Dear Friends in Christ,

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Dear Friends in Christ,"

Justin Sparks
5 years ago
Views:

1 Dear Friends in Christ, The word conversion keeps coming to mind as I think about my words for this month s article. Lent begins on March 1 st and it begins a time when the Holy Spirit through the church calls each of us individually to more intense conversion from life in the world to life with God. Fasting, prayer, and almsgiving (service to others) are the three disciplines of Lent based on Jesus words in chapter 6 of Matthew s gospel that we hear on Ash Wednesday. Can we give up some of our worldly attachments such as certain foods, TV, time on the computer or on the cell phone and make ourselves more available to God in prayer? Can we spend more time in prayer both alone and with others (at home or work or at the Wednesday night Lenten service)? When we do draw closer to God, the Lord always sends us back into the world to help and serve our neighbor in need. So you might consider volunteer work, donating blood, or putting money in the selfdenial banks for people in need that you will be receiving at church to use during Lent. Let us encourage one another in our Lenten journey, our conversion to Christ, getting our lives more centered in the Lord Jesus. I also sense that the Holy Spirit is bringing about conversion into the body of Christ at another level, among the many churches of Christ. This year, 2017, marks the 500 th anniversary of the beginning of Protestant Reformation by Martin Luther, which led to the division of the Christian church into its many branches. However, in the last 50 years there has been a convergence of understanding among Protestants and Catholics regarding the basic teachings and practices of the Christian faith. This is a good thing because it means we are moving toward fulfillment of Jesus prayer that his followers may be one (John 17). Division is giving way to greater unity within the church of Jesus Christ. This matter raises questions. Is there anything distinctive about being Lutheran? Is one church just as good as another? Should we all become part of one church again? During our midweek Lenten services we will review who we are as Lutherans, how we live out our faith, and what is our place in the one body of Jesus Christ? You will have opportunity to see a movie about Martin Luther and reflect on a book entitled Together by Grace: Introducing the Lutherans as part of our Lenten journey at Edgewood. Conversion! God is at work among us, transforming us individually and collectively. Let the Holy Spirit work in you this Lenten season that we may all be more closely united to our Lord Jesus Christ. Your brother in Christ, Pastor Len

Our homebound: Bev Bartels, Dorothy Briggs, Jane Jesse, Lillian Holmstrom, Betty Johnson, Walter Bright In need of healing: Ed Black, Matt Zylstra, Roger Kalmbach, Sarah Williams, Sally Orlow (N.

2 Our homebound: Bev Bartels, Dorothy Briggs, Jane Jesse, Lillian Holmstrom, Betty Johnson, Walter Bright In need of healing: Ed Black, Matt Zylstra, Roger Kalmbach, Sarah Williams, Sally Orlow (N. Sportell s mom), Bailey Lowden (B. Goosen niece), Hannah Campbell (Williams granddaughter), Nancy Kapteyn, Mary Johnson (Daryl (Jalaine s) mom), Thomas Kurtti (H. Findorff s dad), Jennifer (J. Haan s niece), Mikel Willette (B. Haan s niece), Arlene Nordby (J. Kingston s sister-stroke), Justin Pruitt (Newborn baby born with a brain bleed friend of L. Jones) For those battling cancer: Jennie Burgess, Jeanette Pierce (J. Burgess friend), Nancy Momany (J. Todd s aunt), Rosie Palen (C. Scribner s sister), Rosemary Gabourie (J. Zylstra s Aunt), Lois Anderson- Stevens (D. Anderson s sister), Jessica Pekel (L. Jones friend), Marna O Grady (L. Anderson s friend), Lynn Colby (Kallio s friend) For those dealing with grief Family & friends of Sandra Boston (L. Anderson s sister ) Family & friends of Betty Spring (A. Spring s grandmother) If you have a prayer request, you can call ANY member of the prayer chain with the request. Members of the prayer chain are: Roberta Lewis or Elaine Horner or Mary Kallio Shari Martz Sarah Williams Nicole Sportell Jennifer Zylstra Laura Jones Mark & Jennie Burgess Sandy Talo Heidi Findorff In need of strength: Jennifer & Jon Campbell, Jesse Orlow In need of marriage guidance: Jacob and Taylor Dreiband For those in the military Prayers for Rachelle Pasteris & family (Barb & Jim Haan s granddaughter) Please let Laura know if: 1. you have anyone you would like on the prayer page or 2. have a name that needs to be removed If you have an emergency, are in need of a hospital visit, have an upcoming surgery or are in need of pastoral care, please speak to Pastor Len or contact him directly at (home) or (cell).

