Family of God Lutheran Church     ELCA

Family of God Lutheran has been a congregation for well over fifty years. As we prepared for our 50th anniversary celebration (during a portion of Covid), I remember seeing some of the old black and white photos of the congregation from its inception. There were 70’s haircuts and a few leisure suits and silk shirts, as well as a lot of activity as the portions of the building were constructed. I remember doing a 125th anniversary celebration of one of the rural churches I served and we had all the former pastors in the last 30 years or so return. There were about 10 pastors and of course all wanted to give a greeting at the afternoon celebration. With that many pastors, you can imagine that the program went long. However, Family of God has had three full time senior pastors, two half-time pastors, and one interim, of whom four are living. Leroy Pillman who was the mission developer, Mark Hallonquist served Family of God until the end of the 20th century, Marlo Miller was an interim, Sarah Bunge, Erin Koster. And yours truly, who has been privileged to serve here since the beginning of the 21st century. Anniversary celebrations are much simpler with only a few former pastors to invite. 

A number of things characterize the year 2025 at Family of God Lutheran—one is the number of funerals. This year we have had ten funerals, which have made for lots of grieving, services, and funeral luncheons. Thanks to Ruth Circle who served so faithfully with so many funeral luncheons. As well this year we had several staff changes. We bid farewell to our administrative assistant Alexa Masserano, and our music director Linda Armstrong. Both had wonderful skills and did exceptional work. Alexa developed and printed our 2024 picture directory, and Linda oversaw the 20 year maintenance on the pipe organ. Joining us this year are Judy Blomgren, music director and Allyson McDonald as our administrative assistant. We are so fortunate to have them on staff, and look forward to their service in the future. 

Our council talked about whether to continue to livestream our services, especially in light of copyright licenses. The decision was to continue for the time being. When a service is not on the church website, we often hear from people who are on vacation, live far away, or who are unable to attend church services that the livestream is important to them. Livestreaming was an adaption to Covid, and now it has become a regular outreach to members and non-members alike.

In 2025 I preached 40 sermons, performed 4 baptisms, presided at 9 funerals, taught 2 full length Bible studies on the Augsburg Confession and Jesus’ parables, attended council and committee meetings, was producer for our drama ministry Revue, and visited members in hospitals, rehab centers, and those who are sick or unable to attend worship services.

It is so good to have two pastors serving Family of God. I am so thankful that Pastor Erin ministers among us. She is a great colleague, and brings fresh ideas and insights. We are so fortunate to have her with us and I am very grateful for her service. 

As you see from the financial report, we ended 2025 in the black. This is with a deficit budget that was approved at last years’ annual meeting. I understand many individuals contributed to make this possible. Many thanks to those who were faithful in their giving and those who went above and beyond to leave us in this good financial situation. I can guess that our treasurer will appeal for such continued giving so that we can remain in good financial shape in the coming years.

Arnie Hermanson was a valued member and served as congregational president for two terms. He was fun to work with and had a down to earth, common sense approach to leading the congregation and church council. His wife Joan has contributed and designed with the help of the property committee a memory garden in the front of the church. This entailed moving the cross that was hidden by pine trees and the building roof lines, shortening its height, adding a bench and planting bushes and perennial flowers. There are ground decorative bricks that can be engraved with the name of loved ones. Thanks to Joan for creating and supporting this wonderful addition to our property. 

Leann Barrick has worked tirelessly to help this congregation grow in its mission. While we were between administrative assistants, Leann filled in for several months, giving of her time for the work of the church. She has helped accomplish so much. Leann deserves our thanks for all that she has done.

We will have a property report, but I want to put in my two cents. With Sue Elsass leading the way, and Paul Zahalan tirelessly maintaining and improving our facilities, they have accomplished much with the help of other volunteers. Thanks to all of them.

We look forward to 2026, and in Leann’s words we look to “grow, grow, grow.” We cannot grow without your help. We have welcomed members who have seen our livestream, those 

who have recently moved to Brooklyn Park, and those who have been invited to join us. That is the key—when you invite someone to join our faith community, it is the best, most effective way to grow. I once heard it said: “The shepherd tends the sheep, the sheep make the sheep.” 1 Corinthians 1: 4-6: “ I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind…