Dear Members of Elim:

Transcription

1 Elim Lutheran Church The Messenger February 2015 Pastor Delvin Strecker Parsonage/Pastor s Office: (785) Dori Weber, Church Secretary Cell Phone: (785) Church Phone: (785) strecker.delvin@gmail.com elimsec@gmail.com Dear Members of Elim: Several months ago, Pastor Shelly Klingensmith ran a quiz in her newsletter for Assaria Lutheran. I was fascinated by the quiz and decided to run it our Messenger. I hope you enjoy this. (Answers will be in next month s Messenger.) Pastor Delvin Lutheran Identity Quiz 1. The name Lutheran wasn t Martin Luther s idea. What name did he suggest? A. Reformed Christian B. Evangelical Catholic C. Saintly Brethern D. Redeemed Catholic 2. The ELCA is the largest Lutheran body in the Unites States. What is the second largest Lutheran body? A. American Lutheran Church B. Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod C. United Lutheran D. North American Lutheran Church 3. October 31 is known as what for Lutherans? A. Covenant Day B. Reformation Day C. Viking Day D. The Feast of Saint Olaf 4. What is the most widely used translation of the Bible by Lutherans? A. New American Bible B. New International Bible C. King James Bible D. New Revised Standard Version (Pastor's Letter Continues on Page 2)

2 (Pastor's Letter Continued from Page 1) 5. The Diet of Worms in 1521 resulted in Luther being A. Elevated to Bishop B. Being branded as outlaw by the Emperor C. Plagued with life-long digestive problems D. Excommunicated 6. The Augsburg Confession of 1530 is a basic statement of what Lutherans believe. Who was the principal author? A. Phillip Melanchthon B. Martin Luther C. John Calvin D. A committee of German theologians 7. How many sacraments are recognized by the Lutheran Church? A. Three: Baptism, Holy communion and Marriage B. Two: Baptism and Holy Communion C. Seven: the same ones as the Roman Catholic Church D. None: there are only ceremonies and rites but no sacraments 8. Which of the following was not written by Martin Luther? A. Small Catechism B. Large Catechism C. Augsburg Confession D. Smalcald Articles 9. What is the preferred form of address for Lutheran clergy in the United States? A. Pastor B. Reverend C. Father (Mother) D. Brother (Sister) 10. When and where was the first Lutheran Service held in North America? A. 1645, Manhattan B. 1620, present day Manitoba C. 1662, Island of St. Thomas D. 1720, Chicago 11. Which of the following statements is true concerning what Lutherans believe about the Bible? A. Scripture was written by human beings, without God s inspiration. B. Scripture was inspired by God but human beings penned the words. C. Both A and B: some scripture was written by humans without God s inspiration and some was written by humans but inspired by God. (Pastor's Letter Continues on Page 3)

3 (Pastor's Letter Continues on Page 3) 12. According to recent estimates, there are about Lutherans in the United States making it the largest religious denomination in the United States. A. 2 million, tenth B.13.5 million, fourth C. 18 million, third D. 5 million, sixth 13. No Lutheran has ever been President of the United States. What high level position has a Lutheran held? A. Vice-President B. Secretary-General of the United Nations C. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court D. Principle host of the Academy Awards 14. True or false: Martin Luther struggled with his faith until he read in the Bible that we are saved by God s grace and not our own works. 15. True or false: Martin Luther translated the Bible into three languages: German, French and English. ~ WELCA NEWS ~ Dates to remember: Sunday, March 8 9:30-10:15 a.m. General WELCA Meeting in the sanctuary Wednesday, March 25 1:30 p.m. Quilting at church Friday, March 28 2:00 p.m. Riverview Birthday Party - Martha Group WELCA Group now meets on the second Sunday of the month from 9:30-10:15 a.m. There will no longer be individual group meetings or Wednesday night meetings. Quilting has been moved to the last Wednesday of the month for If you have not received a 2015 WELCA book, extra copies are available for pick-up in the Narthex. The Ashby House of Salina, Kansas is in need of: hygiene items, laundry soap, dish soap, diapers, diaper wipes, children s socks & underwear, toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex, canned fruit & vegetables, clothing, used household items, used furniture, used appliances, and used yard tools. Please place any items you can give by the Parish Hall and we ll make sure they get donated to the correct person. Thanks Brooke Olson, WELCA President.

