FIRST LUTHERAN CHURC H 408 Ninth Street NW Mandan, ND 58554 Phone: 701-663-3594 Fax: 701-663-6217 E-mail: jackie@firstlutheranofmandan.org Building Faith and Transforming Lives in Christ. www.firstlutheranofmandan.org We re on the web! March 2014 First Lutheran Staff Administrative Pastor Rev. Lee Herberg 663-3594 Associate Pastor Rev. Jack Carlson 663-3594 First Lutheran Church March Newsletter I m reading a book entitled, Why Nobody Wants to go to Church Anymore. I ve found it to be eye-opening in some respects. But most of all I ve found it to be a reminder of what we are called to be, or better, do, as God s people, and a conviction we re not there yet. One of the chapters centers on what the authors call, Radical Hospitality - Jesus-style hospitality. Biblical examples are plentiful, e.g. Jesus embracing prostitutes, cheaters, smelly fishermen and all kinds of despised people. Jesus opened his arms and welcomed others in such a radical way that the churchy types got very angry with him. Where most of us would rather people clean themselves up and clean up their acts before we connect with them, Jesus embraces them in their current circumstance and condition without merit. A question, then: Are you practicing radical hospitality, Jesus-style? Are we as God s church doing the same? Would we rather open our arms only after they get cleaned up a bit? Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 9 th. Associate Pastor Rev. Christina Martin 663-3594 Administrative Assistant & Coordinator of Lay Ministries Jackie Schulz 663-3594 (o) 663-3082 (h) Custodians Ron & Mavis Watson Financial Administration Jennifer Scheet First Lutheran Is A Mission Partner with Camp of the Cross Ministries Maybe recognizing this type of hospitality would be of help. That is, what does radical hospitality look like? According to the authors, Radical Hospitality is: Authentically welcoming others and being glad to be with them Having a caring curiosity Being a friend even though it s not your job. Accepting, no matter what. Profoundly relational Something that takes time Unnerving, surprising and messy Radical Hospitality is not: Greeters at the door, meet-and-greet time in the service, coffee/donuts, come-to-our-deal event, guestbook signing, having a strict list of approved stuff, or scripted. People who practice their gift of God s love are open to loving others without judging or looking down on them. They look past the differences of beliefs, attitudes, values, lifestyles, clothing, skin color, gender, age, etc Radical hospitality really does welcome people just as they are. As Doug Pollock writes,... lack of acceptance crushes opportunity for spiritual conversations. Acceptance does not mean endorsement. When we confuse the two, we destroy the very space God wants to work in. (p. 76, Why Nobody Wants to God to Church Anymore ) So, how are you doing at demonstrating radical hospitality to God s people? Pastor Jack
PAGE 2 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH March 2014 The youth will be serving supper each Wednesday during Lent starting on Ash Wednesday. The meals are served each week starting at 5:30 p.m. and the cost is a free will offering. All the proceeds from the Lenten suppers will go towards the Minneapolis/Wisconsin Trip this summer. Come and join us for good food and fellowship as we journey together through Lent. Lenten Supper Menu 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 5 th : Wednesday, March 12 th : Wednesday, March 19 th : Wednesday, March 26 th : Wednesday, April 2 nd : Wednesday, April 9 th : Knoephla Soup & Ham Sandwiches Loaded Baked Potatoes Homemade Cheese Buttons & Sausage Sloppy Joes Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Super Nacho s All 5 th graders and their parents are invited to come and learn about the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Parents and their children come to class together to learn about communion and prepare for the 5 th graders First Communion on Maundy Thursday. There is a cost of $15 for the chalice that each child paints and uses on Maundy Thursday. If you plan to attend the classes, please call the church office or email Christina (christina@firstlutheranofmandan.org) by Wednesday, March 11 th. First Communion Schedule Tuesday, March 18 th : 7-8 p.m. (Class for students and their parents in the Fellowship Hall) Tuesday, March 25 h : 7-8 p.m. (Class for students and their parents in the Sanctuary) Sunday, March 30 th : 2-4 p.m. (Students and parents will work together making bread and chalices) Thursday, April 17 th : 7:00 p.m. (Maundy Thursday worship - students will receive their First Communion) Pictures will be taken before worship - we will let you know what time.
PAGE 10 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH MARCH 2014 We will be having a new member orientation on Sunday, March 23 rd at 6:00 P.M. If you are interested in becoming a member here at First Lutheran please call the church office at 663-3594 as soon as possible. Thank you. All parents are invited to a presentation by officers from the Mandan Police Department here at First Lutheran Church. They will be talking about drugs and drug paraphernalia and what to watch for. Come and learn about the things we need to know to help protect our children from the dangers of drug use. This information is useful to parents with children of any age. We will meet in the Chapel on Wednesday, March 26 th at 8:00 P.M. Please join us! 4 th -6 th Grade Bash Camp of the Cross Friday, April 11 th - Saturday, April 12 th Cost: $35 Pack your sleeping bag, invite a friend, and come along for a fun overnight at camp! Join us for an action packed time filled with games, campfire worship, late-night fun and much more! We ll meet at the church on Friday at 5pm and return Saturday by 4pm. If you plan to go, please talk to Pastor Chris. Each participant needs to have a health form and their $35 to Pastor Chris by Wednesday, March 26 th. Please make checks payable to Camp of the Cross. Mark Your Calendar 5th: 7pm - Ash Wednesday 6th: LAF-Hot Dogs 12th: 7pm - Lenten 13th: LAF-Sandwiches 18: 7pm - First Communion Class 19th: 7pm - Lenten 20th: LAF-Sloppy Joes 25th: 7pm - First Communion Class 26th: 7pm - Lenten 27th: LAF-Nachos 30th: 2pm - First Communion Class Upcoming Events Butter Braids Fundraiser Youth who are going on the Minneapolis/Wisconsin Mission Trip will be selling Butter Braids. The price is 1 for $11.00 or 2 for $20.00. If you are interested in buying some and are not approached by a youth please call the church office at 663-3594 and we will be happy to help you out! We will have many flavors available! Easter Sunrise Service The youth take care of all the parts of the 7A.M. service on Easter Sunday. We need youth to help with singing, playing an instrument, ushering, serving communion and reading. All youth in 7 th -12 th grade are encouraged to come and participate. If you are interested, please talk to Pastor Jack as soon as possible. If you have questions, or would like to sign up please call Pastor J a c k a t 6 63-3 5 9 4 o r email him at jack@firstlutheranofmandan.org Let s make this a Sunrise Service to remember! Any youth wanting to go to Bible Camp this summer PLEASE let Pastor Christina know by April 1 st. We will be having our bake sale again on April 13 th (Palm Sunday). All the money raised goes towards camp scholarships. BUT.we need to know who is wanting to go, so please call Pastor Christina at 663-3594 o r e m a i l h e r a t christina@firstlutheranofmandan.org
MARCH 2014 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH PAGE 4 PAGE 9 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH MARCH 2014 Pastoral Acts Baptisms: February 2 February 16 February 23 Funerals: February 4 February 10 Marleigh Jo Reynolds Preston Jack Helbling Cuyler Valier Leingang Janna Stein Henry Serr Ash Wednesday is on March 5 th. Service times on Wednesdays during Lent will change to 7:00 P.M. Memorial Fund In memory of Carrie Thorson given by Milan & Olivia Ganser, Jean Schlender, Lualice Stockert, Terryl Gaebe, Verdis Hogan, Mark & Barb Evanger, Darell & Lavon Bahm, Calista Bahm, Harold & Marilyn Burch, Grace Uhler, Jim & Arlyne Rothschiller, Lloyd & Joanne Reynolds, Diana Johner, Arden & Pat Hagerott, Darleen Cairns, Janet Dykshoorn, Larry Thorson family, Ed & Dalas Breuer, Tyke & Donna Bahm, Annette Rude, Julie & Ross Haibeck, Jason & Val Bahm, Bob & Carlene Bahm, Duane & Connie Barden, Lori Meyers, Justin & Lana Schmidt, Betty Stepp, Mr. & Mrs. Emil Bahm Jr., Ralph & Aggie Kline, Marion Hohbein, Ken & Diane Dillman, Mr. & Mrs. Howard Pidarson, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Schaff, Edith Otto, Walter & Leona Keidel, Joseph & Jean Urness, Norma Lundstrom, Karen Enge, Marion Helbling, Mariam Circle. In memory of Bernice Herberg given by Ralph & Naida Feland, Dave & Eunice Wolf, Gordon Berge, Loretta Quanbeck, Lorell & Renae Jungling, In memory of Ben Kottsick given by Jacob & Peggy Hertz. In memory of Terry Piper given by Mark & Barb Evanger. Deadline for articles for the April Newsletter will be March 21 st. March 12 th March 19 th March 26 th April 2 nd April 9 th Guest Pastors for Lenten Services: Rev. Christina Martin Rev. Wes Aardahl from Faith Lutheran in Bismarck Rev. Jon Splichal Larson from Faith Lutheran in Bismarck Rev. Jack Carlson Rev. Renee Splichal Larson from Heart River In memory of Janna Stein given by Gary & Claudia Tomanek, numerous family & friends. March ~ Mission of the Month Schedule Special Thanks Community Action Items needed are Peanut Butter, Jelly, Fruit Cups, Granola Bars, Cereal, Pudding Cups, Applesauce Cups, & Canned Dinners with a pop top lid (Chef Boyardee's). You may put your items in the boxes in the Narthex. Thank you! Thank you to all the greeters, ushers, communion servers, readers, communion set-up, coffee hour workers, and to all who have supplied goodies for the last month. Your help is greatly appreciated! Sunday ~ 8:30 am ~ Traditional 10:45 am ~ Contemporary 9:30 am ~ Coffee 9:30 am ~ Church School Wednesday ~ Lenten Schedule beginning March 5 th 5:30 pm ~ Lenten Suppers 6:00 pm ~ Church School 7:00 pm ~ Lenten Services
PAGE 8 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH MARCH 2014 MARCH 2014 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH PAGE 5 First Lutheran Church Council Minutes Thursday, December 19, 2013 7:00PM Present: Pastor Lee Herberg, President Kris Elijah, Vice-President Tammy Lapp-Harris, Secretary Den Na Lee Fewson, John Pake, Janet Reineke, Brian Zacha Absent: Frank Pastor Jack Carlson, Pastor Christina Martin, Kris Theurer, Darrell Nitschke, Dot Devotions: President Kris Elijah called the meeting to order. Pastor Lee led devotions. Approval of Agenda: Janet Reineke moved and Brian Zacha seconded the motion to approve the agenda. Motion passed. Secretary s Report/Review and Approval of the minutes: Tammy Lapp-Harris moved and Den Na Lee Fewson seconded the motion to approve the minutes from Nov 21, 2013. Motion passed. Financial Report/Review: Pastor Lee went over the November financials. November expenses were higher than November income, however for the 2013 year; expenses have been lower than income. Council is looking at making an extra principal payment on the building in 2014. Unfinished Business: Moving forward in faith: L & H Manufacturing is designing new altar candle sticks, paschal candle stand, missal stand and sanctuary candle stand. They are almost ready for us to preview the designs. Strategic Plan 2013: Pastor Lee & Darrell Nitschke are drawing up names to create a Governance Team. Air Handling Unit: Lindtech is on hold until chancel items are finished and it s determined how much money is left in the renovation account. Policy and Procedure Manual: Pastor Lee has started working on the new draft, but will wait until the new council is in place to submit for review. Wedding Guidelines/update: Council approved new wedding guidelines policy, with an effective date of Dec 19 th, 2013. Brian Zacha moved and John Pake seconded to approve the new Wedding Guidelines Policy Manual. Motion passed. Nominating Committee: Council now needs only 3 new members, after reviewing council policy and determining that outgoing President Kris Elijah only served 2 of his 3 year term. He will continue to serve as a council member in a Non-Executive position. The nominating committee had potential members already and just needed to confirm with all individuals. Council Annual Reports: Council Representatives must have all reports in to Jackie by Jan 7 th for inclusion in the Annual Report.
PAGE 6 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH MARCH 2014 NEW BUSINESS: In an effort to have a larger attendance at the Annual Meeting, a motion was made to change the time to 9:30am, falling between the two worship services. Den Na Lee Fewson made a motion to approve, John Pake seconded. Motion passed. The 2014 First Lutheran Operating Fund Budget was preliminarily passed by council during December s meeting. Ratification will occur by the congregation during the Annual Meeting. REPORTS: Pastor Lee s report 1 baptism, 1 funeral Pastor Jack s report 1 baptism, 1 committal service. Pastor Jack held worship services and communion at Edgewood and Mandan Living centers. Pastor Chris s report 1 baptism Special Events The Christmas Program on Sunday went very well with considerably less students than Wednesdays. The Wednesday Program didn t go as well and will be revised considerably to accommodate such large numbers of students in 2014. Stewardship no report. no report. Parish Education/Youth no report. Evangelism and Outreach Janet has turned the Evangelism and Outreach yearend report. Property and Management The condensate pump boiler has a warranty, which is good news. Waiting to determine where leaks are before proceeding. Website/Facebook/Twitter no report. CORRESPONDENCE: A thank you letter was received from Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center for our contribution of $195.45. Received a thank you letter from Lutheran Social Services for our support during 2013. They also asked us to prayerfully consider partnering with them again in 2014 and included a Declaration of Support form to return. Motion to Adjourn/Lord s Prayer: Tammy Lapp-Harris moved and Den Na Lee Fewson seconded to adjourn the council meeting. Motion passed. The meeting closed with the Lord s Prayer. Submitted by: Den Na Lee Fewson