‘God Is For U s’
‘What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son,
but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else?’
As I write these words the National Assembly of the ELCA is almost over. Many
difficult and important decisions were made at this bi-annual meeting of our church bo dy.
Decisions that will impact our life as a denomination an d as pa rt of Christ’s greater church who
live and act together in the world. Difficult things were talked about and acted upon, such as
an agreement to respect the bound conscience of our broth ers and sisters in Chr ist whose
opinions differ from ours, the approval to bless same gender comm itted, monogamous
relationships, as well as the approval to imp lement chan ges to the guide lines so that people in
such publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships may serve as
professional leaders of this church.
These words of scripture came to mind as I have been praying for and following the Assembly actions this week
- as I have been listening to the media coverage about what the ELCA is doing, as well as listening to the heartfelt
conce rns of many o f yo u. The reaso n th ese word s came to m ind is because they demonstrate the complexity of what
it means to live in and through God’s word - they demonstrate how various scripture passages speak to people in varying
ways under var iou s cir cumstances. Fo r instance , if yo u listened to any of Ass em bly proceed ings and conversatio ns in
person or on-line, you heard faithful people on both sides of the questio n using scriptu re to ‘d efe nd’ their position. And
then there was that extern al event — the tor nado - eith er M ond ay or Tuesday (my memory fails m e at th e mom ent,)
that touche d down in M inneapolis, d amaging the steeple of Centr al Lutheran whe re the A ssem bly gathered for worship
as well as causing major damage to a portion of the roof at the convention center where plenary sessions and other
activities were held. No doubt because the major focus for so m any was the controversial nature of the sexuality
issues,( rather than whether we should ent er into Full Com munion Ag reem ent with the M ethod ist denomination (which
passed,) or whether we should intentionally support an HIV and AIDS Strategy, (which also was approved,) or whether
or not we should begin a concerted look at a social statement on Justice for Women (approved!) many looked at the
damage that was done and gave voice to different interpretations of this scripture passage. Some understood the
tornado to be God’s judgement and the warning hand of coming destruction. Others looked at the blessing of no loss
of human life and saw God’s divine hand of intervention and protection. So ‘what then are w e to say about all these
things?’
It is going to be a trying time for the church and for us as ELCA Christians as we move forward and try to
discern where we will go from here and how we can continue to live ou t our ca lling to be Christ’s peo ple in th e wo rld
together in love. But as Bish op J on A nde rso n of our SW MN S ynod wrote before leaving for the assem bly, we are a
denomination that has many diversities, but we are also the people of God bound together by the unity of our conviction
of ‘one L ord, on e faith , one b aptism .’ We are people who stand fast in the promise of God’s word - especially the Word-
made-f lesh, Jesus Christ. Our c hallenge is to continue the c onversation and the jour ney toge ther. O ur jo y is and will
continue to be the opportunity to respond in faith and love to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, giving thanks for the
abundance of blessings God c ontinues to pour down upo n us, and willingly respond ing to these blessings with lives of
faithful service and love that will continue to proclaim Christ alive and at work in our world.
It won’t be easy. And it certainly won’t happen through the work of us as human beings acting alone. But by
Go d’s grace, th rough the pow er o f the Holy S pirit, C hrist’s Ch urc h will flour ish and gr ow. Becau se G od is for us. And
the One ‘who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything
else?’ [I think if M artin Lut her wer e still here he would exc laim, “t his is m ost cer tainly true!]
Peace ^,
Pastor Marlene
P.S. Th e th em e for the ELC A this year is “G od ’s Work. Our Hands.” At FELC we will demonstrate this through our own
theme of “Walking in God’s Word.” Please mark your calendars now to sh are in all the Rally Day events that call us back
from a more leisurely schedule to be intentional as we walk together in God’s Word through worship, study, service,
music, mission, and outreach. YOU are a vital part of making this journey all that it can and should be!
Regarding Confirmation: Parents and confirmation students, please watch the bulletin, newsletter, and you r m ail in the
th
coming days for specific information about the confirmation program. Orientation will be Wed., Sep 9 (before Rally
Su nday.)
Please pray for our students preparing to affirm their baptismal promises in October. Seven of our young people will
meet on Wed. and Thur s., Sep 2 & 3, for interviews with parents, men tors, and other memb ers of the congregation to
discuss the ir personal cr eed s. This is an aw esome time of being able to witne ss first-hand the pow er o f the Holy Spirit
at work in their lives. Pray for them and all of us as we share together and encourage one another in faith!
THANK YOU to all who stepped out in faith to make FELC a visible part of the Or tonville Comm unity and the Co rn Fest
celebration! The float, dunk tan k. . .awesome contributions!!!! And to all (es pec ially the adu lt vo lunt eer s,) who made it
possible for our young pe ople to have su ch an enr iching exper ience at the Natl Yo uth Gather ing in N ew O rleans!!!
- Thank you also for this summer of rest and renewal. Although sabbatical didn’t turn out exactly as planned, it was
cer tainly a demonstration of God’s providence and guidance. And how did God know that David was just what we needed
to keep everything running on an even keel. . .to make the love of Christ so visible??!! THANKS, DAVID!
Page -1-
First English Lutheran Church
Annual Election Meeting - June 7, 2009
The Annual Meeting was called to order by President Scott Huizenga following the 9:00 am worship service;
a quorum was met. Ha rris Selvig agre ed to serve as Parliamentarian. Rev. Mar lene Elmstro m led devo tions.
Scott Huizenga presented the election ballot, going through each board of nom inees and asking for further
nominations. Being no additional nominations, Dennis Schentzel made a motion to cast a unanimous ballot, seconded by
Ellie Helgeson, motion carried. Scott welcomed the new board members and thanked the outgoing members and
officers for their service. A motion was made to accept the resolution of thanks for outgoing members by K en
Simo nitch and seco nded by Kathy M orten, mo tion carried. Th ere was no o ld business.
New business:
*Information Item : the Council of FELC at its May meeting approved the renewal of the $10,000 oper ating loan at
CenBank in Ortonville, authorizing the President and Treasurer of the congregation to sign the loan and giving authority
to th e Financial S ecr etar y to draw on the loan as needed for cash flow .
*A motion was made to approve the resolution passed by the Church Council to accept the amendment of the by-laws
for the Endowment Fund, found in Section two, Distribution of Income, Option 1B. Paragraph Number 4 to read:
One-fourth (¼) for mission [of the ELCA] at home and overseas, including but not limited to grants to the ELCA for
new mission develo pment in N orth A merica, pro fessional leadersh ip, edu cational m inistries, world m ission and
ecumenism, TV/radio, and capital financing. Discussion was held regarding clarification of disbursements of funds
between capital financial and capital improvem ents. These designations allow for two options within the Endowm ent
distribution. Motion made by Bill Elmstrom to accept the motion to amend “of the ELCA “ within the by-laws, seconded
by B urt Nypen, m otion car ried .
*Scott made a motion to accept the resolution entitled “Resolution - I submit the following motion/resolution related
to historic definition of marriage. WHEREAS: All references to m arriage in the Bible, including those of J esus,
acknowledge marriage be only between a man and a woman, and WHERE AS: The Draft S ocial Statement on Human
Sexuality states that “This Church recognizes the historic origin of the term “marriage” as a life long and committed
relatio nsh ip between a woman and a man, and does not wish to alter this understanding. BE IT RESO LVED : That the
congregation First E nglish L uth eran C hurch of O rtonville, Minnesot a co ntinue to su ppo rt the historic definition of
marriage and opp ose blessing of same gender couples by the Evangelical Luth eran C hurch of Ame rica or its member
con gre gatio ns.” (original motion attached along w ith the original signatures;) D ennis Schentzel seconded. Discussion
was held with an am end ment to change “EL C in America” to “ELC of Am eric a“. A m otion was mad e by Bill Elm strom,
seconded by Burt Nypen to accept the Amendment, motion carried. Harris Selvig asked for a show of hands to request
a paper ballot to vote on the resolution, paper ballots were requested. Kevin Morten, Craig Randleman, and Becky Parker
ser ved as te ller s. Re solutio n failed with 35 no, 2 0 yes, and 5 ab stentio ns. H arris Selvig thanked those persons who
came forward to assist with the discussion and Bob Yaeger thanked all those who signed the resolution, indicating that
others had also signed but their nam es we re not available whe n the agenda and r esolutions we re o riginally brought in.
*Scott made a motion to accept the resolution entitled “Resolution - Standards for Ordination for the Evangelical
Lutheran Church of America. WHEREAS: The comm ittee responsible for the “Draft Social Statement on Hum an
Sexuality” stated that they were unable to reach a consensus concerning revisions of current church standar ds on
ordination, and WHEREAS: Adoption of any revisions of standards for ordination would project this lack of consensus
onto the membersh ip of the ELCA as a whole, causing great division and dissension in the ELCA ELC of Am erica, and
WHEREAS: The Constitution and Legal Committee of the ELCA church council has urged that, for the good of the
church, such changes be made only if approved by a two-thirds majority vote. BE IT RESOLVED: That the congregation
of First English Lutheran Church of Ortonville strongly urges its delegates to the Southwestern Minnesota Synod
Convention Assembly held in June of 2009 to support the need for a two-thirds vote of approval of any proposals that
would alter current ordination standards.”, (original motion attached along with the original signatures); Marge
Dragseth sec ond ed. Discussion was held with an Amendment to change the wording of “ELC in America” to “ELC of
America“ and Minnesota Synod “Convention“ to Minnesota Synod “Assembly“. Motion made by Bill Elmstrom, seconded
by Tom Tob in to accept the changes, motion to amend carried. After more discussion, Ha rr is Selvig clar ified that it
takes a 2/3 majority to pass a social statement and a simple majority to pass a resolution regarding standards or
guidelines. Harris again asked for a show of hands to request a paper ballot to vote on the resolution; opinion was for
pape r ba llot. Resolution passed with 44 yes vo tes and 13 no.
Duaine Marxen, current co-chair of the Board of Properties explained the need for improving and remodeling
the fac ility, especially the educatio n win g. W indows in the education wing need to be replaced; the main wooden front
rd
doors leading to sanctuary from 3 Street need to be replaced - estimated cost is $1,750 per door ); the heating and
cooling system needs to be looked at and evaluated for efficiency as well as effectiveness; the parking lot is in need
of repair, and the sidewalk alongside the education wing has a significant issue with improper drainage. Instead of
guessing or taking a few thing s at a time, the B oar d of Chu rch Pr operties would like to ask for the help of an architect
who wou ld be in consultation with other appropriate professionals to make sure everything that needs to be done is done
correctly. They would like permission to proceed with hiring an architect to draw up a plan for the needed
improvements into o ne sing le pac kage (wh ich c ould be d one all at one time or may be done in stages.) There are
cur ren tly designated funds for Capital Improvements of $98 00. Jim Foster made a mo tion to hire an architect, at a
cost of ap pro ximately $ 17 ,00 0. ex clud ing reimb ursible expenses, to start the process of getting a plan together and
giving us an estimate, Duaine Marxen seconded, motion carried. Duaine stated that when a plan is provided it will be
brought before the congregation for approval to proceed further.
Page -2-
Scott Huizenga thanked the congregation for their support as President and welcomed Marilyn Chindvall as the
new President of the Council. The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully Submitted, Marge Dragseth - Council Secretary
First English Lutheran Church
Council Minutes for June 8, 2009 M eeting
Present: Marge Dr agseth, Kevin Morten, Jerry D ragseth, Scott Huizenga, Kathy Morten, Duaine Marx en, Pastor
Marlene, M arilyn Ch indvall, and Mo nica S imonitch .
A motion made by Mo nica Simonitch, seconded by Duaine Marx en to accept the M ay Mee ting Minutes, motion
carried. Jerry Dragseth presented the treasu rer 's report. A motion made by Kevin Morten, seconded by Kathy M orten
to approve the Treasurer's Report, motion carried. Marge Dragseth made a motion to approve the Endowm ent
th
Comm ittee Report and disbursements on March 4 and Monica Simonitch seconded, motion carried. Disbursements
were as follow s:
Capital Improvement - FELCW Lounge Fund $ 500.
Scholarships & Grants - Dan Schmeichel $ 300.
Misty Wittnebel $ 300.
FELC S abbatical Fund $ 300.
Missions - SW Synod Leader ship Support Fund $ 5 00 .
Lay M inistry
Lisa Berdan will direct another Community Dinner theater. A motion was made by Jerry Dragseth, seconded by Kathy
Morten to have the church act as the financial agent for the Dinner Theater, motion carried. Everything is in place
for Pastor Marlene’s sabbatical. Approval is on th e way from Bishop A nde rso n for D avid T onn to pr eside at H oly
Communion in July. Pastor Marlene has agreed to mentor the Interim Pastor, Bev O’Neal from Trinity Lutheran/Holden
th
in Clinto n. Art Vollmer will take care of getting the o rgan to N orthr idge for th e churc h service on J une 17 . Rally
th
Sund ay has been set for Septem ber 13 with a potluck meal follo wing the 10:3 0 service.
Evangelism
The com mitt ee worked on th e sch edu le for th e act ivities fo r th e coming year . There was a good turnout for the new
members coffee. Kathy M orten m ade a mo tion, seco nde d m y M arilyn Ch indvall to accept th e new mem bers into First
English. They are: Dan and Maria Swartos and B ennett, Betty Ann J ohnson, Reed Stein, and Am anda M oen. “Just
th
for the Love of It” Dinner will be held on Wednesday, August 5 and we will be serving pulled pork sandwiches and
potato salad . Sign-up sh eets will be in the narthex. The theme for the float for the Cornfest Parade is “God’s Work,
Our Hands”. David has 23 kids and 7 chaperones going to the Youth Gathering and will have them walk with the float,
st
wearing their T-shirts. New mem bers Sunday will be May 31 with rolls and coffee in the basem ent following services.
Caring Friends and the Prayer chain were discussed and will encourage volunteers in the fall. Five people came to the
welcome tea. It was agreed to split the bulletin board to keep the Charlie Companies pictures up all the time. The
comm ittee was asked by the Ortonville Economic Development to consider having a daycare center at the chu rch. With
the limited space for a playg round , the c hur ch is not a c andidate for a d aycare cent er.
Christian Education - no report. Will meet in July.
Youth and Fam ily
th
The sending service for the kids going to the National Youth Gath ering will be held on July 19 . The last parents
th
meeting will be held on July 12 . Plans are being made for a trip to Valley Fair around the end of June and for a trip
to th e zoo in W ater tow n in ear ly Au gust . We are still in need of vo lunt eer s fo r LA/DD . Ad opt-a-Highway pr oject is
being planned for early October.
St ew ardship
The committee would like to incorporate more of environmental recycling during Stewardship Awareness. The
St ewardship temple talks will be held this summer and they will let Dave know when. Jim will co-chair with Kathy
Morten and they are wor king on th e Fall o pportu nities w orksh eet c alled “Gift s for Living”.
Church Properties
*A thank you was sent to the 4 -H group for painting the parking lot, curbing and hand rails. Dennis Schentzel sprayed
the dandelio ns.
*Duaine got a Key box for the elevator, which is a requirement. It will be mounted in the workroom or by the elevator
door.
*The contractor met with the board and did a walk-through to get an idea of the cost to do all of the repairs that need
to be done. One half of $17,000 is the cost to do the drawings and statistics for improvement which includes the
mecha nical engineering fee s.
th
*The w ork is continuing on the lounge. On June 17 , the sheet roc k will be glued on the walls.
*D iscussion w as he ld on the pho ne line for the Rad io Br oad cast whic h still d oes not always work well.
Page -3-
*The Technology Comm ittee is investigating costs and possibilities for video production and look for volunteers to do
the com pute r work.
*Pastor Marlene and Bill were given permission to use their discretion to cut back or remove bushes and plant new ones
on th e property at the par sonage.
th th
The installation of new board members will be July 26 . Next meeting date is Mon day, August 10 . Meeting was
adjourned with the Lord's Prayer.
Marge Dragseth, Council Secretary
Youth News
One year ago, I was asked to serve full-time at Congratulations and God’s blessings to our
First English. Taking on some of the intern duties was Confirma nds, as they reaffirm their baptismal vows on
th
another step into the unknown for me. Pastor Joy left October 25 . They are Nick Athey, Rachel Berger,
big shoes to fill, but, in God’s mysterious way, things have Destiny Eastman, Kara Helgeson, Emily Giese, Alec
once again surprised me . I am so very th ank ful for this Lar son, and A ustin Sw anso n.
opportunity among you and have thoroughly enjoyed If you have any CRAFT IDEAS that you wo uld
getting to know many of you even more. Anne and I feel like to make with our W ednesday after-scho ol groups,
at home here, and appreciate all you do to encourage and please contact Da vid. We w ill meet from 3 :30-4:3 0 mo st
support b oth of us. Wed nesdays. There will be a sign-up sheet on the
The National Youth Gathering was truly a bulletin board for anyone that would be able to provide
memo rab le and blessed experience. A big thank-you to snac ks fo r th is gro up.
Monica Sim onitc h, Je ff Berg er, L ynne Giese , Kar la
Lind ahl, Beth Swanson, and Traci Conroy for helping make A special thank you to:
this a wonderful event for our youth. We also thank U Isabel Wolner and Ruth Ha nsen fo r the gifts in
those who served as care givers and prayer partners for memory of Steve Wolner.
this trip. As Jeff said on August 9
th
during worship, it U Traci C onroy, Gayla Athey, Carmen Leger, and Scott
was like getting a special birthday card every day for a Huizenga for being drivers/chaperones for our Valley
week. FELC is blessed with wonderful young people, and Fair trip. We can ’t forget Glen and L isa Berdan, Curt and
the young pe ople are blessed with a loving, nurturing, and Penny Horm ann, and Terry and Mavon Kalberg for allowing
supportive congregation. We do plan on having an us to use their vehicles!
appreciation supper on a Sunday in September. Watch U Jennifer Wiik and Marla Strei for driving/
for details in the bulletin. I pray God continues to bless chaperoning for the elementary trip to Watertown and
all of you. special thanks to Bev Jones for allowing us to use her van
The Junior High Youth Gathering is November for the trip. T he c hildr en appre ciate d it.
20-21 in Willmar. Students in grades 7-9 are welcome to U Everyone who helped with the dunk tank at the corn
attend. Cost is $35 plus housing (approximately $30 per festival and those who walked in the parade.
th
person). Deadline to sign up is September 25 . See the U The gath ering attendees f or the wonderful job they
bulletin board in the Education W ing for mo re details. did in presenting the ir experiences to the congregation.
Please note - this is the same weekend as the fall play at
sch ool. David Tonn-Youth and Parish Ministry
Pastor thought it would be nice to share this:
By Sarah Hausken, Youth Ministry Coordinator
I haven’t been able to take my ELCA Y outh Gathering participant bracelet off yet. Through
the experiences of the gather, God is still working on me and I just feel like I need the bracelet to be there on my wrist for
a while longer, reminding me of the ways the spirit was moving during the gathering. I also wear it to help me continue to
consider where God is calling me to “be the change” today, in my town, and in my home.
The ELC A Y outh Gathering was all about serving. In response to God’s love and forgiveness, we serve others. The
devastation from Hurricane Katrina is still vast and we experienced the joys and hardships of serving among the residents
of New Orleans. Our congregation got to paint canvas murals for elementary schools that will enhance learning and morale.
I heard of others w ho cleared ditches, read to ch ildren, and painted homes. All the projects were requested by the people of
New O rleans so we can be assured that what we did made a difference.
I heard that in 3 days, 37,000 gathering participants d id what it would take the people of New Orleans 3 years to
accomplish. We were moved by the thanks we received – on the street, in stores, called out from cars. Our individual efforts
were small, but the collective affects of the gathering and what God d id through those efforts were huge.
In the Interaction Center we donated hair to make wigs for children with cancer, wrote letters to legislators about
human trafficking, gave money to ELCA World Hunger, and watched as peop le zip lined across the convention center. The
Learning Center brought an opportunity to dig deeper into the gathering theme of “Jesus Justice Jazz” through workshops on
everything from poverty and peace to art and movies.
The mass gatherings in the Super dome were filled with energy. Youth and adults moved and sang in response to
Christ who loves us. We heard from speakers who told incredible stories about how G od has moved them to serve others.
Our group especially liked a concert by Christian hard rock band, S killet. There were a lot of heads banging that night.
Closed worship pulled everything together and sent us out to serve. Bishop M ark Hanson preached and we were
Page -4-
inspired and encouraged to go back to our regular lives and change the world.
This gathering has already made a significant impact on participants and the people of New Orleans. But the impact
does not end with the gathering. I encourage gathering participants to listen to where God is calling you to make a difference
and take action. For those who know gathering participants, please ask them what spoke to them at the gathering and find
out how they might act to change the world now that they’re home.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Yes, we can.
A Letter from Bishop Jon V. Anderson
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear
with one an other and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lo rd has forg iven you, so
you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let
the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms,
hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving
thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3
August 22, 2009
Sisters and Brothers in Christ in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod,
Those were the words our presiding bishop read to us after the difficult day of debate and decisions regarding the
Recommendations for Rostered Leaders were passed. If you have not been following the news, the recommendations of the
Sex uality Task Force were adopted with the addition of a conscience clause for members who do not believe we should allow
such roster actions. Whether you mourn the decision s or are thankful for the changes, there was a persistent concern for
mission and working to discern Go d’s will throughout this conversation that I want to celebrate. I know Presiding Bishop
Mark Hanson will be sending a letter in the coming days that reviews the actions of the 1045 voting members of our church
gathered in assem bly. Today we will have more discussions about what this means an d how we move forward (on Saturday).
I think the most important discu ssion of the assem bly will be about how we will deepen our work of evangelical outreach and
congregational mission as a central ministry of our church.
It was a challenging day for our 29 SW MN S ynod voting members and the whole assemb ly. We are all deep ly aware
of the gravity of our decisions today whether we supported them or not. As I talked to one of my friends this evening, he said
he had tears in his eyes all day due to the stress of the day. I used the wo rd “su ffering” when I went to the m icrophon e to
describe the day for all involved. I was thankful that as we traveled through the arguments and resolutions we repeatedly
stopped to pray, especially before and after im portant decisions alon g the way.
I have come to know the synod well enough, that as I pray for congregations and leaders today, I have a good hunch
about who this morning is grieving, who is very anxious and who is grateful for the actions in our different congregations and
conferences. Most of us will be trying to figure out what this all means. I will be praying for you. I ask for your prayers.
My understanding is that no changes from Church wide will be implemented until after early Novem ber at the earliest.
My sense is that it will take time to put together all the policies and work through all the layers of the church body. The
resolution language includes the Vocation and Education U nit, the Church Council and the Conference of Bishops in the
process. How this will all look as it unfolds will become more clear in the days to come. As a synod, we will also be working
through what this means in our governance system and in our congregation’s lives. I have received many questions before
and even after this vote. We w ill be working to help you understand more fully this decision. I know the congregation will
continu e to hold the final decision of who they call to serve as pastor in their faith commu nity.
If you or people you encounter want to do something in the meantime, use the energy about this to invite your people
deeper into following Jesus. Our denomination is not the God we follow. Our church bod y is as sinful and broken as all of
us. Encourage your people to grow as C hrist followers through Bible reading and reflection, daily prayer, inviting people,
joining in fellowship, worship, generous giving and encouraging one another. Invite your people to follow the Lord of the
church, Jesus, the one G od sent to save us. At the same time, love your neighbors in need. There is nothing like caring for
others to take away the temptation to turn in on ourselves in fear, grief and frustration. Our church body is not God, but we
trust that God can use us like God uses bread and wine and water to be a means of grace for a world that needs the Good News
we know in Jesus.
There have been many other decisions at this assembly, such as entering into full communion with our United
Methodist broth ers and sisters in Christ. We have seen many votes that were over 90% for different recommendations, such
as the decision to move forward with the Lutheran Malaria Initiative and our work against HIV/AIDS. For $10 we w ill soon
be able to provide a net to protect people from Malaria, a disease that takes more lives than HIV/AIDS in this world in a
program called “Nothing but Nets.” At the assembly, I have been reminded of the amazing things God is doing throughout
our church body. I am thankful.
Our voting members will be available for sharing about the assembly in your conferences and congregations over the
coming w eeks. You can find a list of those names on the synod w ebsite: www.swmnelca.org.
I wrote an earlier version of this prayer on Friday morning before the decision and debate and posted it on my blog.
I have re-edited it for your use after th e assembly.
Dear God,
Please guide the important conversations we will have about the assembly and its decisions.
Help us to listen to you even as we seek to listen and und erstand the positions of others. We know that even our best
attempts to serve you are more laced by our sin than w e can imagine. So send your Spirit to give us courage to
remember we are always simultaneously sinner and saints. Only you are righteous. We live in this broken world and
are broken ourselves.
Dear God we ask that you work in our midst so that our conversation is one that might be faithful ... and a
positive witness to your Son, Jesus our Lord. Please guide our mind as well as our hearts as we listen to our sisters
and broth ers from across this church body. Dear G od, we need your guidance and presence and power every day.
Disturb us when we need to be challenged. Comfort us when we are crushed. Bring peace to all. Bring healing to
the m any different wounds we carry as individu als and as a community. Find ways to push us deeper into being the
Page -5-
church you want and need for us to be. Find ways to work on us and push us deeper into trusting only in you.
Do your work among and in us today and in the days to come. We ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
In Christ, Pastor Jon Anderson - Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod
Church News
PRAYERS FOR HEALING
Lefty Mehlhop; Ora Mae George; Janis Sellin; Gail Olson; Mavon Kalberg; Helen Johnson; Donna Thompson;
Michele Brotzel; Earl & Norma Herman (Relative of Sharron Johnson); Lonny Feldt (Sharron Johnson’s
bro ther ); Nancy Hansen (Brent Peterson & Val Henrichs mother); Marvis Northwick (Ranet Schm eich el’s
mother ); Joh n Eneb oe (son of Bill & D onna H oel’s neighb or); Trish Larson (Bill Elmstrom’s colleague); Josh Cornelius
(Cur t & T rud y M ensink’s gr andson); and Betty Robinette (Paul U nru h’s sister).
PRAYERS FOR MILITARY
Bob Giossi (Pat C ollins & Jim Collins son-in-law); Mich ael Park er (re lative of G ene & M ary L ou O lson);
Jeff Anderson (son of Richard Anderson); Kirby Athey (son of Ron and Ginger Athey); Eric Collins (son of Pat
Collins and Jim Collins); Henry Domine (son of Mel and Jackie Domine); Stacey Gustafson (Kelly Gustafson’s
husb and); Drew Johnson (son of Liz and Pat Ketz and Bob Johnson); Dustin Kindelberger (son of Keith and
Margaret Kindelberger); Rob Sletten (son of Nancy Pierzina); Shane Thompson (son of Mark and Sh eila
Tho mpso n); David Nagel (son of Doran and Ruth Nagel); Charlie Henningson (son of Glenn and D eb H enningso n);
Logan Hargr ave (Stacey & Kelly Gustaf son’s neph ew); and Capt. K elly Wassber g (Chaplain serving units).
CONGRATULATIONS
th
...and God’s blessings to Alex and Brittany (Ritter) Johnson who wer e marr ied at FELC on Sat., July 18 . May they have
many happy years together!
...and we give Go d th anks for the safe return of N ate F oster from A fgh anista n!!
...and we say thank you and ask Go d’s blessing on the following people who will ser ve o n ou r church council or boards this
year:
President: Marilyn Ch indvall Vice-President: Kevin Morten Tre asure r: Jerry Dragseth
Board of Lay Ministry
Erv Mikkelson Roger Nornes Mark Block
Arlene Vollmer Kris Unruh Aaron Marxen
Board of Christian Education
Kristi Ehrenberg Julie Berger Nancie Haukos
Bridget Vanderwal Kari Dorry Isaiah Longnecker
Maria Swartos
Board of Chur ch Properties
Dennis Schentzel To m T obin Glenn Henningson
Art Vollmer Mark Muenchow Alex Johnson
Board of Stew ardship
Kathy Morten Weston Schneck Jim Foster
Deb Henningson Barb Hornstein Burt Nypen
Board of Youth and Family Ministry
Donna Valek Monica Simonitch Lynne G iese
Beth Swanson Karla Lindahl Gayla Athey
Harley Helgeson
Board of Evangelism
Paula To bin Lana Reich Marge D ragseth
Rita Verheul Kate Heinecke Scott Huizenga
st
...to Eric and Ivy (LeMieur) Lovgren who we re m arr ied on Sat., Au g. 1 . We wish them many happy years!
st
...to Calvin and Jena (Tobin) Schulte who wer e marr ied on sat., A ug. 1 . God ’s blessings for man y happy year s!
...as we welcomed into the Body of Christ through the Sacrament of Holy B aptism, Madilyn Em ma Sletten, daughter
th
of T im and M elissa S lette n on S un., Aug. 9 . Madilyn’s sponsors are Ashley Eastman and Destiny Eastman. May God
continue to bless this family as they grow in faith and love.
th
...and God’s blessings to o ur Confirm ands as they reaffirm their baptismal vows on October 25 . They are Nick
Ath ey, Rach el Berge r, D estiny Eastm an, Kara Helgeso n, Em ily Giese, Alec Larso n, and Austin Swanson.
FLOWERS/PLANTS
st
...sponsored by Rob Sletten’s family and given in honor of Rob Sletten’s birthday and the entire 151 Batt alion.
st
...were given by Calvin and Jena (Tobin) Schulte in honor of th eir m arr iage o n Sat., Au g. 1 .
st
...were given by Eric and Ivy (LeMieur) Lovgren in honor of th eir m arr iage o n Sat., Au g. 1 in Little Falls, M N.
...wheat arrangem ents given by Barb ara No rnes.
...were given in memor y of Harriet Schellberg by her family.
th
...were given in honor of Gene and Marcy Stotesbery’s 50 wed ding annive rsary b y their family.
Page -6-
SYMPATHY
th
...to Bob Johnson and family as they mourn the death of Bob’s mother, Nellie Johnson who died on Mon., July 6 .
...to Larry and Shannon Millerbernd and family as they mourn the death of Shannon’s father, Mel Johnson who died on
th
Wed., July 29 .
...to Connie and Car ol N ewm an and family as they mourn the death of Carol’s sister, Emma W olfer who died in July at
Ken newick, W ashingto n.
...to Nancy Mork and Lou Huizenga and their families as they mourn the death of their mother, Harriet Schellberg.
th th
Har riet died on Fr i., Aug. 14 and her fu neral was Tues., Aug. 18 at St. Peter’s L utheran Ch urc h in Bellingh am.
KD IO BRO AD CASTS (sponsored b y...)
th th
...Rodney and Vicky Torgerson in honor of Ruth Torgerson’s 90 birthday on July 9 .
...Ter ry, M avon and Erik Kalber g in memory of their par ents and grandp arents.
th
...Dr. Chris and Tr aci Conroy family in honor of J aiden’s 9 birthday.
th
...the Kafka family in loving memory of Zach Kafka who left us 5 years ago on the 27 .
...the Klitzk e fam ily in loving memory of Donna K litzke .
...the Jones family in loving memor y of David J ones.
...Dave and Marge Olso n in memory of their par ents and their de ar friend, Elsie Swigerd.
th rd
...Dan and Brend a Kafka in hono r of Kar ina’s 11 birthday (August 23 ).
Altar Guild Teams
Sacr isty, Sanctuary, Banne rs & S urplices: September - Kathy Morten, Brenda Kafka
October - Mary Lou Olson, Twyla Hinneberg, Elaine Anderson
Baptismal Nap kins: Vi Mehlhop
Fair Linens: Evelyn Olson
Brass Care: Mary Lou Olson & Twyla Hinneberg
Flower Comm ittee: September - Kris Redfield, Elayne Fahlgren
October - Kate Heinecke, Kippy Randleman
FELCW News
th
On Sat., Sept. 19 , there will be a brunch meeting beginning at 9:30 am. Circle # 4 will be hostess and Circ le
# 3 will be providing the prog ram. W e will then hold the election of th e 2010 officers.
nd
Tues., Sept. 22 , ther e will be a fall w orksh op h eld at Faith Lu theran Chu rch in M adiso n.
“Just For the Love Of It” Supper
WANTED !!!! O ur “Just Fo r th e Lo ve O f It” Supper will be held on W edn esday, O ctober
th
28 . If you would like to be a part of this wonderful experienc e, sig n-up
sheets can be found in the narthex on the kiosk. Preparing and serving the
Kids who want to meal, helping with clean up, donating bars/cake or providing monetary
sing donations to cover the cost of the food, there are many ways for you to be a
part of this. This is offered to EVE RYON E at no cost, so please tell your
and make music for
friends/neighbors and com e and enjoy the fello wsh ip.
the Lord in a
Lounge
Junior Praise The lounge committee appreciates the donation of time and effort it
took from so many to get the room ready. The room had to be stripped of
Band wallpaper, wall coverings and similar jobs to et the priming and painting done.
We than k Bo b and Gretta Yaeg er, H arr is and Marlys Selvig, Bev Jones,
Becky Parker, Chris Peterson, Ron At hey, Art V ollmer, Rog er No rnes, Lisa
Open to Grades 3-6 Berdan, and the Board of Property and M anagement.
Practice Wednesdays after We thank Eileen Adolphson for her donations of decorating items in
DD, 4:15-5:00 memory of her husband, Bud. We thank all of you who so generously gave
monetary contributions to support this project.
Begin Sept. 16
You all were so important and made our job easier. The lounge
Marilyn Chindvall, Director
comm ittee of Carol Barrett , Norma Jean Burdick, Clara Zeek, and Barbara
Traci Conroy, Accompanist
Nornes hope you enjoy the newly decorated lounge.
Be willing to do a variety of
Needs
styles of music…some w ith
The summer months have put quite a cash crunch on our budget and
movem ent, some with because you have always been so generous to respond to any need
instruments, all with presented, we felt it was necessary to share that the church has had to
microphones and lots of increase our rotating loan and the balance is now up to $3600. Giving to the
energy. operating fund will help bring this balance down, and we thank you for always
being so giving and ge ner ous in meeting the need s of o ur c hur ch!!
Page -7-
Office Hours
Office hours will now go back to 9:00 am to 4:00 pm M onday through Friday. It would still be helpful if you
have large jobs th at need to be don e to call ah ead. Thank you.
Open House Wedding Shower
rd
There will be an open house wedding reception held on Saturday, October 3 from 2 to 4 pm at FELC. Please come
and help Steven and Tami Hornstein celebrate their joyous occasion!
Prayer Calendars
Please note that the prayer calendars are posted on the web site and we do have a few copies available in
the narthex should you like to have one, but w e have decid ed to discon tinue send ing th em in the mail. If you wou ld
like to share any opinions you have on th is, please con tact th e office (83 9-2527).
Prayer Partners Again Needed
th
Sund ay Sch ool Rally Sund ay is going to be held on S ept. 13 from 9:30 - 10:30 am. We are very excited for
the new year to begin and again prayer partners will be needed for the classes. The classes are going to be divided
up in the following way and listed below are the students I have listed for each class, if there is a problem,
someone has b een o mitt ed o r does not plan on attending, please co ntac t the chu rch ASA P. On Rally Sunday we will
create posters about our Sunday Schoo l Theme “ W alking in God’s Word” plus learn our Theme song. We would like
nd
the kids and their families to stay for 2 service if possible as the students will march in with our posters and sing
nd
a couple songs at the beginning of the service. There will be a pot-luck lunch following the 2 service for the
entir e congr egation. T hank yo u!!
3 year old class - Teachers: Amy Hodenfield & Gayla Athey
Rayne Anderson Eliot Dorry Owen Dorry
Edison Haukos Nathan Kirk Carter Lee
Wyatt Sherod Grace Thielke Jaclyn W iik
4 year olds & K indergarten - T eac her : M arilyn Ch indvall
Daunte Fetters Nathaniel Gustafson Hannah Vanderw al
Julia W iik Samantha Brown Evan Halbe
Hunter Haukos Marisa Hynnek
st nd
1 & 2 Grade - Teacher: Isaiah Longnecker
Zackary Anderson Nathan Ehrenberg Owen Longnecker
Ryan Muenchow Heath Peterson Dylan Strand
Charles Thomson Hailey Vanderwal Richard Brown, Jr.
Madeleine Gustafson Mary Larson
rd th
3 & 4 Grade - Teacher: Bridget Vanderwal
Jaiden Conroy Brock Halbe Jason Helgeson
Michael Larson Rachel Mork Carissa Vanderwal
Caden Wellnitz Justine W iik Jaedyn Brown
Kelsie Ehrenberg Mikhail Thomson
th th
5 & 6 Grade - T eacher: Kristi Ehrenberg
Britton Conroy Alexander Gustafson Karina Kafka
Tyler Ruby Valerie Scholberg Jacob W iik
Kori Block Rachelle Muenchow
th
36 Annual Scandina vian F ood F air
The Scandinavian Food Fair will be held on Saturday, November 7th e from 12 - Noon to 3 :30 pm. Please be
thinking of ways you can contribute to this year’s event. You have been so gr eat to share yo ur talents in the past
th
35 years. Please help us make our 36 Annual Food Fair a success as well. Your handcrafted items are needed
more than ever because we no longer h ave “I mports” fo r sale . Also each family is asked to please bring two
dozen cookies for the Cookie Ja r. Listed below are the people who, thus far, have graciously accepted the
following duties:
Lefse M aking ................................................................................................... Darlene Mikkelson, Ruth Nagel, Barbara Nornes
Caller.............................................................................................................................................................. Arvilla Bergseth
Lefse Room ...................................................................................................................................................... Glenda Reiffenberger
Demo nstr ation s........................................................................................................................ Bob Dybvig, Lloyd Lorange
Samples......................................................................................................................................................... Mor ris Howland
Dining Ro om .................................................................................................................................. Brenda Adelman, Gretta Yaeger
Pro gra m................................................................................................................................................................................. Susan Sbei
Crafts............................................................................................................................................................................ Marilyn Hanson
Dem onstrations:
Hardange r................................................................................................................................................. Bev Jones
Rosem aling......................................................................................................................................... Lois Bergeson
Pantry.............................................................................................................................................. Evelyn Johnson, Jean McCallum
Page -8-
Cookie Jar .............................................................................................................................................. Rita Verheul, Carol Barrett
Sc andinavian Goo dies and Demo nstr ation s................................................................................................................. Lori Larson
Dish Tow els....................................................................................................................................... Amy Adelman, Mavon Kalberg
Kitc hen............................................................................................................................................... Deb Ellingson, Deb Barnhardt
Sc andinavian Sandw iche s.......................................................................................................................................... Lucie Thoreson
Waitresses................................................................................................................................................................. Ardell LaCombe
Package Ro om ........................................................................................................................... Shannon M illerbernd, Donna Valek
Poster s............................................................................................................................................................................. Lois Bergeson
Bulle tin Bo ard s, Hallway Deco rations.................................................................. Ann Nelson, Carol Newman, Gerry N ypen,
Lana R eich, Beth Sw anson, Paula Tobin
Glass Mission Display Case.............................................................................................................................. Mary Jane Sanborn
We are still in need of one or two more people for Scandinavian Goodies and Demonstrations. If you are
interested in volunteering in a particular room, please contact one of us. We appreciate all the efforts that go into
this event.
Tusen Takk , Gayle Anderson and Jo Hasslen, Co-Chairs
Som eplace Safe
th
Someplace Safe will be holding their Chili Feed on Fr iday, Septem ber 11 from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. Anyone that
would be willing to don ate b ars are aske d to contact Som eplac e Safe at 83 9-2 33 1. Please come and help support
our local bra nch .
Thank - You’s
Th ank s fo r su ppo rting the Fam ilies in Ne ed Fun d in the mo nth of J uly and FELC Intern/Pastoral Assistand Fund in
Aug ust as FE LC’s giving e mphasis.
September 2009
_
Endowment Fund
Sep tem ber............................
Designated Funds Kids
Octobe r.......................... Against Hunger
Jaycees Project Christmas
Novem ber.................
Building (please specify) $______________
ELCA
Decem ber.......................... Missionaries
Operating Fund $______________
Other Endowment Fund $_____________ (Clip and Save Abo ve List)
Name_________________________________
Use the pink Designated Funds E nvelo pes. E ach month a new area of need will be emphasized .
1. Prayer fully consider what you can to do help meet the needs that sometimes get overlooked. Dollar
amo unts ar e not set in stone, it can be wh at you are co mfo rtab le with (yo u dec ide).
2. Place your pink envelopes in the offering plate.
3. Continue to use your pink Designated Funds Envelopes for Building and Operating Fund giving. Other if for
additional giving as you wish. Plain white envelopes can also be used as long as your name is on them for
refere nce on your giving statements.
Thank You! Th e Boar d of Stew ardship Think Pink!
Thank you to FELC Congr egation and Circle along with special thanks to Ann Lundberg for the cake and coffee
th
served for my 99 birthday. Edna Paasche
Dear First English Lutheran Church:
All of u s at Prison ers of Ho pe L uth eran C hurch inside Prairie Corr ectional Facility in Appleton, MN, wish to ex press
our sincere appreciation for your very generous donation of $218. Your gift will enable us to continue our mission
work of spreading the Good News inside PCF. Please remember us in your prayers. May God bless you with joy,
peac e, and love.
In Christ, Pastor Roger Semmler, Prisoners of Hope Lutheran Church
David Tonn and First English Lutheran:
Thank you for allowing us to ride the bus with you down and back to the airport. Your kindness was much
appreciated. And to D avid, thanks fo r all yo u did to help us mak e the trip to N ew O rleans po ssible. It was a
wonde rfu l experience for all of us. Again, Th anks a Bunch !!
Chelsey S wenson, M arissa Baerwald t, Ashley Koc h, Lindsey Sw enson, Mike S wenson (Z ion-Eidskog Ch urche s)
Dear F irst E nglish Luther an Ch urc h, 7/31/09
Thank you for your generous d onatio n of $3 90 .00 to S om eplace Safe. Y our su ppo rt of o ur organization is
greatly appreciated by the families we help and all of our staff.
Page -9-
Our organization has been pr oviding services to fam ilies and victims of do mestic and sexual violence for 30
year s. These services are available in your c om munity because o f the local finan cial support w e receive .
With heartfelt gratitude, Jeanne Jacobs - Executive Director
“I was in Pr ison, A nd you visited me.” Jesus
$ 186. – Thank You!! Prisoners of Hope inside Prairie Correctional Facility sincerely thanks you for your generous
donation. We will keep you in our prayers as we continue to do our mission work in the field s of PCF. With all
praise and wor ship to ou r Lord and King. Th ank you for your support! Prisoners of Hope-PO Box 96, Appleton, MN
WELCA
th
Brent O lson will be our speaker at o ur fall brunch . This will be at 9:30 am on S aturday , Sept. 19 . Brent
has many inter ests and su bjects on w hich to speak. You will all find this to be a worth while morning. Please come
and encourage others to come with you. Everyone is welcome and we would like a nice crowd.
Thanks go out to so many at this time. Sandi Moeller and her crew did a great job of chairing the TRAM
supp er....T hanks S andi and all!!
The committee has been working hard to get the finishing touches done on the lounge. Many others have
been involved in this as well. Thanks to everyone, but especially to Carol Barrett, Clara Zeek, Barbara Nor nes, and
Norma Jean Burdick. Your efforts are appreciated.
Thanks to everyone who helped with the Ritter-Johnson wedding reception. Thanks to all who have served
for the coffee fellowship during the summ er mo nths. This is a great time of fellowsh ip for our members as well as
visitors.
Jo Hasslen and Gayle Anderson are working on the Scandinavian Food Fair. There is room for many
volunteers. If yo u are interested in helping in anyway, please let one of th em know. Also, lefs e-making days will
begin in October so make it known if you are interested in any area of that process. Lots of hands make the work
lighter and m ore fun. Yes, they d o have a goo d time dur ing the lefse making sessions and th ere are also sam ples.
Circles will be starting again in September. The bible study for the year sounds interesting. If you are
interested in joining a circle, please let me know.
Gretta Yaeger - WELCA Chairperson
Gifts & Mem oria ls
Altar G uild (A gift from ...) and D onna Hoel in honor of Pas tor J oy Gr ainger’s
Garry and Ethel Swenson in memor y of Harriet Ordination; Gene and Norma Jean Burd ick; Bruce and
Schellberg. Evie Swigerd in memory of loved ones; an anonymous
do nor gave donation for tv tr ays; Br uce and E vie
Capital Impr oveme nt (A gift from ...) Swigerd in memory of Mel Johnson and Emma
Burt and Gerry Nypen in memory of Steve Wolner; Wolfer; Garry and Ethel Swenson in memory of
Kyle and Kris Kirkeby; David and Anne Tonn in memory Emm a Wo lfer; and Ad eline Burgess.
of M el Jo hnson; R uth Hansen; Kyle and Kris Kirkeb y.
Opera ting Reserve (A gift from...)
Family S ervices - Fa milies in Need (A g ift from...) Emil and LuVerne Swezey; David and Mavis Reupke;
Don and Corinne Tiegs; Pat and Liz Ketz; Dolores Gayle Anderson; Twyla Hinneberg; Lester Hanson;
Christensen; Marvin and Joan Block; Erv and Darlene Llo yd and Lois Lo range ; Elayne Fah lgr en; Ray and Lois
Mikkelson; Ora Mae Geor ge; Erlys Sis; August Klitzke; Ber geso n; Kyle and Kris Kirkeb y; Fr ed and N ola
Bill and Donna H oel; an d an anon ymous don or. Lockwood; Bill and Donna Hoel; Frank and Clara Zeek;
Bev Jones; and B ob and B arb ara Ho rnstein.
Flower Com mittee (A g ift from...)
Elay ne Fahlgr en in m emory of Nellie Jo hnson. SW MN Syno d Lead ership Fund (A gift from...)
Marvin and Joan Block.
Intern/Parish M inistry Assistant (A gift fro m...)
Pat and Liz Ketz; Dolores Christensen; Erv and Watertown Banquet/Just For The Love Of It
Darlene Mikkelson; Janis Sellin; Don and Corinne Com munity D inner Fund (A gift from...)
Tieg s; Er lys S is; and Or a Mae Geor ge. Gen e and No rm a Jean Bu rdick; M arilyn Ch indvall;
Ruth H ansen; Fred and Nola Lo ckwo od; Er lys Sis;
Kalberg F und (A g ift from...) Richard and Rita Ver heul; an anonymo us donor s;
Elwood and Gloria Throndrud; Randy and Becky :Laurence and Anna Rothi; Sharon Carlson; Dan and
Stattelman; Terry and Paula LaVoi; Brian and Donna Maur een Sto res; Arlene G ustafson; Joan J urgens;
Vale k; and Kenneth and Bar bar a Vo eck s. and Arvilla Bergs eth.
Kids A gainst Hung er Fund (A gift from...) W orld M issions (A gift from...)
An anonymous don or. Cliff and Jac kie Rede penn ing.
Lounge Fund (A gift from...) Youth Fund (A gift from...)
Adeline Burgess in memory of Steve Wolner; Elwood Ruth Hansen in memory of S teve Wolner; David and
and Glor ia Throndr ud in memo ry o f Steve Wo lner; Bill Deb Ellingson; Bruce and Evie Swigerd; Elaine
Page -10-
Anderson; David and Anne Tonn in memory of H arriet
Sc hellb erg ; and We ston and Ruth S chn eck .
Meetings
Adult Bible St udy will begin meeting again on S un., Sept. 13 th at 9:15 am.
Car ing Fr iends will meet o n W ed., S ept. 9 th at 2:30 pm.
Children’s Choir will not be meeting unless someone would like to come forward and volunteer to lead this group.
If you r inter ested , please co ntact the ch urch off ice AS AP (839-2527).
Circles:
st
1: Tue s., Se pt. 1 at 7:00 pm in church loun ge; Mavo n Kalberg and Kathy M orten ar e the hostesse s.
th
Tue s., Oc t. 6 at 7:00 pm in church loun ge; Elayne Fahlgr en is the hostess.
rd
2: Thurs., Sept. 3 at 1:30 pm at Fairway View; Barb Ho rnstein ha s bib le study and Ruth Ha nsen is the
hostess.
st
Thurs., Oct. 1 at 1:3 0 pm at Fairwa y View.
nd
3: Wed., S ept. 2 at 1:00 pm at Fairway View.
th
Wed., O ct. 7 at 1:00 pm at Fairway View.
nd
4: Wed., Sept. 2 at 9:00 am at Fairway View; hostess is Joan Block and Carol Newman has bible
stud y.
th
Wed., O ct. 7 at 9:00 am at Fairway View; hostess is Lois Knopf and Mary Jennett has bible study.
nd
6: Wed., S ept. 2 at 5:15 pm.
th
Wed., O ct. 7 at 5:15 pm.
Con firm ation classes will b egin w ith orientatio n on W ed., S ept. 9 th .
Day of Love Quilting Group meets every Tuesday at 8:30 am.
Dynamic Disciples will begin meeting at 3:15 pm on We d., Sept. 16 th . If anyo ne is interested in helping with this
gro up, please contact the chu rch of fice AS AP (8 39 -25 27 ).
Endowment Board will meet on We d., S ept. 2
nd
at 4:30 pm. Please get your requests in by Monday, August 31 .
st
th th
Executive Pre-Planning will meet on Thurs., Sept. 24 and Oct. 29 at 5:30 pm.
FELCW Leader Study will meet on Thurs., Sept. 24 th and Oct. 29 th at 4:00 pm.
Little Apostles will begin meeting at 3:15 pm on We d., Sept. 16 th . If anyone is interested in helping with th is
gro up, please contact the chu rch of fice AS AP (8 39 -25 27 ).
Senior Cho ir will beg in on W ed., S ept. 2
nd
at 7:00 pm . They will begin singing again on Sun., Sept. 13
th
at the ear ly
(8:15 ) service.
Squares meets every Tuesday at 7:00 am.
Steeple Peo ple will begin meeting at 5:30 pm on We d., Sept. 16 th .
Technology Comm ittee does not meet.
Wo rsh ip/Arts/M usic C om mitt ee will mee t on T hur s., Se pt. 3 r d and Oc t. 1
st
at 4:30 pm.
Scheduling
We are back to scheduling for two services again, so please bear with me and if you find spots where you are
doubled up, please call the church office. Acolyte numbers are down a little, so your child/children may end up
aco lyting almo st every month, but I ’m tr ying to alte rnate. Lou Huizenga
Coffee Server Schedule: Sept. 6: Lisa Berdan
Sept. 6: Circle # 6 Sept. 13: Marilyn Hanson
Sept. 13: Ardell & Arlen LaCombe Sept. 20: Lisa Berdan
Sept. 20: Carol Barrett & Darlene Mikkelson Sept. 27: Amy Ad elman
Sept. 27: Deb & David Ellingson Oct. 4: Lisa Berdan
Oct. 4: Barb & Roger Nornes Oct. 11: Marilyn Hanson
Oct. 11: Ann & Roger Lundberg Oct. 18: Arlene Vollmer
Oct. 18: Gretta & Bob Yaeger Oc t. 25: Amy Ad elman
Oct. 25: Mary Lou Olson & Twyla Hinneberg
Please place the offering envelope under the Lay Assistant Schedule:
secretary’s door. Thank you so very much for helping Sept. 6: Craig Randleman
make our Su nday m orning coffe e ho ur possible again Sept. 20: Lori Larson; Jerry Dragseth
this year. Thanks also to all of the volunteers who Oct. 4: Terry Kalberg; Barbara N ornes
faithfully served last year and the many who will be Oct. 11: Tami Lundberg; Becky Parker
volunteering again this year. If you are willing to No v. 1 Liz Ketz; Ranet Schm eichel
serve and would like to request a particular date,
please call me at 839-6242. Coffee Coordinator, Lector Schedule:
Ger ry N ypen. Sept. 6: Liz Ketz
Sept. 13: Deb Barnhardt; Aaron Larson
Keyboard/Organist Schedule: Sept. 20: David Ellingson; Marge Dragseth
Choir will sing at the early (8:15) service in Sept. and Sept. 27: Ken Simonitch; Lucie Thoreson
the late (10:30) service in Oct. Lisa Berdan has Oct. 4: Lori Strei; Keven Berdan
spec ial music in S ept. and B eck y Par ker in Oc t. Oct. 11: Kim Anderson; Jim Foster
Page -11-
Oct. 18: Lois Bergeson; Susan Sbei Schentzel, Kevin & Kathy Morten
Oct. 25: Bill Hoel; Chris Peterson
No v. 1 Lori Larson; Jim Schmeichel Greeters Schedule:
Sept. 6: Leonard & Evelyn Olson
Acolyte Schedule: Sept. 13: Gene & Mary Lou Olson; J o A nn
Sept. 6: Shelby Strei, Katelyn Berdan Hasslen
Sept. 13: Nick Ath ey, E mily Giese; Schuyler & Sept. 20: Emil & LuVerne Swezey; M ark Nypen
Alec Larson Sept. 27: Terry & Mavon Kalberg; Pat & Denniss
Sept. 20: Ashley & Destiny Eastman; Kaylee & Spanton
Kara Helgeson Oct. 4: Ray & Lois Bereson; Gary & Lucie
Sept. 27: Au stin Swanson, Rebecca Peterson; Thoreson
Rachel Berger, Camille Scholberg Oct. 11: Elwood & G lor ia Throndrud; Ron &
Oct. 4: Er ik Kalb er g, A nd y S tr ei; RaeAnn Ginger Athey
Thompson, Lauren Conroy Oct. 18: Su san S bei; Larr y & J yla D ahle
Oct. 11: Jessica & Ben Valek; Dan Berdan, Oc t. 25: Robert & Barbara H ornstein; Burt &
Nick G iese Gerry N ypen
Oct. 18: Shane Lindahl, Nick Athey; Jenae
Schneider, Katelyn Berdan Sound System Schedule:
Oct. 25: Shelby Str ei, Rebecca Pe t e r so n; Sept. 6: Terry Kalberg
Kaylee Helgeson, Ashley Eastman Sept. 13: Jerry Parker; Burt N ypen
Nov. 1: Keven Berdan, Au stin Swans o n; Sept. 20: Dallas Hanson; Dan Kafka
Schuyler & Alec Larson Sept. 27: Jim Foster; Schuyler Larson
Oct. 4: David Ellingson; Craig Randleman
Ushers Schedule: Oct. 11: Mark Block; Liz Ketz
Sept. 6: De nnis Schentze l, Kevin & Kathy Oct. 18: Terry Kalberg; Dean Str and
Mor ten Oc t. 25: Art Vollmer; Becky Parker
Sept. 13: Garry & Ethel Swenson, Gary & Evie Nov. 1: David Ellingson; Burt Nypen
Johnson; Larry Dahle, Chris Conroy,
Ron Athey, Jeff Berger Videotape Schedule:
Sept. 20: Dallas Hanson, Richard Janke, Russell Sept. 6: Tami Lundberg
Thielke, Arlo Lindahl; Dan & Brenda Sept. 13: To m T obin
Kafka, Erv Mikkelso n, Bill Sellin Sept. 20: Terry Kalberg
Sept. 27: Richard & Roger Barnhardt, Gale May, Sept. 27: Liz Ketz
Gene Stotesbery; Scott H uizenga, Oct. 4: Tami Lundberg
Dave Botker, Tami Lundberg, Glenda Oct. 11: To m T obin
Reiffenberger Oct. 18: Terry Kalberg
Oct. 4: Art Vollmer, Dav id E llingson, Vern Oct. 25: Liz Ketz
Nickolauson, Sc ott Simo nitc h; D ennis Nov. 1: Tami Lundberg
Schentzel, Kevin & Kathy Morten
Oct. 11: Garry & Ethel Swenson, Gary & Evie Northridge Schedule:
Johnson; Lar ry D ahle, Chris Conroy, Sept. 6: Bill & Donna Hoel
Ron Athey, Jeff Berger Sept. 13: Tom & Sandy Rice
Oct. 18: Dallas Hanson, Richard Janke, Russell Sept. 20: Cindy Scholberg
Thielke, Ar lo Lindahl; Dan & Brenda Sept. 27: Jen ae S chn eider Fa mily
Kafka, Erv Mikkelso n, Bill Sellin Oct. 4: Tom & Sandy Rice
Oct. 25: Richard & Roger Bar nhardt, Gale May, Oct. 11: Jon & Kim Anderson
Gene Stotesbery; Scott H uizenga, Oct. 18: Dick & Rita Verheul
Dave Botker, Neva Foster, Becky Oct. 25: Cam ille Sc holber g Family
Parker
Nov. 1: Art Vollmer, David Ellingson, Vern
Nickolauson, Scott Simonitch; Dennis
Don’t Look Down
Some church youth went to the poorer section of their city to work with the children who lived there.
They taught crafts, played music, told stories, etc.
One day they took the children roller skating. A teenager named Mike was trying to help teach young
Adrian how to maneuver the skates. As Mike supported the boy, Adrian’s sister came skating by. Wishing to
help her brother, she yelled, “Move your feet and don’t look down.”
That was like telling him to stay out of the cookie jar. He began to do precisely what his sister told him
not to do. And, of course, he started yelling, “I’m looking down. I’m looking down!”
Sometimes that may be our trouble as well. We look down instead of looking up and looking ahead. It
would be more helpful if we said with the psalmist, “To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the
heavens!” Psalm 123:1
Page -12-