Grace Lutheran Church

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1 Grace Lutheran Church th Ave S, Fargo, ND Volume 16 Issue 5 May 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. A Confirmand Profile and Confession of Faith This Spring we have 4 junior confirmands. Each of them were required to write an essay about their understanding of a faith relationship with Jesus. These essays will be read the Wednesday evening before Confirmation Sunday. This month s newsletter highlights confirmand Anne Lougheed and her essay. This past year Anne attended Carl Ben Eielson Middle School in Fargo. She is the daughter of Brent & Karen Lougheed. Next fall she will attend Fargo South High School. Anne s interests and hobbies include: Choir, writing, reading and dance. At this point in her life Anne desires to be a book publisher. Anne s Essay: Without Jesus Christ I have no guidance or meaning in my life, nothing to believe or trust in. A life in Jesus provides me with companionship, love, and eternal life by His grace. With faith, I have God to rely on in the midst of my troubles. I do not have to be alone or clueless because I have God to guide me. For He is there to ask for guidance, thank for all the good things in my life, and praise because of how wonderful He is. His Word gives me a map to lead me down the path He finds pleasing and right for me. I must not fear the present or worry about the future because God has a plan already set in place. Nor should I dread the past because Jesus has forgiven me. He has died on the cross so I am forgiven to live in Him with hope until I reach Heaven one day to be with Him. Confirmation is a day I have looked forward to because that is when I will partake in the Lord s Supper, identify with my faith in Jesus Christ, and publicly confess my belief in the Trinity. That day I will also celebrate all I have learned in confirmation by the side of my fellow confirmands and entire congregation. Confirmation has taught me about my Father in Heaven, strengthened my faith, and taught me numerous lessons to prepare me whenever I may be asked to proclaim my faith. The day when I am confirmed will be when I pledge my life to Christ until I meet Him. It is one day I look on with excitement and certainty, which I will look back on throughout my entire life on earth. The Bible teaches me that Christ gives His true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. The body and blood are distributed by the Sacrament together with all the blessings and benefits which His sacrifice has won for me. I am also told the Lord s Supper not only gives me forgiveness, but life and salvation too. In Matthew 26:26-28 the Bible says, While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take and eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. God allows me to be forgiven of all my sins by taking part in the Lord s Supper. It is important to take the Lord s Supper often also because it allows me to stay connected to God. Taking the Lord s Supper frequently allows me to remember Jesus and all he has done for me. He has died on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins and by participating in the Lord s Supper I celebrate the miraculous works fulfilled by Him. He did not have to die for me, but because of His love and grace I am saved from ever facing eternal damnation. A congregation is a family on earth who all believe in Jesus, given to me by God. They enable me to belong in the midst of our sinful

2 world. It is easy to get mixed in with others who may look on Jesus negatively, but when spending time with fellow Lutherans I will be supported in my love and trust in Jesus Christ. Joining together in fellowship allows me to receive love, encouragement, guidance, strength, prayers, baptism, the Lord s Supper, and the application of God s word alongside fellow believers and a pastor. After all, the people are the church, not the building itself. A congregation is a place to rely on when the rest of the world wants nothing to do with me. May 2017 Serve the Lord with gladness! We would like to invite the congregation to a presentation given by Deaconess Faith Swenson on May 23 at 7 pm. She will be speaking about her recent mission trip to Chile. Treats will be served! Please, join us for this event! Faith is married to Jacob Swenson, pastor of St. John, Hillsboro and attended Grace while she was a student at Concordia. We would like to thank everyone that supported the LWML at the Ham dinner. Through your generosity we can continue to support our missions. May Circle meetings are listed on the right. Grace would like to recognize those members graduating from high school or college. If you know of a member who will be graduating this spring, please call or the church office by May 20 with their name, school, future p lans, e t c. Phone: ; glcfargo@gmail.com Thanks for your help! Circle this month... Tues., May 2: 7:00 pm D. Pavicic s Thurs., May 4: 1:30 pm church (D. Sundblad) Sat., May 6: 9 am church (W. Mitchell) Upcoming events... Sun., May 14: Mite Box Sunday Tues., May 23: 6:30 pm General Meeting 7 pm Deaconess Faith Swenson Mission of the Month... Perry Center Missionaries... Paul & Ali Federwitz Siberian Lutheran Church Carolyn Walsh Sunday, May 7, Ellie Eichhorn, Elizabeth Gullings, Anne Lougheed and Mason Martinson will affirm their baptismal vows and be confirmed. Please keep them in your prayers in the coming days. At the voters meeting on Sunday, April 23, 2017, the following people were elected to the office/board seen below. Installation is planned during worship on May 21/24. Newly elected Officers and Board members shall assume their duties as of June 1. Thank you all for your willingness to serve. President: Corey Isaak Vice President: Scott Wentz Board of Elders: Jim Nitschke Jon Smelser Tim Gullings Gene Sommerfeld Board of Evangelism: Pam Herschlip Board of Christian Education: Connie Smallarz Doug Sharbono Board of Stewardship: Dustin Schulz Board of Trustees: Larry Eichhorn William Lange Board of Parish Fellowship: Audrey Nitschke Board of Human Care: Carolyn Cusher Board of Finance: Joyce Brienen RRLSA Board Member: Melissa Cameron Please keep them in your prayers as they carry out the work given them on behalf of the congregation.

3 The Board of Human Care thanks all of the wonderful volunteers that helped at the FM Food Pantry in April. Volunteers are appreciated at the food pantry anytime Monday through Friday from 9:30am-4pm. Churches United for the Homeless has been blessed to provide the following in 2016: sheltered 541 adults and 157 children; 144 households were moved into stable housing (up 40 from 2015). In 2017 the Bright Sky Apartments, a 43 unit permanent supportive housing development, are under construction on 3rd St N in Moorhead. To volunteer at CUFH contact Ian Anderson at: Ianderson@ churches-united.org. There has been one request for financial assistance that was approved so far this year. Blessed Giving... It is more blessed to give than to receive, said St. Paul, quoting our Lord (Acts 20:35). How can this be? Jesus and His disciples withdrew to a mountain by the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The crowds followed them, for the Lord had just showered upon them the gift of His teaching, the gift of His Word. But the day was waning; the sun was setting, and it was getting late. Looking upon the crowds, Jesus had compassion on them and asked, Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat (John 6:5)? Philip said that two hundred denarii (a day s wages for two hundred men) could not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little. But Andrew, Peter s brother, brought a young boy forward, who had five barley loaves and two small fish. But, Andrew asked, what are they for so many (John 6:9). Jesus replied, Have the people sit down (John 6:10). Then Jesus, the Son of God, gave them a second gift, a gift from what only He could give-a gift from above. He took the bread and the fish, gave thanks, blessed them, and distributed them to the crowd. Then came the miracle. As these five loaves and two fish were given out, they multiplied. He fed the hungry crowd until they were all full. And twelve baskets full were left over. But Jesus was not the only one who gave that day. There is one person who also gave from what he had. It was the boy with the five loaves and the two fish. All the others, including the boy, received the gift of a miraculous feast. And they would look back on it with wonder. But the boy, when he would look back on it, would look back and remember not just what he received. He would look back with wonder and delight when the Son of God made his gift into something miraculous. For it is more blessed to give than to receive. This our Lord does for each of us. He presses our gifts, no matter how big or how small, into His service and works wonders with them. He provides through what we give: water for baptism, bread and wine for the Lord s Supper, a man called and sent for the preaching of the Gospel and Absolution. He provides a building in which we can gather as His children, lights so that we might not gather in darkness. He provides funds for the care of the poor and struggling, for missionaries who preach and teach beyond our borders. He makes Christians, disciples of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in our midst by bringing them to faith and nurturing them in that faith. He takes our gifts and turns them into something miraculous. Indeed, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Thus we give. We give of what we have. And the Lord works His wonders. Board of Stewardship Summer is approaching fast. What are your vacation plans? What are your remodeling plans? What are your landscaping plans? What are your worship plans? What do you plan to do this summer for worship? Miss a couple of weeks a month and call it good? Spend every weekend playing ball or racing or at the cabin? So, I guess we ll see you next Fall? What are your plans for worship? We worship twice a week here at Grace, on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. One of those time ought to fit your schedule. Plan for worship this summer so that your faith in Jesus will remain strong throughout the year. Here is our worship schedule: Worship Service: Sunday mornings - 10:00 AM Wednesday evenings - 7:00 PM Sunday Morning Bible Class: 8:45 AM Sunday School: 9 AM thru 5/21 The Board of Fellowship will be hosting a Reception honoring confirmands on Wednesday, May 3, following the reading of the confirmands essays. Come and join us in congratulating our soon-to-be confirmed members!

