FAITH LUTHERAN VISITOR

Transcription

1 FAITH LUTHERAN VISITOR April Volume 64 Issue 4 Faith Lutheran Church-ELCA 201 S. 4th Street, P.O. Box 305 Cameron, WI churchoffice@faithcameron.org pastor@faithcameron.org Monday 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Tuesday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Office: 715/ Worship Line: 715/ Dear Friends in Faith, With Regrets Those words reverberated in our church, across our community, and in our minds. As most of you are well aware by now, those words were attached to Pastor Mark s resignation as pastor of Faith Lutheran at a special council meeting on Thursday, March 9. During his nearly six-month tenure Pastor Mark strived to serve Faith in many ways. First and foremost, he exhibited a passion for justice. He championed a cause to establish our church as a sanctuary church and aided in establishing our church as a safe haven in case of a disaster. His kindness and compassion were felt by the elderly and homebound whom he visited on a regular basis. He also worked with the local food pantry and homeless shelter to insure regular donations from our congregation. As a dedicated leader, he never missed a Sunday. He tried his best to mix his services between traditional and contemporary to meet the needs of our congregation and his messages were firmly grounded in sacred scripture. In addition, he led our confirmation program. Despite all that he had done it became obvious that his passions were becoming increasingly divergent from the needs of our congregation. His personal exuberance often exceeded local social and boundary norms. As a result, the senior leadership reached out to the Northwest Synod for guidance. As difficult as it may seem, it was mutually agreed that it would be best for all parties to terminate Pastor Mark s tenure at Faith immediately. Obviously this development is difficult for everyone involved. However, thanks to support from our Northwest Synod, our council, and the members of our congregation, we are moving forward. Rande Purdy has stepped up to head a new call committee. The Synod has helped us secure an able Bridge pastor, Neal Weltzin of Trego. Pastor Neal will be walking with us on a part time basis over the coming months. Hopefully, the search for a new Pastor will be timely as we will not have to go through an extended period with an interim Pastor. As we continue our Faith journey I ask that you keep Pastor Mark and family in your prayers as well as our council and congregation. Please don t hesitate to speak with our leadership if you have questions. Our Hands are still extended to do in God s Work. Yours in Faith, Bill Knickerbocker Council President

2 Dear People of Faith, With the recent change in your pastoral leadership I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Pastor Neal Weltzin and the Northwest Synod office requested that I consider being your bridge pastor as you begin the process of securing the pastor of your future. After a visit with your executive committee we have agreed for me to serve in this capacity. I am not an interim pastor as I will not assist in the call process but, I am more, if I could say a glorified supply. I will serve with the capacity of an ordained pastor but with part-time hours and services. I will help lead worship, do some limited visiting, and help resource and support programs you are already doing. I will be on call for any pastoral care that may be needed. I graduated from Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque IA in May of My first call was to a three church parish; Faith, Mt. Hope and New Hope located in Pendleton and Pocahontas counties of West Virginia. My second call was to a two church parish; Trinity, rural Cumberland, WI and Georgetown, rural Balsam Lake, WI. I served there from January 1998 until August of I took a year of leave from call and then became eligible for retirement in August My wife Dorene and I have been married 31 years and have three adult sons, Benjamin, Nathan and Micah. Dorene and I are enjoying living in our first home, located in Trego, WI, since having lived in apartments or parsonages our entire marriage. We are now members at Our Savior s Lutheran in Solon Springs. We do not know how long my time with you will be but, I count it a privilege to walk alongside you as Faith continues to make a commitment to being an ELCA Lutheran presence in Cameron. I hope to be a source of encouragement to you in this time as we live out your mission statement, To love God and Love Our Neighbor. Welcome to Faith Lutheran Pastor Neal. We re pleased to have you with us! The Mission Statement of Faith Lutheran Congregation: We, the children of God at Faith Lutheran Congregation, gathered by the Holy Spirit as loving Christian people around Word and sacrament, strive together to witness to God s grace in Jesus, inviting our neighbors to share our journey towards discipleship.

