August 2018 Newsletter Encouraging faith and proclaiming God s love by Gathering, Growing and Giving.

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Francis Holland
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This has made it more enjoyable to be outside, which has allowed me to do two of my favorite things at the same time: Listen to inspirational books on my Audible app Get outside for some powerwalks

1 Pastor Mary Eide Office: August 2018 Newsletter Encouraging faith and proclaiming God s love by Gathering, Growing and Giving. THOUGHTS FROM PASTOR MARY Welcome one and all! Well, the sweltering heat has passed (for now), and the mosquito invasion seems to have abated, as well. This has made it more enjoyable to be outside, which has allowed me to do two of my favorite things at the same time: Listen to inspirational books on my Audible app Get outside for some powerwalks It may seem like an odd combination, but all that oxygen running through my brain on the walk seems to allow the thought-provoking and sometimes life-changing messages of the books come to life for me. This week I started to re-read Canoeing the Mountains Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory by Tod Bolsinger. I m pretty sure I ve written about and spoken about this book in the past. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the future of the church, and honestly I think you can apply the lessons within the book to many different types of businesses. But here s the great thing about re-reading a book you get new insights from doing so. No doubt many of you have had the same experience. As I listened to the book the other day, my attention was caught by the author saying there was GOOD NEWS in what was being discovered with regards to the changes within the church and the culture around us. You all know how I love to hear about and share GOOD NEWS especially God s GOOD NEWS. But this is what surprised me almost had me stop dead in my tracks: Bolsinger said it was GOOD NEWS that the church has entered uncharted territory entered a place in time where what lays before us, is nothing like what lays behind us. I found myself thinking, Dear Lord, what could be good about this news? As if the author had sensed my thoughts, he followed up by explaining the church is at an exciting crossroads. We are entering a new day, new terrain and a new adventure. We are not alone. The Spirit of God goes before us. The mission of Christ will not fail. That s right, being in uncharted territory requires that we place ourselves in the hands of God. It means we need to be transformed, be willing to change and raise up leaders in the church. Bolsinger repeatedly teaches that we need to learn to ADAPT not merely to survive, but to thrive! We are called to adapt to a changing world because we are called to reach the changing world. We participate pg. 1

in Jesus mission to reestablish the will of God on earth as it is in heaven, while becoming more and more conformed to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29) to the glory of God.

2 in Jesus mission to reestablish the will of God on earth as it is in heaven, while becoming more and more conformed to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29) to the glory of God. A key to this adaptation is recognizing that we are not only a people with a mission but we need to become missional people. Bolsinger explains it this way: In a post-christendom world that has become a mission field right outside the sanctuary door, Christian community is about gathering and forming a people, and spiritual transformation is about both individual and corporate growth, so that they together participate in Christ s mission to establish the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. And as I powerwalked my way home and later pondered all that I had heard it dawned on me Hey, there IS GOOD NEWS in what he is saying. Our congregation can face this uncharted territory with the help of God. We can map out our future, discover new things together, and strengthen our connection to the One who created us saved us and daily inspires us. Are you with me on this journey? Do we have leaders adventure seekers folks who are willing to help us adapt? So I suggest we move beyond thoughts and conversations about scarcity, and replace them with conversations and imaginings about a bold new future. In Christ, Pastor Mary Pastor Mary will BE OUT OF THE AREA the evening of Wed., Aug. 2nd - afternoon of Mon., Aug.6th. If you need pastoral assistance during this time, please contact Pastor Les Walck at FUTURE DATES Sun., Aug. 5 th thru Thur., Aug 9 th 6-8pm Vacation Bible School Tue., Aug. 7 th 6-8pm Elk Mound National Night Out Thur., Aug. 9 th 5:30-8pm VBS Operation Fun and Games Night Sat., Aug 11 th 7a Ruby s Panty We need your help! Wed. & Thur., Aug 15 th & 16 th Women s Retreat at Luther Park Thur., Aug. 16 th 4-7pm Pie and Ice Cream Social Sat., Aug. 25 th 2pm Bishop s Installation at Bethel Highlands, Hudson Tue., Aug. 28 th 6pm Community Meal at Cornerstone WORSHIP BIBLE READINGS FOR AUGUST August 5 th Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15; Psalm 78:23-29; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:24-35 August 12 th 1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34:1-8; Ephesians 4:25-5:2; John 6:35, August 19 th Proverbs 9:1-6, Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58 August 26 th Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18; Psalm 34:15-22; Ephesians 6:10-20; John 6:56-69 AUGUST: USHERS: Dale Adams and Dave Blicher LECTOR/READER: DiAnna Scheffler ALTAR GUILD: Brenda DeLong COMMUNION ASST/ACOLYTE: DiAnna Scheffler and 1 more DELIVERY TEAM MEMBER: Need someone to deliver offering to the Bank pg. 2

SEPTEMBER: USHERS: Jim Vesper, Liz Troyer, Dave Gilberton, Jim Oebser LECTOR/READER: Open ALTAR GUILD: Claudeen Oebser COMMUNION ASST 9/2: Open 9/16: Open DELIVERY TEAM MEMBER: Open THINGS TO DO

8am-3pm) Come out and support our Annual Grocery Giveback because all proceeds will go to purchase groceries for local families in need over the Thanksgiving/Christmas Holiday.

3 SEPTEMBER: USHERS: Jim Vesper, Liz Troyer, Dave Gilberton, Jim Oebser LECTOR/READER: Open ALTAR GUILD: Claudeen Oebser COMMUNION ASST 9/2: Open 9/16: Open DELIVERY TEAM MEMBER: Open THINGS TO DO Faith Riders 2 nd Annual Charity THRIFT SALE Thur., 8/2-Sat. 8/4 at nd Ave. Lake Hallie. (Thur./Fri. 8am to 7pm; Sat. 8am-3pm) Come out and support our Annual Grocery Giveback because all proceeds will go to purchase groceries for local families in need over the Thanksgiving/Christmas Holiday. Presented by the Faith Riders Motorcycle Ministry of CV, call for more info. Elk Mound's First Ever "National Night Out" Tuesday, August 7th from 6-8pm. Raising public safety awareness and an opportunity to meet YOUR first responders. FREE FOOD, equipment will be on display and much more. Attending are EM Fire District, Colfax Rescue, the Dunn County Sheriff's Office and Elk Mound Police Department THURSDAYS 9-10am at The Junction. Open to the ENTIRE COMMUNITY. Get to know your neighbor, talk about life issues, laugh, share highs and lows of life, and more. Each first time visitors will get a FREE cup of coffee, tea or soda. Heart for Luther Park Quilt and Art Auction fundraising event, Sunday, August 5 th 10am-3pm Chicken Lunch, Silent Auction, Live Auction (12:30pm), Day Camp (10am-3pm) for kids. See images of the quilts for auction on this website: Come and support Lutheran Campus Ministry of UW-Stout, at their Annual Pack the Park event WHEN: Sunday, August 5, am-1pm WHERE: Wilson Park* (Corner of 7th Street East and Wilson Ave in Menomonie, WI) *RAIN LOCATION will be at Our Savior s Lutheran Church (910 9th Street East, Menomonie). Rain Call will be made by 7:00 AM on day of event. WHAT: Outdoor Worship Service with the three local ELCA Lutheran Churches at 10:00am. Chicken dinner fundraiser following the service. Many events and activities for ALL AGES! (Yard games, supervised youth activities, Bounce House, face-painting and more!) Live music by the Trinity Men s Band from Boyceville Also, a Bucket Raffle fundraiser with items donated from local business as well as art pieces from current and past Lutheran Campus Ministry Students! WHY: To gather with one another. All proceeds from the Bucket Raffle and Chicken Dinner Fundraisers will go to support Lutheran Campus Ministry to UW-Stout. pg. 3

We are STILL taking registrations for children Age 3 through those who have finished 5 th grade.

4 PIE AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL HERE!! Don t forget to mark your calendar for THURSDAY, AUG. 16 th 4-7pm for our youth fundraiser. Meal includes: BBQ Hotdogs Potato Salad Baked Beans Pie Ice Cream Beverages FAITH FORMATION INTERNATIONAL SPY ACADEMY VBS August 5 th through 9 th 5:30-8pm. We are STILL taking registrations for children Age 3 through those who have finished 5 th grade. We are still in need of volunteers, so please contact Vicki Adams ( ), Heidi Schiszik ( ) or Pastor Mary ( ) if you d like to help. Registration Forms found on Gathering Area table, online at or register by clicking on this link: NOTE: Everyone is invited to participate on Thursday, August 9th from 5:30-8pm in Operation Fun and Games. We ll begin the night by listening to the children sing songs of the week, watch a slideshow, play games for EVERYONE and close the night by enjoying some ice cream sodas. OPERATION BACK TO SCHOOL is a West Cap program that provides school supplies for any family in Dunn County that qualifies for free or reduced lunch. APPLICATIONS DUE: Friday, August 10 th DONATIONS OF SUPPLIES: Need to be at church by Sunday, August 19 th DONATIONS OF MONEY TO BUY SUPPLIES: Checks can be made payable to West Cap Operation Back to School, and mailed to PO Box 308, Glenwood City, WI If you have any questions or would like to learn ways that you can help, please contact Jill at , or westcap@wcap.org PICKUP for Menomonie, COLFAX, ELK MOUND, & Boyceville SCHOOL DISTRICTS is Wednesday, August 22 nd at the Stout Ale House Banquet Hall in Menomonie from 2:00-5:00pm. Needed supplies include: Large backpacks, spiral notebooks, folders, pens & pencils, washable markers and more. See complete list in the Gathering Space at church, along with applications. Applications, flyer and info also available on Facebook pages for our church and the school district. WOMEN S RETREAT for ELCA churches in the Chippewa Valley Conference at Luther Park on Wed., Aug. 15 th -Thur., Aug. 16 th. The theme is Change is Good and the speaker is Deb Gilbertson from Eau Claire. Music is by Jeanette Tobiason and Jennifer Kinblom. Registration is $65 or if you want to come for just Wednesday the fee is $35. You can find registration forms in the Gathering Area or at our website ( under Women of the ELCA tab. Any questions contact Phyllis Grohn or Jacki Johnson Checks made out to WELCA, and mailed to Eileen Christopherson, E th Ave., Elk Mound, WI, TH and 8 TH GRADE CONFIRMATION FAMILIES Please mark these dates on your calendars: September 5 th 7pm Parent/Student Confirmation Meeting September 12 th 3:20-4:30pm First Confirmation Class pg. 4

RALLY SUNDAY is SEPT. 9 th which means we have our Annual Pancake Breakfast, Bibles distributed in worship along with a Blessing of the Backpacks.

16 th and is for anyone 3-years old through adults of all ages. MONEY MATTERS ACCOUNT BALANCES July Mortgage $155,341.04 YTD Income $65,802.14 YTD Expenses $72,217.73 GIVE+ ONLINE GIVING It's here.

org Click on the GIVING tab on the left From there you can create a "Give +" account (email account and an 8 character password.

5 RALLY SUNDAY is SEPT. 9 th which means we have our Annual Pancake Breakfast, Bibles distributed in worship along with a Blessing of the Backpacks. This year we ll have some games and activities for the kids to do in between the meal and worship. SUNDAY SCHOOL starts up again on SEPT. 16 th and is for anyone 3-years old through adults of all ages. MONEY MATTERS ACCOUNT BALANCES July Mortgage $155, YTD Income $65, YTD Expenses $72, GIVE+ ONLINE GIVING It's here...online giving is really here! What does that means? Now you can set up and manage your own online giving account for your offerings to our church. Go to our church website at Click on the GIVING tab on the left From there you can create a "Give +" account ( account and an 8 character password...be sure to keep track of your password) You will get an from Vanco to 'verify' your address Once you've done that, go back to the church website, log in to Give+.and get started "Select Fund" (currently General Operating is the only option) "Select Frequency" you want to donate (one-time, weekly, etc.) Identify the giving "Amount" (no.00 required at the end of the dollar amount) Click "Next" at bottom of that screen, to select a start date and add information about source of payment (At this time it is only from a checking or savings account) Once you've completed the setup, be sure to go to the top left of the screen to see the drop down menu...and LOGOFF. What you'll also see on this drop down menu, are options you have for seeing your giving history, adjusting your source of payment and more! pg. 5

THANK YOU NOTES Shepherd of the Hill s W-ELCA for Kitchen Fund John & Mary Ausman in memory of Susie Douglas & Mary J. Sievert, General Fund Duane & Anita Clemmens in memory of Mary J.

