PEACE GRUE AN ELCA PARISH TO BECOME THE VOICE AND HANDS OF JESUS Inside this issue: Pastor s Central Thoughts 2 3 PEACE Sunday school News 4 PEACE WELCA News 5 GRUE WELCA News 5 Pastor Support Team 6 METOO Movement 6 BIRTHDAYS-February 6 PEACE News-Council 7 GRUE News Council 8 LUTHER CREST News 9 Early Communion Classes 10 W.I.N.G.S News 10 FEBRUARY 2018 LENTEN THEME AND SCHEDULE Ash Wednesday Services will be held at each church on February 14, 2018: Grue at 6:15pm Peace at 12noon and 7:30pm with imposition of ashes and Holy Communion. - Turning Over Tables Weekly services will be held at 7:00pm each Wednesday evening, alternating churches, with light supper served beginning at 5:30pm. February 21: Peace Church February 28: First Presbyterian Church March 7: Grue Church March 14: OSTML March 21: Peace Church Order subject to change. A soup luncheon and abbreviated service will be held at noon each week at Peace. All are welcome at either service. Contact Ione Quam if you would like to volunteer. 218-747-2838
Page 2 Leading Ahead CENTRAL THOUGHTS Lenten: Turning Over Tables February 2018 Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. John 2:15 It is that time of year again. A time of reflection and preparation. Lent is also a Penitential season, that is, a time for expression of penitence or repentance. Both words share a common root, from Medieval Latin penitentialis, from Latin paenitentia meaning "repentance." The Greek word for the latter, metanoia, turning around literally, change of mind. The verse this month comes from our text on January 21 st. When Jesus stormed the temple with a whip, it was a sign that great changes were ahead. God was doing something radically new through Jesus. The religious authorities resisted those changes, which is absolutely normal. We re basically wired to resist change. But some changes are healthy and necessary. Changes in our lives can promote better health, e.g. if we exercise more or eat better. Change in our spiritual life can also promote healthier relationships with God and each other. Traditionally, we speak about giving up something for Lent, or a Lenten Discipline. Instead, may I suggest we do the opposite and pick up a new thing. Perhaps, taking up Bible reading. Let me give you a starting point, our readings for Lent: February 18 th Exodus 12:1-14 / Psalm 104:27-30 / John 11:1-44 February 25 th Exodus 12:14-20 / Psalm 51:7-12 / John 6:1-21 March 4 th Exodus 12:20-24 / Psalm 146 / John 6:24-35 March 11 th Exodus 12:24-28 / Psalm 24 / John 6:35, 41-51 March 18 th Exodus 12:24-28 / Psalm 26 / John 6:51-58 March 25 th Exodus 12:29-51 / Psalm 31:9-18 / John 6:60-69 As a congregational Lenten discipline this year, we will be to celebrating Holy Communion on each Sunday from the 1 st Sunday in Lent through Palm Sunday as well as Easter Sunday [actually from February 4 th through Bright Humor Sunday, April 8 th ]. This is a change, but a healthy change in view of Lent leading us to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Vigil Saturday and Easter Sunday into Pentecost and into the world. All along the way we are reminded that Jesus gave himself, body and blood, for our redemption to forgive us and lead us to turn around, to have a change of mind. But now, back to the text that began this letter. What needs to change, what tables is Jesus turning over in our lives and our churches to allow God to continue the work begun in Christ through us? May yours be a blessed Lenten journey where God will make a change(s) in your life. Pastor Kent
Page 3 Taking a Look Ahead Celebrations & Studies Pub O Praise, Club 74, Sunday, February 11 th, 6:30 PM Confirmation Instruction 1 st Year @ 3:30 pm, 2 nd Year @ 5:40 PM, Wednesday, February 7 th. NO CLASS for February 14 th, 21 st, 28 th March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th,for Ash Wednesday and Lent. Classes will resume April 4th. Transfiguration Sunday, February 11 th Lent Season begins with Ash Wednesday, February 14 th, 6:15 PM GRUE & 7:30PM PEACE and continues with Lenten Meal @ 5:30 PM & Midweek Worship @ 7 PM, February 21 st [Peace], February 28 th [1 st Presbyterian], March 7 th [Grue], March 14 th [OSTML], and March 21 st [Peace]. {Order subject to change.} Palm Sunday, March 25 th Two studies will occur on Sundays during Lent: #1, First Communion instructions for those in 5 th grade [and any desiring to receive Communion]; #2, the study Called Forward Together in Christ: ELCA Strategic Directions 2025. 3-4 Bible texts each week that reflect on one of the 5-goals of the whole church based on a shared trust and hope that the future is in God s hands. Local Opening of the movie Paul: Apostle of Christ, from Sony Pictures through its faith-based Affirm Films label. March 28 th (a possible congregational group event. Check out the Peace-Grue Parish Facebook page for a trailer clip/teaser.) Holy Week [Triduum] Maundy Thursday, March 29th-Good Friday, March 30 th -Vigil Saturday, March 31 st Easter Sunday, April 1 st Peace WELCA Monthly Bible Study #METOO Through the Eyes of Women of the Bible. Images of strong, pervasive women who stood for justice in their lives. Sunday, February 4 5 th Sunday in Epiphany 1 Kings 17:10-16; Psalm 42; John 4:1-42 Sunday, February 11 Transfiguration Sunday Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 27:1-8; John 9:1-41 Sunday, February 18 1 st Sunday in Lent Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 104:27-30; John 11:1-44 Sunday, February 25 2 nd Sunday in Lent Exodus 12:14-20; Psalm 51:7-12; John 6:1-21 Sunday Confirmation Psalm Readers @ Peace for February Bryce Johnson February 4 Psalm 42 Jacob Rein February 11 Psalm 27:1-8 Tarryn Hill February 18 Psalm 104:27-30 Zander Hanson February 25 Psalm 51:7-12 Bold print - 1 st Year Confirmation student Second Year Confirmation Students will assist with 3 rd and 4 th Weeks of Communion, during our Lenten Discipline, and Lenten Midweek worship, at Peace or Grue.
Page 4 PEACE SUNDAY SCHOOL February 4 th SS @ 10:15 February 11 1h SS @ 10:15 February 14 th February 18 h PEACE SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR February and March 2018 PEACE SERVICE 9:00AM / SUNDAY SCHOOL 10:15 AM Ash Wednesday No Sunday school February25 1h SS @ 10:15SS @ 10:15 Sunday School Sings 3 & 4 th Grade Recite Apostles Creed March 4t h SS @ 10:15 March 11 4h SS @ 10:15 March 18 8h SS @ 10:15 7,8,9th grade recite 10 Commandments March 25 5h SS @ 10:15 Palm Sunday Sunday School Sings PEACE CHURCH ACOLYTE SCHEDULE 2018 February 4 Ryleigh & Haleigh Brendmoen 11 Richie & Bryce Johnson 14 Ash Wednesday? 18 Catherine Koefod & Cecelia Nelson 25 Kyra Aamot & Kaylee Schlundt March 5 Carson & Carter Splangler 11 Molly & Sam Sorenson 18 Bobby Anderson & Zander Hanson 25 Jacob Rein & Zach Fagre ***If you are unable to acolyte on the Sunday that you are listed please contact another youth and switch or ask them to cover for you-thanks.
Page 5 PEACE WELCA NEWS Thank you everyone that filled all the volunteer spots for Jan, everyone that helped take down the Christmas decorations, thank you to Lynette and her kitchen group for serving our WELCA winter celebration and to Carol and Craig koefod and their new group for organizing serving the potluck for the annual meeting. Our first WELCA winter celebration held on Saturday January 6 had about 50 ladies to hear and enjoy the history and stories of over 20 quilts. Kathy Evenson from Fergus Falls researched the patterns and fabrics and shared those stories as well. By the time you read this newsletter you should have received your new 2018 WELCAbooks. Work groups have been reorganized for the year and s special thank you to those of you that responded with yeses to serving as a group chairperson. Our next major event will be the spring bake sale in March and we will host, jointly with GRUE, the didn't WELCA conference at peace on Thursday, may 17.If you see kitchen supplies running low, please post on front if frig in the kitchen. Immediate past WELCA president, this year Janet Novak, will order. God's blessings to all this winter season. Val Fick welca president GRUE WELCA NEWS Grue Women met Jan. 16th at the Ashby Living Center. We enjoyed Pastor Kent's singing familiar songs. He also led our Bible lesson on Angels. The Lesson was from Esphians on The Battle Against Us, that we need Armour of God around us. Many residents joined us which made for good fellowship. There was no business. Next meeting will be held at the Good Samaritan Home in Battle Lake Feb 20, 1 P.M. Please join us with good fellowship. We continue to need jeans as there are many projects coming this spring that we are planning. Your Sister in Christ Hazel Torgrimson
Page 6 BIRTHDAYS FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS February 1 st Cindy Vorland February 2 nd Ray Dahlen Carol Koefod Janet Novak Dallas Sorenson February 3 rd Marlys Klimp Lee Evavold February 4 th Megan Olson Danza Johnrsrud Roberta Kalvik February 5 th Henry Duenow February 8 th Katie Merrick Jackson Merrick February 9 th Anthony Ness Curtis Runningen Hazel Torgrimson Kris Roley Easton Nelson February 10 th Charles Schultz February 12 th Bryce Johnson Wes Evavold Mason Ness February 16 th John Lindemeyer Levi Rossum Brooklyn Wagner February 17 th Carol Dahlen Victoria Stierlen February 18 th Kevin Fick February 19 th Brenda Lillemon Bentley Olson February 20 th Aanika Anderson February 21 st Ardis Alvstad February 22 nd Jack Peterson February 23 rd James Martinson February 26 th Noah Anderson Jason Dahlen Wendy Walvante February 27 th Joshua Evavold February 28 th Mary Johnsrud =================== If I don t have your birth date or if I have it listed incorrectly please e-mail or call me - 747-2273 / peace@prtel.com June Peace/Grue Ladies New Topic Study February 20, 2018, 9:30 am at the City Restaurant Topic: METOO Movement/ thru the Eyes of women of the Bible Meal on own: Rise & Shine $3.59 Carmel Roll $2.99 & Coffee $ 1.60 Pastor Support Team Call Committee met with Pastor Kent recently to review his first year with us. He indicated he has positive feelings about his first year as pastor of the Peace/Grue parish. We all liked the new items integrated into worship; midweek advent services, oil anointing to begin New Year and let bygones be bygones and Pub O Praise. Call Committee is now renamed Pastor Support Team and we will meet with Pastor Kent in May and November to touch base on goals and future plans for our parish. Pastor Support Team will work closely with Parish Personnel Committee. If your yellow WELCA book is still in your mailbox in a couple weeks, don't be surprised to have Pastor Kent deliver it to you. GRUE women meet: Tuesday, February 20th @ 1pm. Good Samaritan Home Ruth / Rebecca Circle meeting: Tuesday, February 20th, 9:30am @ City Restaurant. Topic study on METOO Movement
Page 7 PEACE COUNCIL NEWS PEACE COUNCIL MEETING January 10th, 2018 Attending: Justin Eberhardt, Wayne Risbrudt, Tim Cunningham, Don Hanson, Craig Koefod, Teresa Magnuson, Harlan Balgaard, Pastor Kent and Janet Novak. Teresa Ohren, potential council member, also in attendance. Absent: Justin Anderson, Mary Johnsrud Devotions led by Pastor Kent. M/S/C to accept secretary s report. M/S/C to accept treasurer s report COMMITTEE REPORTS are now sent and read prior to meeting and will be included in newsletter. Highlights mentioned here only where applicable. Education Property & Management- Christian Growth- Stewardship- Audit- Justin Eberhardt and Jackie Anderson completed audits Sunday, 1/7/18 Pastor s Report Highlights include Hazel Ostenson funeral Saturday, 1/13/18. OLD BUSINESS Annual Meeting All committee reports were due 1/8/18. It was reported President Justin would not be in attendance on Sunday but was willing to be President for 2018. Vice President Don will preside. Council Members for 2018 M.Johnsrud, J.Eberhardt and D.Hanson going off council. Two nominated members Teresa Ohren and Donna Gover have agreed to council membership. Don Hanson will confirm with third potential Gage Olson. Election will take place at Annual Meeting. NEW BUSINESS Committee Job Descriptions- A church member requested the job descriptions be printed in upcoming annual report. All agreed except there was concern for the accuracy of those descriptions. M/S/C to ask each of the committees to review and update their unique committee description as part of their next agenda. Once updated, they would be printed and distributed. Vice President Don will mention this in annual meeting. Confirmation Coordinator Council was informed Jody Dahlen will no longer be coordinator. Pastor Kent reiterated changes in program and that June is currently keeping track of some information but there is definitely need for a formal coordinator or coordinators. It was agreed ideal situation would be a parent or parents from both first year and second year classes. M/S/C to request June and Jody confirm current job description and Pastor Kent to then formally request parent coordinators. Janet has action to review with June. Disposal of Furniture in Pastor s office- Desk, recliner and computer are no longer needed. M/S/C to offer to anyone free of charge due to age and condition. Pastor will post photo on bulletin board. Holy Communion Pastor Kent brought forward idea of serving Holy Communion each Sunday. Much discussion of pros and cons and decision was made to not change at this time. Next Parish and Peace Council Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February7 th 7pm at Peace. M/S/C to adjourn with Lord s Prayer Janet Novak, Peace Council Secretary
Page 8 GRUE COUNCIL Grue Council Meeting January 7, 2018 Meeting called to order by President Les Evavold Additions to agenda : None Secretary Report: M/S/C Treasures Report: All bills paid M/S/C Pastors Report : See attached M/S/C Committee Reports: None at this time. Attending: Les, June, Char, Chad, Bea, and Greg Absent: Dylan and Vonnie Old Business: -Chad purchasing 2 new pedestal fans. -Correction from Change in changing times to Practicing Resurrection New Business: -Membership Letter, looking over list Member by Baptism (baby) Members by Confirmation (young person listed individually and encouraged to commune and give but will be in this category until graduation or full time employment) Voting member (participating in communion and financially supporting within last two years) Inactive member (not participating in communion and financially giving in the last two years) Name will be removed from current membership list and listed in the archives -Audit Committee Greg and Gwen Lillemon M/S/C -Committee Reports : All need to be into June by January 15 th for printing before Annual Meeting January 21 st January 21 st Church 10:45, Annual meeting, Potluck. Closed with the Lords Prayer Next meeting: January 21 st, 2018, Annual meeting Adjourned : M/S/C Secretary : Bea Runningen
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Page 10 W.I.N.G.S News February 7th, we will be going to Evansville Care Center!! March we will be meeting the second Wednesday March 14th we will be going for a slay ride or a Hay ride at Tim Anderson s!! Early Communion Classes PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION Pastor will offer classes for 5th grade youth (and to those whose parents feel they are ready) during the Lenten season and youth will be ready to receive their first communion during Palm Sunday service. An adult, preferably a parent, is expected to attend each class with their young person. Most adults share that they find this a good time of review and renewal. Letters will be going out to fifth graders suggesting the dates of March 4, 11, and 18, meeting from 1:00 2:30 p.m. If these times are unworkable, please let Pastor or the office know. First Communion will be Palm Sunday the 25th of March. We will discuss alternatives at our first meeting.