The

BEACON

The Marks of Discipleship

Pray daily

Worship weekly

Read the Bible

Serve at or beyond Light of Christ

Relate to others for spiritual growth

Give of my time, talents and resources

FEBRUARY 2017

The monthly newsletter of Light of Christ Lutheran Church,

Delano, MN

About a year and a half ago, many of you took a survey at the beginning of the pastoral search process which was part of the congregation’s self-study and self-assessment. Five priorities emerged from that survey.

The first was “stronger worship services.” I’ve given that phrase a lot of thought and prayer. I’ve been asking: What does it mean to have “stronger worship services?” What steps can we take to strengthen our worship life? There are, no doubt, many things we can do to strengthen our worship life and we’ll be in conversation about those things in the coming year. I believe that one of the first, and most important, steps we can take is to celebrate Holy Communion at both services every week beginning this Memorial Day weekend. There are good reasons to make the change now and over the coming weeks and months I’ll be spelling out those reasons in a variety of forums. They will be opportunities to address the question: “Why weekly Communion?”

Another high priority that emerged from the survey was “greater financial generosity.” As you may know we entered 2016 with an anticipated deficit of$37,000. The budget that was adopted in January 2016 was for expenses of $455,117 with anticipated contributions of $418,050. So I am delighted to share the news—if you haven’t already heard—that we ended the year with a surplus of over $15,000. Our contributions came in at $454,965 and our expenses came in at $439,228. So thank you to everyone who contributed in this past year. Thank you for your generosity. And more than that, thanks be to God for inspiring us to grow in our generosity!

Pastor Bruce

December Financials

Faith Sharing for the month: $78,195.94

Expenses for the month: $37,757.85

We rejoice as we welcome into our church family through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism:

Charlotte Esther Olson Born: September 23, 2016 Baptized: January 8, 2017 Parents: Kevin & Erin Olson Sponsors: Peter & Larissa Wadman Steven & Sara Wadman

Bristyl Kimberly Mickolichek Born: September 16, 2016 Baptized: January 15, 2017 Parents: Brent & Taunya Mickolichek Sponsors: Tricia Ford Trevor Williams

Wyatt Alan Raskin Born: June 4, 2016 Baptized: January 22, 2017 Parents: Benjamin & Lee Raskin Sponsors: Tim & Julia Maass

Aaron & Jill DeMars, Benjamin, Theodore 432 Riverview Road Delano, MN 55328

Eric & Bridget Hanson, Caleb 423 Creek Ave. Delano, MN 55328 763-607-1867

Greg & Lisa Krause, Anna 501 Merriman Dr. Delano, MN 55328

John & Sharon McKisson 1127 Willowbrook Circle Delano, MN 55328 952-297-2792

Benjamin & Lee Raskin, Wyatt 417 Rucks Farm Rd. Delano, MN 55328 612-968-7760

Dan & Traci Torgerson 419 1st St. N. Montrose, MN 55363 612-708-2317

We welcome the newest members of Light of Christ, who joined on January 22, 2017:

We extend our prayers and sympathy to the families of Tom Bigot & Carmen Benson. Tom died on January 11. His funeral was held at Light of Christ on Tuesday, January 17 at 2:00 pm. Carmen died on January 17. Her funeral was held at Light of Christ on Saturday, January 28 at 11:00 am.

WORSHIP ASSISTANTS – February 2017

Worship assistants are now scheduled via SignUpGenius.com. If you have not received an invite via email to sign up, please contact the church office. 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

Sunday, February 5, 2017 Council Rep: 8:15 am 10:45 am Greeters: Henry & Eileen Huetteman Girl Scouts Acolytes: Taylor Kriesel Joey Coyle, Justin Dalum Lectors: Sue Fink Lisa Spencer Ushers: Matt & Becky Coyle Brad & Lisa Spencer Altar Guild: Kim Niedzielski, Bea Zerull Kylee Amdor Communion Asst: Heidi Wuerger Carmen Hanson

Sunday, February 12, 2017 Council Rep: 8:15 am 10:45 am Greeters: Katie Henson Acolytes: Jenna Bunker Brennan Slipka Lectors: Cheri Ashfeld Carmen Hanson Ushers: David & Linda Rosaaen

