News 11-11-2011

Dear Friends and Members of Calvary,

The desire to safeguard what God has given can inhibit growth (Mt 25:14-30). When the Lord returns, he does not want to hear his followers declare, “Look, everything is just as it was when you left!” Growth requires change, change involves risk, and risk requires trust. Elsewhere, of course, Jesus warns against changes that tamper with the word of God (Mt 5:17-19). It is warnings like these that may inspire a disciple to think inactivity is the safest course —but that is why this parable is so important.

Pastor Mark

Hospital and Prayer List for this week: DCH: Dale Vipond, Terry Anderson, John (Jack) Hedine, Merrill Pedersen; Mpls., – Sarah Friedman, Barb Beyer, Kris Anderson; Knute Nelson Rehab: Glen Moen All those serving in our armed Forces. Those on Hospice Care: Arlene Mobeck and Marge Livdahl.

A Special Meeting of the Congregation will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2011 at 9:30 am. The purpose of the meeting is to elect new members to our church council. The five nominees are: Terry Anderson, Lynelle Brickweg, Tom Sellin, David Velde, Hadley Klepper (Youth Representative). The first four nominees are for three year terms. The Youth Representative is a one year term.

TIME AND TALENT Sheets are available at the “WelcomeCenter”. We are asking that these be filled out and returned to the church office by Thanksgiving Eve. Thank you!!

IF YOU SIGNED UP TO VIEW THE CALLER ON LINE, PLEASE GO TO THE CALVARYWEBPAGE www.calvaryalex.org ANDCLICKON NEWSLETTER .

SNOWBIRDS please notify the church office of your winter address and when you will be leaving. Thanks!

If you have a prayer request that you would like the Lutheran Men’s Prayer Team to pray for, please indicate that on the Blue Card in the pew holder. You may place it in the offering plate or in the Prayer Request box located on the “WelcomeCenter.

Sunday’s recording of the 8:30 am worship service, which is broadcast at 10:30 am over KXRZ-FM (99.3), is sponsored by the CalvaryChurch Women in memory of Evangeline Ekdahl.

Preaching this weekend is Pastor Mark Astrup.

Scripture Lessons this weekend are:
First Reading Zephaniah 1:7,12-18
Psalm Psalm 90:1-12
Second Reading I Thessalonians 5:1-11
Gospel Matthew 25:14-30

Thanks to our Junior Choir for their Special Music on Sunday.

Thanks to our Saturday Night Worship Band for providing our worship leadership on Saturday nights. Kim Byrne, director.

We Thank our Worship assistants this weekend:
Cantor: 8:30 -Ralph Tillitt 10:45 -Connie Birkholz
Readers: 8:30 – Margaret Granlund 10:45 – Bill Bolm
Ushers: 8:30 Omar Gustafson, Lowell Lenz, Todd Blaser, Bob Berns
10:45 – Todd Emmons, Lee Johnson, Andy/Kristy Langenfeld
Acolyte: 8:30 Sierra Nelson
Powerpoint: 6 pm Ryan Moorman 8:30 Chris Kleven 10:45 Sy Lucas
Sound Board: Kirk Gunderson
Van Driver: Joel Kamolz

This Week at Calvary: Sept. November 13-20, 2011
Sunday: 8:30 and 10:45 am -Worship
9:30 Coffee/Svea Lounge
9:45 am – Sunday School (upstairs Chapel) grades 3 years-grade 6
9:45 am – Junior League meets in the Youth Room.
Monday: 9 am – Quilting
11am – Golden Glowers
4:45 – Worship and Music Meeting
6 pm – Flute Choir
Tuesday: 9 am – Women’s Bible Study
9 am – Men’s Dartball
5:15 pm – Christian Education Meeting
Wednesday: 7 am – Men’s Bible Study
3:30 pm -Son Seekers
4:45 pm -Junior Choir
5 pm -Fellowship supper
6:15 pm -Confirmation
6:15 – Senior Choir
Thursday: 5 pm – Bellcanto practice
6 pm – Council Meeting
Saturday: 6 pm Worship with Holy Communion
Sunday: 8:30 and 10:45 am Worship with Holy Communion
9:30 am Coffee/Svea Lounge
9:45 am – SUNDAY SCHOOL

Our Call Committee continues to meet regularly. Your thoughts are prayers are much appreciated. The Call Committee Chair is Jim Eidsvold, Vice-Chair is Paul Hanson; Recorder is Sharon Bridges. Members are: Craig Andrews, Jennifer Rents, Frank Peterson, Jay Sieling, Brenda Velde. A photo of our Call Committee is posted by the WelcomeCenter If you have questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact any of the members of our Call Committee.

CALVARY YOUTH ANDCALVARY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Sunday School Our theme for Sunday School is “Growing in Christ”. We meet upstairs in the Chapel at 9:45 am. If you have not registered your child, you may do so at any time during the year. We would love to have you.
If you are willing to help as a team teacher with Sunday School, please contact Sandy at 763-5178 or sandy@calvaryalex.org. We would love to have you join us.
DATES TO REMEMBER: Sunday School Christmas Program, Saturday, December 10th at 6 pm with Dress Rehearsal on the 10th from 10-noon. There will be NO Sunday School on Sunday, November 27th and on December 18, 25 and January 1st.

Son Seekers for grades 3-6 : Your son or daughter may join us at any time during the school year. The Students take a school bus to St. Mary’s School and then transfer to come to Calvary. You may also bring your son/daughter to Son Seekers. If you would like to provide treats for Son Seekers, please contact Sandy at sandy@calvaryalex.org (we have about 45 kids)

*******OUR SON SEEKERS WILL BE CAROLING AT BETHANY COMMUNITY ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7. THE BUSSES WILL DROP THEM OFF AT BETHANYAND WE ASK YOU TO PICK YOUR CHILD UP THERE AT THE MAIN DOOR ON 10TH STREET.
Confirmation Classes are going strong. We have an awesome bunch of kids……please remember to pray for our children and youth. They need your support in every way.
Registrations for the above programs are available at church near the bulletin board by the elevator. You may also call the church office to register 763-5178.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BOARD……….. will meet again on Tuesday, November 15th at 5:15 pm.

NOTICE: THERE ARE NO YOUTH ACTIVITIES (Son Seekers, Jr. Choir, Confirmation and NO FAMILY SUPPER on November 23rd due to Thanksgiving)

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE ABOVE DATES!!!

OUR SENIOR CHOIR NEEDS YOU!! Come join us each week, or if you cannot be there every week, come as often as you can. We meet on Wednesdays at 6:15 pm in the Choir Room.

WANTED! YOUNG SINGERS!
Children in grades 3-6 are invited to join JUNIOR CHOIR. we meet on Wednesdays after Son Seekers at 4:45 in the choir room in the lower level of the church. If your child is interested, contact the church office.

CALVARY YOUTH!

Jr. League has been moved to Sundays between services instead of Wednesday evenings. We are doing a bible study that centers around the gospel text for that day, along with other activities. All youth in grades 7-12 are invited.

The Jr. High NW Minnesota Synod Youth Gathering is quickly approaching. This Gathering is for all youth in grades 6-8. It takes place November 19th -20th. Cost is approx. $130 dollars (includes the event fee, lodging, and food). More info to come out soon. Please call Sam at 320-808-9497 or email her samc@luthercrest.org if you are interested. Registration ends November 2nd!

Sam Curwick

NOTE TO SERVICE GROUPS AT CALVARY: November Service Group members: Chairpersons are Donna Meyer 763-2813 and Donna Anderson 763-3086

ONGOING EVENTS:

Women’s Bible Study, Men’s Bible Study and Men’s Dartball groups going. Here is the schedule:
Women’s Bible Study and Men’s Dartball meet on Tuesdays at 9 am beginning on September 13th.
Men’s Bible Study meet Wednesdays at 7 am! This Bible Study is led by Joe Bridges and is a great fellowship for all Calvary Men!!! Please join us!!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Discussion of Marcus Borg Book: Thursdays Nov. 10 & 17, 6:30 – 8:00pm at Caribou Coffee (North Location) along Nokomis. Book is titled, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time: The Historical Jesus and the Heart of Contemporary Faith. It is short book but very full of thoughtful and provocative gospel and faith themes. Order book from Amazon. Even if you haven’t read book you are welcome to participate in this discussion.

*GOLDEN GLOWERS: (55 years or better) will meet Monday, November 14th. Bible Study is at 11 am with a potluck at noon. Meet downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.

*CPR Training: at Calvary on Tuesday, Nov. 29th from 6:30-9 pm. Cost is $6.00. Register by Nov. 21st.

*WOMEN OF CALVARY please remember the Advent Brunch on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 9:30 am. Sign up sheets for you and guests are posted by the Women’s Board.

*LUTHER CREST BIBLE CAMP IS HEADING TO BRANSON THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
Join Luther Crest this Christmas season with a Luther Crest Adult Travel Event to Branson. All the holiday sights and sounds come alive as we experience wonderful shows including Andy Williams, Shoji Tabuchi, Tony Orlando, The Lennon Sisters, SIX, the “Miracle of Christmas” stage presentation and a tribute to John Denver.
November 29-December 4, 2011
For more information, call Paul Hanson at 320-846-2431 or send him an e-mail at paulh@luthercrest.org

*CONCORDIACOLLEGE CHRISTMAS CONCERT BUS TRIP
Saturday 3 December 2011
2 PM performance
Bus pickup at Holiday at 12 noon in Alexandria.
Cost is $ 50 person.
Cost includes:
Concert Ticket.
Bus Ride.
Supper Meal at Mabel Murphy’s in FergusFalls [Steak or Lobster]
Contact: Charles Hjelle 320.352.2160 [Sauk Centre, MN]

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ACTIVITIES OR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT CALVARY, PLEASE CONTACT The Office, Pastor John, Pastor Mark or Sandy for information on the places where you can serve. (763-5178) or office@calvaryalex.org john@calvaryalex.org mark@calvaryalex.org sandy@calvaryalex.org

CPR Training at Calvary Lutheran Church, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 6:30pm – 9:00pm.
Mark Bergerson, a certified Am. Heart Assoc. CPR Trainer, is the instructor.
Pre-register with the church office by Nov. 21st. Cost is $6 which includes
a Am. Heart Assoc. Certification Card which is good for 2 years.