Herald. As a Christian. family of faith, we re gathered. to grow. and sent. to serve

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1 Volume 37 Issue 8 August 2016 Herald A publication of Hosanna Lutheran Church, ELCA Rochester, Minnesota As a Christian family of faith, we re gathered to grow and sent Save the Date! - September 11, 2016 See Page 5 for information 9am Worship 10am-10:15am Coffee in the Memorial Garden 10:15am-11:30am Service Projects 11:30am Lunch 12:15pm Adopt a Highway Rochester Fire Stations Ronald McDonald House to serve INSIDE THIS ISSUE Family Mission Trip to Madison July 10-13, 2016 See Insert for Stories from Families Discipleship Ministries Fellowship Ministries Youth News Memorial Garden Outreach Ministries Music Ministries Worship Schedule Council Page President s Message Pastor Meiers Page

2 Page 2 Herald Volume 37 Issue 8 Discipleship/Fellowship Ministries gathered to grow Sunday School Volunteer Orientation All adults that will be volunteering with the Sunday morning children's ministries are asked to attend an orientation on either Tuesday, Sept. 13th or Thursday, Sept. 15th. Each orientation will start at 6:30. Sunday School Ministry The Sunday School year is coming up quickly! This year we will begin with our participation in the God's work. Our hands. Sunday on Sunday, Sept. 11th. On this Sunday, we ask all families to join in worship at 9:00 a.m. and then participate (as a family) in one of the many service areas that will be offered. (Come dressed in working clothes!) Calendar Requests and Updates To help know when the Church facility is in use by our different Ministry Teams and Rentals we would appreciate knowing when set-up, activities, and clean-up would take place. By providing this helpful information it will allow us to easily support our Ministry Teams and Rentals during the busy times of the year. Please fill out a calendar request online at our website ( current-2/monthly-calendar/) or fill out the calendar request sheet in the office and place in the secretary's box. Thank you! Hilltoppers August 9 at Noon Hilltoppers is continuing to meet in the summer! All those 55+ or who are retired are invited to a catered lunch and a program put on by the staff or outside speakers on the second Tuesday of the month at noon. Please sign up at the Welcome Center to let us know you are coming. You may call the office at for a ride. Seminary Fund Carol Strand Sunday, August 21 st will be Carol Strands last day here at Hosanna as she will begin her internship on August 23, 2016 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in St. Paul. We wish Carol well on this next part of her seminary journey and we d like to encourage continued prayers as she makes this transition. Additionally, we d like to offer congregational members an extra opportunity to support this seminary education (tuition, books, etc.) by donating to this specific fund. Please place your donation in the enclosed enveloped Seminary Fund Carol Strand and return it to the church office by Sunday, August 21st. Finally we will be offering a Blessing for Carol during the August 21st Worship, we hope you are able to attend and show Carol support and best wishes. To my dear Hosanna Family, As I write this final newsletter article, I do so with a few tears of sadness but also with excitement in my heart. I will be starting internship August 23 rd at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in St. Paul. My last Sunday at Hosanna will be August 21 st. I wish I could be here and in St. Paul at the same time, but I know that with change comes growth. So this is a great opportunity for me. I have been blessed to be part of this loving Hosanna family for 34 years. Your support, prayers, and financial gifts have been most generous and for that I am ever grateful. You are helping me fulfill God s call. Hosanna has been instrumental in my development to become a Minister of Word and Sacrament, and I humbly ask that your prayers continue. Each of you will be missed. I thank God for each of you. See you soon (August, 2017). Blessings and peace to you,

