Gather in Grace • Grow in Faith • Go Forth to Serve
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October 20, 2019
8:30am & 10:00am Worship at TLC
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Celebration of Baptism
Evelyn Mitchell Benson
Born June 14, 2019
Parents
Rebecca & Mitchell Benson
Sponsors
Jodi Fuerstenberg, Adam & Blake Benson
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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.
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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.
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I will not let you go,
unless you bless me!
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Genesis 32:22-31
22 The same night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. 24 Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him.
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26 Then he said, "Let me go, for the day is breaking." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go, unless you bless me." 27 So he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." 28 Then the man said, "You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed." 29 Then Jacob asked him, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved." 31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.
~ ~ ~
This Sunday we take a little break from the gospel of Luke and hear a story from the life of Jacob. Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham. Jacob, who will become the father of the Jewish people.
In this story, Jacob receives a new name: Israel. His descendants will be known as Israelites. It is a story about a rite of passage, an initiation, the gaining of a new identity.
We, too, have been given a new identity. Through the waters of baptism God has named us and claimed us. We are children of God. It is a glorious, hopeful, life-giving, promise of an eternal relationship. It is a bond that can never be broken. It is an identity that can never be taken away from us.
But there is a part of the story that we tend to forget, or perhaps we conveniently ignore … this new identity that God gives Jacob comes only after a struggle. Jacob wrestles all night with God and refuses to give up. After the struggle, God blesses him.
What are the struggles that you face this day? Could it be that God is giving you a new identity through your struggles? Our faith promises that blessing comes out of the struggle. May this promise give you hope and even joy in all that you face this day.
-Pastor Arthur
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4th Annual CCLL Fundraiser
a Success
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Many thanks to all who attended and supported the Center for Changing Lives – Liberia (CCLL) 4th annual fundraiser on Tuesday night. It was our best attended and most successful fundraiser yet.
Over $27,000 was raised allowing education and vocational training to continue for more than sixty children in rural Liberia over the coming school year. We are almost at our goal of $30,000 raised for this year.
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Click above to view the new video and meet Deddeh Yelobah, one of the CCLL scholarship recipients.
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Imagine if they had never auditioned...
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Show off your talent at the big talent show this November 15 and win $200 cash for 1st place. Other winners get from $50 to $100, and still others get swag bags filled with incredible, valuable stuff!
Can you sing, dance, juggle, do great or even weird impressions? Play air-guitar, have a pet that does better tricks than your embarrassing uncle? Then you've got talent, or your pet does.
Can you bake a cake or pie? We need donations for the baked goods auction that night.
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Deadline to send in your audition recording
to Rob Reid is this coming Friday, October 25.
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All proceeds benefit TLC's Mission Trip to Liberia this December.
Prize money provided by an anonymous donor. Winners chosen by audience vote.
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But they did audition - and so should you!
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Addiction & Faith 2019 Conference Report
Here are a few of the comments received following the conference:
“Dear Ed, I had such a good experience. I was blown away by several of the plenary sessions. Thank you so much for this opportunity.”-- John B. Johnson, Program Director, Domestic Policy, Office of Advocacy, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
“Congratulations on a highly worthwhile and meaningful event. I was enriched by so much of what happened there, and will spend the days ahead absorbing and sharing what I learned.” --Rev. Alexander E. Sharp, Executive Director, Clergy for a New Drug Policy.
“Thank you for a very fine Conference for which I am enormously grateful.” Rev. Carla Dietz, United Church of Christ.
Here are some of the numbers: 187 registrations from 31 states and Canada, plus 44 presenters and exhibitors, 14 denominations represented (all increases from last year). The conference finished with a slight deficit which is being made up through an appeal to conference supporters. $20,000 has been reimbursed to TLC for Pastor Ed’s time. The remaining $5,000 will be coming by year-end.
