Salvation By Grace The great find of my life, that place in Paul (Romans) which was for me the true gate of paradise.

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1 Volume 37 Issue 7 July 2017 Herald A publication of Hosanna Lutheran Church, ELCA Rochester, Minnesota As a Christian family of faith, we re gathered to grow and sent to serve Martin Luther Katharina von Bora Luther Salvation By Grace The great find of my life, that place in Paul (Romans) which was for me the true gate of paradise. Martin Luther INSIDE THIS ISSUE Discipleship Ministries Fellowship Ministries Music Ministries Outreach Ministries Worship Schedule Council Page President s Message Pastor Meiers Page July 2: July 9: Freedom from sin through grace Romans 6:12-23 Inner struggle with sin Romans 7:15-25a July 16: Life in the Spirit through Christ Romans 8:1-11 July 23: Live by the power of the Spirit Romans 8:12-25 July 30: The Spirit intercedes for us Romans 8:26-39

2 Page 2 Herald Volume 37 Issue 7 Discipleship Ministries gathered to grow Book Discussion The book discussion group takes the summer off and will resume in September. Get a start on your summer reading and consider joining the book discussion in the fall. Below are books chosen for the fall of September 16 Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly October 21 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzerald November 18 A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman Another Graduation - Congratulations to Baby Kuppusamy! Hosanna's Sunday school team recently received a thank you note from Baby Kuppusamy, who is the individual that Hosanna's Sunday school offering has supported over the past years. As her note indicates, she has now completed her time at school! We are thankful that we have had the opportunity to support her general education and exposure to the Gospel. We will continue to keep her in our prayers in the years ahead. Congratulations! Dear Sponsor: With the grace of Lord Jesus Christ, I am studying in this boarding since my 1st grade and now I am in the 12th grade. He sent you as His gift to me and I thank you for supporting me for these years. Since I studied in this boarding school, I had the opportunity to know Jesus Christ and blessed to learn many songs in praise of Him and stories about Him. I give you hope that I will surely continue my higher studies and become a good citizen in the future. I will always be grateful to you and keep praying for you and your family. Thanking you, Baby Kuppusamy Confirmation Camp At Good Earth Village Confirmation camp was held this year at Good Earth Village from June 11th - 16th. Three Hosanna youth (who will be going into the 8th grade) participated along with two staff and one Hosanna volunteer. The camp theme this year was, The Table Is Set. While at camp, youth had the opportunity to meet new people, worship in a different setting, participate in games, canoe, make crafts and enjoy the beauty of God's outdoor creations. We thank Hosanna's members for helping to sponsor the cost of attending Confirmation camp each year. Additionally, we thank the young adult counselors and staff at Good Earth Village who dedicate so much time and energy to helping ensure that the youth have an enjoyable time, feel safe and secure and can share in their discussions/questions about faith.

3 Herald Volume 37 Issue 7 Page 3 Support /Discipleship Ministries Vacation Bible School: Paul and the Underground Church This summer children, youth and adults all had the opportunity to learn about Paul and the Underground Church. Through drama, songs, crafts and games we all were reminded that God's Love: is a gift, changes us, is always with us, saves us, and is worth sharing! Thank you to all who participated with the organization, planning, decorating and leading in this year's VBS! gathered to grow Memorial Garden Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) growing in the garden is the goal of many gardeners who remember these impressive flowers from their youth. The flower stalks on hollyhocks range in heights of 3 to 9 feet tall. They can tower above a garden, adding a vertical element to your yard and are good for privacy. I remember the hollyhocks growing along the east side of our house on the farm, near the kitchen window. If I had the place for them now I would definitely plant Hollyhocks! Hollyhocks are a short lived perennial. This means that most varieties will only live two to three years. Their lifespan can be extended some by removing growing hollyhock flowers as soon as they fade. If you live in a non-tropical region, cutting them back to the ground and mulching them will also help. The one benefit that comes from growing hollyhock flowers is that they easily reseed themselves. While they may be short lived, in their proper growing conditions they will continually grow more, which will keep the hollyhock flowers consistent in years to come. Growing hollyhocks also benefit from fertilizer or compost in the spring. Carolyn Dahl

