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Announcements

Announcements for the Week of November 17, 2024

Welcome to worship at Chain of Lakes. Today Pastor Paul is starting a new sermon series called, “Listening to God in a world full of noise.” Everyone is encouraged to hand in their stewardship form for the “Growing with Purpose” campaign. Thanks to the kids of Chain of Lakes for singing and to Hannah Moore for sharing her musical gifts.

Elementary aged children(K-5th grade) are invited to participate in the Kids’ Church, and babies – preschool children are invited to participate in the Nursery program every Sunday. Children aged 5 and under can be checked in at the nursery before service, and elementary aged children will be dismissed during the service. Please fill out the check-in form in the nursery with your cell phone and child info. Parents will be contacted via text if your child needs assistance during the worship service. At the end of the service, please pick up your kids from the Nursery and Kids’ Church areas.

The Youth Group will gather at the church this Wednesday at 6:15pm until 8:15pm and will be participating in a Progressive Dinner. Please note the time change for this event only. Thank you so much to those hosting the youth for this fun evening.  If your student has not yet confirmed they will be attending, please email amanda.s@colpres.org. Annual student registration forms must be completed for youth to attend. Youth Group is for students in 6th – 12th grade.

The last Foundations class will be this Tuesday, November 19 at 7pm. Pastor Paul will teach about what is foundational in what we know about the Bible and in interpreting the Bible. 

The mental health and wellness group is now called Life Support, a gathering of individuals who are looking for a confidential and affirming space to share how they are navigating their mental health with connection and support through wellness strategies. The group meets at noon Sunday, November 17 in the nursery. Note that our own Colleen Gramling will lead the presentation Navigating Mental HELLTH through the HoliDAZE on Monday, November 18 at 6:30pm in the worship center.

Thanksgiving Day, November 28 at 1pm enjoy the second Annual Friendsgiving Dinner at Chain of Lakes Church. Sign up in the Commons area at the church with what you will bring, or email info@colpres.org. If you can’t bring anything you are still welcome. It’s a time for gratitude, friends and making new friends.

Thank you to Matt Lewellen-Otten from OutFront MN for leading the Homo for the HoliDAZE presentation this past Thursday. The discussion was insightful and another step in continuing the support and understanding of our colorful garden of diversity. If you weren’t able to attend and would like the materials and resources that were shared, see Minister of Health and Healing Charlie Clark or email him at charlie.c@colpres.org.


The next Navigating the HoliDAZE presentation will take place tomorrow, Monday November 18th at 6:30pm in the worship center. Colleen Grambling, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, will present Navigating Mental HELLTH through the HoliDAZE. The holiday season can be equal parts joyous and stressful which can simultaneously fill up our cups and drain them at the same time. Join Colleen as she leads a discussion providing some basic understanding of holiday stress, dimensions of mental well-being that extend beyond the holidays, and an experiential exercise to offer a window into the heart of one’s stressors and strengths. The group will be held in a confidential space where we can hold conversations to build connections and hopefully walk away with skills and understanding to not just survive but thrive during the holiday season. Register by emailing charlie.c@colpres.org

Navigating Sobriety
Are you sober or sober curious? Do you want to explore sobriety and reclaim your life? Maybe you know someone who struggles with addiction and want to support them. If this speaks to your heart, join us for an evening with SMART Recovery meeting facilitator Kayla Storie for Navigating Sobriety through the HoliDAZE on Monday, November 25th at 6:30pm in the worship center. You will learn ways to navigate sobriety with some tips, tricks, and tools for making it through the holiDAZE, all while being in a safe space to ask questions and learn. Kayla will share her story of how and why she decided to go alcohol free in February 2023. Register by emailing charlie.c@colpres.org. Childcare available. Visit SmartRecovery.org to learn more about the SMART Recovery program.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this powerful small group series. Due to interest from those in attendance, REgroup will continue as a support group moving forward, times and dates TBD. If you are interested in more information and/or wish to join the email list, please see or email Charlie Clark or Amanda Serfling at charlie.c@colpres.org and amanda.s@colpres.org



Out of the Cold is Hope 4 Youth’s November fundraiser. Consider donating hygiene items or supplies  (hygiene, NEW underwear/socks) at one of three locations this Thursday, November 21 from 4:30 – 7:30pm. The three drop off sites are Tom Ryan Park in Blaine, the Anoka County Sheriff’s office and Hope 4 Youth Center, 2665 4th Ave., Suite #40, Anoka. 

Family Ministries will be hosting the “Santa Shop: A holiday shopping experience for kids!” on December 7th from 10am -2pm. Volunteers are needed. Mark the Communication Card or sign up in the Commons  if you are able to volunteer. Opportunities include Registration/Check in, Gift Wrapping, Personal Shopper and Hospitality.

The Personnel Team of Chain of Lakes is hiring an Administrator. This is a fifteen hour a week position with flexible hours in a terrific work environment. The person will manage the office, prepare the bulletin, coordinate scheduling and do other administrative tasks.

Do you live within a 5 minute drive from Chain of Lakes Church? The Family Ministries Team is looking for individuals or families that would be willing to participate in a Progressive Dinner for the youth group the evening of Wednesday, November 20th. A progressive dinner involves hosting the youth in your home and serving one course of a meal. (Appetizer, main dish, or dessert.) The students will travel from one house to the next for each course, get the opportunity to connect with the hosts and build relationships. This is a fun and easy opportunity to connect with the youth group.

With more events and programming we have a greater need to provide childcare for those attending. These are paid opportunities. Please contact Charlie Clark at charlie.c@colpres.org or Amanda Serfling at amanda.s@colpres.org for more information

Sunday, November 24 Pastor Paul will finish the sermon series called,  “Listening to God in a world full of noise.” Results for the Growing with Purpose campaign will be shared.  

Join the Deacons and the Health and Healing ministry for a traditional taizé service on Sunday, December 1st at 4:30pm on the worship center. Christmas can be difficult for those carrying challenging memories or a sense of not belonging. In this gentle gathering, we’ll create space for peace, acceptance, and quiet reflection, reimagining the season as a time of calm and connection. Through simple chants, soft music, and shared silence, we’ll find comfort together. All are welcome.

This year worship at Chain of Lakes will be celebrated on Christmas Eve at 5pm and 7pm. For many this is the worship highlight of the year. Invite a friend!

The Health and Healing Ministry is pleased to partner with SMART Recovery for a weekly Sunday evening gathering at 5pm in the commons area. SAVE THE DATE! SMART Recovery Facilitator Kayla Storie will present Navigating Sobriety through the HoliDAZE on Monday, November 25th at 6:30pm in the worship center.

There is no yoga this week. The class continues next Tuesday at 5:30pm and continues through the holiday season.

The Chain of Lakes Christmas Concert is set for Sunday, December 15 at 4:00pm.  If you would like to participate in the concert, send an email to Music Director Jan Boehm at Jan.b@colpres.org

If you are curious about what is involved in joining Chain of Lakes, come to a Get-To-Know-You gathering the week of December 1. The Get-To-Know-You gathering is the first step in a two step process of joining. At this gathering participants will share their own story with another person, hear Pastor Paul’s story, and hear the story of Chain of Lakes. If interested, contact Pastor Paul at pastor@colpres.org

Psalm 65:10
You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth.

Chain of Lakes Church is announcing the Growing with Purpose Capital Campaign to raise funds for making our required mortgage payments over the next three years (2025-2028) and campus enhancements. This is a special effort for initiatives/projects we are unable to fund through our annual operating budget. With that said, we will be doing this campaign in coordination with our Annual Stewardship.

Additional information will be shared over the next couple of months before households are asked to make a commitment to the Annual Stewardship (1 year) and Capital Campaign (3 years) in November.

We ask that you pray for God’s guidance   throughout this process, as well as the campaign volunteers and entire congregation. This is an  important moment in our church’s history and we thank you for your interest!

11/17    Sunday        12:00pm   Life Support Group
11/17    Sunday          3:00pm   New Brighton Celebrate Recovery Band Rehearsal
11/17    Sunday          5:00pm   SMART Recovery Group
11/18    Monday          5:30pm   Cascade HOA
11/18    Monday          6:30pm   Navigating Mental HELLTH through the HoliDAZE
11/19    Tuesday       11:00am   Staff
11/19    Tuesday        1:00pm   Personnel
11/19    Tuesday        5:30pm   Lakes Masters HOA
11/19    Tuesday        6:30pm   Deacons
11/19    Tuesday        7:00pm   Foundations Adult Enrichment opportunity
11/20    Wednesday   6:00pm   Stream Team – Zoom
11/20    Wednesday   6:30pm   Youth Group Progressive Dinner
11/20    Wednesday   7:00pm   Praise Team Rehearsal
11/21    Thursday       6:30pm   Session

Volunteer for worship

Chain of Lakes is a place where you can share the gifts and passions God has given you.
Learn about God and express praise through various volunteer activities that help this community to worship God. To sign up or learn more, please contact Chain of Lakes at 763.208.8049 or info@colpres.org
Lead Music
From bluegrass, to choir, to children with their bells, Chain of Lakes is singing a new song unto the Lord!
 
The worship music team rotates between a dedicated group of volunteer musicians from Chain of Lakes weekly. 
 
