April We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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1 April 2018 Weekly TV Broadcast Mondays, 7:00 p.m. Charter Channel 986 Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. HBC Channel 20 We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This month finds me returning to the role of pastoral leadership here at Central Lutheran. Jim and I spent January and February renewing in the warmth of the Florida sun. Now I am rested up to meet the challenge of filling the role of pastor until you call a settled pastor. Your council leaders have asked me to make leading worship and preaching a priority along with the pastoral care and crisis ministry. Your leaders and staff have stepped up to do much of the work of administration to lighten the load a bit. I am happy to be able to fill this need and will work with God s help to fulfill this calling. Please be sure to call the church office (or my cell phone number that is on the message after hours) and let us know of any needs you have. Be sure Pastor Louise Stromberg to keep the church office up to date on address and phone number changes. This is especially important when loved ones are in the hospital or our older members move to a new location. We cannot get information from hospitals or nursing homes as to where you have gone after discharge. As we approach Holy Week and begin the Easter Season, I hope you are finding a source of renewal and focus for your life of faith. We have a wonderful week of telling the Passion and Resurrection stories. As we walk this journey with Jesus to the cross we are reminded of the price God paid for our salvation. May this experience deepen our faith and increase our commitment to live as a child of God, loving and serving our Lord as we love and serve one another. Please include in your prayers our Central staff (including me I need your prayers), our council and call committee, and everyone who works so hard to make ministry happen here at Central. I ask you to add another prayer to your daily list. Please pray for the person God is preparing to be called to Central Lutheran as your lead Pastor. I know God has someone out there. Pray for them to be ready to answer God s call. May God bless each and every one as we continue our journey together. Peace, Pastor Louise Stromberg Visitation, Pastoral Care, & Preaching Pastor Central Lutheran Church, Winona, MN Good Shepherd Lutheran Home of Rushford, MN is looking for someone who would be interested in serving on their board. If you are interested, please contact the church office for their contact information. Thanks for considering being a part of this ministry W. Wabasha Winona, MN

2 Upcoming Events The FEAST Wednesdays 5:00-6:15 p.m., Grace Hall See Menus in the Notices section of this newsletter. CLC Book Group Mon., Apr. 2, 19, & 30th, 9:30 a.m. Library Author Brian McLaren argues that the Christian faith is not dying but is embarking on a once-in-an-era spiritual shift that offers enormous promise for us and our planet. This book is an invitation for Christians to move from fear to love. Join us as we read "The Great Spiritual Migration" this April and May. Our group (6 to 8 in number) is casual, kind and a safe place to express ideas and concerns. We are all on a journey of faith, join us. Contact Gayle Garrity at for more information. Gather Bible Study Thurs., April 5, 2:00 p.m., Grace Hall Take part in a one-hour Bible study on Multiple meanings from Luke 15:11-32 (The Prodigal Son) in the April issue of Gather magazine. Coffee and conversation at 3:00 p.m. All women are welcome. Also, note the article written by Kari (Casper) Van Wakeren on page 5 in this issue. For more information, contact Ardyce Paulson at Afternoon Cards/Games Fun Fri., April 6, 1:00 pm 4:00 p.m., Grace Hall We are going to have a few hours of fun. We will be playing cards and/or games from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Coffee and treats will be served. If weather is poor, contact Carol Wadewitz at or Sherry Brickner at Bible Study Sundays Sun., Starting April 8, 9:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m., Library Everyone is Welcome. During Lent we have been discussing an Augsburg publication: Devotions for Lent Beginning the Sunday following Easter (April 8) we will resume bible study at 9:15 in the Library, where we will be recalling some of the biblical teachings of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 50th anniversary of his assassination (April 4, 1968) is this year. Nothing to buy - materials will be provided. Any questions, contact Julie Palubicki at Gospel Concert with Brad Boice Sun., Apr. 8, 2:00 p.m. Central Lutheran Church Free-will offering Appreciated! All donations go toward video recording and broadcast system repairs and upgrades. Any questions or for more information, please contact Mark Jungerberg at Prayers for Healing Sun., April 15, 8:00 and 10:30 a.m., worship services Prayers for healing are offered each third Sunday of the month in Holy Spirit Chapel (left) during communion. At any time before or after you commune you are invited to join the pastor in prayer for healing for yourself or someone else. Spring Breakfast Fundraiser Sun., Apr. 15, 8:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m., Grace Hall If you ever get hungry during (or before) church, this is for you! $8 for All-you-can-eat Pancakes, Eggs, Sausage, Milk & Coffee. ***All proceeds go to ELCA Youth Gathering Group*** Good Food, Good Cause! Welcoming Table Mon., Apr. 16, 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m., Grace Hall Project Fine community meal. All are welcome! ELCA Youth Gathering June 27-July 1, 2018, Houston, Texas. Notices The Feast Committee is continuing its outreach of food ministry to the community. One of the greatest benefits of this ministry is the connection to our campus communities of Winona State University, St. Mary s College and Winona Senior High School, and community groups such as the Inter Faith Council. These volunteers bring an energy and enthusiasm creates an atmosphere of contagious positivity-and for that we are truly grateful! Come and join us-all are welcome. Under the leadership of Jay Dureske, the Feast is on pace to serve over 4500 meals by the end May. Truly amazing. Feast Menu: 4/4/18: Beef Stew 4/11/18: Cheese Soup 4/18/18: Hot Dogs 4/25/18 Hot Chicken Sandwiches 2

3 Notices FEAST Picture Day Calling all FEAST volunteers from the Season. Join us on April 23 rd for a quick group photo at 7pm in Grace Hall! We want to have the chance to bring everyone together for a group photo to celebrate and record the wonderful work of all who volunteer! Please join us! Mother s Day Flower Basket The youth traveling to the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston will be selling Mother s Day hanging flower baskets to raise funds for their trip. Available baskets include: Geraniums, Begonias and Petunias. Orders will be taken through Sunday, April 8 th with delivery taking place on Saturday, May 5 th. Any questions or to place an order, please call Mandy Weilandt at or mmmweilandt@charter.net. Check out the Narthex! The Worship and Welcome committee continues to look for ways to enhance opportunities for our congregation to enjoy time together. We have added two tall tables and opened up the social area of the Narthex. Spend some time in the space and let us know what Council Update Council meeting February 20, 2018 Present: Gayle Garrity, Judy Davis (by phone) Paul Ness, Marie Holmquist, Bill Pfaff, Carol Kramer and Dian Biesanz Call to order and presentation of agenda by Gayle Garrity Devotion and prayer led by Gayle Susan Zeller present with comments and update on the youth program. Minutes from January meeting, preliminary treasurer s report, staff reports and committee reports were approved. Old business: The church library is being given a minor facelift with paint and clean-up; these updates will be noticeable very soon. New business: Council/call committee updates/news will begin again on 2/25. Announcements will be made on the 2 nd and 4 th Sunday of the month, which should be adequate. A discussion continued on the youth program, and we determined that a youth committee of congregational members is essential to support Evan. Eric will call Welcoming All you think. It is an experiment and the tables are borrowed. Greta Poser, Mary Lou Hurley, Dennis Glawe, Carolyn Larson, Cheryl Randklev, Carol Kramer, Erik Floan, Gayle Garrity. Help Keep Our Church Home Clean Please help us, in an effort to keep the church clean and clutter free. At the end of service, please tidy around you and make sure you have all of your belongings. Together, let s make sure all space is ready for the next service. Baptismal Preparation Do you want to schedule a baptism at Central Lutheran Church? Please contact the church office at or centluth3@gmail.com to register for the preparation sessions or schedule a baptism. members who were involved in the original group to bring a youth director to Central and perhaps other members who would be beneficial on this committee in the next few days. We vowed to have a legitimate committee formed in this important ministry as soon as possible. A request/comment on the possibility of double doors outside Grace Hall (much like the double doors entering the side entrance). We will forward this request to the property committee for their review and consideration. An appreciation time for Pastor Jan will be held on Sunday March 4 th between services in Grace Hall. Treats and goodies will be provided by council (and wives of council members). A brief program will be presented at this time. We talked about our goals, priorities and dreams as a council; consensus is very positive and exciting. Motion to adjourn Closed Session Dian Biesanz, Council Secretary Growing Faith 3 Engaging Worship Compassionate Service

4 Opportunities to Serve Prayer Shawl Ministry Do you know someone who has health issues? Lost a loved one? Away from home? Serving in the military? College student? There are many reasons to want to comfort someone or let them know you are thinking of them. You want to do something for them, but what can you do? You can knit or crochet a prayer shawl. We are getting the prayer shawl ministry going again. If you are interested, please contact Sheri Maier at The FEAST The Feast is in need of a volunteer coordinatorsomeone to place all those enthusiastic volunteers into time slots and make certain we are adequately staffed. This job would take only a few hours a week, and will be richly rewarding due to the many groups who are willing to help and the positive feedback they give. Please prayerfully consider if you might be able to do fill this vital role. Contact Kelly Dicke at clc3.operations@gmail.com if you have a few hours per week with no need to leave home. If you want a personal contact with recipients, the Feast is always looking for folks who can deliver meals to those registered who are unable to attend the Feast. Contact Kelly at clc3.operations@gmail.com and volunteer to take a shift-one hour of time, and now in daylight hours! Opportunities to Give Building Fund Gifts to the Building Fund in February totaled $1, The mortgage payment was $3,146. Please help with an extra gift to ensure that we meet our mortgage obligations and keep other ministries and programs strong. Our remaining mortgage balance is only $353, and we want it to keep decreasing! Make your check payable to CLC Building Fund, or set up an automatic monthly gift with the form available on our website or in the church office. Thank you! Seeking Donation of Used Bibles and Christian Literature Do you have any extra used Bibles or Christian reading materials? Thrivent is collecting these items to distribute through an international Christian literature organization. WELCA has placed a box in the narthex where you may place any donations. They will boxed and delivered to Thrivent by our members attending the WELCA Root River Conference Gathering April 14 th. Thrivent Choice Dollars If you have any Thrivent Choice Dollars, please consider directing them to Central Lutheran Church. Seeking Worship Video Recording Helpers Central seeks one or two volunteers to help video record Sunday worship for broadcast on local cable television. We can teach you how to run the equipment. Commitment: Record a Sunday 8:00 or 10:30 a.m. service once a month (we have a rotation so you don't have to do every Sunday!). Contact Erik Floan Library News The library has a totally new look. Please stop by and check out your library. New curtains frame the windows, the books have been reorganized into more user-friendly topics and the ceiling and walls have been painted. We would like to thank Rick Kramer (Carol s husband) for volunteering his time to paint the room for the church. It took 2 people 2 days to complete the transformation. The larger wooden table has been returned to the library. Books can now be checked out. Please see the framed instructions above the check-out notebook (no more cards to fill out). Please stop by and check out your library. We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith W. Wabasha Winona, MN

5 Making My Oblation Erik Floan - Director of Worship, Music & Arts Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Pay your vows to the Most High. Psalm 50:14 This year has seen many changes in the life of Central Lutheran Church: interim pastors coming and going, new youth director, increased worship attendance and giving. In my own life, two important and transformative things have happened: I entered Candidacy to become an ELCA Deacon; I became a Benedictine Oblate affiliated with St. John s Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota. Deacon and Oblate are terms we are not completely familiar with in Lutheranism. I struggle sometimes to explain what they mean, and why I am pursuing them. Deacon is a little easier, since it s biblical, right there in the book of Acts. Oblate is more obscure, and because it involves a monastery, it makes some Lutherans nervous. To quote my mother when I called to tell her I had made my Final Oblation: That s interesting. What is an Oblation? An Oblation is the act of offering something to God. At Central every Sunday we offer our prayers, offerings, and thanksgivings. An oblation can also be a vow to God. In monasticism, when one makes an oblation or promise to God to affiliate with a particular monastic community (but not actually join it), that person is called an Oblate. So you basically joined a monastery, right? The word we use is affiliated. Benedictine values include Stability: Benedictines live in a specific community; the relationship is personal. This means that while I might visit lots of different monasteries, I affiliate with (make my oblation to) a particular Abbey. In this case, St. John s Abbey, Collegeville. While living in Seattle, every August I spent a week at Westminster Abbey, a Benedictine monastery in British Columbia. I entered oblate candidacy there in December However, by summer 2012 I relocated to Winona, so affiliating with that abbey no longer made sense. I wanted to find a community I could actually get to. Hence, St. John s. Do you take vows? Yes. Standing at the Abbey Church altar, in the presence of Fr. Michael Peterson and Fr. Anthony Ruff, the morning of Tuesday February 13, 2018, I made a vow: In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I, Erik Hans Floan, offer myself to Almighty God and to our Holy Father Benedict as an Oblate of St. John s Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota, and promise, as my state in life permits, Stability of Heart, Fidelity to the Spirit of the Monastic Life, and Obedience to the Will of God. Do you have to follow certain rules? Kinda. There is a formal Rule of St. Benedict (Regula Benedicti) which governs the conditions and precepts for monks following the Benedictine way. Oblates study this Rule. But while monks vow to live by the entire Rule (which includes abbey hierarchy, economic parameters for sustaining an abbey, a schedule of worship and prayer, and even clothing and sleeping arrangements), Oblates vow to live by the Rule In as much as your state in life allows. 5 Continue.

6 Do you have to pray a certain way? Yes. Benedictines observe a regular daily schedule of prayer and worship, known as the Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours. Oblates pray some form of this Work of God (Opus Dei) at home or with others. For me, this means at least Morning Prayer (Lauds) and Evening Prayer (Vespers). My prayer includes psalms, hymns and canticles, scriptures and prayer. Oblates also observe Divine Reading or Lectio Divina, a traditional Benedictine practice of scripture reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation. It is not a bible study, but more a devotional practice. Did you need to take a class? No, but I did work with the St John s Oblate Director, Fr. Michael Peterson, to take the steps necessary to become an Oblate: Connect with the monastery, participate in a Candidate ceremony, spend at least a year in formation (studying the Rule, praying the Divine Office, staying connected with the monastery). Do you have to pay dues to the Monastery? No. But I did promise to pray for them, visit and pray with them, stay in contact through a monthly Newsletter, , and several online blogs. Do you have to wear a monk s habit? No. But I ve always been a fan of Basic Black, so I fit in easily. So what do you get out of it? Practically speaking: I got a nice certificate of Oblation, and lapel pin, and I can officially sign my name Erik Floan, OblSB (Oblate of St. Benedict). But I gained a whole way of life What draws you to this way of life? First, silence. Benedictines are contemplative types. Benedictine monasteries are typically out in the country, somewhere quiet. Second, tradition. Benedict, who died in the year 550, is considered the founder of Western monasticism. So Benedictine tradition reaches back at least 1,500 years. Benedictines are historically a scholarly but also a practical bunch. They operate great libraries, colleges, and universities. They take all facets of worship seriously (architecture, music, artwork). They practice and preserve chant. Third, hospitality and practicality. Benedictine monasteries usually have a Guest House and go out of their way to welcome guests. They are also self-sustaining: monasteries often include a farm, wood and machine shops, and produce goods to generate income. How long will you be an Oblate? An oblation is a vow made for a lifetime. So, at my death, it is asked that my Oblation certificate be returned to St. John s Abbey, where it will be placed in the archives, and my name added to the list of those the monks pray for. So are you done? Hardly. My life as a Christian began the day I was baptized. As a ninth grader I made a public affirmation of my faith. My work as a professional Church Musician began in My work with Central began in May, My life as an Oblate has just begun. My candidacy for Deacon is over a year old, but still new and in process. It won t end until it All Ends. Wherever God is calling you, calling me - I ask your prayers for myself, and encourage your continued oblations of prayer and worship at Central Lutheran Church. Erik Floan, OblSB 6

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8 Youth News/ Events We are currently 14 weeks away until the National Youth Gathering in Houston!!! In February, our Houston group got together for a Snow Shoe & S more s event hosted by Todd & Liz Paulson. It was a really fun event and a great way to connect all the kids and adults. One of our goals we have been focused on is to build a stronger sense of community within this group. The Houston Group will also be meeting for a final push of fundraisers! The cost is roughly $1500 per kid and we have 8 kids going on the trip. Every little bit helps and we appreciate any form of support for our youth and families. What s Your Story? If you ve been to a national Lutheran youth gathering (any year, as attendee or chaperone), we d like to hear your story! Please your story to Susan Zeller at szeller@winona.edu or call We d like to showcase Then & Now with CLC members stories. Thank you! ELCA Youth Gathering FLASHBACK Lezlea Dahlke, Director of Winona Public Library I attended the 1991 ELCA "Called to Freedom" gathering in Dallas, TX with my home church - St. Peter's Lutheran from Denver, IA. I remember it being an overwhelming experience in so many good ways. The showcased speakers were Tony Campolo (Bill Clinton's spiritual advisor) and MAYA ANGELOU! Talk about a spiritual awakening. But the most impactful and emotional part of the trip for me was the epic musical experience. Picture an arena full of 26,000 youth all swaying with arms linked and singing together at the top of our lungs. Powerful stuff! In 1994, when I moved into my first dorm room at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, it was comforting to meet so many other kids wearing the same clay cross necklace to indicate they had also been in Dallas singing with me a few summers prior. My floor (shout out to Bergsaker 4th West) even made one of those Gathering songs our floor fight song! 8 We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith. 259 W. Wabasha Winona, MN

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10 April 2018 Mission: Provide the building blocks of child care by creating learning opportunities infused with faith while supporting the whole family Book Fair April in the Church Office The center will have books from Scholastic for sale in the church office. The classrooms receive much needed books to replace and add to the books that the children and staff read from on a daily basis. Central Lutheran Church Child Care Center is a blessing for over 55 Families in the Winona Area. Central Lutheran Church has a ministry that reaches over 55 families by taking care of the children of those families. Central Lutheran Church Child Care Center also helps over 40 staff that have a viable and needed job in the Winona Area. This church should be proud of the many ministries in which they are involved. The child care has a wonderful and amazing ripple effect in our community. Making Memories with our youngest community members! Here are pictures of your Child Care Center Ministry Central Lutheran Church Child Care Center Children sent blessings to random congregation members. The children here are so excited to share their Easter and Spring art creations with congregation members. Questions, please contact us Phone childclc@hbci.com 10

11 During my time at Wartburg Seminary, I was assigned a book by Daniel Migliore, called Faith Seeking Understanding. The title has been running through my mind quite a bit lately. Not because I am contemplating my systematic theology course from Wartburg, but because of this campus ministry of which I get to be pastor. (I say get to, because I continue to be in awe of the privilege of this call.) Faith-seeking-understanding could be the banner under which we work together, live through faith, and take action in our world, (the LCC mission statement.) Faith-seeking-understanding seems to capture our community s practice quite well. As the prayer of Saint Francis summons: may we not so much seek to be understood as to understand. In fact, each time we gather for Bible Study, or Independent Theo (logy), we begin by naming our intentions for the next hour. One of our intentions is to practice radical listening, and by that, we mean: listen not to respond, but to understand. Listen in this moment without expecting ourselves or others to have this same understanding forever. We listen with the expectation that we may be changed, and that others may change their minds in the future. Faith-seeking-understanding. Yesterday morning, I beheld faith-seeking-understanding in a circle of students in a beautiful way. After a humble gathering to remember the seventeen people who died at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, a group of students lingered. We had just heard story after story of encounters with tragedy, active shooter drills, and fear. We had just engaged in conversation, listening, making space for that which students often bottle up inside, making space for the concerns future educators have regarding their students, making space for grief, which we too often deny or disregard. And then, after others left for class or meetings, students from the LCC and the KEAP (Knowledge, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Pluralism) remained. They continued the conversation. Faith-seeking-understanding. I raised my phone from the periphery and took a picture to capture such tangible hope in our midst. (I asked permission from everyone in the group, by the way, and they agreed to share this photo.) We belong to each other. I propose we live into that truth and faith-seeking-understanding every day. Together. Thank you, dear ones, for your continued support for this ministry in many and varied ways. You, too, give me hope. Grace & peace, Pastor Corrine Haulotte 11

12 Financial Report Operating Fund Feb 2018 Total Income: $38,880 Total Expenses: $51,177 Offering Goal March $40, Thank you for your support of Central s ministry. Mortgage Monthly payments for interest and principal February: $3,146 Gifts for Building Fund February: $1,181 Gifts for additional mortgage principal reduction February: $440 Mortgage principal balance on March 1:$353, Gifts in memory or honor of someone MEMORIALS FEBRUARY THRU MARCH FEAST Memory of Rita Lehnertz Given By Jeffery Highland Memory of Blanche Peters Given By Jim & Marylou Hurley YOUTH Memory of Delores Hoseck Given By Marvin & Bergetta Gunderson, Kathy Hovell, Cynthia Brabbit, Linda Bouck, Patricia Peterson, Eileen Amundson, Wayne & Sondra Steffenhagen, Geraldine Taylor, Grace Reed, Barry & Theresa Duellman QUILTERS Memory of Delores Hoseck Given By Bruce Hoseck, Conway & Beth Elton, Julie & Scott Henry, Verne Carlson Memory of Thomas Zirzow Given By Don & Donna Peterson BUILDING FUND Memory of Glen Buege Given By Bev Spande and Helen Keiper Memory of Blanche Peters Given By Bev Spande, Marjorie Flatness Memory of Thomas Zirzow Given By LouAnne Schwarz Memory of Dick Keiper Given By Linda Bouck SUNDAY SCHOOL Memory of Nancyann Knudson Given By Judy Benson PROJECTOR Memory of Delores Hoseck Given By Tom & Chris Wilmot CENTRAL LUTHERAN FOUNDATION Honor of Steve Hacken s time served on Central Lutheran Church Council Given By Church Council Members YOUTH MISSION TRIP Given By Funeral Fund & CLC WELCA Women PROJECTOR Given By CLC WELCA Women DONATIONS FOR NEW REFRIGERATOR Funeral Fund CLC WELCA Women Quilters Child care UNDESIGNATED Memory of Nancyann Knudson Given By Wade Davick, Doris Laska, Marion Mason, Lois Ladewig, Dale & Ruth Gronewold, Geraldine Willimas Memory of Delores Hoseck Given By Margaret Schueler, Mia Martin Foundation Memory of Glen Buege Given By Helen Keiper, Marian Mason, Judith & Robert Brommerich, Daniel & Sharon Neitzke, Geraldine Williams Memory of Blanche Peters Given By Lois Larson, Tom & Chris Wilmot, Kathleen Boone, Doris Laska, Wulf Krause, Dennis VanDrunen, Tom Mason, Bonnie Peters, Mary Reeck, LouAnn Schwartz, Kay Huntbatch, Julie Sammann, Rich & Eugene Moe, Jane Habeck, Beth & Roy Stiff, Gene Mullenburg, Ester & Ed Aldinger, Marelen Babbitt, John & Patricia Brandt, David & Diane Peters, Joyce Peters, Duane Jackles, Marian Mason, Dr Scott & Carmen Hannon, Stephen & Kimberly Renk, David & Mary Heise, Russell & Emily Smith, Dean Brown, Robert & Suzanne Lietzau, Philip Feiten, Don & Joan Klagge, Darlene &Walter Thompson, Tom & Mary Reeck, Robert & Suzanne Hoodecheck, Brian & Ann Junker, Mia Martin Foundation DESIGNATED FEBRUARY Quilters- $315 Funeral Fund - $375 Missions Envelopes - $254 Winona Volunteer Services - $68 Youth Fund -$390 Youth Mission Trip -$1960 Sunday School - $88 Feast -$1,160 Memorials -$450 Advanced Gifts -$25 12

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