Three-Point Parish Newsletter Bethany, First English and Friends in Christ Lutheran Churches Epistle for June, First English Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 Three-Point Parish Newsletter Bethany, First English and Friends in Christ Lutheran Churches Epistle for June, 2013 Bethany Lutheran Church First English Lutheran Church Friends in Christ Lutheran Church Meets at the DAC Building in Sebeka Sunday Schedule 9:30 Sunday School- 1st & 3rd Sundays Worship 10:30 AM Every Sunday th St. Menahga, MN Sunday Schedule 8:30 Worship 9:45 Sunday School 9:45 Coffee Fellowship 17 Main St. NW Menahga, MN Sunday Schedule 9:30 Worship Sunday School & Fellowship following worship 305 5th St SW Sebeka, MN Members of Mission Statement Bethany, First English & Friends in Christ Lutheran Churches are a caring, inclusive Christian Community dedicated to Word and Sacrament ministry; Growing in Christ; Sharing the faith; Serving our neighbors; and Supporting each other. Phone: ~ Fax: ~ Parsonage: ~ febeth@wcta.net PO Box 189 ~ Menahga, MN Senior Pastor Steven Bruer padrebruer@wcta.net Associate Pastor Michael McIlheran pastormike@wcta.net Parish Secretary Dayna Anderson Bethany Council President Art Yliniemi Bethany Organists Shirley Anderson Sandi Mickelson Jason Wright Dale Lubitz First English Administrative Board President Marie Henstorf First English Pianist Jason Wright First English Custodian Tim Ellingson The Epistle and weekly bulletins are also available online at: Friends in Christ Board of Trustees President Tim Puttonen

2 Pastor s Perspective... May 14 th is a day that many of us around here will remember for a long, long time. For it was on this day that a huge wildfire swept across our area destroying 12 homes and many other buildings. This was something we never imagined could happen in our area. As everyone knows, we had lots of snow still on the ground in early May. Many sporting events were delayed until the snow was gone. We began to think that we were going to go right to summer & skip spring. And maybe the spring sports season would be cancelled. Then we had a week of 70s and 80s and thought, Finally, spring is here! The snow disappeared, the ground was drying out and things were beginning to look up. Little did we know that this wasn t exactly the case. You see, with the ground drying out, it became ripe for some unforeseen disaster like a fire. And wham! It happened. We were at Underwood just finishing up our JV softball game. I remember a parent coming up to me wondering if we were going to stop to eat. I said yes but also noticed some nervousness in her voice. So I asked her what was wrong. She told me that wildfires were raging in the Menahga area & homes were in danger of being lost. Now, I was getting scared as well. We decided not to stop to eat because of the events going on at home & all the players agreed. We could see the cloud of smoke hovering over Menahga as we made our way home. Scary sight! Half way home our athletic director called & informed us that we were going to the Sebeka High School instead of coming home to Menahga. He said that some of Menahga was being evacuated. Now we were all getting worried. The fires raged, the nursing home folks were being evacuated to Sebeka as were others. Evacuations of those within 5 miles of fires! Advance forward a few days. More than 53 fire departments from all around the state assisted in tirelessly fighting the fires as did the DNR, Forestry Service, and Wildfire Response teams, along with numerous other folks. All said, 12 homes were destroyed, & 40 some outbuildings were also lost. But the greatest news from it all: No lives were lost! Only some minor injuries. Folks were able to get out ahead of the raging fires to safety. Praise God! I believe this is God and His Spirit truly at work. Although the fire departments couldn t save every building, they did save many & for that we say thanks to them & to God for watching over everyone during this time of fear. Don t forget to thank any firefighter for the hard, tiring work they did. I still stand in awe of how the communities of Menahga and Sebeka came together during a time of disaster. I am so grateful for this, because as many know, Menahga & Sebeka are rivals in the sports scenes. When it came to a disaster like this, we all came together. I am also awed how so many other folks from the many agencies from all over the state that were here, came and together fought these horrible wildfires. More evidence of God at work! To me, this truly is sign that God continues to work in and through people from all over no matter what. As God has just given us the gift of His Spirit, may we all give thanks that He is still in control! Because He has preserved us, may we all make it a priority to come & worship and give thanks for His providence over us!! Remember to pray for those who lost homes!!!! See you all in worship Sunday, Pastor Steve Why Do Bad Things Happen By Pastor Mike McIlheran Sirens sounded. The sky grew dark. Trees exploded. And homes disappeared. Thousands of acres of trees and prairie grass went up in flames taking over 50 homes and buildings with it. I arrived two days later, after putting up with poor visibility and the smell of smoke throughout the Twin Cities. I arrived expecting to see controlled chaos, National Guard troops, and choking smoke. A mile out, I wondered if, in fact, I was in the right town. The skies were blue and the traffic normal. I wondered if I had dreamt news reports of a wildfire in my new home. As it turned out the Holy Spirit had things well in hand. Fire fighters were containing the fire. The Spirit was already at work in the community. Items were being collected to help those who lost everything. Donations were being accepted. Those damaged the most had people they didn t know just hand them clothes or gift cards or money. Minnesota nice became the rule. The destructive power of the fire was quickly replaced by a boom to the town. The Shell station was lined with fire vehicles fueling up. The Cenex and Cottage House had lines for food. Out-of-towners were discovering our top secret bakery and vowing to return. It took me 15 minutes to turn right out of Chucks. There were that many people coming to check out the city. The stories of heroes who helped evacuate the nursing home until 3 a.m., who gave up their time to help others, filled TV and radio stations broadcast in several states. People discovered that the Spirit was alive and well in Menahga, MN. Why does God let speed bumps fill our lives? He provides us with opportunities to show off His mercy and hope. If we think back to the things that have gone sour in our lives, we will soon discover that we came out better on the other side of the storm. The death of my first wife, Brenda, was a devastating and nearly crippling disaster in my life. I sat for days and weeks, just going through the motions, numb inside. If that had not happened, my faith would not have increased like it has. Further, I would not have met Debra. I would not be serving Him in Menahga and Sebeka. This month let us give thanks for the lousy moments in our lives. In the end, they have made us better, stronger, and closer to God. And that, my friends, is exactly where we want to be!

3 First English Lutheran Church Administrative Board Meeting ~ May 1, 2013 Present: Pastor Steve, Roger H., Marie H., Marlene S., Corrine N., Dick D., Ariana W., Sara M., Clarita D. Absent: Brian J. Devotions by Pastor Steve: Fear of the Holy Spirit too logical and not enough emotional! Remain open and teachable, to challenge people with new thoughts and experiences. Secretary s report read and approved. Treasurer s report read and approved. Committee Reports: Youth- Sara: Fundraising-clean ditches on May 15 th for First National Bank, May 18 th yard clean-up by the hour, spring cleaning at the church for a donation, June 8 th Pork Dinner & Kiss the Cow, selling coupon books for $8.00., possibly putting docks in and out. Building & Grounds-Dick: Awning needs to be fixed, need a clearance sign. Parking lot is damaged, Dick will find out cost to repair. Dick will turn on sprinklers Education-Sara: Last Sunday School day is May 12, will be a fun day for the kids. Pancake Breakfast is May 11 th from 8:00 to 10:30 AM. Evangelism-Corrine: Has people to donate for wellness kits. Memorial Committee-Roxanne/Marie: Looking at getting a new advent wreath, maybe just new wicks. Old Business: 1. Auction is May 19 th, Joint service is at 10:30, lunch following, auction after lunch. Need flyers done for Auction. Dick will grill. Looking for more donations. 2. Time & Abilities Sheets-Sara will have the youth hand them out during services. New Business: 1. Sara suggested a care package/basket for new babies. 2. Pastor Steve will be gone Sunday, Tim Kohrs will be leading the service. 3. Thank you to the congregation for all the contributions to the Building Fund and other things they do, we will have an appreciation day at a later date. 4. $50 cost for clean up from local funeral homes. 5. Lynn will be selling pop and water at the parade. 6. Talk about LCMC sign for outside & inside at next meeting. Next meeting is June 5, Parish Executive Committee meets at 6:00 PM. Ariana will do devotions next month. Meeting adjourned. Submitted by Clarita Dodge/Dick Dissmore Disciples of First English: Please fill out your Time & Abilities sheet and drop it off in the church office or send it back to us as soon as possible. If you did not receive one, there are extras available at the church. ~ Thank you! NEEDED: Looking for people interested in serving on the Evangelism Committee for First English. Please contact Corrine or contact the church office. NEEDED: The First English Memorial Committee is looking for a new Treasurer. Please contact Roxanne Gilbert if you are interested.