If you are a musician looking to use your gifts in a ministry setting, you are welcome here. Instrumentalists and vocalists are encouraged to inquire and become a part of how God is using musicians at Chain of Lakes.
Other Leadership Roles
click on each description below for more information:

Small groups

Adult Enrichment, Small Groups, Health & Healing Ministry Workshops and Programs – Why participate? To connect with others, grow in faith, learn and have fun!  
Sign up at info@colpres.org  Groups meet at Chain of Lakes Church, 2650 125th Ave NE, Blaine, MN unless otherwise specified
 

SMART Recovery group

The Health and Healing Ministry is pleased to partner with SMART Recovery for a weekly Sunday evening gathering at 5pm in the commons area. SAVE THE DATE! SMART Recovery Facilitator Kayla Storie will present Navigating Sobriety through the HoliDAZE on Monday, November 25th at 6:30pm in the worship center.

The next Navigating the HoliDAZE presentation will take place tomorrow, Monday November 24th at 6:30pm in the worship center. Are you sober or sober curious? Do you want to explore sobriety and reclaim your life? Maybe you know someone who struggles with addiction and want to support them. If this speaks to your heart, join us for an evening with SMART Recovery meeting facilitator Kayla Storie for Navigating Sobriety through the HoliDAZE on Monday, November 25th at 6:30pm in the worship center. You will learn ways to navigate sobriety with some tips, tricks, and tools for making it through the holiDAZE, all while being in a safe space to ask questions and learn. Kayla will share her story of how and why she decided to go alcohol free in February 2023. Register here. Childcare available. Visit SmartRecovery.org to learn more about the SMART Recovery program.

Grief Group provides a supportive space for individuals experiencing loss to connect with others who are journeying a similar path. Through shared experiences, participants can express emotions, learn coping strategies and find emotional support in a judgment-free environment. The group fosters healing by normalizing feelings of grief and loss, offering comfort, and encouraging personal growth. Please check back for the date of the next meeting.

Life Support
The mental health and wellness group is now called Life Support, a gathering of individuals who are looking for a confidential and affirming space to share how they are navigating their mental health with connection and support through wellness strategies. Check back here for the next group meeting.

Thank you to Colleen Gramling for leading the Navigating Mental HELLTH presentation Nov. 18. It was an illuminating discussion that allowed for much thought and self examination. If you weren’t able to attend and would like the materials and resources that were shared, see Minister of Health and Healing Charlie Clark or email him at charlie.c@colpres.org.

Soul Refresh Yoga
Ongoing Tuesdays, 5:30 – 6:15pm 

Class instructor: Maria Douglas. Maria is a physical therapist and 200 hour registered yoga instructor. She has been teaching yoga for 20 years.

Yoga continues this next Tuesday, November 26 at 5:30pm with a four week focus on Advent through December 17. Click here for “Breath Prayers for Anxiety” as we approach a busy and sometimes stressful holiday season.

Adaptive yoga is a style of yoga that considers all bodies and abilities. It’s accessible to everyone, and multiple variations are taught, allowing the poses to be adapted to specific needs and abilities Instead of conforming the body into specific poses, adaptive yoga fits the movements to what the body is able to do.

This class invites those with physical limitations that may make it difficult to participate in more traditional mainstream yoga classes. It is for those who may not have even thought they could DO yoga.

Many options and modifications will be explored to provide comfort and ease during the yoga practice.

People without physical limitations can also benefit from this type of practice as well. It is a faith-integrated practice that incorporates the concept of body, mind and spirit in a holistic manner.

The class is taught using a chair.  Standing poses are also taught and the chair can be used for balance support as needed.  

Wear loose comfortable clothing.

A free will donation of $5 per class is suggested.

Consider bringing a friend!

REgroup Your Faith

Thank you to everyone who participated in this powerful small group series. Due to interest from those in attendance, REgroup will continue as a support group moving forward, times and dates TBD. If you are interested in more information and/or wish to join the email list, please see or email Charlie Clark or Amanda Serfling at charlie.c@colpres.org and amanda.s@colpres.org

Navigating through the HoliDAZE

The Health and Healing ministry is offering another series of Navigating through the HoliDAZE presentations with discussions that illuminate ways we can manage and even thrive in what can be a challenging season from Thanksgiving through the New Year. Save the dates! All programs start at 6:30pm in the worship center.

Wednesday, November 6 – Navigating Neurodiversity

Thursday, November 14 – Navigating Tough Conversations around 2SLGBTQIA+ Identities

Monday, November 18 – Navigating Your Mental HELLTH through the HoliDAZE

Monday, November 25 – Navigating Sobriety through the HoliDAZE

Thank you to Ayden Walter for leading the informative talk Navigating Neurodiversity this past Wednesday. The discussion was insightful and will lead to more understanding and continued conversations. Ayden and Kate Lawrence have offered to lead a Neurodiversity Support Group in the new year. If you are interested in participating, see Charlie Clark or email him at charlie.c@colpres.org.

Thank you to Matt Lewellen-Otten from OutFront MN for leading the Homo for the HoliDAZE presentation this past Thursday. The discussion was insightful and another step in continuing the support and understanding of our colorful garden of diversity. If you weren’t able to attend and would like the materials and resources that were shared, see Minister of Health and Healing Charlie Clark or email him at charlie.c@colpres.org.

Navigating Mental HELLTH through the HoliDAZE. Monday November 18 at 6:30pm in the worship center. Colleen Grambling, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. The holiday season can be equal parts joyous and stressful which can simultaneously fill up our cups and drain them at the same time. Join Colleen as she leads a discussion providing some basic understanding of holiday stress, dimensions of mental well-being that extend beyond the holidays, and an experiential exercise to offer a window into the heart of one’s stressors and strengths. The group will be held in a confidential space where we can hold conversations to build connections and hopefully walk away with skills and understanding to not just survive but thrive during the holiday season. Email charlie.c@colpres.org to register.

What in Health?

Did you know that diversity is one of the healthiest ingredients for any community? When we bring together people from different backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and experiences, we create a place where everyone can grow stronger. Diversity opens up new perspectives, allowing us to learn from one another and solve problems in ways we couldn’t on our own. It also strengthens our emotional resilience, reminding us that we’re not alone on our journey. In fact, inclusive communities are proven to be healthier and happier. Embracing diversity isn’t just about fairness—it’s about creating a world where all can thrive, together.

 

Prayer Group & Prayer Requests

Members of the Chain of Lakes Prayer Group pray over the requests that are received at Chain of Lakes each week.  Let Chain of Lakes pray for you! Fill out the Communication Card on the About page to send a prayer request, or email the church office: info@colpres.org  or call 763.465.8585. Also contact the church office for more information or to be a part of the Prayer Group. 

Chain of Lakes first season of Wonderful Wednesdays has concluded. Please take part in the various summer events and small groups, and then Wonderful Wednesdays will start a new season in September.

What happens at Chain of Lakes’ Wonderful Wednesdays?  Dinner, Youth Group, Speakers and Small Groups

  • 6:00pm A meal and fellowship will be shared by youth and adults in the Chain of Lakes worship space
  • 6:30pm Youth Group will go to the Youth area with representatives of the Youth Council
  • 6:30pm Adults hear a presentation or attend a small group.

Wonderful Wednesdays are open for anyone to attend – all are welcome. 

Ministry Teams

More information about each team can be provided by each team’s respective team lead. Contact the church office to reach any of the team members: 763.465.8585 or info@colpres.org
 
Is your team creating an event for the church? Please fill out this Communications Form to help the Communications Team promote the event! Ideally the form will be filled out two months before the event. Contact Kathy Brevig through info@colpres.org if you have questions about the form.
Communications
Chris Audet, Kathy Brevig,  Ashley Gramling, Chris Krebsbach (Lead), Pastor Paul Moore (staff)
 
Connection
Heather Butterfield (Lead), Gloria Ivers, Kate Lawrence, Pastor Paul Moore (staff)
 
Building, Grounds & Technology
 Bob Bushard, Amy Cory, Steve Cory, Paul Edgett (Lead), John Ivers, Pastor Paul Moore (staff), Dick Pederson
 
Local Impact
Janice Aanenson (Lead), Jeff and Maria Douglas, Sarah Green, Pastor Paul Moore (staff), Dick Pederson, Ann Raschka, Ann Turner
 

Personnel
Jolene Altrichter, Greta Clark (Lead), Val Owens,  Pastor Paul Moore (staff)

Adult Enrichment Planning
Kathy Brevig, Ivy Cavegn (Lead), Judy Chesla, Charlie Clark, Sonia Larson, Pastor Paul Moore (staff) 
 
Volunteer Empowerment
Jolene Altrichter, Pastor Paul Moore (staff)
 
 

Stewardship/Finance
John Altrichter (Lead), Gina Bloomfield, John Ivers, Sara Lord, Dave Nyberg, Pastor Paul Moore (staff)

Worship
Whitney Berre. Jan Boehm (staff), Lois Bushard, Paul Edgett, Aaron Lawrence, Pastor Paul Moore (staff)
 
Family Ministries Team
 Amy Cory, Kayla Flanagan, Val Owens,  Jordan Serfling, Amanda Serfling (staff)
 
Youth Council
Chris Audet, Bob Bushard, Heather Butterfield, Amanda Serfling (staff)