3 gathered to Youth News Herald Volume 37 Issue 8 Page 3 Hosanna News Like us on Gustavus Academy of Faith, Science and Ethics Summer Program Maddy Stevens and Danille Koster attended the Gustavus Academy of Faith, Science and Ethics Summer program the last week of June. Maddy Stevens shared some of her thoughts on her week at Gustavus: I was honored to be part of the first annual class of fellows from the academy. The camp was based mainly off of how faith and science are not opposing forces but rather are interconnected within each other. This theme was exemplified by Dr. Grace Wolf Chase, an astronomer who works for the Adler planetarium in Chicago, Illinois. She spoke about how many of the discoveries in the scientific world were made be clergy or of persons of faith. Also being Lutheran herself she explained how working as an astronomer was connected within her faith life. We also had more specific themes for each of the days such as environmental justice, social justice and food security. These topics were explored by both the lectors and the readings that were given to us in our booklet and books. One of our readings was that of Martin Luther and his essay entitled, The Freedom of a Christian, which I personally found meaningful to me because it explored the real differences in theological views between Roman Catholicism and Lutheran; which are both traditions that influence my faith views. I would like to share a quote that I found featured the ideas of Luther. In every person there are two natures one that is of the spirit and one that is of the body. I never realized how Luther viewed the human being as two separate but equal persons inside of each of us, as I found out he believed that the soul needs only one thing: the word of God. High School Camp Out Friday August 26 th End the summer with roasting hotdogs, eating s mores and playing night games. We will meet at Hosanna and have an end of the summer night out. Look for more information in the bulletins and on the Hosanna Lutheran Youth facebook page, ( /?ref=settings). Get a Start on Your Summer Reading The book discussion group takes the summer off. Below are the book discussion selections for 2016/17. Sept 17 The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt Oct 15 The Language of Flowers, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh Nov 19 Something from the Oven, by Laura Shapiro Jan 21 The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins Feb 18 Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen Mar 18 The Girls of Atomic City, by Denise Kiernan Apr 15 The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Zafon May 20 The Relic Master, by Christopher Buckley

4 Page 4 Herald Volume 37 Issue 8 Memorial Garden Ministries gathered to grow sent to serve Memorial Garden Team By: Sandy Scheuneman One of my favorite summertime flowers is the hydrangea. Wikipedia describes the hydrangea as a genus of species of flowering plants, mostly shrubs, native to Asia and the Americas. The large, showy blossoms of the Hydrangea come in different colors and shapes, brightening up any garden. For our own home landscape and garden, I have chosen three different varieties. Annabelle was selected for its shade tolerance and big white snowball-shaped flowers, which contrast nicely with the large, deepgreen foliage. Besides, I like the name. It sounds old-fashioned and Southern to me. I chose the Pee Gee for its panicle, cone-shaped flowers, which I harvest and dry in autumn to use in permanent bouquets. Last, but not least, I also planted Endless Summer. As the name suggests, this compact version blooms continually with beautiful, long-lasting naturally pink mophead flowers. Some growers choose to use a product to treat the soil, which causes the blossoms to be blue. With so many choices available, close attention must be given to each variety s specific sun/shade requirements. Most hydrangeas like a little afternoon shade, and tend to droop in the heat of the day. A large part of my decision to write about hydrangeas was the fact that Hosanna s Memorial Garden has been anchored by a grouping of dwarf Pee Gee Hydrangeas from the start. They flowered abundantly in mid summer, showed off throughout the fall, when they turned from white to pink-tinged. Sadly, these did not survive this past winter, and much discussion and research was given to the decision about replacing them. It was agreed that we should look for another hydrangea. Research revealed a new dwarf variety, called Bobo, which will tolerate Hosanna s full sun location and promises to flower profusely, in the same way as the Pee Gee. Extremely popular, and apparently in high demand, we are still patiently waiting for the garden center s expected July shipment to arrive. Perhaps by the time this article is in your hands, these will have been planted. We hope you have had some time during the growing season to visit the Memorial Garden to remember, reflect, pray and honor those saints who have gone before us. When we team members stand back from our labors to have a look into the garden, we are frequently rewarded by visits from hummingbirds and butterflies, reminding us to thank God for the beauty only He can provide in nature. To Him be the Glory! Memorial Garden Team Member, Sandy Scheuneman

