2016 Newsletter (2)February.pub
Transcription
2016 Newsletter (2)February.pub
SLICE OF BREAD Monthly Newsletter of Bread of Life Lutheran Church 1415 17th Avenue Southwest, Minot ND 58701 (701) 838-3360 Web Site: breadoflifeminot.com ~~ Email: [email protected] Pastor Taryn Montgomery Pastor Alex Hoops February 2016 Walking Faith: New Member Gatherings Are you interested in joining Bread of Life? Want to be a part of the story we are creating together in faith? Join us! Pastoral Acts Baptisms August Mark Estenson Rhoda Ingeborg Montgomery Schmidt During Lent we will be hosting special welcome gatherings on Sunday nights for those who are interested in making Bread of Life their congregational home. Walking Faith will meet on Sunday evenings, FebruIn memory of Velda Schwede ary 21 & 28 and March 13 & 20. We will gather from 5:307:00pm. Dinner is provided, as is free childcare. from Shirley Quigley, Janice Hewitt, Elaine Swanson, Joylea Knutson If you are interested in attending and joining BOL, please sign up In memory of Loren Quandt on the bulletin board in the narthex or let the church office know. from Janice Hewitt We look forward to this time together, and the new friendships that will surely be formed! Memorial Gifts Lent at Bread of Life Our theme for Lent this year is “Animate!” We will explore different practices of the Christian faith and hear from Bread of Life members how they incorporate these into their lives and faith. Join us on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 for a meal hosted by our ministry teams, and then worship together at 7:00pm. Along with our “Sweet Deal for the CAR”, our Wednesday evening offerings will go towards Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota and the various programs they (and we) provide across the state. Join Us For Dinner Feb 10 Feb 16 Feb 24 March 2 March 9 March 16 Chili & all the fixins’ Campfire Cookout The Happy Hotdish Taco Bout a Party! Pasta Perfect Breakfast for Dinner For your calendar ~ The Burlington Community Choir will be our guests on March 9. They always do a wonderful job with their music and the Lent/Easter message they bring. Invite your friends A Slice of Bread From Pastor Taryn Caring Conversations, Caring for Each Other Part One For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. - 1 Corinthians 12:13 I remember as a kid gathering for family get-togethers, often around card tables in my Opa and Oma’s garage. That’s what you do in German country, in central Illinois. No family gathering actually takes place around the dining room table! And depending on who was present, the conversation could get quite lively at times. We might have had the same blood running through our veins, but that didn’t mean everyone agreed on the current event that eventually came up. We were of the ‘same cloth’ but with different views, life experiences, and understandings of the world. Just the same, we were family. When the going got tough, and at times it did, we were there for each other. As a family, we were one. If you were at the annual meeting last week, you know that we discussed two important topics of our ministry together – the first being the building project at Bread of Life. We saw plans and heard for the first time some of the ideas that the building committee and the architects have worked up. We also learned of two “Caring Conversations” that the council will be holding in early March to discuss the marriage policy at BOL and how we as a congregation, as one, might respond. As you well know, the legal understanding of marriage has changed in the U.S. In light of this, Bishop Mark Narum of our WND Synod, is encouraging congregations to enter into conversations about what this means for us. It is very likely that Pastor Alex or myself will be approached by a same-gender couple in due time, requesting to get married. We desire to be proactive in knowing what our policy is, rather than reactive when that time comes. It’s also likely that the gay or lesbian couple who might approach us, will not be “strangers” to the congregation but a member or somehow connected to our church family. In this sense, it could be “one of us”. I fully recognize and honor that for some members, this conversation might feel like deja vu. For others, it’s new and without much context. For those who have been around BOL for a while, the discussion around gay marriage, and alongside that of a building expansion, might feel all too familiar. You were looking at expanding the last time the conversation around human sexuality came up. I imagine there are feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and wonderment – what could this mean, this time? That being said, I feel in my heart of hearts, that “this time” is different. Bread of Life is a very different congregation than it was 6 years ago. We have added many new members to the family. Your leadership is also different, and Pastor Alex and I want you to hear loud and clear that we are here to be your pastors through this process – whether you agree or