SLC News www.slcmonte.org 320-269-7624 slcelca@msn.com Calendar Highlights: Survey Report Sun. Feb. 3 Chili Supper Thur. Feb. 21 Equipping Congregations Day - Sat. Feb. 23 (Willmar) on Earth, and as sinners who have received God s unconditional grace in Jesus Christ, we are bound by the covenant to love our neighbor. And, in a world where all communication is almost instantaneous, the world is most definitely our neighbor. I m writing this article in January, and we re coming up on five weeks of the U.S. Government shutdown. Hopefully, when this article goes out in the newsletter, it will be over. But even if the shutdown does end, our nation s problems continue. It s a sad time in our nation and in our already highly politically polarized society, it s hard for a pastor to know how to speak to it in a way that does not add to the division. There are many pastors on both sides of the political spectrum who ignore precautions (and in some cases laws) and simply speak their minds as if they assume God sees things from their perspective. It s a slippery slope, but it s also a slope in two directions. One direction brings alienation and division, and the other direction is actually ignorance and an apparent disconnection with reality. We are citizens of God s kingdom on Earth. In God s kingdom, being American or Republican or Democrat or Independent or even Lutheran is not our primary identity. We are God s children, and God as we know and understand God in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, seems quite intent on including the whole world under that umbrella. As citizens of God s kingdom Yet, what God unites us to be, we often divide, even with the best of intentions. It goes without saying that as a nation we are very divided now. That division is caused by a growing sense of distrust in our neighbor, fearing that our neighbor will somehow have power over us and take advantage of that power. It s a fear that is being led and exploited by the one we have allowed to lead our country. That s not a political statement it s simply a fact. We are not under leadership that honors God s kingdom it is leadership that seeks wealth, power, and privilege in the name of fear, and it makes me sick. I m sick of the tweets. I m sick of the arrogance. I m sick of the lying. I m sick of good, intelligent, people feeling as if they have to defend their political dignity by pretending it s okay. This is no longer about political views it s about a poor choice of leadership for which we are all now responsible, and a matter of faith. I admire the true politicians on both sides of the political aisle who can come together to find common ground, to focus on what they share in common. Continued on Page 3...
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 8:30am Sunday School JAN 27 with Noisy Offering Gr. 6 Milestone 2pm Midwinter Concert JAN 28 JAN 29 JAN 30 JAN 31 FEB 1 FEB 2 3 8:30am Sunday School with Communion 10:45am Survey Presentation 4 5 9:15am MOMA Meets 6 7 6:30am Salem Men's Breakfast and Bible Study at The River s 8 9 10 8:30am Sunday School 1 st Gr. Milestone 11 12 6pm Worship & Music Committee Meet 13 Bible Study at Salem 14 15 16 17 with Communion 18 19 20 9:15am MOMA Meets 7pm Salem Committees Meet (as needed) 7:30pm Salem Council Meets 21 12pm Salem Hosting LacQuiParle Conference 5 7pm Salem s Annual Chili Supper 22 23 8:30 Free Community Meal at Salem 8:30am 3:30pm Equipping Congregations Day at Vinje Lutheran Willmar 24 8:30am Sunday School with Noisy Offering Kind. Milestone 25 26 27 28 MAR 1 MAR 2
Article Continued... I admire those who speak up on behalf of those who are voiceless in society, and more so when that particular voice raises awareness of an actual cause and not a political agenda. I admire those who have the courage to stand up for justice, especially when that particular justice is unpopular. I admire those who take time to help others when there s nothing to be gained from it. I admire those who realize that maybe they can change how they view others who are different from themselves. I admire those who serve and have served our country to remind me that true freedom and liberty has a cost. We are a nation in need of healing, and that healing is found in living out God s kingdom. Finding that kingdom begins by letting go of what we want and letting Jesus show us what we already have. God s kingdom will never be fully realized on this Earth, but we can certainly do better. Pray that our nation works towards a greatness that is not about lifting up ourselves, but about lifting up God s kingdom in this world. Not a world where everybody agrees, but where different points of view can lead to better ideas and solutions. A world where maybe we re wrong and others are right once in a while. A world where people are a higher priority than profits. Dear Lord, Show us your way as a nation. You call on us to pray for those we dislike and disagree with, and that s hard to do because we fear losing the power we have. Help us to see your power at work in this world. Give us the humility, discernment, and wisdom to find your path for hope. Help us to see your presence in this world in ways that change our hearts to love and serve our neighbor as you desire. Grant us the longing to see our differences as an opportunity to find not only common but more level ground. In Jesus name, Amen Blessings, Pr. Matt Please SAVE THE DATE for a classic (and delicious!) Salem tradition: The Salem Churchmen s Chili Supper on Thursday, February 21 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Adults $7.00 Children (12 and under) $3.00 Menu: Chili Crackers Cole Slaw Bars Milk Join us for the: Salem Churchmen s Chili Supper At Salem Lutheran Church, 631 N. 7th St. Montevideo Thursday, February 21 Serving 5-7 p.m.
