The Echo. UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 2122 University Avenue Grand Forks, North Dakota FEBRUARY 2019

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1 FEBRUARY 2019 The Echo UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 2122 University Avenue Grand Forks, North Dakota I would like to take you back a few years to a different time. It was the summer between my fifth and sixth grade years at Lincoln Elementary School in Anoka, Minnesota. I played third base and pitcher for the Lincoln School Little League team, and our coach was Marty Leadens. Marty was cool. He was a high school football, basketball, and baseball star for the Anoka High School varsity teams, better known as the Anoka Tornadoes. He gave most of our players nicknames, which over time actually stayed with many of my friends. But in my case, Marty simply called me, Tommy. As it turns out, under Marty s leadership, we made the local championship that year, and played the championship game against the team from Sandburg Middle School. The game was played on their field, and it was an epic battle which went beyond the 9 innings. As the game went into extra innings, we were tied 4-4. It was in the bottom of the 10 th inning, when Marty came out to the pitcher s mound, took the ball from the pitcher, and motioned for me to come over from third base to pitch. The umpire gave me a couple of warm up throws, none of which the catcher was able to catch. You see, I was afraid to make a mistake and lose the game, and this fear caused my pitches to be wild. So, just as Marty headed back to the dugout, he gave me some really good advice. He said, Tommy, stop aiming the ball. Just throw it. All you need to do is to play catch with the catcher. Well, he was right! I played catch with the catcher for two batters, got them out, and got all three batters I faced in the bottom of the 11 th inning out too, before Marty sent me back to third base. Sadly, I must report that we did not win the game. We were beaten by a homerun in the bottom of the 13 th inning. In Mark, chapter 5, a man named Jairus approached Jesus saying, My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live. How horrible Jairus must have felt? His little girl was sick and dying! As a father of a daughter and a son, I struggle with such fear even today, and my children are grown and at this point, healthy. At any rate, Jesus heads to Jairus house, presumably to help the girl. It was then that some people came and told Jairus his daughter had already died, and there was no longer any need to bother Jesus. Can you imagine the great sadness Jairus must have felt at this time? This news might have made him wild with grief, except that Jesus gave him some really good advice. As they continued to journey toward Jairus house, he said, Don t be afraid; just believe. I think this advice was something like the advice Marty gave me so many years ago. Marty asked me to simplify the task of pitching that day. He boiled it down to something I could do, something that I was even good at, playing catch. So, I played catch, and thankfully the results in that moment were good. Jesus, too, simplified things for Jairus. In spite of the news that Jairus daughter had died, Jesus boiled everything down to something he could do, believe. Don t be afraid; just believe. And so, Jairus believed, and if you know the end of that story, his daughter was raised. She lived. This sick and for a short time dead 12-year old girl lived, and of course, people were astonished. Equally as important as her living, however, is what Jairus and all the rest of us discover about Jesus, that when it comes to every struggle and trouble we face in life, the bottom line is, we can trust him.

2 In fact, Jesus gives us similar advice, to simplify things in our lives. Life is complicated, and we have so many fears. In some cases, these fears have to do with money or retirement, and in other cases, they have to do with personal or family problems. In some cases, these fears have to do with our health or the health of people who are around us, and in other cases, they have to do with death or grief. But whatever the case, the bottom line is, no matter what struggle or trouble we face in life, we need to simplify things, to boil things down to something we can do, believe. Don t be afraid; just believe. I realize this may seem too simple to some, and that s because it is simple. The truth is, faith is not so different than a pitcher playing catch with a catcher. It s just that in the case of faith, Jesus is the one who catches us. So, no matter what life throws at us, no matter how wild our lives get, we believe there is no way Jesus will not catch us, raise us, and give us life. Indeed, Jesus promises us that he will always be there to catch us, to save us in every way. That means there is no doubt about the outcome. Jesus wins the game of life for us, whether our lives are very short, or they last well into extra innings. You are in my prayers, Annual Meeting February 3, 2019 The Annual Meeting of University Lutheran Church is Sunday, February 3, 2019, 11:30 am, in the fellowship hall. This meeting will include ministry reports, old and new business, some elections, and consideration of the 2019 budget (our shared ministry). We really want you to be present for this meeting as we consider our future together as a congregation. A light lunch will be served: Hot dogs, chips, and ice cream Red Willow to Visit ULC Rick Frederick, Executive Director of Red Willow Bible Camp, will be visiting ULC for our worship services on Wednesday, February 20 at 6:00pm, and Sunday, February 24, at 10:00am. He will update us on what is going on at the camp, as well as speak to us about the summer Bible camp theme: Transformed Communities. This theme is based on the Apostle Paul s words in Romans 12:2: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so you may discern what is the will of God what is good and acceptable and perfect.

3 A Place at the Table February 24, 2019 The ULC Ecuador Mission Team invites you to attend, A Place at the Table, a charity benefit for our mission trip to Ecuador. We will serve at For His Children orphanages in Quito and Latacunga. Please join us for this special event on Sunday, February 24. The evening begins with a social time at 6:00pm, and dinner is at 6:30pm. This is a four-course meal: Tomato Basil Soup, Roll and Honey Butter Fresh Green Salad with Assorted Dressings Braised Chicken Breast, Rice Pilaf, Steamed Vegetables Chocolate Toffee Dessert Besides dinner, there will be music, trivia with awards for the winning table, as well as information about our time in Ecuador. Childcare is available upon request. There is no cost to the meal for you, except we will receive a free will offering for our mission trip. Guests may make reservations by signing up in the church narthex or calling the church office at Lent 2019 ULC Lenten Devotion Book We still need a few devotions for our ULC Lenten Devotion Book. If you have something you would like to share, please contact the church office. We are asking for about words (including a Bible verse and a short prayer). We will need all these devotions turned in by February 17, because Ash Wednesday is March 6. March 6 th is Ash Wednesday. Thus, begins 40 days of focus on the suffering, crucifixion, and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. There will be special services on both Wednesdays and Sundays during this time. There will be several opportunities for Bible studies as well. Please stay tuned for details in bulletins and the March newsletter.

4 Adult Education Opportunities Thursday Morning Bible Study Jesus and the Demons In February, we will continue our study on the Gospel stories which show Jesus doing battle with demons. We are moving from doubt that such evil exists, to faith that Jesus has power to save us from all that is evil in this world. This is not a class on the existence of demons, but it is a class which will demonstrate the power of the Lord to overcome demons or anything which seeks to harm us. Please join us Thursdays at 9:30 am in the lounge. WELCA Bible Study Meeting Jesus Where do we meet Jesus in daily life? We meet him in many places, but in session 2 of our Bible study, we see Nicodemus secretly meeting Jesus under the cover of darkness, and a Samaritan women at a well openly meeting with Jesus in the heat of the day. In both cases, we see how such encounters with Jesus are his opportunities to help us with our spiritual hungers and thirsts. Please join us Friday, February 8, at 10:00 am in the lounge. All ULC women and friends are welcome. Calling All Men What is the Role of a Man? We are going to explore the role of a man as father, husband, provider, neighbor, and servant. How do we as men of faith positively impact the world that is right around us? We will look at a biblical text to begin our conversation. Each Calling All Men Saturday study begins with prayer, breakfast pizza, and conversation, and then for about minutes, we will address our topic. Note the date change: Please join us February 23, 8:30am, in the fellowship hall. Adult Class Peter The Living Stone In February, Bruce Bohlman will continue his Bible study on the apostle Peter called, PETER THE LIVING STONE. The sessions will cover many aspects of Peter s life and times, including his sermons and writings as well as his interactions with Jesus, and later with the establishment and growth of the church. What do you think of when Peter s name is mentioned? We look forward to some lively discussion and fellowship during this multi-week study. Please join us Sundays, 8:45am in the lounge. in February Regular Sunday classes will meet February 3, 10, 17, and 24, and Wednesday classes will meet February 6, 13, 20, and 27. Parents are to join the students for class on February 10, or February 13, for the orientation about our winter retreat. The winter Confirmation retreat at Red Willow Bible Camp is Friday, February We will leave around 4:30pm Friday and return 1:30pm Sunday. The subject matter of the retreat is, The Lord s Supper or Holy Communion.

5 Educaon Update February, 2019 Join us on March 3rd from 3-5 pm for GROOVY GREEN GAME DAY. Are you feeling LUCKY? We will be playing games like BINGO, minute-to-win-it and more. There will be snacks and fun for ALL ages. Please join us! WWJ students will be singing on Wednesday, February 27 th. Sunday school students will be singing on Sunday, March 3 rd. This includes pre-school-6 th grade. Financial Update Once again, thank you for your generosity! In December, we reduced our general fun shortfall from over $21,000 to $6,776. Thank you! Our income in December exceeded our expenses by around $15,000. Even though we finished the year with a shortfall in the general fund, we are pleased but not surprised at the size of the recovery. We are hopeful we can continue this positive trend in the early months of Give ULC a High Five Thanks for your support of our High Five stewardship program. Due to your generosity we received $7,880 in 2015 (1576 high fives), $4,150 in 2016 (830 high fives), $3,245 (649 high fives) in 2017, and $2,195 (439 high fives) in That is a lot of warm feelings expressed by ULC s members and friends. We hope to grow this program in Will you consider giving ULC high fives (an extra $5 a week)? Walking in Love Update As we go to press with this newsletter, we are in the midst of our stewardship series, Walking in Love. We hope you have been challenged to think of stewardship as much more than money. But still, money is part of stewardship, so at the end of this series, we have response opportunities for you on February 3 and 6, so you may consider what you will contribute to our shared ministry in 2019.

6 Feed My Starving Children Here is the breaking news for Feed My Starving Children in 2019: Once again, the community of Grand Forks is coming together to pack food for starving children across the world. This year that weekend is April As a community, we have currently raised about $29,676 of the needed $88,957 in order for us to pack over 400,000 meals this year. Plus, we need 2,000 volunteers. One way ULC is raising money for FMSC is through noisy offerings in February, March, and April. Our Mission Endowment has already contributed $2,000. The Sunday and Wednesday children and youth will participate in an M&M fundraiser in the month of February. Details are below. You will have opportunity to sign up to help pack at the upcoming event in the very near future. We will have a couple of designated ULC times. Remember 22 cents provides one meal for a hungry child in our world, $22 provides 100 meals for hungry children in an orphanage, and $80 feeds one child for one year! M&Ms for FMSC Tubes of mini M&Ms will be given to children and youth on Sunday, February 3 rd, and Wednesday, February 6 th. They are a gift from Thrivent Financial, and the children are to take the candy home and eat it. It is our hope that after they eat the M&Ms, they and their families will stuff the tubes with quarters. Did you know an M&M tube can fit 56 quarters in it, which is a total of $14? That means every tube contains 63 meals for hungry children in our world. If 100 of us do this, we have provided 6300 meals to hungry children! We are asking the tubes be returned Sunday, February 17, and Wednesday, February 20. And yes, there will be some extra tubes for adults (like Pastor Tom) who love both M&Ms and FMSC. Bad Weather Announcements Please be patient with us as we make decisions whether to cancel events due to bad weather. Check us out on Facebook, KNOX (1310 Radio), or WDAZ (Channel 8 TV).

7 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13: Middle and high school youth group meet Monday nights in the youth room. If you are in grades 6-12 join us for a fun evening of fellowship, games, and prayer. We will also be doing a field trip once a month during this time. Our new time is 5:30pm-7pm. If you have questions please talk to Heather. Hope that you will join us. Feel free to invite a friend. Confirmation Retreat: February at Red Willow Bible Camp Our confirmation retreat to Red Willow Bible Camp is a requirement for all confirmation students at ULC. It s a wonderful weekend full of learning, fun, great food, and special time digging into God s word. Our program this year will focus on the Lord s Supper (Holy Communion). This is such an asset to the confirmation program and we know that all students will really enjoy this weekend. We will have youth and parent meetings during class on Sunday, February 10th at 8:45am and Wednesday, February 13th at 7pm. It is important that you attend either of these meetings so you get all the details about the weekend which include a packing list and itinerary. We are asking each family to contribute $30 for their student to help with costs. However, if this is a hardship for anyone, it SHOULD NOT prevent your student from being a part of a really wonderful experience. Please let Heather or Pastor Tom know if you have any questions. Valentine Coloring Contest & Take Home Devotional: for all youth in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Coloring sheets and devotions can be found on the youth board in the narthex. All entries must be turned in to Heather or the church office by Sunday, February 17th. Prizes will be given to all who enter. I hope that you will participate. Wednesday With Jesus Youth will sing in worship on Wednesday, February 27th Upcoming Activities: - Little Dresses for Africa Dress Making Event :March - Middle and High school lock in at ULC : March - Groovy Green Game Day (Family Event): Sunday, March 3rd from 3-5 at ULC - Middle and high school youth group: Mondays 5:30pm-7:00pm

