Date Event Time. Hamlin August 27 th Arlington August 17 th Lake Preston August 20 th Estelline August 25 th 2015

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1 Trinity Lutheran Church Lake Norden, SD Member NALC Pastor Mark Jamison Trinity Office: H: (605) C: (605) Website: Pg 1 Upcoming Events Pg 2 Pastor s Pen Pg 3 Council Minutes Pg 4 Prayer Program Birthdays Pg 5 SoulFeed Pg 6 Kids Page Pg 7 NALC News Pg 8 Marriage Law Pg 9 Cracked Pots Pg 10 Letter Date Event Time Aug 2 nd Registration for VBS 5 pm Aug 5 th Aug 12 th Aug 13 th Aug 13 th Aug 18 th Aug 21 st Aug 26 th Aug 30 th VBS Covenant Church 7 pm TLCW Bible Study 1 pm Evangelism Meeting 6 pm Council Meeting 7 pm LN Nursing Home 1:30 pm Fold Newsletter 8:45 am TLCW Quilting 1 pm Sandi Patty Cornerstone 7 pm Methodist Church in Watertown Hamlin August 27 th 2015 Arlington August 17 th 2015 Lake Preston August 20 th 2015 Estelline August 25 th 2015 De Smet August 19 th 2015 VBS 2015 Theme: Everest Conquering Challenges Date: Sunday, August 2 nd Wednesday, August 5 th Time: 5:30-8:30 pm Program will be held on Wednesday night at 7 pm. Registration will be held on the 2 nd from 5-5:30 pm at the Covenant Church. 1 P a g e

2 August is the month school resumes. A new school year brings excitement and anticipation to most students. New classes and new teachers. If nothing else students realize it s one more step towards graduation. That really brings smiles to their faces. But in the Christian faith we never graduate from learning God s truth. For example, what the 6 th Commandment might mean to an 8 th grader will not have the same meaning to someone who has been married for 25 years. God is always having us learn life lessons and trust him in different ways throughout the various stages of life. High school graduates learn to trust they will find the way through the next step in their education or their vocational paths. The newlyweds learn to trust God will sustain them through the ups and downs of marriage. First time parents learn to trust God for strength and wisdom when the baby is born. And so it continues through the rest of life. Learning the faith then is a continuous process. That s why we start up Sunday School and Confirmation and Bible Study every fall. In keeping with this theme here is some teaching on The 10 Commandments. Lutherans, more than any other Christian group, I know interpret the Commandments through Christ. So in the 7 th Commandment You shall not steal, it isn t enough as Christians to avoid the physical act of taking property that is not rightfully ours from another person. In Christ and through Christ, we do something positive. We help our neighbors keep and improve their property. That is how Christ would love a neighbor. I case of the 7 th Commandment that might mean snow removal for an elderly neighbor. Or it could be helping a neighbor lay sod. Or by raking leaves. In other words, the commandment isn t just about avoiding a certain action, it s also about loving the neighbor in a positive way. What s more, the 10 Commandments go beyond our outward observable actions. Jesus makes it clear in the Sermon on the Mount that lust in the heart is really committing adultery and hate is the start of murder. Even if these desires and emotions aren t carried out into action, they are still wrong in the sight of God. The commandments are meant to love our neighbors by protecting them from harmful actions by others. But at the same time they reveal our inability to keep them at the level of thought and desire. In the end, the commandments drive us to Christ s mercy and power. Only in Christ and through Christ we love our neighbors as God intends. And Christ is given to us through God s word and the sacraments of Baptism and Communion. See you in worship, Pastor Mark 2 P a g e

3 Council Minutes Trinity Lutheran Church Meeting was called to order by President Rusty Antonen 9 July 2015 Present: Rusty Antonen, Dan Koistinen, Roger Anderson, Gerry Koisti, Bud Larrabee, Scott Steffensen, Larry Jensen, Lee Swanson, and Pastor Jamison Absent: Brittany Larson Devotions: Roger had devotions. Secretary s Report: March minutes reviewed. Gerry made a motion to approve. Seconded by Larry. Motion carried. Treasurer s Report: Treasurer s Report was reviewed. Dan made a motion to accept and seconded by Bud. Motion carried. Committee Reports: Christian Ed: Vacation Bible School will be held with the Covenant Church August 2-5, 2015 from 5-8 p.m. Evangelism: Food pantry discussed. May need to consider evening hours. Pastor will visit with other congregations in the area concerning volunteers. Property: Scott worked on parsonage deck and it is ready to stain. Discussed getting a storage shed for snow blower and lawn mower. Gerry moved to get a shed, seconded by Roger. Dan will assemble it. Old Business: Dave Carlson is making projector shelves. New Business: Pastor requested church draft a policy on Same Sex Couples Marriage to be in line with the NALC. The NALC recommends churches draft individual policies. Gerry made a motion to accept this request, seconded by Scott. Motion carried. This will be put on agenda for the annual meeting to put in by-laws. Eastern SD District Dell Rapids has had meetings to form an NALC congregation. Pastor has led Bible study with them. Pastor will be on vacation July 26 and August 23. He has substitutes lined up. Brittany had noted that the devotional materials, Christ in Our Home and the Upper Room, were not being utilized. It was decided not to re-order at this time. Harvest Festival will be third Sunday in October (October 18). Pastor is looking for a speaker. Church Directory Last church directory was completed in Council discussed some options to have another one. Next meeting is August 13, 2015 at 7 p.m. Pastor closed with a prayer. Gerry will have devotions. Dan made a motion to adjourn and seconded by Bud. Submitted by: Lee Swanson 3 P a g e

4 August 2 nd : Paul Kasten; Dorene & Barry Lemme; Melissa (Sowers) & Sophie Miller August 9 th : Rhonda Paso; Daci (Pedersen) Sorrell; Chance Nieman; Robert & Theresa Hauschildt August 16 th : Olivia (VanderMartin) Harding; Ericka (Koistinen) Stormo; Brooks (Jager) Borchard August 23 rd : Patsy Steffensen; Stacy & Chrissy Hakeman; Jamie Jager-Jorgenson; Darren Kastein August 30 th : Ray & Joan Arneson; Elwood & Gayle Andrews; June Hakeman; Virginia Kasten Prayer It s In Our Genes I don t think prayer is merely a sociological phenomenon. I don t think it s something we do just to fit into a community or when we ve exhausted all other options. I think it s hardwired into our spiritual DNA. God is the inevitability of humanity s search for true meaning. ~ Jared Brock, A Year of Living Prayerfully 2 nd Harry Anderson 3 rd Roy Hauschildt 3 rd Darren Kastein 5 th Mary Pekas 5 th Kiana Sowers 6 th Chad Pedersen 9 th Ryan Pedersen 10 th Emily Antonen 10 th Brady Jager 14 th Leona Kretzschmar 15 th Donald Andersen Jr. 16 th Ronald Glaim 16 th Theresa Hauschildt 23 rd Scott Steffensen 26 th Terry Hauschildt 28 th Doris Koisti 28 th Charles Strande 29 th Aaron Swanson 31 st Roberta Pedersen. Terry & Paulette Kasten are pleased to announce Kristi s upcoming marriage to David Roed of Sioux Falls, SD on Saturday, August 29 th 2015 in Sioux Falls. All are invited to attend the wedding ceremony at Canary Baseball Bird Cage at 4:30 pm with the reception/dance to follow at the Holiday Inn City Centre at 5:15 pm. If you would like to attend please RSVP to Kristi at kristikasten@gmail.com, (605) or Terry Kasten at (605) by August 8 th. 4 P a g e

5 We all know the investment in kids' faith doesn't stop after high school graduation That's when it's more important than ever! Most parents focus on feeding their kids' minds and bodies during the college years (tuition, room and board)...but how do we continue to feed what matters most? Now there's a simple solution for parents and sponsoring church members to provide consistent spiritual growth for students during their college years...plus all the fun and great food of a traditional care package! It's called SoulFeed, and it's a college care package to feed students' faith. SoulFeed, from Lifetree Family and Group Publishing, is the only subscription care package that includes intentional spiritual encouragement designed by experienced college ministry leaders who understand the struggles of collegeaged kids and how to help them: Deepen their relationship with Jesus Develop a genuine faith of their own as young adult Embrace a Christian worldview that thrives in a college environment Create consistent practices of spiritual disciplines to nurture their soul Maintain connection and support from a Christian community All of this is delivered straight from your heart to their college mailbox for much less time and money than putting together a package yourself! Whether you are a parent or family member of a college student or are passionate about the faith growth of students during this critical spiritual crossroad SoulFeed helps continue the influence of faith you've invested in. Visit soulfeed.com to learn more. Or contact soulfeed@lifetreefamily.com for more information on how your church can promote SoulFeed Care Packages as an affiliate and fund your ministry! 5 P a g e

