The Church Messenger. WELCA News By Karen Franson, Mission Growth Officer. June 2017

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1 June 2017 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 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... 2 Memorials... 3 Birthdays... 4 Minutes... 5 Finances... 6 Worship Assistants... 7 Calendar... 8 Daughters of the King.. 9 Contact Information WELCA News By Karen Franson, Mission Growth Officer Our WELCA does not meet in the months of June and July. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, August 2nd, this is our annual Ladies Day Out. It was moved ot August so we could visit the Wegner Grotto in the twon of Cataract, north of Sparta. The Grotto includes an American flag, a giant cake, a glass encrusted birdhouse, and a glass church, as well as a variety of larger sculptures made out of stones and glass. One of the largest sculptures gracing the property is a 12-foot concrete replica of a German ocean liner. The Grotto was started in 1929, they began to create masterpieces using whatever fragments of glass they could find. As work of the Grotto spread, people began to bring the Wegners glass to use in their various pieces. Over its long history, the grounds of the Grotto have served many purposes including a place for family picnics and community gatherings, more than 70 weddings have been celebrated at the Grotto since it was built. We will meet at the church and leave at 9:00 a.m. sharp. On June 6th, we will be hosting the Trempealeau County retired teachers association, group 3 will be taken out of the next rotation of funeral serving to serve for this event. Our annual Chanhassen Bus trip is coming up on September 13th, they will be performing the musical, Grease. Watch for more information and details coming soon, if you are interested, leave your name and number with Jeanette Berg or one of the other officers ELCA YOUTH GATHERING HOUSTON, TEXAS JUNE 27 - JULY This event is open to youth, grades 8-12 for the school year and 1 adult leader over the age of 21 is required for every 7 kids attending at a minimum. Please contact Candace Schadrie, Tera Gullicksrud for more information. We need to start planning ASAP.

2 Greetings from Pastor Gail George Hello. My name is Gail George and I am your interim, interim pastor. I was called to serve at Elk Creek and Independence Lutheran last September. When I began working with the churches, I thought that I would just be working on helping them get a pastor, but within a few weeks another plan emerged. There was a conversation with your congregation, and throughout that conversation I got to meet some of your congregational members. If your leadership is like you, then I believe that you have a strong and creative church who love Jesus. I will be happy to be getting to know you for a brief time, and then I will retire. Let me tell you a little about myself. I grew up on a farm between Mondovi and Eleva. We worked hard and played hard. There are six kids in my family and we love to spend time with each other. Four live in Eau Claire and two others toward the Cities. I have been a pastor for 23 years. I began as an interim before my first call in Minnesota, and was ordained in two little parishes called Dovray and Willow Lake. They both were Norwegian heritage and kindly taught a new pastor. Several interim parishes followed after that, with one settled call for 5 years. Charlie and I moved to Eau Claire a year following our marriage, and I have been serving in the area as an interim pastor for the last 4 years. Charlie s son Derek and Kelly live in Eau Claire and have two children, so it s great to be able to share ball games and birthdays with them. I have 4 children. Eric, my son, and Heather have twin boys and an energetic girl. Eric works for Mayo and Heather is a principal. Brian, my son, and Stephanie have one precious daughter who makes the sun each morning and guides the moon in its orbit. They recently closed their business, and work for local businesses. Laura, my daughter, and Brian have a boy and girl. Brian is a teacher and coach and Laura works for a monument company. Megan my youngest works for a computer app company and is not married. They all live in Minnesota, and are busy and lead such interesting lives. Each have different lifestyles, but they have raised wonderful children and share their interesting friends. We are so proud of our family. Charlie and I love to go out for fish on Friday, take drives for the scenery, and both of us love to read. We bought a house across from my sister, so her and I walk every morning and settle the problems of the world. So, with all the problems settled, our life together with yours will be blessed and productive. Since I do not know how long I will be here, this may also be my goodbye letter. Through the last year Elk Creek s congregational members have blessed me so much, and I am guessing that this short time with you will do the same. I love meeting God s saints, and also discovering new ways to love and worship our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for your gracious welcome. I will continue to pray for you, even as you pray for me. God Bless You All Pastor Gail George 100 Points A man dies and goes to heaven. St. Peter meets him at the pearly gates. St. Peter says, "Here's how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in." "Okay" the man says, "I attended church every Sunday" "That's good, says St. Peter, " that's worth two points" "Two points?" he says. "Well, I gave 10% of all my earnings to the church" "Well, let's see," answers Peter, "that's worth another two points. Did you do anything else?" "Two points? Golly. How about this: I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans." "Fantastic, that's certainly worth a point, " he says. "hmmm...," the man says, "I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart." "That's wonderful," says St. Peter, "that's worth three points!" "THREE POINTS!!" the man cries, "At this rate the only way I get into heaven is by the grace of God!" "Come on in!" JUNE Page 2

3 Memorials CORRINE OTTESTAD Helen Anderson Fricky & Janice Back David Back & Andrea Volbrecht & Families Ricky & Shelly Back and Family Karin Back Joanne Brion Darlene Insteness Jim & Pam Nikolai Ken & Peggy Schaub Jim, Vickie & Jeremy Shermo Daniel & Barb Adams Jackie Bischoff and Family Scott & Mary Bjorgo Don & Harriet Gilbertson Ruth Gullicksrud Rob & Valerie Herman and Family Ron & Marlene Onstad Joyce Schmidt David & Diane Thronson Dennis & Maxine Ulberg Music Fund Jeanette Berg Mark & Vickie Hanson Women of the ELCA Duke & Mary Berg Mark & Cindy Olson Bob & Martha Solfest NORMA BERGE Hensel & Betty Vold Chip & Phyllis (Olson) Skovbroten Laverne & Ruth Gullicksrud Ronald & Patricia Runkel Curt, Lois & Scott Bloom Dave & Marlys Bjorklund Building Fund Stephen & Kaye Mann Music Fund Jeanette Berg Lyle & Ellen Heck Dale & Charlene Olsen Ron & Char Myhers Ruth Eide Joanne Brion Creative Beginnings Terry & Kari Brion Ed & Judy Olson Mark & Vickie Hanson David & Jean Herman Donna Hanson Sonjia Dole Joe & Mary RIndal Jeff & Jill Koxlien Steve & Karen Hanson Shirley & Dale Myren Julia Bjorgo Dorothy Hulberg Dennis & Maxine Ulberg James Boulter & Christine Emerson Sharon Nelson Lois Hulberg Clark & Yvonne Williams Ardell & Wyllis Olson Rodger & Marilyn Engen Clarice Bergerson Kurt & Joan Tonn Gerald & Jane Bergerson Jason & Jamie Galle Greg & Kaye Kruger Ron & Marlene Onstad Deloris Sather Judy Owens Gerard & Corrine Hanson Donald & Harriet Gilbertson Don & Judy Haukeness Sam & Virginia Yanakopulos Tom & Gloria Wagener James Tocko Marie Murrell Eric & Karen Franson Hamlin Cemetery DeLaine Nyseth Paul & Mary Gullicksrud West Beef River Cemetery Mary Salava Edith Olson Daughters of the King Sara Heck GEORGE HEINEMANN Music Fund Jeanette Berg Mark & Vickie Hanson Karin Back Clarice Bergerson Cindy Brenner Lucille Davis Ruth Eide Randy Ellifson Paul & Mary Gullicksrud Gerard & Corinne Hanson Don & Judy Haukeness Brenda Hong Dorothy Hulberg Darlene Insteness Rita Kaiser Jeff & Jill Koxlien Sarah Larson David & Tina Salava Randy Sands Jim, Vickie & Jeremy Shermo Donald Solfest Marjorie Tollefson Dennis & Maxine Ulberg Roxie Ulness Barbara Wright Java & Jane Bergerson Dale & Linda Franson Laverne & Ruth Gullicksrud Lenore Heinemann David & Jean Herman Florine Koxlien Lois Hulberg Wayne & Jennifer Larson DeLaine Nyseth Ardell & Wyllis Olson Chip & Phyllis Olson-Skovbroten Kari Orrender Tom & Debra Petersen Ron & Pat Runkel Jim & Mary Sather Joyce Schmidt John & Mary Stendahl Robert Wright Sunday School Fund Lyle & Ellen Heck Youth Fund Lenore Heinemann West Beef River Cemetery Joanne Brion ARDIS PRESTON David & Colleen Berge Music Fund Don & Harriet Gilbertson GERALD THURSTON Dan Bergerson MARK WEHNER Ron & Char Myhers OMAR ENGEN Clarice Bergerson Gerard & Corinne Hanson Java & Jane Bergerson Donations received by the family were distributed among the following funds per the family s wishes: WELCA, St. Paul s Cemetery, Building Fund,, Sunday School, and Music Fund. Page 3 T HE CHUR CH M ESSE NGER

4 Memorials (Continued) ORVILLE MYREN (2-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH) Youth Fund Shirley & Dale Olson FOR FATHER S DAY: WALTER BRION ORRIE & JULIA OLSON JOSEPH KLIMEK CURTISS D PETERSEN West Beef River Cemetery Michael & Rachel Olson Robert O Olson Geraldine Bauer Orrine O Brien Cynthia Petersen Joanne Brion MEMORIAL FUNDS: Cemetery Funds: Hamlin Cemetery St. Paul s Cemetery (Strum) West Beef River Cemetery Immanuel Lutheran Church Funds: Building Fund Creative Beginnings Daughters of the King/Jr. DOK Endowment Fund Library Music Fund / Organ Repair Fund Social Concerns Strum Area Food Pantry Sunday School Tremp. Co. Community Cupboard Youth Fund WELCA Birthdays - June When writing a check, please make the check payable to the individual memorial fund. The quilting ladies of Immanuel have been busy sewing and tying quilts. We have 33 quilts that are ready to be given away. We have been giving most of the quilts to the Bolten Refuge House in Eau Claire. We always have some we keep to be used for benefits. Thank you ladies for all your hard work! We are always looking for cotton material that we can use for our quilts. If have any material that you want to get rid of, think of us. The ladies of Immanuel hosted the Day of Renewal for Dairyland Conference in April. The attending church ladies brought with them quilts and items for our food pantry. The quilts were taken to the Bolten Refuge House. We thank the ladies of the Dairyland Conference for their generosity. Carolyn Boehne, Coordinator Brenley Bauer... 1 Blake Cegielski... 1 June Grant... 1 Meghan Hering... 1 Skylar Gullicksrud... 2 Grace Clark... 3 Landyn Windjue... 3 Samantha Nelson... 5 Mary Bjorgo... 7 Kristen Ellifson... 8 Jeff Koxlien... 8 Kate Back... 9 George Johnson... 9 Paul Tobiason... 9 Ellen Heck Dale Franson Mary Rindal Molly Anderson Joanne Robertson Mary Stendahl Roxanne Anderson Kathy Degenhardt Matthew Tonn Brian Anderson Karin Back Judy Haukeness Dan Bjerke Joan Higley Helen Beebe Jake Bjerke Peter Koxlien Roberta Ross Katie Koxlien Aubrey Lasher Janice Back Adam Nelson Jeremy Shermo David Berge Wayne Larson Jane Bergerson Ryan Knudtson Grace Olson JUNE Page 4

5 Council Minutes - April 2017 April 11, :00 p.m. Council member s in attendance: Pastor Paul Tobiason, Jim Tocko, Michelle Peaslee, Kate Back, Char Myers, Camille Skoug and Howard Hanson. Approval of February Council Minutes: Approved by Jim Tocko and second by Char Myers. Approval of March Treasurer s Report: Approved by Kate Back and second by Camille Skoug. Pastor Lisa from Trinity-Rock-Shepherd (three point parish) addressed the council about the Northwest Synod of WI (NWSWI) and their upcoming Capital campaign. Robert Schlink, addressed the council with some concerns about the upcoming voting of the two point parish. New Business: April 23, 2017 we will have a congregational meeting after worship to vote on being a shared ministry with Elk Creek Lutheran Church. Synod Assembly 2017 will be held in Eau Claire WI on April 29, Seeking out Council Members: President, Treasurer, and two at large; starting in July Call Committee: (four members, three and one alternate.) for each church. The people that are on this committee will not be able to miss a meeting or you will be asked to be excused. Parish Committee: (three members, one council member and two at large.) Closing Prayer Adjournment: 8:15pm Warmest Regards, Kate Back Announcements Planning to send your children to Luther Park Bible Camp this summer? Immanuel Lutheran has scholarship money available again this year thanks to the Immanuel Lutheran Endowment Fund s generosity - up to $125 per child. Luther Park also has camperships available for families experiencing financial hardship. For more information on registration or camperships, please contact Luther Park ( Suggested week for attending is June Trinity of Norden Church is having a pie and Ice cream family night on June 11, We will begin serving at 6:30 PM. Ryan Herman will entertain. The Immanuel - Elk Creek United Parish Council will be meeting on Thursday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Strum. The joint Call Committee s meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Elk Creek Lutheran of Hale. Please welcome Pastor Gail George as our interim through the month of June. Pastor Lowell Bolstad will be joining us as our bridge pastor July 1st and residing in the parsonage until the call process is complete. Page 5 T HE CHUR CH M ESSE NGER

