CROSS ROADS NEWSLETTER ELEVA LUTHERAN CHURCH 50553 South 2nd Street Eleva, WI 54738 715-287-4231 Pastor Bob Castro March 2018
CROSS+ROADS NEWSLETTER March 2018 ELEVA LUTHERAN CHURCH elevalc@triwest.net Webpage elevalc.org Office 715-287-4231 Hours: 8-1 Monda Thursda Dial-up Worship 715-287-4137 Pastor Bob Home: 715-287-3351 Pastor Bob Cell: 920-382-6424 Pastor Bob Email bcastro@tcc.coop Or lauva1956@gmail.com Council President Jon Zander 608-606-1213 Vice President Kris Monson 715-695-3676 Secretar Mar Berg 715-287-4239 Trustees: JoAnn Adams Bill Smith Dick Evenson Alssa Hillestad Deacons: John Nelson Jesse Franck Jodi Mai Mar Steffenson Adam Zwiefelhofer Mike Lueloff ELCW President Vonnie Olson Sunda School Superintendent Kell Tollefson-Oium From the lion s den Dear Friends in Christ, and Fellow Ministers, The season has changed dramaticall. We have left the seasons of Light, and entered into the valle of the shadow of death with Jesus. He has left the mountain where He turned into Light and has descended to the road that will lead him to the Cit of Jerusalem and The Hill of the Skull, Calvar, and the cross. The Church Year begins with three seasons of Light: Advent, Christmas and Epiphan. Onl after these do we enter into the darkness of Lent, walking with Jesus to the cross. (B the wa, I m looking forward to making bead crosses with the 5th graders in the colors of the church ear.) This church ear has been one of sermon series. It actuall began in November with a five-part sermon series on the Solas of Martin Luther: Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone, Christ alone, to the glor of God alone. Then we did a sermon series on the Candles of Advent: Hope, Love, Jo and Peace. I have just completed another sermon series on the parts of Faith5 devotional time with parents and children. This season of Lent we have two series going on simultaneousl. On Wednesdas we are looking at the angels of the Bible in the series, Angels Watch in Solemn Wonder. On Sunda mornings we are looking together at the Covenants of God, the promises that God has made to God s people from the time of Noah through to the time of Jesus. Our Angels series will also include our worship on Maund Thursda, Good Frida and Resurrection Sunda: March 29th, March 30th and April 1st. On Maund Thursda we will look at The Angel of Death in the stor of The Exodus from Egpt. On Good Frida we will reflect on The Legions of Angels who could do nothing but watch in wonder as God died on the cross. And on Easter Sunda we will talk about the angel in the tomb. Plan on joining us for these important series. Yours and His, but not in that order, Pastor Bob 2
FAITH5 REGISTRATION If ou have not et signed up, ou are welcome to join us for Faith5 instruction in the fellowship hall on Sundas during the Sunda school hour. Faith5 is an amazing program of having simple et powerful devotional time with our children before bedtime each evening. Faith5 helps ou draw closer to our children, as ou help draw our children closer to God. Just contact me and I will get ou the stud book. Pastor Bob Youth Works Mission Trip Opportunit A summer mission trip through Youth Works has been a wonderful tradition at ELC. Two ears ago we did not make the trip because we did not have a point person. Last summer we did not go because of the student mission trip to Latvia. Thank ou, And and Josh Pedersen for stepping forward and agreeing to help arrange a trip this coming summer. We have marked out the week of Jul 15th for a trip to a Native American Reservation in South Dakota not far from the Minnesota boarder, to serve and minister as needed. But there are man conflicts in the summer. This trip is open to both high school and middle school students. However, middle school students are also strongl encouraged to attend week-long camp at Luther Park as part of our confirmation program. And there are sports camps in summer. We have the dates and the location. The trip is available to both high school and middle school students. If ou are interested in having our student participate in this trip, please contact Pastor Bob or And Pedersen, and we will get a list together of participants so that we can move forward with registration. (Registration includes giving the number of participants and making a significant down pament on the cost per person going. So we cannot register without a good idea of number of participants.) The cost per participant is $300 per student. As alwas, we plan on doing fund raisers, including helping at Broiler Fest, to offset part of this expense. But the time to come forward is NOW so