Let s Practice Lent. PERMIT NO. 7 March 2018 U.S. POSTAGE BRYANT, SD NONPROFIT PAID

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1 PO Box 115 Bryant, SD PAID NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE BRYANT, SD PERMIT NO. 7 March 2018 Let s Practice Lent This month I ask you to think with me about traditions in Lent. What comes to mind? Are there parts of Lenten worship that you enjoy? Do you give something up for Lent, maybe certain types of food or a bad habit? If you have a certain practice that you give up or begin on Ash Wednesday, what is the significance of it? I enjoy having this conversation with people. There s a wide variety of practices people begin on Ash Wednesday. Someone once told me that to supplement what he gives up for Lent, he also keeps a jar on the dresser. Whenever he slips in his Lenten discipline, he stops to pray, thanking God for sending Christ to forgive our sins. He then adds a dollar to the jar, and on Easter Sunday, he brings this money for the offering. Though the offering is not buying God s forgiveness, it reminds us how much we need God s grace and forgiveness even for the smallest things. Some people also choose to pick up a spiritual practice for Lent. Daily devotions, random acts of kindness, prayer, and writing a note to friends or family are just a few possibilities. I know of someone who deleted the Facebook shortcut from their phone s home screen during Lent. Whenever they went to open the app, that blank space prompted them to stop and do one of these spiritual practices instead. No matter what practice you may choose for Lent, I hope it serves as a daily reflection and connection with Christ. I pray that this season of Lent gives you a broader awareness of God s daily activity in your life. It often takes an intentional activity for us to notice the moments where God shows His presence in our lives but know that God is there with you all day long, even when you aren t thinking about it. God s Peace, Pastor Bryan

2 Parish Birthdays for March God bless you on your birthday! 1-Gunnar Haberl 2-Sally Erstad, Arrin Wirtjes 3-Keith Fitzgerald, Lisa Virchow 4-Alex Glanzer, Heidi Lusk 6-Tim Steffensen 7-Keith Lusk 8-Justin Koppman, Grace Brown 9-Brian Hovde, Gary Lamb 10-Kurwin Hovde 11-Adam Borg, Tracy Lenz 14-Ryan Easthouse, Kay Gjerde, Sarah Schuelke, Landon DeSmet, Mira Fryslie 15-Greta Anderson 16-Krista Evenson, Kevin Anderson, Rick Anderson, Sandy Fedt, Dick Kirsch, Zoie Frasier 17-Larry Buck, Jada Burke 19-Charlotte Kays 20-Randall Fitzgerald 21-Janice Larson, Jordan Ericson 22-Sandra Neuberger, Delores Chapin, Maddie Burke 24-Kathy Brenden 25-Jace Bochek, Emma Harper, Tim Jensen, Henrich Poeggel 26-Sioux Schuelke 28-Richard DeSmet 29-Jacob Prouty, Emma Peterson 30-Johanna Vandersnick 31-Lucia Taffe Birthday corrections or additions? or call Meeting Minutes: Grace Lutheran Church Women The 2018 Grace Lutheran Church Women Executive Board met on Nov. 30, Members present were Co-Chairpersons Melanie Schmidt and Sandy Giles. Also present were Treasurer Lucille Birkholtz and Secretary Laurie Knock. The purpose of the meeting was to update the 2018 GLCW Handbook. Dates for programs and activities were amended to reflect the upcoming year. Changes on the budget were also discussed. SD Synod Missions was revised along with Grace Lutheran Missions. Mission Projects were designated as follows: January thru March: Clark County Food Pantry April thru June: LWR Personal Care Kits July thru September: LWR School Kits October thru December: Collections for Holiday Dinners through ICAP Cleaning of church was discussed. It was decided that 2 people (families) would be assigned to clean for an entire month, hopefully making it easier for people to remember when it is their turn. Chancel Committee and Prayer Chain were also discussed. Melanie Schmidt and Lucille Birkholtz will check with the current people as to whether they wish to continue or if changes need to be made. There being no further business to discussed, meeting adjourned. Laurie Knock, Secretary Read along with our Sunday Scriptures: Good Hope Women of the ELCA will meet at the home of Harriet Nordhus on March 1, with a luncheon at Noon followed by Bible study. SUNDAY, MARCH 4 JOHN 18:12-27 SUNDAY, MARCH 11 JOHN 18:28-40 SUNDAY, MARCH 18 JOHN 19:1-16A SUNDAY, MARCH 25 JOHN 19:16B-22 Good Hope Lutheran Church 9:45am worship on Sunday, March 11 th and 25 th

