Oct.-Nov. 2017 At last, meditating day and night and by the mercy of God, I began to understand that the righteousness of God is that through which the righteous live by a gift of God, namely by faith. Here I felt as if I were entirely born again and had entered paradise itself through gates that had been flung open. Martin Luther PASTOR S DESK Reformation 500 A long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away Well, actually, 500 years ago in the Holy Roman Empire (now Germany), there lived a priest and professor named Martin Luther. Luther was a teacher of the Bible and a devout Christian, but he struggled with faith and doubt. He was tormented by the knowledge of his own sin and felt that the Devil was constantly attacking him. He confessed and confessed but knew deep down in his heart that he would never deserve God s love or mercy. Which, of course, made him miserable. And then one day, he heard in a new way Paul s words in Romans 1.17: For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, The one who is righteous will live by faith. This broke open the world for him. It freed him from his misery, from himself. Our righteousness in the eyes of God is not by our own doing, but is pure gift of God. The righteousness of Christ is conferred to us through faith, which is itself a gift. That is, we are not deserving of God s love except that God declares that we are. We do not make ourselves loveable, but because of who God is, we are loved. Those words from Romans 1.17 ignited a fire in Luther and set him on a path that would reshape the church and the world. Instead of living in constant fear, Luther was transformed by the power of God s grace and he proclaimed the power of that transformation throughout his life. He wanted the whole world to know the love of God which he had come to know. This October, we are commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, officially begun on October 31, 1517 with the publishing of Martin Luther s 95 Theses. Traditionally, we celebrate the reformation on that Sunday nearest the 31st of October, this year October 29th. In celebration of the 500th anniversary, we will commemorate the day with a specially designed worship service featuring readings from Martin Luther s works and hymns of reformation old and new. Our celebration will then continue with a German-themed potluck following worship. Bring your best German (or German-ish) dishes to share. Later that afternoon, we will join together with Grace, Calvary and Hope for a special screening of Luther (2013 film) at the Paradise Theater in Mora. It is a significant anniversary in history and a particularly exciting one for us Lutherans. I hope you will be able to join in the celebration. Blessings to you in this season of Reformation, as we continue to be transformed by God s grace. In Christ, Pastor Sierra 1
UPCOMING EVENTS Annual Meeting of the Congregation October 15, 2017 10:30 am Items on the agenda include the 2018 budget, electing new congregational leaders, review of past year activities and plans for the future. Your presence is encouraged! Highway Cleanup Immanuel Lutheran Church is responsible for 3 miles of Highway 65 South of Church. Council decided this should be our last year with this commitment due to lack of volunteers. Our last garbage pick is scheduled for October 14 th at 9AM. Please meet at Church and we will carpool to the walk site. Adopt a Highway doesn't recommend children under the age of 12 so please use your discretion when planning to bring your children. This is a busy stretch of road and our safety is most important! Sign up sheet is available in the Fellowship hall! Any questions please contact Sarah Bauer Come one, Come All to our annual Trunk or Treat Event!!! Decorate your car, tractor, boat etc. and pass out treats to children in a safe environment. Dinner will be provided on a first come first serve basis. October 28 th from 5-6:30PM @ Immanuel Lutheran Church Any questions contact Sarah Bauer or Christy Belsheim Reformation Celebration In celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation Join us for a special Worship Service Sunday morning at 9:00AM featuring readings from the writings of Martin Luther and Hymns of Reformation. And then stay for a German Themed Potluck following Worship. Bring on the brats and kraut, that warm German potato salad and German chocolate cake! Bring a German-themed dish to share! Then make your way to the Paradise Theater in Mora for a special viewing of the movie Luther that afternoon (hosted by the area ELCA churches). 2 Lutheran Social Services Visit A representative from LSS will be our visiting Preacher on November 5th. Come Sunday morning to learn about the good work LSS is doing. -- October 29, 2017
THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP AND FOOD COLLECTION Join us Thanksgiving Eve for Worship at 7:00PM. Canned/non-perishable food donations will be collected during the service for the food pantry. And we will also be blessing the quilts made by our quilters to be sent out into the community. Bring a pie to be shared after the service. Pie will be served by your council members. All Saints Sunday Please submit the names of those loved ones lost in the last year (since November 2016), to be printed in the All Saints Sunday bulletin. Send to ilb@centurylink.net or leave in the Office Manager mail box by Sunday, Oct. 29th. WELCA News REFLECTIONS MEMORY CAFÉ Immanuel Lutheran Church hosts the Family Pathways Reflections Memory Café. A memory café is a social gathering where people with memory loss and their care companions can come together for conversation, activities, and companionship. If you or a loved one face memory issues, consider joining us. Let other friends and family who may benefit from this gathering know too! Volunteers are needed to make this a success. For more information or to volunteer, contact Angie at Family Pathways (320)364-1115. OCTOBER 19TH & NOVEMBER 16TH Marj Maas Les Stromberg George & Gwen Johnsen Howard & Rose Nelson 1:30PM-3:00PM IN OUR PRAYERS Jack Stephens Helen Nord Ken & Goodie Belkholm Delores Fluegge Prayer Chain contacts are: Pastor Sierra Phyllis Bergren Email: Gladys Nelson Donna Oslund Women of the ELCA Kettle River Fall Conference October 2nd First Lutheran, Hinckley All ELCA women invited from 4-7:30PM we will carpool. Suggested fee: $ 10.00 covers expenses and all materials. Silent auction items, speaker from WINDOW, Bible. See Nancy or Donna. WELCA Monthly Meetings October 5th - 1:30PM Speaker: Kim Johnson, from Pathways. Hostesses: Gladys and Connie. November 2nd - 1:30PM WELCA meeting, officers will serve lunch; Thankoffering and where to direct the money; Bible study, new book Integrity, lesson 1. New Members On Sunday, September 10th we welcomed our new members: Kevin & Tammy Lofgren and children, Maci and Landen; Brent & Kay Speers. Please help us welcome them to our community. 3
Children and Youth 2017-2018 Sunday School Children of all ages are welcome at Immanuel! Ages Kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to participate in Sunday School. Sunday School occurs during worship (Sundays at 9:00am) from September through May. Children gather with their families in the sanctuary for the beginning of worship and are dismissed to Sunday school after the Children s Message with Pastor Sierra. They rejoin their families for a blessing during Holy Communion. This year, our students are using the Spark: Activate Faith curriculum following the lectionary. We are excited to offer Sunday School opportunities for our kids to hear the same scripture texts that their families are hearing in worship, only with the chance to get up and move around and engage with those stories on their own level. It is our hope that having heard the same readings, children and parents will have the opportunity to talk together about what they learned on Sunday morning. Youth Scoop I hope everyone had a great summer, the Youth Task Force of Immanuel took the summer off from planning activities and is now ready to jump back in. Some activities we are planning... Feed my Starving Children Wild Mountain Tubing Baking Christmas Cookies Look for more details to come as the planning continues. We are looking for more adults to support our youth through the planning and volunteering for these activities and more! If you are interested in helping please let us know! Youth Task Force contacts - Sarah Bauer, Christy Belsheim, Mel Pioske, Shari Hartog Trunk or Treat October 28th from 5-6:30pm Immanuel Lutheran Church Food! Games! Candy! Fun! 4 Sunday School Schedule October 1: The Chief Priests Matthew 21.23-32 It s not only what we say, but what we do. October 8: Parable of the Vineyard Matthew 21.33-46 God sends us messengers. October 15: The Wedding Banquet Matthew 22.1-14 God says, Come to my party! October 22: Paying Taxes Matthew 22.15-22 You can t trick Jesus. October 29: The Greatest Commandment Matthew 22.34-46 Love God! Love your neighbor, too! November 5: Be Humble Matthew 23.1-12 Jesus says smaller is bigger. November 12: Ten Bridesmaids Matthew 25.1-13 Get ready for Jesus! November 19: Parable of the Talents Matthew 25.14-30 Give your best to God. November 26: Sheep and Goats Matthew 25.31-46 Care and share; Jesus is there.
Confirmation 2017-2018 Join together with your fellow SEVENTH, EIGHTH, and NINTH grade friends to go deeper in your faith. Learn about God and God s people. Discover more about yourself and your faith. Confirmation classes are held on Wednesdays from 6:00PM to 8:00PM from September through May. We gather for dinner and conversation at 6:00PM and then move into class time. It is a three year program. This school year we are studying the Old Testament by learning about important biblical characters ordinary people that God used to accomplish extraordinary things. Confirmation Meals October 4 Hass family October 11 Pioske family October 18 NO CLASS October 25 Nelson family November 1 Hass family November 8 Voge family November 15 Dick family November 22 NO CLASS November 29 Stephens & Gladys December 6 Johnsen family December 13 Nelson family December 20 Christmas Party December 27 NO CLASS Oct. 1: Dylan Oct. 15: Meghan Oct. 29: Tommy Nov. 12: Tucker Nov. 26: Aylisa Acolytes Oct. 8: McKayla Oct. 22: Derrick Nov. 5: Emily Nov. 19: Tucker Dec. 3: Mark Schedule October 4 - Noah October 11 - Abraham and Sarah October 18 - No Class - MEA October 25 - Scary Movie Night November 1 - Mentors - Mentor Stories November 8 - Jacob November 15 - Joseph November 22 - No Class - Thanksgiving November 29 - Mentors - Student Stories December 6 - Moses December 13 - Rahab December 20 - Christmas Party December 27 - No Class - Christmas Events Scary Movie Night October 25th Calvary Lutheran Church (Meet at 6:00 @ Immanuel for Supper) Trunk or Treat October 28th - 5-6:30PM Immanuel Lutheran Church Middle School Gathering November 18-19 Cragun s Resort - Brainerd, MN Mentors This year, each Confirmation Student has been paired with a Mentor - an adult in the congregation. The goal is to build relationships across generational lines, learn from one another, and grow in our faith together. Be planning a fun way to get together at least once during the month of October. We will not be meeting as a full group again until November 1st. Don t forget to be Confirmation Leaders: Pastor Sierra Westerman & Mel Pioske 5
President Jeff Nosbusch Vice President Sarah Bauer Secretary Christy Belsheim Treasurer Janie Richardson Chris Carlson Dan Hartog Annette Jensen Connie Kawalek Jim Nehring Len Ochowicz Keep up to date! Monthly Council Meeting minutes can be found on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. Church Office News. 320-679-2015 Reminder to everyone - - Please check your church mailbox each week for newsletters and other church information. As noted the office will do newsletters that cover 2 months. The information deadline for the December/January issue will be November 20 th. This allows information to reach members faster and saves postage on mailing. Do you want your newsletter emailed to you rather than printed and placed in your church mailbox? If so, send an email to the church office and a request to send electronically. Council Buzz Council has been busy planning a variety of activities the last two meetings. We have a busy few months ahead of us at Immanuel! August 17 th, 2017 Council and Congregation members have been assisting the three other ELCA churches in Kanabec County in the planning of the Annual Community Picnic to happen on Sept. 10 th. Pastor and a couple council members presented some information regarding our new Child and Youth Safety Policy. This policy will help ensure the safety of our youth during their activities. Generosity Task Force is comprised of Pastor Sierra, Len Ochowicz, Chris Carlson, Dave Arnold, Rick Stromberg, Barb Dick and possibly one more. They are going to look at the stewardship of our church and how to help us grow! Meeting September 19 th. We have also started preparing for our annual meeting on Oct. 15 th by working on the 2018 budget. September 14, 2017 Community Picnic went smoothly, we served approximately 150 members of the local churches and community. Child and Youth Safety Policy is under final review. BBQ at Parsonage hosted by Pastor Sierra and the Church Council, held Sept. 24 th Simply Giving Program Do you prefer to pay or donate by electronic means whenever possible? Did you know that Immanuel has an electronic giving program? We have the answer the Simply Giving program empowers you with options that allow you to give to Immanuel anytime, anywhere or any way you want. The program is quick, easy, secure and confidential. It reduces risk associated with handling sensitive data. An Authorization Form can be found on the Beacon of Light board simply complete the form, enclose in one of the envelopes provided and return to the church office. The program will not only help you as members but also the church. Contact Gladys in the office with questions as needed. 6
SUNDAY WORSHIP ASSISTANTS Lector: Readings: Oct. 1: Christy Belsheim Ezekiel 18:1-4,25-32; Psalm 25:1-9; Philippians 2:1-13 Oct. 8: Tommy Johnsen Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:7-15; Philippians 3:4b-14 Oct. 15: Aylisa Rogers Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23; Philippians 4:1-9 Oct. 22: Joan Lakedon Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 96:1-13; 1 Thess. 1:1-10 Oct. 29: Dylan Nelson Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28 Nov. 5: Kathie Ochowicz Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10,22; 1 John 3:1-3 Nov. 12: JoJo Ochowicz Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; 1 Thess. 4:13-18 Nov. 19: Heather Stephens Zephaniah 1:7,12-18; Psalm 90:1-12; 1 Thess. 5:1-11 Nov. 26: Shari Hartog Ezekiel 34:11-16,20-24; Psalm 95:1-7a; Ephesians 1:15-23 Dec. 3: Len Ochowicz Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7,17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Ushers: Sound: Communion Asst.: Oct. 1: Dan & Shari Hartog Gladys Nelson Christy Belsheim Oct. 8: Greg Carlson/Linda Rogers Annette Jensen Barb Dick Oct. 15: Rod & Deb Minnich Dan Hartog Jaime Dick Oct. 22: Dale Doerr / Alta Sharratt Mary Stromberg Christy Belsheim Oct. 29: Phyllis Bergren / Betty Eggert Sam Pioske Kathie Ochowicz Nov. 5: Len & Kathie Ochowicz Jeff Nosbusch Jim Nehring Nov. 12: Jeremy & Christy Belsheim Len Ochowicz Joan Lakedon Nov. 19: Jeff & Ginger Nosbusch Jim Nelson Jeremy Belsheim Nov. 26: Angie Detert Gladys Nelson Jim Nehring Altar Guild October November Lindsey Atchison Barb Dick Colleen Sinell Chris Carlson Coffee Treats October 1: Judy Fredrickson / Alta Sharratt October 8: Phyllis Bergren / Rosalie Ludwig / Ginny Turner October 15: Annual Meeting (sandwich potluck) October 22: Karen Dare / Janie Richardson October 29: Reformation (German) Potluck Nov. 5: Deb Minnich / Joan Lakedon Nov. 12: Connie Kawalek / Donna Oslund Nov. 19: Chris Carlson / Linda Rogers Nov. 26: Kathie Ochowicz / Shanna Stucky Acolyte Oct 1 Dylan Nelson Oct 8 McKayla Nelson Oct 15 Meghan Dick Oct 22 Derrick Diethelm Oct 29 Tommy Johnsen Nov 5 Emily Hartog Nov 12 Hailey Voge Nov 19 Tucker Hass Nov 26 Aylisa Rogers Dec 3 Mark Arnold Dec 10 Dylan Nelson 7
OCTOBER 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8:00 am Quilting 1:30 pm WELCA WELCA Fall Gathering 6:30 pm Worship Committee Meeting 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 9 am Highway 65 Cleanup 6:00 pm Women s Book @ Annette s home 7:00 pm Choir 6:30 pm Church Cncl. 7:00 pm Suicide Survivors Group 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 8:00 am Quilting Annual Meeting NO Confirmation 1:30 pm 3:00 pm Memory Cafe 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 9:00 am Archives 10:00 am Sr. League 7:00 pm Choir Trunk or Treat 5:00 6:30 pm 29 German Themed Potluck 30 31 Martin Luther movie in Mora 8
NOVEMBER 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 1:30 pm WELCA w/ Mentors 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 8:00 am Quilting 6:30 pm Worship Comm 6:30 pm Council Mtg. 7:00 pm Suicide Survivors Group 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 1:30 pm Memory Cafe 6:00 pm Women s Book @ Annette s house 7:00 pm Choir 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 8:00 am Quilting Thanksgiving Day Newsletter Deadline NO Confirmation 7 pm Worship Service 26 27 10:00 am Sr. League 28 29 30 7:00 pm Choir w/ Mentors 9
Immanuel Lutheran Church 2088 Highway 70 Mora, MN 55051 Immanuel Lutheran Church Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 2088 Highway 70 Mora, MN 55051 320-679-2015 ilb@centurylink.net immanuellutheranbrunswick.com Pastor: Rev. Sierra Westerman ilbpastor@centurylink.net Worship: Sunday Mornings at 9:00 AM 10