The Messenger Monthly news for Emmanuel Lutheran Church - Menominee, Michigan NOVEMBER 2017 November 5 Commitment Sunday November 5 November 12 November 26 November 22-6:00 p.m With Pie Social
from the pastor Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ; Most of you have probably seen the eye-popping pictures and videos of the giant waves that rolled off of Lake Superior last week. In these waves we saw the power that exists in water as well as the destructive nature that exists in it as it broke apart trees and stones alike. It forces you to stand back and to respect the impact that water can have. Water can create electricity. Water can provide the livelihood for fishing and tourism economies. Flooding water can wash away cars, homes, and lives. Dripping water can create mold and permanently damage structures. Water is power, but there is no water more powerful than the waters of baptism. In recent weeks as I have joined with members to baptize, affirm baptisms, and as I have presided over funerals, we have been repeatedly brought back to baptism and the promises that exist therein and the power that emanates from being washed in these waters. Which is a wonderful reminder that the signs of our baptisms are present in the work which we participate in and in the relationships in which we engage, just as prominently as when we worship. When we affirm our baptismal promises, which 19 young people did during the Rite of Confirmation on October 29th, in making public profession of our faith, we promise to live among God s faithful people, to hear the word of God, to share in the Lord s supper, to proclaim the good news through word and deed, to serve all people, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth. The promises on this list can and should keep us busy during every last one of our waking hours, which is necessary, because baptism is an identity just as much as it is a moment. On November 5th, All Saints Sunday, we recognize those who have passed through death s door this past year, remembering them as persons who
were baptized into Christ s death meaning that when they were washed in the waters of baptism, that they were already then living into their eternal lives and those promises that were made. This is a necessary day in the church year which we not only remember those who have died and have shed their mortal bodies and put on the immortal, but for us as the living saints to remember our own immortality. In the coming days and weeks I ask you to take time to reflect on these promises and what it means to be a baptized Christian. I promise what you will find is that God s power is all around you, through you, and in you, and it all comes from a few drops of water that barely got your hair wet. But in those few drops you were granted an all-encompassing strength in your faith to move mountains. That, my friends, is power. In Christ, Pastor Mark I would like to say Thank You to Emmanuel for the card and gifts that I received during Pastor Appreciation Month. They were certainly generous and unexpected. I am reminded once again how blessed I am to call Emmanuel and Menominee my home at this time in the ministry that Christ has called me to. - Pastor Mark As well, a special thanks for Tom and Bonnie Strohl for picking up and storing the church picnic games that were donated to Emmanuel. Every time I get into my car parked in my garage during these winter months, I will be just a little more thankful!! Thanksgiving Eve Service This year our friends and neighbors from Bethel will join us for this service and fellowship, initiating what we anticipate to be a shared worship experience moving forward. We are blessed to give thanks to God together!
Youth and Family Ministry From the Director: Patti Treptow November we turn our focus to Thanksgiving and we engage in many ways of giving thanks. We show thanks through our actions, our conversations, and with prayer. Teaching our kids to say thank you is often much easier than teaching them to pray. This season of giving thanks is a wonderful time to encourage family prayer life. Kids do what they see us do, not always what we tell them to do. Encourage your child to pray by praying with them. In the November/December issue of Children's Ministry, author Keith Ferrin suggests in his article Let Us Pray that "praying together as a family is a huge component of training kids to become individual people of prayer." There are many ways to pray, but here is one suggestion to get you started on helping your children to pray. Start with talking to your child about their day, what went well and what didn't, and who in their lives may need God's help. Talk about your own day and share how praying helps you. Then teach your child to pray by using a three-step prayer. Taking what you just learned about your child's day and what you shared about your day, first thank God for all the things that went well that day. Second, ask God for help and guidance for issues of concerns or for things that are coming up. Third, pray for family members, friends and other people. Doing this daily helps to develop prayer habits in kids, families, and you. And, the more normal prayer feels, the more kids will integrate it into everyday life. Find a prayer time that works well for your family and make it fun and uncomplicated. May your family's prayer life grow during this season of Thanksgiving and may your children know that God listens whenever and where ever we are!
