Blessing in Christ, Pastor Scott

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Claude Wilkerson
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Ketchup (Catch-up) Sunday When I was a kid, I hated the taste of tomatoes and yet I loved the taste of Ketchup.

In fact, I never sampled a dish that couldn t taste better with a squirt of Ketchup even (to my father s chagrin!) the times we enjoyed a beef roast or, rarer still, a steak.

) because (and I continue to argue this point) Ketchup tastes nothing like tomatoes. Ketchup, in my opinion, made all foods taste good.

1 Ketchup (Catch-up) Sunday When I was a kid, I hated the taste of tomatoes and yet I loved the taste of Ketchup. I put it on everything from hamburgers to hot dogs, French fries to fish sticks, and onion rings to grilled cheese sandwiches. In fact, I never sampled a dish that couldn t taste better with a squirt of Ketchup even (to my father s chagrin!) the times we enjoyed a beef roast or, rarer still, a steak. My parents were mystified, but for me it was a no-brainer. I loved Ketchup even as I abhorred tomatoes. I simply couldn t believe that Ketchup (yum!) came from tomatoes (yuk!) because (and I continue to argue this point) Ketchup tastes nothing like tomatoes. Ketchup, in my opinion, made all foods taste good. Humorist Garrison Keillor has picked up on this same theme and run with it. For years, the Prairie Home Companion crew has been singing the praises of Ketchup as a natural mellowing agent that can cure everything from a stressed-out life to a stressfilled job. Ketchup, they sing, makes everything better. Turns out, their parody has proven to be prophetic. According to Dr. Edward L. Giovannucci of the Harvard School of Public Health, men who dine on tomato products twice a day reduce their risk of prostate cancer by 24 to 36 percent. From Ketchup to spaghetti sauce, tomato-based foods contain lycopene, a potent antioxidant that can significantly reduce the threat of cancer 09/news/ _1_ketchup-tomato-products-lycopene. Where Keillor was aiming for comedy, he ended up taking hold of the truth. And the truth is, I agree that Ketchup (and being able to Catch-up) makes everything better not only the feeling we get when we eat the condiment, but also the feeling we get when we re finally able to catch-up with those priority sheets, project plans, to-do lists; get the oil changed, go to the dentist, or write some long overdue thank-you s... On Rally Day weekend, Sept. 7 th, we ll celebrate CATCH-UP SUNDAY at worship. The Church Council has been working hard to keep us on track financially, and many folks who have been at worship have responded generously. Catch-up Sunday is the chance to connect with folks who have been away for the summer. So, if you have already given an extra month s offering this year thanks be to God. If not, here s the opportunity to catch-up and feel good about doing something good for yourself and for the ministry of God in the world. Blessing in Christ, Pastor Scott

8/9 The Banquet 4 Music & Choir News 10 Bible and Brew 4 Shetek & Community News 11 Rally Day is Sunday, September 7 th 9:30am Coffee and

The outdoor Praise Worship service will begin at 9:30am followed by an ALL CHURCH outdoor meal of hot dogs, chips & ice cream.

! Come experience meaningful worship, friendly fellowship, good food, games, and more as we kick off our Christian Education program year

2 In This Issue.. Rally Day 2 Milestone Ministry 6 Narrative Lectionary 3 Youth & Family Event Dates 7 New Member Information 3 First Lutheran Women News 8/9 The Banquet 4 Music & Choir News 10 Bible and Brew 4 Shetek & Community News 11 Rally Day is Sunday, September 7 th 9:30am Coffee and refreshments will be served beginning at 9am. The outdoor Praise Worship service will begin at 9:30am followed by an ALL CHURCH outdoor meal of hot dogs, chips & ice cream. ALL ARE WELCOME!! Come experience meaningful worship, friendly fellowship, good food, games, and more as we kick off our Christian Education program year at First Lutheran! Be sure to bring your lawn chairs!! TLC Wednesday Begins September 10 th TLC Sunday Begins September 17 th For Sale: First Lutheran Water Bottles Only $6! They will be available in the Narthex before and after worship on Sunday mornings and in the church office during the week. If you recently moved or will be moving, please inform the church office of your address change. If you have a new or phone number, we would appreciate having that information too!

The Narrative Lectionary is a 4-year cycle of readings for worship that we ll also be integrating into other parts of our life together.

