Epistle for November, 2017

Transcription

1 Epistle for November, 2017 Bethany Lutheran Church First English Lutheran Church Friends in Christ Lutheran Church Meets at the DAC Building in Sebeka Sunday Schedule 9:30 Sunday School on 1st & 3rd Sundays Worship 10:30 AM th St. Menahga, MN Sunday Schedule 8:30 Worship Sunday School Coffee Fellowship 17 Main St. NW Menahga, MN Sunday Schedule 9:30 Worship Sunday School Fellowship 305 5th St SW Sebeka, MN Pastor James Hallaway Parish Secretary Dayna Anderson Parish Newsletter Phone: ~ Fax: ~ febeth@wcta.net PO Box 189 ~ Menahga, MN Bethany Council President Kris Spadgenske krsspad@gmail.com Bethany Organists Sandi Mickelson Kris Spadgenske First English Administrative Board President Verllien Augst First English Custodian Dan Gilbert Mission Statement Bethany, First English & Friends in Christ Lutheran Churches are a caring, inclusive Christian Community dedicated to Word and Sacrament ministry; Growing in Christ; Sharing the faith; Serving our neighbors; and Supporting each other. The Epistle and weekly bulletins are also available online at: Friends in Christ Board of Trustees President Tim Puttonen Friends in Christ Pianists Ardis Olson Laicy Erickson Chris Olson Ryan Oakland Follow us on Facebook: First English, Bethany, Friends in Christ Lutheran Churches

2 How can I ever express my thanks to you for your prayers and concern for me while I travel? It s always good to get home and get back to a somewhat regular schedule. I thank you in particular for your prayers for my back, which decided it needed to makes itself known the entire final week of my work abroad. Prayer makes a difference! Thanks to Ron Beck for his extra work allowing me a lighter load in hopes of a quick recovery from a bad cold. The questions I m asked when I return always get me thinking of how I can communicate what I see and what our team does, and how it intersects with the ministry here. The conversation always starts out, how was your trip? That s the entry point. The conversation might be long or short, but I always try to give some time for an answer. We hope to have a mission report during our Lutheran World Relief services on November 19th. I will try to present at each church. We work with existing contacts. Much of our work is among non-denominational and Pentecostal churches. These churches face the same challenges every other church faces, but they are growing. I was recently asked my thoughts about this. I attribute their church growth to a number of factors. They believe the Bible. They express ongoing thankfulness to God. They worship with sincerity and exuberance. They seek to know Holy Spirit. Consider this question. What is the difference between confessing with your mouth, Jesus is Lord as a matter of fact and confessing the same with a belief that Paul calls, full conviction? Romans 10:8, 1 Thes. 1:5 Is it possible to only be going through the motions and receive salvation? Is it possible to say all the right things without faith or conviction and be saved? There is a very important principle we need to employ when assessing our salvation. Both Matthew and Luke s gospel record the same phrase, Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. Acts 20:20-21 I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Since you asked Repentance means to think differently afterwards, reconsider (morally, feel compunction). Compunction means-anxiety arising from awareness of guilt. The related Greek words go on to say, guilt, including reformation, by implication a reversal of decisionrepentance. Source-Strongs Bible Concordance. What s this saying? It s saying, if your confession of faith is real your behavior, your actions, your ongoing life will reflect a change in character. In other words you will display the fruit of the Spirit, which is given in accordance with faith in Jesus Christ. In other words, if you can go on sinning as if nothing new has gone on in your heart, your mind, then you are most likely not right with God. Ouch! It is God s purpose in every way to bring you into right relationship with Him through Jesus Christ our Lord. This is what Luther was fighting for in his own life and when He took on the false doctrine present in the Church. He was fighting for people to receive a right gospel. A gospel built upon the righteous blood of Jesus and a response of faith to accept the free gift of God. I pray you will come to such a crisis in your heart over your salvation that you will not rest until you have an answer from heaven. Don t settle for appearances. Jesus isn t concerned with how good you look but how real, truthful and sincere your faith in Him is. I believe the differences between growing churches and churches that struggle can be discovered by thinking about these things. How about some homework? First, express thankfulness to God as much as you can. You will be amazed at the new things you will find to be thankful for. Next, sing to Him! Worship Him! If you use a computer you most likely have access to lots of worship music. Try Michael W. Smith Live in Canada. It s one of my favorites. Lastly, ask the Lord to speak to you about the real condition of your heart, your life. Remember, He is good and leads you in the way everlasting. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalms 139:23-24 ~ Pastor Jim S T E P S

