Sunday, December 22, 2013

Christmas Eve Services

Christmas Eve Services on December 24         

Family-friendly Services at 3 and 4:30 p.m.
Worship services for families with children with lots of carol singing.
Alleluia and Hosanna Children’s Choirs at 3 p.m.
Youth Choir at 4:30 p.m.

Services of Holy Communion
The Jesus Gift - 8 p.m. led by Colleen Everitt and musicians
Come experience a beautiful evening of carols, candlelight, communion and special music presented by New Voice Ensemble, the Worship Band and Rick and Colleen Everitt. Celebrate the greatest gift of all–Jesus.

10 p.m. led by Jim Hild, Saints Chorale and woodwind quintet
Join Saints Chorale, a woodwind quintet and organ to worship in this special late night Holy Communion candlelight service.

Healing Services on December 29
9 and 10:30 a.m. (note the times)

Friday, December 13, 2013

Reminder: All Choirs singing on Sunday Dec 15th at both 9:30 and 11 am services

All Choirs Meet at 9 AM for rehearsal upstairs in the Pre-School Room (near East entrance)

Sun. Dec. 15th, 9:30 and 11 am: Lessons and Carols
All choirs are singing at 9:30 and 11 am services.

**Hosanna Choir: Please come to either or both services -- whatever works best for young singers and families.

Sunday school is in worship both services (we have special coloring books for this day, especially so little ones can follow along with the lessons and carols service)



2nd Sunday in Advent: Royal Icing!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Hosanna Choir Schedule December

Advent Greetings to the Hosanna Choir!
Hope, Peace, and What a great Joy and Love to be with these wonderful young singers! 

Here’s what’s coming up:
Sat Dec. 7 from  3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Christmas caroling. All are welcome. We will visit those who need a carol and cheer. We will end at the Glenn and have treats there. Hosanna singers please bring your parents :-) Meet at church at 3 pm.

Sun Dec. 8 at 9:15 am Hosanna Choir sings in church, before we go to Sunday School. Meet in the Sanctuary. Aaron, Ron, and I are involved in music at the 8:15 am service, so we will be in the Sanctuary. We will sing, “Light One Candle” Please let me know if your child is able to sing this Sunday.
  
Dec. 8th, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Family Christmas Festival
                 12:00-noon Pizza lunch
                 1:00 pm Christmas Play

Wed, Dec. 11 
7:00 pm -- Hosanna choir will meet in the Noah room to practice for Lessons and Carols service of Dec.15th
7:45 pm -- Practice in the Sanctuary for about 15 min. with the other choirs. 
**Parent helpers needed this night.**

Sun. Dec. 15th, 9:30 and 11 am: Lessons and Carols
All choirs are singing at 9:30 and 11 am services on the 15th. 
Hosanna Choir: Please come to either or both services -- whatever works best for young singers and families.

Sunday school is in worship both services (we have special coloring books for this day, especially so little ones can follow along with the lessons and carols service)

Wed, Dec. 18th 7:00 pm
Hosanna Choir in Choir room with Alleluia Choir for Christmas Eve

Tues. Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Service 3:00 pm Hosanna and Alleluia choirs sing 
2:30 pm: meet in Sanctuary
 
Wed Dec. 25, Merry Christmas! Hosanna Choir  has  the night off! Sing at home!
Wed Jan. 1st,Happy New Year! Hosanna Choir has  the night off! Sing at home!                 
Wed Jan.8th, 7:00-7:30: Hosanna choir is back!... in the Noah room
                                      
Thank you so much! 
Blessings and Joyful noises!
Penny 

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Christmas Family Festival Play Update

Thank you to everyone for your work on the play today. Things are coming along great. I've put the words to the songs we are singing below, so everyone can practice the words. Here is the schedule:

Wednesday, Dec 4
6:15pm-7:00pm - Leads and speaking roles, we will meet to go over your lines and blocking.

Sunday, Dec. 8
9:30am - Sunday School - Practice singing caroler's songs w/ instrumentalists
11:00am - Call for all actors. Leads get make-up and costumes ready. Carolers practice songs.
11:30am - Run through play in undercroft with all actors and music. Give notes.
12:00pm - Lunch in undercroft.
12:15pm - Dress rehearsal in sanctuary, with music and tech.
12:50pm - Everyone back stage and ready for play.
1:00pm - Show time.

Words to Songs

O Presentmas (to the tune of O Christmas Tree)
O Presentmas, O Presentmas,
Bring presents to his Mayorness.
O Presentmas, O Presentmas,
Bring presents to his Mayorness.
Bring them big, or bring them small,
The important thing's to bring them all.
O Presentmas, O Presentmas,
Bring presents to his Mayorness.

Away in a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

O Little Town of Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to all on earth!

The First Noel
The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

We Three Kings
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Thanksgiving Service


Excellent singers! For some of the younger kids, this was their very first time singing up in front. Great job!
To hear it again, click this YouTube link:

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Children's Chirstmas Play and Family Christmas Festival: Sunday Dec. 8 at 11 AM

Sunday, Dec. 1st at  11:15 am is Play Practice



For the cast and crew, the script is available to download and read here.

Songs for the Christmas Play
Jingle Bells/O Christmas Tree - Chorus & Mayor
Away in a Manger - Carolers
O Little Town of Bethlehem - Chorus
The First Noel - Chorus
We Three Kings - Trio
Joy to the World - Chorus
We Wish You a Merry Christmas - Chorus


Family Christmas Festival is Dec. 8th. 11-1 pm. 
We make gingerbread houses to celebrate the houses in our church family: 
Casa Hogar Elim and Hospitality House.
The Christmas play is at 1 pm.


Reminder: Dec. 15th is Lessons and Carols in worship


Blessings,      
Penny Meschke
952-934-3550 ex 18      

"Tell the kids I love them" -God     






Christ the King Sunday

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Childhood and Family Ministries: Advent 2013

“Come darkness, Come light” for kids

“Twinkle twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are…” As you sing the rest of the song in your head or like me, just sing it out loud; can you picture that star it in your mind? When do we see stars? Not in the day, but in the night sky. During Advent, as we get ready for Christmas, think of that baby Jesus coming into this world, born in a humble stable, like a tiny twinkling star in the night sky. Jesus is the twinkling star that became the light of the world!
“…And without the dark, everything would be light, and you would never know when you needed a lightbulb.”, from “The Dark, by Lemony Snicket.

Look to the right for an Advent Calendar for you. It is a list of activities and opportunities that is coming.
At the beginning of Advent, Dec 1st, the trees in Fellowship Hall will be plain. As the trees in our church will fill with ornaments representing the gifts given all around the world. They will become “Giving Trees.”
The children of All Saints, including the 1st grade Faith Adventure, Sunday School, and WOW Wednesday and the children at Hospitality House, will create the handmade ornaments for the giving trees.
Each Sunday in Advent, you will have the opportunity to give a gift like a nylon backpack bag for a child at Casa Hogar, the orphanage in Mexico, or maybe a malaria net. As you give this monetary gift, you are invited to hang a child-made ornament on a tree to symbolize your gift. The ornaments will be in baskets to choose from. If you give a gift in honor of someone, also select an ornament for them to enjoy.

Come December 8th-11:00 am-2:00 pm for the Family Christmas Festival with gingerbread house making and the Christmas play, “Christmas Time” written by All Saints author, Aaron Achartz.

Advent Blessings to you,
Let your little light shine,
Penny Meschke
Childhood Ministries
952.934.3550x18 or pmeschke@allsaintsmtka.org


December
1 Su                  9:30 am and 11 am Sunday School Project Casa Hogar

4 W                  6:15-7:00 pm WOW Wednesdays
                        7:00-7:30 pm Children’s Choirs
7 Sa                  3:00-5:00 pm Christmas Caroling
8 Su                  11am-2 pm Family Christmas Festival with lunch Gingerbread house making
                        1 pm Children’s Christmas Play

11 W                6:15-7:00 pm WOW Wednesdays
                        7:00-7:30 pm Children’s Choirs

15 Su                Sunday School is in the Sanctuary with Lessons and Carols

11 W                6:15-7:00 pm WOW Wednesdays
                        7:00-7:30 pm Children’s Choirs

20 F                  3:00-5:30 pm Gingerbread house making at Hospitality House

24 T                  3:00 and 4:30 pm Family Christmas Eve Services

25 W                Merry Christmas!

29 Su                Sunday School is off

January
1 W                  WOW Wed and Children’s choirs are off

5 Su                  Sunday School resumes

8 W                  6:15-7:00 pm WOW Wednesdays

                        7:00-7:30 pm Children’s Choirs

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Operation Casa Hogar Sunday School Mission Project

Operation Casa Hogar collection starts NOW



Operation Casa Hogar is the annual Sunday School Mission Project happening Dec 1st at 9:30 and 11 am. (Casa Hogar is the orphanage in Mexico which we support.)

