Gathering in Grace • Growing in Faith • Going Forth to Serve
Presentation of Our Lord Sunday
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Worship at 8:30 & 10:00am
Altar flowers this Sunday are given by Irene Bjerke
in loving memory of Dal Bjerke
________________________
Accommodations throughout the church for those with disabilities.
Wireless hearing assist devices available for worship services.
Closed Captioning available with on-demand playback (not live) of worship services.
Nursery available at both services.
Parent/children's Pray-Ground available in the Sanctuary during worship.

Hospitality & Social Activities from 9-11:30am in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall


Click on the live-stream logo below or visit www.tlcgo.live at
the time of the service to watch it on your media device.
Sunday's Gospel
Matthew 5:1-12
(NRSV)

The Beatitudes
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2   Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

3   “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4   “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5   “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6   “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7   “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

8   “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9   “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10   “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11   “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12   Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
The TLC Sunday School children will be collecting your spare change during 10:00am service. Please drop your coins in the buckets with gusto. Make some noise! All proceeds go towards February's Mission of the Month: Wilderness Canoe Base
This Sunday, February 2
Fellowship Hall from 9:15 to 11:00am.
~ ~ ~
Blood pressure is one of the most important screenings because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms. It can’t be detected without being measured. Be aware - be heart healthy!
By Co-Pastor Arthur Murray

Annual Meeting Update
Thanks to all who attended and participated in this important meeting.

Many thanks to our new Church Council members: Melinda Chau, Dan Ekholm, Steve Jorschumb, Steve Mattson and Becky Woll. Returning members are Allison Lindman, Jerry Olson, Gretchen Schroeder, Sandy Stooke.

The new Council elected the following to officer roles: Steve Jorschumb, President; Gretchen Schroeder, Secretary; Jerry Olson, Treasurer.


The 2020 Budget was approved along with the recommendation to move to Year 3 of the Co-Pastor Proposal.

Staffing Update
Pastoral staffing for 2020 will be Pastor Arthur serving at full-time with Pastor Ed and Intern Pastor Grace at half-time.

Community Health Minister, Erin Pommeranz, has requested a return to volunteer status as of Feb 1. We thank Erin very much for her service on staff and are grateful that she will continue to partner in ministry at TLC in a volunteer capacity, leading the Tuesday Night Women’s Café Group and Stephen Ministry.

Many thanks also to Pat McMullen for her invaluable service as volunteer Parish Nurse. Pat has stepped back from that role and will continue to serve as a Stephen Minister and Communion Minister.

Christian/Muslim Event
Saturday, Feb. 29, 8:30am-2:30pm, A day of conversation, learning and relationship-building at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 8600 Fremont Ave. S., Bloomington. Cost $17 for adults, $10 for students. Register online here: Minneapolis Area Synod events page .

For more information see the flyer at the kiosk in the Narthex, or [Click Here].
UNFORTUNATE TIMING—OF COURSE!
Your Bird Lady just tried something for the first time: an after-office-hours trip to the 'URGENT CARE” area next to my doctor's office. Just the word “urgent” sounds kind of ominous to me, so why not be smart and get to the doctor during the day? Well, we can't always know in advance that a cold virus will suddenly cause our temperature to go up beyond the usual “kind of low” 98.6 range.

What was happening to the old body?

What struck me first at this Urgent Care unit was that everyone was wearing disposable face masks. Then they asked me at the sign-in desk if I'd been out of the country, which made me wonder if that 'Coronavirus' had already reached Bloomington, and we had not been told. Sooo, I put on the mask (I think upside down) and was ushered into an exam room. Birdman found a peaceful spot to wait, and the fun began.

What a nice group of young doctors and their aides! They must deal with anxious people all the time, so they know what they're doing. But, I'd say their hours are not the best. Who wants to be working yet when everyone else with more years of experience is at home eating their dinner?

I tried to remember my exact symptoms, and then was given test after test when I said my temperature had climbed up out of its usual range, and I had a sinus cold. Well, we were there for two hours. Birdman finally fell asleep waiting and wondering, as I was taken from room to room to room, ending with a chest X-ray, and a nice young medic writing prescriptions and sending them to our pharmacy. I have had to wait for Birdman in a couple of emergency room situations through the years, so it was my turn to “catch something” I guess. Just when all seems to be going fine, watch out!

Turns out I had gotten pneumonia. I did have pneumonia before, but I was three years old and they put me in Bethesda Hospital.

