CELEBRATIONS/WORSHIP Upcoming Baptisms Nov. 5 th Vivian Curry and Camilla Howe Nov. 26 th Lydia Mueller, and Dec. 3 rd Averie Litzkow.

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1 Pastor Mary Eide Office: November 2017 Newsletter Encouraging faith and proclaiming God s love by Gathering, Growing and Giving. CELEBRATIONS/WORSHIP Upcoming Baptisms Nov. 5 th Vivian Curry and Camilla Howe Nov. 26 th Lydia Mueller, and Dec. 3 rd Averie Litzkow. All Saints Day, November 5th a day of remembrance for those saints who have gone before us, and new saints who have become members of God s family through Baptism! We will be recognizing and lighting candles for those in our congregation who have died in the past 12 months, and those who have been baptized. There will be a time in worship when you can also light a candle for loved ones in your life you d like to remember. We will also have a DOUBLE baptism that morning. Two cousins, Lea and Deja, who were baptized together decided they wanted their little girls baptized together, too. How wonderful for the extended Howe family and for all of us! Thankoffering Sunday, November 19 th A time of Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Eve Worship and Fellowship, 7pm November 22 nd. Before the busyness of the holiday weekend overwhelms you why not make time for giving thanks. Come and join in a worship filled with thanksgiving, and then do a little pre-thanksgiving pie eating afterwards during a special fellowship time. Why not bring a friend who could use a bit of respite from the frantic pace of the season. Advent Candle Lighting and Readers needed. Families, couples or just friends are welcome to sign-up together to read the Advent prayer and light the Advent candle(s) for the day. The readings will (soon) be on the clipboard with sign- up sheet, (soon to be) located in the Gathering Area dates are Dec. 3 rd, 10 th, 17 th, 24 th (10 am, and 4pm worship). EDUCATION Youth (7 th -12 th grade) and Adults all are welcome to join our casual conversation about the Sunday Gospel reading (or the preaching text of the day), to help us understand it better. Join us in the Sanctuary Sundays at 9am the coffee will be on! 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation There is a wealth of information and resources at your fingertips, to help you better understand: Our Lutheran faith What the Reformation was all about pg. 1

2 Consider how the past has helped formed our present, and the power we have, as Christians, to make a positive impact on the future. Enjoy all that you can find on the website Brown Bag Movie and Discussion on the Nones (Those who would indicate None on a survey asking what faith or denomination they belong to) Tues., Nov. 14 th and Dec. 12 th. Bring your lunch and maybe a friend to be part of the conversation. OUTREACH Ruby s Pantry Saturday, November 11 th, set-up begins as early as 6:30am, and distribution goes until the food/people are all gone come and see what all the talk is about and experience the joy of helping others! We are always in need of volunteers to make this ministry happen: repackage and distribute food, run the wagons, help greet guests, load food into vehicles, and much more. Winter coats and outdoor clothing (hats, mittens, gloves, scarfs and boots) We ve just begun to experience the cooler weather of the season, and know there are a number of community members who would gladly utilize any new or clean/gently used winter clothing you have to donate. Our hat & mitten tree will soon be out and will be located in the Gathering Area, while other donated items can be placed on the COAT CLOSET rack in the basement. Winter Haven Volunteer Opportunities Winter Haven is the seasonal overnight shelter for homeless adults run by Stepping Stones of Dunn County. The shelter opens on November 15 th and remains open through March 31 st. There are 10 beds available at the shelter located at 1518 Stout Road. The shelter is run entirely by community volunteers, with oversight by the Stepping Stones Shelter Coordinator. Overnight volunteers are the most crucial to the wellbeing of the shelter. There are two shifts, with two volunteers per shift. (The more seasoned volunteers are often comfortable being alone on the second shift, which is the quietest time.) The first shift runs from 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; the second shift runs from 1:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. (And is the best shift to take if you really need to work on a paper or get something accomplished with no interruptions!) All volunteers must go through a training at the shelter before they can sign up for a shift. There are also opportunities for volunteers to host so the shelter can be open some afternoons, and for volunteers/groups to come in and make dinner for the guests. There are several training opportunities for new volunteers. Volunteers only need attend one of the trainings. All trainings will take place at the shelter at 1518 Stout Road. Returning Winter Haven Volunteers: Thursday, October 6:00 p.m. New Volunteer trainings: Monday, October 6:00 p.m. Thursday, November 6:30 p.m. Saturday, November 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 6:30 p.m. To schedule a training for a group, or for one-on-one training contact Jill Seichter at or communityconnect@steppingstonesdc.org. pg. 2

3 GIVING Time and Talent Sheets will soon be coming your way, and we ve restructured them to work more around short-term needs surrounding events and ministries. There will be a location in the Gathering Area where you can drop off your TIME AND TALENT SHEET, or you can mail them to the church. We sincerely thank you for choosing to select Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church for your Amazon Smile donations. Who knows what kind of donations we could see from this? How exciting!! Giving Online Give+ or Simply Giving options. Simply go to our website ( Can you combine shopping and giving to the church? Now you can by shopping at Amazon Smile (smile.amazon.com) 1) Simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. [You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at your AmazonSmile site.] 2) From there, sign on to your Amazon account 3) Do a search for Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church. [You ll need to go to page 3 of church listings to find us in Elk Mound, WI Yes, there really are that many churches.] 4) Then press SELECT that s all there is to it! 5) The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges. From time to time, they may offer special, limited time promotions that increase the donation amount on one or more products or services or provide for additional donations to charitable organizations. Special terms and restrictions may apply. Please see the relevant promotion for complete details. MANY THANKS There are always so many people to thank each month, which is a wonderful problem to have. to the amazing Autumn Fest committee members for their energy, ingenuity and commitment to make this a fun event for the whole community for the generous donations of food, supplies and Silent Auction items for the Autumn Fest for those wonderful Food Pantry and Mounder Meal volunteers who come each week and serve the needs of our community for the Ruby s Pantry volunteers who are so good at warmly welcoming our guests and making sure the food distribution runs smoothly. for those individuals who will make October 30 th Clean the Church day a success. for Lane Lee, Issie Hollister, Sydney Wenzel, Morgan Kinblom, Chloe Simpson, Logan Smith, Mitchell Ruppelt, Cullen Schlewitz, and Zane Clemmens who will lead our Reformation/ Confirmation worship on October 29th for the generous MATCHING FUND donations received for MOUNDER MEALS. for those who helped to support and prepare for our Racism Conversation to Bob Dempski for cleaning the windows and siding thank you all! pg. 3

4 COMING IN DECEMBER Mark your calendars Sun., Dec. 3 rd Decorate Christmas tree after worship Sat., Dec. 9 th Ruby s Pantry Tue., Dec. 12 th Noon Brown Bag Movie & Conversation about None Wed., Dec. 13 th Noon Women s Potluck Wed., Dec. 13 th Cookies, Caroling and Chili (youth group and adults) Fri., Dec. 16 th Potato peeling Sat., Dec. 16 th Lefse making and Christmas program practice Sun., Dec. 17 th Sunday School Christmas program and special fellowship Sun., Dec. 24 th 10am and 4pm Christmas Eve worship [There will NOT be a 10pm worship this year.] Sun., Dec. 31 st 1pm to 5pm cooking, serving cleaning at Community Table in Eau Claire. There will be more going on but wanted to get these dates on your calendar. From the Finance Committee: Account Balances June July August September Mortgage 184, , , , YTD Income 69, , , , YTD Expenses 75, , , , ISB General Checking Account ISB Good Sam Checking Account ISB Mounder Meals Checking Account ISB Money Market for Dedicated Accts $11, , , , $4, , , , $2, , , , $3, , , , Bremer Checking Account pg. 4

