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St. John’s Lutheran Church

November 2015 Church Bell

Love by Definition

“…Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This how God showed His love among us; He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins…” 1st John 4:7-10

“Love” is a subject that permeates the Bible. The word is used over 640 times in scripture, only being eclipsed by the word “Lord” and other names for our Savior. As Christians we know what “love is” by the passage in 1st John 4:8. The rest of the world must look it up in the dictionary, which provides a very confusing 451 word explanation. However, Christians and non-Christians alike know one thing for sure about “love.” That, by definition, love is something that must be given away. Love goes from one person to the next and is sometimes returned and sometimes not. Love is never meant to be kept inside. Love is unusual in that it starts with one person before it is given to another. Our relationship with Jesus is no different and the most well-known scripture verse explains it best; “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” – John 3:16. Simply put, in our Christian relationship God loved you first. Just as you didn’t ask to be born into this world, God’s love has also been sent to you without your consent. To tell someone you love them always has a risk. You express this to a person, and it may be returned or not. All people, when they hear the Gospel, must contend with the fact that God expressed His love first (John 3:16). The world is full of people who love the things

From the Desk of Pastor Taylor

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Newsletter Deadline:

Deadline for the December newsletter is Monday, November 16.

Join the Newsletter Mailing Crew on Tuesday, November 24th at 9:00 am.

Bulletin Deadline: Every Tuesday at midnight

St. John’s Lutheran Church

302 NE 2nd Street Buffalo, MN 55313

Phone: 763-682-1883 Youth Line: 763-684-0460

Fax: 763-682-1936 Noah’s Ark Pre-School: 763-682-1368

info@stjohnsbuffalo.org Sharing a changeless Christ in a changing world.

www.stjohnsbuffalo.org Staff: Rev. Philip Meyer, Pastor pmeyer@stjohnsbuffalo.org 763-229-7101

Rev. Roger Klemz, Visitation Pastor 612-716-7612

Rev. Norm Hanan, Visitation Pastor 320-309-5904

Rev. Dave Taylor 763-370-2423, Visitation Pastor

Kelly Thole, DCE, Director of Family Ministry

kthole@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Chris Ryan, DCE, Director of Youth Ministry christophermryan2@gmail.com

Carla Myhre-Vogt, Office Administrator cvogt@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Beth Hane, Office Assistant bhane@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Noah’s Ark Preschool noahsark@gmail.com

Kyle & Elizabeth Bjork, Treasurers Kathryn Elsen, Financial Secretary financesec@stjohnsbuffalo.org Cheryl Olsen, Board Secretary

Worship Times: Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 8:00 & 10:30 am

Sunday’s Service Broadcast on KRWC 1360AM at 8:00 am

Of�ce Hours: M-F 8:30-4:30

Chairman of the Congregation August Mussell

Board of Elders elders@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Dave Haggerty, Head Elder Tracey Anderson

Derek Annis Kyle Bjork

Jack Harlan Peter March

Todd Peter Ryan Rutten

Tony Sabraski Mark Saunders

Board Chairs Altar Guild: Dorothy Bowman

Education: Open Evangelism: Roger Strege

Fellowship: Marti & Lee Ryan Kid’s Club: Ken and Amy Hill

Library: Shala Holm Memorial Endowment/Investment:

Janice Marschel Project Compassion: Sandi Baert

Sanctuary Decorating: Shala Holm Stewardship: Tim Vergin

Trustees: Stan Meyer Women in Mission: Pat Norine

Youth & Family Ministry: Kathryn Elsen

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(Continued from page 1)

that God has created; this earth, the people we meet, a healthy body, a life with purpose and even those possessions we have temporary stewardship of. Sadly, a human being can fall into a trap where they love the gifts more than the giver. We may love the gift of life more than the one who created our life. Or even worse, we simply forget that God is the provider of all things, and we sometimes taking them for granted or misusing what God had originally made for our good. To me, Fall is the most beautiful season here in Minnesota. The gifts of God shower down upon us with the harvest of the fields, celebrations of Thanksgiving, tall trees crowned with brilliant colors, happy kids jumping in leaf piles, geese flying overhead, some time off to go fishing and cool breezes at the end of the day. As God gives us so many good things, it is “good” to take some time and contemplate the “Giver” of all these blessings. Enjoy the abundance from our Lord.

– Pastor Taylor

Quarterly Voters Meeting

November 1 at 11:30 am in the Fellowship Hall

Potluck Dinner—Bring your favorite dish to share!

You are invited to our annual Fall Harvest/Thanksgiving Dinner

Date: Sunday, November 22nd Time: 11:30am Place: Fellowship Hall

Come and enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner.

There will be turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes,

gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls,

cupcakes, and beverages. The dinner is free, but a

free-will offering will be taken to offset the cost of

the food. This dinner is also open to the community,

so be sure to welcome visitors to our church.

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Holiday Schedule Mark your calendars…

♦ Thanksgiving, Nov. 26—Worship 10:00 am

♦ Christmas Choral Concert—Saturday,

Dec. 19, 7:00 pm

(No Saturday evening worship service)

♦ Sunday School Christmas Program—

Sunday, Dec. 20, 10:30 am

♦ Christmas Eve—Worship 5:00 (Family Service), 7:00 &

10:00 pm

♦ Christmas Day—Worship 10:00 am

♦ No Saturday evening worship on December 26

♦ New Year’s Eve—Worship 7:00 pm

♦ New Year’s Day—Worship 10:00 am

Christmas Program

Practice

December 5th, 12th & 19th

9:30 to 11:30am

Students 3 years through 4th grade will work

together with their class to practice their

parts, make props and help get ready for our

program on December 20th during the 10:30

service. Need more info? Contact Kelly at

763-682-1883.

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Heading South for the Winter?

If you give us your temporary address and phone number, along with the dates you will be away, we can be sure you continue to receive mailings from St. John’s. Please put your information in the offering plate or call the church office at 763-682-1883.

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November

Ushers

8:00 Dave Randel Fred Bonk Bill Cook Tim Rajewsky

10:30 Richard Marquette Cory DeWitte Confirmation Kids

Audiovisual

The Team

Tim Berteau Emily Chapa Jon Chapa Conner Henning Jill Marketon Dylan Meyer Jesse Meyer Bill Morris Melissa Morris

Coffee Servers

11/1 11/8 11/15 11/22 11/29

Concert Ministry Open Samantha Klatt Open Open

The

Love of

Friends

Nothing is better than spending time with loving, Christian people and that’s what we do in PEP (People Enjoying People)! PEP meets on the first and third Tues-days of every month in Room 104 across from Noah’s Ark Preschool. We begin with a brief Bible study led by Pastor Klemz, followed by a variety of activities which may include joke telling, cards and games. In November we meet on the 3rd and 17th from 9-11:30 AM. Bring your own beverage; come whenever you can; stay as long as you want. There is no regular commitment. The more the merrier.

Coffee servers needed for November and December!

Thanksgiving Offering

As previously approved by the congregation for 2015, our designated Thanksgiving offerings will be shared by Lutheran Hour Ministries & Noah’s Ark Preschool. Lutheran Hour Ministries is a Christian outreach ministry supporting churches worldwide. The Lutheran Hour, airs Sundays at 6:05 a.m. on WCCO Radio 830 and KRWC 1360 at 7:30 a.m. Noah’s Ark Preschool currently has 18 students and became a part of St. John’s Ministries earlier this year. Our goal is to increase attendees to our maximum of 37 by 2017.

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Acknowledging Memorials and Gifts

Recent memorials and gifts have been made toward the following:

Item In Memory/Honor Of

Building Fund Ruth Peavey

Organ Fund Betty Gibbs

Noah’s Ark Preschool Lilly Jean Eckhoff

Wish List—Hearing Impaired Devices

Handbell Storage Bags & Music

Good Samaritan Fund

Bathroom Power Door Openers

Grateful thanks to all of you who have contributed.

Thrivent Choice Action Teams Making a Difference at St. John’s

Every Thrivent member can apply for Action Team dollars to support a fundraiser two times each year. You will receive a $250 Impact Card that you can use as seed money to purchase project supplies and create promotional materials. Some previous Action Teams were used by Janice Marschel for the Kent Dudley Concert for Noah’s Ark, raising $800. She has also applied for “Silent Auction for Missions” in November. Vanessa Meyer & Chris Ryan used an Action Team to provide gas money for the Youth Mission trip this summer. Pat Norine used an Action Team to purchase ads for Country Fair and yarn & magnets for the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Sandi Baert used hers for Noah’s Ark. Bill & Carol Cook have supported Pastor Meyer twice for the Michael Johnson Concert & upcoming Michael Card Concert. Also, Sweetwater Revival for Noah’s Ark and the Family Fun Fest. Any questions on how the program works, give Bill & Carol Cook or Janice Marschel a call. They will be happy to help you through the process.

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Birthdays Catherine Hafften 11/1 Alexis Lomax 11/1 Gwen Luce 11/1 Aaron Radtke 11/1 Kayla Schimmele 11/1 Trace Anderson 11/2 Jarrod Bonk 11/2 James Chapa 11/2 LeAnn Fremo 11/2 Maehli Gawtry 11/2 Nyles Gentz 11/2 Loggan Handt 11/2 Emily Korbel 11/2 Theodore Ungaro 11/2 McKenzie Cramer 11/3 Maxine Jensen 11/3 Rachel Keyes 11/3 Jason Klatt 11/3 Patricia Regentz 11/3 Lillian Anderson 11/4 Gail Runke 11/4 Alice Marohn 11/5 Lee Ryan 11/5 Charles Schoen 11/5 Sue Jeske 11/6 Jack Johnson 11/6 Briana Thedens 11/6 Henry DeBoer 11/7 Celeste Graham 11/7 Doug Hafften 11/7 Joshua Hopkins 11/7 Tiffany Jeske 11/7 Debra Marty 11/7 Chris Ryan 11/7 LeeAnn Skoriuckow 11/7 Lisa Walters 11/7 Lucille Ordorff 11/8 James Peavey 11/8 Melissa Ungaro 11/8 Susan Louisiana 11/9 Steve Stelton 11/9 Kyle Wald 11/9 Carol Berg 11/10 John Bjork 11/10 Sharon Dierks 11/10 Kevin Ordorff 11/10

Tony Sabraski 11/10 Gary Randt 11/11 Kellen Warne 11/11 Annette Berg 11/12 Diana Engler 11/12 Cole Lambrecht 11/12 Samantha Beckman 11/13 Michael Degn 11/13 Greg Giebenhain 11/13 Gene Lambert 11/13 Tom Reineccius 11/13 Timothy Vergin 11/13 Lila Wright 11/13 Taylor Dixon 11/14 Jason Jorgenson 11/14 Bill Cook 11/15 Reinhardt Goerke Jr. 11/15 Beth Husom 11/15 Sara Kubu 11/15 Becky Mills 11/15 Andrew Wagner 11/15 Henry Forcier 11/16 Britni Klatt 11/16 Kari Klatt 11/16 Paris Steinmetz 11/16 Mee Joo Wachter 11/16 Ben Barney 11/17 Pat Baumgard 11/17 Ryan Bonk 11/17 Michael DeBoer 11/17 Teagen Lambert 11/17 Vanessa Meyer 11/17 Jason Warne 11/17 Taylor Gearey 11/18 Allen Buskey 11/19 Jessica Giles 11/19 Marissa Huikko 11/19 Marion Lacina 11/19 Jason Lemke 11/19 Julia Martinson 11/19 Laura Martinson 11/19 Debra Ordorff 11/19 Marvin Streich 11/19 Ann Wertish 11/19 LaRee Reese 11/20 Eric Workman 11/20

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James Workman 11/20 Jennifer Haag 11/21 Taran Hagan 11/21 Johnathen Huffman 11/21 Alex Leuer 11/21 Donna Meidinger 11/21 Debbie Reineccius 11/21 Keith Thibodeau 11/21 Taylor Workman 11/21 Heather Anderson 11/22 Nicole Beckman 11/22 Krista Graf 11/22 Waldo Solberg 11/22 Tyler Peterson 11/23 Sirena Powell 11/23 Sarah Stech 11/23 Diane Veches 11/23 Madison Willprecht 11/23 Madelyn Zobel 11/23 Owen Czanstkowski 11/24 Audrey Mainquist 11/24 Eric Mietz 11/24 Nicole Berg 11/25 Eric Bixby 11/25 Lee Dalchow 11/25 Sharon Kaufman 11/25

Keith & Sally Lemke 11/2 Jill & Gary Marketon 11/2 Ralph & Marilyn Sotebeer 11/2 Doug & Judy Hanson 11/3 Gerald & Judy LaFave 11/3 Deann & Randy Shupe 11/5 Earl & Karen Uecker 11/5 Thomas & Pixie Elletson 11/6 Greg & Celeste Graham 11/7 Tony & Theresa Sabraski 11/7 Matthew & Bonnie Jeske 11/8 Nyles & Helane Gentz 11/9 Jean & Gene Kubu 11/9

Steve & Deb Rand 11/15 Jodi & Steve Lachermeier 11/17 Mike & Tammy Bertsch 11/18 Woodrow & Kari Klatt 11/18 Steve & Carla Vogt 11/19 Christopher & Kara Froberg 11/21 James & Rosemarie Workman11/22 Cory & Jen Hilk 11/25 Marlene & Gregory Rudenick 11/26 Joe & Molly Schillinger 11/26 John & Toni Kock 11/27 Robert & Judy Lacina Jr. 11/28

Farin Klatt 11/25 Traci Lee 11/25 Cole Loberg 11/25 Laura Mackenthun 11/25 Lauren Meidinger 11/25 Zara Sahli 11/25 Daleney Teske 11/25 Fred Bonk 11/26 Kianna Hamann 11/26 Edward Louisiana 11/26 Pauline Thaemert 11/26 Mitchell Fehn 11/27 Harold Clifton Jr. 11/28 Sayward Hayes 11/28 Karen Jans 11/28 Luella Krohn 11/28 Skyler Valley 11/28 Erin Crone 11/29 Audrey Green 11/29 Kitte Klatt 11/29 Zachary Ordorff 11/29 Anne Tscholl 11/29 Nicole Lanie 11/30 Will Selvig 11/30 Marsha Stech 11/30 Mark Thomson 11/30

Anniversaries

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Noah’s Ark

November 2015

It’s the beginning of another month here at Noah’s Ark Preschool. This month is

sure to be full of learning, growing and discoveries about

our selves, our world and about our GREAT God!

Special Events • St. John’s is having a Resource

Fair with children and family ministry products. Come check out new Bibles, ideas, and resources with Kelly on November 4th and 5th outside the Noah’s Ark classroom.

• The Noah’s Ark Preschoolers are giving back to kids in need through Operation Christmas Child!

We will collect small gifts for preschool-age boys and girls and fill shoeboxes with the items you and your families bring in. Last year Noah’s Ark filled 6 shoeboxes with God’s love and prayers for the little hands who would open these gifts!

What is happening this month? Our Bible theme this month is ...

I Thank God for Blessing Me

‘Give thanks to the Lord for He is good!’ Psalm 136:1

During Jesus Time we are learning about David, Daniel,

Jonah, & Giving Thanks.

Letters of the month are T, B, & D,. We are always learning about all the letters but this month these are the stars.

Themes for November are Transportation, Thanksgiving, Blessings, David, and Daniel.

Announcements NO SCHOOL • Mon. Nov. 9th • Wed. Nov. 25th-Fri. Nov.

27th

Picture DAY! Zahler Photography will be

here for school pictures Thurs. Nov. 12th and Fri. Nov. 13th

.

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Children & Family

Operation Christmas Child

Drop-Off Site

We are looking for volunteers to help at the drop–off site

during the week. The job is simple and a

short-term commitment.

Maybe your family wants to volunteer for a few hours; there is no age limit. Maybe you are involved in a group that wants to do its part, or maybe you are an individual with a heart for

service. Everyone is welcome!

As a volunteer, you are a host of St. John’s by welcoming those who come through our doors to drop off boxes, keeping

a count of boxes collected, and more.

The shifts are listed below…. Come for a couple of hours or stay for the day. All help is needed. If you want to know more

or want to sign up, contact Kelly at 763-682-1883.

Schedule Monday 16 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Tuesday 17 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Wednesday 18 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Thursday 19 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Friday 20 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Saturday 21 10:30 am-1:30 pm Sunday 22 10:30 am-1:30 pm Monday 23 10:00am-12:30 pm

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Children & Family

NOVEMBER

This

month’s

theme

verse is, “This is the day that the

Lord has made.” Psalm 118:24

This month students will

thank God for His many

blessing and share them

with others!

Family Resource Fair

November 1st, 8th &15th

• Looking for faith-filled

videos and books that your

kids will love?

• Have you ever wondered

what Bible to get your

little one ?

• Are you looking for family

devotion options that are

out of the box?

Come and open some books,

get hands-on with resources

and maybe find a Christmas

gift for a loved one! Check out

our table Sunday mornings

by the upper rotunda outside

the Sunday school classrooms.

