One of our challenges is the governance structure of the church and the large number of people it requires. The Crossroads Team and the Executive Board came to that conclusion as we have discussed the future of our congregation and looked at ways to continue Jesus’ ministry within the congregation, to our immediate community and to the world.

The Constitution and Bylaws require seven officers, four of whom are members of the Executive Board, which also has nine at-large members, for a total of 13 persons on the Board.  Then, the Constitution and Bylaws require that each of the standing committees and ministry teams consist of at least three members of the congregation. That comes to 49 elected positions in a membership of slightly over 100 persons.

Given the many commitments congregants have in their lives, we believe we can streamline our governance structure to better utilize our group wisdom and thrive in the future. We need a more agile structure that gives us the flexibility to meet the church’s changing needs with fewer people.

While the Executive Board and Crossroads are not yet ready to make specific recommendations for revising the Constitution and Bylaws, we can experiment over the next couple of years to discover what works better. Expect to hear more about this in the coming month. We will be looking for your forbearance, as well as your ideas, for designing a governance structure for the future.

A new small weeknight Bible study group is organizing to begin the week of Jan. 13, 2020. Ever wanted to read and discuss the Bible, but afraid of what you don’t know? Have you shied away from studying the Scriptures because of how others interpret them? “Is Nothing Sacred?” might be for you! No prior knowledge or experience with the Bible needed. If you’d like to know more, and make the Bible a part of your New Year’s resolutions, email [email protected].

Our annual Christmas giving drive starts now. Christmas is coming fast, so don’t delay!

You can make the holidays brighter for elders in long-term care, neighbors in need of food, kids in need of warm clothing, and LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness.

Check out the details below, and please give generously!

 

Christmas gifts for seniors

We’re collecting money and gift cards to help purchase gifts for seniors at Lyngblomsten Care Center. The Lyngblomsten staff will use your donations to buy gifts for their residents. Suggested cards include Amazon, Target, JC Penney, Visa and Kohl’s, and can be purchased at the Scrip table during coffee hour. Please make checks payable to Lyngblomsten Foundation. Leave donations in the designated box in the church lobby. Donations and cards will be taken to Lyngblomsten on Dec. 8.

Hats and mittens for kids

FHC will again collect warm hats and mittens for children and youth, to be distributed by the Department of Indian Work at Interfaith Action in St. Paul.

Hang your gifts on the hat and mitten tree in the lobby by Sunday, Dec. 15.

 

Buy a blossom to restock the food shelves

Help our neighbors in need by purchasing a silk poinsettia blossom for our Gathering Room Christmas tree. All proceeds will go to restock the Keystone Community Services food shelves. Checks can be made out to Falcon Heights Church. Please buy your blossom by Sunday, Dec. 22, or get your check to the office by Monday, the 23rd.

Support homeless youth

For 25 years, Avenues for Homeless Youth has supported its clients ages 16-24 including LGBTQI+ individuals. Whether a young person needs someplace to stay for just one night, or a year and a half, Avenues empowers youth to find their path out of homelessness. Their team of professionals do that by providing a stable home, building trusting relationships, and navigating the youth’s education, career, health and wellness and housing goals.

Supporting Avenues through Christmas giving can help to make the season so much brighter for the young people who are served through their programs. Either an offering-plate monetary donation or an item from the Avenues Holiday Wish List will be welcomed.

A decorated donation box will be in the church entrance Dec. 1-22 for unwrapped gifts you would like to purchase and bring to church.

 

 

Falcon Heights Church will host a community Thanksgiving service at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26. Also participating will be New Life Presbyterian Church and Como Park Lutheran Church.

A combined choir, clergy and lay leaders from the three churches will lead worship. Fellowship will follow the service, with coffee, hot cider and pie. All are welcome!

Don’t miss our advent musical offerings in December. They’re free and open to all ages.

• Be sure to invite friends and family to worship on Dec. 8, when our choir and a professional orchestra will present Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” under the direction of Joel Johnson.
• On Sunday, Dec. 15, our annual children’s pageant will be presented in worship. Margot Olsen directs “‘Buon Natale’ from Circo Piccolo,” with accompaniment by Patti Holmes.