4 Page 4 Fellowship Ministries gathered to grow sent to serve Herald Volume 37 Issue 7 STEPHEN MINISTERS: THE AFTER PEOPLE People often ask, What exactly is a Stephen Minister? One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the After People. Stephen Ministers are there... after the phone call you hoped you d never get. after the divorce papers are served and the bottom falls out of your life. after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you ve held at bay come crashing in on you. after the doctor says, I m sorry, but there s nothing more we can do. after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, Welcome to your new home. after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away and the house suddenly seems empty. after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away. after the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible. after you find a pink slip with your final paycheck. after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk. Stephen Ministers are the After People. They are ready to come alongside you or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives and provide comfort and support for as long as it s needed. Please contact Pastor Meiers or Ron Machacek, Stephen Leaders, at if you would like to speak to a Stephen Minister. Six Weeks of Sandlot Volleyball! Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. July 25 th to August 29th Men, women, and youth (ages 12 and up) are invited to join us for sandlot volleyball at Essex Park (5455 W est River Road Northwest.) We ll play every Tuesday, weather permitting, from July 25 th to August 29 th. Play every week or as your schedule permits. Summer volleyball is a great way to connect with friends, old and new. Invite your family and friends to join us! Please contact Jane Johnson at kgjjej@charter.net or if you have any questions. Hilltoppers July 11 at Noon All those 55+ or who are retired are invited to a catered lunch. This month s program is to be announced. Please sign up at the Welcome Center to let us know you are coming. You may call the office at for a ride. Growth Through Coaching Over the past year, various teams, staff members and the council has had the opportunity to learn and discuss the possibility of participating in a coaching contract (with Vibrant Faith) for the upcoming school year. After this review process, the decision was made to proceed with the coaching as an opportunity to explore areas of growth within (and outside of) Hosanna's ministries. At this time, we have contracted with Tom Schwolert, who will be our coach for What will the coaching look like? How is the congregation involved? What expectations will come with this commitment? All these questions will be addressed in the months ahead. A general introduction video may be found here ( watch?v=pw4ggk86oea) or if you have specific questions feel free to talk with Darcy Youngstrom.

5 gathered to grow Music Ministries Herald Volume 37 Issue 7 Page 5 Handchimes I have always enjoyed the music at Hosanna. However, I never saw myself as participating in anything other than singing at worship with the rest of the congregation. In fact, the last time I did anything extra was sing in the junior choir over 50 years ago. This past fall my music non-involvement changed. The new handchimes were introduced at Hilltoppers and Adult Forum. I had a chance to try ringing a handchime and it was fun. Praise! group was to be for real beginners of all ages which took away the intimidation factor. I decided to give the group a try. I discovered a nice gathering of Hosanna folk ranging in age from We really did have fun as we learned and supported one another through lots of mistakes into growing confidence of what we could do. Director Cynthia McLaren was patient as she guided us along, with help from Tina Livingston. The members of King's Ringers would be arriving as we finished our Wednesday practices. They were very encouraging and always had smiles and positive comments for us. I am looking forward to playing again in the fall. It would be great to have more people with whom to share this enjoyable experience. Both Praise! and King's Ringers would benefit from more members. Please consider adding something new to your musical involvement at Hosanna. Cynthia McLaren or Nancy Wales could answer any questions you might have. Beth Weigand Summer Music for Worship Services Vocal or instrumental soloists or ensembles are encouraged to provide music selections during worship services. There will be one Sunday service at 9:00am in July and August. Don t hesitate to share your talents. A sign-up sheet is on the Welcome Center. Contact Nancy Wales if you have questions. Free Voice Lesson - Individual or Group During the summer, I am willing to give a single 30-minute voice lesson to any member of Hosanna, ages The main goal is to increase confidence in singing, explore a person s present vocal range, practice matching pitch and go over basic vocal technique. Each lesson is adapted to the needs of the individual person. Individuals or a small group of 2-3 people may sign up for one of the lessons b y c o n t a c t i n g N a n c y W a l e s (music@hosannalutheran.org or ). Specific lesson times will be arranged on an individual basis.

6 Page 6 Outreach Ministries...sent to serve Herald Volume 37 Issue 7 Items Needed For Camp Noah Kids Kits Which is one of the service projects for God s Work, Our Hands Sunday on September 10, 2017 Over the past two decades, Camp Noah has quickly responded to a wide range of natural and human-caused disasters. It is the only national program providing child-specific resiliency-building curriculum during a community s long-term recovery. Since it began, thousands of committed volunteers, donors, and community partners have helped support more than 14,000 children in 29 states and in Puerto Rico. Kids Kits provide a child, impacted by disaster/trauma, with the supplies they need during their week at Camp Noah. Every camper receives a Kids Kit to use and then take home at the end of camp. Children are thrilled to receive the Kits, especially since they often replace items damaged or lost in the disaster. Each Kids Kit contains these items: Please place donations in the bin in the Narthex (1) Pack broad line washable markers (classic colors) (1) 8-count washable watercolor paints with brush (1) Glue stick (1) 24 count box of crayons (1) Kids-sized scissors (1) Black Pen (1) Pencil (unsharpened) (1) Pencil sharpener (1) 4 or 5-ounce container of Play-Doh (any color) Note: Fairness is very important to children, so we ask that you provide only Crayola brand markers, crayons, and watercolor paints so every Kids Kit is the same. Quilters July 20 9:00 am 2:00 pm Hosanna s Quilters meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 9:00am- 2:00pm. Coffee and treats are served in the morning and everyone brings their own lunch. You don t have to be an experienced quilter to participate. The Quilters group would like to grow in ministry. You can help with cutting squares to tying yarn. Quilts are given to many different organizations. Please contact Julianne Jahn at , or Janet Walsh, or call the office, , if you have questions. Prayer Shawls July 28 1:00 pm Prayer shawls have a special meaning to me. Not only do I make prayer shawls but I also received one in the past. Both are very humbling and rewarding experiences. I find that making a prayer shawl helps me to focus on God. All the worries of the world just melt away. When I am knitting a prayer shawl I am saying silent prayer that whoever receives this shawl will feel God s love surrounding them. That is the same feeling you have when you receive a prayer shawl. You feel like you are surrounded in God s love and all the worries of the world just melt away. You can either knit or crochet a prayer shawl, it does not have to be perfect. If this is something that you would like to try out come and see us on July 28 th at 1:00pm. If you would like a shawl for someone stop by the church office and pick one up. If you have any questions please contact Carolyn Dahl at crdahl25@charter.net. by Jodi Solum

7 ...sent to serve Outreach Ministries Herald Volume 37 Issue 7 Page 7 Community Vegetable Garden Hosanna s community vegetable garden has been growing with our hot temperatures and good summer rains. Help is needed throughout the summer to keep the garden watered and weeded with harvesting starting as early as July. Everyone is welcome to participate. If you enjoy gardening and would like to get involved, you may contact Barb Anderson at barbpaul@charter.net or call All produce is shared with Channel One, including with the families who come to our monthly Hosanna s Pantry. God s work. Our hands. T- Shirts Order by August 15 T-Shirts are again available to order for "God s work. Our hands." Sunday, September 10. If you didn t get a chance to order one last year, now s your chance. The cost is $7.25 and the sizes are listed on the sign -up sheet at the Welcome Center. Make checks payable to Hosanna. The shirt will be personalized with Hosanna Lutheran Church on the back if we get an order of 10 or more shirts. Project Keep It Full Helping Hands Pantry Project "Keep it Full! is an on-going summer ministry, striving to keep the supplies and food items coming in for the Helping Hands Pantry, located in our lower parking lot. One of the Thrivent/Hosanna members, Connie Ness, applied and received an Action Team Grant that awarded a $250 seed money Visa card to purchase a cabinet that will hold the items given to keep the pantry supplies. The new cabinet is located under the coat rack by the east entrance. Thru September 19, Hosanna members are asked to contribute items, but we also want to encourage all ages to participate in this endeavor. Anyone can fill Hosanna s Helping Hands Pantry, so we would like groups of people to form a team, name your team, and collect items and bring them in. During summer months the need for emergency food grows. So families and friends get creative! Having a family reunion? -ask for a bag of groceries! Your Daycare can be on your team-ask for toothbrushes or bars of soap! Your quilting group-paper towels or small rolls of toilet paper! Your soccer team, softball team, or volleyball team-bottles of water or juice! Your coffee /breakfast group-box of cereal or pancake mix/syrup! Maybe your neighborhood is having a block party-ask for cans of tuna, chicken or soup! The possibilities are endless! Be sure to take a picture of the fun results and the people involved! At the end of the summer, we will take a look at all of the pictures and ideas and have them judged by our Hosanna family. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Contact Connie Ness ( ) with questions. Let the fun begin!!! Hosanna s Pantry July 21 & 22 Bring your family along to help with Hosanna s Pantry during the summer months when the needs are greatest. Working to provide food to families in need is a wonderful way to serve together. There are jobs for all ages (5 and older) to do. You can help with the pantry set up, unloading the Channel One food delivery and setting the food out on tables, on Friday morning, July 21, at 10:00 am. Or you can help greet families, shop with them, carry out groceries or clean up on Saturday, July 22, from 9:00 11:30 am. There s a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center or you may contact Barb Anderson at barbpaul@charter.net with questions.

8 Worship Ministries gathered to grow Page 8 Worship Schedule July 2017 Sunday Service 9:00 am July 2 Liturgy: ELW Setting 4/Communion Theme: Freedom from Sin through Grace Text: Romans 6:12-23 July 9 Liturgy: Service of the Word Theme: Inner Struggle with Sin Text: Romans 7:15-25a July 16 Liturgy: Service of Word and Song/ Communion Theme: Life in the Spirit through Christ Text: Romans 8:1-11 July 23 Liturgy: Service of the Word Theme: Live by the power of the Spirit Text: Romans 8:12-25 July 30 Liturgy: Service of the Word/Healing Theme: The Spirit intercedes for Us Text: Romans 8:26-39 Why Worship? For me worship is a time to make a deeper connection with God. Everyone has his or her own way of connecting spiritually, some may connect more through prayer, others may connect deeply through the reading of scripture, for me I do so musically. I find that a meaningful worship experience with engaging music allows me to disconnect from the troubles of the world and remember my relationship with God. I can worship individually, singing hymns on my own, which has its own centering spiritual purpose. However, I feel closer to God as I join a community of Christ in playing an instrument or singing to glorify our Lord. Vocal harmonies and melodies blend together with instruments to create one congregational voice. That is what draws me back to worship from week to week. Despite how tired I am, what I have to accomplish after worship, or what stressors I have going on in my life, worship allows me to refocus and recharge my spiritual batteries. Chris Meiers Herald Volume 37 Issue 7 Wherever You Go...You Can Worship Kits and Photos Summer worship kits are available for anyone to take and use when looking for another way to worship while travelling this summer. Each kit contains: a candle, cross (with the word grace on it - to remind us we are saved by grace), inspirational pocket pebble, Bible Verse, Small Catechism, discussion question for Small Catechism, travelling "flat" Martin and Katharina Luther, colored pencils and faith word coloring sheets. All items from the worship kits are yours to keep or share with others. Individuals are asked to take photos of their Martin and Katharina while out and about any time you see or experience God. These could be pictures of nature, people, animals, etc. Photos may be posted on Hosanna's facebook page which will also appear on Hosanna s webpage. If you want, you may the picture to Jodi Solum (secretary@hosannalutheran.org) or bring a copy of the picture to the office and they will be added to a display. Time after Pentecost Season The church season called The Time after Pentecost begins the Sunday after Pentecost. Another title for this long period in the church calendar is Ordinary Time. It is half of the church year and includes Sundays beginning with Holy Trinity and concluding with Christ the King. This year the season started on June 4 and will conclude on November 26. The focus is more on the church s growth in mission and service as it reflects on the ministry and teachings of Jesus. The main color is green which symbolizes life and growth.

