Hawley Lutheran Church -Living The Vision Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ

Pastor’s Corner Happy Advent The most anticipated month of the year is upon us. This season is Jeff Teeples the season of hope, Senior Pastor peace, joy and love as we rehearse the promises that God gives us through Jesus. The commercial Christmas fervor tries to convince us to create the most magical, special Christmas possible, so that either people go overboard in preparing or be completely minimalistic even approaching opting out of the whole season. But there is another approach…. Before Christmas is the season of Advent. The season reminds us that Christ is coming, not only again in the story of the nativity and birth of the savior, but Christ is coming again in glory as he promised and we are to use this time to prepare our hearts for the coming of his kingdom. This Advent preparation allows me put my heart on what is most meaningful about Christmas, namely Christ. (The

word Christmas comes from “Christ” “Mass” the worship of Christ) Advent preparation also helps me take in all the splendor of the holiday without the stress of the holiday. Is that possible? You may think this sounds very naïve because some things just need to get done when it comes to preparing for Christmas, but setting things right in my mind and heart helps me remember why we do Christmas in the first place. There is joy because Christ is dwelling right here in our midst. This advent, light candles in your home, participate in worship, sing, listen and ponder the mystery of Jesus incarnation (God becoming flesh and blood) for us and all people. And join in the celebration of Christ’s birth December 24 at 3 or 5 p.m. May the wonder of Christ guide you to hope, experience peace, find joy and feel love. Your brother in Christ, Pastor Jeff

Merry Christmas From the Teeples A very blessed Christmas to you all! This time of the year we reflect with gratitude on all that God gives to us and we want to say thank you for your partnership in ministry. We feel very loved and blessed to have shared another year in ministry with all the disciples of Hawley Lutheran Church. Christmas is a time when families get together and we are so looking forward to having our family together as Eric will be coming home and Philip will be coming home from college. May your holiday be full of joy as you give thanks for Jesus and celebrate with your loved ones. Your Friends in Christ, Pastor Jeff, Kris and Family Page: 1

Pastor Brett Barksdale Treasure Kid Ministry 5-6 Grade Unite Events

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Pastor Darwin Stahl The Story Bible Study XYZ

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Youth & Family Director HHS Alumni

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Sr. High Hang Time Confirmation

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Youth Mission Elev8 2017 Senior/Parent Lunch

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FCA 7-8 Grade Unite Events

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Relational Ministry Financial Update

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Sanctuary Choir Nicaragua Brunch LCMC Prayer Adventure Christmas Eve Services New Year Needs

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Bible Studies Nicaragua Mission 2017 Daily Text Ushers

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Memorials

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December Calendar Advent Readings

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January Calendar

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Council Minutes

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December 2016/January 2017

Christmas Already? Hi all! It seems like summer just ended and now here we are knocking on Christmas’ door! I hope this newsletter finds you all having received a blessed Thanksgiving. Kristen, Eli, and I traveled to Brett Barksdale Associate Pastor Mayville to be with her family and eat some pretty wonderful food. Not only did we have wonderful food, but we have some wonderful news to share with you all. Kristen and I will be expecting our second child come June 3rd this year. We will not be finding out the gender, so I get to be surprised this time. We are on an exciting journey and thank you all for the ways you have treated us like a part of the family. With that being said, we have an exciting December coming up for our youth. Hawley Lutheran’s Sunday Christmas program will be on Sunday, December 18th at 9:30am and the Wednesday Christmas program will be on the following Wednesday, December 21st at 6pm. Parents I will keep you all informed about when we will be meeting before the programs for costumes and set up the day of. The Christmas Program this year will be called the Christmas Tree and tells the meaning behind what the Christmas tree represents about Jesus being born into the world. The kids have been working hard on their readings and singing parts at Sunday and Wednesday school! Please join us as we all worship the Lord together for these programs.

January will also be a busy month! 2017 here we come. Our 5-6th graders will be starting their Sweet Roll Sundays on Sunday January 8th to raise money for Summer Bible camp. Make sure to come by and get a Sweet Roll! : ) Also, our Sunday 4-6th graders will be sharing their memory work and song in church on Sunday, January 22nd and our Wed. 5-6th graders will be sharing their memory work in church on Wednesday, January 25th. Make sure to come by and hear what these kids have been working on! : ) I hope you all have a blessed December and January and below is a devotional for you.

He gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born to be a man and became like a servant. PHILIPPIANS 2:7 It all happened in a most remarkable moment . . . a moment like no other. . . God became a man. Divinity arrived. Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious one in a human womb. The omnipotent, in one instant, became flesh and blood. The one who was larger than the universe became a microscopic embryo. And he who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl. God had come near.

Register online for Treasure Kids Ministry [Preschool –7th Grade), 8th –10th Grade Confirmation and SONic Singers. Go to www.hawleylutheran.org

Needs for the New Year

 Nursery Caregiver This

person would provide care for children approximately 4 hours a week on Sun/Wed in the HLC Nursery.

Christmas Programs Sunday, December 18 @ 9:30 AM Wednesday, December 21 @ 6:00 PM

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Date

Time

Where

Event

Jan. 8

10:45-11:30 AM

Hawley Lutheran

SWEET ROLL SUNDAY

Jan. 28

7:30 AM –6:30 PM Andes Tower Hills Ski/Snowboard/Tubing

Feb. 5

10:45-11:30 AM

Hawley Lutheran

SWEET ROLL SUNDAY

Feb. 9

3:30-5:00 PM

HLC/Sled Hill

Sledding

March 5

10:45-11:30 AM

Hawley Lutheran

SWEET ROLL SUNDAY

March 10 TBA

Hawley Lutheran

Movie Party

March 26 10:45-11:30 AM

Hawley Lutheran

SWEET ROLL SUNDAY

April 15

Hawley Lutheran

Easter Egg Hunt/Serve

9:30 –11:00 AM

December 2016/January 2017

Words for a New Year Billy Graham is now 98. In 2012, leaders in Charlotte, North Carolina, invited their favorite son, Billy Graham to a luncheon in his honor. Billy Pastor Darwin initially hesitated to accept the Pastor of Pastoral Care invitation because he struggles with Parkinson’s disease. But he went, and after wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, “I’m reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train, when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein looked in his vest pocket, his trouser pockets and his briefcase but couldn’t find his ticket. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn’t find it. The conductor said, ‘Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.’ Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket. The conductor rushed back and said, ‘Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don’t worry, I know who you are; no problem. You don’t need a ticket. I’m sure you bought one.’