5 gathered to grow Outreach Ministries Herald Volume 37 Issue 8 Page 5 "God s work. Our hands." Sunday is Coming! September 11 Save the Date! This year "God's work. Our hands." dedicated day of service also marks the 15-year anniversary of the September 11, 2011, terrorist attacks on the United States. This year's cookie donations will be shared with designated Rochester fire stations in recognition of their hard work and dedication in keeping our communities safe. Most Hosanna families participated in some way in our ELCA national day of service the past two years. This year we ve kept some of the same projects and added a few new ones. Here s what s going to happen. There will be one worship service at 9:00 am Coffee fellowship will be shared in the Memorial Garden 8 different service projects for members to choose from will be available (inside and outside the church/active and sit down jobs) Lunch will be served to celebrate all the volunteers Cookies, Posters, Cards, Harvested Produce & Fleece Blankets will be taken to designated places after lunch Service Projects include: Making Tied Fleece Caps (Adult & Child) for Mittens & More Box Making Tied Fleece Blankets for Ronald McDonald House (Look for fleece donation tubs) Assembling "6 Can Soup" for Channel One Families Harvesting Hosanna's Community Garden for Rochester Fire Stations (5 gallon pails and garden equipment needed) Assembling Cookie Plates for Rochester Fire Stations (Look for Homemade Cookie donation sign-up) Making Thank You Posters for Rochester Fire Stations Making Thinking of You Cards for Children at Ronald McDonald House Adopt-a-Highway (After Lunch volunteers will join in cleaning up Hosanna's area of Hwy 52 south of Apache Mall) Pictures from "God s work. Our hands." 2015

6 Page 6 Outreach Ministries...sent to serve Prayer Shawls August 26 The Prayer Shawl team meets only once a month during the summer on the 4 th Friday at 1:00 pm. If you like to knit or crotchet or would like to learn, you may join this caring ministry at any time. Please contact Carolyn Dahl at crdahl25@charter.net with questions. Members may also stop by the office to pick up a prayer shawl for family or friends in need of prayer and comfort. Hosanna s Pantry August 26 and 27 Join Hosanna s Pantry team this summer. We have many more families coming for help with food during the summer. It s a great way to share God s love with families in need and work together as a family. Children as young as 5 are invited to help with their parents. The next summer pantry opening will be Saturday, August 27 from 9:00 11:30 am. Setup is Friday, August 26 at 10:00 am. There s something for all ages to do. You can help with the pantry set up on Friday. Or you can help greet families, help them shop, carry out groceries or clean up on Saturday morning. There s a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center or you may contact Barb Anderson, at barbpaul@charter.net or with questions. Herald Volume 37 Issue 8 Quilters Group August 18 The Quilters Group meets the 3rd Thursday of each month from 9am to 2pm. If you like to quilt or have an interest in learning or helping out contact Darlene Brandt, dwbrandt@gmail.com or Sharon Dunford, shed14@charter.net. Community Garden Summer Help Needed Hosanna s community garden vegetables are growing with all the rain we ve had so far this summer, and so are the weeds. Help is needed to keep those weeds under control. There will soon be harvesting to do as well. Most of the produce harvested goes to Channel One or to the families who come to Hosanna s Pantry. You re invited to bring your whole family for a few hours of work in Hosanna s community garden. It s a great family experience. You don t need gardening experience to help. There are gardening tools in our shed that anyone may use. The keys to the shed are in the office. Just contact Barb Anderson at barbpaul@charter.net or call with questions. Pastor s Discretionary Fund and Sharing and Caring Pantry Both our Pastor s Discretionary Fund and small Sharing and Caring Food Pantry are ways that Hosanna helps families in the community that are struggling to make ends meet. Through your noisy offering (coin) donations on Sundays or checks written to the discretionary fund, Pastor Meiers is able to help families with a gas card. When the small food pantry is full of food, a family in need who comes to Hosanna can go back home with a bag or two of groceries. Please consider a donation to the Pastor s Discretionary Fund or bring an extra bag of groceries to Hosanna when you re out shopping. Your ongoing generosity has helped hundreds of families. Thank you!

