The Church Bell April 2018

Transcription

1 Salem Lutheran Church The Church Bell April 2018 Rooted in Christ, to Love, Grow & Serve WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 4pm - 5pm We are currently reading and discussing the book Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. To purchase a book please contact the church office. RUTH CIRCLE (Women s Bible Study) Thursday, April 12th 1pm at Salem Hostess: Marilyn Lilyquist ALL women are welcome to join us at Bible Study. JOY GROUP A group of (still working, raising family, or newly retired) women desiring to grow stronger in their relationship with Jesus, Others & Yourself. Thursday, April 26th at at Arrowhead Builders 5159 HWY 84 NE, Longville We will be decorating flower pots, planting bulbs and of course having fun! Invite your friends! Please RSVP Pastor Trish so we know how many to plan for. NEW MEMBER SUNDAY APRIL 1ST & JUNE 24TH For more information about becoming a Member, Associate Member or Friend of Salem, please contact the church office or Pastor Trish. ALL ARE WELCOME HERE! SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday, April 8th 11am - 1pm Lunch provided. Classes for 3 year olds - 6th grade students. HELP NEEDED Sunday School Lunch (make, serve & cleaning up) 11:30am 1st Sunday of Month If you can help with a lunch let the church office know or call Barb Anderson SAVE THE DATE July 30 - August 3 Classes Wednesdays at April 4 April 11, April 18 April 25 All 7th - 9th grade students welcome. Please call Pastor Trish for more info. CARPET FUND Help replace Salem s worn out carpet by purchasing 1+ carpet tiles at $10 each. Note Carpet Fund in memo line of your check or mark on an envelope. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

2 LIVING WATERS SPRING GATHERING April 14, 2018 The Living Waters Gathering of the Women of the ELCA will hold their spring conference at Nashwauk Lutheran Church. The theme of the Gathering will be Take up the Shield of Faith. The speaker will be Connley Jasson who will be speaking on Shield 616, a program supporting law enforcement officers with special gear against active shooters and crowd control. Registration is between 8:30-9:30am. Price is $8:00, which includes registration and lunch. All women of Salem are encouraged and invited to attend. If you have any questions, Please contact me. Karen Nelson I am overwhelmed by the love and kindness of my church family. Thank you for the cards, calls and visits, the delicious meals and for the prayers which have helped tremendously with recovery from my stroke. I have completed speech and occupational therapies, but will continue with physical therapy to regain strength and balance until the end of April. Special thanks to Pastor Trish for her visits, prayers and wise counsel. God loves you and so do I. Irene Schires BUY ORGANIC COFFEE, TEA, CHOCOLATE & OLIVE OIL AT SALEM Just a reminder to please check the kiosk in the church office and look over the selection of our great coffee and other products. Experience the best beans from small farmers all over the world, all available in ground or whole bean options. The chocolate bars and cocoa all come from cacao grown by farmer co-ops in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama and Peru. The organic olive oil is far better than your store bought oil. With your Fair Trade purchase you have helped farmers get fair prices for their crops, support their families and build stronger communities. Thank you for you Fair Trade support. Karen Nelson SALEM S ANNUAL AUCTION We are in need of a lead auction person to go out and pickup items for the annual auction which is scheduled for August 11, 2018 & organize people to help set up the auction. Ron Wiehle will train. Donated items can be brought to church garage between March 1 and August 1, 2018 PLEASE HELP OUR GOOD SAMARITAN FUND A Salem Fund, financed completely by generous designated giving, is in need of funds. Please consider a monetary donation in order that we can continue helping our neighbors in need. Location: Salem Lutheran Church Dates: Wednesdays, 9-11am May 2nd, June 20th 2 hour classes are held once a week for 8 weeks. Program fee is $15 For more information please call: Jackie Lorensen Sue Meyer Tal Hess Cindy Gackle CURRENT FOR CURRAN With your help, PV for Phebe, solar power for Phebe Hospital in Liberia has been producing clean energy since March BUT GOD S WORK ISN T DONE Current for Curran is another opportunity to help provide clean, reliable solar energy this time to the Curran Lutheran Hospital of Liberia. For more information call the church office or go to: skipthegrid.org