that we can get registered and get started on fund raising. As alwas, feel free to contact Pastor Bob or And with questions. CELEBRATION CORNER B Pastor Bob This is something new I m adding to our newsletter. It is a place where we can list celebrations such as milestones or accomplishments. This is our section. Feel free to call or email Nanc with our celebration information, and she will put it here in the newsletter. **Alce Higle would like to share that her granddaughter Sadie Higle and Rich Roginski basketball coach for Eleva/Strum saved a life at the school on Januar 25 b performing CPR on Jeanette McSorle who collapsed in the rest room after a game. Sadie has been a nurse for onl alittle over a ear! Her quick action saved Jeanette and she can remain E-S Cardinals #1 Fan!! Hats off to Sadie from proud Grandma Higle. 3
The MESSENGERS rocked their favorite Christian songs at the Eleva/Strum W, 7. again. It was a fun time!! You can listen to a couple of the songs on Facebook under Eleva Lutheran or better et...come to 4th Sunda worship service at 9:00 a.m. and see them first hand. Eleva Lutheran is ver unique in the fact that we have man talented people who give us several different forms of worship b music. Ever 2nd Sunda ou have the music of New Sounds. The have a variet of folk, old gospel, and contemporar songs. Ever 4th Sunda we have the Messengers with more of a rock/worship hmns and songs, and ever 5th Sunda we have Ad Hoc with more of the old fashion gospel songs that man of us remember and cherish. AND don't forget that the choir sings on First Sundas and Third Sundas and sometimes sings with the Sunda school students on 2nd Sunda. So ou see there man was ou can sing praises to the Lord at Eleva Lutheran. Come be a part of it, check out the different Sundas, choose our favorite, or enjo 4
Left to right: Keirn & Kim Flahert, Madaln & Jessica Bertrang, Jordan Moen, Trint Coffe, Madeline Wright, Gracie Rombalski and Beck Lueloff. Thank ou to the 6th and 7th grade Sunda School class for their service at the Februar Communit Dinner. Everone did an amazing job! Our kids are growing up so fast into oung adults! Also thank ou to all who brought donations for Souper Bowl of Caring. Our Sunda School student of all grades also participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring. We thank all who gave to the Trempealeau Count Food Pantr. It is a great service that Immanuel Lutheran Church in Strum has there. Man people from the surrounding area have been able to use this service. The are open ever third Saturda of the month from 2-5 p.m. Also anone wanting to help out is urged to call Michelle at 715-695-3511. Our next Communit Dinner is Sunda, March 4 at 5 to 6 p.m. Bring our famil and friends! See ou there. Menu: Barbeque beef, buns, macaroni, carrots, apples, dessert, mild, and coffee. NOTES FROM THE CHOIR DIRECTOR Members of Partners In Praise will be having a silent auction fundraiser in March. We would appreciate an items ou would like to donate for the auction. There will be a table in the narthex where ou ma place our donations. Please bring our donations prior to Sunda, March 11. Thank ou to those who have alread made donations. We will begin accepting bids on Sunda, March 18 prior to the worship service and bidding will end on Sunda, March 25 about 30 minutes following the worship service. You ma pick up our items once the bidding is complete or we will call ou to arrange a time for pickup. Thank ou for our continued support. The choir will be singing a new song called, I Believe In A Hill Call Mount Calvar in March. I think this song will quickl become one of our favorites. We will also sing on Maund Thursda and Good Frida. 5 Jod
To our right, we have Bralin Lueck awaiting the Hol waters of baptism. Eli Gullicksrud Bralin. Eli Charles Gullicksrud was born on September 25, 2017 to Tson and Stephanie Gullicksrud. His sponsors are: Gabe Gullicksrud and Paige Ahler. Bralin Ann Lueck was born on September 19, 2009. Her. sponsors are: Chad and Angela Maes and Kevin and Karrie Hillestad. We pra that the Lord will bless and protect these new members and their families of Eleva Lutheran. Cara and Jerem Lueck also joined our church this da! Please welcome them next time ou see them. And the Lord said: Bring the Children to me! ELEVA LUTHERAN 125TH CELEBRATION IS THIS YEAR!!! Ma 6, the bishop will be our guest at the Mark 10: 13-16 Dear Friends in Christ, Our regular meeting will be Thursda, March 8 at 1:00 p.m. Sue Rotvold and Julie Miland will be our servers, so we know we are in for a tast treat. We will have our praer meeting before starting at noon. Please come to both if ou would like. March 14, the Strum ladies group has invited us to attend their breakfast meeting. The will be having an interesting speaker and will follow up with a muffins and coffee hour. If ou need a ride, please call Vonnie at 715-287-4223. Don t forget to set our clocks ahead on March 10th when ou go to bed. The Morning of Renewal get-together will be April 18. Please look for further updates in next month s newsletter. Mark our calendars and please plan to attend. I am wishing everone a ver Blessed and Happ Easter! Ma God s love shine that morning and ever morning in our life! Vonnie 6
Eleva Lutheran Church 1893 2018 Save the dates: ma 6 and june 3 Eleva Lutheran will be celebrating their 125th anniversar in 2018. The main event will be on Sunda, Ma 6, 2018 with the Bishop being the guest speaker at our worship service. The worship service will be followed with fellowship time and a potluck dinner just like what would have been done 125 ears ago. Unfortunatel, even with the electronic changes over the past 125 ears, it is impossible for us to send a personal invitation to all the people who have ever been a part of Eleva Lutheran over the ears. Therefore, we are asking ou to help spread the word and invite famil and friends (people married, baptized, confirmed, etc. etc. at Eleva Lutheran) to join in our celebration. Another save the date for our 125th anniversar is Sunda, June 3rd. We will have a people float in the Eleva Broiler Fest parade. We are inviting everone of all ages to be a part of our float. Some will ride and some will walk. In order to make plans for our float, please call Mar Berg at 715-287-4239 or call or text at 715-896-9141 and let her know ou want to be a part of this fun da. Thank ou! INVITE TO EVERYONE OF ALL AGES Blessing in Our Past Faith in Our Future Eleva Lutheran Church 1893 2018 We will be having a Maund Thursda Soup Supper at 6:00 p.m. on Thursda, March 29. Sign up sheets will be posted b the church entrance doors in the hallwa. We will share a meal together and then our regular Maund Thursda service will be held upstairs at 7:00 p.m. Good Frida service will be at 7:00 p.m. Easter Sunda earl service 7:00 a.m. Easter Sunda late service 9:30 a.m. Sunda school will be having their breakfast at 8 to 9 a.m. in between services. 7
A NEW SERVICE AT ELEVA LUTHERAN We have become aware of problems using the elevator. That, along with the man stair steps to enter our Church, has caused us to consider a wa to hopefull alleviate this. Beginning on March 4, 2018 there will be a person available to help with the elevator operation 15 minutes prior to our 9:00 a.m. service and 15 minutes following our worship service on Sunda mornings. Also, there is an in-house wheelchair, an aluminum and a four-wheel walker b the elevator for our use. Please help us spread this good news to others, and also think about being a volunteer for this new service. An questions or to volunteer please call Duke Berg at 715-287-4239 GOING UP ********************************************************************************** A MOTHER S PRAYER Dear Lord, I come to ou in praer this da Beseeching ou with all m heart. To help teach m children the onl wa To salvation and heaven is to do their part. Oh, plant in their minds a seed to grow That will flourish and bloom to new heights. I pra that the will come to full know You, Jesus, our Savior and see the light. When the were oung, we tried our best To bring them to church and sa their praers, But it must not have been enough, I guess.,.,,. Ma a wellspring grow within their soul And bring forth faith, and commitment a goal. Thank ou, Lord, for listening to me. And for all concerned parents, we trust in Thee A concerned Mom Too man to name - Anonmous (I came upon this poem this past month and decided it was a great one to post as we continue with our cross generation training and events. I am ) 8
This ear the Knit and Crochet group will be making Twiddlemuffs! What s a Twiddlemuff? A Twiddlemuff is used b people who have restless hands and like to have something to keep their hands occupied. It provides a wonderful source of visual, tactile and sensor stimulation and at the same time keeps hands snug and warm. Twiddlemuffs ma be used b some people with dementia, autism or other people with restless hands. It is also a great wa to use up small amounts of leftover arn. If ou would like to make a Twiddlemuff, please follow the patterns below or use a springboard for our own creative pattern. Knitting Directions: Materials needed: A selection of leftover balls of arn. 8mm circular or 6.5mm straight needles. Various trinket for decorating. Cuff: Cast on 45 stitches using 2 strands of double knitting ard or 1 strand of chunk arn (one Plain color works best). Work in stocking stitch (knit a row, purl a row) for 11 inches. Muff bod: Continue with stocking stitch, but use up leftover arns of various textures such as chunk, mohair, ribbon, etc. until the work measures 23 inches (two strand of double knit for two rows each gives a livel assortment of colors). Cast off Finishing: Neatl join the sides together using an edge to edge stitch (with the knit side facing out). Turn inside out and push the one color cuff up inside the muff bod. Sew the two ends together, again using a neat edge to edge stitch. Decoration: Now ou can decorate the muff, inside and out with ribbons, beads, plastic flowers, zips, loops, pompoms, etc. Knit a separate pocket for a favorite photo or a hank be creative, but make sure each item is securel attached. Crochet Directions: To crochet a Twiddlemuff using double knitting (DK) arn (that is arn that recommends the use of a 4mm knitting needles) use a 6mm hook and whatever stitch ou fanc with about 40 stitches to the row. Add textured stitches such as bobbles or thread beads and buttons onto our arn and crochet them in as go or add them when ou re finished. When starting a new ball of ar, knot the ends together. This will add an extra bit of fluff for twiddling. When ou have finished, sew or tie on our bits and bobs on one side onl. Fold in half and sew the top edge to the bottom edge. Then fold in half and sew again and ou are done. Knitting and Crochet group meets the first Saturda of the month. Please plan to join us the first Saturda on APRIL 7th in the librar at church at 10:00 a.m. to work on the Twiddlemuffs or an other projects ou are making. We alwas enjo our time visiting and working together. Inez Semingson plans to attend in October with a sample Twiddlemuff for all to see. Hope ou can make it! Anita Castro 9
CHECKING/SAVINGS JANUARY 2018 Here are the facts and nothing but the facts: General account: Deposits: $ 13,932.07 Expenses: $ 26,108.53 Missions account Deposits: $ 741.46 Expenses: $ 1,967.51 Balances of all accounts: Building: $ 6,771.08 Pastors Youth Fund: Local Missions Fund: Seminar Fund: 879.87 2,422.27 3.56 Halvorson Perpetual: Memorial Fund: 619.18 1,916.06 Altar Guild Fund: Latvia Mission Fund: 297.04 1,143.95 2,867.58 Elevator Fund Genesis Youth 282.41 3,052.91 Easter Lilies We would like to again decorate the church with Easter Lilies for our Easter Services. The cost per plant is $11.00. If ou would like to provide one or more, please contact the church office b March 26. Plants ma be taken home following the 9:30 a.m. service. Please indicate in whose honor or memor the plant is given. Slips ma be turned into the collection plates, the office, or mailed. Thanks! Number of Plants x $11.00 = In MEMORY of: In HONOR of: Your Name: Please print neatl so the names can be read. 10
Annual Meeting Minutes Februar 4, 2018 The Annual Meeting of the Eleva Lutheran congregation was held on Sunda, Februar 4, 2018. President Jon Zander called the meeting to order at 10:45 a.m. An attendance sheet was provided with there being enough members present to satisf the requirement of a quorum. Pastor Castro opened with devotions from Psalm 25. President Jon Zander shared a summar of some of the congregation s highlights for the past ear. President Jon Zander also explained what the church council will concentrate on in 2018. President Jon Zander received an appreciative round of applause. The Secretar s minutes from the 2017 annual meeting were reviewed. A motion was made b Bill Smith, seconded b And Pedersen, to approve the 2017 minutes. Motion carried. Pastor Castro highlighted parts of his annual report. These highlights included there will once again be Vacation Bible School at Eleva Lutheran in June of 2018, the various events held for the beginning of the cross generation project, the entire congregation s constitution will be reviewed in detail and there is a outh works outh trip planned for 2018 for high school and middle school students. Diane Monson made a motion to waive the reading of the reports of the committees. Motion seconded b Alssa Hillestad. Motion carried. Office Administrator, Nanc Hansen, presented and explained the profit and loss financial report included in the annual meeting booklet. The current balance of the loan at United Bank is $16,000.00. Nanc reported the loose offering from worship services are now being paid on the bank loan. Duke Berg gave the report for the Local Mission Fund and thanked everone for supporting this fund. Duke Berg also reported that the funding vehicle for the Endowment Trust Fund has been changed at United Bank with increasing the interest rate to 1.50% from the previous rate of 0.35%. There were no requests for the distribution of the 2017 interest and the Endowment Trust Fund committee is recommending the interest just remain in the account at this time. President Jon Zander presented the ballot for the 2018 officers. Alssa Hillestad s name should be added for trustee and President Zander is waiting for replies for one additional trustee. Cherl Rue s name was added to the Trust Fund, Dave and Sue Rotvold for the Snod Convention Delegates and Arlene Prissel for Lutheran Home Delegate. A motion was made b Dennis Barneson, seconded b And Pedersen, to accept the ballot for the 2018 officers. Motion carried. President Jon Zander presented the proposed 2018 budget. Dave Everson asked a question regarding the Push Pa electronic giving app. President Jon Zander expressed the current tring times of the church and the goals he would like to see worked on. Dave Everson expressed his concern with the word becoming in the vision statement. President Jon Zander explained the difference between a vision statement and a mission statement. Duke Berg reported there are several people who are not able to get into our church building. He suggested a group of volunteers be established to assist people on Sunda mornings to use the elevator. President Jon Zander reported the council has alread talked about it and it is a good idea. President Jon Zander expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the outgoing council members and also numerous people for their service and work for the congregation during this past ear. We closed with the Lord s Praer. A motion was made b Bill Smith that the annual meeting be adjourned at 11:50 a.m. Motion seconded b Diane Monson. Motion carried. Respectfull Submitted, Mar Berg Mar Berg, Church Council Secretar 11
CROSS+ROADS COMMUNIQUE 2018 March 7: Lenten Service 6:30 p.m. March 11: New Sounds March 14: Lenten Service 6:30 p.m. March 21: Lenten Service 6:30 p.m. March 25: Palm Sunda ~ Messengers March 29: Maund Thursda Soup Supper at 6:00 p.m. service at 7:00 p.m. March 30: Good Frida 7:00 p.m. April 1: Easter Earl Service 7:00 a.m. April 1: Brunch 8-9 a.m. April 1: Later Service 9:30 a.m. April 8: New Sounds Ma 6: 125th Celebration with Bishop Home speaking and potluck lunch. June 3: People Float for the Broiler Fest Parade EASTER SUNDAY EARLY SERVICE: 7:00 A.M. Easter Sunda breakfast 8-9 a.m. EASTER SUNDAY LATE SERVICE 9:30 A.M. The Eleva Lutheran Praer Chain is available for anone that would like to have a praer said in strong faith with our Eleva Women. Please call Vonnie Olson at 715-287-4223 to make our request. Praer is a powerful thing and these ladies have been serving Eleva Lutheran for man ears with thousands of praers. Keep the Praer Patrol working for our families. MISSION STATEMENT "We are a communit of believers called and inspired b Christ's love, sharing God's gifts through worship, teaching, service, and fellowship. We seek with jo God's vision of uniting all people in Christ through faith." 12
MARCH 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu 1 Fri Sat 2 3 Blow March Winds Bring us Spring! Step Group 7:00 p.m. 4 Hol Communion Worship Service 9:00 Sunda School 10:15 am Choir Sings Communit Dinner 5-6 11 New Sounds Worship 9:00 a.m. Sunda School 10:15 5 Church Council Meeting 6:30 p.m. 6 Pastors Text Stud 9:30 a.m. Osseo 7 Klinge Kor 5:45 p.m. Choir 7:15 p.m. LENTEN SERVICE 6:30 P.M. 8 Praer Meeting Noon ELCW meeting at 1:00p.m. New Sounds 6:30 pm Step Group 7:00 p.m. 9 10 12 13 Pastors Text Stud 9:30 a.m. Osseo Men s Group 6:30 pm. 14 Klinge Kor 5:45 p.m. Choir 7:15 p.m. LENTEN SERVICE 6:30 P.M. 15 16 Step Group 7:00 p.m. Charit Circle at Connie Pedersen s home 1:00 p.m. 17 Food Pantr at Immanuel Lutheran in Strum from 2-5 20 Pastor s Text Stud 9:30 a.m. Osseo 21 Klinge Kor 5:45 p.m. Choir 7:15 p.m. 22 23 24 LENTEN SERVICE 6:30 P.M. Step Group 7:00 p.m. 28 Klinge Kor 6:15 p.m. Choir 7:30 p.m. 29 Maund Thursda Soup Supper at 6:00 Worship at 7:00 p.m. Choir Sings Step Group 7:00 p.m. 30 31 18 19 Worship Service 9:00 Sunda School 10:15 am Choir Sings Choir Silent Auction Cross + Roads Deadline 25 Hol Communion Worship Service 9:00 Messengers, Sunda School sings Palm Sunda Sunda School 10:15 am 26 27 Pastor s Text Stud 9:30 a.m. Osseo Stewardship 9-1 p.m. Quilting ~ Potluck lunch Good Frida Worship 7:00 p.m. Choir Sings