Firs News. by Pastor Bob Iverson

Transcription

1 Firs News A monthly publication for the members and friends of First Evangelical Lutheran Church May 2015 From the Pastor by Pastor Bob Iverson The Transition Team has finished designing the survey to be offered as we enter into the study phase. In the next few weeks you will be receiving the survey in the mail. You will then receive a phone call inviting you to attend a small group meeting to discuss the survey items. This will be useful tool in helping us redefine our congregation s mission and purpose. It will, also, provide valuable input to develop our mission site profile that potential pastoral candidates will use to determine their fit in this call. And, it will allow everyone an opportunity to describe what skill sets and talents they would desire in the next pastor. I hope that absolutely everyone will participate in this effort. It is most important that as many voices, as possible, are heard as our ministry path for the future is planned. Hopefully, the listening meetings will be completed by mid-summer. As you will read, in this newsletter, we will return to a summer schedule of one service on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Coffee fellowship will follow. You will also see that we are going to offer a mid-week worship experience on Wednesdays, starting on June 10 th. Worship time is 6:30 p.m. and will be held in the sanctuary. I anticipate that this service will be inspirational, but a different style than Sunday worship. Finally, as we head into the summer, we will, with the help of survey results and work of Transition Team and Church Council, be evaluating all aspects on the ministry of First Lutheran Church. The goal is chart a map for mission and ministry that reflects the wishes of our body. Many of you will be taking vacations in the weeks ahead. Most likely, no one will leave home without an idea of where they are headed, and how they are going to get there. Quite simply, that is what we are trying to do, currently, as a congregation determine where we are headed, and how we are going to get there. I invite you to think about and use these upcoming weeks as a time of opportunity. Some congregations look at summer as a time of doldrums and decline. I am excited about this truly a summer of wonderful opportunity for all. Please join me in the events to come. Yours in Christ, Pastor Bob Iverson Our mission: First Evangelical Lutheran Church exists to welcome people to faith in Jesus Christ; equip persons with a faith that works in real life; and send us in service into the world in Jesus name. What s Inside: Pastor s Article, Pg. 1 Stewardship & Finance/ WELCA Pg. 6 Info. Pg. 2, Youth Info. Pg. 8 MST-Cost Rica Pg. 3 For May calendar, birthdays, serving groups, ushers, & altar guild information, see insert WORSHIP SCHEDULE 8:30 A.M. Sunday Traditional Worship Service with Communion 9:30 A.M. Coffee Hour 9:45 A.M. Sunday School 10:45 A.M. Sunday Contemporary Worship Service with Communion CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday: 8:00 A.M. 4:30 P.M. WEBSITE:

2 Council Highlights GOD S WORK. OUR HANDS. First Evangelical Lutheran Church Council 2015 PRESIDENT: Carolyn Christensen VICE PRESIDENT: Dick Farmer SECRETARY: Dawn Doty TREASURER: Karla Rick Church Council Minutes: Unavailable at Press Time Hosts Needed During June the Transition Team will be leading cottage (home) meetings. They are looking for some hosts for those meetings. As a host you will be asked to open your home (or host at church) for the meeting; provide cookies and beverage; and call from a list of members to invite them. Meeting held on week nights will be at either 6:15 or 7:30. Thanks to all for your participation. TEAM REPRESENTATIVES: Christian Education: Derek Isaacson Youth & Family: Derek Issacson Stewardship & Finance: Karla Rick Winton Nelson May Wellness At First May is Stoke Awareness Month Please see Table Toppers in Chilstrom Hall Social Ministry: Lois Volinkaty Dawn Doty Evangelism: Joe Gaulrapp Endowment/Memorial: Gary Smith Property: Dick Farmer David Johnson Worship & Music: Ramona Lohse Personnel: Will Dolan Thank you Just wanted to tell all the young people who participated in the FLC Good Friday Worship Service, well done. Everyone did wonderful. Thank you for volunteering to take part in this beautiful service. The 5th graders also did an excellent job singing at the Maundy Thursday Service. Thank you all, Karen and Chuck Eberhard Thank you for all your prayers, cards, thoughts, and well wishes during my recent surgery and recovery. Pastor Bob 2

3 MST Cost Rica We re back have you had a chance to ask us about our trip to Costa Rica??! You haven t and want to hear about it, you have and you want to learn more, you think you want to join us next time this is your opportunity!!!??? The MST Costa Rica 2015 team will be presenting a slideshow and team testimonials at church on Sunday May 3 rd during both services! Come join us to see pictures, learn more about our mission work, our service project, our free time excursions, all the beautiful children we met, the amazing leaders and teachers, the severe poverty and the mission of Roblealto. The MST Costa Rica 2015 team will be around during coffee hour for more questions and conversation. We will also be showcasing information about all three of First Lutheran Church s MST groups in the narthex: MST, MST USA, and MST Costa Rica. We hope to provide clarification about the history, goals, and missions of each group, as well as the differences and similarities! A huge thank you to our church family and friends for the prayers, monetary support, and physical donations! We had an amazing trip and can t wait to share it with you!! If you are unable to make it to church on May 3 rd, please feel free to contact a team member to view the presentation and learn more. Katie and Jane Hulterstrum, Ann and Bruce Tiffany, Eric Hulterstrum, Kris Cervin 3

