Pont s Ponderings The Pontoppidan Lutheran Church Newsletter Proclaiming the Gospel! Living In Christ! Caring for Our Neighbors! Jan.-Feb. 2018
From Pastor Luther Anderson Hello! I am Luther Anderson, your Interim Pastor for the time that you will take to call and welcome a pastor. I am looking forward to meeting you folks, and working alongside you as people who say, Jesus is Lord! A brief biography: I have been married to Laurie for 52+ years (Laurie is a graduate of the UND School of Nursing; she has a broad background in nursing care, with special emphasis on hospice). Laurie and I have three sons: Todd, Ross, and Brent, and three grandchildren. I am a graduate of Augsburg College, the University of Minnesota, Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington D.C.). Prior to moving to Moorhead, in 2015, we lived in St. George, UT, for 18 years, where I was called as a mission developer for New Promise Lutheran Church. Prior to that I was a hospital chaplain and pastoral care teacher @ North Memorial Medical Center, Robbinsdale, MN; and a parish pastor in Sioux Falls, SD, Thief River Falls, MN, and Fergus Falls, MN. I have served as an Interim Pastor in several congregations, including Our Saviors, East Grand Forks, Martins, Casselton, and Calvary, Grand Forks. I enjoy spending time with people, in worship and formal meetings, as well as informal coffee times. I am encouraged by your Transition Team s desire to move smoothly and quickly into the necessary study and preparations for calling a pastor. I trust that we can expedite that process with ease, efficiency and quality. Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel. God s Peace! Pr. Luther Anderson 2
Note from Pastor Doug Thank you for the privilege of being a pastor at Pont these 30 years. If there were guiding words for our time together, it was the words of Paul to the church in Rome: In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. [Romans 12:6-18] As people who have been saved by the grace of God, you have given these gifts to me and my family through the years. You have accepted me as your pastor, served willingly in many and various ways, supported the ministry of Pontoppidan to share the Gospel and live in Christ and serve our neighbors. You have been the church where our four children grew in faith. You comforted Jan and I when our parents passed away. There are not enough words to say how much you have meant to our family through the years. We will remain friends. But I will not be your pastor. Others will lead you in worship, and in the other callings of a pastor. I will not officiate at weddings or funerals, or lead Circle Bible Studies or Thursday Bible Studies or Confirmation classes. I will not climb Harney Peak with any more Youth Groups! Oh, how I will miss being at the top of that mountain with the Youth Group! But when we see one another in the community we will meet as friends. You can buy me a Diet Pepsi. Or I will buy you a cup of that hot black stuff most of you drink. And we will say, Remember when! And How is life? God bless all you good and faithful people at Pontoppidan! Sincerely in Christ, Doug and Jan, Matt and Tara, Ben and Jaime, Emily, Sam, and Levi and Addie. 3
Caring for our Neighbors Submitted by Jackie Jabens, WELCA Stewardship Rep Happy New Year Everyone! Staff and volunteers at the Emergency Food Pantry work diligently to serve the needs of our community year-around. During the months of January and February, let s help stock pantry shelves with non-perishable items. Stacie, executive director of the pantry, says that all donations of nonperishable food items are much appreciated; however, currently, their greatest needs are for canned tuna, peanut butter, canned fruit, rice, pasta, noodles, toilet paper and bar soap. Please place your donations of non-perishable items in our Pontoppidan grocery cart, which is by the coat racks in the education