Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!

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1 September 2017 Weekly TV Broadcast Mondays, 7:00 p.m. Charter Channel 986 Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. HBC Channel 20 Pastor Louise Stromberg We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith. Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior! When I began as your visitation pastor in January, I did not foresee being asked to step into the role of Acting Interim Directing Pastor. But here I am. It is my hope and that of the leadership that this will be a very temporary assignment. The Call Committee, Council, and Staff are all working hard together to call a new Directing Pastor for Central as soon as possible. Weekly updates of our progress will be shared with the congregation so you are aware of our progress. The Call Committee has two new names to consider this week. Please keep them and the person God is preparing to be our pastor in your prayers. Pastor Linda (our other Visitation Pastor) and I have worked out a preaching schedule for the next two months. The Staff have been working diligently to plan worship, gear up for Confirmation, Youth Group and Sunday School and all the other ministries at Central. Rally Sunday and God s Work, Our Hands Sunday are set for September 10 th. We are excited about the return of the Feast starting on September 13th. Our Wednesday night activities begin September 13 th also. All these things go to show that despite the lack of a permanent called pastor, ministry at Central is alive and well. Pastor Westphal reminded us in his farewell sermon that God s Mission has a church. The people who profess a faith in Jesus Christ are that church. Yes, it is good to have a Directing Pastor to lead and teach and preach. But the church has many hands that carry on the work of mission. In times of transition that mission work goes on. This past year everyone here at Central has worked hard to put in place the tools needed to do God s Work in this place. Policies and procedures have been reviewed and updated. People have been recruited and trained. Staff has been hired to fill new and expanded roles as well as carry on existing ministries. There is a lot of good work being done in this place! As we wait for God to open the doors to a new Directing Pastor, we will continue to be God s church doing God s work with our hands in this place. I am stepping into some very big shoes. My hope is to direct our staff and inspire the folks of Central to do God s work of mission while I am in this role. Please pray for me. Pray for all the staff. And let s also send some prayers for Pastor Westphal as he takes on a new challenge of interim ministry. We are all in this together as brothers and sisters in Christ. All those who bear the name of Christ and his cross on our brow are called to stand up and proclaim the love of God for all people. We are living in a time when this is again so important for the future of our community, our nation and our world. May Christ s peace and love fill your hearts and lives! Pastor Louise Stromberg Acting Interim Directing Pastor Central Lutheran Church, Winona, MN W. Wabasha Winona, MN

2 Upcoming Events Wednesday Night Workshop Wed. Sept. 6, 6:30 8:00 pm, Central Lutheran Church The Wednesday Night Workshop (Confirmation) Parent and Student Orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, September 6, 6:30 8:00 pm. Adult Forum- By Heart: Conversations with Martin Luther s Small Catechism Sundays September 10 thru October 29 (no session on 10/22) at 9:15 a.m. Library This study of Martin Luther's Small Catechism examines the Small Catechism as a historical, confessional document rich with history and applicable to life today. The book follows the order of Martin Luther's Small Catechism and is enriched with images that connect the text to history and also to life today. It provides an initial point from which to jump into the rich history of the person of Martin Luther, beginning with one of his most appreciated works. Contact Julie Palubicki or jules364@gmail.com. Sunday School Rally Day Sun., Sept. 10, 9:15 am, Fellowship Hall (Green Room) All families with children ages 3-12 are invited to attend. God s Work. Our Hands Sunday Sun., Sept. 10, 2017 God s Work. Our Hands Sunday is September 10, We will be serving our community and world in ways that share the love of God with all of God s people. Sign-up sheets in Narthex beginning August 20th. If unable to participate on service day, please consider a monetary contribution to fund projects. CLC Book Group Mon., Sept. 11 & Sept. 25, 9:30am- 10:30am, Library We are going to read "Martin Luther" by Martin Marty. This is a brief biography that portrays the religious reformer Martin Luther as a man of conscience and courage who risked death to ignite a historic reformation of the church. We will then read Martin Marty"s book "October 31, 2017, Martin Luther and the Day that Changed the World". Please join us as we refresh our knowledge of Martin Luther in the year celebrating the 500th anniversary of the reformation. Feast Resumes Wednesday, Sept. 13, 5:00-6:15pm, Grace Hall Welcoming All Engaging Worship Prayers for Healing Sun., Sept. 17, 8:00 am & 10:30 am worship services Prayers for healing are offered each third Sunday of the month in Holy Spirit Chapel (left) during communion. At any time before or after you commune you are invited to join the pastor in prayer for healing for yourself or someone else. Baptismal Preparation Sun., Sept. 17, 11:30 am, Grace Hall Do you want to schedule a baptism at Central Lutheran Church? You are invited to attend a preparation session on Sunday, September 17. A light lunch will be provided, along with a staffed nursery for children. Please contact the church office at or centluth3@gmail.com to register for the preparation session(s) or schedule a baptism. Name Tag Sunday Sun., Sept. 24th I have called you by name; you are mine. Name tags are a way of helping our new staff, Pastor Stromberg and Evan Fitzsimmons, get to know us. They help welcome visitors along with our handshake and greeting. They help us remember the name of another congregation member that we have temporarily forgotten. Please wear your name tag or sign up for one at the information desk. New member Get Acquainted Session Sun, Sept. 24, 11:30am, Grace Hall. Interested in joining Central Lutheran Church? Attend this session to learn more, enjoy lunch and prepare for the next reception of new members at worship on Sunday, October 8. RSVP to the church office at Questions? Contact Marylou Hurley at Blessing of the Animals Sun., Oct. 1, after the 10:30 am worship service Central s Blessing of the Animals (in honor of St. Francis) takes place Sunday, October 1 after the 10:30 am service. Pets are welcome in worship at both services (cats should be in carriers; dogs leashed, other pets in cages). Or, you may stop by with your pet after worship for a blessing. Water and treats will be provided in the narthex. Stuffed animals and/or photos of pets are also welcome. Animals and owners will be invited to join the closing procession at worship, and gather outside for the Blessing. Growing Faith Compassionate Service 2

3 Notices Thank You Thank you to the members of Central Lutheran who helped with the WSU move in day by bringing cookies or helping to hand out water and cookies to the students and their families. We handed out 150 bottles of water and 20 dozen cookies. We received many thank yous for our warm welcome. CLC Book Group Fall Stewardship The fall stewardship appeal will kick off in October, but here are a couple of key dates to save: Sunday, November 12, 2017 and Sunday, November 19, Intent cards will be collected on November 12 th, and then everyone is invited to a celebration brunch on November 19 th. See you there! Gifts from the Foundation The Central Lutheran Church Foundation board has recently awarded two grants for educational activities that will enhance ministries at Central. One grant will support training for youth director Evan Fitzsimmons during the coming year. He will participate in the Certification School in youth ministry from September to May. After an initial four-day seminar, most of the work will be online. He will also attend the ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza next January. This will be held in Houston to prepare youth directors to bring youth there for the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering next summer. The second grant will support training for Julie Palubicki, who is involved in many key volunteer activities at Central. She has been accepted into the certificate program in Advanced Theology and Congregational Leadership at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque. She will take 12 courses while continuing to work and live in Winona and volunteering at Central. These two grants help the CLC Foundation fulfill its mission to support educational ministries. It provides an excellent opportunity for planned gifts by CLC members and supporters that will make a positive impact for years. FEAST News The Feast Committee is making great plans for the coming Fall Season: cooks are identified, and volunteer slots are being filled. Thanks to Jay Dureske, Head Cook, the first meeting of monthly cooks has made plans for September meals. The Feast is a ministry that utilizes more than 50 hours each week, and we need a few more people to come forward and become a part of the team. Volunteer needs include: Feast Committee membership: committee meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30. Join a dedicated group of members who are good at sharing the workload and supporting each other. Weekly volunteering needs include: -Folks to set-up dining tables (this can be done anytime prior to 3:00 on Wednesdays). -Folks to set-up serving tables and stations (3:00-5:00) -Kitchen aides: help support cook, provide support for servers with whatever tasks are needed. There will be someone to direct you. (3:30-6:30) -Food servers: Serve food. (4:45-6:30) -Dishwashers: wash dishes, resupply as needed. (5:00-6:30) -General cleanup: clean dining tables and reset as they open up, help with overall cleaning once Feast is done. (5:15-6:30) Do you have colleagues, family or friends who might volunteer as a group for a night? The Feast Committee strives to make the workload light and the atmosphere fun! You will know your efforts matter and are appreciated. If you are called to participate in a great ministry with a wonderful group of dedicated volunteers, please call Kelly Dicke in the church office and claim a slot! Women of Central Lutheran Church This past month the Women's Task Force (Nancy Schneider, Sally Bentson, Denise Bernatz, Allison Childers, Nancy Hauschildt and Mia Martin) continued their efforts to revitalize the women's organization by forming a nominating committee. The committee of Mia Martin, Peggy Twait, and Sylvia Wedul Pecsenye nominated officers who were approved during the August 13th meeting. The officers are: Sylvia Wedul Pecsenye as president, Sally Benston as vice president, Grace Schueler as treasurer, and Greta Poser as secretary. There has been much enthusiasm expressed for revitalizing our women's ministry. The officers are excited to move forward with this momentum and are eager for your continued input. Progress is underway to plan meetings and organize activities for all women of Central Lutheran Church. Welcoming All Engaging Worship Growing Faith Compassionate Service 3

4 Reception of New Members Sun, Oct. 8, 8:00 am & 10:30 am worship services Contact Marylou Hurley at for more information. Martin Luther: The Idea that Changed the World Sun., Oct. 15, TBA This new movie explores Luther and the impact of his teachings in a feature-length film that revisits the dramatic moments that shaped Luther s life while examining his quest to share the good news of Jesus Christ. A discussion will follow, hosted by Erik Heinrichs, Central member and history professor at WSU. This event, sponsored by the women s task force (CLCW), is open to both the public and to all congregational members. If any questions, please contact Nancy Schneider at Luther Talk Sun., Oct. 22, 9:15-10:15 am, Grace Hall Erik Heinrichs plans to talk about things that people might not know about Martin Luther. Erik will give a brief overview of Martin Luther s importance and the usual stories about him, but also aims to give some new historical perspectives. Update on Call Process By now you will have heard that the candidate we had identified for the directing pastor position has withdrawn for personal reasons. While we were disappointed by this development, this happens sometimes and has actually happened during a prior call process here at Central. The call committee is continuing with its part in calling the next directing pastor and we anticipate receiving names of additional candidates soon. At this point, we also want to offer the congregation the opportunity to nominate candidates to be considered with those that we receive from the synod office. There are forms available on the information desk in the entrance for you to make your nominations and forms need to be submitted to the Church office by Monday, August 28 th. We will keep you informed of developments in the call process as they happen. As always, we appreciate your prayerful support. Thank you. Confirmation Sun, Oct. 29, 10:30 am, worship Bach Society of MN Concert Sun, Oct 29, 3:00 pm, Sanctuary Upcoming Events 500 th Anniversary Celebration on Reformation Sunday Sun, Oct. 29, 3 pm, Christ Lutheran Church in Preston Everyone is invited to this Reformation Celebration will help people of all ages understand the meaning of the Lutheran Reformation and celebrate this great heritage of the Christian church. The Reformation Celebration will include a worship service with great music, a guest speaker, a Martin & Katie Luther skit, and a creative blend of food sampling and learning called the Table Talk Feast. Sponsored by the Root River Conference of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod. *ELCA Youth Gathering June 27-July 1, 2018, Houston, Texas. This is open to youth who are currently in grades 7-11 (grades 8-12 in ). Discounted registration is available Sept. 15-Nov. 15, Contact Evan for more information at clc3.youth@gmail.com Notices From Pastor Westphal Thank you for the wonderful farewell on August 13. It was a day full of sadness at leaving and also laughter over shared memories. I have arrived in Bloomington and delivered the greetings you sent with me to the people at St. John's Lutheran Church. God's richest blessings on Pastor Louise Stromberg as your temporary interim pastor and on all of you as you move forward in Christ's ministry! God bless you all! Please show your future pastors the same love you showed to me. And continue strong in your efforts to refocus on Christ, renew your faith and revitalize your ministries. We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith W. Wabasha Winona, MN

5 Adult Forum By Heart: Conversations with Martin Luther s Small Catechism Sundays September 10, 17,24 October 1,8,15, 29 9:15 a.m. CLC Library This comprehensive resource for the study of Martin Luther's Small Catechism examines the Small Catechism as a historical, confessional document rich with history and applicable to life today. The book follows the order of Martin Luther's Small Catechism and is enriched with images (contemporary and historical) and marginal notes that connect the text to history and also to life today. This book provides an initial point from which to jump into the rich history of the person of Martin Luther, beginning with one of his most appreciated works. For more information contact: Julie Palubicki at or via at jules364@gmail.com. We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith W. Wabasha Winona, MN