Sunday, February 19. 2017 Council Rep: 8:15 am 10:45 am Greeters: Acolytes: Gavin Popp, Annika Reierson Madeline Engel, Jack Tuchtenhagen Lectors: Cheryl Gielau Ushers: Bob & Cheryl Gielau Jason Engel Kevin & Vicki Noetzelman Altar Guild: Ginny Iverson, Lori Skogman Kylee Amdor Communion Asst:

Sunday, February 26, 2017 Council Rep: 8:15 am 10:45 am Greeters: Lowell & Maxine Johnson Acolytes: Gunnar Paulson, Charlie Peterson Ella Frake Lectors: Maxine Johnson Ushers: Craig Schansberg

February Birthdays 01 Tyson Kroells, Emil Medelberg, Tom Sebelien

02 Thelma Estby, Josh Hiltner, Barb Russell

03 Don Anderson, Mike Boyack

04 Jessica Fitch, Cooper Reuter, Samantha Trible

05 Patti Krebsbach, Natalie McClelland, Scott Olson

07 Steve Farniok, Mary Holm, Lori Prickett

08 Sherri Field, Pastor Bruce Kuenzel, Dan Lofrano, Bea Zerull

09 Sally Prinsen, Anna Schleper, Tammy Schmidt, Jennifer Sprengeler

10 Larry Adams, Sandy Parpart, Kurt Radermacher, Olyvia Stahlke, Grace Techam

11 Bonnie Czanstkowski, Weston Fink

12 Sandy Hartin

13 Lori Anderson, Amy Bigot

14 Elizabeth Vaadeland

15 Ellie Chock, Don Collins, Brenda Schroedl, Ashlynn Wortz

16 Ellie Loux, Gavin Popp, Isaac Quandt

17 Wendy Kohls, Laura Lundquist

18 Paul Ludwig, Michael Mielke Andrew Palan

19 Reeva Lodermeier, Grace Popp

20 Tucker Hart, Lucas Truax

21 Lauren Froehle, Michael McAdam

22 Sarah Anderson, Duncan Bistodeau, Jean Gevik, Brandon Mitchell, Jack Paulson, Lori Vatnsdal

23 Natalie Holmer, Thatcher Larson

24 Mary Ann McKay, Mary Robinson, Autumn Ulferts

25 Jeff Fink, Kylee Heinzen, Emily Tysdal

26 Caleb Checkal, Harry Grant, Sarah Kirchmann, Lee Langner, Rilynn Peterson

27 Lori Checkal, Melanie Gross, Haley Kuechle, Noah Lind, Zachary Muckenhirn, Andrew Rosaaen

28 Braeden Collings

February Anniversaries:

02 Sean & Caron Ihde

13 Lee & Michelle Bunker

14 Bruce & Shannon Beltrand

15 Kurt & Carol Lofrano

18 Randee & Karen Kyrola

19 Jason & Monica Gabrick

27 Dave & Louise Hauge

28 Del & Carolyn Hirsch

If you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary in February, and your name is not listed, please contact the church office so that we may update our records. Thank you!

Quilting

The LOC Quilters meet

weekly on Mondays at

10:00 a.m. in Room 106 at the

church. Everyone welcome!

No quilting experience necessary!!

ADULT EDUCATION

SUNDAYS, 9:30-10:30,

Room 102

Starting February 5, we will be

studying the book of Jonah.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

February 14, 10:00 am.

The Women's Bible Study

continues to study the topic of the

cross as the end of "sacred

violence." We will study the

gospels to see how Jesus

overturned and undermined the

idea that God is a violent God and

needs sacrificial scapegoats to be

satisfied. Instead, Jesus offers us

a vision of God as a peaceable God

who does not desire sacrifice but

becomes the sacrifice himself on

the cross. So come and join us as

we seek to walk in the way of

peace.

MARCH HOT TOPICS

BOOK CLUB

Next meeting - March 2 at 7:00 pm

We will be discussing Traveling Mercies:

Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott.

Philippians 2:2 - Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Please join in the continued celebration of receiving Pastor Bruce and Cynthia into our Church Home and “Home-Homes”. We in-vite all members to explore the opportunity of inviting Pastor Bruce and Cynthia to your home for dinner, dessert, or coffee…a time of fellowship and friendship, sharing and getting to know each other. Invite some church friends to join you. This is going to be fun! Blessings and Joy! the Getting to Know You Committee

Light of Christ Music Ministry

Sue Quist, Director of Music

Test Your Music IQ: The National Music Educators Association has made a list of 42 songs they say every American

should know. Here is a sampling – can you hum them in your mind?

Amazing Grace America the Beautiful Dona Nobis Pacem

Frere Jacques Home on the Range Rock a My Soul

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot This Little Light of Mine Yesterday

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Danny Boy God Bless America

Special Music ….

We are looking for special music of all kinds all year long. Sing? Play guitar, piano, saxophone or???? Interested? Please contact Sue Quist at sueloc@frontier.com

Feel like Winter is getting a little long? Come sing away the winter blues with the choir every Wednesday evening 6:30-7:30 pm.

“April’s crowning glory breaks while the whole world wonders at the holy unseen pow’r of the tree which bears the flow’r.”

Can you name this hymn? Email Sue your guess: sueloc@frontier.com

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CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY NEWS

LOC Sunday School Family Service Project

On February 26th during Sunday School hour, bring the whole family to cut and tie fleece blankets. Monetary and fleece donations are needed. Look for the fleece blanket with donation tags in the Narthex. Blankets go to campers who attend Camp Noah, an organization that brings hope and healing to communities affected by disaster. Save the date for this fun event!

LOC goes to Camp! On February 12th, Mandy Severtson from Green Lake Lutheran Ministries will be here to talk about our summer camp opportunities for our youth! She will share about the different types of camp available for all ages, the registration process, the costs and camper scholarships, and answer any other questions you may have! There is a camp for everybody, including a special Confirmation camp for all 6th graders, and a Service/Adventure week for Confirmation kids.

Youth Activities at LOC

ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP March 1, 6:00 & 7:30 pm

with the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion

Supper served from 5:00-7:15 pm

Wednesday evenings during Lent 6:00-6:50 pm Supper in Fellowship Hall

7:00 pm Worship in the Sanctuary

DO YOU KNOW??? Stewardship Quiz What was our 2016 budget for electricity?

A. $3500 B. $ 8500 C. $5500 D. $7500

Correct answer D.

How much did LOC give to Love INC as a part of our tithing?

A. $4000 B. $2000 C. $1500 D. $ 3000

Correct answer A.

All of our Children's Education teachers are volunteers. Guess the approximate payroll if we had to hire teachers based on the national average of $15.00/hour for grade school teachers.

A. $5000 B. $10,200 C. $20,500 D. $$8000

Correct answer C.. Our volunteers put in a lot of time in prep & planning in addition to actual classroom time. They are vital to the quality of LOC.

We are trying to update our contact list for LOC members. If your land line phone number in the directory is no longer current, your cell phone is your primary contact number, or your email has changed, please let the church office know. Thank you!

MONTHLY

SERVICE TEAM

Members of Light of Christ are dedicated to serving the Lord by sharing, caring and loving, and do so through the work of Monthly Service Teams, serving at funerals and other functions.

February Service Team families:

Lee & Cheri Ashfeld

Wade & Kathy Baluski

Lee & Michelle Bunker

Tim & Rhonda Current

Bill & Sue Fink

Brandon & Sue Heinzen

Don & Linda Johaneson

Brian & Aimee Kettenacker

Jon & Jeanelle Kinches

Jarrett & Laura Lundquist

Landon & Maria Menz

Chris Meyers

Steve & Traci Meyers

Mike & Candace Mielke

Kevin & Holly Mikkelsen

Brandon & Denise Mitchell

Jon & Rene Moen

Dale & Janelle Russenberger

Doug & Becky Schaust

Jonathan & Allison Schrein

Lisa Schroer

Bryce & Crystal Stahlke

Gordon & Eileen Torgerud

Jamie & Sarah Ulferts

Charlene Warne

CALLING ALL BANNER MAKERS ~ Are you creative? Do you have artistic and needlework talents? We would like to

create some new banners to help enhance our worship atmosphere. If this is something you would like to be a part of, please contact Maxine Johnson at 763-972-3175 or the church office.

Sound board training is February 5. Join the sound board team and you get to ring the bell! You also adjust sound levels so that every service participant can be heard. Come to training at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 5 and discover that it is a very rewarding worship job. Marcus Hanson will provide training using the new instructional booklet. If you want to volunteer but can't attend training, contact Cheri Ashfeld at cheri_n_lee@hotmail.com.