The Beacon - March 2016
THE BEACON
The monthly newsletter of Light of Christ Lutheran Church
Delano, Minnesota
March 2016
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
“Woman, why are you weeping?” John 20:15
The Apostles’ Creed is a summary of what we believe about God. The second
part, about Jesus, has a curious phrase, “he descended into hell.” Modern translations
soften it up with “he descended to the dead.” The meaning is the same, Jesus joined those
who died in a place apart.
It is a curious fact that Almighty God, Lord of all that is, Mighty and Majestic
Creator of the Universe would succumb to very human death. God dies. Most people
these days fear death and avoid thinking of it. It’s too frightening.
But that is where Jesus went. So wherever Jesus is, what are we to fear? Jesus
descended to the dead to assert his rule and salvation even there. Nothing is beyond the
reach and love of Jesus. No one is beyond Jesus’ redemption and mercy, not even those
who died. Jesus is Lord of the living and of the dead.
Jesus is Lord over death itself. Not even that frightening specter shall keep us
from God.
And so Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb, grieving. Gently Jesus joins her.
Gently he calls her, “Woman.” And gently he wakens her to a new reality, to a new life,
to a new promise that not even death shall keep us from love.
Pastor Chris
Interim Update for March 2016The Beacon - March 2016
The Call Committee is completing the Ministry Site Profile, our church’s self-description that
is our first impression to candidates and guides the synod office. On Wednesday, March 16,
6:00pm, Bishop Ann Svennungsen will come to Light of Christ to review and clarify the profile.
Following that meeting, the Call Committee will begin receiving names for interviewing. This
meeting is open to all members.
The Children Youth and Family Task Force is preparing to interview candidates for the
position of Children Youth and Family Director. Several very good candidates have submitted
résumés.
A new council has begun. Committees have received new members. It is encouraging to see
leadership shifting to younger adults at Light of Christ. From the Church Assessment Tool (CAT
survey) taken last fall, critical to our success is that leadership be representative of the membership
and that there be a broader base of leadership. That is happening with the elections at our annual
meeting.
The contract with Interserve which provides us with Sonja, our CYF Director, will change at
the end of February. Starting March 1, Sonja’s time will be 12 hours/week, primarily overseeing
programs and coordinating transition to the next CYF Director. Most of the programs for children
and youth will be managed by member volunteers until the next director is hired.
For the month of May, Light of Christ has an unprecedented opportunity of having on staff a
theologian from Nigeria. Light of Christ is in partnership with Nyanya Lutheran Church in Abuja,
Nigeria. In May, Ibrahim Bitrus will be in residence at Light of Christ. He has completed his PhD
in systematic theology and will be teaching at a seminary in Nigeria. While at Light of Christ,
Ibrahim will be teaching adult and children classes, leading worship, preaching, available to
confirmation classes and committees of the congregation. More information will be coming in the
next newsletter.
Pastor Chris
January Financials
 Faith Sharing for the month: $ 34,477.69

Expenses for the month: $41,222.10
Mid-week Lenten worship services are offered each Wednesday through
March 16 at 7:00 p.m., preceded by a Lenten Supper at 6:00 p.m.
Maundy Thursday, March 24 – Worship at 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday, March 25 – Worship at 7:00 pm
Children’s Good Friday Worship at 10:30 am
Easter Sunday, March 27 – Worship at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
The Beacon - March 2016
Women’s Bible
Study
ADULT EDUCATION
Sundays 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Room 101
Wednesday,
March 9th @ 10:00 am
in Room 101
The Women's Bible Study topic for the next
couple of months is “The Power of Forgiveness.”
More information can be found at
http://www.thepowerofforgiveness.com.
Men’s
GrouP
Saturday,
March 5
8:00 a.m.
Join us for breakfast, fellowship and
discussion.
IT ONLY TAKES A 'BUCK'
Think about the many ways we
easily spend a dollar. This year,
instead of marshmallow chicks,
provide hope for a family in need
with some real chicks. In addition
to being cute, chicks grow up to
lay nutrient-rich eggs, perfect to feed growing
kids. Extra eggs can be sold, generating
income to help a family escape poverty for
good. This Lenten season, Light of Christ will
be participating in Buck-A-Chick, an ELCA
World Hunger program. For only $1, you can
purchase and decorate a paper chick for
yourself or in honor of a friend or loved
one. Look for the table in the narthex in
between services to help out.
Let us "open our arms to the poor and extend
our hands to the poor."
The 6-week Max Lucado study, You’ll Get
Through This, continues
March 6- “Is God Good When Life Isn’t?”
March 13- “Now, About those Family
Scandals and Scoundrels”
March 20- “God Can Use This for Good”
MARCH HOT TOPICS
BOOK CLUB
We will be discussing Accidental Saints: Finding
God in all the Wrong People by Nadia BolzWeber. Nadia is an ELCA pastor who founded
The House for all Sinners and Saints church in
Denver. Nobody can believe she is an ordained
ELCA pastor. Maybe it is the sleeve tattoos or
the fact that she swears like a truck
driver. Either way… she is fine with that. Join
us on Thursday, March 3rd at 7:00 pm in the
church library to discuss the book.
The Peace and Justice
Ministry meets the 3rd
Saturday of each month
at 10:15 a.m.
Quilting
The LOC Quilters meet each
Monday at 10:00 a.m. in
Room 106 at the church. Everyone
welcome – no quilting experience
necessary!!
The Beacon - March 2016
Loree Kinney, Spiritual Gifts Coordinator
"Make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves." Philippians 2: 2-3
Okay - this is my fourth attempt to write this piece for the Beacon. I danced around what I want to say
and I guess the Lord is saying, "Stop fooling around and just say it". So, I will.
On March 1, I will be leaving as Spiritual Gifts Coordinator at Light of Christ. I'm not leaving our
church, just this position.
It was difficult to decide, but I feel I'm being led to do this for several reasons. The first, and most
important, is that my son faced a significant health issue that has resulted in a lot of changes in our lives.
Good changes, but changes nonetheless. I believe that God is calling me to step up and make my family
my ministry right now. There are other factors, but this is the one closest to my heart.
I've cried over this decision, I've prayed for a different answer but I do have faith. And if my faith is as
strong as I believe it is, then I have to believe that God knows what He is doing. And I will do as He asks
of me.
Now that I've written the words, it wasn't so hard and I feel a sense of peace. Nothing will really change.
I just won't be on staff. And whoever has the Joy of being the next Spiritual Gifts Coordinator is going to
be so blessed, as I have been.
I love our Church. I believe in our Church and I know we've only just begun what God has planned for
us.
It's been my pleasure and my joy to serve you. I am excited to see how the Lord writes the next chapter.
And please remember, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask!
Blessings and Joy!
Loree
P.S.
We are seeking DUSTERS!! There are three spaces in need of dusting that will take about 45 minutes
every other week. The spaces are: Sue Quist's office and the choir room, the Narthex and the library. If
you are willing to make this commitment, please contact Terri, Office Manager.
God's Work, Our Hands!
The Beacon - March 2016
At the place where Jesus was
crucified, there was a garden, and in
the garden a new tomb, in which no
one had ever been laid. John 19:41
Very early on that Easter Day as some
women made their way to a tomb,
they passed through a garden. We
may not know what that garden looks
like but each Easter we make our own
garden to help us celebrate the
glorious resurrection of our Lord—
Allelujah!
Orders for Easter Flowers may be
made through March 6th. The
following are available:
Easter Lily
$10.00
Asiatic Lily
$10.00
Kalanchoe
$11.00
Mum
$11.00
Hydrangea
$16.00
Azalea
$16.50
Return order form in the offering plate
or to the office, and please remember
the deadline for ordering is March 6th.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Register for Summer Trips NOW!
Our Summer Trips for High School student are
beginning to fill up. The Mission Trip is June
25 – July 2 to New Orleans where the students
will work with local non-profit agencies to
provide services to children, the homeless,
and the elderly. The Adventure Week is July 30
– Aug. 6 through Flathead Lutheran Camp
where students will do rock climbing and
kayaking in the Glacier National Park of
Montana. If you are interested, more
information is posted on the website along
with registration.
Staffing and CYF
Task Force Update
Beginning March 1, Sonja Nelson,
Interim Dir. of Children, Youth and
Family, will be going to part time,
providing communication,
administration, and ministry support.
Questions about children,
confirmation, and youth ministries
should still be sent to Sonja. The CYF
Task Force has developed a new
position for Director of Children,
Youth and Family Ministry, and is in
the process of accepting applications
and interviewing candidates. The job
description is posted on the LOC
website. Please keep the Task Force in
your prayers as they continue in the
process of hiring staff.
The Beacon - March 2016
COMING IN MAY.......................
Peace and Justice Ministry is pleased to welcome Dr. Ibrahim Bitrus and his family to Light of
Christ. Dr. Bitrus is part of the Nigerian Theologian in Residence program within the
Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA. The goal of this program will be to increase awareness
of the Synod’s Global Companion Synod relationship with the Lutheran Church of Christ in
Nigeria (LCCN), and to strengthen and expand that relationship through teaching, preaching
and service.
Dr. Bitrus will office at Light of Christ during the month of May. Plans are underway for Dr.
Bitrus and his family to participate in the life of Light of Christ by preaching in services,
speaking in forums, educational, and daily activities.
Look for more information in the weeks ahead.
Hey Thrivent Members! Do you have
Choice Dollars to direct? The deadline to
direct dollars for 2015 is March 31st.
HAVE YOU SHARED THE NEWS?
Please take some time to share the
news about our job opening for
the Director of Children, Youth
and Family Ministries. Please visit
the church website and find the
job description under the Who
We Are section to learn more.
This is your opportunity to be part
The Beacon - March 2016
Light of Christ Music
Ministry
Sue Quist, Director
of Music
current top Contemporary
:
Good Father – Chris Tomlin
iver – Jordan Feliz
s (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong
e Held – Casting Crowns
n You – Lauren Daigle
Wins – Matthew West
ory – Big Daddy Weave
re Loved – Stars Go Dim
Power – Jeremy Camp
our Heart to Beat Again – Danny
AMAZING GRACE
"Amazing Grace" was published in 1779, with
words written by the English poet and clergyman
John Newton (1725–1807). With the message that
forgiveness and redemption are possible
regardless of sins committed and that the soul can
be delivered from despair through the mercy of
God, "Amazing Grace" is one of the most
recognizable songs in the English-speaking world.
Here are 4 different versions of Amazing Grace:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsCp5LG_zNE
Celtic Singers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogxLNlgKM8c
Alan Jackson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM02ZP13fPk
Aretha Franklin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJk5Fv2cfKk
Can You name this Hymn?
Test your hymn knowledge and be a
winner!
“What though the darkness gather
round? Songs in the night he giveth.”
Do you know this familiar hymn? Tell Sue,
and be this month’s winner. You can only
win Name That Hymn 3 times a year –
so…someone new email Sue, and be a
Winner! sueloc@frontier.com
On the Lighter Side:
This was recently sent to me by a
congregational member with a sense of
humor:
Hymn Suggestions:
The Dentist's Hymn:....Crown Him with
Many Crowns
The Weatherman's Hymn:.....There Shall Be
Showers of Blessings
The Contractor's Hymn:.....The Church's
One Foundation
The Tailor's Hymn:.....Holy, Holy, Holy
The Golfer's Hymn:.....There's a Green Hill
Far Away
The Politician's Hymn:.....Standing on the
Promises
The Optometrist's Hymn:.....Open My Eyes
That I Might See
The IRS Agent's Hymn:.....I Surrender All
The Gossip's Hymn:.....Pass It On
The Electrician's Hymn:.....Send The Light
The Shopper's Hymn:.....Sweet By and By
The Beacon - March 2016
FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY is coming to
Light of Christ! Do you live paycheck to
paycheck like 75% of Americans? Is managing
money a stress in your marriage? FPU is just
for you. Financial Peace University is a
biblically based personal finance curriculum
developed by renowned author and speaker
Dave Ramsey. The bible tells us a lot about
how to manage money in a way that pleases
the Lord. FPU will be offered at Light of Christ
Church starting Monday, March 28. The
course runs each Monday for nine weeks,
6:30-8:00 each evening. Everyone is welcomed
to come and try out the first class without
financial obligation. Local Delano resident
Sarah Hellmich will be leading the class. This
will be the 18th time Sarah has taught the
class in Delano area churches. This is not a
business for Sarah but a mission. She donates
her time and energy in an effort to share these
important biblical lessons with others. For
more information, to watch a preview video
or to purchase course materials, go
to www.daveramsey.com/fpu. Contact Sarah
Hellmich or Adam Wortz of LOC (763) 2182601 if you have questions about the course
or if you would like to join us for the first
lesson. Sarah can be reached at 763-226-1799
or sarah.hellmich@me.com. “FPU will not
only transform the way you handle money,
MONTHLY
SERVICE
TEAM
Members of Light of Christ
are dedicated to serving the
Lord by sharing, caring and
loving, and do so through the
work of Monthly Service Teams,
serving at funerals and other
functions.
March Service Team families:
John & Wendy Anderson
Wes & Jessie Aylsworth
Larry & Lynn Bartels
Jamey & Lisa Boecker
Richard & Rebecca Farniok
Jake & Jessica Fitch
Ryan & Angela Green
Mike Heinzen
Dennis & Ginny Iverson
Erika Kluge
Doug & Sherri Laddusaw
Mike & Susan Larison
Dennis Lohmann & JoMarie Williamson
John & Tracy Magner
Chris & Wendy Meyer
The Beacon - March 2016
Nicki Peterson
Sean & Kristin Peterson
Sue Schultz
Bob & Jennifer Slipka
Tory & Sarah Spanier
Terry & Marie Techam
Lindsay & Theresa Wallace
Michael Warmuth & Michael McAdam
Bill & Jinnelle Weis
The Women of LOC would like to
acknowledge and thank Iten Funeral Home
for their generous donation of 3 wooden
easels to be used for events here at Light of
Christ.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Vacation Bible School Registration
It may still be cold but it’s time to plan your summer!
Join us for our evening Vacation Bible School on
July 31 – Aug. 3. Register on-line at our website,
www.lightofchristlutheran.com. Volunteers are needed in many areas!
Easter Baskets for Local Children
Once again the Sunday School children will be putting together
Easter Baskets for children to receive through Delano Helping Hands
Food Shelf. The SS children will assemble the baskets on March 13
and will be collecting donations through the month of February. The
SS needs candy, new small toys (such as hair bands, balls, stuffed
animals, trinkets), plastic eggs (can be used but in good condition),
and medium baskets appropriate for a child. Drop items in the Narthex or have
your child bring the items to Sunday School.
NEW! Children’s Good Friday Worship
A special worship will be provided for children, their family
and congregation on Good Friday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m.
The worship will be 30 minutes, interactive, and adapted
to little children. All are welcome! We to hope to see you
uring this important time of our faith.
Thank you for supporting Camp Noah.!
Our Sunday School families made 15 blankets for children who will attend Camp
Noah this summer. Camp Noah provides a safe, caring and fun environment where
children build resiliency skills within the familiarity of their own communities, using
a proven curriculum designed to help children process their disaster and/or
trauma experience through creative activities and play. We hope to continue to
The Beacon - March 2016
March Birthdays
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Lee Bunker, Linda Johaneson, Evan
Lemmerman, Aidan Quandt, Melissa
Sandberg, Lexi Thomas
Bev Bauman, Katie Bernick Friehl, Toby
Ingebrigtson, Cheryl Schleper
Grace Beltrand, Gloria Schuette, Samantha
VanCura, Steve Zitzloff
Peter Grant
Kayla Buenger, Matt Kirchmann
James Henry, Addison Kirchmann, Tyler
Kyrola, Adam Wortz
Camden Lee, Mathea Schafer, Taylor
Williams
Allison Goldbeck
Rhonda Almquist, Megan Burgstaler,
Cheryl Collins, Annette McClelland
Meagan Boecker
Carol Anderson, Denise Mitchell, Carissa
Rootes, Loren Rumpza
Brenna Durick, Amanda Krampf, Kelly
Thompson
Sophia Grant, Vern Lange, Lisa Maschino,
Gretchen Ness, Brian Schroedl, Ashley
Simenson
Wendy Franklin, Rosalie Grant, Calin
Graunke
Sean Peterson
Billie Chock, Katie Henson
Shannon Beltrand, Melanie Elstad, Nora
Slipka, Tory Spanier
18
19
20
