In this issue… - Atonement Lutheran Church

Atonement
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Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 S. University Drive
Fargo, ND 58104
Ph. (701) 237-9651
www.atonementfargo.org
December 28, 2014—January 3, 2015
Holiday Roller Coaster
In this issue…

Join in the
Daniel Plan
in 2015

Youth Bible
Studies and
Passion
Conference

Children’s
Ministry Dates
...and more!
By Mark Solhjem
Well, we made it. All the shopping is done. All the baking and cooking is done. All the parties
are over. The carols have been sung and the presents have been opened. The mess is
(hopefully) cleaned up. Each year December grows ever busier as it progresses and then peaks
with the crazy frenzy of Christmas. Every year I look forward to it, and every year I enjoy the
season. However, every year—after it is all said and done—I am somewhat relieved to return
to a normal schedule.
And traditionally, now that Christmas is in the rear view mirror, it seems that it is time to
make some New Year’s resolutions. So I resolve to exercise more, lose a few pounds, be
nicer, save more money, keep the house cleaner, learn a new language, finish the projects
around the house, spend more time with loved ones, read more, and get myself organized. Is
your list similar? According to one study, most resolutions are broken by the end of
January! Why? Well, real change is hard.
Atonement has seen a lot of change in the past year and at times it was hard. God
revealed our sins to us. We had pride about ourselves and what we had done. Paul writes in
Philippians 2,
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above
yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
It is in this train of thought that our congregation has been reminded that we are here not to
make the name of Atonement great, but to make the name of Jesus great. Lord, we pray that we
might be less so you will be more. Lord forgive us, renew us and lead us! This year let us resolve to make
ourselves less important. Let us resolve to know God more, and to make Him known to the
world.
My resolution this year is to surrender my selfish ambition. My dreams are selfish and too
small. Instead I pray that I will come to know God more. I pray that He will use me and use
our congregation to make His name great.
Feed My Starving Children Event
Atonement Lutheran Church is proud to host a FMSC Event in the FM area. We are working
with several churches and service groups to help pack 200,000 meals—in one day! FMSC is a
global Christian hunger charity that donates nutritious, dehydrated MannaPack meals to
missions running orphanages, school, clinics, and feeding programs in nearly 70 countries.
It’s easy & fun for all ages, so grab your friends and family and sign up to volunteer or donate at
www.atonementfargo.com, under the FMSC link.
Remember the date:
Saturday, January 24, 2015.
Announcements & Events
Men’s Morning Invitation
Are we as dedicated to our Christian faith as we are to our
occupations? Paul compares our Christian commitment with
that of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer in 2 Timothy 2:113. Please join us on Wednesday (yes, that’s right—
Wednesday, Jan. 31st) morning at 6:45 in the Fireside Room
as we discuss this passage and enjoy Christian fellowship, coffee, and treats. The switch to Wednesday is only for this
week and results from the plans many have for New Year’s
Day. Questions? Please contact Dwayne Presler or any of the
Men’s Morning Regulars.
Volunteer Needs
Each week a large team of volunteers serve to ensure the
Atonement family and visitors feel welcome. Our volunteers
are vital to our Sunday’s services running smoothly. Our
current needs are below:
EASY WORSHIP FOR THE TRADITIONAL 11 A.M. SERVICE:
Help run the computer program to display songs, prayers,
and other information on the screens for the worship services
held in the sanctuary.
VAN DRIVERS: Each Sunday one of our eight volunteer van
drivers go to Riverview Place and Touchmark to pick up
residents and bring them to worship. Many faithful
worshippers are able to attend services thanks to this
ministry.
If you would like to help us meet our volunteer needs, please
contact Lisa Hanson at: [email protected]
Church Contribution for 2014 Reminder
Just a friendly reminder that end of the year statement of
contributions will be mailed out in January. To ensure the
deductibility of your church contributions, please do not file
your 2014 income tax return until you have received this
written acknowledgement of your contributions from the
church.
December 28th
December 31st
January 4th
January 7th
January 11th
January 11th
No Sunday School
No Faithbook (Adults & Children)
No Sunday School
Faithbook Resumes (Adults &
Children)
Sunday School Resumes
3rd Grade Bible Class
Holiday Devotionals
This year’s advent devotionals through December 31st are at
the Connection Center and is also available online. Each day
is written by a member of the staff. Each week you can pick
up your weekly reading.
Health Ministry Team Meeting
The Health Ministry Team will be meeting again on
Thursday, January 8th at 7:00 p.m. in the Atrium where we
will be discussing possible upcoming health programs,
including the idea of a church-wide fitness challenge. If you
are interested in health ministry, please join us! Contact
Denise Thiner, Faith Community Nurse, if you know you
will be able to come or if you have any questions at 701-2379651 or email: [email protected]
Sr. High Ministry Break
Merry Christmas to all Sr. High youth and families. AYM and
Imago Dei are off for break through January 5th. Small groups
will continue to meet on Monday nights. We wish you a very
Merry Christmas and pray you glory in the gift of God’s love
that came down to us at Christmas.
Jr. High Ministry Break
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! We
hope you have a tremendous day celebrating the birth of our
Savior and celebration of a new year!
Looking for Childcare?
Children’s Weekday Ministries (CWM) is dedicated to providing
quality early childhood experiences for all children in a safe and
nurturing Christian environment. The qualified and dedicated
teachers provide environments in which children will learn about the