6 Heartfelt thanks to the women of St. John s Lutheran Church, pictured here with their prayerful gifts of quilts and shawls. From Pastor Corrine Winona Lutheran Campus Center The Warmth of God s Love In the bleak midwinter of 2010, I received a colorful prayer shawl. The shawl was sent to Wartburg Theological Seminary following a press conference held on campus regarding the death of our beloved Ben in the Haiti Earthquake. A woman I have never met (even to this day) sent the shawl with a prayer square and a note to our Academic Dean, asking him to pass the items onto me. Craig explained that she heard me speak about Ben on the news and was moved to send the items. I don t remember what I said to Craig, but I remember the feeling that washed over me as I held the soft shawl and square in my hands. It was the same feeling I have each time I pull the shawl around my shoulders, cloaking myself in tangible prayer and colorful love. Yesterday I held the shawl open for four women at the LCC. Kay, Marlene, another Marlene, and Charlotte from St. John s Lutheran Church in Kasson met Kelly and me at the LCC with quilts and shawls they had gathered for our students. I shared my story with them, and we all nodded, knowing deeply the simple and profound gift of such prayerful creations. I also shared a long-held dream of mine: to have quilts and prayer shawls on hand to give to students. Of course, they already knew this. But Kay didn t know about such a vision when she ed us in June, inquiring whether or not we could use some quilts at the LCC. (Well, hello there, Holy Spirit.) There s more to the story The same day I met with these four angels from Kasson, a colleague and friend told me about a prayer shawl and square he had from a woman he had never met. Hmm, I thought, that sounds familiar. Do you know if she sent a shawl to Wartburg Seminary in 2010? Later that night, he called: I received a message today you might find interesting Yes, I did send two shawls to Wartburg after the earthquake in My jaw dropped. What are the chances that on the same day I told this story and received beautiful quilts and shawls for our students, I would also receive a connection with this other woman? Dear LCC friends, we just never know, do we? We never know what an impact we might have on one another. I want to invite you into this impact at the LCC. Please pray for our ministry together; consider offering a financial gift to further our ministry; perhaps offer a quilt or shawl to campus ministry, or a friend (or stranger!) in need. If you d like to be part of this dream unfolding, please let me know! Imagine the students who will wrap prayer about their shoulders and receive healing balm for their hearts through these quilts and shawls. Just imagine With gratitude, Pastor Corrine Haulotte Welcoming All Engaging Worship Growing Faith Compassionate Service 6

7 Financial Report Operating Fund Jan-July 2017 Total Income: $281,456 Total Expenses: $329,993 Offering Goal August $40, Thank you for your support of Central s ministry. Mortgage Monthly payments for interest and principal July: $3,146 Gifts for Building Fund July: $1,746 Gifts for additional mortgage principal reduction July: $400 Mortgage principal balance on Aug 1: $394, Gifts in memory or honor of someone JULY THRU AUG 18, 2017 MORTAGE PRINCIPAL Memory of Dick Keiper Given by Linda Bouck Memory of Merl & Suzanne Hokenstrom Given by Arnold & Alanna Fenske, Richard & Peggy Twait, Louanne Schwarz FEAST Memory of Merl & Suzanne Hokenstrom Given by Charles & Rita Lehnertz, Bev Spande, Grace Miner UNDESIGNATED Memory of Merl & Suzanne Hokenstrom Given by Joan & Paul Jackels, Richard & Peggy Twait, Patricia Haessing Memory of Emily Fifield Given by Joan & Paul Jackles YOUTH Memory of Emily Fifield Given by Richard & Peggy Twait DONATION ELEVATOR REPAIR Donna Peterson Thrivent Choice Dollars Thank you to Kelly Dicke for contributing Thrivent Choice Dollars to Central Lutheran Church. If you have any Thrivent Choice Dollars considered directing them to Central Lutheran Church. Designated gifts JULY 1-31 MISSION - $ WORLD HUNGER - $50 WINONA VOLUNTEER SERVICES - $338 TV/VIDEO EQUIP - $100 YOUTH - $455 YOUTH MISSION TRIP -$566 VBS - $125 SUNDAY SCHOOL $20 MEMORIALS - $120 Council minutes July 18,2007 Present: Pastor Westphal, Judy Davis, Gayle Garrity, Carol Kramer, Steve Hacken, Paul Ness, Marie Holmquist and Dian Biesanz Call to order at 6:00 P.M. followed by prayer led by Pastor Westphal Approval of June Council minutes, financial reports submitted by Paul Ness, staff and committee meeting notes. Approval of council agenda for this evening. No old business... New business: Approval of the feast head cook position and job description. Gayle brought us up to date on worship and welcome info. Council agreed to endorse and support letter of call to lead candidate. Motion to adjourn... carried. Closed session Pastor Report for the CLC council on August 15, 2017 Rev. Lanny Westphal, interim directing pastor Pastoral coverage Visitation pastors Louise Stromberg and Linda Helberg are leading worship August through October, and Pr. Stromberg is providing extra coverage in the office if needed that long. Leadership development Erik Floan is registering to begin the candidacy process to become an ELCA deacon. The CLC Foundation is supporting Evan Fitzsimmon's continuing education in his first year, and Julie Palubicki's certificate program in Advanced Theology and Congregational Ministry. Bylaws Steve Everson has learned that our proposed bylaws have been approved by the synod bylaw committee. Now these bylaws will need to be voted on at a CLC congregational meeting, along with some changes to our constitution adopted by the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Communication We have all been making great progress to create communication systems that don't depend as much on the directing pastor. Finally...Words cannot describe the gratitude I feel for your partnership in the gospel of Christ during this past year. We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith. 259 W. Wabasha Winona, MN

