SUNDAY SCHOOL, WEDNESDAY WORSHIP, CHOIRS, CONFIRMATION AND MORE!
It’s that time of year again: back to school! And that means that Vinje Lutheran Church is ready to begin a new program year for Faith Formation. We want you to know about events coming up that relate to our youngest members.
Sunday, September 8
Join us for God’s Work, Our Hands day. We’ll gather for worship at 9:30am. During worship, we’ll bless the backpacks of our school age children. Following the service we will have a congregation-wide, family-friendly service event. People of all ages can participate, so come and have fun serving God together with us.
Wednesday, September 11
We welcome back our Wednesday programming, meal, and worship. Join us for the meal at 5pm and worship at 6pm. See below for the Wednesday programming schedule.
Families with children who are new to Sunday School or Wednesday programming, please feel free to find Pastor Dane or Melissa Hansen during supper. Parents of confirmation students, please join us in the sanctuary at 6:45pm for a brief meeting.
Sunday, September 15
This day we celebrate the official kickoff of Sunday school. Three year olds though 5th graders are invited to join us on Sunday mornings from 8:30-9:15am weekly. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to grow in their faith and in their relationships with God and each other.
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MUSIC NOTES
Calling all musicians! Our Vinje music programs start up again in September. There are opportunities for musicians of all ages to participate in groups.
Elementary age singers will meet on Wednesdays during Grace Notes with Mary Hodapp (kindergarten-2nd grade) and Karen Wojahn (3rd-5th grades). Also on Wednesdays, Su Michelson and Travis Michelson will lead Nova Voices (6th-9th grades) at 5:25–6:00pm, and Shalom Singers (grades 10-12) at 6:45–7:15pm. The Vinje Choir (adult voices) will meet on Sunday mornings at 8:30—9:15am. New voices are always welcome; please join us for a rehearsal or two to give it a try!
If you would like to be a handbell ringer, join us for JuBELLation practices on Wednesdays at 6:45–7:45pm. JuBELLation Jr. (4th-8th grades) will practice on Wednesdays at 5:00—5:30 PM. Contact Karen ([email protected]) if you could be on a list of substitutes.
And finally, pew singers are needed every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening! Make a joyful noise and join in worshipping our Lord through music.
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LOVING ARMS UPDATE
BAKE SALE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 | AFTER WORSHIP
We continue our Monday visits at Rice Care Center. We currently are teaming up to raise funds for The Walk to end Alzheimer’s. On September 22, after worship we will be having a bake sale to benefit this. If anyone would like to donate baked goods please contact Chris at Loving Arms.
Our first year of Summer School age was a big success. We are sad to see our friends start the school year but are excited to know they will be back again next summer.
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PIZZA WITH PASTORS
SUNDAY, SEPT 29 | 11 AM | RM 102
New to Vinje in the last few years? Want to learn more about your congregation? Would you like a chance to get to know your pastors better? (Or...well, maybe you can tolerate some time with your pastors as long as there is a free lunch to get you through it?) On September 29, Pastors Justin and Dane will be hanging out in room 102 and welcome anyone who would like to learn more about Vinje, hear about opportunities to get involved, or would like to know more about becoming a member. Did we mention there will be pizza? There will be pizza. Please join us for some laid back conversation, fun, and food after worship. Pizza!
Contact the church office (235.1441) with any questions.
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PLEASE CONSIDER MENTORING
Every year as we review highlights with the youth they mention mentor conversations as some of their favorite and most meaningful experiences. Mentors and youth meet each Wednesday during Lent for worship and a conversation (which is easily guided by a discussion guide). New this year, mentoring will also take place on October 9, November 6, and January 8. We recognize that not every mentor will be able to make every session and perfect attendance is absolutely not required. If you are able to help in this fun and rewarding ministry, please contact Melissa Hansen ([email protected]).
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FALL MOVIES AT VINJE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 | 1 PM | THEATER
Join as for a viewing of McFarland,
USA. It was based on a true story of a high school track team from McFarland, California. The film stars Kevin Costner as Jim White, the school's coach who lead the team through a number of 1980s social issues to win a championship.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22 | 7 PM | THEATER
Join us for a viewing of the National Geographic movie, “Paris to Pittsburgh.” It is about world climate change. It shows what some US cities are accomplishing to slow down the change.
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WELCOME ANDRES ALBERTSEN, VISITATION PASTOR
Vinje’s Council is excited to share that Reverend Andres Albertsen will be our part-time interim pastor. He started on August 15th, and he will be with us under this contract until May 31st. During this time, Pastor Andres will work 20 hours per week at Vinje and focus his ministry on visitation, outreach, and adult education. We are excited to have him as part of our pastoral team as he brings unique gifts and experience to Vinje.
Pastor Andres is an immigrant from Argentina and is fluent in English, Spanish, and Danish. He comes to us with 20 years of pastoral experience, most of which as the pastor of the Danish Lutheran Church in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has lived in the US since 2011 and is finishing his PhD in Systematic Theology at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul with a dissertation on political love in which he dialogs with the philosophers and religious thinkers Hegel and Kierkegaard from the 19th century as well as with contemporary political thinkers. This fall, he is teaching a Religion class at St. Olaf College in Northfield and Spanish for Ministry at Luther Seminary. He recently married Colton Baker and has two stepdaughters, Kyra, 6 and Tiegan, 2.
