December 2009

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From the Desk of Pastor Matt

"Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."                    (Luke 2:1-20)

The sleepy shepherds must have jumped out of their skins. Working late in the evening, trying to stay awake late into the night, counting sheep in the darkness as they had done night after night for more seasons than they cared to remember, when an angel appears. What that looked like, we don't know. Years later, all that the shepherds would be able to say was that the glory of the Lord shone around the angel--and they were scared out of their minds, so much so that the first words out of the angel's mouth were, "Don't be afraid. I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people." They would be the ones to announce the good news. "To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Even an ordinary birth announcement changes a person's life. When a child is born, your life changes. The family is never the same. Parents are almost overwhelmed by incredible responsibilities and even more incredible joys. It doesn't matter if it's by birth or by adoption or by marriage. When a child comes into your life, everything changes.

And the angels announced to startled shepherds, "To you is born in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." To you is born this child. Not just to Mary and Joseph and their extended families. Not just to the fine families of Bethlehem. To the shepherds, complete strangers, working the night-shift, way out in the sticks. The angel sounds like a new father running down a hallway in the hospital, grabbing complete strangers and saying, "It's a boy!" so everyone can share in his joy.

But more than that, the Christ child was born to them. Jesus was born to the shepherds’ families, too--and to all families. The angels reassured the shepherds that the announcement was good news for all the people--for them and for everybody else.

And the birth of that child changed lives. The shepherds went to the stable and saw with their own eyes what the angel had told them. God was with
them and God was up to something good. Yes, after that night, they probably went back to their flocks, and much of their lives may have looked a lot like it did before--long hours, low wages, harsh living conditions. Yet their lives changed on Christmas night. Never again could they doubt that God cared for them. Never again, could their lives be reduced to boring jobs with a small salary.  There would always be something more--something holy and godly and wonderful. They had heard the joy of angels.

To you is born this day, in the city of Bethlehem, a savior who is Christ the Lord. And that is the angels' joy for us, as well. The birth of Jesus was not just good news for Mary and Joseph or life-changing news for a bunch of sleepy shepherds on a cold Judean hillside. It is good news for all people. It is good news for us.

To us was born a savior, Jesus the Lord. Jesus was born as God's gift to us--to each and every one of us and to all of us together. And this gift is meant to change our lives. Yes, our lives will go back to normal--maybe long hours, low wages, and harsh living, or maybe not. But whatever our lives become, they will be changed because in the angel's good news, we, too, have gotten a glimpse of something holy and godly and wonderful. To us is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. However other things turn out, that good news is ours to keep. Like the shepherds, we don’t know how God’s plan will unfold, but this we do know: God is up to something good, for us, because Christ was born in Bethlehem.

            God’s Peace!

             Pastor Matt

Contemporary Worship
Our Praise worship services will continue with the first Sunday of each month at 10:30 a.m.  Get the word out, pray for us, and join us! 

Vote on Bylaws at Annual Meeting   
At this year’s annual meeting the congregation will be asked to approve new bylaws.  Last year, the congregation approved a new constitution.  It is necessary to approve new bylaws to match the new constitution.  A copy of the new bylaws will be available in the fellowship area or in the church office.

Thanks from the Finance Committee
Finance Committee thanks the Women of Grace, Youth Group, & Church Committees
by Roger Johnson 

As of this writing on 11-8-09, the church has received through Saturday and Sunday offerings 78% of that which was necessary through 11-8-09 to meet our budget.  In other words, if the offerings to date were adequate to support the budget, the number you would see in the bulletin would be 100%.  That is the percentage we all would like to see in every bulletin.

I remember when I first began to pay attention to the financial statements in the bulletins.  After a few months, I began to wonder how the church could continue operating when so many bulletin announcements reflected that the offerings that week were less than adequate to pay the bills.  So I joined the finance committee to find the answers.

It turns out there are several reasons.  The offerings to the general fund, which pay the bills and support the ministry, are occasionally supplemented by contributions from church organizations such as the Youth Group and Women of Grace and by gifts, fund raising projects, etc.  You probably already knew this, but did you know that, with these sources of revenue included, the money in the general fund at the end of the year is still inadequate to meet the budget? 

So the question still stands.  How can the church continue to operate?  Another reason we can continue is that although the budget contains a 10% tithing commitment to benevolences, we have not been able to fulfill that commitment for some years.  So that is additional budgeted money that does not get spent.

