Saint Philip's

8/14/2019 Saint Philip's

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JANUARY 2009Volume 51 #1INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

St. Philips Giving 2

Hunger Emphasis 2008-2009 2Things to Celebrate 2

New Associate Pastor 2

New Director of Youth Ministries 2

Adult Forum 3

Mission Festival 3

Holiday Office Hours 3

Pauls Letter to the St. Philippians 4

Thank You Thank You Thank You 5

Disaster Relief Team News 6

IRA Charitable Rollover Approvedfor 2009 7

From The Staff 7

Discovering Your Healing Path 8

Communication Emphasis 9

Music Notes 9

Youth News & Nigeria 10

January Calendar 11

Church Statistics & Staff 12

The mission of St. Philips is to:Invite and Welcome everyone into our

Christian community;Nurture and Strengthen each other in our

faith;

Reach out and Share Gods love in the world.

St. Philips Lutheran Church 6180 Highway 65 NE, Fridley, MN 55432 (763) 571-1500www.stphilipschurch.net [email protected]

EVERYONE is welcometo worship at St. Philips!

The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do

not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who

born of the Spirit. John 3: 8

We just celebrated the birth of Jesus born in a stable to parents of limitemeans in the tiny town of Bethlehem. The Gospel of Luke tells us that the

first ones to hear the good news were shepherds out in the field keeping

watch over their sheep by night. It was a rather humble beginning. He weon to become a carpenter in Nazareth, following in Josephs footsteps.

At 30, Jesus began to gather disciples twelve men and several women wfollowed him, watching and listening. Jesus ministry mainly took place amo

the poor, the sick, the outcast, the weary. He gathered crowds around him,but who would have dreamed that th is was the beginning of Christianity oof the great religions of the world.

But so it is with the Holy Spirit who, like the wind, blows and moves wherechooses.

Through men and women and children, the Holy Spirit spreads the good newof Jesus from generation to generation from continent to continent!

So here we are at St. Philips, two thousand years later, blessed by the Spirit

who has chosen to move among us. Our hearts and minds have been touched by the teaching of the Spi

taught to know God a God of mercy and unconditional love a

God who calls us by name and makes us Gods own beloved children Our hope is strengthened by the Spirit who assures us that God is

forever present in this life and in the next. Our path in life is not certain for like the wind, the Spirit blows whe

it chooses. There will be surprises along the way, but the Spirit is

there: guiding, comforting, strengthening, encouraging,

challenging. Our compassion is awakened by the Spirit, leading us to acts of mer

and kindness, of justice and peace. Our joy is made real by the Spirit a joy in Gods presence with us,

news too good to keep to ourselves.

Thanks be to God for the gift of the Holy Spirit active and alive in humanity

working to make Christ known giving hope to generation after generation.

Like the wind, the Spirit blows and moves where it chooses, in and throughand around us.

Grace and Peace,


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We will continue to present ourbudgeted income/expenses, aswell as our actual income/expenses

in each months issue ofthe

Friend.

Please keep the following in mind:1. Again this year, we have several members who prepaid

their 2008 pledges through stock gifts, IRA gifts, etc.2. We will continue to work very carefully to keep our

spending in check in response to the pace of members

giving.3. It is our hope to end the year with a positive

$1,188 to overcome the 2007 deficit.4. These numbers are through November 30, 2008.

2008 Budget Year-To-Date Actual Year-To-Date

Income $911,348 $875,758

Expense ($909,310) ($902,748)

TOTALS $ 2,038 ($ 26,990)

Net Income (Loss): ($29,028)

Things to Celebrateas a Congregation

On November 23, St. Philips called JohnHierlinger to be our Associate Pastor of

Education and Family. His ordination was ahuge celebration on December 6. Welcome

John!

Beginning January 5, Ashley Tangen willbe our new Director of Youth Ministries. Youmay recognize the name as her father is a

former pastor at St. Philips. Welcome Ashley!

So far this year, we have sentapproximately $2,600 dollars each to CEAP and

SACA. This does not count the many, manygroceries which members donate and are

picked up at the church by CEAP. Thank you so

much for your continuing generosity to help ourneighbors!

Assembling 26 Thanksgiving Baskets! Receiving so many generous Christmasgifts to be delivered through CEAP, SACA, The

Fridley Infant, Toddler, and Teen Program(FITT), Plymouth Christian Youth Center, The

Angel Tree (Prison Fellowship -- families of

those in prison), Crisis Nursery, and Lynwood.

Many pounds of food to be delivered tothe local food shelves (CEAP and SACA) A deeply meaningful and safe trip toNigeria with the opportunity to visit our

companion congregation in Bille and the

Evangelist, Pius Kasawa. Thanks be to God:Pastor Hougen, Eric Hougen, Phyllis Ehlers,Larry Ehlers, and Pastor Jan Hartsook

HUNGER EMPHASIS

2009

Heifer Project

This February our congregation will again have theopportunity to help communities in over 100

countries to become more self-reliant through ourdonations. The Heifer Project is a program whichraises money to buy animals such as heifers,

sheep, or goats, which are then given to villages inneed. The recipients also receive training

regarding how to use these animals to producefood or income. The profits from these animals

are then used to buy food, to educate their

children, or to provide for medical needs. Thisproject has traditionally been an exciting one for

our members because the offering is so basic and

yet the results are very dramatic.

Feb. 1, 8, 15, and 22 are the dates. Other

specifics will be printed in next months Friend andin the service bulletins. Look forward to thischance to serve through these special gifts!

A Note from Our New Director of Youth Ministries

ASHLEY TANGEN

Hi! I am Ashley Tangen and I am SO excited to be joining the

congregation of St. Philip's Lutheran this January as the Director of

Youth Ministries. I grew up far away in Dickinson, North Dakotaand have been living in the Twin Cities for the past year. I received

my Social Studies Education Degree at Minnesota State UniversityMoorhead May 2007. I have spent several summers working atbible camps in North Dakota, Minnesota and even way down in

Texas! I have a strong passion for working with youth, so I amgreatly looking forward to rocking it out Lutheran style here in

Fridley, Minnesota!! St. Philip's is a special place for me because I

was actually a member here as a little girl in the late 80's! My dad,Steve Tangen, was a pastor here from 1986-1989. It's a great treat

to be worshipping at St. Philip's again and I can't wait to getstarted in my new position!

JOHN HIERLINGER CALLED AS ASSOCIATE PASTOR

On Sun., Nov. 23, a special congregational meeting was held

to consider calling John Hierlinger as Associate Pastor ofEducation and Family Ministries. Following a report and

recommendation from the Call Committee, a motion was made

and seconded to call John to this position. The vote totals atthe meeting were: YES - 190; NO - 11; ABSTAIN - 2

We are glad to have John on board as an associate pastor, andwe know that he will contribute much to the education and

family ministries of St. Philip's. His strong faith and

enthusiasm are a blessing to our congregation.

The Board of Administration and the congregation thank the

Call Committee for their thorough work on our behalf.We appreciate the many hours and careful deliberation they

gave to this important responsibility.


3/12

**Sundays at 9:35 a.m. in the Chapel unless otherwise noted**

JANUARY - Global Missions Month at St. Philips

You will be my witnesses

to the ends of the Earth

ACTS 1:8Januarys special emphasis on global missions willinclude exciting weekly forums and an informative and

fun-filled festival weekend. Look forward to adultforums:

1st Sunday: St. Philips Disaster Relief Team willgive updates on their work in Mississippi as wellas Cedar Rapids, IA

2nd Sunday: St. Philips Youth will give updateson their work in Juarez, Mexico

3rd Sunday: St. Philips travelers to Bille, Nigeriawill present on their trip

4th Sunday: St. Philips travelers to Bille, Nigeriawill continue their presentation on their trip

We will be having a service that is centered on the tripto Bille. Pr. Sekenwa Briska will be giving the sermon

Festival Weekend, January 24/25.

We have been able to obtain a 22 x 24 quilt made bythe Mashiah Foundation. The quilt will be on display inthe Sanctuary the weekend of January 16/17. It is an

extremely beautiful piece of artwork. We are veryfortunate to be able to have it for all to see.

We will be having various displays by other groups for

you to look at; a slide presentation from Jim and CarolSack, our missionaries in Japan, Lutheran World Relief

items will be for sale along with items our travelersbrought back from Bille, purses from South Africa will

be for sale, free trade coffees and teas will also be for

sale.A lot of activity will be going on during January 2009

relating to Global Missions. So mark your calendars as

we invite you to be part of this activity and fun!

3

February 1- Heifer ProjectA speaker from Heifer International will speak to us

about new Heifer projects, which are helping families

throughout the world.

February 8, 15 and 22

War, Peace, and God: Rethinking the Just-warTradition

By Dr. Gary Simpson

What do people mean by a "just war"? What are themoral criteria for justifiably going to war and fighting inwar? Can Lutheran congregations be peace churches

and be within the Just War Theory? These are theimportant questions explored and addressed in this

timely book and to be addressed in Dr. S impsonspresentations on Sundays February 8, 15, and 22 at

9:35 AM in the Chapel.

We are truly blessed to have this author and professorjoining us for Adult Forum. Dr. Simpsons book, War,

Peace, and God: Rethinking the Just-war Tradition, will

be available for sale in the Narthex prior to his comingin February. Please consider reading through his book

and then joining the conversation and presentations.

Dr. Simpsons presentations will be informative andstimulating even if you do not read his book. Join us

Sundays February 8, 15, and 22 and bring a friend!

Dr. Gary Simpson was named associate professor of

systematic theology at Luther Seminary in 1990 andprofessor of systematic theology in 1998. Earlier, he

served as a Lutheran pastor for 14 years. He received

the B.A. degree from Concordia Senior College, FortWayne, Ind., in 1972. He earned both the M.Div. and

the Th.D. degrees at Christ Seminary-Seminex, St.

Louis, Mo.

MISSION FESTIVAL

We will be celebrating Mission Festival

January 24 and 25, 2009.

More information will be coming on the

various activities, speakers, potluck, etc.

that will take place during January.

Mark your calendars now!

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

December 24 The office will be open until Noon.

December 25/26 The office will be closed.

January 1 The office will be closed.

Thank you for noting this schedule change.


4/12

PAULS LETTER TO THE ST. PHILLIPIANS

A report from your president

noted that many of them have been completed and

made additional assignments for future action.

We continued last months discussion of anOpenMike Program for Board meetings, suggested a fewrevisions, and then approved it. It dedicates up to

thirty minutes at board meetings in even numbered

months for members to be heard on any non-personnel issue or to ask questions of the board.

Guidelines will be publicized before our Decembermeeting, when the program will start.

We appointed Linda Benson to chair the ParishFellowship Committee for the remainder of the year,and approved the hiring ofAshley Tangen as our

Youth Director, beginning in January. Ashley is the

daughter of former Pastor Steve Tangen.

Pastor Jan reported that a care giver program is

being developed and will be conducted in February

and March. She also commented on the frequentfunerals at St. Philips for non members, and told usthat she is on an Advisory Board for CEAP.

