LOTILink
Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church 
January 2021
Happy New Year 2021!



Happy New Year! Thankfully, 2020 has come and gone. The countdown to the New Year 2021 with its hope of a healthy future and the healing possibilities has arrived at last. The ball has dropped in New York to an empty Time Square. "For Auld Lang Syne" has been sung. No doubt, a bit more melancholic than in years past, and with fewer voices. A glass or two has been raised to toast the hope for a better year, most likely with fewer faces gathered round the table. Yes, on New Year's Eve, across the globe, people were bidding goodbye, and perhaps good riddance to the challenges of the year 2020, trusting, and indeed praying fervently, that the mere flip of a page or the changing out of a calendar could make all things better.  
 
Unfortunately, that is seldom how life truly unfolds. Far more often, changes occur almost quietly and unnoticed. We may plan for the dramatic and seismic changes, but in reality, we have to be patient, and instead examine and review life in hindsight- which is always 20/20.
 
That is actually what you can expect of  our common life here at Lake of the Isles over the next months. It won't be a sudden, dramatic change. We will continue to do the things we have been doing over the last few months. Ministry will be a combination of the virtual and the in-person. Bible study and confirmation will continue to be held by Zoom. Sunday morning worship will be a hybrid of virtual and in-person experiences. Some will feel comfortable in the sanctuary, while others will prefer to wait until everyone has been vaccinated. 
 
I do not want anyone at Lake of the Isles to feel uncomfortable or pushed in this slow time of transition back to normal life. We may still be months away from the end of this pandemic, but an end is looming on the horizon. We will be back together again in this new year. In the meantime, however, we must take care of ourselves and those we love. 
 
The year 2020 may have been a challenging year for you personally and professionally, but it can still be an accelerator for growth. When you reflect upon those challenges, you may discover that God has been with you all along, and that almost unnoticed, you have been growing spiritually, emotionally and personally. Life does not change with the flip of a page or by the shifting of one old calendar for a new. So do not let go of the lessons of 2020 too quickly, and do not be afraid or anxious of the new year. Be assured and confident, that Christ goes with you.
 
Happy New Year 2021!  Pastor Arden Haug
Our Saviour's Housing Meal

For many years, Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church has provided a meal for 40 on the first Friday of every month. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, our monthly meals are provided by donation via check, money order, or online. The shelter orders and serves the meal. Suggested donation is $250.

Thank you to everyone who has provided a meal in 2020! 

Thanks to Cheri Moe & Family for providing in December; 
 Dave & Mary Goplen in January 

Dates for 2021
FEB 5
Arden & Janna Haug
MAR 5
Linda Nelson & Mary Jubenville
APR 2
Ellie Holmquist, Ruth Lee, Heather Jacoby,  
& Gretchen Robertson
Please consider reserving:
MAY 1
JUL 2
SEP 3
NOV 5
JUN 4
AUG 6
OCT 1
DEC 3




Reserve by contacting Cheri Moe or (952) 431-5226.

OSH is in need of additional support for COVID-related needs...
Donate Funds
Your financial gift right now will provide critical funds to sustain shelter operations in a much safer hotel setting and bring classes directly to students in their homes.
Donate Supplies
Your gift of select, essential items will help meet the most basic needs of our shelter guests and provide access to technology so our students can learn at home. OSCS Covid 19 Response

There are additional ways to help throughout the holidays. For more information visit/contact Our Saviour's Community Services
Women's Bible Study
Our text is First Corinthians: Living Love When We Disagree by Melissa Spoelstra.

Relationships are messy. Sometimes we struggle to get along, especially when there is disagreement. Often we find ourselves 
divided--even as Christians. How can we work out our differences 
and disagreements with humility and grace
always showing the love of Christ, while still remaining true to what we believe?
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians living in Corinth about this very thing. The cultural backdrop of Corinth was even more overtly
sinful than our culture today, yet Paul boldly encouraged the Corinthian Christians not to ridicule one another or outsiders but to work together to show the love of Christ.
In this study we will explore Paul's first letter to the Corinthians to learn how we as Christians are to deal with differences and divisions--whether in the workplace, neighborhood, school, home, social media community, or church. 
We'll discover that the answer is living and sharing the radical love 
of Jesus Christ, and we'll unpack what this means and how we can
live it out day by day.

Our Bible Study will be online via Zoom. This month we will meet on Thursdays, January 7th & 21st, at 7:00pm.

Contact Deb Gilroy if you would like to be added to our participants list. She will email Zoom invitations for our sessions. 

We look forward to seeing you again soon. Please feel free to invite others. All are welcome!