3 Thank you to those who have done so much to make it possible for me to travel abroad in ministry. Thanks for your prayers, your service, your concern, and your financial gifts. All these work together to make ongoing ministry possible both here and abroad. Thank you! ~ Pastor Jim Ministry Highlights The First English Family Fun Fest was held on October 14th. We would like to say a big thank you to all who donated and participated in the Family Fun Fest. We feel it was very successful with a total of $ raised. Thank you also to the Sunday School for holding the Pancake Breakfast, the LYO for having games, the ladies of the church for having the cookie sale and the women who served the lunch. All our proceeds are used on a local basis. ~ First English Social Ministry Committee Pastor Emmanuel Ndayizeye, Pastor Jim, Pastor Jean Paul Seneza Pastor Emmanuel & Pastor Jean Paul served as interpreters High School LYO Students, we will be having an event the week of Thanksgiving, please watch Facebook & bulletins for details! Pastor Jim s Book recommendation: Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabell Qureshi In Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, Nabeel Qureshi describes his dramatic journey from Islam to Christianity, complete with friendships, investigations, and supernatural dreams along the way. Providing an intimate window into a loving Muslim home, Qureshi shares how he developed a passion for Islam before discovering, almost against his will, evidence that Jesus rose from the dead and claimed to be God. Unable to deny the arguments but not wanting to deny his family, Qureshi struggled with an inner turmoil that will challenge Christians, Muslims, and all those who are interested in the world s greatest religions. Engaging and thought-provoking, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus tells a powerful story of the clash between Islam and Christianity in one man s heart and of the peace he eventually found in Jesus. "I have seldom seen such genuine intellect combined with passion to match... truly a 'must-read' book." Ravi Zacharias First English Building Loan Update As of the 30th of October with the money collected for the building loan we will be able to make a payment of $1,494 to our loan, which will bring our loan balance down to $10, God gives us money to use for our wellbeing and for mission work. Let s make it our mission this year to PAY OFF this loan. If 100 people gave $100 we would be debt free on our church. Please keep this in mind when you are planning your end of year giving. Let s make this happen! God willing we can do it. Also, when this loan is paid off, please continue to give to our building fund, the church building is going to need some repairs in the very near future and we need your consistent giving to the church to maintain the building.

4 First English Administrative Board Meeting Monday, October 9, 2017 Present: Roger H., Marie H., Verllien A., Trisha K., Dianne S., Marlene S. and Kari C. Absent: Russ O. Call to order: Verllien A. Devotions: Kari C. Secretary s report was read with a motion to accept by Marie H. and seconded by Kari C., motion carried. Correspondence: Notice from Russ O. dated October 6 th, resigning his position on the board, effective immediately. He stated that he would finish the closet project and also get bids for the changes to the North Entrance. Marie H. made a motion to accept his resignation with her regrets. A second was made by Trisha K., motion carried. Treasurer s report was read by Marlene S and will be filed for audit. Pastor Jim s report: Written report. It was noted that Ron Beck is also doing visitation. There was no mileage report. Unfinished Business: 1. Storage shelves-russ will finish them. Verllien will also contact Virgel O. 2. Trees on North side and along the East side will be done by the end of the month. MN Power will not cut trees, but will take the line down. 3. Discussion about the slopes on the north side of the building and fill needed. Tabled until the tree removal is done. 4. Fall clean up on October 11 at 4:30. W.O.W. will provide a meal. Trisha will bring a truck at 5:00. The furnace room is a priority. Marlene has a list from Dan of things to do. Also, a priority of cleaning the church, the office and the entry doors. 