FEBRUARY 2017 PEACE GRUE. Taking a Look Ahead AN ELCA PARISH. Inside this issue: Opportunities February Cottage Meetings

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1 PEACE GRUE Inside this issue: MUSINGS from the Pastor 2 3 PEACE Sunday school News 3 PEACE WELCA News 4 GRUE WELCA News 4 RELAY FOR LIFE 5 BIRTHDAYS-February 5 BIBLE STUDY GROUP 5 PEACE News-Council 6 GRUE news Council 7 W.I.N.G.S News 8 LUTHER CREST News 8 -Early Bird Registration Thank You s 9 AN ELCA PARISH FEBRUARY 2017 Taking a Look Ahead Opportunities February Cottage Meetings TO BECOME THE VOICE AND HANDS OF JESUS Breaking the Bread, Breaking the Ice Dates TBD Look for more info and sign up sheet 1 st Communion Instruction Sundays, March 5 th, 12 th, 19 th and 26 th, 1-2:30 PM with a light meal at the beginning. March Bible Study - Micah A Call for Social Justice Sundays, March 5 th, 12 th, 19 th and 26 th, 4-6 PM with a light meal at the end. Ash Wednesday, March 1 st Ashes - with the Imposition of Lenten Noon Worship - Lenten Dialogues Exploring the Gospel of Matthew Lenten Worship: March 8 th, 15 th, 22 nd, 29 th and April 5 th Holy Week: Palm Sunday, 3/9 Procession with Palms; Maundy Thursday, 3/13; Good Friday, 3/14; Saturday Vigil, 3/15 [TBD]; Easter Sunday, 3/16, 7 AM Peace 9 AM Grue 10 :45 AM Peace

2 CENTRAL THOUGHTS Page 2 Leading Ahead Reflection on God s Hiddenness and Revelation We will observe Transfiguration Sunday, February 26, three days before Ash Wednesday. Many know the story well: Immediately after the announcement of his imminent suffering and death, and his call to take up their cross and follow him, Jesus takes three of his disciples, Peter, James and John, up to a high mountain where he is transfigured in glory, in front of them. A voice from heaven matches the voice at Jesus' baptism declaring him God's beloved Son (see Matt. 3:13-17). But for the moment, let us focus in on one phenomenon of this narrative. The cloud. God often came, comes and will come in a cloud. Biblical history bears witness to the phenomena of God coming to God s people in a cloud. Clouds are used throughout the Old and New Testament as a matter of evidence witnessing to the fearful and awesome presence of the all powerful Almighty God. Exodus 13: The LORD went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, the pillar of cloud by day left its place in front of the people. In the Old Testament they were physically visible clouds, full of power (lightning and earth shaking thunder) and fearful authority. Exodus 24:15-16 Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. When Moses received the ten commandments of the covenant from God, the evidence of God s presence was the cloud, and again, the devouring fire that was associated with that cloud. God s presence in the cloud However, there were times in the Old Testament where the presence of God in the cloud was a blessing to the people of God. When all things were in order in their lives and their worship was sincere and faithful in love; when God is being truly honored from the heart of obedient servants (and not just from the lips), he is well pleased. We hear it in 2 Chronicles 5:13-14: the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God. Now, come Jesus Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-9: while he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid."

3 What a wondrous moment to experience Jesus glory, God s glory and voice in the space of that cloud, in the company of Peter, James and John, and Moses and Elijah, along with Jesus. Why don t we can t experience that cloud? Why doesn t God reveal God s self in a cloud? Yet, God does. God does reveal God s self in a cloud in our days. We are that cloud. The writer of Hebrews recounts the stories of faith of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. Also, Rahab the prostitute, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel (Heb. 11). Then in Hebrews 12: 1-2, the writer encourages us by saying: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith The early church had this great cloud of witnesses, as do we. The early church is a part of our great cloud of witnesses. By extension, we are the great cloud of witnesses for our current and next generation. We are not called to be perfect, but are called to live by grace through faith, as Hebrews 11 notes, that it is By faith that each did what they did and received glory and acclamation. They, like us, looked to the one who would perfect the faith to which we clung. We are all a great cloud of witnesses to the glory and grace of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Jesus declares, Acts 1:8, you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Let us go out as the presence of God and share the gospel. Amen. Reading Ahead Sundays Readings Feb 5 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Isaiah 58:1-9a [9b-12]; Psalm 112:1-9; 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 [13-16]; Matthew 5:13-20 Feb 12 Sixth Sunday after Epiphany Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37 Feb 19 Seventh Sunday after Epiphany Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18; Psalm 119:33-40; 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23; Matthew 5:38-48 Feb 26 Transfiguration of Our Lord [Last Sunday after Epiphany] Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2 or Psalm 99; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9 Page 3