I am truly blessed to have this wonderful church family. Your cards, texts, Facebook, emails were so appreciated.

Linda Thank you to everyone who helped with the Youth Gathering gift basket fundraisers! Thank you to Sarah Williams and Renee Turner for donating wicker baskets.

Lastly, thank you to those who purchased the gift baskets for making the fundraiser successful. Your support and kindness is much appreciated. May God bless you.

3 I am truly blessed to have this wonderful church family. Your cards, texts, Facebook, s were so appreciated. My family thanks each one of you for all you did to help us at this hard time of losing our sister, Sandra Boston. Linda Thank you to everyone who helped with the Youth Gathering gift basket fundraisers! Thank you to Sarah Williams and Renee Turner for donating wicker baskets. Thank you to Rhonda Hill for writing to Thrivent Financial to receive the grant. Thank you to Anna and Elizabeth Burgess for announcing information. Lastly, thank you to those who purchased the gift baskets for making the fundraiser successful. Your support and kindness is much appreciated. May God bless you. Heidi and Christine Findorff Pastor Len will be in the office on Wednesday s from 9 am 1 pm when he will regularly be available for consultation and prayer. Please review the names that are listed on the prayer page to check if there are names that could be removed from it. Heartfelt thanks for your partnership in the work of our synod as together we build up the body of Christ and prayerfully participate in Christ s own work of reconciling the world to God s very self! How good it was to be with you in worship and the installation of Pastor Dahlgren. Your congregation has a deep sense of commitment and I am excited for what you will do together. Thanks also for brunch. I am sorry we couldn t stay. Peace, Bishop Satterlee

The Women s Book Club meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at church.

Winter 2017: Galatians: Christian faith and Christian freedom Session 3: Heirs of the promise (Galatians 3:24-4:31) The

The Outreach Team has been working on continuing to provide you with opportunities to serve others as Jesus has

For our Lenten Project this year, each family will be given a barn to use for collecting donations towards the purchase

Some of the things available for purchase are a flock of chicks to provide families with eggs and a source of income

and much more. This is a church wide effort that everyone will participate in starting on Ash Wednesday through Easter.

4 The Women s Book Club meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at church. In March the book selection will the The Reason by William Sirls. ALL women are welcome to attend. Winter 2017: Galatians: Christian faith and Christian freedom Session 3: Heirs of the promise (Galatians 3:24-4:31) The Women s Bible Study meets Tues., March 7 pm here at church. ALL women welcome to attend. The Outreach Team has been working on continuing to provide you with opportunities to serve others as Jesus has commanded us to do. For our Lenten Project this year, each family will be given a barn to use for collecting donations towards the purchase of helping hand items needed by others. Each child will be receive a pig so they can contribute also. Some of the things available for purchase are a flock of chicks to provide families with eggs and a source of income from the sale of eggs, fruit tree seedlings, vegetable seeds, mosquito netting, goats that can provide milk and cheese and much more. This is a church wide effort that everyone will participate in starting on Ash Wednesday through Easter. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 1, we will have Lenten Suppers at 6 pm and Lenten Services at 7 pm. The sign-up sheet for the suppers is on the entryway table. There are Lenten Devotionals for ALL ages on the entryway table. During Lent, if you are on the worship schedule for Sunday, you will also do the same activity for the Lenten Service.

5 EDGEWOOD LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES January 10, 2016 PRESENT: Pastor Len, Mary Kallio, Rhonda Hill, Mark Hill, Mark Burgess, Roberta Lewis, Elaine Horner, Anna Burgess, Ed Black, and Karen Anderson OPENING DEVOTIONS: Mary Kallio 7:00 PM MINUTES OF LAST REGULAR MEETING - December 13, 2016 Motion made by Rhonda to accept the minutes as printed. Seconded by Elaine. Motion passed. PASTOR'S REPORT - no report Pastor Len just had his 7th Sunday with us. He finds it enjoyable to be with the people of Edgewood TREASURER S REPORT - Mark Burgess - (written report) The 12 month tally is not quite final as there are still bills coming in. Bottom right on report shows the projected deficit. We are coming in at $7000 over. Motion made by Ed to accept the report as printed. Seconded by Roberta. Motion passed. FINANCIAL SECRETARY REPORT - Elaine Horner (written report) The year went very well. We are on the plus side. The difference between the Treasurer s report and the Finance report is because not everything is yet accounted for on the Finance report. Motion made by Mark to accept the report as printed. Seconded by Rhonda. Motion passed. MUTUAL MINISTRY REPORT - Rhonda Hill Laura s question - if she misses work because of a snow day, can she make up the work on a different day. We all agreed "Yes! Laura s records are not being supported by the software. She needs another way of working this. Bev Bartel attended another church service in Muskegon. She received a thank you note for attending their service. Laura thought that was very nice. We will come up with a similar note to follow up with our visitors. MINISTRY REPORTS: Worship Ministry - Barb Haan - written report Kyrie went well. We will soon be talking to Pastor Len about Lent. Education Ministry - no report Mission Outreach Ministry - Roberta Lewis -written report Her report was a synopsis of what happened last year and goals for Property Ministry - Matt Zylstra - written report Ed, the new leader, will keep a ledger about expenses. Youth and Family Ministry - Anna Burgess - written report There will be 8 kids going to Houston in They have raised $2000 so far but they need lots more. Council Minutes continued at the top of the next page

Council Minutes continued OLD BUSINESS The executive committee talked to Pastor before tonight s meeting about the contract.

CLOSED WITH THE LORD S PRAYER - 7:40 PM Meeting Schedule: February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13 Cost $10 each* Proceeds from cookbook

that it is for the women s cookbooks Support our Youth in their fundraising efforts for the 2018 National Gathering The youth are making

The 2017 calendar and altar flower charts are up.

6 Council Minutes continued OLD BUSINESS The executive committee talked to Pastor before tonight s meeting about the contract. We will stay after and get the contract completed. NEW BUISINESS Mary passed out the new calling tree and it was edited. CLOSED WITH THE LORD S PRAYER - 7:40 PM Meeting Schedule: February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13 Cost $10 each* Proceeds from cookbook sales will be donated to The Burgess family for medical expenses The Youth Group s fund for the ELCA Youth Gathering *Please note on your check that it is for the women s cookbooks Support our Youth in their fundraising efforts for the 2018 National Gathering The youth are making homemade cards to sell for a donation. If you want a custom card, please talk to Christine Findorff or Anna Burgess two weeks in advance. The 2017 calendar and altar flower charts are up. Please be sure to post your meetings and events on the calendar so they can be included in the Scroll and weekly bulletins. If there is a specific reason for your flower donation, please indicate it on the chart. Bring in your empty pop cans or bottle return receipts. Candy Bars for sale $1 each

7 WELCA Spring Gathering* April 29, 2017 Edgewood Lutheran Church 2525 E Pontaluna Rd, P O Box 353 Fruitport, MI Isiah 43:19 I am about to do a new thing. 9:00 9:30 Registration, coffee and snack 9:30 10:00 Business meeting led by Roxy Montague, WELCA President Icebreaker 10:00 11:00 Speaker: Laura Lin is a manager for Love In Action, formally Love INC, will speak on Love s history and mission. 11:00 11:15 Break 11:15 12:00 Lunch 12:00 12:30 Speaker: Barbara Hazlett antihuman trafficking 12:30 1:30 Birthday Boxes: Love In Action puts together birthday boxes for families who could not otherwise give their child a birthday party. We will be decorating the outside of the boxes and filling them. Please bring one or more of the following items to help with this. Cake mix, can of frosting, candles, birthday napkins and plates, balloons, a game or stuffed animal. The children would range in age from 2 to 12 years of age. 1:30 2:00 Devotions led by Pastor Leonard Dahlgren *$10 Registration fee see Mary Kallio

8 EDGEWOOD LUTHERAN CHURCH STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES & FUND BALANCES For Twelve Months Ending December 31, 2016 EXCESS REVENUES FUND BALANCE FUND ACTIVITY REVENUES EXPENDITURES (EXPENDITURES) 1/1/ /31/2016 OPERATING 94,757 87,520 7, , ,093 GIFTS & MEMORIAL ,970 2,670 ELCW ,530 1,324 SCHOLARSHIP 0 3,043 3,043 PROPERTY 0 574, ,000 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE 5,004 5,004 10,844 15,848 YOUTH GATHERING FUND 3, , ,774 Totals 103,521 89,012 14, , ,752 Worship 91,814 6,089 ACTUAL YTD BUDGET YTD Pastoral Ministry 26,758 REVENUE 94,757 90,835 Parish Education 553 1,232 Mission Outreach ,466 EXPENSE 87,520 97,650 Youth & Family Administration ,526 EXCESS (DEFICIT) 7,237 (6,815) Property ,134 Totals 94,757 87,520 NOTES: Budgeted y-t-d revenues ($90,835 annual) based on number of Sunday to-date (52 of 52) Budgeted y-t-d expenditures ($97,650 annual) based on number of months to-date (12 of 12) Cash Balance (including investments & imprest cash) $98,101 Mark Burgess Edgewood Lutheran Church Financial Secretary Report Year To Date - January 2017 January Year To Totals Pledges 6, , Loose Special & Holidays Designated Reimbursements Miscellaneous 0 0 Operating Receipts Gifts & Memorials ELCW 0 0 Other Receipts Totals Prepared by Elaine Horner

9 Sunday 9 am Worship Sunday 10 am Sunday 9 am Worship Sunday 10 am March 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Office hours 9:30-2 Pastor Len ~Mission Offering ~Worship Meeting Heartwood 2:30 pm ~Outreach Meeting Chestnut Fields 2:20 pm Quilting 9-12 Quilting 9-12 Office hours 9:30-2 Office hours 9:30-2 Pastor Len Quilting 9-12 Office hours 9:30-2 Pastor Len Office hours 9:30-2 Women s Book Club 7 pm Church Council 7 pm Women s Bible Study 7 pm Quilting 9-12 Supper 6 pm Service 7 pm Pastor Len 9-1 Supper 6 pm Service 7 pm Supper 6 pm Service 7 pm Supper 6 pm Service 7 pm Office hours 9:30-2 Pastor Len 9-1 Set your clocks back Blood Pressure Supper 6 pm Service 7 pm

10 SERVING THE LORD IN MARCH & APRIL Duty March 5 March 12 March 19 March 26 Assistant Minister Karen Mary Ed Laura Reader Andrew Ed Larry Laura Ushers Ed & Larry Haan s Williams Hill s Video Laura Mark H Matt Dan Fellowship Barb H Heidi Mary Shari Children s Sermon Pastor Laura Rhonda Jennie Cleaner(s) Jessica Williams & Merz Shari & Elaine Joan & Larry Altar Flowers Roberta Nursery Teller Karen & Larry Mary & Elaine Mark B & Roberta Mark H & Ed Acolyte Anna Elizabeth Andrew Ethan Altar Guild Shari & Sarah Shari & Sarah Shari & Sarah Shari & Sarah Duty April 2 April 9 April 16 April 23 April 30 Assistant Minister Karen Mark B Mark H Dan Mary Reader Dan Ed Larry Roberta Laura Ushers Williams Roberta & Elaine Roberta & Laura Ashley & Brady Ed & Jamie Video Larry Mark H Matt Larry Mark H Fellowship Rhonda Sarah Barb H Elaine Linda Children s Sermon Mark H Jennie Pastor Rhonda Laura Cleaner(s) Jessica Ashely & Brady Roberta & Larry Joan & Larry Shari & Elaine Altar Flowers Elaine Roberta Nursery Teller Ed & Mary Mark H & Karen Mark B & Roberta Mary & Elaine Larry & Roberta Acolyte Kaitlyn Christine Ryan Anna Elizabeth Altar Guild Mary & Sandy Mary & Sandy Mary & Sandy Mary & Sandy Mary & Sandy *If you are unable to serve, please find a replacement and let Laura know. If you would like to be on the schedule, please let Roberta Lewis know.

Birthdays Jim Haan 2 Melissa Kalmbach 3 Chris Sportell 4 Dave Kingston 6 Michael Kalmbach 10 Bev Bartels 15 Mary Kallio 16 Karen Anderson 17 Shari Martz 21 Elaine Horner 24 Sandy Talo 25 Mary Anne

John 11:1-45 March 12 April 9 (Palm Sunday) Genesis 12:1-4a Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 121 Psalm 31:9-16 Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 Philippines 2:5-11 John 3:1-17 Matthew 27:11-54 March 19 April 16 (Easter)

5:8-14 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 9:1-41 John 20:19-31 April 30 Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 1 Peter 1:17-23 Luke 24:13-35 Roberta will be a v a i l a b l e t o check anyone s blood pressure on the

11 Birthdays Jim Haan 2 Melissa Kalmbach 3 Chris Sportell 4 Dave Kingston 6 Michael Kalmbach 10 Bev Bartels 15 Mary Kallio 16 Karen Anderson 17 Shari Martz 21 Elaine Horner 24 Sandy Talo 25 Mary Anne Leech 27 Anniversaries Mary Anne & Roger Leech 3/15 Weekly Scripture Readings March 5 April 2 Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 Ezekiel 37:1-14 Psalm 32 Psalm 130 Romans 5:12-19 Romans 8:6-11 Matthew 4:1-11 John 11:1-45 March 12 April 9 (Palm Sunday) Genesis 12:1-4a Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 121 Psalm 31:9-16 Romans 4:1-5, Philippines 2:5-11 John 3:1-17 Matthew 27:11-54 March 19 April 16 (Easter) Exodus 17:1-7 Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 95 Psalm 118:1-2, Romans 5:1-11 Colossians 3:1-4 John 4:5-42 Matthew 28:1-10 March 26 April 23 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Acts 2:14a, Psalm 23 Psalm 16 Ephesians 5: Peter 1:3-9 John 9:1-41 John 20:19-31 April 30 Acts 2:14a, Psalm 116:1-4, Peter 1:17-23 Luke 24:13-35 Roberta will be a v a i l a b l e t o check anyone s blood pressure on the 4 th Sunday of each month. This e v e n t i s sponsored by T h r i v e n t f o r Lutherans. Remember to set your clocks ahead Sat., March 11 Members please wear your name badges for the next month or two to give Pastor Len a chance to learn your names. Wednesday s at noon for the bulletin and Prayers of Intercession 15 th of the month for the Scroll

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED As beloved children of God, we are called to love and nurture ourselves, our congregation, and our community. EDGEWOOD LUTHERAN CHURCH 2525 E. Pontaluna Rd. P.O. BOX 353 FRUITPORT, MICHIGAN 49415 ROOTED IN CHRIST THE SCROLL VOLUME 3 / 2017 2017 Pastor: : Len Dahlgren Office Hours: Wed.

12 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED As beloved children of God, we are called to love and nurture ourselves, our congregation, and our community. EDGEWOOD LUTHERAN CHURCH 2525 E. Pontaluna Rd. P.O. BOX 353 FRUITPORT, MICHIGAN ROOTED IN CHRIST THE SCROLL VOLUME 3 / Pastor: : Len Dahlgren Office Hours: Wed. from 9 am 1 pm Home Phone: Cell Phone: Secretary: Office Hours: Laura Jones Mon. & Fri. from 9 am-11:30 am Wed. from 9:30 am 2 pm Telephone edgewoodlutheran@frontier.com Web page - edgewoodlutheran.org Sunday school - (Sept.-May) 9 am Ages 4 yrs. old 99 yrs. old Sunday Worship - 10 am Communion every week

There was no February Council meeting due to really bad weather, thus there will be no reports posted in the Scroll this month.

There was no February Council meeting due to really bad weather, thus there will be no reports posted in the Scroll this month. Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, The season of Lent begins for us Christians on Wednesday, March 6 th. It is a season meant to deepen our relationship with the Lord Jesus through prayer, fasting, and