In this issue...

A message from Pastor Susan
Order of Worship
Important Reminders
Family & Faith Opportunities
Rejoice Activities
Community Events
Prayers and Links

320.558.6851

http://www.rejoicelutheranchurch.org

Pastor’s Message

“The Table Where Rich People Sit”

I have a beloved children’s book with this title, written by Byrd Baylor. I usually bring it out around Thanksgiving, but this year I am captivated by how well it describes the Blessings for First Communion that will happen in worship on Sunday. I think everyone who is able to worship with us (in person and online) on November 19 will feel like we are a ridiculously rich community of faith when they see 15 children and their families come to be blessed and join us around the Lord’s Table!

Too often, the only measure of wealth is financial abundance. “The Table Where Rich People Sit” tells the story of a family who prioritizes different kinds of richness and therefore, makes different decisions about how/where they live, and even what names they give their children. I imagine every time those kids hear their names called, they are drawn even deeper into their parents’ vision of a rich and beautiful life....

Now that I think about it, that’s also what happens for us when we are called by name and brought to the table for holy communion.

See you in worship,

Pastor Susan

Sunday, November 26: Thanksgiving Hymn Sing

Thanksgiving-themed worship will happen the Sunday after Thanksgiving Day this year, instead of the Wednesday evening prior. Bring the whole family along for the singing and the making of “Thanksgiving Lists.”

Family Holiday Photo Op November 26

We’ve decorated early! Pose by the Christmas scene in the atrium and take a photo for your holiday greeting cards and social media brags. If your family is uncooperative for any reason, we’ll provide substitutes. 😊 Got a crabby teen or a spouse in need of a haircut? Loved ones live too far away or have such complicated schedules you can’t all get in the same place at the same time? You can “trade up” for a smiling grandma or a goofy but pleasant pastor in this year’s photo shoot! Send a Christmas greeting sure to make all your family and friends scratch their heads in wonder.

Pastor Susan

[email protected]

612-239-8968

Order of Worship

November 19, 2023

Welcome to Worship

10,000 Reasons

Confession and Forgiveness

You are Holy, You are Whole ELW 525

Prayer of Day

Isaiah 55:1-5

Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21

Message

Blessing for First Communion

Julia Brown, Owen Giddings, Emry Graham, Rory Graham, Quinn Holm, Emerson Imdieke, James Wallace, Livia Johnson, Violet Johnson, Samantha Novotny, Evan Rudningen, Lydia Rausch, Lily Sand, Keaton Weber, Kennedy Weber

Sharing the Peace

Offering/ Children of the Heavenly Father

Prayers of the Church

Holy Communion

Words of Institution

The Lord’s Prayer

Distribution/Lamb of God

Here Is Bread ELW 483

Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful

Spirit Song

Prayer after Communion

Announcements

Blessing

Go, My Children with My Blessing ELW 543

Sending

*Limited number of hymnals available to use at each entrance to the Sanctuary

Important Reminders

THIS Sunday, November 19th: Noisy offering for God's Global Barnyard

Do you have a large nativity set? (indoor or outdoor, with pieces 24” or taller) Does it have Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, and magi? If so, could we borrow it for the 3PM Family worship on Christmas Eve? Thanks!

European Christmas Party on December 2nd from 10a – noon. Enjoy samples of Scandinavian treats and Christmas goodies. Bakers: please remember us during this busy holiday season. Your donations are gratefully appreciated!

Christmas Poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary $15 each. Please turn in completed forms with payment in the poinsettia box or in the office drop box. Deadline to order is Monday, November 27th.

Rejoice Website Update: The “store” option is no longer available on the website for those who wish to order lovely Rejoice swag. However, the swag is still available! Email or call the church office to get a direct link with the local business providing our fabulous tshirts and sweatshirts, 320DesignsCo.com

The Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” program has begun and will continue until December 17th. Be an Angel this Christmas Season: take a gift tag (located in Celebration Hall) to help a family in need.

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

Family & Faith Opportunities

Kids, Krumkake, & Cookies!

On Tuesday, November 28, at 5:30, kids are invited to learn how to make krumkake from Rejoice’s krumkake team. There will be cookies to decorate, too! The cookies and krumkake will be used at our annual Christmas Tea on December 2nd. Parents, please let Lindsey Sand know if your kids can join the fun (320-760-6517).

First Communion Families: Please come 15 minutes early on Sunday (9:15) to pick up chalices, and stay after worship for a quick group photo. You may sit anywhere you like in the worship space. You are also welcome to take family and individual photos in the time before and after worship. Can’t wait to see you on Sunday!

Rejoice Links

Upcoming Events at Rejoice

* November 19: Noisy offering for God's Global Barnyard & First Communion

* December 2: European Christmas 10a-12p

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9-3

Doors open for walking 9-2:30. Ring the buzzer by Door 1 (office entrance)

Community Food Rescue [Free groceries for all]

Sundays following worship in the Education Wing

Alcoholics Anonymous

Mondays at 7pm

Women's Bible Study

Third Tuesday monthly
10:00 a.m.

Yoga for All

Wednesday mornings
9:00 a.m.
$10 per class or $32 per month
Senior discount: $9 per class or $25 per month

Stitch and Pray

Wednesday afternoons
1:00 p.m. in the Rejoice Good News Library
Bring your knitting needles and crochet hooks to make prayer shawls for those that are experiencing health or spiritual challenges
All levels of skill are welcome

Young @ Heart

Third Thursday monthly
Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for card playing and fellowship
Lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by short program
Mark your calendar and call Carol at 320.558.6851 to reserve your spot for a couple of hours of fun and fellowship! Don't forget to invite a friend to join you!

Area Happenings

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to be Bell Ringers! Help clean up disaster areas, save lives, feed the hungry, and give hope to those in need by volunteering just two hours of your time Nov 24-Dec 23, no Sundays. Call: 320-558-5678 or www.RegisterToRing.com.

Locations are Clearwater Coborns or the Travel Plaza.

Holiday Dinner Concert with the St. Cloud Area Singing Saints Men’s Acapella Chorus. Saturday, December 16, 2023. Ticket Price $45. Social w/cash bar 5:30pm – seating 6:00pm. Tickets may be purchased by contacting the Good Shepherd Foundation: 320-259-3491.

See the COMMUNITY EVENTS board for current flyers.

Prayer Concerns

If you have a loved one or friend in need of prayer, please use one of the prayer concern requests located on the round table in Celebration Hall and in the Welcome pads. Requests will be printed for up to four weeks; call the church office at 320.558.6851 to extend listing. If a name of a friend or loved one has been omitted please resubmit the name and/or concern using one of the prayer concern forms found in the red Welcome Pads in the worship area.

Receiving Treatment for Cancer:

John Swan (friend, Ron & Lynn Schneider)

Missy Cook (friend, Ron & Lynn Schneider)

Ariel Neally (family friend, Lori Lanes)

Gary Kroll (brother-in-law, Jim Lanes)

Dennis Zeto (brother-in-law, Lori Lanes)

Sue Erstad (friend, Monk family)

Barb Heinkel (friend, Monk family)

Vern Scott (friend, Lee Monk)

Mike Barrett

Jody Lanes (little brother, Jim Lanes)

Others: