JANUARY Upcoming Events. January 1st. January 6th Epiphany. January 20th Annual Reports ready for pick-up. January 21st

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1 Upcoming Events January 1st January 6th Epiphany January 20th Annual Reports ready for pick-up January 21st January 27th Annual Meeting New Salem Lutheran Church 7491 Island View Dr. NE Turtle River, MN Pastor Terry Hagensen Address: Web Site; newsalemlutheran.org Church Phone: Everything in the gospel is livable and that my pastoral task was to get it lived Reverend Eugene Peterson, Presbyterian Pastor Reading the quote was like a wake-up call, a reminder of how my call as a pastor ought to look like and I appreciated the renewed nudge. As I continued reflecting on these words, I began taking a personal inventory of my actions, words and those things left undone. Like many I saw some holes in those areas needing more reflection. My reflecting, lead me to a place of seeking new direction in which I could improve. Reading and reflecting on the quote didn t feel like I was being judged, but encouraged by the Holy Spirit, to reflect, review and make adjustments. My experience was very grace filled, God encouraging me in my life and ministry. I hope one of the things we do through our lives is to reflect on who we are, our goals, how we relate to others, the words we use, our actions towards others and those things we may need add or change. As Christians it is good to take inventory of our spiritual life. Are we living out the livable gospel, are there some holes needing to be filled? This inventory ought not be interrupted as a list of our failings, rather a review, a time to give thanks and a prayerful request for aid in those areas in need of improvement. What might living the livable gospel look like? Is it different then how we are already living and moving throughout the day and night? Looking around, I see examples of our living the livable gospel. We pray and care for those of our congregation as they go through struggles and heartache. It is evident as we reach out, caring for people in our community. We are living the livable gospel collecting food items, filling tubs of love, buying goats and pigs. The livable gospel is lived as we support the many ministries in our community and beyond. We are living the livable gospel without much thought as the Holy Spirit works in and through our lives. Our living the livable gospel happens as we live life. When we take time to focus outside of ourselves, work at seeing others as God s sees them, realizing and celebrating the wonder of God working in the world. We are living the livable gospel as we walk through life. Might there be some areas needing updated? This almost goes without saying for, we all know, at times we fall short of the goal. As we continue to live the livable Gospel, may the Holy Spirit, encourage, call and directs us as individuals and the body of Christ, to continue as we have been and look for those areas of growth. Peace and Joy Pastor Terry JANUARY 2019 Immediately after service Sunday School after service each Sunday PreK-6th grade Confirmation Wednesday evenings 6PM 7th & 8th grades

2 DATE USHERS READER COMMUNION ASSISTANT JANUARY 6 Epiphany JANUARY 13 JANUARY 20 JANUARY 27 Annual Meeting GREETERS KITCHEN SERVERS SETTING THE LORD S TABLE Glen Lindseth Katie Gregor Sue Rosselet Carol Grimes Myrtle Smetak Stu & Sue Rosselet Rene Hofstad Benji Hofstad Deb Sovde Deb Sovde Kaia Edland Myrtle Smetak Stu Rosselet Stu Rosselet Brenda Allen Dustin Enquist Youth Myrtle Smetak Gary Danielson Gary Danielson Lisa Lussier Myrtle Smetak SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE 1st Sunday: SS class; 2nd Sunday: SS class 3rd Sunday: Youth serve fellowship & choir 4th Sunday: SS sings during service Congratulations New Salem 853 items 665 pounds were collected for the Bemidji Food Shelf Plus Thrivent donated $500. Well Done!! Congratulations New Salem By December 20th, we had raised $2,300 for our Good Gifts Giving Tree. The ELCA matched all of that for a total of $4,600 Readings for the Sundays in JANUARY JANUARY 6: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12 JANUARY 13: Isaiah 43:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, JANUARY 20: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11 JANUARY 27: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a; Luke 4:14-21

3 New Salem Lutheran Church Council Minutes DECEMBER 17, 2018 Present: Lisa Lussier, Marge Danielson, Deb Larsen, Jim Bronczyk, Linda Wolden, Lisa Hofstad, Dave Johnson, Pastor Terry. Linda Wolden gave the devotion. The November meeting minutes were approved. Bronzyk/Wolden. Pastors Report: Pastor Terry talked about the poverty simulation he attended and how it really impressed upon him the stress that people are under when they can't meet their obligations. After meeting with the Stewardship Committee regarding our Shining the Cross ministries, Pastor Terry proposed that on the third Sunday of the month we do a special offering to support the local ministries. After discussion, it was decided to pass an additional basket that is labeled for that month's ministry. There is an opportunity to have our liaison from the Synod office come and present a leadership training for council, committee leaders, and other leaders of the church. The council agreed that this would be something they would like to explore further. Pastor Terry will check into dates and further details. There was discussion about researching a new accounting system instead of QuickBooks, which is not made for nonprofits. Linda mentioned a product called Appose that charges a monthly fee of $25 $50 per month based on the level of support you need. Tracy will continue to do some research and check with the synod and other local churches to see what products they use and recommend. Motion to approve pastor's report. Danielson/Larson. Motion carried. Committee updates: Linda reported that the Women's Group had a great turnout at the meeting and members stepped forward to take ownership of jobs that are needed. We still do not have a president or vice president; Myrtle Smetak is the secretary and Karen Snortland will serve as treasurer. The council got commitments from the following to be members of the Nominating Committee: Katrina Gregor, Cindy Bronczyk, Myrtle Smetak, Darlene Schultz. We need two more committee members so will continue to seek out additional members. The Nominating Committee will be charged with finding one council member and the two representatives to attend the synod assembly. The Long-Range Planning Task force has met and will present to the council in January. We will have a separate hour-long meeting. The council suggested January 14 th at 6pm. Lisa Lussier will work with the task force to schedule the meeting. Old Business: The council considered Pastor Terry s recommendation of salary increase of 4% for church employees (office coordinator, musician, maintenance) as their pay is not in line with comparable positions. Motion to approve Johnson/Hofstad. Motion carried. Budget discussion: The Council discussed the budget and asked for updated expense projections for 2019 in the salary/benefit line items and mortgage payments. There was continued discussion about the cost of giving to the synod and whether we should decrease that amount, which is currently at 8.25% of general offerings. We will address this once we see the projected expenses for 2019 and determine what is needed to balance the budget. Pastor Terry asked the council to consider a scholarship to support Daphne Urban s seminary expenses. Motion was offered by Jim Bronzyk to commit $1,000. Motion seconded by Deb Larsen. Motion carried. We closed the meeting with the Lord s Prayer. Submitted by Lisa Hofstad. Reports for the January 27th Annual Meeting can be picked up starting January 20th

4 A busy December Lighting the Advent candles Blessing the Tubs of Love Trimming the Tree Celebrating a 50th Anniversary

5 New Salem Women s Group Meeting of December 3, 2018 Members Present:, Cindy Bronczyk, Marge Danielson, Sally Ellingson, Diane Falk, Pauline Golden, Katie Gregor, Ruby Kraft, Lisa Lussier, B Olson, Diane Petersen, Sue Rosselet, Traci Schanke, Darlene Schultz, Greta Seitz, Myrtle Smetak, Karin Snortland, Dora Lee Souder, Linda Wolden, Donna Zelinsky. Devotions were led by Dora Lee Souder. Old Business Secretary s Report: A motion was made by Darlene Schultz to approve the August and October meeting minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by B Olson and passed. Treasurer s Report: A motion was made by Pauline Golden to approve the reports for November and December as presented. The motion was seconded by Dora Lee Sounder and passed. Bazaar: The October 20 New Salem Fall Bazaar was a great success. Many thanks to all who were able to help! Bustad Funeral: The October 13 funeral and luncheon after went smoothly. Thank you to everyone who helped. New Business December 28, 2018 Wedding: Sarah Peterson, daughter of a NSLC former pastor, will have her wedding at the church on Friday, December 28, at 4 p.m. Women s group members will help with serving at the reception (pasta bar); 100 guests are expected. Helpers will need to arrive at the church by 3 p.m. Gifts for Administrative Assistant and Custodian: Discussion of this was tabled as the administrative assistant was in attendance; will be discussed by smaller group at a later date. Funeral Committee: Donna Zelinsky, Karin Snortland and Diane Petersen will work on this and create a roster of people to be called on to assist. Christmas Bags for Children: Cindy Bronczyk volunteered to prepare the treat bags for children that will be handed out at the early Christmas Eve service. Fellowship Table Decorators: Diane Peterson will work with Donna Zelinsky and Karin Snortland in maintaining/rotating the seasonal décor for the fellowship hall tables. December 15, 2018: Following practice for the December 16 Christmas program, the Sunday School children will be decorating cookies for senior citizens and the post-program coffee hour. December 17, 2018: Decorated cookies will be delivered to senior citizens. Banners/Quilting: New banner and quilting projects were discussed; there will be more discussion at the next meeting. Elections Secretary: Myrtle Smetak will continue as Secretary. Treasurer: Karin Snortland will take over the responsibilities of Treasurer. President: Nominations for/discussion of this office was tabled until the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned following the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Myrtle Smetak, Secretary Decorations for Peterson wedding

6 Christmas Cantata and Children s Program December 16th

7 LIBRARY NOTES for January 2019 Just as you can t judge a book by its cover or even title, so also you can t always know what you may find under a specific subject heading! This month we offer you some insight into the types of books you will find on the shelves labeled HEALTH, AGING, and DYING. The subject heading may not seem uplifting, but the books you will find here may very well be, either for you or someone dear to you. For the most part these books are not clinical or medical in nature but rather people and relationships, about coping, self-awareness, and celebration, as we face the physical and mental demands of life and death in our everyday lives. Some titles are inspirational, others suggest different ways to see their subjects, and some are simply offering information to increase our understanding and awareness. Displayed below is just a sampling of the kinds of topics you ll find. In his book What Are Old People For? How Elders Will Save the World, Dr. William H. Thomas draws on his knowledge as a geriatrician to show us what aging has to offer us, and to encourage us to welcome it into our lives. On the same topic but with a different approach, Robert E. Seymour s Aging without Apology is a straight forward and encouraging approach to living as an older adult by getting the reader think about positive self image, spiritual growth, coping with change and retirement, maintaining good health, integrating past and present, and contemplating death by celebrating life. Frances Weaver, in her I'm Not As Old As I Used to Be, shares her personal journey of coping with widowhood in her unflinching yet humorous look at the strife we face as we grow older when, once again, we must fend for ourselves and get on with our lives. Authors Priscilla J. Herbison and Cynthia Tambornino also bring to bear their personal experiences in God Knows Grandparents Make A Difference: Ways to Share Your Wisdom. Through stories, insights, and practical suggestions this mother-daughter team offers clarity, comfort, and encouragement to those who are moving into a new turn in their life s journey grandparenting. They write about the joys and challenges of this new phase in their lives. Also the products of personal experiences are Kerry Egan s On Living and John McCullough Bades Will I Sing Again? Listening for the Melody of Grace in the Silence of Illness and Loss. In his book, Bade reflects on his personal struggle with Parkinson's Disease. Through narrative and poetic passages, he searches for signs of God's grace in the midst of his physical struggle and sense of loss. Meanwhile Egan, an experienced hospice chaplain, has penned a book that is part memoir, part spiritual reflection and part narration of tales told to Egan by her patients. It is not about dying but about living, about making whole the brokenness we all share. And then there is Corinne Chilstrom s reflection upon the sudden loss of her son: Andrew, You Died Too Soon: A Family s Experience of Grieving and Living Again. This is an honest story by a Christian mother who lost her son by suicide. Speaking to all Christians who want to know about what to do in the face of sudden tragedy, this is a book for us as we learn to grieve and as we learn to live again. Finally, so as to demonstrate that not all books in this section are about aging, loss of function, grieving, and dying, Addiction and Grace: Love and Spirituality in the Healing of Addictions by Gerald May is just one of numerous books we have health issues such as alcoholism and addiction. In this particular book May...explores the psychology and physiology of addiction from the perspective of contemplative spirituality, describing the relationship between addiction and spiritual awareness. Did you spot which two book covers we included but didn t describe? See Jan or Stu and tell them your findings!

8 Shining the Cross of Christ January 2019 Peoples Church ELCA 824 America Ave. NW, Bemidji, MN Peoples Church is a multicultural mission congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, with a special emphasis on outreach to people living in poverty. Sunset sunlight on the old stucco Peoples Church Peoples Church, in its own words... We strive to provide a sanctuary for prayerful worship within a respectful and welcoming environment and to meet the spiritual needs of our parishioners and community using Christian ideas and values. People's Church exists to help serve not only the spiritual needs but basic living needs of many who would go without. We believe it is what Jesus would do. Peoples Church takes the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20) very seriously. It sees these elements of its mission as steps toward fulfilling Jesus' command to "make disciples of all nations." Hospitality Three of the Numerous Ministries at Peoples Church As Jesus and the prophets remind us repeatedly, we are to show the poor and hungry compassion by feeding, clothing, and sheltering. Economic pressures on the weakest members of our community mean that they often go hungry or live on "empty" calories. It is incumbent on us who have much, we believe, to share what we have with others while respecting their dignity. Indeed, it is our duty and our joy to reach out with open hands and hearts. In Hebrews we are reminded that in showing hospitality to our brothers and sisters we "entertain angels unawares." Wild Crafting Using the bounty of the northwest Minnesota forests, we offer individuals in the area the opportunity to sell the many craft items they already know how to make. We plan to enter into agreements with other churches needing income to support their ministries, market items - especially during the Christmas season - via the internet, and, as a result give many in our own community the opportunity to help support themselves and their families. It's a major undertaking but we believe God is steering us in this direction. Bible Circle Wednesday is the church Bible Circle fellowship. where we explore the Word of God as it pertains to our own lives and our personal spirituality. We sometimes have dinner at 5:30 p.m.. followed by Bible readings from the church calendar and discussion, beginning at about 6:00 p.m. Contributions to efforts such as these account for a significant part of New Salem s benevolence to others and are one way our congregation shines the cross of Christ throughout the local, regional, and global communities. Thank you for considering a gift of service or money to this much needed ministry.