First English Lutheran Church & Bethany Lutheran Church. Epistle. August 31, Bethany Lutheran Church. First English Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 First English Lutheran Church & Bethany Lutheran Church Epistle August 31, 2011 First English Lutheran Church Bethany Lutheran Church Sunday Schedule Worship 8:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship Following Worship Sunday Schedule Worship 10:30 a.m. 17 Main St. NW Menahga, MN th St. Menahga, MN Mission Statement First English and Bethany 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 Pastor s padrebruer@wcta.net PO Box 189 Menahga, MN Pastor Steven Bruer Parish Secretary Dayna Anderson First English Custodian Clayton Ellingson First English Pianist Jason Wright First English Council President Roger Hollerud Bethany Council President Art Yliniemi Bethany Organists Shirley Anderson Sandi Mickelson Members of

2 Pastor s Perspective... For my article this month, I wanted to share with you what Marlene Schiotz said during the dedication of the flower box beneath the altar at First English. I feel it speaks loudly about our walk with Christ in our journey here on earth. It speaks not only to the disciples of First English but also to all who call themselves Christian. Please read and see if you don t agree. First English Women s Board felt there should be something each Sunday at the Altar area. There is a sign up sheet on the rolling board for people to sign up to place flowers at the Altar. There was a committee chosen that consisted of Marie Hensdorf, Kathy Maurer, our arrangement expert, and myself took on the challenge. We wanted something more than just an arrangement of various greenery. We started out by looking up what plants are mentioned in the scriptures. Did you know there are 25 some plants that are named? So many of the greenery we used resemble plants of the area where Jesus walked. We also picked John 15:5 as a theme verse. I am the vine you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in them will bear much fruit, for you can do nothing without me. This verse is represented by the vines, grapes and branches that are present in the arrangement. Page 2 Third: we need to participate in the Sacrament of Communion. John 6:56 says He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in Me and I in them. This is the reason you see the grapes and wheat displayed in this arrangement. As we tried to find a container for this arrangement there were none that fit our expectations. Marie then volunteered Roger to build one. He went beyond our expectations. Thank you Roger. The cross reminds us that Christ died on the cross for you and me so we can have life eternal. A gift we cannot pay back. The dove reminds us of the gift of the Holy Spirit that God promised each of us which gives us the strength to abide in Christ. In John 14:16-17 Jesus says, I will ask the Father and He will give you a Helper, that he may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. As you look at this arrangement may we ask our self: is Christ a priority in our lives? Why ask this question? 1 John 2:28 says So now little children abide in Him so that when He appears we may have the confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. Jesus wants us to bear much fruit and to be productive in our Christian walk. There are many false vines that draw our attention away from this productive walk; such vines could be our job, our recreation, our hobbies, and our families. So how do you and I abide in Christ. One: we need to be in His Word. Second: as Pastor Steve reminded each of us in the last Epistle the importance of Worship and Christian fellowship. Worship is not what we get out of the service but it is a time we give back to God through praise, thanksgiving and our tithes. So there you have it! Put Christ first in your life, be his vines, and look at what he can do for you. See you all in worship on Sunday, Pastor Steve

3 Parish Report: FIRST ENGLISH Attendance 7/31 73 General $ Loose $ Building $ Missions $ Memorial $ Food Shelf $ $ 1, /7 68 General $ Loose $ Building $ $ 2, /14 56 General $ Loose $ 5.00 Food Shelf $ Building $ $ /21 79 General $ 1, Loose $ World Hunger $ 5.00 Building $ $ 1, /28 73 General $ Loose $ Building $ $ 1, First English Lutheran Church Financial Update for August Offerings & Income: $8, Salaries & Expenses: $8, Difference of: - $ General Fund as of 8/31/11: $ Corinthians 9.7: Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. BETHANY Attendance 7/31 22 General $ Mission $ 4.00 Church Repairs $ $ /7 27 Adults 8 Children General $ Church Repair $ Buildings & Grounds $ Memorial $ Missions $ $ /14 23 Adults 7 Children General $ 1, Building $ Missions $ 4.00 $ 1, /21 27 Adults 4 Children General $ Missions $ $ /28 66 General $ 1, Missions $ Memorial $ Church Repair $ $ 1, Bethany Lutheran Church Auction Sale Auction $1, Ice Cream $ Pop $ Bake Sale $22.81 Lunch $ Total $2, Page 3 Remember in Prayer: Family of Gladys Kimball Family of Wally Ahlf Don Meech Family of Eugene Tangen Duane Sell Colton Polman Mike Albert Agnes Lindroos Jack Knapp Kevin & Connie Johnson Sharon Koski Ernie Trimble Mike Mickelson Ione Ellingson Pastor Bob Smith Susan Gullekson Einard Koskiniemi Marilyn Olson Myrtle Tangen Martin Olson Claire Polman (Sheila Bower s Father) All our Military Our Churches Our Pastor Our Church Leaders Our Staff Thank you to Millie Hendrickson and Rosella Mickelson for the memorial gifts in honor of Frances Torma. Thank you to the Mickelson Family for the gift of the paraments in honor of Elsie Mickelson.

4 First English Women s News FIRST ENGLISH WOMEN S EXECUTIVE BOARD August 18, 2011 Marlene Schiotz led devotions and prayer. Correspondence: A LCMC one day retreat on September 24 at Lake Elmo. If interested, contact Marlene Schiotz. Treasurer s Report: Marlene Salo handed out the summary of the Mid-Summer Feast. Donations were down from last year, but it still took care of most expenses. The Food Shelf, the Building Fund, the Women s General Fund, and Women s Special Projects will each receive $ Motion to accept treasurer s report by Marlene Schiotz and a second by Marie H. Motion passed. A motion by Marlene Salo to put all monies from circles to special projects with a second by Arlette M. Motion passed. Discussion was held on funerals. Marie H. recommended having 3 roasters of scalloped potatoes for serving 100 or more. An invoice for dishwasher supplies was presented and Marie H. made a motion to transfer $500 from the funeral fund to the kitchen fund to pay this expense. Marlene Salo seconded. Motion passed. The meetings for the new Women s Bible Studies showed 12 people interested at Woodside Manor and 15 people for the evening. After reviewing several Bible Studies, it was decided to order Portraits of Jesus. Discussion held on who is responsible for the care of live flowers, and was tabled for next month. After discussing the possibility of forming a new board, it was decided to keep the some for now. The movie Dandelion Dust will be shown for our first women s group at Woodside Manor at 6:30 at a date to be determined. Next meeting is September 15 at 4:00 pm. Closed with Lord s Prayer. Marie Henstorf, Acting Secretary First English Women s Fellowship Activity Tuesday, September 27th at 6:00 PM Day Room at Woodside Manor Movie & Root Beer Floats The movie we will be watching is Like Dandelion Dust based on the Novel by Karen Kingsbury. Academy Award Winner Mira Sorvino is amazing and Golden Globe nominee Barry Pepper is stunning in this emotionally gripping drama. Mira and Barry star as Rip and Wendy Porter, a working class couple trying to regain custody of Joey, the young son Wendy gave up for adoption when Rip went to prison seven years earlier. But Joey s adoptive parents will stop at nothing to ensure that the small boy stays in the only home he s ever known. Powerful story with powerful cast shown on a large screen TV..don t miss it. Page 4 Midsummer Scandinavian Feast Report 2011 RECEIPTS Ticket Sales $1, Donations $ Total Income $2, EXPENSES Food Expense $ Dishes & Misc $25.65 Advertising $ Total Expenses $ BALANCE $1, Distribution of Income Menahga Food Shelf $ WELCA General Fund $ First English Building Fund $ WELCA Special Projects $ $1, A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED MAKE OUR MIDSUMMER SCANDINAVIAN FEAST A SUCCESS!!! Women of the Word Bible Studies (WoW) Woodside Manor Bible Study: This study will be held on the first Monday of each month in the Day Room at 10:00 AM. Because of Labor Day being the first Monday in September, the Group will be meeting the second Monday, September 12th. Grab and Study Bible Study: This study will meet at the church at 6:00 PM on every second Wednesday of the Month. If you want to bring your supper, do so. The first Study will be September 14th. Anyone wanting to join a Bible Study, please come. We would love to have you, we have extra studies on hand.