Very special thanks are due to core volunteers Louise Olson, Linda Meyer, and Peggy Malinowski. The conference would not have happened without them. Many thanks are due to the Transfiguration community for ongoing support of this emerging new ministry. Everyone at TLC can be very proud of what has been birthed here. Lives are being saved, and families are being healed because of your openness and willingness to take a chance on something new that God is doing in our midst.
Addiction Awareness Team - TLC will host a leadership event in November and follow up with a team training event in February. The training is being done by Faith Partners, the same organization that launched TLC’s Addiction Awareness Team 19 years ago. We will be hosting other congregations to share in this training.
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Inherited Genes—Make Use of Them!
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After many years of marriage, a couple will know who is good at what tasks, and things get done pretty well and on time. This fall season has left us with wonderfully green grass—still growing, but then the leaves seem slow to change color. Will we get the leaves raked before winter? Of course we will, but still need to mow the lawn?? I was so fortunate to be given a day of no rain, not too much wind, and enough heat to dry two coats of paint on our bay window. Thanks!
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I inherited the genes for patience, so do a lot of sanding, taping, painting, whatever. My dad loved to paint. He was artistic and did his own signs for his grocery store specials. He used our basement with a large table and would make only a few light pencil strokes to get the sign started and then quickly fill in with primary colors. I'd watch from my perch on the basement steps and marvel at his work. What I'd like to see now is the same prices we had back then for cereal or toilet paper....He'd really be surprised at what we pay for just ordinary groceries.
I can't do signs like those---sure wish I could. He always liked to paint the outside of our house, and my favorite memories are watching him, always on a Sunday, way up on
a ladder enjoying the peace and quiet of “just doing his thing.” Our nice neighbor lady however, being very staunch Baptist, did not believe in working on The Lord's Day. She would holler from her back yard for him to stop. Well, he hollered right back that he was having fun, it was not “work” and that Sunday was his only day to enjoy painting the house.
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He did leave me with one hint about painting. “Don't let yourself get too tired...Quit
before you really want to.” Good idea, but with winter soon here it seems, decide how tired you really are and maybe keep going a while longer.
Bloomington Bird Lady would like to thank all those lovely people who came to worship with us last Sunday. What beautiful people, lovely African outfits, energy and fun they brought to us! We can learn so much from others...learn to enjoy saying “Amen” when we probably would not have even thought about it...let go a bit, and love these brothers and sisters in Christ.
-Bloomington Bird Lady
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TRICK OR TREAT
STUDIO HALLOWEEN
CRAFT PARTY
October 31 - 5:30 to 8:30pm
1717 2nd St NE - Minneapolis, MN 55413 - 612-234-1298
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Studio 2 Ceramics in Northeast Minneapolis is hosting a Trick or Treat Studio Halloween Craft Party on Halloween from 5:30-8:30 pm.
This a safe and fun option for kids and adults alike. Entry ticket to the Studio gets you access to any and all the crafts! We will have craft stations set up throughout the studio and you can choose which crafts you're interested in doing.
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Tickets are $15 for individuals or $25 for a group of 2-3 people (family or friends or dates). Crafts available: Paint Yer Monst-o-Gnome, Candlemaking, Pumpkin Throwing, plus more!
*Dogs and cats in costumes are strongly encouraged but need to bring their humans.
[Click Here]
for more information and to register - or contact TLC Intern Pastor Grace.
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CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUNDRAISER AND GET A GREAT DEAL!
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Watch this space for fundraiser opportunities for the December Liberian Trip. Fundraisers include a Mission Bazaar, Fall Yard Clean-Up, Parent’s Night Out, Final Liberian Dinner, Lemonade Stand and a Talent Show.
SIGN UP FOR THIS NOW!
Yard Work/Fall Clean Up: Offered for a donation to the Liberia Trip Fund. Available dates: October 19, 26 & November 2, 9, 16, 23, weather permitting. Contact Greg Barringer at
mn.runner.juan@gmail.com to help with the work, or to have your yard cleaned.
Parent’s Night Out: Drop your kid(s) off at TLC from 5:00 thru 8:00pm on November 8, November 22, or December 6. 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!
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WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?
-a continuing series-
By Pastor Al Dungan
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Where Do We Worship?
Now that may seem a nonsensical question—but, over the years the place(s) and styles of worship have changed quite radically.
When the followers of Jesus came together in the early days of what later came to be called the Christian community, they traditionally gravitated toward the Jerusalem temple if that’s where they lived. That, for them, was the obvious place to worship and Jesus was the focus of their worship life.
They didn’t see themselves as separate from the larger Jewish community except that they gave precedence to Jesus of Nazareth, the prophet, preacher, healer and, most especially, the One whom they believed rose from the dead after his crucifixion. They believed, because of that exceptional act of God, that this Jesus was God’s long promised Messiah, God’s Anointed One—not in the traditionally accepted premise that the Messiah would free Israel from their oppressors and make Israel great again as it had been in the glory days of David the King. They acknowledged that the freedom that was promised by Jesus, was freedom of the spirit and freedom to change the world in which they lived through acts of loving kindness.
Originally, their focus of who was a part of this community extended only to Jews. But following the Pentecost experience and Jesus' charge to them to take his message “to the ends of the earth,” they began slowly and with some difficulty to realize that this tiny community would be the leaven that would take the gospel message far beyond the city of Jerusalem. It would even include, GASP!!, Gentiles—that’s us folks. We were, at that time, “the others” and it took a lot of convincing for the Jewish followers of Jesus to accept these people about whom they had looked down on for hundreds of years.
Now, having said this, we look at where this tiny group of believers gathered together beyond the Jerusalem temple.
They called themselves the followers of The Way and they met in each other’s homes and when the groups began to grow, in buildings that would accommodate them. They also called their gatherings
ekklesia
or “the called out ones” and this term later came to describe what became the Christian Church.
There was no formal building where they gathered. That came much, much later. And, when this growing group began to come to the attention of both the Jewish and Roman authorities, they began to experience persecution.
Next time: River banks and Catacombs.
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-TAKING FAITH HOME-
Week of October 20, 2019
Use this friendly tool to enrich your family times with conversation, rituals, prayer, blessings, and service ideas.
[Click Here]
for this week's edition.
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National Lutheran Choir
2019-2020 Concert Season
Sign up to win two free NLC Season Passes! Look for the black box hanging extended from a kiosk in the TLC Narthex, fill out an entry blank, & put it in the box. The winner will be drawn on Sunday, October 27.
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TLC Organist, Karen Daniels, encourages you to take a brochure and also sign up for a chance to win two free NLC Season Passes.
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Save over 18% on tickets with a Season Pass. 3- and 4-concert subscriptions available to fit your schedule! Brochures, with sign-up information, are in the TLC Narthex.
Look in the NLC Brochure for more info on the first concert of the season, "All Saints Mozart Requiem" on November 2nd & 3rd. What an exciting event this will be!
The TLC Weekly will continue to update info on this, too.
Questions: Contact Karen Daniels, TLC Organist
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Cultivating Resources
for
This Generation and the Next
The Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to, but legally separate from Transfiguration Lutheran Church, and the Board of Directors operates independently, including establishing and carrying out its policies. Gifts to the Foundation are OVER and ABOVE regular pledging or tithing in support of the annual budget. Income from the Foundation fund is used to expand the ministries of Transfiguration Lutheran Church, which would not be possible within fiscal limits of the regular church budget.
Our Mission:
- Facilitate spiritual growth within the congregation (children, youth and families)
- Assist with capital improvements and supporting programs at TLC
- Support community outreach
- Support missions at home and overseas
Grants Approved in 2018
- $1,366 Transportation and registration fees for the ELCA gathering in New Orleans
- $200 Front entry flower pots
- $1,552 Mobile card reader and Kiosk
- $1,000 Center for Changing Lives – Liberia
- $224 Offertory baskets
- $2,250 Maintenance and Repair of church pianos
- $3,000 Paint, supplies, and carpet for Early Learning Center
Grants Approved in 2019
- $4,183 Parking lot lights
- $1,100 + shipping for two 36” round adjustable height tables for the narthex and fellowship hall
- $7,103 Upgrade to TLC wi-fi system
- $800 Communications for Gray Area Thinking Event
How can You Contribute?
- Place your cash/check donation in one of the foundation envelopes and place it in the donation plate or church office
- Make a donation of an annuity, real estate, stock or bonds
- Designate the TLC Foundation as a beneficiary in your estate.
- Designate your Thrivent Choice dollars to the foundation
Board Members:
- Scott Stevens – Chairman
- Nile Plapp – Vice President
- Baron Broschat – Treasurer
- Cindy Toms – Secretary
- Jay Brandt
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Book Club – Date Change –
The 3
rd Tuesday book club is getting restarted for fall. The October meeting was scheduled for the same date as the fundraising event for Center for Changing Lives – Liberia. The book club meeting has been pushed back one week to October 22
nd so we can attend both events. We will resume on the 3
rd Tuesdays in November.
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On October 22
nd, Pastor Arthur will lead us in discussion on
Daring Greatly by Brene’ Brown. We will follow this schedule:
- Tuesday, October 22 - Chapters 1-2
- Tuesday, November 19 - Chapters 3-5
- Tuesday, December 17 - Chapters 6-7
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We will meet from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Cary and Anita Pao’s home at
6993 Kenmare Dr in Bloomington.
Feel free to join us as you are able - for the entire series, just one session or whatever works for your schedule. We will reset again with a new book in January.
Please RSVP to Renee Burton at 612-710-2446 or
djrjburton@live.com or if you have any questions.
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness month
, a time to celebrate survivors, honor those who have died, raise awareness, and confirm our commitment to preventing intimate partner violence in our community.
The purple candle, which is lit on the altar throughout October, symbolizes the hope that each person who has been hurt by verbal, emotional or physical violence in an intimate relationship, has a place of safety in the Body of Christ.
"For surely I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”
-Jeremiah 29:11
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Wednesday Evening Oasis for All
5:30pm - Community Meal. This week's meal (Oct 23): Chili, corn bread, fruit, coffee and water. There is a $5.00 suggested donation, but not required. All are welcome!
6:30pm - Worship service with communion (30-minute service).
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Coffee and Conversation invites you to a steaming cup of coffee with good friends and conversation. The session this coming Wednesday, October 23, will encourage a discussion on David.
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Click Here to discover more about TLC's Early Learning Center.
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The ELC Photographers have been busy with their cameras and will return with new compositions soon.
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COLD & FLU SEASON: WHAT YOU CAN DO TO STAY HEALTHY
- Know the facts. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or into your sleeve if you do not have a tissue available.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best protection we have against flu.
Provided by Erin Pommeranz, TLC Community Health Minister
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[Click Here] or on the image above for the online RSVP form.
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Confirmation Parents!
We are gearing up for the Annual Confirmation Retreat – Here’s what you
NEED TO KNOW:
- We’re headed back to Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN! Great food, great facilities and a fabulous weekend together.
- We leave Saturday, Nov. 2 from the West Parking lot of TLC – Be here at 8:00am SHARP!
- Attendance is required for all confirmands – we are assuming your child is coming unless we hear otherwise.
- If you are or know someone who is grades 7-12 THEY ARE INVITED whether they’re in confirmation at TLC or not. So bring your friends!
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TLC Sanctuary
Tuesday, October 29 - 6:30 to 8:30pm
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We are thrilled to let you know not only that the promised Co-Pastor Panel Discussion has been scheduled, but especially that everyone we had hoped would take part enthusiastically agreed.
Moderator:
Craig Pederson, Assistant to the Bishop, Minneapolis Area Synod
Panelists:
Jeff Sartain, Co-Pastor, Edina Community Lutheran Church
Mary Halvorson, Co-Pastor, Grace University Lutheran Church
Mary Pechauer, Co-Pastor, Bethlehem Lutheran Church
This event will be promoted by the Minneapolis Area Synod and may well attract interested clergy and lay leaders from beyond TLC.
We hope you will be able to be present for what promises to be a stimulating and informative evening.
Blessings,
Pastors Arthur and Ed
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Philip Nushann founded Center for Changing Lives - Liberia (CCLL) when he returned to Liberia in November 2016. Transfiguration is the primary community support for CCLL, leading a partnership of Minnesota Churches supporting Philip’s vision. CCLL was inspired by Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota to bring Health Services, Education, Housing, Counseling, Empowerment, Resource Building, Hope and Love to the children and families of West Africa.
For more information on CCLL or to make a contribution online through PayPal, please visit,
www.pactmn.com
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WE DON’T ALL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO ON THE TRIP TO LIBERIA...
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...but we can participate in TLC’s mission there by contributing some of the specifically requested large items that they are in need of, to be used in vocational training programs.
During the month of October we will collect-GOOD WORKING SEWING MACHINES, MUSIC KEYBOARDS, LAPTOPS and DOLLAR DONATIONS TO BUY DRUMS.
We can only imagine the difference these items will make in the lives
of the children our mission team will meet at Philip Nushann’s school.
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The bazaar will again have a quilt raffle– tickets on sale in the Narthex or contact Renee Jefferson. We are inviting donations of handcrafted items. Sale proceeds will benefit Oasis for youth and the Liberia Trip. Contact Renee Jefferson,
rjefferson@tlcmn.com or Marilyn Erickson,
merickson@tlcmn.com Watch the TLC Weekly and bulletins for more information
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WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed for communion, ushers, greeters, pew crew and hospitality.
We especially need ushers. This is a family friendly volunteer opportunity.
Commitment is flexible and tailored to your requests.
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Look for the sign-up easel in the Narthex this Sunday!
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TLC's
College Ministry Team Cares!
Seeking Donations: The College Ministry Team is seeking donations to assemble care packages to be sent to students attending college and technical schools, as well as our young people in the military. Please stop by the bulletin board in the Narthex to pick up 1 or 2 donation tags, purchase the items identified on the tag, and return the items to the designated bin
no later than October 20th
. Please join us in reminding our young adults that we continue to support and care for them while they are away from TLC!
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Take Back Prescription Drug Event
Saturday, October 26
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The Bloomington Police Department is partnering with the DEA for a drug take back event on Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse.
- Pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor's supervision.
- The non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks second only to marijuana as the most common from of drug abuse in America.
- The majority of teenagers abusing prescription drugs get them from family and friends - and the home medicine cabinet.
- Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold. Unused drugs that are flushed contaminate the water supply. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.
- Take-back programs are the best way to dispose of old drugs. If you can not attend a drug take-back program,
- Take the medications out of their bottles
- Mix them with something unappealing such as used kitty litter or coffee grounds
- Seal them in a bag or disposable container and throw that away
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Contribute to the
TLC Weekly
TLC Weekly staff are looking for both youth and adult "reporters" that would like to tell a story about life, an event or an anecdote inside or outside of TLC. Photos also welcomed. Submit your *story (and *pics) to:
TLCMedia@tlcmn.com
*Subject to editor approval
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Back Issues of the TLC Weekly
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[CLICK HERE]
to visit the TLC web page where you can choose to read from the past nine 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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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!
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ALTAR FLOWERS
ONLINE ORDERING
There are still spots available
through December.
See the chart online or stop in
at the church office to order.
The TLC website has a new and easier online form to order Chancel/Altar Flowers for any Sunday in 2019.
[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.
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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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NOV-DEC 2019
TRANSCRIPTS
Arriving in your home or business USPS mailbox soon.
Available online in next Friday's edition of TLC Weekly.
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