Meet Bev Brosam - St. Luke's Council Representative for Missions and our February Mission Partner2/4/2025 ![]() Bio: I first came to St. Luke's with my BFF Joy Rasmussen Dixon when I was about 15 yo. I joined in my 20's, and over the years I have enjoyed singing in the senior choir, serving as secretary on Church Council, supporting our congregation on Card Ministry, being a treat provider and serving on the Missions team. I believe serving others enriches not only the recipient but the giver. When we cannot afford to give financially, we can give of our time and talents. All contributions, great and small, have value to the recipient. I love working with our Missions team, and I look forward to continue my ministry in a leadership role. I am retired after working 42 years at The Toro Company, I live with two toddler cats (one who is a possible future felon/cat burglar), I enjoy eating out with friends, and I host a Paper Crafters club in my home frequently throughout the year. At St. Luke’s our Missions is to be a welcoming and growing community of faith, busy making Christ known to the world. As you know, we do that in a lot of different ways. Over the Holidays, we supported Oasis for Youth and Kennedy Kids through our Giving Tree and Coat collections. I am pleased to report that we provided Christmas gifts for 39 kids and gift cards totaling $350 to Oasis and $740 to Kennedy Kids. In addition, during our Coat/clothing drive, we collected around 250 items: new and gently used coats, hats, mittens, scarves, and men’s and women’s clothing. I’ve taken 3 car-loads of coats and clothing to Oasis, and I have one small load yet to deliver. Thank you so much! Your generosity will warm heads, hands, hearts and bodies. February Mission Partner: Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage – Haiti Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage (EGO) in Haiti was founded by missionaries Don and Doris Peavey in 1972 when they moved to Haiti with their four children in answer to God’s call to serve. We've been supporting it for 7 years. Today EGO continues the mission that the Peavey family started. Their primary ministry is through orphan care to the approximately 71 children who call EGO home. These infants and children were placed in their care through Haitian Social Services because of deceased family members, parental abuse, neglect, and special medical needs. In 2012, Ken and Marla Drowley took over from the Peavey’s as on-site directors, and they handled the day-to-day operations up until 2021 when, due to the safety issues, they temporarily relocated to the United States. Ken and Marla continue managing the operations from the States. The Ebenezer Glenn team focuses on the long-term needs of the kids to ensure that they have the education and training they need to become independent, responsible, and contributing adults. EGO also serves the community by providing family support through:
Since Ken and Marla returned to the States, they have established a team of four Haitian staff to continue their duties and run the day-to-day operations including management of:
They meet often and make decisions as a team. Ken and Marla are in daily contact with them (when internet access permits), and Marla continues to manage their finances. While the borders have closed, EGO has developed a method to receive the funds needed to run their operation. Due to the gang activity in their area, they have requested that we keep their location and their methods confidential to protect their safety. State of things: EGO had been in the process of transitioning from dormitory lodgings to housing the children in smaller home-like structures with 6-7 kids per house and a staff “parent”. St. Luke’s helped raise money for bricks during the first two years of the project. Just before the gangs took over the country their last semi load of cement blocks was stolen/not delivered, and they had to put the housing project on hold. EGO has a small clinic onsite, but there are currently no doctors in their town, and they have to take sick children to far away hospitals through gang-controlled areas. The good news is that they are mostly self-sufficient. They have both traditional and hydroponic gardens, raise their own animals and crops for food, raise Talapia in a pool, make their own shampoo, soap and sundries (crafts which they teach to the children), and run on solar power, including a solar cook stove. In addition to the 4 on-site managing staff, they have 89 employees that help run and maintain the campus and school. In Haiti, education is not free. All families must pay to have their children educated. In 2018 there were a total of 73 children attending the Ebenezer Glenn school (56 kids from the orphanage and 17 from the surrounding community), in June 2019 there were 372 children enrolled in the school and today they have over 600 kids enrolled – most of whom are children from surrounding communities. Going to school provides kids in the community with an education, a safe harbor and a daily meal. Ebenezer Glenn truly is a blessing to the community. The cost to send a child to school is between $10-$30 per month or $100-$300 for a 10-month school year. This includes a uniform, books for all classes, notebooks, pens, pencils, compass, calculator for 6th grade, back-packs and all the other supplies necessary for students and teachers. I encourage you to go to the Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage website and read through their newsletters from 2018-2024. They publish just 2-3 a year, and they are short but very informative. I’d like you to get to know Ebenezer Glenn and see how the funds you have donated in the past have been used, and how funds are needed to continue with their future. Newsletters - Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage Over the years, many of you have enthusiastically purchased ABC blocks, with the funds going to help Ebenezer Glenn replace their dormitories and build new housing. Craig Brandt made a shelf to display the blocks as funds were donated. Now we have cleared the shelf, and we are once again asking you to purchase blocks with a donation for Ebenezer Glenn. We will be selling the blocks between services during the month of February (suggested donation of $5 per block or anything you can give). We want to fill and refresh the shelf with blocks, once again. A donation can also be made through your offering – just designate the funds for EGO. Proverbs 11:25 says “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Blessings, Bev Brosam Missions
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We are a welcoming and growing community of Faith, busy making Christ known to the world
Thank you to all who attended. It was a very good day, celebrating the past year and preparing for the year ahead. Much thanks Leah DeSchepper for leading the meeting, her last official responsibility as St. Luke’s 2024 Congregational President. Also thank you to those behind the scenes: Tech Crew: David Johnson, Mark Roberts, and Jon Sasseville. Ballot Counters: Mark Roberts and Michelle Sundet. Please keep all the members who have answered God’s call into leadership for the year ahead and the Spirit to move within other members to accept a nomination for open positions. 2025 St. Luke’s Council Kelsy Newby, President Leah DeSchepper, Past President *President–Elect: Names requested David Johnson, Treasurer Jan Pankratz, Secretary Jane Nechville, Community Life *Faith Formation: Names Requested Greg Hornicke, Member at Large Bev Brosam, Missions *Property: Names Requested Diane LaFontaine, Stewardship Becky Olson, Worship and Music *We will announce the representatives when appointed by the Council. Council Members who completed their terms: Gratitude to Mark Bergherr, Paul Sundet, Rani Hayden, Kerry Kollodge, and Britt Halaas. In the weeks and months ahead the Council Members will introduce themselves during worship and be available after each worship to meet you. 2025 St. Luke’s Foundation Al Buss Jana Cinnamon Paul Kopnick Jodi Murphy Helen Schatzlein Foundation Members who completed their terms: Patick Lair and Diane Gilmore. 2024 Minneapolis Synod Assembly – St. Luke’s will be represented by: Greg Hornicke and Joy Enger Lindgren Alternates: Laurie Blanchard and Britt Halaas Youth Representative: TBD “For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.” Romans 12:4-6a President’s Report: Leah DeSchepper reflected on her year as president. Faith Practices, Neighboring Practices was very successful in several implemented events. A $14,000 deposit was made to a company we have used in the past to complete a sound upgrade with our 100th Anniversary Gifts. Unfortunately, no work was completed so St. Luke's will be taking the company to small claims court to recoup the deposit. Mark Bergherr and Marc Dunham were thanked for all of their work filling in for Property. Pastor’s Report: Pastor Rob Norris-Weber thanked the sound and video team for all of their work this year. Goal for the year ahead is having 8 Camera Techs, 8 Video Techs, and 8 Soundboard Techs which would allow a monthly rotation. Rob also thanked those who helped make the Sabbatical possible thanking the Pulpit Supply Team was thanked: Pastor Steve Olson, Tim Krieg, Mollee Erickson, and Mark Roberts and the Pastoral Care Team: Pastor Steve Olson, Tim Krieg, Judy Sandeen, and Emily Hendricks. Pastor Rob invited Tim forward to speak about his seminary experiences. Tim will be on internship at another congregation in the year ahead. Treasurer’s Report: A. 2024 Financial Statement: Paul Sundet thanked everyone in the congregation for their financial support in 2024. At our Love Fest Breakfast, we had promises of $15,000, which was $28,000 more than a year ago. This brought us to a $23,000 surplus at the end of the year. We are more financially secure than we were a year ago. Motion to approve the 2024 Budget was made pending audit, seconded, and approved. B. 2025 Budget Proposal: The 2025 budget is similar to last year. A 3% raise for salaries for the staff is proposed for the Budget which is only 1% more than 2024. Two budget hearings occurred in the last 2 weeks which were well attended. A lot of clarifying questions were asked. Motion to approve the passing of the 2025 budget was made to accept the budget as written, was seconded, and approved. St. Luke’s Foundation President’s Report: Pat Lair shared the purpose and role of the St. Luke’s Foundation. The Foundation provides grants for items that are not included in the operating budget. Motion to approve the passing of the 2025 budget was made, seconded, and approved. The PHASE Fund provides grants to middle and high school youth. In 2024 the Foundation provided funds for purchasing a new sewing machine, a power cord, a new laptop, travel costs, wireless coverage in the youth wing, and continuing support for Tim Krieg's seminary. The P.H.A.S.E. Fund provided grants for Camp Wapo and the New York Vacation Bible School. When filling out a foundation request form, it does need to go through the council first. St. Luke’s Foundation Treasurer’s Report: Diane Gilmer explained the financial aspects of the Foundation and the P.H.A.S.E. Fund. Over $40,000 is still available to spend on projects. New Business: A motion was made to complete the asbestos and abatement reflooring project funded through Memorial funds. The projected cost is about $41,000. The Ad-hoc committee will be seeking additional bids to be more competitive. The work would start after VBS and before school starts. The asbestos motion passed. During the meeting, it was reported that the vote was unanimous. Later it was realized there were online votes opposing this motion that did not show at the time of tabulating. Ultimately, that discovery did not change the outcome of the vote, but we want to apologize for the appearance that some votes were not counted. We have noted changes to make to the voting process in the future to avoid repeating this issue. Following the Annual Meeting, Pastor Rob gave a presentation on his Sabbatical. This will be shared in a future blog. Along with lifting up all the members in leadership, let us also hold the St. Luke’s Staff in our prayers. St. Luke’s Staff – Along with our elected leadership, please hold the staff in your prayers. Greg Anderson, Director of Jubilee Praise Team Candi Brand, Preschool Teacher Susana Castillo, Custodian Tommy Denesen, Office Staff Tracy Engdahl, Preschool Teaching Assistant Nancee Erickson, Wedding Host Andrea Griner, Interim Director of Children and Family Ministry and Vacation Bible School Angela Hansen, Director of Children and Youth Choir Heather Kambeitz, Minister of Finance Patrick Lair, St. Luke’s Choir Director Lori Murray, Organist and Accompanist Rob Norris-Weber, Pastor Alanna Teragawa, Director of Bells of Praise Cheryl Thiele, Office Staff Barb Watson, Preschool Director So much to celebrate. Let us give thanks and to God be the glory. ![]() DID YOU KNOW St. Luke’s has a Care Team Ministry? DID YOU KNOW this Ministry has been an active part of St. Luke’s for several decades? DID YOU KNOW we have supported hundreds of members since inception? WELL, WHETHER YOU KNEW IT OR NOT, let me tell you all about it! How did it all start? In 1991, Pastor Mary Dodgson established the Stephen Ministry Program with a couple of St. Luke’s members. This Ministry included the care of homebound members. The name for this Ministry was changed to the Care Team in 2005 by Pastor Linda Willette and our long-time member, Margaret Dahl. The purpose of the Care Team is to provide support to aging, homebound, and chronically ill members, along with others who request our care. How does this work and what do we do as Care Team Ministers? The Team meets every other month or so to address several topics: After an opening devotion, we talk about CARE for the CAREGIVERS, which is our Team. We share with each other our recent ups and downs in life, including our own prayer needs. This is a very personal and intimate time that bonds us together as we prepare to provide support to others. Rob maintains a list of recipients of the Ministry and their respective Caregiver. We make contact with our members and share in conversation and visits, if requested. During visits, there is conversation, prayer, and communion is served if requested by the member, distribution of applicable Care Notes (found in the Narthex), along with other opportunities to