3 I love to tell the story; twill be my theme in glory To tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love. I Love to Tell the Story, ELW 661 This year, we ll have the chance to tell that old, old story in a new way, through something called the Narrative Lectionary. The Narrative Lectionary is a 4-year cycle of readings for worship that we ll also be integrating into other parts of our life together. To better help us learn that old, old story, and our place in it, too, the Narrative Lectionary readings we use in church will move chronologically, starting in Genesis and the Old Testament in the Fall, spending Christmas through Easter in one of our four Gospels, and spending Easter through the end of the school year in Acts and the letters, as we watch the development of the Christian church. In the past we ve used something called the Revised Common Lectionary that operates on a 3-year cycle, with 4 readings prescribed every week. Though a helpful tool, it doesn t move chronologically through the texts and often makes it difficult to grasp the broader biblical story. Did you know, too, that there are many stories that never show up in the regular readings at church? We ll get the chance to dive deeply in to many of them this year. Worship, confirmation, adult Bible Study, and TLC will all revolve around the same Bible story, so you and your family will be immersed in the story, and regular attendance will help you follow the narrative. Also keep your eye out for new bulletin inserts to take home and make the story come alive at home! Both of your pastors are excited for this change, have worked with the Narrative Lectionary before, and have seen it bring fresh energy and life to the whole congregation - and to our preaching, too! We hope you ll enjoy the journey as together we all re-learn that old, old story. New Member Orientation Are YOU interested in becoming a member of our church family at First Lutheran Church or would you like more information? Please choose one of our upcoming New Member Orientation sessions September 24 at 6:30pm and/or October 1 at 6:30pm Become Part of Our Church Family New Members will be welcomed Saturday, October 11 at 5:30pm and Sunday, October 12 at 8:30am & 10:45am. Contact the church office if you or someone you know is interested in joining First Lutheran at (507) or firstluth@iw.net. Childcare will be provided. Please let us know if you will need childcare.

Help Serve at The Banquet! On Tuesday, September 23rd, we have the opportunity to serve at The Banquet in Sioux Falls, SD.

We need 6 people to leave early in the day, around noon, to prepare the meal. We also need 35-40 people to serve and clean up.

The serving and clean-up group will meet here at the church at 3:00 p.m. and return around 10:00 p.m. We use the church vehicles and usually some other volunteers want to drive their own cars.

4 Help Serve at The Banquet! On Tuesday, September 23rd, we have the opportunity to serve at The Banquet in Sioux Falls, SD. The Banquet provides meals for the lowincome and homeless adults and children in that area. As a congregation, we plan, cook, serve, and clean up after the meal. We usually serve about people. We need 6 people to leave early in the day, around noon, to prepare the meal. We also need people to serve and clean up. You may bring your children to help, but they must be at least 10 years old to serve WITH their parents as greeters, and children must be at least 13 years old to help in the kitchen. The serving and clean-up group will meet here at the church at 3:00 p.m. and return around 10:00 p.m. We use the church vehicles and usually some other volunteers want to drive their own cars. Even if you have never volunteered before to do something like this, do not hesitate to help at The Banquet. The Banquet is well-run and explicit in its expectations from its volunteers. Please leave your name with Jane in the office or contact Donna Reaves at It is an awesome and humbling experience. Bible and Brew at Brau Brothers Our weekly Bible study at the Brau Brothers Brewery will start at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, the 11 th of September. This Fall, we will look at Bible passages that walk us through the Old Testament story and get us ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. After the New Year, we will journey through the Gospel of Matthew and end the school year with the birth of the Church as told in the books of Acts and Romans. Bring your bibles, your questions, and your appetites for some tasty food, good beers and sodas, and great conversations about God s Word.

Wednesday, September 3 rd 7 th & 8 th Grade Parent/Student Confirmation Orientation This is a mandatory meeting -- Please MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Worship on September 7 th at 9:30 am, all those involved in Christian Education at First Lutheran -- TLC Teachers, TLC Volunteers, Confirmation Team Captains, Bible Study leaders, Convo Leaders, and

Thank you so much for giving of your time and talents and for passing on your faith!

Pick up a few extra school supplies & drop them off in the box labeled TLC Supplies in the Narthex.

