LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMC

Transcription

1 LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMC Pastor A. J. Kluver th Avenue East Alexandria, MN Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are growing, sharing, and living in God s Word, Jesus Christ pastorlwlc@gctel.net; secretarylwlc@gctel.net July Grace and peace to you, brothers and sisters in Christ- Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-13 Well, Laurie and I survived the National Youth Encounter Gathering in Chicago last week! Actually we had an enjoyable five days with approximately 350 people, youth and chaperones. Two LWLC youth, along with seven youth from St. Luke s Lutheran Church in Garfield and five of us chaperones, traveled together on a bus to the west side of Chicago. Thank you to Living Word Lutheran Church for making this trip possible! The Bible verse above was one of those used during the gathering, as keynote speaker Pastor Bill Yonkers proclaimed God s Word concerning Satan s presence and activity in the world. Throughout the gathering the youth were reminded of the power we ve been given to fend off and defeat Satan and his schemes and deceptions in their lives. This power is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God! The youth were also reminded of the gifts each one of them has been given to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity of the full stature of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13). It is this equipping that God does which leads to unity of faith and to maturity in Christ. God s Word concerning the activity of Satan in the world and the ways we have been equipped to battle the great deceiver are not words that just pertain to our youth, but to each of us. The temptations that we face in this world are numerous and call for us to be equipped with the armor of God. The attacks of Satan call for the support of each other as Paul declares, also in Ephesians, chapter 4, the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body s growth in building itself up in love. We do not have to look hard to see Satan s influence in this world His ways that want to produce doubt concerning God s Word that want to produce the denial of God s Word that want lies to be perceived as truth. Yet, we understand that we fight the fire of Satan with the fire of the Spirit the word of deception with the Word of Truth and by doing so, we stand against the wiles of the devil. Standing together in Christ! Pastor A.J..

2 EDUCATION Daily Bible Readings for July July 1... Proverbs 1-3 July 2... Proverbs 4-7 July 3... Proverbs 8-10 July 4... Proverbs July 5... Proverbs July 6... Proverbs July 7... Proverbs July 8... Proverbs July 9... Proverbs July Proverbs July Ecclesiastes 1-4 July Ecclesiastes 5-8 July Ecclesiastes 9-12 July Song of Solomon 1-4 July Song of Solomon 5-8 July Isaiah 1-3 July Isaiah 4-6 July Isaiah 7-9 July Isaiah July Isaiah July Isaiah July Isaiah July Isaiah July Isaiah July Isaiah July Isaiah July Isaiah July Isaiah July Isaiah July Isaiah July Isaiah LIVING WORD LUTHERAN CHURCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Including an Adult Bible Study Sunday August 2 nds Thursday August 6 th Sandwiches served at 5:40 p.m. VBS & Adult Bible Study ~ 6:00 8:00 p.m. FUN for all ages!!! Please invite others!! No charge for Sandwiches, VBS or Adult Bible Study Registration Form on Final Page of Newsletter! Help Is Needed For VBS We are asking for some help with the Vacation Bible School meals this year. We are in need of people to supply the meals for a certain night or for donations of items that are needed to make the meals. We are planning on having Hotdogs on Monday, Sloppy Joes on Tuesday, Ham and Turkey Sandwiches on Wednesday and Pizza for Thursday. We are also in need of cookies for those nights. There are sign-up sheets both for meals and cookies on the informational table. If you would like to give a monetary donation you can turn it into the office. The Youth Christian Education Committee appreciates your support of our youth. YOUTH Youth Group Night- July 1 LWLC Youth gathered together on Wednesday. July 1 st for supper at 6 pm and outside activities prior to worship at 7 pm. Our devotion for the evening centered on the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. The youth were reminded that this Sword is given to them in order to battle temptation and evil in the world. Following worship there was fellowship time around the fire pit.

