Message from our Minister Devlyn Brooks, S.A.M.

Transcription

1 Volume 21, Issue 7 July August 2018 Faith Lutheran Church PO Box 175 Wolverton, MN (218) faith@wtc-mail.net Follow Faith Lutheran Church Wolverton on Facebook Devlyn Brooks, Interim SAM (701) devlynbrooks@gmail.com It is the mission of Faith Lutheran Church: To gather prayerfully as the Body of Christ; To grow in faith, love, and service; To go into the world joyfully as disciples. Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. Holy Communion on the first and third Sunday of the month. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. July Food Pantry Item: Powdered Drinks Message from our Minister Devlyn Brooks, S.A.M. On Father s Day, Shelley treated me to a spectacular outdoor concert by MercyMe at the Bluestem Amphitheater in Moorhead. The evening was a spectacular specimen of the special Minnesota kind: Clear blue skies as far as the eye could see. Not too hot, but warm enough to wear summer short sleeves. Little breeze, no mosquitoes, no rain and an aweinspiring, blazing pink sunset. Add on top of that the music of one of my favorite all-time artists -- Christian or non-christian music alike -- at one of my all-time favorite music venues, and you can imagine how special the night felt! At one point, lead singer Bart Millard coaxed the entire crowd into an acapella rendition of Amazing Grace, with the sun dipping into the horizon and the sky lighting up in spectacular pinks, reds and oranges, I thought to myself, I ve never witnessed a more beautiful moment at a concert in my life! But eventually I would be proven wrong that night. Because as the concert continued, my attention was drawn to a remarkable young man in the crowd, and he ultimately will be the memory I take away from the concert. For those who haven t been to Bluestem, there are fixed seats in the middle of the amphitheater and off to each side are grassy areas where the crowd can stand. The young man that caught my attention was standing off to one of the sides, right up next to the gates that keep the crowds back from the stage. He was dressed in a baseball cap and green t-shirt and you could tell, even from a distance that he was special, because from the very first notes of music that rang out from MercyMe s guitars and drums, the young man began playing the air drums and bobbing his entire upper body like no one s business! On and on, throughout every song, the young man was oblivious to the rest of the crowd that stood, or sat, mostly stoic throughout the concert bowl, and he partied on as if he was at a private show of this world-famous band. I could not take my eyes off him and his pure, unadulterated joy his heart When we re feeling the was feeling. It was contagious, and I Spirit taking us over, let s was so envious of the young man! You could absolutely see the Holy give ourselves up to it and Spirit at work in the young man, as he let it show to the rest of the totally shed any inhibitions he might world. have of rockin out to MercyMe in his own and unique way in front of thousands. And I could only stare on in envy!

2 (Continued from page 1) You see, I m not wired like that young man. While I can get up in front of the congregation and share a sermon, or speak to a boardroom full of people about important topics, I shudder at the thought of expressing childlike joy such as that young man in front of groups of people, even if it is the joy of the Spirit filling me! And so even as I sit and write this for the newsletter, I m brought back to the scene of watching that young man enjoy his concert so much, and I think what a terrific lesson for the rest of us. Can you imagine if we could all let ourselves go in such a fashion when the Holy Spirit takes us over -- despite how many people might be around? What kind of example of the Lord s wonderment would that be for others? And just imagine how could that help spread our Lord s Good News? That s my challenge to myself and you all this summer. When we re in the moment, and we re feeling the Spirit taking us over, let s give ourselves up to it and let it show to the rest of the world. Let s be like the young man at the MercyMe concert and just let that Spirit shine despite how many people might be surrounding us! Amen! A Caregiver Discussion Group is being held every 3rd Tuesday of each month at Breckenridge Lutheran Church. The next meeting will be July 17 at 10am to 11:30am. Join other caregivers for education, sharing, problem-solving and refreshments. All are welcome. Contact Laura Rasmussen at or laura.rasmussen@lssmn.org with questions. Faith Share & Care Bible Camp Prayers for Brooke and Madison Nord as they attend Camp Emmaus on July and Liliana Smeby on July Have fun girls! Let the Holy Spirit in and feel the joy! Baptism Faith celebrated the baptism of Flynn Anton Aretz, son of Britta (Stein) and Jann Aretz on June 10. The Aretz family resides in Germany. Birth Congratulations to Megan and Joe Woodraska on the birth of a son, Casper Henry Woodraska. Born June 22nd. Proud grandparents are Bev and Paul Israelson. FAITH WOMEN SCHEDULE BOOK CLUB Will begin again in the fall. Anybody have a suggestion on a book? CONVENTION September st NWMN Synodical Women s Organization Annual Convention at Trinity Lutheran in Detroit Lakes, MN SEPTEMBBER OUTING September 8 10:00am Tour of Jill Rogers yard in rural Barnesville. Her extensive flower gardens were featured on Prairie Public Television s Prairie Yard and Gardens. Here is a link to the episode More info will be in September s newsletter. MEN;S GROUP The men s group will meet the first and third Tuesday s in July and August. Those dates are July 3, 17 August 7 and 21. Please keep these people who are under medical care in your prayers. Let Devlyn Brooks know if you would like your name or that of a loved one added to this list. Prayer Requests Jane Buchholz Sheyenne Crossing Long Term Care West Fargo Doris Dibley at home Wolverton Barney Edwards Eventide, Moorhead, Louie Gruenberg River Pointe Moorhead Rose Hanson Bethany Grace Pointe Fargo Elaine Johnson River Pointe Moorhead Linda Lucke at home Arlene Nelson Eventide Senior Living Moorhead Keith Nelson at home in Wolverton Barb Wise at home in Wolverton

3 Message from our President RC Stein Hello Everybody, Where is your favorite place to be? Just about everyone has a place where they feel safe, comfortable, pensive, stimulated, or maybe at peace. I have come to realize that my favorite place is (drum roll) Faith Lutheran Church right here in Wolverton. I like being here on Sunday mornings when there is a buzz of activity before worship. Then we are further prepared for worship by a wonderful prelude from one of our accompanists; and after that we hear the word and receive the sacraments. Of course this is all followed by coffee/fellowship time in the basement. All of these activities are important elements of our worship ritual. I like being here on the first Wednesday of each month for our Church Council meetings. It is so gratifying to hear the members of the Council express their opinions, concerns, and pride regarding the variety of issues that need to be addressed to keep our church alive and thriving. We are truly blessed to have such a dedicated group of leaders. On most Wednesdays there are also other committee or organization meetings in the basement or the sanctuary. I am always pleasantly surprised by the level of activity around our church. I like being here in the mornings when there is absolutely nothing going on and the church is quiet. I like to sit in the sanctuary and look at the stained glass windows especially the Alpha and Omega windows in the front. You may recall that those two windows were replaced about a year ago and the color of the morning sun shining through them is stunningly beautiful. (Note: they are equally beautiful during regular Sunday morning worship but it is worth taking the time outside of our weekly worship service to appreciate the silence and the beauty.) The statue of Jesus on the alter and the woodwork on the alter, pulpit, lectern, communion rail, and the pews are all enhanced by the bright red carpet and the side windows. I am anxiously awaiting the appearance of our new pipe organ. I know it will heighten our musical worship and I know that it will also augment the appearance of our church. I understand that we (not the building) are the church, but I am so thankful and appreciative that we have been blessed with such a wonderful place to call our church home. Praise be to God! RC Stein Open House Bridal Shower Honoring Alisha Freitag Bride-to-be of Dylan Retzlaff Wednesday, July 18 at 7pm Faith Lutheran Church Alisha is registered at Target and Bed Bath and Beyond.

4 June happenings... National Youth Gathering Sendoff service was June 24. Those traveling to Houston on June 26 are front row: Kaitlyn Israelson, Ava Aigner, Zachary Wulfekuhle, Adam Schmit. Middle row: Sara Aigner, Claire Aigner, Bailey Adams, Ben Krump, and Austin Erickson. Back row: Tina Aigner, Janelle Krump, Devlyn Brooks, and Christie Erickson. Not pictured: Carter Brooks, Owen Martinson, and Lauren Beyer. Richland Lutheran members Zachary, Adam, Bailey, and Lauren will be traveling with Faith Lutheran. LYO families appreciate your support and prayers! Carter Brooks, Ben Krump, and Claire Aigner travel with Breckenridge Lutheran to Valleyfair. Thank you to the men s group for coordinating church window washing!

