DECEMBER | 2023

OUR STORY BEGINS...

Many believe the life of Jesus is the greatest story ever told. As we approach Christmas, we prepare to hear of his birth and the beginning of that story. But is that where the story really begins? On Sundays during Advent, we will take a closer look and try to discover where our story begins. Does the story begin with an angel visiting Mary or the shepherds? Or does it go back further to the prophets of the Old Testament? Or maybe the birth of Jesus is God’s fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham and Sarah way back in Genesis. Perhaps the beginning of this story even exists outside the boundaries of time. Come to worship and prepare for Christmas by hearing how God’s plan to bless the world with a Savior started long before the manger in Bethlehem. 

A WEARY WORLD REJOICES

I’ve grown used to quoting Andy Williams' famous Christmas song this time of the year. I’ll frequently say, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Perhaps about half of the time I’ll actually say that without a tinge of sarcasm in my voice. The truth is that the Christmas season provides a rich abundance of emotions and experiences for us. Sometimes we feel great joy, and then tremendous grief. We can feel lonely amid large holiday gatherings. Our calendar filled with events can bring anxiety just as often as they surround us with love and a feeling of hope. So whether you find yourself feeling weary this year or ready to rejoice this Christmas, join us for worship on Wednesdays as we share what God has to say to us during this special time of year. 

LIGHT OF CHRISTMAS

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, we want to share the joys of the season with others in the community. This year contributions to the Light of Christmas funds will once again be used to purchase gifts and necessities for our neighbors in need. We will also be collecting donations for our holiday décor (poinsettias, trees, wreaths, etc). Forms can be found on the welcome desk and contributions can placed in the offering plate or mailed or delivered to the church office by December 13th. Contributions can also be made online. Also, if you know of someone with specific needs in our community please call or email Melissa.

SHARE A CHRISTMAS GREETING WITH YOUR VINJE FAMILY!

We’ve created a bulletin board on which to share your family’s Christmas greeting with your Vinje family! We’d love to include your family’s Christmas card on the bulletin board in the entry way! If you’d like, please bring one with you and put it on the bulletin board to share. Thanks!

VINJE QUILTERS

Quilters meet this month on Thursday, December 14th at 9 am. All are welcome!

Thank you to all who supported the Quilt Raffle and to Jeanette Buchanan for donating a beautiful quilt and wall hanging. The drawing brought in $500 which will go to Bible Camp Scholarships. Winners this year were: Carla Buzzeo, Penny Hieronimus and Margaret Irwin.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 | 10:30-11:15 AM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13 | 6:30-7:15 PM

We are conducting a congregational meeting (two date/time options) focused on strategic planning around Vinje’s purpose and mission. We will have tabletop discussions, facilitated by our council members, and opportunity for our members to share thoughts on how we would like to see Vinje described in our community.

CHRISTMAS GIFT SUGGESTIONS

December is upon us and that mean’s Christmas and Christmas shopping season is here. UPS, Fed Ex, and Speedy Delivery trucks will be cursing the neighborhoods multiple times a day delivering packages to our doorsteps. Our recycling and trash bins will be overflowing with cardboard and packaging materials, not to mention the carbon footprint required to get these well intended gifts to our doorsteps. 

In an effort to reduce the pressure on waste stream this holiday season one might consider giving gifts focusing on experiences instead of objects. Concerts, plays, musicals, sporting events, art classes, cooking classes, amusement park passes… all make great experiential gifts . Better yet, including your self in the event will create a memory that will endure for many holiday seasons to come. 

At their October 30th meeting the Vinje Council:

• Discussed staffing goals and pastoral coverage for Vinje and Saint John’s.
• Reviewed Christmas Eve worship schedule (9:30 am, 3:00, and 5:00).
• Engaged in a coaching session centered around how we want others to describe Vinje and the council.

At their November 27th meeting the Vinje Council:

• Met with the Personnel Committee to further discuss staffing goals. Priorities included additional preaching coverage, member/volunteer engagement, technology, and faith formation.
• Received an update on the stewardship drive.
• Approved a three-year agreement with Green Lake Lutheran ministries for a Ministry Associate to be funding using the Brown Faith Formation dedicated fund.
• Reviewed plans for congregational coaching sessions on December 10 and 13.

EXPLORING VINJE'S HISTORY

This month, Pastor Andrés asked Cheryl Schmidt to talk about her memories of Christmas music at Vinje.

Many of my memories of music in December at Vinje revolve around organizing and directing several children’s Christmas programs. Involved were kindergarten through sixth grade children, in conjunction with the rotational Sunday/Wednesday school program. 

The rotational Sunday school program centered around a specific theme and bible verse which changed every six weeks. So, I coordinated with the education director and curriculum writers to include the specific theme in December as the basis for the children’s Christmas program.

A sample of the bible verses: For Nothing is Impossible with God (2000) and Yes, I am Coming Soon. Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! (2001)

Children involved in the Christmas program were readers, in costumes/acting, using props, characters in the crèche and everyone sang a variety of songs. Deb Hanson choreographed and taught a dance to a small group of children for one program. Some of the congregational members that assisted with the programs were Barb Swanson, Peggy Karsten, Todd Mattison and all the Sunday/Wednesday School teachers to name a few. 

Originally, we had the children’s program at 4:00pm on a Sunday afternoon. It became evident that this was a challenging time of day, especially for younger children, so we moved the program to Sundays at the 10:45am service which worked so much better for everyone. Attendance? The church was FULL!

Each year the children would make a special tree ornament every December and these are hung on my Christmas tree every year!