4 Page 4 PEACE SUNDAY SCHOOL PEACE SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR February and March 2017 PEACE SERVICE 10:45AM / SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:30 AM February 5 th 9:30-10:30 February 12 th 9:30-10:30 February 19 th February 26 th March 1 th No Sunday School March 5 th 9:30-10:30 March 12 th 9:30-10:30 March 19 th 9:30-10:30 9:30-10:30 Sunday School Sings 4 th Grade Recite Apostles Creed Ash Wednesday March 26 th 9:30-10:30 Sunday School Sings 2 nd Grade Recite 23 rd Psalm Bible Verse PEACE CHURCH ACOLYTE SCHEDULE 2016 February 5 Lily Evavold & Ethan Johnsrud 12 Carson & Carter Spangler 19 Catherine Koefod & Cecelia Nelson 26 Torin Olson & Bryce Johnson March 1 - Ash Wednesday - 5 Kalista and Kyra Aamot 12 Hallie Dahlen & Myra Roley 20 Jacob Rein & Madison Bestul 26 Bobby Anderson & Zander Hanson GRUE CHURCH ACOLYTE SCHEDULE 2016 February 5 Taleeyah and Missy Johnson 12 Erika Heibel & Annah Evavold 19 Fynn and Darlane Miller 26 Jade and June Bjornson March 1 Ash Wednesday Jade & June Bjornson 5 Fynn and Darlane Miller 12 Taleeyah and Missy Johnson 20 Annah Evavold & Erika Heibel 26 Amelia Barry & Courtney Koefod ***If you are unable to acolyte on the Sunday that you are listed please contact another youth and switch or ask them to cover for you-thanks.

5 Page 5 PEACE WELCA NEWS BEFORE moving into New Year conversation, I want to again formally thank the call committee for their work and commitment to calling a new pastor. Also, thank you to the committee and other workers who helped make Pastor Tom s celebration on the 18 th a success and appropriate farewell. I know he touched many lives in this congregation and was a perfect interim shepherd for us. NOW, for this New Year, January can sometimes be a slow month but not this year. It was wonderful being at Grue on New Year s Day where we celebrated and worshipped together with our very own Pastor Kent and Lisa. Kudos to the Grue team for serving a delicious meal. The beautiful pedestals of cupcakes were pretty nice as well! Thank you to Lynette Rohloff and her group for taking care of our January activities especially the potluck on the day of our annual meeting. I personally missed it but heard the food was plentiful and awesome! I hope all of you saw the pictures from Pastor Kent s ordination in Truman, MN, his home church. Representing Peace and Grue were Tom Graham, Val and Terry Fick, June Bjornson, Bea Runningen and Cindy and Wayne Vorland. If you have Facebook on your phone, a few photos can be seen on the Peace- Grue Lutheran Parish page. After Sunday s installation on the 22nd, it s official and Pastor Kent is our new shepherd. The service was meaninful and we appreciate Pastor Paul Erdahl from the synod office joining us for this special event. Thank you to all those who helped with the service and meal. FYI.New York Vanilla ice cream is Pastor Kent s favorite flavor and was served for dessert. The fellowship was enjoyed by all. Has anyone noticed the new table décor in the community room? They are awesome and appreciation goes out to Val Fick, Teresa Ohren and also to Kevin Fick and Chad Van Santen for cutting and putting together the easels. Each one has a different saying so be sure to walk around and read each one. They are a very nice addition! Outside our church walls but very much part of our lives, we watched and/or read about the Inauguration of the 45 th President of the United States. The words Peaceful Transfer of Power and all the tradition of this event was a reminder of the democracy we enjoy and should never take for granted. The freedom we enjoy is unprecedented in the world we live in! One last thought. I want to thank Donna Grover and her Wing s team for highlighting the Fruits of Spirit this year. There is no better time than the present for all of us to remember and incorporate them in our daily lives. Galations 5:22 See you in February, one of my favorite months to focus on the heart! Your Sister in Christ, Janet Novak GRUE WELCA NEWS Grue Women met Jan. 17th at Hazel Torgrimson. Our lesson was on Christian Faith and Christian Freedom, which was very interesting. Discussion on money making projects. Our Cookie Jar is about depleted which makes our charitable donations. Decided on a no-bake sale and try to fill our cookie jar again. Closed meeting with Lords Prayer and Table Prayer. Enjoyed coffee and cake and good fellowship. Next meeting Feb. 21, at 1P.M. at Ruth Edlund's home.

6 Page 6 BIRTHDAYS FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS February 1 st Cindy Vorland February 2 nd Ray Dahlen Carol Koefod Janet Novak Dallas Sorenson February 3 rd Marlys Klimp Lee Evavold February 4 th Megan Olson Danza Johnrsrud Roberta Kalvik February 5 th Henry Duenow February 8 th Katie Merrick Jackson Merrick February 9 th Anthony Ness Curtis Runningen Hazel Torgrimson Kris Roley Easton Nelson February 10 th Charles Schultz February 12 th Bryce Johnson Wes Evavold Mason Ness February 16 th John Lindemeyer Levi Rossum Brooklyn Wagner February 17 th Carol Dahlen Victoria Stierlen February 18 th Kevin Fick February 19 th Brenda Lillemon Bentley Olson February 20 th Aanika Anderson February 21 st Ardis Alvstad February 22 nd Jack Peterson February 23 rd James Martinson February 26 th Noah Anderson Jason Dahlen Wendy Walvante February 27 th Joshua Evavold February 28 th Mary Johnsrud ==================== If I don t have your birth date or if I have it listed incorrectly please or call me / peace@prtel.com June RELAY FOR LIFE Relay for Life Breakfast Feb.12. 8:00 1:00. Scrambled eggs, sausages, Large cinnamon roll, Orange juice, coffee $6:00. Come help us fight cancer. Our theme is Sock it to Cancer FAITH LUTHERA N CHURCH FAMILY FUN DAY SOUP SAMPLER/EGG SALAD SAND- WICHES/PIE FREE W ILL OFFERING SILENT AUCTION CAKE WALK Bake Sale Sunday, February 19, 2017 Faith Women Fundraiser 11:30am- 1:30pm 526 State Street Evansville CONFIRMATION NEWS ATTENTION: Confirmation youth and Faith Partners Great Faith partner activity Saturday, February 19th from 9am 12noon the 5th Annual Food for Kidz meal packing event at the Wendell community Center. Organize a group or take the whole family!! Helping those in need with our helping hands! GRUE women meet: Tuesday, February 1pm. Hosting: Ruth Edlund Ruth / Rebecca Circle meeting: Tuesday, February 21st, City Restaurant

7 Page 7 PEACE COUNCIL NEWS PEACE COUNCIL MEETING January 11th, 2017 Attending: Tom Graham, Donald Hanson, Jackie Anderson, Wayne Risbrudt, Craig Koefod, Tim Cunningham, Harlan Balgaard, Mary Johnsrud, Justin Eberhard, Pastor Kent and Janet Novak Devotions were led by Pastor Kent. Meeting called to order by President Tom Graham. M/S/C to accept secretary s report. M/S/C to accept treasurer s report COMMITTEE REPORTS Stewardship Ended year with $18,170 in Building/Repair Fund and will continue fund raising in February with a free will meal after church. Date yet to be confirmed. Christian Growth Meeting is scheduled for next week. Education No Sunday School until after 1/22. VBS scheduled for last week in July. Property & Mgmt Still working on cord up front by organ. Wayne will ask Jeff,Driggins for assistance. Jack will take care of repairing the loose railing in balcony. Worship no report Personnel Committee no report Pastor s Report Pastor Kent has hit the ground running so to speak. He shared all the first and second meetings he has had with confirmation and youth groups. He proposed a new format for council meetings and talked about events he will be attending in near future. Audit Most audits conducted Sunday afternoon. Thank you to all treasurers who made the process easy OLD BUSINESS Two council positions still open. Council reviewed who had been asked and plans for continued conversations. Vacation Bible school dates confirmed for week of July 24 th, NEW BUSINESS Request to install camera in area behind kitchen and community room with thought of broadcasting services. M/S/C to further develop concept and confirm costs. Pastor Kent requested loose change including dollar bills go to Sustaining Rural Ministry In Northwestern Minnesota. M/S/C and brochure will be in bulletin to provide more detail about this important program. Request to record Pastor Kent s installation. Craig took action to ask around for availability. Next Peace Council Meeting will be held after the Parish meeting on Wednesday, February 8th at Peace, 7pm M/S/C to adjourn with Lord s Prayer Janet Novak, Peace Council Secretary

8 Page 8 GRUE COUNCIL Grue Church Council Meeting Jan. 8 th 2017 After church services Meeting was called to order by president Les Evavold. Additions to the agenda - Ordination of Pastor Kent. Secretary report- M/S/C to accept Treasure report- M/S/C to accept Committee reports- None Present - Les, Vonnie, Bea, Dylan, June, Greg, Chad Not present - Darlene Old Business : -Grue s annual meeting & pot luck will be changed. -Grue Church memorial & building accounts at the bank need to be checked to see if Hals name has been removed as treasurer. New Business : - Chairs & Treasurers Annual Reports are due & given to June for printing of the Annual Report. - Annual Meeting has been changed to Jan. 29 th at 10:45 with church pot luck. The left over food from welcoming meal will be served at the pot luck. You may being a dish to share at our pot luck. - Discussed a new wireless headset/mike for Pastor Kent. Item & price need to be researched. - Ordination: Need council members to attend at Truman MN. Saturday Jan. 21 st, 11:00a.m., June, Greg, Bea, Les will attend. - Next meeting: Feb. 8 th Parish Council Meeting at Peace- Grue meeting to follow Parish meeting. Adjourn - m/s/c Closed with Lords Prayer Secretary Bea Runningen

9 Page 9 W.I.N.G.S NEWS W.I.N.G.S Witness in God s Service We meet the first Wednesday of each month from 3:15pm-5pm. February 1st 2017 Meet at Peace Lutheran church right after school. We will take a bus to Evansville Care Center. We will have a program, visit with the residents, have lunch, cause some noise, sing loud songs, smile, laugh and Love. We will be back in Ashby close to 5pm Carol Dahlen, Candy Catoe, Dorothy Sorenson, Carmen, Odegaard, Louise Lang, Claudia and Dave Carson, and sometimes Marcia Koefod, Rosie Nissen, and Lois Ellingson and many others who help behind the scenes. We thank you, and the parents for sending your children to our little group. LUTHER CREST NEWS Summer 2017 is in full swing. Registration is open! Log on to LutherCrest.org to find your week of camp! There are many opportunities for all people this coming summer. Please note that the First Early Bird Date is February 14th, with a $175 off your registration cost! Next Date would be April 21st, with $75 off the price. Register early for great savings and a life changing experience! Please come and join us this summer and offer this incredible opportunity to the youth in your church today! A summer camp experience is the best gift for youth to receive as they develop their life of faith. Special Events for th grade youth retreat February 10th-12th $95 per camper for the weekend March 17th 19th $165 per person for the short weekend March 16th 19th $195 per person for the long weekend -9th grade youth retreat Unlocked! February 24th-26th $95 per camper for the weekend Fund Raising Events August 7th, 1 pm at Miltona Golf Club $100 per golfer, Hole, 19th Hole and Scramble sponsorships available September 15th 17th at the Carlos Creek Winery October 21st at Carlos Creek Winery, Apple Fest! October 14th 9:30 am Begins November 1st, Orders by Dec 2nd and Pick up

10 Page 10 I want to thank Carol Koefod, Wayne Vorland, Marlys Klimp, Randy Heibel and Jordan Lillemon for serving on the call committee this past year and being such an important part of bringing pastor Kent and Lisa to our parish. Jordan served as our technical communicator during... the times we met and submitted our profile to the synod. What a lifesaver he was. Thank you to Terry and Patty and June in the office for being my sounding board. A special thank you to Kyle Fick, Zach Cunningham, Erin Sorenson and Duane Spielman for being on the road by 6 am to drive to Jeffers and move Pastor Kent and Lisa to their new home on hwy 78. Also thanks to the Grue crew for unloading the moving truck. Thank you to Donna Grover for the time you spent searching for housing and working with the Ness s to make arrangements for pastor Kent and Lisa. Thank you to June Bjornson, Bea Runningen, Tom Graham, Wayne and Cindy Vorland and Terry Fick for joining me in Truman for Pastor Kent s ordination on Sat Jan 20. It was a very meaningful service. Thank you to Kevin Fick and Chad Van Santen for cutting and putting together the easels for the dining room tables at peace. Thank you to Christian Koefod for running the dishwasher at peace for our dinners in December and January and for showing the ropes to Bennet and Bobby. We really appreciate it boys. Val Fick Happy New Year everyone.