Faith Matters A P R I L F A I T H L U T H E R A N C H U R C H The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

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1 Faith Matters WORSHIP TIMES SUNDAYS 9:00 A.M WEDNESDAYS 6:15 P.M. CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP CHURCH OFFICE 255 Roosevelt Street PO Box 369 Valders, Wisconsin Phone Fax Website STAFF DIRECTORY Erica Cunningham, Senior Pastor Direct Office Line Cell: Nicole Welke, Associate Pastor Direct Office Line Cell: Christine Olson, Adm. Assistant Faith Matters Editor Nicolle Behnke, Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator ... David Kriewald, Custodian Derek Luckow, Bell and Mixed Choir Director Kim Bremer, Dennis Luckow, Carol Ulness, Becky Schultz Contemporary Worship Coordinators Peggy Madson & Sue Riesterer, Organists INSIDE In the Life of Faith 2 In the Life of Faith continued 3 Finances 4 Liturgical Roles/Membership 5 Synod Assembly News 6 This n That 7 Stewardship Corner 8 Celebrating Your Birthday 9 Calendar 10 F A I T H L U T H E R A N C H U R C H The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Dear Family and Friends of Faith, As we begin the spring season, where the weather finally starts to warm and people and animals start to emerge from hibernating through the cold winter I am reminded of one of my favorite hobbies. I have come to love gardening over the past several years. I grew up with my parents planting a very basic garden, but never thought anything of it. It was not until I worked at camp and we started a sustainable living focus that I began to really learn and enjoy gardening. When sustainable living became a focus at camp, I started actually to learn about gardening. I learned what was important when planting a garden and more importantly how gardening is a great analogy for faith. There are three key things that gardening and faith have in common. First, gardening is not something that happens overnight, there is a process that needs to occur. Let me explain. When you plant a seed it takes time first for the seed to germinate, then to grow, produce a fruit or vegetable, and then for that fruit of vegetable to ripen and mature. This process is an entire lifetime when it comes to a plant. Just like the fruits or vegetables that are produced over the lifetime of the plant, our faith also takes a lifetime. Faith is not a quick process, but rather one that has different stages and takes a lifetime to mature. It is why we emphasize to the confirmation students that Affirmation of Baptism is not a graduation but another step in their faith lives and that they will continue to grow in their faith. Second, when you plant a garden the only way it grows is if it is tended to with love and care. This means making sure the seeds and eventually plants have everything they need from nutrients to water to proper sun/shade. Plants only survive and produce if they are cared for as they grow. Our faith also needs tending as we grow. We grow in our faith by having others encourage us and by continuing to challenge ourselves and engage our faith. Just like a seed without proper nutrients will not grow, our faith will not grow if we just leave it and ignore it. Our faith needs constant care to in order for us to grow and deepen our relationship with God and others. Third, there is an element of working together when it comes to growing a garden. Some plants take certain nutrients from the soil while others replenish those nutrients. There are also insects that help to pollinate the blossoms that lead to fruits and vegetables. When you garden, you plant certain plants next to each other because they help each other grow and then from year to year you rotate when plants are planted to ensure the best environment to grow as every plant has its own unique nutrients it offers and takes from its environment. In our faith lives, we all have unique gifts we offer to the community that we are a part of to help that community flourish. It is also the case that at different points in our lives we need certain elements and support from others in the faith community to help us grow and be sustained. Just like a garden works together to grow, the community of faith works together to grow. These are just three ways my love for gardening is much more than just planting some vegetables to eat it is also about my faith. Where are you in your faith life? Is your faith being tended to and are you giving back because of the ways you have been nourished? The community here at Faith has most certainly been blessed for many years now we need to continue to tend what we have so we can continue the process of growth. Blessings, Pastor Nicole Welke A P R I L

2 In the Life of Faith The 65th annual National Day of Prayer will be observed May 5, this year we are focusing on God s continual restoration in our lives. To further highlight the theme, Isaiah 58:1a has been chosen as the Scripture for this year: Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. The Board of Evangelism will once again host a National Day of Prayer event at Faith Lutheran. An informal prayer service is being planned for 6:00 PM on Thursday, May 5 th. Interested participants should meet in the upper level Gathering Space. Weather permitting we will gather outside on the church grounds for a time of prayer for our world, our nation, and each other. If you are unable to be with us in person on this evening, we are asking families and individuals to be intentional in prayer during a part of this day. Please accept this invitation to emphasize the importance of PRAYER as a testimony to who God is and what we believe. Scholarship applications are available on the Information Desk in the Gathering Space. Deadline to apply is Sunday, April 24. Senior Christians will meet Tuesday, April 26 at 9:00 a.m. at 7 Angels. Book Club Book Club meets Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30 PM at Julie Endries home. They will be discussing Ditch Flowers by Amanda Linsmeier. APRIL STEWARDSHIP BAPTISM QUILTS Each time someone is baptized they receive a beautiful handmade quilt. These quilts are made by one of our members as a gift on behalf of the congregation. This month, we are collecting donations to help with this wonderful ministry. Donations of material (can you put in the size) can be left in the stewardship cabinet across from the office. We also have a memorial line item if you would like to make a donation. Thank you for your support of this important ministry! Materials needed are 1 1/2 yards of baby appropriate material per side and crib size batting. Material can be put into the Stewardship cabinet across from the church office. Monetary donations will also be accepted. Please bring to the church office. The Crossing has scheduled a volunteer training session for Saturday, April 16 th, from 9-2. If your heart beats for women in crisis, both physically and spiritually please register today. We have several different volunteer positions available. We are seeing more women and need a few more willing hearts and hands to meet the needs. Please call Belinda at , or belinda.g@crossingmanitowoc.org with questions or to receive an application and/or to register for the training. 2

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4 Finances Income - February Budget YTD Actual YTD Budget Envelope Offerings 20, Other Offerings & Income 3, Total Income 23, , , , Operating Expenses - February Benevolence 2, Board and other Expenses 8, Personnel Salaries/Benefits 16, Total Expenses 27, , , , Year to date General Fund Net Income: -6, Capital Appeal 1/31/2016 Denmark State Bank Loan Balance - $405, Monthly required payment $ 3, Additional payment for January $ Total February payment Principle paid $2, Interest paid $1, /29/2016 Denmark State Bank Loan Balance - $390, Donations this month were given to: Capital Appeal, Crossways Bible Camp, Faith Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund, Sunday School Education, World Hunger, Quilters Fund. Just a friendly reminder that your 2015 envelopes can be disposed of as you have a new envelope number for Some members have been using another family member s envelope as well, which will result in those contributions to be on their statement. If you come to church and don t have your envelope with you, white envelopes are provided in the pews for your convenience. Thank you. Help Needed: A Treasurer is needed for the Memorial, Capital Appeal, Scrip and Luther League accounts. Carolyn Hallberg is our current treasurer and she would be happy to work with you and explain the accounts. If interested, please contact her at or one of the pastors. 4

5 Liturgical Liturgical Roles Roles ~ Worship Responsibilities Membership Baptized Confirmed Families Worship Attendance Sunday Wednesday Total 2/ / / / Acolyte Schedule 4/3 Acolyte: Cassidy Tuschel Crucifer: Autumn Robley 4/10 Acolyte: Peter Cigler Crucifer: Dominic Hernandez 4/17 Acolyte: Makenna Kaderabek Crucifer: Carter Lenzner 4/24 Acolyte: Gracie Mulhaney Crucifer: Luke Evenson Head Usher Schedule- Sunday April... Mark Zutz and Glenn Otto May... Matt Krogh and Paul Franz Altar Guild Servers Communion: April... Bev Torrison, Chair (Committee #2) May... Marlene Evenson, Chair (Committee #1) Lectors 4/3 Judy Harris 4/6 Kerry Schnell 4/10 Bailey Goehring 4/13 Jill Backus 4/17 Brian Ulness 4/20 Cheryl Duchow 4/24 Stefanie Kaderabek 4/27 Gary Exner Communion Servers 4/3 Judy Harris 4/6 Kerry Schnell and Nancy Christianson 4/10 Dylan and Kyle Conrad 4/13 Bob Klessig and Sage Meyer 4/17 Brian Ulness and Kaye Jandrey 4/20 Delton and Cheryl Duchow 4/24 Stefanie Kaderabek and Lisa Mulhaney 4/27 Dave and Terry Haupt Sound Operator 4/3 Cheryl Domrath 4/6 Kelly Meyer and Dennis Luckow 4/10 Matt Brill 4/13 Keith Schultz 4/17 Loren Ulness 4/20 Keith Schultz 4/24 Quinten Robley 4/27 Keith Schultz Greeters 4/3 Kolten Johnson and Desirae Behnke 4/6 Myranda Manke and Caroline Berge 4/10 Dylan and Kyle Conrad 4/13 Myranda Manke and Katie Kapinos 4/17 Kolten Johnson, Eric Thomsen, Isaac Petska 4/20 Brian and Michelle Bilke 4/24 Jessica Jeske and Hannah Evenson 4/27 Sage Meyer and Myranda Manke Ushers 4/3 Paul and Michele Schmidt Scott Tuschel 4/10 Dennis and Bonnie Gordon Ben Cigler 4/17 Eric, Lana and Eli Nelson 4/24 Earl and Barb Griffin Larry Naidl Projection 4/3 Stefanie Kaderabek 4/6 Nate Bremer 4/10 Erin Lenzner 4/13 Kayla Hildebrandt 4/17 Carolyn Hallberg 4/20 Katie Kapinos 4/24 Rachel Robley 4/27 Cody Meyer Video Operator 4/3 Don Domrath 4/6 Kelly Meyer and Dennis Luckow 4/10 Bryce Larson 4/13 Keith Schultz 4/17 Roger Hallberg 4/20 Keith Schultz 4/24 Jason Robley 4/27 Keith Schultz 5

6 Synod Assembly News This year the Oshkosh Conference, specifically The Gathering Place Campus Ministry will be the recipients of our Synod Assembly Service Project. The Gathering Place Campus Ministry It s a place to meet friends, have a spirit-filled discussion, grab a beverage, enjoy a home-cooked meal and relax. Lutheran Campus Ministry at the Gathering Place in Oshkosh is a young adult ministry that offers worship, fellowship and a safe place for students to be themselves, students, faculty and the community are welcome to stop in. The Gathering Place is more than just a ministry center - we re home away from home for so many young adults during the school year offering Souper Mondays which provide a warm lunch and some great fellowship at the beginning of each week. On Thursdays, we offer a free home-cooked dinner, worship, followed by fun fellowship and ice cream. Our students are passionate about living out their faith through activities and programs sponsored by the campus ministry. It's a place where young adults grow and mature in their faith as they live out their transition years on campus. Following graduation, it's amazing to see many of these young people go on to become confident participants, leaders and pastors of the church! The Gathering Place campus ministry - Where Jesus Christ is Lord and Everyone is Welcome! Connie Weiss, Campus Minister The following is the Gathering Place Donation List: Paper/Office Supplies Dixie Paper Plates or Comparable (large and small) Paper Towel Paper Cups for Hot Beverages Napkins Kleenex Toilet Paper Reams Computer Paper (White, Pastel multipack, Neon multipack) Epson Printer Ink: 126 or 127 (Black and Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Multi-Pack) This organization will benefit greatly from your giving. Thank you so much for helping out with this year s service project. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pastor Kimberly Stowell at revkimjean@yahoo.com or Darlene Kalfahs at darlene.kalfahs@ecsw.org. Please bring all items to either Pastor Erica or Pastor Nicole s office and they will bring it to the Synod Assembly. 6

7 This n That During the month of February there were 38 families who purchased 172 scrip cards with a face value of $6, This gave Faith a rebate of $ Parents, keep in mind that 50% of your total rebate will go toward defraying the cost of camp for your child. So please continue to purchase scrip when you shop for groceries, buy gas, pay off Kohl's bill, get your fishing license at Fleet Farm, buy dog food at Silver Lake Country Store, or eat at your favorite restaurants just to name a few. The list of available cards is written on yellow paper and found in the pew rack. Use it to help you do your shopping and then take it to the Scrip counter, fill out the pink form and purchase the required scrip cards. The winner of a $10 scrip card in our monthly drawing was Lyle and Arlene Roehrig. You may be next month's winner. So BUY SCRIP. Caregivers Support Group at Faith Lutheran? What is a Caregivers Support Group: an informal gathering of people whose lives have or are directly or indirectly affected by the caregiving needs of another who benefit from peer acceptance and recognition for their concerns and grateful for the insight and humor of fellow caregivers. I feel this would be beneficial to some members of Faith as well as residents of our community. Details for this group are yet to be determined, as this point I am just wondering if there is interest. Please let me know what your thoughts are at Sue Riesterer Our Annual Election Meeting will be held April 17 following worship. All voting members are encouraged to attend. Thank you to everyone who donated gifts/candy/jars for the March Kid s Day Out. 30 some kids came and helped make Easter table decorations and had fun finding eggs during the Easter egg hunt. Thanks to all those that helped that day, it was a huge success and I couldn t have done it without all of you!!! Thanks to all the groups that participated in the chili cook-off! It was fun to see all the different themes and try all the chili. Good job to all! Nicolle Behnke, Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator 7

8 Stewardship Corner By the time you read this Easter will be over. The resurrection of our Lord is an inspirational event in the lives of Christians worldwide. Our Lenten season will be completed and I want to thank all of our members that filled their Lenten Coin Offering Envelopes and supported our 2016 annual budget. Our sponsorship program for supporting our 40 plus scripture readers will have come to an end as well. On behalf of our stewardship board and the board of directors who moved these to gift opportunities forward we want to thank you for your contributions and your participation. With over 40 Faith Lutheran Congregation Members completing their chosen option thousands of chapters of the Bible were read over the Lenten Season. Thank you to all who lifted up our efforts during these past weeks. I have had discussions with pastors and church board members regarding our financial status as a Congregation based on our capital appeal gifts and projections and our current giving for our annual budget. I have put together a summary for the remainder of our capital appeal for our mortgage which will end May of 2018.I have also used the last 3 year giving toward our budget, the average number of giving units that have given the last 3 years and compiled a projection of how that looks for our future through I shared the figures with the stewardship board on March 10, 2016 and will do so with the board of directors on March 21 st. Depending upon their review of these figures there may be future discussions regarding how we move forward from a financial aspect. All of our directors and members ultimately will have input into our future ministries and programs here at Faith. I felt it was important to outline some projections from an economic perspective that can be used to foster discussion for the future. We have to always remember that it is spring and Easter is the season of hope and we should remember to count our blessings more than be distracted by our shortcomings. Bryce Larson, Director of Stewardship The April Congregational Dinner is set for April 15th, at 6:00 PM. The dinner will be followed by a presentation on growing up in Puerto Rico and the Hispanic culture. The suggested donation for the dinner is $8.00. Reserve your seat by contacting the church office or James Schuessler. 8