Vol. 17 October 2017 No. 8

Transcription

1 Vol. 17 October 2017 No. 8 Read Ephesians 2: The numbers in third line above are dates from the last century. People born on or between those two dates are part of the Baby Boomer generation. I was born in Over the last few days (September 17-19) Pastor Ale and I attended a retreat style education event near Detroit Lakes. The worship services were done entirely by the younger pastors. Many of these people seemed new. They were not. Some of the music they chose was familiar; some was not. The way the songs (not hymns) were arranged was not the way I would have done it. The sermons were biblical, excellent, and again, not composed or delivered in ways that I was taught. They spoke of parish life in ways that suggested that they were faithful and caring ministers of the Gospel. In other words, the church is in good hands. In the reading from Ephesians, the reason for confidence in the next generation is clearly laid out. No generation of church leaders, ordained or lay starts from square one. Every generation builds on a foundation that has been laid well beforehand. That foundation was built by the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the cornerstone. So, the new leaders. Ethnicity is interesting to these people but not more than that. They have no experience (as I do) of the Norwegian congregation on one corner, and the Swedish congregation on another corner, in the same town. The structures of denominations (including our ELCA) are still important but not nearly as important (or effective) as they once were, not so long ago. Lutherans have always understood that church structures may change in order to best serve the needs of worship and service. Once highly valued structures are changing, clearly for the better. Loyalty to institutions (I am a proud graduate of Luther Theological Seminary) is not an important mark of personal identity as it once was. We heard more than once, and many of us (me) needed to hear it, that there is now a new song Psalms 33, 40, 98, & Revelation 5:9) and that God is doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19, Revelation 21:5). All of the boomers needed to hear that, and simply rejoice that God is doing what God always does, this time with another generation of church leaders. Please be encouraged, whatever your age; the Church is in good, faithful, hands, as it always has been. Blessings, Pastor John Golv

2 Simul Justus Et Peccator Simultaneously Justified and Sinner Martin Luther October 10 - ZLCW October 14 Pathways Outdoor Ministry Quilt and Art Auction October 14 ELCA Fall Gathering Conference 2 October 15 Be Your Family s Hero/Heroine October 22 Consecration (Stewardship) Sunday October 25 Pastor JoHan Hinderlie 500 th Anniversary of Reformation Redeemer Church October 29 Confirmation and Reformation Sunday November 5 Lutheran World Relief Pickup November 12 New Member Sunday President s Message Millie Reierson God's blessings to all of you! October is the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation and why we are Lutherans! On Wednesday, October 25, Redeemer will host a combined service celebrating our heritage at 7:00. There will be more detailed announcements in the bulletin. Other major events in October: Sunday the 15th - Pastor Alvin Erickson will be here for a seminar on prayer and our youth. Sunday, October 22, is Consecration Sunday. We will have a breakfast between services. Sunday, October 29, is Reformation Sunday and Confirmation at the 10:30 service. Remember to pray for our staff, our Parish Planning Council, and all the members of Zion as we share God's Love and Grace with those around us.. See you in Church! Millie Reierson

3 Pathways Outdoor Ministry Quilt and Art Auction and Fall Celebration Fundraiser Make plans to attend the Pathways Outdoor Ministry Quilt and Art Auction and Fall Celebration Fundraiser on Saturday, October 14 in Moorhead at Dilworth Lutheran Church, 406 NE 3rd Street. The fun begins at 10:30AM with activities for all ages, including a cakewalk. Lunch will be served at 11:30 with the auction beginning at 12:30. Live music will add to the festivities, and there will be supervised activities for children throughout the day. A pie social, beginning with a celebrity pie auction, will be right after the Art and Quilt Auction. Zion Lutheran Church is one of the drop-off locations for donations and quilts. ZLCW NEWS The ELCA Fall Gathering Conference 2 (formerly Cluster 2) meets Saturday, September 14, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plummer. Registration is from 8:30 9:00. The registration fee is $8.00. The featured speaker is Anna Olson who left the Amish at age 24. She is a successful author and public speaker. Lutheran World Relief pick-up for fall if November 4 from 8:00 AM to Noon. Duties for ZLCW on October 10 are: Program (if desired) Lydia, Hostess Anna, Hospitality Lydia and Visitation Sarah at TR Care Center. Silver Creek Hope you have sold your raffle tickets, and if you need more give us a call. The tickets for the quilt raffle need to be turned in by October 8 so we can account for all tickets. Please give tickets to Bev, Sharon, Sue or Margaret N. The drawing for the queen size quilt will be held prior to services on October 15. We will also have our annual turkey dinner that day. It is potluck with the turkey, dressing and potatoes being furnished, so bring something to make our meal complete. Word has it some ladies are planning on making lefse again. The consensus at WELCA was to not have the bake sale and table for crafts and garden produce this year. Mark this special day on your calendar as we look forward to the fellowship with neighbors and friends. The church council will meet on October 8 following services. The Women will have their meeting at 5:30 on October 12. Our bible study will be from Growing Older and Wiser #2, Wisdom Hunt, and our program on Women of the Bible will feature Bathsheba. Ethan Nelson will be confirmed at Silver Creek on October 29. Bev Rupprecht

4 The Evangelism and Lay Ministry Board is looking for people interested in becoming mentors to Zion s 17 eighth grade Confirmands. If you are interested, contact Deb Holtan at or Once again, Zion Men's Group is meeting at Biff's Kitchen on Fridays at 7:00 A.M for breakfast. There is time for visiting about various topics, and the Pastor shares Sunday's Gospel is discussed, hopefully providing some ideas for his sermon. An offering is taken, and we are through before 8:00 A.M. Over the past seven years, our group has donated over $3000 to various projects at Zion such as our Youth Group, Deacon's Fund, Prayer Shawl Ministry and the Food Shelf. We usually have about ten attending, but there is room for more. Why don't you join us Fridays? Pastor Johan and Soja Hinderlie Portray Martin and Katie Luther Celebrate the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation on October 25 at Redeemer at 7:00. Pastor Johan Hinderlie and his wife Soja will be presenters. Johan and Sonja Hinderlie have been giving their Life with the Luthers presentation since Johan is a part-time pastor at Shepherd of the Valley Church in Afton. Previously, the Hinderlies were the directors of Mount Carmel Ministries camp in Alexandria for 30 years. Zion Lutheran Parish Planning Council Minutes September 19, 2017 The Parish Planning Council meeting was called to order by President Millie Reierson at 5:30 pm. In attendance: President Millie Reierson, Pastor Golv, Pastor Ale Tulu, Karen Thygeson, Tim Numedahl, Sharon Jorde, Deb Howe, Amber Holtan, Deb Holtan, Joel Rude, Chrysi Gibson, Barbara Overbye and Pam Cwikla. Millie gave devotions.

5 President Millie presented Roberta Kalsnes s resignation as Chairman of the Worship Board which had been tabled at the August Council meeting. Deb Howe made a motion to accept Roberta s resignation; seconded by Deb Holtan. The motion carried. Roberta will continue to be involved with youth programs. The minutes from the August 15, 2017 Council meeting were presented for approval. A motion was made by Karen Thygeson and seconded by Tim Numedahl to accept the minutes as presented. The motion carried. Barbara presented the Treasurer s Report. It was filed for audit. CHURCH PROPERTIES: Joel Rude reported that the granite sign is in place. He is getting an estimate on security lighting for the south side and front of the church. He said the lectern microphone has been fixed. Due to comments he has received regarding donations for the electric sign, Joel recommended revising the wording in the bulletin to pledge instead of donating towards the sign. Joel reported that reimbursement was received from the insurance company for cancellation of the policy on the house on Knight. WORSHIP BOARD: Minutes from September 5 th board meeting submitted. Sharon Jorde will complete the term for Roberta Kalsnes as Chairperson of the board. Tim Numedahl reported that he is checking on insurance rates for Zion staff. Ale recommended to also check with other churches regarding what insurance companies they are using. Tim inquired about the progress in installing a credit/debit card kiosk. He reported on Give Hub and asked if he should get more information. He was asked to do so. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION/YOUTH: Chrysi Gibson submitted her board minutes. She reported that Flapjacks for Faith has started. There are 11 youth who have committed to the National Youth Gathering next year and registrations are still being accepted. Information will be posted in the newsletter explaining how the Flapjack money will be used for the NYG and individual accounts. Amber Holtan inquired about getting information into the Sunday power-point presentation. She commented that the website needs to be updated. It is being worked on. Amber reported that they need a leader for the 8 th grade confirmation small group and a mentor is needed. They also need a teacher for the tech area. Confirmation pictures will be taken on October 25 th, the banquet will be October 28 th, and confirmation will be October 29 th. Amber asked for $50 for a start-up fund for selling calendars. A note will be in the bulletin regarding calendars available for sale in the church office. She said the van will be needed for upcoming youth events. They have plans to go to the Corn Maize at Cider Mill and the Haunted Woods in Red Lake Falls. PUBLIC RELATIONS: Minutes from September 5 th board meeting submitted. Deb Howe reported that posters for the auction are up. She will put information in the Radiogram for Friday. EVANGELISM/LAY MINISTRY: Deb Holtan reported that Pastor Erickson s workshop will be held October 15 th at noon. A home is needed for Pastor Erickson and his wife for Saturday, the 14 th. The charge to have him here will be $150. New Member Sunday will be November 12 th. She reported an addition to the prayer shawl ministry. They are making prayer pillows for pre-k children. STEWARDSHIP: Preparations for the September 24 th auction were discussed. Pam reported that she has the bid numbers and clerk sheets. Millie and Tim volunteered to do the clerking. Barbara and Deb Howe volunteered to help with the ringing. Barbara will get starting cash and Millie will bring a cashbox. The Council members will be available for helping with whatever is needed. Ale reported that he and John will be at Silvercreek until 1:30 but they will come back as soon as possible. PASTORS REPORT: Pastor Ale reported that the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation will be held on October 25 th at Redeemer at 7:0. He said Pastor Johan Hinderlie and his wife will be presenters. Ale commented that each church is being asked for a donation of $200-$300 to support this event.

6 Pastor Golv s report was submitted. John reported that Redeemer is willing to share half of the cost and time of a youth director. Redeemer has someone interested in the position. John said we need to make a decision whether we want to pursue this offer or not so he can inform Redeemer. A motion was made by Deb Howe to explore the possibility of sharing a youth director with Redeemer. Chrysi Gibson seconded the motion. Motion carried. After the Lord s Prayer, the meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm. Next Council meeting will be October 17th at 5:30. Respectfully submitted by, Pam Cwikla, Secretary Stewardship Sunday We would like to invite the congregation to Stewardship Sunday on October 22. It will be a special day of fellowship for our members. There will be a special service at 10:30 and a great meal in the fellowship hall after the service. We hope you can be there! As you know, this is a time to pledge for the coming year. We really appreciate those that are willing to pledge, because, at the end of the year, when we have to determine the budget for the next year, that is the information we use for the coming budget. If you are unable to attend the service on Stewardship Sunday, we ask that you send or bring your pledge into the church office. Courage in Christ Stewardship Board. Pastor Al Erickson Workshop A workshop for Parents and Grandparents who want to help their Teenagers to be wise and have good judgment by making good choices. With the events in the news about the young Fargo expectant mother, Savannah Greywind and the young gal from Alexandria that was kidnapped by her peers, this is getting too close to home. Be Your Family s Hero/Heroine We live in a frightening day in America when media and peers are often having more influence on our children then are we parents and grandparents. We face molestation, bullying, Internet pornography addiction, chemical addiction, having babies out of wedlock, suicide, domestic violence, etc. And we know if any of this affects one of our offspring, our whole family will suffer.

7 Come hear some one who has been through it all. Pastor Al Erickson of Minneapolis had his daughter abducted by sex trafficking, went through the trauma of getting her back, and has six tools to share with parents and grandparents to help them keep their families safe. Sunday School News Sunday October 15 12:00 Noon - light lunch Workshop to follow Sponsored by Zion s Evangelism and Lay Ministry. We would like to THANK everyone who made it out to the Carnival on Rally Sunday. What a great kick off to another fun filled year of Sunday school! October Reminders: The Sunday school kids will be singing at the 8:30am service on Consecration Sunday October 22. We hope to see everyone there! Please join us on Facebook and Remind! Remind: Facebook: Zion Lutheran Church Sunday school - TRF If you have any questions, please let Becky ( ) or Davina ( ) know. You can also us at ziontrfsundayschool@mncable.net

8 . The Christian Ed/ Youth Board is asking for your help! We have many areas where you could help with youth events. Some of them are: K-5 event leaders, Jr High Events, Sr High Events, Children's Sermons, Confirmation, Flap Jacks for Faith I know everyone is busy, but if you could help with one event, it would be great! Please contact Amber Holtan or Kami Spears. We are hoping to have a schedule of events along with a signup sheet. Cider Mills in TRF has a corn maze and fun on site activities that would be great for our K-5 Event. If you are interested in heading this up for October, please let Amber or Kami know! Upcoming Events October 4 - Confirmation Orientation for Parents and Youth 6:00-7:30 in the sanctuary October 11 - First night of Confirmation- 5:30 - Light Supper of Spaghetti and Garlic Toast - $3.00, Pop - $.50 October 15 - Flap Jacks for Faith - 9:30 6th Grade and Older - Corn Maze in EG. Meet at the church at 3:00. Supper stop in EGF. Stay tuned for more info! Wednesday, October 18 - No Confirmation Wednesday, October 25 - Confirmation- guest speaker at Redeemer Saturday, October 28 - Haunted Woods in RLF for 6th grade and Older - Meet at the church at 7:00, bonfire at Kami s to roast hotdogs and marshmallows and then off for a night of thrills! Flap Jacks For Faith Sunday October 15 at 9:30.

