Grace Lutheran Church

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1 Grace Lutheran Church th Ave S, Fargo, ND Volume 16 Issue 3 March 2017 Called together by the Holy Spirit, Grace Lutheran Church is a loving family of believers, growing in Christ through God s Word and Sacraments, and reflecting God s love by ministering to others and sharing His Word with community and the nations. The national holidays and days of special recognition which we find on our calendar intrigue me very much. In January I went to the bank on one particular Tuesday. Now what s so significant about that? Well, I couldn t go the bank on the Monday before because it was closed in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. s birthday. In my usual way I was joking around with the employees about the three day weekend. I asked them if they had enjoyed their day off and spent it reading a good biography about Martin Luther King, Jr. or perhaps watched a special on TV about his life and influence on our society. Their answer was pretty basic Nope! Their attitude about special holidays was the same as the children at my children s sermon when I asked them what a holiday was. There response: It s a day you don t have to go to school or work! While this is probably the understanding of most people, some still like to recognize the special meaning behind many of our national holidays. Then there s those holidays which we celebrate and still have to go to work or school (i.e. Valentine s Day; St. Patrick s Day). Valentine s Day I can sort of understand we celebrate love. But I could not figure out why it happens that around March the Valentine decorations come down and up goes the green. All of a sudden the bakery is making green donuts in the shape of shamrocks; the stores are filled with cards, trinkets, posters, etc. with leprechauns and shamrocks on them; McDonald s serves Shamrock shakes which are green; and some towns and cities have big parades and parties where people get drunk off of green beer. Why? Aside from the fact that many people don t really know who this Patrick was most children probably St. Patrick s Day? think he was a leprechaun. Besides the opportunity for businesses to have a gimmick to sell upon, why do people recognize St. Patrick s Day? Who is this person and what s so important about him anyway? I can remember the mention of St. Patrick from a church history class at seminary so I decided to do a little research according to church tradition. St. Patrick is considered the patron saint of Ireland who lived from about l. He was born in what is now Scotland and lived in southwestern Britain in the days when the Romans were abandoning the island to its fate and before the English had appeared. He was educated as a Christian. When he was 16 he was carried off by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. After he had spent six years as a swineherd in Ireland he escaped in a ship bound for Gaul (i.e. France). For a time he lived in Gaul, where he became a monk, and then returned to Britain. After his return he dreamed one night that he heard the Irish calling, We pray thee, holy youth, to come and walk amongst us as before. This, Patrick decided, was a missionary call to Ireland. He returned to Gaul, where he spent 14 years preparing for his work. In 432 he arrived in Ireland with the title of bishop and the pope s blessing and began the work which was to make him the patron saint of the island. He did much to establish Christianity firmly, overseeing the building churches and monasteries during the early years of the Roman Catholic Church and the papal system with the conversion of many people. Many legends grew up in Ireland about St. Patrick. Supposedly he had caused the snakes and toads of Ireland to fling themselves into the sea. It was claimed there was no night for 12 days after his death on March 17, 461. Another legend says that he lived to be 120 years old. This legend

2 accounts for the various dates for his death. Legends aside, the most important work of Patrick was to bring Jesus Christ crucified to the people of Ireland. The use of the shamrock in Ireland, especially in their commemoration of St. Patrick s Day is connected to an object lesson he used. You tell us that there are three gods, and yet one, wonderingly said the Irish when Patrick was preaching the gospel to them. How can that be? Patrick bent down and plucked a shamrock. Do you not see, he said, how in this wild flower three leaves are united on one stalk, and will you not then believe that there are indeed three Persons and yet one God? Thus the shamrock became a symbol for the Trinity in the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland. The shamrock remains the emblem of Ireland, proudly worn by Irishmen the world over on St. Patrick s Day. As the celebration of St. Patrick s Day became more and more secularized and the legends about Patrick grew, St. Patrick s Day became more associated with being Irish and has lost a lot of its Christian beginnings. Thus the leprechauns, which have always been a part of Irish folklore, became connected to St. Patrick s Day as well as the colors of green and white the two official colors of Ireland. Even though St. Patrick s Day is viewed by many today as an Irish celebration I suppose there is a sense in which all Christians could celebrate this day. It could remind us of what Jesus says in Matthew 9:37 The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. It could be a day to reflect with joy and thanksgiving on those missionaries whom we have sent into other lands to share the Gospel with the people there. St. Patrick s Day could remind us of the need for more missionaries that are needed and move us to ask the Lord to send out people who will go and work for Him today. St. Patrick s Day can also remind us of the mission of the Church as expressed by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Happy St. Patrick s Day, Pastor Here s a quick question for you... When s the last time you ate? If you are like me, it s not too long ago (I snack a lot!). I bet most of us rarely miss a meal. Here s another question... When s the last time you fed your faith? You know, that thing that connects you to God and eternal life. Worship is good food but if that s all you do, it s like eating once a week. Imagine what your body would feel like if you only fed it once a week! You wouldn t expect to be very healthy. The point is you have to eat to grow and be healthy, it s the same with faith. Study of God s Word is the meat that strengthens and grows your faith. If you have been feeding with us on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, good!, keep coming! If we haven t seen you in a while, we hope that you come HUNGRY!! (Borrowed from Jay Schaefer, Grace Lutheran School) Worship and Bible study opportunities are listed below: Worship Services: Sunday mornings - 10:00 am Wednesday evenings - 7:00 pm Bible Study Opportunities: Sunday mornings - 8:45 am Monday evenings - 7:00 pm Women church (The Life of Christ - Miracles) Wednesday mornings - 10:00 am Women church (Hebrews) Thursday mornings - 6:30 am Men Fry'n Pan Thursday evenings - 7:00 pm Men church (Acts)

3 March 2017 Serve the Lord with gladness! Good Friends, today is an unusually warm day for February, again. This mustard seed devotion certainly helped me refocus my efforts to achieve what I must today. Have you had days it was hard to get or stay the course? Days of continuous interruption threatening to lead you astray? Or maybe so many activities that lead us to set aside our time to attend church to fill us up with the Word and Gospel and catch up with our church family? Be Joyful Always, Connie Smallarz Living in the Spirit Gives Me Self-Control In the Word: A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out. Proverbs 25:28 MSG Of the Word:... the fruit of the Spirit is self-control... Galatians 5:22 23a A house without windows or doors indicates a dwelling exposed to the elements and vulnerable to intruders. Without self-control we are like this house wide open for the intrusion of sin. We chuckle and say, I just have no self-control when it comes to. We can fill in the blank with our own answers: chocolate, television, shopping, eating, working. Or we may have a lack of selfcontrol over things we don t so readily admit: rage, swearing, lust, jealousy, alcohol, abusive speech, or gossip. Lack of self-control, no matter how trivial we may perceive it to be, leads us away from God s direction for us. make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5b 6a, 8. Walking with my Lord Merciful Father, send Your Spirit to strengthen me so that I may persevere in my desire for self-control. Lord, lift me up when I am falling. Help me keep my eyes upon Jesus. In His name. Amen. LWML will be collecting items for Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch this month and next. The teens appreciate new sporting equipment and gift cards. Please consider donating to keep them engaged. Upcoming events... Circles - all at Church Tues., Mar. 7: 7 pm (K. Cziok) Thurs., Mar 9: 1:30 pm (A. Thomaier) Sat., Mar. 11: 9 am (R. Suelzle) Other Events: Wed., Mar. 1: 6 pm Serve Lenten Meal - Casseroles Wed., Mar. 8 / Sun., Mar. 12: Mite Box Sunday Sun., Mar. 12: 8-9:30 am Pancake / Sausage Breakfast Sat., Mar. 18: 9 am Gen Meeting 9:30 am Potluck Brunch 10:30 am Program: Carole Borchers, Missionary All Circles Hosting Wed., Mar. 29: 6 pm Serve Lenten Meal - Baked Potato Bar Mission of the Month... ND Full Time Church Work Scholarship Fund Missionaries... Paul & Ali Federwitz Siberian Lutheran Church Carolyn Walsh CHANGES IN GRACE BROADCASTS The Evangelism Committee is no longer facilitating the broadcast of Grace Lutheran church services on the Fargo Community Access Channel for shut-ins and others. Instead, we encourage individuals to access the audio of Pastor Suelzle s Sermons at website. You can also read the sermon text on line. In addition, shut-ins have access to a print copy of the weekly sermon if requested through Pastor Suelzle. ( ) Also, we encourage all those who are ill or shut-in to receive a weekly LCMS Gospel Message through Main Street Living, a production of the LCMS. North Dakota and Minnesota Pastors are featured in the 30 minute worship service. Included is a wonderful, playful children s message called Kid s Crossing. Access these new and exciting television programs on KVRR Fargo-Moorhead Channel 15.1 and Cable Satellite systems that carry these stations. You can also access the programs at or The Evangelism Committee is donating yearly to this extraordinary outreach program. We encourage Grace members to donate if desired by visiting the Main Street Living website.

4 Repentant Living, Repentant Giving Lent is a season of repentant joy. There is joy in repentance because in repentance, God, through His Word, turns us away from our sins our failures of thought, word, and deed to believe in the forgiveness and new life He has accomplished for us in the death and resurrection of His Son. For our God is our Father, and fathers discipline their children. He loves us enough to point out when and where we have erred, so that we are not weighed down by false belief, despair, and other great shame or vice. Thus we do well to listen to God s Word, His own teaching, about giving. St. Paul exhorts: Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor (Gal 6:6). This means that the local congregation is primary. In other words, everything else that we might give to during the year - laudable and worthy charities - are to be on top of what we give to our local congregation. For the local congregation is the place that serves us with the gifts of Christ s death and resurrection. The local congregation is where our spiritual needs are met when Christ s atonement is preached, when the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed, when we were baptized into the name of the Triune God, and when we partake of the body and blood of the risen and living Lamb of God. But how much are we to give to this local congregation? His instructions are these: to give regularly (1 Cor 6:1-2), proportionally (1 Cor 16:1-2; 2 Cor 8:12), and generously (2 Cor 8:20) of our first fruits (Gen 4:4; Prov 3:9; Lev 27:30) with a spirit of eagerness (2 Cor 9:2), earnestness (2 Cor 8:7), cheerfulness (2 Cor 9:7), and love (2 Cor 8:23). Thus, giving to the church is not to be an afterthought, given after everything else is spent. In this way, it is deliberate. We give it regularly, whenever we have income. We set it aside beforehand, before anything else is spent. From those first fruits, we set aside a proportionate and generous amount. Ten percent was the standard for the Israelites. Tithing was a command for them. St. Paul never mentions a tithe. Since a tithe was the bare minimum for the people of Israel in the Old Testament, perhaps St. Paul had more in mind. That aside, however, ten percent is an easy way to figure out an amount. You simply move your weekly, bi-weekly, bi-monthly, monthly, or yearly income one decimal point to the left. And that's it. That s what you put in the offering plate to support your local congregation so that you may continue to be a hearer of God s word by sharing all good things with those who teach it to you. And how are we to give it? We give it with eagerness and earnestness. We give it cheerfully and with love, not out of compulsion. For through the preaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments, God has made us His children, forgiven us all our sins, given us grace upon grace, promised us life everlasting with Him in His kingdom, and filled us with His own Spirit, the Holy Spirit. This makes giving a joy. For it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). In repentant joy, then, do we hear God s Word on giving, and we let that Word dwell in us richly. We let that word wash over our ears and seep into our hearts, to turn us away from our own selfish desires and turned toward Him in faith and love. We love the Lord and His Word. And we desire to do it. And when we have failed, that Word reproves and corrects, forgives and consoles. It calls us back to Him who is our God, our Savior, our Father. Board of Stewardship Upcoming Officer and Board Positions It is time again to consider serving your congregation through various positions currently open on the administration boards and officer positions. In a normal election cycle, there are a total of 16 positions to be filled. We pray that those individuals currently serving in these positions would consider to continue to serve and that all members of our congregation would prayerfully consider stepping forward and serving your congregation in this capacity. The next page has brief descriptions of the purpose and functions of each board for you to use as you prayerfully consider serving. The Lord has provided you with these positions as great opportunities to serve your congregation. Should you do decide to serve contact Scott Wentz. You can him at scottw.wentz@gmail.com or you can call/text him at Nominating Committee (Scott Wentz, Corey Isaak, Ray Bakke, Connie Smallarz, Pastor Suelzle)