7 ...sent to serve Outreach / Music Ministries Herald Volume 37 Issue 8 Page 7 Bishop's 5K Saturday, September 24, 2016 All are invited to join the people of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod for the Third Annual Bishop s 5K. 9:00am - 5K/1 Mile walk begins 10:00am - Post-race recognition Location: Soldier's Field in Rochester Online registration and information at: God s work. Our hands. T-Shirts Order by August 15 T-Shirts are again available to order for "God s work. Our hands." Sunday, September 11. If you didn t get a chance to order one last year, now s your chance. The cost is $6.50 and the sizes are listed on the signup sheet at the Welcome Center. Make checks payable to Hosanna. The shirt will be personalized with Hosanna Lutheran Church on the back. Praise! and King s Ringers Handbells Once again, there will be two groups of ringers; Praise! and King s Ringers. Praise! handbells is an intergenerational group which welcomes ringers ages They will meet each Wednesday from 5:00-5:30 pm. If you have ever wanted to play bells but weren t sure about it, this is for you. No musical experience is needed, just a willingness to learn. If you were a member of Praise! last year we hope that you will return to be a leader. King s Ringers, the more advanced handbell choir, will continue to play challenging music so experience is helpful. They will meet each Wednesday from 5:45-6:30pm and will play for worship about once a month. Rehearsals will begin in September. If you have questions regarding either of these groups, please contact Cynthia McLaren, Handbell Director (cynthia.mc200@gmail.com.) Free Voice Lesson - Individual or Group During August through September, I am willing to give a single 30-minute voice lesson to any member of Hosanna, including children, youth or adults. The main goal is to increase confidence in singing, explore a person s present vocal range, help people discover their singing voice and go over basic vocal technique. Too many people (young and old) have not had the opportunity to discover how to develop their singing voice. Some have even been told You can t sing which certainly prevents someone from wanting to explore what they can do. Each lesson is adapted to the needs of the individual person. Individuals or a small group of 2-3 people may sign up for one of the lessons by contacting Nancy Wales (music@hosannalutheran.org or ). Specific lesson times will be arranged on an individual basis.

8 Music/Worship Ministries gathered to grow Page 8 Summer Music for Worship Services Vocal or instrumental soloists or ensembles are encouraged to provide music selections during worship services. There will be one Sunday service at 9:00am in August. Don t hesitate to share your talents. A sign-up sheet is on the Welcome Center. Contact Nancy Wales if you have questions. Hosanna Choir for High School Students Adults The 4-part mixed choir for grades 9 adults will begin rehearsals in September on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm. Singers of all skill levels are welcome. Even if you have never sung in a choir you are encouraged to come and learn from those who have experience. If your schedule does not allow you to participate the entire year, you are still welcome to come when you can. As a part of this choir, you will share inspirational anthems and lead congregational songs. Contact the director, Nancy Wales ( ) if you have questions. Hosanna s Band - Exodus If you have two years of experience playing an instrument and enjoy exuberant songs with the rhythm and chord sounds of jazz and pop songs then Exodus is the group for you. This pop/jazz band for grade 7 adults will rehearse on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm starting in September. Look for future information for the exact date. Contact director, Scott Strand ( ), if you intend to participate or if you have questions. Get your instruments out and start getting your fingers and lips into shape! Herald Volume 37 Issue 8 Worship Schedule August 2016 Sunday Services 9:00 am August Worship Theme For the Healing of the Nations: Global Healing August 7 Outdoor Worship Liturgy: Outdoor Holy Communion Theme: Where Your Treasures Are Text: Luke 12:32-40 August 14 Liturgy: ELW Service of the Word Theme: Coming Of the Kingdom Text: Luke 12:49-56 August 21 Liturgy: ELW Setting 8 with Communion Theme: Healing: Sign of the Kingdom Text: Luke 13:10-17 August 28 Liturgy: ELW Service of the Word Theme: The Humble Will Be Exalted Text: Luke 14:1, 7-14

9 gathered to grow sent to serve Council Page Herald Volume 37 Issue 8 Page 9 Hosanna Lutheran Church July 12, 2016, Council Minutes Council Attendees: Pastor Bill Meiers, Ray Ashworth, Rachel Gray, Les Fullem, Terri Ashworth, Ron Machacek, Laurie Maidl, Fred Lust, Natalie Sand. Alice Kub & Darcy Youngstrom were also in attendance. The Meeting was called to order at 7:04pm by Ray Ashworth, then Pastor Meier led the Council in a devotion based on the story of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16). Council members shared highs & lows. Les moved (Ron seconded) that we accept June s meeting minutes. It passed unanimously. Natalie moved (Terri seconded) that we accept Pastor Meier s monthly report. It passed unanimously. We have more money going out than we do coming in over the summer (as happens most years). This should be rectified over the rest of the year. Laurie moved (Ron seconded) that we accept the Business & Finance Report. It passed unanimously. Staff & advocate reports were highlighted. Worship: Temple Talks on healing have been well received, helpful & well delivered. We have a new plaque for the Palm Sunday mural. Support: Mortgage prepayments have been suspended for the summer. $91k has been paid on the capital campaign. Air conditioner for the office area has been fixed. Properties may be taking the elevator rooms and turning them into storage areas. Fellowship: Hilltoppers is going all summer this year. Pew cards will be added to the pew slots for Stephen Ministry. Discipleship: VBS had a lot of volunteers & it was well attended. Confirmation Camp went well at Good Earth Village. Outreach: Pastor Ann Klavano has completed her mission in Papua New Guinea. God s Work: Our Hands is in the planning stages for the fall. Faith Formation: Darcy thanks the staff and everyone else who helped out with VBS since she was unable to attend due to medical issues. Safety & Security was started 2 years ago - many Sunday School & VBS educators will need to attend the Safety & Security workshop again as it needs to be taken every 2 years. Church Secretary, Liz Coltom, asks that all teams & outside groups fill out the Calendar Request forms (in the office or online) to make sure they make it on the master calendar. Carol Strand s last Sunday preaching here is August 21. Pastor Meiers would like to take an extra offering to help defray her costs. An envelop will be added to the newsletter so everyone gets one. She is going to Our Redeemer Lutheran in St Paul for her internship the following week. Les moved (Natalie seconded) that we adjourn. It passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:51 & was closed with the Lord s Prayer. Cheerfully submitted, Rachel Gray Council Secretary Treasurer & Financial Secretary Report Budget/Contributions Comparison General 2016 Jun YTD Budget 35, ,052 Contributions 28, ,481 Difference (7,024) (21,571) , ,430 Difference 15/16 (52) 17,949 Capital Appeal 1,080 15,148 Receipts/Expenditures Comparison General Capital YTD Appeal Receipts 193,481 91,891 Expenditures 207,332 82,819 Difference (13,851) 9,072 Account Balances - June Account Name Balance General 1,566 General Reserve 50,145 Special Gifts 42,803 Endowment 64,393 ELCA Scholarship 50,281 Mortgage 336,408

10 Page 10 Herald Volume 37 Issue 8 Hello, I hope everyone stayed cool in the heat wave we had last week. I am sure many people, children to adults, were enjoying the local pools and water activities on the lakes. As I write this I am sitting in my air conditioned office at home thinking about the many volunteer/service opportunities we have at Hosanna. It is refreshing to know we are a church that rolls up our sleeves and get things done. Whether it is working in our produce or flower gardens, helping with Samaritan Bethany, our food pantry, preparing Susan Suppers, helping plan or participating in worship services, or enjoying fellowship through scrap-booking, quilting, prayer shawls, youth softball, or volleyball. The list is endless. President s Message Our 3rd annual Gods work. Our hands service day preparation has begun and I look forward to the community service projects being planned. This is a fun and meaningful way to hang out with your Hosanna family, and at the same time make a positive difference in someone's life. I encourage everyone to take part and help out in any way they can. As a Christian family of faith we are gathered to grow and sent to serve. President Ray Ashworth Flowers blooming on the west side of the church.