5. Report on Hunger No More-Verllien shared information on this project. $1, in Funds is needed for food items which are packaged in an assembly line. Donations could be made of $250 each from W.O.W., LYO, Sunday School and Social Ministry to cover the expense. It was decided to table this until February or March. New Business: 1. Gas leak, Marlene reported that Naylor from Bemidji would be here on Thursday to look for leaks and to clean the stove. The water heater leak was fixed by Minnesota Energy. Board agreed to fix the kitchen range if needed and under $ Verllien noticed that the tar was wearing away by the door on the North side entrance. Patching will need to be done. She will talk to Virgel about it. Committee Reports: Education-Trisha: Reported that Sunday School had met on the 24th. They are working on singing for the congregation. The Christmas program this year will involve children from Pre-K to Grade 6 from the 3 parish churches. She will work with Tracey O. from Friends in Christ & Jamie E. from Bethany. Evangelism-Dianne: Will meet with the committee tomorrow. Donna M. has been doing some nursing home visits. Cards are being sent. Dianne gave a children s sermon on September 24 th. Worship-Marie: A list has been created for acolytes and communion helpers. Torrey Carlson has been asked to help train youth at 5:45 on October 18 th. Stewardship-Roger: There was some discussion on Time and Talent Sheets. Finance-Marlene: Reported that the LYO balance is at $5, Our Building Loan Balance is at $12, Social Ministry-Kari: spoke about the upcoming Family Fun Fest on Saturday, October 14 th. Set up will be Friday at 4:30. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 to 10:00, Lunch from 10:00 to 1:00. There will be.50 tickets for games and raffle baskets. Bingo, games, cake walk, cookie sales and silent auction will also be available. Donations were made to the Youth Food Fund for Wednesday meals of $ and also $ was given to the Slap Happy Comedy Event for the youth. Kari will talk to confirmation and LYO families about better communication. Next meeting is November 13 at 6:30 P.M. Devotions by Marie. Motion to adjourn was made at 8:40 by Kari, seconded by Roger, motion carried. Closed with the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Dianne Schilling. First English Lutheran Church Special Congregational Meeting October 1, 2017 Following the church service, Vice President Marie Henstorf called the meeting to order and gave the congregation some background information. Pastor Eric Hulstrand suggested that we form 3 committees in order to keep moving forward as a tri-parish. These committees will be made up of individuals from each of the 3 congregations. 1. Call Committee: Volunteers are Kevin Kocurek, Marlene Schiotz and Marie Henstorf. 2. Task Force: Will form a Tri-Parish agreement-keith Soppeland, Verllien Augst and Marlene Salo. 3. Temporary Tri-Parish Council: Consisting of 2 board members and 1 congregation member from First English. Nominations were Trisha Knapp, Roger Hollerud and Verllien Augst from the board and Sandy Schilling and Corrine Neisess from the congregation. Motions were made to cease nominations and vote by secret ballot. Verllien Augst, Trisha Knapp and Sandy Schilling were elected to serve on this council. Meeting adjourned.

5 By Carter Hasbargen I have chosen for my Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. What does this mean to me? It tells me that God has plans for me to be successful and with his help, to have a good life. The main question that I ve had to think about when writing my faith statement is, Who is God to me? To me, he is someone that I can trust and put my faith in for the rest of my life. Starting many years ago, Sunday School taught me about God through Bible stories. My favorite was the story about being able to feed the many with only 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. I also began to learn about him dying on the cross to forgive our sins. It s crazy to think that someone can love us that much! Then I moved into confirmation classes. We learned a lot about the 10 Commandments and covenants, along with many other things. It was fun to learn along with my friends. Jim helped me to grow in my faith, and I will keep on learning after my confirmation. Now that I m confirmed, I plan to continue to come to church at Bethany and go to LYO to continue my faith journey with my friends. I still have a lot to learn. By Samara Kicker I believe that God is almighty; that He has the strength to do all things. One of the things He does is work through people. He encourages us to always do the right thing and love each other no matter what. I know that everybody has down days, and they may feel that they are alone, but I also know that God is there. When we are at the lowest points, He is there with us. Romans 5:8 says, I loved you at your darkest, and I believe that is true. One of the greatest things He has done for me is send me to confirmation. I believe that God is our guide in life, and He guided me to confirmation with wonderful people. Confirmation has made me feel closer to everybody around me. Life doesn t seem as scary, and I don't feel the need to question everything. I believe in the Holy Spirit; that it can be seen and heard through anybody. The Holy