5 FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL Meeting Minutes June 6, 2018 Opening Prayer: LaDawn Turner Opening Devotions: Mark Miller Members Present: RC Stein, Mark Miller, Debi Byars, Michael Aigner, Brad Nelson and LaDawn Turner Others Present: Devlyn Brooks & Mike Nelson Devotions for June 11: Michael Aigner Communion Assistants: June 17 th Michael Aigner, July 1 st RC Stein Offering Counter: All of Council Food Pantry Item for July: Powdered beverages Secretary s Report: Approved Treasurer s Report: Approved Sam s report: Devlyn s all council members a weekly report. Council Conversation: Organ update by Nelson Organ, Mike had a slide show to share the work in progress both at the church and also at his shop. Committee Reports: Faith Women: LaDawn Turner reported Diane Nord planning to attend Women Bible Retreat at Fair Hills on June 11 th & 12 th. Men s Group: RC Stein reported they had window washing on June 5 th, good turn out and supper was served. Music & Worship: Debi Byars reported the next meeting is scheduled for August 14 th, all Sunday services are scheduled until then. Property & Maintenance: Brad Nelson and Mark Miller will be working with Mike Nelson with changes that will be made for our organ project. Youth: Michael Aigner reported we have 12 students and 5 adults attending the National Youth Gathering in Houston Texas starting June 26 th. Old Business: Churches United for the Homeless invitation to become member congregation. New Business: God s Work Our Hands Sunday-September 9 th is ELCA service day. Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice. Adjourn The Lord s Prayer Birthdays and Anniversaries July Birthdays 1 Erica Halverson 2 Lois Picotte 4 Chloe Nord 6 Carter Erickson 8 Harlie Nord 9 Mike Byars 10 Jordan Annette 10 Jeremy Maesse 10 Tania Merritt 13 Tony Emerfoll 14 Marie Skoblik 15 Kyle Affield 15 Madison Nord 15 Kaitlyn Israelson 17 Ben Krump 19 Elijah Beyer 19 Maren Cassidy 20 Adrianne Tucker 21 Colton Mastin 21 Mason Tucker 23 Randy Emerson 23 Brendon Skoblik 24 Elizabeth Aigner 24 Kirk Lindblom 24 Kaden Schroeder 25 Nancy Israelson 25 Lisa Miller 25 Ron Wilner 28 Boden Schroeder 29 Jessica Mastin 29 Lexi Hoeft 30 Chad Erickson 30 Natalie Nelson 30 Darin Smith July Anniversaries 9 Spencer and Lanette Nord 17 Jay and Cindy Nord 19 Calvin and Tammy Annett August Birthdays 1 Barb Wise 2 David Matz 4 Kristi Edwards 4 David Israelson 6 Sheyenne Dockter 8 Sage Tuel 9 Dennis Bohner 9 Jim Lucke 11 Scott Blilie 11 Jessica Nelson 11 Zayden Smeby 12 Dallas Israelson 15 Tammy Dockter 15 Eric Stark 15 Nev Tracy 16 Riley Kappes 17 Adrie Israelson 19 Amanda Nelson 21 Claire Aigner 22 Kiyara Jinadasa 22 Candace Johnson 23 Karen Thompson 26 Mandy Schroeder 26 Brayden Retzlaff 27 Grant Israelson 28 Carley Stark 29 Anton Smeby 30 Beverly Israelson 31 Marlow Cassidy 31 Delmar Nord August Anniversaries 12 Amy and Raymond Traut 16 Jeff and Sue Rasmussen 21 Erick and Ellen Stark 22 Bradley and Vicky Nelson 25 John and Jessi Kappes 26 David and Gayle Matz 31 Karl and Karen Thompson

6 FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH PO BOX ST STREET WOLVERTON, MN Return Service Requested NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 001 Wolverton, MN Faith Lutheran Church PO Box 175 Wolverton, MN July Schedule Sunday, July 1 Rev. Jerry Protextor Wednesday, July 4 Happy Independence Day! Sunday, July 8 Devlyn Brooks Wednesday, July 11 Church council 7PM Sunday, July 15 Devlyn Brooks Sunday, July 22 Lay Service Wednesday, July 25 Endowment Committee 7:00pm Sunday, July 29 Devlyn Brooks August Schedule Sunday, August 1 Church Council Meeting at 7PM Sunday, August 5 Devlyn Brooks Sunday, August 12 Rev. Jerry Protextor Tuesday, August 14 Music and Worship Meeting at 7PM Sunday, August 19 Devlyn Brooks Sunday, August 26 Pr. Ernest Simmons Faith Lutheran Church s Summer worship schedule 9:30 worship in the month s of July Ushers Randy Emerson Dave Matz August Ushers Robert Nord Wayne Krump June, July, and August July September Altar Committee Judy Getz Leone Nelson Lois Picotte