3 Grace Serving Schedule for March Ushers: March 4 Gary Beutler & Al Hamre March 11 Verdon & Marlene Lamb March 18 Jim & Carrie LaMont March 25 Arrin & Lane Wirtjes Acolytes: March 4 Burke Family March 11 Samantha March 18 Braeden March 25 Masyn Church Cleaning: Marion Borg & Samantha Dockter Thank you for sharing your time and talents! Greetings! Grace Lutheran women have a new supply of greeting cards for sale. Stop by the fellowship hall to pick them up. The Grace Lutheran Church Women will be collecting nonperishable food items for the Clark Co. food pantry during the months of January, February, and March. Items can be placed in the container at the back of the church. Thank you for sharing! Thank you! March Worship Helpers at Bethlehem Ushers March 4 Stuart Lewno family 11 Corey Tellinghuisen family 18 Harold & Renae Singrey 25 Mel Terhark & Lorie Terhark April 1 Easter CYO 8 Art & Jane Fryslie 15 Mark Prouty family 22 Johnny Rider family 29 John & Julayne Thoreson May 6 13 Matt Vandersnick family 20 Merl & Tammy Hanson 27 Acolytes: We encourage children within each family (4 th grade & up) to acolyte on their family s Sunday and to volunteer when necessary when ushers may not be able to. Thanks! Grace in Willow Lake 11:00am Worship 9:45am Sunday School Bible Study You re invited to a women s Lenten coffee at Grace! Join us on Wednesday, March 14 at 9:30am. Audrey Rider will be the guest speaker. All are welcome! Bethlehem in Vienna 8:30am Worship 9:30am Sunday School & coffee fellowship

4 Lenten Worship All worship services begin at 7pm Soup suppers begin at 6pm March 7 Good Hope March 14 Our Redeemer March 21 Grace Maundy Thursday, March 29 Bethlehem Good Friday, March 30 Our Redeemer The youth attending the 2018 ELCA National Youth Gathering in Houston will be serving a soup meal before each PSLP Lenten service! Soup, bread, crackers and fellowship will be plentiful! Please come hungry! Easter Worship Sunday, April 1, 2018 OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING 2018 Our Redeemer Annual meeting was held on Jan 21, President Gary Noem called the meeting to order. Pastor Keith led us in devotions. The minutes of the 2017 annual meeting were read. Motion by Sally Rosin, second by Avis Welton to approve the minutes. Motion carried. The treasurer's report was given. Motion by Jayne Jensen, second by Win Noem to approve. Motion carried. Pastor Keith gave the pastor's report. The nominating ballot was presented with the following names: President- Brad Jacobson, Secretary- Chris Noem, Treasurer- Kristin Steffensen, Trustee- Al Kruse, Financial Secretary- Melissa Wiseman, Deacons- Shannon Jacobson and Craig Taschner, Parish Church Council- Jayne Jensen, Board of Education- Amber Jensen and Jessica Moeller. Motion by Fred Rosin, second by Verne Jensen to cast a unanimous ballot for the nominations. Motion carried. New Business: Parish Budget- Parish budget for 2018 was presented. Motion by Melissa Wiseman, second by Tim Steffensen to approve. Motion carried. Church Budget- ORLC budget for 2018 was presented. Motion by Jean Steever, second by Jayne Jensen to approve. Motion carried. Luther League funds- There is no longer a Luther League. Motion by Ronda Laube, second by Fred Rosin to move the Luther League funds to the Parsonage basement fund. Motion carried. New Members: There are several people interested in becoming members of Our Redeemer. Pastor will be holding a meeting in the near future for those interested. Projects: Parsonage Basement- The parsonage basement project has begun. Work will continue as funds allow. Parking Lot- Grading and graveling has been done in the parking lot. Parkview Office- Parkview is in need of a space for an office for about 6 month with the closing and sale of the facility. The council has agreed to let them use one of the Sunday School rooms. Motion by Brad Jacobson, second by Gene Fedt to adjourn. Motion carried. 7am Bethlehem sunrise service, followed by breakfast 8:45am Coffee & rolls before worship at Our Redeemer 9:45am Worship at Our Redeemer 9:45am Worship at Good Hope 11am Worship at Grace March Worship Helpers Ushers: Win Noem, Doug Moeller Mark Jensen (Bryant), Bryan Carstensen Altar: Janice Larson & June Noem Thank you! Our Redeemer in Bryant 9:45am Worship 10:45am Sunday School

5 Want to try quilting? Our Redeemer Quilters need more volunteers to help each Wednesday. Come and see what we do. We meet from 1-3 pm. Birthday Open House Charlotte Kays will be 90 years young (at heart!). Please come help her celebrate on Saturday, March 17 from 2-5 pm at Our Redeemer. No gifts, please. If you are unable to attend, cards can be sent to her at 212 Lee St., Bryant, SD Friday Fish Fry St. Mary s Catholic Church in Bryant will be holding a Fish Fry on Friday, March 16 and Friday, March 23. It will be a freewill offering. World Day of Prayer is March 2 Honor this special day by attending one of two programs in our parish: * Grace Lutheran Church in Willow Lake at 2pm. * Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bryant at 9am. Our Redeemer s day will start with a brunch at 9am, followed by Bible study led by Sally Rosin. The host country of Suriname will be featured, with the Bible study focusing on the Creation story and the theme of All God s Creation is Very Good. A freewill offering will be taken to support the work of World Day of Prayer USA and the women of Suriname. Mark your calendars for camping It s time to start planning for our annual church campout. Mark your calendars for June Reservations should be made on March 16 for a Thursday, June 14 arrival, make reservation on March 17 for a Friday, June 15 arrival. Upcoming Events NeSoDak Bible Camp Spring Quilting, March 1-4. Enjoy devotions, visiting with quilting vendors, fellowship and relaxation, and plenty of time to quilt! Our Common Thread: March Join us for a weekend of fiber arts, fellowship, speaking with fiber arts vendors, and amazing food! For both events, registration information and details on housing can be found at by calling , or ing nesodak@losd.org. Thrivent members, it is time to designate your Choice Dollars! Choice Dollars can greatly help your congregation. You have the opportunity every year to designate where your Choice Dollars will go, whether it s to your church or to another Lutheran institution on the eligibility list. To be eligible you need (1) hold a qualifying Thrivent Volunteer position or (2) have $750 or more in annual premiums of qualifying insurance products, or (3) have $20,000 or more in contract value of qualifying products. To designate your Choice Dollars, call Thrivent at and say "Thrivent Choice" at the prompt (have your member ID or contract number ready) or go to and follow the instructions. Deadline is March 29. Thank you! Don t forget! Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 11

6 Youth Group Travel Plans: Can You Help? We will be leaving for the 2018 ELCA National Youth Gathering from Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Monday, June 25 at 9:30am. On our trip we could use as many Thrivent Action Team gift cards as possible to help us pay for gas! We will be trying to take along as many groceries as possible to help save on money and to help keep us healthy on our journey in faith. We are able to have groceries delivered to the church we will be staying at both on the way down and on the way home, as well as our hotel in Houston. Please feel free to order groceries online and have them delivered as we will need our supplies refreshed! When we can, we will be working at soup kitchens or homeless shelters to earn a free meal and some fellowship. PLEASE LET ONE OF THE FOLLOWING KNOW IF YOU ARE ABLE AND WILLING TO HELP US WITH ANY OF OUR GROCERY NEEDS: JODY PETERSON, ROB OR KIM CHAMBERS, MARLENE SCHUELKE, CHERYL HOVDE, JULIE THONVOLD. SUSANNA WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH7433 SW 29TH ST TOPEKA KS We will be at the church Monday, June 25 and Tuesday, June 26 and also on Sunday, July 1 and Monday, July 2. GROCERIES NEEDED ON ARRIVAL IN HOUSTON: 8 BOXES OF CEREAL 3 GALLONS MILK DISPOSABLE SPOONS AND BOWLS PAPER TOWELS (CASE) 5 LBS APPLES CUCUMBERS SANDWICH PICKLES MIRACLE WHIP 10 PACKAGES STRING CHEESE 4 LOAVES OF BREAD PRETZLES SNACK CRACKERS POPCORN (ALREADY POPPED) 10 LBS DELI MEAT 10 PACKAGES SLICED CHEESE 10 CASES OF WATER GROCERIES NEEDED ON THURSDAY NIGHT/FRIDAY MORNING IN HOUSTON: 8 BOXES OF CEREAL 3 GALLONS MILK BOWLS, SPOONS PAPER TOWELS PEANUTS/CASHEWS/ALMONDS/GRANOLA BARS 5 LBS BABY CARROTS 10 LBS CUTIES ORANGES MARRIOT MARQUIS HOUSTON 1777 WALKER ST. HOUSTON TX This will be our hotel during the event. GROCERIES NEEDED AT DEPARTURE: 3 PANS FROZEN LASAGNA 3 LOAVES FROZEN FRENCH/GARLIC BREAD 3 PANS OF LOW-CRUMB BARS 3 DOZEN COOKIES PAPER TOWELS (CASE) PLASTIC FORKS DISPOSABLE PLATES GRANOLA BARS 5 LBS GRAPES 5 LBS CUTIES ORANGES 3 CASES OF WATER 4 LOAVES OF BREAD 5 PACKAGES SLICED CHEESE 5 LBS FROZEN SANDWICH MEAT 5 LBS REFRIGERATED SANDWICH MEAT 5 LBS BABY CARROTS 2 CASES OF INDIVIDUAL CHIPS 4 FROZEN EGGBAKES OR 4 BOXES OF JIMMY DEAN BREAKFAST SANDWICHES

7 Community Youth Organization {CYO} BUY STOCK IN OUR YOUTH Some youth from our parish are traveling to Houston, TX for the 2018 ELCA National Youth Gathering. You can show your support by buying stock! Purchase a share in any amount and you will be invited to the Stockholders Breakfast on July 14, Be the first to hear their excitement and see the pictures and videos of their adventures! Contact one of the youth or adults going ask one of our pastors. Those traveling: Rob Chambers, Chuck Schuelke, Jody Peterson, Pastor Bryan, Trinity Peterson, Carter Chambers, Maggie Hovde, Samantha Schuelke, and Grace Peterson. UPCOMING EVENTS: WELCA of Our Redeemer will be serving a meal at the UCL at SDSU on Sunday, March 18. If you can help serve or provide food contact Sally Rosin. The American Legion of Bryant will be having a pancake breakfast on Sunday, April 15 th The Medary Conference will be held in Flandreau on Saturday, April 21 YOUTH GROUP MEETING MINUTES The Community Youth Organization met Sunday, Feb. 11 at Grace with 14 members and Pastor Bryan and Donna Prouty present. President Ashlynn Burke called the meeting to order. Abbie Bratland read the devotion from Titus 3:9, The Futility of Foolish Arguments. Jacob Prouty gave the Treasurer s report. Old Business: A thank you card was read from Watertown Child Protection Team for our Christmas gifts. New Business: Discussion was held on how much to give to the six CYO members going to Texas for the National Lutheran Youth Gathering. It was decided to give each member $100 for expenses and $200 to go towards the rally s mission. If any other members have a conference to attend CYO will help defray their cost in the future. Pastor Bryan is going to get videos for us to watch & we can discuss on A Cosmic Adventure Through Science and Faith. We also talked about some activities we can do such as bowling and movie night. Our next meeting will be at Our Redeemer in Bryant Sunday, March 4 at 3pm. We will be having pizza and game night. Bring a game, snacks, and a friend!