August Administrative Pastor Rev. Lee Herberg Associate Pastor Rev. Christina Martin Custodians Ron & Mavis Watson

Transcription

1 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURC H 408 Ninth Street NW Mandan, ND Phone: Fax: jackie@firstlutheranofmandan.org Building Faith and Transforming Lives in Christ. We re on the web! ADDRESS LABEL We are looking to put together a working group to act as Funeral Coordinators. A Funeral Coordinator calls for workers to serve and clean-up after a funeral luncheon and calls the Baking Group chairpersons to arrange for goodies to be brought to the church for a funeral. If you would be willing to help with this ministry to provide care for parishioners going through a time of grief in the loss of a loved one, please call Jackie in the church office at Please let us know by Monday, August 14 th if you are interested. Ideally, we would like to have six people for this endeavor that way each Coordinator would be serving as the Coordinator for two months a year. Thank you for your consideration! August 2017 First Lutheran Church First Lutheran Staff Administrative Pastor Rev. Lee Herberg Associate Pastor Rev. Christina Martin Administrative Assistant & Coordinator of Lay Ministries Jackie Schulz (o) (h) Custodians Ron & Mavis Watson Financial Administration Jennifer Scheet First Lutheran Is A Mission Partner with Camp of the Cross Ministries August Newsletter And God made a wind blow over the earth Genesis 8 NRSV The term wind occurs frequently in scripture, over 200 times in the old and new testaments. In the first chapter of Genesis, we already are introduced to the reality of wind in the second verse where we read while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Here in North Dakota, we are well aware of the reality of wind...as in scripture, its presence is frequently encountered. I have been thinking about the wind lately and the old children s tale of the The Three Little Pigs. We know that in that classic story, the big, bad wolf is constantly huffing and puffing, trying to blow the houses of the little pigs down. The key to preserving one s home in this story is to use sturdy construction, i.e. bricks, to make the house solid enough to withstand the effects of the wind upon it. First Lutheran is constructed primarily of brick in order to be strong and stable in a harsh environment such as North Dakota with its wide swings in temperature and moisture. Still, mother nature does its best to try and blow even God s house down. Our steeply pitched roof enhances the ability of wind to try and blow the roof off from our facility from time to time. Late last summer, the 79 mile per hour winds clocked at the airport took big sections of our roof shingles off and scattered them to the four corners of the earth. As I write this article on July 7th, the new shingles with a 130 mile per hour wind warranty are sitting in the parking lot ready to begin their new life on our roof, which at its peak is 60 feet off the ground. Please keep the skilled (and brave!) workers in your prayers as they begin their task later this month. Needless to say, I will not be ascending to the rooftop to check on the installation progress! We will continue to give thanks to God for the gift of walls and roof, shelter from the storms of life, and the warmth of God s grace and mercy that fills the spaces where we dwell in life. Until next time, Pastor Lee

2 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH PAGE 2 Many children in Mandan begin school each year without supplies. During the next few months, please check the school supply aisles and consider making a purchase for those less fortunate right here in Mandan. Supplies needed are 24 box crayons, pencils, erasers, glue, glue sticks, rulers, scissors, back packs, folders and regular or college ruled tablets. Any supplies received will be equally distributed among the 6 Mandan elementary schools. The schools last year were very appreciative of all the supplies that were given to them! There will be a SPECIAL BOX for these items in the narthex; please drop your donations in there. Thank you for your kindness. ATTENTION ALL 8 TH -12 TH GRADERS! There will be a informational meeting for the National Youth Gathering in Texas ~ our mission trip for It will be held on Monday, August 7 th at 6:00 P.M. If you are currently in 8 th grade through 12 th grade this meeting is for you. Come join the fun! Friendship Circle is collecting school supplies for Lutheran World Relief. Items needed: (for one complete school kit) Four 70-sheet notebooks of wide-or college-ruled paper approximately 8 X 10½ ; no loose-leaf paper One 30-centimeter ruler, or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other One pencil sharpener One blunt scissors (safety scissors with embedded steel blades work well) Five unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers; secure together with a rubber band Five black or blue ballpoint pens (no gel ink); secure together with a rubber band One box of 16 or 24 crayons One 2½ eraser One sturdy drawstring backpack-style cloth or nylon bag approximately 14 X 17 with shoulder straps (no standard backpacks) You may drop off these items in the Narthex in the boxes provided. CROP Walk: October 8th, :30 starting on the steps of the State Capitol Building How many times a day do you turn on the faucet for clean, pure, refreshing water? We use it to drink, cook, bathe, clean and even entertain ourselves. Remember running through the sprinklers? I date myself with that memory! This year, though, it's not too hard to imagine not having those luxuries. What if we had to walk to the Event Center dragging buckets to be filled with enough water for that day? Of only using enough water as you could carry? This is the reality for too many people worldwide. Now, imagine you could make a difference. Through monies collected during the CROP Walks, wells and the knowledge to make the wells work become a reality. You make it possible that children can live and thrive, a small garden is grown, a few chickens or perhaps a goat provide food and income. By being a part of CROP Walk you will make a difference. Please mark your calendar and join us in sharing God's love in a very practical way. LAF ARE YOU AWARE that during the school year we serve FREE LUNCH on THURSDAYS to around 400 Mandan Sr. High students? This worthwhile program is cleverly called LAF (Lunch at First). As this program is continuing to grow and serve all interested young people, we are asking for volunteers to help with cooking, serving, and cleanup of these meals. If you are not able to help in this capacity, we ask you to prayerfully consider a monetary donation. Please call the church office at if you are able to help with any of these current needs. Thank you.

3 PAGE 10 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH Reformation 500 Forest Update When Martin Luther was asked what he would do if the world were to end tomorrow, he said he would plant a tree. Since 2017 is the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation, local churches worked together in the spring to organize the planting of a Reformation forest in honor of Luther s legacy of faith. The pastors also worked with the Bismarck Park and Rec office to apply for a matching grant of $8,250, which they received. To date the forest fund has grown to a little over $20,000, which will be used to purchase 60 trees. The trees will be planted in Sleepy Hollow Park on Saturday, September 9, at 8:30 or 9 am (a definite time will be announced soon). After planting, a brief dedication ceremony will take place followed by a reception of refreshments and German accordion music. Approximately volunteers are needed to assist with the planting and serving the refreshments. If you can help, please speak with Pastor Lee or Pastor Christina or call Lord of Life Lutheran Church, , and leave a message for Pastor Lehr. If you have a wheelbarrow, it would be helpful to carry the trees to the planting site. Thank you for your generous support of this living legacy! Mark Your Calendar 20th: 3:00pm - Church School Teacher Training 27th: 3:00pm - Confirmation Leader Training 28th: 6pm - 8th Grade Confirmation Orientation Meeting Upcoming Events Attention All 8 th Graders and Parents: A confirmation orientation meeting has been scheduled for Monday, August 28 th at 6:00 P.M. If you plan to start confirmation classes in the fall, you need to attend this meeting. Register on our website. Paper forms are available on request. We are also looking for adults to serve as small group leaders; if you are interested please call Pastor Chris. ATTENTION Confirmation Students: Confirmation classes will start on Wednesday, September 13 th at 7:00 P.M for all 8 th & 9 th graders. If you have questions about our confirmation program, please call Pastor Chris at Register on our website. Paper forms are available on request. REFORMATION 500 SUNDAY OCTOBER 29 TH Your Luther 500 Committee for our Western North Dakota Synod is planning a glorious all churches service to celebrate the quincentenary of the of start of the Reformation in It will be held at the Bismarck Event Center on Sunday, October 29 th, There are significant expenses for the use of the Bismarck Event Center, the audio visual equipment, the bulletin for the service as well as other expenses. If you would like to help with these expenses, please make your check payable to WNDS and in the Memo line write Luther 500. Please mail your check to: Western North Dakota Synod Luther Capitol Way Bismarck ND If you would like more information, please contact Luther 500 Coordinator Bob Wefald at or bobwefald@msn.com. We are currently looking for church school teachers for all grades on Sundays and Wednesdays. Each class has team teachers so that you don t have to be here every week and also have a partner to work with. We use a great online based curriculum with easy-to-plan lessons for each week. Please prayerfully consider serving the children of our congregation in this way. If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please call or Pastor Chris. Church School is starting soon!! If you have not already registered your child for church school, please do so as soon as possible. Register on our website. Paper forms are available on request.

