We don't change the message. The message changes us. |
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First Sunday in Advent
November 29, 2020 - 9:55am
Worship Service with Communion.
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First Sunday in Advent:
Together... We Wait...
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Rob Reid
Director of Music
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It always feels so early, doesn’t it? And especially when the First Sunday of Advent comes during Thanksgiving Weekend. Yes, of course, all the Christmas ads have been out for weeks (months?), but Advent always seems to come as a surprise. This year, with our COVID challenges, fears and sadness, we chose the theme “Together, We Wait…” a theme which, of course, creates more challenges and questions: are we really “Together” at all? Does Virtual really count? And how in the world can we wait? For Christmas to come? For Jesus to Come? For a vaccine to come? To us?
And yet, we begin our waiting this Sunday with the start of Advent: the beautiful blue paraments and stoles, the trees lit up with lights, the Advent Candles… it all gives me a bit of Hope and a sense of calm…
Louise and Jerry Olson will light the first Advent Candle and read our lesson this week. Rob Reid and Karen Daniels will lead us in the beloved “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” with words so ancient, yet so apropos for our times, and we will hear recordings of Advent Hymns from last year “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus” and “Rejoice, Rejoice Believers.” Our Offering is a melodic and haunting piece played by Mary Anne Lofstrom, handbells, Jill Reid, flute, and Karen Daniels on the piano.
This Sunday we will also meet Pastor Melanie Heuiser Hill, who will be leading our Children and Family Ministries for the next several months. Pastor Arthur Murray will preach the word, lead our prayers, and preside at the table.
So gather together some candles to light in this season, and join us as “Together, We Wait” the coming of Christ, the Hope of the World.
Peace,
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Live-Stream Viewer Data
Last Sunday, November 22, 2020
New Record Amount
526+ total YouTube Viewers
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263 Media Devices Linked
to TLC Live-Stream on Sunday
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An article in last week's TLC Weekly gave the wrong name for one of Thursday Workmen volunteers.
Vernon Johnson, seated to the right of Pastor Ed in the foreground, is one of the dedicated volunteers. The TLC Weekly incorrectly named him Norm Johnson.
We apologize for our error.
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Altar Poinsettia Orders Online
Deadline: December 7
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It's time to order Poinsettias again to adorn the altar space during the online Christmas Services. Each Poinsettia plant is $12.00 (you may order as many as you wish), and you may include a personalized sentiment with each order, such as: In Memory of..., In Honor of..., or Merry Christmas from..."
You may click the above link to order now, or visit tlcmn.com later and look for the Poinsettia Order menu tab.
Because our Christmas services will be pre-produced prior to Christmas and live-streamed Christmas Eve, you may pick up your Poinsettia plant(s) before Christmas Eve. Date and time to do so will be announced in upcoming weeks.
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Watch Pastor Ed's Farewell Gathering |
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The ZOOM farewell gathering took place last Sunday, November 22, after the morning worship service. Click here to watch the recording of that reception, including a "live" surprise visit outside of Pastor Ed's home while he and his family were inside watching the ZOOM gathering. You may or may not need this passcode: HpB1DBP+
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Watch the YouTube recording of TLC's Thanksgiving Eve service.
There's a special video segment by Breanna Latzke of our members expressing what they're thankful for, and a beautiful solo handbell performance by Mary Anne Lofstrom with Karen Daniels accompanying on piano.
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Spinning Your Wheels in Place? |
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We used to say this years ago, and it still covers a lot of what's going on lately: The virus is kind of taking over---just as the doctors said it would, no one going on trips anywhere, as we “stay home” instead, listening to the politics of the day and all the fuss over the “not true” ballot voting as being a fraud. There seem to be hopeful outcomes, especially with our president-to-be soon. He's choosing cabinet members that are experienced.
At TLC, things remain much the same... no live services, church mostly locked up, no Bible studies---Birdman really misses seeing those men each week. By the way, he even tried to imagine how he could get them back to church and how they would have to sit... kind of far apart, wearing masks? I know that choir people are missing standing next to someone and singing, which has proven to be a dangerous way to spread the virus...
One thing totally different!
