Augustana Voice. Augustana Lutheran Church Genoa Nebraska

Transcription

1 Augustana Voice NOVEMBER 2015 Augustana Lutheran Church Genoa Nebraska From the desk of Pastor Josh: Thankful for what we have in common It's human nature to reflect on what divides, rather than what unites. This has not worked out too well over the past several centuries for the church. What I am deeply thankful for this year is that there is more that unites the church than divides. That is what Lutherans and Roman Catholics have been working on lately. As the 500 th anniversary of the reformation approaches, both groups in the United States and abroad have been making strides to find common ground. As it so happens, there is a lot of it. Catholics and Lutherans working together just released a booklet called Declaration on The Way. It covers 32 big things that Catholics and Lutherans share. Thirtytwo! The booklet is not official policy of either church body, but it sheds light on how much we have in common. Most notably, we believe this is God's church, we receive Christ in the Lord's Supper, and we believe that all ministry serves the whole church on earth. I hope these efforts continue long after the reformation anniversary. For all we do together as the whole church in the Genoa area -whether it is with the Catholics, Methodists, or Baptists- I am grateful that Christ unites us all. Pastor Josh Ecumenical Thanksgiving gathering O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! -Psalm 107:1 NRSV Each year, Christians of all stripes in the Genoa area are invited to come together and give thanks to God for all we have received. This year, St. Rose of Lima is hosting the annual gathering. Join us at 7:00 PM November 22 nd at St Rose for and refreshments following. Offering will be taken for the Genoa Food Pantry. November Table Talk: Thanks a lot This month for Table Talk, we'll gather to talk about gratitude. Why do we say thanks? For what are we grateful? Is being thankful an obligation? Come and hash out these questions over supper at Fill My Cup on Monday, November 16 th, at 6:00 PM.

2 PAGE 2 OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES BIRTHDAYS: Jackie Bosak Nov 2 Bailey Turpitt Nov 3 Anne Peterson Nov 6 Spencer Ramaekers Nov 8 Jessica Wieck Nov 8 John Buhl Nov 9 Chris Parry Nov 10 Chase Buhl Nov 11 Brad Wieck Nov 12 Allyson Sutton Nov 16 Worship Elle Cromwell Nov 17 Rachel Feala Nov 17 Layney Matthes Nov 18 Lisa Matthes Nov 18 Linda Sass Nov 19 Ken Cromwell Nov 20 Oliver Zarek Nov 28 John Fritzges Nov 29 ANNIVERSARIES: Bruce & Roxane Olson Nov 3 Assistants Readers: Sun, November 1 Saturday, November 7 Connie Pierson Sunday, November 8 Connie Cromwell Saturday, Nov 14 Margaret Peterson Sunday, Nov 15 John Rice Saturday, Nov 21 Sue Turner Sunday, Nov 22 Brad Cromwell Ushers: Saturday: Dave & Deb Rippke and Linda Sass Sunday: Ryan Clausen, Dana & Jackie Peterson, Randy Rood, John & Susan Nelson Church Service Committee: Gayla Oakley, Elta Rice (Co chairs) Jolene Andreasen, Margaret Peterson, Susan Nelson Communion Assistants: Saturday Gary Juracek Sunday-Ike Anderson Saturday, Nov 28 Connie Pierson Sunday, Nov 29 Curtis Peterson

3 Page 3 SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS On November 22nd, we will have our monthly hands on day where we will be making advent calendars. We will need several toilet paper rolls for these, please continue to send in toilet paper rolls as you are able to. We will be taking our tree down to the Festival of Trees at City Hall so we would like to personalize it a little bit. We are giving families a little bit of homework. We would like for each family to either make or purchase an ornament that symbolizes your family. For example: a tractor for a farming family or a basketball if your family loves to watch basketball. It can be homemade or store bought, please put your family s last name on the ornament with something permanent. Have fun with it! I want to thank the church council for the beautiful picture presented to me upon my retirement from the church secretary position. The kind words were deeply appreciated. Lori Clausen Faithful Servant It is God Himself who made you who you are and He has given you new life from Christ Jesus, and long ago He planned that you should spend your life in helping others. Ephesians 2:10

4 Page 5 QUILTING NEWS The Quilting Ladies have made 243 Quilts for LWR and 7 quilts to be sold at the bake sale. We have made 13 baby kits and 21 health kits which will also be sent to LWR. The quilts and kits have been boxed and were delivered to St. John s Church in Norfolk on November 3. We will not quilt again until January. Thanks to all who donated sheets, material and items for the kits. We can always use more. The Quilters We want your toilet paper roll tubes The Sunday School team is gathering toilet paper tubes for an Advent craft project. When the roll runs out, set the tube aside and bring it to church. There will be a collection box available upstairs outside Pastor Josh's office. NO QUILTING IN NOVEMBER OR DECEMBER Our WELCA meeting in November will be November 18th at 2:00pm. Why Blue? Downstairs at Augustana, there is already a Christmas tree set up and decorated. It is early, but this tree is part of a fundraiser being held by the Sunday School in support of the Genoa Wishing tree. For each dollar they raise, they add an ornament to the tree. Once the tree gathers $100, the Sunday School team will reward the kids by dying Pastor Josh's hair blue. Yes. Blue. When asked about it, Pastor said, Generosity is supposed to be joyful! If the kids learn this because my hair turned blue when they raised a hundred bucks, then our work is done. The Sunday School team proposed this idea to Pastor back in August. I was apprehensive at first, he said, but whenever I talk to the kids, they often bring up the bit about the hair. They're excited. The Sunday School is rapidly moving toward their $100 goal. If you would like to help them in turning Pastor Josh's hair blue, please contact Stacey Green or Lisa Matthes.

5 Page 4 Average Budgeted Needs Actual expenses Offering January 15 through Sept15, 2015 $80, $62, $67, Financial Summary To meet our budgeted needs, we need an average of $2,118 each week. Oct 3/4 $ Oct 10/11 $ Oct 17/18 $ Oct 24/25 $ As an average, we need approximately $9, each month. In October our total contributions were $ The annual Soup and Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, November 21. This year s planning committee will be headed up by Gayla Oakley and Elta Rice and also includes Jolene Andresen, Margaret Peterson and Susan Nelson. Advent by Candlelight December 6th Does the idea of getting ready for Christmas fill you with a sense of joy and anticipation or one of dread as you face a massive to do list? Do you find yourself spending more time preparing your home for Christmas than you do preparing your heart? Advent by Candlelight is an opportunity to shift the focus from preparing things for Christmas to preparing ourselves for the coming of the Christ child. This year s program will again include vocal selections by Payton Cherry, a short program titled Make My Heart Your Bethlehem given by Lori Clausen, along with dessert and beverages served at beautifully decorated holiday tables hosted by ladies from the Genoa community. This event is open to all in the community and there is no charge, but seating is limited so you will need to make reservations in advance. We are currently planning for two programs on Sunday, December 6 th. There are only a few seats left at one of the tables for the first program at 2:00 but our hostesses have graciously agreed to host a second program at 4:30. Please contact Lori Clausen at and let her know the number of seats you would like to reserve if you are inviting family or friends to join you. In partnership with Thrivent Financial and their Care in Communities program, there will be a Wishing tree with gift suggestions for children in the community whose families need a bit of assistance during the holiday season available. Those interested can take a star, purchase the gift requested and return the wrapped package to either the Genoa Community Bank or the church.

6 Church Council Minutes of October 21, 2015 Meeting called to order by President Ike Anderson Also present included: Jack J., Gary J., Darlene W., Dana P., Angie S., Cindy S., Bobby G, Tony M, Pastor Josh and Lori R. Absent: Ryan C., Brad Cromwell and Susan N. Pastor led opening devotion: Giving an answer for our faith PASTOR S REPORT: Pastor gave report on Conference in Kearney. Pastor officiated at Duane Reeg s funeral and met with the family of Al Boyd, who passed away with funeral service on October 24. Pastor stated that if the kids of the church make $100 for the Wishing tree, Pastor will dye his hair blue. Also gave report on Thanksgiving services. TREASURERS REPORT: Presented for council approval by Lori Reynolds. Also notified council that Insurance for Pastor is going up $120/month to $2280. Motion by Tony and second by Bob to approve. Motion carried NEW BUSINESS:. Sally Konz was nominated for the Church secretary position at a wage of $10/hour for 8-9 hours per week. Motion by Gary and 2nd by Bob to approved. Motion passed. Cindy S and Pastor to train. Door locks on offices to change. Motion made by Gary and 2nd by Tony. Motion carried, OLD BUSINESS:A committee was formed to review changes to our constitution. Those appointed were Dana Peterson, Susan Nelson and Angie Sutton. Changes to the constitution will need to be approved at a congregational meeting. Continuing to work on this for the Annual meeting. Council reviewed the mission of Augustana Church as related to Sunday School and Bible Study. OTHER BUSINESS: At 8:25pm, Darlene W continued to take minutes as Secretary had to leave meeting. Virginia P stated the electronic record keeping was working well. Weekly counting of money tabled until next month. Committee needs to meet with Pastor about evaluation. Bat situation tabled as members were absent. Clarification on alter flowers-synthetic may be used anywhere but on the alter. Pastor reported on the activities of the WELCA Lori R. reported the janitor had been paid $120 for waxing the floors as she had no help. Next meeting will be on November 6:30pm. Meeting adjourned with a Blessing from St. 9:10 pm Cindy Sorensen, Council secretary

