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This is what my advent is looking like so far... An undecorated
Christmas Tree … my first advent candle on a dirty window … the
neighbors God has given me in the background.
Advent is a time of new beginnings/preparation. Am I behind or
just where I am supposed to be?
In past years I have been caught up in this season in a much
more frantic way. Then enter the pandemic, covid tired, negotiating
a family of 2, now becoming 4 … too many hours paying attention to
news, discord, etc. ... all of the zooms … and the world has
changed.
My world is similar to many of yours. We are each navigating in
our own way. Some of us are relishing simple new traditions. Others
are grieving literally—family or friends, or in general—the loses
we feel in this new world. We are still finding blessings in the
midst of the wilderness of life. Connections that have been
strengthened, conversations that have been waiting for the right
time.
In my faith journey there has been a lot of prayers and sighs …
yet God has called me into new and energized directions. Everything
that was a default in my vocation of pastor has been adjusted or
called into question. New staff have grown outreach and also
challenged the status quo. Ministry has continued to grow and
evolve.
Advent is a time of new beginnings/preparation. Are we as a
faith community behind or just where we’re supposed to be?
God is calling us into new places. That was our prayer a year
ago as we consolidated … that God would lead us in new directions.
Now we are firmly on that journey. • We are looking for new ways to
connect and
have faith conversations as the people of Vista.
• We are involved in the beginning of our racial justice
conversations and ministry
• We are declaring that the darkness, anger, polarization of the
world is something that can be overcome. That God wants other for
the world.
• We are faithfully, to the best of our ability, people of light
and hope in our individual worlds. We are the church. It used to be
something that we said that was assumed, now it’s being tested. We
are the Church!
As we move forward … please continue to support Vista through
your offerings, yearly commitment, ministry involvement and faith
journeys. God is calling us to so much more. We are exactly where
we are supposed to be. We are following the Spirit’s lead.
This Christmas will be different. We can’t gather in the
traditional way … but we can gather. We will have a Christmas Carol
Sing with candles in the parking lot on Christmas Eve at 4:30 pm.
We will be part of the stable for the first time, not the inn … and
we will be blessed! To God be the Glory! Pastor Heidi
December 2020 Vista News
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Worship & Music Ministry
Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24 5:00 pm Virtual Christmas
Eve Service with Candlelight
Sunday after Christmas, December 27 9:30 am Virtual Service of
Carols & Communion
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As we move back to Phase 1 of our Pandemic Plan, Pastor Heidi
and Pastor Dan want you to know that they are still here for you.
They would love the chance to connect with you and just hear how
you’re doing as we enter an Advent that is unique in so many ways.
You can schedule a time to talk on the phone or Zoom with Pastor
Heidi at calendly.com/pastor-heidi or Pastor Dan at
calendly.com/pastor-dan. And of course, you can always call the
church office to get in touch with them and find a time to
connect!
We have been alerted to a texting scam targeting members of the
congregation. Someone has been sending text messages claiming to be
Pastor Heidi and asking for people to purchase gift cards to help
assist a member who is sick. Do not click on any links in the text
message and do not purchase any gift cards. Pastor Heidi would
never text anyone and ask for a donation. If you have received this
message or if you have any further questions or concerns, please
let us know at [email protected] or by calling the
church office at 952-926-7603. And never hesitate to reach out if
you receive a message from Pastor Heidi, Pastor Dan, or the church
that seems strange to you. Thank you for your patience and
cooperation and blessings to you this day!
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Masks are required when visiting Vista.
On November 19, the Congregation Council voted to return Vista
to Phase 1 of our Pandemic Plan. For the time being, we won't have
ministry meetings in the building and all but essential staff will
work from home. If you have to visit the church for any reason,
please let us know ahead of time so that staff can be on site to
let you in the doors. This decision was made because we love our
neighbors. We care for our healthcare workers. And we want you and
your family to be safe. We will continue to gather virtually and
give other ways for you to connect with the community. Even as we
remain physically separate from each other, this is a time that we
need to come together as best we can. As we continue on in this
pandemic, we invite you to share with us different ways in which we
might meet your spiritual needs. We ask for your continued patience
and flexibility. We want you to know how grateful we are to be
wading through these murky waters with a community such as
this.
And remember, we are the church, no matter where or how we
gather. Keeping you and your family in prayer and encouraging you
to do the same for this whole community.
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News from Pastor Dan
Well, school is on the computer, many of us are working from
home, struggling with reduced hours, or jobs that no longer look
like they did just a few months ago. Much has changed; but our need
for connection, prayerful support, and spiritual growth has not. I
hope that you have been able to join us for worship online/via TV
broadcast/or live over Zoom and that the experience helped your
faith. But I know as a parent, that these worship options don't
usually engage my kiddos the same way that they engage me.
In order to encourage faithful conversations and connections for
our kids, I am hosting 3 live interactive Zoom lessons a week. Each
lesson is specifically set up for a particular age range but if
younger or older siblings want to join at a different time that is
totally okay; the main point is for them to be together. Hope to
see their smiling faces soon!
preschool-Kindergarten, Sunday, 9 am
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86416557414
1st - 3rd grade, Sunday, 4 pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89246267016
4th -6th grade, Tuesday, 5:30 pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86284673805
God's peace, Pastor Dan
Bell ringing on December 2, for the Salvation Army at Lunds
& Byerlys in St. Louis Park.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86416557414https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89246267016https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86284673805
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Finance
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November 19, 2020 Council Meeting Summary
• The Vista Lutheran council voted to return to the Phase 1
safety plan due to the current level of COVID-19 activity in
Minnesota. An exemption permitting on site use by Wooddale Nursery
School was approved based upon adherence to the state-approved
safety plan for the nursery school.
• An updated Vista logo was reviewed by the council and will be
presented to the congregation at the annual meeting.
• The Hospitality Ministry is coordinating distribution of bags
containing Advent calendars and Advent candles to each household in
the congregation by the first Sunday in Advent (Nov. 29)
• Minor revisions to the draft Vista constitution recommended by
the Synod were considered and approved by the council. The proposed
Vista Lutheran constitution will be brought to the congregational
annual meeting in January 2021 for a vote.
Full meeting minutes and ministry updates are available by
clicking on this link November 19 council minutes
As this year winds down, we ask you to consider the gifts you
are thankful for and how God has shared abundance with you in your
life. As you reflect, we invite you to make a gift to Vista
Lutheran as you are able, so that God’s abundance can continue to
be multiplied through this place.
We are challenging you and all the members of Vista who are able
to help us reach our goal of raising $20,000 by December 31. Your
gift will ensure that we can continue spreading God’s love to our
neighbors through Vista Lutheran Church.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1renIKepsWncRI4Kl_wIacccXqYD76uso-SlF29-VNvU/edit
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Tuesday December 22, 2020
11:00 am - 12:15 pm
Social Ministry
Cancelled until further notice.
Volunteer opportunities are available to anyone who is
interested. Please call Linda Jennings at 952-250-8482 for
more information.
To stay safe and continue to help Our Saviour’s during the
pandemic Vista has been offering monthly financial
support.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Because of your generosity with
product and financial support we were able to bring the following
to Our Saviours Homeless Shelter:
• 50 cloth face masks • 86 laundry kits • 60 personal hygiene •
Several dozen scarves, some hats, gloves and earmuffs • Some
undergarments and 3 dozen pairs of socks • A grocery bag of
feminine products • 2 fleece blankets • Miscellaneous items
including cough drops and Tylenol
A special thank you to the youth. They gathered LOTS of
toothbrushes and tooth-paste and assembled the laundry kits. Your
service is awesome!
Keep watch in the coming years for more opportunities to serve
those around us in need.
UPDATED NEEDS FOR OUR SAVIOUR’S:
We are still raising funds for Our Saviour’s Community Services
and have received some specific asks for three of their residents
in their permanent supportive housing program. We will be raising
funds to purchase items on the wish lists of Bailey, Brian, and
David. Please send in your donations by December 10 and designate
them for Our Saviour’s so that we can purchase the items and
deliver them by Christmas!
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DID YOU KNOW? We have made nearly 1,500 adult and chil-drens
face masks. The childrens masks have been donated to Peter Hobart,
Susan Lindgren, and Aquila elementary schools. These masks will be
for back up when schools are up and running again. A big “Thank
You” to our sewers: Phyllis Mohrlant, Becky Olson Kellog, Gail
Gannon, Linda Jennings, Marette Tyrer, Heidi Fokken, Cammy
Rotto-Morgan, and Mary Berry. If you know of any teachers who would
like some masks have them email me at [email protected] and we will
see what we can do.
