God's Work Our Hands Sunday, September 7

Transcription

1 God's Work Our Hands Sunday, September 7 God s work. Our hands. Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. On Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, the nearly 10,000 congregations of this church gather to serve communities in ways that share the love of God with all of God s people. We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work. Whether it s 30,000 young people doing community volunteer work at an ELCA meless ministry network or the devoted members of our congregations who fight for peace and justice in their communities every day, we are a church that boldly does God s work of restoring and reconciling communities. 9:00 Worship 9:30-11:00 Service Projects 11:00 Pork BBQ and potluck. A-L bring salads; M-R bring desserts; and S-Z hot dishes. Rally Sunday September 14 This Year s Theme: For God So Loved The World Rally Day kick-off during 9:00 AM worship on Sunday, September 14 when we will explore a few of the many aspects of God s love for all creation. After the worship all ALC members and children are invited to the Fellowship Hall for coffee, juice, and rolls and then join us for games and activities. Come and share in the beginning of a new Sunday School year Flynn Drive, Milbank SD 57252

2 Pastor Carl Larson Admin Assistant Carol Ydstie Pre-school Nicole Scott Christian Ed Coordinator Amy Lease Church Council President Vice President Secretary Emily Mueller Gary Wellnitz Jennifer Waniorek Treasurer Property/ Management Mary Bjordahl Gerald Grimm Neil Pauli Gary Wellnitz Youth & Education Finance Emily Mueller Deb Homan Jason Mischel Robert Biersbach Shane Schuchard Worship/Evangelism Ron Boe Shirley Olson Dave VanVeen Jennifer Waniorek Thank you to everyone that made the playground project a success. The playground is now ready to play on, and many kids have enjoyed it so far! We have established a worship planning committee that involves a member from each group that is involved with worship services. They will meet once a month with Pastor Carl to plan every aspect of worship services. We hope this will be a great way to bring different ideas for future worship services. The council is busy working on the 2015 budgets consider, and we will be holding cottage meetings to find out what members feel is most important in the long range future of ALC. There are many things we want to consider, but we also need to stay within our means. If you have any input on the 2015 budget, or would like to help in the organization of the cottage meetings, please contact one of the council members. Here are the dates for the cottage meetings. Sign-up sheets are at the Welcome Center. Each meeting will last about an hour. Tuesday, September 16, 7:00 PM Monday, September 29, 7:00 PM Wednesday September 24, 5:30 & 7:00 PM Tuesday, September 30, 7:00 PM Thursday, September 25, 7:00 PM Sunday, October 5, 10:00 AM Sunday, September 28, 11:00 AM -Emily Mueller, Council President Genesis: Books of Faith by Catherine Malotky (Author) The book of Genesis traces our origins from cosmic beginnings through stories preserved from pre-history. Each story provides us with a glimpse of God's intentions, how God acts, and who we are in relationship to God and the rest of creation. In this study, participants will promise in the book of Genesis through each session s big question. Men s Breakfast Bible Study Mark: Books of Faith by Richard Carlson (Author); Mark Vitalis Hoffman (Author) The Gospel of Mark is not just good news about Jesus. It reveals, sometimes in surprising and scandalous ways, how Jesus is God's good news to us. This study takes 8 big questions based in the text and challenges participants to explore them thoughtfully together. This 8-session Bible study begins on Thursday morning, 7:00 AM on September 4 in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to come and join. This eight-session course begins on Wednesday, September 3rd at 10:00 AM in the Fireside Room. All you need to be a part of the study is a Bible and you. Sessions include: Sept. 3 Origins: Where do we come from? Sept. 10 Mystery and Boundary: Can we live with God's terms? Sept. 17 Trouble in Paradise: How does God deal with evil? Sept. 24 Hanging on a Promise: How long, O Lord? Oct. 1 How could God ask such a thing? Oct. 8 Does God love just anyone? Oct. 15 The Future: Yours, Mine, or Ours? Oct. 22 Are We Promise Bearers? Sept. 4 What Kind of Beginning is This? (Mark 1:1-15) Sept. 10 Who's In? Who's Out? (Mark 7:14-30) Sept. 17 Who Do You Say Jesus Is? (Mark 8:27-9:1) Sept. 24 What Does the Glory of God Look Like? (Mark 9:2-13) Oct. 2 Who is the Greatest? (Mark 9:33-37, 10:13-16) Oct. 9 When Is the Ending Beginning? (Mark 13:1-37) Oct. 15 Were You There When They Crucified My Lord? (Mark 15:22-39) Oct. 22 Can the End Be Just a Beginning? (Mark 16:1-18) Flynn Drive, Milbank SD 57252

3 Sunday School Starts September 21 st Sunday School begins again on September 21 st at 9:55 a.m. for all youth 3-year-olds through 12 th graders. All are welcome! BIBLES will be handed out on September 21 Story Bibles will be given to the 3 year olds Study Bibles will be given to third graders Confirmation begins on Wednesday, September 3 for all 5 th through 8 th graders. The confirmation class will be divided into two, one-hour sessions: 5 th and 6 th Grade: 3:20 to 4:20 p.m. 7 th and 8 th Grade: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Snacks will be provided for the youth. The theme for the 2014/2015 Confirmation year will center around the Lutheran Catechism: Sept The life of Martin Luther. Sept. 17-Nov. 12 The Ten Commandments Nov. 19-Dec. 10 Law and Gospel/Vocation Jan 7-28 Apostle s Creed March 4 25 Lord s Prayer April 4-May13 The Sacraments/Worship The confirmation youth will also attend the Middle School Gathering at Joy Ranch November 7-9 and will have a Lock-In on February 21. Each confirmation youth will also take sermon notes one Sunday a month. For more information concerning confirmation, please contact the church office at Confirmation Begins: Wednesday, September 3rd be required 9 th Grade Confirmation Meeting on Wednesday, September 17 The 9 th grade confirmation class will meet on Wednesday, September 17 at 6:30 p.m. Pizza and pop will be provided for their meal. The meeting will conclude by 7:45. The students will meet to discuss their confirmation worship service on Sunday, October 26, to work on their confirmation stoles on faith statements. ALC is excited to announce that they will after the Milbank Bulldog Football Games on Friday, September 12 and Thursday, October 23. After the game, come on over to ALC for Hot Dogs, Chips, and a Root-Beer Float. Go Bulldogs!! THANK YOU for directing your Choice Dollars to American Lutheran Church. This past year your dollars have helped purchase furniture for the Narthex, the playground and Manna equipment. Thank you for your support. Additionally, the American Dollars. Please call the Thrivent Office at , if you have any questions, or visit the office if you don t have internet access and would like help directing your Choice Dollars online.

4 nd finalize any last minute details, we are gearing up for a great year of learning, growing, and having fun in Preschool. Our first official day begins on Tuesday, Teacher: Nicole Scott Classes held Monday-Thursday 3 Year Olds: 8:15-11:15am 4 Year Olds: 12:15-3:15pm preschool@americanlutheran.com WELCOME BACK! It is great to know that our program has grown and will include two sessions this year, with an estimated 11 students currently registered at this time. The newly installed playground will be just one of the highlights to our day. The kids will be excited to climb, explore, and simply have fun each day they are here. As always, we would like to say THANK YOU for all the ongoing support. Please see below of some of the many ways you can help out. During the course of the year, there will be times when volunteers are needed. If you d like to help out, feel free to stop by the classroom and visit. PS Looking forward to sharing pictures, art, music, and so much more with all of you from the happenings in and around Preschool. Stay tuned! Want to help? There s many ways... Any help is greatly appreciated!!!! Monetary Donations (to be used for ideas such as equipment, furnishings, supplies, etc.) Snacks/Juice Requested Items on Giving Tree Amazon Wish List Thrivent Choice Dollars Reading or Doing an Activity AmazonSmile Program Shady Beach s Dine & Donate Program (Sundays from 5-9PM) Support our Fundraisers Donations for Financial Scholarships* *Please mark intended scholarship donations as such, and you may give them to Pastor Carl or the Church Office Thanks be to God! Thanks to you! Do you have any gently used toys taking up space that you d like to get rid of? We would gladly accept your donation. Some items we are currently looking for include: Fisher-Price Little People & Accessories Books Boy Items (Trucks, Tractors, etc.) Girl Items (Littlest Pet Shop, Barbies, Dollhouse) Outdoor Items (Pails & Shovels, Jump Ropes, etc.)

5 God So Loves John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. There are just a few memories of my short stint playing for the Chicago Bears that are forever burned into my mind. But one that often makes its way into my remembrance came during the only game I actually played in as a professional. We were facing off against the NY Jets in a pre-season game at Soldier Field in Chicago. And early in the first quarter the Bears wide receiver James Scott caught a sideline pass, turned up field, and darted and dodged his way through the Jets defense for a touchdown. And as he crossed the goal-line, the sideline which I was a part of erupted in celebration. It was then as the field-goal team jogged onto the field to kick the extra point that a memory was made. It was just as the team lined for the kick, that a middle aged man, seated behind the goal post stood up and raised a sign that simply read, John 3:16. That man and his sign is forever engraved in my mind. For at Soldier Field, a stadium built to celebrate the accomplishments of the physicality of human athletes, was a reminder that God and his love are everpresent. John 3:16 shares an understanding of the indescribable love of God for all creation; a love that would compel God to give the life of his only Son, Jesus Christ. In 1 John 3:1 the apostle again had difficulty describing God s love and can only basically say, Look and see what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. While none of the New Testament writers can explain God s love for us, they can speak clearly about how amazing it is. The Apostle Paul writes, But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) While we were still sinners. As sinners, everyone and everything in the world was condemned. But in the 3 rd chapter, John tells us God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. He came to save us from ourselves and from the evil that is part of the world we live in. Those of us who believe in him have passed from darkness into light, from condemnation to salvation and from death to life eternal. John 3:16 God so loved the world. This is the verse and message that we will be sharing during this year s Sunday School. Each week through the Sunday School year John 3:16 will be lifted before our youth in a number of different ways. And just as it was for me so many years ago at Soldier Field, our hopes and prayers for this Sunday School year is that this verse and message will be forever burned into the hearts and minds of our ALC youth. In Christ, Pastor Carl 1st Reading Psalm 2nd Reading Gospel Sept 7 Ezekiel 33:7-11 Psalm 119:33-40 Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 18:15-20 Sept 14 Genesis 50:15-21 Psalm 103:1-13 Romans 14:1-12 Matthew 18:21-35 Sept 21 Jonah 3:10-4:11 Psalm 145:1-8 Philippians 1:21-30 Matthew 20:1-16 Sept 28 Ezekiel 18:1-4, Psalm 25:1-9 Philippians 2:1-13 Matthew 21:23-32

6 P salm 9:2 says I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. That s what Chancel Choir is all about! Rejoicing and singing the praises to our Lord! If you like to sing and enjoy being part of a choir, Chancel Choir will be starting our WEEKLY fall rehearsals on Wednesday, September 3rd from 7:00-8:00 pm. Come join the fun and fellowship! All are welcome! ote-a-bells schedule to be announced. N M anna Worship practice for band will be following the bells on Wednesday evening when they are finished. We raised approximately $3600 from the egg bake fund raiser. Manna Worship thanks all who donated time, food and money to the fund raiser. Manna Worship is now on Facebook, Twitter, and there is a web site promoting the band. The congregation can look at these for announcements and to become familiar with the songs that will be played during worship service. Thank you for the scholarship money I received. It will be used to help pay tuition. I will be attending Concordia College to study nursing. Thanks again. Claire Kastrup I want to thank everyone that said a little prayer for me as I was going through my treatments. I strongly believe that all the prayers played a part in my recovery. I want to thank everyone for the rides and offers for rides, the great cooking and meals, the prayer shawl, and most importantly the prayers. We feel so grateful for such a great community and church. Just a little update on my situation. I am currently cancer free and starting to get most of my strength back. I go in for a PET scan in September. My last PET scan in April showed that there was no sign of cancer at that time, so thankfully the chemo worked for me. I now know what they mean that it is a battle and fight. My motto that i came up with is "Stay Strong...Fight On." I am proud to announce that I will be joining the cancer walk core committee board and excited to be able to give back to this great community. Thanks again for everything! Aaron Anderson & Family Thank you for the scholarship money. It will be used for my last year s tuition at Concordia College, where I am studying art. Kjersten Ydstie Page Turners will meet on September 18 at 6:45 p.m. at the Grant County Library for their book discussion with Barbara Johnson, Aberdeen, SD as guest moderator. The book to be discussed is the 2014 One Book South Dakota selection, Dakota: A Spiritual Geography by Kathleen Norris. Copies of the book are available for check out will be open to the public so come, join us, and bring a friend. WELCA RETREAT September 10 NeSoDak Car pool sign-up at Welcome Center The Women of the ELCA Circle Bible Study will begin a new series of lessons in September. The lessons in Transforming Life and Faith, will consider how our lives and our faith journeys are transformed by the events we experience and the people we meet. In both the Old Testament and New Testament, and especially in Acts of the Apostles, we will read about people who have lifechanging experiences: Paul on the road to Damascus, Moses in the wilderness of Midian, Lydia praying by a river in Macedonia, an Ethiopian man traveling from Jerusalem to Gaza. We will watch them turn to and with God as their minds, hearts, and daily lives are altered. And we will reflect on the ways we, too, have been and will be transformed and called by God to serve God's mission in the world. Peace Circle meets at noon on the third Tuesday of each month for an hour of Bible study from the Gather Magazine. All women are invited to attend, bring a sack lunch if you wish, and study God s Word. September ALWAYS CHANGING: Transformation and Conversion October GOD IS CALLING: We Are Called November IT TAKES TIME: Transformation Takes Time December GROWING TOGETHER: Faith in the Family NEW MEMBERS Please talk to Pastor Carl or Carol Ydstie in the church office, if you are interested in joining ALC. We will welcome new members on October 5. Sale on "All Occasion Cards" $1.00 off all packages and boxes. This Sale is for August and September only. Courtney Mehlhaff, daughter of Charles and Margaret Mehlhaff from our congregation, created the All Occasion cards that are in the cellophane wrappers. She is donating these cards to our church to be sold and the money to be used for mission projects. NEEDED: Please them to: alcoffice@itcmilbank.com by 9/4/14. W omen's Annual Event will be held on September 16 at 2:00 pm at Parkview Church. Our main speaker, Bill Vander Aarde, pharmacist at Milbank Area Hospital, will inform us on supplements and herbals: Ginko Biloba is not Rocky Balboa s cousin, everything you want to know about herbs. If you are able to join us please let me know Blood Pressure Checks September 14, 10:00 AM Flynn Drive, Milbank SD 57252

