, Advent begins. Here's your Dec 1st TLC Weekly.

Gathering in Grace • Growing in Faith • Going Forth to Serve

December 1, 2019

8:30am & 10:00am Worship at TLC

Altar flowers this Sunday are given by Rose Bodhaine,

in memory of Todd & William Bodhaine.

~ ~ ~

Altar flowers this Sunday are also given by Jennifer Gauwitz

in memory of her grandmother, Lurella Evelyn Kawell

and the centennial year of her birth.

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

Sunday School Information

Early Learning Center Information

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.

Contact Staff

Contact Church Council

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

TLC's Advent Wreath
December Worship Schedule
National Lutheran Choir Performances
Christmas Snack
Bird Lady and the Great Dane
Pastor Al waits and waits and waits
Wanted: Church Leadership
Coping with Grief During the Holidays
Service of Remembrance & Healing
Last Chance for Parent's Night Out
Liberian Dinner & Silent Auction
December Toys for Liberia
Go Fund Me - Liberian At-Risk Youth
Pledges' Financial Update
Wednesday Night Family Night
Youth Christmas Party
Coffee & Conversation
Stephen Ministry Testimonial
ELC Pic of the Week
Thanksgiving Leftovers
VEAP Requests Target Cards
Back Issues of TLC Weekly
Online Giving
2020 Altar Flowers
Sign-up for Stuff
Nov/Dec Transcripts Online

The Advent Wreath

Eternal Victory, Faithfulness and the Light of Christ

As Christians, we use symbols to express visually the basic tenets of our faith and as reminders of the pilgrimage of our life in Christ. Symbols can have heightened meaning for us when associated with particular seasons of that journey. One such symbol is the Advent wreath.

The Advent wreath has its roots in the pre-Christian practices of northern Europe. People sought the return of the sun in the dark time of the year (at the winter solstice) by lighting candles and fires. As early as the middle Ages, Christians used fire and light to represent Christ's coming into the world. Using this same symbolism, the Advent wreath developed a few centuries ago in Germany as a sign of the waiting and hopeful expectation of the return in glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. The wreath, a circle, came to represent the eternal victory over death through Jesus Christ. The evergreens were a sign of the faithfulness of God to God’s people, even in death, and the lighted candles were a reminder of the light of Christ brought into the world.

There is no one prescribed color for the candles, although several traditions are current. Four natural colored candles are always appropriate and symbolize the Light for which we wait. Four blue candles matches the blue used for the season, a color representing hope.

Source: The ELCA [Click here] for more details.

TLC's Advent Wreath adorns the altar with four blue candles representing each week in Advent and the center Christ Candle, which will be lit on Christmas Eve.

Contact Karen Daniels at TLC if you have any questions.

SNACKIN' RANCH CRACKERS

By Beverly Nolte

3 pkgs.(9 oz. ea.) Nabisco oyster crackers
1 pkg (1 oz.) Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
1 tsp. dill weed
1/2 tsp. onion salt
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. lemon pepper
1 cup warm salad oil or canola oil
Paper grocery bag

Be sure the oil is warm - this helps dissolve the dry ingredients.

In a small mixing bowl add oil. Stir in the dry ingredients until dissolved.

Put oyster crackers into the paper bag. Slowly pour the oil mixture into the bag. Shake vigorously.

Empty into two 9x12 cake pans. Place in 300-degree oven for 10 minutes.

Store in containers or Ziploc bags at room temperature.

Committees - Ministries - Groups - Clubs

YOU CAN ADVERTISE IN

THE TLC WEEKLY!

Reach over 700 subscribers to the TLC Weekly e-newsletter - submit your news and announcements (photos, too) to: tlcmedia@tlcmn.com

Deadline is Thursday afternoon for our Friday e-mail publication.

Note, this is not the same as announcements for the Sunday bulletin.

And Onward to Advent

The Friday after Thanksgiving Day...Black Friday for many, and for some of us, a time to rest up after “doing our turn” at preparing the turkey and once again making gravy after a lull... Seems like making gravy and having it turn out exactly right to put on the mashed potatoes doesn't happen so often... No lumps, just enough salt, keep it warm throughout the meal, save enough for the leftover dressing and turkey...You know all this stuff.

I can remember a few weird Thanksgivings, though. One especially was kind of cute.

I was busy stirring the flour and drippings, plus the packet of gravy mix that was in the turkey, and happy that all was going well. Felt a nudge on my shoulder, and it was our daughter's dog, a Great Dane. She was taller than I am, and was verrry interested in what I was making, deciding to take a look. To see that huge head with dripping tongue looking like she'd try a few licks of the gravy now, please.... puts you off your game a bit.

Another pet-related story is when our daughter had two baby Dachshunds and brought them along, of course. They went down to our lower level, then had a hard time climbing back up the steps. We'd invited my dad's cousin plus her son and his partner. Did they ever love watching those puppies struggle up the stairs. Puppies are just too cute sometimes. Short little legs on that breed makes it hard to climb, of course.

There are a few Thanksgivings that didn't work quite as well... How about when the timer button on the roasting turkey pops up way too early? Those are so handy, but maybe this time it's wrong? How would I know if it's wrong or right? Scurry about getting the rest of the meal to jump ahead like that? I guess all turned out well, it's just that we had a real “flurry of activity” for a while. Don't you find that no one cares too much about these snags, it's just that we have expectations that are too high, maybe?

So, I hope your Thanksgiving was joyful, all turned out well, and everyone ate way too much, probably. In these days of prepared, unbaked pie crusts, what could go wrong?

That's the fun part...we never know.

It's on to Advent this Sunday, and you've seen the trees on our altar already. Soon they will be lit, and it will be time to once again welcome Jesus as a babe... God in a manger. A special time for Christians giving us time to prepare our hearts to receive Him.

-Bloomington Bird Lady

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?

-a continuing series-

By Pastor Al Dungan

Do you remember when you were a child and you kept counting the days until Christmas? It just seemed like the waiting was interminable. Each day brought it a little closer but it just couldn’t happen soon enough for you. And you sometimes made a nuisance of yourself to your parents asking, “How much longer do I have to wait?” And you were so hopeful that the present you wanted would appear under the tree.

That’s kind of the way it was for the People of God as they awaited the coming of the Messiah; the One who would make their world new and right and beautiful.

For hundreds of years they had been hopeful that the words of Isaiah which told of a time that swords would be beaten into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks and that the people of the world would no longer lift up their swords against each other or learn war any more. (Isa. 2:4)

They waited and waited and waited and still it didn’t happen. “How much longer do we have to wait, God, before that time will appear?”

The Season of Advent is a time for us to ask similar questions as we prepare for celebrating again the fulfillment of God’s promise of the One who would bring that peace, that Shalom, that oneness and wholeness for which all of humanity longs.

What questions are you asking during this preparation time, this time as a new Church Year begins? Or are you so caught up in Black Fridays and wrapping presents and planning family meals that the questions lie forgotten under the LED lights on the tree?

Each year we have the tremendous opportunity to prepare for the greatest gift God has ever given to us and to our world. The Season of Advent provides that time.

So…kick back, chill out and find meaningful ways that you and those you love can make preparations for the celebration of one of the three special festivals of the Church Year.

It’s coming. It’s coming. The present is there waiting to be unwrapped. And we can hardly wait.

Church Council & Synod Assembly Delegates

You can make an impact.

You can make changes.

TLC's Nominating Committee is beginning work to fill leadership positions in the church and are seeking anyone interested in serving on the Church Council or as a Synod Delegate in 2020. There are two to four openings on the Church Council, and six delegates needed for the Synod.

TLC's Constitution states the Council's role is:

The Congregation Council shall have general oversight of the life and activities of this congregation, and in particular its worship life, to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The duties of the Congregation Council shall include the following:

a. To lead this congregation in stating its mission, to do long-range planning, to set goals and priorities, and to evaluate its activities in light of its mission and goals.

b. To seek to involve all members of this congregation in worship, learning, witness, service, and support.

c. To oversee and provide for the administration of this congregation to enable it to fulfill its functions and perform its mission.

d. To maintain supportive relationships with the pastors and staff.

e. To be examples individually and corporately of the style of life and ministry expected of all baptized persons.

f. To promote a congregational climate of peace and goodwill, and, as differences and conflicts arise, to endeavor to foster mutual understanding.

g. To arrange for pastoral service during the sickness or absence of the pastor.

Click here to see our current TLC Church Council.

The Synod Assembly Delegate:

Each year, TLC sends six of its members to the annual Synod Assembly. It is a one-time commitment, and only involves attending and representing TLC at the annual meeting. This year, the assembly will be held on April 24 (late afternoon) and 25 (full day). The six positions can be filled by anyone in the congregation. We also select 1 alternate, in case one of the six isn’t able to attend for whatever reason.

Holidays can be difficult and painful for those who are grieving loved ones. Grief is universal and can express itself it difficult ways, and sometimes can look like anxiety and depression. Changing sleep patterns, loss of appetite, frequent crying, and depressed mood are all part of the grieving process. There is no right way to grief, and everyone does it differently. Here are some strategies that may help you through this holiday season:

Start a new tradition. During a dinner, place a candle or picture on the dinner table or say a few words of remembrance.

Express your needs/Create Boundaries. People who are grieving may find it hard to participate in all the festivities or may need to let go of traditions. It’s all right to tell people you just aren’t up to it right now. Saying "no" is ok!

Help someone else. It may also help to volunteer in a way that is meaningful for you; writing a note, making a meal, or donating to a favorite cause in memory of the loved one who has passed.

Give yourself time. The grieving process is not neat or tidy and doesn't just end at the 6-month or one year mark. Allow yourself to experience the pain instead of avoiding it.

For those experiencing loss during this Christmas season, TLC has a Service of Remembrance and Healing on Thursday, December 19th at 7pm.

For further help, including 24/7 phone counseling lines, please click here to visit the Grief Resources page on TLC's website.

Service of

Remembrance

and

Healing

Thursday, December 19

7:00pm

All who are experiencing loss and grief this holiday season are invited to attend this meaningful worship experience. Join us to remember loved ones who have departed from this world; to give thanks for their lives, and to light a candle in their memory.

Friday Parent’s Night Out

December 6 - 6:00 to 9:00pm

Drop your kids) off at TLC on Dec. 6 between the hours of 6:00 and 9:00pm. Make a donation to the trip fund and enjoy some R&R from parenting! Contact Gretchen Schroeder at ga.schroeder@yahoo.com to help out with child care, or to make arrangements for your night out! (Suggested donation $10/hour per child).

Final Liberian Dinner and Silent Auction

December 15 - 5:30 to 7:00pm

Liberian food, sharing of stories from those who have traveled to Liberia, music, and a silent auction. Donations should be brought to TLC no later than Dec. 11. They can be new or gently used items and if possible, a suggested value. Norma Macdonald-Ockwig will be the contact person. If you have questions, contact her at 952-237-2919 or weeyin57@aol.com

December Toys for Liberia

We've collected surgical gloves and other needed items for our mission team to present to the Center for Changing Lives - Liberia (CCLL) in December. Now, since the children -many orphaned- are what this is all about, let's send donations of toys to help them celebrate. Just imagine their happy, smiling faces.

Bring your toy (and food) donations during early December. Use the VEAP boxes (in 3 locations), and we'll make sure the food goes to VEAP and the toys to Liberia.

Cultural norms are strong in Liberia, and for children who have been orphaned by the AIDS and Ebola epidemics, they can face stigma and be shunned from their community, leaving them with no place to live and no one who cares for them.

Every child deserves a chance at a decent future. [Click here] to visit the Go Fund Me page.

– Financial Update –

Many, many thanks to all those who submitted their pledge for 2020 this past Sunday. If you have not yet returned your pledge card, please do so either at the office or filled-out and submitted securely online [click here] even if you don’t plan to pledge this coming year. This will save the Stewardship Team an email and phone call. Thank you!

5:30-6:00pm: Community meals served in Fellowship Hall. $5.00 suggested donation. This is a great community gathering for you and your family. Please invite a friend or neighbor to dine with us, or just enjoy a cup of coffee with others.

Oasis Wednesday Evening Worship Service from 6:30 to 7:00pm. It's a 30-minute service with communion.

7:00pm, Inspiring education and fellowship options for all ages
Child care and activities are available for infants to 3rd grade.
Volunteer adult leaders ensure a great time with new programs for kids, 4th-6th grade.
Confirmation and Peer Ministers 7th-12th grade meet for small and large group activities – friends are always welcome!
A Bible study for all ages is found with Coffee and Conversation, meeting in the conference room.
Parent support and planning groups meet in the East Fellowship Hall.
At 8:00pm, High School students 10th grade and up meet in the Youth Room

Confirmation: Looking ahead. The Annual Christmas Party is Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 7:00-8:00pm in Fellowship Hall. Confirmands and High Schoolers as asked to bring a $10 wrapped gift for the gift exchange and to wear your ugliest Christmas sweater. This is a packed hour full of games and sugar. Don’t miss it!

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4

Coffee and Conversation invites you to a steaming cup of coffee with good friends and conversation. The session this coming Wednesday, December 4, will encourage a discussion on Jeremiah.

Back row standing (L-R): Pat McMullen, Marilyn Erickson, Nadine Grabanski, Cynthia Williamson, Erin Pommeranz (Stephen Ministry Leader), Dick Haugen, Becky Woll (Stephen Ministry Leader), Al Dungan, Louise Olson.

Front, kneeling: Bob Riley (Stephen Ministry Leader), Ben Cherland, Sandy Mullen, Patricia Weichselbaum.

Stephen Ministry provides one-on-one care to people in our congregation who are grieving, hurting, and going through difficult life transitions. We have trained 10 Stephen Ministers at TLC and plan to train more next year. Here is one testimonial from one of TLC's care receivers:

~ ~ ~

"I requested a Stephen Minister shortly after TLC trained and commissioned our own Stephen Ministers and I was struggling with providing the best care for my husband. Every week since early June I have been meeting with my own Stephen Minister in my home. I truly feel she is walking with me. She listens, carefully and thoughtfully, without giving advice but helps me clarify my feelings and thoughts. From time to time she has given me a gentle nudge—especially reminding me to take care of myself. I can share whatever is of concern to me, knowing that I will not be judged for what I am feeling or for what I say. I know she will be there for me every week and look forward to that time together. Requesting a Stephen Minister was one of the best decisions I could have made."

-TLC Care Receiver

Click here to learn more about Stephen Ministers and the ministry.

Click Here to discover more about TLC's Early Learning Center.

"Cool Star"

ELC Photographer: Sierra S.

Sierra S. is 8-years-old and has been with the ELC Photo Club for three years. Regarding the "cool star", Sierra said, "I liked that this was 3-D and how the light reflected off of it. It was in the conservatory of the Como Zoo."

Thanksgiving

Keeps Giving

(Leftovers)

Preheat Oven to 350

CRESCENT ROLL-UP'S

What you'll need:

1 can Pillsbury Grands! Crescent Rolls (12 oz)
8 tbsp cranberry sauce
16 tbsp stuffing
4 oz roasted turkey (off the bone) cut into bite sized pieces
8 strips of Swiss cheese (cut four slices in half - optional)
Turkey gravy for dipping (optional)

Directions:

Turn out Crescent dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet - you may have to start with four to make room for the last four)
Spread 1 tbsp cranberry sauce over each crescent.
If using, add a strip of Swiss cheese on top of the cranberry sauce on each crescent.
Spread 2 tsp stuffing over each crescent.
Evenly distribute a few pieces of turkey onto each crescent.
Starting with the large end, roll up the each crescent with the small tip ending on top.
Bake for 14-18 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from oven and transfer to serving platter or plates.
If desired, top each crescent with a small dollop of cranberry sauce.
Turkey gravy makes a great dipping sauce for these - serve on the side if desired.

Note:

For a party snack, you can use the regular sized crescent rolls with smaller filling portions.

TURKEY NOODLE SOUP

What you'll need:

2 cups turkey chopped
1 large onion diced
4-6 carrots peeled and diced
3 stalks celery diced
2 tbs minced garlic
6-8 cups chicken stock or Turkey, make your own or buy it
1 package egg noodles
Water optional
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp onion powder
2 tsp parsley flakes
Olive oil

Directions:

Start by sautéing the onions and garlic in the bottom of your saucepan
Add in carrots and celery
Add some of the liquid, and seasonings, and cook until barely tender
Stir in turkey
Add additional liquid and let simmer for a while. Bring to boil.
Cook egg noodles in soup base, if needed, add more water to desired consistency, and season according to taste.
Serve with rolls.

Blessings!

In the flurry of the season, let’s not forget about our neighbors in need. Although VEAP no longer has a Christmas toy drive, they do collect $10, $15, or $20 Target Gift Cards for families whose resources are limited. If you are able to purchase and contribute a card or 2 (or 3), please turn them in at the TLC office at your convenience. AND, as always, the boxes are always waiting to be filled with packaged food and canned goods, paper supplies, diapers, and personal items.

When we all give a little, it adds up to a lot!

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 15 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

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!

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!

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