First Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 THE VISITOR IS THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA SYNOD + EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA THE VISITOR MARCH 2015 First Lutheran Church PARISH STAFF Pastor Pastor Ben Schori Organist Elaine Sweeney Secretary Nancy White Custodial Services Range Center Job Corps PARISH COUNCIL William Clymer Larry Elj Mazie Englund Renae Grabanski Elizabeth Kolden Genevieve Lervik Pastor Benjamin Schori Linda Smith Paul Stavnes CONGREGATIONAL TREASURER Alice White YOUTH EDUCATION Sunday September May Sunday morning Pre-Kindergarten Grade 6 Confirmation September May Wednesday evening 6:00 7:00 pm Grades 7 9 High Youth Group September May Wednesday evening 7:00 8:00 pm ADULT EDUCATION Bible Study September - May Wednesday 10:00 am 11:00 pm WORSHIP & MINISTRY Holy Communion Service Sundays at 9:30 am Nursery provided Telecast Live HPAT channel 5 Rebroadcast: 10pm Wednesdays 2pm Thursdays Weddings Make arrangements in advance by contacting the office. Baptisms Make arrangements in advance by contacting the office. Pastoral Care Contact the office CONTACT US PARISH OFFICE Hours: Mon Thurs, 8:00 am 12:00 pm; 1:00 5:00 pm on Fridays rd Avenue East, Hibbing, MN Tel: Pastor Benjamin Schori Office office@firsthibbing.org pastorben@firsthibbing.org Website:

2 Members Present Larry Elj, Pastor Ben Schori, Mazie Englund, Renae Grabanski, Linda Smith, Paul Stavnes, Bill Clymer Members Absent Liz Kolden, Gen Lervik Call to Order 5:00 PM Prayer + First Lutheran Church Council + Meeting Minutes February 17, 2015 January meeting minutes approved January financial statement approved Pastor Ben Schori s report Wedding Krystle Larson and Randy Haupt January 31, 2015 Funerals Martin W. Sundvall January 14, 2015 Amy Elizabeth Vadis January 24, 2015 Judith Helen Arnold February 5, 2015 Property Committee Report Minor repairs are needed Fence gates at Parsonage Steam leak still needs repair by the city of Hibbing Old Business National Youth Gathering/Fundraising Hosting fellowships to help raise money Lent/Holy Week Lent Services start at 6:00 PM with soup supper to follow Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Services start at 7:00 PM New Business Council Terms Currently 3 year terms. Council members can serve no more than 2 consecutive terms FLC constitution and bylaws Pastor Ben will look at updating and present it to the congregation in the future. Will be done at the annual meeting in 2016 The Bible Initiative: Pass it On project Funded by Luther Seminary If you have any questions, contact the office Next Council Meeting March 10, :00 pm third floor Lord s Prayer Meeting Adjourned 5:48 PM Respectfully submitted by Larry Elj, Council Secretary Condolences to and prayers for: The family and friends of Judie Arnold. Judie died on February 1, Her funeral service was held on Thursday, February 5 at First Lutheran Church. The family and friends of Eleanor Miller. Eleanor died on Tuesday, February 10, A funeral for Eleanor will be held in June 2015 at First Lutheran Church. The Minnesota FoodShare Campaign will be held during the month of March. This is the largest food and fund drive in the state. Did you know that one in 10 Minnesotans, or more than 500,000 state residents, experience food insecurity on a regular basis. That is more people than attended Minnesota Vikings home games during the 2014 regular season. During the month, all monetary donations received for the Food Shelves will be matched. Easter Flowers Easter Gifts This year we are once again asking you to contribute money to buy Easter flowers for the church. You may donate a minimum of $5.00, and your gift may be designated to be either in memory of or in honor of someone important in your life. Only a certain number of flowers will be purchased, and the money left over from buying the flowers will go to the FLC Soup Kitchen Fund. Flowers will be purchased locally. The cost of each lily is $15.00, and we will order about 12. The flowers that are left after Easter will be available to those who would like one. Fill out this form and return to the office on or before Monday, March 23. Easter is on Sunday, April 5. Name Phone Amount $ This gift is given in memory of This gift is given in honor of

