Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church |
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Advent & Christmas
at Lake of the Isles
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Over the Thanksgiving weekend, my neighbors and I set up the Advent wreath outside the church for the third time. Surprisingly, for a structure that was built from an old architect’s drawing table, cardboard forms for pouring cement and coat hangers, it is holding up amazingly well. Back in 2020, during the first year of the pandemic, I created the wreath as a reminder to everyone who passed by the church that our congregation was still active and worshiping. There is no doubt, those were dark days. In comparison, a year later, the future seemed bright. Many were vaccinated, boosted, and ready to return for Christmas services. Then came the Omicron variant. Before then, I barely knew a soul who had Covid, but suddenly I could name a dozen with personal connections. Now, nearly 70% of Minnesotans have had Covid, and new cases occur every day. Yes, this December the ongoing pandemic is more of a nuisance than a fear. So, the ramshackle Advent wreath has found its place outside the church again announcing to the neighborhood that in spite of life’s trials and sorrows and war, Christ is coming to the world anew. |
Our congregation has been active and thriving through these Covid years. Nowhere has this been more apparent in the care and restoration of the sanctuary windows. Join us for worship on
Sunday, December 4th as the first of the side windows will be rededicated. The images, patterns and colors are stunning.
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Appropriately and serendipitously, the first window to be rededicated features a unique image appropriate to the season of Advent. It was difficult to see the finer details in the uncleaned, stained glass, but the image is that of a unicorn. In Christian thought, the unicorn represented the incarnation of Christ, a symbol of purity and grace that could be captured only by a virgin. Many Renaissance artists painted pictures of the Virgin Mary and the unicorn. The two side panels of the Rose of Sharon and the lily portray flowers described in the Bible as traditional symbols of purity. |
Every window has a story to tell, and over the year ahead we will endeavor to complete this restoration. We are fortunate at Lake of the Isles to be surrounded by such beauty, and by a congregation committed to maintaining and renewing the wonders entrusted
to our care.
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Inspired by Christ, living and growing in faith, Lake of the Isles is a loving and open community of worship, witness, & service in God's world
In-Person,
Livestream Worship,
& Sunday School
Sundays – 9:30 AM
Coffee Hour – 10:30 AM
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Upcoming Events
December 1 – 7:00 PM
Women's Bible Study
Library
December 2
Our Saviour's Shelter Meal
December 3 – 9:30 AM
Priscilla Circle
Home of Jean Carlson
December 4 – 9:30 AM
Second Sunday of Advent
Visit of Saint Nicholas
Sanctuary
December 8 – 7:00 PM
Growlers & Theology
Parsonage
December 9 – 5:00 PM
Women's Book Club
Home of Deb Gilroy
December 11 – 9:30 AM
Third Sunday of Advent
Visit of Sancta Lucia
Sanctuary
December 11 – 10:30 AM
Christmas Tea
Fellowship Hall
December 13 – 1:00 PM
Valley Grove Exhibition
Open House & Gallery Talk
Fellowship Hall
December 15 – 7:00 PM
Women's Bible Study
Library
December 17 – 5:00 PM
Julbord
Fellowship Hall
December 18 – 9:30 AM
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Lessons & Carols
Sanctuary
December 18 – 12:00 PM
Julbord
Fellowship Hall
December 18 – 6:00 PM
Christmas Caroling
Home of the Reisbergs
December 24 – 4:30 PM
Christmas Eve
Family Service
Sanctuary
December 25 – 10:00 AM
Christmas Morning Service
Sanctuary
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This holiday season, we thank everyone who has supported LOTI this past year with their time, talent and financial contributions and look forward to support from all of our members in the year ahead. If you need a convenient way to make regular offerings or if you plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to look into our electronic giving options. As the pace of life speeds up, especially around the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions. Contact the church office for more information. End of the year gifts to LOTI must be received by Saturday, December 31st.
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Children's Ministry December 2022 |
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Winter Gear Drive
Thank you for your amazing response to this year’s winter gear drive and helping to meet the specific needs of the families that Project for Pride in Living (PPL) serves. While our process was different this year, your generosity was steady in abundance! You directly, positively impacted the lives of 138 people. The donations went to PPL just before Thanksgiving.
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College Care Packages
Twelve care packages will be heading to our college age young adults in the next week - just in time for finals preparation. Thank you to the Sunday School children for helping pack them and thank you to the families who donated the snacks. The college students love receiving this gift of love from LOTI.
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This year the Sunday School children will present the nativity scene during the Lessons and Carols service on Sunday, December 18th. Details will be sent via email to Sunday School families for this very special day. |
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Sunday School Calendar Notes |
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DEC 11:
DEC 18:
DEC 24:
DEC 25:
JAN 1:
JAN 8:
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Children process in worship with Sancta Lucia
Children present the nativity scene during the
Lessons & Carols service.
Christmas Eve Family Service (4:30 PM)
No Sunday School (Christmas break)
No Sunday School (Christmas break)
Sunday School resumes
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Women's Bible Study
Thursdays, December 1st & 15th
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We are studying Children of the Day,
by Beth Moore. Our sessions are at 7:00 PM in the Library.
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Our Saviour's Housing Meals 2022-2023 |
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For many years, Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church has provided a meal on the first Friday of each month. Due to COVID-19, our monthly meals are by donation. The shelter orders & serves the meal. Cost per meal is $250.
Thank you to Mary Sabatke for the November contribution in memory of Bruce Sabatke.
Our 2022 schedule:
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DEC 2
JAN 6
FEB 3
MAR 3
APR 7
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Carol Kuehn & Family
Lizbeth & Mark Brown
Mary & Dave Goplen
Ellie Holmquist, Heather Jacoby, Ruth Lee, & Gretchen Robinson
Rick Gripentrog
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Join us
December 3rd
9:30 AM
for a time of camaraderie
at the home of Jean Carlson.
There is no membership requirement or time commitment.
Just come to enjoy the fellowship, for a few minutes, or a couple of hours!
(No knitting skills required)
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Visit of Saint Nicholas
Sunday, December 4th
9:30 AM
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The Second Sunday of Advent will be marked by the annual visit of Saint Nicholas. One of the church’s most celebrated saints, not simply of children, but by sailors and pawn-brokers as well, St. Nicholas, the bishop of Myra in modern day Turkey, was an early priest in the Christian Church who died around 342 AD. Legends that surround Nicholas tell of his love for God and neighbor, especially the poor. He became known as the symbol of anonymous gift giving.
St. Nicholas Day is traditionally celebrated on December 6th. Polish your shoes, or you may only receive coal this year.
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Growlers & Theology
Thursday, December 8th
7:00 PM
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The informal study of theology and
adult beverages continues at the Parsonage.
We are using in-person & Zoom options.
Over the next few months, the group will explore the last and often most misunderstood book of the Bible, Revelations.
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Women's Book Club
Friday, December 9th
5:00 PM
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Our monthly meeting is at the home of Deb Gilroy.
This month's selection is The Mermaid Chair, by Sue Monk Kidd. Join us! (and bring a snack to share if you like)
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Visit of Sancta Lucia
Sunday, December 11th
9:30 AM
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St. Lucia was a young Christian of Sicily who was martyred in 304 AD during the persecution under Emperor Diocletian. According to tradition, she had decided to devote her life to God and to give her possessions to the poor. In Sweden in the late 1700’s, there were legends of a woman appearing in times of great famine distributing food to the starving. Perhaps because the name Lucia means light, and since her feast day falls on December 13th, during the week that marks the darkest days of the year, these stories were in turn attributed to the goodness and generosity of St. Lucia. Prior to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, December 13th was the longest night in Sweden, so there was a tradition of singing and performing music through the night. This served as the origin of the early morning Lucia procession. |
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St. Lucia will make her lighted appearance as a part of the Third Sunday in Advent. The worship service will feature Swedish folk and religious music presented by the Choir, the Sunday School children and a special visit by the ASI Lillelag. The group of young fiddlers travelled to Sweden this past summer to learn more of the art of folk music. |
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Christmas Tea
Sunday, December 11th
10:30 AM
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Following the Sancta Lucia service, please join us for our annual Christmas Tea!
