A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

PEACE NOTESPEACE NOTESPEACE NOTESPEACE NOTES Word of PeaceWord of PeaceWord of PeaceWord of Peace

Lutheran ChurchLutheran ChurchLutheran ChurchLutheran Church JANUARY 2013JANUARY 2013JANUARY 2013JANUARY 2013

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE:

From the Pastor Page 2

Happenings Page 3

January Sermons

& Readings Page 3

C.R.O.S.S. Corner Page 3

Annual Congrega�onal

Mee�ng Page 4

Lutheran Marriage

Encounter Wkd. Page 4

Music & Worship Page 4

Thank You Page 6

Direct Giving Page 6

Learning Ministry Page 6

Youth Ministry Page 6

A Cheerful Giver Page 7

Seniors Page 7

Alpha is a 9-week prac�cal explora�on of the

Chris�an faith and gives everyone the oppor-

tunity to explore the meaning of life in a re-

laxed, friendly se4ng.

Alpha meets once a week for 9 weeks. Ses-

sions begin with an informal dinner, followed

by a short Pastor-led talk and �me to discuss

what's been taught.

Everyone is welcome at Alpha. Alpha is for

people from all backgrounds, religions, and

perspec�ves. It’s perfect for those looking for

“more,” even if you’re not sure what that

“more” is.

If you’re wondering if Alpha is right for you,

contact Pastor Rick at (763) 496-2400 or

email pastorrick@woplc.org.

How to sign-up... Please register for Alpha by January 13.

Registra�on Forms are available at the Infor-

ma�on Desk. Register online at

www.wordofpeace.org. There is a $5 fee to

cover the cost of the workbook.

• WHO IS JESUS?

• WHY DID JESUS DIE?

• HOW CAN I BE SURE OF MY FAITH?

• WHY & HOW SHOULD I READ THE BIBLE?

• WHY AND HOW DO I PRAY?

• HOW DOES GOD GUIDE US?

• WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

• HOW CAN I BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT?

• HOW CAN I RESIST EVIL?

Topics we explore...

THE ALPHA COURSETHE ALPHA COURSETHE ALPHA COURSETHE ALPHA COURSE Sunday Evenings ~ 6:00 Sunday Evenings ~ 6:00 Sunday Evenings ~ 6:00 Sunday Evenings ~ 6:00 ———— 8:30pm8:30pm8:30pm8:30pm

January 20January 20January 20January 20————March 24, 2013March 24, 2013March 24, 2013March 24, 2013

WORD OF PEACE LUTHERWORD OF PEACE LUTHERWORD OF PEACE LUTHERWORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHAN CHURCHAN CHURCHAN CHURCH

SUNDAY EVENINGSSUNDAY EVENINGSSUNDAY EVENINGSSUNDAY EVENINGS

6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 ———— 8:30pm8:30pm8:30pm8:30pm January 20January 20January 20January 20————March 24, 2013March 24, 2013March 24, 2013March 24, 2013

6:006:006:006:00————6:30 DINNER6:30 DINNER6:30 DINNER6:30 DINNER 6:306:306:306:30————7:30 PRESENTATION7:30 PRESENTATION7:30 PRESENTATION7:30 PRESENTATION 7:307:307:307:30————8:30 SMALL GROUPS8:30 SMALL GROUPS8:30 SMALL GROUPS8:30 SMALL GROUPS

2

The season of celebra�on con�nues at

Word of Peace as 105 ninth graders

affirm their bap�sms on January 12 and

13. This is an exci�ng �me for the ninth

graders, their families, the Faith For-

ma�on staff and the congrega�on.

As the New Year begins with hope, an-

�cipa�on and goal se4ng, there is

something symbolic about celebra�ng

the Affirma�on of Bap�sm

(Confirma�on) at the beginning of the

year. These young people are beginning

a new chapter in their faith as adults in

the congrega�on. The promises made

by their parents and sponsors at their

bap�sm now become their own.

Our young people, their families, and

each one of us are reminded that in

bap�sm, we are named and claimed as

children of God, promised forgiveness

of sin and eternal life and given the giG

of the Holy Spirit. Confirma�on is not an

ending but the beginning of a new

chapter of a life-encompassing journey

of faith. As part of the Service of Affir-

ma�on of Bap�sm, our ninth graders

will profess their faith using the words

of the Apostle’s Creed and then they

will be asked the following ques�on:

Do you intend to con�nue in the cove-

nant God made with you in holy bap-

�sm:

to live among God's faithful people,

to hear the word of God and

share in the Lord's supper,

to proclaim the good news of God

in Christ through word and deed,

to serve all people, following the

example of Jesus,

and to strive for jus�ce and peace

in all the earth?

As we celebrate the New Year and

make our resolu�ons, can you think of

any beKer resolu�on than to affirm our

bap�sms each day? As we make this

daily affirma�on, it is about how we live

our life in Christ. We ask for and receive

forgiveness of sins. We put down our

guilt and shame at the foot of the cross

and use our precious life energy to

serve God’s family. Let us join together

with our confirmands to consciously live

out our bap�smal promises—Living

among God’s faithful people, worship-

ing together, sharing the good news

through our words and ac�ons, serving

others and striving for peace.

Remembering the promises God made

to us in our bap�sms by living our lives

in response to the amazing grace and

love God has given to us. Let us live out

our bap�smal iden�ty by le4ng the

light of Christ shine through our lives

bringing glory to our Father in heaven.

Happy New Year!

21705 129th Ave. N.

P.O. Box 306

Rogers, MN 55374

Church Office

763-496-2400 (press 3 to leave an emergency

message for the pastor)

On the Web

www.wordofpeace.org

www.facebook.com/

wordofpeace

Office Hours

Mon-Thurs 8am-4:30pm

Fri 8am-12:30pm

Our Vision Statement Our vision is to be a community where

everyone knows Christ’s Love and

shares Christ’s Love with all people.

Our Mission Statement Christ works through us as we:

• Welcome all people to grow in

faith, love and devo�on,

• Share Christ through word

and deed,

• Care for others and the world

God made, and

• Work for jus�ce and peace.

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Contact Jennie Priebe in the

church office at 496-2401 or

jpriebe@woplc.org.

February newsle%er deadline:

January 11 at Noon

Pastor Krista Strum

Faith Formation Pastor

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

3

JANUARYJANUARYJANUARYJANUARY

Sermons & TextsSermons & TextsSermons & TextsSermons & Texts

January 6 & 7

Pastor Rick Skare:

“How Do You Respond to Starlight?”

In today’s Gospel there are all kinds of

different reac�ons to the Rising Star.

The Wise Men were overwhelmed with

joy and adora�on. King Herod was

frightened and panicked. How do you

respond to starlight?

Scripture Readings: Ma%hew 2:1-12;

Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

January 13 & 14

Pastor Ron Prasek:

“Through the Waters”

In all of life we work hard to keep our

head above water. Our Bible reading

gives us some help when we must pass

through the waters.

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 43:1-7;

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22; Acts 8:14-17;

Psalm 29

January 20 & 21

Pastor Ron Prasek: “He Did What?!?!?”

The party was a hit un�l the wine ran

out, but the life of the party turned out

to be Jesus. Jesus came that we might

have life and live it abundantly.

Scripture Readings: John 2:1-11,

Psalm 36:5-10

January 27 & 28

Pastor Rick: “Gi? Exchange”

God has given each of us diverse giGs.

Following Jesus entails learning to

affirm and u�lize our own giGs in learn-

ing to u�lize the giGs of others.

Scripture Readings: 1 Corinthians 12:

12-31a, Luke 4:14-21; Nehemiah 8:1-3,

5-6, 8-10; Psalm 19

Happenings

What a fantas�c holiday giving season we had at the C.R.O.S.S. Cor-

ner! 1,500 pounds of food was collected for Thanksgiving and Christmas,

$120 was given in giG cards and cash, 100 pair of hand-knit miKens were

donated by Dorothy Bern, plus hats, gloves, scarves, brand new bicycles,

and a corner filled with toys!!! Thanks to all who made the holidays beKer

for others that may have otherwise gone without!

FOOD NEEDS:

Beef stew, beef mac chili, spam, tuna, cereal, popcorn, large face soap,

ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, Hamburger Helper, peanut buKer, jelly

FUNDRAISING EVENTS:

Stop by the C.R.O.S.S. Corner in the North Gathering Area for upcoming

events and fundraisers.

C.R.O.S.S. Corner

The church office will close on Mon-

day, December 31 at 12:00pm and

reopen on Wednesday, January 2 at

8am.

New Year’s Eve Worship—Bring in the

New Year in a very special way, with a

very special worship service on New

Year’s Eve at 6:30 p.m.

Because of your generosity, 15 Word

of Peace families had a brighter

Christmas through the Adopt-A-

Family program. Families received

their giGs in plenty of �me for Christ-

mas. Thank you for showing God’s love

to these fellow members of Word of

Peace!

The Friendship Circle will be on a

“recess” beginning December 25th

and

will resume mee�ng on January 15th

.

Please save your Campbell’s Soup

Labels proofs of purchases! The labels

are used to purchase passenger vans

and educa�onal equipment

for the Navajo Lutheran Mission

School in Rock Point, AZ. For more in-

forma�on, go to hKp://www.nelm.

org/support-the-mission.php. Drop

your labels off at the Informa�on Desk

or the church office.

Pictures Wanted! Do

you have pictures

from a church event

or ac�vity? Word of

Peace is always look-

ing for great photos

of the life of our con-

grega�on for use on

our website, in newsleKers and other

media and publica�ons. Please send

your great photos to

jpriebe@woplc.org or stop by the

church office with your USB drive.

Thank you!

4

Happy New Year! I would like to

thank all of the many volunteers

and staff who helped to make our

Christmas celebra�ons wonderful.

Greeters, ushers, worship coordi-

nators, sound techs and media

techs, Communion servers, singers,

ringers, instrumentalists, bulle�n

makers and stuffers, parking lot

helpers, nursery helpers, chair

seKer-uppers and taker-downers,

coffee makers, the Pastors, the

Worship & Visual Arts Team, the

church office staff, Dawn Saxton,

Mary Miller, Lois Woolard, Dave

Metcalf, Lisa Wiger and Dain Swan-

son. It certainly takes a village to

make it all happen and I am so

grateful for you!

All rehearsals will begin the week

of January 13th

. If you’d like to join

a vocal choir, this is a perfect �me.

We especially invite grades 1 and 2

into Kids of the Kingdom, and

grades 3-6 for Grace Choir. The

spring musical is The Rock Slinger

and His Greatest Hit, which is the

story of David and Goliath.

Michael Sahlen

Director of Worship & Music

Worship & Music

The 2013 Annual Congrega�onal Mee�ng will be held on

Sunday, January 27 at 12:00 noon. Quorum for an Annual

Congrega�onal Mee�ng at Word of Peace is 108 vo�ng

members. We hope you can aKend the mee�ng. We will

review and vote on the 2013 General Fund budget and

vote on our 2013 leadership. We will also ra�fy the cons�-

tu�on changes that were approved in November at the

Special Congrega�onal Mee�ng and approve the pro-

posed Bylaw changes (see below).

Proposed Cons@tu@on & Bylaw Changes

Your church leadership is proposing changes to the Cons�-

tu�on and Bylaws for Word of Peace. The primary goal of

this effort is to make us more efficient and beKer able to

handle the increasingly complex management of our

church as the result of recent and an�cipated future

growth.

To view the proposed Cons�tu�on and Bylaw changes, go

to www.wordofpeace.org/annual-mee�ng.

Endowment Fund Governing Document

The Execu�ve Team and Council have made one addi�onal

proposed change involving the Endowment Fund Team.

Currently, the Endowment Fund is proposed by a standing

commiKee. The proposed Bylaw change is to eliminate the

standing commiKee and change it to a Ministry Team,

mee�ng on a more regular basis to encourage awareness

and growth of this Fund. The Team requests a governing

document to operate under due to the nature of the work

that the Team will do.

Annual Congrega@onal Mee@ng

Sunday, January 27 at 12:00 noon

Lutheran Marriage

Encounter Weekend

All marriages benefit from taking some quality

�me together. Show your spouse you care by

signing up for this weekend-long experience.

The weekends run from Friday at 7:00 pm to

Sunday at 5:00 pm and include two nights lodg-

ing plus five meals at a comfortable hotel. Four

presen�ng couples, including a Lutheran clergy

couple, give a series of presenta�ons followed

by ques�ons the couples discuss in the privacy

of their hotel room. There is no counseling or

required group sharing.

The next Lutheran Marriage Encounter Week-

ends in Minnesota are February 15-17 in Brook-

lyn Center (think Valen�ne’s Day); March 15-17

in Alexandria and April 5-7 in Duluth. Please reg-

ister a month in advance.

For more informa�on, contact Dick & Judy

Dehnel at 952-432-3105 or Pete & Phyllis

McMahon at 763-561-1575 or visit

www.godlovesmarriage.org.

5

It’s Easy.

• You determine the frequency and amount of your automa�c

dona�on.

• Cancel or change your preferences at any �me.

• Use Direct Giving for recurring offerings or one-�me pay-

ments of dona�ons/fees

It’s Safe.

• Funds are transferred using a secure website to process the

transac�ons.

• Strong, reputable companies process the transac�ons.

It Helps.

Word of Peace benefits from steady, more predictable reve-

nues throughout the year, more efficient bookkeeping, and

greater confidence in mee�ng its financial commitments.