Announcements Congregational Vitality Survey Results: We appreciate the great response we received to our congregational vitality surveys, and now it is time to interpret the results! Please plan to attend the survey result presentation and discussion with Pr. Larry Strenge, Director of Evangelical Mission of the SWMN Synod-ELCA, after worship at Salem on Sun., February 3 (10:45a.m.-12:00p.m.). Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey process! A New Member Sunday has been scheduled for Sunday, February 10: We look forward to formally welcoming some new and familiar faces to Salem! DON T COOK Supper on Thursday, February 21: Let the Salem churchmen take care of supper for you at Salem s annual Chili Supper! Chili, coleslaw, dessert bars and beverages will all be available for $7 adult, $3 children. Please come support one of Salem s oldest traditions on Thursday, February 21, serving from 5-7 p.m. Thank you to everyone who responded to our adjustment away from bulk mail service! We appreciate everyones communication with us about how you prefer to receive news from Salem! If you received this newsletter by mail, but would prefer to only receive a digital copy, please write us an e-mail to let us know: slcelca@msn.com Equipping Congregations Day: The SWMN Synod Equipping Congregations Day in Willmar, MN will be Saturday, February 23, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This event is for the benefit of congregations and all members are welcome to participate. Attending Salem members should report to Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. This year, there will be two keynote speakers and a new variety of workshop sessions - each participant selects 3 workshops to attend. For more details about the event and workshop sessions, please visit: swmnelca.org/event/ecd-2019/ ynote Speakers: Beth Lewis Grow. Hold. Fold One of the perils of any organization is that there is no shortage of good ideas. There are, however, good ideas that outlast their usefulness! It is often very difficult to stop doing things because they get imbedded into our organizations traditions and cultures. If you would like to attend the event, please call or leave a message/e-mail with the Salem office. There are a couple of individuals willing to carpool from Montevideo if anyone is interested as well - please contact the Salem office for details. Beth Lewis Benjamin Winchester Benjamin S. Winchester Rewriting the Rural Narrative It seems the rural story has already been told. Small towns keep getting smaller. Churches, schools, clinics, businesses, and now post offices, have closed their doors as the lucky few migrate out to the big cities. This deficit framework dominates how we discuss and envision our rural communities. However, the story of rural America since 1970 is rich and diverse, with positive trends occurring under the radar. Learn how these important positive changes have been occurring across the rural landscape that require us to rewrite the narrative of rural community change. To the left are the keynote speaker descriptions and below is a sample list of some of the workshops that will be available on Saturday, February 23, for the Equipping Congregations Day: - It s a Google World - Tax Law Changes and Congregational Giving - Congregational Generosity - Millennials and GenZ s Take On Jesus - Suicide in Rural Ministry - Love Thy Neighbor and Explore Muslim Culture
Announcements Sunday School Important Dates: No Sunday School on February 17 Salem 1st Graders have a Milestone on Sun., February 10 Ten Commandments Salem Kindergarteners have a Milestone on Sunday, February 24 Lord s Prayer February Sunday School Teachers: February 3: Dani S. and Jonathan S. February 10: Char D., Heather G., Molly F., and Sam S. February 24: Molly F., Heather G. and Sam S. Calling All Acolytes: Salem students in Grades 4-6 are encouraged to sign-up to Acolyte on Sundays - please refer to the worship details sheet on the Usher stand in Salem s Sanctuary. Remind Messaging Service Update: We sent notice to Sunday School families that Remind could not continue delivering text messages to Verizon Wireless users due to a policy change; however, the issue has been resolved. Please disregard the notice-salem will continue to make use of Remind for direct text messaging without disruption. Midwinter Concert Thank You: Thank you to everyone who weathered the wind and cold on Sunday, January 27 to attend the Midwinter Concert and benefit for the St. Martin s Fund at Salem. We appreciate all of the talented musicians and musical groups who performed, and everyone who volunteered time to organize and serve at the event. Salem Apparel Ordering: If you are interested in purchasing Salem Lutheran Church embroidered clothing, there is still time to order! Long and short sleeve shirts, as well as sweatshirts, are available to order in a variety of sizes and colors - please contact the Salem office. There are also a few sample sale items for sale at a discounted price. Shopping on Amazon: Many of us shop online, and shopping with Amazon allows you to complete your shopping list AND help Salem (or other non-profits) for no extra cost to you! All you need to do is start at the AmazonSmile homepage (smile.amazon.com) and choose to shop in support of Salem Lutheran Church of Montevideo, and part of your purchase price will be donated to Salem. Volunteers Needed: Salem hosts a free community breakfast on the last Saturday of each month, 8:30-10 a.m., and is in need of volunteers to cook and serve. Check Salem s Community webpage (on www.slcmonte.org, select the Community tab in the header), where the dates and volunteer list is posted. Please contact the Salem office to be added to the volunteer list, or sign-up on the signup sheet provided on the Usher stand in the Sanctuary. Salem s Annual Meeting was on Sunday, January 20th - reports are available in the Salem office. Next Salem Council Meeting: Wednesday, February 20th at 7:30 p.m. Stewardship Report Through December 2018 (full financial report is available in the church office): Year to Date Income: $152,301.61 Year to Date Budgeted Income: $169,484.00 Year to Date Expenses: $167,505.92 Year to Date Budgeted Expense: $169,484.00