On our planning visit this November to Casa Hogar Elim, (CHE) Mama Lupita asked if we could send nylon-drawstring bags again this year for the children of Casa Hogar. She shared how the children used them to carry school items to school. You are invited to make a $5.00 donation for a nylon bag for a child.


Operation Casa Hogar is the annual Sunday School Mission Project happening Dec. 1st.  Please bring your donations to the red barrel located in the Fellowship Hall through Sat. Nov 30th. And please leave monetary donations in the office and checks made out to All Saints with “Project Casa Hogar” on the memo line.

Operation Casa Hogar Sunday School Mission Project

Where:  Donate to the RED barrel in the Fellowship Hall

When:   Now through Sat. Nov. 30th

Wanted:  
Toys: match box cars, balls, small dolls
School Supplies: small notebooks, coloring books, crayons, pens, pencils. 
Hygiene Items: toothbrushes and paste, soap, washcloths, combs
Other items: hard candy, mints, gum, T-shirts, toy jewelry, socks, hair clips, sunglasses, flashlights with extra batteries.
NOT WANTED: Used items, war toys, chocolate (it melts!), perishable food, liquids, breakable items


Hosanna Choir - November Schedule

“Make a Joyful noise to the Lord”    Psalm 100:1


Dear Parents of Hosanna Choir!

Thank you for bringing your children to Hosanna Choir! We are so excited you are here! We will sing, play simple instruments, and play musical games! Singing is a fun way to connect with others and with God.

Here’s what’s coming up:

Wednesdays in November and December 
7:00-7:30pm Hosanna choir in the Noah room (lower level, by the library area)

Wednesday, November 27 
7:00 Thanksgiving Service - Combined Children's Choirs Sing!
**Practice at 6:30**
Stay for PIE Fest!

Sunday, December 8
11 am - 2 pm Christmas Festival, including lunch
1 pm Children's Christmas Play

Thank you so much!    
Blessings and Joyful Noises!    
Penny, 952-934-3550 ex 18
pmeschke@allsaintsmtka.org
www.allsaintsmtka.org
littlehandsatallsaints@blog.spot.com

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Children's Ministries - November schedule

November
Wednesdays 
7:00-7:30 pm  Children’s choirs
  
Wednesday the 20th 
6:45-7:45 p.m. 1st grade Advent Adventure

Dear First Graders and Parents,

Join us on Wednesday, November 20 at 6:15 p.m. for a Faith Adventure just for you!
We will learn about Advent and make ceramic ornaments with the OWLS (Older, Wiser        Lutheran Saints) to decorate our church.
Please let me know if you can come—hope to see you!

Penny Meschke
All Saints Children’s Ministries
952.934.3550 x 18
pmeschke@allsaintsmtka.org

"Tell the kids I love them"  -God 


First Graders and their families will also meet on Saturday, November 30 at 9 a.m. to decorate the church for the Christmas season with our ornaments and other things!  That day we’ll meet George Rowley, All Saints Outreach Coordinator, and learn about the Giving Market and Angel Tree outreach ministries.

Wednesday the 28th - 7:00 PM Thanksgiving Service, Pie Festival!
 (no choir or WOW activities, join us for delicious pie after the service!)
http://margaretinthecity.com/2011/11/

Saturday the 30th 
9 am -12 noon
> 6th Graders are On a Mission
Whether across the world or in  our own backyards...Jesus calls us to love our neighbors. Child 
and parent will gather and help set up “Project Casa Hogar,” collecting supplies the Orphanage in Mexico and creating care kits for Lutheran World Relief 
**see blog called Operation Casa Hogar Sunday School Mission Project for further information***
> 1st Graders -Faith Adventure
> Decorate the church for Christmas!



Blessings and love in Christ,   

Penny Meschke      
Childhood Ministries        
952-934-3550 ex 18  
www.allsaintsmtka.org
    
"Tell the kids I love them" -God     

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Fifth Grade Faith Adventure NOV 16 & 17

Fifth Grade Faith Adventure
Saturday, November 16
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Make communion bread
Sunday, November 17
9:30 or 11 a.m. services
Receive communion

This parent and child adventure is a preparation for Communion. Fifth graders will make communion bread for worship and create their own communion cup on the potter’s wheel.

The potter's wheel is open on Sunday November 3 at 9:30 and 11 a.m. so that fifth graders can make their communion cups. 
They need to make them ahead of time so that they can be fired
 and be ready for their communion on Sunday, November 17.


Monday, October 28, 2013

Alleluia Choir

Hi
I am happy to contribute to our Blog. Here is the Alleluia choir schedule for the next several weeks. Our rehearsals are always on Wednesdays at 7pm in the choir room. Of course we can always use more members so pass the word.
Jim Hild
Director of Alleluia choir
Jhild@allsaintsmtka.org


  • November 10 – 9:30 service- Life Together. Parent Helper: Bunk
  •     November 27 – (Wed)  7pm Thanksgiving service time  Hosanna,  Alleluia and Youth choirs. No rehearsal. Parent helper: De Jong. Meet at 6:30pm in the choir room before the service
  •   December 1 – 9:30 service. Light one Candle from Singing the Seasons. Parent helper: Elverum
  • December 11 (W) – mass choir rehearsal. Regular rehearsal at 7pm. Mass rehearsal at 7:45. Parent helper: Helling
  •  December 15 – Lessons and carols. 9 and 10:30. He Whom Shepherds Once came praising (Quempas Carol) All choirs and congregation. Parent helper: Salmi
  •    December 24 – 3pm service. Parent helper: Bob and Juanita

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

You are invited to the Fall Family Festival - Saturday, October 26

Fall Family Festival

Mark your calendars! 56’ers Fall Family Festival is
October 26, 
3 PM - 5 PM! We are raising awareness for ICA, our local food shelf. We will have food, games, prizes, live music, and Trunk-o-Treating!

Come in costume if you like–maybe dress as a Bible character?
Would you like to pass out treats from the trunk of your car? You are invited to come park your car in the south parking lot and pass out candy. Please sign up on the Childhood Ministry bulletin board.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Hosanna Choir Grace Notes - November Schedule

“Make a Joyful noise to the Lord”    Psalm 100:1


Dear Parents of Hosanna Choir!

Thank you for bringing your children to Hosanna Choir! We are so excited you are here! We will sing, play simple instruments, and play musical games! Singing is a fun way to connect with others and with God.

Here’s what’s coming up:

Wednesdays in November and December 
7:00-7:30pm Hosanna choir in the Noah room (lower level, by the library area)

Wednesday, November 27 
7:00 Thanksgiving Service - Combined Children's Choirs Sing!
**Practice at 6:30**
Stay for PIE Fest!

Sunday, December 8
11 am - 2 pm Christmas Festival, including lunch
1 pm Children's Christmas Play

Thank you so much!    
Blessings and Joyful Noises!    
Penny, 952-934-3550 ex 18
pmeschke@allsaintsmtka.org
www.allsaintsmtka.org
littlehandsatallsaints@blog.spot.com

                       








Sunday, September 29, 2013

Welcome 56'ers - Fall 2013 Events

Welcome 56’ers! 
….that means all 5th and 6th graders,…it’s a group all about you!
Parents and kids, come find out more,

56’ers is a program for 5th and 6th graders to get to know each other through a variety of activities and events at All Saints. Monthly events are parent led. There are “Late Nights” at church on selected Fridays. Also, 56’ers hosts the Fall Family Festival.  All of these opportunities are invitations and fun ways to connect prior to Confirmation, which begins in 7th grade.

Each month parents will have the opportunity to plan and lead an outing of 5th and 6th graders.

Some ideas:
Swimming
Canoeing            
Ice Skating 
Water Park
Sledding Snow tubing
Horseback riding
Roller skating
Bowling
Hayrides
Valley Fair
Climbing Wall
Movie night
Service projects

October is the Family Fall Festival Hosted by the 56’ers
Supports (ICA) Food Shelf
Sat., October 26th, 3-5 pm at All Saints
Looking for parents to  co-lead this event.
We need parents and kids to sign up and run booth such as...

