JANUARY 2017 HAPPENINGS Pastor Paul Thompson Cell: 651-587-3100 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: 10:00 am–Noon (Mon., Wed., & Fri. or by appointment) Websites: eaststolaf.org or weststolaf.org Gina Moser, Secretary: Office: 365-8222 & [email protected] Cell: 951-4964 Home: 365-8139 & [email protected]

*** Worship service times remain the same for January as they were last month *** East is early at 9:00 am, JAM & SS at 10:00 am, West is late at 11:00 am NO JAM/SS on January 1

Hope Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, There is a newspaper recently that carried this ad in its classified section: Hope chest -- brand-new. Half-price. Long story. I’ll bet there is a long story there! It could be that this is a person who wound up with a hope chest under some unusual circumstances, maybe won in a contest, or to settle a bet. It could be that this is a person who simply doesn’t know what to do with a hope chest. Then again, maybe it’s from a person who simply doesn’t feel any hope. Maybe this person has faced a long string of disappointments, and simply doesn’t feel anything more in which to have hope. We Christians begin the year 2017 with hope. We begin this year hoping that our lives will go well, that we will maintain good health, that our crops will grow in abundance, that our children will do well in school, that we will get that job, and maybe that the Twins will somehow put it together this year and win some games. Our God is One who gives hope. Our recent Christmas celebrations proclaim how much we rejoice that God is with us and how we have hope because of that. We dress up green trees in the midst of a white winter, because we have hope that spring will follow winter. We put colored lights on our houses because we have hope. As the new year begins, and as we meet as congregations in a few weeks to elect new leaders and set a course for a new year of serving our Lord, let us have hope. May the Hope that comes from our Almighty God be in your hearts always. Pastor Paul Thompson

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Membership Updates, WELCA News, VBS News MEMBERHIP INFORMATION ETERNAL REST Peggy Ann Christian (East Member) Born: September 2, 1940. Joined the saints: December 8, 2016. Christian funeral service was held on December 13, 2016 at East St. Olaf. Blessed be her memory. Rev. Paul Thompson officiated. Duane Eugene Christian (East Member) Born: December 22, 1939. Joined the saints: December 15, 2016. Christian funeral service was held on December 20, 2016 at East St. Olaf. Blessed be his memory. Rev. Paul Thompson officiated. EAST WELCA NEWS Jan. 10 at 10:00 am: East Circle 4 meeting, then quilting/sack lunch Jan. 17 at 10:00 am: East quilting/sack lunch Jan. 21 at 10:00 am: Cookies for Season’s Hospice Jan. 24 at 10:00 am: East quilting/sack lunch Jan. 31at 10:00 am: East quilting/sack lunch WEST WELCA NEWS As we reflect on 2016, we have been very blessed! We celebrated our 160th Anniversary with many successful mission projects that brought joy to many recipients. We are thankful to Thrivent Action team for the seed money they provided to enable us to give so generously. The WELCA officers would like to thank all who participated to make these events happen. The Advent by Candlelight program was inspiring and the fellowship was enjoyed by all. Thank you to all who planned, organized and prepared food for

the event and also to the ladies who created the beautiful tables. Our offering was given to the Dodge County Food Shelf. Thank you to Carma and Aloma who were our December chairpersons and planned another nice Christmas program and luncheon for our WELCA meeting on December 10. Kurt and Emily’s music was enjoyed by all. Our Christmas mission this year was the Women’s Shelter in Rochester. We appreciate all who took tags off the tree that listed their wishes and purchased the gifts. We donated three large boxes of many gifts for the women and children plus several quilts and plates of homemade baked goods to help make their Christmas brighter. Looking ahead to January 2017, Erdman tapes are due on the 8th; quilting begins again on the 10th. We will bring a sack lunch instead of potluck. Our WELCA meeting will be on the 11th beginning at 1PM instead of 1:30. Gloria Brown will give the bible study on Angels, lesson 7. Hostess is Sandy Iverson. Our annual meeting is on the 15th with a potluck to follow. Sandy Iverson is the chairperson this month. Thank you to Gina for getting our 2017 WELCA booklets ready so early and to Sheryl Wohlers for printing and assembling all of them. All WEST women should pick up the WELCA calendar booklet in the chapel so you know when events are occurring this year. May 2017 bring you a wealth of smiles and many blessings. Sharon Gulbransen and Nancy Peterson

