The Beacon – July 2015
THE BEACON
The monthly newsletter of Light of Christ Lutheran Church
Delano, Minnesota
July 2015
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
For freedom Christ has set us free…
(Galatians 5:1)
Hot dogs, parades, fireworks and fun grace the Fourth of July, a day to
commemorate our independence from tyranny and to celebrate our freedom to
pursue our destiny. Despite the impositions of relentless campaigns, money
influence and shameful negative ads, our democratic process is still the best and
fairest method of selecting our leaders.
We celebrate freedom from foreign rule, yet there is a rule that is not so
foreign, a rule seeking to usurp our soul and dictate our place. The tyranny of sin
relentlessly asserts that we are not good enough, not attractive enough, not man
enough, not secure enough, not wealthy enough. It’s foreign domination that
demeans and drives divisions among friends and communities. It’s propaganda
swaying us from truth.
Truth is, you belong to Christ. Truth is, God has created you good enough.
We wage battle in this treacherous world, a battle won first in spirit and then
won in practice. Christ has set us free to be good people, to be holy people, to be
gracious people. Ever watchful and ever prepared against the onslaughts of an
enemy bent on destroying from within, Christ has set us free to pursue our
destiny as God’s chosen, precious people.
~ Pastor Chris
The Beacon
– July Chris
2015
Introducing
Pastor
Hagen
Please call me Pastor Chris. I am delighted to journey with you in the coming months as
we listen to God in discerning the Light of Christ’s future. I have been pastor to 20
congregations in Minnesota, Chicago, Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. I have
experience in small rural, small urban, mid-sized and large congregations. I am ELCA
clergy, but have also served three interims in the PC-USA, in the Presbytery of Donegal
and in the Twin Cities Area Presbytery. Along with the Master of Divinity degree, I have
a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management and a Doctor of Ministry in Congregation
Mission and Leadership.
I am married to Dr. Ann Brearley. We have two daughters. Rachel will be a junior at
Mizzou (U. of Missouri). Hannah will be a junior at Wayzata High School. They have
grown up fast! Ann is a biostatistician at the U of MN. She guides the designing of
medical research and teaches statistics to researchers around the world.
My theology has taken a decidedly incarnational turn these last years. I see the Holy
Spirit acting in events everywhere. God is constantly creating and caring and renewing
and reconciling. Every instance of beauty, goodness, forgiveness is evidence of the Holy
Spirit present and active. Most significantly, we hear God best when in conversation with
each other. Jesus promised where two or three are gathered in his name, he will be there.
It is in community, reflecting the trinity nature of God, that we know God best. That said,
together as a congregation we will explore what God has in store next for Light of Christ.
My joys outside of church and family are bicycling, gardening, grilling and wine making.
I have been gradually replacing useless grass in my yard with edible landscaping.
Recently I purchased a Mango velomobile that I intend to make my commuter vehicle.
Should you see a really cool looking red thing in the parking lot, be sure to stand in awe
and ask me questions! I also sing in the Great Northern Union Chorus
(http://gnusings.com), ranked one of the best barbershop men’s chorus in the world. We
sing next at the State Fair, Sept. 4 on the MPR stage.
The Beacon – July 2015
THRIVENT CHOICE
Did you know that eligible members of Thrivent Financial
can help support our church and thousands of nonprofit
organizations through the Thrivent Choice member-advised
charitable grant program? Directing Choice Dollars is an easy way to help
our church and the nonprofit organizations you care about most. Last year,
LOC received $1806.00 from this program. Simply go to
Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent
Choice” when prompted. Please have your nine-digit Member Identification
Number or contract number available. Members may contact Thrivent after
each quarter (April, July, Oct. Dec.) but no later than March 31, of the
previous year. If you have questions, please contact Ginny Iverson 763-9723591 or Mary Johnson 763-972-2735.
New for Fall – Hot Topics Book Club
Youth and Adults, Men and Women, are
invited to come and discuss books on
topics ranging from Islam, the biography
of a man who spent his teen years in a
coma, and a popular mystery author’s
journey from atheism to spirituality. We
meet the first Thursday of every other
month—September, November,
January and March—at 7:00-8:00 pm in
the church library.
