First Lutheran Church August Newsletter

Transcription

1 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURC H 408 Ninth Street NW Mandan, ND Phone: Fax: jackie@firstlutheranofmandan.org First Lutheran Church August Newsletter Building Faith and Transforming Lives in Christ. We re on the web! The Prairie Masters Golf Outings Camp of the Cross Ministries All proceeds are used to provide faith-filled camping experiences for children. Golf Outing "North" Tuesday, August 5th 11:00 A.M. Shotgun Start Garrison Golf Club Golf Outing "South" Thursday, August 7th 11:00 A.M. Shotgun Start Tom O'Leary Golf Course, Bismarck Contact Janis at if you have any questions August 2014 First Lutheran Staff Administrative Pastor Rev. Lee Herberg Associate Pastor Rev. Christina Martin Administrative Assistant & Coordinator of Lay Ministries Jackie Schulz (o) (h) Custodians Ron & Mavis Watson Financial Administration Jennifer Scheet First Lutheran Is A Mission Partner with Camp of the Cross Ministries It is that time of year when students are preparing to go back to school, and here at First Lutheran we are gearing up for another year of Christian education. During this time of transition from the joy of summer to the demands of school, the transition from the heat of summer to the coolness of fall, and a transition to the busyness of the regular part of the year, it is a good time to be reminded of the heart of Christian formation. At the heart of our Christian community is the Word. We are planted in the Word and called to be disciples living out our baptismal promises to live faithful lives that proclaim Christ through word and deed, to care for others, and work for justice and peace. Discipleship is not easy. Disciples are formed over time and shaped by learning, worship, and all aspects of Christian life in community. Discipleship is a formation process, in fact it is a lifelong process. It is a process that began at your baptism (or even before) and is guided by those who travel before and with us. This time of the year when we think of students and teachers, as we prepare to start Church School and Confirmation, we explore our own formation, identity, and vocation as disciples of Jesus the Christ. I Invite each of you to explore what it means to be a disciple in such a time of transition, and I ask you to lift up, pray for, and support those teachers and care givers among us who guide and shape us through the Word. Peace be with you! Pastor Chris ATTENTION 9-12 GRADERS: You Are Invited to the 2015 National Youth Gathering!! An informational meeting will be held on August 11 at 7:00 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall.

2 PAGE 2 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH August 2014 LAF ARE YOU AWARE that during the school year we serve FREE LUNCH on THURSDAYS to around 400 Mandan Sr. High students? This worthwhile program is cleverly called LAF (Lunch at First). As this program is continuing to grow and serve all interested young people, we are asking for volunteers to help with cooking, serving, and cleanup of these meals. If you are not able to help in this capacity, we ask you to prayerfully consider a monetary donation. Please call the church office at if you are able to help with any of these current needs. Thank you. Please like us on Facebook or check us out on our website at You will find all of our happenings there plus any cancellations we may have. Friendship Circle is collecting school supplies for Lutheran World Relief Items needed - for one complete school kit is as follows: Four 70-sheet notebooks of wide- or college-ruled paper approximately 8 X 10½ ; no looseleaf paper One 30-centimeter ruler, or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other One pencil sharpener One blunt scissors (safety scissors with embedded steel blades work well) Five unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers; secure together with a rubber band Five black or blue ballpoint pens (no gel ink); secure together with a rubber band One box of 16 or 24 crayons One 2½ eraser One sturdy drawstring backpack-style cloth bag approximately 14 X 17 with shoulder straps (no standard backpacks) You may drop off these items in the Narthex in the box provided. Be sure to join us on August 10 th for First Lutheran s last Ice Cream Social (Dilly Bars) for the summer following the 9:30 A.M. service. Many children in Mandan begin school each year without supplies. During the next few months, please check the school supply aisles and consider making a purchase for those less fortunate right here in Mandan. Supplies needed are 24 box crayons, pencils, erasers, glue, glue sticks, rulers, scissors, folders and regular or college ruled tablets. Any supplies received will be equally distributed among the 5 Mandan elementary schools. The schools last year were very appreciative of all the supplies that were given to them! There will be a SPECIAL BOX for these items in the narthex; please drop your donations in there. Thank you for your kindness.

3 PAGE 10 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH AUGUST 2014 We are excited to announce that we are going to create a new pictorial directory of our church family. This new directory will help us connect names with faces. Please participate! All we ask is that you have your picture taken by the professional Photographer and meet with a Portrait Consultant at the church. For the next several weeks, we will be making appointments before and after services, or you can sign up on our website (under the SPECIAL EVENTS TAB) or our Facebook page. Or call the church office and we can help you out. Reserve your appointment time today at one of the sign-up locations. Each family/household that comes for photography and portrait viewing at the church will receive a complimentary directory and 8x10 Custom Color Portrait. You will be able to view and select your portraits electronically from a variety of poses. Additional Lifetouch portraits will be available for purchase. Your entire appointment will normally take less than one hour. The scheduled dates for Photography and Portrait Viewing are: Tuesday, September 9th through Saturday, September 13th, Tuesday, September 16th through Friday, September 19th and Tuesday, September 23rd & Wednesday September 24th. The times are Tuesday- Friday from 2:00-9:00 P.M. and Saturday from 10:00-4:30. Mark Your Calendar 6th: 7pm - 8th Grade Confirmation Orientation Meeting 11th: 7pm - National Youth Gathering Meeting Upcoming Events Attention All 8 th Graders and Parents: A confirmation orientation meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 6 th at 7:00 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall. If you plan to start confirmation classes in the fall, you need to attend this meeting. There are registration forms in the narthex or you can register on our website. We are also looking for adults to serve as small group leaders; if you are interested please call Pastor Chris. We are currently looking for church school teachers for all grades on Sundays and Wednesdays. Each class has team teachers so that you don t have to be here every week and also have a partner to work with. We use a great online based curriculum with easy-to-plan lessons for each week. Please prayerfully consider serving the children of our congregation in this way. If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please call or Pastor Chris. ATTENTION Confirmation Students: Confirmation classes will start on Wednesday, September 10 th at 7:00 P.M for all 8 th & 9 th graders. If you have questions about our confirmation program, please call Pastor Chris at Registration forms are available in the narthex or on our website. Church School is starting soon!! If you have not already registered your child for church school, please do so as soon as possible. Registration forms are in the narthex or on our website.

4 AUGUST 2014 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH PAGE 4 PAGE 9 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH AUGUST 2014 Pastoral Acts Baptisms: June 8 June 10 June 22 June 22 June 29 July 9 July 13 July 20 July 27 Weddings: June 14 Funerals: June 5 June 19 July 3 July 10 July 24 Memorial Fund Special Thanks Lanie Kay & Cambrie Rose Lauf Elmer Emil Munsch McKenna Lee Wells Zander Keith DeCloedt Elliot Duke Jordan Olivia Jo & Emma Lee Keller Keira Mae Fischer Jace Marvin Gehrke Hannah Alexis Kuntz Ryan Rader & Amy Klein Virginia Schwartz Elmer Munsch August Mattson Donald Hoesel Laura Horner In memory of Rose Brien given by Norma Nelson. In memory of Vern Tschider given by Annette Thompson. In memory of Deb Suchy given by Walter & Leona Keidel. August ~ Mission of the Month Lutheran World Relief See page 11 for full details! Thank you to all the greeters, ushers, communion servers, readers, communion set-up, coffee hour workers, and to all who have supplied goodies for the last month. Your help is greatly appreciated! Deadline for articles for the September Newsletter will be August 22 nd. Worship Schedule Sunday ~ 9:30 am ~ Traditional Wednesday ~ 6:00 pm ~ Contemporary As Assembly closed, Bishop Mark shared reflections on our time together. Those gathered have shown how incredibly blessed this synod is. We heard stories of God at work in and through and with us. We remembered the faithful people who first came to the prairie and established congregations which have now for generations been proclaiming the gospel. Their sacrifice, investment and deep faithfulness has been a gift to us. A gift entrusted to us, but not meant to be kept to ourselves. It is a gift intended to be shared with our neighbors and with the next generation. This precious gift is faith in Jesus Christ. As we engage this work of mission, we are reminded that we will make mistakes, but that mistakes mean we are trying and that matters. We are dreaming together with God who is shaking things loose so that we see new possibilities. If we are willing to be honest in engaging one another, we will hit our sweet spot, prayerfully discovering and living into become the church that God has called us to be. Summary of the Work of the Synod in Plenary Election of Synod Bishop Rev. Mark Narum elected on the first ballot. Legal votes cast: 294 Votes needed for election 221 Votes received: 263 Elected to Serve on WND Synod Council Ken Will, Bismarck, Treasurer (4-year term) Larry Kleingartner, Bismarck, At-Large Member Philip Hauger, Bismarck, East Missouri Lay Member Valerie Sayler, Stanton, Heart River Lay Member Rev. Janet Mathistad, Minot, Clergy Member Rev. Christoph Schmidt, Berthold, Clergy Member Elected to Serve on Synod Discipline Committee Rev. Derek Harkins, Hazen Melissa Reinehart, Bottineau 2015 Compensation Guidelines for Rostered Leaders Western ND Fiscal Plan for 2015 Resolution Supporting Women in Crisis Pregnancies with amendments The WND Synod in assembly encourages the synod and congregations of the synod to support Crisis Pregnancy Centers and Maternity Homes through financial and spiritual support to facilitate support for mothers, fathers and children. Resolution Concerning Mission Support The WND Synod in assembly asks congregations of the synod to strive to teach holistic, year round stewardship and proportionate giving, and continue to engage the annual Bishop s challenge, with each congregation striving to be at 10% or more mission support to the WND Synod and directed the Synod Council to budget and annual increase of at least 1/2% until our synod s mission support to Churchwide reaches at least 50%. Resolution to Encourage Intentional Use of Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Partners by the Western North Dakota Synod and all Congregations of the Western North Dakota Synod. The WND Synod in assembly will encourage and motivate the congregations and the Synod to support our Lutheran Outdoor Ministries: Upper Missouri, Camp of the Cross, Badlands, and Metigoshe through prayer, partnership, financial support, and utilizing the facilities and staff these ministries provide to congregations across this synod. To see the full text of any of the above resolutions visit Assembly Offerings: Friday Worship: $23,144 the WND Synod Mission Trust Fund Friday Banquet: $3,981 for our synod s Four Bible Camps Sweet Deal for C.A.R.: $19,492 Mission Fest Silent Auction & Live Auction to benefit ministries with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Central African Republic: $18, Bridges of Hope: $ Mission Appeal $350,561

5 PAGE 8 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH AUGUST 2014 Synod Assembly 2014: Brief Report of Actions May 30-31, 2014 Assembly Theme: Always Being Made New Over 380 congregation members, pastors, associates in ministry, diaconal ministers, and special guests gathered at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Bismarck for 2 full days of worship, workshops, and witness. Focused on the creative and redeeming work of Jesus Christ in individual lives, in our local communities and around the world, the stories told in scripture and living ministry affirmed time and time again that in Christ, we all are Always Being Made New. Following opening worship, the first item on the agenda was the election of Synod Bishop. On the first ballot, Rev. Mark Narum was re-elected to serve a second term on the first ballot with 89% of legal votes cast. Participants of this year s assembly had the opportunity to experience an ELCA Glocal Gathering which brings together global and local mission to reveal the rich diversity of Christ s church and equip God s people in engaging their neighbor. Glocal musicians from all around the church Mexico, Atlanta, Toronto, Mandan, St. Louis, Minot, Peurto Rico, and Wisconsin led vibrant worship and enlivened the entire gathering with the gift of music from around God s Church. Glocal keynote speakers, Rev. Sunitha Mortha and Rev. Stacy Martin, helped us think about engaging the neighbor and being an active witness in our communities in God s work of reconciliation. Rev. Sunitha Mortha, ELCA Director for Mission Formation, helped us think about identity and culture and how the culture we are formed in shapes us and our willingness to engage the other. How we can share our story, listen to the neighbor s story and in the midst of conversation recognize that we are all part of God s Story and God s action in the world? Rev. Stacy Martin, Director of the ELCA Washington Office, which works in the areas of advocacy on behalf of the church, helped us wonder how we as people of faith can engage in advocacy for those on the margins, particularly in the arena of immigration reform. How can the Lutheran themes of grace, relationship, acceptance, forgiveness help the people of God work together to achieve hopeful immigration reform? Glocal workshops on global mission, music and mission, congregational renewal, the work of our Synod Teams, multicultural ministry, stewardship, and social action and advocacy equipped participants with skills and resources to take home for the work of mission in their own communities. In addition to Glocal elements of the Assembly, we had the opportunity to celebrate the work of ministry and mission being done here in our synod as well. During the Friday Banquet, we celebrated the work this synod has done together in gathering gifts for the Western North Dakota Synod Mission Fund. This fund was established four years ago, so the interest garnered from the fund could be available to seed new and creative mission initiatives in congregations across the synod. Through the work of congregations during the past year of the mission appeal the Mission Fund has grown to $350,561. Bob Sanderson, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, shared how LSS is working on behalf of our congregations in areas such as affordable housing, support for children, adolescents, and families, supporting the elderly, resettling refugees, and walking with those in addiction. We honored Bob in his upcoming retirement and thanked him for his tireless leadership in working to serve those most in need in communities across North Dakota. Rev. Renee Splichal Larson and Diaconal Minister Shera Nesheim shared stories of Heart River Bridges of Hope which is walking with incarcerated youth at the North Dakota Youth Correctional Center in Mandan, both while they are on the YCC campus and once they are released. We Are Church Together was the video message from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. The report from ELCA Representative, Rev. Neil Harrison built on this them sharing how the gifts we place in the offering plate are shared by congregations with synods and then with churchwide ministry partners to fund ministries such as Global Mission, new congregations, Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Services in America, ELCA Colleges and Seminaries, and much more. There is no way one congregation could do what we are able to do together through these ministries which impact local congregations, in communities across our synod and around the world. We are church together for the sake of the world. Throughout the Assembly we had the opportunity to celebrate and affirm our companion synod relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Central African Republic (EELRCA). The Mission Gala held on Thursday evening benefitted our ministry with this partner church which has been continuing to provide food, medicine, education and God s presence as they walk with people and work for peace and reconciliation even in the midst of political unrest throughout their country. We heard from ELCA Missionary Susan Smith, who works with the Village Education Project. Susan is currently operating out of Cameroon but continuing work with the Village Education Project. She reported that all 20 schools are continuing to operate, in fact they are currently the ONLY schools operating in the county. The gifts raised through the Mission Gala and Silent Auction, and the Sweet Deal project will help continue to support ministry on the ground in the C.A.R. Continued on next page. AUGUST 2014 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH PAGE 5 First Lutheran Church Council Minutes Thursday, May 15, :00PM Present: Pastor Jack Carlson, Pastor Christina Martin, President Tammy Lapp-Harris, Vice- President Brock Schmeling, Secretary Jill Miller, Janet Reineke, Den Na Lee Fewson, Hope Swank Absent: Pastor Lee Herberg, John Pake, Dot Frank, Kris Elijah Devotions: President Tammy Lapp-Harris called the meeting to order. Pastor Chris led devotions. Approval of Agenda: Moved by Den Na Lee, seconded by Janet to approve the agenda as presented. Motion passed. Secretary s Report/Review and Approval of the minutes: Brock requested on the April 24 minutes, page 2, Pastor Lee s report should say presiding Bishop. Moved by Brock, seconded by Hope to approve the April minutes as amended. Financial Report/Review: April income is $9,670 over expenses. Unfinished Business: Moving forward in faith: L & H Manufacturing finished the candle sticks, but have been taken back for some adjustments. Air Handling Unit: No new updates. Policy and Procedure Manual: Pastor Lee is continuing on the progress of the manual. Mission Trip to El Salvador: The deadline for sign up has passed, with no one from First Lutheran going on this trip. Discussion was held on donating to the mission since no members are going. Moved by Den Na Lee, seconded by Brock to not donate to this mission trip. Motion passed. NEW BUSINESS: Doug s Yard Service has requested that some tree branches be trimmed before he can do some yard work. It was decided cleanup will take place Tuesday, May 27 th from 6:30 pm 8:30 pm. REPORTS: Pastor Lee s report 1 baptism, 1 wedding, 2 funeral committals, Communion services at Edgewood Vista Mandan, and the two Sanford Mandan care centers, and is continuing to mentor and supervise William Dodd. Pastor Jack s report 2 committal services at the Veteran s cemetery, 2 weddings and 3 baptisms. Pastor Jack informed Council members he has interviewed with a church in Ada, MN and will be getting a call regarding that position by Sunday, May 18 th. Pastor Chris s report Continuing to work on youth projects and the safety with youth piece in the policy and procedure manual.

6 PAGE 6 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH AUGUST 2014 Special Events May 8 banquet at Trinity Lutheran served about 400 people; Vacation Bible School will be the second week of June. Stewardship No report. Worship No report. Parish Education/Youth VBS is schedule for June All registrations have been done on-line. Evangelism and Outreach Committee met and has talked about a Trunk and Treat event for Halloween in the parking lot, and serve hot dogs, popcorn and pop in the basement. Also discussed was to have a Freezer Meal day for busy families. Each family would be responsible to bring their own meat, and get together in the kitchen to prepare meals to take home and put in the freezer. Possible month for this would be October, seeing how this goes, another could be possible in January. Another idea was getting meals together for soup kitchens. With health guidelines, prepared meals may not be accepted, but maybe groceries could be put together and distributed. Property and Management Yard cleanup Tuesday, May 27 th, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm CORRESPONDENCE: None to review. Motion to Adjourn/Lord s Prayer: Moved by Brock, seconded by Janet to adjourn the council meeting. Motion passed. The meeting closed with the Lord s Prayer. Submitted by: Jill Miller