11 Pastor Meiers Page Herald Volume 37 Issue 8 Page 11 Dear Members and Friends of Hosanna, We are so accustomed to hearing bad news that our ears do not even accept the good! This murder, that rape, this scandal, that catastrophe the TV and newspapers are filled with it. Certainly ours is a century that has so dulled our senses that we might even be cynical and suspicious of good news especially during this time of global unrest and war. But the proclamation of Easter Day is that all is well. It s all right. It s All Right! As Christians we say this not with ease, glib optimism as though we had never faced a time when all was not right. We all have our personal challenges in this life. Our world is certainly going through enormous challenges. Jesus, the great physician enters our lives and our world with the salve of His healing love. During the month of August our worship is informed by Jesus love and compassion for the world. For God so loved the World that He gave His only Son. (Jon 3:16) Our Worship Theme is: For the Healing of the Nations: Global Healing. More than ever our global community is in need of the healing power of the gospel. We are blessed to know the love of God in Christ Jesus and are called to share in word and deed the assurance we have as disciples of Christ. I was reading Gerhard Frost s booklet, Hungers of the Heart. Here is a thought worth pondering. We suppose that if Jesus would only become contemporary in the way that we are contemporary, if He could walk on our streets, or better yet, up our alley, and enter our homes, we would willing let him enter our hearts, but the truth is that explanations never made disciples, and our best for full and final answers is an enemy of our welfare. Only in encounter with God, where God has the first and last word can we know the joy of discipleship. To bow before the mystery is to leave more and more, yes, even all, to God. That is the Blessed Assurance we have as Christians. Our life, our all begins and ends in God. That relationship empowers us to do the work of the kingdom. Celebrate the privilege of discipleship that is yours as a member of the family of God, through lives of service, worship and celebration. Yours in Christ, Pastor Bill Meiers

12 Hosanna Lutheran Church th St. NW Rochester, MN (507) Gathered to Grow, Sent to Serve Check out Hosanna s Website! ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED WORSHIP TIMES SUNDAYS at 9:00am Coffee Hour at 10:00am NON-PROFIT ORG. U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 603 ROCHESTER MN God s work. Our hands. Hosanna Herald Writers: Hosanna Staff & members Editor: Liz Coltom Check out Hosanna s Facebook fan page! STAFF Pastor Bill Meiers Nancy Wales Darcy Youngstrom Liz Coltom Charlie Bohlke COUNCIL OFFICERS Ray Ashworth, President Laurie Maidl, Pres. Elect Rachel Gray, Secretary seniorpastor@hosannalutheran.org music@hosannalutheran.org darcy.youngstrom@hosannalutheran.org liz.coltom@hosannalutheran.org custodian@hosannalutheran.org president@hosannalutheran.org president-elect@hosannalutheran.org councilsecretary@hosannalutheran.org COUNCIL ADVISORS Alice Kub, Treasurer treasurer@hosannalutheran.org Paul Anderson, Financial Sec. financialsecretary@hosannalutheran.org OFFICE HOURS 9:00 am 4:00 pm Monday Friday COUNCIL ADVOCATES Natalie Sand, Discipleship Ron Machacek, Fellowship Terri Ashworth, Outreach Les Fullem, Support Fred Lust, Worship discipleship@hosannalutheran.org fellowship@hosannalutheran.org outreach@hosannalutheran.org support@hosannalutheran.org worship@hosannalutheran.org