Meet the staff
The era of the early 1960s was an exciting time for Lutherans who, were witnessing the birth of the American Lutheran Church. Climaxing several years of activity, this was the merger of three former churches: the Evangelical Lutheran Church (Norwegian), the American Lutheran Church (German), and the United Lutheran Church in America (Danish).
In an effort to share Gods Word with more people, the newly-formed American Lutheran Church planned for new mission congregations in each of its districts. Each of these mission congregations was to be named Atonement to convey the scriptural basis for our salvation: Christ died for our sins.
The pastor and church council of Bethlehem Lutheran Church initiated the application to begin the Southwest Minnesota District's mission congregation in St. Cloud. After approval by the American Lutheran Church, 48 family units from Bethlehem became the core of the new Atonement Lutheran Church. The building was located on the land purchased earlier by the former Evangelical Lutheran Church, between 28th and 29th Avenues North, south of 12th Street.
Atonement's original building plan consisted of three phases. Phase I, now part of our west wing, housed all of the church's activities for the first several years. With the dedication of the Perish Education Unit in 1968, Phase II was realized. Phase III was completed when the new sanctuary was dedicated in 1979.
By 1988, the need for additional space was very apparent. Through much planning and prayer a new complex was designed. This project, completed in 1992, included a music room, a youth room, education rooms, a large fellowship hall, and a state-of-the-art kitchen. This addition gave Atonement not only the space it needed for the fellowship and education of its members, but also the opportunity to serve the community at large.
We rejoice in God's work here and praise Him for our growth. In 40 years we have grown from 68 household units to 695..
History
Sanctuary
Our Sanctuary and its furnishing:
The shape of the sanctuary symbolizes the cupped hand of God and provides an intimate seating arrangement. This provides a sense of being close to one another and to the three places in the worship service from which the means of God's grace are conveyed: pulpit, altar and font.
Our sanctuary's furnishings include:
ORGAN: This beautiful instrument was entirely handmade by John Nordlie of Sioux Falls. It is a tracker type which means the valves in the pipes open and close by mechanical action much the way a piano operates. The sanctuary was acoustically designed to ensure a good performance by the organ.
CROSS: The large, wooden cross was made from a single oak tree. The rough wood represents the cross as an instrument of torture and death on which Christ was crucified. Within it is a white metal cross, a symbol of the resurrection of our Lord. This theme is repeated in the exterior cross above the building.
JACOB'S WELL: The focal point of the narthex is the well. It reminds us that the entrance into the Christian community is through baptism. As it was with the well of old, this is a place around which people gather to share everyday experiences, laugh, exchange greetings and bid farewell. It is central to this communal space and is a place that welcomes children.
HANGING MOBILE: Handmade of oak by Rev. Glenn Anderson of Lake Park, the circle represents the world, and the cross represents Christ's victory over sin and death and the promise of salvation. The inserts in the mobile change with the church seasons:
Advent: Stump of Jesse A prophecy of the coming of Christ, Isaiah 11:1 reads, "There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow cut of his roots."
Christmas: Star Placed at the end of the branch, the star reminds us of the birth of the Christ child.
Epiphany: Three Crowns. The three crowns represent the Epiphany, the visit of the three wise men as told in Matthew 2:1-12.
Lent: Lamb with Cross Throughout the Bible, the lamb is a symbol of Christ. The lamb shown with a cross signifies Christ's suffering and death.
Easter: Butterfly A common symbol of the resurrection and eternal life, the butterfly leaves the cocoon and soars upward with a new body. So also through Christ, His followers are born to a new life.
Pentecost: Dove The dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit.
Pictures by Robin Sand-Anderson
My name is Kris Lehman. I have been the Missions Coordinator at Atonement for about 18 months. My hometown was Glencoe, Minnesota. My husband Greg and I have lived in St. Cloud for 19 years. We have three children, Jackie, Beth and Dan. In addition to my mission work and volunteering, I enjoy walking, biking, reading, and spending time with my family.
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Calender
Newsletter
For more information about Atonement Lutheran or to
send website comments/suggestions, send us an email at office@atonementlutheran.org
Online since Sept 3, 1998
Last updated on April 1, 2009
Ashley Edwards
Pastor John
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Church office hours
Monday - Thursday
8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Friday:
8:30 am to 12:00 pm
Reaching Up + Reaching Out! Reaching up to God & Reaching out to others
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My name is Deb Krogstad, for the past two years I have served as the Youth & Family minister. Previously I served as Parish administrator for 14 years. I was installed as an Associate in Ministry in June 2001. My husbands name is Steve, we have twin sons, Gary & Greg. Greg is married to Angie and they have one son, Tanner.
My name is Karen Vann, I am the Coordinator of Shared Ministries. I have served on the staff for 20 years in various capacities. Currently I work with the Sunday School, Spirit Trek (confirmation), Vacation Bible School, Day Camp, Small Group Ministries, New Member, and Culturing Compassion programs. My husband is retired; we have two adult daughters. When I'm not at work, you will find me in the garden, on the golf course, reading a book, volunteering for Girl Scouts, or playing bridge.
Hi,
My name is Dawn Schenk and I am the Financial Secretary At Atonement Lutheran Church. I have worked here
for 1 1/2 years ( this time - I worked here previously also). I grew up in Ortonville, MN and now reside in St. Cloud
with my husband, John. We do not have any kids but do have many, many "adopted" kids. I enjoy sports, reading
and playing the piano.
Steve Reinhardt
Part time custodian
Weekly Announcements and Bulletin
Lynn Anderson
Hello! My name is Lynn Anderson. I started working part-time at Atonement as the Financial Adminstrator in the summer of 2006. My husband, Jeff and I have been married since 1995. We have three beautiful daughters, Lizzy, Emily and Ella. When I am not busy with work and family, I enjoy reading, scrapbooking and working on cross-stitch.