wing. Monetary donations are also accepted by the food pantry and, according to the pantry s website, a $21 donation provides a week s worth of food to a family. Monetary donations may be delivered to the church office, placed in the offering plate, or made online at www.emergencyfoodpantry.com. Your participation in February s Love Offering is also an excellent way to care for your neighbors. The Love Offering is an alternative to bazaars and bake sales and stays with the Pontoppidan Women of the ELCA to support our benevolence budget for the year. Designated envelopes are included in this newsletter and are also available in the church office. These may be brought to the WELCA Love Brunch on February 10, placed in a Sunday morning offering plate or delivered to any circle meeting or the church office. Thank you for your contribution. Reminder: Minnesota FoodShare s March Campaign is not far off. Minnesota FoodShare is a program of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches; its March Campaign brings together various organizations, businesses, and places of worship to help keep 300 food shelves statewide (including Fargo s Emergency Food Pantry and YWCA Emergency Shelter Food Pantry) stocked throughout the year. Check the March/April newsletter for more information! The collection of bath size bars of soap for Lutheran World Relief is on-going. The donation bin is outside the church office. God s Blessings upon you for all the ways you find to share His Blessings with others! WELCA Coming Event: February 10 th : We will have our Love Brunch at 10:00 am in fellowship hall. Matthew Halloway, a representative from PATH will be sharing with us about the services/programs that PATH provides. An in kind offering will be taken at this meeting for their Welcome Basket program that helps young adults set up housekeeping. Some ideas: Silverware, dishes and drinking glasses, pots and pans, baking dishes, toaster, storage containers, cleaning and laundry supplies, bath towels, gift cards for groceries etc. New items only. You may choose to do this as a circle group project. The Love offering envelopeswill be included in this newsletter. This offering stays in our Pontoppidan WELCA for our local projects and benevolences. Thank you for considering a donation. Pontoppidan quilters have been busy. They recently sent 5 quilts to northern California to Denise Duke s step daughter who will distribute to her neighbors that lost everything in the fires. Pastor Doug presented quilts to 9 high school graduates. And of course they are always making quilts for Lutheran World Relief. They meet every Wednesday at 12:30 and welcome anyone to join in the fun and fellowship! 4
QUESTIONS? Please contact Kim Stromberg at 232-0998 or kim@pontonline.org We resume Sunday School on January 7th at 11:05 AM We will support our Youth Pals by making classroom auction baskets for their annual Youth Dinner with Silent Auction Sunday, January 28th 4:30-6:30 PM Please bring an item to help fill a basket in your classroom to donate to the auction. (prior to January 24th) 3/4YR: story book basket Kindergarten: art basket 1st/2nd Gr: garden basket 5th/6th Gr: game night basket MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU WITH MORE JOY THAN YOU EXPECTED BIGGER ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT YOU DREAMED OF AND GREATER GIFTS OF HIS LOVE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE! February 4 Sunday School sings at 10:00 am Worship Wear your favorite jersey/shirt to church & Sunday School Bible Trivia with snacks during Sunday School 5
QUESTIONS? Please contact Lisa Johnson at 232-0998 Confirmation classes will resume on Wednesday, January 10 at 6:30 PM! We will be watching a movie together on January 10 and 17 and getting to know our Interim Pastor, Luther. Parents of Confirmation students are welcome and encouraged to attend class and enjoy the movie together. Atomic Coffee is Sunday, January 14 immediately following the 10 AM worship service! Join us as we walk to Atomic Coffee for our $5 treat! Our Meatball Dinner and Silent Auction will be held on Sunday, January 28 from 4:30-6:30 PM. Pontoppidan Youth will be serving up our made from scratch meatballs but this year we will be serving them Italian Style over spaghetti instead of mashed potatoes! We ll also have garlic bread, salads, dessert and LIVE music! Individual Meals will be $12 and the Family Meal Deal is $40. Please consider donating an item for our Silent Auction as well. Items need to be turned into the office by Friday, January 26. Saturday, February 10 Sunday, February 11 Wednesday, February 14 Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack!! Pontoppidan, Youth, parents and family members are invited to pack some meals at Atonement Lutheran Church. We have 20 slots reserved for Pontoppidan from 1:30-3:30 PM. Please contact the church office or Lisa to reserve your spot! Atomic Coffee! Youth in grades 7-12 are invited to Atomic Coffee for a time of fellowship and a $5 treat. Ash Wednesday You will be serving Lenten meals from 5:30-6:30 PM. More information to come. 6
Poinsettia s Carol Anderson in memory of my parents, husband and grandson Carol Anderson in honor of Pastor Doug and Family Richard and Helen Arnseth in honor of our three great grandchildren Junior Berg and Kayla Berg in memory of Alvin and Glo Berg, Richard Berg, Adam Snyder, and LeRoy Schneider Purple Poinsettia in memory of Sharon Berg from Junior Berg and Kayla Berg Audrey Bueide in memory of Jerry Bueide Ed and Sandy Cegla in memory of Matt Cegla and Sylvan Anderson [our fathers] Ed and Sandy Cegla in honor of Pastor Doug Klungtvedt Ruby Craik in honor of my family Mayone Dalos in memory of Ingel Dalos and Easton Schlicht Bob and Marlys Davis in memory of LaVerne Davis Bill and Denise Duke in memory of James and Ruth Singleton and Ruth Magnuson Charles and Vicki Hartz in memory of brother, David Hartz and parents, Chester and Lorraine Hartz Charles and Vicki Hartz in honor of our grandchildren, Lucy, Maggie, Gus and Charlie Ray and Bev Hubbard in honor of Pastor Doug and his many years at Pont Ben and Marcie Hushka in memory of John and Luella Schleibe Ben and Marcie Hushka in memory of Ben and Josephine Hushka Cindy Johnson and Justine Evanson in memory of Vicki Millar Del and Sue Jordahl in memory of Sivert and Florence Jordahl Del and Sue Jordahl in honor of Charles and Esther Ljungren Rod and Diane Jordahl in memory of our parents Rod and Diane Jordahl in honor of our children Jim and Kathy Kain in memory of our daughter, Michelle Daryl and Margaret Klindworth Pastor Doug and Jan Klungtvedt in memory of our parents Pastor Doug and Jan Klungtvedt in honor of our children Pastor Doug and Jan Klungtvedt in honor of our grandchildren, Levi and Addie Colleen Lanners in memory of my parents Paul and Cindy Linstad in memory of Leonard and Dorothy Linstad Mike and Betty Mickelson in memory of Bob Davis Mike and Betty Mickelson in memory of Kathy Mickelson Lorraine Nelson in memory of my parents, Jens H and Clara Nelson and my brothers, Clarence and Orville Gayle, Terri, Tyler and Sean Nesemeier in memory of Edward and Marion Myhre, Connie Truesdel, Michael Senff, Celeste Robles, Myrna Joyal and Celeste Schock Chris and Sheri Olerud in honor of our loving parents Art and Nancy Olerud and Bob and Janice Sonnenberg Loretta Olson in memory of Roland and Larry Olson Bob and Pat Rheault in memory of Maxine Mickelson, Gladys Mickelson, and Kathy Mickelson Bob and Pat Rheault in memory of Raymond Rheault and Ron Rheault Mike and Vonnie Rostad in honor of the Pontoppidan Card Makers Mark and Peggy Samuels in memory of Benjamin Samuels and Kenneth and Ellen Rogne Mark and Peggy Samuels in honor of Mike, Erin, and Brinley Samuels Mark and Peggy Samuels in honor of Rodger and Linda Whitford Roy and Lisa Sander in memory of Roy and Bev Sander and Dave Ditzler Roy and Lisa Sander in honor of Jared, John, Lindsay and Linus Sander Del and Diane Sanders in memory of William and Mable Sanders and Marilyn, Jeremy Palmer-Louise and Mike St. Laurent Linda Schlicht in memory of Ingel Dalos and Easton Schlicht Linda Schlicht in honor of Mayone Dalos, Kyle, Ashlee and Jaxon Schlicht and Taylor Erdmann Martha Schneider and Family in memory of LeRoy Schneider and Sharon Berg Bruce and Gay Seelig in memory of Eldon Seelig, Lynn and Jeanette Kjorstad Bruce and Gay Seelig in honor of Marian Seelig, Our Children and Grandchildren Marian Seelig in memory of Eldon Seelig Marian Seelig: Merry Christmas to All! Donald and Paula Sell in memory of Michael Strom (Son), Donald and Paula Sell in memory of Valda and Alfred (Pete) Sell, [Mother and Father] Arron and Doreen Smith in honor of our kids and grandkids Arron and Doreen Smith in honor of Keith and Darlene and Family and Anna and Dion and Family Arron and Doreen Smith in memory of Wally and Carol Lindsay and Doron Smith, and in honor of Percy and Les Walker Anne Snyder in memory of Adam Snyder (my son) 7
Poinsettia s Isaac and Erika Spanjer in memory of Al and Norma Spanjer Bert Stangeland in memory of Gordon Stangeland and Inghart and Pearle Stangeland Bonnie Streed and Family in memory of Art Streed, Parker and Corinne Kvebak, Art and Judy Streed Betty Trogstad, Sue and Kevin Koskela and Family, Brian and Sarah Trogstad and Family and Mark and Jenny Trogstad and Family in memory of Jerry Trogstad Betty Trogstad and Family in memory of Theodore and Cora Skonnord and Christine Hogan Betty Trogstad and family in memory of Vern and Mabel Trogstad Lorraine Van Erem in memory of Harold Van Erem LaDonne Vik and Vicky Anderson in memory of Gordon Anderson and Roland and Pat Vik LaDonne Vik and Vicky Anderson in honor of Carol Anderson Marlys Workin and Family in memory of Arland Workin In memory of Ellen Anderson given by her family Lydia Circle in honor of Pastor Doug and Jan Mary Circle in honor of Mary Circle Friends Anna/Naomi Circle in honor of Anna/Naomi Circle Friends Sarah Circle in honor of Circle Friends Memorials & Honorariums MISSIONS Richard and Helen Arnseth in honor of Art Olerud s 70th birthday Becky Thorp in memory of Donald and Betty Thorp MUSIC Betty Trogstad in memory of Jean Moe PASTOR S DISCRETIONARY FUND Bob and Pat Rheault in memory of Kathy Mickelson RADIO Dave and Ruth Stensland in memory of Jean Moe Pastor Doug and Jan Klungtvedt and Family in honor of the congregation Ruby Craik in memory of Jean Moe John T. Korsmo in memory of John E. Korsmo Jim and Kathy Kain in memory of Jean Moe Janice Kjesbo in memory of Lyle Kjesbo Del and Diane Sanders in honor of Art Olerud s 70th birthday Carol Anderson in memory of Lyle Kjesbo In memory of Ellen Anderson given by her family Mike and Vonnie Rostad: Thank you Pastor Doug, Teresa & Pont Friends Jim and Kathy Kain in honor of Art Olerud s 70th birthday Audrey Bueide in honor of Art Olerud s 70th birthday Sevig Family in memory of Harold and Clara Sevig Paul and Cindy Linstad in honor of Art Olerud s 70th birthday Lorraine Van Erem in honor of Art Olerud s 70th birthday Bev and Ray Hubbard in honor of Art Olerud s 70th birthday Curt and Malvina Moe in honor of Art Olerud s 70th birthday Hope Hektner in honor of Charles and Vicki Hartz 50th wedding anniversary Ruby Craik in honor of Art Olerud s 70th birthday John T. Korsmo in honor of Gen Korsmo s 95th birthday Bob and Marlys Davis in memory of Marlyn Smith UNDESIGNATED Robert and Linda Hoff in memory of Lyle Kjesbo LaDonne Vik and Vicky Anderson in memory of Lyle Kjesbo LaDonne Vik and Vicky Anderson in honor of Art Olerud s 70th birthday YOUTH Jeff and Teresa Huff in honor of Art Olerud s 70th birthday Jeff and Teresa Huff in memory of Clayton Runck 8
January Birthdays 1: Matthew Klungtvedt, Grace Lanners; 2: Kendra Olson, Beryl Schrader; 3: LaVerne Halvorson; 4: Val Johnson, Erin Bonn; 5: Harold Unruh, Gayle Nesemeier; 7: Annabell St. Clair; 8: Jeanette Akrehaven; 9: Morgan Elstad, Dan Lerfald, Carole Markovic, Kim Thompson; 11: Diane Selseth, Dave Isaacson; 12: Josh Holmes; 14: Chad Pfaff, Randy Brovold; 15: John Briggs, Scott Spanjer; 18: Raylee Badar; 19: Kathy Kain, Twyla Kallod, Lisa Sander, Ryan Hamilton; 20: Robert Jacobson; 21: Bernadine Olson, Marlys Workin, Drayke Berlin; 22: Cloy Tobola, Mandy Tran, Peyton Trogstad, Samantha Trogstad; 23: Brad Selseth, Kim Brovold, Hunter Schock, Savannah Schock, Sierra Schock; 25: Lorraine Van Erem; 26: Matt Braun; 27. Charles Beyer; 28: Keli Johnson, Harrison Groener; 29: Bev Hubbard, Dale Myrvik, Talon Briggs; 30: Cheryl Bauer; 31: Amanda Knutson February Birthdays 1: Lisa Vig-Johnson; 2: Marcie Hushka, Judy Jacobson; 3: Jessica Johnson; 7: Richard Arnseth, Vicki Hartz; 8: Susan Thomas, Kevin Swennes, Steve Haugen; 9: Shirley Williams; 11: Caleb Lehse, Jaine Johnson; 13: Hannah Everett; 14: Emma Thornton; 15: Tracy Kallod; 16: Tom Peterson; 17: Andrew Trogstad; 18: Tracy Frank; 20: Lisa Jordahl, Alicia Nelson; 21: John Freeman, Donna Mitchell, Arlene Scheffler; 23: Charlotte Magnuson; 24: Katie Linstad; 25: Brandon Luehring, Phan Truong, Kelly Klostermeier; 26: Chloe Badar, Silje Thornton, Kira Thornton; 27: Harvey Bruse, David Kain, Betty Trogstad, Susan Andersen, Etta Baraky; 29: Kayla Berg January Workgroup Chairpersons: Linstad, Paul/Cindy 232-2983 Braun, Matt/Jennifer 701-388-2217 Collette, Connie 701-412-5189 Evanson, Justine & Tim 701-388-0500 Jacobson, Judy 232-0055 Johnson, Cindy 701-866-7364 Klostermeier, Kelly 236-8966 Korsmo, Gen 232-6025 Koskela, Kimberly 701-212-0594 Lerfald, Dan/Sharon 232-4867 Lewis, Miranda 701-353-9997 Linstad, Alex Linstad, Jonathan/Amanda Linstad, Katie McDowell, Joyce 218-284-2582 McIntyre, Jeremy 701-234-0737 Magnuson, Jessica/Travis 701-446-1756 Peterson, Marlys/Pete 232-4144 Samuels, Peggy/Mark 261-9113 Smith, Carol/LeRoy 238-5093 Stromberg, Kim/Robert 277-1044 Thomas, Susan/Bill 218-236-0256 Clean refrigerators downstairs, in sacristy and one upstairs. Clean cupboards west of stoves to west door. February Workgroup Chairpersons Trogstad, Betty 232-6269 Blanchard, Brandon/Eva 412-5842 Albertson, Donna Mae (donate) Albertson, Steve/Doreen 235-7225 Badar/Jason/Nicole 212-9845 Boettcher, Ed (donate) Elsner, Sean/Paige 701-388-2635 Froseth, Jim/Carmen 701-361-2379 Jacobson, Robert (donate) Jacobson, Jack/Donna 218-329-2354 Kallod, Jerry 235-7102 Kallod, Tracy 701-588-4176 Markovic, Cindy 701-730-1363 Nelson, Travis/Stephanie 612-490-9414 Olson, Loretta 218-236-7106 Rieger, Corrine/Michael 701-330-0824 Thompson, Anita 281-0011 Thompson, Bill/Kim 298-6126 Trogstad, Brian/Sarah 241-9388 Vetter, Luanna/Tony 232-8420 Yohe, Lance/Ramona 701-371-8246 Clean refrigerators downstairs, in sacristy and one upstairs. Wipe off stoves & ovens. Clean upstairs kitchen and do a general cleaning. 9
Pont s Ponderings Volunteers Audre Bueide, Ed Boettcher, Del Sanders, Don Sell Church Staff Interim Pastor Luther Anderson Church Secretary Jennifer Johnson Financial Manager Chuck Ritterman Director of Christian Education Kim Stromberg Youth Coordinator Lisa Vig-Johnson Organist Sue Jordahl Choir Director Del Jordahl Church Librarian Sandy Cegla Congregational Visitor Teresa Huff Council Officers President Pam McGee Vice President Paul Linstad Secretary Eva Blanchard Treasurer Jenny Trogstad Board Members Worship Cindy Linstad Evangelism Krista Steele Discipleship Ben Hushka Ministry Scott Spanjer Fellowship Aaron Fagerwick TV & Radio Broadcast The worship service is broadcast at 10:00 am on radio 1100 AM and the TV broadcast is on the City of Fargo channel 68 on Sunday s at 12:30 pm (there is a one week delay). Repeated Wednesdays at 2:00 pm. Office Hours Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 10