Acorn Update

Written By Jen Watts

FLC OFFICE HOURS
December 25 through January 2
Due to holidays and staff vacation time, FLC office hours will vary from December 25 through January 2. Please call ahead before stopping by.

Office Closed: December 25 & January 1

FIRST WEDNESDAY WORSHIP & MEAL
Wednesday, January 7
Meal 4:45-5:30pm, Worship 5:30-6:15pm

The last First Wednesday Worship of the year will be Wednesday, January 7! Enjoy a meal together, then stay for a casual, family-friendly service led by our talented youth band.

ANNUAL MEETING AND CONSTITUTION UPDATES
Sunday, January 25 at 11:45am, Lunch Provided

Click the link below to view the most recent version of the Constitution with the changes that were voted on this past summer to account for our co-lead pastor model. The Saint Paul Area Synod has also made constitutional changes that the congregation will vote on at the annual meeting.

Learn more

END OF YEAR GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Whether you intend to complete your 2025 estimated giving, offer a year-end gift out of abundance, or make a special gift of stock, thank you! In order for gifts to appear on your 2025 giving statement and tax information, here are some guidelines and timelines: 

  • Year-End Gifts (online or check)

    • Gifts through Tithe.ly can be made to FLC through farmingtonlutheran.com/give, or via the QR Code here:

  • Stock Gifts

    • Initiate transfer of stock ASAP (preferably by December 15).

    • End-of-year activity can delay the process. Assets must be received by December 31, so start early!

  • Required Minimum Distributions (RMD’s) and Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD’s)

    • Initiate a distribution ASAP, since year-end activity can delay transfers.

  • Thrivent Members: Choice Dollars

    • Thrivent policy holders can designate “Choice Dollars” for Farmington Lutheran Church. It’s free to you, and money for FLC.

    • Use thrivent.com, or check with your Thrivent rep.

  • Round Ups: *NEW*

    • If you’ve ever “rounded up” a purchase for a charity, now you can do so automatically for Farmington Lutheran, through RoundUp.org.

    • A simple way to leave the “gleanings” (Leviticus 23:22) of your purchases in offering!

    • Automatically “round up” your credit card purchases to the nearest dollar for FLC.

    • On the first of each month, the sum of collected round-ups is charged. Funds are automatically donated to Farmington Lutheran Church.

    • Sign Up at RoundUp.org, and select Farmington Lutheran Church.

    • Monitor your roundups, set a monthly cap, get giving receipts (from Stripe), and/or cancel anytime online.

2026 Statement of Intent

SEASONAL ASSISTANCE
In addition to snow, winter brings with it additional requests for aid in our community. If you’re willing to be a resource for families in need in a TBD capacity this season, please contact the office or email Pastor Kristen at kristen@farmingtonlutheran.com. Examples might be supplying basic necessities, snow removal, or other late notice or urgent needs.

NEW ITEMS ADDED TO FLC’S AMAZON WISHLIST

Help keep FLC programs thriving! Shop our Amazon Wish List, and check back often as new needs are added.

SHOP HERE

YOUTH STORE OPEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE
Stop by the Sanctuary, Swag & Stuff church store between worship services on Christmas Eve to support the youth program at FLC!

LIFT UP IN PRAYER
Dona Speiker, Roger Wikstrom, Dorothy Noland, Shelly Garner, Larry Walsh, Shannon Walsh, Ben Farver, Alicia Farver, Joan Johnson, Colleen, James and Shawn Engman, Marge Lancette, Ruth Olson

Family of Jon Bauer, including Bonnie Mechura, Jill Emerson and Toni Shearer, who died December 3
Linda and David Morris and family, as they grieve the death of Linda’s mom, Marlene Mellesmoen
Family and friends of Carolyn Ryan’s good friend, Karen. Karen died December 12
Don and Eleanor Senrick and family
Sue Reichert, daughter-in-law of Bev Benner, as she struggles with illness
Jean Frame, as she lives with cancer
Kay Gray, friend of Phyllis Blees, as she faces increased health challenges
Nancy Cornair, as she continues treatment for health concerns
Deb Tate, daughter of Nancy Cornair, as she has treatment for brain cancer
Darlene Johnson, mother of Dawn Albrecht, as she faces health challenges
David and Mary Ann Rausch, as they face health challenges
Cindy Budd, friend of Jim and Rosemary McCarty, as she receives treatment for cancer
Janet Hoag, mother of Angie Muehlenkamp, as she faces health concerns
Bill Bauman, friend of Peg and Ron Reierson, as he battles cancer
Norma Patsche, mother of Mark Patsche, as she receives hospice care
Julie Hetland, as she receives more treatment for cancer

Please also include our active service members in your prayers: Noah Bigbee, Meredith Gulsvig, and Mackenzie Farran.

Please continue to pray for our partners in ministry, including our Sister Congregation in Tanzania, Garland Hall Orphanage in Jamaica, & Camp Wapo.

We typically include loved ones on our prayer list for four weeks. If you would like a loved one listed longer or relisted, please contact the office.

Jen Watts
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Acorn Update