3 CHURCH LIFE Congratulations High School Graduate Darren Griesert Invitation Sunday July 26th July 26 th has been designated Invitation Sunday. This is an opportunity for each of us to be active in inviting people to join us for worship and learn more about LWLC. This date also marks the 2 nd anniversary of our new church facility. There will be invitation cards available at the information table. Please take time to think of someone you could invite and then let them know about this special day. PRESIDENT S REPORT Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 What a great start to summer! Wednesday night worship services are in full swing ~ the last Wednesday I attended there were 41 of us! The campfires after the service have been a time to chat, eat s mores and relax! Thank you to Pastor A.J. for providing an extra weekly service this summer, Paulette for organizing the worship helpers, the Worship Committee, the musicians, the altar guild, the sound techs and the members who volunteer to usher, greet and serve communion! Have you noticed the new member boxes? When the council decided these would be helpful, Chuck volunteered to make them (do not believe him if he tells you we begged him until he said yes )! He worked on them all winter, installed them recently, and the only cost was for the materials. Thank you to Chuck!! Be sure to find your box and check it from time to time! The construction of the garage is DONE!! Thank you to Doyle Polson and other volunteers for the work done last summer, fall and again this spring. It looks so nice and we are already enjoying the extra storage. The Technology Committee has purchased a receiver and three personal hearing units. If you are interested in trying one please pick one up at the sound table. The Volunteer Coordinating Committee has set September 27 th as Time and Talent Sunday. There are many opportunities to get involved at Living Word ~ start thinking about where you can share your time and talents!! The Evangelism Committee is planning an Invitation Sunday on July 26 th. They will be inviting our church neighbors and are hoping you will invite your friends and neighbors! It will be a fun time to remind us of all of our many blessings and share them with others!! They are also putting together a small folder of information for first time LWLC visitors. Wooden crosses, painted by our kids in KREW, will also be placed in the WELCOME folders. Area visitors, whose addresses and phone numbers are identified, are also sent a welcome letter and receive a personal phone call! If you notice a visitor, stop and introduce yourself! The Christian Education Committee is starting to make plans for our youth this fall! They decided

4 to continue with the Wednesday programs (Youth group, Catechism, Confirmation, Wednesday KREW) and Sunday morning KREW. Vacation Bible School will take place August 2 nd 6 th. Show your support of our youth by attending when you can you are never too old to meet Chester ~ the squirrel puppet! There is also an Adult Bible Study that takes place each night. If you are interested in more information about the council or committees all of the minutes are found on the Living Word website livingwordalexmn.org! Enjoy the month of July and the love of the Lord! 9 God s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 God Bless! Jan Ferguson ALWM- Awakening Lives to World Mission Pastor Bill Moberly shared God s Word with LWLC on Sunday, June 28 th and also shared information concerning the ministry of ALWM. Support of this ministry is being considered by our Stewardship Committee. For more information on this ministry you can go to EVANGELISM New Member Sunday and Orientation The next New Member Reception will be held on July 26 th during the Sunday worship service. A New Member Orientation will be held on Monday evening, July 20 th at 6:30 pm. Those interested in membership at LWLC should fill out a New Member form at the information desk and Pastor A.J. will then follow up to set up a visit. Any questions, please call the church office at WORSHIP Enjoying the camp fire fellowship following Wed. evening worship service. MISSIONS LWLC Transportation Team The LWLC Missions Committee has established the following Transportation Team. If you are in need of a ride to worship or other church activities, please call the team member directly. Addresses are listed so that perhaps you may find a team member who lives in your area. 1. Curt and Sandy Aamold, 1119 Lake Street, Alexandria Keith and Eileen Anderson, 119 Knut Street, Alexandria David Benson, 913 Irving Street, Alexandria Laverne and Karen Floen, 220 4th Street NE, Glenwood Manly Johnson, 377 Three Havens Drive NE, Alexandria Laurie Kluver, 622 Kenwood, Alexandria , (cell) 7. John Madson, 1400 Casa Marina Lane NW, Alexandria Keith and MaryJo Redfield, 1401 Geneva Drive, Alexandria Louie & Barbara Seesz, 3229 East Latoka Circle SW, Alexandria