3 We are looking for a WELCA president. Maybe two people could share in this responsibility president and vice president? Due to the fact that we do not have a president, no meetings will be held until we find one. Remember, all women of First Lutheran are members of WELCA! Widows Lunch will be held at the Country Kitchen at 11:30 am on Wednesday, March 4. Call Delores Gilbert at if you have questions. Hobby Quilt Club. The group meets on Mondays from 1pm 4 pm. At 3:00 pm we have a coffee and snack break. No special talents are needed. If you don t like to sew, how would you like to cut or stuff squares, iron fabric, or just join us for a cup of coffee? New participants are welcome to be part of this ongoing ministry! WELCA will be collecting Baby Care Kits During February Bringing a baby into the world can be a difficult and scary thing for a mother living in poverty. She worries about her baby s health and well-being when there is a lack of money to buy things every mother wants for her newborn. The items included in a Baby Care Kit provide the things a mother needs to care for her baby the way she hopes to soft blankets to give warmth and comfort, soap to keep germs away. Lack of something to dress her baby in often keeps a mother isolated from her community, but the clothes in the kit welcome both mother and baby into the world. Include the following items in each care kit: Two lightweight cotton t-shirts Two long or short sleeved gowns or sleepers (without feet) Two receiving blankets, medium weight cotton or flannel, or crocheted or knitted with lightweight yarn up to 52 square Four cloth diapers, flat fold preferred One jacket, sweater or sweatshirt with a hood, or include a baby cap Two pairs of socks One hand towel, dark color recommended Two bath-size bars (4 to 5 oz.) of gentle soap, in original wrapping Two diaper pins or large safety pins Do not add other items or leave out items listed. Gently used, clean items (no stains or tears) can be substituted for new ones. Wrap items in one of the receiving blankets and secure with diaper pins. Do not enclose the kit or any of its contents in plastic bags. Laurentian Spring Gathering for all women members for the ELCA church will be held on April 11, 2015 at Our Savior s Lutheran Church in Aurora. Registration and coffee is from 8:30 9:30 am. The day will include speakers, music, lunch and update on mission projects. Special emphasis alerts us to the Global Health Ministries, an ecumenical group who, at this particular time, are focusing on the needs of Ebola victims in Africa. The list of items regularly needed for their projects of Love is a follows: White sheets for bandages; Wash cloths; those in a bundle are fine; Bath towels, new or gently used, 20 x 52 approximately, light weight. (You can buy these at Walmart for $1.97.); Bars of soap 4 oz., not too smelly, Ivory soap; Vaseline jar 7.5 oz.; Finger nail clippers; Band-Aids 3 x 3/4 ; Pick combs; Gloves, rubber kitchen gloves, size medium; Diaper pins; New fabric diapers; Baby shirts, preemie or newborn size; receiving blankets; T-shirts, clean, not stained (printing on them is OK); Flannel fabric or flannel sheets; 2 1/2 gallon plastic bags (Ziploc or Ziploc like); Always in need of yarn, baby sport, 3 or 4 ply or cotton for blankets (crocheted or knit); We sew shirts, receiving blankets out of the flannel can be all colors or designs. Members of First Lutheran who wish to attend this gathering should make individual registrations to Kate Undeland, , by April 6. Bring the needed items with you at the time of the gathering.