4 Pastoral Acts Baptisms: June 11 June 18 June 25 July 2 July 5 July 9 July 22 July 23 Weddings: June 17 July 8 July 29 Funerals: June 8 June 13 June 14 June 16 June 27 July 12 July 22 July 22 Memorial Fund Special Thanks Annika Joy Bussmus Bronson Joseph Bohn Teagan Michael Koch Easton Wayne Leno Leo Christopher Satnan Everett William Leno Alison Glen Corbin Owen Daniel & Parker Lee Larson Chance Schwartz & Ashley Mormann Tanner Sandstrom & Kelly Meiers Jebediah Quam & Danielle Koffler Eleanor Kottsick Roger Rychlik Robert Priebe Ethel Storm Adam Pulkrabek Helen Hirsch Gregory Krogh Patricia Rasmuson FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH In memory of Mary Laubner given by Larry Laubner family. In memory of Eleanor Kottsick given by Leon & Jeanne House. In memory of Audrey Heinzer given by Bradley & Nancy Heinzer. In memory of Charles Bahm & Donna Bahm given by Bill & Shirley Norton. In memory of Bob Priebe given by Loretta Quanbeck. In memory of Helen Hirsch given by Gary & Claudia Tomanek, Ralph & Naida Feland, Walter & Leona Keidel, Tim & Kathy Faller. In memory of Mary Ann Kalvoda given by Jean Schlender. August ~ Mission of the Month Lutheran World Relief See page 11 for full details! Thank you to all the greeters, ushers, communion servers, readers, communion set-up, coffee hour workers, and to all who have supplied goodies for the last month. Your help is greatly appreciated! Deadline for articles for the September Newsletter will be August 19 th. Worship Schedule Sunday ~ 9:30 am ~ Traditional Wednesday ~ 6:00 pm ~ Contemporary PAGE 4 PAGE 9 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH Synod Assembly 2017 June 2-3, 2017 Members of the Western North Dakota Synod gathered together in Minot June 1-3. In commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, the Assembly focused on ways God continues to work across Christ s Church which is always reforming. Preassembly Events In Faith, For Faith: Reclaiming the Heart of Salvation: Dr. Sam Giere of Wartburg Theological Seminary told those gathered that the Reformation was not about grace but about faith, which can be equated with the word "Trust". So the question becomes: What or whom do we put our trust in? For heirs of the Reformation, we are called to place our trust in God alone - who is the author and giver of life. There is no longer a reason to fear for we are freed to serve. Mission Gala Dinner and Silent Auction: Once again the Mission Gala Auction and Silent Auction were great fun. We gathered at Christ Lutheran Church appetizers provided by Bethany Lutheran and an incredible meal prepared by members of Christ Lutheran. Bread of Life Lutheran and First Lutheran provided dessert. Rostered leaders served. The conversation was lively, and the atmosphere was festive as over $13, was raised for the Mission Fund which provides seed money for mission across our territory. Thanks be to God. Synod Assembly Always Reforming: One Lord. One Faith. One Baptism: Synod Assembly officially started with opening worship on Friday morning with Bishop Mark Narum preaching. Bishop Narum reminded us it s all about where we start and explained the importance of starting at the foot of the cross. When we are unified at the foot of the cross, it s impossible not to be one in Christ. Assembly Bible Engagement: Dr. Samuel Giere, throughout the assembly, used the image of the human cardiovascular system reminding all in attendance that Christ is dwelling in our hearts through faith. He used the image of a beating human heart to remind us that Christ is there with us in every heartbeat. Focusing on Ephesians 3:14-19 Dr. Giere encouraged us to engage in faith that is rooted in scripture and is the foundation our lives are built on. Through the use of the hymn, Be Thou My Vision Dr. Giere invited participants to see others as the family of God. Small groups discussed faith as vision; a faith that is intimate, extends beyond our comprehension, and is the Fullness of God. Assembly Offerings: Friday Worship: $4,655 the Western ND Synod Lutheran Youth Organization #Hunger Ride: $1,817 for ELCA World Hunger & Disaster Appeal Friday Banquet: $4,085 for our synod s Four Bible Camps Sweet Deal for C.A.R.: over $28,419 Mission Gala Silent Auction & Live Auction to benefit WND Synod Mission Fund: $13, Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM): $2,758 (special offering) Summary of the Work of the Synod in Plenary Elected to Serve on WND Synod Council: Vice Pres. Bruce Carlson, Velva; Secretary Barb Roise, Ross; Council Members: East Missouri David Hagel; Heart River Dan Pillar; Lonetree Rev. Tim Mantei; Turtle Mountain Rev. Martha HarriSon; Western Prairie Rev. Janet Gwin; At Large Adult Larry Kleingartner, Bismarck; At Large Adult Cindy Smith, Minot; At Large Youth Naomi Dykeman Dickinson. Elected to Serve on Board of Lutheran Social Services of ND: Rev. Desiree Uhrich of Christ Lutheran, Minot and Kris Fehr of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dickinson You may view full text of the synod assembly at wndsynod.org/synod-assembly/summary 2018 Synod Assembly will be held June 1-2, 2018 in Bismarck.

