Reach Out. Proclaim. Inspire.Nov. 18, 2015
Opportunities to Serve

Eager to serve your neighbor? We have great opportunities to serve! You can make a difference in the community and in the city. Learn more.
  • Holiday Food Baskets, Saturday, Nov. 21
  • Holiday Store, Saturday, Dec. 5
  • Sharing and Caring Hands, Saturday, Dec. 5
  • IOCP Food Shelf, Wednesday, Dec. 9
The Texts this Weekend
 
This weekend is Christ the King Sunday, the final Sunday of the church year. The readings include Revelation 1:4b-8 and John 18:33-37:

Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."
Promise 2016 Pledges Dedicated this Weekend

Promise 2016 pledge cards will be dedicated during all services this coming weekend -- Nov. 21-23. This is your opportunity to make your giving pledge for the coming year to support the daily ministry of St. Philip the Deacon. Please return your pledge card in the offering plate in worship this weekend, or mail it to the office. Additional brochures and pledge cards are available at the Hospitality Desks at church if you need one.
Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel!
End of Year Giving Guidelines

Helping You Plan for Year's End

Offerings in a 2015 envelope received in the offering plate through Dec. 29 or delivered to the office by 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31 or Postmarked by Dec. 31, 2015 will be recorded on your 2015 Contribution Statement. Offerings received outside of these boundaries will be recorded as a 2016 offering, regardless of which year's envelope is used. You may also use the mail drop-box outside the west office door (Door B) if delivering after office hours.
 
If you wish to prepay your 2016 offerings, please make a notation on the envelope and check memo line: "prepayment for 2016." To receive credit on your 2015 year-end statement, 2016 prepayments must also be received by the dates noted above.
 
Questions? Contact Cheryl Sjaarda, Finance Administrator at csjaarda@spdlc.org or 763-475-7124. Year-end contribution statements for 2015 will be mailed prior to Jan. 31, 2015.
Thanksgiving Baskets

Share your blessings by helping provide food baskets to families in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis. The distribution of Thanksgiving food baskets is a ministry in partnership with Messiah Lutheran Church, our sister congregation.

Cash donations are used to purchase food. Make a notation for Messiah Thanksgiving Baskets on your check to St. Philip the Deacon. A gift of $50 will purchase food for two families; any amount is greatly appreciated. The goal is to provide Thanksgiving baskets for 700 families. Checks may be placed in the offering plate or given to the church office.   

You can also give online. Find a link to the online giving form at spdlc.org/giving.

You'll also have the opportunity to help pack the food baskets on Saturday morning, Nov. 21. contact Kris Carlson Germain at kcarlsongermain@gmail.com to learn more.
SPD Members in Local Theater Productions

Do you enjoy a play? Several SPD members are currently cast in local theater productions. You can catch several of our high school students in Wayzata High School's production of Beauty and the Beast over the weekend; Jim Ramlet in the play All Is Calm at the Pantages Theater, Dec. 16-20; or Norah Long as the Mother Superior in the Chanhassen Dinner Theater's production of Sister Act. Dec.10-Jan. 2. Break a leg, friends!
College Parents Fellowship - TOMORROW! Nov. 19

Parents of college students are invited to an evening of fellowship TOMORROW, Thursday, Nov. 19. Whether your kids are nearby or across the country, first year or final year, we invite you to join us. We will meet at Lucky's 13 starting at 5:30 p.m. If possible, bring your student's email address with you. Questions? Contact Cindy Carlson at ccarlson@spdlc.org.
Grief Coalition Memorial Service & Dinner - Nov. 19

The West Suburban Grief Coalition invites the public to a candlelight memorial service, followed by a catered dinner, on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. at Messiah United Methodist, our neighboring congregation at 17805 County Road 6 in Plymouth. The memorial service helps bring comfort, hope and healing to everyone attending that have suffered the death of a loved one. Make your reservation by Tuesday, Nov. 17 by calling Marilyn Dahlmeier at 763-560-8624. Adults $8, and $4 for children under 10.

Sanctuary of Survivors will still meet at St. Philip the Deacon at 7 p.m., following the memorial service.
Upcoming Youth Events

Barn Dance - Nov. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Middle and High School youth are invited to participate in a good, old fashioned barn dance! Square, line and other dance styles will all be lead by a real caller. You don't have to know how to square dance to come, instructions will be given throughout the evening. There might be a bit of line dancing too! Pull out your flannel and suspenders because this is guaranteed to be a good time! Cost is $10 per person. Register online!

Ultimate Lock-In, Jan. 29
We are joining forces with several other churches and taking over the Maple Grove Community Center. With a new activity starting every hour there is no way someone could get bored or tired at this lock-in. Check out the registration and don't forget to invite your friends!
Metropolitan Symphony Concert - Nov. 22

St. Philip the Deacon is hosting a concert of the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. The concert features violinist Roger Frisch playing the Violin Concerto No. 3 (2012) by Stephen Paulus, as well as Johannes Brahms' Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 73. William Schrickel is the orchestra's conductor. The concert is open to the public, and a free-will offering will be collected. Learn more at www.msomn.org.
 
