With Christ, We Welcome, Nurture, Equip and Serve.

Transcription

1 Ambassador With Christ, We Welcome, Nurture, Equip and Serve. Pella Prepares for Reformation 500 Visit the Reformation 500 Bookstore Oct October 2016 The 500 th anniversary of the Reformation is fast approaching in In preparation of this historic event, do you want to learn more about Martin Luther, his writings, and their impact on Christianity? Do you want to reflect on the ongoing impact of the Reformation today? If so, stop by the Reformation 500 Bookstore at Pella. From Oct. 2-15, you will find a bookstore display in the Gathering Commons. Feel free to look through the 17 sample books. The books will include bestselling biographies like Luther the Reformer, as well as an atlas of the European Reformations, a graphic novel for young readers, and primary sources from The Annotated Luther series. If you see something you would like, you may place an order at the display table. You will receive 50% off the ticket price and free shipping. Our Bookstore is sponsored by Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the ELCA. Thanks to Faith Circle for helping organize the bookstore! If you re interested in other resources and information about Reformation 500, here are some web sites you might find interesting: The Lutheran Reformation began with the Ninety-Five Theses that Martin Luther first made public on Oct. 31, The upcoming dates of Reformation Sundays are: Oct. 30, 2016 Oct. 29, 2017 Feel free to wear red on these Sundays, celebrating the Holy Spirit that moved Luther and continues to move us today.

2 Interim Reflection Two months. That s how long I ve been here with you. And so far it s going well, at least from my perspective. Worship has been well attended. God is good and it is good to give God thanks and praise, as well as to be fed with the Word and Sacraments. The usual activities have restarted for the school year. Wednesday meals have been enjoyed by many; WBS (Wednesday Bible School) has a full complement of teachers in the classrooms and volunteers in the nursery; Confirmation also has a full complement of leaders and I am beginning to engage with each grade as well as with the LYO (Lutheran Youth Organization grades 9-12). God is good and it is good to learn and grow in God s grace and to share table fellowship with friends and neighbors. Office hours are always full. People stopping by, s to send and reply to, meetings, preparation and study, phone calls to stay in touch and informed, and formulating sermons (I don t write them entirely out). God is good and it is good to experience the incarnate Word of God. Visitation has been a primary focus. It has included those who are homebound or in long-term care, hospitalized, grieving, preparing for baptism or marriage, and other casual conversations. God is good and it is good to be connected and share in God s presence. Leadership is active. Council, staff and committees are in gear and taking care of their responsibilities. It s all happening from the practical to the spiritual matters of the church. God is good and it is good to have servant-leaders that faithfully fulfill their callings. Nurturing our faith and lives through study, I am facilitating the discussion on Thursday mornings in regard to the agreement Catholics and Lutherans have come to realize in the past 40 years. I also will be facilitating a group endeavoring to incorporate compassionate communication into their lives. God is good and it is good to broaden and deepen our understanding and utilization of God s gifts in our lives. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 I invite you to consider the ways that you are aware of God being good and the corresponding goodness that bears fruit in our lives. Let us continue to live our lives in Christ and abound in thanksgiving. Pastor Joel

3 Get Ready for Setting the Table of Grace Setting the Table of Grace will be our Stewardship emphasis this fall. Things will start on Reformation Sunday, October 30, and end on Sunday, November 20. There will be a special guest preacher on Sunday, November 13. Each week we will reflect on the grace of God that comes to us and works through us. As we sit at tables for fellowship each Sunday, we will have opportunity to have conversation centered on gospel, generosity, gift, and giving. This will also get us started thinking about the 500 th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation in Martin Luther would often have conversation with friends and family concerning many topics of faith while sitting at table. Many of these reflections were recorded and entitled Table Talks. New Members Pastor Joel will meet with those interested in becoming members of Pella Lutheran at one of the following times: Saturday, November 5, 9:00 11:00 a.m., or Sunday, November 6, 4:00 6:00 p.m. The sessions will take into consideration the continuum between having a strong ELCA Lutheran connection to having little or no church connection or background. During the session there will be introductions and Pastor Joel will share 1) a basic understanding of Lutheran faith and practice, 2) an overall look at Pella s life and ministry, and 3) opportunities for your participation and involvement. We will plan on receiving new members during the worship on Sunday, November 20. We anticipate another new member session will be held in the spring of Please contact Pastor Joel if you plan on attending or have any questions. Freedom in Christ Prison Ministry Online Quilt/Art Auction and Meal On Sunday, October 9, Pella will be hosting this event from 4-6 p.m. Bid against others across the state and watch the excitement mount as bids update live! Pastor George Karres will be here to facilitate this event and a spaghetti dinner will be served. Please plan to come and show your support of this ministry program! Pictures, Pictures There are some pictures on the counter behind the information desk. Please look at them. If they are yours or a family member s, feel free to take them home. Thank you for allowing us to use them!

