Shepherd of the

Pines
Lutheran Church

1950 125th Street NW

Rice, MN 56367
Phone: 393-4295
Pastors Home/Study Phone: 320-363-1323
Email: sotpministries@jetup.net

2014

Church Website:

sotpministries.com
Greetings,
As we enter into a joyous Advent and Christmas Season are you getting excited to
celebrate the birth of our Savior? About a hundred years before the birth of Jesus, a
Greek mathematician wrote about the seven wonders of the world. His list was: the
Great Pyramid of Egypt, the lighthouse at Alexandria, the Hanging Gardens of
Babylon, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Tomb of Mausolus, the Statue of Zeus at
Olympia, and the Temple of Diana at Ephesus. Today we might list many more
buildings and towers.
As grand as many of civilizations wonders have been and will be, none are as
grand as Gods forests, oceans, mountains, His universe. Yet more wonderful still is
that the mightiest of the mighty - our God and Creator of the universes - loves you and
me as His own children! He lives and dwells in us by His Spirit. He came to us as
Jesus, Emmanuel, to save us from sin and death and to lift us above all that into life in
His forever family full of joy and hope.
Matthew 1:23 tells us, His name shall be called Emmanuel (which means, God
with us.) Jesus Christ born in a stable, shines into our hearts, giving light and life to us
all - not just at Christmas, but every day. There is no wonder of the world like Jesus.
As we kneel before Him this Advent and
Christmas, may we experience His presence
in our lives. O Child of Bethlehem, let me
gaze in wonder and love at You again and
again and rejoice! God IS with us, thats the
message of Christmas!! Our Advent and
Christmas theme this year is Slow Down and
Experience the Christmas You've Always
Longed For.
Christmas Blessings To All,

Board of Lay Ministry

Pending Approval Minutes
November 18, 2014
BOLM members present: Juli Popp, Brent Betker, Brad Jasmer, Jay Saldana, Wayne Johnson, Keith Peterson,
Deb Erdmann, Keith Hackett and Pastor Bob.
Properties: Bruce Knafla
Brad Jasmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Pastor Bob opened with prayer.
Brent Betker read the mission statement.
Chapter 6 of Acts was read and discussed.
Treasurers report was reviewed and discussed. Jay Saldana moved to accept the report followed by a second
from Deb Erdmann. Motion carried.
Properties: Bruce Knafla reported Dennis Arntson is drawing up some preliminary plans for the kitchen
remodeling. Dennis will present them at the congregational meeting. The light on the cross is out on top of the
church. Will be replaced when it is safe to go up there. Snow plowing will continue to be done by Saldana
Excavating.
Secretarys report was read by Deb. Motion was made by Juli to accept the minutes as read. Motion was
seconded by Jay Saldana. Motion carried.
Old Business:
BOLM met for a few minutes between services on Sunday to discuss the nominations for BOLM 2014.
Board members contacted Sarah Anderson, Bruce Resch and Brent Betker to discuss the duties of a
board member and to get their acceptance for the nomination. Also, Curt Kvamme was contacted to
accept his nomination as Treasurer. Everyone accepted their nominations.
Call Committee: Brad read the names of those in the call committee nomination box. There were 17
names in the box. Board members will be contacting each person to make sure their intentions are to
still be on the committee. Brad will contact Circuit Visitor Pastor Brady Finnern to see if 17 will be too
many.
Pastor Bob reported on what the duties and cost of bring a DCE Intern in would be. Also looked at cost
of DCO Intern. The Board will be asking Peter Keyes to come to the next meeting to share more
information. EMT will also be invited to this meeting.

New Business:
Worship schedule was reviewed through December 14th.
Next BOLM meeting will be Thursday, December 18th at 7pm with newly elected Board Members and
EMT.
Congregational Meeting agenda was reviewed.
Dave Ramsey Momentum Team Report. The team thanked the Board for allowing them to attend the
training. There are currently 14 people going through the classes now. There will be 3 classes at
various times and days starting in January. The $50 rebate for attending all 9 classes will continue for
the 2015 classes pending approval of budget at the annual meeting.
Ron Bulthuis has a flash drive with the church propery inventory on it. It will be put in the safety box
at the bank.
Brenda Pressnalls sister would like to come and share a powerful testimony of Gods working in her
life. Pastor Bob will work out the details.
Pastor Bob will be showing short video clips from the Right Now Media on a few Sunday mornings to
kick off our journey to beginning our church wide Godly finance experience.
Jay Saldana made a motion and Deb seconded it to donate $500 to the Rice Elementary School Sharing
Tree Collection for families in need. Motion carried.
Thank you note from Pastor Bob was read thanking the congregation for the generous gifts he was
presented with for Pastor Appreciation Month.
Pastors comments. None
Leaders comments. None
Motion to adjourn meeting was made by Jay Saldana and seconded by Wayne Johnson. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:52pm
Closed with prayer circle prayer.

