The Church Messenger. Stewardship of God s Earth By Jim Tocko. September Immanuel Lutheran Church

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1 September 2016 The Church Messenger I m m a n u e l L u t h e r a n C h u r c h E l m S t r e e t ; S t r u m, W i s c o n s i n W e b s i t e : w w w. i m m a n u e l - s t r u m. c o m Worship Schedule Sunday 9 AM : Worship 10 AM: Coffee Hour Inside this issue Pastor Ken... 2 Memorials... 3 Birthdays... 4 Financials... 5 Minutes... 6 Daughters of the King.. 7 WELCA... 8 Worship Assistants... 9 Calendar Announcements Contact Information Stewardship of God s Earth By Jim Tocko If I didn t plant everything at the same time, the vegetables wouldn t reach their peak at the same time. The fall festival seems to be overwhelming at times, but you are able to share the bounty with friends and family. If something is starting to go south, the ducks, chickens and pigs seem to relish everything you give them. The apple crop is non-existent because of the severe frost at blossom time. The tomatoes, basil, and other veggies were plentiful. With all the rain, it was like digging in mud. The rain was beneficial in that the weeds were easy to pull. Talk about being green: A freighter (ship) can transport a ton of cargo 514 miles on one gallon of fuel, compared to 202 miles by train or 59 miles by truck. I never gave it much thought that shipping was so much greener. It is estimated that one billion plastic bags, like you carry home your groceries or other purchases, end up in the landfills. Don t people realize they are recyclable and can be returned to the store? Or is it too much bother to recycle. The college town of Madison has 12.7 parks per 10,000 residents, more than 15,000 acres of lakes and more than 200 miles of bike and hiking trails. In addition, 38% of its residents work from home, or walk, bike, carpool or take public transportation to work. Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds talk about people. Have a great one. For every dollar donated to the Community Cupboard Food Distribution between August 28, 2016 and October 8, 2016, Feed My People will match each dollar with a pound of food, up to 5,000 pounds. 100% of donations will be used to support the Community Cupboard Food Distribution. For more information, please call Michelle at Please send donations to: Immanuel Lutheran Church Community Food Programs PO Box 98 Strum, WI Note on memo line: Match Challenge Or donate via our website: Immanuel-strum.com/get-involved.html

2 A Message from Pastor Ken It is with sadness, and with joy, that I share with you all that we have accepted a call to St. Nicholas Lutheran Church in Huntingtown, Maryland. The months leading to my father s death from brain cancer three years ago, and the time since then, I have been longing to be with family members. As many are aware, Mandi is from Maryland, and so, we will be surrounded by her dad and extended family members. My mom is also planning to move to Maryland, and my half brother lives just north of Baltimore. However, leaving Immanuel will be very difficult for us, as we have grown very close to the members here, and have made many deep friendships. The congregation has treated me and my family very well, and for that I am extremely grateful. My last Sunday will be September 18 th. I will carry you all in my heart. May God s peace and grace continue to guide this congregation to what God has in store for God s mission to this community. Sincerely in Christ. Rev. KD Taylor When a pastor leaves a congregation, the ministry is affected, personal relationships are altered, new roles and responsibilities become apparent. Change is never easy. Our natural reaction to change is grief. People handle grief in a variety of ways. Regardless of how we deal with grief in our lives, we have a unique resource to assist us; Jesus in his death and resurrection. We are a people who have received the benefits of a new life in Christ. His resurrection opens the future for us. As we deal with change, we have a sense of new beginnings and rebirth to encourage us. The transitions we experience in Christ s church are set within our understanding of Christ s resurrection and the hope that comes from that resurrection. We, as Christians, are constantly moving forward and reacting to the world around us through our faith and trust in God, especially in the process of transition. Since the ministry in a congregation includes the entire congregation, the bulk of our strength and potential does not change as our pastor leaves. We need to recognize and celebrate our inherent strength and potential as we give thanks to God for the ministry and leadership Pastor Ken has provided during his tenure. Change and transition are realities in our world, and the church is blessed to have a Savior who knows our grief and fears, and who loves us into the future as we continue to serve him. We live with encouragement, hope, and rebirth. Five years ago Pastor Ken was called to be our pastor: to proclaim God s Word, to baptize new members into the Church of Jesus Christ, to announce God s forgiveness to us, and to preside at our celebrations of the Lord s Supper. With the Gospel he has comforted us in times of sickness and trouble, and at the death of our loved ones. Sharing our joys and sorrows, he and his family have been an integral part of our lives, of this Church, and of service to this community. May grace and peace be with him and his family in all their future endeavors. S E PT EM BE R Page 2

3 Memorials Judy Back (Mar 18) Hamlin Cemetery Ronnie & Julia Bjorgo Ernest Myhers (June 27) St. Paul's Cemetery Spencer Bradison General Fund Dale & Charlene Olsen Window Fund LaVerne & Ruth Gullicksrud Bob Schmidt (July 4) General Fund Debra Ottestad Music Fund Paul & Jeanette Tobiason Strum Food Pantry Rachael Herman Paul Eide (July 7) General Fund Tom & Gloria Wagener Don & Harriet Gilbertson Karin Back & Family Joanne Brion Chip & Phyllis Donna Hanson Emily, Ryan & Beth Knutson Don & Judy Haukeness Ralph & Ann Kisor Wes & Jean Nelson Dale & Linda Franson Delores Sather Tom & Debbie Bilski Jim & Barbara Nicolet Howard & Ramona Hanson Chuck & Diane Thronson Mike & Mary Peterson Mark & Vickie Hanson George & Lois Johnson Clark & Yvonne Williams Jim Tocko Butch Back John & Mary Stendahl Junior & Janet Skoug Java & Jane Bergerson Marion Thronson Kurt & Tonya Tonn & Boys Bob & Helen Toft Wil & Joan Guenther Florine Koxlien Fricky & Janice Back Doug & Tracy Tollefson Mark & Tracy Rogness & Family Dennis & Maxine Ulberg Ardell & Wyllis Olson Blake & Jenny Insteness Bernie & Lucille Davis Ray & Roxie Severson Henry & Gracia Anderson family Esther Hjemboe Inez Abraham Dorothy Hulberg Don & Nancy Winter Jerry & Roxie Fenske Frances Eide Bob & Gloria Anderson Louise Halverson Todd Halverson Sheryl Ellwood Norm & Coryne Tom Moats Family Jeff & Cheri Moats JoAnn Moats Jenelle Lundgren Family Rolf & Barb Kleven Rom & Karin Nelson Gary & Mary Rambo Barry & Julie Yule Sue Haydysch Tony & Tina Bourget Family Lois Hulberg Pete & June Grant Joe & Mary Rindal Eric & Karen Franson Nancy Myhers Jeff & Marilyn Van Pelt Gary & Roseann Monson Hope & Bruce Fiedler Matt & Ronnette Nelson Margaret Hill George & Lenore Heinemann Bob & Jill Olson Roger, Kathy & Grace Joan Brenengen Judy Owens Janet Cole Daneen & Lynn Norheim Todd, Jill & Brock Horel Ed & Judy Olson Darlene Insteness Joyce Schmidt Jim, Vickie & Jeremy Shermo Omar & Ruth Engen Ede Fenske Shirley & Dale Myren Janet Higley Debbie Martinson Dave & Jean Herman Bob & Lyn Schlink Kurt & Joan Tonn Allen & Kay Hardy Arnie Zimmerman Ronnie & Julia Bjorgo Jill Preston Joyce Johnston Don Eide Jerry & Jackie Hill Clarice Bergerson Norma Berge Doris Anderson Hensel & Betty Vold Dave & Colleen Berge Paul & Mary Gullicksrud Sherman, Janice & John Kilness Ted & Kristie Morgan Karen Alanko Steve Berg & Madeline Virginia Howard A. Amundson & D. Edelfelt Peter, Rita & Marie Berge Duane & Connie Gullicksrud Window Fund Ruth Gullicksrud Ron & Patty Runkel Music Fund Paul & Jeanette Tobiason Lyle & Ellen Heck Jim & Judy Foss Ron & Char Myhers St. Paul's Cemetery Dale & Charlene Olsen Ted & Ruth Gilbertson Spencer Bradison West Beef River Cemetery Mary Salava Edith Olson Tony Monson Family Pat Tollefson Friends of Strum Library Kris, Diane, Paige & Brady Monson West Slope Food Bank Bob Indrebo Hospice Arlene Prissel Page 3 T HE CHUR CH M ESSE NGER

4 Memorials (Continued) Dyslexia Center Garry & Sonie Hageness Strum Food Pantry Rachael Herman Gideon Bibles Ellen Halverson Trinity of Norden Altar Guild Dave & Jean Larson Eleva Lutheran - Partners in Praise Choir Bill & Chris Smith Eleva Lutheran - Debt Retirement Inez Semingson Mayo Cancer Center Sid & Lois Semingson Faye Baumgarten Bonnie Miles Lois Kramschuster Roger & Joanne Flaten Jane Crawford Mark Gamroth Charlie & Gayle Anderson Lon & Carly Allen Bill Sterry Family Bill & Audrey Englesby Lola Englesby Larry & Carol Hoffstatter Kelly Aardapple Pat & Mary Gentry Doug & Jen Thorson John & Kathy Turba Linda Sarnstrom Barb Spriggle Mike & Lavonne Brott Jim & Joyce Bauer Eric & Krista Semingson Gene & Carol Pulvermacher Al Hulberg Family Mike Kilness Lori Kilness Tim & Ruth Kilness Ken & Sue Moats Carroll & Jane Enos Karin Hill & Dawn Tim & Amy Lima Family Chad Skogstad Ed & Ida Ross Marvilla Zittel David Maug Randy Schaefer Family Henry & Lois Schlattman Gary & Karen Barneson Dave Stalheim Family Jennifer Amundson MEMORIAL FUNDS: Cemetery Funds: Hamlin Cemetery St. Paul s Cemetery (Strum) West Beef River Cemetery Immanuel Lutheran Church: Building Fund Community Dinners (Village Café), Community Cupboard Food Dist. Creative Beginnings Daughters of the King/Jr. DOK Endowment Fund Social Concerns Strum Area Food Pantry General Fund Library Music Fund Sunday School Window Fund Youth Fund WELCA When writing a check, please make the check payable to the individual memorial fund. Birthdays - September Mark Gullicksrud... 1 Edward Olson... 1 Annika Skoug... 1 Mark Hanson... 2 Emmee Stendahl... 2 Kevin Skoug... 3 Margaret Hill... 4 Kay Hardy... 5 Joyce Schmidt... 5 Theodore Gilbertson... 6 Judy Olson... 6 Kye Back... 7 Peter Berge... 7 Eric Boehne... 7 Xander Franzwa... 7 Kris Husby... 7 Dale Myren... 7 Clover Bauer... 8 Theresa Olson... 9 Brooke Bauer Cruz Bjorgo Ruth Eide Scott Herman Steven Rupnick Vickie Hanson Clarence Maug Maiya McSorley Ronald Runkel McKenzie Skoug Brock Stendahl Eddie Brixen Ted Wall Tyler Hazelton Kaela Stendahl Xavier Franzwa Kallista Hering Michael Olson Avery Glenz Sue Thompson Dale Olsen Shirley Myren Mandy Kensmoe Paul Gullicksrud Marlene Onstad S E PT EM BE R Page 4

5 Financial Report - July 2016 Jul 1 - Jul 2 General Fund Contributions... $ Expenses... ($454.10) Net Income (Loss)... $90.90 Jul 3 - Jul 9 General Fund Contributions... $6, Expenses... ($1,690.15) Net Income (Loss)... $4, Jul 10 - Jul 16 General Fund Contributions... $4, Expenses... ($5,164.49) Net Income (Loss)... ($933.49) Jul 17 - Jul 23 General Fund Contributions... $4, Expenses... ($1,284.89) Net Income (Loss)... $3, Jul 24 - Jul 30 General Fund Contributions... $1, Expenses... ($184.72) Net Income (Loss)... $1, July 31 General Fund Contributions... $3, Expenses... ($7,521.77) Net Income (Loss)... ($4,340.27) Total Contributions... $20, Total Expenses... ($16,300.12) Net Income (Loss)... $4, Liabilities (Line-of-Credit) Balance, Jul $7, Restricted Fund Accounts Building Fund Beginning Balance, Jul 1 $1, Receipts $20.00 Disbursements ($145.00) Ending Balance, Jul 31 $1, Daughters of the King Beginning Balance, Jul 1 $69.45 Receipts $0.00 Disbursements ($0.00) Ending Balance, Jul 31 $69.45 Library Fund Beginning Balance, Jul 1 $ Receipts $0.00 Disbursements ($0.00) Ending Balance, Jul 31 $ Music Fund Beginning Balance, Jul 1 $1, Receipts $ Disbursements ($0.00) Ending Balance, Jul 31 $1, Contributions & Expenses Comparison Average per month January - June Contributions 14, , , Expenses 16, , , Percent of Monthly Budget Allowance General Fund Contributions % Other Contributions % Benevolences... 