Lenten Greetings to one and all!

Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church Pastor Mary Eide Office: 715-879-5115 sothlc@sothem.org or meide@luthersem.edu www.sothem.org March 2016 Newsletter Lenten Greetings to one and all! What are the faith rituals and traditions your family has for Lent? Or for the celebration of Easter? Do you know how they originated? Was it something your parents or grandparents had taught you when you were young? Or were they things taught to you in church? How many of these have you passed on to your own children? The passing on of faith rituals, traditions and practices are some of the ways we help to foster future generations of Christians. It s important to teach our children (and grandchildren) not only how we do these things but also why we do the, and they ways they can strengthen our understanding of our faith. Each time I baptize a child, I am struck once again with the promises made within the words proclaimed in this sacrament. Not only do we hear the holy promises made by God regarding the forgiveness of our sins, being marked by the Holy Spirit, being born anew and promised a resurrection like Jesus. These are wonderful indeed! But also the promises parents, godparents/sponsors, and we as a congregation make surrounding the faith formation of this little boy or girl. We all make important promises to help pass on the faith to this new member of God s family. I m in my first class of Vibrant Faith University, in what is a 2-year commitment to learn about Faith Formation in the 21 st century. I m learning so much from the research data, reading and videos that are part of the class. I m awestruck by some of the amazing and inspirational faith formation work that is being done in churches around the country. And I ll admit that I m more than a bit overwhelmed by all the work assigned in the class. In fact I have a HUGE project due April 17 th. How crazy is that homework during Lent, Holy Week and Easter?! Part of this project will require myself (or some helpful folks from church) to interview some of YOU. So in the next month or so, you may receive an invite to be interviewed. These interviews are meant to assess the religious and spiritual needs and practices of our congregation and community. This information will help me to create an faith formation initiative to help us enhance the faith formation practices in church and in our homes. Your help is greatly appreciated!! In the meantime, let s continue our Lenten journey, these 40-days of considering more deeply how God s love, hope, and grace matter in our lives. This is a time of year we can gather more frequently in worship (and enjoying delicious food), drawing strength from God and one another. And it all ends in a glorious celebration of our Savior s resurrection. Once again I find myself thinking, God is good! In peace, Pastor Mary pg. 1

WORSHIP FIRST COMMUNION CELEBRATION Sunday, March 6 th. Come and celebrate with Ryan Bartig, Aiden Schiferl, Brooklyn Zillmer and their families. BAPTISMS abound! On February 21 st we had the pleasure of welcoming Aryelle Nickole Troxel, daughter of Rhiannah and Mark Troxel into the body of Christ. On March 13 th Maci Mae Hanson will be baptized, and her parents are Tim Hanson and Amanda Howe. Then on March 20 th Nevaeh Allyn Rasmussen, daughter of new members Shantel and Troy Rasmussen will be baptized. God is good! LENT CONTINUES come and join the journey! We continue with our Mid-week Soup Suppers at 6pm and Holden Evening Prayer Service at 7pm. ALL are welcome to join us in fact invite a friend! Our mid-week scripture texts and messages throughout Lent focus on how we can OPEN OUR LIVES TO GOD. March 2 nd Open My Ears, Lord Proverbs 18:10-15 LBW #439 What a Friend We Have in Jesus March 9 th Open My Heart, Lord Acts 16:11-15 Blue #713 Lord Let My Heart Be Good Soil Open my heart, Lord. (Place your hands over your heart) Open my life, Lord. (Raise your arms up to God) Amen. MAY 21 st 9am SYNOD ASSEMBLY WORSHIP and Pastor Dean will be honored for 50 years of service to God s Church. If you d like to be present, Pastor Mary is looking for Ushers to assist at the worship. NOTE: You can attend without serving as an usher. Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church at 1314 E Lexington Blvd, Eau Claire. LEARNING It s not too late to register for WALKING TOGETHER: A Congregational Resource Event sponsored by the Northwest Synod of WI. The event will be held Saturday, March 12 th from 8:30-4pm. The cost for this great event is only $15 and includes worship, lunch and nearly 40 different workshops to choose from for the 5 workshop sessions designated throughout the day. You can register online at www.nwswi.org or pick-up one of the sign-up sheets to mail in they are located in the Gathering Area. Registration at the door is $25. March 16 th Open My Life, Lord Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Blue #734 Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling The children s action prayer listed below illustrates the weekly messages being presented. This would be an easy prayer to teach any children you may have in your home, at bedtime or anytime! Open my eyes, Lord. (Point toward your eyes) Open my hands, Lord. (Stretch out your hands) Open my ears, Lord. (Point toward your ears) THEMES OF WORKSHOPS (3 or more workshops/theme) Worship and Music Faith Formation Youth & Family Congregational Leadership Administration Stewardship Global Mission Service Justice Renewal Congregational Life pg. 2

RUBY S PANTRY MONDAY, MARCH 21 ST With this date falling at the beginning of Spring Break for our school district, we know we are going to need additional volunteers. So PLEASE prayerfully consider how YOU can help that night and maybe bring a friend! FUND BALANCES Balance on Hand 01/31/2016 Checking 4,764.80 BALANCES IN FUNDS Benevolence 863.00 Building 10.00 General Operating -8819.66 Good Samaritan 3218.64 Memorial Fund (Undesignated) 3932.54 Sunday School 1357.57 CREDITS FOR JANUARY 2016 DEBITS FOR JANUARY 2016 General Operating Offering $12,536.83 General Operating $16,659.19 Benevolence $299.00 Benevolence $0.00 Building $10.00 Building $3,147.00 Good Sam $748.00 Good Sam $0.00 Hunger $215.00 Hunger $491.00 Sunday School $58.10 Sunday School $0.00 Memorial $460.00 Memorial $0.00 $14,326.93 $20,297.19 pg. 3

March 31 st will be the end of the 1 st quarter, so please submit all reimbursements into the bookkeeper. Reimbursement forms are located in the church office, are completed and placed in Bookkeeper s box (located in bottom far right cabinet) with the original receipt(s). MENOMONIE AREA MEMORY CAFÉ 4 th Thursday 10am to 11:30am at the United Methodist Church 2703 Bongey Drive The Memory Café is a safe, comfortable and engaging environment for those with early stage memory loss and their caregivers. A place where you can socialize and connect with others. For more information, contact the Dunn County ADRC at 715-232-4006 March 24 th, April 28 th, May 26 th, June 23 rd, July 28 th, August 25 th and more! LUTHER PARK BIBLE CAMP LUTHER PARK Early Registration Deadline MAY 1 st! Your son/daughter/family s registration form needs to be sent to Luther Park, along with your portion of the camp fees by this deadline. You can register online at www.lutherpark.org find the necessary form online, or in Luther Park literature in the church Gathering Area. Here at Shepherd of the Hill, we greatly value Christian camp experiences. So scholarships funds are available to help pay for camp. REGISTER/PAY DEPOSIT by MAY 1 st and receive an Early Bird Discount ($10 off partial week camp and $20 off full week) Diane DeMoe extends many thanks to those who sent her Valentine s Day cards To the many, many individuals and families that gave of their time, talents, and treasures to offer a delicious and successful Pancake and Egg Bake Breakfast on February 20 th. We are pleased to share $83 of our proceeds with the school Powerlifting Club. To all those making those delicious Soup Suppers so great to be part of yum! CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY SURVEY Results for January 2016 Scale of 1 (poorly) to 5 (great) #1. Address social concerns (helping those in need) 4.67 #2. A positive force in the community 4.63 #3. Worship nurtures people s faith 4.47 #4. Interact with the local community 4.40 #5. Deepens people s relationship with God 4.37 #6. Incorporate new members into congregational life 4.20 #7. Help members live out their faith in daily lives 4.20 #8. A clear sense of mission 4.13 #9. Excitement about the congregation s future 4.03 pg. 4

#10. Seek out and use the gifts of members of all ages 3.97 #11. Manage disagreements in a healthy, respectful manner 3.97 #12. Build strong, healthy relationships among members 3.93 #13. Works for social justice/advocacy 3.90 #14. Equip members to share their faith with others 3.80 #15. Always ready to try something new 3.73 Thank you to everyone who helped complete this portion of the ELCA Church-wide parochial report for 2015. This data gives us information about the perceived strengths and growing edges for this body of Christ. I m quite excited about the results, as they give us much to celebrate! We can use this information to guide us in conversation and in planning for this year and beyond. Shepherd of the Hill Council Minutes January 24, 2016 Meeting called to order at 12:40 PM by Barb Vadnais, President. Members present: Sandy Barth, Tricia Langer, Sarah Larson, Keith Lee, Rita Lee, Kenneth Millermon, Barb Vadnais, Jim Vesper, and Pastor Mary Eide. Members absent: Jordon Delong, Betty Heltne, Heidi Schiszik The 2016 church council met immediately after the annual meeting. Old Business: None New Business: Jim Vesper made a motion to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Rita Lee for president, seconded by Sandy Barth, motion passed. Keith Lee made a motion to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Jim Vesper as vice-president, seconded by Tricia Langer, motion passed. Pastor Mary made a motion to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Sarah Larson as treasurer, seconded by Kenneth Millermon, motion passed. Pastor Mary made a motion to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Barb Vadnais as secretary, seconded by Sarah Larson, motion passed. 2016 church council officers are: President- Rita Lee Vice President- Jim Vesper Secretary - Barb Vadnais Treasurer- Sarah Larson Council members signed up for committees. Committee membership: Evangelism- Sandy Barth pg. 5

Stewardship- Kenneth Millermon Youth- Tricia Langer Property- Jordon Delong Social concerns- Betty Heltne Worship- Keith Lee Education- Heidi Schiszik All church committee meeting will be after church on Sunday, February 21, 2016. Next meeting: Monday, February 22, 2016 at 6:30 PM. Pastor Mary made a motion to adjourn at 12:23 PM, seconded by Sarah Larson, motion passed. Minutes submitted by Rita Lee, Secretary. Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church Women of the ELCA February 10, 2016 The W-ELCA met at 12 noon on February 10 in Luther Hall. Pastor Mary led us in the table prayer. Audrey Bracher and Carol Carlstrom served a tasty lunch. Linda Dempski presented a program on Lutheran Symbols and Crosses. President Linda Dempski called the meeting to order. Faylene Howe read devotions from Christ in our Home and from 2 nd Corinthians 5:20 to 6:10 as well as All I really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum. Reports: Secretary Fay Howe read the secretary s minutes from December 2, 2015, and they were approved. Treasurer Carol Carlstrom gave the treasurer s report, balance $1,754.10. The books were audited for the Annual Meeting and were approved as presented. In response to an inquiry, she indicated that Sunday Fellowship monies are donated to the W-ELCA treasury from September through April and to the Luther League from June through August. Old Business: The holiday bake sale proceeds were $533.00. Sandy Barth made a motion to postpone a decision on use of these funds until after the February 21 st All ministry Event. Announcements: 1) The National Convention of the W-ELCA will be held in Minneapolis July 13-16, 2017. Maybe some of our members would like to make plans to attend. 2) The Synod Assembly will meet on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. Pastor Dean Brockmeier will be recognized for 50 years of pastoral service. We should plan to have a large contingent attend. 3) Linda did not receive any responses regarding her request to review the Funeral Fellowship document she distributed last meeting. pg. 6

4) Thank you letters were received from Luther Park for our $50 donation as well as $30 in memorials for Myrl Brunn, Sylvia Lee and Dale Smith. The Synod Office in Chicago also sent a thank you for the $526 Thank Offering received from Shepherd of the Hill. 5) High School Baccalaureate is scheduled for May 15, 2016, at Shepherd of the Hill. W-ELCA will provide the reception snacks. 6) Holy Week Senior Dinner is scheduled for March 23 rd. Betty Heltne and Sandy Barth will plan the menu, make arrangements for the volunteer help (Melisa Topper, Linda Eder) and serve the meal. 7) The Day of Renewal will be held at Spirit Lutheran Church on Main Street in Eau Claire on April 2, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 8) The Synod Women s Organization Convention is scheduled for April 29 th and 30 th at the Plaza Inn and Suites in Eau Claire. Motion by Sandy Barth, second by Carol Stuckert to pay for one registration fee for our voting member (representative to be announced later). New Business: 1) Motion by Carol Carlstrom, seconded by Anita Clemmens to purchase the palms, Easter lilies and poinsettias for the altar at the appropriate times. Carol Stuckert will order and arrange for delivery. Motion passed. 2) Motion by Anita Clemmens, seconded by Carol Stuckert to hold the high school graduation reception and quilt presentation on May 8 th. We have eight members graduation this year. Barbara Vadnais will be informed of this date. Motion passed. 3) Motion by Carol Stuckert, seconded by Sandy Barth to purchase 6 Children s Bibles as we have several baptisms coming up in our church. Motion passed. 4) Motion by Anita Clemmens, seconded by Linda Dempski to transfer our W-ELCA bank account to Independence Bank. Motion passed. Pastor Mary advise that there will be a breakfast on February 20 th for everyone all you can eat pancakes, egg bake, sausage, bananas, milk, juice and coffee for a suggested donation of $6.00 per person. This is being held to accommodate the Powerlifting Tournament which is taking place at the High School. At this time, more egg bakes are needed, and kitchen help at 6:30 Friday night and shifts 5:30am 8:00am and/or 8:00am 10:30am on Saturday. Pastor Mary read the installation of Officers ceremony. Officers for two years: Sandy Barth, President; Carol Heimstead, Vice President; Carol Stuckert, Secretary; Linda Dempski, Treasurer; Reception Committee Chair, Carol Carlstrom; Stewardship, Audrey Bracher; Discipleship, Carol Stuckert; Justice, Linda Dempski; Program Chair, Linda Dempski. President Dempski thanked Audrey and Carol C. for serving lunch and Faylene for giving the devotions. Next month Carol Stuckert will give devotions and Faylene Howe and Lori Jenson will provide the lunch. Linda Dempski made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Anita Clemmens. Motion passed. We closed praying the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Faylene Howe, Secretary. pg. 7

Empty Bowls Event for Stepping Stones and Bread for the World Saturday, March 5, 2016 11-2pm Menomonie Middle School Tasty Soup & Bread Lunch Handmade Pottery & Wooden Bowls Bake Sale & Silent Auction Kids Activities and Educational Displays Tickets: Tickets Purchased Day of Event $17 includes bowl $7 meal only Free for Children Under 5 Advance Tickets Available at Stepping Stones or online at www.steppingstonesdc.org $15 includes bowl $5 Meal only Free for Children Under 5 January Special Gifts As of January 25 th offering To Building Fund: In Honor of Cal Krantz s 90 th Birthday from Vic & Lori Jenson To General Fund: In Honor of Cal Krantz s 90 th Birthday from Jim & Louise Peterson-Sneen, Keith & Rita Lee To General Fund from Bev & Elmer Hanson Family; Exel Energy c/o Vicki Adams In Memory of Marion Allen from Vic & Lori Jenson, Keith & Rita Lee, Bud & Barb Barum, Diane DeMoe, Audrey Bracher and Sarah Circle To Memorial Fund: In Honor of Cal Krantz s 90 th Birthday from John & Mary Ausman In Memory of Marion Allen from John & Mary Ausman, Carla & Kenneth Porter, Jim & Louise Peterson-Sneen, LaVerne Ausman, Barbara & Mitchell Piper and Friends of Marion Allen To Food Pantry: In Memory of Pete Schumacher from Audrey Bracher, David & Lynn Dummer From Barum Lutheran Church and Big Elk Creek Christian Women, Trinity United Methodist Church pg. 8

CALENDAR pg. 9

Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church 207 University Street Elk Mound, WI 54739 pg. 10