Sievert, General Fund Denise Howe-Anderson in memory of Clarence Gruber, Food Pantry Carol Carstrom in memory of Mary J.

6 THANK YOU NOTES Shepherd of the Hill s W-ELCA for Kitchen Fund John & Mary Ausman in memory of Susie Douglas & Mary J. Sievert, General Fund Duane & Anita Clemmens in memory of Mary J. Sievert, Building Fund Rita & Keith Lee in memory of Mary J. Sievert, General Fund Faylene Howe in memory of Mary J. Sievert, General Fund Denise Howe-Anderson in memory of Clarence Gruber, Food Pantry Carol Carstrom in memory of Mary J. Sievert, Building Fund Ruby s Pantry for Autumn Fest LaVerne Ausman in memory of Al Meier Vic & Lori Jenson in memory of Al Meier, General Fund MARK YOUR CALENDAR FUTURE DATES Sun., Sep. 2 nd Back to 10am worship time Wed. Sep. 5 th Parent/Student Confirmation Meeting (7pm) Sun., Sep. 9 th Rally Day Pancake Breakfast, Bibles/Small Catechism distributed, Blessing of the Backpacks Wed., Sep. 12 th First Confirmation Class Sun., Sep. 16 th First Day of Sunday School Fri., Oct. 5 th Homecoming Parade would you like to be on our float? Sun., Oct. 7 th Autumn Fest Sun., Oct. 14 th Kings Countrymen Bluegrass Gospel Band leads worship Sun., Oct. 28 th Confirmation/Reformation Sunday pg. 6

7 Shepherd of the Hill Council Minutes June 19, 2018 Meeting called to order at 6:35P.M., by Greg Kinblom, President Members Present: Sandy Barth, Linda Dempski, Linda Eder, Greg Kinblom, Keith Lee, Rita Lee, Linda O Mara, Heidi Schiszik, Holly Sweeney, Betty Heltne, Pastor Mary Eide Members Absent: Dale Adams, Ken Millermon Pastor Mary opened the meeting with a prayer. A motion was made by Sandy Barth, and seconded by Keith Lee to approve the agenda as printed. Motion passed. Mutual Ministry: Pastor Mary and council members discussed how we all see ourselves as members of the congregation at Shepherd of the Hill, as well as ideas about a path/paths forward for the congregation. It is good to see Heidi Schiszik doing well; and Greg Kinblom indicated that most days are better, even though still unsure if it is Lymes; Jim Vesper is dealing with possible Lymes. Secretary s Report: A motion was made by Heidi Schiszik, and seconded by Betty Heltne to approve the secretary s report as printed. Motion passed. Treasurer s Report: A motion was made by Heidi Schiszik, and seconded by Holly Sweeney to approve the May treasurer s report, and file the report for audit. Motion passed. A motion was made by Heidi Schiszik, and seconded by Greg Kinblom to approve the April treasurer s report, and file the report for audit. Motion passed Rita Lee, and Pastor Mary, as members of the Finance Committee briefly discussed that they went through transactions/expenses from 2017, and had several questions. Linda O Mara and Sarah Larson are going to go through everything to do an internal audit of finances from Referenced did check out for No Non-Cents Accounting, LLC. We will do an in-house audit for the first half of 2018 (Linda O Mara and Sarah Larson). This won t have this ready by August to make the switch. New Business: The council discussed what to do over the budget income vs. expenses for the coming months. Old Business: Linda O Mara and Sarah Larson are working on the internal audit so a switch can be made for accounting services. Committee Reports: Property No report. Youth No report. Social Concerns Mounder Meals are available at summer school, food pantry, and at the Mini-Mart over the summer. The food pantry is being well utilized. pg. 7

Worship No report. Evangelism No report. Education Vacation Bible School (VBS) will be held August 5 th through August 9 th. There will be four full days of learning.

8 Worship No report. Evangelism No report. Education Vacation Bible School (VBS) will be held August 5 th through August 9 th. There will be four full days of learning. Thursday will be more like a fun night. Stewardship No report. Ruby s Pantry They continue to need volunteers to help with the distribution. Greg Kinblom will be here for the next distribution, but Vicki Adams will be unavailable for July and August. St. Francis will no longer take the extra food, so Greg Kinblom is checking for other places. The next Ruby s Pantry is Saturday, July 14 th. Pastor s Report: Pastor Mary has been busy getting youth organized for Sunday fellowship, coordinating the summer preaching series, and working with Vicki Adams for VBS. Linda O Mara and the Clemmens family will be organizing the Ice Cream Social for August. Volunteers have stepped up to help with office needs: Linda O Mara has been helping with the monthly newsletter; Carol Stuckert and Carol Heimstead have been helping with the Sunday bulletins. Sarah Sweeney, our summer marketing intern, and Cindy Wenzel, our Website manager have been working with Pastor Mary about ways to optimize our communication both within the congregation, and the community. She thanked the Financial Committee for their dedicated work to resolve concerns that have arisen in the monthly meetings. Pastor Mary also shared that the Elk Mound Middle School eighth graders were unable to get several projects for congregational members completed, so there is a need to find people to finish those two projects. Next Meeting: Tuesday, July 24 th, 6:30 P.M., at Holly Sweeney s house. This meeting will be a potluck. Check with Holly Sweeney for her address/directions. A motion was made by Sandy Barth, and seconded by Keith Lee to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 P.M. We closed with the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Linda Dempski, Secretary pg. 8

August 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 9a-Noon Quilting Pastor Mary out-of-town THRU August 6 th!

10am Fellowship (Women s Groups 1 & 3) 10am-1pm Pack the Park 10a-3p Heart for Luther Park; 12:30p Live Auction 5:30pm-8pm VBS 5:30pm-8pm VBS Pastor Mary back in town!

9 August 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY a-Noon Quilting Pastor Mary out-of-town THRU August 6 th! 4pm-7:30pm Big Elk Creek Ice Cream Social 10am-Noon Food Pantry Pastor s Sabbath am Worship NO Comm. 10am Fellowship (Women s Groups 1 & 3) 10am-1pm Pack the Park 10a-3p Heart for Luther Park; 12:30p Live Auction 5:30pm-8pm VBS 5:30pm-8pm VBS Pastor Mary back in town! 4pm-6pm Food Pantry 5:30pm-8pm VBS 6pm-8pm Elk Mound s National Night Out 5:30pm-8pm VBS 9am Coffee & The Junction 5:30pm-8pm VBS Operation Fun & Games Night for whole family 10am-Noon Food Pantry Pastor s Sabbath am Worship w/comm 10 am Fellowship (Youth Serves) NEED 2 families 4pm-6pm Food Pantry 6pm Finance Committee Meeting Women s Retreat at Luther Park 9am Coffee & The Junction 4p-7p Ice Cream Social Women s Retreat cont d 10am-Noon Food Pantry Pastor s Sabbath am Worship w/comm 10am Fellowship (Women s Groups 2 & 4) 4pm-6pm Food Pantry 6:30pm Church Council Meeting 9am Coffee & The Junction 10am-Noon Food Pantry Pastor s Sabbath 7am Ruby s Pantry We need your help! 2pm Bishop s Installation at Bethel Highlands, Hudson am Worship 10am Fellowship (Youth: Young & Simpson) 4pm-6pm Food Pantry 6pm Community Meal at Cornerstone 9am Coffee & The Junction 10am-Noon Food Pantry Pastor s Sabbath pg. 9

10 Encouraging faith and proclaiming God s love by Gathering, Growing and Giving. Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church 207 University Street Elk Mound, WI 54739

September 2018 Newsletter Encouraging faith and proclaiming God s love by Gathering, Growing and Giving.

Pastor Mary Eide Office: 715-879-5115 sothlc@sothem.org meide@luthersem.edu www.sothem.org September 2018 Newsletter Encouraging faith and proclaiming God s love by Gathering, Growing and Giving. THOUGHTS