5 Penny Pot Sunday Correspondence Page 5 Penny Pot Sunday is September 25 th. Dear Friends in Christ, Penny Pot Sunday is an opportunity for our women and their families to provide support for a community organization through a special offering. This year the special offering will again go to Headwaters Intervention Center (H.I.C.) Many of you have been saving pennies and loose change throughout the year for this offering or will be making a special donation. Checks may be made out to First English Women. These donations are tax deductible. This will be our only special offering this year. There will not be a Thank Offering in November. This offering went directly to WELCA headquarters to be used at their discretion. H.I.C. is a non-profit agency in Park Rapids dedicated to helping all victims of domestic violence and child abuse. The goal of the agency is to serve the community through advocacy, education, violence prevention and crisis intervention. They believe all people have the right to be safe in their communities and their homes. The various programs offered are: Battered Women s Services, 24 Hour Crisis Hot Line, Elder Abuse and Neglect Information and Support, Family Crisis Center, Home Again Furniture Warehouse, Kid Support Services, Transitional Housing for survivors of abuse and violence and a S.A.F.E. Parks Program. As with many organizations they are being hit with major cuts to their budget. H.I.C. will be relying heavily on fundraising and community support. Children may want to make a donation knowing their donations may help a child in our community that is facing abuse. They are welcome to do so. Karen from H.I.C. will be giving a temple talk on September 18th telling us how H.I.C. has benefited our community this past year. If you are unable to make the service on the 25th and would like to make a donation to this Organization, please drop your donation at the Church Office. New Creation Lutheran Church of Perham is the host site for a simulcast, WAKE-UP CALL on Sunday evening, September 11th, the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The simulcast will begin at 6:00 pm with a 45 minute presentation by author, Joel Rosenberg, and 45 minutes with Ann Graham Lotz. Selah will present the music. It is Anne s prayer that this simulcast, held on such a historic anniversary, would serve to gather the church and reissue the wake-up call to the hearts of Christians everywhere. There is no charge for this simulcast and childcare will be provided. Coffee will follow. The most important part of this evening with Joel and Anne will be a follow-up Bible Study available to your church. Each study will be seeking God together in HIS WORD using a curriculum, EXPECTING TO SEE JESUS: A WAKE-UP CALL FOR GOD S PEOPLE. This is a 9 week study and will take participants through a scripture study by way of video with interactive discussions by Anne Graham Lotz, Dr. Henry Blackaby, and Dr. Crawford Loritts. We can order the DD kit for $20. The participant guide is $9. Visit for more information or call the New Creation office at or DuRae Morkassel at The weekly sessions are: Week 1: Jesus is Coming Week 2: Bible Study Workshop Week 3: You re Sleeping Week 4: Wake Up Week 5: Open Your Eyes Week 6: Rend Your Heart Week 7: Bend Your Knees Week 8: Move Your Feet Week 9: Just Say Yes! It is our prayer that your church will send a core group so you can go back to your church and share this timely message. Anne Graham Lotz prays that this study can begin in our churches within weeks of the simulcast. Peace, New Creation Lutheran Church

6 First English Lutheran Church Council Meeting Minutes - August 15, :00 PM Page 6 Members Present: Roger H., Dick D., Marie S., Marie H., Kevin K., Pastor Steve Members Absent: Russell O., Lynn L., Mike M. Congregation Members Present: Travis F. and Brittney F. Meeting called to order by President Roger H. at 7:00 pm Pastor Steve led devotions: Frogs without Legs Can t Hear Secretary s report of July 20 was read. Motion to accept made by Marie S. and seconded by Dick D. Motion passed. Travis and Brittney F. presented their idea for Bingo once a month with September 14 th as a start date. This would involve youth grades 7-12 as a fundraiser. Soup, make your own sandwich and hot dish will be served and after discussion, it was decided to have a free-will donation for the food served. One half of the proceeds would go to the youth and the other half to the church general fund. A motion to approve the Bingo night made by Dick D. and seconded by Kevin K. Motion passed. Treasurer s Report: A letter from Rachael Bruer was received, relinquishing her scholarship money. She thanked First English and requested the money to be put in the Building Fund. Roger H. reported receipts and expenses. Motion to accept treasurer s report made by Marie S., seconded by Dick D. Motion passed. COMMITTEE REPORTS Finance: No report. Worship: Pastor Steve met with Jason Wright on August 12 th and he has accepted the position. He will also be our choir director and possibly the hand bell director in the future. His first Sunday will be August 28 th. Motion to pay Jason Wright $45 per Sunday for a pianist made by Kevin K. with a second by Marie S. Motion passed. Social Ministry: Money was given to a party for expenses. Youth: Pastor Steve reported the basement should be finished by the youth. Building/Grounds: No report. Education: Pastor Steve reported he will meet with Lynn to organize Sunday School. Evangelism: The committee will be meeting Saturday. Marie H. suggested forming a Men s Bible Study and Dick will discuss this with his committee. Stewardship: No report. Memorial: The altar arrangement is completed and dedicated on August 7. A special thanks to Kathy Maurer, Marlene Schiotz and Roger H. for their contributions to this project. Pastor: Pastor Steve challenged us that in the 4 months we have left in this year, what can we do to be more encouraging to one another. OLD BUSINESS: 1. New Constitution Discussion held on several points and they will go back to the committee. 2. LCMC Congregation Gathering August 25, 10:00 AM at New Creation Lutheran Church in Perham, everyone is invited to attend and be involved in the possibility of forming a geographical LCMC district. 3. Pastor Insurance Update A payment of one more month to the Board of Pensions until Blue Cross approves the new policy. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Debit card for general account-the council approved to go ahead as this would speed up purchases. 2. LCMC Annual Gathering in Des Moines- A new deadline to sign up is September The council approved Dayna working Tues-Fri from 8:30 to 1:00 PM, providing she can accomplish the work load. 4. Thank you notes will be sent to Liz Shaw for being our pianist this summer and also to Healthy Home for cleaning the parish hall. 5. A motion to postpone communion one week made by Marie H. and seconded by Marie S. Motion passed. 6. A motion to look at Membership Plus (a computer program) made by Dick D. and seconded by Kevin K. Motion passed. Motion to adjourn made by Dick D. and seconded by Marie S. Closed with the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully Submitted, Marie Henstorf

7 Bethany Lutheran Church Council Meeting Minutes - August 10, :00 PM Page 7 MEMBERS PRESENT: Art Yliniemi, Eleanor Huwe, Heidi Hasbargen, Evelyn Meech, Les Ristinen, Lianna Vry and Pastor Steve Secretary s Report: Correction on Eleanor s report for July on the wording kids for kits. Eleanor made a motion to approve the secretary s report. Evelyn seconded. Motion passed. Treasurer s Report: Les made a motion to accept the treasurer s report. Eleanor seconded. Motion passed. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Social Ministry-Eleanor: Inventory is being taken for the kits and what is still needed will be posted. Kits will be sent out the first week in December to Lutheran World Relief. Stewardship-Les: There s enough funding to begin the roof repairs. Education-Lianna: Sunday school begins September 18 th. Sunday school will also be held on the 1 st and 3 rd Sundays of each month. Worship-Heidi: Still working on the IRS number to start Market America. Evangelism-Dean: Prayer cards are being passed out again. Buildings and Grounds-Mark: West wall needs tending to. Pastor s Report: Confirmation starts September 11 th with CJ Maki and Ryan Spadgenske. Bible studies have been going great. Bible School the first week of August was a fun, exciting time for all the youngsters who attended (50-60 children). OLD BUSINESS: 1. Roof bids will be reexamined for the up to date pricing. 2. Donation to Ministerial Association: Consists of 11 congregations and if each one gave $100 to $150 in donations we would have the possibility of helping more with their need. 3. Insurance update still being processed. 4. Auction listing and poster are being made. Kris S. will coordinate with lunch activities. Donations for food/pop. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Networking with surrounding congregations to better our ministries with the new LCMC District being held August 25 th at New Creation Lutheran Church in Perham. 2. There is a gathering on October 2 nd -5 th in Des Moines, Iowa and they are looking for more people to join the assembly to learn about LCMC. Closing prayer by Pastor Steve Sunday School Rally Sunday, September 18 th Age 4 through 12 th Grade First English Sunday School will be held every Sunday at 9:45 am during the school year. Bethany Sunday School will be held at 9:30 am the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month during the school year.

8 BINGO NIGHT Come join us at First English for Dinner and Bingo on Wednesday, September 14 th. Dinner starts at 5:00 p. m. Bingo starting at 6:30 p. m. Dinner is a free will offering which will include Soup, Build your own Sandwich, Fruit, Chips, Desert and Beverages. Bingo is a dollar a game, split the pot with the last game worth at least $100. Please help by donating food for the event and come to have a great time. All monies raised will be split between the LYO and First English Lutheran Church General Fund. St. Paul s Lutheran Church in Evergreen will be having a Turkey Supper on Saturday, September 10 from 4:30 to 7:00 pm. Grilled turkey supper with dressing, mashed potatoes & gravy, vegetable, cranberries, buns, beverages & homemade pumpkin pie. ~Produce & Bake Sale~ Free Will Offering in support of Missions & Church Projects 10 Miles East of Frazee at the corner of Hwy 87 & 39 Our next distribution is Saturday, September 17, Registration is at 8:00 am at First English Lutheran Church and distribution is at 9:30 am at the Assumption of Our Lady Catholic Church. If you are interested in volunteering please be at the Catholic Church around 8:00 am. FIRST ENGLISH & BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCHES 17 Main St. NW PO Box 189 MENAHGA, MN Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE Menahga, MN Permit NO. 3