6 Financial Report - April 2017 Apr 1-8 Contributions... $4, Expenses... (1,867.26) Net Income (Loss)... $2, Apr 9 - Apr 15 Contributions... $4, Expenses... (5,330.41) Net Income (Loss)... ($1,239.91) Apr 16 - Apr 22 Contributions... $5, Expenses... (261.24) Net Income (Loss)... $4, Apr 23 - Apr 29 Contributions... $3, Expenses... (0.00) Net Income (Loss)... $3, Apr 30 Contributions... $ Expenses... (5,659.53) Net Income (Loss)... ($4,720.34) Total Contributions... $18, Total Expenses... (13,118.44) Net Income (Loss)... $5, Liabilities (Line-of-Credit) Balance, April 1... $8, Loan Payment... (2,100.00) Balance, Apr $6, Contributions & Expenses Comparison Average per month January - April Contributions 14, , , Expenses 16, , , Percent of Monthly Budget Allowance Contributions % Benevolences % General Operating Expenses % Ministry % Office % Pastor % Payroll % Property % Utilities % Condensed P&L for April 2017 Contributions $18, Benevolences 0.00 General Ministry Office Pastor 3, Payroll 5, Property Utilities 1, Total Expenses 13, Net Income (Loss) $5, Restricted Fund Accounts Building Fund Beginning Balance, Apr 1 $3, Receipts Disbursements (0.00) Ending Balance, Apr 30 $3, Daughters of the King Beginning Balance, Apr 1 $ Receipts 0.00 Disbursements (572.79) Ending Balance, Apr 30 $65.50 Library Fund Beginning Balance, Apr 1 $ Receipts 0.00 Disbursements (0.00) Ending Balance, Apr 30 $ Music Fund Beginning Balance, Apr 1 $1, Receipts Disbursements (125.00) Ending Balance, Apr 30 $1, Beginning Balance, Apr 1 $7, Receipts 2, Disbursements (7,050.00) Ending Balance, Apr 30 $3, Social Concerns Beginning Balance, Apr 1 $1, Receipts Disbursements (349.73) Ending Balance, Apr 30 $ Sunday School Beginning Balance, Apr 1 $1, Receipts Disbursements (0.00) Ending Balance, Apr 30 $1, Youth Fund Beginning Balance, Apr 1 $1, Receipts 4, Disbursements (0.00) Ending Balance, Apr 30 $5, JUNE Page 6

7 Worship Assistants GREETERS ALTAR GUILD June 4 David & Colleen Berge June 4 Mary Stendahl June 11 Dan & Sherry Bjerke June 18 Gloria Wagener June 18 Curt & Lois Bloom Robes Joan Brenengen June 25 David & Dawn Erickson Flowers Ronnette Nelson READERS COMMUNION ASSISTANTS June 4 Jodie Semingson June 4 Ronnie & Julia Bjorgo June 11 Ruth Eide June 18 Tom & Gloria Wagener June 18 Tera Gullicksrud June 25 Sara Heck USHERS *Dave Berge, Tom & Gloria Wagener, ACOLYTES Paul & Brian Gullicksrud June 4 Grace Clark June 11 Tessa Hazelton June 18 Bradley Hoch June 25 Cayden Lasher COFFEE HOUR HOSTS June 4 Host(s) Needed June 11 Host(s) Needed June 18 Pancake Breakfast June 25 Host(s) Needed Worship assistants brighten our day! Thanks for serving! Community Outreach Food Programs STRUM AREA FOOD PANTRY Tuesday, June 6 (First Tuesday) 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Immanuel Lutheran Church, Strum - Fireside Room Serves residents of the Eleva-Strum School District COMMUNITY DINNER Sunday, June 4 (First Sunday) 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Eleva Lutheran Church South 2nd St - Eleva RUBY S PANTRY Tuesday, June 13 (Second Tuesday) 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. United Church of Christ Corner of HWY 10 and Main St. - Osseo $20 Cash Donation. Bring two plastic totes or boxes for food. No income requirements or limitations. Anyone may come. TREMPEALEAU COUNTY COMMUNITY CUPBOARD (TEFAP): Saturday, June 17 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - please note time change (for June only) Immanuel Lutheran Church, Strum - Fellowship Hall Doors open at 2 p.m. Parking is available on Elm Street and along 5th Ave N. Please use the office entrance on Elm Street and bring baskets or totes with you to carry your items. Volunteers are welcome, and appreciated, to help unload the trucks and stock shelves and/or to help distribute the food and clean up. Handicapped accessible. Located downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. Please contact Michelle Peaslee for more information or to volunteer: COMMUNITY DINNER Sunday, June 25 (Fourth Sunday) 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Immanuel Lutheran Church - Fellowship Hall 109 Elm St - Strum Page 7 T HE CHUR CH M ESSE NGER