3 WAYS TO GIVE:

Checking

Savings

Credit/Debit Card

Get Started Today! Go to

www.wordofpeace.org

or stop by the Informa@on Desk

For more Informa�on, Contact Holly Finstad at

hfinstad@woplc.org or 763-496-0407

Dear members of Rogers Word of Peace congrega�on,

Praise God for meaning and mission in life! As God promises,

He upholds me and Jackie with His mighty righteous, right

hand. Thank you for all your prayers and words of encour-

agement. I am wri�ng this with the hand that was affected

by the mild stroke...Recovery was quite quick! As of this

wri�ng I have been back home with Jackie and the girls and

have been back at the college for nearly three weeks al-

ready.

While the trial of this medical thing was heavy for me, Jack-

ie, Hannah, Yuko and Jackie's father, it was yet another trial

that we have come through with God's POWER and not of

ourselves but with God's healing and working in us and oth-

ers.

Again, Thank you for all you do for us and for what you do to

upli? and support others.

In Christ,

Patrick Bencke

(our Missionary in Japan)

We would like to express our gra�tude to all of you in our

congrega�on that are so willing to bake, set-up, serve and

clean-up for funerals that we have at Word of Peace. We are

very grateful and blessed to have such awesome volunteers

that step up at very short no�ce and do such fabulous work

for the families that are mourning over the loss of a loved

one.

Thank you for all your hard work and �me, we couldn’t do it

without each and every one of you.

Blessings,

— Mari Reed and Shelly Gellrich

Funeral Coordinators

Thank you so much for your prayers for my brother, Michael,

and our family. Knowing that so many are praying for us

helps so much. God is good.

— Sharon Chastek & Family

Trust God. That’s where all healing begins.

I wish to thank everyone for all the thoughts and prayers

during my brother's illness and his passing.

— Esther and Marshall Parsons Family

6

YOUTH MINISTRY

Middle School MSM.AM (Middle School Ministry A.M.) meets two Sundays a

month from 9:30-10:30am in the youth room. Come for food,

devo�ons and fun games! In January, come to MSM.AM on the

6th and 20th

.

Winter Retreat at Luther Crest in Alexandria, March 1-3

Join us for Bible studies, snow tubing, worship, broom hockey,

warm cabins, and much more! Cost is $70 and friends are wel-

come! Register by February 1.

Camp Sunday, January 27

Lots of exci�ng new things are planned for summer 2013! Check

out the informa�on tables, visit with real camp staff, and sign-up

early! Got ques�ons? We’ve got answers!

Registra@on forms for all youth events are located on the youth

bulle@n board.

High School 912_Sunday Nights

Looking for a New Year’s resolu�on? Come to 912 Sunday

Nights! This High School youth group is filled with…you name it.

January will be awesome, you won’t want to miss it. Join us Sun-

day nights 4:30-6pm.

Coffee Thursdays

Love coffee, tea or smoothies? Love good conversa�ons? We

have both. Dain hosts informal gatherings at Starbucks in

Rogers (by Noodles) Thursdays 3-4 pm. Join us for warm drinks

and good conversa�on by the fire.

Tubing at Elm Creek

Snow is here and we are going tubing! Join your friends for a

night of tubing fun at Elm Creek Park on Thursday, January 30

from 5:30-8:15pm. Cost is just $10. Fill out an Elm Creek release

form and meet at Word of Peace to ride together.

Learning Ministry

Adult Forum Sundays @ 9:30 AM

Room #120

January 6—How do I know God’s will for my life?

January 13—What happens to us aGer death?

January 20—How do I know the Spirit is ac�ve in my

life?

All are Welcome!

Church School

and

Confirma�on

Informa�on

Church School Resumes on January 13

2nd Grade Keeping the Promise Event for 2nd

Graders and their Families

January 20 and 21

Choose Sunday at 9:20 or 10:50

or Monday 5:00 or 6:15

Confirma�on Resumes on January 16

Confirma�on Servant/Fellowship Event on January

30—Check with your child’s guide for details.

Congratula@ons Ninth Graders! More than 100 ninth graders Affirm their Bap�sm at four

different worship services on January 12 and 13th.

Surrounded by friends, family, staff, and congrega�on they

will proclaim their faith and be blessed by the Word of

Peace Community.

Please pray for the these students and their families as they

prepare for their special day.

5th Graders….

The next Celebrate Communion Keeping the Promise Event

is Sunday, February 10 from 2-5 pm.

Sign-up for this opportunity online at

www.wordofpeace.org

Ques�ons? Contact Kris�n Skare at

763-496-2404 or kskare@woplc.org

7

Seniors

Please contact Judy Hanson at 763-428-7657 for resource, community

or general informa�on for seniors.

To subscribe to the Senior NewsleKer, call 763-241-3520. Or, you can

read the newsleKer online at ww.seniors.cityofrogers.org.

• Thursday Senior Shop Rogers Bus—

Thursdays at 10am, $1.00 per rider.

Contact Judy at 763-428-7657.

• Jammers Potluck & Music—Sunday,

January 6 from 1-5pm (eat at 4pm) at

the Rogers Community Room. Contact

Dave at 763-428-4217.

• Rogers Senior Dining—Monday

through Thursday every week at

12:00noon at the Rogers Community

Center. Call at least 2 days in advance

by 2pm for reserva�ons, 763-428-

0976. Cost: 55+ $4.00/Under 55 $7.00

• Cards & Games—Every Monday,

Wednesday and Thursday aGer Senior

Dining (open to all) - 12:30-2:00pm at

the Rogers Community Room. No

cards & games on January 14. Call

Margaret, 763-428-8650.

• Breakfast at Denny’s in Rogers—

Friday, January 18 from 9-10:30am.

Menu items for $6.99 (includes drink).

Call Margaret, 763-428-8650.

• Soup and Chili Supper on January

16th at 6:00 PM at the Rogers Com-

munity Room—Come and enjoy a

supper of either homemade chili and

corn bread/muffins or homemade

chicken and wild rice soup & crackers.

Coffee and cake for dessert. $5.00 for

adults, $3.00 for children age 10 and

under.

• The Word of Peace Kids-Care Bus

takes seniors shopping at Ridgedale

every other month. The next trip will

be December 11th. Cost is $1.00 for

the round trip. The bus will pick us up

at Word of Peace at 9:30am and re-

turn us by 1:30pm. Call Judy to sign

up at 763-428-7657.

• Church School Kids collected $1,345 for Feed My

Starving Children

• We have 29 BeFrienders to minister to people in

need

• 83 Children are enrolled in Preschool

• We have 191 church school teachers and confirma-

�on guides

• We support Chris�an missionaries in Japan

• 15 Families aKended Family Camp

• Over 1,000 children are enrolled in Church School

and Confirma�on

• $3,585 was given to God’s Global Barnyard

• 69 Students and adults aKended the Na�onal Youth

Gathering in New Orleans

• 24 youth went to Middle School Quake in Wisconsin

• 4,600 of lbs. of food has been donated to C.R.O.S.S.

• 450 Bibles were given to 3 year olds, 3rd graders and

6th graders

• 67 youth par�cipated in Summer Stretch (the sum-

mer youth program for middle schoolers)

• AGer receiving $100,000 for A Strong Founda�on,

$5,000 was given to C.R.O.S.S.

• 63 children and youth aKended summer camp

• 15 families were helped through the Christmas

Adopt-A-Family program

• As of mid-December, over $2,000 was collected for

financially struggling families in our congrega�on

and community through our Local Christmas Relief

• Over $30,000 has been given in local benevolence

• VBS gave $3,585 for Chris�an libraries in India

We celebrate and thank you for your giving to our Lord and our Lord’s work through Word of Peace this year! Every giG

makes a difference! Here is just a sample of what your giving has made possible in 2012:

And don’t forget all of the other on-going ministries that you help support, such as: the worship services, Church School, Con-

firma�on, Vaca�on Bible School, youth group, adult educa�on, Kids of Peace Preschool, ministry to those in crisis, local pov-

erty relief, funerals, weddings, bap�sms, community outreach, and a beau�ful, climate controlled building used by both the

church and the community.

NonNonNonNon----Profit Org.Profit Org.Profit Org.Profit Org. US PostageUS PostageUS PostageUS Postage

PAIDPAIDPAIDPAID ROGERS, MNROGERS, MNROGERS, MNROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 9PERMIT NO. 9PERMIT NO. 9PERMIT NO. 9

C h a n g e S e r v i c e R e q u e s t e d

SundaysSundaysSundaysSundays 8:00 a.m. Traditional8:00 a.m. Traditional8:00 a.m. Traditional8:00 a.m. Traditional 9:30 a.m. Blended9:30 a.m. Blended9:30 a.m. Blended9:30 a.m. Blended

11:00 a.m. Contemporary11:00 a.m. Contemporary11:00 a.m. Contemporary11:00 a.m. Contemporary

MondaysMondaysMondaysMondays 6:30 p.m. Contemporary6:30 p.m. Contemporary6:30 p.m. Contemporary6:30 p.m. Contemporary

MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS And HAPPY NEW YEAR!And HAPPY NEW YEAR!And HAPPY NEW YEAR!