Vista Lutheran Church is an official food donation site
for Tuesdays
until 5:00 pm &
Saturdays until 3:00 pm
Dear linda Jennings and other Vista Folks,
Thank you so much for all the beautifully crafted masks! How
very thoughtful of you to make so many different sizes as well.
They will all be put to good use.
On behalf of all the students and staff at Aquila School!
THANK YOU!!
mailto:[email protected]
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Golden Valley Humane Society 845 Meadow Lane N.
10 am - 1 pm Monday, December 21,2020
Upcoming Event
To serve you safely for the holiday! Please wear a mask or
face
covering. Credit, Debit or EBT payments
$30
Thanks to Mark and Andrew for Improving the Building’s Wifi!
Last week, Andrew Raether, lead of IT ministry, and Mark worked
to improve the Wifi signals in the church building. This will help
us with the ability to livestream future events and so that church
staff can more easily communicate via video meetings while at the
church. Andrew and Mark installed the latest wireless access point
technology in the lower fellowship, sanctuary, and office areas.
These devices support up to 250 clients at a time and will improve
connectivity for members, staff, and guests alike. We will have a
work network and a guest network to keep work data separate and
secure. The guest network will have a password and be disabled from
10:00 pm to 7:00 am. Thank you to Mark and Andrew!
Property
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News Of Our Family We offer prayers and sympathy for the
families of those in our community who have recently passed
away.
Denny Monson, former member of Prince of Peace, November 6.
Jeanne Olson, mother of Steve Olson, November 7. David Schultz,
grandfather of Caleb Rollins, November 7. Margaret Braswell, sister
of Paul Jennings, November 9. Harvey Olson, brother of Linda
Jennings, November 21. Esther Chi, longtime member, November 24
Clarence Von Eschen, father of John Von Eschen, November 28 Gloria
Fredenburg, longtime member, December 3.
December Birthdays 1 - Thomas Griffiths 2 - John Hoisve 3 - Kris
Jennings 4 - Arlene Holte
Kyle Caldwell 5 - Owen Goddard 6 - Sharon Hennemuth
Edward Mohrlant Lorraine Monson Olivia Lainsbury
9 - Stella Rostal 10 Linda Erickson
11 - Ronald Berry 13 - Diane Bachman 16 - Taylor Smiley 17 -
Wayne Westermann 18 - Lisa Hayes
Cory Nelson Grant Ross
21 - Hannah Lucas 23 - Madeline Olson 25 - Carol Skaug 28 -
Justin Holt
If your birthday was missed or listed incorrectly, please call
the church office at 952-926-7603.
Ray Oquist Hospitalized Don Andersen Hospitalized Jack Todd
Hospitalized
And all those recovering from illness or grief who need God’s
touch of healing.
Let Pastor Heidi or Pastor Dan know if you need prayer or a
visit.
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Caleb Rollns Director of Communications
[email protected]
Cindy Ranwick Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Sarah Foster Music Director & Choir Director
[email protected]
Jen Hazen Choir Director [email protected]
Luke Foster Organist [email protected]
Noah Strom Organist [email protected]
Diane Andersen Praise Choir Director [email protected]
Mark Ennenga Janitor [email protected]
4003 Wooddale Avenue. St. Louis Park, MN 55416 952-926-7603
www.vistalutheran.org
Pastor Heidi Zimdars (Senior Pastor)
[email protected]
612-799-1232
Pastor Dan Nelson (Associate Pastor)
[email protected]
651-788-3972
Congregational Council
Name Ministry email address
Debbie Olson Executive, President [email protected]
Ed Mohrlant Executive, Vice President/Personnel
[email protected]
John Carlotto Executive, Treasurer [email protected]
Gloria Niehans Executive, Secretary [email protected]
Laurie Hollinger Executive, Visioning [email protected]
Paul Bachman Finance Ministry [email protected]
Michael Bachman Hospitality Ministry
[email protected]
Char Carlotto Co-chair Social ministry [email protected]
Carol Ennenga Worship & Music Ministry
[email protected]
Sara Faust CYF Ministry [email protected]
Phyllis Mohrlant Co-chair Social Ministry
[email protected]
Sylvia Pogoff Invitation /Outreach Ministry
[email protected]
Andrew Raether IT/Publicity Ministry
[email protected]
Grant Ross Property Ministry [email protected]