Spirit will always be with me. I believe that the blood 2017 Confirmation Students ~ Statements of Faith of Jesus is the blood that save me. I believe that His blood can make anybody s life better. I believe that God makes everybody s life better, even when we could do better personally. We have all sinned, and big or small, I believe He forgives all of it. We usually do wrong at dark times, and I believe He is understanding enough to know that life isn t going well, but instead of criticizing us, He loves us. I believe that all of that is true because Isaiah 46:4 says, Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. He has sustained me, and I hope you feel the same. By Grace Jackson I first started my journey of faith when I was little and went to Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sign praise. James 5:13 I chose this verse because on my journey of faith I learned the power of prayer. When I first started my confirmation journey, I prayed for my uncle when he was suffering. He is doing better now. I am thankful for the amazing family that God has blessed me with. I also like this verse because it talks about singing and when I sing I feel cheerful. By Erica Kicker My verse is Psalm 25:4-5: It says: Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truths and teach me, for you are God, my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. My verse reminds me that whatever I do, the Lord will guide and teach me. It also reminds me that whatever I do, I can put my trust in Him. The Bible and the Apostles Creed tell us the core truths of Christian faith and also unifies us as believers. The Creed is a statement of belief. It starts with two powerful words: I believe. I know the Bible tells me the truth. Here s what I know and believe: I believe that God is the creator of heaven and earth. As it says in Genesis. I believe in the Holy Trinity and that each of the three essences of God are one. I believe the Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. I believe that He rose and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. I believe that He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe that only God can forgive sins. I believe Satan is defeated and at God s command. I believe that being part of Christian fellowship is a demand, even if it s just with a couple of people. I believe that we must come out of the world to grow in faith. I believe that the Lord speaks to me and I ll do my best to listen. I believe in God the Father. I believe Jesus died for our sins and I believe with all my heart that He will come again. I ve got a long way to go, but as the Lord is my guide, I will not get lost. By Andrew Litzau My Bible verse is: Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the laws my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Joshua 1:7. The reason I picked this verse is because it shows me that I need to be myself while still following the rules that I have received. I believe that God is the only God and that we know Him as three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. He is always with us to guide us through life even though we don t see him, he is there. Also, I believe that He will come again and give us eternal life. I believe that God made the earth in six days and on the seventh he rested. As well as He made everything; he created the rivers and lake, even the deserts and the forest. I I believe that Christ is ascended and is seated at the right hand of the father after He rose again. And the He now is head of all things to the church along with everything being at His feet. I believe that Satan was defeated at the nailing of the cross when Christ died for our sins, Satan was stripped of power and that power was our sins. Even though Satan was stripped of power he still lives. And finally, I believe that being a part of Christian fellowship is a demand and important to those who want to go to heaven.

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7 SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING OF BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH OCTOBER 1, 2017 President, Kris Spadgenske, called the meeting to order immediately following worship services. Kris explained the purpose of the meeting: To elect one current council member and two congregational members to the Temporary Triparish Council. This Council will serve until a Triparish Agreement can be written and ratified by the cogregations. Kris announced that Art Yliniemi, Kris Spadgenske and Heidi Hasbargen would be representing Bethany on the Task Force Committee. This committee s job is to write a Triparish Agreement. Kris explained that she is also looking for 3 individuals who would be willing to serve on the Call Committee. Anyone wishing to serve on this committee should contact Kris. Kris explained that the Temporary Triparish Council responsibilities will include any decisions that are shared as a Triparish, i.e. Employees of the Triparish including pastors, scheduling of worship services and preparing a Triparish Budget. The first election was to seat a current council member. Lynette Yliniemi nominated Ron Munger. Steve Thompson nominated Lynette Yliniemi. Nominations closed. Paper ballots were distributed. Ron Munger was elected to the Temporary Triparish Council as a current council person. The second election was to seat two congregational members. Chad Hasbargen, Jamie Etzler, Jeannette Mickelson and Steve Thompson were all nominated. Nominations closed. Paper ballots were distributed. Chad Hasbargen and Jamie Etzler were elected to represent Bethany on the Temporary Triparish Council. Several comments were made during the meeting and questions were answered. Kris will make announcements of the upcoming meetings as soon as those dates and times are set. Meeting adjourned. Respectively Submitted by Evelyn Meech, Secretary Bethany Lutheran Church Council Meeting Minutes October 11, 2017 Bethany Lutheran Church Council Meeting Minutes October 11, 2017 Present: Lynette Y., Wendy M., Ron M., Dave M., Dean M., Evelyn M., Kris S. Kris called the meeting to order and read Matthew 18:1-20 and opened with prayer. Secretary s report was read and approved. Treasurer s report was read and approved. Will meet with insurance agent on October 25 th about coverage and cost. Committee Reports Social Ministry-Lynette: She has put an ad in the Frazee Forum and Kris has put an ad in the Review Messenger for the Fall Fest. Will meet on Friday at 1:00 before the fall fest to move tables and set up. Stewardship-Dave M. We are concerned that a number of members of our congregation do not seem to understand that the tri-parish council felt it was in the best interest of the parish to ask for Pastor Steve s resignation. As a result of what we learned, it became apparent that Steve has lost his way as a pastor. When it came time for a decision, the vote of the duly elected councils from the three congregations was 21 to 1 total. It seems that the result of the vote should speak to those who do not have the full story. Pastor Steve did not have to resign. He had the right to refuse. The next step would have been a vote of the 3 congregations. Does it infer anything that he chose not to exercise that option? We are in the process of forming a call committee. We need all members to support our parish for us to be an effective ministry going forward. What do you want our legacy to be? Education-Dean & Wendy: Bibles were handed out to youth last Sunday. Worship-Ron: will be meeting with Kris & Sandi to pick out hymns. Ron & Curt will be doing a song soon. Buildings & Grounds-Mark: The parsonage has been winterized. Mark and Evelyn along with Marlene Salo will be meeting with insurance agent to go over policy. Youth-Pastor Jim: written report, the LYO meeting room has been refurbished. Mileage log will be gone over at the next council meeting. Old Business: 1. Fall festival, we are using the format from last year. 2. Donation for Vacation Bible School, 70 plus students, expenses run about $1,000. Evelyn will check to see what we paid last year and give them a check accordingly. Dean made a motion to pay for 2017 and check on 2016 and pay $100 for each. Wendy seconded, approved. New Business: 1. Pumpkin party at Menahga school was brought up, no action taken. 2. Call Committee no one has volunteered so far, it needs to be filled. Pastor Eric will be here October 22 nd and 23 rd, he will be meeting with committees. 3. Ron M. made a motion to give Ron Beck at gift card to Spanky s, seconded by Wendy, motion approved. Meeting adjourned. Closed with Lord s Prayer. Submitted by Evelyn Meech PLEASE NOTE: All meeting minutes published in the Epistle are yet to be approved at the next meeting of each council or board.

8 We will be having a New Member Sunday at First English and Bethany on Sunday, November 19th. If you or someone you know would like to become a member of one of our 3 churches, please fill the form out below and drop it off in the church office or give it to a board member. Also, if you feel like your information is incorrect in the church records, please fill out the form as well. Thank you! Remember in Prayer Family of Joe Hensel Peggy Lake Agnes Lindroos Arionna Matteson Liberty Havnes Paul Shepersky Tim Johnson Louise Sime Tom Carlson Lucille Erickson Kathy Mickelson Clark Meech Tom Mickelson Ron Usher Lynette Hilden Linda Miller Brent Freeman Mary Ann Lusti Brie Schilling Craig Ahlin Dennis Anderson Tanya Porter Elaine Hollerud Naomi Butcher John Rader Thomas Merchlewicz Bruce Blanchard Elvin Yrjo Susan Gullekson Our Country & Military Jon Soppeland Hayden Paulson Braden Tjosaas Luke Hallaway Our Churches, Pastors, Leaders, and Staff Our Shut-ins Friends in Christ Board of Trustees did not meet in October. There will be Acolyte training at First English on Wednesday, November 8 at 5:30 P.M. for all students in 5 th thru 9 th grades. Experienced acolytes are welcome to come and offer their input.

