2016 faithful giving allows for generous...

From the Pastor 1

Worship & Arts 2

Stewardship 3

Building Fund 4

Greens 5

Calendar 6-7

FLC Youth 8

Christian Education 8

FLC News 9-10

Service List 11

Inside

Pastor Alan Bray & Karen Smithers

February 2017

On behalf of the Steward-

ship Committee, we want

to thank you for your

faithfulness in giving for

the year 2016. You should

know that your giving

made it possible for us as

a congregation to give

generously to the mission

of Christ outside the walls

of our congregation.

The following is a list of

our benevolence giving for

the year 2016...totaling

over $72,000. Thanks to

you!...and thanks be to

God!

SW Minnesota Synod & ELCA $48, 600

Missionary Sponsorship $3,000

Lutheran Social Services $3,000

Shetek Lutheran Bible Camp $1,500

VINE $500

The Garden $500

Other Gifts $387

World Hunger $3,864

Lenten Offering for Hunger $1,920

St. Peter Area Food Shelf $1746

Holiday Baskets (vouchers) $2,515

Giving Tree/Pastors’ Discretionary Fund $3,168

ELCA Disaster Relief/LIRS $1,262

Sunday School-World Hunger $180

Total $72,142

2016 Faithful Giving allows for

Generous Benevolence

Worship & Arts/From the Intern

From the Cantor

From the Intern

SAVE THE DATE

On Sunday, February 19th, the GAC and FLC worshiping communities will join together at First Lutheran for our 10:30 service. This will be the first of many commemorative opportunities in 2017 as we celebrate and reflect on the Refor-mation and its past, present, and future impact on the church. We look forward to welcoming and working with the GAC community, including musical support from the handbell choir, Chapel Brass, and members of the various choirs on campus. YOU are welcome to join in the mass choir, which will meet in the loft immediately following the

first service for a rehearsal from 9:20 - 10:20.

FESTIVAL CHOIR

Coming this Lent, there will be another choir opportunity. Choir will begin on Wednesday, February 22nd and will meet from 7:45 - 8:15 on Wednesday nights and from 9:45 - 10:15 on Sunday mornings. Please contact Emily ([email protected]) if you have interest in participating. It would make a great activity for confirmation mentors and mentees!

LUTHER HYMN FOCUS

The hymn "O Lord, We Praise You" was a common text used as a post-communion Leise (hymn used as a congrega-tional response) before the Reformation. Luther liked the hymn but cut a couple of the lines that he thought were theo-logically incorrect. It was well-loved, and Luther wrote two additional stanzas, which was later translated to English and modified for our current hymnal to avoid male exclusivity. The tune, GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENEDEIET first appeared with this text in a 1524 hymnal and is in bar form. Unlike the popular myth that Luther took secular tunes from bars and made them church hymns, bar form refers to the structure of the tune: an "A" section is sung twice, fol-lowed by a "B" section with new material, or AAB. In the case of this hymn, "AA" and "B" are each followed by a Kyrie.

SEARCHING FOR BRASS Did you play a brass instrument in school "back in the day?" Emily is looking for a trumpet and a trombone player to create an FLC Brass Ensemble. Please let her know if you would like to play or would like more information!

EPIPHANY SONG

During the musical, the adults and youth learned the song "Many Are the Lightbeams." Throughout the season of Epiphany, we will continue to sing two verses of this song during our worship. Epiphany brings us many themes of light, and the song fittingly reminds us that "our one light is Jesus."

Women of the Reformation Monday Morning Bible Study

As part of our 500th year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, I invite you to come and celebrate some of the least know participants of the Reformation: Women. As part of a four week study, we will look at the life, faith, and liter-ature of four women of the Reformation: Katharine von Bora, Anne Askew, Teresa of Avila, and Marguerite de Valois. We will meet in the Conference Room at 9:30 AM on the following Mondays: February 6, February 13, February 27, and March 6. Come, learn, and celebrate some of the Mothers of our Christian faith. All are welcome to attend!

mailto:[email protected]

Stewardship

NOTES FROM THE FUNDS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

First Lutheran Church has, over many years, received gifts from members and friends primarily to invest in an endow-

ment fund. Most of these funds are designated endowments meaning that a reasonable share of the earnings from

the fund are to be distributed according to the wishes of the donor(s). For example, the Agnes Holmberg Fund is to be

used to enhance the musical program of the Church.

The Funds Management Committee (FMC) is responsible for investing the endowment funds into various types of

monetary groups. As of December 31,2016, the market value of all endowed funds owned by the Church was

$335,996 A year ago, that figure was $314,583. Based on past, present, and future predictions of how the stock

market will perform, the Committee has approved a disbursement of 3% of the market value of all our investments as

of December 31, 2016, or $9,277 for use in 2017. As the Committee restructures its portfolio periodically, the Com-

mittee also recognizes the fact that they are obligated to invest a portion of its total portfolio into what are called so-

cially responsible funds, funds that focus on environmental issues. One such fund is the Parnassus Fund which so

far has had a good “track” record (above average returns).

One of the better funds in terms of annual earnings and value held by the Church in recent years is the Short Term

Bond Fund of the Vanguard Group. At the last meeting of the FMC (January 19, 2017) the Committee decided to

cash in the Short Term Bond Fund valued at approximately $40,151 to be used as follows: $9,277 for the 2017 3%

distribution to each of the Church’s endowment funds with the balance ( $30,874) to be invested in the ELCA Mission

Investment Fund.

The Resurrection Cemetery also has an endowment fund – also called perpetual care funds – the annual earnings of

which help with maintenance expenses. The primary source for these funds comes from the sale of grave sites. Up

until a couple years ago the Cemetery Board assumed sole responsibility for investing the Cemetery’s endowment

fund. The majority of its investments were in CD certificates – which since 2008 have had a very low rate of return.

Consequently, the Cemetery Board decided to have a portion of its portphoio managed by the FMC. In December,

2016 three CD’s owned by the Cemetery matured for a total of $19,000. By action of the Resurrection Cemetery

Board, the sum of these three CD’s were placed in the hands of the FMC hoping for better returns given the experi-

ence of the three members of the FMC in buying and selling investments that over the long term yield higher returns

than CD’s. The FMC decided to place $7,500 into the Parnassus Fund, and $11,500 into Vanguard’s Small Cap Val-

ue Fund.

Members of the Funds Management Committee: H. Stuart Johnson, Chair

Tom Thorkelson

Ken Westphal

Paul Aasen, Advisory

Alan Bray, Advisory

Building Fund

Green Committee

TOWARD ZERO WASTE----AND OTHER GREEN ACTIVITIES

As Jim Dontje wrote in the last month’s Heartbeat the Greens are working on “regenerating” our waste and recycling here at First Lutheran. A container for the coffee grounds has been placed in the Gathering Space, and has been used quite well. Thank you for all who have been placing the grounds in the container for com-posting. In the kitchen a container is on the counter that can be used for food prep scraps, with a composta-ble bag inside. It will be labeled SCRAPS. Hopefully soon we will have a way to collect all the food scraps for composting.

Our 2017 ECO FAIR will be on March 19th between services. Tables will focus on games, information, fellow-ship, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, and ways we will be working to regenerate our refuse into new products and food for the soil. As the poet wrote “Turning all that is into all that will be”

Also during the ECO FAIR we will be collecting L.E.D. bulbs that will be then donated to the Saint Peter Area Food Shelf and offered to the client; so bring a pack or bring one, and share your light.

Also in March we are excited to say that on March 12th Jim Gilbert will be speaking at the forum. Jim Gilbert is a consulting naturalist for WCCO and teaches part time in the Environmental Studies program at Gustavus Adolphus. He has written several books on nature in Minnesota and is a regular columnist for several news-paper columns. Many of you have taken his walks through the GAC Arboretum and have commented on what a wonderful experience it was.

Photo Directory update….

The FLC Photo Directory is still a work in progress

Thank you for your patience

Stay tuned for more details!

February 2017

Sunday Monday Tuesday

1

7:00 a.m. Men’s Conversation (GAC)

8:30 a.m. Staff

11:30 a.m. SPAM (Church of St. Peter)

3:00 p.m. WOW

5:30 p.m. Supper

6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir

6:15 p.m. Confirmation

7:15 p.m. Worship

7:45 p.m. Youth Group

5

5th Sunday after Epiphany

First Communion

8:15 a.m. Worship

9:15 a.m. Fellowship

9:30 a.m. Education

10:30 a.m. Worship

6

9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer

9:30 a.m. Adult Study

6:30 p.m. Welcoming Committee

7

8:30-10:00 a.m. Pastor Alan’s Office

Hours (Co-op)

12-6:00 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive

1:00 p.m. Green Committee

8


8:30 a.m. Staff

3:00 p.m. WOW

5:30-6:10 p.m. Supper



7:15 p.m. Worship


12

6th Sunday after Epiphany

8:15 a.m. Worship


9:30 a.m. Education

10:30 a.m. Worship

11:45 a.m. YLT

13

7:00 a.m. Executive Committee



11:30 p.m. Christian Education

1:30 p.m. Pastor Support Group

7:00 p.m. Internship Committee

14

8:30-10:00 a.m. Intern Caitlin’s Office

Hours (River Rock)

11:00 a.m. Staff Support

6:00 p.m. Building & Grounds

6:30 p.m. Social Ministry

7:00 p.m. Altar Guild

15


8:30 a.m. Staff

3:00 p.m. WOW

5:00 p.m. Worship & Arts

5:30 p.m. Supper



7:15 p.m. Worship


19

Third Sunday after Epiphany

8:15 a.m. Worship


9:30 a.m. Education

10:30 a.m. Worship—FLC & GAC

2:00 p.m. MN Valley Conference Assembly

(Immanuel Lutheran in New Auburn)