good news of Jesus Christ as well as develop socially, emotionally,
physically, and intellectually. If you have any questions about our
childcare, preschool, or school age programs, please feel free to
contact Kim VanCamp at: [email protected]
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in
order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.
— Galatians 4:4-5
Remember to join us in reading Daily Texts! The Watchword for this Week is Galatians 4:4-5
Daily Devotionals
Our devotional plan for 2015 is a mixture of outside resources and devotionals written by our staff. We will
offer “Our Daily Bread” daily devotionals, which will be available at either Connection Center. This
upcoming Lent we will also offer devotions written by members of the congregation. If you have further
questions, please speak to Mark Solhjem.
The Daniel Plan
Do you desire to improve your health? Join me in adapting the Daniel Plan.
The Daniel Plan is framed around The Essentials: Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus
and Friends—life areas that all work together to restore and sustain your long
-term health. Faith is the foundation with God as the source of the power and
the energy behind all transformational change. As you follow The Daniel
Plan, you will discover that you have a part to play in getting healthier, and
God will energize your efforts. We have learned that doing the Daniel Plan in
community, with a group of friends, is the “secret sauce”.
Scan the above QR code
with your smart phone or
tablet to donate to
Atonement quickly
and securely.
We will meet for seven weeks on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the
Atrium starting on January 5th. Come and join us!
Passion Prayers
This Thursday morning, six college age and high school women will depart for the “Passion Conference” in
Atlanta. Please keep this team in your prayers as they travel. Pray that God would speak boldly through the
speakers and worship. Pray that God would set their hearts on fire for Him. Pray they would be fed and
fueled to continue to grow in faith and share the message of Jesus with others. Members of the Passion Team
are: Abbie Siirila, Katie Anderson, Rachel Larson, Abbie Christiansen, Brianna Lawrence and Paige Leier.
Revelation Study
All youth are encouraged to join us Wednesday, January 7th as we begin a study on the book of Revelation.
Revelation is a book surrounded by misunderstanding and mystery. But as we read and pray, we discover
beauty, glory and promise found in Christ alone. We will meet at 8:00 p.m. for food and hanging out,
followed by Bible study and prayer. Please remember your Bibles and bring a pen and paper if you want to
take notes.
Jesus + Nothing = Everything
Are you looking for more Jesus, more everything? Do you crave hard questions, deep conversation and
convicting relationships with others? If so, consider joining our Small Group. This group is for youth grades
10-12 and early college age. We meet Monday nights at Jeff and Andrea Paulson's home. January 12, 2015
we will begin a new study based on Tullian Tchvidjian's bestselling book. Join us and experience authentic
community, life affirming conversation and life-changing relationship with Jesus. Contact Jeff Paulson for
more details.
We proclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and commit to a life of Discipleship, Service and Community for all.
Prayers
Each week we print a list of prayer requests. We have an ongoing list of prayer concerns
printed on blue paper available at the connection center.
Healing
Sympathy for the family of:
Hadley Anderson (Daughter-in-Law
of Shirley Anderson)
Catherine Adraktas (Friend of Jim Stai)
Barbara Cleland (Relative of Julie Heuer)
Bonnie Clarys
Orel Cossette (Father of Cindy Quibell)
Please pray for Pastor Becky Lee as she
shares the message on January 4th. Please read
John 1:10-18 in preparation
for the message.
Sunday, December 28
8:45 a.m.
8:45 a.m.
9:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
2:30 p.m.
Contemporary Worship Service—Ark
Traditional Worship Service—Sanctuary
Coffee House—Fireside Room
Contemporary Worship Service—Ark
Traditional Worship Service—Sanctuary
ALC on TV—Channel 99
Monday, December 29
8:15 p.m.
Shift (Gr. 10-12 study)—Paulson’s
Tuesday, December 30
6:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
4:30 p.m.
Band of Brothers—Atrium
ALC on TV—Channel 99
Prayer Time—Atrium
Wednesday, December 31—New Year’s Eve
6:45 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
Men’s Morning—Fireside Room
Piecemakers—Atrium
Attendance
Sunday, December 21, 2014
8:45 Contemporary Worship Service
8:45 Traditional Service
11:00 Contemporary Worship Service
11:00 Traditional Service
142
147
215
75
Musical, “One Quiet Night”
December 18 at 7:00 p.m.
173
December 20 at 7:00 p.m.
153
December 21 at 3:00 p.m.
151
Offering
Received December 21, 2014
General Fund
$21,579.41
Women’s ministries
$3,363.98
Quilts of Valor
$500.00
FMSC
$225.42
Youth mission
$200.00
Christmas Musical
$105.00
Missionary Support
$40.00
Chapter Next
$20.00
Poinsettias
$20.00
Thursday, January 1—New Year’s Day
Happy New Years! — Church Office is Closed
Friday, January 2
2:30 p.m.
Folding Friends—Fireside Room
Offerings YTD as of 12/22/2014*
Budgeted
Actual
Income $1,156,294.30 $1,002,248.09
Expenses $1,156,293.53 $1,059,061.24
+/87%
92%
*includes estimate of 12/31/2014 payroll
Atonement Staff
• Becky Lee
• Mark Solhjem
• Gayle Carlson
• Denise Thiner
• Billie Sue Ellingson
• Darrel Olson
• Jarl Iverson
• Andrea Paulson
• Brandon Foster
• Lisa Larson
• Amy Okeson
• Lisa Hanson
• Kim VanCamp
• Nicole Chaput
Pastor
Director of Ministry
Director of Operations
Faith Community Nurse
Pastoral Care/Counselor
Pastoral Care
Worship/Creative Ministry
Sr. High Youth Ministry
Jr. High Youth Ministry
Children’s Ministry
Children’s Ministry Assistant
Family Ministry
Children’s Weekday Ministry Dir.
Children’s Weekday Preschool Dir.
• Administration Team: Sandy Dalburg, Samantha Lund,
Jennifer Kruize
• Facilities Team: David Zaeske, Dennis Lund,
Justin Ward, Andrew Ness
To email any Atonement staff, use the first letter of their first
name and full last name followed by: @atonementfargo.org

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