So Birdman and I picked up the meds, and an inhaler at the pharmacy, drove on home, and began to decipher the instructions on the bottles. Antibiotics should not be taken with milk or calcium-containing food... Did you know that? My inhaler had to be primed first... instructions sounded easier than they were,and there was a whole chart of how to take the meds properly. One must be taken with food, and the cough meds looked exactly like my vitamin D capsules. Yikes!

Try to concentrate on being accurate when you haven't even eaten your dinner yet.

I am getting better, and after promising I'd contact my regular physician the next day, I can say that we are lucky to have access to good doctors, and that Urgent Care means we have access to reliable care even if office hours are over for the day. Give thanks!

-Bloomington Bird Lady
NEW AT TLC!
Meets Wednesday nights in the chapel 7:00-8:00pm. Feb 5, 12, 19.
Child care provided.
Contact Dan Larkin at danlarkin1@aol.com for more info or just show up.
"Arched Bridge"
ELC Photographer: Ava, 6 1 / 2 years old.

The ELC Photography Club revisited the Japanese Gardens at Normandale Community College recently to see things in a winter environment. Ava just started taking pictures this past summer and was captivated by the arched bridge, saying, "I like the arch, you could see the snow under it and on it, and you can see the ice through it, so I wanted to take this picture."
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN
FOR US?
-a continuing series-
By Pastor Al Dungan
Holy Week is the most special week of the Church year because it helps us recall and leads us through the last week of Jesus’ life. It’s a great opportunity for personal reflection and prayer. Each day, from Palm Sunday through Holy Saturday, is a day that focuses on the specific events occurring in the life of Jesus as he comes closer and closer to one of the most painful and horrible deaths ever created by humanity—crucifixion.

So…walk with me as we walk with our Lord on each of these days.

Palm Sunday (or Passion Sunday as some call it) is the high point of Jesus ministry to his followers. It is the triumphal entry into Jerusalem in which he rides a donkey, symbolic of a Davidic victory procession where he is proclaimed as the “Son of David”, i.e. the new Davidic king or Messiah (the anointed one). Not exactly guaranteed to endear him to the religious and political authorities.

Holy Monday is the day that we recall Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple. “My house shall be called a house of prayer…”in which the money changers were driven out and their tables turned over (Mt.12:12-13; Mk.12:15-19). This was taking place in the outer court of the temple which was the area where Gentiles could come to worship Israel’s God. This left them no place to worship and literally shut them out.

Holy Tuesday is the day where Jesus predicts his impending death (John 12:20-36 & 13:21-38)

Holy Wednesday (called by some Spy Wednesday) is the day that Judas arranged for Jesus’ betrayal with the high priests. It is also the day that we remember his anointing by Mary of Bethany.

Maundy Thursday is called this because it’s the day when Jesus commanded (mandated—Latin: mandatus) that his disciples are to love one another (John 15:12-13). This was on that evening when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, taking the position of the lowliest slave in a household to let them know that they were to see themselves as servants of all others.

Good Friday. This day is anything but “good” from a human perspective but from the divine perspective it is the best thing that ever happened to humanity. On this day God allowed His Son to die a most painful death to show us how much we are loved. Some of the last words from the cross are “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing”.

I have trouble forgiving others for treating me badly. Perhaps you do too. But these words remind us just how important forgiveness is for the followers of Jesus. That’s what makes this day so “good”.

Holy Saturday is the “day between” while the body of Jesus waits in the tomb for the sunrise of Easter morning. It’s a day for reflection and prayer. It’s also the day that, in the early church, those who had been preparing for baptism (the catechumens) were baptized and made full members of the church.

Next time: a special Easter memory.
Marion Cowell
October 23, 1926 ~
January 18, 2020
Marion Cowell Memorial

A celebration of the life of Marion Cowell was held this past Tuesday, January 28 at TLC. Please visit her tribute page at TLC's Memorial Garden website by clicking here. There you can view Marion's obituary, photo montage memorial, the live-stream archive of her service, the bulletin, family photos and leave a personalized message to the family.
Do you ever need an extra prayer for yourself, a loved one, or a dear friend? TLC has a prayer team that prays often for members, their families and friends of the congregation. Send your prayer requests to merickson@tlcmn.com or on the TLC website here , or write your request on the yellow Life@TLC insert included in the bulletin each Sunday. These prayer needs are sent on to the Prayer Team and kept confidential – just between you, the pray-ers, and God. If you would like to be a member of the prayer team, please sign up on the yellow Life@TLC bulletin insert.
-Moving On-
Did you know we have a wonderful group of women at TLC that call themselves the “Moving On” group?