THE STORY Bible Study [a chronological time-line of Biblical events] will continue, Sundays, Dec. 4, & 18 Jan. 8 after church, at 10:45 AM, in the Mary/Martha room. You may join this group at any time. Lesson sheets will be available in the office. Call the office or Pastor Darwin if you have any questions. Page: 3

Einstein looked at him and said, ‘Young man, I too know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going.’” Having said that Billy Graham continued, “See the suit I’m wearing? It’s a brand new suit. My children and grandchildren are telling me I’ve gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion. You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I’ll be buried. But when you hear I’m dead, I don’t want you to immediately remember the suit I’m wearing. I want you to remember this: ‘I not only know who I am. I also know where I’m going.’” So the question for each of us in the new year is, “Do we know where we are going?” Rom. 10:9 explains, “If we confess with our mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved.” A blessed journey into the new year. **Allow Judy and me to wish all members and friends of Hawley Lutheran Church a meaningful and blessed Christmas with the love, joy and peace of Christ, the new-born King and Savior filling your New Year.** XYZ (Xtra Years of Zest) Thursday, Dec. 8, @ 5:00 PM.... The Touchmark Choir is beginning its 7th year and 15th show under the direction of Dawn Papenfuss & Suzanne Schultz. The choir is made up of approximately 30 residents, ages 74-101, but they have found a way to prove that they are young at heart. The last three years the choir has even been seen performing on stage at The Fargo Theatre. Their performance this fall revolves around a Back to School & Autumn theme with classics like School Days & Over the River and Through the Woods. There will also be beautiful love songs by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Johnny Cash as well as some upbeat rock-n-roll songs by Chuck Berry, Green Day, & The Beach Boys! This show also features a salute to the school songs of our local universities, so wear your school colors and come sing-along with The Touchmark Choir! Lunch will be served following the concert. December 2016/January 2017

Jesus Our Light in the Darkness Christmas time! Why do we love it? When I was a child, I truly loved the “story”… angel speaks, Mary, Joseph, the donkey, God gives, Baby Jesus in a manger, angels sing, the shepherds, the star shines, wisemen travel afar with gifts and worship the Baby King. I also loved the special cookies and treats- lefsa, krumkake, rosettes, spritz cookies and the tradition of acting out the Birth of our Savior “Story” on Christmas eve complete with Kris Teeples homemade crowns, bathrobes and dishtowel shepherd hats. Christmas time to me meant at Youth & Family Director least every other year that my brothers and sisters would come home with their children. I grew up the youngest of seven children and to this day, I know my family doesn’t realize the “waiting” and “longing” that “little Kris” felt inside for them all to walk through the door. Cell phones were not available to aid in the painful wait… I just watched outside our front window jumping with hope at each beam of light in the darkness in front of our home…praying it was the light from their vehicles. The minute their energetic love burst through our front door, I felt the “light” of Christmas love. We were united, together to enjoy each other and to celebrate the “greatest true story ever told.” For to us a Savior is born… His light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it! John 1 As I grew, I realized these Christmas’ were far from “perfect”. The wonderful cookies and meals didn’t magically appear…my mom was tired from all the work. I had to work now too! The energetic love would sometimes give way to family tensions and ignored issues that would rear their ugly heads. Dishes had to be done, wrapping paper had to be cleaned up and the gifts given had to be paid for. Brokenness and darkness was sometimes very real! One thing is true, though, for our family, as with many of you, Jesus didn’t just stay in the manger or on the cross. He is alive, earthy and present to us! Jesus is our Light and our salvation. “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom (or what) shall I fear.” Psalm 27:1 Jesus has entered each of our “messy lives” bringing His light to guide us and help us discover ways to live that create “light” around us. He has become the “Light” in our darkness that nothing can overcome. This is His mission, to save us and help us and somehow we end up living a light-bearing life. To make this possible, Jesus gives us His Spirit born within us just like Christ was born into our world that first Christmas. And although we live with “waiting” and “longing” hearts in the midst of darkness peering out the “window” of this life, His second coming promises a place where there will be no darkness, no tiredness, no sickness, no tension nor issues. Where energetic “Love” fills every heart and every moment; each child of God is completely restored; and Jesus the one born into our messes and sacrificed for our sake, is filled with joy as we are all united to celebrate “the greatest true story ever told.” Remind your children that this is true and real this Christmas time…Jesus enters our messes just like the manger He was born into; helps us with the tensions and issues of life when they rear their ugly heads; and guides us like a light in the darkness as we seek to live with Him a “Light-bearing” life! Remind them that someday Jesus will return and the “waiting” for a place where there is no darkness will be over! May your Advent and Christmas be filled with our Jesus, the Light of the World!

Happy Advent and Christmas Blessings, Kris Teeples Director of Youth and Family

Next Youth and Family Meeting: January 30th at 5:45 pm!

Life After High School! HHS Alumni in College, the Military or out working a job are invited to join us at Senior High Hang Time on January 4th at 8:00 pm for a New Year’s Party and Panel Conversation around life after High School! Please come and share your stories, faith in God, insights and wisdom with our Senior Highers! In the past this special night has helped our High School youth go with God into their future! WE appreciate you! This night will also be the ‘LIVE IT LOCALLY’ Mission Week info kickoff! Page: 4

December 2016/January 2017

Sr. Hi Hang Time Schedule and 10th Grade Core Plan... Smoothies are back! Growing into having a faith in Christ that is real and sticks through life! Learning that God is our refuge! These are the goals for Senior Highers! Come to Senior High (9-12th Grades) Hang Time from 8:00-9:15 Wednesdays. Every other week we split 10th graders out into their Core Confirmation Class. Smoothies will be together and then we’ll divide for 2 different experiences on those nights. Nights marked by an * are those that 10th graders have Sticky Faith Core Lessons!! These are ‘NOT TO MISS’ lessons! All other dates are also a part of the 10th grade year but will be Hang Time oriented for fun, growth and serving! You WON’T want to miss these Hang Time nights!! Wednesday, December 7 = Hang Time: Open Mic/ Favorite Family Christmas Traditions Edition * Wednesday, December 14 = 10th Conf. Core: Miracle of Christmas 8:00-9:15 pm What is the Incarnation? Why is this miracle so important to Christians and Us. Hang Time Combined with 10th Grade. Wednesday, December 21 = Come Celebrate the Season and the Reason!! 8:00 pm Christmas Party Time. Jesus came for you! Come celebrate with good food, fun, and discussion! Wednesday, January 4 = College Friends/Alumni Panel and Happy New Year Party! 8:00-9:15 pm- Deep, helpful, fun conversation with our College/Alumni Friends! Happy 2017! NOTE: Jan. 4 is also the Initial Interest Meeting for the Live It Mission July 23-28, 2017! *Wednesday, January 11 = 10th Conf. Core: Living in Rhythm with Life 8:00-9:15 pm How one carves out sacred spaces for prayer and worship to reconnect with God. Hang time: Goals for the New year 8:00-9:15 pm Getting a Great start to a new year with God. Wednesday, January 18 = No Class No Hang Time: Pray for our mission to Nicaragua! *Wednesday, January 25 = 10th Conf. Core: Knowing Your Role in Life 8:00-9:15 pm How am I uniquely gifted and created to spread God’s light and love. Hang Time: Revisiting Knowing Your Role in Life. 8:00-9:15 pm Some Joint Activities and Break out group for Jr’s and Sr’s.

8th and 9th Grade Confirmation “Living Faith” Year 6:55-8:10 pm December 7 December 14

December 21 December 28 January 4 January 11 January 18 January 25 Page: 5

Ten Commandments #9 & #10 Don’t Covet 7-9th Grade Christmas Party: Jesus is born! Bring a wrapped ‘Favorite Snack’ gift for exchange: under $5 please! Pick up your favorite all time snack and wrap it up! Boys will exchange with boys; girls with girls!! No Class– Merry Christmas! No Class –Happy New Year! Lord’s Prayer –Our Father is Holy Lord’s Prayer –Your Will Be Done Small Group Bonding Night Lord’s Prayer –Bread and Forgiveness

Youth and Guides attend Youth and Guides attend

Youth Youth Youth Youth

and and and and

Guides Guides Guides Guides

attend attend attend attend

December 2016/January 2017

Senior High Summer 2017- ‘LIVE IT’ LOCAL MISSION WEEK Senior Highers and Parents Mark Your Calendars… “Live It” Local Youth Mission Week here in Hawley July 23rd- 28th The ‘Live It’ Local Youth Mission is a mission for Senior High Youth where we stay all week in the church and serve our neighbors locally! It is open to finishing 9th grade youth through Senior Graduates and we are looking to college age youth to come back and help lead!! (Contact Kris if interested!!) The week will be filled with Mission-Trip like qualities and activities including but not limited to: Club Time at night, Speakers, Singing, Skits, Evening Fun Activities in the area, and Service opportunities! This is our 4th ‘Live It’ Mission Week in Hawley where we have built decks, painted homes, landscaped and did odd jobs for our neighbors! We serve one summer at home and one summer out further into God’s world like we did last summer in Logan, West Virginia. This summer is our local mission summer! Look forward to this great opportunity! Planning will begin on January 4th! Put these dates on your calendars as we plan this great LIVE IT LOCAL Mission Week: Wednesday, Jan. 4 = Youth only! The Initial Interest Meeting for the Live It Mission July 23-28, 2017! 8:00-9:15 pm Sign up for interest in the ‘LIVE IT’ Mission Week tonight! Wednesday, March 15 = LIVE IT MISSION Sign Up Youth/ Parents Meeting! 8:00-9:15 pm Required Parent/Youth Meeting. Sign up/register and commit to the Live it Mission Week July 23-28. Wednesday, May 17 = Parent/Youth Live It Mission Trip Meeting: Registration & Planning 8:00-9:15 pm Required meeting for EVERY Registered Live It Mission Youth and Parent! Registration DUE!

If you know of someone who would like some help with a project this summer let Kris Teeples, Leighton Grani or Dan Leister know!

Faith Stepping Stone 2017 Senior and Parent Lunch

Elev8 Community Youth Ministry Cooperative Elev8 Dodgeball Tourney on November 10th was a Fun Night for 80+ Hawley 7th-12th Graders This event was another wonderful time together in our Community Cooperative Ministry called Elev8. We had 80+ plus kids attend! Thanks especially to Sara Noreen, Leighton Grani, Rachelle Isaacson and Gordon Moe for helping make this event possible. A special thanks to Brett Schmidt and the HHS for opening their doors to us! We all gave the youth of Hawley a place to ‘elevate’ their attitudes and hearts together in community! Page: 6

Thanks to Mischelle and Shane Hagerty, Amy and Justin Koenig, and Leighton and Carla Grani for preparing and serving the delicious meal for the Graduating 2017 Senior and Parents Thanksgiving Supper on Oct. 30th. We had 6 families attend and much great conversation about ‘Looking Back’! If you didn’t get to attend the first event, please know you are welcome to come to the next two! Thanks to Pastor Jeff for helping with this session! The next Faith Stepping Stone 2017 Senior and Parent Lunch will be on February 26th at 12 pm and the topic is “Looking to the Moment” . April 23rd will be the final 2017 Grad Lunch. Kris is looking for some parents of Juniors in High School to help with a simple meal for Seniors and Parents on February 26th! Please contact her if you can help serve!

December 2016/January 2017

FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) FCA is a Student Lead Huddle that meets for a brief faith growing and inspiring time once a month! All 9th-12th graders are welcome! December 21st 7:30 am FCA Huddle in Coach Gottenborg’s Room January 11th 7:30 am FCA Huddle in Coach Gottenborg’s Room

Feature Junior High Monthly Fun Event!!! December 14th Weds. 6:55-8:20 pm

7-9th Grade Christmas Party: Celebrating Jesus’ Birth! @HLC. Bring a Wrapped ‘Favorite Snack’ gift for an exchange: Under $5 please! Pick up your favorite all time snack and wrap it up! Boys will exchange with boys; girls with girls!! 7th graders will stay after Wednesday School for this event coming to the Fellowship Hall immediately following Christmas program practice!

January 28th All Church Ski/Snowboard/Tube Day Andes Tower Hill near Alexandria, MN

Time: Meet @ church at 7:30 am Sat. Jan. 28th! Arrive home around 6:30pmish! Group Cost (10 or more): $21 for lift tickets + $14 for ski rental or $24 for snowboard rental= So, totals come to…$35 for skiing or $45 for snowboarding! Helmet rental (recommended) = $8! (add this to the above total) *Free Lessons if you indicate before Jan. 20 th ($10 if indicated after the 20th) Tubing = $25 all day, $19 for 3 hours. If you want to ski/board and tube add $5 to ski/board package. Bring: Warm snow gear, a sack lunch or money for lunch, and the EXACT cash amount for payment! Who: This is a church-wide family fun event. Adults, youth, kids, elderly, families! Kids 6 th grade and under must be accompanied by an adult! Friends are welcome! If you don’t know how to ski and don’t take the lessons at Andes... Kris or Pastor Jeff will teach you!! Come for the fun of it! (FYI: Kris tried to get group rates closer to home at DL MTN. however they don’t have room for groups on Saturdays, unfortunately! So we decided to go to Andes to get a group rate.) Sign up by Weds. Jan 25th on the Ministry Center Counter. Drivers needed! If you can drive please indicate on the sign up sheet. Also indicate if you want to get a free lesson before Jan. 20. Thank you!

Come for some Snow-filled fun at Andes Tower Hills!

Junior High Ministry Focus Events Calendar Attention 7th and 8th Grade Parents!!!! Thanks to all parents who came out for our Jr. Hi Parents Unite Event Planning on November 2. Here is the result of our team ministry! There are still a few needs! If you see a blank and can help, contact Kris Teeples! If you want to jump in and join a team, talk to Kris or any other team Coordinators! We would love your help!

Date

Time

Where

Event

Team Coordinators

Dec. 14

6:55-8:20 PM

HLC

Christmas Party

Confirmation Celebration Events Team

Jan. 28

7:30 AM

Andes Tower

Skiing/Boarding/Tubing

Will Albrecht, _____, _____

Feb. 24

9-12 PM

HHS

5th Quarter after BB game

Paula Spillum, Sparrows, Leisters

Mar. 24

6-10:30 PM

HLC

Bingo, Games/Movie Night

Oslands, Sadie Albrecht, _____

Apr. 21

7-10:30 PM

Fargo

Skyzone

Darcy Schenck, Teresa Kuhn, _____

May 10

6-8:30 PM

TBA

Elev8 Spring Fling Event

Fischers, Stahls, _____

TEAM= Together, Everyone, Accomplishes, More! Page: 7

December 2016/January 2017

Hi, my name is Whitney Isaacson. I have been a member of our church since 2004. I am now in my 10th grade year of confirmation. For my service year, I have chosen a relational ministry project which includes sitting down and visiting with some of our church members. I will be writing an article for the Christian Connection to highlight some of the time we spent together during conversation. I hope you enjoy my first article and look for more to come!

A Time for Everything

written by: Whitney Isaacson

Sitting down with Robert (Bob) Olson he gave some great insight to living a faith filled life. Bob is known as a husband to Helen Olson, a community involved Christian, father, grandfather, hunter, fisherman, and the list goes on. He was born and raised in our beloved, small town of Hawley, MN. He has been a part of our church since he can remember. Being baptized and confirmed at Hawley Lutheran, Bob has been a church-going man his whole life. He took a step deeper into his faith when he was younger by attending a Luther League event. Bob listened to Christian speakers at this convention. He was inspired by hearing messages from more than just his home church Pastor. Carrying his faith through all his life experiences is something he never questions or leaves behind. Bob shared his favorite verses from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (Bob laughed at the hard pronunciation of this book in the bible), “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot…” Bob’s goal in life was to always be a farmer. Besides farming, he served our country for three years, attended college, held previous jobs, served on the Hawley School Board, and has many successful accomplishments! Through all of these experiences, his heart has always been for the farm and that’s where he has ended up today. Growing up in the country, Bob stated he has a daily reminder of the beauty of God’s Earthly creations. The farm is where he is meant to be. To Bob, there is no uncertainty that there is a God. The miracles of nature all around us prove it. Bob’s family’s love is evident in his life. He shared with me a collection of books he and his wife have put together for each of their grandchildren on their sixteenth birthdays. A personalized book titled, “Thoughts to Live By.” It contains letters, pictures, quotes and stories capturing each grandchild’s strengths and motivating words that they can carry with them. He allowed me to take one of the many books home for further reading. I was captivated by the depth of love poured out within the pages of this book! Thirteen years ago, Bob had a heart valve replacement using a biological valve taken from a pig. And three weeks ago from the time of our visit, Bob needed to replace this pig valve again. He had another heart surgery, but this time with a new cow valve. Three weeks after his surgery he is looking great and was willing to sit down and talk with me. Bob’s confidence in his faith is an admirable characteristic within him that I am inspired by! His heart is made of love (but maybe some pig or cow too as Bob and I laughed about) and his wise words capture a listener’s ear. By the end of our visit, I am not surprised by the Ecclesiastes verses Bob shared with me. I believe it is what he demonstrates in his own life. He does what he can, with what he has, wherever he is. Bob stated, “Your Godly friends and church friends are always smiling. They are always having a good time and always happy; even though they have hard times too.” It is his strong faith that carries him through it all. Bob understands that he is able to do all things through his beliefs in Jesus Christ. Bob made me realize that there is a time for living in every day, no matter the season or the life circumstances going on at that time. Again, part of his favorite verse sums it up from Ecclesiastes 3:4, “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to morn and a time to dance.” Thank you Bob for opening your home and heart during our visit and allowing our congregation to read a little about you in this newsletter!

$46,000

Page: 8

Thank you everyone whom contributed to help us Move the Mountain. A total of $32,307 was raised through your generosity. Thank you!!!

December 2016/January 2017

Choirs to Perform cantata Born a Savior, Born a King The Sanctuary Choir and SONic Singers will join together to perform the cantata "Born a Savior, Born a King. Performances will be Wednesday, December 7 at 6:00 PM and Sunday, December 11 at 9:30 AM. Replete with original melodies and familiar carols, both the confusion and excitement of that first Christmas is fully explored in word and song, once again uplifting the familiar story that rests in our hearts and minds today. Please join us at Hawley Lutheran for this musical tradition. Join us and the rest of the LCMC for the 2017 Prayer Adventure January 3, 4, and 5. Every congregation, member and pastor is being invited to set aside some time each day of January 3, 4, and 5, 2017 for prayer. Our attitude toward prayer has often been characterized by saying, “well, all we can do now is pray!”. Prayer is not the hopeless act of desperation. Prayer is a gift that God has given to us as a means to approach the throne of grace with confidence—like that of a child coming to her parents sharing concerns, victories, defeats and every part of life. It is an opportunity to express the deepest heartache and the greatest joy. Prayer is a conver sation between the Cr eator and the cr eated… and the conversation began with God, for us, in Christ Jesus. As we begin 2017 you are invited to join all the congregations of the LCMC in a time of prayer. Our prayer ministry is planning a variety of prayer activities for each and every person to begin the New Year in the best possible way. Each day a group activity is planned as well as individual prayer activities you can do on your own time with others or alone. Each day has a specific theme and we encourage you to pray along these themes. Tuesday, January 3 9:00 a.m. Prayer Group Wednesday, January 4 6:00 p.m. Worship with Emphasis on prayer Thursday, January 5 Prayer for Our Church, Community and World

Join us for a Navidad (Christmas) Celebration Brunch! December 11, 10:30-12:30 Right after the Choir Cantata! Menu is Eggs, Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Coffee and Juice. Chief Chef Dave Rosman. All proceeds go to help the churches in Nicaragua. This is not a fundraiser for the flight and expenses of the 10 missionaries going to Nicaragua Jan 13-22, 2017, every dollar raised will directly benefit the church in Nicaragua. The projects that the churches are hoping to accomplish in 2017 are: building a community church in El Bonete (One of Juan Benito’s congregations), continued training and continuing education for pastors and lay leaders, training for natural medicine course, building up the micro-credit funds to create opportunities for poor families to borrow some money to improve their lives and opportunities that are repaid at a rate they can afford, and transportation and compensation for the pastors. A few dollars goes a long way in helping the churches and communities in rural Nicaragua. Come and join us for a wonderful brunch and invite your friends. A free will offering will be received.

Christmas Eve Worship December 24 Christmas Eve is such a special time to worship Jesus, the savior of the World. This year we are again inviting families to join us earlier in the day. Our service times are 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Both services are candlelight with Holy Communion. Contact the office if you can help with hospitality for either of these special worship services. Sunday, December 25 no worship or activities. Sunday, January 1 at 9:30 am will be a service of carols and stories. A true time to give thanks to God in worship as we close out the year of 2016. There will be no Wednesday Worship on December 28.

Needs for the New Year As we approach the Christmas season and the New Year we want to make you aware of some great ways to get involved in Ministry at Hawley Lutheran.  Being an Usher, Greeter, Lector or Communion Server during worship on Sunday/Wednesday. Willing servants are placed on a rotation schedule or a monthly team. Contact Char at 483-3396  Sound Team Engineer (Training Provided) Running the sound board during worship on Sunday’s or Wednesday’s. It is an exquisite board that is fun to use once you get the hang of it. Contact Pastor Jeff at 483-3396  Join the New Disciples Ministry Team. This group helps assimilate new members (disciples) to our church. We host new disciple classes and work to welcome and invite people to HLC. Contact Pastor Jeff at 483-3396  Join the Stewardship Ministry Team. This group meets monthly and focuses on the joy of using all of our gifts for God’s glory. Members of this group lead the Financial Peace University course, help create our yearly budget and work to inform and educate our congregation on all matters relating to giving and stewardship. Contact Dan Noreen (701)318-2042.  Steamer Hill Team Members Wor k together with an alr eady existing Steamer Hill Team to make Steamer Hill even better! Meet a few times a year. Take on specific tasks to help things run smoothly in the Steamer Hill Food Booth. We would love new members to add! Contact Kris Teeples or Leighton Grani to get connected! Page: 9

December 2016/January 2017

Bible Insights

Altar Guild

New Study –Come Holy Spirit December 14 @ 12:00 PM Study: Deanna Ulven Serve: Potluck, bring a dish to share January 11 @ 1:00 PM Study: Judy Stahl Serve: Ramona Tellefson

December 15 @ 11:00AM In Charge: Sue Sellin Serve: Potluck, bring a dish to share January 19 @ 9:30 AM In Charge: Serve:

3 Step, Step Stool is missing … Please return to Altar Guild! Moms of Faith Bible Study Is family life a challenge? Is work driving you crazy? Do you know God has a purpose for your life, but you can't figure out what it is? Know that your circumstances are not coincidental. And, God's timing is impeccable! Join us as we journey through Beth Moore's bible study, "Children of the Day: 1 & 2 Thessalonians" and find encouragement for living the Christian life now and hope for when Christ returns. We meet the 2nd Sunday of every month at 7pm in the Mary/Martha Room at Hawley Lutheran. We would love to have you join us! For more information, please contact Mandy Weber at 701-373-1307 or [email protected].

Men’s Life to begin October 4 at 6:00 a.m. James is possibly the earliest book in the New Testament. James was a brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Christian Church. Martin Luther called James an epistle of straw. Could this first letter of the New Testament have something to say to us today? What does James say? What can we learn through the book of James? Come join us at Men’s Life as we dig into the book of James using an inductive method of Bible Study. You will not just learn what James is about, you will learn how to study any book of the Bible for yourself. You will discover Biblical truths, have the bible speak to you personally and grow closer to Jesus. All men are welcome to join us every other Tuesday’s from 6-7 a.m. for breakfast and discussion. If you come you will also get to know some other men and we do pray for each other. Contact Pastor Jeff for more information. Upcoming Meeting Dates: December 13.

Pray for the Mission Nicaragua Missionaries. We have an amazing team that God has brought together for our next Mission Nicaragua experience. We have 10 total people all excited and prepared to experience the people and culture of our brothers and sisters there. Those going for the first time are Jody Noreen, Anna Miller, Bob Teeples, and Roger Looysen. Those returning are: Dan Noreen, Luke Weber, Brett Petsinger, Cheryl Wicker, Pastor Jeff and Kris Teeples. To prepare ourselves this trip we have studied a book called “Helping Without Hurting” which focuses on creating long term solutions to poverty alleviation supporting the local ministries in Nicaragua. It has been a very affirming and thought provoking study. We are looking forward to renewing our Hawley, Nicaragua connection.

Daily Texts There here! The Daily Text 2017 have arrived. Hundred’s of thousands of Christians around the world have found this way of reading scripture and prayer a blessing in their walk with Christ. These daily words have been compiled through prayer since 1731. Kris and I and many in our church have found these daily words to fit our particular situations and needs in quite amazing ways and this little book helps us stay connected to our loving Father each and every day. God’s word is truly new every morning. (Lam. 2:23) Pick up a copy for yourself and for a friend, they make a great gift. Copies are available in the church office for the discounted price of only $6.50 each. (reg. $8.95) Pick up yours today!

December Head Usher(s): Matt Schenck Ushers: Mark Burns, Steven Meyer, Merle Schenck, Tom Sparrow

January Head Usher(s): Chuck Carlson & Brian Anderson Ushers: Clair Hanson, Glen Hanson, Robert Olson, Merlyn Petermann, Marty Schenck, Rick Schultz, Charles Siggerud Page: 10

Head Usher Coordinator Tim Kronbeck

December 2016/January 2017

As a Gift

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B. Bash

Keith/Kay Larson Paul/Ramona Tellefson Nic. Eric/Cheryl Wicker Faith Lutheran Church –Little Falls, MN New Creations Lutheran Church –Perham, MN

 In Memory of  Jim Nesius

                 

Paul Morlock Rosella Oslie Ron Vigesaa Tom Spieker Dennis Spieker Douglas Nelson Carol Opgrand Joyce Borchert Margaret Metcalf Ryan Peterson Ruth Engen Richard Erickson Thelma Hanson Diane Kasin Norman Amunoson Roger Gottenborg Shirley Hodgson Marge Bezek

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Denny Spieker

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Janice Habedank

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Irving Softing

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Diane Kasin Roger Pederson Roy Jorgenson

Art FTV Gen. Youth Bash Gen. Gen. Gen. Gen. Bible Altar Sound Sound Gen. S. S. Gen. Altar Altar FMSC Youth Gen. FTV Youth FTV Gen. Art Gen. FMSC FTV Gen. Youth FTV Youth Altar Art FMSC FTV Gen.

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Vic Ertmann

Jr. Ch. Youth Altar Art Bash Camp FTV Gen.

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Margaret Sellin Gerry/Elaine Kluck Roger/Patty Blakeway Dennis Olsen Lee/Jane Eklund LaVon Ford Marvin/Pearl Spillum Roger/Patty Blakeway Roger/Patty Blakeway Roger/Patty Blakeway Everett/Cindy Nelson Everett/Cindy Nelson Everett/Cindy Nelson Everett/Cindy Nelson Everett/Cindy Nelson Everett/Cindy Nelson Roger/Patty Blakeway Roger/Patty Blakeway Roger/Patty Blakeway Glen/Renae Hanson Chuck/Vickie Carlson Marvin/Pearl Spillum Mary Skallerud Lee/Jane Eklund Mary Skallerud Bob/Helen Olson Gary/Rose Bergan Gerry/Elaine Kluck Julian/Betty Johnson Mary Skallerud Bob/Helen Olson Roger/Patty Blakeway Lee/Jane Eklund James/Melanie Odegaard Lee/Jane Eklund Mark/Sue Sellin Don/Adelle Schenck James/Melanie Odegaard Glen/Renae Hanson Janet Burns Mary Skallerud Marvin/Pearl Spillum Peder/Jennifer Naatz Lyle/Bev Schultz Bob/Twylla Nelson Brian/Lora Petermann Eugene/Donna Tangen Everett/Cindy Nelson Dan/Diane Leister Gayle Robertson Janet Burns Rob/Lonna Olson

G. S. F. Music Sound S. S. Undes.

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   

Bernice Schenck

Dale Skallerud

Marv Gerhardson Melvin Manock Joyce Johannes

Altar FTV Library Undes. Youth Camp Youth Youth Youth Altar Art FMSC FTV Gen.

Jr. Ch. S. Ch. Ser. Gr.

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Jerome Slager

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Pat Lewis

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Nancy Lunneborg

S. S. Undes. Youth FMSC Art Altar Youth Altar FMSC FTV Gen.

Kristi Gebeke Paul/Ramona Tellefson Lloyd Anderson Bob/Dee Dalen Ruth Moen Lyle/Kathy Johnson Lou Ann Larson Bob/Helen Olson EuDell Larson Maurice Johnson John Frolich/Sandra Petermann Brian/Lora Petermann Dave/Glenna Tuil Gerry/Elaine Kluck James/Melanie Odegaard Ken/Kathy Dahl Lee/Jane Eklund Dan/Diane Leister Stephanie Critchley Everett/Cindy Nelson Stephanie Critchley Everett/Cindy Nelson Stephanie Critchley Paul/Ramona Tellefson Roger/Patty Blakeway Janet Burns Julian/Betty Johnson Glen/Renae Hanson Gayle Robertson Marvin/Pearl Spillum Bob/Helen Olson Pat Sparrow Rob/Lonna Olson Gerry/Elaine Kluck LaVon Ford Bob/Dianne Haugen Margaret Sellin Keith/Kay Larson James/Melanie Odegaard William/Paulette Rastedt Lee/Jane Eklund Glen/Renae Hanson James/Melanie Odegaard Roger/Patty Blakeway Lee/Jane Eklund Roger/Patty Blakeway Glen/Renae Hanson Mary Skallerud Rob/Lonna Olson Marvin/Pearl Spillum

Memorial Fund Areas: Altar=Altar Guild Living=Living Memorial Art= Stain Glass Project Misc. Bash=Birthday Bash Music Bells=Hand Bell Nic.=Nicaragua Bibles=Pew Bibles Organ= Pipe Organ Camp Piano=Electric Piano FMSC=Feed My Starving Children Roof=Sanctuary Roof Repair FTV=Building Fund S. Ch.= Sanctuary Choir Gen=General Fund Ser. Gr.=Service Group G.S.F.=Good Samaritan Fund Sound=Sound System Jr. Ch.= Jr. Choir/SONic Singers S.S.= Sun./Wed. School Kitchen Undes.= not assigned Library Youth= Youth Program 2017 December 2016/January

December 2016 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3

4 Advent 5 6 8:20 Choir Practice 9:00 Quilters 9:00 Prayer Group 8:30 Stewardship Meeting 7:30 Nicaragua 9:30 Worship/Com Meeting 10:45 Treasure Kid Ministry 10:45 The Story Bible Study

7 Advent 2:00 Befrienders 3:00 Prayer Shawl 3:30 SONic Singers 5:00 Supper 6:00 Worship/Cantata 6:55 Wed. School/Conf. 7:00 In the Word on Wed. 8:00 Hang Time

8 9 10 5:00 XYZ 8:00 Honor 9:00 Touchmark Band Brunch Choir Concert Prep

11 Advent 12 13 8:20 Choir Practice 9:00 Quilters 6:00 Men’s Life 9:30 Worship/Cantata 9:00 Prayer Group RAFFLE DRAWING 10:30 Nicaragua Brunch 10:45 Treasure Kid Ministry 7:00 Moms of Faith

14 Advent 12:00 Bible Insights 3:00 Prayer Shawl 3:30 SONic Singers 5:00 Supper 6:00 Worship/Com 6:55 Wed. School/Conf. 7:00 In the Word on Wed. 8:00 10th Conf./Hang Time

15 11:00 Altar Guild

16

17

18 Advent 19 20 No Choir Practice 7:00 Vision 9:00 Prayer Group 8:30 Executive Council Council 9:30 Worship/Com Meeting Christmas Program NO Treasure Kid Ministry 10:45 The Story Bible Study 2:00 Birthday Bash

21 Advent 7:30 FCA @ HHS 3:00 Prayer Shawl 3:30 SONic Singers 5:00 Supper 6:00 Worship/Christmas Program 7:00 In the Word on Wed. 8:00 Hang Time

22

23

24 3:00 Worship 5:00 Worship

29

30

31

25 Merry Christmas NO ACTIVITIES

26

27 28 9:00 Prayer Group NO ACTIVITIES

Office Hours 8:30 AM to 1 PM

Advent Readings for your home celebration Using an advent wreath with four or five candles is a great way to bring the joy of advent and the anticipation of Christmas into your home. You can use the readings that we are using for each week of Advent in your family devotions in the upcoming weeks. Find them on our website at www.hawleylutheran.org under Important Links ’2016 Advent Readings’.

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December 2016/January 2017

January 2017 Sunday

Monday

1 2 NO Choir Practice 9:30 Worship/Com/Baptism NO Treasure Kid Ministry

Tuesday

Wednesday

3 4 9:00 Prayer Group 1:30 Befrienders 3:00 Prayer Shawl 3:30 SONic Singers 5:00 Supper 6:00 Worship 6:55 Wed. School/Conf. 7:00 In the Word on Wed. 8:00 Hang Time Prayer Adventure

8 Sweet Roll Sunday 9 10 8:20 Choir Practice 9:00 Quilters 9:00 Prayer Group 8:30 Stewardship Mtg. 11:45 HHS 9:30 Worship 10:45 Treasure Kid Ministry 10:45 The Story Bible Study 7:00 Moms of Faith

15 16 8:20 Choir Practice 9:30 Worship/Com/Choir 10:45 Treasure Kid Ministry 2:00 Birthday Bash

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11 7:30 FCA @ HHS 1:00 Bible Insights 3:00 Prayer Shawl 3:30 SONic Singers 5:00 Supper 6:00 Property Meeting 6:00 Worship/Com 6:55 Wed. School/Conf. 7:00 In the Word on Wed. 8:00 10th Conf./Hang Time

17 18 9:00 Prayer Group 3:00 Prayer Shawl 11:45 HHS 3:30 SONic Singers 5:00 Supper 5:00 Parish Ed. Meeting 6:00 Worship 6:55 Wed. School/Conf. 7:00 In the Word on Wed. NO HANG TIME

Pastor Jeff & Kris Teeples gone…. Nicaragua

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22 23 24 NO Choir Practice 9:00 Quilters 9:00 Prayer Group 9:30 Worship/4-6 Grade 11:45 HHS Sharing 10:45 Treasure Kid Ministry

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

5

6

7 NALC Regional Meeting

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12 9:30 Partnership 4 Health

13

ANNUAL REPORTS DUE for ALL

19 9:30 Altar Guild 2:00 XYZ

20

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26

14

Pastor Jeff /Kris Teeples gone…. Nicaragua

MINISTRIES

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25 3:00 Prayer Shawl 3:30 SONic Singers 5:00 Supper 6:00 Worship/5-6 Share 6:55 Wed. School/Conf. 7:00 In the Word on Wed. 8:00 10th Conf./Hang Time

NALC Regional Meeting

21

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27

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28 7:30 am6:30 pm Family Ski Day @ Andes Tower Hills

29 30 31 8:20 Choir Practice 5:45 Youth & 9:00 Prayer Group 9:30 Worship Family 11:45 HHS 10:45 Treasure Kid Ministry Meeting 10:45 ANNUAL MEETING

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December 2016/January 2017

HAWLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH VISION COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES October 17, 2016 CALL TO ORDER: President Jennifer Naatz OPENING PRAYER AND DEVOTION: Dave Meissner ROLL: Jennifer Naatz, Paula Tusow-Spillum, Joel Odland, Kevin Hiller, Luke Weber, Dave Meissner, Pastor Jeff Teeples, Pastor Brett Barksdale ABSENT: Jana Fischer, Patrick Hockett ADDITION TO AGENDA: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Dave Meissner to approve the minutes; seconded by Luke Weber. Motion carried. FINANCIAL REPORT: September was a good month! There was $43,000.00 in revenue vs. $35,000.00 in expenses for September. YTD revenue of $283,159.00 and expenses of $303,703.00. There is currently $34,221.00 in the FTV account and $18,111.00 in the checking account. The breakdown of our $46,000.00 debt is $6,000.00 to the FTV account, $10,000.00 note from 2015 and $30,000.00 on the LOC for 2016. The plan is to pay off the $10,000.00 2015 note first. PASTOR’S REPORT: Both Sunday and Wednesday School kicked off this month. There are 38 8 th & 9th grade youth in Confirmation and 16 youth in the 10th grade Confirmation programs. There were 7 baptisms last month. Wednesday worship attendance has surpassed Sunday worship attendance. There will be a benefit for Renae Hanson at the church on Wednesday, October 26 th and we will hold worship and Wednesday school that evening. Senior Stepping Stones classes with Kris will begin October 30 th. A new disciple’s class will be held in January, currently Pastor Jeff knows of 2 or 3 families that will be attending. NALC will use our facility for their annual meeting on January 6th and 7th. This was approved at last month’s council meeting. HLC will be hosting the community Thanksgiving service this year on Wednesday, November 23 rd @ 7:00 pm. OLD BUSINESS:  ACTIVATE NOMINATING COMMITTEE: consists of Vicki Haugen, Lonnie Anderson, Mark Haugen, Dan Noreen and Dave Meissner.  EVENING OF THANKS (Mission Appreciation) November 16th: Will talk to Anna Brown about catering the meal. Would like people to give personal testimonies about why they like HLC. Possibly have Sonic Singers sing.  MOVE THE MOUNTAIN UPDATE: $23,996.00 has been raised.  STEAMER HILL: Need a plan for 2017. Kris will be gone and we need a team in place to run the Steamer Hill food booth. Pastor Jeff will call a meeting to organize a committee within the next month before Thanksgiving.  NICARAGUA: First meeting will be October 17th. Luke Weber, Brett Pettsinger, Cheryl Wicker, Pastor Jeff and Kris Teeples and their niece and Pastor Jeff’s brother, Bob, are currently planning on going. It will cost $1500.00 a piece to go. NEW BUSINESS:  VACANT COUNCIL POSITION: We are in need of someone to fill the rest of Don Nicholson’s term for the next 2 years. Pastor Jeff has been given 3 names of people that he will speak to.  PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Helps setting salaries, handles personnel issues and benefits, etc. Need 4 people on the committee. Council President Jennifer Naatz, Todd Sparrow, Mark Haugen, Deanna Ulven and Jerry Pederson.  NURSERY: Looking into the possibility of hiring a paid staff person to supervise the nursery on a consistent basis. We have lost some members due to the fact we don’t have a staffed nursery. Would ideally like to have 2 adults to supervise the nursery on Sunday’s and Wednesday’s. Could this be added to budget in 2017? Are their funds not being used that could be allocated to this? Pastor Brett will talk to people to see if they would use it and will report back in November. He will also speak to Dave Tuil about the financial end of this.  MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT EVENING: This will be held on Sunday, November 20 th for married couples. Their will be a potluck and will have child care available. “Laugh your way to a better marriage.” Hosted by Pastor Jeff and Kris Teeples and Pastor Brett and Kristin Barksdale.  2017 BUDGET: The budget starts with the stewardship committee and they will present it to the council for approval. We will need a draft by the November meeting.  PROPERTY COMMITTEE: The committee would like to use FTV funds to update the furnishings in the church entryway. They will come to us with their plans. $5,000.00 approximate budget. MEETING DATE: Executive Council: Wednesday, November 16th @ 8:00 pm @ HLC Vision Council: Monday, November 21st @ 7:00 pm @ HLC SEPTEMBER DEVOTIONS: Kevin Hiller ADJOURNMENT: Dave Meissner made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Kevin Hiller seconded. Page: 14

December 2016/January 2017

HAWLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES November 28, 2016 (pending approval) CALL TO ORDER: President Jennifer Naatz OPENING PRAYER AND DEVOTION: Kevin Hiller ROLL: Jennifer Naatz, Jana Fischer, Paula Tusow-Spillum, Joel Odland, Kevin Hiller, Luke Weber, Dave Meissner, Pastor Jeff Teeples, Pastor Brett Barksdale, Patrick Hockett, Dan Noreen ADDITION TO AGENDA: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Jana Fischer to approve the minutes; seconded by Patrick Hockett. Motion carried. FINANCIAL REPORT: Contributions for the month of October were $27,925.92; expenses equaled $37,633.00. Move the Mountain contributions were $20,919.00 and an additional $4,048.88 in miscellaneous revenue for a net of $15,705.80. Our expenses look to be on budget for the year, it is likely that we will fall slightly under budget. $20,000.00 has been paid against our loans from the Move the Mountain dollars, the rest has gone into the general fund checking account. We currently still owe $20,000.00 on the 2016 LOC and $6,000.00 to the FTV fund. PASTOR’S REPORT: Kris took 17 youth to the Newsboys concert. Pastor Darwin held “Surviving the Holidays”. Pat Lewis’ funeral was held at the church. The Marriage Enrichment Evening had 28 couples attend. 70 people attended the Thanksgiving service. There are 2 more Men’s Life sessions. Pastor Jeff needs to sit down with the sabbatical planning committee to review how things will go in his and Kris’ absence. Blair Anderson will not be able to help out with preaching, as previously thought, Pastor Jeff is currently looking for someone else. OLD BUSINESS:  BUDGET: Additions or Changes – the council was presented with the 2016 budget. Salaries, utilities and building maintenance make up the majority of the budget. Would like to add a Childcare Coordinator position to the 2017 budget. It was also expressed that we are in need of someone to learn and operate the sound board on a consistent basis. They would need to be available for church services, funerals and weddings. This may be another position we should consider putting into the 2017 budget. The subject was also raised regarding the fact that Kris Teeples receives no benefits as part of her salary package. After 7 years of full-time work, the council would like the personnel committee to explore the possibility of giving Kris some retirement benefits. Dan Noreen will meet with the stewardship committee and bring back a more defined budget for 2017 for the council.  MOVE THE MOUNTAIN UPDATE: At the end of the fundraising period, 89 rocks remained unsold. With the dollars raised we paid off the $10,000.00 2015 operating note and paid $10,000.00 against the 2016 LOC, the remainder of the funds went into the general fund checking account.  NICARAGUA: There are currently 10 people committed to going to Nicaragua. There will be a Mission Brunch on December 11 th to raise money for the people/projects in Nicaragua. This money is not being used to send these 10 people to Nicaragua.  COUNCIL POSITION: Paula Tusow-Spillum made a motion to nominate Dan Noreen to fill the vacant council position. Dave Meissner seconded the motion. Motion carried. Dan Noreen accepted the nomination.  PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Jerry Pederson, Mark Haugen, Vicki Haugen are committed, still need to find additional people for this committee. Also would like either Jennifer Naatz or Jana Fischer to represent the council on this committee.  NURSERY: Nelaina Daggett spoke to the council about previous churches her family has belonged to prior to HLC. Both of these churches had a staffed nursery that her family used which allowed her and Bill to attend worship services and receive fulfillment from those services, knowing her children were being taken care of in the nursery. This was even more helpful to them when Bill was away and Nelaina could attend by herself. Pastor Brett has taken an informal survey of families with young children to see if they would use the nursery and received very positive feedback from those families he spoke to. The toddler gated area in the back of the sanctuary has been well used in the short time is has been there, so it’s apparent the need is there! Dave Tuil has indicated there are some funds from different memorials that could be used for this type of mission work. Pastor Brett is purposing to put this in the budget for 2017 as a trial year. See if it works and how much use it will get.  MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT EVENING: 28 couples attended for a very enjoyable evening. There is a second half that will be held sometime in February. Those who were unable to attend the first evening can borrow the DVD’s to catch up and attend the second session in February. NEW BUSINESS:  ALTER: money has been raised to complete the alter that will compliment the stained glass cross in the sanctuary. It should be finished and in place by Christmas.  SENIOR PASTOR AND SPOUSE CONFERENCE: This conference is put on by the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ and will be held February 6-9 in Arizona. It costs $250.00 per person plus flights. Pastor Jeff has not used any continuing education funds this year and he and Kris will be attending this conference.  HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE: There will be worship services at 3:00 & 5:00 on Christmas Eve; no worship service on Christmas Day; no worship services or Wednesday school the week between Christmas and New Years; regular worship on Sunday, New Year’s Day. MEETING DATE: Executive Council: Sunday, December 18th @ 8:30 am @ HLC Vision Council: Monday, December 19th @ 7:00 pm @ HLC SEPTEMBER DEVOTIONS: Paula Tusow-Spillum ADJOURNMENT: Joel Odland made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Luke Weber seconded. Page: 15

December 2016/January 2017

Hawley Lutheran Church NON-PROFIT ORG.

510 8th Street PO Box 580 Hawley, MN 56549

U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 6 HAWLEY, MN 56549

Address Service Requested

Phone: 218-483-3396 E-mail: [email protected]

W E’RE ON THE W EB! W W W . H AW L E Y L U T H E R A N . O R G

Mission: As children of God, we invite all people to journey with us as we worship, grow in faith and serve in Jesus’ name.

Staff Senior Pastor: Jeff Teeples Associate Pastor: Brett Barksdale Pastor for Pastoral Care: Darwin Stahl Youth/Family Director: Kris Teeples Secretary: Char Meyer Financial Treasurer: Dave Tuil; Jennifer Ames Custodian: Lori Buhaug Organist: Maria Regnier SONic Singers: Pastor Brett Barksdale; Elaine Kluck Sanctuary Choir Director: Elaine Kluck Wedding Coordinator: Carla Grani Vision Council President: Jennifer Naatz Vice President: Jana Fischer Secretary: Paula Tusow-Spillum Treasurer: Joel Odland

Page: 16

Inside this issue…

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Tweens Unite Events (pg. 2) Xtra Years of Zest (pg. 3) Youth Mission Summer 2017 (pg. 6) 7th-8th Grade Unite Events (pg. 7) Nicaragua Brunch (pg. 9) Bible Study Opportunities (pg. 10) Advent Readings (pg. 12)

December 2016/January 2017