Welcome to the SPARK Homepage!

Here you can view the SPARK Calendar, Credit Catalog and Register for upcoming Credits. If you have any questions, please contact Lily Askegaard (Laskegaard@normluth.org). We are blessed to have your family apart of the SPARK Ministry at Normandale!

Upcoming SPARK Calendar:

SPARK Credits Catalog (each student needs 2 per year):

Community Credits:

Canning Applesauce & Salsa Event!
Jesus cared deeply about the wellbeing of people- including feeding people! We’re going to learn how to make and can applesauce & salsa that can be used all winter! You’ll even get to bring some home. 
Leader: Kristi Shepherd (kshepherd@normluth.org)
Date: Saturday, September 30
Credit Amount: 1. Must attend full event to earn.

Lefse at Normandale!
This traditional Scandinavian treat has been made for generations. Whether you make it every year or are a first timer, come bake with us!
Leader: Judy Teigen (judyteigen@gmail.com)
Date: November 18, 10am – Noon
Credit Amount: 1 Credit. Must attend full event.

Stewardship Dinners
Each fall, we ask families from the Normandale Community to make financial pledges to “keep the lights on” and support the mission of the church. For a second year, we are hosting stewardship dinners to tell the story of what we’ve done, and what we’re looking forward to as we prepare budges for the upcoming year. Come be a server at on of these dinners!
Leader: Kristi Shepherd (kshepherd@normluth.org)
Dates: November 5, 6, 12 & 15
Credit Amount: 1 Credit per evening of serving

CYF Christmas Bazaar Salesperson
Come to the Christmas Bazaar as a salesperson, giftwrapper, checkout clerk, etc. We need your help! The Christamas Bazaar is a pop up Christmas Store that is the biggest fundraiser for Children & Youth programs throughout the year. Two Sundays in a row in December, volunteer as a salesperson for one of them and get a credit. Volunteer for both and get 2 credits!
Leader: Lily Askegaard (laskegaard@normluth.org)
Dates: Sundays, December 3 & 10. 9:00-11:30 am
Credit Amount: 1 Credit per Sunday

Mission & Outreach Credits:

“2nd Saturdays” Caregiver Respite with Normandale Center for Healing and Wholeness
During this monthly caregiving group event, we’ll do activities link Bingo, Arts & Crafts, card games, pet therapy dogs, music listening, etc. with seniors who have an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. This event meets every month on the second Saturday of each month from 9 am – Noon. Pre-Training before attending a Saturday event is required and will be provided. 
Leader: Cheryl Nickelson (cnickelson@normandalecenter.org)
Dates: Any second Saturday of a month
Credit Amount: 1 Credit per event attended

“Stories I Didn’t Know” Documentary and Community Conversation
We will gather together for grateful fellowship over pie and have guided table conversation! In preparation, you will watch a documentary in which Twin Cities local, Rita Davern, examines a proud MN family legend about ownership of Pike Island. Rita’s attempt to learn about leads her to face the complicated legacy of westward expansion in the US. 
Leader: Pastor Rebecca Gamble (rgamble@normluth.org)
Date: November 19th at 10:30-11:45 am
Credit Amount: 1 credit for participation

“Out of Abundance” Service Projects
On November 8th and 15th, we’ll be doing service projects together! Out of the abundance of God’s gifts to us- our time and our talents- we use for the sake of building God’s kingdom on earth. Each evening will be a 1.5 hour surprise service project! Be at both to get this credit. 
Leader: Pastor Rebecca Gamble (rgamble@normluth.org)
Dates: November 8th and 15th at 6:45 pm
Credit Amount: 1 Credit for attendance 

Reading Buddies at Normandale Housing Corporation
Our long-standing partnership with Normandale House continues with strength as we accompany children in their learning journeys! Come eat a meal, play games, and provide some homework help with some of the children from the Normandale House community. We’re grateful for Diane Lindquist and all the volunteers who continue to provide leadership for Reading Buddies, and we look forward to growing relationships between the two Normandales. 
Leader: Diane Lindquist (dianelindquist99@gmail.com)
Credit Amount: 1 credit per Reading Buddies attendance

Worship & Music Credits:

Worship Leadership “Sampler Platter”
Did you know that in order for worship to happen at Normandale, it takes at least 7 volunteers per service? There are a ton of roles to fill in worship. Spend 3 Sundays between Sept-Feb as an acolyte, greeter, reader, usher, or crucifer (person who carries the cross). After 3 Sundays of worship leadership, you will have earned this credit! And are invited to continue serving as you would like.
Leader: Kim Sannerud (ksannerud@normluth.org)
Credit Amount: 1 Credit for 3 Sundays of service
Dates: Any Sunday

Sing Your Faith
Join Children’s Choir for singers in grades 3rd-5th grade. Singing is a significant part of many people’s faith lives. Research shows that music helps experiences “stick” in our memories and bodies. Whether you’re been in choir your whole life or have never sung, there is a place in choir for you. Join us! 
Leader: Lily Askegaard (Laskegaard@normluth.org)
Credit Amount: 2 Credits for participation! 

Run the Sound During Worship
Did you know that every week during worship, people operate projectors, cameras and microphones so that the congregation can see and hear what’s happening in worship? You can learn how to do audio mixing with Loren Wolthoff, our congregation’s media specialist. 
Leader: Loren Wolthoff (Lwolthoff@normluth.org)
Credit Amount: 1 Credit for 3 Sundays of Service