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11 Opportunities to Serve Share your time & talents The Feast The Feast Committee is ramping up for the Fall Season. Many volunteer slots are filled, as are the cooking duties for each week. We are in need of another committee member. This is an energetic and committed group great at sharing the workload and supporting each other. If you are looking for a committee whose work demonstrates being Central to Winona, this is the place for you. Please call Kelly Dicke in the church office at if you are interested. The Feast meets the second Monday of the month at 5:30. The Feast is seeking drivers to deliver meals on Wednesday evenings to members of our congregation who cannot make it to the Feast. On any given week, there can be 2-8 deliveries; the time commitment is about an hour. If interested in serving the community and Central Lutheran in a very meaningful way, please call Kelly Dicke in the church office at Sunday School Teachers/Helpers Needed We are looking for a few additional teachers and helpers for the school year. If you are interested in helping out with Sunday School, please contact Amber Mlynczak at amberfortney@yahoo.com or the church office at for more information. Quilting Currently, we have sewn/tied 311 quilts and shipped 220 for Lutheran World Relief. Do you like to quilt or sew? Please come and help make quilts. You can come either on Tuesday morning or sew in your own home. Contact Donna Peterson at or Nancy Schneider at Welcome and Worship Committee Looking for one new member! Join the welcome and worship committee to provide welcome and hospitality for our members and visitors, maintain a vibrant and consistent worship volunteer effort and help in facilitating input and feedback from the congregation regarding our worship and music experience. Other members of this committee include five other members of the congregation, the directing pastor and the director of worship, music and arts. We meet one evening a month plus other events we facilitate. If you are interested, contact Gayle Garrity to find out more. Opportunities to Give Seeking Wheelchair Central Lutheran Church is in need of an additional wheelchair. If you know of anyone who would be interested in donating a wheelchair, please contact the church office for the specifics of the need. Thrivent Choice Dollars Thank you to Kelly Dicke for contributing her Thrivent Choice Dollars to Central Lutheran Church Child Care. If you have any Thrivent Choice Dollars consider directing them to Central Lutheran Church. Building Fund Gifts to the Building Fund in July totaled $ The mortgage payment was $3146. Please help with an extra gift to ensure that we meet our mortgage obligations and keep other ministries and programs strong. Our remaining mortgage balance is only $394, and we want it to keep decreasing! Make your check payable to CLC Building Fund, or set up an automatic monthly gift with the form available on our website or in the church office. Thank you! We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith W. Wabasha Winona, MN

12 Planned Giving through an IRA Individual Retirement Accounts are often the best gift you can leave to the church through your estate. The reason is that traditional IRA s have tax consequences for your children or other individuals who inherit them. They can take the IRA either as a lump sum or paid out over years, but there are taxes due. The church gets to avoid the taxes due and therefore can place the entire amount of the IRA into use for ministry. Giving through an IRA is very simple too. You don t need an attorney. Simply call your IRA administrator and tell them what you want to do. They will get you the form right away. Additionally, Congress has made permanent legislation where you can give directly from your IRA to a charity if you are 70.5 or older. Your gift counts towards your required minimum distribution for the year and it does not count as income to you (there is no gift tax credit though). See the following article for more information Welcoming All Engaging Worship Growing Faith Compassionate Service

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