Early Childhood Events

SPARK Take-Home Bible Story Packets for 2- and 3-year-olds begins following each worship service now through until Nov. 21 and 22. Fall SPARK Session is for 8 weeks and begins with the Bible Story, Creation. Parents, remember to pick up your child's packet in the Childcare Center each weekend for the next eight weeks. Packets are distributed in the Childcare Center.

Baptism Workshops -The next workshop is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. for families who have not previously had a child baptized at St. Philip the Deacon. To register, contact Liz Nelson at lnelson@spdlc.org. Parents who have previously had a child baptized at SPC and wish to have another child baptized should contact Liz.

Music Together - Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 23 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 7.
Thanksgiving Worship - Nov. 25

On the eve of Thanksgiving, we gather in worship to give thanks to God for all the blessings in our lives. Make time for a break from all your busy holiday preparations on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. for this joyous Thanksgiving service ... and stay for some pumpkin pie and a time of fellowship afterward in Fellowship Hall!
Holiday Store - Deadline Nov. 30

Once again this year we will create the opportunity for 400 children from the inner city to choose Christmas gifts for their caregivers. Our goal is to collect 850 gifts of $20 value. So far we are up to 85! That's 10% of goal, and we're off to a great start!

Shopping lists, drop off bins, and volunteer signup sheets will be in the narthex this weekend.These gifts are due by Nov. 30.

There will be two shopping shifts for the children at the Holiday Store, morning and afternoon. We expect both of them to be equally busy, so we will be glad of your help on either shift. Sign up today! And thank you for being part of this ministry!
Christmas Care - Deadline Dec. 14

Christmas Care: Gifts and Prayers

Stop by Fellowship Hall to sign up to shop and pray for a person from a shelter, using their wish list as a guide. Your generosity and your prayers are both deeply appreciated. These gifts due by Dec. 14, and can be brought to Fellowship Hall.

Thank you for your participation and kindness!
Charles Lazarus in Concert - Dec. 4

Trumpeter Charles Lazarus, who frequently plays for us in worship on special festival days, is featured with his Lazarus Brass ensemble in a lively Christmas concert for your whole family. Make a date for Friday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. at Orchestra hall for this happy celebration of the Christmas season. Merry & Bright: A Big, Brassy Christmas with Charles Lazarus is sure to warm your heart and get you in the spirit! Tickets are available at MinnesotaOrchestra.org.
Make a Minute for Christmas - Dec. 6

Join us for a special holiday family event, "Make a Minute for Christmas," on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. There will be family service projects, "Minute to Win It" games, a carol-a-long, tacos for dinner, as well as lots of fun time to hand out with your family. Children's choirs will sing during this event. Cost is $5 per person aged 3 and up. Sign your family up today. Registration is required by Dec 2!
Lesson Reader Workshop - Dec. 9

You are invited to help lead in worship by becoming a lesson reader. All members, from grade 3 through adults, are invited to participate in worship, sharing God's word in this wonderful way. If you'd like to become a lesson reader, we have a short workshop for you to attend on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. -- where we will briefly outline what you'll be doing -- and then you will be scheduled for an upcoming worship service. Contact Trisha Ragner at tragner@spdlc.org or 763-475-7119.
National Lutheran Choir - Dec. 11

The theme of this year's NLC Christmas concert is The Spotless Rose. Immerse yourself in the beauty and truth of the peaceful space of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis while listening to the beautiful harmonies of the choir celebrating the birth of Christ this sacred season. Join a group of SPD members who are attending this concert together on Friday, Dec. 11 The bus departs at 6:30 p.m. Concert starts at 8 p.m. Cost $20 per person. Contact Cindy Carlson at ccarlson@spdlc.org or 763-475-7115 to join the group!
Book Club - Dec. 15

A River Runs Through It, by Norman Maclean, is our Book Club selection for December. From its first sentence, "In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing," to the last, "I am haunted by waters," A River Runs Through It is an American classic. Join Pastor Schmid on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. for a thoughtful discussion of this book, which has been called a masterpiece.
SPD Outdoors Ice Fishing Retreat - Jan. 28-31

The 2nd Annual SPD Outdoors Ice Fishing Retreat on beautiful Lake of the Woods is scheduled for Jan. 28-31, 2016. Join Pastor Mark Schmid and Roger Elias for a time of faith, fellowship and fishing. Located 5 1/2 hours (315 miles) north of St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, Lake of the Woods has built a reputation over the years as one of the premier fishing lakes in the country. Pairing scenery, location and a diverse and healthy fishery, the lake boasts trophy-size Walleye, as well as Sauger, Northern Pike and Jumbo Perch.   

Accommodations will be provided by Wheelers Point Resort and Lodge in Baudette, MN. Cost is $395.00 per person (includes room and board). Register online! There are 24 slots, and the deadline to reserve your spot is Dec. 31.

For more information, contact Roger Elias at rwelias@comcast.net, or Pastor Mark Schmid at mschmid@spdlc.org. 
In This Issue
Promise 2016
End of Year Giving Guidelines
Thanksgiving Baskets
SPD Members in Theater
College Parents Fellowship
Grief Coalition Memorial
Confirmation Events
Metro Symphony Concert
Early Childhood Events
Thanksgiving Worship and Pie
Holiday Store
Christmas Care
Charles Lazarus concert
Make a Minute for Christmas
Lesson Readers Workshop
National Lutheran Choir
Book Club
Ice Fishing Retreat
Faithful Parenting
Parish Nurse Health Tip
 
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The Lord is king, he is robed in majesty;

the Lord is robed, he is girded with strength.

He has established the world; it shall never be moved; your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.

The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring.

More majestic than the thunders of mighty waters, more majestic than the waves of the sea, majestic on high is the Lord!

Your decrees are very sure; holiness befits your house, O Lord, for evermore.

Psalm 93 
For Reflection
 
"Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude."
- A.A. Milne
 
See more thoughts like this at fb.com/spdlc.
  
Faithful Parenting
 
Six Ideas for Growing a Culture of Prayer in Your Family

As parents, and as Christians, many of us place great value on teaching our children to value prayer. But sometimes figuring out how to grow a culture of prayer can be difficult -- especially if maintaining a strong prayer life is a challenge for us.













Thanksgiving is Healing Gratitude
 
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18


Thanksgiving is many things to many people; fabulous arrays of festive food, football, family, travel, children home from college, prayers and pies. But the true wonder of Thanksgiving is the celebration of all that we have, abundant gratitude
for all the blessings that abound and surround us everyday.

Gratitude is not indebtedness, when you feel obliged to return a favor. Indebtedness is a negative feeling making us feel heavy or burdened. Gratitude is reaching into our inner spirit, with humility, love and joy, finding the good, the grace and the positive in even the tiniest circumstances of our lives.

The literature now abounds with what Christians have always known, that as you grow from the lessons of life, true gratitude in all circumstances heals, brings joy, peace and happiness.

* Gratitude gives us nourishment, overcomes the emptiness of our societal need for more things, gives us acceptance even in adversity. 
* Gratitude brings us happiness. Researchers and happiness experts Robert A. Emmons, Dr. Amit Sood have found practicing gratitude is one of the most reliable methods for increasing happiness and bringing on optimism, joy, pleasure, well being and enthusiasm. 
* Gratitude reduces anxiety, depression and even   Post 
Traumatic Stress Syndrome. 
* Gratitude is positive healing for our physical health. It strengthens our immune systems, lowers blood pressure,  
reduces symptoms of illness and noticeable aches and pains. 
* People who are grateful sleep better. Counting your 
blessings may be better than counting sheep. 
* People with gratitude have stronger relationships. You are closer and more committed to your partner and friends when you express gratitude toward one    another. 
* Gratitude will make you more forgiving. Be grateful for and focus on the breath of your spouse next to you, rather than being uptight about the unpleasantness of their snoring. 
* Gratitude makes us more helpful and altruistic   people. 
* Gratitude is good for kids, schools and our communities. Kids 10-19, when practicing gratitude were more positive, connected with their communities and satisfied  with life.

Here is a little lesson on how to practice gratitude, not just one day a year at Thanksgiving, but everyday: Mayo Clinic Complementary and Integrative Medicine Physician, Dr. Amit Sood, says that the three most important aspects toward practicing gratitude are:

1. Intellectually be convinced about the innumerable ways you have been blessed. 
2. Cultivate gratitude as a way of life. 
3. When life challenges knock at your door, as they invariably will, make sure you remember all the blessings at that time.

Some suggestions on beginning your journey to cultivating gratitude:

* Begin your morning by saying "Thank you." Before your eyes even flutter open, think of 5 things ( people are the best things) you are grateful for and spend 30 seconds silently in gratitude for these things. 
* Say "Thank you" during the day. Everyone can find a reason to appreciate some one or something everyday. Send a card, a gift or a heart felt positive e-mail or just say "Thank You." 
* Say "Thank You" at night as you prepare for sleep and you power down your day. Think of one thing you are thankful for. 
* Include gratitude in your prayer. Trying beginning and ending your prayer with gratitude. 
* Include gratitude as your way of being and your future.

Too often we realize all those ordinary, precious, small things we are grateful for only when we are faced with adversity, when we may be threatened to lose those things or a person in our life. Don't let this happen to you. Beginning your healing gratitude journey today and throughout the closing of 2015.

This is the day which the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it.  
- Psalm 118:24

Health, healing, gratitude and blessings, 



 
Susan Path 
Parish Nurse 
If you have questions about anything you've read here, or want to know more about St. Philip the Deacon and its ministries, please contact us at info@spdlc.org or 763-475-7100.