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6 ~ ALTAR FLOWERS ~ On Sunday January 11 & 18, the altar flowers were given in loving memory of Mary Borg who passed away one year ago on January 8, given by her husband Daryl and sister Norma Ericson. On Sunday, January 25, the altar flowers were given in loving memory of Richard, Geneva, and Marilee Peterson given by Jim and Fred Peterson and Ingrid Neste. ~ CONGRATULATIONS ~ Congratulations to new church council members recently elected at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, January 25: Scott Feil, Patty Kolling Kelly Larson (incumbent - second term), and Darryl Talbott. They will begin their 3- year terms at the February 2 church council meeting. Special thanks to council members who have completed their terms: Tracy Bunk, Randy Jirak, and Kenny Knackstedt. ~ NOISE OFFERING ~ The monthly noise offering will be taken on Sunday, February 8 during worship. The Noise Offering, which is taken on the second Sunday of every month, is to benefit the Children's Memorial Lutheran Church in Kansas City, Missouri. The Sunday School Offering will also go to this cause for the school year. Please remember to bring your loose change for the Sunday School children to collect. ~ COMMUNITY BINGO ~ Elim's Evangelism Committee will host a Community Bingo Night on Saturday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Marquette American Legion. The committee is seeking help to make this night a success. Last year, there was a packed house for this fun event. Can you donate prizes, provide cookies, or volunteer to help that night? If so, please call Kelly Larson at (785) ~ YOUTH GROUP ~ The High School Youth Group meets weekly on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for a meal and fellowship. If you are able to provide a meal this fall for the High School Youth Group, please contact Hannah Jones at (620) or Tammy Feil at (620) Cash donations will also be accepted this year from those who would like to help but are unable to prepare a meal. ~ VALENTINE'S DINNER ~ The High School Youth Group will host a Valentine s Day Dinner on Saturday, February 14 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The meal will include bread, salad, green beans, spaghetti, a red velvet cupcake and an extra treat. Tickets will be sold for the meal at $5 each. Reservations are recommended but not required and take out will be available. All the proceeds will benefit the group's serve and ski trip over spring break. You can see any of the High School Youth (Erin, Kassie, Sadie, Layne, Logan, Gracy, Diana, and Shannon) or Hannah Jones for tickets. ~ PRAYER BREAKFAST ~ The 41st Annual Lindsborg Mayor s Prayer Breakfast will be on Thursday, February 19 at 6:45 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 224 South Main Street in Lindsborg, Kansas. This year, Bill Carlson will be the speaker. Bill's presentation is entitled: The Sting of a Bee or the Budding of a Flower? and is based on Ephesians 5:18b-20 Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Special music will be provided by RoJean Loucks, harpist. Tickets are available at Scott s Thriftway in Lindsborg and are $4.50. Please stop by Scott s and get your tickets for this very special once-a-year event.

7 Please Keep in Prayer Gary Alstatt, Alysha Mapes (Brooke Olson s cousin), Gayle Nelson, Ashlea Nicholson, and Lory Traugott. If you have prayer requests, please contact Pastor Delvin or the church office by leaving a note on the bulletin board, calling , or ing to elimsec@gmail.com. The list will renew every three months on April 1, July 1,October 1, and January 1. New prayer list requests will be taken at any time. ~ FREE MAGAZINE ~ Feel free to pick up a copy of The Lutheran magazine in the Narthex. They are available for anyone who is not already receiving their own subscription at home. ~ ELIM WEBSITE ~ Elim has a website on the internet. Please visit to check it out! You can see the monthly calendar events and now send prayer requests to Pastor Delvin or view the monthly Messenger newsletter online. ~ GENEALOGY WORSHOP ~ Discover Your Swedish Roots! Swedish Genealogy Workshops will be on March and September 26-27, 2015 in Lindsborg. These workshops are sponsored by ArkivDigital, the leader in Swedish online records, and hosted by the Old Mill Museum in Lindsborg. For more information, including registration costs & forms can be found at or obtained by calling (785) Sadie McBride - Junior at Little River High School Parents: Wayne & Terri McBride Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, sports Favorite Activity at Church: Going to the Royals game Favorite Bible Story: Daniel and the Lion's Den Future Plans: Go to college Layne Patrick - Junior at Smoky Valley High School Parents: Steve Patrick & Kelly Alexander Hobbies: Guitar, Studying, video games, Scholar's Bowl, quiz/trivia games Favorite Activity at Church: Youth Group Favorite Bible Story: Noah's Ark Future Plans: College - Science/Engineering Erin Hudson - Senior at Little River High School Parents: Roger & Kristen Hudson Hobbies: Sports Favorite Activity at Church: Youth Group Favorite Bible Story: The Christmas Story Future Plans: College Meet Elim's High School Youth Group

8 ~ CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES ~ 8 church council members were present at the January meeting. December expenses were $13,140. Receipts were $17,400 (and $4,430 of that total was from electronic deposits) total expenses were $135,550 and receipts were $108,204. A Swedish Supper expense/receipt printed report was provided. $ checks will be given to Riverview Estates and Ministerial Alliance. The Elim Improvement Fund was also given $ A first proof of the church directory was received. All submitted photos (non-lifetouch) were not displayed in the book. Pastor is working with Lifetouch to get the problem corrected. A numbered key list has been made. Council approved a motion to accept the request for four more keys for members. Key agreements and numbered keys will be dispersed soon. Discussed getting some kind of key chains to put on new keys so they aren't misplaced so easily. Discussed a difficult door lock. All locks will be replaced. Council approved a motion approved to allow the High School Youth Group to have a Valentine's Day Dinner on Saturday, February 14 for a fund raiser. Council approved a motion to allow the Matthew Wickstrom/Diane Miller wedding in the church on Saturday, July 18. Pastor's Housing Allowance is $29,350. Council approved a motion to pay this amount for Discussed annual meeting agenda items. The Finance and Stewardship committee met in December to compile a budget. A printed budget proposal was provided and reviewed. The Synod is asking for at least $100 increase in benevolence. The committee proposed $5100 for benevolence. Committee proposed a 1 1/2% increase ($50/month) in Pastor's basic salary. The total budget went up $1573 over last year. Council approved a motion to accept the budget as proposed. Council discussed the cost of mailing The Messenger monthly and discussed different, more costeffective ways to get the monthly newsletter out. This issue will be on the annual meeting agenda for the congregation to discuss. Kenny Knackstedt announced he will not run for a 2nd term on the church council. Various ideas were discussed regarding a fund raiser to assist with Elim's declining general fund balance. Betsy Patrick provided a resignation letter to council and will complete her secretary duties by February 1. She will help train a replacement if one is found soon. Council will publicize the job in the bulletin. Council approved a motion to accept this resignation. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. with the Lord's Prayer. Next Meeting: Monday, February 2 at 7:00 p.m. Communion Assistant: February 1 & 15 Beth Thomas ~ FROM PASTOR S DESK ~ Thank you to all who put their names up for council positions. Elim could not survive without volunteers. Please make plans to be a part of this year s Lenten services. As a part of this series, 24 Hours That Changed the World, Pastor Bever and I are offering an opportunity to take part in a daily devotional that will coincide with the videos we are showing. Please see the article in the Messenger about the Lenten services. The devotionals are $4.95. There will be a sign up sheet at worship on Sunday or you can me at strecker.delvin@gmail.com or call me at to order the devotional booklet. First Communion classes will be held on 3 Sundays in March: March 8, March 15 and March 22. Letters to families will be mailed out on February Pastor Delvin

9 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION ELIM LUTHERAN CHURCH - MARQUETTE, KANSAS January 25, 2015 MINUTES After a potluck meal, Pastor Delvin Strecker led the gathering in devotions and in singing, We All Are One in Mission. Church Council Chairman Scott Johnson opened the meeting at 12:50 p.m. and thanked those who helped prepare the potluck. Council Chairman thanked Betsy Patrick, the outgoing church secretary. He also thanked Pastor Delvin and all of those in the congregation who do God's work in our church and in our community. Thanks was also given for the organist, choir directors, custodian, and youth directors. Thanks to those who helped on special projects that occurred this year and those helpful for providing labor, especially in putting a new roof on the parsonage garage. Rusty Young was thanked for installing the new sprinkler system and lawn at the church and for upkeep of the lawn for one year. Volunteer lists were passed and filled in by attendees for 2015 for greeters, lectors, coffee hosts, altar flowers, and Riverview Sing-a-long volunteers. WELCA is no longer in charge of Sing-a-long. All members of the congregation are asked to help and four to five volunteers are needed every 3rd Sunday. A motion was approved to accept the 2014 Annual Meeting Minutes as printed. Report of the Nominating Committee - 7 names were on the printed ballot by the filing deadline. Jenna Jones was nominated from the floor to the ballot. Motion approved to cease nominations. Council Chairman thanked all who agreed to be on the ballot and the nominating committee for their work in gathering nominees. Council Chairman appointed ballot tellers: Kate Emery, Craig Larson, Dana Olson, and Mike Hulse. Council Chairman thanked outgoing council members Randy Jirak, Kenny Knackstedt, and Tracy Bunk. Kelly Larson has also completed her first term but is back on the ballot as an incumbent. Election of Memorial Committee - Julie Olson reported that there are no changes from last year's committee. All committee members are active and there is no need to elect new members this year. Election of Nominating Committee - Nominations for the floor were: Bob Jones, Betsy Patrick, Carylee Jones, Sandra Myers, and Dorine Cunningham. Motion approved to cease nominations. Betsy Patrick volunteered to chair the committee for the 2016 ballot. Appointment of Auditing Committee Member - Peter Hamma has completed his three year term. Kendra Hopp (new chairman) and Jim Thomas will remain on the committee to audit the 2015 financial information. Marci Fox was appointed to complete the committee. COMMITTEE REPORTS - Additions to printed reports Pastor s Report - The second directory proof has been submitted to Lifetouch and Elim should have completed directories by Easter. In the process of working on the directory, church rolls are accurate right now. The Ministerial Alliance will try a new video series format for Lenten services. Services will be at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday nights, except for 7:00 p.m. on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Council Chairman thanked all committees for their hard work throughout the year. Worship & Music - Brooke Olson reminded attendees of Gospel Music Sunday on February 8. Jackie Larson thanked Allan Lindfors for his leadership. Christian Education - Council Chairman thanked Tammy Feil, Diane Hedberg and all of the teachers this past year for their leadership. Tammy Feil asked for Wednesday night supper volunteers to provide meals for 20 confirmation students and high school youth. Tammy also praised Hannah Jones for taking over the youth group leadership role.

10 Evangelism - Kelly Larson thanked her committee for their work on many projects this year. The committee will host a Bingo Night on Saturday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Marquette American Legion. Council Chairman commended the active committee this year. Finance & Stewardship - Scott Johnson thanked his committee member for their work, specifically on the 2015 budget. Social Ministry - Peter Hamma reported that the committee also hosted a soup benefit for the Helen Weber in addition to other activities mentioned in his report. He also asked for new social ministry ideas in the future. Property - Randy Jirak reported that the committee will be changing the locksets on the church and parsonage in the next week or two. New keys were distributed today. Those with old keys can discard them once the new locks are in. WELCA - Outgoing President Kate Emery praised new President Brooke Olson for a already doing a good job. Brooke reminded the women that the next WELCA general meeting is Sunday, February 8. Memorial - No additions to the printed report. FINANCIAL REPORTS There was a question regarding whether there could be a monthly expense/receipt report publicized in The Messenger newsletter. This issue will be discussed further at church council. A motion was approved to accept all printed financial reports. All accounts have audited and found to be correct. Diane Hedberg was thanked for her work as the church treasurer in Diane Hedberg also thanked past treasurers for their service CHURCH COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS Council Chairman announced that the four members elected for the 2015 church council were: Kelly Larson (incumbent), Patty Kolling, Scott Feil, & Darryl Talbott. OLD BUSINESS - No old business to discuss. NEW BUSINESS Adoption of 2015 Budget was a financially challenging year for Elim. The church council recently approved the printed budget proposal. There was discussion regarding the bell choir director and choir director salary line items. A motion was approved to accept the budget as printed for The Messenger Mailing - By recent estimates, it costs $2178 per year, or $181 a month to produce and mail The Messenger newsletter to 217 households. There was extensive discussion and suggestions regarding how costs could be cut by reducing the number mailed. The Messenger is currently available on the church website. Church council will discuss this issue further. Fund Raiser Brainstorming - It has been brought up at church council that Elim needs to look at other ways to generate income. Discussed a church garage sale on the same day as the community garage sales in town, which is the 1st Saturday in June. Dana Olson volunteered to be in charge of this event and members could donate items to be sold for the benefit of the church. Pastor said the parsonage garage could be used for collection and the sale. This item will be brought to church council for final approval. Other suggestions discussed to raise money were: put Swedish Supper proceeds in the General Fund instead of the Improvement Fund, and a Haunted Hike Trail. Council Chairman closed the meeting by announcing that the church council hired Dori Weber as the new church secretary, beginning in February. A motion was approved for adjournment at 1:55 p.m. Pastor Delvin provided the benediction and closing prayer. Minutes taken by Betsy Patrick, Elim Lutheran Church Secretary

11 MILESTONES FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 2 Skye Farris 4 Joel Nelson 6 Eric Edwards 7 Justin Rock Sandra Myers 8 Dori Staggs 9 Linda Crosby 10 Korbin Niegsch 11 Bob Jones 16 Katrina Sickmon 18 Karen Teague Brynne Weber 19 Gracie Brady 20 MaKenzie Brady 22 Georgie Ingemanson 23 Sarah Jane Smith 24 Kendal Brueggen 25 Jody Lindh 26 Jamie Nelson 27 Jake Loder 28 Wyatt Reid Maggie Lindfors FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES 12 Mr. & Mrs. Kenny Knackstedt 38 years 14 Mr. & Mrs. Roger Hudson 22 years If you no longer wish to receive this monthly newsletter, please let the Elim Lutheran Church office know by calling (785) and leaving a message, ing elimsec@gmail.com, or leaving a note on the church office door. Letters of opinion will not be printed in the Messenger. Church Council, as representatives of the congregation, will address individual concerns as they arise. (Policy per church council vote on November 4, 2013.) 2014 Volunteer Lists were circulated at the Annual Congregational Meeting. Many spots are still open to volunteer to serve as greeters, coffee hosts, and to assist with Riverview Sing-a-long. Please sign-up on the main bulletin board in the Parish Hall and in the kitchen if you can help with these duties. ON THE JOB AT ELIM ACOLYTES Rylee & Ryenne Cunningham GREETERS Scott & Linda Johnson 22 - Barry & Carylee Nelson LECTORS 1 - Jackie Larson Linda Johnson 22 - CHILDREN S SERMON 8 - Gospel Sunday/No Children's Sermon 22 - Kelly French COMMUNION SET-UP/CLEAN-UP 1 - Charlotte Knackstedt & Jayleen Sellhorn 18 - Jackie Larson COMMUNION BREAD 18 - Gracy Feil & Jackie Larson COMMUNION ASSISTANT 1 & 15 - Beth Thomas 18 - ALTAR FLOWERS 8 - Jim & Beth Thomas 22 - Bare Altar for Lent USHERS Scott Johnson captain, Bruce Amos, Danny Caesar, Scott Feil, Randy Jirak, Dixon Johnson, Adam Jones, Bob Jones, Monte Loder, Joel Nelson, Linn Nelson, Brian Patrick, Laurel Patrick, Layne Patrick, Steve Patrick, Kenny Talbott COFFEE HOSTS/HOSTESSES 1 - Susan Buffington 8 - Tammy Feil 15 - Julie Olson 22 - Susan Buffington RIVERVIEW SING-A-LONG 15 - Jackie Larson Carylee Nelson Patty Kolling

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13 Carson Windholz - 13 years old/8th grade Parents: Brad & Gina Windholz Siblings: Logan Sports You Play: Football, Basketball, Track Favorite Food: Ramen Noodles Favorite Bible Character: Daniel Favorite Bible Story: Goliath Rylee Cunningham - 14 years old/8th grade Parents: Jeff & Dorine Cunningham Siblings: Ryenne Sports You Play: Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Softball Favorite Food: Flour Chips Favorite Bible Character: Esther Favorite Bible Story: Moses & the Red Sea

14 COMMUNITY LENTEN SERVICE SCHEDULE Community services by the Marquette Ministerial Alliance All services will be at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted Ash Wednesday, February 18 Elim Lutheran Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes *** 7:00 p.m. *** Sunday, February 22 The Last Supper Sunday, March 1 The Garden of Gethsemane Sunday, March 8 Condemned by the Righteous Sunday, March 15 Jesus, Barabbas, and Pilate Sunday, March 22 The Torture and Humiliation of the King Sunday, March 29 The Crucifixion Maundy Thursday, April 2 Freemount Lutheran Marquette United Methodist Elim Lutheran Freemount Lutheran Marquette United Methodist Elim Lutheran Services at Individual Churches (Elim at 7:00 p.m.) Good Friday, April 3 Marquette United Methodist The Way of the Cross *** 7:00 p.m. *** This year, instead of a sermon, video clips from the series 24 Hours That Changed the World will be shown during the Lenten Services. After, the host Pastor will lead a short discussion of the video clip using the guide prepared by Pastor Adam Hamilton, pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, Kansas. Pastor Hamilton took a video crew to the Holy Land and in each of the video clips, the audience will visit the actual site of everything that happened in the last 24 hours of Jesus' life. At each of the sites, Pastor Hamilton explains to us what happened and what it means to us as Christians. Come join us for a learning experience that will add to your Lenten journey!