The Church Bell Salem Lutheran Church PO Box 136, Longville, MN 56655

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The Church Bell Salem Lutheran Church PO Box 136, Longville, MN 56655 Volume 36, Issue 8 Pastor Trisha Jorgenson August 2016 MAY YOU DANCE The last couple weeks have brought devastating storms to our

1 The Church Bell Salem Lutheran Church PO Box 136, Longville, MN Volume 36, Issue 8 Pastor Trisha Jorgenson August 2016 MAY YOU DANCE The last couple weeks have brought devastating storms to our area. 80 mph winds not only woke us in the middle of the night, but tore hundreds of trees out of the ground and laid them across roads, yards and roofs. We have worn out chainsaw blades cutting trees into manageable chunks, then chucked those chunks like a woodchuck-could-chuck-wood. Power outages have forced us to carry bucket after bucket of water to simply flush our toilets, and rather than listening to the loons discussing their day as the sun sets on the lake, we are lulled to sleep by the conversation of combustion as generator after generator chug along keeping our fridges and freezers from defrosting a dozen rump roasts. Storms are not only scary but the mess they leave behind is down-right exhausting. Mother Nature has mightily exercised her right to rearrange the landscape of our yards, and as scary and inconvenient as these recent storms have been, in the midst of them God has blessed us. We are grateful and give thanks that none of our family, friends or neighbors were hurt during the storms and have a renewed appreciation for what is truly important and valuable in our lives. We are grateful and give thanks for the muscles we have, or the muscles of our family, friends and neighbors, to be able to help one another begin the cleaning up process. We are grateful and give thanks for power outages that cause us to talk to one another rather our internet friends, read a book rather than watch TV, or just sit in the shadow of whatever trees we have left in our yard. We are grateful even for food that has to be thrown away because it humbly reminds us that most of us truly have more than we need. And, we are grateful for our church family: For those who designed Salem s building with a shower that can be used in times such as this. For those who give to the general fund so we could offer the electricity to charge cell phones or get out of the heat for a little while. For those who came and cleaned up sticks in our church yard even though their own yards were still a mess. And for God s love being poured out through us in concern, love and help toward one another and our neighbors when they were in need. At one time or another, storms will arise in each of our lives, maybe it will be a tree resting on our roof, a sudden illness, job loss, or the death of a loved one. Getting though storms can be terrifying but we are blessed to know that we have one another for help and comfort, and that God is not only with us in the quiet moments of peace and calm in our lives, but is with us as the winds howl at our window and waves crash against the shore. (Mark 4:35-41). Vivian Greene is credited with the quote, Life isn t about waiting for the storm to pass it s about learning to dance in the rain. Dancing in the rain means letting go of our fears, discomforts, future plans, and disappointments in the storm s ability to interrupt our lives, and living in God s gift of the here and now it means learning to see the beauty of the storm and the gift its aftermath can leave behind. May you dance in God s grace always Pastor Trish

August 2016 THE CHURCH BELL Page 2 SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH 2016 ANNUAL MEETING Salem s annual meeting will be held on September 11th, 2016 after the worship service.

2 August 2016 THE CHURCH BELL Page 2 SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH 2016 ANNUAL MEETING Salem s annual meeting will be held on September 11th, 2016 after the worship service. This year the members of Salem will vote for a Financial Secretary, 1-3 year Council member, 1-3 year Snowbird Council member, 2 alternate delegates to the 2017 NEMN Synod Assembly and 2 nominating team members. We will also ratify the budget for An updated Constitution and bylaws will be introduced. It is important that all members of Salem attend this meeting. Don t forget that after the meeting Clarence Sjodin will be offering up his great BBQ beef sandwiches and Barb McCuskey and her crew will have all the other fixings for a tremendous picnic! WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP? What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word stewardship? Budgets and spreadsheets? Money? Pledge cards? A grateful response to God? What about love? For many congregations of the ELCA, stewardship means the church asking for money or it means nothing at all. If it draws to mind anything, it is the three-week annual financial response that happens every fall to ensure there is enough money to fund the budget for the next year. While the annual financial response may be wrapped up in religious language, at the end of the day it is about the need of the congregation to receive rather than the need of the giver to give. Stewardship encompasses so much more than money. It is a way of life. It calls for integration between our faith and the way that we live our lives we are a church that is energized by lively engagement in our faith and life. Stewardship is a mindset, a culture and a discipline that can never be contained in an annual three-week financial response. According to Clarence Stoughton, former president of Wittenberg University, stewardship is everything we do after we say I believe. It is the way in which we use all of the resources that God has entrusted to our care so that we can love God and our neighbor. Stewardship is about love. Stewardship is a matter of the heart. My stewardship practices are a response to the boundless love God first showed me. It means that I am grateful for all that God has generously entrusted to me. As a faithful steward and child of God, I understand that (the) decisions I make, in all aspects of my life, reveal my priorities. It is a privilege to share time, talents and finances, to care for God s earth and to serve my neighbors. Being a good steward has brought me great joy and has helped me grow spiritually. I am blessed to be a blessing. KATHY FISCUS Faith and Finances Ministry Team, elca.org Servant Leadership Council (SLC) Proposed July Meeting Highlights Salem s written policies are being reviewed and will be updated and simplified. Work is going forward toward developing an outgoing and active ministry for Salem, aimed at neighborhood involvement. The SLC approved creating a cloud connection for offsite storage of computer files, minutes and unalterable documents.