5 PAGE 8 FI R S T LU T H E R A N C HU R C H FI R S T LU T H E R A N C HU R C H PAGE 5 First Lutheran Church Council Minutes Date: June 15, 2017 Members present: Pastor Lee Herberg, Pastor Christina Martin, Vice President DJ Campbell, Secretary Andrea Bonness, Ron Webb, Tim Faller, Kevin Fishbeck and Jill Miller. Members absent: President Jessie Hilfer and Wayne Friesz Devotions were presented by Pastor Christina Martin Approval of Agenda: Moved by: Jill Miller Seconded by: Tim Faller Motion Passed Secretary s Report and Approval of Minutes Moved by: Ron Webb Seconded by: Jill Miller Motion passed Financial Report/Review Income for May: $40, Expenses for May $35, Funds reflect money in/money out for the pew cushions in the amount of $13, which was all sponsored by church members. Extra costs included $ to replace an emergency light in the elevator, $ to replace the filters in the air handling units and $ for mowing services. Unfinished Business Topic: Building Task Force/Options for financing See New Business financing proposal Topic: Projector System After further research Kevin Fishbeck reports the previous option did not include a lens so this will add an additional $2, He will continue to seek bids and recommended we reconsider the bid from Tricorne Audio for $10, Topic: Hail Damage to the roof DJ Campbell continues to work with the insurance company claims department to approve funding for the bid from B & B roofing. An additional check has been received in the amount of $14, which is in addition to $48, previously received. We will also receive the depreciable cost in the amount of $9, upon completion. Accepted bid from B & B roofing is $88, which leaves a cost difference of $15, (minus $ deductible). Note: B & B is holding a spot in their schedule. Topic: Reformation 500th Anniversary Service Pastor Lee reports that planning continues and his next meeting is June 27 as he is on the service planning committee. He reports the tree planting ceremony will be held on Saturday September 9, 2017 at Sleepy Hollow. We plan on sponsoring 2 trees for this event. New Business > Resignation from the church council has been received and accepted from Jessica Petrick. It was moved by Tim Faller to appoint Leann Olson pending her acceptance to fill the position. Seconded by: Jill Miller Motion Passed

6 PAGE 6 FI R S T LU T H E R A N C HU R C H >Financial Proposal Draft for Special Congregational Meeting in September Pastor Lee presented a rough draft of a power point presentation that will be presented at the meeting. He will update it with current amounts and will also re-seek bids for all the projects (bathroom remodels, outside railings, boiler replacement, Fellowship Hall flooring, parking lot repairs & classroom improvements). Tim Faller recommended the application for the loan be completed as soon as possible to lock in a good interest rate. Reports: Pastor Lee: 2 Baptisms 4 Funerals 0 Weddings 0 Committals Attended the Synod Assembly and received a 30th Anniversary Ordination Certificate. Meetings with Bill Dodd continue. Pastor Chris: 0 Baptisms 0 Funerals 0 Weddings 1 Committal Attended the Synod Assembly Conducted services at 3 care centers (new service at Miller Pointe) Attended Talk with Bishop Eaton Special Events: 175 meals were served at the Banquet at Trinity Lutheran in Bismarck, sponsored by First Lutheran on June 10. We will also be sponsoring on September 16. Stewardship: No Report Worship: No Report Parish Education/Youth: >45 kids attended Vacation Bible School. >The mission trip is July 23-29, the youth group is traveling to Denver, CO. > The youth group sold ice cream goodies at Buggies & Blues and raised $ They will also do this for Grill Fest in August. > A parking lot rummage sale will be held in the church lot June 24, $20.00 reserves 2 parking spots with proceeded going to the Youth Group funds. Evangelism and Outreach: > 120 puzzles and books were delivered to 6 care centers. Property and Management: Special thanks is given to Kevin Fishbeck for treating the weeds on the grounds. Correspondence: A thank you memo was received from Golden Ages for contributions of $ for the home delivered meal program. No s have been received for the council. Motion to Adjourn/Lord s Prayer Motion by: Tim Faller Seconded by: Jill Miller Meeting was adjourned by Vice President DJ Campbell. The next Council meeting will be at 7:00 on August 17, 2017 at 7:00 PM. (No meeting in July) The meeting was closed with the Lord s Prayer. Minutes Submitted by: Andrea Bonness, Secretary