Sunday School Children s Christmas Program Sunday, December 17th during the 10:00 a.m. worship service Program Dress Rehearsal and Christmas Party Saturday, December 16 th, 9:00 a.m. 12:00 noon Program parts will be assigned to children on Sunday, November 12 th. Speaking parts for the children s program are selected by a process of drawing names of those children who are interested in a particular part. If you know your child will not be in Sunday school on November 12 th and they would like a speaking part, please contact Patti Treptow so arrangements can be made to have your child s name included in the drawing. Program practices will begin on Sunday November 19 th during the last part of the Sunday School class time. Because we have limited practice time, it is important to have your child at Sunday school as much as possible. 3 rd Grade Bible Presentation Pastor Mark and Sunday School teacher, Margaret Stewart present the 3 rd grade class with their gift Bibles on Sunday, October 15 th during the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Those receiving Bibles were: Elizabeth Aichner, Serenity Anderson, Eli Camps, Hannah Heidbrier, Aiden Johnson, Hadley Johnson, Andrew Miller, Jack Raygo, Reese Sallgren, Emma Stewart.
November Classes - Dates for our November classes are the 5 th, 12 th, 19 th, and 26 th. We meet in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00 a.m. Leaf Raking Sunday, November 5 th 11:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m. confirmation students along with the Youth Advisory Council will be raking the leaves of our members who need assistance. A lunch will be provided before we head out. Youth should bring a rake, gloves, and dress weather appropriate. Parents who can help drive and chaperone are needed please let Patti Treptow know if you can help. Reminder to confirmation students - this activity will count toward your community service requirement for confirmation. Monthly Suppers - Sunday, November 19 th, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Pastor Mark will host a confirmation supper at the church. Supper will be at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Bible study and conclude with a game or activity. Attendance is not mandatory, but is meant to be another opportunity for kids to grow together. So we can plan food/activities, please let the church office know if your student will be attending. And, if any parents would want to provide for a supper, we are always grateful for that as well! Thanksgiving Eve Pie and Ice Cream Social - Wednesday, November 22nd. Confirmation students will set up, serve, and clean-up. Please be at church in the fellowship hall by 5:15 p.m. We will set up for the social and then go to worship. Following the service, we will serve pie and ice cream and do clean-up. Salvation Army Bell Ringing Confirmation students along with members of Emmanuel of all ages are asked to participate in ringing bells on Saturday, December 16th from 12:00-3:00 p.m. at Jack s Fresh Market in Menominee. You need not be there for the entire time. We are asking you to sign up in one hour increments. A sign- up sheet will be made available in the narthex. Baking for the Church bake sale Confirmation students will join with our members of the Youth Advisory Council to bake cookies and other yummy treats on Saturday, December 9 th, 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. A sign-up sheet will be handed out during confirmation class. Parents are encouraged to help!
Rite of Confirmation Our 2017 confirmands who were instructed in the Word of God and the teachings of the Lutheran Church affirmed their baptism on Reformation Sunday, October 29 th during the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Congratulations Confirmands! This year s confirmands are (back row, left to right) Gabe Shaw, William Aichner (second row, left to right) Ashlee Erickson, Genaveve Anders, Delaney Johnson, Landen Clausen, Alyssa Dura, Heather Camps, Brayden Plutchak, Kaeleb Crawford, Kylie Chevalier (front row, left to right) Rhyon Nelson, Abbey Leinonen, Emma Anderson, Tyler Demmith, Keaton Uecke, Trent Albert, Hayden Myers, and Zach Starzynski.
2018 ELCA National Youth Gathering There will be a meeting for those attending the National Youth Gathering along with their parents on Sunday, November 12 th at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. This brief meeting will be followed up by our gathering participants participating in our first Getting Ready session. We ask for your continued prayers and financial support as we take our next step toward this faith affirming trip in which we will serve as God s hands along with 30,000+ other ELCA youth across our nation. Emmanuel's High School Youth! Please join us at our next meeting/service activity on Sunday, November 12 th at 12:30 p.m. We will have a brief meeting and then head over to the Abundant Life Shelter to read and play games with the children who reside there. Remember that Sunday, November 12 th is "Bring a Friend to Church Day". This would be a great day to show your friends what awesome things we are doing at Emmanuel! Emmanuel's Youth Advisory Council is open to all of Emmanuel s high school youth and is great way to grow in faith and engage in fun and meaningful activities. Please contact Youth Council Representative Kyle Anderson or Patti Treptow at the church office for more information.
Worship on Wednesdays Our next WOW! worship will take place on Wednesday, November 15 th, in the Fellowship Hall 6:00-6:30 pm. This interactive family-style worship will feature family friendly songs and liturgy, complete with Holy Communion. If you are unable to be in worship on Sunday or simply desire a mid-week alternative, please consider joining us to worship God in this engaging and fun way. This worship is open to all people of all ages. These Wednesday services happen every third Wednesday of the month. If you have any questions regarding this worship, please contact Pastor Mark in the church office. Hope to see you there! Sunday November 12th Bring a Friend to Church Sunday The most recent statistics show that 82% of people who are invited to church will accept the invitation! What this means is that there are many of our friends and neighbors who would love to be in church, but are just waiting for the invitation..so let s offer it to them. Prayerfully consider about whom you might ask and then reach out to them. Chances are, they re already waiting to join you!
FOR ALL THE SAINTS WHO FROM THEIR LABORS REST... Sunday, November 5th, is All Saints Sunday in the church. On this festival day we remember Emmanuel s members who during the past year have died to Christ in the waters of baptism and those who have risen to new life eternal with Christ. If you would like to add a loved one s name, in addition to Emmanuel s members, to this list of those to be remembered, please contact the church office this week. As their names are read, a bell will toll in their memory. Dorothy Blom 6-27-1924 / 11-4-2016 Ron Beyer 7-31-1927 / 11-6-2016 Bruce Leppi 12-16-1955 / 12-5-2016 Gerald Theuerkauf 8-2-1926 / 3-6-2017 Joan Johnson 7-13-1932 / 3-7-2017 Joseph Kamin 9-24-1986 / 7-17-2017 Darla Theuerkauf 3-14-1961 / 8-10-2017 Judith Mingle 4-24-1942 / 8-29-2017 Marie Crocker 8-10-1935 / 9-6-2017 Floyde Gayon 7-22-1941 / 10-14-2017 Oradell Lindblad 9-24-1933 / 10-20-2017 Gary Porras 9/14-1950 / 10-25-2017 Henry Haulotte 12-19-1924 / 10-26-2017
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Wednesday Morning Men s group Join us each Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., at the Serving Spoon for a wonderful time of fellowship with friends, sharing stories, and enjoying a cup of coffee. Bring a friend! WoMen s Ministries Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America The Sarah Circle will meet on Tuesday, November 14 th, 1:00 p.m., Carol Sieth will be the hostess. Seeking Enlightenment Group will be meeting on Thursday, November 23, at 6:30pm. It is a time of sharing and encouraging each other on our Christian journey, contact Robin Gustafson at 906-290-1003 for location details. Bible Study Join us as we discuss the amazing, sufficient, enduring, and sustaining aspects of God's awesome grace through a Max Lucado Bible Study led by Robin Gustafson. The study will be held on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. on November 6, 13, 20, & 27. Emmanuel's Outreach Projects Christmas Cards for our Active Military Please join us Thursday, November 9 th at 6:00 p.m. in the church conference room where we will write out Christmas cards for our Military troops to let them know how grateful we are of their service and that they are in our prayers.
Christmas Food Baskets The collection of food and non-food items for the Christmas food boxes will take place November 19 th through December 17 th. The donated items will be given to individuals and families in our community who are in need. This gift will help bring some joy and hope to them at Christmas. Donated goods may be placed in the marked area in the narthex. Food items needed include canned meats (tuna and chicken), canned dinners, complete meal foods like spaghetti sauce with meat, peanut butter, soups, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta and rice including boxed meals, pancake mixes and syrup, cereal, and juices. Please no expired foods we cannot include them in the food boxes. Non-food items needed include toothbrushes, deodorant, soap and shampoo, paper towels, toilet tissue, dish soap, laundry soap, and general cleaning supplies. Please note when buying in bulk, items must be individually wrapped. Local Tree of Love Emmanuel's local Tree of Love will be located in the narthex from November 19 th through December 10 th. The Rainbow House, Haven of Hope, and Abundant Life Homeless Shelter will provide us with information about individuals and families in need of support from our community. If you wish to purchase a gift to help make someone s holiday brighter, take a tag from the tree and sign up on the sheet provided. Please return wrapped gifts to the church office by December 10 th.
Christmas Bake Sale We Need Your Help! Our annual Christmas bake sale will be held on Sunday, December 10 th between worship services. Our youth will be baking cookies on Saturday, December 9 th to sell, but we need your help to make this sale a success! Our youth will be baking 24 dozen cookies and we are asking the congregation to match or exceed that amount. If each person could bake one or two dozen cookies or baked items, we will easily meet our goal. Proceeds from the bake sale go to support the Christmas food basket project. Please bring your baked goods for the bake sale to the fellowship hall on Saturday, December 9 th by 12:00 noon Salvation Army Bell Ringing! Emmanuel will be ringing bells for Salvation Army. We are seeking members of all ages to sign up for a shift of ringing and maybe even some singing! Emmanuel will be at Jack s Fresh Market in Menominee on Saturday, December 16th from 12:00-3:00 p.m. A sign-up sheet will be made available in the narthex where you can sign up for one hour shifts. Let s make it a great turnout and show our community Emmanuel cares!
Emmanuel held its' 2 nd annual Trunk or Treat event for the community on Tuesday, October 31 st. Here are a few glimpses of this fun event:
THANKFUL GRATEFUL SPIRITUAL GROWING OUR FAITH THROUGH GENEROSITY FALL STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN This fall our Stewardship ministry focused on our thankfulness for God s generosity to us, our gratefulness for our ability to be generous to our church and others, and how our faith and relationship with God grows through this generosity. We have had the opportunity to hear meaningful and heartfelt temple talks from some of our members, and have been enlightened by writings in the weekly church bulletins and monthly messenger for the past month or so. We had the opportunity to review information and join one of the many committees offered to serve God with our time and talent. Sunday, November 5, is Commitment Sunday, at which time we will celebrate God s generosity and our response to his generosity by receiving the pledge cards that were distributed the week of October 22. Please bring your pledge card with you on that day, which will be presented at God s altar during worship. Sunday, November 12, is Celebration Sunday, when we will announce the results of the gifts that we have generously offered to God. There will also be refreshments after each service on Celebration Sunday. You can also mail or drop off your pledge card to the Church office. Please complete and return your pledge card, and, in doing so, you will continue to show your thankfulness and faithfulness in the work that is being done at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. We are blessed by God every day, let us show our thankfulness and gratitude by giving back to Him with generous and cheerful hearts. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Our Emmanuel Family MARRIAGE... Kathy Engum and Gregory Delsman were united in marriage on October 25 th at Emmanuel. BAPTISMS... Nolan Brian Stankevich, son of Adam & Kasandra, was baptized on October 22, with sponsors, Brookelyn Peterson and Jesse Lentz Gabriel Lukas Shaw, son of Sarah Aichner, was baptized on October 20, witnessed by members of his family. On October 8 the following were Baptized into the family of God. Children of James & Melissa Johnson: Lindsay Lee with her sponsors, Jeremy & Tiffany Parrett Ian James with his sponsors, Dave & Karie Anderson Aidan Daniel with his sponsors, Jeremy & Tiffany Parrett Parker William with his sponsors, Dave & Karie Anderson Children of Dave & Karie Anderson: Rhyon Julius Nelson, with his sponsors, James & Melissa Johnson Serenity Lynn Anderson, with her sponsors, Mike & Traci Olson Elizabeth Joan Reid with her sponsors, Lindsay Johnson and James Johnson CALLED HOME BY GOD... Marie Crocker who passed away at the age of 82 on September 6. Marie s funeral service was held at Anderson Kell Funeral Home on September 10. Our sympathy to her husband, Dan, and children, Lynne Sheldon, Lisa Melman, Dale and Bruce and their families. Floyd Gayon who passed away at the age of 76 on October 14. Floyd s funeral was held at Emmanuel on October 20 th. Our sympathy to his wife, Kathy, and children, Lynn Zorn, Perry and Peter and their families.
