Reach Out. Proclaim. Inspire.Nov. 25, 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 Store, Saturday, Dec. 5
  • Sharing and Caring Hands, Saturday, Dec. 5
  • IOCP Food Shelf, Wednesday, Dec. 9
The Texts this Weekend
 
This weekend is the First Sunday in Advent. The readings include 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 and Luke 21:25-36:

"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

"Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Thanksgiving Worship - TONIGHT

This evening, the eve of Thanksgiving, we gather in worship at 7 p.m. to give thanks to God for all the blessings in our lives. Take time from your holiday preparations for this joyous Thanksgiving service ... and stay for some pumpkin pie and a time of fellowship afterward in Fellowship Hall!
Promise 2016 - Thank you!

Thank you to all who have submitted their Promise 2016 pledge cards, which were dedicated during worship services last weekend. If you haven't yet done so, you can still submit your Promise by bringing it to church or mailing it in as soon as possible.

Pledging is your opportunity to make a giving commitment for the coming year to support the daily ministry of St. Philip the Deacon.

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.
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. We're about half way there! Only about 450 gifts to go!

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 on Dec. 5. We expect both of them to be equally busy, so we will be glad of your help on either shift. Sign up in the narthex! And thank you for being part of this ministry!
Christmas Care - Deadline Dec. 14

Christmas Care: Gifts and Prayers

Stop by the narthex 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 Members in Local Theater Productions

Do you enjoy a play? Several SPD members are currently cast in local theater productions. You can catch 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!
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. 
Upcoming Youth Events

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!
In This Issue
Thanksgiving Worship and Pie
Promise 2016
End of Year Giving Guidelines
Christmas Store
Christmas Care
Charles Lazarus concert
Make a Minute for Christmas
Lesson Readers Workshop
National Lutheran Choir
Book Club
SPD Members in Theater
Ice Fishing Retreat
Confirmation Events
Faithful Parenting
Parish Nurse Health Tip
 
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To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.

Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.

Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness' sake, O Lord!

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

Psalm 25:1-10
For Reflection
 
"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."
- G.K. Chesterton
 
See more thoughts like this at fb.com/spdlc.
  
Faithful Parenting
 
What if Parents Talked to Each Other the Way We Talk to Our Kids?

Recently someone sent us this video from comedic mom group "The Break Womb" entitled, "What If Moms Talked to Each Other The Way They Talk to Their Kids..." It's pretty funny, but it's also a good reminder of how the way we talk to our kids can be subtly condescending or shaming. Take a look!













Make your Favorite Thanksgiving Recipe a little more Healthy
 
Nothing says Thanksgiving for our family more than green bean casserole! Every holiday the girls would request it from Grandma. We even have the casserole dish with the recipe imprinted on it. Needless to say, it is not the healthiest item at our Thanksgiving dinner. We decided to come up with some healthier alternatives and share them with you.

Here is the version the Path family will prepare this Thanks giving: 
(Recipe courtesy of Ellie Krieger)

Green Beans with Mushroom and Shallots

Total Time: 31 min  
Prep: 15 min  
Cook: 16 min 
Yield: 6 servings, size 1/2 cup
Level: Easy

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces  
1 tablespoon water 
2 tablespoons olive oil 
1/3 cup sliced shallots (about 2 medium) 
3/4 pound assorted fresh mushrooms, (ie: button, baby bella, shiitake, oyster, chanterelle), sliced 
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Put green beans in a microwave-safe bowl with the water. Cover tightly and microwave on high for 4 minutes. Carefully remove the cover, drain in a colander, shaking off any excess water, and set aside.

While the beans are cooking, heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the shallots and cook, stirring, until softened slightly, about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until the water they release has evaporated and they begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Add the green beans and stir to combine and rewarm. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Per Serving:
Calories 80;
Total Fat 5g (Sat Fat 0.5g, Mono Fat 3.5g, Poly Fat 1g);
Protein 4g;
Carb 11.5g;
Fiber 3g;
Cholesterol 0mg;
Sodium 7mg

Oven with Prep: 25 minutes; Cook: 25 minutes; Total 50 minutes

Other  Healthy tips:

* Another family Thanksgiving Day tradition we have grown to love is our annual turkey run. If you don't want to run add a family walk to your day to burn off a few of those extra calories you may have consumed.

* Remember to be aware of the portions you take of all your favorite foods this holiday. Try to limit that awesome stuffing to the size of a muffin tin.

Enjoy your family, enjoy your traditions, get some exercise, give lots of hugs ad be grateful for all the little blessings in your  life.

Health 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.