3 Easter Message from Bishop Hoyme Dear Saints of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, By the time you read this, one major event in our synod will have been completed and the next one will be just around the corner. The completed one will be Walking Together when 400+ folks will have gathered to learn, to laugh and to walk together toward a new future. The around the corner" event will be our annual Synod Assembly in April. But, both events will be tied together by the theme: BOLDLY Invite ONE More! With the symbol of a big RED door, emblazoned with Luther s seal, we will be challenged to get the word out about Jesus! But, here s the Easter connection. When we were picking a theme verse for the events the verse we chose was from Mark 16:15. In this verse, Jesus says "Go into all the world.." And, seemingly, the women and even some men did just that! As we were picking this verse, we also were laughing, because it comes from what is called The Longer Ending of Mark. The ending of Mark that is from the oldest manuscripts says this, So they (the women) went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. I often refer to this last verse as the Lutheran Ending of the gospel of Mark. They said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. We are Lutheran, and we need no longer be afraid! We live in a culture where our neighbors are hungry for good news, they are hungry for life, and they are hungry for love. Our churches can give them all of those things. The day is over when we can silently leave the empty tomb at Easter and tell no one. So this is my Easter challenge to every one of you who takes the time to read these words: BOLDY invite ONE more! This year, before Easter, you, and everyone in your family, invite one person to come and worship with you. If you have family who live somewhere else, but who do not have a church, encourage them I sure hope you can find a church for this Sunday! Be BOLD. What s the worst that can happen? Let the amazement overcome the fear. We have the amazing privilege of getting up on that Sunday morning and worshipping the God of Easter! I for one will make sure I share that with not just one person, but I commit to sharing it with everyone that will give me the opportunity. What s the worst that can happen???? BOLDLY, Invite ONE More! Bishop Rick Hoyme Northwest Synod of Wisconsin-ELCA

4 Faith Lutheran Church Special Council Meeting March 9, 2017 Present: Bill Knickerbocker, Mike Schieffer, Barry Nelson, John Sutherland, Pastor Mark Schwinn, Mary Dodge, Julie Emerson, Neil and Annette Hoffman, Carol Moen and Pam Frankenberg Absent: Kathy Homme, Brad Brogan, Melissa and Krya Vinz Opening prayer made by John Sutherland. John called the meeting to order to discuss the end of Pastor Mark's ministry here at Faith Lutheran Church. 1) Letter of Resignation-A motion was made by Mike to accept the resignation of Pastor Mark, with regrets; second by Julie. Motion carried. 2) Severance-Mike made a motion that the severance package equal 6 weeks; 4 of that which are pay, 2 weeks are vacation pay and also include 6 weeks housing allowance. The whole package not to exceed $10, Julie second the motion and the motion was carried. Mike made a motion to accept the Memorandum of Understanding as printed with changes discussed; Neil second and the motion was carried John explained our next steps: 1) Receiving Bridge Pastors to sustain or ministry 2) Appoint a new call committee 3) Discussed a possible part time pastor Mike made a motion to adjourn the meeting; second by Julie and the motion was carried, Meeting adjourned at 7:10 pm. Closed with the Lord's Prayer Council Secretary, Pam Frankenberg *********************************************************************************** Giving Back To The Community There is a basket in the church entry with items that are needed at Benjamin s House, The Pregnancy Help Center and the Cameron Food Pantry. If you are able to help, please take a slip (with the item listed) from the basket, purchase the item, and return the item the following week. These items will be delivered as we get them in. If you are making a trip to Rice Lake and would like to deliver items, please let the church office know. Thanks! You make a difference!

5 Faith Lutheran Church Council Meeting Tuesday, March 21, 2017 (Pending Council Approval) Present: Bill Knickerbocker, Mike Schieffer, Neil and Annette Hoffman, Melissa and Kyra Vinz, Barry Nelson, Mary Dodge, Carol Moen Julie Emerson, Kathy Homme, Bridge Pastor Neal Weltzin and Pam Frankenberg. Absent: Brad Brogan Opening devotion was made by Bill-An American Tale; followed by a prayer given by Pastor Neal. A motion was made to accept the February Council Meeting minutes as printed by Kyra, seconded by Julie and carried. Another motion was made by Carol to accept the March 9th Special Council Meeting minutes with the amended amount of Pastor Mark's severance package to be up to $10,500.00; seconded by Kyra and carried. Team Reports Worship and Music -Church service at the Barron County Historical Museum set for July 9 at 9am. The Museum is again offering a $5 fee (discounted price) for any member wishing to stay and partake in their Heritage Days that Sunday after service. -Possibility of an Easter Choir. Pastor Neal and his wife would also sing. -Palms are ordered. -Easter lilies are also lined up for orders. -Bill made a motion to change Communion to only 2 Sundays a month (the 1st and 3rd); seconded by Carol and carried. Motion will be reviewed at the April council meeting. Fun and Fellowship -Discussion of what this committee is and what they do. -Mike reported on the men's "B & B"...there was much interest by the women attending tonight as to what happens and starting a women's group. -Fundraising ideas were also tossed around. Executive Finance and Property -Talked about the possibility of teaming up with Barron for a pastor. -Neil and Pastor Neal discussed pay for a Bridge Pastor. -$7, was borrowed from the Building Fund to cover Pastor Mark's severance package. It will be entirely returned to the Building Fund. -Anyone with spare time on April 3rd, the women will be cleaning/shampooing the downstairs chairs. -Also noted that the carpet downstairs will need to be cleaned/shampooed again soon. No Pastor's Report President's Report -Walking Together in Faith seminar in Eau Claire was another great experience. Bill, Mary and Carol attended. -Talked about using Thrivent dollars for our already existing Church projects. -Is happy to see more members attending the team meetings before the council meeting once a month. Great feedback! He challenges all of us to invite "just 1 more" member to come and sit in for 30 minutes. March council minutes cont. next page

6 March Council minutes cont. Old Business -Budget. Will be giving a brief presentation the week after Easter to show where we are at. -Fundraising. Discussed t-shirts, jackets, etc with Faith Lutheran displayed on them. More to come. New Business -Please reach out to any members you haven't seen in awhile and invite them back to our church. -We are looking for someone (or several) interested in the janitorial duties here at Faith. -Barry made a motion to accept Pastor Neal as our Bridge Pastor, second by Mary and carried. -Communion...discussed. -Keri Crotteau put together a confirmation packet for the rest of the year. Council agreed to support her with this. Mike will get the Statement of Faith sheets to her for the confirmation students to fill out. Thank you so much Keri! -Kyra gave a special presentation to Council on our Synod and Youth Synod, what they do and how they help us. Way to go Kyra! Treasurer's Report General Fund $1, Memorial Fund $2, Building Fund $16, Legacy Fund $6, Noisy Offering $1, A motion was made by Mike to accept the Treasurer's report as printed, second by Neil and carried. Next meeting is Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 6pm. Motion to adjourn was made by Carol, second by Barry and carried. Lord's Prayer Council Secretary, Pam Frankenberg ******************************************************************************************** Just a reminder, due to the members of Faith serving the Mosaic Annual Meeting Dinner on April 12th, there will be no Monthly Community Supper here at the church in April. Please help spread the word!

7 The first annual Faith Lutheran Design a Logo contest!! Calling all creative artists: design a new logo for Faith Lutheran that will be put on apparel and sold as part of our next fundraiser. (We will have various types of items available for purchase.). Please have your logos submitted to the church office by Monday, May 15th. Let's show people we are proud to be members of Faith Lutheran! Luther Park in Chetek is accepting registrations for 2017 summer camps. Faith families are responsible for a deposit of $50 with the church paying the remaining balance. Please let Julie Emerson know if you have any questions. The youth had a wonderful time at Skate City. The kids were able to skate, play in the Playland and enjoy a pizza. Thank you to everyone that joined us for a fun afternoon! The youth did an awesome job on Sunday! Thank you to the families for joining us downstairs for a delicious brunch. Faith families please mark the following dates on your calendar: Sunday, April 9th: Youth Easter Egg Hunt! Join us at 9:45 in the church or outside (depending on the weather). July 24th - July 28th: VBS at St. Peter's Catholic Church. The theme this year is Maker Fun Factory: Created by God, Built for a Purpose. We want to involve as many children and helpers as possible so please mark your calendars to join us. Please let Julie Emerson know if you are interested in helping. More information to come! November 10, 11, 12: Godstock at the Metropolis in Eau Claire. This three day event is for high school students and includes special guest speakers Missy Buttry and Andrew Rock. More information to come!

8 FLCW MEETING MARCH 14, 2017 The meeting of the FLCW was called order by co-leader Lois Miller. We opened our meeting with prayer. The minutes of the February meeting were read and approved on a motion from Florence Weise, seconded by Norma Jenson, and carried. The Treasurer s report was read and approved on a motion from Jerilyn Brion, seconded by Jean Turner, and carried. Old Business: Mosaic Dinner was discussed. It was decided to serve scalloped potatoes & ham, baked beans, coleslaw, buns, and bars. Sign up poster will be in the narthex by Sunday, March 19th. Discussion was held on the Easter breakfast. Serving will be from 7:30 to 9:00 am. It was noted that Judy Smith and Rande Purdy had offered to furnish all the ingredients for the egg bakes. Florence Weise will be in charge of the table decorations. Set up will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, April 15th. After set up, the egg bakes will be put together, refrigerated overnight, and Virginia and Lois will bake them early on Easter morning. It was decided to prepare for about 130 guests for breakfast. We briefly discussed graduation. We have one graduate this year. New Business: Carol Moen offered to clean the dining room chairs before the Easter breakfast. A couple of women volunteered to help and we will be doing that on Monday, April 3 at 9:00 am. There will be other clean up duties, so anyone who is able to help is welcome. There are several unclaimed miscellaneous dishes in the kitchen. They will be placed on a table in the narthex and Virginia Olson will put an announcement in the bulletin asking people to pick up items that belong to them. The painting of the Sacristy has now been finished. Many thanks to hose people who completed this project. Bonnie Peterson presented a gift of a quilt to Norma Jensen, expressing our thanks for her many years of service to our quilting mission. Norma will continue to be active with your quilting group as she is able. Carol Moen moved to adjourn the meeting, Jean Turner seconded the motion, motion carried. The meeting closed with a prayer. Virginia Olson, Secretary

9 Celebrating Baptismal Anniversaries for April 1 (2012) Scott Saffert Jamie & Michelle Saffert 12 (2009) Isabel Schieffer Mike & Brynne Schieffer 12 (2009) Lorelei Schiffer Mike & Brynne Schieffer 15 (2012) Maci Glaubitz Chad & Kerry Glaubitz 20 (2008) Emily Vinz Melissa Vinz 29 (2012) Waylon Mayfield Russ & Bobbie Mayfield The first Sunday of each month we will remember those that have Baptismal Anniversaries during the month. All are invited to share in thanking God for the grace of baptism and to remember the day that your child was brought in to the family of God. MOSAIC DINNER - EASTER BREAKFAST April will be a busy month for Faith Lutheran. The sign up posters for those two events are in the narthex of the Church. Sign up to work - sign up to donate - what ever you can do will be appreciated. Sign up for both events if you can, your help is always welcome. Help from the men and help from young people would be great! We have adjusted our plans a little. For the Mosaic dinner, we will be serving scalloped potatoes and ham, baked beans, coleslaw, and bars. Mosaic provides the coffee, milk, paper plates & cups, napkins, and cutlery. The main items will be purchased, but we are counting on our members to donate a pan of bars and/or help with the prep, serving, or clean up. The Mosaic dinner is a huge fund raiser for the Church, and if we all pitch in we will have day of fun and fellowship. Sign up for the Easter Breakfast also. We will be serving egg bake, quick breads, juice, milk, and coffee. We look forward to this event - many of us will be having family members home for Easter and it is a great time to re-connect as we celebrate the risen Savior. Easter lilies will again be available to share at our Easter services. Their presence always makes a wonderful addition to our church. Please state who you would like to honor/remember on your order. The cost is $8 each. Forms can be found in the church entry. After the 9 am service you are encouraged to pick them up and enjoy with your own family. Thank you for sharing. The deadline for ordering is April 9th. CPR CLASS We will be offering a CPR course on Wednesday, April 26 from 6 pm-10pm. Registration forms will be available in the church entry if interested. The cost is $17.54 per person, senior discount rate is $4.50. Please talk to Neil Hoffman if you have any other questions. May Newsletter Deadline: Wednesday, April 17

10 April 9-Palm/Passion Sunday 8:30 & 10:45 am Worship Remember in Prayer Prayers of Well-Being Our church Our pastor Our Synod Staff Prayers for our Servicemen and their families LTC William Moen Gunnery Sergeant Daniel Broom Sergeant Steve Thompson Sergeant Andrew Cosgrove Captain Ryan Hansen Master Sergeant Eric Krubsack Marcus Bronstad (recently joined the Air Force) Prayers for those that are homebound Lyle Bonkrud Gerry Ekern Maynard Ekern Violet Hover Gerald Robarge Mary Rude April 5 5:30 pm Lenten Supper 6:30 pm Lenten Worship 9:45 am Youth Easter Egg Hunt April 13-6:30 pm Maundy Thursday Worship April 14 6:30 pm Good Friday Worship April 16 Easter Sunday 6:30 am Easter Sunrise Service 7:30-9:00 am Easter Brunch 9:00 am Easter Worship Joyce Holmstrom Ted & Carol Lieberherr Ardie Fitzgerald Verna Perona Please include in your prayers those we know dealing with health issues. If you would like a prayer request or are hospitalized and would like to be added to the list, please contact the church office at 715/ Sponsor the Phone Line April Paul & Carol Krubsack in memory of loved ones May Given by Ken Ekern June Given by Janet Emerson in memory of her husband, Richard and daughter Tina July Ben & Darlene Haugen in memory of their parents August Jim & Jean Turner in memory of loved ones September Dennis & Coleen Hillskotter in memory of Herman & Isabelle Hillskotter October Carolyn Crotteau in memory of her parents November Mac & Kay Paine in memory of loved ones December Jim & Jen Lundeen in memory of Mason Lundeen Sponsor the Nicolet Welcoming Center January Brenholt s February Mary Dodge in Memory of her mother, Alta March available April Donna Anderson May Dexter s June Dennis & Coleen Hillskotter in memory of their parents July available August available September Paul & Tricia Larson October available November available December available We have placed several unclaimed bowls, trays, cake pans and miscellaneous items on a table in the narthex. If any of them belong to you, please take them with you. Anything left will eventually be donated to Cupboard & Closet or Goodwill.

11 WEEKLY GIVING REPORT Offering needed each week to meet pledges:$2, February 26, 2017 Attendance Offering Received $1, Building Fund $ Noisy Offering $ March 5, 2017 Attendance Offering Received $2, Simply Giving $ Lent & Ash Wednesday $ Building Fund $ Simply Giving Building $ 0 Noisy Offering $ Thrivent Choice $ $ March 12, 2017 Attendance Offering Received $1, Lent & Ash Wednesday $ Building Fund $ Noisy Offering $ March 19, 2017 Attendance Offering Received $1, Simply Giving $1, Lent & Ash Wednesday $ Building Fund $ Noisy Offering $ CHILD CARE COMMITTEE Bill Knickerbocker - President Brynne Schieffer - Director Carol Berg - Vice President Courtney Knickerbocker Administrator Trisha Falstad -Treasurer Mary Dodge Board Member Courtney Galvin-Childcare Staff MEMORIAL GIVING LIST * Child Care Center * Feed My Starving Children - * Funding for the worship phone line so homebound people can listen to the service ($30/month) * Monthly Sponsorship for Nicolet Welcoming Service/$30 per month * Cameron Food Pantry * Habitat for Humanity * Benjamin House (for the homeless) in Rice Lake * Scholarships for sending children to Luther Park Bible Camp Altar Guild Schedule-April 2017 April 2 April 9 April 23 April 30 8:30 Mark & Mary Mark & Mary Jim & Jean Barb Brion Brion Turner Eggleston 10:45 Carolyn Norm & Lavonne Crotteau Olson April 16 (Easter) 6:30 Jim & Jean Turner 9:00 Huth Family

12 Volunteer Schedule APRIL 2017 Date Ushers Lectors Communion Assistants Greeters Acolytes April Alan & Connie Wayne Brenholt Lois Miller Paul &Tricia Ashlie Falstad 2 Hagen Larson Henry Huth Donna Anderson Donna Anderson Henry Huth April Alan & Connie Kyra Vinz Paul &Tricia Rachel Larson 9 Hagen Larson Donna Anderson Kendra Crotteau 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. April Jim & Jean Neil Hoffman Annette Neil & Annette Briana 16 Turner Hoffman Hoffman Klabunde 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Larry & Carol Lois Miller Char Smith Harold & Deborah Carter Richter Moen Bann April Jim & Jean Becky Payne Robert & Evelyn Brett Roux 23 Turner Klopp Fred & Kathy Henry Huth Broker April Rolly & Virginia Virginia Olson Jean Turner Robert & Evelyn Dylan Waite 30 Olson Klopp Fred & Kathy Kendra Broker Crotteau

13 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2 8:30 am Worship 9:30 am Coffee Fellowship 9:40 am Adult Bible Study 9:45 am Faith Explorers 10:45 am Worship 9 8:30 am Worship 9:30 am Coffee Fellowship 9:40 am Adult Bible Study 9:45 Youth Easter Egg Hunt 10:45 am Worship Easter Lily order deadline 16 Palm Sunday 6:30 am Easter Sunrise Service 7:30-9:00 am Easter Brunch 9:00 am Easter Worship Easter Sunday 23 8:30 am Worship 9:30 am Coffee Fellowship 9:40 am Adult Bible Study 9:45 am Faith Explorers 10:45 am Worship 30 8:30 am Worship 9:30 am Coffee Fellowship 9:40 am Adult Bible Study 9:40 am Faith Explorers 10:45 am Worship 3 9:00 am Special Church cleaning project 10 9:00 am Worship & Music Committee 4 7:30 pm Alanon :00 am Quilting 10:00 am FLCW Meeting 12:00 pm Julie Emerson using basement 7:30 pm Alanon 6:00 pm Church Council 7:30 pm Alanon 9:00 am Quilting 7:30 pm Alanon 5 5:30 pm Lenten Supper 6:30 pm Lenten Worship 12 Faith Members serve the Mosaic Annual Meeting Dinner 1:00 pm-7:00 pm clean up (No Community Supper tonight) 19 6:00 pm GIFT 26 6:00 pm GIFT 6:00 10:00 pm CPR Class :00 pm Finance Committee Meets?? 6:30 pm Maundy Thursday Worship Maundy Thursday 9:30 am Bible Study No Bible Study Today 6:30 pm Good Friday Worship Good Friday 9:30 am Bible Study 9:30 am Bible Study :30 Julie Emerson using basement

14 Faith Lutheran Church PO Box South 4 th Street Cameron, WI ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED