We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith.

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1 We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith. April, 2019 Inside Page 2 Upcoming Events/ Notices Page 3 Opportunities to Give/ Serve Page 4 Committee Reports Page 5 Worship, Music & Arts Page 6 Child Care News Page 7 LCC News Page 8 Council Update Page 9 Financial Report Page 10 Worship Service Groups Page 11 Calendar Sisters and Brothers in Christ, With all the snow which has fallen that we have had to shovel and push around has created barriers as we tried to get from one place to another. Backing out of my driveway with 6 foot piles of snow makes it hard to see other cars coming down the road. Piles of snow in and around other driveways keeps us from seeing a deer or pedestrians trying to cross the road. We have been force to get around town with tunnel vision. While we trust this tunnel vision will soon depart as the warm weather and rain come to wash it all away. We also understand tunnel vision does not only inhibit our ability to get around but our ability to accomplish other things in life. Tunnel vision can keep us from seeing possibilities and opportunities as we seek to serve others in the name of Jesus. So from time to time as we try to get around from place to place, we might need to get out of the tunnels and climb up on top of the piles of snow to see what is happening around us. Or in case of the church, we might need to go up in the balcony to get a bigger and wider view of what is taking place below. What does this mean? From my point of view, it means a couple of things. At the time I was called to serve as your Directing Pastor, I found much excitement around moving forward to accomplish many of the things which were put on hold during the call process. Before I go further, I want to say how thankful I am to all of you who kept the various committees working. Each of the committees of the church is vital to the multitude of ministries and activities which take place here at Central Lutheran. I have found each of the committees and their members committed to fulfilling their work and to serve the people of Central Lutheran and the people of Winona. Secondly, because of the length of time you were in the call process, waiting and working to survive until your new directing pastor arrived some tunnel vision developed. Some of the committees as they worked to ensure what they were responsible for was done and done well, put on some blinders. Now as we look forward to projects and possibilities taking off the blinders, getting up and on top to catch a bigger vision can be blinding and maybe overwhelming. Much like the House that God Built project that is underway to reclaim parts of our building which have been unusable for a few years. Here tunnel vision allowed you to focus on what was most important at the time, sustaining your ministries during the waiting process by closing the doors to unusable rooms. Now we want to open the doors and gain a new perspective of how this space will offer us new opportunities to serve our members, the church and the community. By reclaiming and restoring our building we will better be able to fulfill our purpose and mission of serving the people of Winona in the name of Christ. As we take the wider and longer view, it will frighten some and energize others. Yet as we move forward we will do so respecting the past as we seek to serve others and the world in the name of Christ, guided by our mission of being Central to Winona. Pr. Michael Short, Directing Pastor 259 W. Wabasha Winona, MN