8 University Lutheran Church invites you to attend A Place at the Table A Charity Event to benefit ULC Ecuador Trip/For His Children Sunday, February 24, :00pm - Social Time 6:30pm - Dinner This adult event will include social time, dinner, music, and a free-will offering. We will also share more about Ecuador and our partnership with For His Children (Orphanages). Childcare will be provided upon request. MENU Tomato Basil Soup Yeast Roll with Honey Butter Fresh Green Salad with Assorted Dressings Braised Chicken Breast Rice Pilaf Steamed Vegetables Chocolate Toffee Dessert Guests may make reservations by signing up in the church narthex or calling the church office at Thanks! Women s Movie Day at ULC: Please join us for a Women s event sponsored by Joy Circle. We will come together on Sunday, February 10th from 2-4:30pm to watch the movie, Wonder staring actress Julia Roberts and actor Owen Wilson. We will be meeting in the youth room for this time. We will explore what it means to be different and how God uses each of us in this world. Popcorn and other treats will be available. (bring your own snacks if you would like and dress comfy) This is a FREE event and we hope that you will join us. Feel free to bring a friend, daughter, or sister too. You do not need to rsvp for this event but if you are planning on attending it would be helpful to know. Please let Shelly or Heather know if you have questions. Thanks. We look forward to seeing you all there!

9 WELCA February News We have had our initial meetings of the year and are excited to announce our first event. On Sunday, February 24 th, we will again be celebrating Bold Women s Day. This day celebrates all Lutheran women who have acted boldly or are acting boldly in the name of Jesus Christ. Here s our plan: On Sunday, February 24t h, the bold women of ULC will serve several roles at the service ushering, greeting, and lecturing. Pastor Tom will also include a Bold Women Litany in the service. Other events coming up this winter and spring: Saturday, March 16 th Time: TBD National Quilting Day/Craft Your Heart Out. This is an opportunity to recognize our quilters and all they do to assemble quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Come learn about quilting! If you are not interested in quilting, we will have a simple make it and take it project. You are also welcome to bring a project of your choice. Need a large table to spread out your scrapbooking project? Want to knit without interruption? Come join us for fellowship and projects. Refreshments will be served. We have set dates for a few of our spring events: Spring Salad Luncheon Saturday, April 6th. Spring Cluster Meeting Saturday, April 27 th : We will be hosting our cluster of WELCA churches from NE North Dakota for a morning of fellowship and worship. Rhubarb Festival Saturday, June 8 th. More details to follow! Patty Olsen WELCA president ndpolsen@gmail.com WOMEN OF THE ELCA Purpose Statement 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. WELCA Bible Study Friday, February 10:00 a.m. in the lounge. Led by Pastor Tom. All women and friends of ULC are encouraged to attend. Naomi-Rachel-Ruth Circle Friday, February 8 11:00 a.m. at the church Mary-Martha Circle Wednesday, February 20 9:30 a.m. at the church Joy Circle Sunday, February 10 2:00-4:30pm at the church

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12 UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 2122 UNIVERSITY AVENUE GRAND FORKS ND NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID GRAND FORKS ND PERMIT #330 WORSHIP & CLASS CHEDULE Sunday Mornings Sunday School & Adult Class 8:45am Grades 7-9 Confirmation 8:45am Worship 10:00am Fellowship 11:00am Wednesday With Jesus Supper 5:00 p.m. Worship & WWJ 6:00 p.m. Grades 7-9 Confirmation 7:00pm ULC Annual Meeting Sunday, February 3 11:30 a.m. Joy Circle Women s Movie Day Sunday, February 10 2:00-4:30pm Confirmation Retreat February Red Willow Bible Camp A Place at the Table Sunday, February 24 6:00 p.m. Middle School & High School Youth Group 5:30-7:00pm Quilting Groups 6:30pm 1:00pm Check inside for much more!! Ministers: Every Member of the Congregation Missionaries: Willie and Anne Langdji Pastor: Thomas W. Colenso Education Coordinator: Jen Hanson Youth Minister: Heather Kallestad Administrative Assistant: Seanne Voracek Organists: Lauri Shimpa and Jane Traub Choir Director: KariJo O Keefe Custodian: Harold Stoller Stephen Ministry Leaders: Evelyn Clark Wayde Anderson Jane Traub UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 2122 University Avenue Grand Forks ND Phone: ulcoffice@midconetwork.com