There are other factors that explain how we can continue to operate, but I want to dwell here on the financial diligence & generosity of the Women of Grace, Youth Group, and all the church committees.

            I have had occasion to study the history of the ladies' organizations of St. Olaf's, by whatever name they used at any given time, since they first organized as the (Kvindeforening) Ladies Aid in 1881.  I have come to appreciate, and you should too, that the benefits realized by the church and its ministry from our ladies' time, talents, and financial support are incalculable.  We thank them for their good works that go back 128 years when a visiting pastor told them, "The ladies don't have to stay home always and churn butter all the time".

Some have wondered, given our financial situation, if the general fund should support the youth group to the extent it does.  This may surprise some of you, but except for support of the youth director's position which is minimal for all she does, the youth ministry is self supporting through its ice cream socials, pie auctions, spaghetti and pizza dinners, special donations, etc. 

In the past few budgets, there has been about $1,000 / year for the youth group, but they have not used any of it.  As a result, the efforts of the youth group may be giving the church its best bang for the buck in terms of outreach not to mention other areas of church ministry.  For their many successes while doing their part to practice financial diligence, we thank them also.

Lastly, I want to thank all the committees of the church for their financial diligence.  Each year's budget carefully allots an amount of money to each committee (with committee input) to enable it to accomplish its mission.  Each year the finance committee adds up the anticipated costs to operate the church for another year.  It then plugs in the 10% tithing to benevolences which has been the policy of this church and the monetary amount necessary for the committees to function affectively.  You can be sure that each year's budget reflects only what is necessary to pay the bills and support a modest ministry - that and not a penny more.  There is no fluff in the budget.  Each year, when we add this all up and look at what giving has been in recent years, we know the numbers don't work. 

Why then do we put forth for a vote a budget that we know we won't have the money for?  It is because, as modest as the budget is, we know it will not all be spent.  In large part, we can thank the committees for this.  Year in and year out, they come in under budget because they know the money is not there. 

How do they do it?  Unfortunately they have to cut back and cannot accomplish all of what they see as necessary to accomplish their mission of supporting the ministry of the church.  In addition, some of the money necessary to do their work comes from their members' own pockets.

 For their financial diligence, on top of their contributions of time and talents, the finance committee recognizes the committees of the church.  Until membership increases, we thank them.  Until the effects of our financial stewardship program are seen, we thank them.  Until the mortgage is paid off and money is freed up for the general fund, we thank them.  Until the benefits or our Life Giving, Simply Giving, and other programs are felt, we thank them.  Until we all believe in "giving of the first fruits" and realize that we can do it, we thank them.

The day is coming when committees will no longer have to reach into their own pockets to do their work.  Until then, we thank them.

When that day comes, you can be sure your finance committee will propose a budget to pay the bills and support a ministry worthy of the good people of St. Olaf's - that and not a penny more.   

Upcoming Special Services
Contemporary Praise -  Sun. Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m.

Children’s Christmas Program -  Sun. Dec.13, 3:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve - Thurs. Dec. 24, 4:00 & 6:30 p.m.

Christmas Day - Fri. Dec. 25, 9:00 a.m.

Saturday Dec. 26 - NO WORSHIP

Sun. Dec. 27 - Regular worship at 9:00 a.m.
                       Oil Lamp worship at 6:00 p.m.

Fontanini Nativity Display Returns
Fontanini is famous for its hand painted Nativity figurines. This 192 square foot collection consists of over 1400 collectable pieces depicting Jerusalem with temple and walls; Bethlehem and Nazareth with buildings and characters; and a display of "Fields Where They Lay" complete with shepherds, sheep, and other animals.  It will return to the Ashippun Town Hall beginning Thanksgiving Day and running the weekends  of  December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20.  There will also be open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day.  The hours are 10:00 am – 5:00pm each day.  There is no cost.  A nonperishable food item for local food pantries is requested.  The hall is located at the corners of County Hwy P & O in the Town of Ashippun.