5 Shepherd of the Hill Council Minutes October 15 th, 2017 Meeting called to order at 11:15 AM by Rita Lee, President. Members present: Sandy Barth, Linda Eder, Betty Heltne, Greg Kinblom, Sarah Larson, Keith Lee, Rita Lee, Ken Millermon, Heidi Schiszik, and Pastor Mary Eide. Members absent: Tricia Langer, Melisa Topper Prayer and Devotions: Pastor Mary Make time for stillness. God Sightings: Several council members reported on God Sightings. Agenda: Motion by Greg Kinblom to accept the agenda, seconded by Sandy Barth, motion passed Secretary s Report: Motion made by Sarah Larson seconded by Heidi Schiszik to approve the minutes, motion passed. Treasurers Report: Sara Larson gave the treasurer s report. Motion by Greg Kinblom and seconded by Sandy Barth to file for audit. Motion passed. Old Business: Financial Committee: Annual maintenance for the elevator was $ We sent gift cards to Terry Stamm and Bob Dempski for all their time and hard work in cleaning up the rain water from the basement. The committee had a preliminary budget meeting on Oct. 12 th. The next budget meeting is scheduled for Nov. 7 th. They will present a proposed budget to council at the Nov. council meeting. Pastor Mary will add memorial donations to on-line giving. Pastor Mary reported that that most of the background checks are completed. Autumn Festival report: Exact total will be presented with the Oct. treasurer s report. It looks to be approximately $5000. The committee has put a thank you in the paper. Council suggested a thank you on Facebook and the church s web site. Update on evaluation by Batteries Plus- tabled until next meeting since Melisa is gone today. Church Cleaning Day is set for Monday, Oct. 30. Greg Kinblom has spoken with his sister-in-law about grant writing. She is willing to help us. Sarah Larson expressed interest in doing that but not until Eternal Candle in the Sanctuary- To save money, a motion was made by Greg Kinblom and seconded by Ken Millermon to light this candle before services and extinguish it at the end of service. Motion passed. New Business: Clearing tree limbs from above the church roof will be done this after. pg. 5

6 Toilet replacement is needed in the woman s bathroom in the basement. It is recommended that we replace it with a high toilet. Sandy Barth reported that the church women have discussed paying for the toilet. Sandy will bring it back to that group. P. Mary will talk with Terry about getting the toilet and getting someone to install it. Offering envelopes- Some churches have gone away from pre-printed envelopes to save money. Barb Vadnais has already ordered the envelopes for We will get more information from Barb regarding costs and potential savings. If we stay with pre-printed envelopes, we will need to order them early in Community Table Meal on Dec. 31, Pastor Mary found out the cost would be $150. Council had already voted to have than money come out of the Benevolence Fund. Pastor Mary will get more details and bring to the next council meeting. Stewardship- The council discussed and decided not to send out pledge cards this year. There will be a stewardship letter that goes out thanking people for their past giving s, both monetary and in time and talents. Sarah Larson will put together a slide show, This is our Church. She needs pictures. We will also update the time and talent sheets. Nominating Committee- Heidi Schiszik and Sarah Larson are coming off council. Rita Lee will contact the nominating committee. Basement Repair project- We will continue to collect money in the basement repair dedicated fund. The cupboard around the sump pump still needs to be built. John Young provided an income and expense record for the basement repair project. Thus far the project has cost $6, We had taken an internal loan of $5000 from the kitchen money market account plus $3531 in donations. A motion was made by Greg Kinblom to take the money that is in the kitchen repair dedicated fund at the end of Dec. and put it in the kitchen money market account and to start a payment plan in Jan. to pay back the remaining amount to the kitchen money market account. Social Media team- Pastor Mary reported that Gordy Sessions and Sarah Larson have expressed interest. Committee Reports: Property: Cutting tree limbs and cleaning gutters will occur this afternoon. Social Concerns: Social Concerns Committee: There was no Crop Walk this year. Mounder Meals has its match challenge going thru Nov. 1. Approximately 85 Mounder Meals are being packed each Friday and delivered to the Moundview Elementary and to the Middle School. Sue Suetching had a table at the Resource Fair on 10/10 at the middle school promoting Mounder Meals, Ruby s and the Food Pantry. Future ideas/items: Mitten/hat tree in November/December Obtain a family for Christmas thru United Way, through the help of the congregation purchase gifts for a family in need during the holiday season Crockpot meal. The thought is to purchase some crockpots from the grant that Mounder Meals received and invite the public to a meal as well as be able to make a meal for the crockpot that families or individuals could take home with them. Haven t really put the idea into full motion at this time. Halloween cards were sent to shut-ins. pg. 6

7 Youth: Caroling will be on Dec. 13 th. We have invited the Methodist congregation to join us. No reports from Education, Worship, Evangelism, or Stewardship committees. Ruby s Pantry: Next distribution is Sat., Nov. 11, Pastor s Report: GATHERING AND GROWING Faith Formation -Our Faith Formation Team met to discuss some ideas for envisioning new ways to do faith formation within our congregation and community. Keith Lee and Cara Dempski are going to visit Trinity Lutheran in Boyceville to learn more about a group/program they have called The Crew which is meant to be somewhere kids (grade 3 thru 6) can hangout, grow closer together, grow closer to God, and become stronger in faith. We have games, activities, faith time, snacks and much more. Friends are welcome to attend with you. Just walk over from (the church). This has become a highly successful ministry within this small community, drawing children from within and outside the congregation. - My latest VFU class also involves interviews with community members specifically those who are unaffiliated with a religion. If you know of anyone who would be willing to meet with me for about 30 minutes, I would love to have that opportunity. These are not meant to be a coming to Jesus conversations, but simply an attempt to understand their story. Their names and identity would not be shared with others. Baptism -Cole Litzkow and Adrianna Harrison have asked to have their baby Averie be baptized at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church in December. Youth and Children's Ministry -Homecoming float was a success! Kids had a great time and have given me a list of preferred candies to be tossed from the float next year. -Next Sunday we will be going to Govin s Corn Maze...getting the word out about this. -Also getting the word out to get high schoolers signed up to go to Godstock 2017 Worry Less, Pray More, as well as get adult chaperones for those who attend. This is the evening of Friday, Nov. 10 th -Sun., Nov. 12 th. -Will be working with Sunday School staff to help use different ways to communicate with families, keep them aware of schedules/lessons/singing dates. Looking for ideas on how to use apps or various forms of communication to make this happen (ex. Sarah Larson suggested the free REMIND ME app) GIVING -Want to promote smile.amazon.com as a way to allow your online shopping benefit our congregation. Just go to smile.amazon.com and search for our church you ll be amazed at how many Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Churches there are in the USA. Then be sure that when you shop on Amazon, that you go to your smile amazon page, and it still shows you are giving to our church. CONTINUING EDUCATION -Officially have one person on our Social Media Team (Gordy Sessions) and another after she goes off council (Sarah Sweeney). Why do we need a Social Media Team? There are many reasons, but for instance, did you know we are having the Kings Countrymen Bluegrass Gospel Band here leading worship on November 12 th? If you didn t know that, you are not alone. We need more people helping us get the word out about what is happening here, as well as sharing the Good News, encouraging people in their walk of faith and in their daily pg. 7

8 lives as parents, students, and more. Looking for people who know how to use: Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, who have talents in writing (blogs, devotionals) or photography. UPCOMING LEAVE/TRIPS -I will be out of the area Thursday night through Saturday night, and will let you know who will be covering emergencies. -I would like to take time away to visit family in Virginia the week of Christmas, but would not be missing any worship services. -Have not made a final decision about my shoulder reconstruction surgery, but will meeting with doctors this month to make that determination. I ve sent a request to the Synod office for advice on how we can best handle the possibility of my being out of the office for up to 6-weeks: pastoral coverage, my pay status during that time period, etc. I will get back to you and Finance Committee as these questions are answered for us, and as these questions need to be addressed by you. Submitted by, Pastor Mary Eide UPCOMING DATES: Oct. 29 th Confirmation Sunday at 10am Oct. 29 th (CHANGED DATE) Joint 500th Anniversary Reformation Event in Eau Claire Nov. 12 th the Kings Countrymen bluegrass Gospel Band will be leading worship. Dec. 3 rd Decorate Christmas Tree Dec. 17 th Christmas Program and Women s Bake Sale Dec. 24 th Sunday morning service and 4 PM service. No 10 PM service this year. Dec. 27 th Next Blood Drive Dec. 31 st Serving New Year s Eve meal at Community Table Next Meeting: Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017 after church Motion to adjourn at 12:10 PM by Greg Kinblom and seconded by Sandy Barth. Motion passed. We closed with the Lord s Prayer. Minutes submitted by Sarah Larson, secretary pro-tem Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church Women of the ELCA October 11 th, 2017 The Women of the ELCA met at 9:30 a.m. October 11, 2017, with 9 ladies present. The table prayer was recited and we enjoyed a tasty brunch served by Lori Jenson. President Sandy Barth called the business meeting to order at 9:50 a.m. Carol Stuckert gave devotions from hymnal Then Sings My Soul by Robert Morgan, reading the history of the Negro spiritual, There Is a Balm in Gilead. Secretary, Carol Stuckert read the minutes of September 14 and they were approved. Treasurer, Linda Dempski presented the budget update, new balance of $ We purchased the paper supplies for Autumn Fest. Pat pg. 8

9 Harrison used a Thrivent grant to donate $ to Autumn Fest expenses. The noisy offerings on October 1 and 8 in the amount of $ will be used to ship the Lutheran World Relief kits and quilts. New Business and Announcements: The entertainment has been changed for our March 3 Day of Renewal meeting. Moira Kneer will give a presentation on Growing Up With The Peanuts Gang. The Chippewa Valley Conference will provide $8.50 per plate for lunch expenses. They hope to offer day care for young children to enable more young people to attend. Diane Campbell has offered to do this. In response to an inquiry from Carol Carlstrom, Pastor Mary has placed on hold the special Sunday fellowship for new members in order for a baptism to be scheduled for the Russo family. Carol Carlstrom updated our work group lists with new members: Group 1, Shantel Rasmussen; Group 2, Jody Sorenson; Group 3 Eva Silvernale; and Group 4 Chris Miller. Shepherd of the Hill is hosting an event for a conversation about RACISM for 6 th to 12 graders and adults. The Methodist church, Big Elk Creek, and Barum have been invited to attend. It will be held on Wednesday, October 25. There will be a pot-luck meal (5:30-6:00 p.m. and a conversation from 6:00-8:00 p.m.). Linda Dempski will check with Bob about delivering our LWR quilts and kits on Saturday, October 12. A letter has been received from Bishop Richard Hoyme indicating his planned early retirement. This announcement will change the annual meeting event to June 2-3. Candidates for the new bishop will not be known until that time. There is a video presentation with available discussion time addressing the group of people considered NONE S. Pastor Mary is considering addressing this subject during Tuesday Brown Bag luncheons. Motion by Carol Stuckert that the W-ELCA purchase this video, second by Sandy Barth. Motion passed. Linda and Bob Dempski have been purchasing the special candles for All Saints Day, Christmas and other events. She asked if the W-ELCA would consider purchasing these candles. Motion by Carol Carlstrom and second by Lori Jenson to purchase the candles. Motion passed. Carol Carlstrom announced that we will be serving the funeral fellowship lunch for the sister of Dave Blicher. The funeral will be held at SOTH on October 28 at 11:00 a.m. Final plans forthcoming. A thank you from Kay Tubbs for the donation made to Luther Park in memory of her sister was reads by Carol Stuckert. Pastor Mary announced that a different Christmas Caroling event is being planned this year for the Youth together with the other local churches. Afterwards, we will still host the chili supper. Motion by Carol Carlstrom and second by Faylene Howe to pay for the foods needed for this event. Motion passed. The meeting concluded praying the Lord s Prayer. Submitted by Carol Stuckert, Secretary pg. 9

10 Lutheran World Relief Lutheran World Relief is a non-profit organization that helps families in the world s poorest communities build the resilience they need to thrive. In 2016 our support reached 3,467,823 people, 32 countries with 118 projects. SOTH Women (and men) meet the first Wednesday of every month to sew and tie mission quilts for LWR. These quilts may be used for warm bedding, simple tents, floor coverings, or a wrap to hold a baby on a mother s back. Shipping cost for each quilt is approximately $2.25. The noisy offering taken on October 1 and October 8 totaled $ and was designated for these shipping costs. We sent 12 quilts to LWR this past year. We also sent other LWR kits: 10 school kits, 4 personal care kits and 7 baby care kits. Items needed for each of these kits can be found on LWR website (or ask any woman who contributes annually to these kits). We have not participated in all of their programs (fair trade coffee, cocoa, soap and bandages). OTHER QUILTS: We delivered 4 quilts to the warm the children project in Eau Claire. They were collected at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire and distributed from Trinity Lutheran in October. Carol Stuckert W-ELCA Recording Secretary pg. 10

11 CALENDAR pg. 11

12 Encouraging faith and proclaiming God s love by Gathering, Growing and Giving. Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church 207 University Street Elk Mound, WI pg. 12