Pastor Ryan reported that the leadership trainingprogram for pastors he has helped develop will be

held in February. Fifteen pastors will participate andboth Augsburg College and Luther Seminary are

involved. He also has provided counseling at FridleyHigh School following the recent shooting death of a

student.

Administrator Becky Leicher has begun the annual

budget process by projecting possible adjustments

from this year and reported on pledges received for2009. At the time of the meeting the number of

pledges returned was fewer than the total a year agoat the same time, but the average pledge is higher.Total dollar amount of pledges received was less than

last year. The Stewardship Committee is following up

with members who have not yet pledged, and morepledges come in each day. Becky also reported that

the keyless entry system, approved at our meeting

a month ago, is being installed and that our that website is being updated.

Paul Rebelein, President

This report summarizes our November 24 board meeting,

which Pastor Ryan began with devotions from Chapter 2

ofOpening the Book of Faith, a discussion of howLutherans view and study the Bible.

Our October financial report showed that income was

down again from last year. This was partially offset by

lower than expected utility bills, but we need a goodNovember and December. We noted that giving for

many members is down slightly from expectations ratherthan a few members being down a large amount. A

letter will be mailed in early December encouragingmembers to meet or exceed their pledged giving for theyear.

The Call Committee attended the meeting and discussed

issues that had come to their attention while conducting

their work. Most of these related to the importance ofgood communication between the board, staff, and

members of the congregation. They commented that

communication has improved significantly in the past fewmonths. The board commended the committee for thethorough process they used in arriving at their

recommendation that John Hierlinger should be called to

St. Philips as a pastor, and their frequent status reportsto the congregation.

Benevolence Committee Chair, Sue Davis gave their

report. She told about some of the many socialministry projects that come under this committee and

how important they are to people in need.

We brainstormed ideas for improved hospitality, one

of four priorities developed at a staff/board workshop

earlier this year. The suggestions could generally begrouped into categories including:

Visitor and new member impressions

Ease of use and physical appearance ofour facility

Making our worship services more userfriendly

We assigned many of them to individuals or committees

for implementation. We also reviewed previouslyassigned actions for the other three priorities -communication, faith formation, and relationships. We


5/12

Thank you for organizing our talk on Nov. 2 during theadult forum. We are very glad we could share about

our ministry in Russia with you. Many blessings to you

and please remember us in your prayers.From Eric and Liza Debelak

Thank you for your generous donations of 232 poundsof food, 22 birthday bags, and one huge box of

clothing and shoes.

From SACAThank you for your gift of $250 to the children and

youth programs of PCYC. Know that we treasure your

involvement and your gifts and your wisdom.From Plymouth Christian Youth Center

I am very grateful for those who drove for Meals on

Wheels the week of 11/10-14, 2008. Thank you for

giving of your time: Meredith and Larry Hille; BarbJohnson; Larry Johnson; Becky Trancheff; Roger

Musolf and Ellen Raeker; Clem Coverston; Lynn Holter;

Mike Tipler; Thelma and Myron Nash; Judy Beinie; EarlHatten; Bob Johnson; Kathy Tostenson; Don Breining;

Norm Herzog; Bev and Chip Sperry; Wally Helmbrecht;Ron Cadwell; and Lynette Thompson. May God blessall of you!

From Beth Terpstra

The St. Philips Library Committee thanks everyone

who helped to support the Holiday Book Fair heldrecently. The book fair was a big success thanks toeveryone who bought books, gave a cash donation, or

bought a book for the library.Watch our shelves for wonderful new books arriving

soon!

From the Library Committee

Greetings from Geneva in the name of Jesus Christ!

This is to express my profound gratitude to the St.

Philips congregation for your hospitality expressed inthe opportunity to share with you in worship and at

the reception. I felt one greatly blessed having the

opportunity to worship at St. Philips again. My familyand I will continue to treasure the love we received

from this congregation as families and individualsopened their space and lives to us. Together the

church body became our family and home thousandsof miles from our motherland. We pray that Godsgrace continues to walk with the saints at St. Philips

and the memory of those that departed remainblessed.From Rev. Dr. Musa Filibus

Thank you for the very beautiful cross that was

presented to me from the congregation. I will trulytreasure it. How blessed I am to be serving here at

St. Philips as one of your pastors.From Pastor Jan

Throughout 2008 and into 2009 we have manyvolunteers who work with the office staff. The

first group we would like to thank is the Work

Crew, who comes each Wednesday a.m.throughout the year and work on our computers,

electrical projects, plumbing problems, seasonal

decorating, upgrading bathrooms, work on roofrepairs, etc., etc.

We can never thank this group of people enoughfor all they do for us and for all of the money the

save the church! Without this group of men, we

would be paying thousands of dollars out of ourbudget for repairs needed throughout the church

THANK YOU WORK CREW, WE APPLAUD YOURWORK AND YOUR LOYALTY TO ST. PHILIPS

LUTHERAN CHURCH.

Also, the office has some volunteers who work in

the office each week and many members may noknow who they are, so they are listed below:

Kathy Swenson Works each Monday late

afternoon entering contributions into the

computer, so each of you gets credit for yourgiving.

Joyce Johnson Works each Tuesday

answering the phones during the staffmeetings. Also, Joyce assembles bulletinseach Friday.

Kay Hansen Works each Wednesday a.m.answering the phones, doing projects, files,

and fills in for Sue or Wanda when they are o

vacation. Kay also answers questions in the

office on various Sundays throughout the yeaMargaret Oelschlager - Works each

Thursday a.m. answering phones and assistswith proofing the bulletins. Margaret also

assists in answering questions in the office onvarious Sundays throughout the year. She,

too, fills in for Sue or Wanda if they are on

vacation.Marie Holmberg - Comes in and enters the

information from the Communion cards into

the membership module of Shepherds Staff.