Last Sunday was Pastor Ed Treat's last day here. When an official even declared that his work here was over, it seemed so final. I remember his first Sunday at Transfiguration. He was meeting his new congregation for the first time, had to do the sermon, and he was standing by the door that leads to the narthex. He looked really nervous, so I aked him if he was okay. He said he was... We're so glad he came here, we got to know his family---very good looking! And we got used to his jokes. Since I have a similar sense of humor, they seemed fine to me and would keep people interested in what he'd say next. Not everyone agreed though. Do we really want to always agree on everything? Think how boring that would get.
When he had been here long enough for a sabbatical, he took that time to write a novel! If you haven't read “The Pastor” by Ed Treat, give it a try. I read it twice and enjoyed it both times. It's very good for a first novel, and carries the reader through a lot of things that go on in a church, We all wondered if we were in the book somewhere... Suppose we will never know that for sure.
So, keep your wheels spinning...You may hit the same events or places over and
over, but as long as you are careful and stay well, give thanks!
Hope you had a good Thanksgiving this past week. I know that the small groups may not have been what we really wanted... I guess that's the one thing that is
different right now.
Take care everyone, and God bless you as you think of others and wear a mask, or socially distance, or wash your hands for the umpteenth time.
-Bloomington Bird Lady
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In 2018/2019 Rev. Dr. Ed Treat launched the highly successful Addiction & Faith Conference to educate, inspire and equip congregations in addiction ministry.
The Center of Addiction & Faith provides a desperately needed resource for faith communities, healthcare professionals, and those struggling with, or in recovery. The Center of Addiction & Faith plans to continue to feature an annual conference, and offers a robust website that is evolving with up-to-date education, guidance, tools, best practices, and wisdom from industry leaders on addiction.
Pastor Ed currently serves on the Boards of the FRLC, RMEC, and The Center of Addiction & Faith.
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During Advent, TLC will partner with:
1. VEAP - The double center entry doors on the west side of TLC will be open from 10:00am to 3:00pm, Monday through Thursday, the weeks December 7 and December 14. Please bring your items and place them in the bins just inside the doors. Monetary gifts can also be received. At VEAP, support means so much more than a bag of groceries or a rent check. It means HOPE. Watch for more information.
You can send a donation by clicking on their respective link, by check to the above organizations or to TLC with the organization listed on the check.
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TLC invites you to come together as we wait and anticipate during this Advent season – looking to Jesus, born into the world to bring light and love to all creation – the pioneer and perfector of our faith. This season we will focus on three community priorities: |
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Worship: On Sundays online during Advent, we will light candles and sing hymns and songs of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love as we welcome "Emmanuel - God with Us." On Wednesdays at 6:30pm, we will gather online for Holden Evening Prayer, with leadership provided by young people at TLC.
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Faith Practices: Living our faith in the world is the very essence of our baptismal promise. In Advent, TLC will provide families with opportunities to grow faith practices at home, engage in rituals during worship, and connect with each other in community. Families with young children are invited to gather Sunday mornings at 9:30 (via Zoom) for a time of stories, songs and learning about Advent and its practices. Look for the weekly email with easy ideas to make living out our faith more tangible during this season of hope and expectation.
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Show love to our Neighbor: This pandemic has placed an undue burden on those who are already food and clothing insecure, struggling with housing, and looking to local outreach for help. Our mission partners are desperate for churches like TLC to join their effort to fill food shelves and serve those in need. In Advent, TLC will partner with VEAP, Meals on Wheels, Feed My Starving Children, World Hunger. See Mission of the Month for more information.
Look for more Advent dates and specifics in the bulletin, the TLC Weekly, and on TLC social media.
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The holiday season can be stressful under the best of circumstances and this year is more challenging than ever. More families are experiencing hunger and the threat of homelessness. VEAP has been providing healthy food and critical resources to our neighbors for almost 50 years.
At VEAP, support means so much more than a bag of groceries or a rent check. It means Hope.
With so many out of work and the uncertain economy, families are going hungry and at risk of losing their homes. Please continue to help with donating some of these most needed items or monetary donations as TLC has faithfully done for all of these past 50 years.
The double center entry doors on the west side of TLC will be open from 10:00am to 3:00pm, Monday through Thursday, the weeks December 7 and December 14. Please bring your items and place them in the bins just inside the doors. Monetary gifts can also be received.
