Eagle Lake Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 The Spirit Eagle Lake Lutheran Church May 2018 Life is a work in progress. We all have waited for the day when and we ll be out of debt or I ll be my ideal weight or at the height of great health or we ll have enough time to get that project or that I won t have worry about my kids anymore. It is quite a learning process to realize a day when seems to never arrive. Life IS a work in progress and one reason for that is that life is ever changing. As appealing as getting comfortable may be, I dare not hope to cozy into sheer comfort too much that I am unaware or in denial that the world around me has changed despite my efforts to look the other way. All of life is in flux. All of life is a work in progress and as difficult it may be to accept this in the realm of our own personal lives, it may seem to be more difficult to accept when it comes to the realm of church. Of course, we are told many times throughout Scripture that we, as Christians, as church-goes are not OF the world. Yet, unless we plant ourselves as an isolated commune in the middle of some great wilderness where we can live completely off-grid, we cannot deny that we are IN the world and it is an ever-changing world. What an interesting combination of movable and immovable we are about in the realm of the church. Perhaps our greatest challenge is to distinguish that which is immovable and that which is movable. While the message we proclaim, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Good News is immovable, unchanging and true for all time, how we communicate that Good News, how we are a Church is, in fact a work in the progress. For centuries church-goers have fought the tide of change. In fear to be selling out to culture, the ever-changing how of the church has been met with steadfast resistance in many ways. Did you know that when the pipe organ was first introduced to worship, people became very upset that this popular instrument of the surrounding culture was being brought into a sacred space? It was even referred to as the instrument of the devil. Some 500 years later, there are concerns expressed that organs aren t used enough in churches anymore. The music, the worship format, the climate, the educational program, the methods of outreach, all of the hows of the church are certainly a work in progress. The concern that the church is selling out to culture was even a pivotal concern in Jesus day. Yet, think about it isn t the very fact that God should become one among us God becoming human the ultimate act of selling out to culture? God in Jesus took on a new way, new approach of how so that (cont. on page 2) Living in Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we serve others. (Mission Statement of Eagle Lake Lutheran Church) TIME CHANGE ON MAY 27th As in the past, once Memorial Day weekend rolls around and we get into the summer months, we turn back the clock of our worship time to an earlier time. Our summer worship service begins at 9:30 am, with coffee fellowship to follow. This schedule runs through Labor Day weekend. THE SPIRIT ARTICLES ARE DUE THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH PASTORAL VISITS Please call the church office and let us know if you desire a pastoral visit especially if you are going to be hospitalized or having health issues. If it is an emergency feel free to call Pastor Ali (218) In This Issue Pastor s Letter WELCA News Treasurer s Report Beer n Hymns Memorials

2 we could hear and understand just how much God loves us and the lengths that God will go to save God s children. Our calling as a church the body of Christ our mission, our very reason of existence is about reaching out and proclaiming the steadfast Good News of God s love for us in ways and methods that the surround culture can hear and understand. And while we must ever be on guard that the message we proclaim does not get watered down or lost in the process, we also must be on guard that we do not get too locked into that s the way we ve always done it, that we should miss or slight our calling to reach out to an ever-changing world in need of pursuing and preserving our own comfort. We are no longer the Church of the 1500s; we no longer the church of the 1950s. We no longer live in a culture in which going to church is pretty much a given, the thing you do on Sunday morning. We are challenged in how we invite and welcome, proclaim and educate. For how we do Sunday School to how we worship from hymnals to coffee hour, we are most certainly a work in progress. And really, what a JOY what a PRIVILEGE that God should entrust us to communicate such life-changing Good News to a world that so very hunger to hear it. May we ever be about embracing this awesome responsibility as God s hands and feet IN this world. In Christ, Pastor Ali "RECONCILIATION: UNBINDING HEARTS" THE 2018 NORTHWESTERN MINNESOTA SYNOD ASSEMBLY OFFERING You are invited to partner with the rest of the NWMN Synod with an offering which will divided equally between two vitally important ministries of Christ's Church at the 2018 Synod Assembly: The Northwest Minnesota Fund for Leaders is an endowment scholarship resource designed to provide for faithful and promising church leaders coming from our synod and/or serving in our synod. And now thanks to a *Matching Fund Pledge* by one generous donor, for the remainder of 2018 every dollar contributed to the NW MN Synod Fund for Leaders Pays Double! Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) invites ELCA young adults ages into a transformative, year-long journey in international service. As they offer themselves in service, ELCA young adults are shaped by the witness of our global neighbors. They share in the journeys of companion churches and organizations in one of nine countries around the world. Global-Mission Please prayerfully consider a special gift to these two life-giving ministries of our church by sending an offering along with your congregational delegates to the 2018 NWMN Synod Assembly. Please make checks payable to ***Eagle Lake Lutheran Church*** and write "Synod Assembly" in the memo line. Please bring checks to the church office by June 1. Let's do our part to make this an offering to remember as we seek to bring Christ's ministry of reconciliation and love to all of our neighbors. CONCERT COMING!!! MARK YOUR CALENDARS Jon Dahl (graduate of Battle Lake) will be in concert on May 18 th at First Lutheran. More details will be shared in the next couple of weeks!

3 EDUCATION HOUR SCHEDULE WELCA NEWS May 6: TBA WELCA Bible Studies: May 10th: 9:30 AM at the church Denise Croskey, Joyce True & Carol M. Hepper, Co-Hostesses Elinor Krahn, Leader May 13: TBA May 20: Bob and Patti Miller on Mission Trip to Jamaica May 27: NO FORUM All women are encouraged and invited to attend our monthly Bible Studies. Congratulations and God s Blessings to the Graduate! BAPTISM April 8, 2018 Micah John Haugerud Sponsors: Adam & Katie Haugerud - Kristi Abler Micah is the son of Neil & Pastor Ali Haugerud Please join us on Sunday, May 20th as we wish God s blessings to the high school graduates from Eagle Lake Lutheran Church. Megan Carlson Also, if you have anyone in your family who will be graduating from a Post-Secondary or Graduate School, please bring the details to Myrna in the office by May 20th. MAY BIRTHDAY S Ian Riba Jacob Nelson Irvin Saetre Leah Maznio Vernal Lind 16 Willis Nill Roger Fenske Comiko Bagent Beth Carlson Zachery Kent Craig Lindberg Margaret Blumer Glenn Wahlin Samuel Nelson Nate Larson Carol Stewart Laine Herness Bennett Olson James Schaeffer Dan Carlson Heidi Kent Kris Beech Shane Stewart Lois Bjork Gail Johnson Lyman Trutna 29 Sierra Nelson Did we miss your BIRTHDAY? Please let us know May Anniversaries Lynn & Brenda Hansen Don & Carol Stewart Kelly & Carol Hepper Steve & Karalee Brandner Jim & Deb Kent Scott & Lisa Larson Brett & Erika Boyum Did we miss your anniversary? Please let us know OPEN HOUSE GRADUATION PARTY FOR MEGAN CARLSON Join us for a Graduation Party held in her honor on Saturday, May 26th from 2:00-5:00 pm at Log Cabin Road, Battle Lake. Join us for fun, community and a sing a long of favorite hymns on May 6th from 6:30 to 8pm for Beer & Hymns at the Rusty Nail in Battle Lake. We want this to be a time where you can experience the beauty, joy, and community that comes from singing old beloved hymns, on or off key. We will sing some songs, drink some beer (if you choose) and make some new friends. All are welcome! If you or someone you know would like to be a part of the music leadership for Beer and Hymns, let Pastor Ali know. OPEN HOUSE WEDDING & RECEPTION All are welcome to the wedding and reception of Tanya Bengtson and Joel Koski Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 2:30 PM. Reception to follow at the church Dance from 5:00-8:00 PM at Faith Haven THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES Help us to celebrate our 60th Anniversary on May 19th from 1-4 PM at Old Town Bar & Grill in Clitherall, MN. RSVP: or by May 5th Dave and Rosie Andree

4 Letter from Larry Ah, Spring! Things do not always go as we may have planned, but we know that God s earth will soon burst forth with a renewal of color and growth. We know this will be just as sure as we know Christ died for our sins and that we have eternal life. We continue to celebrate the message of Easter! It is good to have Pastor Ali and family back with us. What a delight to be a part of Micah s baptism and to have Bishop Larry Wohlrabe give the message. It was an uplifting service as we welcomed Micah as the newest member of God s Kingdom. Bishop Wohlrabe also engaged the Adult Forum covering Northwest Synod information as well as new opportunities to strengthen ministries by recruiting people to be pastors and reducing educational debt for those completing seminary. More on that later. Memorials & Honorariums In memory of Rachel Carlson Mortgage Fund Music Fund Scholarship Fund Debt Reduction In memory of Tom Eberly Parking Lot Fund In memory of LuA nn A nderson Faith Haven In memory of Judith Hepper Mortgage Fund Debt Reduction Parking Lot Fund Music Fund In Christ s service, Larry Congregation President EAGLE LAKE ON FACEBOOK! MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE Be sure to like us on Facebook. You can find us under Eagle Lake Lutheran Church. Check it out! May 28, 2018 Inspiration Peak Post Millerville American