In addition to special refreshments, a select collection of cookies will be baked by
Shay Berends and provided for sale.
Volunteers are needed for setup, serving, & cleanup. Our signup form is available in Fellowship Hall. Or you may contact Ellie Holmquist directly…elliequist3@gmail.com
Cell/text (763) 360-6167
Home/call (763) 473-0883
Items can be delivered to the church beginning Wednesday, December 7th. Setup will begin on Saturday, December 10th at 10:00 AM.
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Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 18th
9:30 AM
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The Church Choir will celebrate a Festive Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 18th, the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The traditional service dates back to Christmas Eve 1918, when the newly appointed Dean of King’s College Cambridge, Eric Milner-White, a former army chaplain was convinced that the Church of England needed more imaginative worship and decided to create a unique service for King’s College. The format of the service with its blending of music and readings grew immediately in in popularity. Harpist Andrea Stern, flautist Laura MacKenzie, and trumpeter Dr. Ben Alle will participate in the service. |
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~ Julbord ~
Scandinavian Smörgåsbord
Saturday, December 17th
5:00 PM
OR
Sunday, December 18th
12:00 Noon
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MENU
Glögg or Hot Apple Cider, Ginger Cookies, & Bacon-wrapped Date
Kryddpeppar Sill ~ Traditional Marinated Herring
Matjes Herring in Tomato & Onion Mixture
Creamy Herb & Garlic Herring
Sillsallad ~ Herring & Beet Salad
Eggs with Mayonnaise and Greenland Shrimp
Two kinds of Scandinavian Cheese
Boiled Fingerling Potatoes
Rosépepper Marinated Salmon with Sweet Dill Mustard Sauce
Jul Lax - Baked Salmon with Christmas Spices and Mustard
Svensk Julskinka ~ Swedish Christmas Ham, Apple Sauce & Mustard
Homemade Chicken Liver Paté with Cumberland Sauce
Pickled Cucumber
Brie Cheese
A variety of Crackers & Olives
Jansson’s Temptation ~ Creamy Potato Casserole
Meatballs & Lingonberries
Homemade Sweet & Sour Cabbage
Prinskorv ~ Swedish Wieners
Swedish Potato Sausages
DESSERT TABLE
Ris a la Malta ~ Creamy Rice Pudding with Sweet Fruit Sauce
Ginger Cookies and
A variety of Swedish Cookies
Saffron Torte served with Whipped Cream
Fresh Fruit Salad
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Adults/$40.00, all inclusive.
Children ages 5-12 years /$15.00
Children under 5/Free of charge
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Christmas Caroling!
Sunday, December 18th
6:00 PM
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You are invited to join the caroling chorus!
We will gather at the home of Michelle & Bernie Reisberg to sing Christmas carols around the neighborhood before returning to the
Mary Tyler Moore House for refreshments.
Please bring an appetizer to share.
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Christmas Eve Family Service
Saturday, December 24th
4:30 PM
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Every seven years or so, Christmas Day, December 25th falls on a Sunday. 2022 is that unique year. The last time this occurred was in 2016. Our worship schedule adjusts slightly so that we can celebrate Jesus’ birth joyously and allow some time for our musicians to enjoy their family Christmas as well. |
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As in years past, the Family Service at 4:30 PM on Christmas Eve will center around the Christmas story in St. Luke’s gospel framed in familiar Christmas carols and culminating in a “living nativity scene” at the manger for Holy Communion. The Church Choir will sing at this worship service this year as well.
Please note that there will be only one service this year on Christmas Eve.
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Christmas Morning Service
Sunday, December 25th
10:00 AM
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The Sunday morning, Christmas Day worship service on December 25th will be highlighted by the Christmas Day cantata, For Unto Us a Child is Born. The cantata BWV 142 has long been associated with J.S. Bach, but increasingly, musicologists have suggested that it was the work of Bach’s predecessor in Leipzig, Johann Kuhnau. Regardless, it is a colorful piece with a stirring Alleluia. The cantata will be performed by strings, flutes, vocal soloists and choir. Along with traditional Christmas carols sung by the congregation, this sparkling and lively cantata will be a wonderful way to the begin your Christmas Day.
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Valley Grove Tapestries Exhibition |
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Valley Grove Lutheran Church, outside of Northfield, Minnesota disbanded as a congregation in the early 1970’s, but its iconic placement atop a secluded hill just north of the Big Woods State Park continued to claim a place of people’s imagination. Concerts, weddings and occasional services were held there.
During the pandemic, local weaver, Robbie LaFleur, was commissioned, through Nordic Churches Project, to create a series of four tapestries honoring the two historic church buildings at Valley Grove.
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Minnesota filmmaker, Paul Krause, created a documentary for TPT about the history of the Valley Grove Preservation Society and included the development and creation of the tapestries.
Join us & artist Robbie LaFleur for coffee, cookies, & lefse at the Exhibition Open House & Gallery Talk in the Christy Room on Tuesday, December 13th from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Gallery Talk ~ 3:00 PM.
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As an aside, this is where the Haugs have owned cemetery plots since since 1987. |
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Wonders of Italy Tour
April 10th – 21st 2023
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Pastor Haug will lead a tour to Europe after Easter 2023.
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The 10-day tour includes
- 4 nights in the heart of Rome,
- 4 nights in Montecatini, Tuscany
- 2 nights in Venice.
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Early Christianity in Rome |
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All are welcome to join!
We meet on Tuesdays at 9:30 am in the Christy Room or the Sanctuary.
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LOTI is available during office hours for a time of quiet meditation. You can use the sanctuary to spend time in prayer, light a candle, listen to recorded sacred music, and/or use a guided meditation tool. Please call the church office to reserve a time. (612) 377-5095
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Wednesday Morning Bible Study |
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All are welcome to come and join our Wednesday morning Bible study!
Pastor Haug leads the morning bible study group in the Library & via Zoom at 10:00 AM Wednesdays.
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To view, go to our YouTube channel, or to find the livestream link & worship service bulletin go to loti.org. |
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We're hosting Coffee Hour after the service in the Fellowship Hall.
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LOTI Sermons Podcast
Check out our new podcast series on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, or Google…wherever you listen. You can find it by typing LOTI Sermons in the search bar of the platform you are using for podcasts. Listen to any of the sermons wherever you are, anytime!
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Cheri Moe
Katherine Mechels
David Brost
Steve Hoyt
Carol Kuehn
Natalya Rose Haug
Emily Melbye
Gregory Sarles
Martin Carlson
Hayden John Nelson
Lars Olson
Guthrie Frahm
Jorgen Olson
Mary Flynn
Remi Pizarro
John Zachman
Chris Hovda
Pauline Haug
Allyson Sprain
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December Worship Volunteers |
Altar Servers
04 Linda Nelson & Mary Flynn
11 Mary & David Goplen
18 David & Carolyn Hagford
24 TBD
25 Cathy Carlson & Kathy Hering
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Ushers
04 Lars Olson
11 Bill Fredell
18 Pierre LaMere
24 Kathy & Bill Fredell
25 Ellie Holmquist
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Worship Assistants
04 Mary Sabatke & Steve Hoyt
11 Mark Duff & Michelle McCreery
18 Kathy Hering & Steve Hoyt
24 Marty Carlson & Mary Sabatke
25 Steve Hoyt & Kathy Hering
01 Michelle McCreery & Mark Duff
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Readers
04 David Hagford
11 Kathy Fredell
18 Pierre LaMere
25 Mary Sabatke
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Coffee Hour Hosts
04 David & Carolyn Hagford
11 Christmas Tea
18 Linda Nelson
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Staff Members
Jim Olson –Worship Technical Assistant
Sarah & Trevor Skorburg – Caretakers
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Contact us if you have events, schedules, or other information to share with the congregation.
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Council Members
Pamela Aagaard
Ross Bartels – Treasurer
Catherine Carlson
Casey Christy
David Hagford
Steve Hoyt – Vice President
Eric Mechels
Katie Messerli
Michelle Reisberg
Jon Sprain – Secretary
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Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church
2020 W Lake of the Isles Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(612) 377-5095
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