WAYZATA COMMUNITY CHURCHinspire the world

Extraordinary Gifts

Last summer eleven soon-to-be ninth graders headed out on the first Wayzata Community Church YouthWorks! Middle School mission trip to Sisseton, South Dakota—to share their extraordinary gifts. In Sisseton they joined 40 kids from other churches and schools to scrape and paint a house for a local family, and run a Vacation Bible School. The best way to get an idea of the impact of such a trip is to talk to someone who attended. Kayla Lindgren was one of the WCC students on the trip. Her reflections speak of how life-changing mission and service can be. —Erin Lundberg, Director of Middle School Ministries

Kayla’s Reflection This mission trip was the first time that I was spending a long pe-riod of quality time with the kids my own age from our church. It’s always hard going into an experience as the new kid. You don’t

know whom you’ll get along with and whom you might even become lifelong friends with. But this trip turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life -- full of blood, sweat, and tears. But, these weren’t tears of sadness; I cried almost every single night from laughing so hard. I never imagined in my wildest dreams how close of a bond we would form with each other over the course of the trip. By the end of the mission trip, we were a family. On this trip I was not only able to “find myself”, I was able to figure out my rela-tionship with God. The thing that made this trip so life changing was that along with that amazing feeling we got as we helped others, we had an amazing time doing it! I was able to put my skills of working well with kids and the elderly to use and at the same time have fun. Whatever we were doing we managed to make it fun and memorable. While holding the ladders for one another (so we could reach the

In this issueCelebrations & Transitions 2John Ross: Clowns in Church 3 Lindy Purdy: What about Happiness? 4Sharing Extraordinary Gifts 5Generosity: Are You All in? 8Celebrating WCC’s Music Ministry 9Music at Wayzata, Caregivers Support 10Kristen Rouner Jeide: Relentlessly Share 11 Dramatic Works, Inc: Old Explorers 12

Volume 34, Number 9 l October 2012

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Extraordinary Gifts, continued on page 2

Celebrations & transitionsCelebrationsBaptismsAugust• ConnorRichardMoy,sonofTim&StephanieMoyonAugust26.September• BowenWalterRoeder,sonofFrank&Annie(Minors)RoederonSeptember2.• EmilyJacquelineWoodburn,daughterofJohn&KristinaWoodburnonSeptember2.

Marriages• SarahHadley&AlanPratheronJuly20.• HeatherJohnson&RyanGramonJuly28.• EmilyIversen&JohnHarderonAugust4.• AshleyPeterson&Joseph(Beau)DeckmanonAugust11.• KathrynSaylor&CameronWoodonAugust18.• MelissaDormanen&EricShevelandonSeptember8.• LindseySchreiber&NoahHansenonSeptember14.

CaresRecently HospitalizedAnnaAlworthJeanHaverstockCarolJohnsenBlakeMcShaneJimRendack

Condolences• Thefamily&friendsofDavidL.Oare,whodiedonAugust28.• Thefamily&friendsofShirleyAnnSween(92)whodiedinNaples,FLonSeptember7.• Thefamily&friendsofKathrynH.Heglund,whodiedonSeptember8.• NancyCrist&familyonthedeathofherhusband,ArchCrist,onSeptember13.

The BeaconispublishedbyWayzataCommunityChurch.Assignedarticles,orstoryideas,maybeemailedtoCamiFarleyatcommunications@wayzatacommunitychurch.org.PleasecallRobinCarlsonat952-473-8877,ext.218withaddresschangesorifyouwouldliketoberemovedfromthe Beacon mailing list.Editor:CamiFarley,952-473-8877,ext.225;communications@wayzatacommunitychurch.orgDesign:MarnieBaehr,952-473-8877,ext.238;communications@wayzatacommunitychurch.orgUpcomingdeadlines:9:00a.m.onTuesday,October2fortheNovember2012issue.

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Extraordinary Gifts, from page 1 highest parts of the house we were painting)weusedourpaintyhandstodraw on each others’ legs and when we spent long hours in the hot sun, we splashed each other with the cool wa-ter from the hose. The trip wasn’t all fun and games, though. We had very memorable and serious moments, too. One thing that has stuck with me was the last night’s club time, as we learned our Bible verse just like any other club time. This verse John 13: 1-17was about Jesuswashing his disciples’ feet. Our leaders explainedthatJesusdidthispurelyoutof love for his disciples. Our leaders wanted us to have this experience also, so began washing our feet.BythetimeErinreachedmetherewere already multiple people around me crying. When she started to wash my feet and pray for me, I completely broke down. I had never experienced something like that where I was receiv-ing so much love and praise all at once. I believe as teenagers we all build up walls and try not to let our true feelings shine through, but in that moment all of my walls had come crashing down. This trip exceeded my expectations a million times over. If I could describe it in one word it would be “miraculous”. I made friendships with people from across the U.S. I met extraordinary peo-ple and was fortunate enough to hear their stories. I may have made a differ-ence in that small town of Sisseton, but this trip and these people also made a difference in me.

hurch consultant Mike Piazza tells of visiting a church that had a 2-foot clown doll prominently displayed on the altar at the front of the Sanctuary. There was no mention of the clown by

worship leaders; no explanation in the printed bulle-tin; and no one seemed “creeped-out” by the clown staringatthem—exceptforMike.

