Pastor's Periodic Pondering  
by guest writers:
Teri Burns, Minister to Children & Families
and Josh Winkleman

 
FROM TERI: Written below is a message that I received from Josh Winkleman last week from Kuwait and I wanted to share it with all of Family of Christ.  The "LOVE OUR TROOPS" service opportunity this past Advent was a huge success. Our church's generosity is overwhelming - we filled 9 large boxes of supplies/treats!  As part of his message, Josh W. references a solider in need.  A quick explanation: just over $400.00 in cash was donated for the purpose of paying for the shipping of the donated items. But due to a generous donation to cover all the shipping costs, this $400.00 was instead, with Josh W.'s encouragement and staff discussion, used to help a fellow soldier who was in particular need of assistance.  Please read Major Winkleman's response to our "Love Our Troops" donations.
 
FROM JOSH W.  Thank you so much for the Care Packages!!  They were absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!
I can say, without reservation, that it was perfect timing!  The packages arrived the day before Christmas (you know, Christmas Eve!), and we were able to surprise the military staff with the bounty of goodies.    
 
 
It made such a difference to sit and read the cards and to receive the generous gifts from Family of Christ - such a great way to share the love that Lynn and our family receives from our church with these Soldiers who are so far from their families during the holidays.  The care packages were distributed in three locations and, whenever opened, the items inside disappeared in less than 15 minutes; the items you sent perfectly met the needs of the soldiers, from Kuwait to Syria (those packages took a little longer to travel).  I loved the gummy bears, and will confess to keeping a bag for myself.
   
 
Finally, and more privately, I want to personally thank you for your generosity in supporting our 'soldier in need.'  The gift cards came at a critical time for him - on 23 DEC 2018, his family was hit with another unplanned medical expense.  Miraculously (for him), your package arrived on 24 DEC 2018, as if in answer to his need, and allowed him to meet the expense without additional hardship upon his family. 
 
The photos you see are from the Support Operations Office (SPO), where we plan the logistics of sustaining the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade, comprised of about 2,500 Soldiers and more than 80 aircraft.  We also have Spanish, Italian, Canadian and British partners who support the NATO Mission-Iraq.  The experience here is challenging, daunting and eye-opening, but we truly could not perform as we do without your support - it makes such a difference as we're pulled away from our loved ones.
 
Thank you all - I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's Holiday!
 
FROM PASTOR JOSH: Thanks again to all of the children, youth, and adults who were able to help with this project, and my thanks to Teri and her team for managing this huge undertaking.  There truly is a great deal of joy in being generous.  Let's all keep making disciples, making a difference!
 
And we'll see each other in worship!

 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 
ANNUAL MEETING NEXT WEEK, JAN 27 AT NOON
 
We will call our Family of Christ Lutheran Church's Annual Meeting to order that day soon after the final worship service of that morning lets out. This is an annual responsibility that our congregation takes up to guide and shape the decisions we make together as a church. We'll receive reports from various parts of our overall ministry together as we celebrate the year past and pray for the year ahead. Our Church Council will have a Spending Plan proposal at this meeting, and we'll hold an election to fill three positions on our church council. The three nominees are finishing up their first terms, and have shown a willingness to serve a second term: a president position, a secretary position, and an at-large position. Members of our church, confirmed-age on up, are eligible to vote and we invite you to attend! A light lunch will be served in the sanctuary as we gather to encourage each other and build each other up as a church active in mission and ministry.
 
COMMON THREAD (a group for those 55+)
The Common Thread group will enjoy their monthly dinner our on Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 6 pm at Houlihans in Chanhassen.  This is a new year and new faces are always welcome!  No need to sign up, just show up.

LUTHER CREST  
  Are your kids wanting to go to camp this Summer? Luther Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria has a great offer. Each camp is hugely discounted through February 14. So, if your kids are going anyway, sign up by February 14 and get the discount. Go to www.luthercrest.org for all the information. A representative from Luther Crest will be joining us in worship this Sunday, Jan. 20 and will be available after worship to answer any questions.
 
 
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Read the latest issue of the FoC  Family News  for upcoming 
events & announcements.