4 Take a Step Toward Greater Compassion (Two Opportunities) 1. Practice Group Want to bring more understanding and connection to your relationships at home, work and community? Join the Compassionate Communication Practice Group starting Monday, October 10, 6:30 8:00 pm. There will be no cost for the sessions that will meet 12 times (ending January 30). The group will use the book, Connecting Across Differences by Jane Marantz Connor and Dian Killian (revised edition 2012). Please purchase a book and read the Introduction and Chapter 1 before coming to the first session. 2. One-day Workshop Learn the basics of Compassionate Communication and how you can begin to include it in your life. If you are interested in a way to help improve your relationship with your family or friends or at work or even with yourself, then consider attending this workshop on Saturday, October 29, from 9:00 am 3:30 pm. No previous knowledge or experience necessary. Either Connecting Across Differences or Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life is recommended for beginners who would like to do some reading on the subject before and refer to afterward (not required). There will be no cost. Bring your own lunch; coffee and hot water provided. Invite a friend to come with you (open to all not just Pella members) Pastor Joel has been studying, practicing and sharing Compassionate Communication for the past six years. He has facilitated practice groups and several workshops in the congregations he has served. He brings excitement and experience to share the skills and process he finds helpful and healing, transformational and practical. ELCA Webcast Mark your calendars for a live webcast: Ecumenical and Interreligious Witness on the Eve of the Reformation Anniversary on Thursday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. CDT. As Lutherans, we have 499 years of history, but on this day we will explore: What was the Reformation, and what does it mean for Lutherans & ecumenical partners? What is Declaration on the Way, and why is it significant for Lutheran-Catholic relations? What might ecumenical and interreligious relationships look like in the future, and what does this mean for our faith community? Tune in to the live webcast on Oct. 27 by visiting ELCA.org/webcast, where a link to the recorded video will be made available after the broadcast. A live stream also will be

5 Sunday Advent Activities We are planning Advent activities for all ages after fellowship time on the following Sundays: * November 27 * December 4 * December 11 * December 18 Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information! Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp November 11-13: Crazy About Quilting Retreat New and experienced quilters alike are welcome at this great retreat! Gather your friends and go crazy with quilting this weekend with our quilter in residence, Susan Hedahl! Contact Rev. Clements at (406) Eastern Montana Bible Camp Offers Fall Youth Retreat Students in Grades 6-12 are invited to attend a fall youth retreat at EMBC Oct Registration is $35 before Oct. 17/$40 after Oct. 17. You can preregister at embcamp.org/impacting. Scripture For October 10/2/16 Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 Psalm 37:1-9 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Luke 17: /9/16 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c Psalm Timothy 2:8-15 Luke 17: /16/16 Genesis 32:22-31 Psalm Timothy 3:14-4:5 Luke 18:1-8 10/23/2016 Jeremiah 14:7-10,19-22 Psalm 84:1-7 2 Timothy 4:6-8, Luke 18: /30/16 Jeremiah 31:31-34 Psalm 46 Romans 3:19-28 John 8:31-36 Acolytes for October Oct. 2 Blake Benson & Whitney VanHook Oct. 9 Grady Larson & Sarah Karanjai Oct. 16 Daisy Snow & Olivia Schoepp Oct. 23 Ryan McGinnis & Nathan Wilhelm Oct. 30 Hannah Anderson & Whitney VanHook

6 Oct. 9 Worship Features Students and Volunteers 3 rd Graders Receive Bibles Pella's tradition is to provide a Bible to each student in 3rd grade, and the tradition continues. On Sunday, Oct. 9, this year's 3rd graders will be receiving a Bible during worship. All of the WBS children will be singing for special music that day also. In addition, we will be recognizing all of the education volunteers during the service. So if you are a 3 rd grader, you will receive your Bible. If you are in another grade, please join us for singing. And if you are a teacher/leader of any age group, please join us for a blessing/recognition. If you know of someone that should receive a Bible, please contact Janelle Lamb (jlamb@pellachurch.net or ) with his/her name. If you are in 4th through 8th grade and did not receive a Bible or need one for whatever reason, please let Janelle know. College Care Packages LYO is leading the charge to send care packages to those who have moved away to pursue education/career training, but we need your help. If you have someone in your family who would appreciate a care package, please contact the office with his/her name and address. Also, if you have something to donate for the care packages, please deliver it to the church by Sunday, Oct. 23. (We are estimating that we ll send about 30 packages.) Thank you for helping us stay in touch with those in our faith family who are away from home! Upper Missouri Ministries Upcoming Events Event Dates Participants Cost Beautiful Girl Retreat December 2-3 (Friday/Saturday) Family Advent December 3 Night (Saturday) Winter Camp January (Friday/Saturday) Winter Weekend February (Friday/Saturday) Grades: 5-8 All Ages Grades: 4-6 Grades: 7-9 & $65/$80 after November 1 $20/Family $95/$110 after January 11 $65/$80 after February 1

7 the various memorial funds To the Memorial fund In memory of Donna Johnson Rev. Milbern & Kathryn Goetz Bill & Carol Nankivel In memory of Marilyn Sackman Susan & Harvey Welnel Jay & Kathryn Gaffri Jerry Redlin To the Music fund In memory of Donna Johnson Gail & Rhonda Peterson Bruce & Sandra Edwards Doris & Palmer Norby Tom & Nancy Hedegaard Ron Steffens To the Radio fund Jim & Linda Tibbits To the Endowment fund In memory of Donna Johnson Craig & Julie Johnson Steve & Dana Johnson Kathy & Doug Tehven To the WBS fund In memory of Donna Johnson Linda & Ted Becker Linda & Ted Becker To the Faith Circle Beth Redlin & Dan Mocko To the Needy Children fund In memory of Avis & Lyle Peterson Carla & Mark Peterson To the Sign project Chole & Charles Butler To Set Free to Serve In memory of Donna Johnson Mark & Marilyn Olson Violet Tharp Ron & Yvonne Gebhardt Mark & Marilyn Olson Bill & Carol Nankivel To the General fund In memory of Marilyn Sackman Marvellee Fink

8 Calling All Flutes! Here at Pella we have a very successful group of musicians who play the flute and we call ourselves FLUTES. Our ages range from teens to grands and we enjoy providing music at worship, as well as service music. We have played for weddings and funerals and sometimes have had as many as ten members. We are beginning our new year and you can stop in the office or call Betty Cumming at for more information. Prayer Shawl Ministry This ministry is open to all. Our very active prayer shawl ministry would like to invite all crafters who knit or crochet to be a part of this powerful Pella outreach ministry. There are no meetings, just a couple of Coffees during the year to share enthusiasm and ideas. We have had an unusually active year and encourage anyone to join us by stopping in the office for more information or call Betty Cumming at Staying Informed The 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly was held Aug in New Orleans. If you are interested in reading about the assembly actions, a report is available for download at Recognizing Judy Sondeno Judy Sondeno, who served as Parish Assistant for the past five years, will be recognized during coffee fellowship on Sunday, Oct. 9. Please join us in thanking Judy for her years of service in the church office. Constitution Updates and Revisions The church constitution is in need of some update and revision. If you are interested and willing to spend time on this project, please contact Pastor. Prayers Did you know that every Thursday you could receive a prayer list from Pella via ? The includes prayer requests and celebrations. Let the office staff know if you are interested in receiving these weekly s. ELCA Weekly Newsletter If you are interested in receiving the weekly newsletter from the ELCA MT Synod office, please send an to: susanhedahl@montanasynod.ccsend.com.

9 Council News Summary The meeting was held on September 6, Bev Jones presented the draft directory and discussed the cost of printing. John Nelson gave the financial report. The checking account has a balance of $103, and the general fund balance is $8, Pastor Joel reported that he has been busy with committee meetings, Wednesday activities and meeting more people. The Council members are happy with his involvement. Vanessa Pooch reported WBS, Confirmation, LYO and all other events on Wednesday are set to begin on September 7. The Reformation Bookstore will be coming to Pella on October This series of books will be available to purchase during this time. After October 15 the display books will be donated to the Church library. Diane Savage reported that the evangelism committee members are still visiting, now with the help of Pastor Joel. Randy Iversen reported the front steps have been completed. The trees in front of the parsonage are dying and the estimate to remove is $1,875. The contract with Con s Weed Service was reviewed. Estimate for cleaning the carpet in the basement of the church and the gathering room is $1, Pastor Joel reported that the Stewardship Committee has plans to update the congregation on the Set Free to Serve campaign and plans for the Fall Stewardship program were reviewed. The Worship survey was reviewed and no changes will be made at this time. The hand bells and choir are getting ready for another busy year. Old Business: The assistance and safety policies were reviewed with some recommended revisions. Diane Savage updated the Council members on LOVE, Inc. which is a group that local churches have come together to form to try to handle requests made by people needing assistance with food, gas, lodging, etc. The LOVE, Inc. leaders are presently working to set up bylaws for the local chapter. New Business: Missionary support was discussed. David Thorp is a missionary based out of Bolivia. Pastor Joel thought this would be a good option for Pella. The ordering of the Pella Directory was discussed next and it was recommended that the committee consider asking other committees for donations to pay for the directories and then receive a free-will offering to go back to those committees. Pastor Joel suggested a Constitutional review committee to update and revise the constitution. The Pastor s housing allowance and IRS revenue codes were discussed. Becky Reidle provided pictures and prices for office furniture that she has for sale. The information was passed onto the Property and Grounds committee. A building use agreement was reviewed and approved. Vanessa Pooch will not be present at the October meeting due