West Serving Schedules JANUARY Acolytes: Jan. 1 Ushers will fill-in Jan. 8: Maleah McAndrews & Nicholas Larsen Jan. 15: Darian Dahle & Joey Arett Jan. 22: Chase Jervic & Landon Steinfadt Jan. 29: Adam Glynn & Annabelle Bamlet Ushers: Scott Iverson, Philip Senjem, Will Laxen, and Steve Arett Stewardship: Jeff and Susie Thoe Deacon: Sheryl Wohlers

ANNUAL MEETINGS: Save the Dates! Jan. 15 — West Annual Meeting Backup date is Jan. 29 Jan. 22 — East Annual Meeting Backup date is Feb. 5

CANCELATION SEASON: To see if there is a weather related cancelation of a church service or activityplease check the following sources: KTTC TV, KROC AM 1340, the answering machine at the parsonage: 507-3658222 or Facebook (please note: if you’re a Facebook user, please find “East & West St. Olaf” and friend us.) Decisions to cancel will be made by the church council presidents with the pastor.

East & West St. Olaf HAPPENINGS - January 2017 Sunday

1

Monday

2

Tuesday

3

9:00 am East Worship & Comm. NO JAM /SS

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

4

5

6

10 am-Noon Pastor at office

Pastor Paul’s day off-work

10 am-Noon Pastor at office

12

13

Saturday

7

7:00 pm BOTH Confirmation class at WEST for 7th9th graders

11:00 am West Worship & Comm.

8

9

10

11

9:00 am East Worship with Installation of Pastor Paul Thompson

10 am-Noon Pastor at office

9:00 am West quilting/sacklunch 10:00 am East Circle 4 meeting, then quilting & sack lunch 2:15 pm Pastor Paul visits Field Crest residents

9:00 am West Pastor Paul’s quilting/sack-lunch day off-work 1:00 pm West 6:00-8:00 pm WELCA meeting West Women’s 10 am-Noon Craft night Pastor at office bring a snack to 7:00 pm BOTH share Confirmation class at WEST for 7th9th graders

10 am-Noon Pastor at office

10:00 am JAM / SS 11:00 am West Worship with Installation of Pastor Paul Thompson

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7:00 pm West Council meeting

West Erdman’s tapes are due

14

6:00 pm East council meeting

15

16

17

18

19

20

9:00 am East Worship/Comm. with pulpit supply pastor

10 am-Noon Pastor at office

10:00 am East quilting & sack lunch

10 am-Noon Pastor at office

Pastor Paul’s day off-work

10 am-Noon Pastor at office

Noon Deadline 7:00 pm BOTH Confirmation class to submit newsletter items at WEST for 7th9th graders

9:00 am West Worship with Pastor PaulG then annual meeting & potluck dinner after service

21 East Cookies for Season’s Hospice

10:00 am JAM / SS

22

23

24

25

9:00 am East Worship with Pastor PaulG then annual meeting & potluck dinner after service

10 am-Noon Pastor at office

9:00 am West quilting/sacklunch 10:00 am East quilting & sack lunch Pastor at monthly Conference Mtg.

9:00 am West Pastor Paul’s quilting/sack-lunch day off-work

9:00 am West Worship with pulpit supply pastor

26

27

28

10 am-Noon Pastor at office

10 am-Noon Pastor at office

NEWSLETTER Volunteer Day 7:00 pm BOTH 9:10-printing Confirmation class 9:30-folding at WEST for 7th10:00-collating 9th graders

10:00 am JAM / SS

29

30

BACKUP date for 10 am-Noon West annual meeting Pastor at office 9:00 am East Worship 10:00 am JAM / SS 11:00 am West Worship

31 10:00 am East quilting & sack lunch

In case of inclement weather… the backup date for EAST annual meeting will be on Sun., February 5.

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Thank You East & West St. Olaf To East and West members, St. Olaf Heritage Association gratefully acknowledges your help through the Sunday coffee hour donations. It has been your part in helping the association maintain the historic Tverberg log home, plus the goal of keeping the parish history, known now and in he future. Thank you all. St. Olaf Heritage Association

Worship Introductions Sunday, January 01, 2017 ~ Name of Jesus From the beginning, by virtue of our baptism, we are called Christian. We were “Christened” at the font. Bearing his name, we share the same Father and are invited to address him intimately: Abba! Jesus bears our sins in humble obedience to the will of the Father. Today we pray that the mind of Christ, whose name we bear, would be our own. It is a good way to begin, again, another year. READINGS: Numbers 6:22-27, Psalm 8, Galatians 4:4-7, and Luke 2:15-21 Sunday, January 08, 2017 ~ Baptism of Our Lord/First Sunday after Epiphany In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. Through this great epiphany, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations. In the waters of baptism we too are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named God’s beloved children. Our baptismal mission is to proclaim good news to all who are oppressed or in need of God’s healing. READINGS: Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, and Matthew 3:13-17 Sunday, January 15, 2017 ~ Second Sunday after Epiphany Today’s gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and the one anointed by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship the Holy One, and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us. READINGS: Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, and John 1:29-42 Sunday, January 22, 2017 ~ Third Sunday after Epiphany Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. In Jesus the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. We see this light most profoundly in the cross—as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table. We are then sent to share the good news that others may be “caught” in the net of God’s grace and mercy. READINGS: Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, and Matthew 4:12-23 Sunday, January 29, 2017 ~ Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Who are the blessed ones of God? For Micah, they are those who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. For Paul, they are the ones who find wisdom in the weakness of the cross. For Jesus, they are the poor, mourners, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers. In baptism we find our blessed identity and calling in this countercultural way of living and serving. READINGS: Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, and Matthew 5:1-12

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Thank You East & West! To the Great Folks at East and West, Thank you so much for the generous Christmas gift from each church. I really appreciate it and will set it aside for something special. Thanks for being such fantastic folks to work with. I just love you all! ~ Gina Moser ~

West Women: Monthly Craft Night Thurs., Jan. 12 All West St. Olaf women are invited to join us the 2nd Thursday evening of each month for a craft night from 6:008:00 pm. It’s a great time of fellowship. If interested, email Donna L. at [email protected] so she can add you to her email list for the craft group for email updates.

Thank You West WELCA Ladies of West St. Olaf WELCA, Thank you so much for the gorgeous poinsettia plant. It’s looks beautiful on my dining room table. Thank you too, for the invitation to your Christmas program and luncheon - it was a really nice program and a delicious lunch. ~ Gina Moser ~ Sharon Gulbransen, Thank you for the lovely angel (it is on top of my bookcase along with an angel my mom gave to me years ago), the wonderful scented candle and the pretty blue hand-towels. Everything is much appreciated. ~ Gina Moser ~

Jan. Birthdays East

Jan. Birthdays West

2 4 6 7 11 12 14 15 17 17 20 22 22 26

3 5 5 5 7 9 9 9 10 11 11 16 16

Carol Severson Dorothy Hesse Grant Larson Keaton DeCook Justin Mansfield Brian Pyfferoen Becky Brakke Benjamin Petersen Duaine Molde Gary Rud Mark Evjen Wendy Moore Elanor Pyfferoen Kaysie Peterson

28 Alexis Olson 28 Maddi Pyfferoen

Aleisha Lechnir Eugene Trygstad Kristie Larson Nicholas Olson Ellie Mork Cynthia Orning Mary Brandt Karla Daleske Craig Hanson James Senjem, Jr. Daniel Larson David Peterson Neil Rabehl

19 19 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 25 26 28 31 31 31

Cody Stoppel Susan Thoe Gloria Pew Benjamin Horejsi Delano Senjem Neven Horejsi Gregory Brandt Myron Danielson Ella Rudlong Jamie Smith Travis Johnson Kendyl Beyer Wilma Kyllo Ricky Johnson Austin Dahle

May light always surround you; hope kindle and rebound you. May your hurts turn to healing; your heart embrace feeling. May wounds become wisdom; every kindness a prism. May laughter infect you; your passion resurrect you. May goodness inspire; your deepest desires. Through all that you reach for; may your arms never tire. D. Simone

East & West St. Olaf HAPPENINGS - January 2017

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East St. Olaf Church Council Minutes November 5, 2016 Bruce Peterson Bruce Peterson, Gary Kearns, Jennie Schwanke, Rhonda Leighty, Pete Exe, Sonya Mansfield, Bryan DeCook, Danny Zieman Devotion: Pastor Paul Secretary’s report: October’s meeting minutes were reviewed and approved Financial Secretary’s report: September and October’s reports reviewed and approved. Treasurer’s report: October’s report reviewed and approved. Deacons’ report: Deacon’s continue to compile a list of shut-ins for Pastor Paul. Trustees’ report: The church’s water heater was repaired. The outside water has been shut off. Old business: N/A New business: Pastor Paul will be on vacation Sunday December 11th. According to Pastor Paul, one of the ceiling light fixtures in his office at the parsonage is not securely fastened. A motion was made by Gary to approve Pastor Paul’s housing allowance, and was seconded by Sonya. Next church council meeting will be joint, held at West, starting at 6:00 pm on December 12th. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Schwanke, Church Council Secretary Call to order: Member present:

East St. Olaf Church Council Minutes December 12, 2016 Call to order: Bruce Peterson Member present:

Bruce Peterson, Gary Kearns, Jennie Schwanke, Rhonda Leighty, Pete Exe, Sonya Mansfield, Danny Zieman

Secretary’s report: November’s meeting minutes reviewed and approved Financial Secretary’s report: November’s reports reviewed and approved. Treasurer’s report: November’s report reviewed and approved. Deacons’ report:

N/A

Trustees’ report:

The church’s water heater was repaired again.

Old business:

N/A

New business:

N/A

Next church council meeting will be January 10th at 6:00 pm. The Annual Meeting will be January 22nd. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Schwanke, Church Council Secretary

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man. ~ Benjamin Franklin Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one. ~ Brad Paisley

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JOINT Church Council Minutes December 12 2016 Call to Order: Carma Bjornson Devotions: Pastor Paul Attendees: East: Jenny Schwanke, Danny Zieman, Mr. Bruce Peterson, Gary Kearns, Sonja Mansfield, Pete Exe, Rhonda Leighty. West: Jan Nordland, Dave Peterson, Ken Wohlers, Charlie Brown, Carma Bjornson, Cindy Orning, Sheryl Wohlers, Greg Brandt, Sue Hyland, Nancy Gulbransen, Dan Larsen. Agenda Approval: Approved as is. Secretary’s Report: Report from September 2016 joint meeting read by Jenny Schwanke. Motion to accept the report as read: Sonja Mansfield, Second: Dan Larsen Parsonage committee report: Waiting for Peterson Well to cap the well. Financial statement is looking good for 2016. Pastor's Report: Reports given at each individual council meeting. Pastor presented praying hands wood carvings to each congregation. Carved by Stanley Swenson. They are beautiful! Such a thoughtful gift! Thank you! Old Business: None New Business: Pastor Paul has requested a printer for his office. Dan Larsen suggested a good model. Pastor will purchase one that is compatible with his laptop. Family membership for Pastor Paul and his family. They will join West, and be associate members at East. Pastor Paul will participate in Lent round robin services with other area pastors. Church time change suggestions.Discussion followed. Will check with organist and BOE. More discussion will take place at the January Council meetings. Gina review and salary. Motion to increase salary $.40 per hour: Dan Larsen, Second: Sonja Mansfield. Motion to give Gina $200 Christmas gift ($100 per church): Gary Kearns, Second: Danny Zieman. Motion to give $150 Christmas gift per church to Pastor Paul and $150 per church for Pastor Cheryl: Ken Wohlers, Second: Jenny Schwanke. Church cancellation policy - need login / password information to report cancellations. Now have both. Next Joint meeting will be February 6 at 7:00 pm, at East Motion to adjourn the meeting: Jenny Schwanke Second: Dan Larsen. Meeting adjourned with the Lord's Prayer. Respectfully submitted by Jan Nordland, West St. Olaf Council Secretary

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West St. Olaf Church Council Minutes December 12 2016 Meeting called to order by Carma Bjornson. Devotions given by Pastor Paul. Attendance: Cindy Orning, Jan Nordland, Carma Bjornson, Nancy Gulbransen, Greg Brandt, Charlie Brown, Dave Peterson, Dan Larsen, Sheryl Wohlers, Ken Wohlers, Sue Hyland, Pastor Paul Thompson. Secretary's Report: Report from November Council meeting was reviewed. Motion to accept the minutes: Charlie Brown, Second: Nancy Gulbransen Financial Report: Report from Oct 16 - Nov 15. Motion to accept the report: Sheryl Wohlers, Second: Greg Brandt Treasurer's Report: Report from Oct 16 - Nov 15. Motion to accept the report: Sue Hyland, Second: Dave Peterson. Board of Education Report: Christmas program will be on December 18, with a lunch served afterwards. Luther League Report: 10 youth group members went Christmas caroling at Fieldcrest. Also handed out the ornaments that the kids made. Planning a movie over Christmas break Pastor Report: Visits: 9 shut-ins (both churches) Pastoral Acts: 3 Sunday worships, 2 midweek services Education: 1 Confirmation class Meetings: Council meetings at both churches, Worship planning with the organists, Synod Assembly Planning Committee, Kasson-Mantorville Ministerial lunch Events: Devotions at Fieldcrest, Devotions at Prairie Meadows, Hayfield Ecumenical Thanksgiving service Upcoming events: Vacation December 10-11 Deacon's Report: Apples and candy bars have been purchased and are ready for Christmas program. Trustee's Report: Ken to find an electrician to look at the circuit breakers in the chapel. Old Business: Dave Peterson will work on getting wi-fi service. Update on cleaning service - Sue and Cindy working on some guidelines. The service will start in 2017. Approval of 2017 Benevolence Budget. Motion to accept the budget as proposed: Dan Larsen, Second: Dave Peterson New Business: Discussion around giving a Christmas gift to Gloria for $100. Motion made: Dan larsen, Second: Jan Nordland Constitution change recommended for the item regarding budgeted items. Will be reviewed. Motion to adjourn: David Peterson, Second: Dan Larsen Next meeting is at West on Monday, January 9, 2016 at 7:00 pm Submitted by Jan Nordland, West St. Olaf Council Secretary

SAVE THE DATES! West Annual Meeting & Potluck January 15, 2015 Backup date is Jan. 29 9:00 am East Worship & Communion with pulpit supply pastor 9:00 am West Worship & annual meeting/potluck 10:00 am SS/JAM

East Annual Meeting & Potluck January 22, 2015 Backup date is Feb. 5 9:00 am East Worship & annual meeting/potluck 10:00 am SS/JAM 11:00 am West Worship with pulpit supply pastor

Pastor Paul Thompson 6200 County Road 3 SW Byron, MN 55920 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Cell: 507-273-8504 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: 10:00 am – Noon (Mon.-Wed.-Fri.) Office: 507507-365365-8222 Secretary: [email protected] Websites: eaststolaf.org OR weststolaf.org

January 2017 Living in God’s amazing grace since 1856

U.S. POSTAGE PAID NON-PROFIT ORG. BYRON, MN 55902 PERMIT NO. 5