The Messenger. Monthly news for Emmanuel Lutheran Church - Menominee, Michigan AUGUST 2017

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1 The Messenger Monthly news for Emmanuel Lutheran Church - Menominee, Michigan AUGUST 2017 August office hours will be 8:00 a.m. to Noon Monday thru Friday

2 This month s Messenger is sponsored by Keith Larry Plude Printers Plus! For All Your Printing Needs Keith Plude th Street Menominee, MI (906) , Fax (906) Business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thank you, Larry for sponsoring the Messenger Emmanuel members who own or operate their own business or members who would like to recognize a significant event in their lives are invited to sponsor the Messenger. Full sponsorship of the Messenger is $100. This covers a portion of the cost of mailing the Messenger each month.

3 from the pastor Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ; In just a few short weeks, on August 21st to be exact, we will be able to witness about 50-75% of a full solar eclipse, one which has not transpired for 38 years. I, for one, think that this is pretty cool. I somewhat remember the last solar eclipse, when I was a first grader in Mrs. Bowers class at Marion Elementary school and I remember our class prepared for this historic event by making special sunglasses ( a tinted transparent film of some sort, I believe) so that we could look upon the event and not burn out our retinas. I remember being out on the playground during the eclipse, along with the rest of the school, all of us looking up with our special glasses on and taking all of this in. I remember getting frustrated with the glasses because I didn t think that I could see anything and figuring that this was supposed to be such a big event, removed the required special glasses and glanced up at the sun with the naked eye so I could see what was going on. I remember the burning in my retina when I did so and vowed not to tell a single soul about the danger I was courting with my reckless behavior and have in fact never told anyone about this episode. Until now, that is. I certainly hope that my mom doesn t read this. When Moses appeared before God on Mt. Sinai and received the Ten Commandments and Moses asked to see God s face, God s reply to Moses was that, you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live. (Exodus 33:20 NRSV). In this very personal and unique encounter, Moses wanted nothing more than to look upon the God whom had rescued his people from slavery in Egypt. God very gently reminded Moses that God s glory, majesty and presence were simply too big for Moses to comprehend in his limited human understanding, and so God shared with Moses what would benefit him. The same holds true for you and I. Sometimes we want God to give to us or explain to us the answers that we demand, as if God owes it to us. Unfortunately, though, all too often we re simply not equipped to handle those answers, that the knowledge of what we ll receive will blind us, if you will, to God s presence and God s faithfulness during these times of stress and trial.

4 Our faith then takes on the role of being the special lens through which we then are able to see God s activity and faithfulness in the world around us. God joyfully and faithfully provides everything that we need, our daily bread, and then asks that we simply trust in those provisions and where God is leading us. Which is hard to do when money is tight or when a sudden sickness arises or when you are left mourning a loved one who is gone too soon. It s often hard to see God s presence when abuse is prevalent or when our relationships with our neighbors break down. Our focus often becomes so fixated on fixing the issue the way that we feel it needs to be done or by forcing God s presence into the situation to justify it, that we become blinded to where Christ is truly present. When Jesus walked this earth he was routinely found to be seeking out the lowly and broken and providing hope to the hopeless. Nothing is different today. It s just a matter of trusting in the faith that has freely given to us and using that lens to see Christ among us. I am very much looking forward to this eclipse and I will certainly take any necessary precautions for my eyes before looking upon it. It will be quite a spectacle, but faith reminds me that God s wonders are visible around me each and every day. And maybe, that s where I need my focus to be. Peace, Pastor Mark If you ve been in church during the past several weeks, you may have noticed that we have a gorgeous new banner ordaining our sanctuary. Thank you to Jeff and Karen Hines for your incredible generosity in providing this empowering element to our worship experience. We are blessed!

5 Youth and Family Ministry From the Director: Patti Treptow What a wonderful, faith-filled summer we have enjoyed here at Emmanuel. From our group camping experience at Fortune Lake in July, to Vacation Bible School, the youth reading program service activity and fundraising activities for the youth trip to the ELCA National Youth Gathering, we have come together to share our faith. But, summer is not over! Emmanuel will again participate in one of our community's summer favorite activities, the Waterfront Festival Parade. In a month, we will begin our fall programing. Planning has been underway for adult and high school Bible studies, Sunday school and Confirmation classes, the Confirmation Retreat, Rally Day Picnic, the Tailgate Picnic, and other congregational fellowship activities. Watch for announcements on these and other fun, faith-filled opportunities for all our congregational members. In the following pages you will find more information on our youth and family activities... Confirmation Retreat September 16 th -17 th Registration forms will be mailed out mid-august to students regarding this annual event. The Rite of Confirmation Reformation Sunday, October 29 th Information regarding this very important step in our student's faith life will be mailed out in September. Service Activities If you are in need of church service activities for your confirmation requirements, see Patti about helping with decorating and/or walking with our Waterfront Festival parade float, and the Rally Day Picnic.

6 Vacation Bible School Emmanuel's VBS was held on July Thirty-one children experienced "Camp Out Getting S'more of Jesus" and learned that Jesus is the light of the world. Along with awesome songs and skits, exciting Bible explorations, fun crafts, crazy games, and yummy snacks, we were treated to special camp visitors who taught the children about life in the woods and our natural world with engaging presentations and hands-on activities. Menominee High School Fishing Team members Coleton Kotecki and Jason Janquart taught us about fishing and the different types of fish in our area, and what it takes to catch them. Member of the Chappee Learning Center, John Helfert, taught us about the Menominee Tribal Nation and how God uses the natural world to provide for many of our needs. Avid duck hunter, Robert Schreiner, taught us about the many different types of waterfowl in our area, where different species of ducks live, their migration patterns, and duck calls. On the final day, firefighters Jake Burton, Steve Sanville, Jay Osterbert and their very special team member, Smokey the Bear, taught us about outdoor fire safety and prevention. Our children also participated in a service project called "Kids Helping Kids" where they made "Cuddle Bears" for the children of Abundant Life Shelter and the Rainbow House. A big thank you goes out to the following people for making this year's VBS such a success! Bible Exploration Leader: Pastor Mark. Skits: Emma Laatsch. Crew Leaders: Arikah Bellisle, Sylvia Blom, Delaney Johnson, Kendell Klatt, Cookie Kramer, Emma Laatsch. Crew Helpers: Kylie Chevalier, Alyssa Dura, Avery Johnson, Seth Johnson, and Sophia Walker. Games: Nancy McDonald, with helpers Landen Clausen and Keaton Uecke. Snacks: Bonnie Jackson and Pam Champagne. Crafts: Pat Brukardt and Barb Smith. Planning team: Marilyn Mouritsen, Judy Raygo, and Patti Treptow.

7 2017 Vacation Bible School

8 More glimpses of VBS. With the school year starting for our children, we would like them to go back to school with God's peace and protection over them. On Sunday, September 3rd during our 10:00 a.m. worship service. Emmanuel invites all of our school age children to bring their backpacks and book bags to worship and receive a blessing. We also invite any school teachers to join us to receive a blessing as well on this day as you carry out your call to educate. Sunday School Sunday school classes will start on Rally Sunday, September 10 th. All children in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 6 th grade are invited to attend. Children will participate in the first part of the 10:00 a.m. worship service and then be released to classes following the children's sermon. More information on our Sunday School program as well as the registration form will be included in the September newsletter and be made available on the church website. We are looking forward to a fun and faith-filled year!

9 Emmanuel Youth at Fortune Lake

10 2018 National Youth Gathering Sudsy Sunday! Fundraiser was held on Sunday, July 16 th during the 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. worship services. Our youth who will be attending the 2018 National Youth Gathering washed the cars of our congregation while they attended worship service. The youth raised $ toward their trip to Houston! THANK YOU EMMANUEL CONGREGATION!!!

11 ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Wednesday Morning Men s group Join us each Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., at the Serving Spoon for a wonderful time of fellowship with friends, sharing stories, and enjoying a cup of coffee. Bring a friend! WoMen s Ministries Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America The Sarah Circle does not meet for the summer. Seeking Enlightenment Group will be meeting on Thursday, August 17, at 6:30pm. It is a time of sharing and encouraging each other on our Christian journey, contact Robin Gustafson at for location details. ****************************************************** Emmanuel's Monarch Butterfly Garden Thank you April Starzynski for sprucing up our garden this year!

12 Waterfront arade Float The parade date is Sunday, August 6 th. We would like to involve our members of all ages to participate in this fun activity. Float decorating will be held on Thursday, August 3 rd from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at Frog Pond Realty located at 2134 Thirteenth Street, Menominee. We also need adults and youth to walk with the float and hand out treats and a few children to ride on the float. We are using the VBS theme "Camp Out.getting s'more of Jesus". If you are interested in participating, please call the church office. ******************************************************** Past and Present Choir Members I am very excited about the upcoming choir year. Senior Choir will meet at the same time as always: Wednesday evenings at 6:30 and will sing two Sunday's a month. We will begin choir practice September 6th and we will sing for the first time on Sunday, September 10th. I welcome anyone to join the choir as we are always looking for new faces and new talent including any high schoolers that would like to be involved. If you don't know how to read music, DON'T PANIC! I will definitely teach you how to read enough to sing your part! I am also going to be having a children's choir again! We will meet to practice on Sunday's between services from 9:15 to about 9:45 or so. At the moment, I am planning on having the kids sing once a month. The first practice will be Sunday, September 17th. I look forward to filling the church with music and hope to see many of you for the new season! Linda Davis

13 Our Emmanuel Family Called Home by God... Joseph Kamin passed away on July 18. Funeral services were held at Cadieu Funeral Home on July 21. Our sympathy to his parents, Mike and Brenda Kamin, and grandfather, Bennie Kamin. Congratulations to our College Graduate Brian Hines Business Management Alma College Graduate - on April 22 ***************************************************** Senior Companion Program The Senior Companion Program is looking for individuals at least 55 years of age or older who have a passion and desire to be a volunteer to help other seniors. You will receive a non-taxable stipend and transportation reimbursement. If interested call Community Action Agency at (906) ext. 144 or Thanks again. Linda Paulin Supervisor of Senior Companion Program

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15 Church Nursery Summer Update Our church nursery is closed for the summer. Parents, we welcome you to attend worship with your children! We love to hear your children's voices join with ours as we worship God, so please do not feel that your child is a distraction or that you ever have to take your child out of worship. All are welcome here! ******************************************* For those who did not purchase pictures, your free 8x10 s are available in the church office. Please come in during office hours to pick yours up. Finance Update Year to date, receipts totaled $ 121,930 while expenses totaled $121,345 leaving a positive balance for the year of $585. Would you like to see the photos that are in this month's Messenger in color? Check out Emmanuel's website and click on the newsletter link under "Our Work". You can find our website at

16 SUNDAY MORNINGS AT EMMANUEL Worship at 8:00 & 10:00am CONTACT US: Phone: (906) Fax: (906) Council President, Jackie Kolaszewski or Visit us on the Web at Follow us on Facebook at Emmanuel Lutheran Church Menominee Michigan ELCA STAFF: Pastor The Rev. Mark Laatsch Director of Youth & Family Ministry Mrs. Patti Treptow Church Secretary Mrs. Judy Raygo Custodian Ms. Judy Seglund We are a congregation of the Northern Great Lakes Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America