The Messenger. Monthly news for Emmanuel Lutheran Church - Menominee, Michigan AUGUST 2018

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1 The Messenger Monthly news for Emmanuel Lutheran Church - Menominee, Michigan AUGUST 2018

This month s Messenger is Sponsored by Bill Kuhnlein 10% Senior Discount Thank you, Bill, for sponsoring the Messenger Emmanuel members who own or operate their own business or members who would like

2 This month s Messenger is Sponsored by Bill Kuhnlein 10% Senior Discount Thank you, Bill, for sponsoring the Messenger Emmanuel members who own or operate their own business or members who would like to recognize a significant event in their lives are invited to sponsor the Messenger. Full sponsorship of the Messenger is $100. This covers a portion of the cost of mailing the Messenger each month.

3 from the pastor Brothers and Sisters in Christ; As I put the finishing touches on this article, the Major League baseball trade deadline is coming to an end, that joyous time of the year where the pennant contenders trade their high end minor league prospects to teams that are out of contention for their high priced superstars that they hope will help them achieve World Series glory in October. It s a short-term win-now solution. It s a win-win for both clubs involved. The good team gets a proven veteran player who they hope will continue to consistently produce as his past record shows and will help them win enough games to get into the playoffs. The not-so-good team gets young players that can continue to develop in hopes that these players come to full maturation in the coming years and make their team a competitive one once again. This is a long-term win-later solution. I find these to be very good analogies for our lives of faith as well. Sunday worship is a wonderful way in which we feed the immediate needs of our faith. We ask and receive forgiveness for our sins. We sing songs of praise and thankfulness. We hear the Word of God preached, (hopefully) making it relevant to our lives. We are fed the Holy Supper in which we are refreshed and renewed for mission and evangelism. We participate in the promises of baptism. There is substance there that renews and refreshes us as we depart worship and return to life outside these sanctuary walls. For the long-term response to faith we are invited to daily engage in an active life of prayer and devotion. This may mean reading passages of scripture. It may mean quiet time of reflection and intercessory prayer. It could mean daily conversations and daily rituals. These are the things that we participate in on a daily basis that keep our relationship with God active and intentional. The long and short of it is that our lives of faith are meant to be constantly fed and nurtured. St. Paul writes in his first letter to the Thessalonians: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all

4 circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). What Paul offers up here is more than a mere suggestion. Paul is reminding us that God walks with us at all times and that we have those opportunities, at all times, to honor that presence by being in relationship with God. That relationship doesn t benefit God in any way but grants us benefits of joy and assuredness, through this world and into the next. So while my beloved Brewers may come up short (again) in their quest for playoff and World Series glory, it gives me joy as a fan to know that they are constantly striving for the championship. It gives God great joy to know that we are constantly striving for that relationship with Him as well. Thanks be to our God who has made the ultimate trade for us: giving up His only beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to the cross for our sin and our death, assuring us that we are saved forever and everybody wins! In Christ, Pastor Mark Worship on Wednesdays Our next WOW! will take place on Wednesday, August 15th, in the church fellowship hall 6:00-6:30 pm. This interactive family-style worship will feature family friendly songs and liturgy, complete with Holy Communion. As an added fellowship experience, we will share in a potluck supper prior to worship at 5:30. Emmanuel will provide the main dish and drinks, and we ask that if you would like to join us, that you bring a simple dish to pass. After we conclude supper, we will praise God! If you are unable to be in worship on Sunday or simply desire a mid-week alternative, please consider joining us to worship God in this engaging and fun way.

But, summer is far from over! Our youth and families will participate in one of our community's favorite events, the Menominee Waterfront Festival with Emmanuel's parade float.