Legion will be honoring Veterans with a Memorial Day Service with Military Honors and presentation of Colors at the Eagle Lake Church Cemetery on Monday, May 28th at 9:30 am. LOOKING FOR MUSICIANS!! The Praise Band and Beer n Hymns is looking for people to participate in the Praise Band Sunday and the monthly Beer n Hymns. Whether it s vocal or instrumental, your participation is needed! Contact the office if you would be interested. Eagle Lake Church has a AED available if the need would arise. It is located on the east side of the Sanctuary doors. Volunteers welcome!! S & S Security Services will be installing the cameras and wiring for the security system in the next few weeks. If you have a desire to help run the cables thru the attic to help defray the cost please call Dennis Rasmusson at This would involve getting up in the attic and running the cables that S & S Security supply from above the office to each camera located thru out the building. Again, for more info give Dennis a call. Thanks for your consideration. FRIENDLY VISITORS We have a number of people in our church that would appreciate more visitors for an informal time of conversation and fellowship. No training necessary. If you would like to give some of your time by visiting our members, let Pastor Ali know. Also, if you would like visit our members in the nursing home, please contact the office for an updated list of names and locations.

5 EAGLE LAKE LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES April 11, 2018 The meeting was called to order by Vice President Marlys Jackson due to President Larry Loll s scheduled absence. Members present: Marlys Jackson, Warren Pramann, Dennis Rasmussen, Bruce Larson, Scott Larson, Jeff Olson and Penny Schaeffer Members not present: Larry Loll and Dave Susag Pastor Ali was also not in Attendance due to illness. Marlys opened the meeting with devotions. MSP to adopt the agenda. MSP to accept minutes of the meeting. MSP to accept the Treasurer s Report. No Pastor s Report. It was decided that a thank-you note should be sent to Pastor Jeff McCracken for his service as interim pastor during Pastor Ali s maternity leave. Marlys asked Penny to write the note. Council Business Unfinished Business 1. Security Cameras: Dennis reported that the company doing the work indicated they would be starting next week or the week after that. There was little to no response from the congregation in offering to help with the pulling of wire. The installer does not think that it will be difficult to pull the wire because that area is fairly wide open. We agreed that we will allow the company to handle pulling the wire. 2. Security training: Jeff received information from Pastor Jeff McCracken regarding a security training plan from the Synod. This plan should be adequate and appropriate for our congregation. The training will be scheduled after the security cameras are installed. 3. Sign project: Warren reported that there are no further developments. It is now a matter of waiting for the Minnesota Legislature to get to the church property sign bill. 4. Fund Raising: Scott has been working on the revised Fundraising Guidelines and provided us with a copy. It was recommended and decided that we should table the discussion until our next meeting when we ve all had time to review the material. 5. Pastor Evaluation Process: Marlys has been obtaining different templates for a Pastor Evaluation Form. To date, she has not found one that seems suitable. She is waiting to hear from the Synod. It was recommended that Marlys contact Pastor Tom, who was the most recent pastor here to complete a review with the Council. There has never been an evaluation completed for and with Pastor Ali. Everyone agrees that this tool would be helpful both to Pastor Ali and the congregation. 