9 gathered to grow sent to serve Council Page Herald Volume 37 Issue 7 Page 9 Hosanna Lutheran Church June 13, 2017 Council Minutes (See web page for complete minutes) Pastor s Report: Pastor is pleased how Hosanna reaches out to the community through the Helping Hands and Sharing and Caring Pantries. This outreach is also done with the Pastor s Discretionary Fund. A shortage of ELCA pastors is being felt throughout the entire ELCA. Lisa moved (Terri seconded) that we accept his May report. It passed unanimously. Staff & advocate reports were highlighted. Outreach: Grace team shared worship at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and received a financial gift which will be used for Pastor s Discretionary Fund. Quilt gifts remind graduates they are held in thought and prayer. Sharing and Caring Pantry is running low. Reminders of need will be put in mailings and bulletins. Upcoming meetings will take place as we begin planning for God s Work, Our Hands which is Sunday, September 10. Music & Worship: Worship team welcomes two new members - Randy Roggow and Sally Nelson. This will be very helpful and brings fresh, new perspectives to the team. Discussions are taking place for how to make the Reformation Anniversary special. High school graduate service was fulfilling with the effort made by the different groups working together. The projector is broken and has caused a change in plans for service enrichment. Options for projector repair/ replacement are being researched. Support: Sidewalk cement near cross replaced and repaired. Mailbox will be welded and left in place. Light ordered for sign. Window seals in gathering space will be repaired. Bathroom faucets have arrived and need to be installed. Many other tasks need to be accomplished; most important may be driveway repair. Next Council meeting on Tuesday, July 11 at 7pm. Respectfully submitted, Joe Desannoy-Council Secretary Treasurer and Financial Secretary Report Budget/Contributions Comparison General 2017 May YTD Budget 33, ,230 Contributions 28, ,190 Difference (5,642) (14,040) , ,663 Difference 16/17 (3,379) (9,473) Capital Appeal 745 4,046 Receipts/Expenditures Comparison General Capital YTD Appeal Receipts 155, ,132 Expenditures 156, ,873 Difference (1,053) 14,259 Account Balances - May Account Name Balance General 2,709 General Reserve 65,282 Special Gifts 60,279 Endowment 66,191 ELCA Scholarship 50,000 Mortgage 308,939

10 President s Message Page 10 Herald Volume 37 Issue 7 Greetings Hosanna friends: It looks and feels like summer is here. We went from cold and rainy to hot and humid in about one day! I find myself admiring the beauty of summer here. The trees are full with new growth, flowers are blooming. God s beauty is everywhere. When I was growing up, we would plant a garden every spring. Each year there would be plants that would come up that we didn t plant. My parents would call them volunteer plants. Many times there would be an extra zucchini or tomato plant in the middle of some of the other vegetable plants. It was fun to leave the plant to see what it would yield. We would have more to harvest if we let the volunteer plants grow. In Luke 9:49-50 tells of John, one of Jesus disciples, saying Master, we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us. He was volunteering to share the teachings of the Lord, but the disciples didn t want him around. Jesus says, Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you. Could the disciples be thinking that, since they were chosen to be followers of Jesus, there isn t anyone else that could do the job as well as they did? But Jesus is telling his disciples to let this man keep working in the Kingdom of God. Basically he is saying if they are not against us, they are for us! This is the attitude he wants us to have also. Hosanna s mission statement tells a lot about what we do within and outside the walls of the church. We have many volunteers, but we all have the same goal to work with others and to share the word of the Lord with them. We have volunteers teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, making Susan s Suppers, working at the Hosanna Pantry and filling the Helping Hands Pantry, tending the Community and Memorial gardens, to name just a few. We are welcoming disciples who are thankful for all who are helping to build the Kingdom of God. We pray that the Lord will transform our minds and warm our hearts toward all who serve in His name. God s Blessings, Laurie Blessing of High School Graduates Congratulations to all the high school seniors and additional graduates for their most recent accomplishments. Pictured are some of Hosanna's high school graduates that received a blessing, helped to lead worship and were given hand made quilts from Hosanna's quilter group.