9 If interested in working this event, please see Amber or Kami. CONFIRMATION There will be a confirmation meeting for parents and youth in grades 8th - 10th on Wednesday, October 4. It is required that confirmands attend this meeting as we will be going over the requirements for the upcoming confirmation year. An informational letter was mailed out. If you did not receive one, please let Kami or Amber know. Wednesday, October 11 - First Day of Confirmation Wednesday, October 25 Confirmation pictures 5:30 Saturday, October 28 Confirmation banquet 5:00 Sunday, October 29 - Confirmation at 10:30 service Starting Sunday, October 8 During the Sunday school hour. A letter will be mailed out with more details. 2nd Grade Bible Classes Calendar Sales! Calendars, notepads, and cards for sale! Sales before and after church services or in the church office during the day. If you purchase on Sunday, the proceeds go to the youth selling that morning. If you purchase during the week in the office, please specify if you would like the proceeds to go to a particular youth. If you don t designate a particular youth, the sale will go towards the chaperone fund

10 Noisy Offering for October goes to Operation Christmas Remind: This is a great tool! We will be using it to remind you of upcoming events. All accounts will be cleared (except SS) as of October 1, so please sign up for as many groups as you wish! Remind To subscribe via SMS (text message) Text With the Confirmation High School Middle School K-5 - Sunday School To subscribe via Send to: zlconfirm@mail.remind101.com Confirmation Class ziontrfhs@mail.remind101.com High School Activities ziontrfms@mail.remind101.com Middle School Activities ziontrfk5@mail.remind101.com K-5 Activities ziontrfss@mail.remind101.com- Sunday School Join as many groups as you wish! Operation Christmas Child It's that time of year again! Operation Christmas Child is in full swing! I would like to encourage everyone to fill at least one box, or if you would like to donate items, you can do that also. There are drop off boxes throughout the church for your items. Money donations are also welcomed to help with shipping costs or buy items to fill more boxes. A small shoebox can have a big impact. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out is eternal. Be a part of changing lives through the power of a simple gift. Gift Suggestions: TOYS: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as dolls, toy cars, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), etc. SCHOOL SUPPLIES: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc. NON-LIQUID HYGIENE ITEMS: toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.

11 ACCESSORIES: t-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), etc. A PERSONAL NOTE: You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. If you include your name and address, the child may be able to write back. DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans. October 1 - School supplies (pens, pencils, paper, crayons, etc.) October 8 - Personal hygiene items (combs, soap, washcloths, toothbrushes/paste) October 15 - Toys/games-small cars, dolls, jump ropes October 22 - Socks, t-shirts, hair bands, flashlights October 29 - Hard candy and bubblegum Luther and Lutheranism Martin Luther ( ) Martin Luther was eight years old when Christopher Columbus set sail from Europe and landed in the Western Hemisphere. He was a young monk and priest when Michaelangelo was painting the Sistine Chapel in Rome. A few years later, he was a junior faculty member at a new university in small-town Germany, intently studying the Scriptures, captivated with an extraordinary ardor for understanding Paul in the Epistle to the Romans. In these days Luther was tormented by the demand for righteousness before God. I did not love, yes, I hated the righteous God who punishes sinners, and secretly, if not blasphemously, certainly murmuring greatly, I was angry with God. Then, in the midst of that struggle with God, the message of the Scriptures became clear, like a long-shut door opening wide. When he realized that a merciful God justifies us by faith I felt that I was altogether born again and had entered paradise itself through open gates. What Luther discovered is the freedom of Christians trusting God s mercy in Christ. As he later wrote, Faith is God s work in us. It changes us and makes us to be born anew of God. This faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing. It is impossible for it not to be doing good works incessantly. Faith is a living, daring confidence in God s grace, so sure and certain that believers would stake their lives on it a thousand times. This discovery set Luther s life on a new course both his own life and his public service as a preacher and teacher. When a church-endorsed sales team came to the Wittenberg area in October, 1517, Luther was concerned that the promotion and sale of indulgences undermined the promise of God s unreserved mercy in Jesus and the faith that trusts that promise. His 95 Theses or Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences became the first of a life-long stream of books, sermons, letters, essays, even hymns in which he expressed his confidence in this lifegiving promise from God, the Gospel, and its liberating implications for all of life in church and society.

12