0% General Operating Expenses % Ministry % Office % Pastor % Payroll % Property % Utilities % Condensed P&L for July 2016 General Fund Contributions 20, Benevolences 0.00 General 1, Ministry Office Pastor 6, Payroll 5, Property Utilities 1, Total Expenses 16, Net Income (Loss) 4, Social Concerns Beginning Balance, Jul 1 $1, Receipts $84.30 Disbursements ($0.00) Ending Balance, Jul 31 $1, Sunday School Beginning Balance, Jul 1 $ Receipts $10.00 Disbursements ($0.00) Ending Balance, Jul 31 $ Window Fund Beginning Balance, Jul 1 $4, Receipts $50.00 Disbursements ($11.69) Ending Balance, Jul 31 $4, Youth Fund Beginning Balance, Jul 1 $3, Receipts $0.00 Disbursements ($0.00) Ending Balance, Jul 31 $3, Page 5 T HE CHUR CH M ESSE NGER

6 Council Minutes - July 2016 July 12, 2016 Meeting called to order at 7:00pm Members present: Michelle Peaslee, Kate Back, Camille Skoug, Dan Bjerke, Jim Tocko, Howard Hanson. Members absent: Pastor Ken Approval of May council minutes: Approved Approval of May Treasurer s report: Approved by Camille Skoug and second by Dan Bjerke. Approval of June Treasurer s report: Approved by Howard Hanson and second by Kate Back. Old business: The church will be looking into and voting on a projector rather than a TV. Three new air conditioners were generously donated by a member of the congregation. New Business: Sara Heck would like to do a time and talent survey during the semi-annual meeting on July 31, Church will try and do more acoustic Sundays. In the process of developing a youth committee Treasurer will be appointed one more year, so that the treasurer and president s election years correspond with each other. The Community Cupboard Food Distribution will be doing a fundraising program in cooperation with Feed My People called Food for More. For every dollar donated, Feed My People will donate one pound of food up to 5,000 pounds. The new electronic giving system is up and running. Closing Prayer Adjournment: 7:50pm Warmest Regards, Kate Back Immanuel Lutheran Church Semi-annual Meeting July 31, 2016 Opening Prayer: Pastor Ken New Business: Election of council member: Char Myhers: Motion made to approve by Camille Skoug and second by Kevin Skoug. Extending Treasure s term by one year so that election of Treasurer and President coincide according to constitution: Motion made to approve by Kevin Skoug and second by Bob. Kate Back will serve another two year term as secretary: Motion made to approve by Kevin Skoug and second by Char Myhers. Church will investigate cost of projector and installation and will present it to church members: motion made by Tom Wager and second by Sara Heck. Pastor Ken nominated Matt Nelson to run subcommittee for projector project. Election of Endowment Fund Members: Erin Maki and Virginia Anderson. Motion made to approve by Jane Bergerson and second by Char Myhers. Old Business: Ministry update by Pastor Ken Closing Prayer: Pastor Ken Adjournment: Motion made by Kevin Skoug and second by Pastor Ken Warmest Regards, Kate Back S E PT EM BE R Page 6

7 Daughters of the King GREETINGS FROM YOUR DOK AND JDOK AT ILC Junior Daughters of the King: Sunday, September 11, during Sunday School Registration Hour, the Junior Daughters of the King, Rebekah and Esther Chapter, will have an Information/Sign-Up Table available for any interested girls age (You do not have to belong to ILC to join) Our September schedule begins Wednesdays, September 14 and 21, from 3:30pm to 5pm, with a Candlelight Service scheduled for Sunday, September 25, for any new Juniors-in-Training. This year we will be focusing on the theme of the concepts of the Good Shepherd and the 23rd Psalm, and how they can affect our lives. Among other things, we will learn how to serve others through Service Projects to the Nursing Home, the Family Circle, and other Projects across the World; we will learn different ways to pray by weaving prayer looms, making Protestant Prayer rosaries, singing for Sunday Services, and discovering Prayer Labyrinths. We will have our 3rd Annual Lock-In in February; and some of us will go to the Province 5 Assembly/Retreat in Michigan, in April! These are only a few of the things our Junior Daughters do during the next year. So, if you are (or know of) a girl age 7-21, who is interested in belonging to a group that allows you to grow and share in Christian faith and still have fun; study the Bible; and pray for the community and the world. Come and try us out! We can help you put prayers into action through Service Projects and other activities throughout the year. Sign up Sunday, Sept. 11 during SS Registration Day at our Information Table or call the Church Office for Information ( ) or call Sara Heck for information ( ) Senior Daughters of the King, Ruth Chapter: One of the things I love about the DOK is the Motto of both the senior DOK and the JDOK. I like to read it often to remind myself why I am a Daughter and to sometimes put things into perspective. I'd like to share it with you: for His sake I am one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do. Lord, what will you have me do? These are simple, but powerful words. The DOK can help you unlock your passion for the Lord through Prayer, Service, and Evangelism. If these words speak to you, come and join us at our monthly meeting. Our next meeting is Saturday, September 17 at 1pm at Sara Heck's th Ave N #5, Strum. Call if you need details fhs Sara Heck President DOK Ruth Chapter Co-Directress Rebekah and Esther JDOK Chapter Page 7 T HE CHUR CH M ESSE NGER

8 WELCA Dear Friends in Christ, Wednesday, September 7 at 1:30pm, WELCA will hold its monthly business meeting. This is a slight change from the printed calendar you received in January. We had to switch our usual September Chanhassen Bus Trip with the November business meeting, because the musical that was playing in September was one we had already seen. Instead, we will be going to the musical in November. At the September business meeting, we will be discussing: Programs for 2017; electing officers for 2017 (rescheduled from August); discussing updates of the ILC/WELCA Constitution; as well as discussing updating Serving Groups and rotation of Serving Group Chairs. The Apple Pie Project is well on its way, with new apples, boxes, and pans ordered. The dates are set for October 3, 4, & 5. On Monday morning, Oct. 3rd, we will need volunteers to assemble 400 boxes; then Tuesday and Wednesday we will need men, and women; boys and girls to peel, roll, assemble, crimp, and so on. Watch the church bulletin for more information, and the Information Table in the Narthex/Main Entrance for Sign-Up Sheets. Colleen Berge, Judy Foss, and Jean Nelson are our Apple Pie experts this year! Thank you to Serving Groups 3, 5, & 6 and 1, 4, & 8 who served in July. Once again, your loving Service helped families in a time of need and was truly appreciated. By the way, I have noticed that there are many, many bowls and cake pans in the church kitchen which do not belong there! I believe they are left over from the many serving events we have had these last 2 years or so. Please check the kitchen and find out if you have a missing pan or bowl there AND TAKE IT HOME!!!! Also, a few women have brought dishes to events and NOT found them afterwards. If you have mistakenly taken a bowl or pan or plate home, please return it, so the rightful owner can claim it. That being said, I am hoping to give it a few months, and then, after the apple pies are all cleaned up, maybe we can have a kitchen cleanup/rummage sale!! and get rid of the leftovers!! LOOKING AHEAD Sept. 17 Oct. 12 Synod-wide Leadership Training at Central Lutheran, Chippewa Falls Dairyland Conference Officer Leader Training, Pleasant Valley Lutheran, Eleva July 10-16, & 13-16, 2017 WELCA Triennial Convention in Minneapolis M-Th Business for Delegates; Wed-Sat Gathering "All Anew" for all women Registration now open online, shuttles will be available from Eau Claire If you are interested in these events, please contact the church office or Sara Heck or Carolyn Boehne Yours in Christ, Sara Heck WELCA President THE CHURCH MOUSE SAYS: Don't forget to fill out & return a yellow Time & Talents Survey! You can find one on the Information Table at the Church Narthex/Main Entrance. Simply fill it out & put it in the offering plate, or return it to an Usher or to the Office. These Surveys will help put the Gifts God has given us at ILC to the best use for God's service. Thank you! S E PT EM BE R Page 8

9 Worship Assistants GREETERS ALTAR GUILD Sep 4 Dave & Colleen Berge Sep 4 Camille Skoug Sep 11 Dan & Sherry Bjerke Sep 18 Joan Higley Sep 18 Scott & Lois Bloom Robes Lois Johnson Sep 25 Brian & Candace Schadrie Flowers Debbie Kensmoe & Maxine Ulberg READERS USHERS Sep 4 Rosario Mora Bates *Jon Higley, Collin Higley, John, Vince & Sep 11 Ron Myhers Evan Runkel, Jake Runkel Sep 18 Jeanette Berg Sep 25 Colleen Berge *Denotes Team Captain ACOLYTES COFFEE HOUR HOSTS Sep 4 Gracie Hering Sep 4 No Coffee Hour: Labor Day Weekend Sep 11 Andrew Hoch Sep 11 The Schadrie Family & Dan Myren Sep 18 Ethan Karlstad Sep 18 Farewell Brunch (Pastor Ken & Family) Sep 25 Cole Larson Sep 25 Host(s) Needed COMMUNION ASSISTANTS Sep 4 Craig & Jodie Semingson Sep 18 Tom & Gloria Wagener WANTED: Coffee Hour Hosts! Please contact the office at (715) if you would like to volunteer. Thank you! Community Outreach & Food Programs COMMUNITY CUPBOARD FOOD DISTRIBUTION (FIRST TUESDAY): Tuesday, September 6, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Parking is available on Elm Street and along 5th Ave N. Please use the Main entrance on Elm Street and bring a basket or tote with you to carry your items. Volunteers are welcome, and appreciated, to help unload the truck and set up tables at 9:00 a.m. and/or to help distribute the food and clean up. COMMUNITY DINNER (FOURTH SUNDAY) Sunday, September 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. STRUM AREA FOOD PANTRY (FOURTH TUESDAY): Tuesday, September 27, 9 a.m a.m. in the Fireside Room COMMUNITY CLOSET: Gently used clothing of all sizes; children through adult; available to the public free of charge during normal office hours: Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Page 9 T HE CHUR CH M ESSE NGER

10 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 4 9 AM Worship/Holy Communion 10 AM Coffee Hour Host(s) Needed 11 9 AM Worship 10 AM The Schadrie Family & Dan Myren 18 Pastor Ken s Last Day 9 AM Worship/Holy Communion 10 AM Farewell Brunch Fair Trade Coffee Sales 25 9 AM Worship 10 AM Coffee Hour Host(s) Needed 10 AM Sunday School & Confirmation 4:30-6:30 PM Community Dinner 5 Labor Day CBELC & Office Closed 6 9 AM FMP Truck & Set up for food distribution 4:30-6 PM Community Cupboard Food Distribution PM CBELC Board Meeting 7 PM Council Meeting 7 1:30 PM WELCA Business meeting/ programs/constitution/ elections 6:30 PM AGAPE at St. John s Lutheran Church in Eau Claire 14 3:30 PM Jr. DOK AM Martha Circle - Maxine Ulberg AM Food Pantry 3:30 PM Jr. DOK 1 First Day of School for Eleva-Strum 8 9 AM - Noon Quilting 2 Pastor s Sabbath 9 Pastor s Sabbath Pastor s Sabbath 22 9 AM - Noon Quilting Fellowship Hall Rented - 10AM S E PT EM BE R Page 10

11 Announcements A Quick Luther Park Thank You THANK YOU! Luther Park Bible Camp had an incredible summer of ministry and growth. This summer proved that while Bible Camp is most definitely for confirmation age campers, it is also so much more! Campers of all ages from kindergarten day campers through 1st and 2nd grade night campers, on to 3-5th grade week long campers and more, experienced the love and community of Jesus. Our theme of Sailing the High C s taught campers about the characteristics of the God we serve, Creator, Christ, Comforter, God of Community and God Who Calls. Luther Park shared this message with 1047 campers on site as well as 919 in VBS/Day Camps. Our 40 summer staff from 7 countries and 5 states shared the message of Christ. Over the past four years the Luther Park summer program has experienced a 70% growth in minis-try. We are deeply indebted to our partners in ministry, YOU, the local church and membership. We can t begin to thank you enough. Blessings Luther Park Staff Sunday School Due to the recent changes at Immanuel Lutheran, the first day of Sunday School Classes will be Sunday, September 25, 2016 at 10:00 am. There will be Sunday School Registration, following the Worship Service on Sunday, September 18 in the Fellowship Hall. This will be held in conjunction with the Farewell Brunch for Pastor Ken and family. All families of Immanuel are welcome to attend. Sunday School Classes will be held for children in the following grades: 4K/K, 1st/2nd, 3rd/4th and 5th/6th and the Sunday School times will be 10:00-11:00 am. Children will meet in the Chapel for music at 10:00 am, (please do not drop your child/children off before 9:50 am, there will be no adult supervision in the Chapel before 9:50 am). If any ILC members would like to donate items to the Sunday School, we could use washable markers, sharpies, glue & glue sticks, tape, white computer paper, construction paper or gift cards to Wal-Mart or Target. If you have any questions, please contact Sherry or Tera via at ilcsundayschool@yahoo.com, or call/ text Sherry at We are looking forward to a fun and exciting year! Sherry & Tera The Friends of the Library need your help! Crafters are needed for the November 5 th Friends of the Library Craft Show to be held at the strum school. Please contact Dawn Hering at the Strum Library for more information. Confirmation will be starting on Sunday, September 25 at 10 AM following Worship. Students shall meet in the Chapel with the Sunday School for music and then meet in the Fireside Room for classes. Confirmation will meet every Sunday from 10 AM until 11:15/11:30 AM. Registration/information packets will be sent out by September 6th. If you do not receive a packet and have a child in 7th or 8th grade that would like to attend confirmation, please contact Michelle in the church office: Thank you. We are seeking volunteers willing to head up a youth group for grades 7-12, as well as assistants for confirmation. Please contact Michelle in the church office if you are interested. Page 11 T HE CHUR CH M ESSE NGER

12 Immanuel Lutheran Church Welcome to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Strum, Wisconsin! We are a church family of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, who as disciples of Christ, are gathered together to embrace, encourage, and extend faith, hope, and love in Christ. Embrace, encourage, and extend: these three descriptive words sum up the mission of our congregation in following the command of Christ to love one another. Through worship, education, fellowship, and service, we share that love for each other and our community so that lives may be enriched and faith strengthened. Immanuel Lutheran Church is a congregation that is steeped in history while also engaging the context of the village of Strum, the community as a whole, and the world. Come and see! There is a place for you! Immanuel Lutheran Church Pastor... Rev. K D Taylor Parish Administrator... Michelle Peaslee Custodian... Ronnette Nelson Organist/Music Director... Jeanette Tobiason Sunday School Directors... Tera Gullicksrud & Sherry Bjerke Creative Beginnings Early Learning Center Director... Keri Solberg Lead Teacher Monkey Room... Dusti Bolgrin Lead Teacher Lily Pad Room... Kayla Sauers Lead Teacher - Busy Bees Room... Mandi Taylor Lead Teacher Forest Friends Room... Keshia Coleman Council Members President... Jim Tocko Secretary... Kate Back Treasurer... Michelle Peaslee Member-at-large... Dan Bjerke Member-at-large... Howard Hanson Member-at-large... Camille Skoug ILC Office... (715) CBELC Office... (715) Dial-up Service... (715) Immanuel Lutheran Church 109 Elm Street PO Box 98 Strum, WI NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID STRUM, WI PERMIT NO 2