Moving On is a casual, social group for widows.The purpose is to provide activities, conversation, companionship, support and just plain fun as we move on in our lives after the death of our husbands.

We try to get together every other month for concerts; plays; luncheons; museum visits and any other outing that the group suggests. In the past we have visited the History Museum, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Swedish Institute, Plymouth Playhouse, Ames Center for the performing arts and Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center. A favorite is a potluck luncheon in the homes or party rooms of our members. 

If you are interested in joining our group we would be very happy to include you on our email list of scheduled events. You can come to all or some depending on your interest and availability. Call the church office (952-884-2364) and speak with Marilyn Erickson. Or email Mary Mahre at mmahre@comcast.net if you would like more information.
February 5, 2020 - 7:00pm - TLC Conference Room
Coffee and Conversation invites you to a steaming cup of coffee with good friends and conversation. All are welcome. Please come and join us in a discussion on "Prayer" and visit Matthew 6:1-18.
Please note: Oasis services are not live-streamed.
Oasis Wednesday at TLC
February 5

  • Community Meal 5:30-6:00pm. Chicken Alfredo. $5.00 suggested donation.

  • 6:30-7:00pm Worship Service with Communion.

  • Confirmation at 7:00pm
February Mission of the Month

Come to Wilderness Canoe Base and let the Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness rejuvenate your soul. Our goal is for every person who visits Wilderness Canoe Base to realize that they are strong, loved, and welcome. We know that a retreat to wild places can help open our hearts to this reality. From the lakes to the trees, streams, and community, your time at Wilderness Canoe Base will leave you amazed at God’s marvelous creation and inspired after a Christ-centered wilderness experience.

What type of experiences are available at Wilderness Canoe Base? 
Because of our unique program and location, there are  many different opportunities  to consider. The standard program options are: Canoe Trips, Island Camp, Work-Service, Inter-generational & Family Camp Experiences, and Retreats, but customized program options are also available based on the goals of your group. Transfiguration’s annual canoe trip is July 16-22.
Party Pinwheels
Ingredients:
Directions:
Blessings!
February
Let's
'DO'
Lunch
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TLC has a ‘mission field’ right here in Bloomington, (Richfield, Edina and South Minneapolis).

We don’t need to ‘fly over a mission field to get to a mission field’ as Pastors’ Danny Givens
and Arthur Murray recently reminded us. We are ‘missionaries’ here in our neighborhood by
collecting healthy food for VEAP to distribute. Add some items for lunch to your next grocery
shopping list such as:

Peanut butter and jelly
Canned tuna, chicken or ham
Soups and crackers
Mayo, mustard, sandwich spread
Mac and cheese

When we all give a little, it adds up to a lot!
Let’s fill the bins!

Next Sunday, February 9
Feel the Camp Spirit next Sunday, February 9, and join the Youth in wearing whatever you might wear to Camp!

Summer is Coming! Let’s get CAMPING! We’re offering summer adventures with Wilderness Canoe Base and more! TLC camping experiences promise to be life changing and we look forward to sharing them with you. Signups will be available starting Sunday, February 9 – It’s CAMP SUNDAY!! Also, it's PANCAKES WITH A PURPOSE SUNDAY, so bring your appetite and "pretend" you're eating flapjacks cooked over the campfire.

Back Issues of the TLC Weekly
including this issue (Today!)
[CLICK HERE] to visit the TLC web page where you can choose to read from the past 16 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
Also, there are a limited number of TLC Weekly's in hard copy at the TLC Welcome desk next to the Chapel.
Jan-Mar 2020 Transcripts
Now available online. [Click Here]

Is this a vision test compliments of TLC?




Hint: Look carefully and try to read it top to bottom in one continuous sentence.
ELECTRONIC GIVING HELPS SUPPORT TLC
It’s important to know that we can depend on financial support from TLC members. Electronic 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 bottom of any page, or [Click Here] to start the process, or contact the church office.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
Stop by TLC Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday to find out more!
Picture for illustration purpose only.
ALTAR FLOWERS
ORDER ONLINE
FOR 2020
See the chart online or stop in
at the church office to order.

The TLC website has an online form to order Chancel/Altar Flowers for any Sunday in 2020. Click Here to access the form now , or visit www.tlcmn.com later and look for the "Purchase Altar Flowers" button at the bottom of any page.
Free Subscriptions, sign up to be a volunteer, request care ministry and more!
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.

A Reconciling in Christ Congregation
A Culture of Diversity and Inclusion
~~LINKS~~
Visit TLC's website at www.TLCMN.com
Comments and questions: TLCMedia@tlcmn.com