This Week’s Event Calendar

Worship attendance Sunday, November 26: 307

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA 331 W Harrison St, Annandale, MN 55302 Office Phone: 320-274-8827 Office Fax: 320-274-7283 Precious Gifts Phone: 320-274-9722

Email: chrystalrasmussen@stjohns-annandale.org Web site: www.stjohns-annandale.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-3:00pm Sunday Worship: 8:15am Traditional; 10:30am Contemporary Sunday Christian Education: (during the school year) 9:30 am

Please drop any prayer requests in the offering plate or the slot by the office—Thank you!

Congratulations Jason & Laura Eastling & Family - On their baby boy Rowan born on Nov 4

Condolences To Mary Gunnerson and family - the death of her sister, Willma To Barb Olean and family - the death of her Mom, Pam To Virgina Marohn and family - the death of her husband Jim To Jennifer Mauer and family - the death of her Grandma Marjorie

Healing-Members of St. John’s Sandy Williamson - Recovering from surgery in AZ Kelly Erickson (Dustin & 4 children) -Sister Kim Capko - Prayers as Kelly has had a heart attack Shirley Schmitz - Prayers for healing from her stroke Jason & Laura Eastling - Prayers for continued health and strength for their baby boy Rowan who was born 5 weeks early. David Stay - Son-in-law of Pat & Lonnie Baack - recovering from surgery Joyce Poissant - Mother of Barb Groth; prayers of healing as she had a quintuple bypass heart surgery. Prayers for recovery Char Hartman - prayers for healing after hip replacement Virgina Marohn - prayers for medical testing Mara Jacobson - prayers for continued recovery from foot surgery Carrie Pilgram - please continue prayers for physical healing Sally Mozingo - Prayers for pain relief and healing from her broken femur Paul Hanson - recovering at home Angie & Josh Bodell Family - their premature son Jesse is growing and all tests are okay .Thank you for your prayers. Bob & Vivian Henry - health concerns Wayne Mader - health concerns Gladys Johnson - health concerns Lorraine Johnson - recovering from pacemaker surgery Jenny Klein - prayers of thanks for great scans and for continued healing Orma Lou Jacobsma - heart health concerns Pr. Ed Groop and Margaret Groop - health concerns Lynda Leonard - health concerns Pastor Dave - health concerns Larissa Wadman - medical concerns Tom Johnson - recuperating at home from a stroke Laverna Anderson - health concerns

Assisted Living/Care Center Facilities

Barb Beals - at Annandale Care Center Bernadine Buranen - at Annandale Care Center Betty Freeman - assisted living Ruby Geisinger - memory care Don Hausken - at Guardian Angels in Elk River, MN; health concerns Barb Tasa - at Park Terrace of Buffalo, health concerns Doris Youngquist - at nursing home in Annandale Cliff Cahow - Sandy (Gary) Porter’s brother; at Ebenezer Care Center

Healing-Family & Friends of St. John’s Joan Benson - Sister of Betty Freeman - in hospice Nick Bodell - Son of Peggy Bodell - prayers for his PTSD

Ena - Cousin of Tom & Jo Heyd - comfort for her broken back Angela Orr - Daughter of Deb Orr - cancer treatment Carol Oldham - Samantha (Steve) Duret’s mother; health concerns Eddie - Pat Larson’s friend’s 9 yr. old grandson; got a new heart, prayers of thankfulness and recovery Tasha - Bev Sorensen’s granddaughter; healing from surgery Kevin Lehse - Son of Lloyd & Alois Lehse; receiving chemo, in remission Bruce Swanson - Brother-in-law of Jo (Tom) Heyd; continuing dialysis, and Jo’s sister is his caregiver Pamela Petersen - Bev Sorensen’s daughter; recovering from brain aneurysm Bill Peterson - Loretta Peterson’s son; is physically improving, back to work, and thankful for our continued prayers Lisa - Pr. Dave & Diane’s niece; prayers requested Baby boy Henry Dolan (Sam & Mollie Dolan) - grandson of Skip & Cathy Dolan, underwent heart transplant surgery, at home now recovering! Brent Harapat - Pray for healing and recovery for this young husband & father Debbie - Gary (Sandy) Porter’s sister, stage 4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma on chemo Mike Huro - Friend of Stan (Shirley) Hillestad - chemo for melanoma Kathy Ruprecht - Nikki Neumiller’s mother, prayers for successful chemo resulting in remission Bonnie Peterson - Loretta Peterson’s sister-in-law, stage 4 cancer Andy Beuning - Son of Roger & Peg Beuning, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis

Support We remember our military men and women during this time of uncertainty and to those who have been called to active duty. Zac Sykora - Son of Hope & Todd Sykora; basic trng. this summer @ Ft. Jackson, SC Nat’l Guard Michael Klassen - Nephew of Patty Behrends - Active duty with the Nat. Guard Jessica Forness - Joint Base Goose Creek, SC - US Navy Jasonia Swanson - Granddaughter of John & Diane Swanson-Ft. Campbell, KY Army Lorenzo Swanson - Grandson of John & Diane Swanson-Fort Geiger, NC Marines Seth & Samantha Johnson - Grandson of Lloyd & Maria Johnson-US Navy, Norfolk, San Diego Sean Johnson - Grandson of Lloyd & Maria Johnson-US Navy- FT Hueneme, CA Robin (Ekholm) O’Connor & Jesse O’Connor - Daughter and son-in-law of Bryan & Lucy Ekholm-Okinawa, Japan-Air Force McKenna Ekholm - Daughter of Bryan & Lucy Ekholm-Co. Springs,CO-Air Force Erin Schwanke - Daughter of Ron & Sue Schwanke, Coronado, CA- U.S. Navy Melanie Nelson & David Kingry (spouses) - In Bukoba, Tanzania through the Metropolitan New York ELCA & Global World Mission.

Note: We strive to list the prayer requests and names correctly; if a correction is needed or you would like a name removed or added please inform the church office. In an effort to keep the list current and accurate, we will be updating/removing prayer requests on a monthly basis; please contact

chrystalrasmussen@stjohns-annandale.org. Thank you!

Today

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

8:15am

9:30am 9:30am

10:30am

1:30pm 5:30pm

6:00pm

8:00am 10:00am

9:30am 10:00am 1:00pm 5:00pm

Traditional Worship w/Communion Healing Prayers Sunday School JOLT! Contemporary Worship w/Communion Healing Prayers Care Center Worship Cub Scouts - Den 4

Boy Scouts

Men’s Bible Study Women’s Bible Study

Rachel Circle

Staff Meeting Genesis Bible Study (Final) D-Way Meal

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

5:20pm 6:00pm 7:15pm 7:30pm

9:15am 7:00pm

9:00am 5:30pm

8:15am 9:30am 9:30am

10:30am 3:00pm 5:30pm

5th & 6th D-Way 7th, 8th, & 9th D-Way Chancel Choir AA Meeting in Ed Building

Annandale Improvement Club Endowment Meeting Ardis Nelson Piano Studio Recital Downtown Parade

Traditional Worship w/Communion Sunday School JOLT! Contemporary Worship w/Communion Dingmann Service of Remembrance at St. John’s Cub Scouts - Den 4

December 3, 2017 Welcome to St. John’s

We give thanks that the Holy Spirit has gathered us together on this day. We pray that in this time of worship you will EXPERIENCE the good news of God’s love, so that together we might be

sent out into the world to LIVE as DiSCIPLes and SHARE the love of Jesus Christ.

To enhance your worship experience several items are available on table near the Usher's Cart at the entrance of the Sanctuary: -- Activity bags for children, SPARK Bibles -- Children’s bulletins -- Hearing enhancement devices (available at the Sound table) -- Large print Bibles Attended Nursery An attended nursery is available for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. It is located down at the end of the hall to the left of the sanctuary as you enter the building (southwest corner of the building). Restrooms Are located down the hall to the left of the sanctuary as you enter the building (southwest corner of the building). Welcome pads are at the end of each pew. Please fill them out completely and pass them to those sitting next to you. Offering Envelopes For your convenience, general offering envelopes are available at the Usher’s Cart.

