Sacred News Our Savior s/opdal Lutheran Parish

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1 April.2016 Sacred News Our Savior s/opdal Lutheran Parish 400 First Avenue, Sacred Heart, Minnesota Phone: Pastor Dale s Cell: oslcopdalparish@hcinet.net Website: I m not surprised you lead retreats, said an acquaintance in my exercise class. You have a good aura. I was jolted but pleased by her comment, because I realized that what she saw as an aura in me, I understood to be the peace of Christ. As we follow Jesus, He gives us the peace that transcends understanding (Phil. 4:7) & radiates from within - though we may not ever be aware of it. Jesus promised His followers this peace when, after their last supper together, He prepared them for His death & resurrection. He told them that though they would have trouble in the world, the Father would send the Spirit of truth to lie with them and be in them (John 14:16-17). The Spirit would teach them, bringing to mind His truths; the Spirit would comfort them, bestowing on them His peace. Though soon they would face trials - including fierce opposition from the religious leaders & seeing Jesus executed - He told them not to be afraid. The Holy Spirit s presence would never leave them. Although as God s children we experience hardship, we too have His Spirit living within & flowing out of us. God s peace can be His witness to everyone we meet - whether at a local market, school, work, or in the gym. - Ann Boucher Pye - A Note from Our Savior s Treasurer The General Fund balance as of February 29 th was ($10,837.54). With the exception of the last two months of 2015, this balance has been declining over the last year. Our expenses for the General Fund average $15,000 per month. The budgeted variance on this amount will be minimal throughout the year as many of these expenses are fixed. Our General Fund contributions through February averaged $11, per month. As many are aware, our congregation s contributions typically decline during the months of May September each year. If this occurs again this year, the projected General Fund balance could potentially be ($30,000.00) by the end of September. The Council and I will continue to keep a close watch on OSLC s finances. If necessary, we will need to pursue other measures to maintain positive balances. Ross Hebrink, Treasurer

2 In J.R.R. Tolkien s trilogy Lord of the Rings the main character Frodo and his friends become involved in events that changes their lives and their world forever. They go on a quest and take part in a war against great evil. As a result of their quest, the evil is destroyed but its destruction comes at a price - many races and cultures are changed, some lost forever. When Frodo and friends return home they discover how the events they participated in have changed them and their homeland as well. They realize that as much as they would like to, they can not go back to the way things were. The quest and the war that surrounded it have ushered in a new age. It not that past that they must look to but the future. This same thing happens in the resurrection story as recorded in John s gospel. Mary goes to the tomb expecting to find Jesus body but instead finds an empty tomb and a risen Jesus. She reaches out to touch him but Jesus tells her Do not hold me. This command is not because he is spirit and her hand would go right through him. It is not because he is now revealed in his full heavenly glory and human flesh would perish if touched him. (We know from other resurrection accounts, that he was touched.) Jesus does not want Mary to hold him for to do so represents the way things were. Things can not return to as they were because the resurrection is about the future, not the past. In Jesus name and through the power of the Holy Spirit wondrous things are about to happen. The men and women disciples will do things than they ever imagined: They will boldly go where no one has gone before, preaching, teaching, traveling, planting churches so within 200 years there will be Christian churches from England in the west to India in the east and everywhere in-between. That is why when you and I celebrate the resurrection it is more than remembering a past historical event. We are celebrating and proclaiming that the resurrection is an ongoing event that is at work today and is leading us into the future. Not just any future, but God s future of redemption, grace, forgiveness, love, life. So hear again the words of the angels to woman at the empty tomb: Why do you seek the living among the dead, he is not here. He has risen and is going on before you. Do not be afraid as the risen and living Jesus leads YOU to boldly go where none one has gone before. Pastor Dale Pastor Dale on Vacation: Friday, April 15 - Tuesday, April 26 In case of pastoral emergency, please contact: April 15-20: Pastor Pari Baily: April 20-26: Pastor Dan Bowman:

3 Our Savior s Council Notes - March 9 New Business: Pastor Dale reported that Pastor Larry Strenge from the synod office is scheduled to visit with the council on May 11. Old Business: The church office will no longer be mailing Christ in our Home devotional unless requested by an individual. They can be picked up at the church to save on mailing cost. A decision will be made later if we will continue to purchase Christ in our Home once we know numbers of people who are using it. OSLC Council/Committee Reports: Education: Janet reported that the Sunday School children will sing in church on Palm Sunday. There will also be an Easter egg hunt for SS kids and their younger siblings during Sunday School that day. VBS will be held June 12-15, with the kick off after church on the 12 th. Details will be sent out to families. Families with Sunday School children will be taking turns writing letters to the Compassion Child as a change from having Sunday School classes writing the letters. Worship and Music: Stephanie informed us that during the month of March the Sunday School children will be bringing food shelf donations up to the front of church while offering is being collected. Family Life and Evangelism: Brooke reported that Easter breakfast is set for Easter morning 7:30-8:30. Plans are being made for Senior Recognition Sunday. Mission and Stewardship: Amy reported that Food Shelf month is underway. The committee is looking into organizing kits to be used at Project Turnabout or Chemo Care Kits. This could also be done in conjunction with the service project for confirmation students. Property and Management/Cemetery Affairs: Brian reported that the committee will be getting new signs to be put up in back of church for reserved parking for Pastor and organist. Bob Huseby will be doing the summer lawn care and is making some plans for landscaping. They are waiting for a price from Steve s Heating on a new furnace which would be 96% efficient. A new elevator would be about $27,000. The committee would like to see the Nelson estate money be earmarked for the furnace and elevator projects when they are needed. This spring they will map out the road in the cemetery. To Mike Mahlum for seeking ushers for funerals. To Gerry & Marlys Peterson for purchasing a new microwave. To Dick & Nancy Hoff for purchasing a new vacuum cleaner & maintenance for the one used in balcony. To the family of Melesther Jordet for the memorial gifts to the Improvement & Quilting funds. To all who donated for Easter lilies given in memory of: (Opdal) Bert Enestvedt, EG & Clara Enestvedt, Sam & Hannah Jordet, Ben & Ruby Osland, Eric Solie, Leonard & Wilma Strandjord, Nicholas Wurster. (Our Savior's) Bob Christy, Sr., Don Erickson, Bud Forkrud, Darwin Forkrud, Jay Garcia, John & Shirley Giese, Joseph Giese, June Hahn, Carlyle Harried, Harry & Clarice Harried, David & Margaret Hebrink, Ashley Hebrink, Harrison Hebrink, Pat Hoff, Peter & Lena Homme, Dave & Inie Johnson, O.K. & Gladys Johnson, Steven Jordet, Vernon & Melesther Jordet, Arlys Kranitz, Charles Kronlokken, Clayton & Ruth Mahlum, Leonard & Audrey Mahlum, Harold & Dorothy Minnick, Clement & Pearl Peterson, Ed & Johanna Reinholt, David Reiten, Mary Reiten, Odell Reiten, Xander Reiten, George & Minnie Ruter, Bob & Jo Skalbeck, Milan Skalbeck, Vickie Skalbeck, Kyle Sunvold, Marvin & Mildred Sunvold, Lu Whittet.

4 Spring Gathering Women of the ELCA Thursday, April 21 "Celebrating Collectibles Table Setting Fair & Salad Luncheon Fundraiser April 2, 11:00-1:00 p.m. Renville Community Center Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 at the door Contacts: Berdelle Enestvedt, LaVonne Erickson, Carol Peterson Grace Lutheran Church 101 E. St. Olaf Ave., Belview, MN Registration at 5:15 pm; supper at 5:30 pm; program at 6:30 pm. My Journey Back to God...featuring guest speaker, Barb Rechtzigel Cost $8.00 (meal). Talent Show Contest Friday, April 22, 7:30 pm Renville Community Center u Instrumental u Vocal u Dance u Dramatic reading (cut-off date - April 18) sponsored by Friends of the Arts 1st Place: $50; 2nd & 3rd place: $25; Please contact Brendon Canavan bcanavan@rcw.k12.mn.us; or Deanna Sturlaugson: deanna001@centurytel.net; A man dies and goes to Heaven. Saint Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates and says, "Ok, here's how it works. You need 100 points to make it into Heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I'll award you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in." "Okay," the man says..."i was married to the same woman for 50 years and never once cheated on her, even in my heart." "That's wonderful," says Saint Peter, "That's worth three points!" "Three points?" he asks. "Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithes and service." "Terrific!" says Saint Peter, "That's certainly worth a point." "One point?!! Hey, I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans!" "Fantastic, that's good for two more points," Saint Peter says. "Two points?!!" the man cries. "At this rate, the only way I'm going to get into Heaven is by the Grace of God!" "Bingo, 100 points! Come on in!"

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6 APRIL Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat :00 7th8th Gr. ABC :00 pm Wednesday Pastor Dale on vacation April 4-5 Night Live at Hawk Creek :30 pm Wedding of Kyle Kjersten & Vanessa Bondoc at OS 10 11:00 7th8th Gr. ABC :00 pm OS Committee Meetings 7:00 pm OS Council Pastor Dale on vacation April :15 pm 7th/8th Gr. ABC Our Savior s/opdal Lutheran Parish 400 First Avenue, PO Box 159 Sacred Heart, Minnesota 56285