5 OFFICER AND BOARD DESCRIPTIONS PRESIDENT: Call and preside at all meetings of the Voters Assembly, Executive Board, and Parish Planning Council, coordinate the functions, plans, and activities of the work of Christ s Kingdom in our midst; enforce the Constitution and Bylaws, carry out the expressed will of the congregation as embodied in the resolutions of the Voters Assembly and Executive Board; along with other detailed duty responsibilities as stated in Article 18.1 of the Grace Lutheran Church Constitution and ByLaws. VICE-PRESIDENT: Act for and in the stead of the President in his absence, serve as Chairman of the Nominating Committee, serve as Acting Parliamentarian, in consultation with the President, serve as exofficio member of the various Boards. BOARD OF ELDERS: The purpose of the board is based on 1 Peter 5:2-3...shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. This board will oversee the spiritual life of the congregation and its individual members. BOARD OF EVANGELISM: The purpose of the board is based on Mark 16:15 Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. This board will provide opportunities for sharing salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone with others, specifically through training members and congregation sponsored activities directed at reaching those outside of the congregation. BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: The purpose of the board is based on Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. This board will share the teachings of God s Holy Word with the members of Grace Lutheran Church and the community and provide learning opportunities to members of all ages through Sunday School, Confirmation, Bible Study, and Vacation Bible School. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP: The purpose of this board is based on 1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God s varied grace. This board will aid the congregation in managing time, talent, and treasure and search for people willing and able to serve in various capacities within the congregation. BOARD OF TRUSTEES: The purpose of this board is based on Luke 10:2 The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. The board will provide guidance to the proper maintenance and repair of church property, and the general protection of the congregation against loss or damage of whatever nature. BOARD OF PARISH FELLOWSHIP :The purpose of this board is based on 1 John 1:3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. The board will provide activities for congregational members to develop stronger relationships with each other through social situations. The board will also provide an awareness of Christian fellowship opportunities to the community by submitting articles of information to various agencies. BOARD OF FINANCE :The purpose of this board is based in 1 Corinthians 16:2-On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper. This board is to oversee counting of offerings, bank deposits, report to the treasurer via weekly offering form, oversee posting of individual contribution records, and report to the Executive Board and Voter s Assembly. BOARD OF HUMAN CARE :The purpose of this Board is based on 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. This board is the presentation of a Christian image to the public that will reflect favorably upon the work of Christ and of the congregation as His instrument. RR SCHOOL BOARD :The purpose of this position is to be a representative of Grace Lutheran Church on the school board of the Red River Lutheran School Association within the by-laws of the association.

6 HAVE YOU WATCHED YET? (locally produced Main Street Living North TV Program) Have you watched your new locally produced TV ministry program yet? Each Sunday morning a different pastor from one of our MN North & ND LCMS congregations leads a 30 minute worship service called MAIN STREET LIVING NORTH, which is broadcast at 10:30am on all of the following Fox Television affiliate stations: KVRR Fargo-Moorhead Channel 15.1, KBRR Thief River Falls-Grand Forks Channel 10.1, KJRR Jamestown Channel 7.1, KNRR Pembina Channel 12.1, and cable and satellite systems carrying these stations. Television is a way to reach people who cannot attend their own church services as well as people who do not normally participate in traditional worship services. All programs can also be seen at any time at During March our guest pastors will be from LCMS congregations in South Dakota. A 30 minute children s S.S. style program called Kid s Crossing is shown at 10am preceding the worship service. If you are able, please prayerfully consider helping with the cost of buying the TV airtime to reach this large viewing area with the gospel message! Checks may be sent to Main Street Living North, ½ Ave. E., West Fargo, ND 58078, or donate by PayPal/Credit Card at (Designate for the new North broadcast area.) We still have about $4,000 to go to reach the generous matching gift from the S.D. MSL ministry! Please also help spread the word of this wonderful outreach opportunity! Thank you. Operated by: The Red River Lutheran School Association Giving Hearts Day was a BIG success as we were gifted with $33,000! Thank you area families and churches! Congratulations AGAIN to our middle school students, once again they are all on the honor roll for the 2nd quarter! The association Pastors will not meet on Mar. 9 due to the evening meeting at Grace Lutheran church at 7:30pm. All Association meeting on Thursday, March 9, at 7:30 