2 Upcoming Events/ Notices The Feast Wednesdays 4:45-6:00 p.m., Grace Hall See Menu in the Feast News section of this newsletter. Adult Forum Sundays, 9:15 a.m., Library March 17 to April 14, we will be discussing the lectionary readings for each week. All are welcome. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Palubicki at Gather Bible Study Thurs., Apr. 4, 2:00 p.m., Grace Hall Take part in session four of the Meetings with Jesus Bible study from the Gospel of John on page 25 in the April issue of Gather magazine. Coffee and refreshments at 3:00 p.m. All women are welcome! CLC Book Group Mon., Apr. 8, 9:30 a.m., Grace Hall Mon., Apr. 22, 9:30 a.m., Library The book group has selected Devotions for Easter by Stacey Edwards to guide us in the Lenten season. We read four to five devotions together and share our thoughts and reactions to these meditations. This is deepening our experience of each devotion. We have extra books at a very small cost and invite you to join us as we move through Lent sharing our faith with each other. All are welcome. To find us at Central, just listen for animated conversation and laughter. If you have questions, contact Gayle Garrity at First Communion Class Sat., Apr. 13, 9:00 a.m., Grace Hall This class is intended for those in 5th grade and for those who have not had the class the last time it was offered. Any questions, please feel free to contact the church office at Welcoming Table Mon., Apr. 15, 5:30 6:30 p.m., Grace Hall Project Fine community meal. All are welcome! Engaging Children in Worship To engage children in worship more and educate them about church, you can find one copy of "Worship Notes" for kids ages 5-12 in each of the busy bags with additional copies near the Huff St. doors. Kids who completely fill them out during service can bring them to the back near the Huff St. doors after service to receive a prize! Devotional Readings Available Strengthen your faith every day! Pick up the newest Christ in Our Home devotional at the welcoming desk in the Narthex. Notary Services Available Central Lutheran Church currently has a notary public on staff. If you need a document notarized, please contact Wendy Rasmussen at the church office, Pastoral Care In case of a pastoral emergency, please call the church office at If the office is closed, the answering machine will give you the number of the pastor on call. For all other needs, please contact the church office Monday Friday 8:00-4:30 p.m. Facebook Page Like us on our four Facebook pages (Central Lutheran Church, Central Lutheran Youth, CLC Sunday School, Central Lutheran Child Care Center) to receive information about upcoming events as well as exciting things happening with the youth of CLC! Children s Choir Rehearsal Wednesdays, 4:45-5:45 p.m., Sanctuary No Rehearsals: W ednesdays, Apr. 3, Apr. 10 Bring your grade K-6 children for rehearsal in the sanctuary and stay for dinner at The Feast. We will sing and perform a variety of fun music! Any questions, please contact Aleah Harvey at or clcmusic3@gmail.com. Prayer Shawl Gathering Mon., Apr. 22, 6:00 p.m., Grace Hall Please join us for a gathering at the church. Bring your prayer shawls and we can visit and work on our shawls. If you are not working on a prayer shawl but would be interested in joining our group, please come to the gathering. No RSVP needed. Any questions, please contact Sheri Maier at Confirmation- Wednesday Night Workshop Wednesdays, 6:15-7:45 p.m., Sanctuary, Grace Hall High School Youth Group: Grades 9-12 Wednesdays, 7:45-8:45 p.m., Grace Hall Cantorei: Adult Choir Rehearsals: Thursdays, 6:30 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary No Rehearsals: Thursdays, Apr. 4, Apr. 11 2

3 Opportunities to Give/Serve February Food Basket With all the snow and cold February s totals are rather slim but thank you for what was brought in. Nonperishable food was 350lbs and $34.00 in cash. The total for February was 418lbs, making our grand total 1492lbs. We are in the midst of the March MN. Food Share Campaign. Access to nourishing food is a basic human right. Convenient Giving Not able to make it to worship on Sunday morning because of weather or other activities? Spending time down south in the winter or up north in the summer? You can support Central with your weekly/ monthly giving automatically from your checking or savings account. Forms available at the welcome center or in the church office. Thrivent Choice Dollars If you have any Thrivent Choice Dollars, please consider directing them to Central Lutheran Church. The Feast The Feast is looking for cooks. If interested, please contact Kendra Budnick Communications Committee We are forming a communications committee to design and implement a comprehensive communication plan for Central Lutheran including social media management. The committee will work alongside and provide support to the administrative team. If you are interested in communication tools, social media, or graphic design, please consider joining and sharing your talents! For more information, contact the office at centluth3@gmail.com. This is the House that God Built Campaign Update Fixing the House That God Built Capital Campaign is underway! Phase 1 encompasses removal of old landscaping and grading the 7 th St. side of church, reinforcing window wells and water entry points, and new landscaping to support draining of water away from the building. The need for this work is evident in the church basement at this time, as the rapid spring melt is causing water to enter the lower level of the building. We can support this project in large and small ways. Check out the project plan in the narthex, and then turn your attention to the envelopes on display. Each envelope has a picture of a project component, a dollar amount, and inside is a commitment card. You can contribute a one-time donation, or with a pledge. Return your completed commitment card in the offering plate or to the church office. Different elements of the project are being offered for fundraising. Some projects are offered in their entirety; some are divided into smaller opportunities. Have you dreamed of running large equipment in a life-size sandbox? Be on the Big Digger Team and support the work that involves large equipment. Do you have a passion for planting? Take an envelope and make a donation for a plant or a whole garden area. The major work of Phase 1 is set to begin early this summer over $8,000 has already been committed. Please join the campaign to Fix the House That God Built, as we begin Phase 1 and stem the tide of water currently entering the building. A team of congregational members, under the leadership of Lee Buxengard and in conjunction with the Properties Committee, will oversee the work being done. A Fundraising Committee is being assembled, under the leadership of Dr. Bill Davis, to generate the dollars necessary to complete all components of this campaign. Please join together to support Phase 1 of Fixing the House That God Built. 3

