Happy New Year from our home to yours.

Transcription

1 January 2016 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 E B S I T E : 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 10:15 AM: Sunday School 11:15 AM: Acoustic Service Wednesday 4 PM: Confirmation Inside this issue Bishop Eaton... 2 Pastor Ken... 3 Council Minutes... 4 Financials... 5 Music & Memorials... 6 Birthdays... 7 Daughters of the King.. 8 Worship Assistants... 9 Calendar WELCA Contact Info Scan with your smartphone to visit our secure donation webpage where you may set up a one-time payment, or recurring payments, using your checking or savings account. Credit cards are also accepted. Stewardship of God s Earth By Jim Tocko What a nice Christmas present the countries of the world gave the environmentalists. Although some groups have reservations about the final agreement reached at the climate conference in Paris last month to lower greenhouse gases, it is a first step. A benchmark for future conferences was established so that efforts to help stem the slide toward an unlivable planet by reducing greenhouse gases were agreed on. Previous international efforts to reduce emissions exempted countries like China and India. The new dynamics requires action from every country. It wasn t an easy task to accomplish, but the world countries now have a starting point. The agreement does not solve global warming, but scientists predict that it will reduce emissions by half of what is needed to prevent an increase in atmospheric temperatures. Scientists predict that an increase in global temperatures would result in rising sea levels, severe droughts and floods, food and water shortages, and more destructive storms. The countries have agreed to reconvene negotiations at their next meeting in Happy New Year from our home to yours. Community Outreach & Food Programs COMMUNITY CUPBOARD FOOD DISTRIBUTION: Tuesday, January 5, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Last month we served 70 families (201 people). Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., no earlier. Parking is available on Elm Street and along 5th Ave N. Please use the Main entrance on Elm Street and bring a basket or tote with you to carry your items. Volunteers are welcome, and appreciated, to help unload the truck and set up tables at 9:15 a.m. and/or to help distribute the food and clean up. FELLOWSHIP BRUNCH: Sunday, January 17, 10 a.m. COMMUNITY DINNER: Sunday, January 24, 2016; 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. STRUM AREA FOOD PANTRY: Tuesday, December 22, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. COMMUNITY CLOSET: Open Monday - Friday during office hours or by appointment; (715) or (608)

2 A Message from Bishop Eaton Page 2

3 A Message from Pastor Ken Point your kids in the right direction when they re old they won t be lost. Proverbs 22:6 The Message I read an article the other day about a lady who had left her church, had left her faith, while she was away at college. She felt as if she had chosen her intellect over superstition. For over twenty years she, avoided church, avoided people of faith, and had fully embraced the position that faith was nonsensical and pointless. Do you know anyone like this? Maybe it has been you. Maybe it still is you One Christmas she heard some music, music that reminded her of when she was a girl; She decided to attend a morning service, just to hear the songs again. The choir sang an arrangement of an old beloved hymn; for some reason, she was moved. The words of the Confession, the Creed, and other responses flowed from her tongue as if twenty-some-odd-years had not gone by. She realized that her life had been missing something, missing something important over the past couple of decades She has now been participating and singing in her home choir for over seven years It wasn t because of a flashy or profound sermon. It wasn t because of the welcome she received. It was the practice the comfort of familiarity the promises of God. Those seeds would not have been planted if her parents had not taken her regularly and faithfully to Sunday morning service. She may not have re-experienced God s joy if there were not faithful people attending, and people giving of their talents in choir, people reciting the words, hearing the Word proclaimed, and encountering God in the sacraments. Practice matters. I understand, many weekends, it is just easier to not attend church. Life is busy. We are all tired. The pastor [just might ] drone on and on Yet, people are watching us. Our kids are watching us, and not just people who have young kids, but the whole community. Are we practicing our faith? Does this [our faith] matter enough to us? If not, why should/would it matter to them? Kids are being shaped and formed by the Word of God, and the promise of God s love through community practice as the people/church of God. The recitation of the Creed, the familiarity of Lord s Prayer the promise of God, This is my body and blood, given for you These practices shape us, shape our children, and shape our community. Will you partner with us to plant the seeds of faith for our children and the community? Working Together as the Body of Christ for God s Mission to the World. br. ken Page 3