December Anniversaries
2     Randy and Joanne Parlee                              
4     Austin and Jennifer Becker                            
5     Scott and Lori Wolf                                      
29    Alan and Patricia Davies

Happy December Birthday to:
2      Amanda Stuettgen
3      Esther Christenson
5      Charles Houghtaling, Nathaniel Houghtaling
5      Carolyn Roraff, Peyton Roraff
6      Patricia Haarmann
7      Janet Reitz
8      Joanne Parlee, Rachel Wolf
9      Elizabeth Lee
10    Tatum Kluewer
12    Donald Christopherson
13    Janet Reed
15    Noelle Kraemer, Eleanor Monis
15    Leah Savatski, Jerry Wentz
16    Amiah Brakob
17    Sara Braunschweig
18    Mary Clark, Leigh Downing, John Guenther
19    Thomas Guenther
20    Hunter Wentz
21    William Guenther, Kenneth Nelson
22    Bob Christel, Lori Christel
23    Michelle Kluewer
24    Russell Roraff
25    Rachel Buth, Michael Cadena
26    Linda Feutz
28    Wayne Kielisch, Nicholas Solveson
30    Lisa Sutrick
31    Cindy Schlieve

 Windows of the Past
Join us for an Oil Lamp worship service on Sunday December 27^th at 6:00 p.m.  Experience singing old favorite hymns by oil lamp light, just like the early settlers coming to worship.

Contractor Donation
Kyle Johnson Remodeling and Handyman Services LLC Roofing, Gutter-guards, decks fences, rec. rooms, ceramic tile, screen doors, garage door openers, design / build, interior / exterior remodeling, garages, home maintenance & repair, shelving & storage 414-550-5502.  johnsoky@yahoo.com. For any job bids accepted by any member of St. Olaf for the remainder of 2009, I will donate to St. Olaf’s 10% of the price of the job.  This is over and above our family’s weekly giving.

St. Olaf Giving Tree
 Once again we will have a Giving Tree to collect Christmas presents for those less fortunate, especially during this tough economic crisis.  We will be collecting useful items such as diapers, soap, towels, etc. 
      We will also be collecting toothbrushes which can be hung on the Christmas tree.  Hebron house can go through 75 toothbrushes a day so we are going to help them with a special toothbrush collection.  Decorate our tree with toothbrushes and take a card from the tree for other needed gifts.
Here is a list of other items needed and who they will benefit.

    Hebron House, serving Waukesha and Washington County, needs 75 new tooth brushes every night!   Please Bring new tooth brushes and hang them on the tree!  Let’s see how many new tooth brushes we can get on one tree!
    Pave, People Against a Violent Environment,  needs supplies to run their 24 bed emergency housing facility in Beaver Dam.  Pave needs: diapers (size 4,5,6),  paper towels, kleenex, dish washer detergent, hand soap,  slippers (any size), hair conditioner, any  small gifts for parents such as lotions, coffee mugs, gloves, ??
    You can donate to a special Christmas shopping trip for Egxon and Adelina, children of Avdi and Tevida.  Kathy Monis will take the children shopping for a new outfit and an educational activity.  Find the BIG Gift Box under the Giving Tree to leave a donation, or contact Kathy.

Thank you in advance!   And please enjoy finding new tooth brushes, practical gifts, etc to FILL the St. Olaf Giving Tree!!

December Lay Ministry Schedule

 Altar Guild: Kathie Howell & Joan Uhlman
Counters:  Milton Bliss, Larry Christopherson, Roger Johnson
For questions regarding the following, please call:
Acolytes:   Tiffany Brewer 262-670-6788
Assisting Ministers: Gwen Downing 262-673-6717

Advent Readers
Sat. Dec. 5       Tom Ziebell
Sun. Dec. 6       Pat Haarmann
Sat. Dec. 12      John, Sara, Morgan & Riley Smeaton
Sun. Dec. 13     Russell, Carolyn, Hannah, Haley & Peyton Roraff
Sat. Dec. 19      Matt, Laura, Catherine & Elizabeth Lee
Sun. Dec. 20     June Sumnicht, Sherri Krueger, Tonya Werner & Destiny Krueger
Dec. 24, 4:00     Dave, Jeanine, Andrew & Alexa Wiegel
Dec. 24, 6:60     Jeff, Tiffany, Austin & Zachary Brewer

Great use of Gods Land
We received $1833.00 from the sale of our soybean crop, it was a fine example of stewardship.  Our special thanks to Frontier Seed, Gary Siellaff, George Monis and Roger Johnson.  We give thanks for the blessings of gentle rains and warming sunshine.
The Everts

Business Directory
We have finally completed our St. Olaf’s Business Directory. It has been a good effort and we’d like to thank our sponsors for their participation. We have many great people and companies who have placed advertisements in the directory, so take the time to look and give a call to one of them if you’re in need of their services.

A copy will be sent out to everyone in the mail by December. If you don’t receive one, please let John Christenson know so he can get one out to you (920)474-4903. Thank you.

Blood Drive at St. Olaf
Monday, Dec 14^th   
2 – 7 p.m.
This blood drive is for area patients needing the life saving gift of blood.  The drive is in support of Rachel Savatski of St. Olaf’s.  Rachel is a 19 year old college student waiting for a kidney transplant.  While Rachel does not need blood at this time, many of our neighbors do.  Come for Mark Savatski’s famous chili and other great snacks in the canteen.  You and Blood Center of Wisconsin will be doing more good than you know.   

To make an appointment call 1-877-BeAHero or visit  www.bcw.edu/stolaf

Taking Faith Home
So, What Are You Doing For Christmas?
By Marilyn Sharpe (TYFI.org)

Years ago, I knew that if I wanted my family to still like being related to me on December 26^th, something had to change.  Some things. 

 I remember, with alarming clarity, wrapping gifts and packing shipping boxes at 4:00am, baking cookies that felt like a miserable forced march, spending too much money, eating too much food, and, worst of all, entertaining people who had invited me because I had invited them because they had invited me…  And who paid the biggest price?  My family and me.

 Most of us find our way to simpler alternatives that reflect our deepest beliefs and values, because we’ve gotten it so out of balance, because we have made ourselves and others miserable, because this holy season has not been Good News for us.

 Let’s unpack the most common questions, one at a time.

 Are there really alternatives, or the possibility of living simply during the Christmas season?  Yes, of course, there are!  You make choices every day to do things in the same old way.  How is that working for you, when you fall into bed exhausted, when you feel like the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and wish it was December 26^th, when you dread your credit card bills in January, when you grit your teeth at the thought of going out to one more gala party, when the children and other beloveds in your life take back seat to those you don’t even like that well? 

 How might I pull that off?  Trust me, I am a work in progress; and that is what it takes – perpetual mindfulness.  This is the perfect time to sit down with your family and do the Family Activities below.  Be intentional.  Get the word out now.

 What about the expectations of my family and friends?  Expect push back; people will often try to force us back to the old familiar patterns, even if they were unpleasant.  Enlist the support of others who think as you do, who want to reclaim Christmas as the season of God’s gift to us in Jesus Christ.  Do it now. Give them time to adjust.  Or be prepared to discover that they, too, aren’t happy with the way things have been and are ready for a change!

 What price would I pay?  Short term, you may be unpopular.  Short term, there may be pressure on you to go back to the old way of doing it. 

 What’s in it for me?  Joy.  Delight.  Christmas will be Good News for you this year, consistent with your faith and your values.  You will have a lively sense of being in the presence of God, who loved you and the world so much that he sent his only son.  This year, you will receive that gift.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

1. Take a careful … and brutally honest … look at your checkbook, credit card debt,  and your calendar.   How much will you spend, in time and money, for Christmas this year?  Make a time and money budget NOW!
2. Ask each member of your family, “What one thing do you need to experience this season to make it feel that Christmas has come for you?”  Then, focus on those things.
3. Contact those with whom you traditionally celebrate Christmas.  Invite them to think about new ways of doing Christmas celebrations.  Consider a potluck dinner instead of a formal one; a charitable gift in honor of someone, rather than something they need to exchange; a service project together, rather than expensive tickets to an event.
4. Leave space on your calendar for Sabbath time, being fully present with God and with one another, savoring this holy season.

5.       And plan a time to evaluate the changes.  What are your new traditions?  What still needs some refining?  Thank God for all of the gifts of this season.

Mt. Meru Coffee Project News
This update can be summed up in two words: good and bad.  The good news is that coffee sales have remained consistent, even during this down economy.  The project is on track and the funds from the coffee project are making a difference in the lives of our Tanzanian brothers and sisters.  The bad news is that area of Tanzania has been suffering from a severe drought and crops are very poor.  The people of the Meru area are mostly subsistence farmers.  In other words, whatever they grow is all they eat.  If crops fail, they go hungry.  The Greater Milwaukee Synod has already sent $110,000 of food to the area, but that will not be enough to sustain the people through this famine.  Please pray for God to care for these people and ease their suffering.  If you care to donate to the cause, make your checks out to St Olaf's, with GMS Meru Food Relief in the memo line.

Every year the coffee project puts together a gift pack for the holiday season.  This year the pack consists of a 12 oz. bag of drip coffee, regular or decaf, and a Mt. Meru Coffee Project screen-printed lined tote bag for $19.  The bags resemble the actual bags our green coffee is shipped in.  The tote bags and wrapping were produced by Pan-Africa Community Association, a justice based organization in Milwaukee that offers help with language and job skills to recent African emigrants.  With people trying to be more 'green' these days, the sturdy tote bag is a great alternative to having your purchases packed in plastic bags when you go grocery shopping.  You will need to act immediately to get your order in.  I have a sign up sheet at the coffee display and need to phone our orders in Monday, November 30 for delivery the week of December 7.  If you would like one of these gift packs, do not delay.

A package of coffee, even without the gift pack, makes a meaningful and appreciated gift.  It is never the wrong size or color and doesn't need batteries!  Come visit the coffee display to pick some up.

Merry Christmas from the Mt Meru Coffee Project participants and our farm families in Tanzania!

GOOD NEWS - Mortgage Update       
from Karl Monis, Treasurer

St. Olaf's made a commitment 7 years ago to undertake the most costly building project in our history.  We now appreciate the 1.6 million dollars spent on our facility.  The gathering space allows conversation to form friendships.  The fellowship hall is bright and roomy.  The kitchen is large and houses an automatic dishwasher.  The office space is more efficient and accommodating.  Plenty of bright classrooms facilitate education and conferencing.  The elevator allows easy access.  The youth have room to relax and engage.  Certainly, the church building is ready for the activities and ministry we have been called to do.  Whether or not you personally supported this project 7 years ago, the improved building and debt is ours.  It is up to the entire congregation to consider what God wants us to do with this building, and how we can utilize it to the fullest.

Of the total 1.6 million dollar project, St. Olaf still owes $732,000 as of October.  At our current mortgage rate, our minimum mortgage payments this year would be $72,000.  Over $54,000 of this will be interest, reducing our debt less than $18,000.  Our mortgage has 20 years remaining and is due for interest rate adjustment next year (every 3 yrs) which could result in increased payments.  The finance committee has been studying alternative financing, to reduce our interest burden and to allow more of everyone's hard earned money to be used for ministry, rather than interest payments.  We have considered other banks, the ELCA mission investment fund, and even looked at bond financing through our membership.  Although personal mortgage rates are at historic lows, commercial loans and churches cannot readily realize these rates.

I am excited to announce that Hustisford State Bank has considered and approved our request for refinancing.  They have offered us a terrific rate, better than a personal mortgage rate, which the Executive Committee immediately accepted on behalf of the congregation.  We have a 5-year window of opportunity where this rate will not change.  This low rate will reduce our interest burden and allow more of the money raised for the Building Fund to pay down principle rather than interest.  We owe this opportunity to the diligence of the Finance committee, a relationship with the bank, and the bank’s willingness to help us.  We are grateful to the congregation members past and present for financial gifts and continued sacrifice to re-pay this debt.  Again, we need to continue supporting the Building Fund to pay down the mortgage now, while we are locked in at a low interest rate.  I would encourage anyone looking for a reputable, fair, local bank to consider Hustisford State Bank.

Celebrating 100 years of life!

A century of living . . .

a century of memories!

 Please join Milton Bliss for a reception in honor of his 100^th birthday. 

            January 21, 2010

            3:30 – 6:30 p.m.

            St. Olaf Church - Fellowship Hall

Milton has requested no gifts, please.

 If you wish to honor him with more than your presence, donations of non-perishable food items will be gratefully accepted.  All items will be donated to local food pantries.

New Day and Time

St. Olaf’s Annual
Lutefisk Dinner & Bake Sale

Saturday
December 5, 2009

Serving 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Dinner Includes:

Steamed Lutefisk (cod fish)

St. Olaf’s famous Swedish Meatballs,
Mashed potatoes, Rutabagas, Festive Cranberry Salad, Green Beans, Beets, Lefse, Flatbread, Rolls, Coffee, Milk and Homemade Scandinavian & Holiday Cookies

Tickets Sold at the door

Adult:  $14.00

Children 5-10:  $7.00

Under 5:  Free

Reservations can be taken. 

Call Lyn at 920-474-3168

Visa and Master Card accepted

Children's Christmas Program

Sunday December 13

3:00 p.m.

Mark your calendars for St. Olaf’s

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 17, 2010

12:30 p.m.

We’ll have a pot luck at 10:30 a.m.