7 A month of gratitude Starting each Wednesday in November, Augustana parishioners are invited to post to the Augustana Facebook page something for which they are thankful. Each week will have a thankfulness theme: Help, surprise, comfort, and sharing. Think of something, someone, or an occasion that matches the weekly theme and add it in the comments section. Don't have Facebook or a computer? Call the office ( ) and let us know and we'll add it for you! Advent in Pictures Like the gratitude project mentioned above, each week on Monday, participants will be invited to post pictures to Augustana's Facebook page that exemplify the four weeks of Advent: hope, love, joy, and peace. Whether it's a picture from long ago or an hour ago, post it if you believe it adds to the Advent season! Youth invited to Christmas on The Hill Youth from St Rose, Genoa United Methodist, and Augustana are gathering December 2 nd to attend Christmas on The Hill: a Christmas posada (dramatic retelling of the Christmas story) at the St. Benedict Center outside of Schuyler. The event is primarily aimed at high school youth in grades 9 and 10. We'll meet at 5:45 PM in the St Rose parking lot, then depart at 6:00 PM. A lunch for the road will be provided. We will return around 9:30 PM for pizza and conversation. We are looking for chaperones for this event; please contact Pastor Josh if you are interested. The deadline for signing up is November 18 th. Check out the info sheet in the gathering space or call the church office for more information. Who can build a house of cans? Over the past few years, Augustana has collected food for the Genoa Food Pantry during the months of November and December. Last year, we built a structure large enough to fit a small child. Can we build a bigger one in 2015? Please bring non-perishable food items and boxed cereals to Augustana over the next seven weeks to support this vital charity in our area. At the pantry's request, please check expiration dates on all all items before bringing them for donation. Community Wishing Tree: The Christmas Wishes of Children For the past couple of years, our community has been asked to reach out as a symbol of the Christmas season s spirit to support the Community Wishing Tree. Once again, we ask for your support in helping to make the dreams of children realities this Christmas season. Genoa Community Volunteers, teamed with the Genoa Community Bank (GCB), the Genoa Food Pantry, and Twin River s FBLA chapter are organizing efforts to help fulfill the Christmas wishes of local children in need. Beginning Tuesday, December 1st, in the lobby of the Genoa Community Bank, there will be a Christmas tree, The Wishing Tree. This tree will be decorated with colorful mittens. On each mitten is a child s Christmas wish. Select one (or more) mittens. Purchase the wish request and return the wrapped gift to the Genoa Community Bank by Wednesday, December 16th with the colorful mitten attached to the top of the package. The package will be distributed to the child prior to Christmas. An account has been set up at GCB to receive cash donations for those who want to give, but do not want to shop. To request assistance this Christmas season, families may register at the Genoa Food Pantry (located in the Lion s Club building) each Monday in November from 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Or, they may contact Genoa

8 Food Pantry Coordinators, Rita Swantek ( ) and Carolyn Frerichs ( ). When registering, please state the name, age, and sex of each child along with two (2) gift wishes they may have. If wishing for clothing items please state sizes and color preferences. The more specific the gift idea, the easier it is for those shopping. Monday, November 23rd is the final date for registration. Family names will be held in strict confidence. Please join Community Volunteers, the Genoa Community Bank, the Genoa Food Pantry, and the Twin River FBLA chapter in their efforts to make a child s dream come true this Christmas season. A peek at the past at the time of Augustana s 105th anniversary Augustana Lutheran Church had meetings in this building before their building was completed. Organizational meetings were held here and at a country school (District 35) in northeast Nance County. The Presbyterian Church was built in In 1915 the church disbanded. It was located where the Pump n Pantry is now. The building was vacant for sometime; then it was used as a machine shop. It was torn down to make room for the International Harvester Building. The Genoa Centennial book states that It was a beautiful edifice and had the tallest tower in town at that time. (Pictures suggest that the tower was shortened.) It had a beautiful large front window, which was donated by the Masonic Lodge of Genoa. The window was later installed in a church building in South Dakota. Secretary thank you The newsletter is completed. Thank you so much for your support and patience. I would like to say a special Thank you to Pastor and Cindy Sorensen for their help. Please accept my thanks and hope things will go more smoothly. Sally Konz

9 November 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 8:45 AM. Sunday School 9 AM. Coffee and Choir hour 10 AM Sunday PM confirmation 5 2 PM Pastor coffee 7 PM AlAnon 6 7 6:30 Saturday 8 8:45 AM. Sunday School 9 AM. Coffee and Choir hour 10 AM Sunday PM confirmation 12 2 PM Pastor coffee 7 PM AlAnon :30 Saturday 15 8:45 AM. Sunday School 9 AM. Coffee and Choir hour 10 AM Sunday 6:30 PM Council 16 Table Talk 6:00 P.M. Fill MyCup PM WELCA 6 PM confirmation 19 2 PM Pastor coffee 7 PM AlAnon Soup and Bake Sale 6:30 Saturday 228:45 AM. Sunday school 9 AM. Coffee and Choir hour 10 AM Sunday 7 PM Thanksgiving 23 6 PM Worship team Thanksgivingoffice closed :30 Saturday 29 8:45 AM. Sunday School 9 AM. Coffee and Choir hour 10 AM Sunday 30

10 Augustana Lutheran Church Box 309 Genoa, NE 69640