Fish pond                     Ring toss                          Face Painting
Bingo                           Bowling                             Crafts
Bean bag toss              Trunk or treating             Decorate treat bags
Refreshments, hot dogs, popcorn, drink

56’ers Late Nights at Church
Evening of games and activities and devotion
Friday,October 11
Friday, November 8

Blessings,
Penny Meschke
Director of Childhood Ministries All Saints Church
952-934-3550 ex.18

pmeschke@allsaintsmtka.org

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Children's Ministries - Events Listing for October 2013

October 2013 - WOW! Look what we're doing!




Wednesdays Regular Schedule includes:
Dinner when you get here, begins at 5:30 pm ($5 suggested)
6:15 - 7:00 WOW Wednesday activities
7:00 - 7:30 Hosanna Choir (pre-school through 2nd grade)
7:00- 7:30 Alleluia Choir (3rd-6th grade)

Sunday School Regular Schedule:
9:30 and 11:30 Services, gather for Sunday School during Children's moment

Wednesday, October 16th
No scheduled activities- have a great MEA extended weekend!

Wednesday, October 23rd
6:15-7:00 pm     WOW Wednesday: Pumpkin painting and devotion
7:00-7:30 pm     Children’s choirs

Friday, October 25th
3:00 - 6:00 pm Fun-day Art Day Hospitality House: pumpkin painting

Saturday, October 26th
4:00 - 6:00 pm 56’ers Fall Family Festival and Truck-or-Treating (all invited!)

Sunday, October 27th
9:30 and 11am Sunday Surprise! School

Wednesday, October 30th                                              
6:15 -7:00 pm       WOW Wednesday
7:00-7:30 pm        Children’s choirs


See events for all ages on the All Saints Lutheran Church calendar: http://allsaintsmtka.org/calendar/

In the beginning: Birth– K Faith Adventure October 2, 2013

Dear Parents,
You are invited to bring your child(ren) to an evening of fun and singing!

Make a Joyful Noise on 
Wednesday, Oct. 2 and Wednesday, Nov. 6
6:15-7:00 pm
Noah room 
(down one flight from main level, by the library area)

We will sing, move and dance to the Spirit.  Families will receive a CD with some of our favorite All Saints children’s songs:) Kindergarteners will receive Spark story bible. Feel free to come to one or both events.

Also, we serve dinner on Wednesday night from 5:30-6:45 pm.
$5:00/person




Blessings and Joyful Noises,

Penny Meschke
Youth and Family Ministries Director
www.allsaintsmtka.org


Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Children's Ministries - Events Listing for September 2013

September
Wednesday the 25th           
6:15-7 p.m.    56’ers kick-off with parents
7:00-7:30 pm  Children’s choirs

Friday the 27th 
3-6 p.m. Fun-day Art Day Hospitality House - mural painting

Sunday the 29th 
9:30 and 11 am Sunday Surprise! School
(we’re going bananas!)




See events for all ages on the All Saints Lutheran Church calendar: http://allsaintsmtka.org/calendar/


Dear Parents (a letter from Penny Meschke-Children's Ministries)

Dear Parents,

Do you remember the dance song by Jordan Pruitt, “We Are Family“...I got all my sisters with me…we are family...get up everybody and sing” Well, that is where we are headed this month in Sunday school; it’s a story about being a family; the sweet story of Ruth. It’s one of my favorites:) What does it mean “we are family” ? How do we care for one another as a family? What is God’s family? What is the Body of Christ? These are some of the questions we will talk about.

Mark your calendars! 56’ers Fall Family Festival is October 26! We are raising awareness for ICA, our local food shelf. We will have food, games, prizes, live music, and Trunk-o-Treating! Come in costume if you like:) Maybe dress as a Bible character?
You are invited to come park your car in the south parking lot and pass out candy, sign up on the Childhood Minisrty bulleting board.

In worship this month, watch for celebrating moments of 3rd grade bible presentation.

September faith adventures:
3rd graders receive bibles and
0-5 years old have a Music adventure
Kindergarteners receive story bibles.

Blessings,
“We are family”
Penny Meschke,

Childhood and Family Ministries

"Ahh! This is the LIFE! We feel right at home at All Saints!"













See events for all ages on the All Saints Lutheran Church calendar: http://allsaintsmtka.org/calendar/