7 W e are in the final days of preparation for fall Christian Education to begin. The plans laid out, the lessons gathered, supplies listed, prayers offered however, we are in need of the final piece of, your talents, your time, your sus. It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a congregation to build faith formation. What I am asking you is to offer 5 weeks of your time to commit to Christian Education. The lessons are laid out, there will not be extra lesson planning you will need to do. Supplies will be provided and I am always available for questions you may have concerning the lesson or presentation of the lesson. Our children need us, ALL of us. We are in need of people who can: *Have caring conversation in the first 10 minutes of the Sunday School hour (a minimum of 5 week commitment), longer if possible to aid in building relationships *Travel with a grade level for a minimum of 5 weeks to be the extra hands in the room and know who the children are from week to week *Lead a rotation station (5 week commitment): Kitchen- Daily Bread Café Science- Faith Matters Art- Noah Art Games/Bible Skills- Abrahams Arcade Story Discussion- Spirit Quest *Lead a Preschool or Kindergarten group. They will remain in the same classroom but have a weekly rotation *Be ready to learn new things right along-side our children. *Be prepared to say, I don t know and let s find that together *Smile and remind our children (and ourselves) that God created us ndividual personalities to work in HIS Kingdom. HE has different. Rotation Schedule Dates - Each Rotation will be 5 weeks in length: September 21 October 19 : Creation November 2 30: Advent and Christmas December sessions dedicated to Christmas program January 4 February 1: John the Baptist February 8 AGAPE SUNDAY (that means all God s Children are invited to the Sanctuary to wrap up this rotation with music and more) February 15 March 15: Holy Week and Easter March 22 AGAPE SUNDAY for Wrap up of HOLY WEEK AND EASTER April 12 May 10: Fruit of the Spirit May 17 AGAPE SUNDAY: Volunteer Appreciation Sunday Please do not hesitate to call me if you can assist in making a positive impact on one another in our Christian Education hour. of the people who played a role in your faith walk. We all need one another, we are never too old or too young to learn new things, we are called to live courageously and boldly. Be a blessing! Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. 1 Ch. 28:20 Amy Lease Christian Education Coordinator Phone (605) Amy.Lease@americanlutheran.com Flynn Drive, Milbank SD 57252

8 September Love in Action Ash, Craig Bjerke, Ron & Kim Boe, Ronald & Sandra* Boerger, Dustin & Angela Bohn, Danny & Glenda Burnett, Aaron & Melissa Crist, Robert Forman, Carol Fryer, Charlotte Giessinger, Carolyn Granquist, Mark & Theresa Jaquet, Wayne & Karen Kasuske, Thomas & Mary LaRoche, Karmen Larson, Carl & Carol Loutsch, Jeff & Marie Maass, Lynn & Brenda Mau, Gary & Cosette Mohnsen, Candy Pierce, Deb Schaefer, Harvey & Deanna Settje, Donald Smith, Michael & Karen Snell, Marlin & Tammy Stengel, Del Stickland, James & Deanna Thiele, Darin & Jennifer Thompson, Melissa & Eric Moen Thyne, David & Lynelle VanAsch, June Welberg, Kevin & Jody Wellnitz, Gary & Karla* Wieber, Jeremy & Jessica Zinter, Dave & Rhonda ACOLYTE BULLETIN DELIVERY COFFEE FELLOWSHIP Sept 7 Daniel Thiele Miranda Madsen SERVICE DAY Sept 14 Jonny Ash Gretchen Biersbach Brady Gomer Gretchen & Kirsten Biersbach Sept 21 Zach Pinkert Jacob Thyne Andrew Mears Jacob & Aimee Thyne Sept 28 Isaac Nolz Brady Gomer Chris Loutsch Nolan Foss 1 Evelyn Moser 11 Josh Oliver 19 Orrin Anderson Harry Prendergast Rhonda Zinter Wyatt Tumlinson 2 Susie Schuneman 12 Carol Larson 20 Chad Nolz 3 Justin Folk Rica Pauli 21 Brent Smith Steve Selgeby Owen Tesch 23 Kay O'Farrell 4 Barb & Steve Anderson (w) 14 Audrey Schmeichel Cheryl Sunne Joe & Jessica Frederiksen (w) Kevin & Tammy Schuelke (w) 24 David & Kristy Dorneman (w) Bruce Granquist 15 Kristi Bunting Kathy Mathiason Russell Schultz Darin Gruba Keith Pauli Steve & Stephanie Wenzl (w) Gordon Jarman 25 Mike Cordingley 5 Ryan & Steph Gruba (w) Jan Scriver Doug Fraasch Dorothy Prendergast 16 Nathan Granquist 26 Larry & Wynn Boerger (w) 6 Jon & Carol Ydstie (w) Mark & Emily Mueller (w) Troy Kastrup 7 Courtney Mehlhaff Tammy Schuelke Alysha Madsen Morgan Selchert 17 Sara Johnson 27 Alysha Kastrup Ria Teske 18 Lindsey Dorneman Katelynn Moen 9 Mason Bray Donita Magedanz Matthew Moen Brenda Maass Carter Saxton Dennis & Suzanne Nordquist (w) 11 Helen Larsen Cynthia Schumacher 29 Craig Kirchberg Andrew Leddy Jennifer Thiele 30 Ron Bowen Belva Stinson The 3rd Annual Blessing of Animals will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 5:00 p.m. The event, which will take place on the east lawn of the church will include a blessing of the animals and their owners followed by a time for refreshments for both. For more information, please call the church office at SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, October 12 Benefit for Cody Seehafer Flynn Drive, Milbank SD 57252

9 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday SEPTEMBER LABOR DAY 1st Day of Pre-school 9-10:30 TOT School 7:00 Bible Study Office Closed 8:15-11:15 3 year olds 10:00 Bible Study 12:15-3:15 4 year olds 3:20 7th & 8th gr. Confirmation 4:30 5th & 6th gr. Confirmation 6:00 Manna 7:00 Chancel Choir GOD'S WORK - OUR HANDS DAY 9:00 Quilting 9:00 WELCA 7:00 Bible Study 9:00 Worship with Communion/KMSD 9-10:30 TOT School 9:30 Coffee 10:00 Bible Study 9:30 Community Service Projects 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:00 Quilter's Party 3:20 7th & 8th gr. Confirmation 5:00 Pet Blessing 11:00 Pork BBQ & potluck 4:30 5th & 6th gr. Confirmation 5th Quarter following 6:00 Church Council football game 6:00 Manna 7:00 Chancel Choir RALLY SUNDAY 12:00 Peace Circle 9-10:30 TOT School 7:00 Men's Bible Study 9:00 Worship with Communion/KMSD 10:00 Bible Study 2:00 Baptism 10:00 Coffee Fellowship 2:00 Alzheimer's Support Group 3:20 7th & 8th gr. Confirmation Williams NEWSLETTER 10:00 Activities & Games 7:00 Boy Scouts 2:00 Women's Annual Event 4:30 5th & 6th gr. Confirmation 7:00 Book Club DEADLINE 10:00 Blood Pressure 6:00 Co. Library 5:00 Movie Night "Up" 7:00 Cottage Mtg. 6:30 9th gr. Confirmation Mtg. 7:00 Chancel Choir FIRST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00 Quilting 9-10:30 TOT School 7:00 Men's Bible Study 9:00 Worship with Communion/KMSD 10:00 Bible Study 9:55 Education Hour No Confirmation 4:00 Wedding - 10:00 Coffee Fellowship 5:30 Cottage Mtg. Jessica Anderson 10:00 October Love in Action 7:00 Boy Scouts 6:00 Manna 7:00 Cottage Mtg. 6:00 Rehearsal & Clayton Trexler 7:00 Cottage Mtg. 7:00 Chancel Choir :00 Worship with Communion/KMSD 9:55 Education Hour 7:00 Boy Scouts 10:00 Coffee Fellowship 7:00 Cottage Mtg. 7:00 Cottage Mtg. 11:00 Cottage Mtg.

10 AMERICAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 401 SOUTH FLYNN DRIVE PO BOX 287 MILBANK, SOUTH DAKOTA GOD S WORK.OUR HANDS PARISH LIGHT SEPTEMBER 2014 alcoffice@itcmilbank.com alcpastor@itcmilbank.com Web site: