First Lutheran Caller

Transcription

1 First Lutheran Caller Love God. Love Others. July, 2017 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Pastor s Word. 1, 2 Newly Elected Pastor 2 Summer Worship.. 3 Faith Nurse Update 4 Ministry News/Thank You 5-7 Children, Youth & Family News.. 8, 9 Worship Assistants 10 Financials/Calendar 11 Parade/VBS Photos 12 Summer Worship: 10 AM 11 AM Pastoral Staff: Galen Hora Interim Pastor Jill Bergman Associate Pastor The Caller Newsletter is Published by First Lutheran Church. Editor: Joyce Weaver, joycew@flcch.org PASTOR S WORD How to Welcome a New Pastor s you read this, the vote for Be positive. Focus on your hopes A calling a new senior pastor will for the future of First Lutheran. Yes, have been made. These are exciting most churches have problems and times for the First Lutheran family. many have come through the great You have waited long and patiently for tribulation. However, a new pastor this new chapter in your has come to lead you into a new, congregation s life. I pray with you exciting future and will expect that that you will be blessed and you will participate in that future with openness and encouragement. encouraged by your new pastor s Conversations that begin with If only leadership. we had. or We used to. I would like to share with you a few generally are not helpful. The future is things that you will want to consider in front of you; face in that direction. as you welcome your new pastor into Be patient. Give your new your midst. Some are obvious, others pastor time to get their feet on the perhaps not so. ground and learn not only names but Be welcoming. Introduce how things happen at First. Every yourselves early and often. While you congregation is a bit different in how will know the pastor s name right visions are cast, how decisions are away, it will take some time for that made, and where responsibilities lie. person to remember yours. How about Be patient with yourselves as well. using name tags for the first month or A number of things have been on your so? Beyond just your name, you might minds and warming on the back share something that can useful in burner. Now will be the time to move identifying you the next time. Such as, forward with these issues and your occupation, your favorite family decisions, but with a cautious activity, what you do as part of the quickness that allows for careful First family, etc. Nothing long or planning alongside eager enthusiasm. complicated just a quick point of Be real. Pastors want to know reference for your next conversation. people as they really are, not who they 1 Pastor s Word continues, page 2

2 Pastor s Word continued pretend to be. Pastors who are good counselors and spiritual guides know the people they serve deeply and honestly. This also allows the pastor to be real with you, to be human, just as you are. Pastors will not be perfect. We should save that job description for Jesus (who also had his detractors by the way)! Be supportive. Often, when a congregation has been through a long interim period, everyone feels exhausted because of the extra work and responsibilities they have had to shoulder. I want to encourage you, however, to step up to the plate, rather than retreat to the dugout. There was great energy around our recent activities fair, with quite a few persons volunteering for new service opportunities. That s encouraging. New pastors love to see people eager to serve in new ways, instead of saying that they are suddenly tired or too busy. The energy of each of us creates a new energy for all of us pastors included. In the short time that I ve been here, First Lutheran members have done a nice job of being welcoming, positive, patient, real, and supportive. May you receive your new pastor with equal grace and with serving hearts. Galen Hora, Interim Senior Pastor CONGREGATION VOTES to Call Pastor Bonnie Wilcox as First Lutheran s Next Senior Pastor! On Sunday, June 25, at a congregational meeting, the Call Committee presented Rev. Bonnie Wilcox as the candidate for Senior Pastor at First Lutheran Church. After discussion and questions, the vote was taken and the motion passed This is an exciting time for First as we move into ministry with this energized new leader! In the event that the vote passed, Pastor Bonnie sent the following note, which was read to our congregation: his morning, I am preaching in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, T on Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. The psalm writer reminds us that God provides all we need and more. First Lutheran has waited for some time for God to provide a new senior pastor; and I have been anticipating a new call as well. Together, we find ourselves the answer to each other s prayer. We will be yoked together, listening to God s call to faithfulness, service and mission. Thanks be to God! I will begin my service at First doing a great deal of listening to the story of how First Lutheran was formed, grew, moved and is planted today in Columbia Heights; the stories of how many of you have become part of this congregation; as well as listening to the stories of the community around First Lutheran, and how we are connected. How has the Good Shepherd provided for you, and for First? I love stories and I look forward to hearing yours! Thank you for the time you have spent personally and collectively in prayer and preparation for a new senior pastor. Thank you to Jill Bergman, and Mary Peschauer, and Galen Hora, for their pastoral leadership. Thank you to the call committee and church council who lead this call process. Thank you for voting to call me to be the next leader in First s history. In the love and power of Jesus, Pastor Bonnie Wilcox We are working toward a start date at the beginning of August. Please help us welcome Pastor Bonnie! 2 PASTORAL NEWS

3 SUMMER WORSHIP: PSALMS AND REVELATION This summer we continue to explore the narrative lectionary. Prepare for worship by reading the texts in advance. July 2: Psalm 30 July 9: Psalm 8 July 16: Psalm 150 July 23: Revelation 1:9 2:7 July 30: Revelation 4:1-11 Psalms The book of Psalms (also called the Psalter) contains 150 prayers, songs, liturgies, and poems that are divided into 5 smaller books. The psalms were composed by many different authors, who are not identified. Some psalms include a superscription (writing or printing that appears above or to the side) such as of David or of Asaph. These terms mean that the poem or songs is associated with these individuals in some way, but not to assign authorship. Martin Luther wrote that the book of Psalms might well be called a little Bible. Luther probably was referring to the fact that the Psalms explore the highs and lows of the life of faith. They sing with joy and trust from the mountaintop moments and cry out with pain out of the depths. (Ps 130:1) Revelation Legend claims that the beloved apostle of Jesus, John, is the author. However, the writer only names himself as John and makes no claim to be an apostle or having seen Jesus. This John likely was a leader of several Christian communities in what is now known as western Turkey. The visions in Revelation address this question: who or what is at the center of Christian life? John uses bold and dramatic images to drive home the point that Christian life centers on Jesus Christ alone. Material from Lutheran Study Bible copyright 2009 Augsburg Fortress. Reproduced by permission for local use only. You re invited to join in leading worship with the Women s Ensemble on Sunday, July 16, 10 AM! Rehearsal: Wednesday, July 12, 7 PM. RSVP: Matt, matta@flcch.org 3 SUMMER WORSHIP

4 JULY FAITH COMMUNITY NURSE Atrial Fibrillation National Institutes of Health and American Heart Association Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. Normally, your heart contracts and relaxes to a regular beat. Certain cells in your heart make electric signals that cause the heart to contract and pump blood. These electrical signals show up on an electrocardiogram (ECG) recording. In atrial fibrillation (Afib), the heart's two small upper chambers (atria) don't beat the way they should. Instead of beating in a normal pattern, the atria beat irregularly and too fast, causing a disorganized electrical signal, quivering like a bowl of Jello. It's important for the heart to pump properly so your body gets the oxygen and food it needs. To understand Afib, it helps to understand the heart's internal electrical system. The heart's electrical system controls the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. Each heartbeat causes an electrical signal that spreads from the top of the heart to the bottom. As the signal travels, it causes the heart to contract and pump blood. Each electrical signal begins in a group of cells called the sinoatrial (SA) node. The node is located in the right atrium and sends the electrical signal through the right and left atria. It causes the atria to contract and pump blood into the ventricles. The electrical signal then moves to the atrioventricular (AV) node, then allowing the ventricles to fill with blood. The electrical signal then leaves the AV node causing the ventricles contract and pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. Who knew, God was such a good electrician??! Some people with Afib have no symptoms and are unaware of their condition until discovered during a physical exam. Those who do have Afib symptoms may experience signs and symptoms such as: Palpitations (sensations of a racing, uncomfortable irregular heart beat or a flip -flop sensation in your chest) Weakness, reduced ability to exercise Fatigue, lightheadedness, dizzy, sweating, confusion Shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting You can live with Afib, but it can lead to other medical problems including: Stroke-risk of stroke is about five times higher in people with Afib (with Afib blood can pool in the atria and blood clots can form, and dislodge and travel to your brain). Heart failure-if Afib is not controlled it may weaken your heart causing heart failure, a condition in which your heat can't circulate enough blood to meet your body's needs Treatment options may include: Medicine to help return your heart to a normal rhythm, other meds to slow your heart rate Blood thinners to keep blood clots from forming Electrical cardioversion-electrical shock to change the beat of your heart back to normal Hope this information is helpful to our members that have Atrial Fibrillation Stay well! Jane Bugbee RN, BSN- Faith Community Nurse 4 FAITH NURSE UPDATE

5 YOUNG AT HEART Pictured above are some of the Young at Heart who enjoyed a tour of our spectacular newly refurbished State Capitol in June. A surprise bonus was the appearance of the governor at a news conference in the rotunda announcing Grand Opening festivities for August. Gov. Mark Dayton said "This building was built to last, just as our democracy was built to last." Tuesday, July 25, 10:30 AM Minneapolis Pops Orchestra in concert at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. An annual event for our group: great venue (air conditioned) great music (light classics) great musicians (semi-pros) great price (free) The pavilion is air conditioned and is a good acoustical venue for music. $5. for van and orchestra donation. Lunch on your own at a place not yet named. Suggestions for a dining spot are welcomed. 9:15 AM Church Departure 10:30 AM Concert 12:30 PM Lunch 2:15 PM Expected return Comin up: Monday-Friday, Sept Motor coach trip to Chicago. A Diamond Tour package--the same company that took us to Washington D.C. and San Antonio. Itineraries are posted on our bulletin board. We are nearly sold out. Interested? It s worth an inquiry RECOGNIZED FOR COMPOSTING WORK Way to go, Laura Grunloh! She was recognized at the May Columbia Heights City Council meeting as an Anoka County Recycling Champion. She has worked hard to help us at First Lutheran develop our composting program. She has now been invited to help another area congregation start a composting program. See the recognition on the city council video. It starts at 13:38 min. heights.mn.us/vod/249-ccm High-v1.mp4 A SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT TO... Jon & Marilyn Lueth bulletin stuffing and chapel organization Dorothy Markowitz, Chris & Lyn Larson Pentecost decorations Rock and Kari Hauser, Brian Schweiger, and Kira Bergman preparing/serving delicious Sunday lunches! 5 Jane & Larry Bugbee hosting the After School volunteers meeting and training Sheri Bodell, Judy Johnson, Barb and Don Rosell, and Michelle Young! After School Kitchen Staff Ramon Pessmore Our New After School Volunteer MINISTRY NEWS / THANK YOU

6 SAFE CHURCH Facility Security has always been a priority at First Lutheran Church to ensure a comfortable place of worship, to protect program services as well as assets throughout the building. On July 1, 2017, First Lutheran will implement a new card reader building access system, new security monitoring service and the implementation video monitoring system. If you have any questions about the security upgrade please contact Dave, daver@flcch.org in the church office. PAINT SQUAD help us welcome Tesfa! As we bid farewell to Prodeo Academy, please help us in welcoming Tesfa International School to First Lutheran with freshly painted classrooms. Painting is scheduled July There s much to be done! Check your calendar and contact Dave, daver@flcch.org or Roger, rogerj@flcch.org A Grand Graduation Assembly. Hundreds of Prodeo s family and friends gathered for the last time in four years, to celebrate the students and teachers. Volunteers are needed for the Church Picnic! Plan to bring the family to the church courtyard for food, outdoor fun, and water games (weather permitting) on July 23, 11 AM. If you can help with set-up (10:50 AM 12 PM) or clean-up (12-1 PM), please contact Nathan, nathanr@flcch.org CHURCH OFFICE Summer Receptionist Do you enjoy greeting members and occasional light office tasks? Consider helping at the First Lutheran s reception desk this summer! Hours are flexible to meet your schedule. For more details, contact Joyce in the church office, , joycew@flcch.org. Money Counters are needed on Tuesdays from 9-10:30 AM (every other week). Consider joining with others to count church monies. Contact Joyce in the office, , joycew@flcch.org. FIRST LUTHERAN BOOK CLUB, July 19! The group will meet weekly in the office lunch room to discuss Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. For more details, contact Char Zarich, 763, About the Book: 1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER hailed by TIME magazine as the best nonfiction book of the year. One of the longest-running New York Times bestsellers of all time, Unbroken has spent more than four years on the Times list in hardcover, fifteen weeks at number one, and counting. The book is the winner of the Los Angeles Times Book of the Year Award for Biography. The young reader edition is also a New York Times bestseller. MISSION WORKSHOP 6 On June 4, six high school graduates were given a quilt in honor of their graduation. 21 quilts were taken to Lutheran World Relief for distribution by them. A new shipment of dish towels is here, and available to anyone who would decorate them for the fall Bazaar. We welcome anyone to join us for sewing and pinning on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Free coffee & fellowship available to all. MINISTRY NEWS / THANK YOU

7 GREEN TIPS from Spiritual Growth Committee Reformation Drama 2016 (left-right) Kevin Kaliher, Paul Christensen, Pat Tapp, Tyler LeClear-Vatcha REFORMATION DRAMA REHEARSALS BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER I n celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, we will be presenting our final Reformation Drama. Performances will be Wednesday, Oct. 25 in the evening and Sunday, Oct. 29 during our 10 o clock worship service. This will provide us lots of opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to experience the drama. We begin rehearsals on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7 PM and we are in need of a cast, crew, and town square artisans. If you are interested in helping us out, please contact Pastor Jill, jillb@flcch.org BAPTISM ORIENTATION re you thinking about joining A the family of God or bringing someone else to the family? We would love to offer baptism to you! We are having an orientation on Wednesday, July 12, 6:30 PM. Please contact the church office, or Pastor Jill, jillb@flcch.org to sign up. Children and adults of all ages are welcome to attend the orientation; we ask that the parents attend with their children. Feel free to invite sponsors and siblings. We serve our Lord by taking care of His planet. Are you planning an event this summer? Did you know??? An organics event kit is available, upon request, for residents of Columbia Heights to use at local gatherings and events. After the event return the kit to Public Works and the organics will be emptied into the drop-off containers at the Recycling Center. This is for Columbia Heights residents. If you are not a resident but are inviting a Columbia Heightser, perhaps he/ she can get the kit for you and return it. Contact: Jesse Davies, Public Works Department, of Columbia Heights, , jdavies@columbiaheightsmn.gov Happy Organicing! Great News! Since February, First Lutheran has composted over Two Tons of material. Let's Keep It Up! Having trouble with fruit flies? Try this. Put some apple cider vinegar in a small container, stir in a drop of dish washing soap. The smell will attract the fruit flies to the container and the soap affects the surface tension and prevents them from being able to fly off. That's all for now. Happy Composting Every Day! 7 MINISTRY NEWS / THANK YOU

8 SPEAKERS Jessica Martinez Regalado Lieutenant Pastor, Salvation Army Central Corps Mpls URBAN LEADERSHIP ADVENTURE July Youth Grades 6-12 Sign up today! Kate Clayton Stewardship Coordinator, Friends of the Mississippi River SERVICE SITES David Donovan Base Camp Program Director Ebony Adedayo ReCAST Program Manager, City of Minneapolis Nathan Roberts Director of FLC After School & Daylight Center, Kenya ADVENTURES Light Rail Tour Rock Climbing 8 CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY (CYF)

9 FAITH ON THE GO! This summer, First Lutheran Kids is providing Take Out: Family Faith on the Go! These walking worship kits contain Bible stories, coloring sheets, word finds, crafts and activities you can do as a family to help build faith all summer long. When you are traveling or hanging out at home, pick up a Take Out box at church! July s box will contain cross notebooks for journaling your prayers, a thankfulness beach ball and Lego prayers. YOUTH EVENT: LASER TAG & FUN! All youth Grades 6-12 are invited to join us for a fellowship gathering on July 12 at Bowlero in Blaine. Meet at church at 6 PM to ride the bus or join us there at 6:30 PM (we ll return by 9 PM). Cost: $10 (unlimited laser-tag). You may also bring money for concessions. Sign up in the church lobby or contact Rachel, rachelj@flcch.org. Pictured below, VBS volunteers, leaders & youth, 2017 WAPO ONE-DAY FOR GRADES K 2 Aug. 9, 8 AM to evening. New this year, Grades K-2 are invited to experience Camp Wapo for one-day! We will take a bus early in the morning from First Lutheran to Camp Wapo in Amery, WI and return the same day. In this short camp experience, counselors will lead kids through a fun schedule that includes crafts, devotions, music, water activities, treats from the canteen and a ton of games. Please contact Rachel at rachelj@flcch.org to sign up your kids for this introduction to camp! Cost: $25; scholarships are available. FIRST LUTHERAN KIDS NEED YOU! Seeking Sunday School teachers for fall This year, you get the chance to be a superhero to kids in our church and community! Share the bible stories, pray with our kids, and lead them in discussions of faith as you volunteer as a Sunday School teacher. Team-teach with another adult or teen volunteer. Interested? Rachel, rachelj@flcch.org. THANK YOU TO OUR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS! We served over 60 children at igo Green VBS this summer. It was a great outreach ministry! Thank you to our 30 adult and youth volunteers who made it happen. Special thanks to the youth planning team: Hannah who organized all the crafts, Kira who dreamed up the snacks and was the head chef, Ava who prepared all the fun games, Cassie who wrote the skits, Laura who led the Bible Adventures and all the teens who helped lead. See more VBS pictures on back cover. 9 CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY (CYF)

10 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS ACOLYTES July 2: Andrew K. / Nick S. July 9 : Jack R. / Ben R. July 16: Lucas B. / Paige C. July 23: / July 30: Aria B. / Karina K. USHER TEAMS July 2: Team 5 Len & Jan Casanova, Tom & Sonja Super, Laura Super, Dave LaSota Tom & Bonnie O Brien, Robert R. READERS July 2: Charlotte Sarich July 9 : Sonja Super July 16: Wendy Watson July 23: Keith Dehnbostel July 30: Bonnie O'Brien COMMUNION SERVERS July 2: Christine Anderson / Carol O Brien July 9 : Kevin Kaliher / Ruth Dotson July 16: RoseAnn Nelson / Phillip Mattison July 23: Mary Kay Miller / Sarah Anderson July 30: Don Rosell / Pam Hartel A/V TEAM July 2: Chris July 9 : Drew July 16: Tim July 23: Keith and Carolyn July 30: Joline July 9 : Team 1 Kevin Kahiher, Jay Craft, Charles Pierson, Judy Opheim, Wendy Ramirez, Vicky Reynolds, Andrew K., Carson S. July 16: Team 2 Peter O Brien, Edward O Brien, Don & Carol Wahlstrom, Gordon Johnson, Marge Jeska, William Roberts, Ronelle Benson, Justin K., Ben R. July 23: Team 3 Pam Sigurdson, Vern Hoium, Victor Zarich, Tim Traynor, Paul Eddy, Pat Pasiewicz Chris M. Drew W., Ava E. July 30: Team 4 Dave & Karen Maurer, Mike Hartel Rick & Lonna-Jean Nelson, Janet & Ben Streed, Janet Meyen, Collin S., Alex P., Kylie N. BUS DRIVERS July 2: Scott Arne July 9 : Ron Davidson July 16: Vance Husen July 23: Charles Pierson III July 30: Scott Arne 10 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS

11 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH FINANCIAL UPDATE First Lutheran's major checking and savings accounts and the balances as of May 31, 2017 are listed below. If you have any questions or would like to obtain more specific information, please call Dave at May, /1/2017 $ 17,740 Offerings Received $ 36,021 Other Deposits/Transfers $ 76,909 $ 130,670 Payroll Disbursements $ (38,855) Other Checks/Transfers $ (57,000) 5/31/2017 $ 34,815 Mortgage & Maintenance at 5/1/2017 $ 290,604 Offerings, interest $ 20,730 Mortgage Payment, Maintenance Projects $ (17,705) Mortgage/Maintenance Balance 5/31/2017 $ 293,629 Perpetual Reserve Balance 5/31/2017 $ 106,198 Special Projects Balance 5/31/2017 $ 212,692 Memorial Fund 5/31/2017 $ 11,558 **Endowment Fund Principal+Interest 5/31/2017 $ 951,724 ****Undesignated Earnings $ 113,133 **Endowment principal is held in perpetuity and cannot be spent ("Dollars Forever"). ****Only the investment earnings are available for use with the approval of the Endowment Committee. July Calendar, at a glance! Sun Jul 2, am Worship & Food Shelf & Can Donations Mon Jul 3, 2017 Holiday-Church Closed Tue Jul 4, 2017 Holiday - Church Closed Wed Jul 5, pm AA Meeting - Peace Thu Jul 6, :30pm FLC After School Program Sun Jul 9, am Worship Tue Jul 11, :30am Staff Mtg.- Peace 11am GA Meeting - Peace 4:30pm FLC After School 5:15pm Memorial & Endowment Mtg.- Peace Wed Jul 12, am Mission Workshop - Mission Workshop/Katie Luther Cellar 12pm AA Meeting - Peace 6:30pm Baptism Orientation - Peace Thu Jul 13, 2017 All day Women of ELCA Gathering - Minneapolis 4:30pm FLC After School Fri Jul 14, 2017 All day Host Youth Group Overnight - Youth Room Women of ELCA Gathering - Minneapolis Sat Jul 15, 2017 Host Youth Group Overnight - Youth Room Women of ELCA Gathering - Minneapolis Sun Jul 16, am Worship Women of ELCA Gathering - Minneapolis Mon Jul 17, 2017 Youth Leadership Adventure - offsite Tue Jul 18, 2017 Youth Leadership Adventure - offsite 9:30am Staff Mtg. - Peace 11am GA Meeting - Peace Wed Jul 19, 2017 All day Youth Leadership Adventure - offsite 10am Book Club - Staff Kitchen 12pm AA Meeting - Peace Thu Jul 20, 2017 All day Youth Leadership Adventure - offsite 11 Fri Jul 21, 2017 All day Youth Leadership Adventure - offsite Sun Jul 23, am Worship Tue Jul 25, :30am Staff Mtg. - Peace 11am GA Meeting - Peace 4:30pm FLC After School 6:30pm Board Mtgs. 7:45pm Council - MLH Wed Jul 26, am Mission Workshop - Mission Workshop/Katie Luther Cellar Thu Jul 27, :30pm FLC After School Sun Jul 30, am Worship & Blessing Campers FINANCIALS / CALENDAR

12 First Lutheran Church th Avenue NE / Columbia Heights, MN WEB: flcch.org / PH: Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities MN Permit No RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: 8 AM-4 PM Fridays 8 AM 1 PM During the summer JUNE, A GREAT MONTH TO EXPERIENCE & CARE FOR GOD S CREATIONS! Jamboree Parade June