Jesus grew up learning the skills of a carpenter from his earthly father, Joseph. Justin Martyr, a famous second century Christian leader, said that Jesus made ploughs and yokes in the workshop. Jesus later used those images in his teaching. Jesus told a man, "No one who sets his hand to the plough, and then keeps looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62) Meaning, the way to know and grow in Christ is like a good plougher- keep a firm hold on, with no backward looks. Keep focusing on Jesus, and follow Him. These are times when living by faith becomes a discipline as many may be tempted to cut loose from the plough.

The finest workshop saying is found in Matthew 11:27-30, "Come to me all whose work is hard, whose load is heavy; and I will give you relief. Bend your necks to my yoke and learn from me... for my yoke is good to bear, my load is light." A yoke is a wooden frame laid over the neck of two work animals, putting them in double harness so they can do more together than alone by them self. Jesus, invites us to "yoke up with him"- for then we can do more with Him than without Him at our side.

As we enter another year- and one that has many questions for us, our nation and this world... let us encourage one another to "keep our hands on the plough" by following Jesus, and "taking His yoke" by walking with Him at our side through it all.

God's blessings as we live in Christ and follow Him in 2009! Pastor Maxwell

Some of us grew up in the Lutheran church with a basic understanding of what the Synod is while others of us are uncertain. Here is the formal definition: Synod: An assembly of the clergy (Pastor's) and laity (from the Greek word laos- meaning 'the people') in a particular church Denomination. It is from the Greek sunodos 'meeting,' from sun- 'together' + hodos 'way.'

Lutherans realized right from the Reformation that together we can accomplish more ministry when local churches band together for a common reason. In the Minneapolis area there are 168 Evangelical Lutheran Churches in America (ELCA), congregations. Atonement is one of them. We select a person from Clergy to serve as Bishop (overseer) of our synod, Pr. Craig Johnson is serving his second term as our Bishop.

Each year, all 168 ELCA congregations meet for business, Bible study, and to hear the reports on ELCA Ministries throughout the Minneapolis area and across the world. Atonement's size allows us to send 2 congregational representatives to this gathering. This year the Minneapolis Synod Assembly is held at Gustavus Adolphus College, from May 29-30th, 2009.

If you are interested in representing Atonement at this gathering please notify anyone on the Board or call the church office (881-9244).

Open positions on the Mission Board are Social Ministry, Adult Education, Stewardship, President, and Fellowship. If you would like more information about any of these ministries ask any Mission Board member or Pastor Maxwell. Please prayerfully consider God's calling to help lead Atonement in 2009.

Come January 9 to the prayer time led by Pr. Lamptey starting at 9 p.m. until midnight. Come pray for a part of the night or all of it.

Many of you were in attendance December 14th for the Children's Christmas Program. Thank you for supporting our youngest faith people in such a loving and caring way. The kids worked very hard and it showed that morning. We talked more about Herod this year and how his heart did not want a new king. He didn't understand Jesus wanted to rule his heart. Some of the children were really excited to be learning "more" of the Christmas Story; a deeper understanding of it.

The Youth attended the Student Conference the first weekend in December. We had six students attend this year. It was a wonderful time of learning about becoming a Hero and what that means in our faith walk; of course great worship and a comedy group called the Skit Guys were once again part of the conference. A thank you to Heather Hecht, Dan Standke, and Jean Scanlon for being the adult leaders for this weekend - giving their time and hearts to our students in this way.

The Youth Ministry is sponsoring monthly nights at Feed My Starving Children. Beginning in January, you can sign up outside of my office to go with us to help pack food. We will be doing this the first Monday night of each month. Details are on the bulletin board and this is a first come, first serve event. I have 20 slots reserved for Atonement.

Coming up quickly in 2009 will be the Souper Bowl for Hunger (Super Bowl Sunday), we will be asking for $1 from all who worship that morning to help a local organization: Loaves and Fishes and the 30 Hour Famine. Our Kick-off for the Famine is mid January, so be ready for our 7^th - 12^th graders to ask to help sponsor them for this event as we fast to help bring an awareness of hunger to ourselves and strive to globally help those who are hungry. Adults who would like to be involved this year or find out more about the Famine, please talk to Linda.

I look ahead to 2009 with gratefulness and enthusiasm as I know Jesus is going to move hearts closer to him and the truth found in him. Please pray over these ministries, asking God to guide me and those adults who work beside me.

Glory to the newborn King! Linda

he tutoring ministry continues to go well. We have had 10-12 students except for the day it snowed. We are moving to Wednesday afternoons January 14th due to conflicts with established Monday after-school programs at the schools.

An important aspect of our program, we have discovered, is the snack we provide. The children really look forward to the snack and are not just looking for treats. If you were wanting to be a part of the tutoring ministry but are unable to be a tutor, we are looking for people to sign up to provide our snack each week. Usually, it consists of a deli meat/summer sausage, cheese, crackers, fruit, and juice. We'll post a list in the office for people to sign up, one or two per week. Questions? please ask Kathy Busse, Jean Scanlon, or Scott Maxwell

You're worried about permissiveness-about the way the preaching of grace seems to say it's okay to do all kinds of terrible things as long as you just walk in afterward and take the free gift of God's forgiveness . . . . While you and I may be worried about seeming to give permission, Jesus apparently wasn't. He wasn't afraid of giving the prodigal son a kiss instead of a lecture, a party instead of probation; and proved that by bringing in the elder brother at the end of the story and having him raise pretty much the same objections you do. He's angry about the party. He complains that his father is lowering standards and ignoring virtue-that music, dancing, and a fatted calf are, in effect , just so many permissions to break the law. And to that, Jesus has the father say only one thing: "Cut that out! We're not playing good boys and bad boys any more. Your brother was dead and he's alive again. The name of the game from now on is resurrection, not bookkeeping. by Robert Farrar Capon, "Between Noon and Three"

December 21st is a day to remember! This date stands out because Carol Fasset and Bill Wells joined Atonement's faith community. Please introduce yourself and welcome them in the coming weeks.

Thank you very much to all who donated to the school we visited in Tanzania. We were awed by the beauty and diversity of God's creation! The school visit was a highlight. They were excited for 2 bags of supplies. The additional money will be used for special treats at Christmas. Your prayers and generosity were a blessing. Jennifer Bell, Loni Goettig

Thanks, thanks, thanks, for your generosity during this last appeal for VEAP (a community service agency) it was remarkable. The outpouring of gifts, money, gift certificates, and food has helped many families. Fara Bigelow

Thanks to everyone who attended our Christmas tea. It was probably one of the best yet, so I am hoping you can come in 2009, the first Saturday in December. These folks will be looking for You: Phyllis Abrahams, Doris Nelson, Dorothy Davis, Maxine Ilika, Myrt Jelle, Elfie Benson, Evie Tromberg (she won the door prize) Marcie Walt - good friend from Lutheran Church of Redemption, Virginia Andrews, Bev Jensen, Darlene Thorud, Elie Swenson, Sandy Steinmeier, Phyllis Score, Kathy Busse, Mary Johnson, Dorothy Van Kempen (head of the Silent Auction - earned $150 this year), Elna Swanson, Judy Brekke, Jean Nelson, Marie Hanson, Marlys Dunning, Adele Hartwick. Many of the above were listed in the program as helping and everyone contributed to the great lunch. Check the Fireside room for the newest photos.

Myrt Jelle donated her table runner to the tea which now sports two "A Cup of Christmas Tea" cups and saucers, plus a small blue tea pot and a "Friendship" book marker. I hope you had a Merry Christmas, Mary Lou Allen

Just before graduating from seminary, Dan Bogre received visits by denominational representatives across the country. Each one gave him a list of about 20 types of ministry from which to choose.

Interestingly, Bogre checked every box placed before him. "I thought to myself that I wasn't going to be pigeonholed by a survey form" he said. At the time, Bogre thought he could do any style of ministry. Later, as an ordained pastor, Bogre began to realize that God had a specific ministry for him. However able he was to do several different types of ministry, he began to understand he was best suited for helping a church grow.

How many boxes would you check? How many ways are you willing to try to help your church and community? Sometimes checking a box outside your "comfort zone" can lead to unexpected but rewarding new paths. from The NewsletterNewsletter