Our first meeting will be September 3rd.
The book will be “The Search for Truth
about Islam: A Christian Pastor Separates
Fact from Fiction” by Ben Daniel. A copy is
available in the Hot Topics
book basket located in the
church library, or it can be
requested from your local
public library.
31st Annual
QUILT AUCTION
Green Lake Bible Camp, Spicer, MN
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Live auction begins at 11:30 am
Quilt Review on Friday, July 24,
5:00-8:00pm & Saturday, July 25
9:00–10:30am. Admission $3.00.
Green Lake Bible Camp is located 2
miles east of Spicer MN on the south
side of Green Lake, 9916 Lake Ave. S.
www.glmm.org
ph#320-796-2181
May Financials

Faith Sharing for the
month: $26,966.45

Expenses for the
month: $38,694.08
The Beacon – July 2015
Light of Christ Music
Ministry
Sue Quist, Director of Music
Can you Name This
Hymn?
Test Your Hymn
Knowledge – and be
a WINNER!
“Clear sun of
righteousness,
shine on my path,
and show me the
way to the
Father.”
Be the first to
come up to Sue
and correctly
name this hymn
and you win! No
winners by email
this month –
come up and say
hello.
Top 10 Christian Songs for the last week of
June 2015
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Brother by: Need to Breathe
Holy Spirit by: Francesca Basttistelli
Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by: Hillsong
Soul on Fire by: Third Day
Shoulders by: King and Country
Touch the Sky by: Hillsong
Drops in the Ocean by: Hawk Nelson
Something in the Water by: Carrie
Underwood
9. Flawless by: Mercy Me
10. Because he Lives by: Matt Maher
What was the Top Christian Song of 2014??
We Believe by: Newsboys
The Beacon – July 2015
YOUTH PAGE
Sonja Nelson, Interim Youth Director
Blessing of Camp and Mission Trip
Youth
On July 1 at the Wednesday night,
7:00 p.m. worship, children and
youth attending ANY Lutheran
camp and the Mission Trip 2015 will
be blessed at worship.
Parents/guardians of the youth will
also receive a blessing. Youth and
their families are invited to stay
after worship for the Youth Bonfire
with root-beer floats, games, and
singing.
Youth Bonfire!
Once a month, 9-12th grade youth
will gather on Wednesday nights for
bonfire, root-beer floats, and games.
Our second bonfire will be on July 1,
after worship and the blessing of
students attending camp and the
Mission Trip. See you at the fire!
Please Pray for Mission Trip 2015
Our high school students will be
traveling to Leach Lake Reservation
July 11-17. The students will be
working with families and children
on the reservation, providing light
construction work and children’s
programs. Please pray for our
students, their adult leaders, and
the community they will be serving.
Student Leadership
In July and August, high school
students will have opportunities to
be leaders within the church.
Besides the Mission Trip, students
are encouraged to participate in
Vacation Bible School, worship help,
and the youth garden. During
August, we will be recruiting and
training our students to be Culture
Keepers, Confirmation Guides and
Sunday School teachers. Student
leadership within the church is
extremely important for faith
development AND the long term
continuation of faith. Because of
its importance, Student leadership
will be a main focus in the next year.
Watch for more information in the
next few weeks. If you know of a
student or you are a student
interested in leadership, please
contact Sonja Nelson.
The Beacon – July 2015
JULY MONTHLY
SERVICE TEAM
LOC members serve the Lord by
sharing, caring and loving through
Monthly Service Teams.
July Service Team families:
Chris & Lisa Andrews
Penny Bailey
Brian & Beth Beardsley
Greg & Carol Bruhn
Laurie Collings
Scott & Brenda Dallmann
Anissa Esco
Thomas & Patricia Friendshuh
Marcus & Carmen Hanson
Dave & Katie Henson
Janine Holter
Matthew & Briana Johnson
Carol Kocina
Peter & Patricia Krebsbach
Todd & Cherie Kuechle
Brian Lee & Cynthia Kramer-Lee
Timothy & Cameron Leonard
Ellie Loux
Paul & Marcie Ludwig
Marilyn Mielke
Sarah Mielke
Kevin & Vicki Noetzelman
Jeffrey & Tara Olson
David & Sandy Parpart
Jason & Diane Schmidt
Joe & Stacey Schramel
Nathen & Gina Will
David & Heidi Wuerger
LOC Library "Footnotes"
"Summertime and the Readin' is
Easy..." (continued)
Two other books that are worth
checking on are:
(book section: ADULT
FICTION) Look for the book
"The Yada Yada Prayer Group"
by Neta Jackson. This book is
contemporary fiction filled with
humor, funny (but very human)
characters, and a mismatched
group of people who grow into
friends who call themselves "all
just sinners saved by Grace".
This promises to be a really good
read.
(book section: WOMEN) Look
for the book "Humor for a Mom's
Heart" by Patsy Clairemont, et al.
This book is small, easy to read,
both funny/poignant, and
guaranteed to keep you reading. It
is described as a "colorful
collection of stories (short), quips,
and quotes to lift the heart" and
was written by mostly women,
but includes a few men also.
Some of the chapter headings are:
"College Bound Kids Empty Our
Nests"; "I Am Mommy, Hear Me
Roar!"; "The Talk"; "Letter From
Camp". This book is just plain
fun!
The Beacon – July 2015
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS
NIGHT TIME VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS COMING!!
- Sunday, August 2nd – Wednesday, August 5th – 6:00-8:30 pm
- 3 year olds (potty trained) through 5th grade
- There is NO FEE for Vacation Bible School
- The VBS Registration form is on the LOC web page. Please sign
up by July 19 to help the committees plan & prepare in advance.
- We want VBS to be BIG, so we are looking for volunteers to help
us. Would you like to be a VBS coordinator, music leader, art
leader, lunch leader, decoration committee, or a helper? We could
sure use you & your God-given talent wherever you think you could
help. Come be a part of the excitement!!!
Calling All Water Lovers: Do you love water? Do you like to hang out with kids? Do you
like to share God’s word? Well…then you would love VBS this summer! Our theme this
summer is “Splash in God’s Word.” VBS will be August 2nd-5th, from 6:00-8:30 pm, and all
four nights have to do with water, kids, and spreading God’s word. We need you to help
lead small groups (you will be a “Shepherd” - training provided), perform skits (practice
provided), sing songs (we have music/CD), and tell God’s word (we have books, pictures,
and crafts). If interested or if you have questions, please email Laurie Langner
(l.langner@hotmail.com) or Shannon Durick (sadspeech@hotmail.com).
Parents of Light of Christ middle school students:
We are looking for middle school students to help this summer with VBS. We need your
child’s help this summer- especially if they love water, like to hang out with kids, and want
to hear God’s word! Our theme this summer is “Splash in God’s Word.” VBS will be
August 2nd-5th, from 6:00-8:30 pm, and all four nights have to do with water, kids, and
spreading God’s word. We need your child to help us as a “Junior Shepherd” where they
would be assisting a high school youth with small group work (training provided),
performing skits (practice provided), singing songs (we have music/CD), and telling God’s
word (we have books, pictures, and crafts). If interested or if you have questions, please
email Laurie Langner (l.langner@hotmail.com) or Shannon Durick
(sadspeech@hotmail.com).
There is a "Giving Ark" filled with animals in the narthex. The Christian Ed Committee is
asking for the congregation’s help by taking an animal and purchasing the VBS supply
listed on the animal. Please drop off the donated VBS supplies in the box in the narthex
by July 15th. Thanks for your help in making VBS a huge splash!!
The Beacon – July 2015
Upcoming Love INC
Events
 Alley Sales – July 15, September 16
 Golf Tournament – July 19
 Back to School Bash – August 19
 Dental Van – September 4, November 6
For more information and/or volunteer
opportunities, please contact Love INC at
763-972-6547.
LOC Women &
friends will host
Golden Living
Center July
birthdays on Wednesday, July
22nd at 2:00 pm. Come at
1:45 to help get ready. Music
by Sue Quist. Call Ginny
Iverson @ 763-972-3591 if
you can help. Please join us
for fun & fellowship!
Do You Love God? Do You Love Youth?
The LOC Youth Ministry is looking for caring adults who want
to support and encourage the youth of the congregation.
Caring adults who are 1. Authentic, 2. Available, 3. Affirming,
can impact the faith lives of our students. Do the 3 A’s describe you? Then we want
YOU to be part of the youth ministry. The ministry’s goal is to fit the role to the
gifts of the person. We have many opportunities that are in direct ministry like
teaching confirmation small group and going on a mission trip or indirect ministry
like recording sermon notes and helping with the sound board during confirmation.
Contact Sonja Nelson if you are curious about the opportunities to serve and be
served in the youth ministry.
A CONCLUDING NOTE:
The time I have been with you has been short but challenging and eventful. I arrived one day
after Pr. Lee’s final Sunday with you. His ministry among you was effective and memorable.
The question was, NOW WHAT? Now you have begun your interim process. While you
grieve the past, you are open to the future. I have been challenged by your powerful
MISSION STATEMENT and have challenged you to center it as the foundation of your
movement into the future. I have been inspired by your gifts, and commitment to the
present and the future at LOC. I have also appreciated working with your dedicated and
gifted staff. Thank you all for your welcoming and your willingness to embrace me as part of
interim time at Light of Christ Lutheran Church. I continue to pray for you, your staff, and Pr.
Chris as you move forward into the future. SHALOM! Pr. Dave
The Beacon – July 2015
Update from Church Council:
June 17, 2015
With the departure of our first Interim Pastor Dave, we now transition to our
settled Interim Pastor Chris Hagen. His official start date is June 22 nd, but he
already has begun some work with committees and council. We are now ready
for the Interim process to truly begin!
Council has spent a lot of time this last month talking with both Christian Ed
committees and our Interim Youth Director Sonja to come up with a plan to fill
the void in the Christian Ed Director’s position and also the upcoming
Confirmation program. At this time we are looking to have Sonja transition to
full time and take over those duties. This does require a bigger financial
obligation so please look for notification from the council soon for a special
congregational meeting to discuss the details and any approval needed to move
forward.
A few maintenance items…
Property committee had to replace a condenser for the air conditioning in the
fellowship hall at a cost of $4050.00.
We also had a portion of the roof shingles replaced due to wind damage.
Insurance picked up the majority of the bill but Property committee added an
extra small area to be done as well. Total investment including deductible was
$3863.16.
Please take time to thank your committee members also. There has been a
larger work load put on them lately and they are doing a fantastic job! We are
blessed to have the members we do!
Peace,
Light of Christ Church Council
Jeff Rubertus- President
Janine Holter- Vice President
Adam Wortz- Secretary
Laura Jaunich
Stacy VanCura
Doug Ludwig
Craig Swenson
Bonnie Lotzer
The Beacon – July 2015
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BIRTHDAYS
01 Cora Boyack, Sara Johnson,
Colton Kettenacker, Stephanie
McClelland, Isabel Mielke,
Deanna Olson, Annika Reierson, Dawn
VanderBroek
Kim Haley, Dan Maxwell, Matt Noetzelman,
Mitch Rue
Kayla Banick, Ryan Cardinal, Jason
Thompson, Kim Wortz
Judy Crosby, Don Johaneson
Jade Kalash
Tate Gallus
Aaron Duda, Sam Fink, Sam Haley, Chris
Meyer, Kim Niedzielski, Jena VanderBroek
Devin Garrett, Spencer Nelson, Cody
Thompson
Ryan Anderson, Jake Jacobson
Taran Allison, Henry Becker, Mike Czock,
Brandon Kohls
Cora Eidem, Justin Elstad, Janine Holter,
Lillian Walters
Jerald Durst, Kiera Grant, Mike Magaard,
Keith Muckenhirn
Chris Andrews, Jeff Caple, Abby Coyle, Julie
Lambert, Jodie Schluter
Jenna Bunker, Jan Lemke, Holly Mikkelsen,
Tara Olson, Bob Stabnow
Penny Bailey, Kristen Cayler, Madeline
Engel, Dan Halbersma, Mary Leyda, Alissa
Petersen
Laurie Brown, Mackenzie Maxwell, Dylan
Swanson, Ryan Tysdal
James Musel, Gracie Peterson
Mark Anderson, Hannah Field, Paul Henry,
Darrin Swanson, Seth Wiest
Jonathan Ceder, Melissa VanCura, Carson
vanSytzama
Melissa Sorensen, Steve Stahlke, Al Sullivan,
Theresa Wallace
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Michelle Droneck, Drew Kane, Chad
Splettstoeszer, Gordon Torgerud
Dorothy Henry
Patrick Nee
Krista Garrett, Maggie Klason, Tamara
Schafer, Alex Schramel
Leslie Carter, Nicholas Holmer, Rick Schmit
Laurie Zaugg
Carolyn Gallagher, Jordan Lemmerman,
Ethan Underhill
Eileen Huetteman, Grant Prinsen
Sue Fink, Tate Olson, Marie Techam,
Julie Wischmann
Jessica Allaire, Eliana Stebner, Nathen Will
Bill Fink, Peter Halluska, Tara Kinches
ANNIVERSARIES:
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Paul & Marcie Ludwig, Greg & Lisa Maschino
Lon & Michelle Droneck, John & Tracy Magner
Matt & Sarah Kirchmann, Dave & Linda
Rosaaen
Jamey & Lisa Boecker, Steve & Lori Checkal,
Craig & Jeanne Schansberg
Matt & Kim Kane, Jacob & Erin Olson, Josh &
Ashley Schoborg
Adam & Anissa Esco, Joe & Cheryl Schleper
Jeff & Lori Graunke, Rick & Kim Niedzielski,
Adam & Kim Wortz
Tory & Sarah Spanier
Ryan & Maggie Nimtz, Matt & Grace Nohner,
Jason & Diane Schmidt
Ryan & Angie Green
Sean & Kristin Peterson
Kevin & Holly Mikkelsen
Dan & Melanie Paulson
Mike & Stephanie Gallus, Dale & Nicole
Kimball, Mike & Candace Mielke
Peter & Amy Halluska
John & Mary Hager
The Beacon – July 2015
JULY WORSHIP ASSISTANTS
Please note: Worship assistants are not assigned for Wednesday 7:00 pm worship services. Please volunteer to be an
usher, greeter or acolyte by signing up in the narthex.
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
Wednesday, July 1 – 7:00 p.m.
Council Rep: Janine Holter
Sunday, July 5, 2015 – 9:15 a.m.
Council Rep:
Greeters:
Acolyte:
Altar Guild:
Adam Wortz
Henry & Eileen Huetteman
Isabel Johnson
Kim Wortz, Bea Zerull
Wednesday, July 8 – 7:00 p.m.
Lector: Amber Becker
Ushers: Steve Crosby, Craig Schansberg
Wade & Holly Sprengeler
Council Rep: Stacy VanCura
Altar Guild: MaryAnn McKay
Sunday, July 12, 2015 – 9:15 a.m.
Council Rep:
Greeters:
Acolyte:
Doug Ludwig
Virginia Dally, Gloria Schuette
Emily Olson
Wednesday, July 15 – 7:00 p.m.
Lector: Amy Bigot
Ushers: Brad & Lisa Spencer
Derek & Jordan Spencer
Council Rep: Bonnie Lotzer
Sunday, July 19, 2015 – 9:15 a.m.
Council Rep:
Greeters:
Acolyte:
Altar Guild:
Adam Wortz
Bev Bauman, Beth Coulombe
Colton Tritz
Dawn Vaadeland, Kim Wortz
Wednesday, July 22 – 7:00 p.m.
Lector: Rene Moen
Ushers: Greg Johnson, Tom McKay
Joe Vieau, John Zerull
Council Rep: Jeff Rubertus
Altar Guild: MaryAnn McKay
Sunday, July 26, 2015 – 9:15 a.m.
Council Rep:
Greeters:
Acolyte:
Adam Wortz
Jon & Robin Olson
Tyson Kroells
Wednesday, July 29 – 7:00 p.m.
Lector: Dale Russenberger
Ushers: Bob Gielau, Jim Schafer
Cheryl Thomas
Council Rep: Jeff Rubertus
The Beacon – July 2015