The Friend Serving God, His People, and our Community

Thinking of a Memorial.... Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Duluth, MN Permit No. 1228 The Friend Serving God, His People, and our Community Our Savior s Lutheran Church March, 2008 Think of the Foundation... Our Savior s Evangelical Lutheran Church 4831 Grand Avenue, Duluth, Our Savior s Evangelical Lutheran Church 4831 Grand Avenue Duluth, MN 55807 As I write this column, the snow is still piled up and the temperature is fluctuating above and below zero. For whatever reason, it seems that winter has been lingering longer than usual. I have had enough, frankly, and can t wait for spring to come. And even though it looks like we will still be shoveling snow when Easter Lilies will be adorning our church sanctuary, the thought of the Easter promise does warm my heart. At the beginning of February we began our most holy of journeys from Ash Wednesday to the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord. With foreheads smudged with the reminder of our sinful mortality, we have journeyed with Jesus toward his confrontation with sin and death on our behalves. Then the journey takes an unexpected turn, toward resurrection, the promise of eternal life and the fulfillment of God s salvation plan. Easter is a time of celebration and joy and renewed hope. As our lenten video series has reminded us, God has come all the way down, done everything necessary, to reconcile us to God and to show us how to live now in the promise of a future in God s kingdom. Another way to put it is that we are called to live as Easter people, not in the shadow of the cross, but in the brilliant light of Jesus risen and living presence in our lives. Unlike the proverbial groundhog, we don t have to be afraid of that shadow. I have lived in Minnesota most of my life. I know that the snow and the cold temperatures will soon give way to green grass, warm summer breezes and time to relax and be refreshed. I also know I am an Easter person. By God s grace, the Son shines into my life every day. That is my hope, my comfort in difficult times, and my future that the risen Jesus has given me as a gift of his love. I guess I can endure a little more winter knowing that nothing can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Pastor John 16 www.oursaviorsduluth.org

LENTEN WORSHIP A SEDER SUPPER Video Presentation: Down and Out: Where Grace Takes You This year, to commemorate Maundy Thursday, we will have a Seder Supper, a traditional Passover Week Dinner celebrated by the Hebrews since the Exodus. From the Old Testament, it is the Hebrew Thanksgiving, giving thanks to God for deliverance and redemption. It also commemorates the protection of God as the Angel of Death passed over every family protected by the Blood of the sacrificial Lamb. From the New Testament Seder is also called The Last Supper, hosted by Jesus for His disciples. It is probable, based on The Gospels, to assume that Jesus celebrated every Seder of His life in Jerusalem. Seder, as the setting for Jesus' Last Supper, was the event Jesus chose to announce The New Covenant. And it was at this Seder that Jesus asked all of us to do this in remembrance of me. Many of us have done part of the Seder at our various Communion Services, but the entire ceremony will bring us a profound sense of meaning. Our Seder Supper will be March 20, beginning at 6pm. This will be a complete meal with traditional Hebrew recipes and explanations of each course, followed by Holy Communion. The observance of Maundy Thursday using a Seder Supper is an age-old tradition. This promises to be a very meaningful evening. A free-will offering will be taken to cover expenses. March 5 6pm soup supper 7pm video: Self/Others: Grace takes us into our homes March 12 6pm soup supper 7pm video: Spirit/Flesh: God comes down and sends us out, body and soul are one Palm Sunday, March 16 10:15am worship Maundy Thursday, March 20 6pm Seder Supper in Fellowship Hall See next article Good Friday, March 21 7pm service at United Protestant Church in Morgan Park, 88th Ave West & Arbor St. Morning worship at 10:15AM See you there! 2 15

