December 1, 2023

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Sunday, December 3, 2023

In-Person Worship 

8:30AM & 10:30AM

YouTube Livestream at 10:30AM

Click on the link below to watch the YouTube Livestream worship service this Sunday.

Church News

Update for Pastor Jeff’s Transition to England

As we come to the end of this year, we want to give an update on the transition plans for Pastor Jeff and St. Barnabas. Members of the church council met with Pastor Craig Peterson in the synod office, and we came to the conclusion that an interim pastor will be the best model for our lead pastor transition following Pastor Jeff’s departure. Pastor Jeff’s final Sunday will be July 14. An interim pastor would likely begin the next month. This time of lead pastor interim will allow St. Barnabas to consider our next steps and to continue our strong ministry. The length of the interim has not yet been defined, but we will continue to work closely with our synod office to seek the interim pastor who best fits our setting, and the appropriate length of the interim’s call. We will also hold “listening forums” after the new year to give time for updates of the final months of Pastor Jeff’s time with us, and the interim time to follow. Watch the E-News for those dates and times.

Also, we are blessed, and are grateful, to have Pastor Stephanie continue her strong work here as well, which will provide steady ministry and care for our congregation as she continues in her position. Again, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask someone on our church council.

Ministry Scheduler Pro ~ Next Schedule Comes Out Today

If there’s anything about this schedule that was incorrect (ministries you participate in, services you attend, for example), or if you just don’t understand how to work with the system, talk to Pastor Stephanie or Audrey Faust after church any Sunday. We’ll do everything possible to help make things work for you! There are also FAQ sheets located in the church office.

Another Era Ends

Carolyn Mueller has decided to close the books on her tenure as an accountant for St. Barnabas. Carolyn has served faithfully and with the utmost care since 2003. That is twenty years folks! We all owe a very big thank you of gratitude to her for the many hours of quiet accounting and her ceaseless pursuit of doing the job right. Thank You Carolyn!

Therefore, we are looking for a new Accounts Payable accountant to begin ASAP. Carolyn will aid with the transition during the month of December. The unpaid, volunteer position takes 2-3 hours a week in the St. Barnabas office with very flexible hours and time off. There is a complete job description available. Please contact Brenda in the church office or Bill Welshons at [email protected] or 763-412-5030 if you are interested.

To view the Accounts Payable Accountant Responsibilities click here

2023 Year End Contributions

If you plan on sending a contribution through the mail, envelopes must be postmarked by December 31st to be counted as 2023 contributions. If giving a contribution in person at church, checks must be dated for 2023. Contributions given in church on Sunday, December 31st need to be noted if they are for 2023 or 2024. 

Upcoming Services & Activities

Sunday, December 10th:

8:30am - No service

10:30am - Sunday School Christmas Program

Join us for a joy-filled re-telling of the Christmas story in spoken word and song. Our children and youth have been working hard to bring you this little bit of holiday cheer!

Monday, December 11th: 2:00pm - Art Open House

We’ll have the project supplies out extra long so you can stop by and make some creative gifts or cards for your loved ones for Christmas. Join us between 2pm and 6pm to indulge your creative side!

Thursday, December 21st: 6:30pm - Blue Christmas Longest Night

Sometimes it’s hard to be joyful during the Christmas season. Sometimes we need to take a step back and acknowledge the pain and stress that this time of year can bring. On this day, the longest night of the year, we will gather to acknowledge and honor our struggles, and to hear a gentle message of hope and joy as the days finally begin to grow longer again.

Sunday, December 24th:

8:30am - No service

10:30am - Advent 4

The calendar may say Christmas Eve, but it’s still Advent here until after the 10:30 service. We’ll enjoy a poetic service of Advent Lessons and Carols this morning that will give us a little taste of the Christmas we will experience in the later services.

2:00pm - Kid-friendly

This service is designed to be upbeat and interactive, with an engaging, activity-based sermon, lots of movement, and upbeat music. We’d love to involve as many kids in leading as possible.

4:00pm - Festival

We’re pulling out all the stops for this one. The adult choir and brass ensemble will be leading our music, and you’ll experience all the “traditional” elements of a St. Barnabas Christmas.

9:00pm - Contemplative

The lights will be low, the music will be mellow, and we will gently welcome baby Jesus into the world.

Sunday, December 31st:10:30am

Only one service today, as we jump into the Book of Mark. The Narrative Lectionary is moving into the New Testament!

Christmas Poinsettias

Poinsettias can be purchased in memory of or in honor of a loved one for $12 each. There’s a

sign-up sheet in the narthex, along with an envelope labeled "Poinsettias". Place cash or check in this envelope or in your regular offering envelope with the designation “flowers”. 

Other News & Church Activities

The 20th Annual JustGifts Market

is This Weekend

  Saturday, December 2nd: 9:00am - 4:00pm 

  Sunday, December 3rd: 9:30am - 12:00pm 

Visit our annual alternative Christmas Market this weekend to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list and learn about 6 different charities working to make the world a better place. 

Photos with Santa available on Saturday, 10am - Noon.

Lefse available Saturday, while supplies last.

We have been invited to participate in Redeemer's Christmas Store on Saturday, December 9th.

The Christmas Store offers children a chance to buy (4) gift-wrapped presents for $1 (25 cents each) for their family members. On that day, doors will open at 9:00am and the event goes until Noon, with the shopping experience from 9:30am - ~11am. We are excited for how this in-person event provides an opportunity to connect with the community and encourage kids to share in the generosity of giving at Christmas time. 

The success of the Christmas Store flows from the generosity of everyone who is willing to donate gifts, time, and resources and partner in providing children the joy of giving Christmas gifts to their loved ones. The main ways we envision needing support for this event include:



Donating gifts for the event and/or gift cards that could be used to purchase gifts and supplies (Some examples of gift suggestions) 

Volunteering to provide day of the event support (especially gift wrapping) or to help with a few set-up needs ahead of time -- Volunteer Sign-up Form

Thank you for your generosity!  

Morpheus Concert ~ Saturday, December 9th

Christmas Dinner Sign-up

If you (or you and your significant other) are alone on Christmas Day, please join us at St. Barnabas. Don Collier will serve dinner in the Ministry Center at 1:00pm. The tentative menu will be ham, potatoes, vegetables, and dessert. We’re sorry but we can’t guarantee meeting any dietary restrictions. There's a sign-up sheet in the Narthex and the deadline is Sunday, December 18th so we can plan food.

Church Directory Pictures

It's time again to update our church directory. If you’re missing a picture and would like one added or you’d like your current picture updated, send what you’d like to use to Brenda in the church office at [email protected]. If you'd like us to take your picture here at church, stop in during office hours or one of the pastors can take your picture on any Sunday before or after worship. If you have a new mailing address, a new email address, have added a mobile number or changed an existing number in the past 12 months, let Brenda know of the changes. Also, let Brenda know if you no longer attend St. Barnabas and would like to be removed from the directory. Deadline for submissions is December 31st.

Leaving Misc. Items at Church

We've had many items left on the tables in the narthex and in the kitchen and these areas are starting to look a bit cluttered.

• Do not leave greeting cards, stationery, food containers, or any other unwanted items.
• We no longer collect calendars for the Adult Corrections Facility in Plymouth or any other organization.
• If you left dishes or bakeware at the church for Sunday treats, after a funeral, etc., make sure to take those items home with you.

If you have items you think others may be interested in here at church, contact Brenda in the office or talk to one of the pastors. Thank you.

All-Ages Activities ~ November 26th

It was a wonderful snowy morning for all-ages activities in the Fellowship Hall. We made Advent Wreaths and packed care packages for college students.

December "Gift of Love"

ELCA World Hunger

More than 820 million people - that's about 11 percent of people in our world today - are hungry. As members of the ELCA, we are called to respond. We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work. Working with and through our congregations in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Lutheran churches overseas and other partners, ELCA World Hunger is uniquely positioned to reach communities in need. From health clinics to microloans, water wells to animal husbandry, community meals to advocacy, your gifts to ELCA World Hunger make it possible for the ELCA to respond, supporting sustainable solutions that get at the root causes of hunger and poverty.

Community Happenings

Santa’s Mailbox

Santa is accepting mail in Plymouth – and he’s even writing back. Families may drop off letters for Santa Monday, Nov. 20 to Friday, Dec. 1.

Letters are accepted at the following locations:

• Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd.
• Plymouth Ice Center, 3650 Plymouth Blvd.
• Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave. N.



Santa’s helpers will send a personalized response to all letters. Letters must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

A Season for Singing

-This Sunday-

We are your Performance Senior Chorus, singing in your community for over 30 years. We'd love for you and your folks to join us for our free holiday concert.

Sunday, December 3, 3:00pm at the Wayzata High School.

Bring along your friends and family.

Donations Needed

IOCP Food Shelf Most Needed Items: 

Brand Name Cereal

Hearty Soup

Healthy Snacks (e.g. popcorn, crackers, granola bars)

Healthy Beverages (e.g. sparkling water, tea, juice boxes)

Paper Grocery Bags (These are expensive to purchase and offer you an opportunity to recycle the bags you don’t need.) 

Good News Prison Ministry:

Needs clothing donations for people who are being released. Sweat pants (sizes S-XXL), hoodies, sweatshirts, shirts (sizes L-XXL), winter coats (sizes XL-XXL)

Jonathan House (housing for asylum-seekers): Needed by Dec. 15th

Toilet paper (72 rolls), paper towels (36 rolls), napkins (600 count), Kleenex (12 boxes), printer paper (2 reams), 4-gallon trash bags (4 boxes) & 13-gallon trash bags (5 boxes), small compost bags (2 boxes)

Volunteer Opportunities

We are looking for a new Accounts Payable accountant to begin ASAP. Carolyn will aid with the transition during the month of December. The unpaid, volunteer position takes 2-3 hours a week in the St. Barnabas office with very flexible hours and time off. There is a complete job description available. Please contact Brenda in the church office or Bill Welshons at [email protected] or 763-412-5030 if you are interested.

To view the Accounts Payable Accountant Responsibilities click here

December Birthdays

Resources & Links

Want something in the E-News?

Do you want your small group information, community activities or church news in the

weekly E-News? Please email your articles to  Brenda Ericson with all the details by Wednesday morning of the week you want it shared.

Church Council Minutes

Copies of the minutes are available in the narthex. They are also located on our website.

If you'd like to be added to the email list, call the church office at 763-553-1239

Bulletin Delivery

Want a Bulletin Delivered? For those who are not able to access the worship video, some of our BeFrienders will deliver printed copies of the bulletin on Friday's or Saturday's.

If you'd like to have a Bulletin dropped off, you can call the church office at

763-553-1239.