4 Reports Youth Hello everyone! My name is Emma Herek. I am a sophomore at Winona State University. In early December, I was asked to come to church on Wednesdays to spend time with the high school youth. The beginning goal was to get the majority of the youth to come regularly on Wednesdays. I was very surprised that almost all of the high schoolers came that first Wednesday, and ever since they have continued to come! I have grown very close to the youth, and have found that they are a very special group. Our Wednesdays have become dedicated to talking, laughing, playing games, eating (not so healthy) treats, and planning future events. One upcoming event that we have planned is to go to Nate and Ally s on March 20 th. All high school youth are welcome to come! Other future unplanned events include hiking, cooking, and volunteering as a group. I am thrilled to see where the next few months will take us! If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to text or call me at Feast Spring has sprung, and the Feast is celebrating the warmer weather and longer days. Come join us on Wednesdays from 4:45 until 6:00 for a home-cooked meal and great fellowship. Stay for Lenten services at 6:15 and participate in a mid-week service during these days of reflection before Easter. There will be no Feast on April 17, which is the Wednesday of Holy Week. Please plan ahead for an alternate meal for this evening. APRIL FEAST MENU: April 3: Chicken Gravy over Mashed Potatoes April 10: Goulash April 17:No Feast; Holy Week April 24: Hamburger Hotdish *Menu may be subject to change Social Concerns/ Missions Missions Committee received two thank you s: Thank you for your prayers and gift of $ for Kris and Carol Gurung - support Fund. This financial contribution helps advance the King s work as Kris and Carol bring the Gospel to those least likely to have heard, believed, or benefited from its saving and transforming power. Thank you dear Friends of the Mission Committee for your generous gift of $ for the Lutheran Campus Center of Winona. We deeply appreciate this gift. It will make a huge impact for us, especially this year since Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota, an organization which used to support us with more than $50, annually, disbanded a few years ago and gave their last gift of $16,264 last year. It will be a challenge this year filling that financial hole. I arrived at 8:15 am two Monday s in a row to find our kitchen already bustling with activity. They were enthusiastically planning their service and learning trip. They told me that the only time they could find to work together was 8:00 am on Mondays-they are so dedicated. They are the future leaders of the church and the church is in good hands. Thank you for giving them a community in which to share God s love, study God s word, and do God s work. Thank you for keeping us close to your hearts., Sincerely, Kelley Olson, Philanthropy Director. 4

5 Communications and Technology Survey Worship, Music & Arts Aleah Harvey, Director of Worship, Music and Arts Thank you for participating in the survey in February! It produced some expected and some unexpected results. Your comments were also helpful. The results revealed that many of our current communication methods are fairly effective in reaching Central Lutheran members but should be revamped to reach the greater community of Winona and surrounding. Many commented that Facebook should be used more extensively and regularly. Although the survey is not representative of our entire congregation (it solicited 115 responses), it indicated that many of you do utilize and Facebook (see the graph below). We will also have sermons available on our website very soon. It was clear that information should be include in Winona newspapers more often to reach community members as well. The Communications Committee will be working to develop and implement a communications plan. Thank you for your feedback. Below are other ways for you to participate in worship in April. HOLY WEEK April 18 Maundy Thursday, April 19 Good Friday & April 20 Easter Vigil worship at 6:15 p.m. each night EASTER SUNDAY April 21 Easter Sunday services will be at our regular worship times 8:15 a.m. & 10:15 a.m. The Joyful Noise Bell Choir will perform on April 7 th during the 10:15 am service. The Choir is made up of Winona community members including several from Central Lutheran. Please come to support the group and be blessed by beautiful handbell music! EASTER FLOWERS Celebrate the Resurrection! We are planning for a selection of lilies and other flowers to decorate the sanctuary. Please give as you are able. Make checks payable to Central Lutheran Church with Easter Flowers in the memo line. Donors & dedications received by Sunday, April 14 th, will be acknowledged in the Easter Sunday bulletin. Forms will be available in the Narthex. 5

6 April 2019 Mission: Provide the building blocks of child care by creating learning opportunities infused with faith while supporting the whole family What s Happening at your Child Care Center? When you walk into Central, you may not realize, there is a lot happening behind the scenes: Children s experiences The center teachers provide studies that give our children many experiences with in that subject of study. There are many interesting studies that the children participate in; Easter, nursery rhymes, recycling, ocean animals, ways to help the earth and the color purple. April brings fun activities of spring also. Making Memories with our youngest community members! Here are pictures of our younger children learning, experiencing and having fun! Contribution to the Winona Community We currently serve 53 families, 75 children enrolled. We are able to add a few children here and there that fall into the age range where we have availability. The Winona area is great need of quality child care. We are looking forward to the summer program and the possible changes that will be made to make it safe for our children here at the center. The Center s Team The center employs 40 staff at this time. Annual reviews for the CLC CCC team are completed and staff were helpful in pointing out some of the many places that the center can work harder to even be better. Staff have trainings throughout the year to keep learning more ways to teach the children in our care. From our Center Family to Your Family Easter is a time to spend with family and friends. During this time of lent reflect on how God is present in your life and how you can spread his love like a child s smile spreads love to all. Amazing April Grins coming your way! Questions, please contact us Phone childclc@hbci.com 6

7 A man who is experiencing homelessness bought lunch for me today. Yes, you read that correctly. You may be wondering why I would accept such a gesture. Shouldn t it be the other way around? Shouldn t I, the pastor, buy lunch for him, a man who is currently sleeping at Winona s Warming Center and stretching his checks from the VA? Let me back up. On a stifling hot day last summer, I saw a man with a sign standing on the corner of Mugby Junction on Mankato Avenue in Winona. It seemed there were more people with signs in Winona last summer than other times, and each time, my kids and I would stop. Most of the time we simply talked to the person, listened to their story, and received their name as their identity, rather than the label homeless, or poor. On that day, though, I was alone and had just driven back to Winona from preaching at a church. I was tired and wanted to go home to my air conditioned house. I ll be honest, I thought about driving away. It would have been so easy to pretend I hadn t noticed the man on the corner. Something tapped me on the shoulder, though, and coughed a little, Ahem. I don t know about you, but Holy Spirit has a way of getting in my business and being quite persistent about it, too. When I got out of my car, I was immediately hit with the humidity of a 90-degree day. I first noticed the man s Vietnam Veteran hat. A cup of coffee sat near a black duffle bag. Hi, I said. How are you doing on this hot day? His mustache twitched, and he laughed. I asked if he d like some water, and he declined, saying he had his coffee; he was good. I learned his name is Don, my godfather/uncle s name, and he needed a ticket to St. Cloud to get some help from the VA office there. We talked for a while; I gave him some money; we parted ways. Fast forward several months to a winter morning. When I saw him waiting in my office while I wrapped up a meeting, my first thought was, Oh, no. I ve been targeted as someone who will just give out money. This was followed immediately by a sense of shame. I tried to clear my head as I sat down with him again. And again we talked for a while; I gave him a little money; we parted ways. So, when I saw him again at Mugby Junction on Huff Street, the same building as the LCC, I was a bit taken aback. I thought he was going to St. Cloud again. I walked by with my hot coffee, ready to get to work on s and other important desk tasks. But, something tapped me on the shoulder again and insisted, Go back. Talk to Don. (That pesky, beautiful Holy Spirit ) After two minutes, I was genuinely glad I sat down to talk with Don again. I could have talked with him all day, I think. He shared such incredible hope, and his eyes revealed joy. I asked him how he developed such a persistent hope, and he told me more about himself and his love of Jesus. After a while, he said, Let me pay you back $20. I was embarrassed and said, No, no. You do not have to give me any money. Just pass it on. Again he said, Please. I just got paid from the VA yesterday, and again I said, No, it s okay; just pass it on. He paused, then asked, Could I buy you lunch? Please? Let me buy you lunch. Anything you want. And finally I realized the invitation was so much more than lunch, or paying me back. There was a mutuality waiting to be acknowledged and honored. A request to show gratitude. And respect. So, Don bought lunch for me today, and I have never tasted such a humble bowl of tomato bisque. With a full belly and heart, Pastor Corrine Haulotte 7

8 Central Lutheran Church Council Minutes: February 19, 2019 A. Call to order B. Devotions C. Bill moved/gayle seconded approval of agenda. D. Approval of minutes: M/S Gayle/Bill. Approved. E. Treasurers Report: M/S Bill/Gayle. Approved F. Old Business: Council Update G. -Sustainability/energy audit update. Excel to come Feb. 21, 2019 as a preliminary audit. Jeanne Franz will be here from WSU with 8 students as part of the sustainability project, prior to an audit requiring a fee. Once audits complete, we will explore the sustainability projects. H. New Business: -House That God Built Appeal: 1. Update on project: reviewed preliminary outlay of organizational chart detailing the Project Management/Consulting Engineer, and Fundraising Task Force. Pr. Mike and Bill will contact potential leads on the consulting/construction engineer. 2. Generated names for leadership of fundraising task force. Council will take on roles. Bill Davis-Chair; Marie and Tammy articulating goals to congregation and write newsletter communications. Bill P. and Bill D. will call potential task force members. Pr. Short supplied a newsletter article detailing the motion approved at annual meeting. Organizational Meeting will be set for March 5 at 6:30. -Building use form. Reviewed by Pr. Short. -Update of constitution and by-laws: some tweaks needed to update and conform to current terminology and practice. -Policy: reviewed inclement weather policies and closures. -Committees- mission and purpose- Pr. Short is working on this. Tammy will work with Communication committee comprised of staff members Aleah, Wendy and Kelly, plus congregational members. Focus will be short/long term planning for communications throughout the year. I. Staff reports: M/S Marie/Bill to approve staff reports. One note: Aleah s office will move to the middle office. J. Committee Reports: M/S Bill/Tammy to approve recommendation of Personnel committee to increase pay from $20 per hour plus mileage to $30 per hour, to bring pay in line with Synod recommendations of $35 per hour. This hourly pay, based upon past hours, should not go over budget. -M/S Marie/Bill to approve all other committee reports. K. Announcements: Tammy made announcement that internships are available if we can formulate a plan, from either WSU or St. Mary s. These are unpaid but for credit. Ideally, we are 6 months out, so they are approved for credit. Supervision would be Pr. Short, Aleah. 8

9 Financial Report Operating Fund February 2019 Total Income: $30, Total Expenses: $49, Offering Goal March $46, Thank you for your support of Central s ministry. Mortgage Monthly payments for interest and principal February: $3, Gifts for Building Fund February: $ Gifts for additional mortgage principal reduction February: $ Mortgage principal balance on Mar: $297, Gifts in memory or honor of someone MEMORIALS Feb through Mar UNDESIGNATED Memory of Sandy Adams Given by Richard & Carol Kramer Given by Heather Nyseth Given by Donald & Donna Peterson Given by Arlene Schwerzler Memory of Sherman Woodward Given by Bruce & Judith Anderson Given by Wade Davick Given by Rebecca Nyseth Given by Joan Roessler Memory of Barbara Jean Henderson Anniversary of her Passing Given by Walter Henderson FEAST Honor of Fred Welke s Birthday Given by Bill & Judy Davis FLOWER FUND Memory of Sandy Adams Given by Sue Vandervort QUILTERS Memory of Sandy Adams Given by Dorothy Sorum SUNDAY SCHOOL Memory of Sandy Adams Given by Judy Benson, Alexis & Hayden Graves Memory of Richard Fick Given by Lou Anne Schwarz, John & Pat Brandt, Richard & Eugenia Moe, Laurie Laib, Jerry & Nancy Polson, Joan Jackels, Mark & Marie Jungerberg, Carol Wadewitz, Lavern & Nancy Hauschildt Memory of Sherman Woodward Given by Judy Benson WATER REPAIR Memory of Dick Keiper Given by Ronald Kruse DONATIONS FEAST Peerless Chain Corporate THRIVENT DOLLARS Lavern & Nancy Hauschildt Jacqueline Kimber Dale & Linda Klabo Rolland & Andrea Ledebuhr Charles Lehnertz Bert Pearson Arlan Runningen Designated Gifts in February CLC Foundation-$25.00 Feast -$2, Flower Fund-$30.00 Funeral Fund -$ Memorials Fund -$ Missions - $ Music & Arts-$ Music & Worship-$ Quilters -$ Sunday School -$ World Hunger -$ WVS Food Shelf-$53.00 Youth -$