11 Pastor Meiers Page Herald Volume 37 Issue 7 Page 11 Dear Members and Friends of Hosanna, What is the mightiest force in the world, the answer to that question is prayer. Prayer is our communication with God and God with us. By praying we give thanks for the many blessings which God has given to us. We ask for forgiveness for mistakes that we made. And in praying we seek help and guidance for the future. God s guidance comes to us as an answer to prayer by listening to that inner voice which helps us to know what to do. God also answers prayer through other people, circumstances, and events if we would only tune in to God s voice. Why should we pray then? We pray because prayer is an important way to make difficult decisions in our life. In Matthew 7 verse 7 Jesus says, Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. Also, in Mark Chapter 11 verse 24 Jesus says, What things so ever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them. Through prayer we also receive strength to meet every situation we encounter, we also receive courage to overcome fears that we have inside ourselves in those situations. We find peace of mind in the face of trouble, and also we find in prayer we are reconnected with God s love and so are never left alone in whatever situation we find ourselves. Prayer is something we do individually and with others as well. We raise those inner concerns, thoughts and hopes that we share only with God, but also we find strength in praying with other Christians. 1. Pray with your family at meals and other occasions asking God s blessing and secondly giving thanks to God for he blessings we have received. 2. We pray with friends and fellow citizens asking God s help in dealing with corporate and public issues in which a decision must be made. 3. We pray at places of worship dedicating ourselves with other believers to God s work. Teaching our children to pray is important and best done by example. Families are encouraged to pray at home and at church as well. By your daily example, parents, prayer can be shown as the best way to meet every day needs and problems. Also by your example you can teach your children how to pray, asking God What should I do and listening for God s answers. Your church, Hosanna Lutheran, is open for your use. You are encouraged to come and use the beautiful worship space that we have for your private or family prayer time. Prayers can rise from personal and family concerns or, concerns of a larger scope including national and international situations for which you wish to make intercession. You may wish to focus on a specific Psalm or scripture passage and make that our meditation and prayer. The Evangelical Lutheran Worship Hymnal is a great devotional resource. Pages include prayers for many life situations. Whether you pray alone or with your family, in your home, at work, or at the church, please remember that prayer is there as a guidance and strength as we communicate with our Lord. Yours in Christ, Pastor Bill Meiers

12 Hosanna Lutheran Church th St. NW Rochester, MN (507) Gathered to Grow, Sent to Serve Check out Hosanna s Website! ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED SUMMER WORSHIP TIMES SUNDAYS at 9:00 am Coffee Fellowship at 10:00 am NON-PROFIT ORG. U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 603 ROCHESTER MN God s work. Our hands. Hosanna Herald Writers: Hosanna Staff & members Editor: Jodi Solum Check out Hosanna s Facebook fan page! STAFF Pastor Bill Meiers Nancy Wales Darcy Youngstrom Jodi Solum Charlie Bohlke COUNCIL OFFICERS Laurie Maidl, President Lisa King, Pres. Elect Joe Dessanoy, Secretary seniorpastor@hosannalutheran.org music@hosannalutheran.org darcy.youngstrom@hosannalutheran.org jodi.solum@hosannalutheran.org custodian@hosannalutheran.org president@hosannalutheran.org president-elect@hosannalutheran.org councilsecretary@hosannalutheran.org COUNCIL ADVISORS Alice Kub, Treasurer treasurer@hosannalutheran.org Paul Anderson, Financial Sec. financialsecretary@hosannalutheran.org OFFICE HOURS 9:00 am 4:00 pm Monday Friday COUNCIL ADVOCATES Kathy Brandt, Discipleship Ron Machacek, Fellowship Terri Ashworth, Outreach Les Fullem, Support Chris Meiers, Worship discipleship@hosannalutheran.org fellowship@hosannalutheran.org outreach@hosannalutheran.org support@hosannalutheran.org worship@hosannalutheran.org