Bibles Members and friends are encouraged to utilize the pew Bibles that are available in worship. If you do not have a Bible, please visit our Welcome Center and St. John’s will be happy to give you one. Bulletin Board & Tract Rack Available on the Bulletin Board / Tract Rack in the hallway (and free for your taking) are the current Good News Newsletter, The Lutheran magazine, and Christ in Our Home devotional booklets. Welcome Center We invite our first time guests to stop by the Welcome Center near the front doors where each family will receive a gift from our congregation. Our Website Information regarding St. John’s, a list of upcoming events, and sermon podcasts can be found at www.stjohns-annandale.org.

Serving Today: Ministers - All the baptized Lead Pastor - Dave Nelson Pastor - Alex Becker Accompanist - (8:15am) Orma Lou Jacobsma (10:30am) Becky Unger Acolytes (8:15am) - Jack Nelson (10:30am) - Brooke Bianchi Greeters/Welcome Center (8:15am) - Lee Peterson Family (10:30am) - Don & Joy Rother Altar Guild - Shelly Mikel

Readers (8:15am) - Loretta Peterson (10:30am) - Patty Behrends Audio/Video Techs (8:15am) - Jim & Phyllis Framstad (10:30am) - Arthur Kjaer & Ethan Nilson Ushers (8:15am) - Cliff Franzen Danny & Nikki Seaberg & Sons (10:30am) - Larry Green, Isaak Egerer Krista & Sandy Grossinger Drew & Donna Jacobson

First Sunday of Advent

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego have a hot dilemma before them: worship a worldly king and denounce the God of Israel, or face a fiery furnace and certain death? Fortunately for them, King Nebuchadnezzar has no idea who he’s dealing with.

HOLY COMMUNION: All the baptized are welcome at God’s table. We will be communing at four stations – the ushers will direct you. As you come forward, if you want to receive the wine pick up an empty cup. If you prefer grape juice, pick up one of the pre-filled cups. Upon receiving the bread, move to receive the wine… then place your empty cups in the baskets provided. Gluten-free wafers are available—go to one of the pastors, raise your index finger to indicate a gluten-free wafer is desired. Those not communing are encouraged to come forward for a blessing.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of freedom, you are our deliverance, no matter the test. Strengthen us with your spirit and uphold us with your love, for the sake of your Son our Lord, Jesus Christ.

December 3, 2017

First Sunday of Advent

8:15am Service Prelude Welcome Invocation Confession and Forgiveness Song of Praise: “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” ELW 596 Advent Candle Litany: Hope Candle Prayer of the Day Chancel Choir “Climb to the Highest Top of the Mountain” First Reading: Daniel 3:1, 8-20 (p. 636 in your pew Bible) Kids’ Time Acclamation: “Alleluia” ELW p. 188 Second Reading: Daniel 3:21-30 (p. 636 in your pew Bible) Sermon: Pastor Alex Becker Song of the Day: “We Walk by Faith” ELW 635 Healing Prayers Prayers of Intercession Sharing of the Peace Offering Offertory Song: “Take, Oh, Take Me As I Am” ELW 814 Offertory Prayer Great Thanksgiving Words of Institution Lord’s Prayer The Invitation The Meal Communion Hymns “Eat This Bread” ELW 472 “Jesus, Remember Me” ELW 616 “All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly” ELW 461 Prayer after Communion Announcements Blessing Sending Song: “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” ELW 759 Dismissal P: God calls us….. C: To experience, live and share the love of Jesus Christ! P: Go in peace. Share the Good News C: Thanks be to God. *St. John’s Mission Statement

10:30am Service Gathering Songs “Forever Reign” “All the Poor and Powerless” Welcome Invocation Confession and Forgiveness Song of Praise: “You Are My Vision” Advent Candle Litany: Hope Candle Prayer of the Day First Reading: Daniel 3:1, 8-20 (p. 636 in your pew Bible) Kids’ Time Second Reading: Daniel 3:21-30 (p. 636 in your pew Bible) Sermon: Pastor Alex Becker Song of the Day: “All the Poor and Powerless” Prayers of Intercession Sharing of the Peace Offering Offertory Song: “We Fall Down” Offertory Prayer Great Thanksgiving Words of Institution Lord’s Prayer The Invitation The Meal Communion Hymns “All Who are Thirsty” “Oh the Wonderful Cross” Prayer after Communion Announcements Blessing Sending Song: “Soon and Very Soon” ELW 439 Dismissal P: God calls us…. C: To experience, live and share the love of Jesus Christ! P: Go in peace. Share the Good News C: Thanks be to God. *St. John’s Mission Statement

For your convenience we have provided a QR code

“I Give Electronically” cards are now available at the Usher Cart - please place in the offering plate.

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY EVENTS

JOLT! (Joy of Learning Together) Starting TODAY we will embark on a journey of faith with the help of seven gifted and unique 21st century teachers. Each class will include a video and discussion. All are welcome to join us in the library from 9:30am to 10:15am. Today - “God: Faith is a Quest” featuring Brian McClaren December 10 - “Religion: Spirituality is Not Enough” featuring Lillian Daniel December 17 - “Jesus: The Revolution of Love” featuring Mark Scandrette There will be no class on December 24 and 31, but we will resume our journey of faith in January!

Endowment Grant Applications

Today is the deadline to submit an Endowment Grant Application. Forms are available at the Welcome Center. You can submit a grant request on behalf of a ministry within our congregation, within our local community, and /or a ministry for our larger ELCA community, or to meet a capital building need within our church.

Share Your Christmas St. John’s is once again participating in Share Your Christmas for Annandale and South Haven. The Share your Christmas tree is up and decked with tags for the taking. Pick one or more tags and shop for a child. The wrapped gift with the tags from the tree needs to be under the tree by Friday, December 15. If you have questions, please see Joyce Wadman or Diane Barkley.

Commitment Cards For all of you who have turned in your commitments for our General Fund for the coming year - THANK YOU!

Rachel & Ruth Circle Potluck December circles will have a Christmas potluck on December 13 at 11:30. Bible study will be led by one of our pastors. Bring a friend and a dish to share!

St. John’s Parade Float If you are interested in helping with the St. John’s parade float for the main street Holiday Event, let the office know. The parade is December 9.

Advent Today is the first Sunday of Advent, the first Sunday of a new Church Year! We are grateful for those who are assisting with the lighting of our Advent Wreath. Today we remember all those who are feeling “blue” this holiday season because of grief, illness, or any of life’s many struggles. Prayers of Healing will be offered during Communion by the Baptismal Font. We are looking for a couple more individuals and families who would be willing to assist with the lighting of our Advent Wreath and prayer at each service during Lent. A sign up sheet is available on the Welcome Desk.

Come to the Manger “Come to the Manger,” A Sunday School Christmas program, will be held at St. John’s at 3:00pm on Sunday, December 17. Sunday School students should arrive at 2:30pm.

Pianist Needed Precious Gifts Preschool is looking for a pianist for our Christmas Celebration program. Program is Thurs., Dec 21 from 6:40-7:50pm at the church. We would also need the pianist to rehearse Mon., Dec. 18 and Wed., Dec 20 from 9:30am – 10:00am. Call Robin at 612-730-0158 if you are willing and able.

*Dingmann Service of Remembrance is here at St. John’s - December 10 at 3:00pm

*Christmas Fest Worship (Chancel Choir anthems) at BOTH SERVICES - December 10. *D-Way and Congregation Caroling - December 13 - leave church at 6:00pm. All are welcome! We will be caroling indoors, so please dress accordingly.

Special Christmas Happenings

“It’s A Winter Wonderland!” - December 14 at 9:30am Stamping, Card Making, and Decorating by Stacey Krats. Music, Speaker “Riding Life’s Roller Coaster” At St. John’s - Call Ardelle 320-274-8336 or Betsy 320-274-5419 for reservations.

Communion Assistants Training Today we are offering a brief training for any and all adults/confirmed youth who would like to serve as a Communion Assistant. Training will be offered following each service TODAY! Simply gather at the front of the church following the service for a brief orientation and a chance to ask questions.