help out where needed. We update the Team regarding the wellbeing of each member, how we can assist them, and lift them up in prayer. We also spend time reviewing and praying for everyone on St. Luke’s prayer list and address additional matters as they arise. Why do we do this? BECAUSE WE CARE! The members appreciate the calls and visits for so many reasons: Friendship, support, a listening ear, loneliness, hearing about St. Luke’s, prayer, reflection and forgiveness before receiving communion, and just knowing someone CARES. These visits also fill the hearts of our Care Team Ministers as we establish these special relationships. And, as Rob said in one of his emails to our Team: Thank you for your care and concern for others. You are living examples of the truth, “God cares for people through other people.” If you, or someone you know, would appreciate calls and/or visits, please contact the Office. We will be happy to help. There are several women and men who participate in this Ministry but we are always looking for additional Care Team Ministers. Please contact Rob if you are interested. TAKE CARE! Laurie Blanchard CAMP WAPO VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL HS MISSION HS SAILING
Winter is here, but Summer is coming… 2025 Registration opens on January 15. St. Luke’s is a Member Congregation which includes guarantee registration until February 15. There are opportunities for all ages. St. Luke’s chooses a specific time for Children, Youth, and Grandparents. There are a number of opportunities throughout the year for all ages. Find more at lakewapo.org Camp Wapo is on Lake Wapogasset Lake and Bear Lake in Amery, Wisconsin is a special place to encounter God's word, make friends, create memories, and build faith that will last a lifetime. If you went to camp, share one of your fond memories in a comment below. 2025 Summer Camp Weeks: St. Luke’s Registration Link is: Youth (4th-8th) July 6-11 = $700 https://lwlbci.com/stlukes-blmt Seed Camp (1st-3rd) July 11-13 = $300 Grandparent Camp July 13-15 (up to the 18th) = $225, plus additional participant costs. 2025 St. Luke’s Vacation Bible School - June 23-26 Voted #1 Vacation Bible School by Bloomington Sun Current. Make your plans now to attend. Worship, Story Time, Crafts, Science, and Snack makes for a fun-faithfilled day. More details to come in the months ahead… 2025 High School Mission Trip to Kentucky July 19-27. Located in Eastern Kentucky, an area rich in natural resources, natural beauty, culture and musical talent. It is also an area in which extreme poverty exists along with a high rate of people receiving government assistance. We help the people who are the working poor and are not receiving government assistance. These families have enough to provide for their family on a daily basis, but not enough to repair a home that is falling apart around them. Information Session and Sign Up is on Sunday, February 2 at 11:15 AM in Fellowship Hall. Cost will be the same as camp = $700. High School Sailing Trip for the Classes of 2025 and 2026. Cost = $500. (Dates TBD by those interested.) High School Students will be leaving their harbors and sailing onto the next adventure in their lives. A wonderful time of reflection and preparing for their futures. The trip includes living together on a sailboat, making meals, learning how to sail, having morning devotions and the students lead evening devotions. Each claims a Bible Verse for the year ahead. ![]() Andrea Griner, although born in South Carolina, is a true Minnesotan! She is a Moorhead State graduate and her favorite place to visit is Duluth! Her background is psychology, sociology and human development. She has spent the last 22 years at Mount Calvary Lutheran employed as the Director of Faith Formation and Family Ministry. She has designed multiple ministries, led tons of retreats and wrote more curriculum than she can record. Presently Andrea is teaching Middle School Art at Nativity of Mary in Bloomington, writing a monthly newsletter called Sacred Ordinary and doing retreat work at Lutherpark in Danbury, Wi. Andrea has been a national speaker and teacher and is a Certified Spiritual Director. She considers herself a "free spirit" when it comes to ministry and loves to "play" in the biblical story. She refers to herself as a storyteller, a creator of sacred space, a "wanna be" artist, and a deep listener. She loves reading, "art-ing", pasta, her family and her dog Dudley! She is delighted to be working in a congregation again as she believes there is no better story to tell than that of Jesus'. Andrea has a husband Lyle who used to work at St. Luke's, two bonus "sons", a lovely daughter-in-law, 4 grandchildren, two sisters, a great brother-in-law, 4 nephews and one niece. Tuesday, January 7th
Consider giving blood as a last 2024 Christmas Gift, “ the gift of Life”: and a 2025 New Year’s Resolution Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Click here to read a few of their stories. In just an hours time, YOU can help save up to three lives with a blood donation during St Luke’s Blood Drive on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. Click here to sign up (search by 55431 and January 7th). Or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). or alternatively to sign up for an appointment or for further information, contact Larry Nelson 612-599-5240 or [email protected] Join us this Sunday, December 22, to hear the Christmas Story in two different ways…
8:30 AM – Lessons and Carols 10 AM – Children's Christmas Pageant A Week from today, Tuesday, December 24 join in Celebrating Christmas Eve. Worship is at 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 10:00 PM. Who will you invite? Last year we shared the history of lessons and carols. https://www.stlukesbloomington.org/blog/archives/12-2023 Below is the history of the Christmas Pageant. First, a thank you to all who gathered last Sunday, December 15 for St. Luke’s Lovefest to celebrate our past, understand our present, and learn how to help us grow into our future. Much thanks to the Community Life Team for providing breakfast along with Paul and Julie Klein’s cinnamon rolls. The morning was a success with Leah DeSchepper, Congregational President hosting. Paul Sundet, Congregational Treasurer shared St. Luke’s finances for this year and future projections. We had two people share their financial stories starting with Laura Thompson talking about Lutheran Social Services Debt Management Program, helping her get her finances under control. Mark Bergherr shared why he is leaving a legacy with St. Luke’s. This presentation, in a shorter version, will be available to view during our Budget Meetings on January 12 and 19, 2025. If have questions contact Leah DeSchepper, Congregational President: [email protected]. Thank you St. Luke’s! We are on our way to meeting the financial needs of 2024 and beyond. 29 people participated in the Post-It Note Promise which combined totaled over $15,000. There were financial gifts also given totaling over $10,000. All are invited to make a year end gift. Gifts need to be received by 4:30 PM, Tuesday, December 31 in the church office. By 11:59 PM if making a gift online www.stlukesbloomington.org follow the GIVE link bottom of the page. Mailed gifts need to have a postmark of December 31, 2025. The Reason for the Season will be shared by St. Luke’s Children’s Ministry 10:00 am Worship. Here’s the history… The Children’s Christmas pageant has been a long standing tradition in churches throughout the ages – big or small; rural, urban, or suburban; no matter the denomination or nondenominational. Recently on a talk show the host and actress both attributed the Children’s Christmas pageant to be his and her starting point in acting. It was wonderful to hear them reminince and compare their parts. Neither ever ascended to Mary or Joseph. Both giggled at being a sheep and king. I wonder if one of the children from St. Luke’s will have such a future? Here’s where it all began… The Gospel of Matthew’s Gospel and the Gospel of Luke provide the Christmas Story. The Gospel of Mark jumps right in with John the Baptist. The Gospel of John has his prologue where we read, “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness does not overcome it. And what Christian home does not have a Nativity Scene. (Our home has over 40 counting ornaments, and I have another handful in my office.) This tradition doesn’t come from Matthew or Luke, but from a book, “Protoevangelium of James” (meaning the “pre” Gospel of James, or sometimes called the Infancy Gospel of James). Its author claims to be James, usually understood to be the half-brother of Jesus (James is also found in the Gospel of Mark chapter 6 and Galatians chapter 1). The “Protoevangelium of James” was written about 145 A.D. Most modern biblical scholars do not believe it was written by James and the consensus is that it was written to satisfy the desires of early Christians to hear more detail about the birth and early years of Jesus’ life. It was overlooked when putting together the Bible. It starts with the Virgin Mary’s own conception and birth. Deacon John J. B. Silvia Jr.’s article of the Clergy Corner of Newport Daily News, December 16, 2016 wrote, “Joseph provides a first-hand description of time stopping as Jesus is born into our world. There is a bright cloud with brilliant light over Jesus at His birth. He describes angels, workers, shepherds, sheep, goats and birds all frozen in time while still in the air. Here we also find the donkey that Mary rides upon, the Magi, described as “Astute Men,” Herod’s slaughter of the innocents, and Joseph’s encounter with a midwife named Salome and a mountain that actually opens up to hide Mary and Jesus inside, in order to save them from Herod. The “Protoevangelium of James” is full of extraordinary, magnificent and supernatural descriptions that include stories starting with Joachim, Anna, Elizabeth, Zacharias and Mary’s conception, birth and early years. I believe that it was all of the gospel stories as well as the “Protoevangelium of James” that influenced a very holy deacon named Francis of Assisi. In 1223, St. Francis was visiting Grecio, Italy, to celebrate Christmas. The chapel was way too small to hold all the people for midnight Mass, so he found a rock outcropping near the center of town and there he set up the first living Christmas crèche. With permission from the church authorities, he prepared a manger, brought in hay, an ox and a donkey. There he assembled the people, sang psalms of praise, and in the words of St. Bonaventure: “… bathed in tears and radiant with joy, the Holy Gospel was chanted by Francis, the Levite of Christ.” The story continues: “A certain valiant and veracious soldier, Master John of Grecio, who, for the love of Christ ... affirmed that he beheld an infant marvelously beautiful, sleeping in the manger, whom the blessed Father Francis embraced with both his arms, as if he would awake him from sleep.” And these are the historical origins of the Nativity and how St. Francis began the tradition that has led up to our beautiful and moving Christmas pageants today. In the hustle and often hassle of the holiday season, may we focus and return to the real meaning and center of our Christmas celebrations, the humble birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The winner of the Christmas Quiz in the Blog on December 3 was Diane LaFontaine! Here’s the key: 1. false 15. E 2. A 16. D 3. F 17. C 4. false 18. C 5. false 19. B 6. true 20. Unknown 7. E 21. C 8. E 22. C 9. C 23. B 10. F 24. G 11. E 25. F 12. A 26. D 13. F 27. D 14. D 28. D Sunday, December 15th following both worships
St. Luke’s is a Welcoming and Growing Community of Faith, busy making Christ known to the World. You are called to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. We are in a strong financial position, but need to strengthen our giving. We have a projected $35,000 deficit, beyond our planned 2024 income. We have a bare bones budget, and need to grow giving to live out our mission. Goals for the Gatherings
If you have one, please bring your Monthly Giving Statement to the breakfast. If you are interested but cannot attend, please contact Leah DeSchepper, Congregational President. [email protected] / 952-412-3951 You still have time to get your answers in from last weeks quiz. Click here for the Christmas IQ Test. ![]() from “Holiday Ideas” by Wayne Rice and Mike Yaconelli How much do you really know about the Bible’s most popular story? During this time of hustle and bustle preparing for Christmas, take a moment to better understand the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. Answers will be shared in next week’s blog, December 10. For those who would like to, send your answers to [email protected] by Monday, December 9. (No Cheating – that would be awful considering the topic of the quiz.) If you have an additional question or questions to contribute, please add it in the comments. Enjoy! 1. As long as Christmas has been celebrated, it has been on December 25th. (True or False) 2. Joseph was from: A. Bethlehem B. Jerusalem C. Nazareth D. Egypt E. Minnesota F. None of the Above 3. How did Mary & Joseph travel to Bethlehem? A. Camel B. Donkey C. Walked D. Volkswagen E. Joseph walked, Mary rode a donkey F. Who knows? 4. Mary & Joseph were married when Mary became Pregnant. (True or False) 5. Mary & Joseph were married when Jesus was born. (True or False) 6. Mary was a virgin when she delivered Jesus. (True or False) 7. What did the innkeeper tell Mary & Joseph? A. Come back after the Christmas rush and I should have some vacancies. B. I have a stable you can use. C. There is no room at the inn. D. Both B & C E. None of the above 8. Jesus was delivered in: A. Stable B. Manger C. Cave D. Barn E. Unknown 9. A “manger” is: A. A stable for domestic animals B. Wooden hay storage bin C. Feeding trough D. Barn 10. Which animals does the Bible say were present at Jesus’ birth? A. Cows, sheep & goats B. Cows, donkeys, sheep C. Sheep & goats D. Misc. barnyard animals E. Lions, tigers, elephants F. None of the above 11. Who saw the “star in the East?” A. Shepherds B. Mary & Joseph C. Three Kings D. Both A & C E. None of the above 12. How many angels spoke to the shepherds? A. One B. Three C. A “Multitude” D. None of the above 13. What “sign” did the angels tell the shepherds to look for? A. This way to Baby Jesus B. A star over Bethlehem C. A baby that doesn’t cry D. A house with a Christmas tree E. A baby in a stable F. None of the above 14. What did the angels sing? A. “Joy to the World” B. “Alleluia” C. “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” D. “Glory to God in the highest…” E. “Glory to the Newborn King” F. “My Sweet Lord” 15. What is a “Heavenly Host?” A. Angel at the gate to heaven B. Angel who invites people to heaven C. Angel who serves refreshments in heaven D. An angel choir E. An angel army F. None of the Above 16. There was snow that first Christmas: A. Only in Bethlehem B. All over Israel C. Nowhere in Israel D. Somewhere in Israel E. Mary & Joseph only dreamed of a white Christmas 17. The baby Jesus cried: A. When the doctor slapped him on his behind B. Just like other babies cried C. When the little drummer boy started banging on his drum. D. He never cried. 18. What is Frankincense? A. A precious metal B. A precious fabric C. A precious perfume D. An eastern monster story E. None of the above 19. What is Myrrh? A. An easily shaped metal B. A spice for burying people C. A drink D. After-shave lotion E. None of the above 20. How many wise men came to see Jesus? 21. What does “wise men” refer to? A. Men of the educated class B. They were eastern kings C. They were astrologers D. They were smart enough to follow the star E. They were “sages” 22. The wise men found Jesus in a: A. Manger B. Stable C. House D. Holiday Inn E. Good Mood 23. The wise men stopped in Jerusalem: A. To inform Herod about Jesus B. To find out where Jesus was C. To ask about the star they saw D. For gas E. To buy presents for Jesus 24. Where do we find the Christmas story in order to check up on all these ridiculous questions? A. Matthew B. Mark C. Luke D. John E. All the above F. Only A & B G. Only A & C H. Only A, B & C I. Only X, Y & Z J. Aesops Fables 25. When Joseph & Mary found out that Mary was pregnant with Jesus, what happened? A. They got married. B. Joseph wanted to break the engagement C. Mary left town for 3 months D. An Angel told them to go to Bethlehem E. A & D F. B & C 26. Who told Mary & Joseph to go to Bethlehem? A. The Angel B. Mary’s mother C. Herod D. Caesar Augustus E. Alexander the Great F. No one told them to go 27. Joseph took the baby to Egypt: A. To show him the pyramids B. To teach him the wisdom of the Pharaohs C. To put him in a basket in the reeds by the river D. Because he dreamed about it E. To be taxed F. Joseph did not take Jesus to Egypt G. None of the above 27. I think this test was: A. Super B. Great C. Fantastic D. All of the above Blessings to you and yours this Christmas Season… ![]() Thanksgiving Eve Worship – Wednesday, November 27 at 7 PM Dessert Reception follows… As you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving Day hopefully with family around the table, join your church family for a wonderful worship on Thanksgiving Eve. Heather Kambeitz, St. Luke’s Minister of Finance, after hearing the faith stories of Pastor Steve Olson, Seminary Student Tim Krieg, and members Mark Roberts and Mollee Erickson, she felt God was calling her to share hers. Hope you are able to attend. It will also be live-streamed and recorded. Celebrating Advent – Reading through the Gospel of Luke Advent is the start of a new church year. It is a time of preparing our hearts to welcome the Child born to us on Christmas Morn, Jesus, The Messiah, Savior, and Lord. Many people countdown to Christmas using an Advent Calendar that has 24 windows. Starting on December 1st until Christmas Eve, December 24, you open a window each day that shows a Christmas Symbol or sometimes there is a piece of chocolate. (As the joke goes – “According to my Chocolate Advent Calendar Christmas is only 3 days away, based on the number of chocolates remaining.”). The Gospel of Luke, which has 24 chapters, can be your Advent Calendar. Read the full story of Jesus according to the writer of the Gospel of Luke, by reading a chapter a day from December 1 to December 24, Christmas Eve. As a congregation we will be starting our Church New Year’s Resolution, reading through the Gospel of Luke starting this Sunday, December 1 through Sunday, May 4. If you attend Sunday worships, Wednesday worships during Lent, and Holy Week, you will hear a majority of the Gospel of Luke. There is a worship reading plan, with (the verses not being read during worship in parentheses). If you use this plan and attend worship each week, there is no additional reading until the week of January 12, 2025. The Gospel of Luke Reading Plan will be available in the Office, at the Information Desk, and on the website. For the online worship reading plan follow the LINK. May the Lord Bless you and yours this Thanksgiving Day, Advent Season, and throughout the Church New Year. In Christ, Rob |
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