Three-Point Parish Newsletter Bethany, First English and Friends in Christ Lutheran Churches Epistle for February, First English Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 Three-Point Parish Newsletter Bethany, First English and Friends in Christ Lutheran Churches Epistle for February, 2017 Bethany Lutheran Church First English Lutheran Church Friends in Christ Lutheran Church Meets at the DAC Building in Sebeka Sunday Schedule Sunday School 9:30 A.M. Worship 10:30 AM th St. Menahga, MN Sunday Schedule 8:30 Worship Sunday School Coffee Fellowship 17 Main St. NW Menahga, MN Sunday Schedule 9:30 Worship Sunday School Fellowship 305 5th St SW Sebeka, MN Members of Mission Statement Bethany, First English & Friends in Christ Lutheran Churches are a caring, inclusive Christian Community dedicated to Word and Sacrament ministry; Growing in Christ; Sharing the faith; Serving our neighbors; and Supporting each other. Phone: ~ Fax: ~ Parsonage: ~ febeth@wcta.net PO Box 189 ~ Menahga, MN Senior Pastor Steven Bruer pastorsteve@wcta.net Associate Pastor James Hallaway 1716ofluke@gmail.com Parish Secretary Dayna Anderson Bethany Council President Art Yliniemi Bethany Organists Sandi Mickelson Kris Spadgenske Vickie Paurus First English Administrative Board President Russ Olson First English Organist Mary Hanninen First English Custodian Dan Gilbert The Epistle and weekly bulletins are also available online at: Friends in Christ Board of Trustees President Tim Puttonen Friends in Christ Pianists Ardis Olson Laicy Erickson Chris Olson

2 Pastor s Perspective 2017 marks the international observance of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. October 31, 1517 Martin Luther nails his 95 Theses to the church door. Can we talk? Apparently not. So, Luther continues to agitate. In October of 1518 and January of 1519 Luther debates with leading Roman Catholic Theologians. In 1521 Luther is ex-communicated. He is also declared an outlaw by Emperor Charles V. (It is during this time of banishment that Luther translates the New Testament into German.) By 1525 some 100,000 German peasants lay dead in the streets. The Reformation had become an open revolt. In 1530 Emperor Charles V said Enough! Spiritual unrest had erupted into political dysfunction. As the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation comes to us today, Lutherans around the world continue to define, refine and contextualize our faith and witness. When Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses on the church door in Wittenberg in 1517, no one expected the breadth of evangelical reforms in Christian teaching and practice that followed. In every dimension of Christian faith a renewed trust in God s forgiving mercy replaced a reliance on teachings and practices that, like the sale of indulgences, were vulnerable to abuse and corruption. Preaching a few years later, Luther said, I opposed indulgences... but never with force. I simply taught, preached, and wrote God s Word; otherwise I did nothing. I did nothing; the Word did everything. When he began to propose reforms in worship, he wrote similar words. This is the sum of the matter: let everything be done so that the Word may have free course. Nearly 500 years later, the results of this evangelical confidence in God s forgiving and liberating Word are evident today in Christian communities of all types. In the years leading to 2017 Lutheran members and congregations will observe the anniversary of this evangelical reformation in a variety of ways with numerous partners. The message of the Reformation for people living in the 21st century is the answer to the universal question: What is the purpose of my life and does my faith in God really matter? During our Midweek Lenten worship, which begins March 1 st, we are going to learn more about the faith, Luther s way. And to honor Martin Luther and this anniversary, our midweek Lenten series will focus on a series of themes from Martin Luther with the title Standing at the Cross. As we stand with Luther at the foot of the cross each week, we contemplate the ways in which we stand firm in the faith as followers of Christ during this holy season. Please see elsewhere in this newsletter for the different ways we stand at the cross using portions of Luther s sermons as our focus. We hope you will join us each week during Lent! Services will be held at First English and Bethany only this year beginning at 7:00. The Methodist church has opted not to join us. Shalom, Pastor Steve Please listen to these radio stations for winter weather church related cancellations, postponements, or announcements: KRCQ DL FM, KWAD Wadena 920 AM, KDKK Park Rapids 97.5 FM. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK Search: First English Bethany Friends in Christ Lutheran Churches Church news, events, cancellations and postponements can be found on our Facebook page. Share our page with others or invite them to LIKE us too!

3 BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING ~ JANUARY 15, 2017 Art Yliniemi called the meeting to order at 12:35pm. Pastor Steve gave devotions about our talents and gifts, and proclaiming the Lamb of God. Minutes of the last annual meeting dated January 17, 2016, were approved as printed. Treasurer s Report Evelyn Meech: Mark Spadgenske made a motion to approve. Dave Mickelson seconded. Motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Please see annual report for full reports. Pastor Steve: Has celebrated 15 years of Ministry at Bethany. Pastor Steve would like to see better attendance at worship services and would like to see more involvement of youth at worship services. Pastor Steve also announced that Leana is engaged. Pastor Jim: Was not in attendance as he made an emergency visitation call to a member of Friends in Christ whose mother passed away. Evangelism Rita Hendrickson: Has been to Pine Manor with new Bibles. Worship Ron Munger: Would like to add that we take advantage of all worship services, even joint services within our tri-parish. Stewardship Dave Mickelson: Would like to thank everyone for their continued financial support and talents for Bethany. Buildings and Grounds Mark Spadgenske: Counter tops in the kitchen were fixed this week. Youth Verdell Shepersky: Thank you to Jamie Etzler for teaching Sunday School. She continues to use a one room school curriculum. Art Yliniemi gave thanks to all council members for working so efficiently together and thank you to Art Yliniemi, Mark Spadgenske and Verdell Shepersky, who are going off council, for their service. Council Nominations: It was noted that the Cemetery Committee will remain as Dave Mickelson, Dean Mickelson, Mark Spadgenske, Don Meech, Art Yliniemi and Arnie Thompson. ~Ron Munger made a motion to seat Dean Mickelson. Don Meech seconded. Motion carried. ~Jeannette Mickelson made a motion to seat Wendy Myhre (3 year term) and Mark Spadgenske (1 year term). Rita Hendrickson seconded. Motion carried. NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR 2018: ~Jeannette Mickelson ~Rosella Mickelson ~Rita Hendrickson ~Mark Spadgenske BUDGET: Evelyn Meech made a motion to approve the budget for Lynette Yliniemi seconded. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Continue work on Cemetery. 2. Art Yliniemi is working on the issue with pealing paint on the outside of the church. 3. It is noted that it would be $ for 4 hearing devices. Council tabled this until there is an interest. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Lenten Services: Sebeka Methodist will not be participating this year so the rotation will be between First English and Bethany. Bethany will have services on March 1, Ash Wednesday, and the 15 th and 29 th. 2. Auction will be August 20 th. Rita Hendrickson will contact Bachmann s. Dave Mickelson made a motion to give $100 honorarium to each auctioneer. Diane Mickelson seconded. Motion carried. 3. Joint Services: First English will be having an auction sale in May. Date TBD. 4. Mike Spadgenske and Erik Myhre have agreed to audit the financial books. 5. LCMC Gathering will be October 8-11 in Minneapolis. 6. Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, which is also the last Sunday in Advent. Evelyn Meech made a motion to have one worship service, a candlelight service at 10:30am. Dave Mickelson seconded. Motion carried. 7. Funerals: It was noted that Kris Spadgenske is the contact for food preparation. Evelyn Meech is the contact if Kris is not available. 8. Pastor gave a report that ILT in Brookings has a mission work with International Pastors, training pastors in Cambodia and is a mission we could be a part of. Lynette Yliniemi made a motion to give $ annually. Erik Myhre seconded. Motion carried. 9. The Executive Committee of the Tri-Parish has suggested giving Pastors the 5 th Sunday off. Lay ministry, youth, hymn sign or bible study could be used instead. Dave Mickelson made a motion to approve this. Ron Munger seconded. Motion carried. Next council meeting will be February 8 th at 6:00pm with reorganization of the council taking place at that meeting. Respectively Submitted by Kristine Spadgenske, Secretary

