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Augustana News, Christian Learning News & Youth & Family News

FROM THE PASTOR

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As we turn our calendars over and begin 2012, let's take a few minutes to reflect on where we are in the church year. Looking back, the church year began back on November 27 with the start of the Advent season. Advent is followed by the Christmas season. The celebration of Christmas lasts 12 days. It concludes with the Epiphany of our Lord (January 6) when we remember the star leading the Magi to the Christ Child. Looking ahead a bit, the Lent/Easter cycle begins with Ash Wednesday (February 22).

What about the time in between Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter? Well, we used to call it the season of Epiphany. Now, more accurately, we call it the "Time after Epiphany". In the coming weeks we will hear the story of Jesus' baptism when God says to Jesus, "You are my Son, the Beloved". We will end this "Time after Epiphany" on Transfiguration Sunday with an awesome vision of Jesus on the mountaintop, radiant in glory.

In between its starry beginning and its glorious climax, this in between time will manifest through word and song that the light of the world is coming into the world in Jesus.

I invite you to worship in the coming weeks as we gather around Christ who is the light of the word.

Your partner in Christ

Pastor Dan Solomon

ANNUAL MEETING PART II

January 29, 2012, at 9:45 a.m. in the
Fellowship Hall.

Reports, and Annual Reports for
Ministry Branches, Foundation, and Organizations.

CONGREGATION COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

December 20, 2011

Treasurer's Report: Although in much better shape than a year ago, giving is trailing expenses. December offerings have already closed the gap.

Branch reports were received.

Council Retreat will be in January.

Installation of Council members will be January 8, 2012 at the 8:30 service.

2012 Council officers were elected:
Paul Ouverson, President
Karen Hesser, Vice President
Connie Kokemiller, Secretary

Jody Stern was appointed as Church Treasurer.

Agenda has been set for the Congregational Meeting part II.

Foundation Annual report was received and approved. Recommended year-end distribution is as follows:
Augustana Technology Study Committee - $1,662.72
Hope Foundation of Boone $ 675.00
ELCA Campus Ministry of ISU $ 675.00
Habitat for Humanity, Boone/Greene County
$ 675.00
This is forwarded to the Congregational meeting for approval.

A thank you from St. Paul, Martensdale was shared.

News and Notes

Some important dates to put on your calendar

ANNUAL MEETING - PART II

The Annual Meeting Part II will be held
January 29, 2011 at 9:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Pastors' Reports, and Annual Reports for
Ministry Branches, Foundation, and Organizations.

Annual reports are due in the church office by Tuesday, January 3, 2012.

YOUTH FUN NIGHTS (SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
5:30 Augies Kid's Club -3yr olds-1st grade
6:30 Augies Kid's Club 2nd -6th grade

Youth Gathering 2012
"Citizens with the Saints"
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Eucharistic Ministry Update

It is time to update our list of persons who desire to have communion brought to them at their homes. We have a wonderful group of Lay Eucharistic Ministers just waiting to share our Lord's Meal with you. If you or someone you know is unable to come to church for a short period or long-term, please contact us and we will be pleased to bring communion to you. If you would like to have more information on this ministry, please call Pastor Dick Dahle at 432-5910.

GOD'S LOVE IS A GIFT.
GIVE IT TO SOMEONE YOU KNOW

Did you know that statistics show that over 80% of new church members say they first came because a friend, neighbor or relative invited them? Would you prayerfully consider who YOU might invite to worship with you.

Our website is augustanaboone.org and our e-mail addresses are:

Pastor Solomon - dsolomon@augustanaboone.org
Pastor Dahle - ddahle@augustanaboone.org
Church office - augustana@augustanaboone.org

Are you on Facebook? Augustana now has a Facebook group that you can join. All members of this group can start discussions, post pictures, link articles, list events, etc. If you're not on Facebook, maybe now is the time to sign up. It's easy to learn and a fun way to make cross-connections with members and others. Our church group page is called "Augustana Lutheran Church (Boone, IA)". If you search within Facebook, the group page should appear. Just click on the "join group" link and you'll be able to access the page and make posts.

GOING INTO THE HOSPITAL? If you or a loved one will soon be hospitalized, please make sure you let the hospital know you are from Augustana when you register. Due to the Federal privacy laws, if you don't identify your "church preference" as Augustana, our staff will have no way of finding out you are in the hospital. Just make sure you let the hospital know you're from the Augustana family of faith. Better yet, call the church office and let us know when and where you or your loved ones are going to be or have been hospitalized.

MOVING? Please let the church office know your new address and when you will moving.

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Worship Schuedule: Sunday Worship Services at 8:30 and 10:00. Fellowship 9:30.
Thursday evening services are held at 7:00 p.m.

AMBASSADORS
Volunteers visit with prospective members on Sunday or Monday following new visitors to Augustana. If you would like to be a part of this team, please contact Pastor Solomon.

CHRISTIAN LEARNING:
Sunday School is held Sundays at 9:45 a.m. from August through May. All youth must fill out a new registration form every year.

NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED:

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION: We are in the process of gathering together a group of new members. If you or someone you know would like to know more about becoming a part of the Augustana family of faith, speak to Pastor Solomon or call the church office at (432-5910). The New Member Orientation will be held in Jan., May, Aug., and Oct., 2012.

GROUP ACTIVITIES:

WELCA:

Martha Circle meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Esther Circle meets at 9:00 a.m. and Ruth Circle meets at
1:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month. Hannah Circle meets on the Saturday following the third Wednesday 9:30 a.m.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Habitat for Humanity Workdays are scheduled as needed.