Mikewasvisitingthatparticularchurchbecauseitwasavibrantandgrowingchurchin a depressed part of that city. He wondered what they were doing right—and after visitinghewonderedaboutthatclown!Afterabitofinvestigativework,helearnedthatthe clown was an ever-present reminder of the core-values of the congregation: arts, creativity, and celebration.

Justaseveryindividualpersonhasauniquecall,weasacongregationhaveauniquecall and God has blessed us to be a blessing. We can learn from other churches, but wehave todiscern,declare,anddedicateourselves to thecallingofGod forOURchurch—TODAY.Tryingtoimitateorbecomeanyotherchurch(includingourselvesfromyearsgoneby)wouldbeasstrangeandineffectiveasputtinga2-footclowndollon our altar.

We must be courageous and creative in our response to God’s call. We must each dis-cern our extraordinary gifts and share them relentlessly. How else will we possibly even begintofulfillthecalltoINSPIRETHEWORLDWITHTHEINCLUSIVELOVEOFJESUS?

InhiskeynoteaddressattheNationalPrayerBreakfast inWashington,D.C. in2008,WCC member Ward Brehm closed with this question and answer: “What is God’s strategyforlettingthem(theworld)knowthatHeisgood?Theanswerisastounding.Theansweris,US!Evenmoreastonishing:HehasnoPlanB.”

AtWCCwedon’thaveaclownprominentlydisplayedonouraltar(Communiontable).I’m guessing we never will. But there is a symbol in the design of our table in the Sanc-tuaryservingasapermanentreminderofacorevalueforus.Haveyouevernoticed?Takeacloselook.Don’tworry—youwon’tbecreeped-out.

Let’sinSPIREtheworld,

JohnF.RossSeniorMinister

“inSPIRE”isaseriesofmessagesbasedontheworkofCameronTrimbleandMikePiazza,Liberating Hope.

For the momentRev. Dr. John F. Ross, Senior Minister

“inSPIRE” (Part 5): Clowns in Church

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Trying to imitate any other churchwould be as strange as putting a 2-foot clown doll on our altar.

Bread for the journey. GraCe for the soul.

God speaks in song and honest wor-ship. Come contribute to the unifying fire of our prayers and desire to ap-proach God’s will in our lives. Sunday Evenings at 5:25 p.m. beginning in FoundersHall.

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Lindy Purdy: What about Happiness?

“are any among you happy? they should sing songs of praise.” (james 5: 13)

an money buy happiness? The answer to that question is one that can certainly be debat-ed, but conventional wisdom

(which can mean “what we learned from ourgrandparents”)isthatmoneycannotbuyhappiness. Three times this past summer, God nudged me and challenged me to think about this question.

The first happened in Israel, on the very first day I arrived. I was met by friends at the air-port and given my own bedroom in their house and then invited to help them count money—shekels and euros and dollars and dinar. You see, an offering had been taken thedaybeforeatalltheChristianchurchesinJerusalemtopurchaseanddistributefoodto the displaced and battered Syrians—who lived right across the border. There were 6ofuscounting,andastheamountswereannounced,therewasgreathappiness—delight even. Asecondtime,GodcaughtmyattentionwhenafriendsentmeavideoclipfromaTEDconferenceentitled,“Howtobuyhappiness.”This11-minutevideofeaturedMi-chaelNorton,aHarvardBusinessSchoolprofessorandpsychologist,ashedescribedresearch about the relationship between money and happiness. He acknowledged that not having enough money to meet basic needs causes stress and unhappiness, butwhatabouthavingmoneythatisbeyondwhatweactuallyneed?Doesitincreasehappiness?Isthereacorrelationbetweenmoremoneyandmorehappiness?

Afterextensiveresearch,acrossage,nationality,education,andsocio-economicstatus,theresultswereunanimous. Peoplewhoweregivenextramoneyandspent itonthemselves noticed no increase in happiness. But those who spent it on someone else, whether it was to buy them a cup of coffee, purchase a gift, or donate to a charity, reported a noticeable increase in their happiness. The only way that money can buy happiness is when it is given away.

JustincaseIdidn’tgetit,recentlyanarticleappearedintheStarTribune that boldly de-claredthat“No,youcan’tbuyhappiness,”butyoucanhaveitbywantingit.Sustainingyour appreciation and gratitude for something positive, reminding yourself of times of happiness can keep happiness around and prevent the addictive cycle of seeking ever more ways to find happiness.

I think God is reminding me that living a life of gratitude and generosity is the best way toacquirehappiness.AndIbelievethathappinessiscontagious.Let’sspreaditaroundand give it away.

Rev. Lindy Purdy is Minister of Pastoral Care.

Happiness is contagious. Let’s spread it around and give it away.

hese words are packed with mean-ing and complexity. All gifts by definition are extraordinary, aren’t they? If gifts were everyday occur-rences, they wouldn’t really be gifts. It

is kind of like the distinction between a handwritten letteryoureceiveinthemail(gift)andthehundredsofspamemailsyoureceive(definitelynotgifts).

