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A Weekly Update of Alleluia Lutheran Church, St. Michael, MN
Gather in Grace. Grow in Faith. Go in Service.
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What a Sunday!
Yes, it was a big day, a great day, and a day that we got to make a fuss about this place (Alleluia Lutheran) and God’s people (you and me) and most importantly, what God is doing in and through us. We now have launched our new theme for the year as we lean in with holy curiosity to discover what God is a calling us to next.
As your pastor, I will now leave the building on a regular basis and start to meet others in the community to hear about their hopes and dreams and to find out about the needs in our neighborhood. I will be leaning in with holy curiosity to hear how God might be moving us in the coming months. I look to find out what relationships God wants us to create, reignite or build upon so as to be the love of Jesus and do God’s good in the world.
I invite you to join me in this endeavor. I invite you to meet with others and ask them questions like, “What are your hopes and dreams for the future? Where do you see God at work in your family and your community? What needs might you and the community have? How can our church be a partner with you? Where do you find belonging? In a world that thrives on bringing you the bad news, where do you find good news?”
I could go on, but I think you got the idea. We are all partners in the ministry we share and for that I am thankful and filled with gratitude that together we can spark holy curiosity and work toward building the Kingdom of God here and now. I am also thankful we can lean in with curiosity to the ministry that is happening right here and now. So please check out our offerings (youth events, Bible Study, WILD, Theology on Tap, Environmental/Social Justice Offering, Suicide Prevention workshop, Baptism class, and New Member info class and more) throughout this E-News to discover something new.
I thank God for you, Alleluia!
P.S. Please feel free to email any curiosities you look to explore and any discoveries you have made. Let’s keep the conversation going!
See you in worship!
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Annual Meeting Wrap-Up
Missed the meeting? Here’s the summary:
This past Sunday (1-26-25) we had the wonderful opportunity to gather over our delicious bowls of chili to hear about and participate in the ministry, life, and business of the church. We heard stories of beautiful ministry being done through the people of Alleluia and in this place while looking forward to how God invites us to grow in faith, fellowship and service in the coming year.
We acknowledged and gave thanks for our outgoing council members: Andi Ruth-Negrini (president) Chris Westendorp (at-large) and Abbi Brown (secretary) while we welcomed our newest council of Jayme Lyke (president), Sara Mosher (vice-president), and Sue Erdman (at-large).
We approved a budget with a 1% increase to account for inflation, rising building insurance costs, and small salary increases and asked the congregation to increase giving at $10 a week per family (equal or less than one party size bag of Doritos) to meet our budget needs.
Note: If you are a family that gives on-line please look at your giving pattern (as it may not have been updated in years) and pray about an amount to increase your giving. This may mean a small sacrifice in your family but one that will further the message of God’s love and mission.
We can do this together!
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February 2: 8:30AM - 3 year-olds/Parent Story Bible Retreat
10AM Worship/Sunday School
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February 9: 8:30AM - Baptism Class
10AM Worship/Sunday School
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February 16: 10AM Worship/Sunday School
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February 23: 10AM Worship/Sunday School
11AM New Member Informational Mtg.
Worship with us at 10AM on Sundays (or watch live on Facebook or later on YouTube).
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CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY | |
Confirmation News
- January 29 - 6:15PM Confirmation
- February 5 - 6:15PM Confirmation
- February 12 - 6:15PM Confirmation
- February 12 - 7PM 8th Grade Confirmation
- February 19 - 6:15PM Confirmation
- February 26 - 6:15PM Family Confirmation Night
8th Grade Confirmation
The 8th grade confirmation students will meet at Alleluia on Wed., February 12th at 7PM.
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First Bible Retreat for
3 & 4-Year-Olds
February 2, 2025 @ 8:30AM
We would love for you and your child to join us at the First Bible Retreat for 3 & 4-year-olds scheduled for Sunday, February 2 before worship. We will start at 8:30 with a light breakfast and then do a fun lesson geared towards receiving their first Bible. (At least one parent/guardian should attend the retreat with their child.) The Bible will be presented during the children’s message in worship.
You can register on-line for this event HERE.
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Camp Wapo 2025!
Calling all campers! Camp Wapo registration is now open! This link is good until February 15th. Our SEEDs weekend is for grades 1-3 and weeklong is July18-20. Week long camp is for grades 4-9 and is July 20-25. The theme for the week is "Breathe". Scholarships are available through the camp.
Contact Jen with questions.
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Youth Summer
Mission Trip
8th-12th Grade
This summer's youth mission trip is scheduled through a great organization called Service Learning Camps! All 8th-12th graders are invited to join us in Salt Lake City JULY 13-19. The costs are yet to be determined but likely $500-$600/person. The actual costs will depend on van rental/gas costs, as well as whether we stay in a church or a hotel. A non-refundable deposit of $200 per person is needed to secure your spot. Please get this to Jen as soon as possible so she can start nailing things down with who will be participating.
Fundraising opportunity:
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March 2: Pancake breakfast
Please let Jen know if you would like to help with either of these.
Questions about the trip or fundraiser can be asked by contacting Jen at cyf@alleluialutheranchurch.org
Making secure on-line payments for the trip are possible if you go to the link below on Alleluia's website. You must make this payment through your checking or savings account, and not with a credit card. Also write your child's name in the "Note" section (i.e. Mary Jones SLC Trip Payment)
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H.S. Monthly
Morning Breakfast
February 5 @ 6:50AM
ALL high school students are invited to join Jen for a free breakfast at Morning Glory Monthly HS Breakfast on Wednesday, February 5 at Word of Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers. Doors open at 6:50AM. Morning Glory is a ministry led by high school students for high school students. They aim to fill bellies and hearts. No invitation or RSVP is required - come as you are and all are welcome!
Contact Jen with questions.
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Thank You! AND ATM News
A big thank you for supporting our youth at the January 26th chili lunch! Your support for our Summer mission trip is appreciated.
Our high schoolers had a fun afternoon that same day at Top Golf! The next ATM outing is February 23 when we will be going tubing at Elm Creek.
RSVP to Jen to ensure enough spots cyf@alleluialutheranchurch.org
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Adult Ministries and Small Groups | |
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Why Baptism? Class
Sunday, February 9 at 8:30AM
Have you ever wondered what this baptism of faith is all about? Have you wondered if it is really all that important? Have you thought about being baptized or having your child baptized but just haven't gotten to it? Well, here is an invitation for you to come and learn about the significance and benefits of baptism and why it is so important in the formation of our faith. Please call or e-mail Pastor Kimberly for more info or to sign up for this class.
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New Member Info Meeting
Sunday, February 23 @ 11AM
This casual get-together is for you if you (or someone you know) are looking for a church to call “home” and/or want to learn more about Alleluia Lutheran. We hope to see you! Contact Pastor Kimberly with any questions.
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DAY TIMERS
Day Timers events are open to anyone who is
free during the times of the individual event.
Please spread the word!
February Valentine's Day BINGO!
Thursday, February 6th @ Alleluia
11am - 1pm
A light lunch will be served
**A small donation for prizes and food appreciated but not necessary**
RSVP to Marni Severson or Cheryl Meinhardt
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Theology on Tap
Theology on Tap will be meeting Tuesday, February 18th at 6:30 pm right here at Alleluia. These informal conversations on faith and life require no preparation or Biblical knowledge. Just bring your favorite beverage and join the conversation.
Please contact Lori DeRoo with questions.
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ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Thursdays @ 10AM
Every Thursday morning at 10AM a Bible Study led by Pastor Kimberly Buffie is offered at Alleluia, discussing the upcoming Sunday's scriptures.
Come when you are able - the coffee is always on!
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Ministry and Volunteer Opportunities | |
Be Part of the Hospitality Team!
Do you love to bake? Or maybe you love greeting new people? Or helping in the kitchen? We need you to help Alleluia be a welcoming place on Sunday mornings as we greet people when they arrive -- and serve them a cup of coffee and treats after worship.
We are specifically looking for people who can help our hospitality team on Sunday mornings. Simply sign up to bring baked goods such as muffins, scones, healthier cookies or any kind of bread (sweet or not) for our time of fellowship following our worship.
Please reach out to Marlys Ebersviller or Carol Bauer on staff with any questions or for more info.
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Alleluia Lutheran Church and Imagine Church are partnering with Every Meal to help support families at Fieldstone Elementary by volunteering to place Every Meal food bags in students’ backpacks or lockers at the end of each week (Fridays) to help provide food for the weekends.
Please email Carol for more information or to sign up to volunteer!
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Suicide Prevention Awareness
Saturday, February 8, 2025
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Mental Health Connect
(Bethlehem Lutheran Church 4100 Lyndale Ave So)
ADDITIONAL BONUS: Immediately after, for those who are interested, Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe will be speaking and leading conversation addressing the ways theology can interfere with healthy suicide prevention. She's an expert and author of "The Lifesaving Church: Faith Communities and Suicide Prevention" - we are so lucky to have her.
Alleluia Members – This four-hour class is for members of the community over the age of 16 who want to learn and practice the basic best practices in suicide prevention. If you are interested in attending this event with Carol Bauer, please contact Carol.
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Lunchbox Talks: 30 Minute Online Conversations
February 5 @ 12 - 12:30 pm CST
Have you ever wished that someone would give you one solid skill that you could use with your child right now? Well, here it is. Join us for a 30 minute conversation that will focus on one practical skill each month for parents and caregivers that can change the trajectory of your relationship with your child. Included in your time with us, you will receive a brief introduction to the skill, be offered hands-on practice, and be provided resources to support you.
Topics and dates:
- 02/05/2025: Identifying Feelings and Emotions
- 03/05/2025: What Your Child’s Behavior is Telling You
- 04/02/2025: How to Really Listen to Your Child
- 05/07/2025: The Power of Validation
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Alleluia Care Team is a ministry of Alleluia with a mission to help provide care and resources to people within the Alleluia Church family and surrounding communities to promote overall physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness.
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Environmental and Social Justice Team | |
Rise and Repair Alliance
All are invited to a winter zoom informational meeting at church on Thursday, January 30 at 6:30 pm. Alleluia's Environmental justice team is hosting Rise and Repair Alliance to our community to raise awareness of why Indigenous sovereignty is a core part of climate justice. There will be discussion and wild rice soup, wild rice from Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and fry bread. For planning purposes, please email Lori DeRoo (lorideroo@msn.com) if you plan on attending. But also, all are welcome without signing up.
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Book Discussion
We invite you to a book read and discussion this winter. The book we will be discussing is "The Mighty Red" by Louise Erdrich. This book fits into the theme of land justice by deeply exploring the exploitation and degradation of land through corporate agriculture, highlighting the struggles of Indigenous communities, and advocating for a more just and sustainable relationship with the land. Susan Niemi has offered to lead the discussion, date to be determined for the end of February.
Contact Lori (lorideroo@msn.com) for more info!
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How can you help support Alleluia's ministry?
- If you are not giving on a regular basis, consider setting up an on-line giving account to give more regularly. Start small -- $5 per week will get you to $250 per year! $10 will get you over $500.
- If you are already giving regularly, consider how you can grow that number, especially if you’ve kept your offering at the same level for years. Just like your expenses have gone up -- so have ours. Is now a time that you can give more?
- Give a one-time gift above and beyond your regular giving.
- Give an additional offering beyond your electronic giving on special days – like Lenten worship services, Holy Week, Christmas and Easter - or perhaps in honor of a special event like an Anniversary or a Birthday.
Whatever you give, please know that the Council and staff do their best to make those offerings go as far as possible to meet the mission and ministry of the church. So, thank you for your financial support.
Easy Ways to Give Electronically
One easy way to support Alleluia all year long is to set up a regular on-line gift. We make it easy for you. Check out all the ways you can give electronically and consider setting up a regular gift for both our General Fund and the Building Fund, which pays the mortgage.
It's easy to give electronically - and you can make changes any time you'd like. For each of these methods, once you're set up, it's easy to give any time (and the set-up is pretty easy, too!)
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Monthly Drafts: Set up your giving through your bank as a regular payment (just like you would with other payments you make on a regular basis)
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On-line Giving Go to Alleluia's website at http://www.alleluialutheranchurch.org/direct-debit/. You can set up giving weekly, monthly or as a one-time gift.
Please note: If you set up your giving as a debit from your bank account, (instead of using a credit or debit card) there are no service fees and your full donation will go to Alleluia. You can also donate the service fee as part of your giving if you prefer to use a card.
Thank you for all the ways you continue to give generously to the ministry of Alleluia. Know that your giving continues to make important ministry happen. Thank you for all the ways that you are a good steward of God's blessings. Together we can continue to do the work that God has called us to do in this community.
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Have Feedback? Questions?
Contact a Council Member!
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Thank you to all of our council members for serving in these leadership positions. You can click on any of their names to e-mail them.
The council meets once a month. If you have an issue you would like for us to discuss, please contact any council member.
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Alleluia Lutheran Church
10401 30th St NE
St. Michael, MN 55376
763-497-5816
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