9 First English Women s Executive Board Meeting Thursday, October 26th at 4:00 Marlene opened the meeting with devotions and prayer. The secretary's report was read and approved. The treasurer's report was read and approved after discussion on work that had been done in the kitchen, such as stove repair, de-liming of dishwasher. Discussion was held on personal care kits. $ will be given to Hunger No More kit preparation. November 19 will be New Member Sunday, as well as Thank Offering and blessing of the quilts. Thanksgiving services will be held at Bethany this year. The next meeting will be held on November 16, at 4:00 PM. The meeting was closed with the Lord's Prayer. Phyllis Leritz, Acting Secretary Sunday, November 19th is the Thank Offering & Blessings of the Quilts & Kits Service at First English If you would like to participate in this Special Service, you can prepare and bring a kit. Kits are listed below and found in the back of your 2017 Women's Ministry Booklet. School Kits Personal Care Kits Baby Care Kits Fabric Kits. Also Soap is very much needed. Any brand of soap, in their original wrappings. Bath size bars (4 to 5 oz) are highly preferred. Another way to participate in this Service is to donate money to Lutheran World Relief Shipping Fund. The following are the approximate cost to ship kits & Quilts & Soap. One Quilt $2:25 One School Kit $1.25 One Personal Care Kit $2.65 -One Baby Care Kit $ One Fabric Kit One pound carton of Soap $11.00 To donate to the shipping fund, please make your check out to the Women of First English and bring the donation forward by placing it in a basket at the Altar. Thank you to Dave & Jan Mickelson and James & Jill Rader for their Bethany memorial gifts in honor of Rosie Anderson. Thank you to Fred & Lois Corwin for their gift to the LYO in memory of Mavis Torvinen. Thank you to Rosella Mickelson for her gift to the Bethany Cemetery in memory of Hazel Schleicher. Thank you to Dean & Diane Mickelson and Arnold & Rose Thompson for their gifts to the Bethany Cemetery Fund in memory of Mavis Torvinen. Thank you to Rosella Mickelson, Dean & Diane Mickelson, Arnold & Rose Thompson, Gloria Beck, and Jeannette Mickelson for their gifts to the Bethany Cemetery Fund BETHANY Attendance & Offering 10/1/17 27 Adults 13 Children General $ Missions $ $ /8/17 14 Adults 1 Child General $ Cemetery $ Missions $ $ /15/17 30 Adults 12 Children General $ Missions $ $ /22/17 General $ Cemetery $ $ /29/17 Service - FE General $ Thank you to Judy & Ernie Adamec, Randy & Joy Torvinen and Allan & Beverly Torvinen and families for their gift to the First English Building Fund in memory of Mavis Torvinen. FIRST ENGLISH Attendance & Offering 10/1/17 49 General $ Loose $ Building $ $ 1, /8/17 49 General $ Loose $ Initial Offering $ 3.00 Hurricane Relief $ Youth Meals $ Building $ $ 1, /15/17 General $ 1, Loose $ LYO $ Youth Meals $ Food Shelf $ World Hunger $ Building $ $ 1, /22/17 51 General $ 1, Loose $ Building $ $ 1, /29/17 83 General $ 1, Loose $ Building $ $ 1, Special Offering for Pastor Moses: $1, Thank you to Lucille Erickson and for her gift to the First English Building Fund in memory of Mavis Torvinen. Thank you to Roger & Marie Henstorf for their gift to the First English Memorial Fund in memory of Stanley Burkman. Thank you for the gifts to the First English Sunday School, First English Mission Fund and First English Building Fund in memory of Hazel Carlson.

10 BETHANY, FIRST ENGLISH, FRIENDS IN CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCHES 17 Main St. NW PO Box 189 MENAHGA, MN Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE Menahga, MN Permit NO. 3 You are invited to a Service of Thankfulness on Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 Thanksgiving Eve 7:00 P.M. At Bethany Lutheran Church During the service you will be given the opportunity to share with everyone what you are thankful to God for! (Feel free to write what you are thankful to God for & bring it with you to the service.) Everyone is invited & please bring a friend! Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! Psalms 100:4 COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENT TEA Saturday, December 2, :00 P.M. First English Lutheran Church Join the Women of First English as we celebrate Advent with the other churches in our community with Christmas Caroling, Cookies & Tea. Advent is not only to celebrate the birth of Jesus but it is also about His coming again where Jesus will return to judge the World are you ready?