5 Love, INC. Requested Needs for the Week of 6/08/15 COMPLETED CLIENT NEEDS (Praise the Lord!): The following donations met client needs: men's work boots; Rainbow Rider pass; two gas cards; gift card for undergarments; a TV; a pack and play; girl's bike; woman's and boy's shoes; a bed; pack and play; two kid's bikes; car repair and rent assistance. Four clients shopped in our clothing ministry to gather clothes for their families. Volunteer(s) met client needs by...driving a client to various dr. appointments; delivering a bed; working in the Clearinghouse; fixing appliances; instructing clients at the life skills class; providing transportation to life skills class; providing child care at life skills class; making a meal for life skills class and assisting clients in the clothing ministry. Needs met by area churches/ministries: Alexandria Covenant Church-assisted with a client's rent Calvary Lutheran Church-provides socks for our clothing ministry Church of St. Mary-assisted one family with furniture/household needs Living Word Lutheran Church-provided two pairs of tennis shoes and work boots Living Word Lutheran Church-provided quilts for Love INC clients New Life Christian Church-hosted our last Boundaries life skills class for this spring on June 1 st. Needs met by area organizations or businesses Deluxe Oil Co.-assisted with client's car repair COMPLETED MINISTRY NEEDS (Praise the Lord!): Volunteer(s)... prayed for Love INC clients/volunteers; picked up appliance donations; made donation deliveries to Caring and Sharing; Birthright; Someplace Safe and the Klothes Closet; sorted clothes in the clothing ministry; mowed lawn for Love INC; provided baked goods for the Love INC volunteers and repaired a mower. Love INC client needs: Washers/dryers in good working order 10 years old or less (for three clients) Full bed Women's and Men's SUMMER clothing 2-4X for the Love INC clothing ministry Junior's clothing for the Love INC clothing ministry Shorts of all styles for all ages (sizes-- children's 6x-adult) A men's bicycle Working fans Love INC ministry needs: Children's (not infant) clothing hangers for the clothing ministry Wire hanger for adult clothing for the clothing ministry If you are able to help with any of the above needs, please contact the Love INC at (320) Caring and Sharing Room Needs (Church of St. Mary's Ministry) If you can help with the needs below, contact the Caring and Sharing Room at : Chest of drawers, dressers, end tables, toasters and mixers Way to go Body of Christ! Over the past two weeks, there were 55 volunteers from 12 area churches mobilized to meet clients' needs and ministry needs. THANK YOU! Special thanks to Roer's Family Bakery for supporting the bake sale at our annual garage sale. Their donation of baked goods blessed us! MEMORIALS/HONORARIUMS In Memory of John Knowles Given by: LeRoy & DiAnn Zimmerman Tom & Jane Osterberg Annetta Knowles Jean Ricks In Memory of Marvin Buker Given by: Chuck & Orlinda Hauck Ken & Kay Elvehjem In Memory of Elroy Beliveau Given by: Tom &Jane Osterberg Daryl & Connie Berghuis In Memory of Jerome Ricks Given by: Jean Ricks

6 WOMEN OF THE WORD June Birthday Party Some 35 women attended the June Birthday Party event. Balloons, games, songs, birthday cake and ice cream, and a message from God s Word, all combined for an evening of celebration and laughter. Special thanks to Carolyn Fiskness for the pretty little birthday cards she created for each woman in attendance. September Salad Supper Our next event will be the annual Salad Supper on September 3. Priscilla will be in charge of serving; Ruth, program and set-up; and Lydia, clean-up. This will be a pot-luck supper beginning at 6:00 p.m. Pot-luck sign-up will be during August. Set aside the date now! Secret Sister Program Many of our group have been participating in the WOW Secret Sister Program. The small gift exchange ending this year's program will be held in September, at which time the new year will be organized. Anyone not currently involved in this program is invited to join for the coming year. It s a blessing to have a special person for whom you pray regularly and greet on special days throughout the year. Augustana District Women of the Word Convention All women of the Augustana District are invited to the sixth Annual Gathering on September 19, 2015, at Living Word Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD. The theme this year is Peace, based on Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace. Two members of our congregation, Cindy Lerohl and Carolyn Fiskness, currently serve on the WOW District Board and have been involved in the planning of this event. This convention was hosted by our women in Watch August announcements for further details, and plan to attend and support our sisters of the Milbank Living Word Lutheran Church! CHURCH EXTRAS Congratulations to Cassie and James Baas Cassie and James were united in marriage on June 20 th at the Maritime Museum in Alexandria. Pastor A.J. Kluver of LWLC officiated the ceremony. Cassie and James have been active at LWLC for some time now. Please keep Cassie and James, and their family, in your prayers. July Birthdays 4 Don Nelson 4 Kathy Withers 5 Solveig Elton 6 Alton Fiskness 9 Donna Anderson 9 DiAnn Zimmerman 12 Faith Annis 12 Gail Larson 15 Greg Henderson 15 Jane Osterberg 17 Paulette Johnson 17 Gretchen Nelson 18 Annetta Knowles 20 Dick Bromley 22 Marlys Greseth 24 Bethany Bailly 31 Jayne Haglin July Anniversaries 2 Gregg & Denise Stoen 3 Keith & Mary Jo Redfield 7 Neil & Elaine Berg 11 Paul & Paulette Johnson 26 Merton & JoAn Johnson 29 Marland & Grace Madson 30 Curtis & Bonnie Pahan Choir Living Word Lutheran Choir will sing on July 19 th at the Sunday Worship Service with practice at 8:15 a.m. prior to the service. THANK YOU Thanks to all involved in the prayer shawl ministry at LWLC! I received the shawl a few days before leaving for Mayo and will have it in my possession during my hospitalization and recovery. God bless and thanks for keeping me in your prayers Sincerely, John Madson

7 Thank you to Chuck Hauck for building the member mail boxes. To Living Word Lutheran Church, Thank you for the beautiful graduation quilt. It will remind me of my faith during difficult times. Darren Griesert Thank You Pieceful Quilters We thank the ladies of the Pieceful Quilters group for displaying the beautiful quilts they made to be given to those in need. They finished 64 quilts, 30 burp cloths and 13 receiving blankets. These were given to Love INC and Birthright. Your time, dedication and skills are greatly appreciated. The quilts were displayed in the sanctuary Those who helped Chuck move it into the church: Bill Finley, Elder Peterson, Curt Kreklau & Jim Elsey. Wed. Eve. Worship Helpers July 8 Ushers: Curt & Sandy Aamold Greeter: Carol Wiitanen Pianist: Carolyn Moeller Sound: Carl Steuck, John Kirckof Communion Server: Sue Christopher July 15 Ushers: Gaylen & Cindy Lerohl Greeters: Steve & Jan Ferguson Pianist: Nancy Anderson Sound: Dave Anderson, Keith Redfield July 22 Ushers: Steve & Jan Ferguson Greeters: Curt & Sandy Aamold Pianist: Nancy Anderson Sound: Laverne Floen, Wayne Becker Communion Server: Shirley Finley July 29 Ushers: Bill & Shirley Finley Greeters: Dan & Barb Engebretson Pianist: Bev Steuck Sound: Paul Johnson

8 JULY WORSHIP HELPERS July 5 July 12 July 19 July 26 Reader Nancy Anderson Deb Griesert Keith Anderson Dave Kaiser Ushers Manly Johnson Greg Henderson Jim Nelson, Doyle Polson Gary Gibbons Ray Bruggman Jim Nelson Curt & Margaret Kreklau Jim Nelson, Doyle Polson Keith & Eileen Anderson Jim Nelson, Doyle Polson Greeters Elder & Deloris Peterson Keith & Eileen Anderson Harold & Kathy Withers Dean & LouAnn Peterson Bill & Shirley Finley Manly & Helen Johnson LeRoy & DiAnn Zimmerman Louie & Barb Seesz Altar Preparation Gayle Nemmers Faith Annis Laurie Kluver Laurie Kluver Coffee and Refreshments Pat Denke Bonnie Pahan Kathy Withers Carla Beem Jean Johnson Elaine Berg Jean Ricks Deloris Peterson Eileen Anderson Shirley Finley Karen Floen Barb Seesz Coffee Preparation Sandy Aamold Jean Johnson Susan Polson Nancy Anderson Pianist Nancy Anderson Nancy Anderson Carolyn Moeller Bev Steuck Assist Counting Offering Brad Forbrook Keith Redfield Jerry Larson Kathy Withers Sound System Paul Johnson Carl Steuck John Kirckof Dave Anderson Keith Redfield Laverne Floen Wayne Becker Communion Preparation Shirley Finley, Elaine Carlson Sue Christopher Laurie Kluver Communion Servers Audrey Knollenberg Lisa Olson Paulette Johnson John Madson Paul & Lynne Lommen Communion Assistant MaKayla Waltzing Carla Beem Keith Redfield Bake Bread Nicole Waltzing Ed Weispfennig If you are unable to serve, please call someone from the schedule to replace or switch with you. Also, please call the church office and let them know of the change. Thank you

9 AUGUST WORSHIP HELPERS August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30 Reader Gary Gibbons Faith Annis Curt Aamold Dave Moeller Audrey Knollenberg Ushers Dave & Nancy Anderson Jim Nelson, Doyle Polson Connie Berghuis Merton Johnson Jim Nelson, Doyle Polson John Madson Louie Seesz Jim Nelson, Doyle Polson Harold & Kathy Withers Jim Nelson Doyle Polson Paul & Gladys Jobe Jim Nelson Doyle Polson Greeters Dave & Sue Christopher, Dave & Marlys Greseth Bob & Gina Shaffer Lisa & Shea Olson Curt & Margaret Kreklau, Orlinda Hauck John Madson Greg & MerriLee Henderson, Susan Polson, Carol Wiitanen Gary & Glenna Gibbons, Neil & Elaine Berg Altar Preparation Audrey Knollenberg Margaret Kreklau Cindy Lerohl Susan Polson MaryJo Redfield Coffee and Refreshments Karen Kirckof Deloris Ewing Kay Elvehjem Slue Christopher Marlys Greseth Wilma Johnson MerriLee Henderson MaryJo Redfield Barb Engebretson Gina Shaffer JoAnn Johnson Sandy Aamold Marvelle Weispfennig Connie Berghuis Carolyn Fiskness Coffee Preparation Kay Elvehjem Debby Abers Shirley Finley Karen Becker Audrey Knollenberg Connie Berghuis Pianist Carolyn Moeller Laurie Kluver Nancy Anderson Carolyn Moeller Bev Steuck Assist Counting Offering Paul Johnson Deb Griesert Brad Forbrook Keith Redfield Jerry Larson Sound System Paul Johnson Carl Steuck John Kirckof Dave Anderson Keith Redfield Laverne Floen Wayne Becker Laverne Floen Wayne Becker Communion Preparation Cindy Lerohl Deloris Peterson LouAnn Peterson Susan Polson MaKayla Waltzing Nicole Waltzing Communion Servers David & Marlys Greseth, MerriLee Henderson Manly & Helen Johnson, Dave Christopher Communion Assistants Laurie Kluver Paul Johnson Bake Bread Kay Elvehjem Carla Beem If you are unable to serve, please call someone from the schedule to replace or switch with you. Also, please call the church office and let them know of the change. Thank you