4 At its meeting in April, the Church Council passed the "Covenant of Conduct." This document was first presented at our Healthy Congregations workshops in January. It will be useful in promoting good and open conversation regarding the ministry and mission of the congregation. Covenant of Conduct In order for the congregation and the church council to deal effectively with issues, the following guidelines are to be followed: 1. All members affirm their right to express their opinions about the life and ministry of the congregation. 2. The congregation operates with a direct democracy form of government that allows members to share their opinions directly with the pastor(s), church council, boards, committees, and at congregational meetings. 3. When members of the congregation express an opinion to a member of the council, the council person shall ask, What would you like me to do with this information? 4. If the member desires to have the information transmitted to the council, the member shall be invited to bring the information/opinion to the next council meeting. The time and date shall be given. 5. If the member does not wish to appear in person, the council member shall ask the member for permission to use their name in reporting. If permission is not given, the council member shall say, I m sorry, but I will not be able to report this to the council since we do not deal with anonymous letters or comments. 6. If permission is given, the council members shall report the information/opinion to the council and use the member s name. 7. At his/her discretion, a council member may ask that the member refer this issue to another council person for presentation. 8. Each issue shall be placed on the agenda and written in the minutes along with the action taken by the council. Action may include: Received as information, Pastor and/or President to visit member and report at next meeting, etc. 9. Opinions may be shared in writing with the council and shall be handled in the above mentioned manner if the letter or statement is signed. 10. Whoever brings information/requests to the council will be informed of the decision of the council. NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED SUNDAY, MAY 3 New members were received into our congregation on Sunday, May 3. They are: Leonard and Betty Boysen; Peter and Sheila Krohse (Danielle and Owen and Blake); Jon Nelson; Amanda Nelson; and Martin and Laure Engelke (Alexis). Please greet and welcome them warmly. (Address and phone information will be published in June). 4

5 Parents ~ FELC would really love to have your child go to summer camp. FELC with the partnership of the Endowment Committee, and the Women s Ministry would like to offer camp money in order for your child to attend Green Lake Bible Camp. We will cover at least $200 of the expenses for camp. Please consider this religious experience for your child. A 3-ring binder is available in the office with more specific information available. Bible Camp is filling up! You need to register your child at Green Lake Bible Camp and pay the deposit. We will then work with you to get payments made directly to Green Lake. Also, if there is a need greater than presented please talk with Pastor Bob. Green Lake Lutheran Ministries 9916 Lake Ave South Spicer, MN Phone:

6 Stewardship & Finance General Fund: Total Income for the month of March 2015: $31,483 Less total Expenses for the month of March 2015: We need $30,000 each month to cover our budgeted expenses. $28,482 Dedicated Savings Account: Update as of March 31, 2015 Balance on hand in the Savings Account: $24,688 Building Fund: Update as of March 31, 2015 Balance on hand in the Building Fund: $61,859 Women of the ELCA (WELCA) As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. First Lutheran Church WELCA were guests of Zion Lutheran Church on April 16th, 2015 for a program and dessert. After the program, First Lutheran WELCA met for a short business meeting called to order by Co President Lana Johnson. The secretary and treasurer reports were approved as presented. A motion was made to give the Spring Gathering an offering of $ Motion carried. Dianne Thorp informed us she brought the 7 enamel coffee pots we were no longer using down to Very Vintage for $5.00 per pot for a total of $ A discussion regarding the repair bill for the range hood. It was decided the repairs should be taken out of the buildings and grounds budget. Lana asked for 1 or 2 delegates for 28th Synodical Women s Conference held at the University of Morris on June 19th - June 20th. Dianne has the information on the conference. The registration date is June 5th. The In kind offering will be either Personal Care Kits or Baby Kits. Please notify Lana or Diane if interested. Volunteers are needed to serve for the luncheon with Zion Lutheran on May 21st. The meeting was adjourned. Secretary, Brenda Johnson May WELCA Meeting Thursday, May 21, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. Joint Meeting with Zion Lutheran at First Judy Barka will be presenting the program entitled "Speak For Yourself". Judy wants the public to see what a real family farming operation is like today, and what it means to work side-by-side with her sons to care for the land and their animals. Anyone interested in Farming Today (Men and Women) are invited to the May 21st WELCA meeting at First Lutheran at 1:30 p.m. 6

7 Planting a seed! A one-time opportunity to serve. We are looking for several people/couples that would be willing to take on decorating the church for Christmas, There is a notebook available in the office with decorating history back to Some years have photos. There are photos from the last three years that detail what has been done during that time. There are notes and contact names that will help make your task easier. The decorations are organized in tubs that are stored up above the janitor s closet off the kitchen with labels and photos as to what is inside each tub. The plan is that this would be a one year commitment. Often times when we show an interest in serving the church in some manner, we get married to that task. This is not meant to be that. One turn, December, 2015, set up and January, 2016, take down and put away. Write a brief report, include any photos in the book that you want to pass on and put the book back in the office. You re done! Contact our Pastor, the church office, or anyone on the Worship and Music Team if this interests you and anyone else that will assist in this effort. PRAYER SHAWLS Prayer Shawls are available in the church office when needed for yourself or someone in need of comfort and prayers. thank you Thank you to everyone who donated to the Giving Cross and for collecting for the school bags. Together we made 43 baby kits, 59 personal care kits and 35 school bags. A special thank you to Sylvia Baumgartner for making all the beautiful baby blankets, the Rachel and Hannah circles for their generous donations and to Dan Piepenburg for delivering our kits to the LWR center in St Paul. Thank you to Dan Johnson and Doug Miller for building the boxes. Thank you to Joanne Miller, Karen Eberhard, Iona Albright, Kris Nelson, Lana Johnson, Dee Bollin, Marilyn Swanson, Gladys Johnson, Elaine Lenhard, Dianne Thorp, and Joan Sommerfeld for your help in assembling the kits. Your help is greatly appreciated. Brenda Johnson and Joanne Miller, Giving Cross Co-Chairs Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get. Dale Carnegie A child needs your love most when he/she deserves it least. Erma Bombeck GLOBAL MISSIONS OFFERING On the First Sunday of the month, May 3 a second offering will be taken, where a globe will be passed. This month, the second offering will go to: Lutheran World Relief Postage for various kits FOOD SHELF DONATIONS The shopping cart will remain in the Narthex for your non-perishable donations for the Food Shelf. The needs are great within our community and your contributions are greatly appreciated. GO GREEN! Please let the church office know if you are interested in viewing the monthly newsletter online. Doing this would save FELC money on printing/postage and you d help save a tree! 7

8 Summer Mid-Week Worship We will be offering worship, with Holy Communion, each Wednesday during the summer, beginning on Wednesday, June 10. Worship time will be 6:30 p.m. All are invited to come as you are for an inspirational time of worship. Gone to the lake on the weekend; summer ball tournaments; whatever is happening in life: join us for worship on Wednesdays. High School Senior Recognition On Sunday, May 31, we will recognize graduating High school seniors at our 9:00 am worship service. Following worship all are invited to Chilstrom Hall for a reception, and presentation of a quilt to each student. We look forward to this special day of recognition. Youth Info, Etc. A Prayer for Mom: A young boy had been misbehaving, so his mother sent him to his room. Sometime later, he came out and told his mom he d prayed about the matter. That s good, she replied. If you ask God for help to not misbehave, he ll help you. Oh, I didn t pray for help behaving, said the boy, I prayed for God to help you put up with me. Acolyte and Usher Schedule Sunday, May 3, 2015 Sunday, May 17, :30 a.m. Usher Riley 8:30 a.m. Usher Jesse Acolyte Kristen Acolyte Alex 10:15 a.m. Usher Courtney 10:45 a.m. Usher Emma Acolyte Kendra Acolyte Logan Sunday, May 10, 2015 Sunday, May 24, :30 a.m. Usher Dylan M. 9:00 a.m. Usher Mak Acolyte Isaiah Acolyte Austin 10:45 a.m. Usher Marlaina Sunday, May 31, 2015 Acolyte Emily 9:00 a.m. Usher Jesse; Acolyte Alex 8

9 Fifth Grade Class First Communion Baking bread for the Maundy Thursday Communion Service! Maundy Thursday, April 2, 2015 Back Row, L to R Justin Thoma, Taylor Draeger, Greta Hulterstrum, Braxton Kerstein, Gavin Nelson, Jack Kuechle Front Row, L to R Abby Williams, Logan Rood, Jacob Hawes, Daniel Estrada 9

10 Please Save! We continue to collect the Econofoods receipts, Campbell s Labels for Education points coupon, General Mills Box Tops for Education, and the Family Foods Brand (from Econofoods) UPC labels. These items can be turned in for money and supplies for our Sunday School education needs and for the Pre-School education needs. There are boxes located in the Church Office on the bookshelf where these items can be dropped off. NOTE: The Campbell s points label system will be discontinued as of July 1, Please bring those labels in soon so they can be utilized before that date. Memorials & Gifts A monetary gift was given to the General Fund in memory of Emily Carlson by Ralph and Gloria Elj. A monetary gift was given to the Boiler/AC/Window Fund in memory of Emily Carlson by Aldeen and Idell Kadelbach. A monetary gift was given to the General Fund in memory of Dewey Lounsbury, father of the Kris and Von Grotto family, by Ron and Barb Piepenburg and Arlene Poirier. A MONETARY GIFT was given to the General Fund in memory of Emily Carlson by Wayne and Linda Carlson. Please keep our shut-in members in your prayers: Emmanuel Nursing Home: Junice Larson, Opal Allen, JoAnn Costigan, Larry Harding Gloria Dei: Eleanor Berg Bethany: Kathy Zeppelin, Ethel Sandry Litchfield, in own home: Marian Kronbeck, Grace Kranz, Ethelmae Bates, Ardella Voigt, Robert Putzier Lincoln Apts: Diane Riebe Long Prairie: Joyce Eggleston Gaylord: Oscar Nelson Rochester: Marilyn Miller Radio Broadcast Pastor Bob offers a weekly Thought for the Day on KLFD each Monday at 7:55 a.m. Youngish Faith at First Join a fun group if: you have graduated from high school but not retired from the working world. When: We will be meeting once a month first Monday of each month 7:30 pm See you May 4 Where: Chilstrom Hall Details: Call or text Karla Rick , she will information for the Bible Study part of the evening. We look forward to learning about women of the Bible & fellowship. Bring a friend, even if they are not a member of First Lutheran. If you need child care please text Judy Hulterstrum so we will be prepared. 10

11 MOVIE NIGHT Saturday, May 16, :00 P.M. Holy Word Theater Featuring: Buck Buck explores the life of Buck Brannaman from his childhood living with an abusive father to his successful approach to handling and training horses. Brannaman worked on the Robert Redford film The Horse Whisperer as the lead equine consultant. He teaches people to communicate with their horses through leadership and sensitivity, not punishment. The documentary follows Brannaman to several stops on his normal, 40-week-peryear circuit of ranches where he gives clinics on "natural horsemanship". He spends most of the year on the road, apart from his wife and daughters. Along the way, we learn about his childhood including his celebrity as a child performer of rope tricks, the physical abuse that he and his brother endured at the hands of their father, how a football coach helped to free him from his father after seeing welts on Buck's back and legs, and life with the Shirleys, his foster parents. MAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday, May 3, :30 a.m. - Traditional Worship with Communion 9:30 a.m. - Coffee Hour 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School 10:45 a.m. - Contemporary Worship with Communion Sunday, May 10, :30 a.m. - Traditional Worship with Communion 9:30 a.m. - Coffee Hour 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School 10:45 a.m. - Contemporary Worship with Communion Sunday, May 17, :30 a.m. - Traditional Worship with Communion 9:30 a.m. - Coffee Hour 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School 10:45 a.m. - Contemporary Worship with Communion Sunday, May 24, :00 a.m. - Traditional Worship with Communion 10:00 a.m. - Coffee Hour Sunday, May 31, :00 a.m. - Traditional Worship with Communion 10:00 a.m. - Coffee Hour Oscar Nelson Friday, May 1 Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Firs News is a monthly publication of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 703 S. Sibley Ave. Litchfield, MN Please send submissions to: The Church Office by May 15 th For the NEXT ISSUE: June firstoffice@hutchtel.net May 15 th 11

12 Firs News First evangelical Lutheran church 703 South Sibley Avenue Litchfield, MN Non Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit NO. 1 Litchfield, MN Address Service Requested Program Staff: Bob Iverson, Interim Senior Pastor pbiverson1@hotmail.com, Cell: Gary Cumings, Visitation Pastor Hannah Cox, Christian Education Director Jackie Kraushaar, Office Manager firstoffice@hutchtel.net Holly Cottington, Bookkeeper/Treasurer firsttr@hutchtel.net Jean Hoyer, Financial Secretary firsttr@hutchtel.net Bea Devereaux, Organist, Senior Choir, & Bell Choir Director Marge Hellzen, Contemporary Worship Director Katie Hulterstrum, Kingdom Company Director Scott Nelson, Custodian Joel Ramthun, Custodian First Lutheran Church Office: Litchfield Area Ministerial Association WHAT: National Day of Prayer Luncheon (free will donations for the meal) WHEN: Thursday, May 7, 2015 TIME: WHERE: Noon-1:00 pm Peter s on Lake Ripley *PLEASE LET YOUR CHURCH OFFICE KNOW BY MAY 4 IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND Several elected officials will be present to bring prayer requests specific to their office or area. A great opportunity to come together and pray for our city, county, state, and country. LIKE us on Facebook! 12