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Announcements

Announcements for the Week of December 8, 2024

Welcome to worship at Chain of Lakes. Today Pastor Paul is continuing an Advent sermon series called, “Being a Messenger of Joy.” Today he will talk about the joy of prayer. We will hear about a special appeal for the Health and Healing ministry.

Thanks to Sarah Green & Ann Raschka for lighting the Advent candle in the first service; thanks to Obi Anizor and Becca Larkin for lighting the Advent candle in the second service.

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 meet Wednesday, December 11, 6:30 – 8:00pm.  Youth Group is for students in 6th – 12th grade. Save the Date: Youth Christmas Party is December 18, 6:30pm

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.

The Santa Shop is back at Chain of Lakes Church this year on December 7th from 10am-2pm. Kids can shop and wrap gifts for their grownups, assisted by Santa’s helpers. This event is for kids up to age 12.

This year, all families must register online for a shopping time to secure a spot for their child. There will be minimal walk-in slots available and may require a longer wait time to get into the shop. One parent or adult has the option of assisting their child with the shopping experience with the limit of one adult per child. Register Here: Chain of Lakes Church: Santa Shop: A Holiday Shopping Experience for Kids

The Local Impact team invites you to help bag groceries at Cub 12595 Central Ave NE, Blaine, MN on Saturday, December 7.  Please sign up for the 2nd shift from noon – 2pm or 3rd shift from 2 – 4pm. This is one of our largest fundraisers to support agencies that help the homeless in Anoka County. Mark the communication card or the sign-up sheet in the Commons area. 

Sunday, December 15  Pastor Paul will continue the Advent sermon series called, “Being a Messenger of Joy.” He will talk about what it means to “Rejoice in the Lord.” . 

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!

Looking for volunteers to light the advent candles during the month of December.  There will be a short reading and the lighting of the candle(s).  Consider signing up for this meaningful activity.  A great opportunity for several people or families.  Sign up for December 15, 22, or 24 and light candles during morning worship or Christmas Eve.  Contact Jan Boehm at Jan.b@colpres.org  

In January Pastor Paul is sharing a sermon series called, “The hard and controversial ones.” He’ll be preaching about the hardest and most controversial questions people have about the Bible. What hard and potentially controversial questions do you have about the Bible? Please share them on the Communication card. Eight questions will be voted on at Christmas Eve worship. The four questions that receive the most votes on Christmas Eve will make up the series. 

Life Support is a group of individuals 18 and over 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 this Sunday, December 8, in the nursery after the second service. 

A Disciples at Chain of Lakes gathering will take place this Wednesday, December 11 at 7pm in the Worship Center. This is the second session for people who are joining Chain of Lakes as a disciple or member. 

The next REgroup meeting will take place on Thursday, December 12, 6pm in the worship center. Join us as we continue a dialogue to explore reconstructing, rehabilitating, reconciling and reimagining church and faith. Sign up on the communication card or the sign-up sheet.

The Chain of Lakes Christmas Concert is set for Sunday, December 15 at 4:00pm.  This is a marvelous concert that will share the wide variety of musical gifts at Chain of Lakes. Invite a friend!

The Chain of Lakes indoor cleaning crews are looking for more hands to help out.  Did you know that the average age of the volunteer cleaners is 77?  They clean for an hour or two on Monday and Friday mornings.  If neither of those days work for you, flexing Friday for Saturday mornings may be possible. Join a fun group of people doing God’s work.  Weekly attendance isn’t required, and training is provided.  Thanks for your consideration. Contact Ann Turner through info@colpres.org, or sign up on the communication card.

Yoga continues this Tuesday, November 26th at 5:30pm with a four week focus on Advent through December 17th. This adaptive yoga class considers all bodies and abilities and fits the movements to what the body is able to do. Taught with a chair, standing poses will also be used and the chair can help for balance support as needed. A free-will donation of $5 per class is suggested. Drop-ins welcome! As we approach a busy and sometimes stressful holiday season, instructor Maria Walde-Douglas would like to share Breath Prayers for Anxiety. Click here for printable prayer cards and other mental health self-care resources.

12/8     Sunday        12:00pm   Life Support Group
12/8     Sunday          3:00pm   New Brighton Celebrate Recovery Band Rehearsal
12/8     Sunday          5:00pm   SMART Recovery Group
12/10   Tuesday       11:00am   Staff
12/10   Tuesday         5:30pm   Refresh your soul Yoga
12/10   Tuesday         5:30pm   Connection Team
12/10   Tuesday         6:30pm   Communications/Marketing
12/10   Tuesday         6:30pm   Stewardship/Finance
12/11   Wednesday    6:30pm   Youth Group
12/11   Wednesday    7:00pm   Praise Team Rehearsal
12/12   Thursday        6:00pm   REgroup  
12/14   Saturday         9:00am  Hope 4 Youth – Anoka

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.

The Health and Healing ministry is grateful to all who took advantage of this year’s “Navigating the HoliDAZE” offerings and wishes all of you a holiday season full of peace.

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. Check back for the next meeting date.

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.

The group meets next on Dec. 8 at noon in the nursery.

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 Tuesdays, 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

The next REgroup meeting will take place on Thursday, December 12th at 6pm in the worship center. Join us as we continue a dialogue to explore reconstructing, rehabilitating, reconciling and reimagining church and faith. Sign up on the communication card or the sign-up sheet.

What in Health?

Managing Holiday Anxiety
The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, but let’s be real—it’s also a recipe for stress! Between family expectations, crowded schedules, and the pressure to make everything perfect, anxiety can creep in and steal our peace.

Here are three simple ways to stay grounded:

  1. Breathe: Set aside 60 seconds a few times a day to practice slow, deep breathing. Inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for four.
  2. Move: Whether it’s a brisk walk or a dance break in your living room, a little movement helps release stress and bring clarity.
  3. Reconnect: Pause and remind yourself what matters most—love, kindness, and the gift of togetherness.

Remember, the perfect Christmas doesn’t come from a perfect plan. It comes from sharing your authentic, present self with those around you.

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/Marketing
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 Small Group 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), Jordan Serfling, Bruce Turner

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)