10 LIVING WORD LUTHERAN CHURCH July 2015 Calendar SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 6:00 Youth Group 7:00 Worship Service 2 9:30 Ruth Bible Study :00 Worship/Lord s Supper *Fellowship and Refreshments Following Worship *10:30 Bible Study 6 7:00 Praise Band 7 9:00 Bible Study 4:30 VCC Meeting 8 9:00 Pieceful Quilters 1:30 WOW officers meeting 7:00 Worship Service/Lord s Supper 9 9:00 Mission Committee 6:30 Worship Committee :00 Worship *Fellowship and Refreshments Following Worship *10:30 Bible Study 13 8:00 Property Committee 14 9:00 Bible Study 6:30 Adult Chris. Ed Committee 15 7:00 Worship Service 16 6:30 Evangelism Committee 6:30 Youth Christian Ed. Mtg. 7:00 Between Friends Knitting & Crocheting Group :15 Choir Practice 9:00 Worship/Lord s Supper *Fellowship and Refreshments Following Worship *10:30 Bible Study 20 6:30 New Member Orientation 7:00 Praise Band (Committee Reports Due] 21 9:00 Bible Study 7:30 Stewardship Committee 22 7:00 Worship Service/Lord s Super 23 3:00 Executive Board 24 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DEADLINE :00 Worship Service/ New Member Reception *Fellowship and Refreshments Following Worship *10:30 Bible Study 27 7:00 Praise Band 28 9:00 Bible Study 7:00 Council Mtg. 29 7:00 Worship Service FINANCIAL SECRETARY REPORT May 31 June 28 Attendance 785 (5 Sunday services avg per service) 109 (3 Wed. night services 36 avg per service) Deposits $33, Kids Against Hunger $20.00 General Offering $17, Special Gifts $1, Building Fund $10, Portals of Prayer $16.00 Memorials/Honorariums $ Youth Programs $50.00 BibleSticks $85.00 Women of the Word $ Fellowship $ Bldg. Pledges Received $175, Bldg. Pledges Receivable $389,754.00

11 LIVING WORD LUTHERAN CHURCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Including an Adult Bible Study! Discover His plan! Discover His purpose! In CAMP DISCOVERY VBS, your children learn that Jesus works in and through us! They ll look into the Bible and explore five tree-mendous Bible accounts where God works in His people to save them and through His people to serve! Jesus saves us, gives us faith, courage, and wisdom to serve Him and share His Good News with our neighbor! God does have a plan and a purpose for each of His beloved children! Come along with us as we sing fun songs, do crazy crafts, eat yummy snacks, play awesome games, and MORE!! Living Word Vacation Bible School is for EVERYONE! There will be opportunities for adults and Junior/Senior High School Students to participate in many ways (Bible Study, Leaders, Helpers, etc.)! Can t wait to see you there! Living Word Lutheran Church ~ th Avenue East, Alexandria, MN (320) Sunday, August 2 nd - Thursday, August 6 th ~ 6:00 pm 8:00 pm Sandwiches will be served every night at 5:40 pm Please join us for worship on Wednesday, August 5 th, at 7:00 p.m. There is no charge for Bible School, Adult Bible Study or Sandwiches! Kids can come with or without adults! Adults can come with or without kids! FRIENDS, GRANDCHILDREN, AND NEIGHBORS ARE WELCOME!!!

12 LIVING WORD LUTHERAN CHURCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORM August 2 nd - 6 th 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm NAMES OF PARTICIPATING CHILDREN ~ Please include age and grade completed! Child s Name Age Grade Completed Child s Name Age Grade Completed Child s Name Age Grade Completed Parent/Guardian Address Home Phone Cell Phone E -Mail Address In case of emergency, contact Allergies or other medical conditions Parent Authorization: I give permission for my child to participate in all VBS activities. I will submit any essential health information in written form. I authorize Living Word Lutheran Church to administer any first aid or medical treatment necessary and release Living Word Lutheran Church and staff from any and all responsibility in connection therewith. I understand my child s photo may be taken for use in VBS promotional and celebration purposes and I waive the right to pre-approve the photo. Parent/Guardian Signature Please return to Living Word Lutheran Church by July 30 th - Thanks! th Avenue East, Alexandria, MN (320)