Weekly Incarnation News

Welcome to Incarnation!
If you are new to Incarnation or you want to learn more about Incarnation ministries, please complete this online form we’ll use to connect you to a ministry leader according to your interests.

Livestreaming Schedule
Worship, May 12, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.

All live-streamed worship will be on Vimeo but you don’t need a Vimeo account to view the livestream. The livestream will begin about ten minutes prior to the start of the service so you can make sure you’re able to connect.

The links:
Connect to Worship 9:00 am HERE.
Prelude
Welcome
Opening of Worship
Hymn — When in Our Music God Is Glorified #851
Prayer
Anthem
Reading — John 17: 6-19
Anthem
Sermon
Hymn — Children of the Heavenly Father #781
Communion — All are welcome
Next Steps
Hymn — Sent Forth by God’s Blessing #547
Postlude

Connect to Worship 10:30 am HERE.
Prelude
Welcome
Songs — Sing Wherever I Go, At The Cross
Free Prayer
Reading — John 17: 6-19
Sermon
Blessing of High School Seniors
Communion — All are welcome
Next Steps
Song — This Little Light of Mine
Sending
Postlude — Sing, Sing, Sing

Watch later on Facebook

Watch later on the Web

Download a PDF of a guide for families worshipping together.


Thank you for your continued commitment to the ministries at Incarnation. These ministries are vital to our church’s worship and we would love to invite you to give so we can continue to support them. If you have questions regarding setting up a recurring donation or making a gift via Stock, an IRA or a Donor Advised Fund, please contact Amy Faymoville, Gifts Manager at: afaymoville@incarnationmn.org.


Prayer Concerns

Elaine McGillivray; Kathy Miller; Carl Johnson; Tom Kosobayashi; Shirley Clare; Kahla Jensen; Jon Nelson; Kate Tollefson & family; Fred Knox; Dale Anderson; Joe Doncits; Dede Mattison; Jan Kuhrmeyer; June Fischer; Kirsten Blaseck; Wayne Quehl; Carol Beckerleg; Gene Lindholm; Marian Ness; Joe Stepka; Lowell Odland; Linda Hudepohl; Dave Swanson’s aunt; Wanda Peterson’s mother; Sue Bernlohr’s mother; Lana Bergin’s brother; Nicole & Troy Heller’s brother-in-law; Mike Wielenberg’s parents; Al and Carolyn Ek’s son; Kim Wielenberg’s friend, Cindy; Dede Mattison’s friends, Linda and Yvonne

To be added to the public prayer concerns list, please contact Julie Durbin. If you would like to add someone else to the public prayer concerns list, please obtain their consent first.


Worship Banner

The “Morning of the Resurrection” banner features a watery landscape lit from above by a burst of light. The bright aura signifies Christ and his promise of redemption. The water moving toward the light suggests our life journey, buoyed by waters of Baptism, leading us toward our final resting place in heaven. White and gold, the liturgical colors for Easter season, symbolize purity, light, glory and joy.


Giving Statements

1st Quarter Giving Statements were sent out electronically on Wednesday, April 24 at approximately 12:30 pm. Check your email to view your giving statement via the link to your giving account in Realm. If you did not receive your electronic statement, please check your SPAM/Junk folder to see if it was blocked by your email provider.

Please be sure to update the church office if your email address has changed. We currently use email addresses for sending both giving statements and for connecting with you for other church communication.

Note: For those that have requested a giving statement be mailed to them, please note that they should arrive in homes by May 4.


All Hands on Hope

Well done, good and faithful servants! During our last shift on Sunday, April 28th, at the All Hands on Hope MobilePack reached our meal packing goal! Over five days, we packed 614,304 meals which will feed 1,683 kids for one year. We had a wonderful time celebrating this achievement with a full house of volunteers.

We would like to thank everybody who contributed to this event: those who prayed, those who volunteered, and those who donated. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Watch our social media channels and other Incarnation Lutheran Church publications for a full recap of this fantastic event.

We are still accepting donations to help us pay for the meals we packed. Visit this link for more information. You can also donate using REALM or drop off a check at Incarnation. Thank you!


Children’s Ministry — VBS

At Scuba Vacation Bible School, June 17 – 20, kids will be diving into friendship with God! Scuba is filled with awesome Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, and touch! Hands-on science experiments, team-building games, unforgettable Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the standout activities that help faith flow into real life.

It takes many team members to help fill out key roles at Vacation Bible School. If you are interested in leading games, assisting at any of our station rotations, or helping with decorating, contact Rebecca at rchristiansen@incarnationmn.org to see how your gifts will best be used at Scuba, Vacation Bible School.


March MN FoodShare Campaign a Huge Success!

Thank you to everyone who helped the Minnesota March Foodshare Campaign be a success. Incarnation was able to donate $42,700 and 2518 pounds of food to the Ralph Reeder Foodshelf to help meet the needs of our food-insecure neighbors this spring. An amazing outcome! Thank you to all who contributed.


Pickleball at Incarnation: A Smashing Success!

A Few Things to Remember:

  • Everyone is encouraged to bring food shelf items for Ralph Reader each time.
  • It’s a casual atmosphere for all levels of players. It’s about fellowship, not victories. Mix it up with new partners.
  • Please wear a name tag and introduce yourself.
  • Incarnation members may accompany a guest, but please accompany your guests …(and limit the number of guests a little)… due to limited court times.
  • Please record or report all injuries should they occur. Safety first please.
  • Tuesday & Thursday 2-8 PM.

Preschool Position Available — Assistant Teacher

Incarnation Preschool is seeking a qualified candidate to fill an Assistant Teacher role for the upcoming school year. The part time position is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:15 am-1:45 pm. Additional hours are required throughout the school year for meetings, trainings, prep work, orientation, and school events. Substituting hours are also available if interested. For more information and job descriptions, contact Kirsten Henry at khenry@incarnationmn.org or 651-766-0723.


Helping Paws will present an overview of how Assistance Dogs are trained and an example of the skills taught to further people’s independence and enhance quality of life.

Thursday, May 23. Grace Hall doors open at 10:00 am. Program at 10:30 am.
Lunch to follow. Cost $10.00. Please make a reservation with the church office. Call 651-484-7213.


Quilters

On Mother’s Day, May 12, quilts made by the Quilters will be on display in the Sanctuary. Most will aid Global Health Ministries at ELCA hospitals worldwide. You can buy quilts to support the purchase of new materials. Please contact a quilter at the Narthex table or Julie Durbin in the office at 651-484-7213 to connect you with a quilter. Quilts will be packed and distributed on May 13.


School’s Out Bash

Spread the word. Share the fun… School’s out for summer!

Come and celebrate the last day of school and the start of summer, Thursday, June 6, 2024, 2:30-6:00 pm. Fun for everyone (that means all ages).

Enjoy frozen custard with toppings, chips, popcorn, lawn games, bouncies, and a climbing wall.

Plenty of parking for bikes, strollers, skateboards, cars, or whatever you use to get to the party at Incarnation Lutheran Church. We’ll be on the Northwest part of the building, near the grassy area at Door 6.

Let’s celebrate the end the school year and the start of summer! This is a huge opportunity to show up for our community. Around 40 volunteers are needed.

“Sign Up to Volunteer” OR “Help make it happen!” Click the link here to sign up.


Solid Ground Spring Shower 2024

You’re invited to donate essential household items to assist families transitioning from homelessness to stable housing at Solid Ground. Upon arrival, families often lack cookware, linens, and other basic necessities. Your generosity can help them establish their new homes and embark on a journey of hope and opportunity.

Since January, 16 families have moved to Solid Ground and another 4 to 8 families will be arriving soon. Your donations not only fulfill vital needs for families arriving at Solid Ground but also extend a warm welcome from their community.

Please consider donating new items from the wish list provided below and placing them in the designated bin labeled “Solid Ground Spring Shower” located in the Atrium. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated to support ongoing needs when supplies run low. Please indicate “SG Spring Shower” in the memo line of financial contributions.

Urgently needed items include: 

  • Queen & Twin Sheets
  • Queen & Twin Blankets/Comforters
  • Pillows
  • Shower Curtains & Rings
  • Toasters
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Microwaves
  • Vacuums
  • Pots or Pots & Pan sets
  • Knife Sets
  • Mops
  • Size 5 & 6 Diapers

Summer Fellowship Group: Casual Biking

Bike at a casual pace, experience creation, and connect with others who enjoy biking. This group takes easy-to-moderate trails in the Twin Cities, meeting at each trailhead. The group bikes for 2-3 hours, up to 20 miles (approximately 10 mph) with devotions led by the group leader. Designed for adults. Register with Claudia Wiebold.

For more information, visit: incarnationmn.org/ministries/small-groups/ 

When: Six Saturdays, 8:30 am–12 noon, June and August


Summer Hymns

Do you have a favorite hymn that you’d like to sing at the 9 a.m. worship service this summer? Submit one or several choices to the Director of Traditional Worship, Amy Maakestad, or leave a note in her mailbox.


Weekly Update

One of Pastor Joel’s celebrations and send-off was on Wednesday. We’re celebrating another one on Sunday, 5/5. Our hearts are full of mixed emotions as we say goodbye to Joel and his family, who have meant so much to us over these last 8 years. We are who we are because of God’s work through them. Blessing of the Graduates will be on Sunday, May 12, at the 10:30 am worship service. As you know, the choir room piano was damaged during the MSM/HSM lock-in on Feb 18/19. We are still working to rebuild trust, reach for accountability, and realize a deeper sense of our common unity. Thank you for your patience and grace during this blessed (and tedious) process.

Registration for 2024-25 Confirmation/MSM (based on incoming/rising grade level) 

After-School Hangout for Middle Schoolers (Wednesdays, 2:30-4:30 pm)
For all Middle School youth. Through June 5. 2:30-4:30 pm. Smoothies and snacktivities. Adult volunteers needed. Sign up, HERE.

Are You Called To Be a Confirmation Guide or 8th Grade Confirmation Mentor?
It doesn’t take much time, and it makes a huge difference to our youth. Details here.

School’s Out Bash (June 6, 2:30-6:00 pm) 
See the feature above. Help us celebrate another school year. Click HERE to sign up.

Fundraising for the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans
Our group of 14 youth and 3 adults is almost there, but we still need your help to get to. Though you’ve already given nearly $4K, this pricey and priceless trip is a lot for families. Look for our cinnamon roll and yard work table on Sunday. You can also make an online contribution via Realm or by check to the office. Talk to Mike or Nate for more info. Thanks in advance for your generous support!

Connect to Serve 

  • Hang out with middle schoolers, Wednesday after school, 2:30-4:30 pm — email Nate
  • Be a Small Group Co-Guide for MSM/Confirmation/HSM — view info
  • For our game room (classrooms 28-30), we’re looking for a Nintendo Switch or Xbox gaming consoles (anything, really!) — email Nate
  • Serve cookies and coffee on Sunday (2 hrs) — sign up here
  • Other service opportunities, here

To view our schedules and loads of other stuff, head to our msm or hsm webpages.


Disaster Response

Lutheran Disaster Response shares God’s hope, healing and renewal with people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters in the United States and around the world. When the dust settles and the headlines change, we stay to provide ongoing assistance to those in need. Learn more.

International:

Domestic:

Like Lutheran Disaster Response on Facebook, follow @ELCALDR on Twitter and follow @ELCA_LDR on Instagram.


Altar Flowers

Altar flowers are given with joy by Cherie & Tim Skildum in memory of Cherie’s mother, Shirley Hoeft.

If you would like to have altar flowers given in honor or memory of someone, please contact the Incarnation Office at 651-484-7213 to sign up (cost: $25). Donations help offset the cost of the beautiful flowers that the Worship Arts team provides. Altar flowers express our love for God, enhance our gathering around the Word and Sacrament, and represent changing seasons both inthe church year and nature.