Ora Lindblad who passed away at the age of 84. Ora s funeral service was held at Emmanuel on October 26. Our sympathy to her children, Sharon Wilcox, Lori Forton and Gary Pomrenke and their families. Gary Porras who passed away at the age of 67. Gary s funeral service was held at Anderson Diehm Funeral Home on October 28. Our sympathy to his children, Ryan and Jessica, and brother, James and his wife Terri. Henry Haulotte who passed away at the age of 92. Henry s funeral was held at Anderson Kell Funeral Home on October 29. Our sympathy to his wife, Isabell. Church Council For those who are unaware, on September 12th Jackie Kolaszewski tendered her resignation from the Church Council. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Jackie for her service and leadership on the council. As Jackie was the President of the council, Vice-President Debbie Villas has now assumed the duties of President for the remaining term ending January 31, 2018. Mike Bellisle accepted the nomination and was unanimously approved by the council to fill the Vice President position for the remaining term ending January 31, 2018. Dave Anderson has accepted the invitation and was unanimously approved by the council to fill the vacant council seat for the remaining term ending January 31, 2018. We welcome Dave to the council and thank him for his willingness to serve. We give thanks to God and pray for guidance and direction as we look forward to a strong and productive finish to 2017!
AARP REAL POSSIBILITIES AT EMMANUEL Beginning this tax year, Emmanuel Lutheran will be an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program Site. The AARP Tax-Aide Program works with Seniors, Families, and Individuals to complete their Individual Tax Returns. There is no cost for this service. The Tax- Aide Group members accurately complete tax returns for as many Individuals as they can, but there are Individual Returns that are Out Of Scope for the skills of the group members and the rules for the Tax-Aide Program set by the IRS and Tax-Aide Foundation. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED To help as many seniors, families, and individuals as possible, more volunteers are needed as In-Take Coordinators and Tax Preparers. Currently the Tax-Aide Group prepares taxes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the Tax Season, February through April. There is training that is provided and a certification we each must achieve to be Tax Preparers and In-Take Coordinators. Training is provided in December and January taking 5 to 7 days each year. Our group works together and supports each other during this training and throughout the tax season. If interested in being a Tax-Aide Volunteer, Contact Jim Zobel (906-863-1355) or Tom Crowley (715-735-3833) for more information. In order to be more visible in our community, Emmanuel is exploring the idea of installing an electronic reader board for 13th Street traffic. The new electronic reader board would use the existing housing that is in place for the current one. An account has been established to fund this project. If you are interested in contributing to this project, or if you have any questions about it, please contact Pastor Mark.
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT EMMANUEL Worship at 8:00 & 10:00am Nursery care provided at 10am Sunday School at 10:00am CONTACT US: Phone: (906) 863-3431 Fax: (906) 863-4193 Email: mail@e-mmanuel.com Council President, Debbie Villas Email: elcpresident@e-mmanuel.com or Visit us on the Web at www.e-mmanuel.com Follow us on Facebook at Emmanuel Lutheran Church Menominee Michigan ELCA STAFF: Pastor The Rev. Mark Laatsch Director of Youth & Family Ministry Mrs. Patti Treptow Church Secretary Mrs. Judy Raygo Custodian-inside Mrs. Carol Parrish Custodian- outside Mr. Lee Parrish We are a congregation of the Northern Great Lakes Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America