The Baptism of Our Lord
Sunday, January 10th


The First Sunday after Epiphany is traditionally marked as the Baptism of Our Lord. It is the day in which the church remembers Jesus' baptism in the River Jordan. In the yearly retelling of Jesus' life, it is the shift from the Christmas story to Jesus' adult ministry. The Baptism of Our Lord also allows us to reflect on the meaning of baptism. In particular, the day allows us to reflect on the sacred gifts and benefits offered at baptism. 
Growlers & Theology

The informal study of  theology & adult beverages will continue on January 14th & 28th at 7:00 PM via Zoom. Contact Pastor Haug, if you'd like to receive the link to the meeting.

Wedding at Cana 
Sunday, January 24th


In the Syriac Christian Church, the Sunday before the beginning of Lent is marked as Cana Sunday. The gospel for that day is read from St. John's writing which recalls Jesus' first miracle at the wedding of Cana where he turned water into wine. It is a day to celebrate the gifts of family and food before the penitential season of fasting begins and to be reminded that God's abundance will be shared again. In the Western Church calendar, this same passage is often read at the beginning of Epiphany season. It is a revelation of Jesus' divine nature.

Once again this year, Nanette Goldman and the members of the Lake String Quartet, together with the Corona Chorus, will highlight our wedding themed worship service. 
Women's Book Group
You're Invited to Read with Us!

Meetings are on the 4th Friday of the month beginning at 5:00pm. We'll meet via Zoom. Contact Deb Gilroy to be added to the participants list, if you have not yet joined us. She will schedule meetings & send invitations

2020-2021 Schedule 
JAN 29
Mere Christianity,
C.S. Lewis
FEB 26
What's So Amazing About Grace,
Philip Yancey
MAR 26
The Book of Longings,
Sue Monk Kidd
APR 30
The Seven Story Mountain,
Thomas Merton
 
January's Selection...
Mere Christianity is C.S. Lewis's forceful and accessible doctrine of Christian belief. First heard as informal radio broadcasts and then published as three separate books - The Case for Christianity, Christian Behavior, and Beyond Personality - Mere Christianity brings together what Lewis saw as the fundamental truths of the religion. Rejecting the boundaries that divide Christianity's many denominations, C.S. Lewis finds a common ground on which all those who have Christian faith can stand together, proving that at the centre of each there is something, or a Someone, who against all divergences of belief, all differences of temperament, all memories of mutual persecution, speaks the same voice.

 
Celebration of  Candlemas
Sunday, January 31st

February 2nd has many names. In popular culture, we refer to it as Ground Hog's Day. In the church, it has been known as Candlemas, the Festival of the Purification of Mary, and as the Presentation of Our Lord. According to St. Luke's gospel, the infant Jesus was carried by Mary and Joseph to the Temple in Jerusalem on the 40th day since Jesus' birth, which is February 2nd. It was during this visit that the old prophet Simeon, who had been assured that he was to see the Messiah before his death, saw the  couple and their infant son Jesus walking across the Temple. Having seen the infant Messiah, Simeon took the child into his arms and announced, "Now, oh God, I can leave this world in peace- for I have seen my salvation." He then continued his prophecy with the word that Jesus would be the light for all the world.  
This year as we celebrate the Presentation of Our Lord, or Candlemas on Sunday, January 31st. The Lake String Quartet will perform music of Corelli and Vivaldi, as well as accompany the Corona Chorus in a beautiful setting of the Song of Simeon, or the Nunc Dimittis, by English composer Charles Villiers Stanford. 
Children's Ministry  The third video in the Faith at Home series is now available with a focus on celebrating and lifting up the Epiphany season at home. Click here to access the Faith at Home video series on loti.org.
These videos are designed to be short and sweet and provide tools and ideas on how to install new faith practices at home while we are doing Sunday School and worship remotely.  
LOTI Livestream Worship Services

To view, go to our YouTube channel OR to find the live-stream link & worship service bulletin go to loti.org


Support LOTI Partner CES
Due to the Coronavirus, pre-packed bags of groceries are being distributed. 
Fill a bag or two of groceries and hygiene items, and bring them to CES, or, call to set a delivery time... 

If you have time, we would be glad to give you a tour and introduce you to CES in action! 