5 Youth and Family Ministry From the Director: Patti Treptow What a busy and exciting summer we have enjoyed so far at Emmanuel. From our ELCA National Youth Gathering experience in Houston, Texas to Vacation Bible School, we have come together to strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with Jesus. But, summer is far from over! Our youth and families will participate in one of our community's favorite events, the Menominee Waterfront Festival with Emmanuel's parade float. In a month, we will begin our fall programing. Planning has been underway for Sunday school and Confirmation classes, the Confirmation Retreat, Rally Day Picnic, and other congregational fellowship activities. In the following pages you will find more information on our youth and family activities... Service Activities If you are in need of church service activities for your confirmation requirements, see Patti about helping with decorating and/or walking with our Waterfront Festival parade float, and the Rally Day Picnic. Confirmation Retreat September 15 th -16 th Registration forms and more information will be mailed out this month to students/parents regarding this annual event that is held at Camp Bird. A retreat orientation meeting for parents and students will be held on Sunday, September 2 nd at 9:00 a.m. in the church fellowship hall. Please mark your calendars for this important meeting Confirmation Classes Information and registration forms for this year's classes will be mailed out to students/parents in September. The Rite of Confirmation Reformation Sunday, October 28 th Information regarding this very important step in our student's faith life will be mailed out in September to our incoming 9 th graders.

Vacation Bible School Emmanuel's VBS was held on July 24-26. Fifty-five youth from Kindergarten through high school and 10 adults headed to the arctic to experience "Polar Blast.Jesus' love is cool!

Our children also participated in a service project called "Kids Helping Kids" where they collected "Cold Cash" to help with the recovery efforts for those affected by flooding in Upper Michigan's

6 Vacation Bible School Emmanuel's VBS was held on July Fifty-five youth from Kindergarten through high school and 10 adults headed to the arctic to experience "Polar Blast.Jesus' love is cool!" Through awesome songs and skits, enriching Bible explorations, creative crafts, crazy games, and yummy snacks, we all learned that Jesus will always love us! Our children also participated in a service project called "Kids Helping Kids" where they collected "Cold Cash" to help with the recovery efforts for those affected by flooding in Upper Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. A big thank you goes out to the following people for making this year's VBS such a success! Games: Nancy McDonald, Rhyon Anderson, and Gavin Hansen. Snacks: Bonnie Jackson & Ashlee Erickson. Crafts: Kylie Chevalier, Madi Raygo, Barb Smith & Pat Brukardt. Bible Adventures: Pastor Mark, Rhyon Anderson, and John Helfert. Crew Leaders and Helpers: Emma Aichner, Brian Anderson, Emma Anderson, Aiden Bellisle, Arikah Bellisle, Amber Camps, Heather Camps, Marisa Camps, Alyssa Dura, Emma Heider, Molly Knutson, Cookie Kramer, Emma Laatsch, Rachel Magrane, Matt Mellinger, Brody Nerat, Sophia Walker, Layla Weissgerber, and Kylie Wickstrom. Planning team: Marilyn Mouritsen, Judy Raygo, and Patti Treptow.

7 VBS 2018

With the school year soon starting for our children, we would like them

On Sunday, September 2 nd during our 10:00 a.m. worship service, Emmanuel invites all of our school age children to bring their backpacks and book bags to worship and receive a blessing.

Sunday School Sunday school classes will start on Sunday, September 16 th. All children in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 6 th grade are invited to attend.

9 With the school year soon starting for our children, we would like them to go back to school with God's peace and protection over them. On Sunday, September 2 nd during our 10:00 a.m. worship service, Emmanuel invites all of our school age children to bring their backpacks and book bags to worship and receive a blessing. We also invite any school teachers to join us to receive a blessing as well on this day as you carry out your call to educate. Sunday School Sunday school classes will start on Sunday, September 16 th. All children in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 6 th grade are invited to attend. Children will participate in the first part of the 10:00 a.m. worship service and then be released to classes following the children's sermon. More information on our Sunday School program activities as well as the registration form will be included in the September newsletter and be made available on the church website. Our monthly Bible Story Sunday events will start on October 7 th. The first Sunday of each month, our Sunday school children of all classes will enjoy together as a group, devotional time, a Bible story video, a craft that connects to the Bible lesson of the month, and snacks. We are looking forward to a fun and faith-filled year!

Float decorating was held on Thursday, August 2 nd, at Frog Pond Realty located at 2134 Thirteenth Street, Menominee. We are using the VBS theme "Polar Blast Jesus' love is cool!