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Jeff Olson, Britta Reierson
Carol Bruhn, Elisabeth Lofrano, Katherine
Lofrano, Grace Maschino, Aidan Schrein
Allison Bauman, Greg Johnson, Liam
Langner, Nicole Rubertus
Brenda Dalbec, Dave Henson, Andrew Ihde
Jeff Demeules, Kay Klason, Hildy Palo, Jerry
Untiedt
Alaina Grant, Kurt Lofrano, Lynda
Pavlovich, Alexis Svien, Kelsey Svien
Mike Christensen, Lisa Hemmer, Emily
Lind, Sam Lodermeier
Midge Amend, LoyAnn Anderson, Tom
Bigot, Alisha Klason, Bonnie Lotzer, Austin
Wallace, Alex Williams, John Zerull
John Cardinal, Grace Nohner
Nathan Donley, Linda Rosaaen, Liliana
Schroedl
Amber Dawn Andrews, Mike Heinzen,
Nicole Kimball, DeeAnne Palan
March Anniversaries
05
08
18
18
19
20
21
24
Paul & Nan Schoborg
Lori & Dale Skogman
Lowell & Maxine Johnson
Rod & Tammy Schmidt
Don & LoyAnn Anderson
Michael & Kari Magaard
Nate & Jen Peterson
Doug & Becky Schaust
MARCH WORSHIP ASSISTANT SCHEDULE
The Beacon - March 2016
Please note: If you are unable to serve on your assigned day, please arrange for a substitute and notify the church
office. Thank you!
Telephone: 763-972-2400
Email: lochrist@frontiernet.net
Wednesday, March 2, 2016 – 7:00 p.m.
Council Rep: Bruce Beltrand
Lector: Loree Kinney
Ushers: Matt Coyle, Jason Engel, Cheryl Thomas
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Council Rep: 8:15 a.m. Janine Holter
10:45 a.m. Robin Olson
Greeters:
Bill & Sherri Field
Greg & Melanie Elstad
Lector:
Cheri Ashfeld
Anne Farniok
Ushers:
Penny Bailey, Loree Kinney, Dennis & Ginny Iverson
Steve & Anne Farniok, Brad & Lisa Spencer
Altar Guild:
Ginny Iverson, Kim Niedzielski
Wednesday, March 9, 2016 – 7:00 p.m.
Council Rep: John Schroedl
Lector: Amber Becker
Ushers: Chris Andrews, Greg Johnson, David & Linda Rosaaen
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Council Rep: 8:15 a.m. Dan Langner
Greeters:
Rick & Wendy Haley
Lector:
Rhonda Current
Ushers:
Dan & Laurie Langner, John & Tracy Magner
10:45 a.m. Robin Olson
Randy & Lisa Hemmer
Dale Russenberger
Beck Coyle, Derek Schansberg
Dale & Janelle Russenberger
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 – 7:00 p.m.
Council Rep:
Lector: Tracy Bistodeau
Ushers: John McClelland, Kent Wischmann
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Council Rep: 8:15 a.m.
Greeters:
Amy Aylsworth, Jessica Holmer
Lector:
Becky Schaust
Ushers:
Penny Bailey, Doug & Becky Schaust
Altar Guild:
Kim Niedzielski, JoMarie Williamson
10:45 a.m. Robin Olson
Brian & Aimee Kettenacker
Carol Galarneault
John McClelland, Cheryl Thomas
Kylee Amdor, Linda Moore
Maundy Thursday, March 24, 2016 – 7:00 p.m.
Council Rep: Stacy VanCura
Lector: Lisa Spencer
Ushers: Brad, Lisa, Derek & Jordan Spencer
Altar Guild: Linda Moore
Good Friday, March 25, 2016 – 7:00 p.m.
Council Rep:
Lector: Judy Crosby
Ushers: Steve Crosby, Craig Schansberg, Wade & Holly Sprengeler
Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016
8:00 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
Council Rep:
Greeters: Joel & Jan Lemke
Lector:
Mary Johnson
Ushers: Greg Johnson, John Zerull
Altar Guild: Kim Niedzielski, Jan Styve
The Beacon - March 2016
Stacy VanCura
Tim & Cameron Leonard
Loree Kinney
Penny Bailey, Lisa Boecker
John Schroedl
Ginny Iverson, Kim Wortz
Dan & Jodi Lind
Bob Gielau
Bob Gielau, Jim Schafer, Cheryl Thomas