Then,canyoureallyrelentlesslyshareanything?Isn’tsharing a voluntary notion? Something about theword relentless challenges me to keep at something long after I want to. I can get lost in the words until I come face to face with real life. In one person’s ex-perience, I see what it means to live into this part of our mission.

CraigShaverIIIandhiswife,Maureen(Mo)Shaver,andtheirtwosons, Craig and Spencer, are long-time members of the church. BothCraigandMohaveservedthechurchinvariouscapacitiesover the years in wonderful ways. This past year, something ex-traordinary happened.

Lastwinter,with a legislative session just starting,Mo agreedto attend a retreat at which various church members worked to identifya renewedvisionandmission for thechurch.EventhoughMo’sworkisintimatelytiedtothelegislativeagendaandcalendar, she gave up a Saturday in order to spend time with a group of people hoping to express a renewed vision and mis-sion for the church that she and her family have supported and served for so many years. That is not the extraordinary part.

When she was asked to continue working with a writing team for one or two more sessions to hammer out the language of the vision and mission, she thoughtfully agreed, even though, like many others, her calendar was clogged with work and family obligations. This is not the extraordinary part.

When the writing work extended out for two months, and as the legislativesessiongrewmoredemanding,Mogaveheratten-tion and passion to getting a vision and mission that spoke not only to her, but would reach out to new generations. When the writingteammetonGoodFridayandtheSaturdaybeforeEaster,Mowasthere.That’sstillnotit.

No,theextraordinarypartofthisstoryisthat,inthemidstofthedemands of work and her commitment to help renew the vision andmissionofthechurch,MoandCraigsaidgoodbyetotheir

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Relentlessly Share...Extraordinary Gifts

21-yearoldson,Craig,ashisUSMCunitshippedouttoAfghani-stan. Upon seeing a photo of the handsome and happy-looking youngmarineintheWayzataPostOffice,IthoughtaboutMoand Craig and what it must be like to be a parent of a service-manorwoman.Everydaythatourchildrenareinuniform,serv-ing the country, this, I thought, is what it means to relentless shareanextraordinarygift.Freelyofferingapartofyourbestselfto a world that often is hostile and violent in return, day in and day out, is relentlessly sharing an extraordinary gift.

Throughoutherson’sdeployment,Mohashelpedothers,likeme,watchthenewsaboutthewarinAfghanistanwithanewattention. She helps bring this far-away, dusty place, with all of its own complexities, closer to home by sharing news of Craig and the war. She keeps her focus on the positive, on supporting other families with loved ones serving in Craig’s unit, on offering grace to people like me who naively don’t understand the challenges and sacrifices of our servicemen and women.

The extraordinary part is this: in the midst of helping the church renew its vision — to inspire the world with the inclusive love of Jesus—Mowasalready relentlessly sharingextraordinarygifts not only of her time, experience, and wisdom, but her son. I can’t help wondering at the work that God has put before us: howwilleachofusordinarypeopledotheextraordinary?Whatshapewillourgiftstake?Ifmorepeoplerelentlesslysharedtheirextraordinary gifts, perhaps there would be fewer wars to fight.

By the time you read this Corporal Craig Shaver should have just returned stateside. — Liz Hilton

The Shaver Family

sunday Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday frIday saturday

SteeringCommittee,5:30p.m.BoardofDeacons,6:30p.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.MembershipCommittee,7p.m.Art&DesignCommittee,7p.m.BoardofFellowship,7p.m.HighSchoolCEBoard,7p.m.Mission&OutreachBoard,7p.m.Children’sCEBoard,7p.m.

ArchivesCommittee,9:30a.m.AA,10a.m.TheEmptyingNestSteppingStone,7p.m.AlAnon,7:30p.m.

WORLD WIDE COMMUNIONRev. Dr. John F. Ross preaching8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9a.m.CelebrationsWorship,Sanctuary10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,ChapelAdopt-a-BedGardenCelebration,10a.m.10:45a.m.TraditionsWorship,SanctuaryFallLeadershipDay,12noonWorshipatMeridianManor,1p.m.OldExplorers,2p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

ArchivesCommittee,9:30a.m.AA,10a.m.TheEmptyingNestSteppingStone,7p.m.AlAnon,7:30p.m.

BAPTISMSRev. Dr. John F. Ross preaching8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9a.m.CelebrationsWorship,Sanctuary10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,Chapel10:45a.m.TraditionsWorship,SanctuaryWorshipatMeridianManor,1p.m.WayzataSymphonyOrchestra,3p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

ThimbleBees,9a.m.CalledtoCareCheck-In,6p.m.PersonnelCommittee,6:30p.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.AdultCEBoard,7p.m.Building&GroundsBoard,7p.m.

StewardshipBoard,6p.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.ChurchCouncil,7p.m.

Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton preaching 8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9a.m.CelebrationsWorship,Sanctuary10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,Chapel10:45a.m.TraditionsWorship,SanctuaryWorshipatMeridianManor,1p.m.MirandolaEnsemble,3p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

STEWARDSHIP CELEBRATION/NEW MEMBERSRev. Dr. John F. Ross preaching 8a.m.Chapel(Communion)9a.m.CelebrationsWorship,Sanctuary10:10a.m.ParablesWorshipService,Chapel10:45a.m.TraditionsWorship,SanctuaryWorshipatMeridianManor,1p.m.CivicOrchestraofMinneapolis,3p.m.5:30p.m.EvenSongWorship,Sanctuary

EvenSongSunday Evening Worship5:30 p.m. in the SanctuaryCome as you are and experience uplifting music by Paul Fran-zik, inspiring messages, candlelight, and communion. Childcare available. All are welcome.

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ArchivesCommittee,9:30a.m.AA,10a.m.AuthorEvent:MarkNepo,7p.m.TheEmptyingNestSteppingStone,7p.m.AlAnon,7:30p.m.

ArchivesCommittee,9:30a.m.AA,10a.m.AlAnon,7:30p.m.

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ThimbleBees,9a.m.CaregiversSupportGroup,1:30p.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.CaregiversSupportGroup,7p.m.

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Old ExplorersOctober 5, 6, 7, 11, 12 and 13Come experience this celebration of friendship and the indomitable human spirit, starring James Cada and James Noah. See the back cover of this Beacon for information about ordering tickets.

29 30ArchivesCommittee,9:30a.m.AA,10a.m.AlAnon,7:30p.m.

ThimbleBeesKnitters,9a.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.Women’sEveningReadingGroup,7p.m.

Coming Up in NovemberAll Saints Sunday, November 4: ChancelChoirandWayzataSymphonyOrchestra,9&10:45a.m.worshipHigh School Ministry Annual Turkey Bowl:Wednesday,November21at3:00p.m.Thanksgiving Worship Service: Thursday,November22,9a.m.intheSanctuaryMusic at Wayzata presents Artaria: Sunday,November25at3p.m.intheSanctuary

sunday Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday frIday saturday

SteeringCommittee,5:30p.m.BoardofDeacons,6:30p.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.MembershipCommittee,7p.m.Art&DesignCommittee,7p.m.BoardofFellowship,7p.m.HighSchoolCEBoard,7p.m.Mission&OutreachBoard,7p.m.Children’sCEBoard,7p.m.

SaturdaySeekers,8a.m.PipedreamsScholarship,10a.m.OldExplorers,7p.m

ALL WEDNESDAY PROGRAMS BibleforDummies,7&10a.m.,4:30&7p.m.AA,10a.m.BridgeBuildersBibleStudy,9:30a.m.Suppers,Etc.,5p.m.ContemplativeServiceofPrayer,6p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.DummiesNightShift,9p.m.(Sunsets)

FinanceCommittee,6:45a.m.AA,10a.m.Women’sFaithBibleStudy,10a.m.Women’sDaytimeReadingGroup,2p.mKindergartenSteppingStone,6:30p.m.FourthGradeBibleSteppingStone,7p.m.OldExplorers,7p.m..

ThimbleBees,9a.m.CalledtoCareCheck-In,6p.m.PersonnelCommittee,6:30p.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.AdultCEBoard,7p.m.Building&GroundsBoard,7p.m.

SaturdaySeekers,8a.m.FluteChoir,11:30a.m.OldExplorers,7p.m.

ALL WEDNESDAY PROGRAMS BibleforDummies,7&10a.m.,4:30&7p.m.AA,10a.m.BridgeBuildersBibleStudy,9:30a.m.Women’sLuncheon,11:30a.m.Suppers,Etc.,5p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.DummiesNightShift,9p.m.(Sunsets)

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StewardshipBoard,6p.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.ChurchCouncil,7p.m.

ALL WEDNESDAY PROGRAMS BibleforDummies,7&10a.m.,4:30&7p.m.AA,10a.m.BridgeBuildersBibleStudy,9:30a.m.Soup,Salad&SongLuncheon,12noonSuppers,Etc.,5p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.DummiesNightShift,9p.m.(Sunsets)

AA,10a.m.Women’sFaithBibleStudy,10a.m.

SaturdaySeekers,8a.m.FluteChoir,11:30a.m.

3 4 5 OldExplorers,7p.m.

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ThimbleBees,9a.m.CaregiversSupportGroup,1:30p.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.CaregiversSupportGroup,7p.m.

ALL WEDNESDAY PROGRAMS BibleforDummies,7&10a.m.,4:30&7p.m.BridgeBuildersBibleStudy,9:30a.m.AA,10a.m.Suppers,Etc.,5p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.DummiesNightShift,9p.m.(Sunsets)

24 25 AA,10a.m.Women’sFaithBibleStudy,10a.m.Bridge,12noonH.S.MinistrytoCOOLintheCity,4:30p.m.FourthGradeBibleSteppingStone,7p.m.

26 27 SaturdaySeekers,8a.m.Building&GroundsAll-ChurchClean-UpDay,9a.m.

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AA,10a.m.Women’sFaithBibleStudy,10a.m.PiperLibraryCommittee,10:30a.m.KindergartenSteppingStone,6:30p.m.FourthGradeBibleSteppingStone,7p.m.

Kids’NightOut,6p.m.WCCNSHalloween Ball, 7p.m.

Old ExplorersOctober 5, 6, 7, 11, 12 and 13Come experience this celebration of friendship and the indomitable human spirit, starring James Cada and James Noah. See the back cover of this Beacon for information about ordering tickets.

31ThimbleBeesKnitters,9a.m.Body&SpiritMinistryYoga,6:30p.m.Women’sEveningReadingGroup,7p.m.

ALL WEDNESDAY PROGRAMS BibleforDummies,7&10a.m.,4:30&7p.m.BridgeBuildersBibleStudy,9:30a.m.AA,10a.m.Suppers,Etc.,5p.m.AlAnon,7:45p.m.IMPACTHighSchoolBibleStudy,8:15p.m.DummiesNightShift,9p.m.(Sunsets)

The 2012 Rummage SaleAfter 18,000 hours of hard work by our wonderful volunteers and about $73,000 worth of items given as Gifts in Kind, the pro-ceeds of our 91st WCC Rummage Sale are in the neighborhood of $176,000. We look forward to the next step—deciding where the profits will be given--near and far to help others. Thanks to everyone who helped make this another successful sale!

Are You All In?God’s story of love is moving in and through the world, and especially here at Wayzata Community Church as we re-new our calling to inspire the world with the inclusive love of Jesus. Ourfinancialgoalfor2013is$2millioninpledges.Wecurrentlystandat$1.875millioninpledgesfor2012.Grow-ingoursupportin2013iscriticaltomovingourrenewedvi-sion and mission forward. We are already seeing greater ministry impact as energy and excitement builds with our vision to inspire the world. In 2012wehaveseen:• Growthinattendanceof12%atthe200worshipservicesheld over the course of a year.• More people, about 300 adults, joining inweekly adultstudyopportunitiesin2012,up25%over2011.• Summercampenrollmentincreaseby33%.• Growth inour special needsministry,withover a100%increase in new special needs families participating in the life of the church.• OurworshipliferenewedandexpandedwithEvenSong,theSundayeveningservice,andParables,aSundayworshipopportunity tailored to the distinct joys and challenges of spe-cial needs. We fully expect continued strong demand and growth in ourministries,particularlySpecialNeeds,SummerCamp,andourOlderAdultministries.Weenvisionreachingintoandserv-ing the local and global community in exciting ways with in-creasedandfocusedattentiontomissionin2013.Inshort,ourministry is on the move and we need to grow our giving as we live more fully into our calling to inspire the world. We need your strong financial commitment to reach our goalof$2million.Weaskallmemberstoconsidergiving3%oftheirincome.(SeeGivingChart.) If you are just starting out on your journey, take that first step of faith to-day.Even$5perweek–whatmanypeople casually spend on a cup of gourmetcoffee–canmakeahugedifference.Ifwereceivedthat$5perweekfromthe320memberhouse-holds that do not currently support our ministry, we would raise an ad-ditional $80,000 inministry supportin2013! God is good to inspire and equip us in our ministry. But it is your faith-ful financial commitment that helps bring God’s good work to life. We knowGodisin.Areyou?—Liz Hilton, Generosity Director

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Spirit AwardInspiration comes in many pack-ages. Sometimes it is big, noisy and in your face. Sometimes, it is quiet and gentle and wears suspend-ers. Jim Smith is someone whois an inspiration in so many ways, and many of us don’t even realize it. Wanting to celebrate and thank this inspirational man, the Church CouncilgaveJimtheSpiritAwardatourAugustmeeting. JimSmithisaninspirationtousall by the example he sets. Lindy Purdy says, “Jim is a remarkablegiverofhistimeandtalentaroundhere.”NotonlydoesJimattendeverySoup, Salad and Song Luncheon each month, he bakes fresh bread to sharewiththeothers.JimhasbeenaDeacon,anUsher,aHeadUsherandhasservedontheBuildingandGroundsBoard.Alongwithhiswife,MaryAgnes,Jimmakesithisjobtogothroughthepewracksandstraightenand fill them every Saturday morning to help prepare the Sanctuary for SundayWorship.Lindyalsosays,“Jimcanbeseenineverycornerofthischurch doing something to improve the experience for others”. AdevotedmanofservicetoGodandhischurch,Jimisalsoacontinualstudentof theBible. AllenHiltonshares, “Jimquietly supportsanythinghavingtodowithscripturestudy”.Henevermissesa“BibleforDummies”class, even though he is definitely no Bible dummy. He is a steady “Satur-daySeeker”.AnytimethereisanopportunityatWCCaboutscripture–Jimis there. But more than his own thirst for the Word, he encourages others toknowandstudytheBiblealso.Recently,hequietlydonatednewBiblesforourpews.JimdemonstratestheloveofJesusinsomanyways–whatan inspiration! — Rima Torgerson

Inspire the worldWomen’s Luncheon “Turn Over a New Leaf” Wednesday, October 10 • 11:30 a.m. in Mithun Hall Allwomenand friendsofWCCare invited togather for a Ladies’ Luncheon focusing on women of all ages and stages, which will en-courageus to “TurnOver aNew Leaf”. AnneHarbison will speak about identifying and af-firming our innate spiritual gifts and how to use those to enrich our lives. There will be very special entertainment and a delicious hot lunch, with homemade apple desserts provided by the hostesses, the “Soul Sisters.” Come for fellow-shipandminglingat11:30a.m.Lunchwillbeat12noon($7),andtheprogramat12:30p.m.Complimentarychildcareavailable.PleaseRSVPbyOctober3viaWC-ConnectorbycallingtheChurchOfficeat952-473-8877.PleaseindicateyourchildcareneedswithyourRSVP.

S3: Soup, Salad, and SongJoin Lindy Purdy for Soup, Salad and Song on October 17th! We meet the third Wednesday ofeverymonth—OctobertoMay—at12nooninMithunHall for de-licious homemade soups, salads, bread and dessert. Anyone“55orBetter”isinvitedto share in this free lunch, made possible by the committee and by those who wish to share their culinary skillswiththegroup.SignupattheReceptionDeskorcall952-473-8877.

Author Event: Mark NepoMark Nepo, author of Seven Thousand Ways to Listen: Staying Close to What is Sacred, will speak at WCC on Monday, October 15 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). Nepomoved and inspired millions of people with his #1NYTimes bestseller The Book of Awakening, about his spiritual transformation through cancer. In Seven Thousand Ways to Listen, he explores the endlesswaysweareaskedtolisten.Experiencinghearinglosshimself,Nepoaffirmsthatlisteningisone of the most mysterious, luminous, and chal-lengingartformsonEarth.Seven Thousand Ways to Listen weaves a tapestry of deep reflection, memoir, and meditation to create a remarkable guide on how to listen to life and live more fully. 9

Inspire the worldCelebrating our Music Ministry!AsproudmembersofthesensationalMusicMinistryatWCC,theMusicBoardwantedto interview a couple of current church choir participants, showcasing the brilliance, spirit anddiversityofMUSICFORALLAGES!

Susan and Bob GammillFirstup,we interviewedBobGammill, aproudmember of the Chancel Choir. Music Board: “What is your history with the WCC Chancel Choir and how did you get started?” Bob: “Mywife(SusanH.Gammill)andIweresearching for a UCC church with a good choir. Ourson,Richard,said, ‘Dad,yougottahearthechoir at Wayzata Community Church. They’re fan-tastic’. So, we came to WCC and heard the choir. They were great! But what convinced me to sing

in this choir was an announcement in the bulletin, that singers were invited to join the choir to sing the Beethoven Mass in C. I loved singing with the choir, and joined it per-manently when my wife began playing in the Bell Choir. Then she also began singing with the Chancel Choir. So, we both have become devoted and enthusiastic members ofTom’s(Paulson)ChancelChoir.” Music Board: “What was your experience in preparing to sing a big work like the St. JohnPassion for the spectacular March 25 performance?” Bob: “We were rather intimidated when we first saw the score for the Bach St. John Passion.It’s270pageslong!Buttherehearsalschedulewasplannedwayinadvance,thus the sectional rehearsals had us rapidly learn the music. It was beautiful, but chal-lenging.Itwasalotoffun,andsorewardingwhenwe‘gotitright’anditsoundedsogood. Having great section leaders singing near us is a great help!” Music Board: “Do you think other interested members with or without any musical experience would feel equally welcome in this music ministry?” Bob: “It boils down to having a reasonable voice, loving singing, and being willing towork.Youaresurroundedbygoodsingersandsectionleaders,andTom(Paulson)isvery understanding. In every church choir, there are people who have a ’bucket list’ of greatworkstheywouldliketosing.My‘bucketlist’includeswantingtosinggreatchoralworks and Tom is giving me that gift.”

Owen WinstonNextweinterviewedaproudmemberofourChil-dren’s Cherub Choir, Owen Winston. Music Board: “Why did you join the Cherub Choir?” Owen: “I love to sing and dance.” Music Board: “Who can join the Cherub Choir?” Owen: “If you can sing songs, that’s it.” Music Board: “What’s your favorite song to sing with the Cherub Choir?” Owen: “JesusLovesMethisIknow,fortheBibletellsmeso…”(Singing) Music Board: “What is your favorite Cherub Choir moment?” Owen: “When my daddy sings with us.”

S3soup, salad

& song

Join Lindy Purdy for S3: Soup, Salad and Song

the 3rd Wednesday of each month,

October through May!12 noon, Mithun Hall

2012 DatesOctober 17, November 21,

December 19

2013 DatesJanuary 16, February 20,

March 20, April 17, May 15

magnet size:3.5” x 8.5”

Parables: A Ministry of Sacred ChaosGreetings!MynameisScottHageandyoumayhaveseenmynameinarecentBeaconarticlerelatedtothenewspecialneedsministrycalled“Parables”,aMinistryofSacredChaos.,ledbyRev.LeslieNeugent.Thisministryofkidsandadultswithspecialneedsandtheirparentsisappropriatelynamed“Parables”,whichisamoralorreligiousstorytoldbyJesus.Itisourspecialchildrenwhoteachusimportantlessonsabout life and have in so many ways brought us closer to our Lord.

Asparentsofachildwithspecialneeds,mywifeLizandI know firsthand the unique gifts those in this community have, but because our son Sam can sometimes be a little disruptive, wedidn’tattendchurchandworshipGodasafamily.The“Par-ables” Worship Service, starting at WCC this month, will change that. Starting on Sunday,October 7th,my familywill have aunique opportunity to worship together in a sacred space and will have the chance to fellowship with other families like ours who face a similar dilemma. This ministry has already brought

us closer together as a family. We are deeply grateful to WCC and its staff for recog-nizing our needs, and pray for the continued growth of this wonderful ministry. I also pray that others will freely worship with us, whether they have special needs kids or not.Allarewelcome!Thankyou!—Scott Hage

Inspire the world

10

Caregivers Support Groups4th Tuesday each month beginning October 23 1:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. in the ParlorIfyoucareforsomeone,youknowhowharddailylifecanbe.Rev.FrankBennettofthePastoralCareministryofWCCwillleadthesesupportgroupsthataredesignedto be safe places for caregivers to bring their stories, concerns, questions, and hopes. These support groups, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, will be limited to8peopleeachtoencouragefullparticipationanddevelopasenseofcommu-nity. Based on response we hope to meet on an ongoing basis. You can sign up or askquestionsbycontactingFrankBennett(612)940-3372oremailatfbbennett@artesian.com.

Adopt-a-FamilyLynn Vettel, Community Engagement Director for IOCP, writes about one of the many families whose Christmas was saved by the Adopt-a-Family program.

Asinglemominouremploymentservicesprogram,workingveryhardtofindabetter paying job, couldn’t afford to get her teenaged son a gift for Christmas. She was struggling to pay rent as well, because of some health issues she was facing. She and her son both needed new clothes (because he had grown, and she hadlostweight).AfterreceivingTargetgiftcardstheywereabletobuythemuch-needed new clothes, and she was able to get her son a bike. He used the bike all summer to go to soccer practice and the library while his momwasworking.TheyareverygratefultoIOCPandallitssupporterswhohelpedthem with these much needed necessities that they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford. Thereare stories like thisaboutevery family inourChristmasAdopt-a-Familyprogram.WehopeyouwillhelpmakeChristmas2012ahappieroneforafamilyin need in our community. October is the time to sign up. You can help by going to www.iocp.org/holiday-gift-programorbycalling763-489-7517tosignuptoadopta family.

Diana Lee Lucker in ConcertSigma Alpha International is honored to present Diana Lee Lucker, Organist of Wayzata Community Church and Carol Barnett, internationally noted Composer and Flutist, in concert, Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Anexcitingprogram,perfomedbyDianaLeeonthewonderful71-rankorgan,willincludethemusicofWidor,Bossiand Buxtehude. Carol Barnett will perform some of her own com-positionswithFluteandPiano.AcompositionbyDa-vidEvanThomaswillalsobefeatured.CarolandDi-ana Lee will join together in a composition for Organ and Flute by Weaver. This concert is free and open to to the public.

Music at WayzataOn Sunday, October 14, the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra will present Rimsky-Korsakov’s Schehe-razade,featuringtheANCIASaxophoneQuartet,at3:00p.m.intheSanctuary.Theconcertisfree. On Sunday, October 21, the Mirandola En-semble will perform Renaissance music and new music for voices,at3:00p.m.intheSanctuary.TheconcertwillfeaturetheworksofJohnDowlandandClementJanequin.Admissionisfree. Hear the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis with Diana Lee Lucker as they present Poulenc Organ Concerto on Sunday, October 28at3:00p.m.intheSanctu-ary. The concert is free.

parables

Inspire the world Kristen Jeide: Relentlessly share...

11

…to relentlessly share our extraordinary gifts…

hat are our “extraordinary gifts” to share? AsIhavethoughtabout this question, I realize how easy it is to respond in one of twoways–ormaybeboth! One is to respondwitharesume listing all our accomplishments, strengths, skills, de-

grees, experience, talents … all the things we know we are good at. The second is to respond by saying we really don’t have anything we would consideranextraordinarygifttooffer.(Maybewethinksomeoneelsecan do that better and so we hold back from bringing what we might share. Or maybe, because something comes easily to us, we don’t regard itasa“gift.”)

The problem with both of these responses is that they don’t leave much room for God. They don’t give God access to us. On the one hand, it’s easy to charge ahead on our own power to relentlessly share our own expertise without consulting God on God’s plans, perspective, or instructions. AsWayneMullerhasputit,thiscanleadto“doinggoodbadly.”Ontheotherhand, it’s easy to simply do nothing, assuming that we have nothing to offer or that someone else will respond, without ever asking God to show us what we might have to share.

Jesustoldaparableaboutthetalents(Matthew25:14-30)thatmakesitclearthatwe are supposed to do something in the Kingdom of God with whatever we are given.Inthisstory,weseewhere“muchbecomesmore.”Andinthestoryofthefeedingofthefivethousand(Mark6:30-44)wherefiveloavesandtwofishareofferedtoJesus,“littlebecomesmuch.”