disagree with gay marriage. This does not have to be a conversation that divides us; if anything my hope is that it can bring us closer together. For it’s in engaging the difficult conversations, that we often learn more about each other and ourselves, which often leads us to love one another better. Speaking for myself, some of my most meaningful relationships are with those whom I might wholeheartedly disagree with at times. This is where we find God. Included with this newsletter is a prayer card. I invite you to stick this in your bible where you can pray it every day with your devotions. Place it on the dashboard of your car, the bathroom mirror, or tape it to the backdoor – somewhere you can see it daily, and be reminded to pray for our congregation and those impacted by the conversation. In the March newsletter, I will outline in more detail how these “Caring Conversations” will take place. In the meantime, I encourage you to mark your calendars for Sunday, March 6th at 6:30pm or Sunday, March 13th at 12:30pm. And I invite you into prayer with and for one another. In the words of Paul, we all drink from the same Spirit. So may we place our hope in the Spirit to lead and guide us, and may we reach across the table in fervent love and respect for one another – for all of our neighbors in Christ. With peace and love, Pastor Taryn A Slice of Bread WE PRAY TOGETHER… • For mutual respect and genuine care of one another as we discuss our understanding of marriage. • For same-gender couples who are impacted by the conversation. • For honest sharing and active listening around the table. • For the Spirit’s guidance and wisdom as we engage one another, and move forward in our ministry together. ForMoreinformation,pleasereadPastor Taryn’snewsletterarticleenclosed A Slice of Bread Enjoy eating out, having breakfast or supper with friends? Want to meet some new friends!? You are invited to join Bread of Life family when you are able: Sat , Feb 6, 8:30 Breakfast at Perkins Sat, Feb 20, 8:30 Breakfast at Bread of Life Sat., Feb 27, 6:30 supper at Paradiso High School Youth Each Wednesday evening the Bread of Life Youth have an opportunity to meet with Pastor Alex. High school youth are challenged to be a part. A variety of events, conversations, service projects happen. Bring your friends. Wednesdays ~ 8 pm Have Birthday cake with George Officer as he celebrates his 96th ~ stop and have coffee and cake after Sunday services (Feb 7) Ladies - Opportunity of Bible Study and Fellowship for you Merry Circle - February 3, 1:30 pm in the fellowship hall. Come and be a part of Fellowship and the Bible study (using the monthly study in the ELCA Women’s magazine “Gather”. BOL Women will meet February 22, 7 pm at the Church. Come, meet some new faces, and be a part Of happenings at BOL. February Birthdays2 1 Madison Belgarde, Shannon Hanson, Christoph Schmidt 2 Doug Bonsness 3 Dawndi Kesler, Rusten Roteliuk 4 Hallie Abrahamson, Dennis Erber 5 George Officer, Lily Bonsness 6 Dean Thompson, Hunter Sherven Nathan Weatherspoon 7 Bill Klimpel, Kevin Miller 9 Jayde Lindbo, Henri Schlecht 9 Whitney Shea 11 Carlene Huber, Mildred Aipperspach Jessa Rafferty 12 Breanna Lien, Terri Huber 13 Jennifer Lien, Elaine Lowrey, 14 Ernie Conger, Elaine Schneider, Shawn Stredwick, Elizabeth Fuller Lois Mackey 15 Andee Hanson, Jada Dittus, Mandi Brackel 16 Zoe English 17 Corey Mock 18 Cody Bonsness, Blenda Dahlien, Kate Davis, Bridger Loucks 20 Gabrielle Kissner, Tyrell Sveet Cynthia Hamm 21 Joren Boyce, Bentley Hovey 22 Carla Bartuska, Juliana Schlecht Tyson Reiter 23 Todd Flaten, Hannah Miller 25 Brynlee Sveet 26 Beverly Larson, Ardell Skalicky Adell Willoughby 27 Debbie Huber, Brandon Mackey 28 Grace Redding, Ninette Anderson Wedding Anniversaries 14 Mark & Marcell Johnson Darwin & Flora Hedstrand 28 Cody & Brooke Hilliard A Slice of Bread Wednesday Night Faith Formation for February Wednesday Feb 3 Confirmation @6:30 at BOL Wednesday Feb 10 Ash Wednesday Supper 6 pm, Worship 7 pm Wednesday Feb 17 Lenten Supper 6 pm, Worship 7 pm Wednesday Feb 25 Lenten Supper 6 pm, Worship 7 pm 2016 Council New Church council members: Margaret Sherve, Kristi Schlecht, Tom Probst, Jayde Lindbo Returning Council members: Quentin Hill, Troy Langmaack, Terri Huber Ministry Team Chairpersons: Stewardship Erin Loucks; Congregational Life Janice Hewitt; Youth Deidre Wall. Nominating Committee: Mary Probst, Bill Klimpel Fall conference assembly delegate: Troy Langmaack Synod Assembly delegates: Don and Tammy Hamm Metigoshe Ministries Representative: Erik Jacobson Outgoing council members: Rachel Ellis, Dale Ellis, Jacob Hanson, Kara Haugenoe. We extend a big thank you to all the new and former congregation leaders for the time and talents they share in the congregation and the community. CHEESECAKES ARE ON SALE Special event coming up, need a tempting dessert, a delicious homemade cheesecake is the answer. Pick up an order form— they are on the desk in the church narthex. Each cheesecake is $30 and all sales help support expenses for youth