5 Wednesday, September 3 rd 7 th & 8 th Grade Parent/Student Confirmation Orientation This is a mandatory meeting -- Please MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 7 th Grade Confirmation Students & Parents will meet from 6-6:30pm 8 th Grade Confirmation Students & Parents will meet from 6:35-7:05pm First Lutheran TLC Teacher Installation During Rally Sunday Worship on September 7 th at 9:30 am, all those involved in Christian Education at First Lutheran -- TLC Teachers, TLC Volunteers, Confirmation Team Captains, Bible Study leaders, Convo Leaders, and Substitute Teachers -- will be called forward to participate in the First Lutheran Teacher Installation for Thank you so much for giving of your time and talents and for passing on your faith! TLC Supply Request: The TLC Wednesday & TLC Sunday classrooms need to be stocked again this year with basic supplies & you could help! Pick up a few extra school supplies & drop them off in the box labeled TLC Supplies in the Narthex. Classrooms are in need of Glue Sticks Washable Markers Fun Tack Construction Paper Tape Cardstock Poster board Duct Tape Small reward stickers Packing Tape Pipe Cleaners Skin Toned Crayons Index Cards Rulers Adhesive backed magnets Thank you so much!! Any donation is greatly appreciated! Church Nursery Open House Families of First Lutheran come join us between services on September 21st in the Nursery for an Open ouse. We are looking for more families to volunteer their time to staff the nursery throughout the school year at the 8:30 and 10:45 services. We will show you what a great nursery we have and how easy it is to volunteer in there. We will provide a snack and hope to see you there! Co-coordinators this year are Alyssia Coudron (madamecoudron@yahoo.com) and Nikki Gehrke (nikkigehrke@gmail.com), please contact either of us if you are interested in volunteering in the nursery!

ENHANCED AT FIRST LUTHERAN!! MILESTONE MINISTRY.. What is a Milestone? A faith milestone is a marker along life's journey that says, "This is something important and God is here, too.

6 ENHANCED AT FIRST LUTHERAN!! MILESTONE MINISTRY.. What is a Milestone? A faith milestone is a marker along life's journey that says, "This is something important and God is here, too." Marking a milestone is a biblically-based spiritual practice for both home and congregation. It helps all generations recognize God IS the central core of their lives every day! September Milestones Rally Day, September 7 We are inviting all 7th Grade students and their parents to celebrate the milestone of Entering Confirmation. During worship at 9:30 a.m., we will mark this Milestone with a stone marked with a symbol as well as receiving their Teen Bible. This Milestone Celebration is a time for the 7th grade youth to be reminded that they are baptized children of God, created in God s own image, and to celebrate this next step of learning on their faith journey. and a celebration for the parents to walk with them and learn with them on this journey. Sunday, September 14 Kindergarten youth and their parents are invited to join us at either the 8:30am or the 10:45am as we celebrate with the starting school! They will be receiving their milestone bowl and a few different stones to remind them of their baptism and all of the learning they and their parents have already done in their few years! Sunday, September 21 9th Grade students and their parents will celebrate the start of high school. The freshman year is a time to be reminded that they are baptized children of God, created in God s own image, and how knowing that will help them when facing the trials and tribulations of High School. 10 th Grade getting your driver s license! When you get your driver s license, it is an exciting time for both youth and parents. The preparing for and receiving of the license brings many new rites and responsibilities. The license requires new stewardship of time and resources, challenges and opportunities for communication, and occasions for service. It is a time to celebrate also, what it can mean for you in your faith life. Even if you may not have gotten your official license yet because of when you birthday is, please join us at one of the services so that we can celebrate YOU and your families in worship. 11 th grade will celebrate their quest milestone. A QUEST is the act or an instance of seeking or pursuing something; a search. When you become juniors, it seems like college, careers, interests, etc. all start becoming a part of people s conversations with you. It may seem like a time with unknowns or a lot of questions. But at First Lutheran, we want to celebrate this time with you as an opportunity to listen to where God is calling you in your life and how the cross is the central part of this compass.

7 September Kicks Off Many Youth and Family Events!! Check out the Rock (youth newsletter) for details! Watch for s! like us on Facebook! Stay in the loop! WOO HOO!! Sept 5 Sept 7 Sept 10 Sept 10 Sept 10 Family Outdoor Movie Night, 7:30pm RALLY DAY at First Lutheran Huge Kick-Off Event for Confirmation and Junior High Alive (grades 7-8) TLC Wednesdays, Worship, Suppers, and SHA all start! Registrations for the Junior High Synod Youth Gathering in Willmar are due (grades 6-9) Sept 14 Kick-Off Craziness for Little League, 1pm (grades 3-6) Sept 15 Sept 17 Sept 21 Sept 23 Sept 24 Senior High Deadline to sign up for the 2015 National Youth Gathering Youth, Family, Everyone Kick Off Concert with CTI Ministries 6:30pm in the sanctuary Alaska High Adventures Trip Recap Worship at both 8:30am and 10:45am!! Join us as the youth and adults share with you all of the faithfilled experiences! First Lutheran serves at The Banquet in Sioux Falls call church office for details many people needed! G3 starts up!

First Lutheran Women s News Upcoming Events Wednesday, September 3 First Lutheran Women s Board meeting Thursday September 4 Prayer Shawl Ministry, 7pm, Fireside Room Sunday, September 7 Rally

8 First Lutheran Women s News Upcoming Events Wednesday, September 3 First Lutheran Women s Board meeting Thursday September 4 Prayer Shawl Ministry, 7pm, Fireside Room Sunday, September 7 Rally Sunday, Serve Refreshments Monday, September 8 Quilting, 1-4pm, hosted by Women s Board Also -- Esther Circle hosting the Hebrews Bible Study 7-8pm, Fireside Room Wednesday, September 10 Circle Kick off, 12pm Noon Luncheon Friday-Saturday September th Annual Shetek Women s Retreat Sunday, September 14 Women s General Meeting, 9:30am, Sanctuary Kim Christianson reporting on the Triennial Gathering Charlotte, N.C. Monday, September 15 Quilting, 1-4pm, hosted by the Board Sunday September 28 First Lutheran Women s Board Installation at 8:30am and 10:45am Worship CIRCLE BIBLE STUDY KICK OFF / LUNCHEON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 th, 12pm-1pm in the FELLOWSHIP HALL You are invited to join a Circle Bible Study Group that meets monthly, Sept. - May. The Circle Bible Study Kick-Off Luncheon (complementary) with Pastor Julie McCain leading the Study will be in the Fellowship Hall from Noon-1:00 p.m. Current circle members need not register for the luncheon. Non-circle attendees should call the church office (firstluth@iw.net or ) by Monday, September 8, to register for the luncheon. If you are not a circle member, information will be available for joining at the Kick-Off. Circle currently meet during early morning, midday and evening. Please Come!! FLC WOMEN S GENERAL MEETING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 9:30am in the SANCTUARY You are invited to attend the Women s General Meeting between services on Sunday, September 14 in the Sanctuary. We are honored to have Kim Christianson share about The Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering which she attended this summer. Come and enjoy her presentation. Treats will be served!!! First Lutheran Women E-News Are you missing out on the E-News and want to be a part of the First Lutheran Women s faith journey? Beginning last January, a monthly faith message from First Lutheran Church members, has been sent via as a way to invite you to become a part of

our faith community. If you already receive the E-News, we hope you are enjoying this message.

Please note that hard copies will also be available in the Narthex for those who do not wish to receive it electronically. Knitters/Crocheters - Can you help?

Yarn is available at the church if you d like to stop by and pick some up. Suggested size is 24 x 67 or larger. Prayer shawls are tangible symbols of love.

Wrapping others in shawls made with prayer and loving thoughts is the gift.

Hebrews The Nearness of King Jesus is the Bible study that Esther s Circle is offering this coming year.

Please come and join in this inspirational study lead by Lisa Harper (of LifeWay) who is featured on national Women of Faith tour. The book of Hebrews points to Jesus!

9 our faith community. If you already receive the E-News, we hope you are enjoying this message. If you are not receiving the E-News, and would like to be included please Bobbie Carmody at and we will get you added to the list. Please note that hard copies will also be available in the Narthex for those who do not wish to receive it electronically. Knitters/Crocheters - Can you help? We have been able to give 85 prayer shawls to member since we began the ministry. Right now we are in need of shawls made in colors appropriate to be given to men. Yarn is available at the church if you d like to stop by and pick some up. Suggested size is 24 x 67 or larger. Prayer shawls are tangible symbols of love. They are warm hugs of empathy and support; a private place to escape in which to rest, relax, and renew; something to hold on to when all else seems to be slipping away. Wrapping others in shawls made with prayer and loving thoughts is the gift. Prayer begins in the heart and the creation of a prayer shawl is a spiritual journey of prayer for the shawl maker. Hebrews The Nearness of King Jesus is the Bible study that Esther s Circle is offering this coming year. The first night of study will be Monday, September 8 th, 7-8pm in the Fireside Room. Through April, the group will meet on the second Monday of each month. Please come and join in this inspirational study lead by Lisa Harper (of LifeWay) who is featured on national Women of Faith tour. The book of Hebrews points to Jesus! A good metaphor for this book of the Bible would be house building. The scaffolding of Christian faith! Jesus is a close up and personal Savior...He s all you ll ever want! Please call the church office to sign up! Looking Ahead Join us for the newest Angela Thomas Women s Bible Study: STRONGER finding hope in fragile places. Wednesdays from 7-8pm The first session will be October 8 th. Information sheets and registration forms are available in the narthex or the church office. Registrations are due by Monday, September 29. The cost is $13.00 for the member book.

The Chancel Choir is gearing-up for another wonderful year of sharing worship through music. Rehearsals will take place on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the sanctuary, beginning on September 3 rd.

kingsbury@smsu.edu. We hope we ll see you on the 3rd! The Men s Choir and the Women s Choir will continue to sing in alternating months; four times for each group.

10 The Chancel Choir is gearing-up for another wonderful year of sharing worship through music. Rehearsals will take place on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the sanctuary, beginning on September 3 rd. New members are always welcome. If you are considering joining one of the choirs, we would love to have you join us. Anyone wanting more information can contact Stephen Kingsbury at Stephen.kingsbury@smsu.edu. We hope we ll see you on the 3rd! The Men s Choir and the Women s Choir will continue to sing in alternating months; four times for each group. Women this year: September, November, January, March. Men this year: October, December, February, April. These groups will practice at 8pm Wednesdays after Chancel Choir Handbell Choir rehearsals will begin on Wednesday, September 3 rd at 6:15pm in the Bell Rehearsal Room. Contact Steve Meyer for further information: Attention First Lutheran 7 th 12 th graders. Please consider joining Youth Praise Team! The Youth Praise Team leads the Wednesday afternoon church service (5:15 p.m. 5:45 p.m.) The Youth Praise Team is (as Tonya would say) an AWESOME way to participate in the church service with contemporary Christian music. To volunteer or for more information, please call or text Tonya or Kim/Jim Christianson: Tonya directly at or Kim/ Jim at TLC begins September 10 th. Practice is kept to a minimum and usually is held just before the Wednesday TLC service or just following the TLC service. Please offer you talents with your voice or instrument.

Mark Your Calendar *Senior Adult Retreat-September 5-7, 2014 *Women s Retreat September 12 & 13, 2014 *Road Scholar-September 14-19, 2014 *Shetek WELCA Conference - September 20, 2014 *EE

11 Mark Your Calendar *Senior Adult Retreat-September 5-7, 2014 *Women s Retreat September 12 & 13, 2014 *Road Scholar-September 14-19, 2014 *Shetek WELCA Conference - September 20, 2014 *EE Program-Bird Raptor-October 5 1-4pm *Timber Banquet-October 19, 2014 *Trees/Tots-October pm Any questions call (507) or check out our website at 68 th Annual Shetek Lutheran Ministries Women s Retreat Friday and Saturday, September 12 th & 13 th Shetek Lutheran Ministries Senior Adult Retreat September 5 th -7 th Registration information is available at the church office for these retreats. Prairie Home Hospice is offering Powerful Tools for Caregivers (a class for family caregivers). This education program is designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. You will benefit from the class whether you are helping a parent, spouse, friend, someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country. The class series meets once a week for six weeks. Class size is limited, and registration is required. Dates: Wednesdays, Oct. 1-Nov. 5 Times: 9:00-10:30 a.m. Location: Adult Community Center, 107 S. 4 th St., Marshall To Register call by Sept. 23 Cost: Suggested donation of $25 to defray cost of the book. Not required in order to attend class. Prairie Home Hospice is offering a Grief Support Group Wednesdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 22 5:00 p.m. at Hill Street Place, 401 S. Hill Contact the Hospice office at for more information. Facilitator: Barb Moore Open to all! United Way Community Partner Living Proof Live Simulcast with Beth Moore, Sat., Sept. 13, 8AM- 3:30 PM at Living Word Lutheran Church, Marshall. Tickets are $10 and available at HyVee, Treasured Times and Noble Woman Boutique in Marshall. This event is for all women of all ages!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, February 2015 I confess that February isn t my favorite month. As I look out my office window late in the afternoon, the light is fading, and the branches of the locust