CHUM Family Shelter/Housing Stabilization Needs... 2007 calendars and daily planners, The biggest needs are for dental floss and denture adhesive. and baby wipes. Twin size blankets and mattresses. Dish soap, bleach, all purpose cleaner, chap stick, Pots, pans, spatulas, serving spoons, silverware, plastic cups, cereal bowls, wallets, small purses, alarm clocks, dish soap, laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products, work gloves, lunch boxes and thermoses. Drop In Center needs... New underwear, all sizes, denture adhesive, Oragel. Deodorant, socks, boots. Anbusol, personal hygiene and toiletry items (sample size). Call Deb Wright at 727-2391. CHURCH NOTES WORTH KNOWING We recycle printer ink cartridges. We receive money for each cartridge put into the box outside Fellowship Hall, by the Martin Luther Room. Collect them from your office, friends and relatives. The sign up sheet for flowers for the altar is on the bulletin board outside the church office. This is a great way to memorialize a loved one. The church office needs to know if your address or phone number have changed. Please put us on the list of people to tell that you have moved. This saves time, postage ($) and missed communications. Parish Planning Council Roger Lofald, President Sherman Carlson, Vice President Lisa Smith, Vice President Jan Thornton, Treasurer Stewardship: Roxanne Bijold Education: Judy Pohl Lay Ministry: Jill Lofald Evangelism/Soc.Ministry:Kris Benson Youth: Shari Mlodozyniec Parish Fellowship: Cathy Hannan Property: John Jacobson Public Relations: Cindy Neumann Other Leadership: Financial Secretary: Dodo Erickson WELCA Pres: Esther Schroeder Camp Delegate: Pam Merrier Bell Choir: Anita Fraundorf Staff: Pastor: Rev. John K. Hanson Music Director: Jennifer Simonson Web Page: Jennifer Simonson Parish Secretary: Cheryl Reynolds Editor of The Friend: Cheryl Reynolds Custodian: John Erdahl 624-4607 624-9325 726-0559 729-6137 624-4729 728-2121 624-4607 624-9113 624-9642 624-3419 624-7144 624-4783 624-9315 624-4346 624-5953 628-1480 722-7573 624-3648 624-3648 624-3648 624-3649 EASTER PLANT ORDER FORM The Altar Guild would like to have about 20 Easter Plants to decorate the Chancel area of our church. The plants will be ordered through the Church Office and will be used for Easter Worship on March 23rd. Your plants may be taken home following worship on Easter morning. To order, fill out the following information and return it with the appropriate payment through the offering plate, or mail, no later than March 17th. Acknowledgment will be noted in the Easter bulletin. Lilies $12.50 Cyclamen $19.00 Hydrangea $30.00 Azalea $26.00 Begonia $19.00 Tulips $18.00 Mums (lavender, white or yellow) $19.00 FIRST COMMUNION Pastor John will be offering first communion instruction on Saturday, March 15 from 9:30 a.m. until noon. This is primarily for students in fifth grade and their parents. If parents would like instruction for younger students, please consult with Pastor John. This is also for older students who have not had the instruction yet. Please contact the church office if you have not been contacted by letter about this class. Simonson Frame Design Custom Framing for all your pictures, stitchery, and artwork Call Jennifer Simonson make an appointment 624-4888 Kind of plant Number of plants Name Phone In memory of: In honor of: Amount enclosed THIRD GRADE BIBLES The 3 rd grade Bible orientation class is once again being offered to all 3 rd graders. This class will take place on March 8 at 9:45am in the Fellowship Hall Parents: for planning purposes, please call the office at 624-3648 to let us know if you will be attending. 14 3

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS EASTER CELEBRATION Come join us on Sunday, March 16 th, which is Palm Sunday. We will have an Easter Celebration in the Fellowship Hall at 9am. There will be crafts, treats, games and lots of fun for everyone! Invite your friends and neighbors to come for a great time! We are continuing The Lutheran Course. These video sessions take place at 9am, Sunday mornings in Fellowship Hall. We will have discussion time after each presentation. Come join us! March 2 The three most rebellious things Jesus did March 9 How to read the Bible March 16 How to share your faith with someone POTATO BAR Sunday, March 9th is the Annual Potato Bar sponsored by the bell choir. The Baked potatoes will be served following the service. Toppings include; chili, cheese, broccoli, bacon, sour cream, salsa, onions, and butter. The cost is $4 per potato which includes, all toppings, beverage and dessert. To go containers are also available. MARCH BIRTHDAYS 2 Georgia Johnson 3 Sandy Andler 4 Bob Lippert 5 Allie Bauers 8 Sandy Zapp 10 Mike Bail Richard Lindberg 11 Bobby Budd 14 Duane Fike 15 Anita Fraundorf Dora Hughes Danielle Merrier 17 Pat Anderson Amanda Lepisto 18 Pat Nilsen 20 Brody Rabold 22 Judy Pohl 23 Lucas Hanson Shirley Muscatello Amy Pozniak 24 Tiffany Nelson 25 Dorothy Erickson Sharon Larson Dean Herold 26 Shannon Brown 27 Kay Evanson 28 Fannie Olson 30 Ron DeLawyer Jackie Turcott 31 Katie Saburn Dan Simonson Sexton Hours: Call church for hours Monday 8:30-2:30 Tuesday 8:30-5:00 Wednesday 8:30-2:30 Thursday 8:30-2:30 Friday 8:30-12:30 Contact Us Office: 624-3648 or 624-3649 Fax: 624-0333 E-mail: oursaviors3@juno.com Web Page: www.oursaviorsduluth.org FAIR EXCHANGE COFFEE You can help under-privileged farmers receive fair market value for products when you buy Fair Exchange Coffee Products. Coffee $6 Cocoa $4 Tea $4 Candy Bars $1 These products are available during coffee hour through Dave Thornton. 4 13

55 PLUS 55 Plus will meet on March 10 at 9:30am in the Fellowship Hall. A presentation will be done on Alzheimer's How to communicate with people who have this disease. Presentation will be done by Juanita Lippert. Servers are June Brooks, Ann Carlson and Anne Skarman NAOMI CIRCLE The Naomi Circle will meet on March 13 at 12 noon in the church lounge. REBEKAH CIRCLE The Rebekah Circle will meet on Tuesday, March 11th at 7pm at the home of Alice DeLawyer, 9002 Lenroot St. Sandy Peterson will lead the Bible study on Chapter 10. Joy Is My Strength. MEN S BIBLE STUDY We meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at 7pm. We meet at Roger Lofald s house at 6310 Elinor St. All men are welcome and encouraged to join us any time. The Bell Choir will not be sponsoring a rummage sale this summer. Is there another group that would like to sponsor one this year? If not, Jill Lofald s speech team, at Denfeld has a big sale at the end of May and she will be happy to take donations. MISSION TRIP TO BILOXI Phill Janzig is organizing another trip to Biloxi, Mississippi to help build houses for people whose homes where taken away by Hurricane Katrina. If you would like to go down and help out during the 2nd week in April, call Phill at 624-1250. LIBRARY The book Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson and David Relin is a recent addition to our church library. It is the story of how to make peace in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Pakistan and Afghanistan, by building schools for girls. Greg Mortenson, a former mountain climber, knows something about hardship. But in this book you realize that the summit he is striving for, as a humanitarian, is much more difficult than any mountain. Mortenson s Minnesota-born parents, had been Lutheran missionaries and teachers in Tanzania, where they built a school and a hospital. Three Cups of Tea is the Duluth Public Library s choice for community reading this year. They will be hosting an event with Mr. Mortenson as the speaker on Wednesday, March 19th at 7pm at Marshall School. Free tickets are available at any of the Duluth Public Libraries. HELP KIDS GET TO SCHOOL A situation has arisen that many of you are probably unaware of. The Head Start program has had to cut bussing from their programming due to lack of funding. Without bussing, Head Start families are required to provide their own transportation. (Head Start provides prekindergarten programming for three and four-year-old children who meet income eligibility guidelines.) The Head Start Transportation Collaborative was formed to look at how the community could support families and their children to ensure that they get the early education that is critical for future success. The Collaborative raises money to provide families with monthly $20 gas cards or monthly bus passes to help overcome transportation barriers. The Collaborative is reaching out to the community and asking for your support in the effort. To meet the need for this year, the Collaborative must collect over 200 gas cards and 60 bus passes. The Collaborative has been moved by the support demonstrated by local faith partners and other community contributors. Donations should be sent to: Head Start Transportation Collaborative c/o St. Paul s Episcopal 1710 E. Superior Street Duluth, MN 55812. 12 5

NOMINEES FOR SYNOD BISHOP Bishop Peter Strommen has served two terms as bishop and must step down. He has served the synod well over these past twelve years, providing strong, compassionate leadership to both pastors and lay people in our synod. At the May 2-4 synod assembly a new bishop will be elected. At recently held conference assemblies, the following candidates have emerged for election. Tom Aitkin, pastor at First Lutheran in International Falls; Philip Berge, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran in Two Harbors; George Gilbertson, pastor at St. Andrews Lutheran in Grand Rapids; Alan Loose, Lutheran Social Services Director of Congregational Partnership; Lynn Ronsberg, pastor at Zion Lutheran in Grand Rapids; and David Tryggestad, pastor at Concordia Lutheran in Duluth. The synod has requested we keep these candidates and the election process in our prayers. There will be synod forums to meet the candidates sometime in April. THE MARKETPLACE A Silent Auction for ELCA World Hunger at the NE MN Synod Assembly May 2-4, 2008 Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Wanted: New Items and services (please, no white elephant or used items) Some ideas for NEW ITEMS are: artistic creations, paintings, pottery, baskets, wooden items, gift baskets, hand knit sweater or purse. Services you might consider donating: computer training, a gift certificate for a massage, a fishing trip, a weekend get away, or a specially prepared meal. All proceeds are for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. PARISH PLANNING COUNCIL January 8, 2008 PRESENT: Judy Patton, Sherm Carlson, Shari Mlodozyniec, John Jacobson, Roger Lofald, Judy Pohl, Pastor John, Roxanne Bijold, Cathy Hannan, Kris Benson, Jan Thornton, Lisa Smith ABSENT: Cindy Neumann Meeting called to order by: Roger Lofald at 6:35pm DEVOTIONS: Pastor John lead devotions. He showed a clip from Down & Out series. Will use the series for Lent services. SECRETARY S REPORT: minutes approved by Roxanne, 2nd by Cathy Hannan TREASURER S REPORT Amount in checking: $598.00 Overdue: $984.00 Board of Pensions Youth ministry Team gave $400 to the General Fund from their Apple Pie Sale. MINISTRY TEAM CONCERNS: Property Team: John J we must fix dishwasher drain Youth Team: Pool table needs cover. Youth will sell subs Youth will have a Spaghetti Dinner & Talent Show on February 11th Lay: Nursery is up and running Evangelism: 7 people going to Mississippi. Chris Hull is going to Honduras. A brunch is planned for February 3rd for this trip. Fellowship: need list for new people doing coffee. (ex. How many to plan for) PASTOR JOHN S CONCERNS: YouthWorks! Contract was passed around. They will use the church June 16, 2008-August 18, 2008. Mary Nelson is holding a Saturday Morning Bible study from 10-11am. Youth will be meeting at 9am on Sundays. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Retreat using Dauberts Living Lutheran PPC members and invited guests will meet at Lofald s home for a pot luck on February 9th at 9am. This will be a pot luck at 9am. By-Law changes: Sherman Carlson presented changes in by-laws. He will have discussion for congregation on Sunday, January 13 at 9am and 11:15am. Scout Room Storage: Roger Lofald sent letter to have things in storage removed by April. New Business: February 17, 2008 was set for Congregation meeting. Reports need to be in to Cheryl by February 4. Balanced budget ideas: Form an ad hoc (for this purpose only) committee to provide options. Adjournment: Jan Thornton moved for adjournment. 2nd by John Jacobson. Next Meeting: February 5, 2008 Submitted by: Judy Patton 6 11

CHERYL ANNE IS FINALLY HOME True story of a CHUM client. Hi! My name is Cheryl Anne and I am 10 years old. This year I am in 5th grade and I really like my school and my home. Last year, when I was in 4th grade, I went to my seventh school. We have moved so many times I can t even remember them all. The last time we lived somewhere for a long time was for 2 years. I remember that I really liked it there, and I thought it would be my home forever. I got to see my friends and my grandma and grandpa whenever I wanted to. But then we had to move again and I was really sad. Mom explained why we had to move and after I thought about it I guess I understood. As long as I can live with my mom and my brothers I know we will be OK. Every time we moved we had to give things away. I didn t want to but we couldn t move all of our stuff. The last time we moved I left my books with my grandma. I really missed my books and my grandma too. I don t like to change schools because sometimes I am behind in what we are learning. I don t know all of my multiplication facts and my teacher says that s why I am behind in learning division. But I am good at charts and graphs and some kids in my class are just learning that. Sometimes we didn t have much food. I went with my mom to the CHUM Food Shelf. Sometimes we didn t have snacks to eat after school and mom says we have to be careful and make our food last a whole month. Since last spring I have lived in Duluth and have been going to the same school. When we came to Duluth we lived at the CHUM family shelter. My mom worked with them to get us our own house. I didn t like living in the shelter. There were too many people. But now me and my mom and my brothers, finally have a home by ourselves. I have my own bedroom and I don t have to share with anyone. My room has a bed. I don t have a dresser yet, so my clothes are in boxes. I keep those in my closet. Pretty soon my mom is going to get me a dresser, then I can use the boxes for my books and the stories that I write. I will also keep my poems that I write in there. I am in Girl Scouts now and I love all the things we are doing. I am excited for the things we will be doing in the future. I have a best friend now too. We talk and share what we want to be when we grow up. We really like each other and it feels good to have a best friend that I can be with for a long, long time. Can you imagine what it would be like be Cheryl Anne? 7 schools by 5th grade? Children like Cheryl Anne need your assistance while they and their families are trying to find a home. Please consider a gift to CHUM so they can continue to help families like Cheryl Anne s. ECO PALMS The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!" (John 12: 12-13) This year, on Palm Sunday, our palms will look much different than we are used to. Full fan palms have been ordered through a company that protects the farmer and the environment. Harvesting palm products is an important source of supplemental income for many communities in Guatemala and Mexico. However, over-harvesting can threaten the livelihood of these communities as well as the forests where the palm plants thrive. The palm producing areas tend to be the home of poorer segments of the rural population where the people rely heavily on the palm harvest for income. But, although purchases of palms in the U.S. may reach as high as $4.5 million each year, the palm harvesters themselves earn very little. Typically, palm harvesting is done by community members hired by local contractors, who then sell palms to large floral export firms. Payment is based on volume so the harvesters are motivated to gather a large number of palms without regard for the quality. As a result, up to 50% or more of the palms are later discarded because of poor quality. This method risks the rapid depletion of the forest's rich biodiversity, including the many bird species that migrate to these regions during the winter. In some areas where the waste ratio reaches as high as 50%, now through the efforts of Lutheran World Relief the discarded palms count for only 5-7% of the harvested volume! So... Eco Palm communities process the palms themselves, capturing more of the profits, thereby improving their communities standard of living. In Carmelita, Guatemala, they have built a processing building to improve working conditions, provided scholarships to students, paid a teacher s salary, and supported elderly members of the community. We are lucky to have the opportunity to support such a worthwhile cause! 10 7

March, 2008 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 10am Sat. Morning Blessing 2 9am Sunday School 9:15am Choir 10:15am Worship/Traditional 11:15am Fellowship 3 4 6:30pm Parish Planning Council 5 6pm Soup 7pm Worship Confirmation 7:40 Inner Fire 6 7 WD Women s Club Abiding Savior Overnight 8 9:45am 3 rd grade Bible orientation Day light savings time begins Spring ahead 9 9am Sunday School 10:15am Worship/Praise 11:15am Fellowship/Potato Bar 10 9:30am 55 Plus 11 7pm Rebekah Circle 12 6pm Soup 7pm Worship Confirmation 13 9:30am Dorcas Circle 12noon Naomi Circle 14 15 10am Sat Morning Blessing 9:30am Communion Class 16 Palm Sunday 9am S. Sch Easter Celebration. 10:15am Worship/Traditional 11:15am Fellowship 17 The Friend Deadline 18 5:30pm Ed Team Meeting 19 7:40 Inner Fire 20 6pm Seder supper 7pm Worship 21 7pm worship at MP U.Protestant 22 23 Easter 10:15am Worship 11:15am Fellowship 24 25 7pm Men s Bible study @ Roger s 26 6:30 Choir 7pm Confirmation-Servant Event 27 9:45am Bible Study at F. Haven 28 10am Folding the newsletter 29 30 9am Sunday School 10:15am Worship/Healing 11:15am Fellowship 31 8 9