3 Message from Pastor Trish Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed, Alleluia! April 1 st we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord which is the foundation of the Christian church, and the hope in which we live. In this Easter message is the truth of Jesus life, ministry and death. We believe the message of Easter. We are witnesses to God s transformative love. Our hope in our risen Lord is not in vain nor is it misplaced but still we hurt from past injuries; we long for mended relationships; we wish for a world of peace; we pray for healing; and we are sometimes plagued with doubt, fear and anxiety; but most of all, I sense that we are tired. Not tired of holding one another through sorrows and uncertainties; not tired of standing with the least; not tired of sharing with our neighbors in need; and certainly not tired of the fellowship and love of our brothers and sisters in Christ but in need of rest. Yet, one special Sunday and even taking into account the church s focus on Jesus resurrection the following 40 days, does seem enough to dispel the realities of living in a very broken world with very real hurts. The hope and joy of Jesus very real presence in times of sorrow, doubt, hurt and fear, is wonderful but does not magically make everything better our hearts still ache, we still fear, we still grieve, we are still tired, we still long for something more. Our Gospel reading this Easter comes from Mark 16:1-8 has a different ending than the other Gospels in regard to the Easter message. The first witnesses to the empty tomb, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome, do not run to tell the others with great joy and excitement, rather after seeing a young man, dressed in a white robe in the empty tomb, and being commanded by said young man to go, tell the disciples and Peter that (Jesus) is going ahead of you to Galilee, there you will see him, just as he told you. went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mark s honesty is refreshing and real not to take away the good news that Jesus is Risen! He is Risen indeed, Alleluia! But it is refreshing and real that Mark acknowledges that a relationship with God does not mean that all of life will be easy, perfect, nor without bumps and potholes that knock us around a bit. Mark acknowledges both the brokenness of life and the one who comes to bring new life - resurrection life. Resurrection life isn t necessarily easy but Jesus promises that no matter what life brings...we will never be alone, abandoned nor forsaken and that in Jesus, we find rest, Come to me all who are weary...and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28 Easter propels us from the tomb and stench of death into a new life provided by Christ alone. Jesus lives again, but the story of his resurrection is not limited to his own single life. He lives, so others might live again. He lives, so we might be infused by the Holy Spirit to live as a new creation and in loving relationship with God. (Living our Baptism Five Gifts of Discipleship during Easter written by John and Robin McCullough- Bade; Jesus whole life, his birth, scandalous extravagant grace to sinners, outcasts and the marginalized, his teachings in word and action, his very presence God with us his death, resurrection and ascension, point to a God of grace and love in the midst of the best of times and in the midst of the worst. The empty tomb proclaims that God s love is perfect, faithful, unconditional, forgiving, all-encompassing, pure, lasting, sacrificial, strong, enduring, refreshing, redeeming, everlasting, lavish, full, inspiring, hope-filled, gracious, and so much more. It s never based on us, our abilities, or striving to ever be good enough. It s found in Him, His character, and huge capacity to give. It knows no boundaries and has no limits. There s no place too deep that His love can t reach us still. God s love letter to us breathes grace, strength, hope, and peace. (Debbie McDaniel of Fresh Day Ahead) Blessed Easter - Pastor Trish

4 3 Sharon Gilsrud 6 Roger Larson 7 James Bliss 7 Mitch Jorgenson 9 Jordan Loren 11 Tim Peterson 16 Dylan Wheeler 16 Brooklyn Hanson 17 Eloise Rath 19 Arland Benson April 20 Paul Svingen 20 Jim Workman 26 Avis Savre 27 Mackenzie Gross 29 Dianne Schnebly 29 Terri Meagher 30 Pamela Edwards 4 Doug and Judy Johnson 18 Ron and Diane Wiehle 20 James and Kathy Joiner 21 Owen and Eileen Higgins 23 Bob and Joan Alley 25 Harland and Sara Johnson 28 Brad and Kay Ferris 29 Ken and Barbara Kostial We apologize if we missed your birthday or anniversary, please call the church office and let us know. Worship Sundays at 9am Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays of month All are welcome here! April Barb McCuskey, Co-Chair Diane Wiehle, Co-Chair Louise Daudt Joan Falls Sharon Hanson Jackie Lorensen April Team Captain Doris Schmidt Sign up on our Hospitality Kiosk in the sanctuary to help usher, lay read, greet, or help serve communion or fellowship. HOSPITALITY TEAM CAPTAIN NEEDED We are in need of someone to help keep track of Hospitality Kiosk and encourage people to sign up for needed volunteers for Worship Hospitality (Ushers, Greeters, Lay Readers, Communion Assistants). For the months of May, July, September, & November. Please talk with Pastor Trish for more information. BLENDED WORSHIP SINGERS WANTED If you are interested in helping lead Salem in song during our blended worship services, you are welcome to join us. We will schedule singers on a rotation type basis and we sing contemporary-type songs on the 3rd Sunday of every month. All are welcome to join us so if you would like to help lead us in song, please contact Pastor Trish.

5 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 HAPPY EASTER! 7:00am 8am - 8:45am Breakfast 8 10:00am Fellowship 10:15am Blended Worship Practice 11am - 1pm Sunday School :00pm Pastor s Text Study 10 2:00pm Pastor s Text Study 4 4:00pm Adult Bible Study 5:00-6:00pm WATW Meal Choir Rehearsal Confirmation Class 11 9:30am Worship Ministry Team (WMT) Technology Team 4:00pm Adult Bible Study 5:00-6:00pm WATW Meal Choir Rehearsal Confirmation Class 5 Altar Guild Organizing Party 9:30am Property Team 12 Ruth Circle 6 8:45am Staff Meeting 9:30am Executive Management Team (EMT) 13 8:45am Staff Meeting :30am Blended Worship Practice 10:00am Fellowship :00pm Pastor s Text Study 18 4:00pm Adult Bible Study 5:00-6:00pm WATW Meal Choir Rehearsal Confirmation Class Pastor Trish Vacation - April :00pm Servant Leadership Council Fellowship (SLC) 5:15pm SLC Meeting 20 8:45am Staff Meeting 9:30am Finance Team Time TBD Learning Ministry Team 21 Pr. Trish Vacation 22 10:00am Fellowship Newsletter Deadline :00pm Pastor s Text Study 25 4:00pm Adult Bible Study 5:00-6:00pm WATW Meal Choir Rehearsal Confirmation Class 26 JOY Group 27 8:45am Staff Meeting Worship 10:00am Fellowship 30

6 Servant Leadership Council Meeting March 15, 2018 Unapproved Minutes Present: Pastor Trisha, Don Falls, Barb Anderson, Tim Peterson, Dennis Zuelke (by phone), Dave Trampe, Beth Tobiason, Jan Stadtherr Excused: Steve Hanson, Lori Daudt 1. Called to order at 5:17pm by Pastor Trisha 2. Opening Prayer - Opening prayer and reflective insight presented by Pastor Trisha 3. Approve Agenda - Approved with corrections: Jan Stadtherr/Beth Tobiason/unanimous approval. 4. Approve last meeting minutes - Approved with corrections: Don Falls/Jan Stadtherr/unanimous approval. 5. Accept monthly financial reports - Approved: Tim Peterson/BethTobiason/unanimous approval. 6. Ministry Team Highlights and concerns: a. EMT (Executive Management Team) - correction to EMT minutes. Dennis Zuelke will look for a replacement pastor for April 15th. b. LMT (Learning Ministry Team) - No report c. RDMT (Resource Development Ministry Team) - No report d. SMT (Serving Ministry Team) - No report e. WMT (Worship Ministry Team) - See attachment 7. Pastor s Report - a. Received support from the congregation regarding her planned sabbatical and shoulder surgery. b. Three new member candidates to be presented on Easter Sunday. c. Additional members will join this summer. d. She continues to work on home visits as possible. e. She will not be having shoulder surgery. 8. Old Business a. Emergency preparedness - deferred until Dennis Zuelke returns to Longville. b. Sabbatical request update - Don Falls presented guidelines suggested by the ELCA. See attachment for details. c. Blue Whale - With slight modifications to the original letter, it will be sent out in the near future. 9. New Business a. Approve new member people for Easter Sunday 1. Mike and Terri Meagher 2. Fred Smith II Motion to approve by Tim Peterson/Jan Stadtherr/unanimous approval b. Christian Yoga Pastor Trisha sent a request for more details. She did not receive a satisfactory response, but she has a phone number. She will contact them and provide additional details in a future meeting. c. Policy update task force Discussions were held regarding updating the church policies. Pastor Trisha will lead a team to review what was recommended by past committees. Don Falls and Tim Peterson volunteered to assist with the process. d. Diversity Tim Peterson started a conversation regarding the inclusion of people of diverse backgrounds in the congregation. 10. Approve and review - All objectives met. 11. Adjourn with the Lord s Prayer at 8:31pm Motion by Don Falls/Jan Stadtherr/unanimous approval Respectfully Submitted, Tim Peterson, Secretary

7 DOLLARS FOR DISASTER - NE MN SYNOD ASSEMBLY Every year our Synod Assembly includes a Hunger emphasis with the Quilt Silent Auction, Market Place, and the Holy Cow Award. Many congregations have also gathered Quarters for Hunger and brought those offerings to the Synod Assembly. Thank you to all the congregations that have participated in all the aspects this Hunger emphasis at our Synod Assemblies. The Synod Hunger, Justice, and Rural Life Committee is encouraging a different approach to the hunger offerings that congregations gather and bring to the Synod Assembly. Beginning in 2018 the ingathering of congregation offerings will be DOLLARS FOR DISASTER. In the past few months so many people, both in our own country and around the world, have been affected by disasters hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, flooding, and ethnic conflict. Through Lutheran Disaster Response, we are engaged in helping people recover from those disasters. One hundred percent of Disaster offerings go to help people affected by disasters. The ELCA and the ELCA Hunger Program absorb all the administrative cost for this program, which makes it an especially effective way for congregations to respond to disasters. In the first months of 2018, congregations are encouraged to gather DOLLAR FOR DISASTER offerings and bring them to the Synod Assembly May 4-6, This will replace the Quarters for Hunger offerings at Assembly, where our Hunger emphasis will include Quilts, Market Place, the Holy Cow Award, and Dollars for Disaster. Please consider a special contribution to Lutheran Disaster Response through Salem by writing a check (memo line: Dollars for Disaster) or cash donation (designate Dollars for Disaster on an envelope) and send or leave in church office by May 2nd, WE ARE A CHURCH THAT ROLLS UP ITS SLEEVES AND GETS TO WORK Lutheran Disaster Response Our Monthly Financial Report As of February 28, 2018 General Fund Beginning Balance 2/1/18 $ 11,185 Receipts 2/1/18-2/28/18 $ 13,654 Disbursements 2/1/18-2/28/18 $-16,603 General Fund Balance 2/28/18 $ 8,236 REMINDER: $4707 is needed weekly to support the 2018 budget approved at the 2017 Annual Congregational Meeting. With God s Blessing, Barb Anderson, Church Treasurer THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS GIVING

8 SALEM MINISTRY TEAMS Servant Leadership Council (SLC) Don Falls, President Steve Hanson, Vice President Tim Peterson, Secretary Lori Daudt Beth Tobiason Dave Trampe Jan Stadtherr Dennis Zuelke Trish Jorgenson, Pastor Treasurer Barb Anderson Executive Management Team (EMT) SLC President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer & Pastor Learning Ministry Team (LMT) Beth Tobiason, Council Liaison Resource Development Ministry Team (RDMT) Dave Trampe, Council Liaison Serving Ministry Team (SMT) Lori Daudt, Dennis Zuelke, Council Liaisons Worship Ministry Team (WMT) Jan Stadtherr, Council Liaison ALL are welcome to join any of our ministry teams. Please contact one of the team leaders or church office. SALEM CHURCH STAFF Rev. Trisha Jorgenson, Pastor Cell Number: Carol Raines, Secretary / Bookkeeper Office Phone: Office salem@arvig.net Jan Elliott & Eunice Benson, Organists Charlene Olson, Choir Director Joan Kickhafer, Custodian Salem Lutheran Church Website Office Hours Monday - Thursday - 5:00pm Friday - 3:00pm Salem Lutheran Church 1340 County Road 5 PO Box 136 Longville, MN Rooted in Christ to Love, Grow & Serve