EQUIPPING CONGREGATIONS
It has been our annual tradition to co-host our synod-wide event “Equipping Congregations Day”. This year, we are blessed to share that responsibility once again with Bethel Lutheran Church and provide a wonderful opportunity for churches around the synod to learn and grow together.
This year’s focus is Spirit Led Innovation, and along with many hands-on practical workshops, we’ll have two keynote speakers: Beth Lewis and Ben Winchester. Both speakers will help us think about new ways we are being challenged to be the church in the 21st Century, and how God is continuing to do new and exciting things with us. In a day and age where people assume rural communities are dying, this event will remind us that God is up to some amazing and life-giving things inside and outside our congregations and inviting us to join in some wonderful opportunities to continue God’s work.
There are workshops offered that help equip church leaders for the “business” of the church. But we don’t want you to think that this is an event that’s just for pastors and church leaders. This is an event that is meant to engage everyday people in what it means to live out God’s calling to love and serve our neighbors every day. How do we get to know our neighbors better? How do we care for those who are hurting in our communities? What do millennials and generation z’s have to teach us about Jesus and his love?
As always, we can use your help in hosting the event. We are looking for volunteers to provide hospitality to all our guests. Sign up (to host or attend) on the bulletin board in the main hallway or call the church office.
Whether you are coming to serve or to be a part of the event, we hope you join us for this really wonderful opportunity to grow and learn together!
Pastor Dane
PS...
click here
for more information about the event sessions/speakers!
|
|
SPIRITUAL LIFE INVENTORY RESULTS
In the last decade much has been made about the decreasing value Americans have of church. Denominations of every type are seeing decline in worship attendance, membership, and participation. Of course the ELCA and Vinje are not immune to these national trends. While there is no single answer to why or an easy answer to the question of how to reverse these numbers I did want to share some numbers that I’ve found uplifting. Thanks to the 147 people who completed the Spiritual Life Inventory we now know that for 96% of you it is important to come to Vinje on Wednesday or Sunday to recharge for the week. 91% of you come to connect with God. 83% of you said worship is important to help develop your children’s faith. While the number of members may have decreased over the years I’m fully aware that the Holy Spirit is still active in our lives and that we are all aware of the many ways in which we depend on God. It is heartening to know that 96% of us find worshiping our God to be a source of energy as we face the ups and downs of our lives every week. I’m also proud (not too proud – just the right amount) that Vinje’s surveys scored higher than the national average in the amount of members who participate in a ministry team, small group Bible study, choir, and mission trips. In particular we scored 10% higher on mission trips. Whatever the Holy Spirit has in store for the future of Christ’s Church I’m reminded that God will always find a way to connect with God’s people. God will show up in our lives and we will continue to draw energy, inspiration, and hope from God’s presence with us. Stay tuned for more details on the survey results and what they mean for our community.
|
|
IT’S ABOUT TIME
Join us as we dig deeper into the classic stories of the bible over the next several months. Remember to find the link to the Pastors’ “Time to Go” video message at vinjechurch.com each Tuesday!
It’s about time
that you
click here and check it out
!
|
|
SUMMER BIBLE CAMP
VBS—JUNE 9TH-13TH
We are excited to be partnering with Green Lake Lutheran Ministries for VBS (along with our friends from Bethel and Calvary) June 9th-13th! This year, we’ll be hosting pre-k here at Vinje and grades K-5 will be bussed to Shores of St. Andrew! Please register your child(ren) ASAP via the link on the
main page of Vinje’s website
.
|
|
LOVING ARMS UPDATE
WE ARE HIRING!
We are looking for a few fun, kind-hearted individuals to join our team!
Duties include playing, laughing, helping and teaching.
Full time, part time and afternoon shifts available.
Call or email Chris for more information or to request an application!
|
|
Cold winter days have made for lots of buggy rides, crafts and even an awesome movie theatre field trip! We LOVE being outside...but our staff sure knows how to make the best of cold days!
Follow along with this (and all our fun) on F
acebook!
|
|
LIGHT OF CHRISTMAS FUND
Your contributions to the Light of Christmas Fund provided complete Christmas dinners for 22 families, gifts of toys and clothes for more than 50 children and adults as well as gifts to two group homes. Care packages were sent to 22 college students and one individual was surprised with a large auto repair. Your generous gifts were met with tears, hugs and gratitude. THANK YOU for sharing the light of Christmas!
|
|
|
|
INTERFAITH POTLUCK
MARCH 3RD | 5-7 PM | WILLMAR COMMUNITY CENTER
The Willmar Area Interfaith Network invites you to an evening of food, fun, and conversation at our first ever interfaith potluck. We invite you to bring a dish that is meaningful to your family with the recipe which we will add to an online cookbook. Contact Pastor Dane with questions.
|
|
WHERE DO YOU FIND JESUS?
Each year our confirmation youth are asked to complete a project and share it with the entire class. This year they were asked where they see Jesus in movies, tv shows, music, or books. They shared clips from The Hunger Games, The Office, The Giver, Chicago Med and many more as they explained how a character reminded them of Jesus. Where do you see Jesus in your life? When you turn on the TV do the sacrifices of anyone ever make you think of Jesus? Does a story of love and inclusion of outsiders or the demand for justice ever make you think, “that’s very Christlike”. Next time you turn on your TV or radio keep an open mind for how God may be speaking to you.
|
|
SUPPORT GROUP FOR CAREGIVERS OF THOSE WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11 | 7-8 PM | GREEN LAKE BIBLE CAMP
Crisis Situations—What law enforcement / emergency personnel can and cannot do to help.
TUESDAY, MARCH 19 | 8 AM-5 PM | GREEN LAKE BIBLE CAMP
First Aid For Mental Health. Presented by Marilyn Dornfield, Director of Adult Education for the National Alliance of Mentally Ill.
Click here to register
by March 12th.
MONDAY, APRIL 8 | 7-8 PM | GREEN LAKE BIBLE CAMP
Importance of Nutrition for Mental Health, Tips on Diet/Nutrition, Speaker Deena Heen, Registered Dietitian Educator.
Please contact Pastor Dane at 320.235.1441 or Susan Anfinson at 320.894.6278 with questions.
|
|
LENT AT VINJE...SAVE THE DATE(S)!
Mark your calendars for the start of Lent! Ash Wednesday, March 6, marks the first day of Lent. We’ll continue our tradition of Holden Evening Prayer service on Wednesday nights for five weeks starting on March 13th. This year, we’ll be focusing on the theme of “Hungering for God.” We’ll also be joining with Bethel for Wednesday morning services at 10am once again this Lenten season.
|
|
NAOMI - SARAH CIRCLE
NOT MEETING IN FEBRUARY
ESTHER CIRCLE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7| 9:30 AM | ROOM 102
ELIZABETH CIRCLE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7| 8:00 AM | CAROL PARKER’S
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
EVERY TUESDAY | 9:00 AM | ROOM 102
|
|
VINJE ANNUAL MEETING
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3 | 10:30 AM
We’ll have a brief meeting in the sanctuary immediately following worship on February 3rd followed by delicious tailgating-style snacks in the fellowship hall.
|
|
QUILTERS MEETING DATES
The Vinje Quilters will not meet in February.
|
|
OFFERING ENVELOPES
Please use them until they are gone, and then let Janet, in the church office know when you need more. Please allow a few days to process your request for more.
|
|
FAMILY NIGHT AT THE VILLAGE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11 | 5:30-7:30 PM
Bring your kids to this interactive night of education and cultural experiences. Food, crafts, dancing and more! The Village Children’s Museum is located at 1312 Lakeland Drive SE, Willmar.
|
|
JUST ONE LIFE MATTERS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 | 6:30-8 PM | WILLMAR HIGH SCHOOL
Every 12.2 seconds, a life is lost to death by suicide. Willmar area churches and suicide prevention organizations are planning an event to emphasize the point that
just one life matters
. We want to support students who are struggling, and provide resources for them, their friends, and parents to help continue this conversation. Join us for this important conversation.
|
|
A few tips to help care for God’s Green Earth!
- USE CRUISE CONTROL Did you know cruise control actually consumes less fuel? In fact, cruise control could improve mileage by at least 15 percent, saving the environment, gas, and money in the process. While driving on flat roads like highways and interstates, turn on cruise control to improve gas mileage and energy efficiency.
- REDUCE PAPER MAIL Rather than receiving bills or bank statements in the mailbox, pay bills online and opt for email updates to save paper. Reduce paper by unsubscribing from junk mail or registering for electronic promotions and updates.
- BUY HOUSE PLANTS House plants not only add to the aesthetics of a home, but also maintain room temperatures by adding moisture to the air and reducing airborne bacteria, fungi, and other unhealthy pollutants.
|
|
VINJE ON THE GO!
Vinje’s service is broadcast live each Sunday on KWLM, 1340 AM. You can also watch each service
live on YouTube
(go to youtube.com and search Vinje Willmar).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