4 New Business 1. Parking Lot: MSP to move forward with the project. Warren will work with Wayne Nelson to schedule the work. Most likely, payment for half the project s bid will be required up front, and the other half at completion. Whatever shortfall there is in available funds, it will be financed at First National Bank as per the approval of the congregation at our Annual Meeting 01/28/ Beer & Hymns: Dennis reported that Luther Crest has been providing the portable amplifier. They indicated that they would not be in attendance next month and perhaps during the summer months due to their busy schedule. The Rusty Nail did install speakers. Shawn Neisen provides the keyboard. We are in need of a portable amplifier. Luther Crest purchased the one we ve been using for $ MSP to publish a request in the bulletin to ask for donations for the purchase of a $200 amplifier. 3. Men s Group: there will be a meeting of the Men s Group April 23 rd to attempt to revive the organization. Everyone agrees that Eagle Lake Church needs a thriving Men s Group. 4. May Synod Meeting: Mary and Dennis Rasmussen were elected our representatives to attend this Synod Meeting at our Annual Meeting. However, they have a conflict and will not be able to attend. Possible replacements are Vonda P. and Bruce. Next events: Communion Assistants: May 6 Scott May 13 Dennis Marlys asked Council members to complete a meeting evaluation to give to Larry. The next Council meeting is Wednesday, May 9 at 9:30 am. The Council adjourned with the Lord s Prayer at am. Respectfully, Penny Schaeffer, Secretary Eagle Lake Church Council

6 Eagle Lake Treasurer s Report March 2018 Income March 2018 YTD 2018 Pledged Income ELCA Pledge Income $ 9, $32, Non-ELCA Mission $ $ Loose Offering & Gifts $ $ Lenten Offering $ 1, $ 1, Vacation Bible School $ - $ - Flowers/Plants $ $ Total Pledged Income $10, $35, Designated Funds Misc Designated $ $ Thrivent $ $ 1, Outreach Fund $ - $ - Parking Lot Fund $ $ 1, Scholarship Fund $ - $ - Mortgage Fund $ 3, $ 9, Debt Reduction $ $ Total Designated Income $ 4, $12, Total Pass-thru Income $ $ Total Income for March 2018 $15, $48, Expenses Benevolence/Mission Support $ 1, $ 2, Outreach/Stewardship $ - $ - Worship $ $ Conventions/Youth Gathering $ - $ - Education $ (7.45) $ (16.40) Office $ $ 1, Insurance/Utilities $ 1, $ 2, Property Repair & Maint $ 1, $ 2, Salaries & Benefits $11, $32, Misc. (Council Discretion) $ - $ Total Expenses for March 2018 $16, $42, Consolidated Savings Balances Sign Fund $28, Pall Fund $ Parking Lot Fund $15, Global Missions Fund $ Love Fund $ General Memorial Fund $ 9, Outreach Ministry Fund $ 1, Music/Organ Fund $ 4, Praise Team Fund $ - Stephen's Ministry Fund $ General ELLC Savings $24, Total $87, Submitted by: Eric Gaustad, Congregational Accountant Scripture Readers for May May 6: May 13: Doris Nill Arlene & Jeff Olson May 20: - May 27: Vonda Pfannenstiel Interested in being a part of the Eagle Lake Family? Are you new to the area or new to Eagle Lake Lutheran? Are you or someone you know interested in being a member of Eagle Lake Lutheran Church? If so, please contact the church office. QUARTERLY GIVING STATEMENTS If you did not receive a 1 st Quarter Giving Statement but would like one, please let Myrna in the office know and one can be sent to you. LUTHER CREST & OTC-LYO Luther Crest Bible Camp and the Ottertail Central L u t h e r a n Y o u t h Organization are seeking a Youth Ministry Associate. This person must have a commitment to Christ, a desire to share faith with youth and adults, and good interpersonal skills. Ministry Associates will be working half time at Luther Crest and half time as a youth director for the Ottertail Central Lutheran Churches. Compensation includes salary, benefit options, food and housing at Luther Crest. For more information, contact your pastor or send a letter of interest and resume to: Dave Holtz, Executive Director, Luther Crest Bible Camp, 8231 County Road 11 NE, Alexandria, MN OR you can call or Dave at daveh@luthercrest.org.

7 Why The American Flag Is Folded 13 Times The first fold is a symbol of life. The second fold is for our belief in eternal life. Those whose bodies are laid to earthly rest will be honored by a tradition of folding the American Flag. This is not just a nice gesture, but has great meaning from our history a history which even terror cannot overcome. And so, as you get the lumps in your throats, tears in your eyes, and struggle with bitterness, anger, and frustration, here is something to remember how special these people were: The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing rank, who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. The fourth fold stands for our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it s to Him we turn to in times of peace as well as war for his divine guidance. The fifth fold is a tribute to America. In the words of Stephen Decatur, Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong. The sixth fold is where our heart lies. It s with our flag that we pledge allegiance to the flag and the republic it stands for. The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces. For it is the armed forces that protect our country and flag against enemies, whether they be domestic or foreign. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother s Day. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it is through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for He has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost. When the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. There are some traditions and ways of doing things which have deep meaning. You will see many flags folded in the coming weeks, and now you will know why. Submitted by S. Don Singlestad, D.S.C. Park Rapids, Minnesota GRIEF SUPPORT There are several grief support options in the Battle Lake/Fergus Falls area for those who in need of support. Grief Support Group meets at the Lakeland Hospice Office (805. E. Channing, Fergus Falls) on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 1:30-2:30 and 4th Tuesday of each month, 5-6pm. Grief Support Group meets at First Lutheran Church, Battle Lake on the 2nd Thursday of each month, 1-2pm. Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group meets in the Lake Region Healthcare Medical Staff Meeting Room on the 3rd Wed. of each month, 6-7:30. The Beginning Experience Support Group is a Christian based ten-week session dealing with the grief of a lost love relationship. The Fergus Falls area group is for those separated, divorced or widowed. For more information and dates and times please call

8 EAGLE LAKE CHURCH S ANNUAL MEMORIAL WEEKEND PANCAKE/SAUSAGE BREAKFAST Saturday, May 26 th 8:00-11:00 AM Let us do the cooking on Saturday morning. Free will offering Sponsored by the Eagle Lake Lutheran Church s Men s Group THRIVENT ACTION GRANTS If you re a Thrivent Financial member, you can lead a Thrivent Action Team to bring people together for a one-time project to help others be wise with money and live generously. You can coordinate an educational event, conduct a service activity, or organize a fundraiser. Thrivent will provide resources to help you plan the event, promotional items, including Thrivent T-shirts and a Community Impact Card with $250 of seed money. Thrivent Financial members can apply for 2 Thrivent Action Teams a year. We have lots of activities and ministries that we do together that would be eligible we just need to coordinate our efforts, for only one Thrivent member can apply per event, so if you plan to apply for grant please let the church office know so we can make full use of this opportunity. Learn more at On behalf of the Funeral Serving Group I would like to say THANK YOU to all families we have served during your time of loss. Your donations in memory of your loved ones made it possible for us to purchase kitchen items and equipment to help in continued food service here at Eagle Lake Church. I have shared in your grief and have done the best I could to make the funeral day meal as stress free for you as possible. It has been a labor of love from all of us who have served you. Thank you so very much. Janet Butler and all those who have worked with me "The nicest place to be is in someone's thoughts, The safest place to be is in someone's prayers, The very best place to be is in the Hands of God." Thank you to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Dale Werner WHAT A CONGREGATION!!! In one morning, this congregation rose to the project and completely funded the new Amplifier. It has been ordered and will be displayed at church once we receive it. Now Beer and Hymns and outdoor music at the church is not only possible but simplified. Dear Eagle Lake Church women, Thank you so much for planning and attending our Wedding Shower and for the generous gift card! We are excited to put this towards our new life together in Bemidji. You have all been such an important part of our lives and we thank you for everything. Thanks again! Nate and Carly