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Dear Beloved Church,
The TLC Church Council, at the recommendation of the TLC Covid Response Team, and after consulting the recommendations and established guidelines by the State of Minnesota, Center for Disease Control and Bloomington Public Health, have decided to continue to keep the church building closed (except the ELC) and continue online programming for worship and program ministries through the end of December. This decision is consistent with the Bloomington School district. We will continue to monitor the case numbers and revisit our approach to worship and programming in January.
In the meantime, we encourage you to participate in the online worship, resources, and programming that Transfiguration Lutheran Church is providing. We hope that they are providing support and encouragement for you in these days. Pastor Arthur and the TLC Staff continue to be available by phone, email and video conference for pastoral support and other needs as they arise.
As we consider how to be the church in these unusual times, we are guided not just by public health directives, but also by the multiple commitments of our faith. There can be tension with each other at times. For example:
- Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Therefore, out of love for one another and concern for the well-being (particularly of the most vulnerable) we will take every precaution and follow state recommendations to ensure the health and safety of all.
- We worship a God who chose to become flesh and dwell among us. God came to us “in person.” As the Easter story reminds us, this movement of God to dwell with us was not without risk. Jesus tells us that when two or three are gathered together, he is with us. Gathering together is essential to who we are as the body of Christ. Therefore, we will establish clear plans to resume in-person gathering as soon as state guidelines permit.
For the most updated information about the status programming and building use, please visit the front page of our website and click on “ COVID19” or call the church office. We pray that you stay safe and well.
Your TLC Council & COVID Response Team
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Caution about Unsubscribing from TLC Marketing Emails |
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Sometimes your email box becomes filled with unwanted or junk email. You can mark it as “junk” mail and maybe, if your email software is nice to you, no longer be bothered by it; or “unsubscribe” through a legally required option on the email itself. The same is true with TLC marketing emails, such as these issues of the TLC Weekly, Hope for the Week, Pathways to Justice, and Death announcements.
However, in unsubscribing from just one of TLC’s marketing emails, you will be unsubscribing from ALL of TLC marketing emails. Because of the Federal CAN-SPAM Act, TLC cannot re-subscribe you by request without a somewhat complicated process involving authorizations with your participation.
While we hope you enjoy and benefit from our e-publications, important announcements and other timely information, we don't want you to miss out because you’ve unsubscribed from one that was not of interest.
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By Pete Erickson
Interim TLC Youth Minister
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College Planning 101 – December 6th at 6:30PM
Dreaming of college? Your path to graduating with less debt starts here. Join us for a FREE College Planning 101 workshop. Learn how to save on the cost of college and avoid excessive debt.
- The value of college and having a plan.
- Tips and tricks to lower your college costs.
- The basics of college financial aid.
This workshop will be held at Zoom: code 819 251 7181 Password 393992, Sponsored by TLC Children Youth, and Family Director, Pete Erickson and Thrivent Rep. Durk Peterson on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 6:30PM.
No products will be sold.
TLC SUNDAY SCHOOL (Pre-K thru 4th Grade) will meet EVERY WEEK on Zoom STARTING THIS SUNDAY
A Zoom link and potential activity materials list will be sent to families each week for their age group.
Meeting ID: 832 1747 0428
Passcode: 696867
If you have questions about Sunday School or would like to help provide leadership one time a month, please contact Pete (perickson@tlcmn.com).
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Editor's Note:
Al Dungan is taking some well-deserved time off from his TLC Weekly column. He is expected to return with a new series of articles this January 2021.
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Minnesota Seniors is a FREE resource service for seniors as well as family caregivers who have questions and need answers:
Visit the website, MinnesotaSeniors.com, and find a comprehensive Business Directory, Senior Housing Directory, Aging In Place and Health Care Directories, plus Community Events, Getaways, Book Picks, Senior News, Employment, Volunteer Opportunities and so much more. Find most everything you need and even things you don't need.
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The National Lutheran Choir Christmas Festival comes to audiences FREE in a virtual, multi-media format on December 11. The Incarnation: For the Healing of the World brings music from around the globe announcing the birth of Christ with messages of peace and joy that nothing – not even a pandemic – can take away.
Friday, December 11, 2020 – 8pm (CST) @ NLCA.com
This online presentation is FREE for all. For a Virtual Subscription to exclusive content ($10/month), visit NLCA.com
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Now through December 30
FREE Meals for ALL of the
Bloomington Community
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We're now offering grab and go meals for adults in our community through Dec. 30, thanks to a grant! All adults are welcome, whether or not they have school-age children. Meals can be picked up from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Monday - Friday at Kennedy High School, Door 5.
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A great gift Pastor Grace shared with TLC was her “Hope for the Day” devotional. I for one found it very enlightening and healing during this Pandemic. I found myself looking forward to receiving and reading it daily. I so enjoyed the different writings penned by different TLC family members!
I have been asked by Pastor Arthur to keep a form of this devotional going. We have agreed to make it a weekly [e-mailed] publication called “Hope for the Week”. If you would be willing to share an inspired devotional(s) going forward with your TLC family, please contact me at weeyin57@aol.com. I’d love to hear from you! Blessings,
Norma R. Macdonald-Ockwig
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Hello fellow TLC members! Allow me to introduce “Pathways to Justice,” a new weekly short article e-mailed every Thursday morning. Pastor Arthur has asked me to take the lead with members from the Racial Justice and RIC teams assisting with writing. We will tackle and explore -in small chunks- ideas that may be new to some of us. In doing so, we will be allowed opportunities to ask ourselves and each other how we really actively can, as Micah 6:8 states, “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.” Please feel free to let me know if there are any topics that you would like addressed and please do consider contributing your own thoughts on what it means to be on a Pathway to Justice. I look forward to hearing from you!
Shelley Smith
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The Church office is staffed with Marilyn Erickson and Michelle Reber available Monday through Thursday, 9:00am - 4:00pm. You need to call ahead for an appointment, wear masks, use hand sanitizer (available at the entrance to the office) and practice social distancing during your visit.
Please call: (952) 884-2364
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Committees - Ministries - Small Groups
WRITE YOUR OWN ARTICLE
FOR THE TLC WEEKLY
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Thanks to the Faith, Fact and Fiction Book Club, the K3P3 group, Stephen Ministry, Welcome Diversity Team, Global Health Ministry, Coffee and Conversation, and the Nutty Knotters (TLC Quilters) for submitting photos and stories to the TLC Weekly.
Other committees, groups and ministries, we want to hear from you! Share your stories with the TLC community.
Are you meeting?
How have you adapted your meetings to keep everyone safe?
What projects are you working on?
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Send a story and some photos to tlcmedia@tlcmn.com and we will share your news in the TLC Weekly. Be sure to provide names of people in your photos.
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Since 2012, loved ones who had their funeral or memorial service at TLC now have a place and a webpage on our TLC Memorial Garden website. Please visit these saints, honor and remember them; read their obituary, the bulletin and homily, watch the live-stream archive of their service, browse their personal photo album, and, if so inclined, leave a personal message on their page.
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Do you ever need an extra prayer for yourself, a loved one, a world situation or a dear friend? TLC has a prayer team that is waiting to pray with and for you. Your prayer needs are sent on to the Prayer Team and kept confidential – just between you, the pray-ers, and God. If you have a prayer request, or if you would like to join the prayer team, please contact Marilyn Erickson at merickson@tlcmn.com or on the TLC website here.
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Back Issues of the TLC Weekly
including this issue (Today!)
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[CLICK HERE] to visit the TLC web page where you can choose to read from the past 24 months of weekly E-newsletters from Transfiguration Lutheran Church. This is also a great way to share TLC Weekly with those that don't receive it in email. Tell them to visit tlcmn.com/tlcweekly
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ONLINE GIVING HELPS SUPPORT TLC
It’s important to know that we can depend on financial support from TLC members. Online giving is fast, secure, and reduces administrative costs, allowing more of every dollar to support the important work we are called to do. You can give anytime, anywhere to specific funds with our GivePlus Mobile app (free from the app store). You can also schedule and manage recurring donations by visiting our website and clicking on TLC ONLINE GIVING icon at the top of any page, or [Click Here] to start the process, or contact the church office. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
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Free Subscriptions, sign up to be a volunteer,
request care ministry and more!
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Subscribe a friend to this newsletter, TLC Weekly, or subscribe yourself and others to the TLC publication, Transcripts. Interested in TLC membership? Sunday school? Our renowned TLC music program, volunteering and more are choices on this easy online TLC Request Form. Just [Click Here] or the "Sign Me Up" button on the left.
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A Reconciling in Christ Congregation
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A Culture of Diversity and Inclusion |
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