CELEBRATE FEBRUARY Wednesday, February 14, 11:00 1:30 Annual Neighbors in Need Spaghetti Luncheon at NLC

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1 CELEBRATE FEBRUARY 2018 Wednesday, February 14, 11:00 1:30 Annual Neighbors in Need Spaghetti Luncheon at NLC Wednesday, February 14 Ash Wednesday 7 pm Wednesdays in Lent Soup Supper, Education & Worship 6:00 7:45 PM February 21, 28, March 7, 14 & 21 NORTHRIDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA KALISPELL, MONTANA

2 NOTES FROM PASTOR DAN: Ash Wednesday begins the 40 day liturgical season of Lent. Lent is a special time to prepare for Easter with a focus on such spiritual disciplines as prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We acknowledge the uniqueness of the season by adding a Wednesday worship to the church calendar. Historically, Lent was the time for catechesis, instruction in the Christian faith, to prepare people for baptism, which was celebrated each year at the Easter Vigil. Catholics refer to their worship as the mass, which comes from a Latin word meaning dismissal. So people preparing for their baptism would attend worship up until the time of the Eucharist, when they would be dismissed. After their baptism, they would fully participate in the worship. I like the idea of Lent as a time of catechesis. So here is what WEDNESDAY IN LENT will look like this year at Northridge: 6:00 Soup Supper and fellowship 6:45 Catechesis: Each night we will watch a 20 minute video, How Lutherans Interpret the Bible, followed by a 10 minute discussion. 7:15 Worship: We will learn a liturgy called Compline. And on other nights a Marty Haugen vespers called That You May Have Life, which we ve used over the years. This Wednesday practice will be a good Lenten Discipline for us. It is so important, especially in this day and age, to develop good Christian community, which happens when we eat together. And, the Lutheran tradition highly values education and learning, which we will do together as a church family. And we end our day with prayer and worship. My hope and prayer is that our congregation can embrace this evening, make it a priority, and value what our church offers to our lives. The dates are on the front cover of the Celebrate. And, there is NO Soup Supper on Ash Wednesday. 2

3 SPECIAL LENTEN GIVING Every Lent we have a special offering to support one of our outreach ministries. This year our Lenten offering will be given to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp for a new project called A PLACE TO CALL HOME. The project involves a cabin complex which will provide: Safe and comfortable housing for all ages and abilities More sleeping space for campers Two cabins and ADA bathrooms for comfort all year Year-round availability for retreat guests Flexible gathering space for conversation or meetings Accessible pathways You may be interested in viewing a short video about this project on the Flathead Lutheran Camp website. EASTER GIVING TREE 2018 The Church in society Board will once again sponsor the Easter Giving Tree during the season of Lent. In the past, Northridge has contributed to the tree to support children living with foster families, equipment for Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp and service within our congregation. This year we are collecting new socks for men, women and children. Socks are a huge need! The socks will be distributed locally to the Samaritan House, Neighbors In Need, and to Spirit of Life Lutheran Ministry on the Fort Peck Reservation. We are called to be His hands and feet since we are also called to serve one another and to love one another. Thanks you, Your Church In Society Board 3

4 Thank you again for your generous support of Lutheran Disaster Response in As we reflect and begin a new year, I d like to share some thoughts with you. Because of your generosity, our church is able to walk alongside disaster survivors, meeting urgent needs and helping with the long road to recovery. In Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, we provided relief supplies to survivors and supported pastors so that they can focus on caring for their congregations and communities. We are currently assisting Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean Synod to build their capacities to respond to the disaster. In Haiti and Cuba, we ve replaced lost tools for farmers affected by the hurricane so they can get back to work, helped woman-headed households with cash assistance, and helped families get daily life back to normal with dishes, cookware and blankets. In Texas, we're part of a group doing case management for survivors of disasters, and plans are underway for a respite retreat for rostered ministers. In Florida, we've supported our affiliate in providing crisis counseling for thousands of people in 20 counties. And much, much more is in the works as we continue to work closely with our affiliates, synods, companions and other partners. Our goal? To have more resilient communities that are less vulnerable to the next disaster. Thanks to you, we re on the way there. I ve already been impressed by the resiliency of our neighbors who survived disasters. 4

5 FROM YOUR STEWARDSHIP BOARD At the annual meeting on January 28 th Ron Van Natta, our treasurer had some really good news. We ended 2017 well, in much better shape than he had anticipated, and using his famous power point he said that he expects we will retire the mortgage in August of this year. We have put the party board on full alert to celebrate this happy, astounding, and marvelous occasion. YOU are all to be thanked that this is happening and happening well ahead of schedule, in fact 58+ months ahead. Ron pointed out that by paying off the mortgage this soon we are saving about $250,000 in interest payments. Ron also discussed our outreach in some detail, showing that we at Northridge give 21% of our income outside of our four walls. Again it is your generosity that makes this possible. Added to the dollars we contribute are the many hours so many give volunteering here at Northridge and/or in the community. After the $281,000 budget for 2018 was approved we broke into small groups to discuss two questions. The first one When the church (Stewardship Board, Council, Executive Committee) communicates about money and financial issues of the church, how might we do that in the most helpful way? And the second Are there new areas of ministry either outreach or in-house that you feel we should financially support? We are in the process of summarizing the responses and will get them to you, so stay tuned. The Stewardship board thanks you for your attention to our temple talks. We d also like to express our delight in seeing our mission to touch people s lives as Christ does being so beautifully lived out at Northridge. 5

6 LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS Wednesday evenings beginning February 21 we will have a Soup Supper at 6 pm, prior to Lenten Worship. From past experience with the Advent Potlucks we know we have some incredible cooks. We need people to make soup, some to bring bread and some to help with setup and cleanup. This is a great opportunity for you to help serve our congregation. There is a signup sheet in the narthex. If you have questions please call the church office at RETIRED FRIENDS Retired Friends will gather here at the church on TUESDAY, February 13th for our monthly potluck. Please bring something to share. Our program this month will be offered by Tammy Harmon, Program Director of the Assist Program which is about neighbors helping neighbors. As always, everyone is welcome! WOMEN S BIBLE STUDIES: ANNA CIRCLE & ESTHER CIRCLE Esther Circle meets Thursday, February 18th at Buffalo Hill Terrace in the Billiard Room on the 2nd floor at 9:30 a.m. everyone is welcome! Anna Circle meets Thursday, February 25th at 6:30p.m. at NLC. Both Circles use Gather, the magazine of Women of the ELCA in our Bible study. With questions regarding Anna Circle you may call Nancy Van Natta or Sandy Johnson if you have questions regarding Esther Circle please call the church office. OTHER UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES Bethlehem Lutheran Church has invited the men of Northridge to join them for a Men s Retreat at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp on March 9 & 10. For more information call Don

7 SPRING HAS SPRUNG! SAVE THE DATE! Flathead Cluster Women s Retreat April 14 at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp Ladies of the Flathead Valley (Please, invite your friends!) There is nothing more relaxing and enjoyable than to spend a beautiful, spring day at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp. Join us for a day of inspiration, singing, games and laughter. Oh, and eating too! Cost: $21 What deal! Breakfast & Lunch. Reserve your spot: call Pat More information coming your way soon. Stay tuned! We welcomed the following families into our membership on Sunday, January 28th. Please add this information to your directory. Shelley Draper PO Box 2805 Kalispell MT shelleyd54@aol.com Brent & Alexx Foley Owen & Claire 178 Cheviot Loop Kalispell, MT brent@foleyeng.com Marshall & Judy Hagen 141 Liahona Ln Kalispell MT (M) (J) mjjjhagen@aol.com Brady & Chelsea Pelc Cecilia th Ave E. Kalispell, MT (B) (C) Bradypelc@msn.com chelseambond@yahoo.com Doug Rosholt 2098 KM Ranch Rd Whitefish MT dxrosholt@gmail.com Dick Sine 1016 Electric Ave. Bigfork, MT medicsine@gmail.com 7

8 NORTHRIDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH DECEMBER 2017 TREASURER S REPORT General Fund December Expenses: $ 32,916 December Income: $ 38,614 Income exceeded expenses by: $ 5,698 End of December General Fund Balance: $ 21,900 *General Fund giving December 2017 was $ 6,797 more than December *General Fund giving Jan thru Dec 2017 was $ 10,153 less than Jan thru Dec *Building Loan principal end of December: $ 37,716 We paid additional mortgage principal of $ 8, in December. Giving for 2017 averaged $ 24,702 per month which was $298 a month below our $25,000 monthly average needed for our 2017 budget. 31% of our annual giving to the general fund came in the last 3 months of the year. Thank you for your continued financial support to your Northridge Family. Ron Van Natta, Treasurer **For a complete 2017 year end report see the Semi-Annual Report available in the narthex. 8

9 FEBRUARY 2018 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4 Greeters: Jeremy & Kelly Pris family Host: Ricky & Haley Peters Ushers & Acolytes: Eric & Sherry Svennungsen Scripture Reader: Laurel Petersen Communion Preparers: Joe & Renee Russell Communion Servers: Eric & Sherry Svennungsen SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11 Greeters: Kyle & Kristi Streitmatter family Host: Sandy & Logan Streit Ushers & Acolytes: Dennis & Barb Peterson Scripture Reader: Helen Rommereim Communion Preparers: Daren & Melissa Engellant Communion Servers: Sandi Vashro & Linda Solem SUNDAY FEBRUARY 18 Greeters: Kris Rosholt Host: Bob & Laura White Ushers & Acolytes: Bob & Bonnie Raeth Scripture Reader: Karen Skonord Communion Preparers: Dave & Cheryl Reynolds Communion Servers: Craig & Sandi Solem SUNDAY FEBRUARY 25 Greeters: Kramer & Ally Wilson Host: Wylie & Halle Fusaro Ushers & Acolytes: Bob Wagnild & Shelley Draper Scripture Reader: Bob Wagnild Communion Preparers: Stacey Neary Communion Servers: Tim & Kim Wold **If you are unable to serve please find a replacement and call the office by noon on Wednesday with changes. If you are not currently serving as a Worship Assistant and would like to serve please contact Sandi Vashro or the Worship & Music Board and we will get you the training and information you need. THANK YOU! 9

10 NORTHRIDGE FAMILY PRAYERS FEBRUARY 2018 Please take time to pray for our Northridge Family. This month we lift up in prayer: February 4 10 February February February 25 March 3 *Hildegard Krause *Quinn, Diana, Alexa & Brooklyn Lamers *Duane & Beverly Larson *Mitchell & Kitty Leu *Dave & Shelle Lindholm *Joel, Angie & Shale Menssen *Paul & Anita Menssen *Sara Menssen *Kathy Mercord *Steve & Carolyn Milheim *Frank & Emily Miller *Joel & Jenna Morgan *Doug & Patsi Morton *John Murray & Cathy McDevitt *Craig & Candi Naylor *Stacey Neary & Dan Gould 10

11 SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READINGS FEBRUARY 2018 FEBRUARY 4 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY First Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31 Psalm 147:1-11, 20c Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Gospel: Mark 1:29-39 FEBRUARY 11 THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD First Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-12 Psalm 50:1-6 Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Gospel: Mark 9:2-9 FEBRUARY 18 FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT First Reading: Genesis 9:8-17 Psalm 25:1-10 Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22 Gospel: Mark 1:9-15 FEBRUARY 25 SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT First Reading: Genesis 17:1-7, Psalm 22:23-31 Second Reading: Romans 4:13-25 Gospel: Mark 8:

12 NORTHRIDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH 323 NORTHRIDGE DRIVE KALISPELL, MONTANA PHONE (406) Web Page: Staff: Ministers Pastor Office Manager The People of Northridge Dan E. Heskett Anita Menssen The mission of this congregation is to become a fellowship of Christian believers who touch people s lives as Christ does. FEBRUARY 2018 Volume No. 36 No. 2 Northridge Lutheran Church 323 Northridge Drive Kalispell, Montana

13 February 2018 The mission of this congregation is to become a fellowship of Christian believers who touch people s lives as Christ does. Northridge Lutheran Church, ELCA 323 Northridge Drive Kalispell MT (406) office@northridgelutheran.org Website: northridgelutheran.org Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat **Please note that this calendar does not include all community building use and activity. Please check with the church office for gym and room availability :30 Adult Ed-Pastor Dan 9:30 Worship 11:00 Children s SS & Adult Ed with Pastor Bob 5th Sunday after Epiphany 5 7 pm Al Anon 6 NO Church Boards 7 6:30 Choir :30 Adult Ed-Pastor Dan 9:30 Worship 11:00 Children s SS & Adult Ed with Pastor Bob Transfiguration of Our Lord :00 Retired Friends Potluck 5:00 Executive Committee 14 11:00 Neighbors In Need Annual Spaghetti Luncheon 7:00 Worship 15 9:30 Esther The Terrace :30 Adult Ed-Pastor Dan 9:30 Worship 11:00 Children s SS & Adult Ed with Pastor Bob 1st Sunday in Lent :00 Church Council 21 4:00 Joyful Noise 5:00 Choir 6:00 Soup Supper 7:00 Lenten Worship 22 6:30 Anna NLC :00 Community Kitchen Hosts: Oehrtman/Mitch 25 8:30 Adult Ed-Pastor Dan 9:30 Worship 11:00 Children s SS & Adult Ed with Pastor Bob 2nd Sunday in Lent :00 Joyful Noise 5:00 Choir 6:00 Soup Supper 7:00 Lenten Worship