Have questions? 763-682-1883

First Faith Steps Class

A parent & child Sunday school class for children

birth—3years old. Join other parents as you and your child sing songs and actively experience

Bible stories. We hope to help you network

with other parents, and equip you with tools and tips

to bring the faith home.

Call Kelly for info. 763-682-1883

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Children & Family

During the months of November & December all the Sunday school and children's

worship offering will go to cover the cost of shipping shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. All over the U.S. churches, businesses, individuals and families will pack a shoebox for a child who may have never received a gift. Each box costs $7.00 to ship, so to help cover that cost we will collect our offering for November and December.

Want to pack a shoebox yourself? Pick one up today outside the church office and check out our website

for more info: www.stjohnsbuffalo.org or call 763-682-1883.

Will you help give our

blessing tree leaves? During the month of November the

Sunday school students and

congregation will have a chance to

thank God for his many blessing by

adding a leaf to our tree. Anyone

can pick up a leaf, write something they are thankful for

or blessed by and add it to our tree! Help us fill our tree

and thank God for all he has done!

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Youth

Save Pop Cans for St. John’s Youth The St. John’s Youth are collecting pop cans to raise money for events throughout the year. If you drink pop, please save your cans for the St. John’s Youth. There is a trailer in our parking lot across from the sanctuary where you can

drop off your empty pop cans. Thank you for your support!

A Youth Group Thanksgiving In the month of November, our youth group

will be getting together for a Thanksgiving

feast! This event will be held at 2:00 PM on

Sunday, November 15th. We would love for

each attendee to bring a dish to pass so that

there will be plenty of food to go around. The

turkey will be provided. For more

information, contact Chris Ryan at (612) 704-5255

2016 Mission Trip Info Meeting On November 18th @ 6:00pm in the youth room we will be

having an informational meeting regarding the 2016 senior high mission trip. If you are currently in 8th-12th grade you are welcome to come to this meeting and on the mission trip! If you are interested in learning more please join us. Parents

are more than welcome to attend. If you have more

questions, contact Chris Ryan at (612) 704-5255.

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Youth

Note: There will be NO Confirmation or Youth Group on Wednesday, November 25th,

due to Thanksgiving Break.

Youth Fun Night! Friday, November 6th

5:00pm-10:00pm

All 7th and 8th graders are invited to attend a night of games,

devotions, fun, and fellowship.

What You Need To Bring… � Each youth can bring one friend with

permission slip � Medical Release form must be on file

� Signed permission slip � Bottle of pop or a bag of chips to share

Pick up your forms and sign up today!

For more information contact Chris @

(612)704-5255

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LWML/WIM/St. John’s Women Women in Mission News

The 47th annual Country Fair is almost upon us. While recently discussing preparations, one of the Country Fair committee members said, “It almost runs itself.” From a business perspective, events seem to run themselves when talented and dedicated people provide excellent products and services to customers, the workers do their part, it’s well-marketed, and it operates from a solid base. And from a faith perspective, we ask for God’s guidance and blessings for this annual tradition. St. John’s volunteers spend countless hours knitting, crocheting, quilting, gardening, canning, baking, crafting, marketing, organizing, meeting, and planning throughout the year, and about 60 people work at the Country Fair itself. When Mina Loberg approached Pastor Berwald over 47 years ago, they had no way of knowing how many years it would last, or how it would grow. Many current St. John’s members have helped since its inception, and have stories regarding early years. The first year was ld on a Fridaypretty small. Although it was divided into sections, the entire event was in the Fellowship Hall. It grew quickly in size and popularity, and expanded to fill many Sunday School classrooms. Now shops are now set up in the larger Family Life Center. One year when the weather was bad, with blizzard-like conditions (hard to believe in Minnesota), St. John’s volunteers discussed calling the radio station to cancel, but when they looked outside they saw about 50 local and out-of-town customers lined up, ready for the doors to open. Drawing on the “Country” themes, shops were once named for different countries; for example, there was the French Bake Shop, German Gift Shop, and the African White Elephant Shop. The Chinese and Mexican dining rooms were a hit from the beginning. The Country Fair was originally held on Fridays and many local employees—including the Wright County Court House workforce—came for chow mein and tacos on their lunch hour. More recently, St. John’s added the quiche breakfast, and rolls and coffee. With the advent of the children’s area, kids have a fun place to play while parents enjoy shopping. All of these additions make for a pleasant experience. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday and support mission projects at the same time.

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The LWML website, www.lwml.org states: “There are many people in America and around the world who lack many of the basic necessities for living and they also need spiritual uplifting. It is not a time for us to lament the sad condition of the world but a time to be proactive and stand up for those in need.” Thousands of people and organizations have been helped by Country Fair funds. St. John’s members have a say in where this money goes. On November 22 at 10:30, we’ll meet to discuss what projects to fund. If you have mission suggestions, please let a Woman in Mission member know. The Country Fair brings joy on many levels and is a great way to volunteer and find those one-of-a-kind gifts for anyone and everyone on your Christmas list. Like in the past, the day before and day of, people will be setting up, cashiering, working in the shops, cooking, serving, cleaning up and taking down. If you have items to donate, bring them to church on Friday, November 13. All of this work and shopping will allow St. John’s to help people needing both basic necessities and spiritual uplifting. And here you thought you were just buying some homemade pickles, meals, new jewelry and a quilt! See you on November 14!

Respectfully submitted by Beth Husom

Project Compassion gift bags Nov. 30—6:30 pm Want to help brighten someone’s holiday? COME SHARE Christmas joy by filling Christmas bags for those who are in nursing homes, home bound or have special needs. These are good old-fashioned goody bags, filled with dried fruit, peanuts or popcorn, chocolate, candy canes, and possibly a small gift such as a bookmark. They will be delivered during Advent. Anyone who would like to help is more than welcome. If you know someone who would like a bag, please call the Church Office by Nov. 28. Delight someone!

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LWML/WIM/St. John’s Women Country Fair Update

Our 47th Annual Country Fair for Missions month is here. Please join us Saturday, November 14th, from 8 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for this event in the Family Life Center, Fellowship Hall, and connecting hallway. The shops will be filled with a large variety of items, and it’s a wonderful place to do your gift shopping. The Gift Shop will be filled with handmade quilts, knitted, crocheted, and sewn items, dishcloths, embroidered dishtowels, painted items, note cards, gift bags, jewelry, baby things, and homemade jewelry. The Country Store features pickles, jams, jellies, salsa, garden produce. The Holiday Shop has a variety of ornaments and decorations. The Craft Shop has unique handcrafted items. The Silent Auction has special items to bid on. Attic Treasures is just that, with too many items to count. The Bake Shop has breads, pies, cakes, bars, and candies. At the Christmas Cookie Shop you can choose a large variety for your holiday plates. The Kid’s Korner is a great place for children while you shop. The Coffee Shop serves yummy rolls, juice, and coffee. The Mexican Shop serves delicious tacos or Sloppy Joes. And the famous chow mein dinner is in the Chinese Dining Room. There’s also a tasty Quiche and Muffin brunch at 8:00 a.m. On the morning of the fair, workers will gather at 7:45 for prayer, asking God to bless this mission project. We have a special need for baked goods, especially breads. And also, muffins for the brunch. Please let Clarine Meyer, Priscilla McKenzie, or Chris Husom know if you can volunteer Thursday, Friday or Saturday. We welcome your help and your donations. A few reminders: ∗ We’ll be putting homemade candy containers together on

Thursday, the 12th at 5:30. Please bring your donations to the church kitchen that day. And if you can help assemble the containers, all the better!

∗ We’ll set up for the fair all day Friday, the 13th. You may bring your donations in any time that day, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Workers, bring a potluck dish to share for our noon meal, if you’d like.

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∗ On the morning of the fair, we ask all workers to gather at 7:45 in the Family Life Center for prayer, asking God to bless this mission project.

∗ On Sunday, November 22nd at 10:30 we’ll meet in the Fellowship Hall to decide on the disbursements for the Country Fair funds. Anyone who has a mission request should plan to be there.

• A grateful thank you to the pastors and the church family for their prayers, cards and special caring words during my knee surgeries and recovery. Praise to our great healer Jesus,

who loves and heals each day as only He can. A special thank you to my wife Marie who has been there each day for me. Love in Christ to all of you, Richard Marquette

• The Trustees and St. John’s would like to thank Josh Bonk for donating time and materials for painting the parking lot.