Contact Salem to volunteer to serve at one of our upcoming Community Breakfasts! On Salem s website, click the Community tab to see date options. The Table Free Community BreakFast Weekly & Treats In Salem s Strombeck Room Friday Mornings At 10 a.m. Last Saturday of Every Month 8:30-10 a.m. Salem Lutheran Church 631 N. 7th St. Montevideo Salem Prayer Chain The Salem Prayer Chain is a volunteer group of Salem members who pray by request for the needs of others. Prayer requests may be for yourself or someone else, and may be for healing or other challenges in life. Requests can remain anonymous if you wish, and privacy of individuals is always respected. Please contact Ruby Flickinger at 269-2220 or 226-8591, or Arlys Tilberg at 269-8440 with any requests you may have. This is different from the Sunday prayers listed in the bulletin. To be included in the Sunday prayers, please call: 269-7624 or e-mail: slcelca@msn.com. Bible Study The Men s Breakfast and Bible Study is an open men s group that meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 a.m. at The Rivers in Montevideo. Together, they eat breakfast, have conversation and then Bible Study. The Bible Study is usually about the Bible text for the upcoming Sunday with conversation about how it applies to current events and daily life. Bible Study is an open Bible Study group which meets at Salem on the second Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. This group, formerly known as the Salem Women s Luncheon, is now a coffee fellowship Bible Study and is open to everyone, men and women of all ages. Salem Quilters Moms of Montevideo Area This open group for moms of young children meets at Salem on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month, September - May. Open Group: Every Tuesday At 10 a.m. If you have a scissor, needles, and are able to tie a knot, you can join the Salem Quilters! They would love to have more people join them!
Staying Connected with Salem Salem s Weekday Office Hours Mondays: 4:30 - Tuesdays: - 12pm Wednesdays: - 2:30pm No office hours on Thursdays Fridays: - 2:30pm Salem s Office Administrator (Allysan Buseman) is the main contact for questions, announcements, scheduling, etc. You can reach her by e-mail any time (slcelca@msn. com), or call/stop in during her office hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Outside of her office hours, you can leave her a message and she will get back to you promptly! Tuesday office hours are fulfilled by an office volunteer, Carol Westberg. Salem s Monthly Worship Schedule 1st Sunday: Traditional service & full Communion 2nd Sunday: Traditional service without Communion 3rd Sunday: *Blended service & Communion 4th Sunday: *Blended service without Communion *A blended service is a more contemporary-style service Salem Sunday School Age 3 - Grade 6 8:30 a.m. Sept. - May Salem on Cable Access Channel 180 Salem s days and times are: Wednesdays at 9 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Fridays at 9 a.m. Salem News Deadlines: Sunday Bulletin Announcements: Fridays at ; Newsletter Announcements: 18th of the Month; Calendar changes and website/ Facebook posts can be submitted any time (may not post same day) Find Salem on the web at: www.slcmonte.org Salem s website is updated weekly with current news, announcements and event information! Find us on Facebook @slcmonte and Like + Follow our page! Salem also has a Facebook group; find Salem s Facebook group by searching slcmonte in the Facebook search bar and click to Join. We will see your request and add you to the group! To receive news e-mails, please send us an e-mail with your name to: slcelca@msn.com to be added to our e-mail list! If you have done this, and are still not seeing the e-mails in your inbox, please check your junk folder. Salem has made use of a service called remind which helps to keep you informed by sending texts directly to your phone. These texts are not frequent, likely only a few per month depending on what Salem has going on. To join the remind groups, please do the following: For announcements, text this: @slcmonte to: 81010 (or to the number 320-334-2145) For Sunday School, text this: @salemsu to: 81010 (or to the number 320-334-2145) Remind Messaging Update: Verizon has adjusted their policy to allow Verizon customers to continue receiving remind messages! Salem will continue to use remind without any disruption.
Salem Lutheran Church 631 North Seventh Street Montevideo, MN 56265 SLC Newsletter www.slcmonte.org Salem E-Giving Salem provides e-giving to make your offering easier and more convenient than ever! Salem s online and mobile giving options are serviced by Vanco Payment Services, making it safe and secure. Vanco s Give+ Service is trusted by 20,000+ churches! To Access Salem s Online Giving: Open Salem s website: www.slcmonte.org Click the green Salem Give+ button Salem s online giving page will open. Follow the on-screen instructions. To Access Salem s Mobile Giving: Using your smartphone s QR code reader, scan the provided code box. Salem s mobile giving page will open. Follow the on-screen instructions.