4 First Lutheran Church is blessed with many volunteers who with dedication and commitment serve the church, the Hibbing community, and the world. During February these people helped Sunday worship happen: Assisting Ministers: Sandy Carlson, John Brandt, Betty Aanes, and Mazie Englund Acolytes: Olivia Lund, Gracie Stimac, Sidney Walters, and Emily Johnson Readers: Betty Aanes, Tom Arnold, Jean Nelson, Cheryl Forstrom, William Clymer, Rodney Jacobson, and Bobbi Nyland Greeters: The Grabanski Family, Dennis & Sharon Estey, Bill & Muriel Scofield, and Dale & Marcie Berg Ushers: Consuelo Bryant, Connie Bryant, Dennis Flynn, Mel & Shirley Scofield, Liz Kolden, Carly Kolden, Drew Kolden, William Clymer, and Betty Aanes Videographers: Larry Elj, Cathy & Forrest Koland, Dave Rian, and Marty Vadis Offering Counters: Darlene Bennett, Bobbi Nyland, Kay Dague, Karyl Giombetti, Rodney Jacobson, Tom Arnold, and David Rian Altar Guild Group: Connie Bryant, Kay Dague, Karyl Giombetti, Deno Kubena, and Gen Lervik Sunday Staff: Patty Barsness, Phyllis Rian, Angela Schweiberger, and Linda Smith Fellowship Hosts: Lynn Schweiberger, Hanna Knuckey, Gracie Stimac, Hannah Anderson, Jeanne Albrecht, and Kate Link Helping Worship Happen! If you would like to participate in ushering, reading, greeting, hosting fellowship or any of the other Sunday Morning Helpers categories but haven t been called, please contact the church office. Thank you to those who helped organize the National Youth Gathering sub-sandwich fundraiser and to everyone who purchased the sandwiches. Thank you received: Thank you to the members of First Lutheran Church from the NE MN Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In grateful appreciation for giving $17, for Mission Support beyond the congregation for synodical and churchwide ministries of the ELCA. Thomas Aitken, Synod Bishop and Elizabeth Eton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA Memorial Fund Report Thank you to those who underwrite the cost of altar flowers and/or telecasting of FLC s Sunday morning worship service. During the month of February, telecasts were given in memory of Gordon Poirier by Candy and Kay, in memory of Ray, Leitha and Karen (Lee) Clymer by Bill Clymer, in memory of my sister Joanne Belluci by Karyl Giombetti, and in memory of Judie Arnold and Cheryl Seykora by Tom Arnold. To underwrite the telecast of FLC's Sunday morning worship service, to contribute Altar flowers, or to donate a memorial gift for other designated purposes, please call the church office. The telecast cost is $30/week which includes the livefeed on Sunday morning and re-runs on Wednesday, 10:00 pm and Thursday, 2:00 pm. FLC s Memorial Fund Committee: Sandy Carlson, Jean Crep, Liz Kolden, Gen Lervik We have a goal of $6000 to finance the three FLC youth that will be attending the Youth Gathering to be held in July in Detroit, Michigan. If you would like to donate, please send your financial donation to the church office make checks out to First Lutheran Church with NYG in the memo section. You may also include your donation with your weekly offering. Just be sure to designate what portion is for the Gathering. As of January 31, 2015, FLC donations received are $ We will be doing fundraising events in the coming months. Be sure to come and show your support. Eight young people and one chaperone from Our Savior s Lutheran Church and First Lutheran will attend the gathering. Those youth attending from FLC are: Hannah Anderson, Hanna Knuckey, Gracie Stimac

5 What s Happening at Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry vlm@vlmcamps.org Camp Hiawatha, and Camp Vermilion Gretchen Bachman, Program Director Jack Soltis, husband of Camp Hiawatha's Hospitality Coordinator Jan, was just diagnosed with a brain tumor. After suffering mini stroke like symptoms, it was discovered that he has a large tumor in the front of his brain and underwent surgery to remove the bulk of the tumor. Jack is doing well considering he just had brain surgery. The doctors are pleased with his progress thus far. Once Jack is rested up and healed, they will begin radiation and chemotherapy in Hibbing. A Jack Soltis Benefit will be held on Sunday, March 8 at Camp Hiawatha from 11:00 am 3:00 pm. A spaghetti meal will be served. Cost is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children age 4 12 years. Auction, music & more will be part of the benefit. An account has been set up at: Benefit for Jack Soltis, American Bank, P.O. Box 45, Nashwauk MN Supplemental funds will be provided by Koostasca Thrivent Financial. Church Finances Many thanks to all who support First Lutheran Church and its extended ministries. FLC's General Fund contributions fuel this congregation's operational needs and extended ministries. Currently seven percent of general fund offerings is shared with our NE MN Synod and the ELCA Churchwide office to help ELCA Bible camps, youth ministry, seminaries, global outreach, various endeavors to promote peace and justice, and administrative costs. Individuals also may contribute special gifts to support seminarians, missionaries, hunger & poverty concerns and alleviation of suffering caused by natural disasters. Weekly contributions received: February 1 $6, February 8 $3, February 15 $1, February 22 $4, Submitted by Alice White, Congregational Treasurer Have you seen First Lutheran Church's website yet? Did you know you can listen to sermons that you may have missed or want to hear again online? Wondering what events are coming up soon in the church or want to read the most recent newsletter? Check the website Also, don't forget to "Like" our Facebook page, for additional updates, photos, and more. Congratulations Sarah Fairbanks, Kaitlyn Maki and Lillian Rue, members of the Hibbing High Girls Hockey Team, for making it to the MN State High Girls Hockey Tournament. Alleviating Hunger Donations received in February totaled approximately $ The money we collect is divided between the Hibbing Food Shelf and the First Lutheran Salvation Army Soup Kitchen Account. The soup kitchen account provides meals for the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen two times a month. Make your check payable to First Lutheran Church and note in the memo Food Shelf/Soup Kitchen. All donations made to the parish are included on your financial statements for tax purposes. On the second Thursday and the third Tuesday of the month, First Lutheran members volunteer at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen. Volunteers are needed to help at the Thursday soup kitchen; please call Rodney Jacobson at Midweek Lenten Services and s are under way. The worship service is at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary. Soup will be served following the worship service. A free will donation will be accepted. Donations collected will be given to the ELCA National Youth Gathering fund. The confirmation students will provide some of the manpower such as serving soup and cleaning up. To donate soup (or to help in other ways), please sign-up on the sheets available in the Narthex. We still have dates where soup is needed. Thank you to those of you who signed up to make soup and to help. Dates of our Wednesday services and soup suppers are: March 4, March 11, March 18, and March 25

6 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday First Lutheran Church 2201 Third Avenue East Hibbing, MN Pr. Ben Schori Office MARCH 2015 AT FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH 1 Second Sunday in Lent 2 John Wesley & Charles Wesley, renewers of the church 1:00 pm Hobby Quilt Club :30 am Widows Lunch Perpetua & Felicity, martyrs at Carthage Turn your clocks ahead tonight - daylight saving time begins tomorrow 8 Third Sunday in Lent 9 1:00 pm Hobby Quilt Club 10 Harriet Tubman & Sojourner Truth, renewers of society 4:00 pm Property Committee 5:00 pm Church Council Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome 12:00 pm FLC serves meal at Salvation Army 3:00 pm ELCA service at Guardian Angels Fourth Sunday in Lent 16 1:00 pm Hobby Quilt Club 17 Patrick, bishop, missionary to Ireland 1:00 pm FLC serves meal at Salvation Army Joseph, guardian of Jesus 20 Spring Begins 21 Thomas Cranmer, bishop of Canterbury, martyr 8:15 am 2:00 pm Alanon District Meeting in Parish Hall 22 Fifth Sunday in Lent 23 1:00 pm Hobby Club 24 Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Bishop of El Salvador, martyr 25 The Annunciation of our Lord :00 10:00 pm Alanon Open Meeting in Parish Hall 29 Passion/Palm Sunday John Donne, poet Upcoming April events: 1:00 pm Hobby Club 7:00 pm, April 2, Maundy Thursday Worship 7:00 pm, April 3, Good Friday Worship 9:30 am, Easter Sunday Worship