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, in the basement level. All pastors, church councils, Association Boards of Education, Key leaders and Grace School board members are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting about our School. The theme of the meeting is The state of Lutheran and Christian schools in 2017 Mr. Dan Krause author and director of Graceworks Ministries, will lead us in understanding the mission and ministry of Christian schools today. This will be a great way to know how you and your church can promote & support Christian education in our association school. Every Wednesday is Welcome Wednesday as each week we will have an open House for prospective students. Share this information with everyone so that they can see what a day is like at Grace Lutheran School. The Annual Grace Lutheran Auction March 25, 2017 Many items are already being lined up for this year s great event. Come and celebrate the richness, heritage and exciting future of Grace Lutheran School all in one night. This event is a great way to see some of the latest displays and happening at Grace Lutheran. Be sure to get your ticket for $50.00 with includes your meal and a place at the auction and purchase great gifts for your family! Grace Lutheran Science and Art Fair is March 7 at 6:30-8:30 Camp Grace will once again open in May. I am looking for young adults (college age students) to help with our Camp. We need approximately 5 new leaders to add to our staff. Mrs. Betty Hagge, Mrs. Cindy Noennig, and Kari Lugo will be heading up this year s Camp Grace. Please call me if you are interested in being a leader for Camp Grace at Thank you - John Hagge Want to learn more about Grace Lutheran School enrollment or Donations? Just contact our school office at ? ALSO Check our web site, Blog Facebook page or just call Mr. Hagge our new Principal. Facebook: facebook.com/gracelutheranschoolfargo Website: Blog: http//gracelutheranschoolfargo.blogspot.com/

7 It s re-enrollment time, and I sincerely hope and We will also hold a special drawing for a chance pray that all of our amazing students and families to receive a half-year tuition (50% off your will be back with us next year with the exception obligation) for the upcoming school of the 8th graders! year! For each adult family member who attends Grace Lutheran School is growing and we are (Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma etc.), you will preparing for our future, with many new and receive one chance in the drawing per person. If exciting things coming your way. To hear more you have already enrolled, you will automatically about these things, you are invited to join us for receive an added entry into the drawing, per our very first Rally Night on March 9th from 5:30 student enrolled. However, the enrollment MUST pm to 7:00 pm! be in by March 8th at 4pm sharp to qualify for this Rally Night will be a chance to hear from some of additional entry. our Grace alumni, GraceWorks President, Dan This is a wonderful, fruitful time for Grace Krause, as well as touring the rooms of the Lutheran, and we are thankful to God that we are school, sharing an evening meal of pizza and able to offer the best character driven, Christian watching our NEWEST school video, which our education in the Fargo/Moorhead area. We look students made through our Music Department. forward to seeing you here! Wish list: Grace Lutheran School has many needs from time to time and so we have created a Wish list that if anyone would be so moved to purchase or locate for us that would be great. Thank you so much for your help. Here is a list of items in need: New school web site: $12,000 New Bleachers Windows School lunch tables White boards (1,3,4 & Pre-K) Blue stripe in hallway Brick tuck pointing Outdoor fencing on playground (around shed) Larger school lockers Sports equipment Digital sign for corner of 16th and university Cost of new curriculum is quite high Light up school sign for in front of school - donations to this fund would help Front walk up canopy or new entrance to Classroom books/equipment school - better security At least 5 new computers for teachers Landscaping around the school Speak to individual teachers for specific needs The month of March is the Minnesota Foodshare Campaign. This food drive is for the local food pantries. Please donate imperishable food items in the area by the elevator upstairs. The Pack the Pew Sunday, is March 26. A church pew in the back will be marked to fill with food donations for the FM Emergency Food Pantry. Also watch the bulletin for information to sign up to volunteer in April at the Food Pantry. Please keep this mission in your prayers. Sponsored by the Board of Human Care MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Donald Eldon Dahl Born: September 28, 1929 Died: February 15, 2017 Funeral: February 18, 2017

8 Grace Lutheran Church 821 Fifth Avenue South Fargo ND Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Fargo ND Permit No. 997 Return Service Requested