20 PRESIDENT’S DAY

OFFICE CLOSED—No Activities

21

9:00 a.m. MN Valley Conf. of Pastors

7:00 p.m. Council

22


8:30 a.m. Staff

3:00 p.m. WOW

5:30 p.m. Supper



7:15 p.m. Worship


26

Transfiguration Sunday

8:15 a.m. Worship


9:30 a.m. Sunday School

10:30 a.m. Worship

5-7:00 p.m. FLC Dinner & Variety Show

27



28

February 2017

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday


8:30 a.m. Staff

11:30 a.m. SPAM (Church of St. Peter)

3:00 p.m. WOW

5:30 p.m. Supper



7:15 p.m. Worship


2

2:00 p.m. Text Study

3

4


8:30 a.m. Staff

3:00 p.m. WOW

6:10 p.m. Supper



7:15 p.m. Worship


9


10

11

9:00 a.m. Kitchen Cleaning


8:30 a.m. Staff

3:00 p.m. WOW

5:00 p.m. Worship & Arts

5:30 p.m. Supper



7:15 p.m. Worship


16

8:00 a.m. Finance Committee

9:00 a.m. Stewardship Committee


17

18


8:30 a.m. Staff

3:00 p.m. WOW

5:30 p.m. Supper



7:15 p.m. Worship


23

8:30-10:00 a.m. Pastor Alan’s Office

Hours (River Rock)


24 25

FLC Youth/Christian Education

Christian Education Happenings Sunday School for PreK-Gr6 meets 9:30-10:15 each Sunday. We continue our look at Old Testament stories this month. If you would

like to lead or help check out our Sign Up http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0844aaa72fa6ff2-sunday

WOW K-Grade 6 meets Wednesdays 3-5 p.m. FLC members and friends are welcome to attend.

First Communion

Ten of our young children will receive their first communion on February 5th at the worship service of their choice. Con-

gratulations to these families and may God continue to bless these young people as they continue their faith journey.

Adult Study Opportunities

First Forum & Luther’s Small Catechism Study 9:30-10:20 each Sunday morning.

Monday Morning Study – 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Topics for February/March:

Women of the Reformation – Intern Caitlin—February 6,13, 27 and March 6

Roots of the Reformation – Pastor Alan—March 13, 20, 27

Confirmation meets Wednesdays 6:15-7:10 p.m.

9th Graders are studying the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer

7th/8

th Graders continue to look at the life of Jesus

All students, grades 7-9, are in the midst of their 2017 Faith Project assignment, which is to think of their own faith rela-

tive to the Apostles’ Creed. This project is due at the end of Lent.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0844aaa72fa6ff2-sunday

FLC News

FEBRUARY SERVICE LIST

Coordinators: Doug & Sue Peterson

Eunice Amos

Glen Anderberg

Mark & Laura Boomgaarden

Eric & Michelle Borseth

Chris Braun

Maxine Brown

Kathryn Christenson

Martin & Bonnie Davig

Jim Dontje & Laura Lindell

Sara Emich

Craig & Colleen Hanson

Kelsie Hatlevig

Linda Irvin

Cliff & Brenda Isley

John & Marit Kvamme

Steve & Kris Larson

Mark & Shannon Lloyd

Jim & Kim Neubauer

Bonnie & Darrell Pettis

Wesley & Carol Quick

Joel & Heidi Rimstad

Bernie & Lenore Schnobrich

Tyson & Michelle Twait

Jim & Karen Wendroth

Merwin & Joan Williams

Barbara Ylinen

Thank You for sharing your time and talent!

Prayer Ventures

Prayer Ventures are available in

the FLC website at www.flcstp.org.

Paper copies are also available on

the table in the narthex near the

Gathering Space.

Financial Notes:

Through December 3, 2016

Income $ 506,992

Expenses $ 505,725

Balance $ 1,287

Red Cross Blood Drives at FLC

February 7 Noon-6:00 p.m.

Coordinated by FLC Youth Katelynn Erickson

Sign up to donate:

http://www.redcrossblood.org/rcbmobile/drive

/chooseDonationTime.jsp

April 20th - Times TBD

http://www.redcrossblood.org/rcbmobile/drive/chooseDonationTime.jsp

http://www.redcrossblood.org/rcbmobile/drive/chooseDonationTime.jsp

Renewed by Christ in Word, water, bread and wine, we serve the community and the world

1114 Traverse Road

St. Peter MN 56082

Welcome to First Lutheran Church

Phone: 507-934-3060

Fax: 507-934-3847

E-mail: [email protected]

Address Service

Requested

We’re on the

Web!

www.flcstp.org

Worship Schedule

Public Access Channel 7

TV broadcast

3:00 p.m. Sunday

6:00 p.m. Monday

8:00 a.m. Tuesday

11:30 a.m. Sunday

Sunday Worship Schedule

8:15 a.m. Worship


9:30 a.m. Education

10:30 a.m. Worship

Weekday Worship

Monday 9:15 a.m. Prayer

Wednesday 7:15 p.m. Worship

http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Lutheran-Church-of-St-Peter/118370501506575

2016 faithful giving allows for generous...

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