6 Before Job s great misfortune, how many animals did he own? A. 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen and 500 donkeys B. 70 sheep, 30 camels, 50 yoke of oxen and 50 donkeys C. 2,000 oxen and 4,000 camels D. 250 sheep and 250 goats Answer: A (See Job 1:3.) 6 P a g e

7 NALC Convocation is Aug Martyrdom and faithful witness will provide a common theme for the 2015 NALC Convocation and the Women of the NALC Annual Gathering and the Carl E. Braaten and Robert D. Benne Lectures in Theology that precede it. The Lutheran Week events will be held Aug at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Martyr: Life-giving Witness is the theme for the 2015 NALC Convocation Aug The Convocation will focus on the reality of Christians suffering for the sake of Jesus and the Gospel today, and the fact that this testimony serves as a life-giving witness, causing others to have their eyes opened, turning from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Wednesday. Tuesday dinner and Wednesday breakfast and lunch are included in the $75 registration fee. Martyrdom and the Sufferings of the Righteous is the theme for the Carl E. Braaten and Robert D. Benne Lectures in Theology Aug The theological conference begins at 1 p.m. Tuesday and concludes with lunch on Wednesday. Tuesday dinner and Wednesday breakfast and lunch are included in the $150 registration fee. A special room rate has been negotiated at the hotel. The rate is good for reservations made by July 21. Reservations may be made through a link on the NALC website or by calling You may register online for the Convocation and other Lutheran week events at The Convocation will begin at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, with special Mission Intensive sessions including speakers to highlight the NALC s commitment to its Mission-Driven core value and to equip congregations for mission. Mission Districts will meet on Wednesday evening as a part of the Mission-Driven focus. Convocation business sessions on Aug will include speakers on the theme as well as church business including voting on proposed constitutional amendments and election of bishop and members of the Executive Council and Court of Adjudication. There will also be reports and updates about the life and ministry of the NALC and the North American Lutheran Seminary, as well as displays featuring NALC missions and ministries. Workshops on a variety of topics will be offered on Friday. The Convocation is expected to conclude by 5 p.m. Friday. The $225 Convocation registration fee includes six meals: dinner on Wednesday and Thursday; and breakfast and lunch on Thursday and Friday. The Women of the NALC Annual Gathering will take place Aug under the theme, A Gathering of Witnesses. The women will meet 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 212 Promotions presents summer concert in Watertown, SD. Sunday, August 30 th at the Cornerstone United Methodist Church will be Sandi Patty. Sandi is the most awarded female vocalist in Christian music history, receiving multiple Grammy Awards. She was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Come experience a legend in Christian music and an incredible night of worship that will include a community choir of a few selected numbers. Ticket are available at your Watertown Hy-Vee or online at 7 P a g e

8 Marriage Law and the Protection of Congregations Religious Liberty Guidance to Pastors and Congregations in the United States from the NALC In light of the recent decision by the US Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges, NALC pastors and congregations may be concerned about potential implications for their ministries. While that concern is very understandable, we urge NALC members not to panic. From a legal point of view, it is unlikely that church bodies, congregations, or pastors will be compelled to violate their religious beliefs by participation in the formalizing of same-sex unions. At least for the foreseeable future, the religious liberty provisions in the United States Constitution will almost certainly continue to protect church bodies, congregations, and pastors who align their practices on marriage with their confessions of faith.1 This is not to minimize the challenges that the Obergefell decision may create, both for laypeople living out their faith in the world and for congregations operating schools or community service organizations (more on that below). We also recognize the possibility of other legal challenges to congregations whose teaching on marriage is consistent with the historic Christian consensus, such as challenges to the ability of pastors to sign state marriage certificates, or, more speculatively, challenges to the tax exempt status of congregations. These are possibilities that cannot be ruled out. However, as to the fundamental question of whether government actors in the United States might compel church bodies, congregations, and pastors to participate in formalizing same-sex unions, that is a very remote possibility today. Still, some understandably ask whether their congregations can or should do anything specific to strengthen the protection of their religious liberty as it relates to marriage. The answer is yes! Congregations can and should take steps to protect their religious liberty by doing what they ought to do in any event: state clearly what they believe and confess, adopt congregational policies consistent with their stated beliefs, and follow those policies consistently. The following is some initial specific guidance for congregations in this regard. State What You Believe And Confess Congregations should have a broad statement of faith that lays the foundation and evidences the sincerity of their religious convictions. With respect to marriage specifically, the 2005 Common Confession, which is endorsed in the NALC s Confession of Faith, affirms that we believe and confess that the marriage of male and female is an institution created and blessed by God.... We teach and practice that sexual activity belongs exclusively within the Biblical boundaries of a faithful marriage between one man and one woman. Many NALC congregations have endorsed the Common Confession in their governing documents or in some other manner. Other congregations should consider endorsing the Common Confession or some other statement on marriage. Adopt Congregational Policies Consistent With Stated Beliefs Congregations obviously should act in accord with what they say they believe about marriage. The best way to do this is by enacting policies regarding the congregation s practices. These policies should cover: 1. Congregational Practice A congregation should have a policy governing the circumstances under which it will host a wedding or wedding-related event. This policy, among other things, should make clear that the congregation will only recognize, participate in, solemnize, and host weddings between one man and one woman. 2. The Use Of Facilities Congregations often permit outside groups to use their facilities. Such a congregation should adopt a policy defining the bounds of acceptable third-party use of church property. To avoid confusion over its beliefs regarding marriage, a congregation should include a prohibition on third-party use of church facilities for weddings, for the formalizing or blessing of sexual relationships, and for receptions or celebrations of weddings or other unions. This prohibition should apply to all weddings and unions, or at least to all unions that fall outside of Christian marriage as the congregation understands it. In addition, congregations should consider restricting the use of their facilities to those that are consistent with the church s biblical beliefs. 3. Pastoral Acts Outside The Congregation A congregation (with its pastors involvement) should adopt a policy that ensures that pastors, when undertaking pastoral acts outside the congregation (e.g., presiding at a family wedding out of town), conform their behavior to the congregation s beliefs. Follow Those Policies Consistently A congregation should follow its policies consistently. Ensuring consistent practice requires adopting processes through which someone or some group is responsible for approving each church-hosted wedding, third-party use of congregational facilities, and pastoral act outside the congregation. Being consistent and deliberate about following your policies will help ensure that your church is viewed as taking seriously its stated beliefs. * * * * * * As mentioned above, the Obergefell decision may create special issues and considerations for congregations that operate schools or other community service ministries. We will develop additional guidance for these and other situations, and will share that guidance with the NALC when ready. We also believe that some guidance to congregations regarding congregational 1 Indeed, this same US Supreme Court, just three years ago, ruled unanimously that churches have complete freedom in hiring clergy and other religious education personnel, regardless of secular employment laws. (Hosanna- Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church & School v. EEOC, 2012) 8 P a g e

9 CHINESE PROVERB Cracked Pots An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. 'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house..' The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?' 'That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.' For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.' Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them. So, to all of my cracked pot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path! And send this to any or all of your Cracked Pot friends within 5 minutes and see what happens! Don't forget the Cracked Pot that sent it to you!! Do You Suffer from Americanitis? The anxiety of the American working world is nothing new. Today, we may look back on the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries as a time when life moved more slowly, but some Americans out of that era were so stressed out that a new term was coined for their condition: Americanitis. This affliction was the result of both nervous exhaustion and, as one psychiatrist put it, the hurry, bustle, and incessant drive of the American temperament. And it could be deadly too, according to a writer for Time magazine in 1925, who attributed 240,000 annual deaths to Americanitis. So what was to be done about this disorder? One approach involved more leisurely pursuits. But you could also avail yourself of a variety of medicines including Americanitis Elixir. The public became less worried about his condition once the Great Depression set in and many people lost their stressful jobs. But, if the frantic pace of modern life in the US is any indication, Americanitis may be more a problem now than ever before! PLEASE BE AWARE THAT COMMUNION WILL BE HELD ON THE 5 TH SUNDAY (30 TH ) INSTEAD OF THE 4 TH SUNDAY DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST. 9 P a g e