10 Worship Service Groups: April :15 Altar Guild 8:15 Usher 8:15 Acolyte 8:15 Greeter Comm. Bread April 7 Kathy Benke Mike Kolstad Jack Motl Greta Poser Margeret Markey Denise Bernatz Tim Ambuhl Carolyn Larson Dave Matzke Paul Berhow April 14 Janice Brown Dennis Glawe Volunteer Needed Leger Family Leslie Pfaff Katherine Kulas Cindy Glawe Myrna Olson Chris Nisbit Toni Nisbit April 21 Carol Kramer Jack Motl Volunteers Needed Kathy Benke Easter Kathy Benke Bernita Salmon April 28 Nancy Hauschildt Tim Ambuhl Volunteer Needed Carol Kramer Bruce Fuller Denise Bernatz Paul Berhow Gayle Garrity Mike Kolstad Geri Williams 10:15 Altar Guild 10:15 Usher 10:15 Acolyte 10:15 Greeter Video Recorder April 7 Karen Lukazewski Steve Hacken Julius Hanson Karen Lukaszewski Linda Bouck Carmen Hannon Brent Herber Nora Wagner Diane Berge Sheri Maier Tim Laib Laurie Laib April 14 Amy Halvorson Dave Hackbarth Julius Hanson Dian Biesanz Bill Davis Toni McDevitt Sharri Hackbarth Alanna Fenske Dian Biesanz John Larkie Mary Larkie April 21 Dian Biesanz Wesley Wollan Volunteers Needed Linda Bouck Easter Karen Hemker Volunteer Needed Donna Peterson April 28 Mia Martin Gayle Garrity Julius Hanson Carolyn Larson Bill Davis Peggy Twait Don Peterson Sheri Maier Ed Littlejohn Carolyn Larson The quilters gathering held at Central on March 16th. The Bach Society of Minnesota concert held at Central on March 17th was to a full house. It was a great concert. Thanks to all who helped make this event at Central take place. Special thanks to Aleah Harvey and Judy Davis. 10

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12 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # W. Wabasha Winona, MN Return Service Requested WEDNESDAY LENTEN WORSHIP SCHEDULE During the season of Lent on Wednesday nights we will offer a worship service using the Holden Evening Prayer Service liturgy. This is a quiet and reflective service as we gather to hear God s word, to reflect upon his mercy and to gather around Christ s table. This Lent we will be offering coloring pages which connect to the readings from Jesus life from the Gospel of Mark. April 3 rd at 6:15 p.m.- theme is Love using Mark 12:41-44 April 10 th at 6:15 p.m.- theme is Watch using Mark 13:32-37 April 17 th at 6:15 p.m.- theme is Risk using Mark 14:3-9 April 18 th at 6:15 p.m.- Maundy Thursday is Take-Eat-Forsaken using Mark 14:22-41, 15:16-39 April 19 th at 6:15 p.m.- Good Friday using the texts from Luke s passion story April 20 th at 6:15 p.m.- Easter Vigil will include Go & Tell using Mark 16:1-8 April 21 st at 8:15 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.- Easter Sunday You are invited to join us on Wednesday nights during Lent for the FEAST in Grace Hall prior to our worship at 6:15pm in the sanctuary. Come and join us as we journey with Jesus to Jerusalem, his death on the cross and more importantly to his resurrection from the dead on Easter Sunday, April 21 st. 12