Anne Gilbertson Works each Friday to

assist in assembling the bulletins.

Cori Olsrud Who assists in answeringquestions in the office on various Sundays

throughout the year.

Shirley Mosman - Who assists in answeringquestions in the office on various Sundays

throughout the year.

Thank you for all you do for us, we greatly

appreciate your hard work. God bless you all foryour dedication to St. Philips Lutheran Church.


6/12

St. Philips Disaster Relief OutreachCedar Rapids Trip #1Reflections on Pruning by Nellie LandrusNellie Landrus is a member of Atonement Lutheran in New

Brighton and also an integral member of St. Philips Disaster

Relief. She often writes Reflections on her experiences.

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He

removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch

that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. John15:1-2

Upon beginning this reflection, I felt like I did on the firstmorning when we climbed the stairs, put on our masks, and

walked into the brick house on Ellis Boulevard in Cedar Rapids.

Where and how do I start? We were told that all of the walls

have to come down. One of the others on the team whackedthe plaster with a hammer and I did the same. The first blow

made a hole in the wall and many more followed. Slowly thewalls came crashing down in piles at our feet. The walls were

plaster on top of sheetrock that was nailed about every two

inches so after we knocked down the areas between the studs,

we used our pry bars to start the slow process of chipping away

on what was left on the studs. We pulled nail after nail until thestuds were stripped bare from floor to ceiling. We knocked it

down and the faithful bucket brigade would shovel it up and

dump it into buckets or out the windows into a wheelbarrowbelow and then haul it out to the pile along the curb in front of

the house. In a sense, we carried the house, along with the past

owners lives and memories, out in five gallon buckets! Later the

big claw truck would pick it up and haul it away. And we would

make another pile. Some of us spent hours on our perches (4step ladders) chipping away at the top of the walls while others

were down on their knees on the floor working away at the

bottom of the walls.

The St. Philips Disaster Relief team is filled with many skilled

builders and has worked rebuilding many water damaged

homes. We have always known that mucking out and clearingout a house is an important part of the recovery process.

Perhaps this trip gave us a deeper appreciation of the work of

those who have often gone before us. After all, before people

can build up a house there are things that others must tear

down.

God stirred some thoughts about that and reminded me of

Jesus words about how he is the vine and we are the branches.God is the vine grower who prunes the branches to help the

vine bear more fruit. Before the houses devastated by

hurricanes and floods can be rebuilt for families to live in, the

damaged stuff must be torn out (pruned) to allow new walls(growth) to be built. It is hard work, and it is painful to see the

devastation, but we trust in God that after the pruning a time ofnew growth will come and our work as Gods hands and feet will

bear fruit.

The journey of the St. Philips Disaster Relief team to Cedar

Rapids would not have been possible without many others who

shared their gifts and blessings. God called each of us whotraveled on the trip, but also those who provided financial

support and those who blanketed us with their prayers. And we

cannot say thanks enough for the gracious hospitality of the

people of St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Theywent out of their way to make us feel welcome, with many

family members giving up their rooms for a few days to provideplaces for us to stay. Thanks to them we enjoyed warm,

comfortable beds; hot showers; hot tea to warm us up afterchilly days at the work site; cookies hot from the oven when we

got back to our host families; bag lunches, snacks, andbeverages; delicious pumpkin cheesecake (one hostess was

practicing for Thanksgiving); cats to sleep with us; dogs to playball with us; clothes washed by one hostess so we would not

have to wash all our dirty clothes when we got home. Our hostfamilies kept saying thanks for coming to help their town when

it felt like we should be saying thanks for all they did to make us

feel welcome and for the loving ways they cared for us.

We cannot thank God enough for our brothers and sisters in

Christ at St. Stephens Lutheran who showed us Gods love in somany ways. They shared many stories with us. They know

people who are allergic to the flood damaged area due to themold, but wanted to be able to help in some way so provided

lunches and beverages for us. We were told of one retiredmember of the congregation who worked on flood relief seven

days a week for months. Other people have worked two orthree days almost every week since June. One member came to

help while we were there and told us that she figured if we

could come from Minnesota to help she could drive 30 miles.We shared our stories with them as well. And, as God has calledus to do, we shared Gods love with one another. Without our

connection, as branches, to the life-giving vine of Jesus, none of

this would be possible. It is Gods love flowing through all of us,

sharing our gifts with one another, that enables us to work

together and grow together and to bear fruit in Gods kingdom.For that we say thanks be to God!

Adult ForumJoin the Disaster Relief team members at the Adult Forum on

January 4th. The presentation will be based on the ELCA

Disaster Response devotional booklet Meeting God in the Ruins

and will include reflections from team members and photosfrom past Katrina, Rushford, and Cedar Rapids trips. We will

also share information about future trips.

Lasagna DinnerThe 2nd annual Lasagna Dinner is tentatively set for February 8,

2009. The menu includes homemade lasagna, salad, bread,beverages, and dessert. Tickets sales start in January. This

years dinner also includes a sealed bid auction. (Bidders make asingle, concealed bid on an item. Bids will be reviewed and the

high bidder will then be notified the week after the dinner.)

Auction items will include tools, gift baskets, electronics,

computer accessories, household items and gift cards. Watchthe bulletin announcement, weekly emails, and the next Friend

for more information about the dinner.