traveling to Haiti for a mission experience working with summer education projects. Flavors are: Turtle, White Chocolae Raspberry, Almond, Key Lime. Does that not make your mouth water? Order now and you will have for Easter. Thanks for your Help! …… Enjoy!!!! BOL Book Club - The next meeting Monday, March 21st at Michaela Huber’s home, book is The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd 2nd Annual "Fat Tuesday" Pancake Feed! Lutheran Campus Ministry is hosting a festive Pancake Feed on Fat Tuesday, February 9th, from 5:30-7pm at Christ Lutheran Church (502 17th St. NW). Pancakes, sausage, fruit, and a variety of toppings will be served. A free-will offering will be taken to help raise funds for a Spring Break trip to Chicago. Hope to see you there! A Slice of Bread 2016 Annual Report Pastor Taryn Montgomery I write this report on the tail end of my maternity leave. A time when I have fallen more and more in love each day with our new daughter Rhoda, witnessed big sister Maggie care for and nurture her baby sister, and have spent quality time with family from near and far. I’m grateful for this leave, and thank you for blessing and honoring it. I’m also grateful for you, the caring church community I return to. I’m equally grateful for another year spent together in ministry with one another and our larger community. Highlights of 2015: In April, welcoming another wonderful group of new brothers and sisters into our ministry! Our “Walking Faith” gatherings on Sunday evenings were a highlight for me. It was great to see new members getting to know each other and forming meaningful connections and friendships. Witnessing continued growth in our understanding of stewardship through Consecration Sunday and our early conversations around a possible Capital Campaign. I continue to learn a lot in this area of ministry. Experiencing growth in our Faith Formation program at BOL! It’s been a joy to see more families and individuals joining us on Wednesdays for these nights of fun, learning, service, and spiritual growth. Thank you Faith Formation Team! Our Fair Trade sales at BOL and Synod Assembly. I love watching this ministry grow and the awareness it brings to justice issues facing those who live in poverty in our world. Grateful for the BOL Women who make it happen! Leading our “vision for building” process in the fall. It was fascinating to hear your feedback, and also the excitement many have for where God is leading us in our ministry, and how additional space could help meet those needs and goals. Burning the mortgage! For those who have been around BOL for many years, it was indeed a celebratory thing to pay off our debt. It’s exciting for all of us as we move forward. Riding 130+ miles on a bike while 18 weeks pregnant was… thrilling! Truly. The ride was great, but so was raising over $1,000 for ELCA World Hunger! I’ve had the chance to benefit from a couple of coaching relationships this year. Even pastors need coaches! Along with 6 other colleagues, I have been a part of a group that meets in Bismarck monthly with Pastor Paul Hoffman. I have also been in conversation with Pastor Paul Hanson from Luther Seminary, learning more about development, fundraising, and capital campaigns. Both of these relationships have been valuable to me as I learn from some of the brightest minds in the field. I’m indeed grateful for another great year with you in ministry. I consider myself blessed, and flat out lucky, to get to serve such a wonderful congregation. You recognize what it means, and what it takes, to BE CHURCH in the world. I look forward to another fabulous year of growing in this understanding – with all of its joys and challenges. Welcoming, deepening and serving in faith – for the benefit of each other and all of God’s creation. In Christ, Pastor Taryn Montgomery A Slice of Bread 2016 Annual Report Pastor Alex Hoops For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Ephesians 1: 15-16 It is my third winter here in North Dakota and, I have to say, this has been the best one yet! As I reflect on the past year I am filled with so much joy! I have been so encouraged by this community of faith as we have engaged new approaches in welcoming, deepening and serving in faith. A lot of the year was filled with preparations for the National Youth Gathering, and adjusting to our growing family. However, that didn’t get in the way of me seeing some incredible things this year at Bread of Life. Following is a list of some of the highlights from last year: At this time last year we were fundraising for the High School youth trip to the National Youth Gathering in Detroit. Our youth took on the responsibility of the new Coffee Cart and worked every dinner and fundraiser in the book to raise the money needed to not only attend the gathering, but offer our support to the Walk 4 Water campaign through ELCA World Hunger. Faith Formation grew as a ministry team and took on some new challenges, helping with the community carnival by adding a few new games to our repertoire. These games, designed and hosted by families, added some great new energy to an already joyful atmosphere. With a new church council structure, the leadership of our High School Youth group was expressed this past year by one of their own (Jacob Hanson) joining council. Last year we began a new approach to introducing new members to the mission of Bread of Life and I was so encouraged by the discussions and opportunities offered during this time. New faces, voices, and talents are being seen every week at Bread of Life and to get to know them in this New Member setting was fantastic. Our Sunday school program benefited greatly from all the new faces serving in leadership roles. Along with a brand new curriculum focusing on the church seasons, we have been blessed by growing attendance and participation. The rooms are a little tight, but that is a good problem to have! New Family and Faith Events were offered over the last year as we participated in events such as “praying in Color” and “Family Game Night” at a local retirement home. This, I was very encouraged by the number of families participating in our Caroling visit to the Wellington. Our Family and Faith group, with the help of Kristina Schlecht worked together to create new Advent Banners that absolutely exceeded my expectations. They were amazing! The kids are amazing! We have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to talented people! I was blessed to join a few men from Bread of Life’s Men in Mission as we helped support the build at Camp of The Cross. Two work parties were organized this last year as we put hammer to nails on the camp’s new Dining Hall and Welcome Center. Our Youth took some of the fire of the Holy Spirit they received at the National Youth Gathering and were able to direct it towards service as they participated in a Walk 4 Water fundraiser. Several of our youth walked from Zion Lutheran Church to First Lutheran to raise funds and awareness about global water scarcity. Our relationship with the Metigoshe in Motion program has been beyond encouraging. Over the last year we have hosted four events with Metigoshe including staff training , Hunger meals, and another successful Advent Retreat with our Story Core kids! Over the past few months I have identified some key leaders in our Youth Program and am currently organizing a Trip to Haiti with a half dozen other ELCA churches for this summer. It is my hope that after this trip we can grow into a deeper relationship with this life changing ministry. Another true highlight this year was watching as one of our own High School youth (Cord Redding) was nominated and elected to the LYO board. TOO. COOL! Needless to say, it has been another busy year at Bread of Life. I am so blessed to be a part of this community and I give thanks for you all daily as I live out my vocation as a Pastor in this place. I have been known to come up with some odd ideas and approaches, but my favorite thing about this place is how you have welcomed me as your leader just as I am. I have often described Bread of Life as one of the coolest “ministry laboratories” I have ever seen. I bring my approach to the scriptures and my passion for discipleship and I am, more often than not, greeted with enthusiasm and support. I love you folks! It is my sincerest hope that as Bread of Life continues to grow, we will lean into those growing pains and challenge ourselves to continue to respond to them daringly. I hope as this place continues to change we will always hold fast to the belief that God is in this place, moving us for God’s purpose, and sending us to be light to the world. The spirit is on the move, and I am grateful for your continued willingness to follow its lead. Go team! In abiding hope of the empty tomb, Pastor Alex A Slice of Bread Worship Assistants ~ February 2016 Feb 7 Feb 14 Feb 21 Feb 28 (Camp Sunday - Metigoshe Staff will be at Bread of Life for all services) 9:00am Ushers Fellowship Stan & BettyLu Ralph Mary Zupetz, Mavis Bolte 11:15am Ushers Fellowship Redding Family Patti Redding 9am Ushers Worship Assistant Fellowship Michelle Schoenberg Steve Engstrom Tina Boyce Family 11:15am Ushers Worship Assistant Fellowship Roteliuks Tammy Hamm Bev Ward, Kym Reiter 9am Ushers Worship Assistant Fellowship Shannon Hansons _________________ Susan Thompson 11:15am Ushers Worship Assistant Fellowship Lisa Hillers _________________ Lon & Sandy Drevecky 9:00 am Ushers Worship Assistant Fellowship Corey Carstens _________________ Wendy & Lila Striefel 11:15am Ushers Worship Assistant Fellowship Duwayne & Bev Ward __________________ Schrum Family If you cannot serve for some reason please find someone to take your place. Your assistance in worship and fellowship is greatly appreciated. Thank you! If your household would like to help out, sign-up sheets for next month are in the narthex. Just find a time that works for you. Summer Camp - Register your youth early at Camp Metigoshe or Camp of the Cross to receive “early bird” discounts . Summer Camp brochures are in the narthex. Or go to the camp web sites. Reminder—BOL Women pay 1/2 of the camp registration fee. Scholarship forms are in the narthex. Day Camp (at Bread of Life) - The dates for Day Camp at Bread of Life with the Metigoshe staff are May 31—June 3. Keep those days on the calendar clear for a “Adventure in Christ” experience. Invite the friends and spread the word. Summer Employment - (College Youth) being recruited. If interested, call the camp. Summer camp may be the place!! Staff is now At Metigoshe Ministries ~ Did you know you can save up to 50% for an individual or family stay at the Christian Center. Mention “Coupon from monthly Update” when making your reservation. A Slice of Bread Gospel Seeds… February 2016 A Monthly Update from the Western North Dakota Synod Office Making the God Connection… Is Sunday morning (or whatever day of the week you worship) connected to the rest of the minutes, hours and days of your week? Worship can either be an event to attend or a way of living. If it is an event to attend – then it is confined to one hour, to one place (whatever building you gather in), on the other hand if it is a way of life then we seek to live immersed in our baptism, being Christ’s presence wherever we are and with whomever we encounter. Let me be honest, it is nearly impossible to always be Christ’s presence – we are sinners after all. But I do want to argue that faith in Christ was never meant to be a weekly event; instead we are invited to live a daily God-shaped faith journey. So, what does it look like to be involved in a living faith journey? It might look like wondering where God at work in your family, neighborhood, workplace, school or congregation? It might look like taking stock of how you are spending your time – in what ways are you using your God-given gifts to love and care for your neighbor? It could mean thinking about your daily work, whatever that is whether you are paid for it or not and deeply ponder how might God be using you during those hours or how might God use you? A daily faith journey is connected to God’s Word. It can be as easy as reading a chapter a day from the Bible and pondering what God is saying through God’s Word. It might be followed by a time of prayer lifting up to God your joys and sorrows, your fears and questions. I keep a sheet of paper in my Bible to keep a running prayer list – a way to remind myself of the people and things I need to be praying about. A daily faith journey is best walked with others. Who might you be able to trust to talk with about deep issues of faith? Might you be the one to start a Bible Study/Faith Talk group in your congregation, neighborhood or place of work? You are a baptized child of God, you are called to walk daily, dripping wet, remember those waters and that you have been claimed as God’s very own child. You have been claimed, not just in your hour of worship but all of you – every bit of you – and every moment of your life. Synod Assembly… June 10 & 11, Ramkota Inn Bismarck. Mission Gala June 9th! How then shall I live??? We are called to a living, daring faith – which daily seeks to do God’s will. But how do you do that? Or have you ever asked the question, “But what gifts do I have to share?” This year’s assembly will feature a number of people, ordinary people discerning what it means to be faithful in daily life. We believe God has gifted us with an abundance of Time, Talents and Treasures. The question we are left with is how, through those blessings might we bless others. Come listen to presenters help us engage questions of life and faith. Plan to attend now and bring as many people from your congregation as you would like. Special Guest… Each year a representative from our churchwide office is present with us. This year we are blessed to have Rev. Dan Rift the Director of ELCA World Hunger. During this year’s assembly Dan will share stories of people living their faith while working to end hunger. Lenten Invitation… Once again you are invited to get involved with the “Sweet Deal for CAR”. Tubes of M&M’s are available at the synod office. Invite members of your congregation to take the tubes, enjoy the candy and then fill them with quarters. Each year this effort raises over $35,000 to help our companion synod Central African Republic engage in Christ centered ministry. This money supports schools, medical facilities and scholarships. Year End… The fiscal year for your synod concluded January 31st. We want to thank each of you for your financial gifts (Mission Support) which allows synod staff to be in congregations preaching and teaching; helping raise up new pastors, working Call Processes and much more. That money also helps support Lutheran Campus Ministry locations including (Minot State, UND and NDSU), feed the hungry through World Hunger, send Missionaries around the world and much more. Thanks for your faith financial support. God Bless - Bishop Mark Narum NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID MINOT ND 58701 1415 17TH AVE SW MINOT ND 58701 Address Service Requested PERMIT NO 143