kim Niedzielski, Jena VanderBroek08 Devin Garrett, Spencer Nelson, Cody

Thompson09 Ryan Anderson, Jake Jacobson10 Taran Allison, Henry Becker, Mike Czock,

Brandon Kohls11 Cora Eidem, Justin Elstad, Janine Holter, Lillian Walters12 Jerald Durst, Kiera Grant, Mike Magaard,

Keith Muckenhirn13 Chris Andrews, Jeff Caple, Abby Coyle, Julie

Lambert, Jodie Schluter14 Jenna Bunker, Jan Lemke, Holly Mikkelsen,

Tara Olson, Bob Stabnow15 Penny Bailey, Kristen Cayler, Madeline

Engel, Dan Halbersma, Mary Leyda, Alissa Petersen

16 Laurie Brown, Mackenzie Maxwell, Dylan Swanson, Ryan Tysdal

17 James Musel, Gracie Peterson18 Mark Anderson, Hannah Field, Paul Henry,

Darrin Swanson, Seth Wiest19 Jonathan Ceder, Melissa VanCura, Carson

vanSytzama20 Melissa Sorensen, Steve Stahlke, Al Sullivan,

Theresa Wallace

21 Michelle Droneck, Drew Kane, Chad Splettstoeszer, Gordon Torgerud

22 Dorothy Henry23 Patrick Nee24 Krista Garrett, Maggie Klason, Tamara Schafer, Alex Schramel25 Leslie Carter, Nicholas Holmer, Rick Schmit26 Laurie Zaugg27 Carolyn Gallagher, Jordan Lemmerman, Ethan Underhill28 Eileen Huetteman, Grant Prinsen29 Sue Fink, Tate Olson, Marie Techam, Julie Wischmann30 Jessica Allaire, Eliana Stebner, Nathen Will31 Bill Fink, Peter Halluska, Tara Kinches

ANNIVERSARIES:02 Paul & Marcie Ludwig, Greg & Lisa Maschino07 Lon & Michelle Droneck, John & Tracy Magner08 Matt & Sarah Kirchmann, Dave & Linda

Rosaaen09 Jamey & Lisa Boecker, Steve & Lori Checkal,

Craig & Jeanne Schansberg11 Matt & Kim Kane, Jacob & Erin Olson, Josh & Ashley Schoborg13 Adam & Anissa Esco, Joe & Cheryl Schleper15 Jeff & Lori Graunke, Rick & Kim Niedzielski,

Adam & Kim Wortz16 Tory & Sarah Spanier18 Ryan & Maggie Nimtz, Matt & Grace Nohner, Jason & Diane Schmidt20 Ryan & Angie Green22 Sean & Kristin Peterson24 Kevin & Holly Mikkelsen26 Dan & Melanie Paulson28 Mike & Stephanie Gallus, Dale & Nicole

Kimball, Mike & Candace Mielke29 Peter & Amy Halluska30 John & Mary Hager

The Beacon – July 2015

JULY WORSHIP ASSISTANTSPlease note: Worship assistants are not assigned for Wednesday 7:00 pm worship services. Please volunteer to be an usher, greeter or acolyte by signing up in the narthex.If you are unable to serve on your assigned day, please arrange for a substitute or notify the church office. Thank you! Telephone: 763-972-2400 Email: lochrist@frontiernet.net

Wednesday, July 1 – 7:00 p.m. Council Rep: Janine Holter

Sunday, July 5, 2015 – 9:15 a.m.Council Rep: Adam Wortz Lector: Amber BeckerGreeters: Henry & Eileen Huetteman Ushers: Steve Crosby, Craig SchansbergAcolyte: Isabel Johnson Wade & Holly SprengelerAltar Guild: Kim Wortz, Bea Zerull

Wednesday, July 8 – 7:00 p.m. Council Rep: Stacy VanCura Altar Guild: MaryAnn McKay

Sunday, July 12, 2015 – 9:15 a.m.Council Rep: Doug Ludwig Lector: Amy BigotGreeters: Virginia Dally, Gloria Schuette Ushers: Brad & Lisa SpencerAcolyte: Emily Olson Derek & Jordan Spencer

Wednesday, July 15 – 7:00 p.m. Council Rep: Bonnie Lotzer

Sunday, July 19, 2015 – 9:15 a.m.Council Rep: Adam Wortz Lector: Rene MoenGreeters: Bev Bauman, Beth Coulombe Ushers: Greg Johnson, Tom McKayAcolyte: Colton Tritz Joe Vieau, John ZerullAltar Guild: Dawn Vaadeland, Kim Wortz

Wednesday, July 22 – 7:00 p.m. Council Rep: Jeff Rubertus Altar Guild: MaryAnn McKay

Sunday, July 26, 2015 – 9:15 a.m.Council Rep: Adam Wortz Lector: Dale RussenbergerGreeters: Jon & Robin Olson Ushers: Bob Gielau, Jim SchaferAcolyte: Tyson Kroells Cheryl Thomas

Wednesday, July 29 – 7:00 p.m. Council Rep: Jeff Rubertus

The Beacon – July 2015