4 Council Minutes - November 2015 November 11, 2015 Meeting called to order at 7:00pm Opening prayer with Pastor Ken Members present: Pastor Ken, Jim Tocko, Michelle Peaslee, Kate Back, Camille Skoug, Dan Bjerke and Howard Hanson. Approval of October council minutes: Approved by Camille Skoug and second by Michelle Peaslee. Approval of October Treasure s report: Approved by Camille Skoug and second by Howard Hanson Budget was approved: Jim Tocko and second by Kate Back. Pastor s Report: Christmas concert will be held on December 16, Would like to donate with others from the congregation to Hope Gospel for the Thanksgiving meal they serve. Busy with lesson plans and confirmation. Someone from the congregation would like to donate a TV, so we could run the program and etc. in the church during service. Closing Prayer Adjournment: 8:30pm Warmest Regards, Kate Back What s New at Luther Park? Plan now for 2016 January 8-9: Recharge-Youth Retreat JANUARY 23: ANNUAL MEETING at Luther Park Dining Room with coffee fellowship at 9:30 a.m. and meeting beginning at 10:00 a.m. February 27: Winterfest March 4-7: Recharge-Youth Retreat March 12: Quilt Retreat June 4: Way Club August 13: Heart for Luther Park REMINDER - now is the time to sign up for summer camp. The schedule is listed online and you can register at: SIGN UP NOW FOR ADULT MINISTRY EVENTS: January 27: Wool applique class February 13: Tea time place mats March 15: Palestine Today presentation April 16: Barn quilts contact Jacquie at camp for more information and/or look for brochures at church. jacquie@lutherpark.org We wish you a Blessed New Year from your Luther Park Board of Directors and we thank all of you for your donations of time and money as well as for your prayers for the ministry at Luther Park. Kay Moen-Urseth Member of the Board of Directors Page 4

5 Financial Report - November 2015 Nov 1 - Nov 7 General Fund Contributions... $4, Expenses... ($3,433.07) Net Income (Loss)... $1, Nov 8 - Nov 14 General Fund Contributions... $3, Expenses... $21.63 Net Income (Loss)... $3, Nov 15 - Nov 21 General Fund Contributions... $4, Expenses... ($7,430.84) Net Income (Loss)... ($3,285.84) Nov 22 - Nov 28 General Fund Contributions... $1, Expenses... ($49.47) Net Income (Loss)... $1, Nov 29 - Nov 30 General Fund Contributions... $2, Expenses... ($5,124.04) Net Income (Loss)... ($2,460.27) Total Contributions... $16, Total Expenses... ($16,015.79) Net Income (Loss)... $ Liabilities (Line-of-Credit) Balance... $16, Amount Paid Dec ($6,774.63) New Balance Due... $9, Percent of Monthly Budget Allowance General Fund Contributions % Other Contributions % Benevolences % General Expense % Ministry Expenses % Office Expenses % Pastor Expenses % Payroll Expenses % Property Expenses % Utilities Expense % 1 Paid remaining 1/2 Congregational Consultant Services Fee 2 Bulk Mail Annual Fee $ TCC credit reduced expenses Actual Nov Expenses... $16, Budgeted Nov Expenses... $16, Percent of Budget Used % Restricted Fund Accounts Building Fund Beginning Balance, November 1 $1, Receipts $1, Disbursements ($306.80) Ending Balance, November 30 $2, Daughters of the King Beginning Balance, November 1 $ Receipts $ Disbursements ($0.00) Ending Balance, November 30 $ Library Fund Beginning Balance, November 1 $ Receipts $0.00 Disbursements ($0.00) Ending Balance, November 30 $ Music Fund Beginning Balance, November 1 $ Receipts $1, Disbursements ($813.20) Ending Balance, November 30 $ Social Concerns Beginning Balance, November 1 $ Receipts $ Disbursements ($0.00) Ending Balance, November 30 $ Sunday School Beginning Balance, November 1 $ Receipts $0.00 Disbursements ($19.41) Ending Balance, November 30 $ Window Fund Beginning Balance, November 1 $4, Receipts $30.00 Disbursements ($100.00) Ending Balance, November 30 $4, Youth Fund Beginning Balance, November 1 $1, Receipts $ Disbursements ($152.92) Ending Balance, November 30 $1, Contributions & Expenses Comparison Average per month January - November Contributions 14, , , Expenses 16, , , Page 5

6 Be Therefore Musically Resolved To: Worship regularly in song. Share talents in choral & instrumental music. Encourage Young Adults to Join Choir! Encourage Older Adults to Join Choir! Listen quietly to preludes and other selections, carefully prepared for your worship and meditation, especially when there are guests! Be a part of something new to you, i.e. chimers or worship band. Memorials - December Open hymnals and participate, and teach children how to follow along too. Support your music funds to provide new music of all kinds. Thank those who do share their gifts and commit themselves to glorify God in song. Resolutely yours, P.S. Check out Psalms 149 and 150. J.T. IN MEMORY OF FLORENCE GULLICKSRUD Chapel Fund Stephen & Kaye Mann Endowment Fund Larry & Barbara Collins General Fund Greg & Jane Gullicksrud Clark & Yvonne Williams Jusdy Foss Irene Henning Dave & Colleen Berge Gerald & Jane Bergerson Phyllis Semingson George & Lois Johnson David Frohmader & Sheryl Johnson Lois Hulberg James & Lynn Gullicksrud Florine Koxlien Gerard & Corinne Hanson Frances Eide Clarice Bergerson Steven & Karen Hanson Dale & Charlene Olsen Mark & Cynthia Nymo Stephen Olson Paul & Mary Gullicksrud Mark & Melissa Anderson Roger & Denise Ring Jon & Amy Olson Joanne Brion Ed & Judy Olson Ray & Roxie Severson Larry & Barbara McGee Garson & Debra Twerberg Orrin Twerberg Joel & Sue Twerberg Robert Twerberg Clair & Linda Twerberg IN MEMORY OF FLORENCE GULLICKSRUD General Fund Joan Smedberg Robert & Dawnmarie Anderson Charles & Barbara Haas Marion Thronson Music Fund Chancel Choir Steve & Jean Olsen Steve & Denise Mallory Cathy & Bruce Hawkins West Beef River Cemetery Sara Heck Joyce Schmidt Roger & Marilyn Enger Ronald & Jennifer Gullicksrud Sam & Virginia Yanakopulos Lyle & Ellen Heck Greg & Jane Gullicksrud Mildred Finstad Window Fund Jeanette Berg LaVerne & Ruth Gullicksrud IN MEMORY OF JAMES LARSON Creative Beginnings Rodger & Cherisma Larson Ron & Pat Runkel Endowment Fund Tom & Gloria Wagener General Fund Dorothy Fenske Phyllis Semingson Gerald & Jane Bergerson JANUA RY Page 6

7 Memorials (continued from page 6) IN MEMORY OF JAMES LARSON General Fund Clarice Bergerson Theola Sands Mildred Finstad Donna Hanson Joanne Brion Monte & Violet Pederson Douglas & Angeline Warner Hensel & Betty Vold Anonymous Window Fund Jeffrey & Rebecca Runkel IN MEMORY OF TERRY & TROY FENSKE General Fund Ede Fenske IN MEMORY OF MYRTLE FRANSON General Fund Shirley Myren Clark & Yvonne Williams Anonymous MEMORIAL FUNDS Immanuel Lutheran Church funds: Building, Community Dinners (Village Café), Creative Beginnings, Daughters of the King/Jr. Daughters, Endowment, Social Concerns, Strum Area Food Pantry, General, Library, Music, Sunday School, Window, Youth, WELCA Cemetery Funds: Hamlin Cemetery, St. Paul s Cemetery (Strum), West Beef River Cemetery When writing a check, please make the check payable to the individual memorial fund. The Broken Chain by Ron Tranmer We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone; For part of us went with you, The day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, Your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again. Birthdays - January May you have all the joy your heart can hold, all the smiles a day can bring, all the blessings a life can unfold. May you have God s best in everything. Runkel, Vincent Husby, James Tonn, Jr., Kurt Bergerson, Gerald Austin, Deanna Halverson, Louise Herman, David Gullicksrud, Tera Berge, Rita Schorbahn, Kay Herman, Kari Kensmoe, Quinn Taylor, Amanda Norheim, Nels Rivard, Kevin Spangberg, Ruby Bloom, Scott Petersen, Thomas Andrus, Spencer Andrus, Bonnie Skovbroten, Allerd Jr Back, Tyler Bjorgo, Theresa Tonn, Mark Clark, Roger Windjue, John Balk, Tyes Myren, Jennifer Balk, Madisyn Shermo, James Runkel, Rebecca Eide, Paul Franson, Christopher Gullicksrud, Diana Herman, Jean Gilbertson, Harriet Vold, Hensel Zingsheim, Josie Page 7

8 Daughters of the King HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM YOUR ILC RUTH CHAPTER DOK AND REBEKAH AND ESTHER CHAPTER JDOK! And how exciting it is! I am writing this to you from rainy Seattle, Washington, but I will be returning to you the night before Sunday, January 10, 2016, just in time for the Admission Service, held during the 9am Worship Service, for the 6 newest members of our Junior Daughters of the King Chapter at Immanuel Lutheran. Just think, in 10 months, we will have grown from 4 to 10 members! Surely the Holy Spirit is at work here at ILC! I am proud to announce that these Daughters-in-Waiting are now ready to become members of the Order of the Junior Daughters of the King: Abigail Birdsill, Callan Skoug, Isabel McSorley, Katiera Walz, Laney Windjue, and Skylar Gullicksrud. They are finally ready to join their Junior Daughter Sisters Annika Skoug, McKenna Taylor, Maddi Taylor, and Rosario Mora Bates. Over the course of the last month, the girls have been hard at work again. They sang like angels at the Community Thanksgiving Service at Eleva Lutheran Church. They helped to decorate the Sanctuary Advent Trees. Then, they got ready for the St. Nicholas Shoppers' Babysitting Night (5-10 p.m.) on Dec. 11. They babysat 5 little ones, ages 2 1/2-4, and then a few more came to enjoy the movie "Inside Out" at 8 p.m. Along with the pizza dinner, games, peppermint play dough, and tender care, everyone had a good time. The girls want to do it again next year; and maybe even before Easter! Then they used their Service Time to make and deliver needlepoint ornaments to the Nursing Home, along with caroling. They also exchanged presents with their Secret Sisters. Some new news: I have been asked, by Lela Joscelyn, our Province 5 DOK President, to be the Province 5 Directress for all the Jr. Daughters in Province 5. That means I would be helping out the Jr. chapters in 5 states, in addition to our Chapter. I think the Lord has big plans for us, because we can do a lot to help other Chapters grow, like make Welcome bracelets for them, and encourage other Lutheran Chapters to start. Some of us are going to travel to Indiana in May, to a Provincial Assembly/Retreat and we will be in charge of the Jr. part of the Retreat. In the meantime, watch for the Saturday Senior DOK Retreat Day coming in February at a Super 8 near you!! for His sake, Sara Heck President, Ruth Chapter DOK Co-Directress Rebekah and Esther JDOK JANUA RY Page 8

9 Worship Assistants GREETERS ALTAR GUILD Jan 3 Dave & Colleen Berge Jan 3 Jane Bergerson Jan 10 Paul & Ruth Eide Jan 17 Judy Haukeness Jan 17 Jim & Judy Foss Robes Carolyn Boehne Jan 24 Don & Judy Haukeness Flowers Mary Salava & Jean Amundson Jan 31 Scott & Mary Bjorgo READERS ACOLYTES Jan 3 Colleen Berge Jan 3 Thea Hazelton Jan 10 Ruth Eide Jan 10 Andrew Hoch Jan 17 Judy Foss Jan 17 Luke Birdsill Jan 24 Rosario Mora Bates Jan 24 Madisyn Balk Jan 31 Erin Maki Jan 31 Skylar Gullicksrud COMMUNION ASSISTANTS USHERS Jan 3 Lois Hulberg & Mary Salava Barrey Austin*, Grant Austin, Mark Ryskoski, Jan 17 Marie Murrell & Jim Tocko Hunter Ryskoski, Aspen Ryskoski, David Salava COFFEE HOUR HOSTS Jan 3 Hosts needed Jan 10 Junior Daughters of the King Jan 17 Fellowship Brunch: Michelle Peaslee Jan 24 Hosts needed Jan 31 Annual Meeting: No coffee hour Coffee Hour Hosts are needed for the months of January and February. Please contact the office at (715) if you would like to volunteer. Thank you! Miscellaneous Announcements Reminder: If your supply of offering envelopes is getting low (or you are in need of envelopes), please call the office and Michelle will be happy to print them for you. Envelope numbers will remain the same again this year. Since we are continuing to print our own offering envelopes to keep expenses down, there is no need to change your numbers. The decorating of the church by Lisa and Brad Windjue and their children Connor, Olivia, Laney and Bo, along with Dawn Hering and her sister Deena Schultz, Kate Back, and Dave Berge helped put us in the festive Christmas mood. Thanks to all. It made us feel like home. A special Thank You to Paul and Mary Gullicksrud, Jim and Judy Foss, and all the volunteers they enlisted for preparing and serving a wonderful Christmas dinner on December 16. It was greatly enjoyed and appreciated by all. The submission deadline for the Annual Report is Tuesday, January 12. Please have all your mission reports to the church office by 3 p.m. so that the report may be made available to the congregation on January 17. Volunteer opportunities are available in the office: Thursday mornings - folding and assembling bulletins; assembling newsletters (approximately the 25th of each month; however, the date varies from month to month); data entry to set up new church management software. Also in need of assistance organizing and maintaining the Community Cupboard and Community Closet. If you would like to offer your assistance, please contact Michelle in the church office ( ). Page 9

10 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 31 9 AM Worship/Annual Meeting/Installation of WELCA Officers 10 AM Coffee Hour 10:15 AM Sunday School 11:15 AM Acoustic Service/Holy Communion 3 9 AM Worship/Holy Communion 10 AM Coffee Hour 11:15 AM Acoustic Service/Holy Communion 10 9 AM Worship/Jr. DOK Admission Service 10 AM Coffee Hour: Jr. DOK 10:15 AM Sunday School 11:15 AM Acoustic Service/Holy Communion 17 9 AM Worship/Holy Communion 10 AM Fellowship Brunch/ Fair Trade Coffee Sales 10:15 AM Sunday School 11:15 AM Acoustic Service/Holy Communion Annual Report Available for 24 9 AM Worship 10 AM Coffee Hour 10:15 AM Sunday School 11:15 AM Acoustic Service/Holy Communion 4 6 PM CBELC Board Meeting 11 6 PM Zumba 18 6 PM Zumba 25 6 PM Zumba 5 9 AM FMP Truck 4:30-6:30 PM Community Cupboard Food Distribution-Chapel 6 PM Exercise Class 12 6 PM Exercise Class ***Annual Report Deadline*** 19 6 PM Exercise Class 26 9 AM - 11 AM Food Pantry 6 6:30 PM Chimes Practice 7:15 PM Choir Practice 13 3:30 PM Jr. DOK 6:30 PM Chimes Practice 7:15 PM Choir Practice 7 PM Council Meeting 20 9 AM Martha Circle (TBD) 1:30 PM Hope Circle - Potluck at ILC 3:30 PM Jr. DOK 6:30 PM Chimes Practice 7:15 PM Choir Practice 27 6:30 PM Chimes Practice 7:15 PM Choir Practice 7 6 PM Exercise Class 14 9 AM Noon Quilting (Fireside Room) 6 PM Exercise Class 21 6 PM Exercise Class 28 9 AM Noon Quilting (Fireside Room) 1 Pastor s Sabbath Office Closed 8 Pastor s Sabbath 15 Pastor s Sabbath 22 9 AM Christmas Service 29 Pastor s Sabbath 2 8 AM Yoga 9 8 AM Yoga Jr. DOK Practice 16 8 AM Yoga 23 8 AM Yoga 30 8 AM Yoga JANUA RY Page 10

11 WELCA DEAR FRIENDS IN CHRIST, Happy New Year! First of all, I want to say thank you to Maxine Ulberg and her fabulous Serving Group #12! Apparently, I couldn't read my own writing, and gave the wrong Group # to the printer for the Christmas Luncheon programs. This resulted in her hardworking Group being totally omitted! Please forgive me Maxine! We owe so much to these dedicated women of our Serving Groups, especially this year, since each had to serve 4 shifts, instead of the usual 3 times, due to the many deaths this year. This month, on Dec. 1 & 2, Serving Groups 12, 3, 6 & 7 worked for the Christmas Luncheon, where we heard Dave Kiral play and dined on meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, and lefse. Although only 35 signed up before-hand, we ended up serving 73! On Sat. Dec. 12, we donated 2 roasters of scalloped potatoes and ham for the Ryskoski Benefit in Eleva. Then, on Dec. 19, Groups 9, 10, & 13 served at the funeral for Myrtle Franson. Thank you, again to all these women for taking time from their lives to minister to others on behalf of Our Lord. Your Service is most appreciated by the families and by Our Lord. We give thanks this month for the life of our sister -in Christ, Myrtle Franson. Speaking of New Years and New Habits, how about starting some new ones? For instance, you could come to our Wednesday, Jan. 6 General p.m., to help assemble the new Yearbook. By the way, we have added all the new young women ages 25-40, who were not previously listed, so we did not have to disband Group 10 after all. Most Groups will have new members, though. More hands to help! How about joining a Circle or starting a new one (call the Church Office or any WELCA officer for information ( )? Our WELCA Officers will be installed on Sun. Jan 31, at the 9 a.m. Worship Service. Hope to see you all at a WELCA event this year! Yours in Christ Sara Heck President WELCA Page 11

12 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 Pastor... Rev. K D Taylor Parish Administrator... Michelle Peaslee Custodian... Ronnette Nelson Organist/Music Director... Jeanette Tobiason Sunday School Directors... Tera Gullicksrud & Sherry Bjerke Creative Beginnings Early Learning Center Director... Keri Solberg Lead Teacher Monkey Room... Kayla Sauers Lead Teacher Lily Pad Room... Dusti Miland Lead Teacher - Busy Bees Room... Mandi Taylor Lead Teacher Forest Friends Room... Keshia Zimmerman Assistant Teacher... Mary Lewis Council Members President... Jim Tocko Secretary... Kate Back Treasurer... Michelle Peaslee Member-at-large... Dan Bjerke Member-at-large... Howard Hanson 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