Upcoming TripsProceeds from the dinner will continue to fund the St. Philips

Disaster Relief outreach with much of the money used to cover

gas for team travel. Another flood relief trip to Cedar Rapids is

planned for February and a hurricane relief trip in April istentatively planned for the Galveston area.

If youd like additional information on the Disaster Relief efforts,

please contact Mike Anderson at [email protected] or 763-

784-7977 or Renee Johnson at [email protected] or 763-

571-6828. To learn more about past disaster relief trips, visitour website at www.lutheransonline.com/spdr. Financial

contributions are always needed and greatly appreciated. Pleasemake checks payable to St. Philips Disaster Relief.


7/12

On October 3, 2008, Congress passed and the President signed

the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424),

legislation that includes a two-year extension of the IRA

charitable rollover. The provision, originally enacted as part ofthe Pension Protection Act of 2006, permits Individual

Retirement Account (IRAs) owners starting at age 70 to

make charitable gifts totaling up to $100,000 per year from

their IRAs tax-free made directly to qualified public charities

such as St. Philips Lutheran Church.Key Provisions

Donors must be age 70 at the time the gift is made. Charitable Rollover Gifts must be made directly from an

IRA account to a charity. IRA rollover may be used to pay

a pledge or make any monetary gift to St. Philips Lutheran

Church. IRA Rollover Gifts may be used to satisfy theRequired Minimum Distribution amount you must take out

each year after age 70 .

Total Gifts of $100,000 may be made in 2008. AdditionalGifts of up to $100,000 may be made in 2009.

Spouses can gift $100,000 each year, too. Donors can support many charities and ministries at

varying amounts as long as the total gifts do not exceed

$100,000.

Who is most likely to benefit?

Individuals who must take mandatory minimumwithdrawals, but dont need additional income. And

qualified charitable distributions from IRA accounts counttoward the owners Required Minimum Distribution Amount

you must take out each year after age 70 withoutbecoming taxable.

Individuals who do not itemize and who make a charitablegift in an amount less than the standard deduction will

benefit from a transfer directly from their IRA to charity.Many seniors do not have a mortgage and their medical

deductions are less than 7.5% of adjusted gross income.

The IRA rollover allows donors who do not itemize

deductions to contribute IRA assets to charity and enjoytax benefits similar to those derived from claiming itemizedcharitable deductions.

Required IRA distributions may increase an individualsadjusted gross income and increase the percentage of

Social Security payments on which he or she has to pay.By choosing to make a charitable distribution with all or

part of their required IRA distribution, donors may reduceincome and reduce the percentage of social security

subject to taxation.

Individuals whose level of income causes a phase-out ofcertain deductions.

Generous donors who desire to give more than 50% ofadjusted gross income from their regular assets and then

make over and above gifts from their IRA.

How do I make a Charitable Rollover gift?

To make a qualified charitable rollover to St. Philips Lutheran

Church to pay a pledge or make any monetary gift to St. Philips

Lutheran Church, you should contact your IRA custodian. Ask

for the IRA Charitable Rollover transfer forms. And to qualifyfor a charitable distribution, your IRA custodian must directly

transfer the funds to the church rather than a withdrawal by

you for later gifting. Otherwise, the IRA withdrawal will be

taxed if you receive it. You will receive a writtenacknowledgement from St. Philips Lutheran Church of your gift.

IRA Charitable Rollover Approved for 2009

Remember: If you are intending to have this transfer qualify

for exclusion for the year 2008, it is imperative that the

distribution be postmarked no later than December 31, 2008.

The purpose of this article is to provide general gift giving

information and is not intended as legal, accounting or other

professional advice. For assistance in planning charitable gifts

with tax and other financial implications, the services of

appropriate advisors should be obtained,

1. The 50th Anniversary Cookbook Committeeraised enough funds to pay for a good portion of the

new stove in the kitchen, 12 new round tables andracks for the Fellowship Hall, and table cloths for the

new round tables. Sue Neisen and Wanda Benson

were co-chairs of this committee.2. The Business Administrator, Becky Leicher,completed the first portion of her classes at St.Thomas University last summer to become a CertifieChurch Business Administrator. She will complete th

second portion of the classes next May at St. Thoma3. The staff is thrilled to welcome Ashley Tangeas the new Youth Director at St. Philips. Ashley sta

January 5.4. The staff is also thrilled to have our newlyordained pastor, Rev. John Hierlinger, as a continuin

staff member.

5. There are still 50th Anniversary Cook booksavailable for sale in the office for $15 each.

6. There are still 50th Anniversary medallions anstands available for sale in the office. The costs are$12 and $3 respectively.

7. The staff meets each Tuesday at 9 a.m. Notfrom these meetings are shared with part-time staffwho cannot attend the meetings and are also shared

with the Board of Administration. This is another thiwe do in our continuing efforts to improve

communication within St. Philips

8. Happy new year to each and every one of yoMay God bless you throughout 2009!

FROM THE STAFF


8/12

Did you know? In Minnesota, over 600,000 familycaregivers provide an estimated 651 million hours of care

to family, friends and neighbors each year. While thiscare is unpaid, its value has been estimated at 7.1 billion

dollars annually. Family caregivers provide 92% of long-

term care services in Minnesota. Every 1% decline inthese efforts costs the public sector $30 million dollars a

year. (Statistics are from the Metropolitan Area Agency

on Aging MCAA). These statistics demonstrate thatindividuals, families and society as a whole benefitsignificantly from the efforts of caregivers.

It is clear that Minnesotans desire to care for and do

whats best for their loved ones. But the costs to

caregivers are great. They take on new roles and

responsibilities while continuing to balance their manyother life roles and responsibilities, including self-care.On the financial front, caregivers report taking time away

from work, decreasing their work hours, and turning

down promotions. Caregiving work is hard and altersthe lives of individuals and their families. Caregivers

need help and support.

This is not just an individual or family issue it is an

important public issue as well. Current legislation to

support caregivers has been introduced at both thefederal and state level. Proposed policy changes include

enhancements to the Family and Medical Leave Act, taxcredits for care expenses, funding for information andreferral services, study and promotion of caregiving best

practices, and the establishment of respite services. I

encourage you to educate yourself about this importantconstituency that you have been, are or will be a part of.

I pray you will discover a way to get involved.

A comprehensive list of state and federal policies

introduced and the status of the bills can be found at theNational Alliance for Caregiving website,

www.caregiving.org/federalLegislation or the Caregiver

Alliance National Center on Caregiving,

www.caregiver.org/caregiver.

Did you know? Most family caregivers become moreassertive in gaining the skills and finding the resources

they need once they start thinking of themselves ascaregivers.

Those who work in service to family caregivers oftenlament that the most challenging part of supporting

caregivers and preventing caregiver burnout is trying the

reach them at the beginning of their caregiver journeys.Family caregivers find it difficult to identify themselves as

caregivers. Caregiving tasks are often considered the

expected duties of a wife, husband, son, daughter, sister,neighbor, etc. Thus, the greatest obstacle to caregiver

support is usually the caregiver him/herself.

There are many facets to the life of a caregiver, both

challenging and rewarding. Self-identification as a familycaregiver is an important and critical step.Mid-winter 2009 (late February, early March) St. Philips

Befrienders will host a 4 part series of classes especiallyfor family caregivers. Topic presentations will include:Elder Law, Alzheimers-Dementia, Housing Options for

Older Persons, Finding Joy and Hope in Caregiving,Depression in the Elderly, and Faith Stories (what does the

Bible say about serving others and caring for oneself?).

This series will be aimed at helping caregivers: discoverresources, recognize the stresses of caregiving and to

learn ways to remain healthy as a caregiver (as well ashow to find the joy in caregiving). Be alert for

announcements about dates, times and speakers.

I pray that you will come, learn, listen and discover knowing that you either are, have been or will be a

caregiver. I guarantee that you know caregivers. I askyou to care for them by bringing them along. Together we

will share a meal, fellowship, knowledge, experience, andour stories. It will be very good!

Lord, to the sick and the hurting, to the old and the lonely,

to the dying and the least of us, to the children and the weak,

to reach out to the stranger, to mend a heart, to lift a spirit,

to touch a life, and to clap for joy; you call us to use our hands.Lord, You call us to be your hands and to use our hands

to bring You with us to each and every person. Amen

Taken from a Service of Worship and Praise to Celebrate CaringGood Shepherd Lutheran Church, Edina

Tunis can be reached at the church Monday through

Thursday: 763-571-1500 ext: 116 or [email protected]

DISCOVERINGYOUR HEALING PATH

Caregiver You Are, Have Been or Will BeBy Tuni Turner RN, Parish Nurse

On September 30, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was placed in our building. (Its located just across the

hallway from the main office door, on the brick wall.) Our church received the AED free of charge as part of ourpartnership with Take Heart Anoka County, a pilot project whose goal to improve the survival rates of persons

experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. As of early December, over 50 St. Philips parishioners (of all ages) have participatedin Friends and Family CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and AED training thus becoming a key link to health and

healing for people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. I celebrate these people and all others who have taken time at

their work, school or home to learn CPR and AED use. Tuni Turner, RN, Parish Nurse. Contact Tuni for more information on training options for yourself, family, or group.


9/12

MUSIC NOTES

Music Schedule January 2009Music Schedule is subject to change

Sunday, January 118:30 a.m. Sanctuary Choir

Sunday, January 258:30 a.m. Sanctuary Choir

Other choirs begin presenting music in February

10:30 WORSHIP

As the world changes, so does our need to reach

out in different ways. It is so important that people

know the love of Jesus Christ, and it is our priorityto present the message in relevant ways, without

changing the content of the message. One way,

among many, is music! Music is so important in allof our lives and it is one thing that transcends

almost everything else. Most people can tell you

what kind of music they like and what kind ofmusic they dont like.

In an effort to reach people and stay relevant to

the world, we are in the process of making somechanges. You may have noticed some different

things in the past couple of months. The band isno longer called Celebrate but instead, just

worship band. We have some new players andsome new instruments (have you seen and heard

the fancy electric guitar?) and a new sound. You

will also notice that our sound is more guitar led.Our hope is to maintain a high quality sound that is

both appealing to the current attendees, as well as

those who are drawn to a more contemporarysound.

If you are skilled at playing guitar, electric guitar,bass or drums, and are interested in playing for

worship, I would love to hear from you. We will be

rehearsing on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. afterChristmas. Please contact me at the below e-mail

address if you are interested.

Blessings,

[email protected]

COMMUNICATIONEMPHASIS

The Board of Administration has becomeincreasingly aware of the need to foster

better communications in all areas of our

church. We want to improve in all areas fromthe members to the youth, Committees, the Board, the

Executive Committee and the Staff, and out into the

community. We need to develop more open lines to bettercommunicate and share our mission.

The Board members have had their pictures taken and are

posted on the bulletin board by the office, including their

contact information. The BOA would like to hear from you.Your thought and comments are always welcome and weneed to hear from you. We need to hear from you so we

can continue our mission as you see it too. Please contactus as we desperately desire your comments and feedback.

The BOA has voted unanimously to approve an Open

Microphone Session at all of the BOA meetings for eacheven numbered month of the year. A copy of the outline

follows.

OPEN MICROPHONE FORUM

FOR THE ST. PHILIPS LUTHERAN CHURCHBOARD OF ADMINISTRATION MEETINGS

The purpose of this forum is for providing the opportunity

for the members of the congregation to offer ideas and/ orfeedback to the Board of Administration. This is not meant

to be a question and answer session. The open micro

session will be made available during the even numberedmonths of the year. Board meetings are regularly scheduled

for the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 PM and are heldnormally in the Lounge. The Open Mike session will be heldfrom 6:30 to 7:00 PM. Please consider the following when

you want to be a part of an open microphone session:

1.Limit your presentation to a maximum of three minutes2.Please be respectful during presentations.3.This is not the place for personnel issues of any kind.4.Please refrain from addressing an individual or

commenting about an individual5.Handouts with an outline of your presentation are

preferred but not required. The more prepared you are

the better your comments and/or suggestions will beperceived.

6.The President of the meeting has the option to limit thenumber of presentations to insure the BOA has adequatetime to transact its agenda for the meeting.

7.The BOA may respond, however responses may notalways be possible.

8.There BOA members are always available for you to callthem directly and would welcome your contact. Theirpictures and contact information are posted on the

bulletin board by the office.

The Staff and Board of AdministrationSt. Philips Lutheran Church


10/12

10

WEEKLY PROGRAMSSunday Morning Live

Grades 6-12

Sunday School meet in the youth room at 9:35 a.m.

High School Fellowship Time

Wednesday Nights

Post-confirmation high schoolers meet in the youth

room at 7 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Make sure to always check the youth binder and

youth bulletin board in the hallway outsideof the new youth room for the most up-to-date

information about all youth events.

Join us on Sunday, January 18 at 1 p.m. for an

afternoon of ice skating at the Depot in Minneapolis!!

Well meet at St. Philips and car pool downtown.Admission is $6 if you are 17 or younger and $8 if you

are 18 and older. You can rent skates there for $7 ifyou need, also. This is a great event to invite yourfriends to. If you have never tried ice skating before,

dont worryfalling is half is the fun!

We are still working on compiling all of the Youth Live

Band music so that we can get it to those of you whohave shown interest in joining this worship team.

Thanks for your patience. Expect a group rehearsal

time to be coming up soon!

As St. Philips gets ready to welcome our new youth director withthe new year I want to sincerely thank all of you for the last few months.

Especially to the youth: Our church is really quite blessed with the diversegroup of individuals that you are. I have genuinely enjoyed getting to know

your spunk, your struggles, your aspirations, and your faith. Continue to love

one another in our youth group so that you are able to love those in ourcommunity. Thank you for welcoming me into your lives this fall and letting

me explore ideas about our world and our Lord with you! Please, keep

striving to be movers and shakers everywhere you go.

To the youth at heart but adult in age: Thank you for your consistent support. From my personal nursing job search

to my transition at St. Philips, I felt exceedingly blessed to have so many of you showing me encouragement andguidancetruly an image of the Family of God.

St. Philips will always be my home congregation. While I may not always be in the area, you all will always be filling

my prayers and my thoughts. So, I suppose, this is very much a see you soon type of greeting.

In His Love,

Anna [email protected]

PRAY FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN NIGERIA

After an election in Jos, Nigeria, conflict broke out between the Muslims and the Christians. It is reported

that more than 300 people died. Jos is one of the cities where we stayed on the trip to Nigeria. Whilethere, our home base was the Dogon Dutse Guest House, which was evacuated because it was targeted to

be burned down, but has been saved. One of the Minnesota Area Synod Companion Congregations,Dogon Karfe, was burned down along with the parsonage. The pastor and family are safe. The

congregation worshiped the next Sunday in the ruins and ashes of the church. Please keep our brothersand sisters in your prayers that the violence will soon end and pray for the safety of missionaries, pastors,

and their families.- Pastor Jan


11/12

Thursday, January 1

Office Closed7:00 EA7:00 NDRS

7:00 SDA7:30 AA/Alanon

Friday, January 29:00 Camilia Club

7:00 SDA

7:30 BridgeSaturday, January 3

8:30 Worship Band

9:00 SDA

4:00 SDA5:00 Worship/Communion

7:00 GIH

7:00 SDA

Sunday, January 4 Sabbath7:30 Disaster Relief

8:30 Worship9:35 Sunday School

9:35 Adult Forum10:30 Worship

12:00 GIH12:30 NDRS

3:30 NDRS

Monday, January 5

9:00 Camilia Club M-F9:30 Joy Circle

7:00 GA/GamAnon

Tuesday, January 6

Friend Deadline DEADLINE

9:00 Staff Meeting2:30 Cook for Sharing/Caring

7:30 Worship Band

7:00 SDA

Wednesday, January 7

8:30 Mens Work Crew9:00 Quilting11:00 Go to Sharing/Caring

5:00 The Way5:15 Dinner

5:15 JuBellation Ringers6:15 Rock Solid Choir

7:00 Big Dig

7:00 Confirmation

7:00 High School Youth Night7:00 Joy Ringers

7:00 Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, January 8

6:15 Bells of Praise

7:00 EA7:00 NDRS

7:00 SDA

7:30 AA/Alanon

Saturday, January 109:00 SDA

4:00 SDA5:00 Worship/Communion

7:00 GIH7:00 SDA

Sunday, January 11 Sabbath8:30 Worship

9:35 Sunday School

Sunday, January 11 (contd)9:35 Adult Forum

10:30 Worship12:00 GIH

12:30 NDRS3:30 NDRS (Rms. 17-18)

4:30 Christmas Concert7:00 Mentor Meeting

Monday, January 12

9:00 Glory Circle9:00 Camilia Club M-F

4:45 Worship Planning

6:00 Child Advocacy

7:00All Committees7:00 GA/GamAnon

Tuesday, January 13

9:00 Staff Meeting

6:00 Worship Band6:00 Child Care Providers

7:00 Health & Wellness7:00 SDA

Wednesday, January 148:30 Mens Work Crew

10:00 Womens Book Club5:15 Dinner

5:15 JuBellation Ringers

6:15 Rock Solid Choir

7:00 Big Dig7:00 Confirmation

7:00 High School Youth Night

7:00 Joy Ringers


Thursday, January 156:15 Bells of Praise

6:30 NW Photo Club

7:00 EA

7:00 NDRS


Friday, January 167:00 SDA

Saturday, January 17

9:00 SDA4:00 SDA

5:00 Worship/Communion

7:00 GIH

7:00 SDA

Sunday, January 18 Sabbath8:30 Worship/Communion/Healing

9:35 Sunday School

9:35 Adult Forum

9:35 Blood Pressure Check10:30 Worship/Communion/Healing

12:00 GIH

12:30 NDRS

3:30 NDRS

Monday, January 19

Office Closed7:30 Excecutive Committee9:00 Camilia Club M-F7:00 GA/GamAnon

Tuesday, January 209:00 Staff Meeting

10:00 Friend

6:00 Worship Band

7:00 Baptism Class7:00 SDA

Wednesday, January 218:30 Work Crew

9:00 Quilting

Thursday, January 22

7:00 Womens Book Club7:00 EA

7:00 NDRS7:00 SDA

7:30 AA/Alanon

Friday, January 237:00 SDA


9:00 SDA4:00 SDA

5:00 Worship/Communion

7:00 GIH

7:00 SDA

Sunday, January 25 Sabba

8:30 Worship9:35 Sunday School

9:35 Adult Forum

10:30 Worship11:30 Mission Festival Potluck

12:00 GIH12:30 NDRS

3:30 NDRS

Monday, January 26

9:00 Camilia Club M-F1:30 Knitters & Crocheters

7:00 GA/GamAnon6:30 Board Meeting

Tuesday, January 27

9:00 Staff Meeting6:00 Worship Band

7:00 SDA

Wednesday, January 28

8:30 Mens Work Crew5:15 Dinner

5:15 JuBellation Ringers6:15 Rock Solid Choir

7:00 Big Dig7:00 Confirmation

7:00 High School Youth Night7:00 Joy Ringers


Thursday, January 29

6:15 Bells of Praise6:30 NW Photo Club

7:00 EA

7:00 NDRS


Friday, January 30

7:00 SDA


9:00 SDA4:00 SDA

5:00 Worship/Communion7:00 GIH

7:00 SDA

JANUARY 2009 CALENDAR

1


12/12

Recuperating at home or hospitalized during the monthBev Rehani, Vivian Bratt

SympathyGordie & Lenna Johnson on the death of daughter, Sandy Sankowitz; Lee and

Margo Tech on the death of Lees mother, Sylvia Tech

Congratulations toDana & Rejoice Sabiya on birth of son, Wilson Sabiya on December

6

Congratulations to the following couples who are celebrating special wedding

anniversariesDale & Phyllis Schmidt married 58 years on January 19

BaptismsHenrik Alexander Kunze-Williams; Ashley Elizabeth Schmoll; Preston Troy

Metcalf; Alexis Nicole Lantz; Henry Douglas Johnson; Hunter Lee Ellestad

Ministers: All members of the Parish

Church Staff:

Janice Hartsook, Co-PastorRyan Brodin, Co-Pastor

John Hierlinger, Associate Pastor for Education &

Family Ministry

Jim & Carol Sack, MissionariesBille Lutheran in Nigeria, Companion Congregation

Monica Anderson, Assistant to the Administrator

Wanda Benson, Administrative Assistant

Kendra Brodin, Dir. of Youth Choirs and Bell ChoirsGrant Cooper, Part-Time Custodian

David Geslin, OrganistJulie Jeppson, Coordinator of Volunteer Ministries

Rebecca Leicher, Business Administrator

Terry Meland, Facilities EngineerSuzanne Neisen, Admin. Asst. for Membership and

ProgramsTrina Niskala, Part-Time Custodian

Kristin Olson, Part-Time Custodian

Julie Overlie, Childrens Choirs

Stephanie Phelps, Adult & Youth ChoirsAshley Tangen, Director of Youth MinistriesDorothy (Tuni) Turner, Parish Nurse

Next FRIEND deadlin

Tuesday, February

[email protected]

St. Philips Lutheran Church

6180 Highway 65 NEFridley, MN 55432

NON-PROFIT ORG

U.S. PostagePAID

MPLS, MNPERMIT #2705

Published monthly bySt. Philips Lutheran ChurchFridley, MN

Board of Administration:Paul Rebelein, President

Allen Spitzer, Vice PresidentLauri Anderson, Treasurer

Judith Ferrier, SecretaryGary Blomster

Tara DrewsDawn Hansen

Jon Johnson

Julie SmallJoel Young

ST. PHILIPS LUTHERAN CHURCHA member of the ELCA

Visit us at www.stphilipschurch.net

Email us at: [email protected]

Phone: (763) 571-1500Fax: (763) 572-2292

Documents

Saint Philip's