July 2016 - United Lutheran Church

A publication of United Lutheran
pg. 1
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
God’s work. Our hands
JULY 2016
In this issue:
“It all started with the removal of one pew.”
In July I will be attending a Congregational Leadership Seminar at Luther
Seminary entitled, “Rethinking Sunday Morning: Better Questions, Bolder
Experiments.” As I looked over the various workshops, I smiled knowingly when
I read this title: It All Started With the Removal of One Pew. Now, I’m not sure
what that is going to be about but I have a good idea, and you can bet that I’ll
attend that one.
People get attached to their pews and where they are placed. Lutherans
tend to get pretty territorial about where they sit. Hey, I’ve been there. We
aimed for the same back pews every Sunday when I was growing up. I also
had “my pew” that I sat in when I attended church with my own family. I used
to always aim for the back. There was some sort of unwritten code that parents
with young children should sit in the back so they would not bother the other
worshippers. That code is still out there. I urge people with young children to
move towards the front so their kids can actually see what’s going on, but
staying in the back pews persists.
We had a pew removal program in my last congregation. Merwyn Larson,
a longtime member of that church, informed me that he had been sitting in the
same back pew for 85 years (and that was no exaggeration) so the thought of
his pew being removed was monumental. We ended up moving out several of
the front pews at that church and that didn’t cause any anxiety because no one
ever sat there.
Which brings me to our church, United Lutheran, where we removed the
back pew a few weeks ago. And I mean the way back pew – the one that has
been in the narthex/gathering area for these many past years. The one that the
ushers always sat on. The question I was asked multiple times on Sunday, the
19th of June, was: “When is it coming back?” The pew is not coming back. At
least not into the gathering space. Now, I know that people are attached to that
pew. They’ve sat on it before worship for a long time and that’s where they’re
comfortable. I would ask that you take a different view – not from the pew – but
as a visitor walking in the doors. As they come in folks on the pew are naturally
drawn to the people entering the doors – who then feel all the eyes from the
pew following them like they’re being observed by the judgment seat. I know
that is not the intention – but it feels that way to a newcomer – or even to a
member of United that doesn’t come that often.
Would you like to join us for Worship on Sundays, or come to a
church event? Drivers are available to pick you up and take you home
for Church services and events. Please call the church on Thursday by
noon, if you would like a ride. We would love for you to come join us!
Office number: 218-685-4179
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ULCW Circle date & times
Memorial Service for Bennie
& Alice Cooper
Vacation Bible School
pictures on pg. 5
Reimbursement information
from Karen McGee
Julie out of office for the
Grant County Fair
Offices & building closed for
the 4th of July
Mark Your Calendar
Men’s Group meetings
July 5th-Red Cross
Bloodmobile
 Wednesday Evening
Healing Service
 July 20-Free Community
Supper at the part-details
on page 8
 Val Johnson’s 80th
Birthday Celebration
United Lutheran Church
215 - 10th Avenue SE
Elbow Lake, MN. 56531
218-685-4179
 Church email: [email protected]
Pastor: Jean Ohman
Cell phone: 651-402-7674
Pr. Jean’s email:
[email protected]
Secretary: Julie Johnson
Janitor: Beth Schneeberger
pg. 2
Newcomers often see things from different perspectives.
We get used to how things are over time and don’t often think
about how it might be perceived by others. I was a newcomer a
year and a half ago. Part of my call here was to focus on building
up the community of faith and being welcoming. Removing that
back pew is part of that work. It hurts a little, but it will be worth
it. It really is for the greater good.
This new change didn’t end with one pew. We also
removed two back pews out of the sanctuary so that the ushers
could navigate that area without having to go outside the doors of
the sanctuary. We moved the shorter pew to the middle of the
sanctuary so that folks with disabilities would not get the message
that we wanted them in the back. The ‘back’ pew is now inside the
sanctuary and gives the ushers a new place to work from. What
will become of those pews we removed? It has been proposed
that they be shortened and placed in the balcony as they are much
sturdier and more comfortable. As to the pews that would have to
be removed from the balcony? What becomes of them is a challenge for another day. Perhaps we don’t have to keep every pew
the church has ever had.
You may think this pew removal is a sudden move, but I’ve
been talking to the Trustees about doing it since I arrived here a
year and a half ago. It’s no easy job to remove those very long
and heavy pews and so when the manpower arrived they all were
moved at the same time. Now, I realize that it seems pretty empty
in the Narthex, but that will only be momentary as painting is done
and the new furnishings arrive to create a more welcoming
gathering space. Due to a generous donation of memorial gifts,
these expenses will be covered. New carpeting is also in the plan
and half of that money will be raised by the congregation before it
goes in.