4 First English Lutheran Church Annual Meeting January 22, 2017 Russ O. called the meeting to order. Pastor Steve offered a prayer. Secretary s report was read. Motion to accept by Elaine H., seconded by Marlene S., motion passed. Motion to accept 2016 reports in the booklet by Ramona O., seconded by Carol O., motion passed Proposed Budget was discussed. Motion was made by Marie H. to accept 2017 budget, seconded by Dianne S., motion passed. Election for new board members: Motion was made by Kari C. to accept Roger Hollerud and Marie Henstorf for 3 year terms and Russ Olson for a 1 year term. Seconded by Millie H., motion passed. Nominating committee for 2018: Ron Beck, Marlene Salo, Dianne Schilling, Trisha Knapp, Kari Carson New Business: 1. Auction will be held in Any dates in mind, please let a board member know. 2. Joint services will include Menahga Midsummer, Sebeka Red Eye River Thank you to Larry & Marlene Salo, Lucille Erickson, Pastor Steve & Jane Bruer, Phyllis Leritz & Tim & Brenda Kohrs for their gifts to the First English Building Fund in memory of Clayton Ellingson. Thank you to Kyle & Karen Petterson for their gift to the First English Memorial Fund in memory of Clayton Ellingson. Thank you to Dan & Tammy Yrjo for their donation to the First English Music Fund in memory of Clayton Ellingson. Days, and the Bethany Auction. Worship Service at Little Pine Lake. 3. Motion was made by Elaine H. to keep Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 on Christmas Eve 2017, seconded by Carol O., motion passed with 1 person opposed. There will be no morning worship service on that day. 4. Pastor Steve encouraged us to support ILT (part of LCMC) board will decide monetary amount. Motion made to this effect by Carol O., seconded by Roxanne G., motion passed. 5. Motion was made by Dianne S. to continue supporting Angul Bible Institute in India for another year. Seconded by Marge S., motion passed. 6. Executive Board has suggested that in the months that there are 5 Sundays, our pastors could have the 5 th Sunday off. This will be discussed more at the Tri-Parish meeting. First English wants the 5 th Sunday to be available for the pastors to take off. 7. Time and Talent Sheets were updated in Meeting adjourned. Closed by singing table prayer. Roxanne Gilbert, secretary CINNAMON ROLLS will be served on Sunday, February 19th at First English after the Worship Service. Free will offering will be taken. Offering will go towards the cost of new entry rugs. We have raised $ of the $ that is needed to cover the costs of the rugs. FIRST ENGLISH Attendance & Offering 1/1/17 65 General $ Loose $ Initial Offering $ Building $ $ 1, /8/17 79 General $ 1, Loose $ Initial Offering $ World Hunger $ 5.00 Rugs $ Food Shelf $ Building $ $ 2, /15/17 44 General $ 1, Loose $ 5.00 Pastor Jim & Elizabeth Mission $ Initial Offering $ Building $ $ 1, /22/17 38 General $ Loose $ Building $ $ 1, /29/17 65 General $ 1, Loose $ Building $ $ 1,506.00

5 The Friends in Christ Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2016 following the morning service. Foreign Mission Trip Pastor Jim and his daughter Elizabeth will be traveling to India February 27th and returning home March 14th. A number of people have given to this mission. They are headed there to take part in the Angul Bible Institute commencement service. They will also encourage Cornerstone Church (Pastor Moses' church) including addressing the guests of Jerusha's wedding. Jerusha is Moses' daughter. Joel Koripalli has also asked them to address a college age ministry group of leaders. If you would like to give please designate it on your check or envelope in the regular offerings at any service. You can also write a check to Boundless Ministries International which is Pastor Jim's brand new Please pray for their health, safety and that they would hear the Lord and speak His words boldly in each location they visit. BETHANY Attendance & Offering 1/1/17 General $ /8/17 General $ Missions $ $ /15/17 25 Adults, 11 Children General $ 1, Buildings & Grounds $ Missions $ $ 1, /22/17 15 Adults, 2 Children General $ Memorial $ $ /29/17 General $ Missions $ $ Ruby s Pantry next distribution is Saturday, February 18th, Registration is at 9:00 A.M. at First English Lutheran Church and distribution is at 10:00 A.M. If you are interested in volunteering, please be at First English at 8:30 A.M. Ephesians 4:11-13 "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Thank you to Fred & Lisa Corwin and Arnold & Rose Thompson for their gifts to Bethany Lutheran Church in memory of Dorothy Billing. Pastor Jim s Recommendations for February App Recommendation My Utmost for His Highest ~ Get inspiration on the go! Download the My Utmost for His Highest daily devotional mobile app to help you strengthen your relationship with God. Book Recommendation Defining Moments by Bill Johnson with Jennifer A. Miskov (Phd) From the back cover: "Defining Moments is a fascinating look at the remarkable ways in which God has used ordinary people to change history. But it is about more than history alone--it illuminates the present and unveils the future. Prophetic in nature, this book reveals how God wants to work in each of our lives to fulfill His purposes--today, tomorrow, and in the years to come."

6 News, Notes & Dates to Remember for the Women of First English First English Women s Exec. Board Meeting Thursday, January 19th at 4:00 P.M. The meeting opened with prayer & devotions by Marlene S. Secretary s report read & approved. Treasurer s report read & approved. Correspondence: Thank you letters received from Central Asia Institute, Lost & Found Ministries, LAMP, St. Joseph s Hospice, Social Ministry Committee, Onie & Betty Samuelson for fruit basket, Pastor Steve & Jane Bruer, Mary & Bob Hanninen, Pastor Jim & family, LWR for freight donations. Kitchen cleaning in February. Movie Matinee at Woodside Manor showing Son of God at 1 PM. Ash Wednesday is March 1st. More discussion later. Next meeting is Thursday, February 16th at 4:00 P.M. The meeting closed with the Lord s Prayer. Lucille Erickson, Secretary Lutheran World Relief Baby Care Kits Items Needed to Complete Kits jackets & sweaters with or without hoods light weight cotton T shirts (undershirts) Short or long sleeve shirts socks Vary the size between 6 12 months. Place items in play pen located next to the rolling bulletin board. If you would like to do a complete kit, items needed are in an envelope attached to playpen. That would be great! LWR was grateful to have Baby Care Kits pre-positioned in Haiti when hurricane Matthew ripped through the country, affecting more than 1.4 million people. Though the kits were stored safely and securely, the power of the storm blew the roofs off most of the buildings in the storage compound. As a result, many Baby Care Kits were soaked by the rain. Generous community members opened up all of the kits and meticulously washed all the baby clothing, blankets and diapers. They then reassembled the kits and distributed them to families in the hardest hit areas. Amazing our partners were still able to share the kits in the earliest days following the storm providing comfort and basic necessities to families in critical need. World Day of Prayer Service is on Friday, March 3rd at 4:00 P.M. at First English This year s focus country is Phillipines. Am I Being Unfair to You? Women, men, and children in more than 170 countries and regions will celebrate World Day of Prayer, Friday, March 3, This year, the women of the WDP Committee of the Philippines call us to worship considering the words: Am I being unfair to you? With these words as backdrop, we are invited to learn about the Philippines history and rich cultural diversity. The women of the Philippines share their stories of intergenerational wisdom, traditions, and experiences of God s profound love and acceptance. The focus is on Matthew 20:1 16, the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. The Bible study and worship service invite us to explore concepts of economic justice both in the Filipino context and around the world, and our response in light of God s generosity. The First English Women of the Word Booklets are in your mailboxes at church, please stop and pick yours up. Love ever gives, forgives, outlives and ever stands with open hands. And while it lives, it gives. For this is love s prerogative to give, and give, and give. John Oxenham

7 L E N T B E G I N S M A R C H 1 s t Lent is on our doorstep once again and knocking on the door. We begin this journey on Ash Wednesday, March 1 st. The Ash Wednesday service will take place at Bethany starting at 7:00 pm with Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes. Please come and join us as we begin that journey with Jesus. This special time of the year can offer each of us a chance to stand at the foot of the cross and stand in confidence and hope because of what Christ has done for us there. The theme of this year s Lenten Season is Standing at the Cross. As a Lenten leadin to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, this series will focus on portions of sermons by Martin Luther. Portions of Lenten sermons by Martin Luther provide the themes for our Lenten worship as we stand together at the cross. Ash Wednesday, March 1 Bethany Standing In the Word Matthew 4:1-11 When Jesus was tempted by the devil, the Savior said, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. We are nourished in faith by the Word and our Savior, the Bread of Life. Wednesday, March 8 First English Standing in Prayer Mathew 15:21-28 When a Canaanite woman asked Jesus to heal her daughter, Jesus did not immediately do so. But hidden beneath his No was the Savior s Yes and the woman s daughter was healed. This week we will explore the Yes! embedded in the heart of Jesus. Wednesday, March 15 Bethany Standing Unafraid Joshua 1:6-9 We fear many things and we often fear death. This week we will see how our Savior Jesus Christ, faced death and through his death and resurrection defeated it for us. Wednesday, March 22 First English Standing in Suffering 1 Peter 2:21-25 As we stand at the foot of the cross this week, we will see how Jesus suffered The penalty that we deserved for ourselves. The Lamb of God suffered the Penalty of death for us so that through faith in his name we have forgiveness and life. Wednesday, March 29 Bethany Standing Through Persecution Matthew 26:59-68 We have the freedom during this Lenten season to gather for worship. Many of our brothers and sisters around the world do not enjoy such freedom. As we stand together at the cross we remember the suffering of the saints who endure persecution for the sake of the Savior who suffered for them and us. Wednesday, April 6 First English Standing in Truth John 18:33-38 In our world today, we are surrounded by many philosophies and religions, all claiming to have the truth. As we stand at the foot of the cross this week we will gather to worship Jesus our Savior, whose kingdom is a kingdom of truth and who himself is the Way and the Truth and the Life. Please make the midweek Lenten services a priority for you and your family each and every week. Let s fill the sanctuaries this year at the Midweek services! Soup & sandwich supper will be served before each service starting at around 5:30 p.m. beginning on Wednesday, March 8 th at the First English. Please join us!! Remember in Prayer Joann Hendrickx Kathy Yurrick Family of Melba Dormanen Craig Ahlin Dennis & Rosie Anderson Terry Tomperi Steve Thompson Carl Nelson Frank & Dianne Schilling Freddie Hanson Judy Ellingson Katie Wilkowski Tanya Porter Steve Huttunen Helen Mickelson Lucille Erickson Aden Munson Gerry Southerton Beverlee Hallaway Roger & Elaine Hollerud Cornie Paulson MaryAnn Lusti Tammy Evans Pastor Jim s foster daughter Naomi Sharon Berg John Rader Thomas Merchlewicz Ashley Anderson Tracey Skroski Joann Koskela Bruce Blanchard Elvin Yrjo Susan Gullekson Our Country & Military Jon Soppeland Hayden Paulson Brandon Tjosaas Luke Hallaway Kyle Soppeland Jason Wilker Our Churches, Pastors, Leaders, and Staff Our Shut-ins

8 S T E P S Are you hungry for God? Of all that could be written to you in the month of February, I chose to offer you a mediation. The Friends in Christ congregation was asked during a message on Sanctification if they are hungry for God? What does that even mean? King David is the embodiment of what it means to walk with God. The Psalms teach us so much about worship, about surrendering our lives and our hearts, they teach us about anguish, trial and pain, they teach us about God being our advocate, our protector, our friend and companion. Won t you take time this month in which we celebrate love to grow in your love for God? Would you read this Psalm every day this month? A PSALM OF DAVID, WHEN HE WAS IN THE WILDERNESS OF JUDAH O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals. But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. I imagine a healthy church to be made up of healthy Christians. Folks who fear the Lord, love His Word and walk in simple obedience to His voice. ~ Pastor Jim Psalm 40:2

9 BETHANY, FIRST ENGLISH, FRIENDS IN CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCHES 17 Main St. NW PO Box 189 MENAHGA, MN Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE Menahga, MN Permit NO. 3 Saturday, February 11 th, 2017 at First English Lutheran Church at 6:00 P.M. Adults: $11.00/Person, Children (12 & Under): $8.00 Served by the Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) of First English, Friends in Christ & Bethany Lutheran Churches Choice of Chicken Parmesan or Spaghetti & Meatballs Served with salad, breadstick, dessert & drink. Get your tickets from a LYO member or stop by the First English Office. ~No tickets will be sold at the door.~