August 2016 THE CHURCH BELL Page 3 CHRIST IN OUR HOME DEVOTIONALS Pick up your July, August and September 2016 devotionals from the stand by the entrance. Take one for yourself and one for a friend.

For more information about becoming a full member, associate member or friend of Salem, please contact the church office or talk with Pastor Trish. All are welcome here!

3 yr old - 6th grade Sunday, Sept 18th 11am - 1pm Lunch provided Helpers Needed Please contact church office for more information. All are welcome We also have Our Daily Bread devotionals.

3 August 2016 THE CHURCH BELL Page 3 CHRIST IN OUR HOME DEVOTIONALS Pick up your July, August and September 2016 devotionals from the stand by the entrance. Take one for yourself and one for a friend. ADULT BIBLE STUDY 4:00-5:00 p.m. Conference Room Led by Pastor Trish All are welcome! For more information about becoming a full member, associate member or friend of Salem, please contact the church office or talk with Pastor Trish. All are welcome here! Next New Member Sunday September 11, 2016 MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Sunday School begins! 3 yr old - 6th grade Sunday, Sept 18th 11am - 1pm Lunch provided Helpers Needed Please contact church office for more information. All are welcome We also have Our Daily Bread devotionals. THANK YOU to all for the donations for the new refrigerator. We received enough to pay for the new refrigerator and the service call on the old refrigerator. SALEM S CHURCH BBQ PICNIC Sunday, September 11 Help is always needed. Contact Clarence Sjodin or Barb McCuskey to see how you can help. MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Confirmation classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 21 7th - 9th grade students All are welcome For more information contact Pastor Trish God has not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways, all our lives through. God has not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain. But God has promised strength for the day, Rest for the laborer, light on the way; Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy, undying love. Annie Flint Johnson Submitted by Shari Pretzer

4 August 2016 THE CHURCH BELL Page GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL REPORT June 30, 2016 General Fund Beg Balance 6/1/16 $ (3,750) Receipts 6/1/16-6/30/16 $ 16,903 Disbursements 6/1/16-6/30/16 $(13,419) General Fund Balance 6/30/16 $ (266) We have been unable to send our $1100 monthly commitment to our NEMN Synod for the past 2 months. Due to the negative balance in the General Fund, the Finance Team is asking for all expenditures to be held to only necessary expenditures (i.e. Payroll, utilities, etc.). REMINDER: $4640 is needed weekly to support the 2016 budget approved at the Annual Congregational Meeting. With God s Blessing, Ardis Aagard, Church Treasurer PASTORAL HOUSING CD We currently have a CD that is designated for Pastoral Housing assistance. This money can be offered as a loan to our pastor to purchase housing. The loan is interest free; however the pastor is charged interest on his/her W2 at a rate determined at the time of request. Also the pastor pays back this loan at an amount (determined by the SLC) on a yearly basis for 5 years and than a lump sum payment is due on the balance. Because new mortgage loan changes from financial institutions this is now considered a second mortgage. It is no longer a help for a pastor getting a loan. Because of these changes, the SLC is asking the congregation where these funds should now be allocated, i.e. roofing, endowment etc. We will be discussing this at the annual meeting, but wanted to give everyone a chance to think this through for more discussion. Thank you, Finance Team COLUMBARIUM PHASE ONE NEAR COMPLETION The foundation and 20 niches have been set, and the doors, granite face plates, and top are in place. Stone veneer has been added and the pavers have been laid, which concludes Phase One. Phase Two consists of landscaping to provide privacy for our Columbarium, purchasing benches, and purchasing and having the RRR boulder installed, as well as planning for the Memorial Boulder. Four niches have been purchased by church members and several more people have mentioned they are interested in purchasing a niche, but additional monies are needed to be raised to proceed with this next phase. If you have any questions or are interested in donating in memory of someone, please feel free to talk to one of the Columbarium committee members: Craig Anderson, Kay Ferris, Bob Kohanek, Nan Ladehoff, Joy Mills or Dave Trampe

August 2016 THE CHURCH BELL Page 5 3 Sharon Fischer 3 Dennis Hagen 3 Kathy Callies 3 Emery Hanson 4 Nancy Loren 5 Tim Marr 7 Judy Czeck 10 Joan Alley 11 Zachary Semmler 12 Leila Duval 14 Virgil

Elison 31 Bob Kohanek 31 Don Eide 2 Dale and Dee Hillstrom 3 Jim and Martha Limburg 5 Skip & Terry Rosen 7 Gary and Judy Ginder 11 John and Judy Bogard 17 Mark and Barb Nordstrom 19 Dan and Sara

You would be responsible for finding: Ushers, Greeters, Lay Readers, Communion Helpers and Coffee Servers for 3 to 4 months a year. Please let Doris Schmidt know if you would like to help.

5 August 2016 THE CHURCH BELL Page 5 3 Sharon Fischer 3 Dennis Hagen 3 Kathy Callies 3 Emery Hanson 4 Nancy Loren 5 Tim Marr 7 Judy Czeck 10 Joan Alley 11 Zachary Semmler 12 Leila Duval 14 Virgil Pofahl 14 Jamey Gross 17 Traci Wicks 19 Barb McCuskey 20 Joy Mills 21 Mary Kay Googins 23 Todd Wheeler 23 Robert Helling 28 John Weins 28 Doris Nelson 28 Elsie Hagen 29 Jerry Westermann 30 Todd Elison 31 Bob Kohanek 31 Don Eide 2 Dale and Dee Hillstrom 3 Jim and Martha Limburg 5 Skip & Terry Rosen 7 Gary and Judy Ginder 11 John and Judy Bogard 17 Mark and Barb Nordstrom 19 Dan and Sara Holmdahl 26 Jamey and Rachel Gross 28 Wally and Shari Pretzer 28 Craig and Amy Johnson FELOWSHIP TEAM CAPTAIN NEEDED We are in need of a Fellowship Team Captain. You would be responsible for finding: Ushers, Greeters, Lay Readers, Communion Helpers and Coffee Servers for 3 to 4 months a year. Please let Doris Schmidt know if you would like to help. August Ruth Lerom, Co-Chair Shari Pretzer, Co-Chair Kathy Joiner Ginny Muller Karen Osmundson Avis Savre Carol Zahn Hospitality Team Captains for August Doris Schmidt Kay Ferris Karen Nelson Ruth Circle Women s Bible Study Thursday, August 11th 1:00 pm at Salem Hostess: Margaret Davies All are welcome ARE YOU INTERESTED? The Caring Ministry Team is considering sponsoring Loving Choices, Lasting Gifts workshop which deals with end-of-life decisions. Presenters for this workshop include several funeral home directors, pastors, hospice, and an attorney. Questions about cremation, costs, procedures to follow with funeral directors, pastors, planning your funeral, health care directives and wills, as well as other questions you may have, will be addressed. If you might be interested in attending a 9am - 3pm workshop toward the end of September, please call the church office or talk to Barb Anderson, Kay Ferris, Marilyn Lilyquist or Ginger Minske by August 15.

MUSIC IN THE PARK SARAH MAE & THE BIRKELAND BOYS BAND AT THE GAZEBO ON 8/21 On Sunday, August 21st, Duluth, Minnesota based Sarah Mae & The Birkeland Boys Bluegrass band will perform at the gazebo on

6 August 2016 THE CHURCH BELL Page 6 Salem Smorgasbord Wednesday, August 17th 5:00pm - Please come and bring your friends! Adults $10.00 Children (4-12) $5.00 Under 3 - Free Watch for the sign-up sheets to bring food and to help. MUSIC IN THE PARK SARAH MAE & THE BIRKELAND BOYS BAND AT THE GAZEBO ON 8/21 On Sunday, August 21st, Duluth, Minnesota based Sarah Mae & The Birkeland Boys Bluegrass band will perform at the gazebo on Salem s park-like grounds from 5 to 7pm. This talented musical family is composed of 17 year-old Sarah Mae, vocals and bass fiddle, 18 year-old Derek, vocals, guitar and mandolin, 15 year-old Adam, resonator guitar, and dad Mike, vocals and guitar. For its Music in the Park performance, the band will be accompanied by five-string banjo player Ted Williams. The band has performed at many venues throughout Minnesota and the Midwest. Last August, the band was featured at the Lakes Bluegrass Festival in Pine River, Minnesota. Recent appearances have been at the Milaca Bandshell, Baudette Rail Road Depot and Minnesota Bluegrass & Old Time Music Festival in Richmond, Minnesota. Currently, the band mixes bluegrass and gospel with original songs as members share their gift of music with public audiences and church congregations. Band members are known for their ability to express stories about the importance of family, overcoming hardship, the relevance of faith and reasons for hope in a troubled world in song form. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic food to eat. Free admission, of course, but free will donations are appreciated. Ample parking in Salem s spacious parking lot. In case of rain, the band s performance will be in the church.

August 2016 THE CHURCH BELL Page 7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 (co-ed) 3:00pm Pastor s 3 5:00-6:00pm WATW Meal 4 Property Team Meeting 5 8:45am Staff Meeting 6

7 August 2016 THE CHURCH BELL Page 7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 (co-ed) 3:00pm Pastor s 3 5:00-6:00pm WATW Meal 4 Property Team Meeting 5 8:45am Staff Meeting 6 Vacation Bible School - August 1 thru 5-9am to Noon 7 Communion Worship 10:15am Coffee and Fellowship 8 9 (co-ed) SMT Meeting 3:00pm Pastor s 10 WMT Meeting 5:00-6:00pm WATW Meal 11 Finance Team Meeting Ruth Circle 12 8:45am Staff Meeting LMT Meeting 11:00am Sunday School Planning Meeting 13 Salem s Auction Long Lake Property Owners Association Annual Meeting 14 Worship 10:15am Coffee and Fellowship 15 Music in the Park Meeting 16 3:00pm Pastor s 17 5:00- Smorgasbord :45am Staff Meeting SLC Meeting Newsletter Deadline Communion Worship 10:15am Coffee and Fellowship 5:00pm Music in the Park (co-ed) 3:00pm Pastor s 24 5:00-6:00pm WATW Meal :45am Staff Meeting Worship 10:15am Coffee and Fellowship (co-ed) 3:00pm Pastor s 31 5:00-6:00pm WATW Meal

Salem Lutheran Church Staff Rev. Trisha Jorgenson, Pastor Cell Number: 320-248-9479 Email: pastortrish1968@gmail.

net Jan Elliott & Eunice Benson, Organists Charlene Olson, Choir Director Joan Kickhafer, Custodian Salem Lutheran Church Website www.salemlongville.

8 Salem Lutheran Church Staff Rev. Trisha Jorgenson, Pastor Cell Number: Carol Raines, Secretary / Bookkeeper Office Phone: Office Salem@arvig.net Jan Elliott & Eunice Benson, Organists Charlene Olson, Choir Director Joan Kickhafer, Custodian Salem Lutheran Church Website Office Hours Monday - Thursday - 5:00pm Friday - 3:00pm Salem Lutheran Church 1340 County Road 5 PO Box 136 Longville, MN Rooted in Christ to Love, Grow & Serve Salem Lutheran Church Ministry Teams Servant Leadership Council (SLC) Barb Anderson, President Dave Trampe Don Falls, Vice President Beth Tobiason Sara Felton, Secretary Jan Stadtherr Ardis Aagard, Treasurer Karen Osmundson Executive Management Team (EMT) SLC President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer Learning Ministry Team (LMT) Beth Tobiason, Facilitator & Council Liaison Resource Ministry Team (RMT) Ardis Aagard, Facilitator Dave Trampe, Council Liaison Serving Ministry Team (SMT) Terry Daudt, Facilitator Don Falls & Karen Osmundson, Council Liaison Worship Ministry Team (WMT) Jan Stadtherr, Facilitator & Council Liaison ALL are welcome to join any of our ministry teams. If you are interested in any of the areas listed above or have questions about how each teams serves, please contact one of the team leaders listed above or call the church office. Join us for Worship Sundays at 9am All are welcome here!

The Church Bell Salem Lutheran Church PO Box 136, Longville, MN 56655

The Church Bell Salem Lutheran Church PO Box 136, Longville, MN 56655 Volume 36, Issue 7 Pastor Trisha Jorgenson July 2016 July 4 th is a U.S. national holiday which celebrates the adoption of the Declaration