• Thanks to all who helped with WIM Sunday...with coffee hour, refreshments, readers, greeters, Youth, decorating, posters—and to Pastor Meyer, Pastor Taylor, and Kelly for their messages. Women in Mission includes all women of the St. John’s congregation. Seek First the Kingdom of God

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Board Meeting Minutes—10/13/2015

Call to Order: August Mussell Opening Prayer: Chris Ryan Agenda: Agenda approved on motion of Dave Haggerty & seconded by Kyle Bjork.

Secretary’s Report: Report approved on motion of Roger Strege & seconded by Kyle

Bjork.

REPORTS: Pastor’s Report: No Pastor reports this month; Youth Ministry: Have received good feedback from Confirmation mentors. 30 youth attended last Wednesday’s class. 12 youth for Sunday’s Study which is a more in-depth study. Incoming freshman class is an exciting group of kids with hearts filled with Jesus. See You at the Pole (Sr. Hi) was attended by about 30 students. Chris is working with 2 Covenant Youth Leaders to grow the Buffalo Youth Workers group. Family Ministry: Kelly Thole reported good turn out for Mini-Golf event which is a fundraiser, but more importantly, a good family event. There are 40 students in the 3rd Grade Bible Basics class. We will host Operation Christmas Child again this year. October 28th: Kingdom Fest – a

family oriented evening. Nov. 1, 8 & 15 Family Resource Fair – fun resources will be available to parents/families for purchase, books, possible Christmas gifts, equipping them with ways to have conversations of faith within the family. Noah’s Ark: Kelly Thole reported that the year is going well. They are working toward achieving a star rating making sure our preschool goes above and beyond to provide the best to our students. Emily Mueller and Jodi Lachemeier met with Barb Stoll, a Health Consultant for Child Care, who will assist us in making sure all our paperwork and licensing requirements are in order to renew our license. She was a great resource for the Noah’s Ark staff. Financial Secretary & Treasurer’s Report: Reports presented by Kyle Bjork: September 2015 Contributions: $38,608 Expenses $47,245. Council spent time reviewing budget to be presented at Quarterly Meeting on November 1st. Reports approved on motion of Dave Haggerty & Roger Strege. New Business: Security System

installation is in process.

Old Business: Positions open this year are President,

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Treasurer, and Financial Secretary. Head Elder & Head Trustee positions open to be filled from within Boards. Staff continuing to check into Sheperd’s Staff Office

Management System.

BOARD & COMMITTEE REPORTS: Elders: YTD 62 new members have been received; 30 removed. Discussion about assimilation of new members into our congregation. What is next step to get them involved and welcomed? Call Committee: Dave Haggerty reported that we could have list of names within the week. Trustees: Continue to do their many tasks. Roof project nearing end. Security System being installed. Carpets to be cleaned, Fellowship Hall waxed. AED Unit by Noah’s Ark entry will be updated to include pediatric pads. Looking for Secretary. Evangelism: Roger Strege reported website continues to be updated. Anyone with ideas for promotional items should contact Roger before year-end. Using some of Evangelism budget for Noah’s Ark advertising. Stewardship: No committee report Fellowship: Preparing for Michael Card Concert. Meal at noon, followed by Bible Study

with Michael. November 1st Quarterly Meeting will be a potluck lunch. Reserve November 22nd for our Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Lutheran Women in Mission: Pat Norine reported on importance on keeping all opened food items in refrigerator or cupboards. LWML/Clarine will paint two Narthex bathrooms this fall. Gift Cards have been given to Pastors and Staff to show appreciation for all they do for St. John’s & LWML. Library: The board continues to do their work. Project Compassion/Health Cabinet Report: Nov. 30 6:30 will be working on Christmas bags for our Compassion Member List. Kelly will have Sunday School students make Christmas Cards. Everyone is encouraged to pick some of St. John’s Business cards to carry along & leave with people you visit with a note date and whether they were given communion, etc. so family members know their loved ones are being visited. Closing Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer Meeting Adjourned at 7:55 by August Mussell on motion of Janice Marschel seconded by Roger Strege. Respectfully submitted by Janice Marschel, for Cheryl Olsen

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Non-Profit

US Postage Paid

Buffalo, MN

Permit #33

Return Service Requested

Inside this I

ssue:

Fall Harv

est Dinner

p. 3

47th Annual Country

Fair

p. 5

Operatio

n Chris

tmas Child

p. 11

Family Reso

urce Fair

p. 12

St John’s Lutheran Church 302 2nd Street NE

Buffalo, MN 55313