Children’s Ministry January 2026
Pajama & Movie Day
January 11th
Sunday School resumes on this Epiphany Sunday with our traditional viewing of the movie The Very First Noel. Narrated by Andy Griffith, the movie tells the story of the three wisemen following the magnificent star in search of the newborn King.
Kids are invited to come to church in their pajamas and any comfort items to snuggle with while we watch the movie together.
Sunday School Calendar Notes
January 11th—Pajama & Movie Day
January 18th— No Sunday School
Advent & Christmas at Lake of the Isles
The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are rarely seen in the city of Minneapolis, instead, curious seekers are encouraged to flee to the dark, rural countryside if they want to see and experience the mystery of the dancing light. Surprisingly, the Northern Lights brilliantly shimmered in the sky on November 11th. Neighbors around the lake sent their own favorite pictures capturing the mystery and aura of the lights shining over the church.
Throughout the ages, people have sought meaning in the changes in the heavens above. Whether it was the movement of stars, planets, comets, the moon or the sun, ancient nations believed that God was speaking to them through these signs. In the book of Genesis, God tells the prophet Abraham, Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have! In St. Luke’s gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars. The Christmas story itself is filled with the aura of a mysterious light in the sky when the company of angels appear before the shepherds in Bethlehem, and of course, the Wisemen from the East follow the movements of a star. So, you and I are in good company when we look to the skies in search of the Northern Lights.
The season of Advent, with its focus on the true light of Christ coming at Christmas, is not unlike the search for Northern Lights in the midst of the city. We may not be able to see the dancing light of Christ with the streetlights blazing all around us. Indeed, it may be easier to glimpse the true light in the dark solitude of the countryside. But the wondrous light is just above us just the same. It is only when your eyes are ready and prepared to see, that the Northern Lights begin to appear. That is the purpose of the waiting of Advent. It is preparing us to see the true light of Christ entering into our world.
Peace, Pastor Arden Haug
Saint Martinsfest 2025
We had a great turnout for our annual, Oktoberfest style, family friendly German festival. We enjoyed great music by Mark Stillman and a very lively Saint Martin’s parade of lanterns! 183 winter gear items were donated and we raised $700 for Project for Pride in Living! A good time was had by all—special thanks to Don Holzschuh and family for a delicious dinner.
100th Anniversary — Laying of the Cornerstone
On Sunday, November 16th, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone on November 8, 1925, with a rededication liturgy on the patio.
The former Lowry Hill Congregational Church had purchased the property on Lake of the Isles Boulevard, constructed the basement as a temporary place of worship, and the cornerstone from Lowry Hill was laid at the new site by Dr. Lotus Coffman, President of the University of Minnesota. We commemorated the current day celebration with photographs in the same space.
Children’s Ministry December 2025
College Care Packages
Nine care packages will be heading to our college age young adults in the next week – just in time for finals preparation. Thank you to the Sunday School children who packed the boxes and made cards of encouragement, and thank you to the families who donated the snacks. The college students love receiving this gift of love from LOTI.
Winter Gear Drive Wrap Up
We had a record year of donations for the winter gear drive: 183 items and $700, went to Project for Pride in Living! Thank you for your generosity! There are a lot of people in our community who will be warmer this winter thanks to all of you. A big thanks to Jim Bausell, Carolyn Hagford, Lisa Mittelsteadt, Linda Nelson, and Mary Sabatke for organizing the donations to prepare them for delivery to PPL.
Sunday School Calendar Notes
| December 7th | Saint Nicholas visits |
| December 14th | Children process in worship with Sancta Lucia. Costume fitting during Sunday School. |
| December 21st | Children present the nativity scene during the Lessons and Carols service |
| December 28th | No Sunday School |
| January 4th | Sunday School resumes with our annual movie/PJ day |
This year the Sunday School children will present the nativity scene during the Lessons and Carols service on Sunday, December 21st. Details will be sent via email to Sunday School families for this very special day.
The most needed items include spaghetti, white rice (1-2 pound bags), canned proteins (tuna, chicken, beans, and tofu), ramen, name brand cereal, oatmeal, tampons and pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and paper grocery bags with handles. They accept all non-expired shelf stable foods.
All donations make a huge difference. Donations are collected on the wooden cart in Fellowship Hall. Volunteers deliver them to the food shelf on Friday mornings.
joyceuptownfoodshelf.org
Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church provides a meal on the second Saturday of each month. Our monthly meals are provided by donation. The shelter orders & serves the meal. Thanks to the Mary Sabatke for sponsoring the November meal in memory of Bruce Sabatke.
Contact Diane LaMere to arrange to sponsor a meal in 2026.
| JAN | Bruce & Jean Carlson |
| FEB | Isaac Spanjer |
| MAR | Jim & Pat Bausell |
| APR | David & Mary Goplen |
| MAY | Rick Gripentrog |
| JUN | Jim Olson, in memory of ChanSoon Olson |
| JUL | Available |
| AUG | Available |
| SEP | Available |
| OCT | Available |
| NOV | Mary Sabatke, in memory of Bruce Sabatke |
| DEC | Available |
This holiday season, we thank everyone who has supported LOTI this past year with their time, talent and financial contributions and look forward to support from all of our members in the year ahead.
End of the year gifts to LOTI must be received by Wednesday, December 31st.
Children’s Ministry November 2025
Sunday School Calendar Notes
November 16th
~ Winter gear donations & College care donations due
November 23rd
~ Children assemble college care packages during Sunday School
November 30th
~ No Sunday School, Thanksgiving weekend
Winter Gear Drive Wrap Up
November 16th
Please consider donating gently used or new winter gear to help those less fortunate stay warm this winter. We need winter coats, boots, snow pants, hats, gloves, scarves and socks for ALL AGES. There will be collection bins at both entrances to the Sanctuary. Our drive will end on November 16th. Donations will go to Project for Pride in Living.
College Care Packages Donations Needed
November 16th
Our Sunday School children will be assembling the college care packages on November 23rd for our college age members. The Care Packages will contain a letter of encouragement from Pastor Haug, snacks and other fun items. If you would like to donate items for the care packages, please contact Diane LaMere for a list of items needed. The packages will be mailed out after Thanksgiving so that they arrive in time for finals weeks.
Foodshelf Donations Needed
The most needed items include spaghetti, white rice (1-2 pound bags), canned proteins (tuna, chicken, beans, and tofu), ramen, name brand cereal, oatmeal, tampons and pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and paper grocery bags with handles. They accept all non-expired shelf stable foods. All donations make a huge difference. Donations are being collected on the wooden cart in Fellowship Hall.
All donations make a huge difference. Donations are collected on the wooden cart in Fellowship Hall. Volunteers deliver them to the food shelf on Friday mornings.
joyceuptownfoodshelf.org