E-Update 
January 24, 2017
 

Hosanna Lutheran Church 
Forest Lake, Minnesota
We are called, gathered and sent to be a people living, loving
and serving as Jesus did so that all may know Him.

From Pastor Linda
Size Matters


 
Jesus said to them, "... For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."  ~Matthew 17
 
Dear Brothers and Sister in Christ~
 
In all three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) Jesus speaks about faith the size of a mustard seed.  When it comes to faith, does size really matter?  Or what is Jesus really talking about?

We usually read these parables in a rather straightforward and somewhat simplistic way, assuming they really mean, "small things can have big outcomes." Of course, that's true, small things can and do have big outcomes, but maybe that's not the only point.  In context, nobody in Jesus' world wanted mustard. Not a little, not a lot. While mustard plants had a minor medicinal value, they were incredibly invasive, easily taking over an entire field. (Today think crabgrass, dandelions, or the ever invasive creeping Charlie.)

Perhaps Jesus is saying something more like, "Watch out!  This kingdom I'm preaching is invasive, dangerous, and will take you over if you let it." And, indeed, for those who get infected with the Kingdom Culture Jesus preaches, life is never the same. Fishermen will drop their nets, leave their families and travel far from home- and years beyond that all kinds of otherwise ordinary persons from Francis of Assisi to Dorothy Day to Martin Luther King, Jr. to Mother Teresa will dare unbelievably  b rave acts of compassion in the name of this Kingdom and its unlikely King. 

So beware, because this is what Kingdom Life is like - small (perhaps) and certainly unexpected, unnerving, world-changing, risky, and filled to overflowing with the courage and joy of our surprisingly gracious and shockingly compassionate God.  Get infected- pass the salt and be the light.
 
See you in church- as we continue to explore the Kingdom Culture that Jesus proclaims in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).  Remember, even LITTLE faith in a BIG God equals HUGE results! 
 
Peace Out~  Pastor Linda

Connect360 Adult Education

An Opportunity for Learning and Conversation-
Who is My Neighbor: Talking about Race and Racial Equity
(a study from Lutheran Social Services)
When:  Wednesday's January 25, February 1, 8, 15
Time: 6:30pm during connect360 education time
Topics:  Setting the Stage- God Made Us Different on Purpose, We are more alike than different: What is Race and Racism- a working definition, Do I have Privilege?, Listening and Telling Stories.
 
This series will include guest speakers and opportunity for conversation.  We will follow the 5 Habits of the Heart to guide our discussions.

1.  An understanding that we are all in this together.  Biologists, ecologists, economists, ethicists and leaders of the great wisdom traditions have all given voice to this theme. Despite our illusions of individualism and national superiority, we humans are a profoundly interconnected species.
2. An appreciation of the value of "otherness." It is true that we are all in this together. It is equally true that we spend most of our lives in "tribes" or lifestyle clans-and that thinking of the world in terms of "us" and "them" is one of the many limitations of the human mind. The good news is that "us and them" does not have to mean "us versus them."
3. An ability to hold tension in life-giving ways. Our lives are filled with inner and outer contradictions.  We are flawed and finite beings whose understanding is always partial and in need of correction.
4. A sense of personal voice and agency. Insight and energy give rise to new life as we speak out and act out our own version of truth, while checking and correcting it against the truths of others.
5. A capacity to create community. 

New Office Position Open at Church Front Office
If you are interested in joining Hosanna's office staff in an office assistant position, contact Pastor Linda or Kelsey Hane. You can find the job description at the Welcome Desk, Front Office and here online. 
Prayer Requests
Praise and Thanks
Vernon Holland; Paul Huseth

Comfort, Strength & Healing in Cancer Journey
Elaine Schumacher's friend Beryl; Ruth Anne Edlund; Ed Abbott, cousin of Denny & Shirley Wachholz; Terry Longville, friend of Sharon Sill; Bob Rupar

Healing, Recovery, Facing Other Health Issues 
Bette Kuss, cousin of Ross Ohman; Sandra Mericle, friend of Ohman family; Paul Wallenfelk, brother of Sue Girard; Nancy Zak; Geary Lynch following the loss of his leg; Dick Westcott and wife Nancy; Elaine Schumacher's friend Becky; Jamesen Rasmussen, granddaughter of Dave & Mona Mitten; Tim Tkach, friend of Ross & Julie Ohman;Tommy LaMere, 12-yr-old friend of Doug & Sharon Sill; Rick Bahnemann; Jan Hill; Stephanie, daughter of Ruth & Marlin Lackas; Johnita, Ruth (Marlin) Lackas' sister; Joanne Johnson, mother of Julie (Ross) Ohman; Mary (Jeff) Peterson's sister Betty & husband Steve; Cooper, great nephew of Mary Gookins; Sharon, sister of Betty (Glen) Corum; Friend of Ruth and Marlin Lackas

Grief Compassion 
Judy Berke and family with the passing of her twin sister; Family and friends of Hunter Houle

Comfort & Peace / Nearing End of Life
Sharon Geibel, mother of Scott Johnson
                
Keep Safe From Harm (Military & other circumstances) 
Cole, grandson of Ruth & Marlin Lackas away at college; Hayden Oliver, serving in the Coast Guard 
Book Conversations Return in January of 2017! 


Interested in joining a book club? It's simple! Read the book and come to discuss! 
Our January book is Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. Jodi tackles the profoundly challenging, yet essential concerns of our time: prejudice, race and justice. Discussion date is Tuesday, January 31 at 7pm in the conference room. Start reading now! Pastor Linda is the discussion facilitator. 
Soup-er Bowl 2017

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

NEW THIS YEAR - LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

7:00-7:45

GRAYSON DEWOLFE - SINGER SONGWRITER

6:00-8:30

- Texas Style Chili with Fixin's Bar

6:00-8:00

- Silent Auction 

6:00-9:00

- MEGA Raffle - 1st Prize Hoverboard - 2nd Prize Drone with HD Camera  - 3rd Prize Fitbit - Tickets are $10 each or 12 for $100
- Giant Inflatable Bounce Houses!
- Snack Bar Bingo
- Photo Booth
- Face Painting
- Activities for the Entire Family

COST

$7 PER PERSON WITH A MAXIMUM OF $25 PER FAMILY

- Pre-sale discounted tickets available on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Cost includes admission, food, and activities
Proceeds will be used to upgrade Hosanna's audio & video equipment with a portion being donated to fill the empty bowls of those in need.

SAM February Lunch at The Old Log Cabin in Forest Lake


On Thursday, February 2, SAM will be hosting a lunch at 11:30am at The Old Log Cabin in Forest Lake, MN. "When you dine at The Old Log Cabin Restaurant, you can be sure you'll find something for everyone. Their delicious, hearty appetizers include all your favorites, and they also offer a favorite selection of salads for those looking for a lighter bite."
Worship Times
Sundays
9:00 AM and 10:30 AM in Great Hall (Lower Level)

Wednesday
6:00 PM in Garden Chapel (Upper Level)

Contact Us 
Hosanna
Lutheran Church
9300 Scandia Trail North
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-5502
651-464-9020 fax

Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am-4:30pm


Linda Friesen, Pastor 
651-464-5502 ext.2006 
Jen Collins, Assoc.Pastor 
651-464-5502 ext.2023 
Rob Anderson 
Director, Worship & Music 
651-464-5502 ext.2008 
Email

Kelsey Hane 
Executive Assistant
651-464-5502
Email 

Susan Wojciechowski 
Food Service Director  
651-464-5502 ext.2023
Email

Alisha Bauer
Bookkeeper
651-464-5502 ext.2013
Email

Charlie Ollmann
Choir Director 
Mary Gookins 
Handbell Choir Director 
Lisa Sauer 
Children's Choir Director 
Email

Phyllis Lindberg 
Accompanist
Email
Quick Links

 
Hosanna's Wednesday Night Program 
 
Weekly Schedule of Events

   5:00-6:00 pm   Dinner hour
 

   6:00-6:30 pm   The Good News at 6 Worship

    6:30-7:30 pm   Education for all ages
                                                 -Faith Formation - PreK-Grade 6
                                                 -Confirmation - Grades 7-9
                                                 -Higher Ground - High School
                                                 -Adult Ed 

VOLUNTEERS are also needed to help prepare the meals and guide our children & youth in Faith Formation, Confirmation & Higher Ground. Talk with Pastor Jen Collins or Susan Wojciechowski, Food Service Coordinator, about ways you might help.
*********************************************************************** 

Register HERE for connect360
children, youth & adult learning
AND volunteers!
.
Annual Meeting
On Sunday February 12, we will be holding our Annual Congregational Meeting. We will be beginning with a potluck. The meeting will be starting at 12pm in the Garden Chapel, or whenever everyone has gone through the food line. More information about the potluck will be announced. If you have any questions, please contact Kelsey Hane at [email protected].
Council  Round-table
On Sunday, February 5, the council will be holding a round-table discussion on the 2017 Budget between services in the Garden Chapel. Come with your questions!
Locate our Council Minutes and Information Here
Support the mission of
Hosanna Lutheran Church
as you Shop ONLINE!
 
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to Hosanna when you shop at AmazonSmile.
 
Exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as the regular Amazon.com but with the added bonus of Hosanna receiving a donation from Amazon. All funds will be used to support missions outside the walls of Hosanna.

Remember AmazonSmile when shopping online and simply click the link below to get started. 

Photography Exhibit Coming Soon!
WHAT DO YOU SEE?
A close look at God's Creations

LOOK DOWN. What do you see?
animal tracks, wildflowers, mushrooms, sea shells

LOOK AROUND. What do you see?
prairie grasses, wildlife, people, playful pets

LOOK UP. What do you see?
cloud formations, treetops, dramatic skies, flying geese

PHOTOGRAPHERS:  MARILYN GLADITSCH, KATHY OKESON, DALE JOHANSEN, GAIL GATES


This exhibit will be coming soon to the South Hallway near the Garden Chapel on the main floor. If you have any questions about this exhibit, contact Rob Anderson at [email protected].

Help Us Clear the Snow!
 
Can you pitch in and put your name on our list to call when Hosanna is expecting a big snowfall before worship or other events? We want to make sure our sidewalks are cleared before  worshipers arrive.

Needed early on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons before connect360.

Sign up on a Yellow Page or contact the church office HERE to sign up.

Sign Your Child Up For Summer Camp!


Camp is where fun and faith collide! At camp you'll meet Jesus in new and exciting ways through friendships, inspiring worships, fun games, caring counselors, blazing campfires and more! Come to camp and be transformed through this fearless faith adventure. 

Summer Camp Registration Opens On: 1/15/2017
The Priority Deadline is: 3/15/2017
To register, click here

If you have any questions, talk to Pastor Jen
ON  SALE  NOW
Metro Dining Cards

Hosanna's Youth are now selling
Metro Dining Cards as a fundraiser.
Each box contains cards to restaurants and entertainment venues in our area; 
and each card can be used once every month (through October 2017)!!!
$24 per box