8 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 4 9 AM Worship/Communion 10 AM Coffee Hour 5 PM - 6 PM Community Dinner - Eleva Lutheran 11 9 AM Worship 10 AM Coffee Hour 18 9 AM Worship/Communion 10 AM Pancake Breakfast Fair Trade Coffee Sales Father s Day 25 9 AM Worship 10 AM Coffee Hour 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Community Dinner - Immanuel 5 6:30 PM Call Committee Elk Creek 6:30 PM Piano Recital 12 7 PM Elk Creek Council Meeting 6 9 AM - 11 AM Strum Area Food Pantry 13 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Ruby s Pantry UCC Church in Osseo 6 PM CBELC Meeting 7 PM Immanuel Council Meeting 7 1:45 PM Nursing Home Service 1 9 AM CBELC Graduation 6:30 PM Parish Council ILC Michelle Vacation - Office Closed 8 1:15 PM Feed My People Truck Delivery 2 Last Day of School Pastor s Sabbath & Office Closed 9 Pastor s Sabbath & Office Closed Pastor s Sabbath & Office Closed Pastor s Sabbath & Office Closed Immanuel Lutheran Church Office Hours: Sunday 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Friday - Saturday Closed Pastor s Sabbath & Office Closed PM - 4 PM Commodity Food Distribution (TEFAP) 24 JUNE Page 8

9 Daughters of the King GREETINGS FROM YOUR DOK and JDOK CHAPTERS AT ILC: Two senior Daughters (Janet Cole & Sara Heck), three Junior Daughters (Isabel McSorley, Laney Windjue, & Annika Skoug), and one parent chaperone/driver (Tracie Bilse McSorley) went to the Province 5 Retreat in Michigan and returned with glowing reports! Our Junior Daughters, Isabel, Laney, and Annika all agreed they would like to go again. They liked meeting and getting to know new people, and how " nice and friendly everyone was." Everyone loved making (prayer) rosaries with Carol and being acolytes at the Service. They also thought the retreat site was very beautiful and suggest the other Juniors go next year. Janet Cole attended as a senior Daughter and remarked: "the people were so kind and caring and welcoming, like angels. I learned a lot about the purpose and business of (the DOK) it. I would like to go to another one someday." We would like to thank the ILC Endowment Committee for its generous gift, which enabled us to attend this worthy retreat. Next year, we are planning to go to the Triennial in Austin Texas, June 20-24, Our regular JDOK meetings for the year have now paused. However, the girls have asked for an extension through the summer, so we are going to have a parent meeting right after church on Sunday, June 4 at 10am, for about 30 minutes, to talk about a possible Summer Schedule, and also types of fundraising available for the Texas Triennial Trip. Daughters of the King (and Junior Daughters) are not allowed to do raise money in their own name. However, they may ask for donations and can help others raise money. Also, others can raise money to help them, just not in their name. It's tricky, but it is an important difference, which keeps us from simply being another fundraising group. So, we can have a car wash or bake cookies, but we can only put out a donation basket, etc. We can also write up or ask for grants or line items in budgets. You get the picture. Mostly, we ask for your prayers. It will take us a year to gather enough money to get to Texas. If we all go, that means 9 girls and a minimum of 4 adults. We don't know whether we will go by air or car or bus, but it will cost about $1,000-$1,500 per person (x13) It will be very special and very exciting and a very big blessing for all. Over 600 women and girls will be there with us, from all over the world! But we have to begin the planning now. By the way, I will be going to Texas in July for a JDOK Directress Retreat. I should be getting many new ideas for next year's JDOK Schedule. One last thing: The DOK Mini Retreat, originally scheduled for Saturday, June 3, has been re-scheduled to Sunday, June 11, from 12-4 p.m., due to conflicts with the Eleva Broilerfest. It will be held in the ILC Fireside Room; and a light lunch will be served. All women are welcome. Please bring a Bible and a snack to share. If you are interested in a life of Prayer, Service, and Evangelism please join us. For information call Sara Heck ( ) or the Church Office ( ) fhs Sara Heck President, Ruth Chapter DOK Directress, Rebekah and Esther JDOK Province 5 JDOK Chair Page 9 T HE CHUR CH M ESSE NGER

10 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 Interim Pastor... Rev. Gail George Parish Administrator... Michelle Peaslee Custodian... Ronnette Nelson Organist/Music Director... Jeanette Tobiason Sunday School Director... Sherry Bjerke Creative Beginnings Early Learning Center Director... Keri Solberg Lead Teacher - Monkey Room... Dusti Lead Teacher - Lily Pad Room... Jade Lead Teacher - Busy Bees Room... Roxie Lead Teacher - Forest Friends Room... Jen Assistant... Kaleigh Council Members President... Jim Tocko Secretary... Kate Back Treasurer... Michelle Peaslee Member-at-large... Howard Hanson Member-at-large... Char Myhers 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