Andres is convinced that God's love is our only source of worth as human beings, and that we do not need any credentials nor special qualifications in order to have a relationship with God and be part of God's people and church.
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A NEW FORM OF VISITATION
You don’t need to be in a time of crisis in order to set up a conversation with a pastor. Maybe you have questions about God or the Bible or the Christian faith that you have not dared to ask before. Maybe you want to tell me your story. Maybe you are curious about my story. Maybe you have ideas for Vinje and its outreach. Maybe you just want to talk. Maybe you have a problem that keeps you awake at night. Any reason is a good reason to contact me and set up a conversation! I will listen, ask questions, give advice if it is fitting, and pray with you if you’d like.
I’m looking forward to having conversations with any of you who might be interested. We can schedule a meeting at church, at your home, at a coffee shop in town, etc. But I will also offer you another option! I have a long commute each day to and from Willmar (normally in early mornings and late afternoons), and therefore we could also schedule a conversation to take place over the phone during this time. I promise, of course to use hands-free calling and to be an attentive driver as we talk!
Please call me or text me at 651.216.5147 to set up a conversation either face to face or over the phone during my commuting time. I look forward to hearing from you!
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JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT MEETING
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 | 5:30 PM
Did you know that leaks account for 12% of the average household’s water usage?
Here are a few easy ways to
reduce water usage:
Fix leaks/dripping faucets.
Install low-flow shower heads.
Make sure to have a full load of laundry before washing.
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CAN YOU LEND A HAND?
We are looking for some help in a few areas...which one(s) can you help with?!
Altar Care (February, April and December).
Wednesday evening suppers (meal prep, serving, clean up) beginning on September 11th.
Worship Assistants (Assisting Minister, Communion Servers, and Lectors).
We’ll take your help for a week, a month, as an occasional back-up...whenever you can!
Please call or email Melissa ([email protected]) and let her know what you can help with!
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LAKELAND CONFERENCE WOMEN OF THE ELCA FALL GATHERING
THURSDAY, SEPT 26 | 5 PM GREEN LAKE BIBLE CAMP
The Grahn sisters will share their story about how their family was blessed in the midst of struggle with their brother’s paralysis. Dinner at 5:00, program at 6:30. Contact the church office to register.
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CHURCH DIRECTORY PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
OCTOBER 30 | VINJE
If you were unable to get your photo taken in 2017 or if you’d like to have a new photo taken, please call the church office to schedule an appointment. If you are happy with your current directory photo, you do not need to have a new one taken!
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FAMILY PROMISE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
SEPTEMBER 8-15 | VINJE
Vinje will be hosting Family Promise families next week and your help is needed. Prepare a meal, visit with families, drive the van, overnight host, laundry...there’s truly something for everyone and as they say, “many hands make light work!” Please sign up on Vinje’s website!
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MIDDLE SCHOOL 5TH QUARTER FUN!
FRIDAYS: 9/6, 9/20, 10/11 | 9-11 PM | VINJE
All 6th-8th graders are invited to join Willmar Area Churches on Fridays September 6, September 20 & October 11 for pizza, games, prizes and fun! Cost is $2. Friends are welcome!
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BLOODMOBILE AT VINJE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 1-6 pm
30 minutes is all it takes to save lives! Please call Carol Schmiesing at 222.5048 or the church office at 235.1441 to schedule your appointment! Thanks!
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QUILTERS MEET THIS MONTH
The Vinje Quilters will meet on September 5th and September 26th.
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NAOMI - SARAH CIRCLE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 | 2:00 pm | HERITAGE ROOM
ELIZABETH CIRCLE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 | 8:00 AM | CAROL PARKER’S
ESTHER CIRCLE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 | 9:30 AM | ROOM 102
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
TUESDAYS BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 10 | 9:00 AM | ROOM 102
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VINJE MEAL DELIVERY
Do you know of a Vinje member that could benefit from a meal delivery from Vinje once a week? This is more than just a food delivery. It’s a weekly check-in and an opportunity for a quick connection with a Vinje staff person or congregation member. Contact Melissa Hansen ([email protected]) if you know of someone that could benefit from this outreach service.
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PLEASE CONSIDER MENTORING
Every year as we review highlights with the youth they mention mentor conversations as some of their favorite and most meaningful experiences. Mentors and youth meet each Wednesday during Lent for worship and a conversation (which is easily guided by a discussion guide). New this year, mentoring will also take place on October 9, November 6, and January 8. We recognize that not every mentor will be able to make every session and perfect attendance is absolutely not required. If you are able to help in this fun and rewarding ministry, please contact Melissa Hansen ([email protected]).
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VINJE COUNCIL MEETING RECAP
Here’s what was discussed at the August council meeting…
Renewable Energy Certificates Program
Welcoming Karen and Pastor Andres
ELCA – Sanctuary Denomination
Faithful Innovation Program
Kitchen Update
Parking Lot Repairs
New High School Youth Program
Columbarium Update
Want to know more? Contact a member of council or the church office.
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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).
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