10 First Lutheran Celebrating 100th Anniversary The First Lutheran Church of Lambert will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary on Sunday, October 9. Worship will be held at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor George Karres officiating. A meal will be served after the service. Do you have the time? We know you have the TALENT! Pella is blessed with a core group of people who serve in various volunteer roles and they do it very well, but we need to strengthen this core by adding to its number! We all know that a shared load is lighter! Please consider offering your time & talent in the following areas: Worship: Usher Lector Coffee Host Special Music Communion Server Communion Set-up/Clean-up Power Point Operator Sound System Operator Other: Community Meal assistants Music: Choir Flutes Hand bells Education/Service: Elementary Middle School High School Adults Committee Member/s Name: Return form to the Office Phone/ OR Call us at !

11 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 8:15 am Choir 9 am Worship Baptism 10 am Coffee 10:30 am Hand bells am Quilting 5 5:15 pm WBS & Praise Band Practice 6 pm Community Meal 6:45 pm Confirmation & LYO 6 6:30 am Men s Breakfast and Bible Study :15 am Choir 9 am Worship 10 am Coffee Recognition of Judy Sondeno 10 am Blood Pressures 10:30 Hand bells 4-6 pm Quilt Auction & Meal 10 6:30 pm Compassionate Communication Practice Group 11 8 am Quilting 7 pm Council 12 5:15 pm WBS & Praise Band Practice 6 pm Community Meal 6:45 pm Confirmation & LYO 13 6:30 am Men s Breakfast and Bible Study 7 pm Faith Circle 14 6 pm Rehearsal Baisch 15 3:30 pm Renewal of Vows Baisch 16 8:15 am Choir 9 am Worship 10 am Coffee 10:30 am Hand bells am Quilting 5:30 pm Christian Ed Committee 19 NO WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES 20 6:30 am Men s Breakfast and Bible Study Newsletter Articles Due am Worship 10 am Coffee 10:30 am Hand bells Care Package Items Due 30 Reformation Praise Band 9 am Worship 10 am Coffee 10:30am Hand bells 24 6:30 pm Compassionate Communication Practice Group am Quilting 10 am Extended Care Service 5 pm Stewardship Committee October 9 3rd Grade Bibles Distributed WBS Sings Recognition of 26 5:15 pm WBS & Praise Band Practice 6 pm Community Meal 6:45 pm Confirmation & LYO 27 6:30 am Men s Breakfast and Bible Study 7 pm ELCA Webcast October 2-15 Reformation 500 Bookstore am-3:30 pm Compassionate Communication Workshop October Pastor gone

12 Sidney, MT Phone: (406) Fax: (406) Facebook: Pella Lutheran Church Web page: Radio Broadcast: 95.1 FM 9 a.m. INTERIM PASTOR: Joel Westby pastorjoel@pellachurch.net ADMIN. ASSISTANT: Chole Butler cbutler@pellachurch.net PARISH ASSISTANT: Becky Reidle breidle@pellachurch.net YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY COORDINATOR: Janelle Leader Lamb jlamb@pellachurch.net No Wednesday Night Activities on October 19! ***************************** Save the date: WBS Christmas Program Wednesday, December 14, 5:30 p.m. CUSTODIAN: Kenny Vannatta MISSION PARTNER Our Saviour s Lutheran Church at Rocky Boy COMPANION SYNOD Cape Orange Diocese Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Africa COMPANION CONGREGATOIN Upington Parish Northern Cape, South Africa THE PELLA AMBASSADOR IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY PELLA LUTHERAN CHURCH Office Hours Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed from Noon to 1:00 p.m. for lunch) Pella Lutheran Church 418 West Main Street Sidney, Montana 59270