If there is one thing I have come to believe with all my heart, it is that nothing weoffertoGodiseverwasted–notourstrengthsorourvulnerabilities,notoursuccessesorourfailures,notourabundanceorouremptiness.Allthatwedareto offer to God is received and blessed and mysteriously and wondrously used for thebringingofGod’skingdom–inusandbeyondus–inwayswecouldneverhave imagined.

Maybemoreimportantthanhowmuchorhowlittlewehave, isofferingour-selves to the God who created us and calls us … the One who knows and loves usandthisworldJesuscametoredeem…theOnewhoseSpiritisatworkinusand through us … can make whatever we offer to God, extra-ordinary.

Rev. Kristen Rouner Jeide is Minister for Spiritual Life.

Contemplative service of PrayerFirst Wednesday of each month6:00–6:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary The first Wednesday of each month, beginning October3,joinourclergyteamforaContemplativeServiceofPrayerintheChanceloftheSanctuary.This service will include scripture, contemplative music, and time for shared and individual prayer. Allarewelcome!Formoreinformation,contactKristenJeideorLindyPurdyat952-473-8877.

Dramatic Works, Inc.proudly presents

James Cada* & James Noah*

in

A celebration of friendshipand the indomitable human spirit…

Old Explorers is the delightful and touching story of two retired businessmenwho think of themselves as great explorers as they meet to re-enact exploration ofmysteries fromAtlantis to the BermudaTriangle.

Friday, October 5, 7pmSaturday, October 6, 7pmSunday, October 7, 2pmursday, October 11, 7pmFriday, October 12, 7pmSaturday, October 13, 7pm

Tickets:$15.00 adults$12.00 students and seniors$ 8.00 children 12 andunder

Reservations: oldexplorers@yahoo.com or 612-300-9292Wayzata Community Church

125Wayzata Blvd. East West Entrance to the Undercroft Space*Actors appear through the courtesy of Actors' Equity Association

OLDEXPLORERS

WAYZATA COMMUNITY CHURCHinspire the world

Wayzata Community Church Ministry TeamsRev.Dr.JohnF.Ross,SeniorMinisterKathleenPatterson,AssistanttoDr.Ross

MODERATORRogerKuhlPASTORAL CARE TEAMRev.S.LindyPurdy,PastoralCareRev.KristenRounerJeide,SpiritualLifeRev.FrankBennett, MinisteratLargeRev.LeslieNeugent,MinisteratLargeGeri CarlsonCamiFarley,ColumbariumCHURCH LIFE TEAMBillBoulware,Mission&OutreachLynne Gehling, CommunicationsMarnieBaehr,Print/WebGraphicDesignCamiFarley,Print,Events,BeaconEditor

EDUCATION TEAMRev.Dr.AllenR.Hilton,Faith&LearningRev.BruceHesse,M.Div.Gabe&HilaryFlynn,HighSchoolMinistryErinLundberg,MiddleSchoolMinistryJodieNyberg,Children’sMinistriesKathy Handy

MUSIC TEAMTomPaulson,DirectorDr.DianaLeeLucker,Organist/MusicSeriesAutumnToussaint,Children’sChoirs&TapestryNealNordstrom,BellChoirsDickReed,InstrumentsLyndaSleeper,Accompanist

BUSINESS TEAMScottWoolery,DirectorofOperationsJohnEstrem,DirectorofBuilding&GroundsLizHilton,GenerosityDirectorKrisErdahl,WC-ConnectCoordinatorTereasaNies,AccountantRobinCarlson

WCC NURSERY SCHOOLSaraLuedke,DirectorWendyOlson,AssistantDirector

THE BEACON *USPS 472-430* is published monthly by Wayzata Community Church, United Church of Christ, 125 Wayzata Boulevard East, Wayzata, MN 55391Periodical postage paid at Wayzata, MN.Postmaster: send address changes toTHE BEACON, 125 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata, MN 55391

PERIODICAL TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL

A United Church of Christ Congregation125WayzataBoulevardEastWayzata,MN55391

(952)473-8877•Fax:(952)473-2695www.wayzatacommunitychurch.org

www.ucc.org

Dramatic Works, Inc. presents Old Explorers

Old Explorers is the delightful and touching story of two retired businessmen who think of them-selves as great explorers as they meet to re-enact the exploration ofmysteries fromAtlantis to theBermuda Triangle. Come experi-ence this celebration of friend-shipandtheindomitablehumanspirit,starringJamesCadaandJamesNoah. Ticketsare$15(adults),$12(studentsandseniors),and$8(ages12&under).PerformancesareinWCC’sBlackBoxTheateron:• Fridays,October5&12at7:00p.m.• Saturdays,October6&13at7:00p.m.• Sunday,October7at2:00p.m.• Thursday,October11at7:00p.m. To reserve your tickets, email oldexplorers@yahoo.comorcall612-300-9292.Old ExplorersissponsoredbytheAdultCEBoard.

Old Explorers