10 Emmanuel will once again be participating in Menominee's Waterfront Festival Parade. The parade date is Sunday, August 5 th. We would like to involve our members of all ages to participate in this fun activity. Float decorating was held on Thursday, August 2 nd, at Frog Pond Realty located at 2134 Thirteenth Street, Menominee. We are using the VBS theme "Polar Blast Jesus' love is cool!" Our float is ready to go, but we need adults and youth to walk with the float and hand out treats. On the day of the parade, Sunday, August 5 th, we will meet at 11:30 a.m. behind the Menominee City Hall recycling center - Just look for the "Polar Blast" float. If you are interested in participating, please call the church office so we know who will be joining us! GLOW - Youth Advisory Council The GLOW members will be having a retreat at Camp Bird on September th. We will join the Confirmation students for some activities and meals, but our program breakouts will be geared specifically to our GLOW group. This time together will give us an opportunity to plan our program year, grow in our faith, and enjoy the beauty of nature. A letter explaining registration costs to attend and permission forms will be mailed this month. An informational meeting will be held on September 2 nd at 9:00 a.m. in the church fellowship hall. If you have not been an active member of GLOW, this is the perfect time to join us! GLOW is open to all of Emmanuel high school youth. For more information about GLOW or the fall retreat please contact Patti Treptow or Pastor Mark.

11 ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION WeDNesDaY morning men s GroUp Join us each Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., at the Serving Spoon for a time of fellowship with friends, sharing stories and enjoying a cup of coffee. Bring a friend! WomeN s ministries Seeking Enlightenment Group will be meeting on Thursday, August 23, at 6:30pm. It is a time of sharing and encouraging each other on our Christian journey, contact Robin Gustafson at for location details. OUR EMMANUEL FAMILY BAPTIZED... Raelynn Grace Miranda daughter of Rolando & Jennifer Miranda was baptized on July 22. Raelynn s sponsors were Ian & Heather Martin. CALLED HOME BY GOD... Carol Klumb entered her eternal home on July 2. Carol s funeral was held at Emmanuel on July 7. Our sympathy to her husband, Vic, and children, Raeanne (Mark) Klatt and Brian (Laurie) Klumb and their families. Vic Klumb and his family would like to thank everyone who sent cards, offered support and prayers over the past months of Carol s fight with cancer. They would also like to recognize and thank the ladies of the luncheon committee for all of their work in setting up and cleaning up after the luncheon. COLLEGE GRADUATE... Aarika M. Albert graduated from Lakeland University, with a Bachelors- Criminal Justice, Dean's list

12 August Stewardship Theme Stewardship of Our Church At all times there must be and remain one holy, Christian church. It is the assembly of all believers among whom the gospel is purely preached and the holy sacraments are administered according to the gospel. Augsburg Confession, Article VII Steward-discipleship means taking care of all that God has blessed us with. We think of our health, our relationships and our money, but our church? You bet! The church - the only organization whose primary purpose is to bring people into intimate relationship with God and also gather them as sacred community. Without church, how would people grow in faith? How would the Gospel be spread to all nations, as Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19, 20? So what does it mean to be a good steward of our church? Here are some ideas: Focus: We are dedicated to God s Word and Sacrament as the means by which God s grace is poured into us and out to the world. Our service projects and social events may flow from this, but they are secondary. Community: As the Augsburg Confession (above) declares, the church is the community of God s people dedicated to Word and Sacrament. We build strong community through healthy relationships guided by principles of Christian love, trust, honesty, truth, forbearance, forgiveness. Building: Our building is NOT the church, but a tool of the church for ministry. We provide the resources to maintain our building as useful for the Gospel, but feel free to move on if it no longer serves.

Resources: Understanding that ministry to God s people takes resources; we give generously of our time and talents. We strive to give a tithe 10 percent of our financial blessings.

13 Resources: Understanding that ministry to God s people takes resources; we give generously of our time and talents. We strive to give a tithe 10 percent of our financial blessings. Faith formation: It takes learning and practice to grow closer to God, both as individuals and community. We support and participate in studying the Bible and theology. We promote and engage in spiritual practices that feed our souls. Although we tend to think that our church has a mission, it s more accurate to say that God has a mission, and that mission has a church. We grow in faith as people and community when we dedicate ourselves to good stewardship of our church. Rob Blezard Copyright 2018, Rev. Robert Blezard. Reprinted by permission. Pastor Blezard serves as an assistant to the bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod and works as content editor for Financial snapshot (through June 30, 2018) Your contributions: $125, Your approved budget amount: $128, Amount behind of the approved budget: $2, Would you like to see the photos that are in this month's Messenger in color? Check out Emmanuel's website and click on the newsletter link under "Our Work". You can find our website at

14 2018 Women s Fall Retreat - Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp Beaver American and Porterfield Lutheran Church women invite you to join them at the Women s Fall Retreat, September 14th-16th at Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp in Crystal Falls. The retreat theme is Be Still and Know that I am God. This theme will be explored through presentations, prayer, workshops, creative experiences, music, worship, and in the sharing of meals and conversations with new and seasoned friends. Pastor Christina Forsythe, pastor of Porterfield and Beaver American, will again serve as retreat chaplin. She will lead us in worship and study, and will be available to meet with individuals who would like to converse privately with her. Pastor Jon Magnuson will lead a workshop Saturday morning and offer two of the Saturday afternoon workshops. Jon is currently the director of the Cedar Tree Institute, a non-profit organization that initiates projects and provides services in the area of mental health, religion and the environment. He is an ELCA pastor who has served congregations in Michigan and Wisconsin. Workshops will include Chocolate and Spirituality and a Stillness Walk. The Coffee Café will be open in Emmanuel Lodge Saturday afternoon as well. Saturday evening Bette and Dean Premo, Whitewater, will be performing. The Premo s are a local, well known string band who has performed at Fortune Lake Second Sunday concerts and dances for thirty-three seasons. Sharon Schandel will offer massages Saturday afternoon, for free will donations. She will bring a massage chair and table. The Fall Retreat activities begin Friday evening, September 14th with an evening meal and end Sunday noon September 16th. Check in from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Dining Hall or Saturday until 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Accommodations: Duplex: A Duplex has two bunkhouses with full bath facilities/showers connected by a lounge area, which includes a refrigerator. Each side of

the duplex holds up to 5 women using only the bottom bunk which has a thick mattress. Bring your bedding and towels. Cost: $125 Grace Lodge: Double occupancy. There are eight rooms.

15 the duplex holds up to 5 women using only the bottom bunk which has a thick mattress. Bring your bedding and towels. Cost: $125 Grace Lodge: Double occupancy. There are eight rooms. Each bedroom has a sink and two single beds. A bathroom is shared with the adjoining room. Bedding and towels are provided. Cost: $140 Emmanuel Lodge: Quad occupancy means two queen beds, two people per bed, four total per room. Each room has a full bath. Bedding and towels are provided. Cost: $140 Looking ahead to September: Senior Choir starts practicing on September 5. Children s Choir starts practicing on September 16. Sunday School starts September 16.

16 SUNDAY MORNINGS AT EMMANUEL Worship at 8:00 & 10:00am CONTACT US: Phone: (906) Fax: (906) Council President, Debbie Villas or Visit us on the Web at Follow us on Facebook at Emmanuel Lutheran Church Menominee Michigan ELCA STAFF: Pastor The Rev. Mark Laatsch - Cell Phone: Director of Youth & Family Ministry Mrs. Patti Treptow Church Secretary Mrs. Judy Raygo Custodian - inside Mrs. Carol Parrish Custodian outside Mr. Lee Parrish We are a congregation of the Northern Great Lakes Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Messenger. Monthly news for Emmanuel Lutheran Church - Menominee, Michigan JUNE 2018 CHANGE TO SUMMER OFFICE HOURS!!

The Messenger. Monthly news for Emmanuel Lutheran Church - Menominee, Michigan JUNE 2018 CHANGE TO SUMMER OFFICE HOURS!! The Messenger Monthly news for Emmanuel Lutheran Church - Menominee, Michigan JUNE 2018 CHANGE TO SUMMER OFFICE HOURS!! Beginning on Monday, June 4th, our church office hours will be reduced to 8:00am