4 First English Women FIRST ENGLISH WOMEN S EXECUTIVE BOARD Thursday, May 16th, :00 PM Devotions were given by Marlene Schiotz. Secretary s report read & approved. Treasurer s report read & approved. Church Auction fund goes to church fund. Funeral Committee needs 1 more member. Will distribute quilts to fire victims. Auction-Sunday, May 19th, checked the menu, no carrots. Midsummer Picnic-July6th, Price-$8.00 Adults, $5.00-ages 5 to 10, under 5 Free, gluten free available. Same menu as last year-pot roast beef sandwiches, hot dogs, coleslaw, baked beans, potato chips, pickled beets, dill pickles, cookies, fruit cup, iced tea, lemonade, milk, coffee. Chondra Pierce I m Kind of a Big Deal video to be held at Woodside Manor on June 18th at 6:00 PM, Root Beer Floats will be served. The next meeting is on Thursday, June 13th, at 4:00 PM The meeting closed with the Lord's Prayer. Lucille Erickson, Secretary WoW Bible Studies Woodside Manor Bible Study will be held on the first Monday of each month at Woodside Manor Day room at 10:00am. Grab & Study Bible Study will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at the church at 6:00pm. If you want to bring your supper do so. Night of Laughter June 19 th Woodside Manor Day Room 6;00pm CHONDA PIERCE I M KIND OF A BIG DEAL Christian comedian Chonda Pierce is back with sensational side splitting stories. Blending downright funny observations with eternal truths, she delivers hilarious tales about her trip to Middle East war zones, ministering to supermodels & cheerleaders. This Queen of Clean Comedy is sure to make you laugh. Invite a friend to this evening of fellowship and laughter. COMING MIDSUMMER PICNIC JULY 6 th Sign-up sheets will be available June 9 th Ice Cream Buckets needed WOW MISSIONS We will continue to collect Baby Care Kits items over the summer. You may pick up a list of items needed from the Play & Pack in the Narthex. Why Baby Care Kit (BCK): BCK s from LWR is like a promise. It says to that baby your needs will not be neglected by this world. You matter to us. When we send BCK s we provide encouragement by welcoming these little ones into an international community that cares. BCK s are distributed as part of emergency & relief efforts, to be sure, but they are also given out as part of LWR health initiatives to encourage women to seek prenatal care. One such initiative in Mali provided training for local prenatal health caseworkers who were given BCK s to distribute when they assisted with births, giving the new born a healthy start in life. Hope you will join us in this effort!

5 BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING ~ May 8, 2013 MEMBERS PRESENT: Art Yliniemi, Evelyn Meech, Ron Munger, Lianna Vry, Pastor Mike, Mark and Kris Spadgenske. Art called the mtg to order and Pastor Mike opened with prayer. Secretary s Report: Mark made a motion to approve and Ron seconded. Motion carried. Treasurer s Report: Ron made a motion to approve and Lianna seconded. Motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Social Ministry Lynette: No new report. Stewardship Art: No new report. Education Lianna: Mother s Day will be the last of Sunday School. Flowers will be handed out. Will re-evaluate Sunday School program this summer. It was noted that we have children from our congregation who attend the JAM (Jesus and Me) program at the Methodist Church in Menahga after school. Worship Ron: Sandi will be playing organ now that they are back. Will incorporate at least one new song each worship. Agreed bibles are working well. Ottesons are confirmed to perform at Bethany on October 6 at 7:00p.m. Evangelism Dale: Bible drive continues in May to collect extra bibles. Buildings and Grounds Mark: Will fill in sunk in graves. Will ask LYO to clean church yard and cemetery. Will check with Anderson s about doing lawn care. Pastor s Report: Pastor Mike handed out a sheet that he and Pastor Steve complied that included items that were non-negotiable, things we are still wrestling with and then things they would like to see happen. The council had good discussion about these items and agree that our church is moving in the right direction. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Schmoll s Mission: Mark made a motion to give $ to their mission work. Ron seconded. Motion carried. 2. LYO Spring Clean-Up Day is May 18. Ron made a motion to give $ to the youth for cleaning cemetery and church yard. Art seconded. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Prayer chain: Ron will work on updating the prayer chain lists. 2. Next meeting is June 12 at 7:00p.m. 3. Kathy Yliniemi volunteered to take over organizing the Fall Festival. 4. May 19 Bethany will share worship services at FE at 10:30 and will enjoy lunch and auction following worship. 5. LCMC gathering is October 6-9. They have a facebook page. Encourage members to think about attending. 6. Discussed sponsoring programming on Christian radio stations 91.5, and This will be brought up to the executive committee that represents all three churches about doing this as a 3 point parish. 7. Will have Lynette look into the Wadena and Becker County Crisis and Referral Program. Pastor Mike closed meeting with an inspirational reading and the Lord s Prayer. Respectively Submitted by Kristine Spadgenske, Secretary. Disciples of Bethany: There are Time & Talent Sheets at Bethany, please fill one out and drop it off in the church office, in the offering plate or send it back to us as soon as possible. ~ Thank you!

6 Parish Report: FIRST ENGLISH Attendance 4/28/13 86 General $ Loose $ Food Shelf $ Missions $ Building $ $ 2, /5/13 65 General $ Loose Offering $ World Hunger $ Building $ $ 2, /12/ General $ Food Shelf $ Loose Offering $ 9400 Building $ $ 1, /19/13 88 General $ Loose Offering $ Auction $ Building $ $ 1, First English 6th Annual Auction Auction Items $ Donations $ Lunch $ $ 2, The First English - Bethany - Friends in Christ LYO is selling Cenex Coupon Books. The Cost is $8.00 Each and there is around $35.00 in savings in each book. If you are interested in purchasing a book, please see any LYO member or Sara Makela or the church office. BETHANY Attendance 4/28/13 32 Adults 8 Youth General $ Memorials $ Missions $ 5.00 $ 1, /5/13 20 Adults 3 Youth General $ /12/13 36 Adults 12 Youth General Missions $ $ $ /19/13 No Church Thank you to Lynette Hilden for the memorial gift to the Bethany Parament Fund and the Bethany Cemetery in honor of Ed Hilden. Thank you to Arnold & Rose Thompson for the gift to the Bethany Cemetery in honor of Ed Hilden. Ruby s Pantry next distribution is Saturday, June 15, Registration is at 8:00 am at First English Lutheran Church and distribution is at 9:30 am at the Catholic Church. If you are interested in volunteering please be at the Catholic Church around 8:00 A.M. A Big Thank You to the following youth who helped clean in front of the First English Church: Vaughn Massie, Hailey Usher, Kristian Kocurek, Maia Shepersky & Kate Spadgenske. Thank you also to Carol & Russell Olson for the donation of the flowers planted in front of church, the planting was done by Mavis Mattila. Remember in Prayer: Those Graduating from High School & College Wildfire Victims Firefighters & all other personnel that fought the fires Menahga & Sebeka communities working together Lois Peterson Dean Mickelson Harold Koski Irene Dempsey Toni Parsons (granddaughter of Melvin & Marjorie Schwartz Tim Puttonen Neil Paulson Don Puttonen Tami (Yliniemi) Evans Dale Albert Willie Bristlin Rosie Anderson Ramona Olson Mike Albert Audrey Johnson Arlene Antilla Maryann Lusti Carol Alm Kathy Yliniemi Mary Ann Yliniemi Ralph Cox Susan Gullekson Einard Koskiniemi Our Country & Military Our Churches, Pastors, Leaders and Staff The Direction of our Churches in Today s Society

7 BETHANY, FIRST ENGLISH, FRIENDS IN CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCHES 17 Main St. NW PO Box 189 MENAHGA, MN Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE Menahga, MN Permit NO. 3 LYO PORK DINNER June 8th, :00 to 7:00 PM First English Lutheran Church Tickets are $8.00 in Advance $9.00 at the Door Pork, Baked Potato, Salad, Vegetable, Dinner Roll, Dessert & Beverage KISS THE COW - LYO Fundraiser There are jars at each church labeled with Pastor Steve, Pastor Mike, Sara Makela, Tim Puttonen, Brian Johnson, Art Yliniemi, and Dick Dissmore. The person with the most money in their jar on June 8th at the Pork Dinner will be kissing Callie the Cow! All proceeds from the Pork Dinner and Kiss the Cow will be going towards the First English- Bethany-Friends in Christ Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO). They are raising funds to be able to go to the Annual Youth Gathering in St. Louis in late June.