1. Art and Diseño

GN
THE GOOD NEWS !
Community Church of Walker
United Church of Christ
P.O. Box 267
Hwy 371 & Tianna Drive
Walker, MN 56484
(218) 547-1093
Rev. Lynn Strandt
Our Mission
To offer a welcoming church home to all, where friendships grow, spiritual needs are
met, community concerns are addressed and where “God is Still Speaking...”
JANUARY 2015
Discussion Group 9:00 a.m. Worship 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Fellowship 11:00 a.m.
The Good News!—January 2015
Page 2
OUR PASTOR’S PONDERINGS
The Glorious New Creation
For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth;
Isaiah 65:17a
Let me begin with A BLESSED AND HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone. It’s hard to believe that
we are in a new year already. It is an interesting time of year for most: many have retreated to the south
in hopes of being warmer than those of us who stay and brave the cold [that is a strange experience to
have the numbers drop in the winter and increase in the summer from a ministry setting]; that time of
year when many of us resolve to change something in our lives and find the idea was much easier than
the follow through; we look to the future with hope and expectation of new and wonderful experiences
[I will be going ice fishing with Don Splichal and possibly spear fishing with Harriet at Golden Living
and with any luck at all, ice sailing on my lake, to name a few].
The scripture from Isaiah is a good one for us in that it reminds us that God is always doing a new
thing and wanting us to be eager participants in those. As you read or reread that verse, what first came
to mind? Often those immediate ‘hopes’ can be God speaking to us before we over-analyze them and
then push them away as not possible.
Yes, God is always doing a new thing, but often, I believe, building on the things of the past. I am
excited for and encouraged by what has been building here: the church strengthening and thus being
more of what I understand God wants the church to be. The council, various boards and committees
have been growing in the ways that they encourage others to share the many good ideas that result in
decisions that better reflect God and, also, who we understand ourselves to be. The respectful listening
and sharing that precede decisions seems to be at least one of the keys. Certainly, we still have some
bumps and more to accomplish, but I love how this has been evolving and we are helping to create a
‘new thing’. More and more, we are becoming God’s people who operate in what I call ‘solution mode’
and that keeps us positive and open to being partners in God’s new things. Thanks to all of you who
have chosen to be a part of this, and all who will.
I would like to thank our new secretary, Marina, for the wonderful ways that she helps us in this.
She has truly become a very important support and idea constituent in our being a stronger, faith-based
church.
With a grateful, hope-filled heart, Pastor Lynn
The Good News!—January 2015
2015
A blank page for a new year.
What will you change and create in your life
this year in the presence of God?
Page 3
The Good News!—January 2015
Page 4
MODERATOR’S NOTES
I am so pleased with our new council. We have lots of good discussions and lots of voices are being
heard. I am so proud of you and I think we have a good working council. You on the council are doing better each time, I only had to use the gavel last night once, proud of you for letting one person talk at a time
and work out the issues, we need the input from all of you and I think it is working wonderfully.
The following scripture was given to me by John Thompson and I think it would be good for all of us
to read and start the new year with this in our minds. Romans 12:6-8 scripture reads: “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in
our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
In “The Message Bible” by Eugene Peterson, the same scripture reads in contemporary language , “If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if
you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get
bossy; if you are put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress,
keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself
get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.”
If we could remember to do all these things just think what a wonderful world we would live in.
My wish for you and your families and our church family is a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Your Moderator, Pat Finney
If anyone has an old vacuum upright or canister that they are not using
and would be kind enough to donate it to the church, please talk to the
grumpy old cleaning lady about it.
Our new one already got a piece broken off it by someone other than the
grumpy old cleaning lady. The church paid way to much money for this
vacuum to be broken right off the bat.
Thank you. Pat Finney
Continued on Page 5
The Good News!—January 2015
Page 5
FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REPORT
Pledge/Giving Analysis: 11/01/2014 - 11/30/2014
Summary - Non-Pledged
1 - Pledges
10 - Fund Raisers
11 - Miscellaneous
2 - Regular
3 - Plate
4 - Rent
7 - 1/3 Fundraisers
Grand Total
3,330.00
2,995.00
457.25
982.00
87.00
300.00
534.72
$8,685.97
Thank you for your continued support of the Community Church of Walker, UCC.
Vera Demars, Financial Secretary Ruth Niedermann, Financial Secretary
Vera [email protected] Home Phone 547-3390
Ruth [email protected] Home Phone 547-1656
UCC COMMUNITY CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES
December 16th, 2014
Attending:
Pat Finney, JoAnn Rand, Pastor Lynn, Deb Farrell, Vera Demars, Ruth Niedermann,
Dick Stilson, Jo Horak, Barb Brownlow, Doris Splichal, Darlene Stilson, Doris Johnson.
Moderator: Pat opened the meeting and Pastor Lynn said the opening prayer.
The November minutes were read, corrections were made, and a motion to approve the corrected minutes
was made by Barb, seconded by JoAnn, ayes all.
Pat asked members for a used, donated, vacuum cleaner for the church.
Vice-Moderator:
JoAnn reported the poinsettia sales netted the church over $600.00.
Pastor Lynn:
Christmas Eve service will be held with Christmas Carols, scripture and children being
the service.
January 12th and 13th are the days selected to take down the greens and tree in the Church. Help is needed.
On January 29th, 2015, the Cass County Deputies will be using the Church for a day long training. Darlene
will take care of providing a lunch for them.
The Pastor would like to set the date of May 17th, 2015, to acknowledge our graduates and name them in
our bulletin.
Pastor Lynn plans to take a one week vacation in January.
Treasurer:
Deb provided Financial Statements. A motion to approve was made by Darlene,
seconded by Vera, ayes all.
Financial Secretary: Ver a r ead the Financial Repor t, and r epor ted that the Hunter s Feast brought in
$2,064.00.
A $40.00 donation for new lights has been given.
Memorials:
Ruth gave the report. The Virginia Hallett fund has specified places for money to be
The Good News!—January 2015
Page 6
Continued from Page 5
spent; the Church Library, Choir Music, and children. The council
approved this decision.
There is also an existing “future windows fund” that totals $1031.00
Trustees:
Dick S. says there is no report at this time.
Christian Education: Jo r epor ted winter mater ials have been r eceived. "Journey With Jesus" is the
title.
Jo reported that we are losing our Release Time teacher at the end of December. The Church needs to
replace her. The hours are 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the afternoon when scheduled.
Deb Farrell did an exit interview with Amber and there are differing perspectives as to why Amber left.
The Calvary Free Church is providing a bus and requests $250.000 from Community Church for expenses.
Jo reported a total of $180.00 has been raised for the "well fund."
A discussion with questions and answers took place about a possible Mission Trip for the young people. Details of the proposed Mission Trip are to be presented to the Council for authorization before the
trip is official announced. Pastor Lynn suggests getting everything pre-arranged and detailed before anything is settled. Money will have to be raised by the youth group.
Pastor Lynn asked again that she be kept better informed of the decisions, plans and other information
that come from the Christian Education board.
Moderator wants better communication.
Youth:
Pastor Lynn says there is nothing to report.
Benevolence: No report.
Spiritual Life: Dor is S. pr esented a communion set that has obviously been at Community Chur ch
for a very long time. Suggestions were made on how to dispose of it. Suggestions were that we donate it
to another Church. Darlene made a motion for Spiritual Life to find a new home for it, ayes all.
Music:
Darlene shared an email she received from Julianne Proper about the Church organ that
has been repaired. It is now in excellent shape and will be used again for Church services. Thank You
Julianne! Darlene asks for permission to purchase a surge protector for the organ. She would also like
the date of the organ service be noted in the minutes. The date was December 15th, 2014. A motion was
made by Darlene to approve, Barb approved, ayes all.
Women's Fellowship: J o r epor ted a total of 87 people attended the Chr istmas Tea. She thanks
everyone for all the help given at the Tea, and also for the music provided.
Women's Fellowship will not have another meeting until March, 2015.
History:
No report.
Old Business: The nominating committee has been settled for next year .
New Business: Dar lene r epor ted she may adver tise on a fr ee r adio station for giving the old piano
away.
Pat reported there are still of lot of things to be removed from various rooms in the Church. She is
determined to rid the rooms of items not needed or wanted by the Church.
Pat says the council will go over the Church policies in January.
Pat called to adjourn the council meeting at 9:05 p.m. Ayes all.
The Good News!—January 2015
Page 7
Our Christmas Candlelight Tea was a wonderful success! Much warmer weather than last year
permitted us to welcome over 85 people including community and church members as well as special
guests from May Creek and Faith In Action. All enjoyed an evening of warm fellowship, wonderful food,
special music, angel decorations, and door prizes as we acknowledged the "angels" in our lives. There
were many people who made this a lovely evening including Norma - Reservations, Warren - Door
Prizes, Dressing Tables and Decor - Ruby, Sue, Meryle, Jo, and Shelli, Punch - Vera, Tea - Sue, Food/
Kitchen - Sally and many others, Candles - Barb, Ruth, Doris J., Sue and more, Piano - Juliane, Vocal
Solo - Aurora, Guitar - Alison, Door Prize Donations - Laramie, Jo and ??, Sound and Mike - Ken
Barber, Drawing for prizes - Rebecca, Blessing - Pastor Lynn, Clean-up - Deb and more, Support and
prayers - Everyone. Space limited but thanks to all and especially anyone who was accidentally overlooked. Angels do exist and you may be one!
Christmas Tea Committee
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BOARD
Our Christmas Pageant was held during Sunday Worship on December 14th with 10 youth and 5
adults participating. A two-part performance covered the Angels announcement of the Birth of Jesus to
common people - Shepherds - rather than Kings. The modern candy cane also connects us to Jesus - The
Good Shepherd - Rock of Ages - Who died for us. Everyone received candy canes after the service to
share The Good News - Jesus is born! Thank you to all participants. We had last minute changes and
everyone did a wonderful job with them. Special thanks to parents, grandparents, music and sound
people, Christian Ed. Board, Pastor Lynn, and all the members and guests who made this a special day
for our kids.
Our Sunday School Program received a generous donation from the Wolfe Family and now has a
new TV and DVD player just in time for our new Winter Sunday School Program. Thank you so much
Larry, Melanie, and Jacob!
Release Time continues with between 20-22 students in the Elementary Group and 4-5 in the High
School Group. We welcome people to sign-up to furnish refreshments for these daytime groups in
January and beyond. Sign-up sheet is downstairs near Fellowship Hall.
We also are requesting your suggestions and prayers as we seek a replacement for Amber
McAllister, Lead Teacher, who will be moving out of the area in the new year. She has done a great job
and will be missed by all! Please share your ideas!
Christian Ed. Board
The Good News!—January 2015
Page 8
WORSHIP MINISTRY ~ JANUARY
USHER
SOUND SYSTEM
Doug Olson
Karen Compton and Pat Finney
January 4
January 11
January 18
January 25
GREETERS
LITURGISTS
Vera Demars
Dick & Darlene Stilson
Betty Fisher
Meryle O’Connor
Deb Farrell
Chris Kolp
Beverly Jorland
Kameron Artley
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS
January
February
March
April
Don & Doris Splichal
Vera Demars
Don & Doris Splichal
Vera Demars
The Good News!—January 2015
Page 9
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Let us pray together for:
 All the natural disaster victims worldwide.
 The victims and their families lost to acts of violence.
 Peace in the Middle East and all over the world.
 The men and women in the Armed Forces and National Guard
who have been called to active duty.
We pray for the health of our members, friends and loved-ones: The Hallett Family, Emma
Halverson, Kristy Meyer, Chris and Kerry Swenson, Tammy Artley, Dick Hein, Vida Fuller,
Pat and Bob Moore, Ardith Fischer, The Family of Lois Caldwell, Dale Boone, Kent Olson,
Jim Canada, The Family of (Mary) Louise Bright, Rev. Milan and Joan Davig, Penny Fisher,
Bill Koch, Arthur Reese, Bob Stonebraker, Georgie Howard, Yvonne Ahles, Gene Alderson,
Loretta Mayclin, Ruth Aksamit, Jerome Markel, Kathy Austreng, Ed and Betty Hopps.
JANUARY DATES TO CELEBRATE
BIRTHDAYS
1
2
4
5
10
12
14
15
16
17
19
21
27
28
Dorothy Pride
Michaela Smith
John Thompson
Ona Thompson
Bill Koch
Alicia Smith
Jim Vogt
Helen Douglass
Lynette Olson
Amanda Hamlin
Sarah Artley
Libby Freeman
Gene Alderson
Ann Winegar
Abi Tarutis
Cameron Runquist
Ruth Aksamit
Roger Winger
The Good News!—January 2015
Page 10
The Good News! is a monthly newsletter publication of the
Community Church of Walker
United Church of Christ
located at the corner of Highway 371 & Tianna Drive
Walker, MN 56484
Mailing address: P.O. Box 267, Walker, MN 56484
Phone: (218) 547-1093
Email: commchurchucc@ar vig.net
Web Site: www.uccwalker.com
Rev. Lynn Strandt
(218) 547-6413
[email protected]
Secretary: Mar ina Lovell Email: commchurchucc@ar vig.net
Office Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Music/Choir Director: Luke Bar nar d
Bell Choir Director: Heidi Hoppe
Custodian: Pat Finney
Email: l.bar [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Email: pat57@ar vig.net
Church Moderator: Pat Finney
Vice-Moderator: JoAnn Rand
Clerk: Alice Johnson
Treasurer: Deb Farrell
Financial Secretary Co-Chairs: Vera Demars and Ruth Niedermann
Historian: Darlene Stilson
Chair, Board of Trustees: Kerry Swenson
Chair, Board of Benevolence: Seasonal Co-Chairs Doris Johnson and Chris Kolp
Chair, Board of Christian Education: Jo Horak
Chair, Board of Memorials: Ruth Niedermann
Chair, Board of Music: Darlene Stilson
Chair, Board of Spiritual Life: Seasonal Co-Chairs Barb Brownlow and Doris Splichal
Women’s Fellowship President: Jo Horak
Minister/Church Relations Board Members:
JoAnn Rand (Vice-Moderator), Deb Farrell, Marge Koch, John Thompson
Materials for the February Good News! Newsletter need to be in the office by
9:00 a.m. Thursday February 22nd, 2015
JANUARY 2015
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
1
FRIDAY
2
SATURDAY
3
1:00 p.m.
Celebration of Life
of Lois Caldwell
4 Communion
8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Choir Practice
Discussion Group
Worship
Sunday School
Fellowship
11 Celebrate Playing
9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Discussion Group
Worship
Sunday School
Fellowship
18
8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Choir Practice
Discussion Group
Worship
Sunday School
Fellowship
5
6
7
8
6:00 p.m.
Boy Scouts
3:00-6:30 p.m.
Weight Watchers
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Office Hours
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Office Hours
4:00-6:15 p.m.
Confirmation
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Recycled Cards
8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Choir Practice
Discussion Group
Worship
Sunday School
Fellowship
10
17
12
13
14
15
16
Taking Down the
Greens
Taking Down the
Greens
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Office Hours
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Office Hours
Deadline for Council
Meeting Agenda
6:00 p.m.
Boy Scouts
3:00-6:30 p.m.
Weight Watchers
4:00-6:15 p.m.
Youth Group
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Recycled Cards
19
20
21
22
6:00 p.m.
Boy Scouts
3:00-6:30 p.m.
Weight Watchers
8:40 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. Deadline for
Release Time Elem. Sch. February Newsletter
submissions
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Office Hours
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Office Hours
4:00-6:15 p.m.
Confirmation
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Recycled Cards
6:00 p.m.
Board Meetings
7:00 p.m.
Council Meeting
25
9
27
28
29
6:00 p.m.
Boy Scouts
3:00-6:30 p.m.
Weight Watchers
8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Release Time High Sch.
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sheriff’s Training
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Office Hours
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Office Hours
4:00-6:15 p.m.
Youth Group
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Recycled Cards
23
24
30
31
Page 11
26
2:00 p.m.
Celebration of Life
of (Mary) Louise Bright
The Good News!—January 2015
SUNDAY
Community Church of Walker
United Church of Christ
P.O. Box 267
Walker, MN 56484
Return Service Requested
The Good News!
Community Church of Walker
United Church of Christ
As the New Year hurries in,
And our new tasks we begin,
Father help us to make each day
Perfect in every way.
Let us not want nor waste,
Nor lose the hours in haste.
But rather pause along the way
And thank you, as we pray
Make this a year of joy and peace;
A year when blessings never cease.
And when it has passed and gone
May our memories linger on.
2015
Place
Postage