THE RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE will be at Shepherd of the Pines Church on

Monday, December 22, from 12:00pm 6:00pm. Anyone who is 17 years
old or older, weighing at least 110 pounds and who is in general good health
may donate blood so others may live. 16 year olds may donate with a signed
Red Cross parental/guardian consent form. Call 1-800-GiveLife to set up your
appointment. Thank you for your support.

Bags of Love is a national charity that provides a bag of

belongings to children being removed from a dangerous or
neglectful home. These children are removed by law
enforcement and social services. There may not be time to pack
a bag of their own belongings, or they may not have anything to
pack. Each bag includes two toys appropriate for their age. Try
to choose toys that dont make noise and dont have a lot of pieces (for

younger children) and cost less than $5. Each child also gets a coloring or
activity book or drawing paper, and crayons. Here is a list of the age ranges
and toy suggestions for each bag: Newborn to 18 months old Infant toys,
teething rings, rattles; 18 months to 3 years old Balls, toddler toys for 2
year olds is appropriate; 4 to 7 years old dolls, cars, action figures,
puzzles; 8 to 12 years old playing cards, legos, puzzles, craft kits; 13 years
old and up decks of playing cards, flashlights with batteries, disposable
cameras. Its important for these children to have a toy or two of their very
own. As you do your Christmas shopping this season, please keep these
children in mind, and pick up a toy for them. You can put them in the box
marked Bags of Love in the Fellowship Hall at church. Check the website
http://itsmyveryown.org for more info and for the list of Bags of Love
chapters in the United States.
We have been praying for our church
family each week as we go through our
church directory from A to Z. As you go
about your daily tasks lift a prayer for the
family of the week as the Lord brings them
to mind.
In December we will be praying for:
December 7 - DelRoy & Marlene Shane
December 14 - Dale & Terri Skajewski
Children: Eric, Jenna & Haley
December 21 - Darin & Sheila Smallfield
Child: Shane
December 28 - Brian & Tonya Soltis
Children: Nicholas Kersting, Peyton & Brody

RICE AREA FOOD

SHELF
December
distribution is
Thursday, December
4th,
3:00-5:30pm at the
Old Village Hall

DECEMBER NOISY
OFFERING!

We will
be
taking
up our
noisy offering on
Sunday, December
21st , for Habitat for Humanity.
Thank you for your support and
your generous donations!
Pastor Bob & Carol will be away on
vacation December 25th - January 3rd. If
you need pastoral care during this time
please call Pastor Greg
Tomhave at 320-493-9761
or call the SOTP office at
393-4295.

Hello Everyone,
Hope you are all staying warm since winter has
decided to come early this year. Sunday School is
going great. The kids seem to be enjoying the new
curriculum. We have a few exciting things coming
up this month. First on December 7th we will be
presenting the third graders with their Bibles during
both services. Second on December 21st we will be
presenting the Children's Christmas Message during

the 8:00 service. Third on December 25th we will

celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ.
Christmas Blessing to All,
Jennifer Betker

Christmas Readers and

Ushers Needed!!
There
are sign up sheets on the
counter in the church lobby for
the Christmas Eve 3:00pm, 5:00pm
and 9:00pm services. If you are willing
to read a scripture during one of the
Christmas services please take a copy of
the reading for you to practice and read
through prior to the service.

There will be a Bake Sale between services

in the fellowship hall on Sunday, December
7th. The 2nd year SOTP Saints and the SOTP
Youth Group are working to fund a youth
ministry rally in March called Acquire the
Fire. They will be attending this 2 day
event that will have inspirational speakers
and Christian music. It promises to be a
faith building opportunity. We sincerely
appreciate your support.

There are sign up sheets on the

counter
in the church lobby for
those interested in taking the Dave
Ramsey, Financial Peace University
classes this January. We are offering
three different classes in order to
facilitate all of us having the
opportunity to participate:

1.
Sunday
Mornings starting
Jan. 11th
9:30-11:30am.
2.
Monday
Mornings starting
Jan. 12th 9:00-11:00am
3. Thursday evenings starting
Jan. 15th 6:30-8:30pm
Childcare can be provided as
needed - please indicate that need
on the sign up sheets. Our goal is
for ALL of our congregation to take
the opportunity to participate in this
course for learning to walk in Goddirected finances. You'll learn to
take control of your money, invest
for the future, and experience God's
blessings in your finances The cost
is $100 for a couple or for single
persons. The church is offering a
$50 rebate for those who
complete the 9 week course.

We will be placing our order

for poinsettias to decorate the
sanctuary for Christmas. If you are
interested in purchasing one please
fill out a form. They are located on
the counter in the church lobby.
Checks should be made out to:
SHEPHERD OF THE PINES with
Christmas Plants in the memo
line. Payment is required with your
order. The deadline for ordering is
DECEMBER 7h. Thank you!! We ask
that you leave your plant(s) at church
for all the Christmas services and take
the plant with your name tag only. If
you have any questions call Joanny at
393-3342.

Our church offers fifth graders

the opportunity to participate in
Holy Communion after taking
Early Communion classes. This
year First Communion classes will be

offered in two sessions from 2:00pm

to 5:00pm on Sunday afternoons,
January 25th and February 8th.
Then we will have a special
recognition of our First Communicants
in our Sunday service on February
22nd. One parent is asked to attend
the classes with the student. Both
parents are welcome to attend if they
wish. If your child is older than fifth
grade and would like to attend the
class they are also welcome. If your
child is planning to attend the
class please call Pastor Bob (3934295) so that we can have enough
materials available. Please bring your
Sunday school Bible and a highlighter
to the classes.

The Christmas You've Always

Longed For
November 30th - Slow Down &
Evaluate
December
7th - The Right
Focus
December
14th
When
Complications
Multiply
December 21st Celebrating
the Miracle
Birth
Childrens Christmas Program
-Sunday,
December 21st
8:00 am Service
Christmas Eve Services-A Quiet
Serenity
3:00 pm - Family Service
5:00 pm - Family Service
9:00 pm -Service of Readings,
Carols &Holy
Communion

Crusade Choir
Presents

Halleluiah! Light
Has Come
The Crusade Choir of St. Cloud
invites you and your family and
friends to experience Jesus as the
Light of the World in Hallelujah!
Light Has Come. This spiritually
uplifting collection of Christmas
music is arranged by such artists as
David T. Clydesdale, Lari Goss, BJ
Davis and Chris Tomlin. All
performances are at First
Presbyterian Church
340 5th Avenue South
St. Cloud
Coffee and cookies will follow each
performance.
Free will offering.

Friday, December 12th, 7:30pm

Saturday, December 13th 7:30pm
Sunday, December 14th, 2:00pm
Please join us for a time of
uplifting
music
during
this
holiday season

How do I become a member of

Shepherd Of The Pines?
We offer membership classes to those who
would like to become members of
Shepherd of the Pines and join us on our
journey with Jesus. The class consists of
two Saturday sessions. The next ones are:
March 14th and March 28th 2015. Look for
more information coming in 2015. Each
class will be from 8:30am to 12:30pm with

a brunch included. Our goal is to help each

person take steps into Gods good plan and
to discover and live out Gods wonderful
purposes for our lives. If you have any
questions contact Pastor Bob at 393-4295.
A Toys for Tots box is located in
the lobby of the church for
anyone to donate. The
Toys
for
Tots
program is looking
for new toys with
an approx. value
of
$10.00
for
children ages newborn to 16. Each
child will receive at least one $10.00
gift, and depending on donations,
may receive additional smaller gifts.
This program has been active in the
Central MN area for many years, and
furnishes toys to nearly 3000 children
each Christmas.
All toys are
distributed through the Catholic
Charities Emergency Services. If you
know of families or individuals who
are in need of toys or other service
during the Holiday Season, have them
call the United Way 211 or 800-5437709 for an appropriate referral.
United Way does not provide any
services, but will direct people to the
help they need. Please have your
items to the church by Friday,
December 12th! Thank you!

Operation Christmas Child:

We wrapped up the 2014 season at
the drop-off site this week. One
pickup box and crew cab back seat
full of boxes. 140 boxes! Thats
70+ in 2012, 90+ in 2013, and 140 in 2014thanks
to all the shoppers, cash donators, packing workers,
noisy offering contributors, and SOTP church
inspired by the Holy Spirit to send hope, love and a
message of salvation to 140 kids and possibly their

families around the world! Merry Christmas!

P.S. Dont forget to watch for after-Christmas
clearance items for next year.

Worship Shepherds
December 7 Brad Jasmer
December 14 Jay Saldana
December 24 3:00pm Juli Popp
5:00pm Deb Erdmann
9:00pm Wayne Johnson
December 21 Keith Hackett
December 28 Brent Betker

December 7

8:00am Kevin & Janet Maleska

10:30am Keith & Kathy Craft

December 14

8:00am Ron & Barb McKeever

10:30am Wayne & Colleen Peterson

December 21

8:00am Keith & Roxanne Peterson

10:30am

December 28

8:00am Steve & Roxann Ree

10:30am John & Gloria Hendrickson

December 7

8:00am
10:30am

Janet Maleska
Angela Frost

December 14

8:00am
10:30am

Jeanie Schroeder
Sandie Resch

December 21

8:00am
10:30am

Paul Tschida

December 28

8:00am
10:30am

Roxann Ree
Sandie Resch

December 7

Tim & Linda Neutz

December 14

Joyce Saldana

December 21

Tony & Linda Omann

December 28

Shelley Pintok

DECEMBER COUNTERS

If it is your turn to serve fellowship,

please bring some treats to share and arrive early to help
set up. If your name is first on the list, please arrive 30
minutes prior to the 8:00am service to make coffee. The
directions for making coffee are posted on the bulletin board
in the kitchen. When you serve fellowship, please plan on
serving coffee and treats and cleaning up the kitchen after
the first service. The others serving with you would
appreciate it!

December 7 -

W. Peterson, J. Hoeft, J. Funt,

J. Dumonceaux, K. Foss

December 14 - B. Gottwalt, J. Brouns, K. Feia,

T. Ollman, T. Neutz
December 21 -

December 28 -

December 7- I Samuel 2:1-2

Luke 1:46-55
December 14 - Isaiah 11:1-3
Matthew 1:18-25
December 21 - Isaiah 9:2-7
Luke 2:6-18
December 28 - Revelation 14:1-5
Matthew 2:13-18

DECEMBER
Mary Bulthuis, Juli Popp,
Danette Brannen, Roxanne Peterson

PROJECTIONIST
December 7

8:00am Tony Omann

10:30am Matthew Neutz

December 14

8:00am Bill Paradeis

10:30am Noah Ellefson

December 21

8:00am Mike Lattimer

10:30am Matthew Neutz

December 28

8:00am Dennis Arntson

10:30am Denise Leahy

J. Saldana, Ro. Gummert,

K. Gummert, J. Kaba, D. Traut
C. Anderson, B. Fiedler,
S. Schraut, D. Brannen, A. Ostendorf

Dennis Arntson, Laurie Madoll,

Keith Kirchner, Ron Bulthuis

NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
RICE, MN
PERMIT NO. 32

RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED

Jesus Gives Grace To...

Bob Trinklein, Pastor

Church Phone: 393-4295
Pastors Home Study: 320-363-1323
Email: sotpministries@jetup.net
Church Website: sotpministries.com
SOTP BOARD OF LAY MINISTRY/ELDERS
Brent Betker, Vice-President 584-8170, Deb Erdmann, Sec. 393-4279, Keith Hackett 393-4531, Brad Jasmer, President 584-5785,
Wayne Johnson 253-9020, Juli Popp, Treas. 393-3353, Jay Saldana 393-2792, Keith Peterson 292-4007
Ron Bulthuis, Church Properties 253-4623
EXECUTIVE MINISTRY TEAM
Brenda Hackett - Small Group Team Leader, Michelle Motschke - Worship Team Leader, Maria Traut - Service Team Leader
In case of church cancellation due to bad weather listen to, 98 COUNTRY 98.1, SPIRIT 92.9, KCLD 104.7, WJON 1240,
or call the church office and listen to the message.

Shepherd of the Pines Mission Statement: Connecting People to GodTo Othersand To Service
The purpose of this congregation is mandated for us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as found in the words of the Great
Commission (Matthew 28), namely first of all to Go. To leave our walls of refuge, going into all the world, comprising of our families
and neighbors. We plan to achieve our purpose by identifying persons with whom we are particularly well-equipped to serve and reach
with the challenge of becoming Disciples of Christ.
Second, to Make Disciples or in the words of St Paul, To equip the saints (Ephesians 4:12). This is to be understood as helping
people to live the Christian life here on earth. Preparing and encouraging young and old alike to find and to use their God given gifts
and abilities for the extension of His Kingdom, and to grow in fervent love for God and for others.
Thirdly, to Baptize as commanded by Jesus Himself. As God reaches down to mankind with His means of grace, He would have us
baptize His people, bringing them into His family and Kingdom, granting to them life, forgiveness of sins, and eternal salvation.
And lastly, to continue steadfast in His Word, Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. A continued
zeal for the study of His Word, the Bible, is necessary for the growth of any Christian congregation. Thus, the Word of God will be
taught and studied in full measure and His Word shall be the rule and norm of this congregations faith and life.
To that end, our every effort and energy will be used in motivating, training, and putting to use our time, and talents and treasures
to Make Disciples.