4 Operated by: The Red River Lutheran School Association 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. Items in need please contact Mr. Hagge for cost estimate: New school web site: ($5,000-7,500) Windows Sensory table for Pre-K 2 room White boards (1,3,4 & Pre-K) Brick tuck pointing Larger school lockers Digital sign for corner of 16th and university Light up school sign for in front of school Front walk up canopy or new entrance to school - better security Landscaping around the school New Bleachers School lunch tables Outdoor fencing on playground (around shed) Sports equipment (Mr. Boe has costs for this) Cost of new curriculum is quite high - donations to this fund would help Classroom books - curriculum/equipment At least 5 new computers for teachers ($1,300 ea) Speak to individual teachers for specific needs Want to learn more about Grace Lutheran School enrollment or Financial Aid? Just contact our school office at ALSO Check our web site, Blog Facebook page or just call Mr. Hagge our new Principal. We never want financial questions to stand in the way of a great education. Facebook: facebook.com/gracelutheranschoolfargo Website: Blog: http//gracelutheranschoolfargo.blogspot.com/ Camp Grace will once again open at the end of 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. We will need leaders for centers and activities, not to mention recreation helpers. Mrs. Betty Hagge, Mrs. Cindy Noenning, and Kari Lugo will be heading up this year Camp Grace. Please call me if you are interested in being a leader for Camp Grace at Come and fill out an application - Now! Thank you - John Hagge - Principal

5 Seeking Membership Information: Our current membership has several members with no known address or phone number. In an effort to ensure our membership list is current, the board of Elders is asking for your assistance. Over the next few months we will be publishing names we have with no information. If you happen to know of an address or phone number for someone in this list, please share with Pastor and/or the church office. 1 Doyle, Kari & Shalla 2 Emerson, Brian & Robert 3 Engan, Amanda 4 Erickson, Rodney 5 Flick, Heather 6 Flugga, Christine (Jade Finstad, Dalton) 7 Foulkes, Lisa 8 Gipple, Vicki 9 Goulet, Jeffrey 10 Greenwell, Steven Farewell to the Wagners Please join us as we offer a fond farewell to Pastor Dave and Kim as they leave Beautiful Savior and relocate to Trinity, Bellingham, WA. Sunday, May 7th 9:15-10:30 am Cake will be served between services 5:00-5:45 pm Special Program honoring 27 years the Wagners have served BSLC and our community 5:45-7:00 pm Dinner in the Fellowship Hall The Board of Fellowship has volunteered to make Grace Church an Aid station for the Fargo Marathon on May 20. Grace Church is uniquely located on the Marathon route, both the full Marathon and the Half Marathon will pass directly by our church on 9th Street, and also on 8th Street. This gives our church a God-given opportunity to show Christ s love to runners and the community. We will be having Jay Schaefer s band Friend Repellent to perform, and the marathon will be providing supplies/ sports drink powder for volunteers to hand out to the runners. Our church will need to provide approximately 35 volunteers to make this work. Volunteers will need to be in place from 7:30am (for parking purposes) to 2pm that Saturday. Please consider signing up to offer encouragement and witness, to offer support and service, and to just cheer along the runners! Please contact Bri Isaak or Jan Brelje for more details. A sign up sheet will be posted in the Narthex. Financial Workshops This spring, Crosspointe is hosting a series of free financial workshops to help families and individuals have a healthier relationship with money. Sessions are Mondays 7:00-8:15 and each session stands alone so you can chose to come to one or all: April 24 - understanding and beginning to manage debt, May 1 - establishing a budget, May 8 - investing for future goals. There will also be a bonus session at 6:30 on May 8 for questions to ask when choosing child care. More information is available at n.org under the events tab. 1st Annual MSLN SUNDAY May 7, 2017 ASCENSION DAY SERVICE Thursday, May 25, 7 pm Immanuel Lutheran Church 1258 Broadway, Fargo There is a potluck meal at 5:45 pm their elders are grilling burgers. Offering collected to be determined. Envelopes from Grace will be returned to Grace.

6 MAIN STREET LIVING NORTH What is it? Main Street Living North is a locally produced TV ministry that began airing in ND & northern MN in January 2017, on Sunday forenoons at 10:00AM. The hour-long program includes 30 minutes of an abbreviated LCMS worship service and 30 minutes of a children s portion called Kid s Crossing. The worship service is led by the pastors of our ND and MN North LCMS congregations - and is specifically designed for the home bound, assisted living and nursing homes, and other individuals who are at their homes Sunday mornings. It is also archived for viewing at any time on-line at The Main Street Choir is composed of members from our area churches who come together to record hymns; which our pastors then select to go along with their sermon messages. The children s Kid s Crossing segment has a goal to bring each Sunday School lesson to life through four short segments that expand on the theme of each lesson. Each segment is designed to engage different age groups. Miss Lisa introduces the theme with a group of puppets. Miss Susan then reads a story, often from a CPH Arch Book that further develops the theme. Pastor Pay then wraps up the lesson with a Pastor s unique insights. Finally Stacy, the Parish Nurse, gives a practical application that usually gets the kids up and active. Main Street Living Mission: To present a quality evangelistic television ministry that invites the unchurched and shut-ins to better know the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ - using the Lutheran foundations of our LCMS. Financial Support Is Needed: This program is financially supported through viewers and members of our LCMS congregations (and will depend mostly on us as LCMS members until viewership is established over time). All donations are greatly appreciated and add up. Some supporters may be able to consider sponsoring one Sunday of TV air time during the year, which cost $925/Sunday. We believe this is well worth the cost due to the large viewing area of the four FOX affiliated stations carrying this program: (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, PLUS the cable and satellite systems carrying these stations). We have also purchased some new equipment needed for compatibility with the TV station, and assist with the FCC requirement to Close Caption all TV programs. Checks may be sent to Main Street Living North, 821-5th Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58103, or donate by Credit Card or your PayPal account at: (Add note: For MSL North.) Help spread the word! Please think of those who may appreciate knowing about this program. Please also stop by the church office for a poster to help advertise it in your community. For more information or to offer your help in promoting this gospel ministry outreach please contact your pastor, who can also put you in touch with a member of our MSL North board of directors - and/or visit Main Street Living Schedule for May 2017 May 7, 2017: Rev. Ross Fritz of Grace Lutheran Church in Breckenridge, MN presents today s message So...What s the Deal With the Door? based on John 10:1-10. The hymns: The Lord s My Shepherd; The King of Love My Shepherd Is; and Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us will be led by the Main Street Living Choir. May 14, 2017: Rev. Adam Moline from Immanuel Lutheran in Hankinson, ND, and St. John s Lutheran Church in Belford, ND presents today s message A Place Prepared based on John 14:1-14. The Main Street Living Choir will lead in the singing of: Jesus Christ is Risen Today; I Know That My Redeemer Lives; The Day of Resurrection. May 21, 2017: Today s message God s People Pray is presented by Rev. John Christensen of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, MN. The scriptural base is 1 Timothy 2:1-6 and John 16: 23 & 24. The hymns: Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee; What a Friend We Have in Jesus; and Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer will be led by the Main Street Living Choir. May 28, 2017: Today s message, Our God Truly Cares For You is presented by Rev. David Wagner formerly of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Fargo ND. The message is based on 1 Peter 5:5-7. The hymns: All Hail the Power; Children of the Heavenly Father; and The Lord s My Shepherd will be sung by the Main Street Living Choir.

7 Transfers: Nora Sommerfeld to Trinity Lutheran, Bloomington, IL Daniel LeRoy Hinz Born: 6/28/1958 Died: 4/24/2017 Funeral: 4/30/2017 Linkoln Todd James Smelser Son of Jon & Megan Born: February 13, 2017 Baptized: March 12, 2017 Nora Alice Sommerfeld Daughter of Brian & Breann Born: February 21, 2017 Baptized: April 23, 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 Grace Lutheran Church Worship Schedule Sundays: 8:45 am Bible Class 9 am Sunday School thru 5/21 Worship - 10 am Wednesdays: Worship - 7 pm Come and find rest in God s word of forgiveness and grace.