Food Items:
Please help us improve the quality of nutrition in our neighborhood by donating the following healthy foods.
  • Olive oil and vegetable oil
  • Flour, sugar - 4# bags or smaller
  • Meat soups
  • Chili with meat
  • Canned chicken, tuna or salmon
  • Canned fruit, in light syrup or own juice
  • Rice
  • Assorted canned vegetables
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Coffee in small bags
  • Whole grain cereals
  • Old fashioned oats, instant oatmeal packets
  • Jelly and jam
  • Peanut butter
  • 100% fruit juice
Hygiene:
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Bar soap
  • Shampoo, conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Razors and shaving cream
  • Feminine products
  • Toilet paper, facial tissues
  • Dish soap - small bottles
  • Laundry soap
Pet Needs: 
  • Pet food for dogs or cats
  • Kitty litter
Paper Grocery Bags with Handles

Drop off:
1900 11th Ave S, Minneapolis
612-870-1125
Food is, of course, the main ongoing aspect of CES. Food donations and/or funds to buy food are always welcome. As a result of our food purchase "connections," any dollar donated to CES to purchase food goes 10-20 times farther than a dollar spent at the store. For example, for the price of one can of corn at your grocery store, CES can purchase 10 cans of corn through the food banks.
For more information and/or monetary donations visit 
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Pastor Haug leads a virtual Bible study by Zoom for the regular
10:00 am Wednesday morning Bible study group. If you would like to participate, please contact [email protected]. You will receive a link and invitation to the group meeting. 
Virtual Prayer Ministry Group
All are welcome to join us on Tuesdays from 9:15 - 10:00 am 
for a Zoom meeting
Questions? Contact Janna HaugDebra Gilroy, or Linda Nelson


balloons_happy_bday.jpg 
Happy Birthday!
Cody Rustad
Patrick Bracken
Laura Nortwen
Naomi Mechels
Mary Goplen
Kathy Hering
Ruth Lee
Jackson Ulland
Gretchen Robertson
Susanne Haas
Mary Sabatke
Morgan Larson
Aryn Kuehn-Larson
September 2020 In-Person Worship Protocol

Fellowship Hall Exhibition


Kay Christianson served for over 30 years in executive management at Minnesota corporations and nonprofits, including NCS/Pearson, LearningByte International, and Children's Cancer Research Fund. Throughout her years of employment, her love of photography was always a vital part of her life. From the early days of having her own darkroom and working with black and white images to her current work with digital photography, Kay's work has always been inspired by nature. Now retired, she developed her Enlightened by Nature Photographic Portfolio. This collection has been created from the many kayaking, backpacking, hiking, cross country skiing, and running adventures that she has had and continues to experience. As she says: It is always such a delightful surprise to take a turn in the forest or paddle around a bay and discover the next unforgettable view of nature. Her work has been exhibited and sold at art institutes, galleries and cafes in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Her work has received numerous awards including first place in the 2019 Minnesota Parks and Trails Photo Contest.

She is honored to be invited to exhibit at LOTI.

In This Issue
Quick Links
Upcoming Events
January 1 
Our Saviour's Shelter Meal

January 3 -- 9:30 AM 
Epiphany of Our Lord
Sanctuary & YouTube

January 7 -- 7:00 PM
Women's Bible Study
Zoom

January 10 -- 9:30 AM
Baptism of Our Lord 
Sanctuary & YouTube

January  14 -- 7:00 PM
Growlers & Theology
Zoom

January 17 -- 9:30 AM
Sunday Morning Worship
Sanctuary & YouTube

January 21 -- 7:00 PM
Women's Bible Study
Zoom

January 21 -- 7:00 PM
Council Meeting
Zoom

January 24 -- 9:30 AM
Wedding at Cana
Sanctuary & YouTube

January 28 -- 7:00 PM
Growlers & Theology
Zoom

January 29 -- 5:00 PM
Women's Book Group
Zoom

January 31-- 9:30 AM
Candlemas
Sanctuary & YouTube

LOTI
Inspired by Christ, living and growing in faith, Lake of the Isles is a loving and open community of worship, witness, and service in God's world

Virtual & Limited In-Person Worship Service
Sundays 
9:30 am

Staff Members
Rev. Dr. Arden D. Haug - Pastor
Dr Kris Rizzotto 
- Director of Music
Dawn Allan - Choir Director
Diane LaMere - Children's Ministry
Al Aakre - Seminarian
Linda Nelson - Office Manager
Michelle McCreery 
         - Design & Communication
Fernando Fierros - Custodian
Sarah & Trevor Skorburg  
- Caretakers
Tori Reisberg- Nursery Attendant
Sandy Swan - Wedding Manager

(612) 377-5095

Council Members
Ross Bartels - Treasurer
Jenny Cook - Vice President
Chanda Olson - President
Jorgen Olson, Youth
We welcome your input to our newsletter. Contact us if you would like to submit events, schedules or other information to share with the LOTI congregation.
Michelle McCreery - LOTILink, 
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