So, change has come. 500 years ago the church was
turned upside down because a monk called Martin Luther insisted
that God’s grace was sufficient. We didn’t have to buy, earn or be
driven to despair figuring out how to earn God’s love. God is for
you! God is with you. Martin’s churches seldom even had pews so
he didn’t have to work that one out – but there were people who
were closed off from the gospel. Martin wanted the church to be
welcome to all. Maybe that is our work too – and perhaps a very
small part of our reformation work begins with the removal of one
pew.
Soli Deo Gloria. To God alone, the glory.
Pastor Jean
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 651-402-7674
Women’s Circle Groups
Will meet on dates as follows:
Morning Circle-July 28th-9:30a.m. at church
Afternoon Circle-July 28th-2p.m. at church
Evening Circle-July 26th-7p.m. at parsonage.
Please pray for these members
of United Lutheran:
Charlie Buehring
Royal Lyson
DeWayne Hauglie
Marlys Kruize
John Swanson
Irene Spaulding
Shirley R Olson
Jim Smith
Clareen Bartness
Don Dally
Bonnie Mickelson
Val Johnson
Dwaine & Bonnie Pikop
Josh Olson
Charles & Lorene Schumacker (parents of
Charlene Nelson)
Shirley Peterson (mother of Owen Peterson)
Tom Randol - (friend of Don Dally)
Attention ULC Committee Members:
The Board of Trustees has scheduled a one
day, Sat. July 9th (9 am – 3 pm) retreat to
get to know one another better, brainstorm, have a little fun and look towards
the future.
You are all invited to attend. We will be
meeting at my home on Lake Lida: 42670
Thompson Beach Lane, Pelican Rapids. I
would suggest carpooling (it is a 50 minute
drive). Those who want to stay beyond 3
pm and relax lakeside are welcome to do
so. I know John wouldn’t mind doing a
little fishing…
I do need an RSVP, so I can plan
accordingly. Please let me know by July 5th
if you plan on attending.
Thanks for the work and energy you put
towards United Lutheran Church.
Pastor Jean
(See contact information at the bottom of her article)
Nursing Home Visitation
We will have a meeting on
Monday, July 11th at 9a.m.
in the Fireside room.
It is such a blessing (not only for our
members, but the visitation team) to visit
with those who are
homebound. If you would like to be
part of this team, or are wondering
what this entails, join us for a meeting .
All are welcome to join this team!
Please sign-up for Ministry in Worship positions. It is very important for our Team
pg. 3
Leaders to have volunteers from the congregation to help with these Ministries.
Sign-up sheets, for August & September, are on the table by the large bulletin board.
Thank you for your time!
United Lutheran’s Men’s Group meets the
1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month at 7a.m
in the Fireside room at United Lutheran, treats are
provided. They will meet on Thursdays, July 7th
and 21st. All men of United are welcome,
please call the church office
at 685-4179 to have
your name added
to the email list.
Attention All Committees and Board of
Trustees: As we continue to improve communication,
Wednesday of every month.
This month’s meeting is July 13th at 6p.m.
*Board of Trustees will meet at 7p.m.
Deadlines:
August Newsletter: July 19th @ noon
Bulletin: Every Wednesday by noon
May 11, 2016 Boar d of Trustee minutes
Members Present: Gary Nelson, Jay
Johnson, Debbie Krusemark, Jon
Nelson, Darrell Frykman, Kari Kreft,
Aaron Weinandt, Karen McGee, Dean
Schneeberger, Chad Westrom and
Pastor Jean Ohman
Devotions were led by Aaron Weinandt
Secretary’s Report was given and
accepted.
Treasurer’s Report was given and
accepted.
The pastor’s report was shared. The
upcoming NWMN Synod Assembly was
discussed. Stephen Ministry was
discussed. It appears there may be an
interest to share training with Messiah
Lutheran in Hoffman which would be
advantageous for both groups, allowing
for training to happen and yet maintain
separate ministries at both churches.
Coffee hour will take place after church
during the summer schedule of 9:00
church which begins On June 5th.
There was some talk about changing
worship time from 10:15 to 10:30 next
year and doing coffee hour from 10:0010:30. This would allow for the coffee
fellowship time without interfering with
Sunday School or Choir. Altar rail
communion will take place on the first
Sunday in June and in August and the
choice of both will continue on other
communion Sundays. First communion
plan for next year may be to move to
Reformation Sunday on October 30th.
Plans for updating the Narthex, are
underway. The Coleman family is
donating the furniture in memory of
Gail Coleman. Ideas were discussed for
possible decorations. Pastoral Acts in
May were a memorial service for Leslie
(Butch) Folken on May 6 and a baptism
for Laeken Rae Borstad on May 8th and
the National Day of Prayer on May 5th
Committee Reports:
Building and Grounds – Bell Tower
refurbishing continues to be worked on
and bells should be ringing within a
week . A two tiered approach for
landscaping in the front on the west
side is being looked at. The plan is to
use some of the Rosengren donation
money for plants and donated labor to
complete this project.
Endowment Fund – none
Altar Guild – none
Personnel Management – Aaron
reviewed the contracts
Worship Committee – Choir will decide
where to donate the $255.00 they
collected during Lenten meals.
Education Committee – VBS is on
track. St. Olaf may join us this year.
Life and Growth – There was talk of
organizing a work Sunday to do a deep
clean of the kitchen in the near future.
This group is willing to oversee the
kitchen and take care of its needs if
everyone is agreeable.
Stewardship – Gary Nelson will do a
Seeds for Mission update and organize
a work day.
Youth and Family – The school year is
wrapping up and things will remain
pretty quiet until school is back in
session. There was some talk of a
possible picnic and possible Flekkefest
activities.
Old Business:
The new and improved web site is
getting close to being up and running.
Kari will ask the congregation to get
things such as pictures, articles and
other interesting items to Julie and she
will get them placed on the website.
Elaine Nelson has the most accurate
membership list and can be a resource
if needed.
New Business:
A tentative date of July 9th has been
set for the Trustees Retreat.
A media update was shared by Jay
Johnson. There was a motion to
approve $3000.00 to fund needed
microphones and materials for better
audio on television and in the church.
This money will come from the
dedicated technology fund. Motion was
made by Kari Kreft and seconded by
Dean Schneeberger. The motion was
approved.
There was also a motion by Aaron
Weinandt and seconded by Debbie
Krusemark to approve the $500.00 software update needed to make the
broadcasting of the church service on
the screen and TV a better quality.
This was approved, but will wait until
needed. This money will also come
from the technology fund.
The head usher instruction sheet was
looked at and discussed.
A family movie night and date night
for couples was mentioned as
something we may want to pursue.
Motion to adjourn by Karen McGee and
seconded by Aaron Weinandt.
pg. 4
See you all in
September for
Rally Sunday!
Luther Crest VBS was a great success!
There were 20 children who attended.
The kids had so much fun interacting with the
Luther Crest counselors!
The kindergarten and first graders picked up
garbage at the athletic park,
and the 2nd - 4th graders went to the humane
society on Tuesday.
Next year VBS is June 25-29, 2017!
Mark it on your calendars!!
 See VBS pictures on the next page!
September
11th
Rally Sunday
Sunday School Kick-Off
United Lutheran
Board of Education
Sunday School Committee
Theron Jeppesen
Kim Gulbrandson
Lauren Kujawa
Chelle Dewey
The Committee of
VBS Committee
Education and the ULC
Jenni Tischer
Sunday school children
Mindy Beyer
would like to thank
Christmas Program
LeRoy and Val Mude for supplying the paint for Committee
the Sunday School “big” class room.
Michelle Toso
*Vacant
It looks amazing!
You are invited to join us for contemplative healing
services this summer at United Lutheran Church.
Wednesdays at 7:00p.m.
June 29, July 20, August 31
“Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow, give us
peace beyond our fear, and hope beyond our sorrow.”
Marty Haugen
LYO News

Attention upcoming 7th-12th Graders and new families at
United Lutheran: Please contact the church with your
information so we can include you in our Youth activities
email. You may call the church at 685-4179 or email
Julie in the office at [email protected]

Watch your emails for any events happening in the fall,
or check our Youth Page in the August Newsletter for any
details.
pg. 5
pg. 6
Nursing Home &
Home bound listing
Broen Nursing Home - Fergus
Almyra Kapphahn
Barrett Care Center - Barrett
Clareen Bartness
Don Kruize
Bonnie Pikop
03 Melinda Beyer
Eli Reeve
04 Joe Kimber
Vanessa Pikop
05 Rosemarie Larson
06 Keiran Gehrke
Lexi Dahl
Savanna Westrom
07 Bill LaValley
Janice Mickelson
Marion Mobraaten
08 Kasey Maier
Matthew Poyzer
09 Travis Kimber
Madilyn Connolly
Brady Reeve
Rasalee Shervey
10 Logan Jensen
Beth Palm
Heather Reeve
11 Samantha
Kapphahn
12 Irving Sax
Kevin Westrom
14 Tucker Lohse
Shirley R. Olson
Paul Rath
15 Megan Endreson
16 Beth Kurz
18 Terry Christenson
Teri Christenson
20 Carroll Mau
21 Brent Hemingsen
22 Josh Eide
Missy Rustan
23 Val Johnson
24 Lindsay Miller
John Swanson
25 Lowell Hinrichs
Angi Jensen
27 Michelle Wentland
28 Miley Dewey
Travis Fosness
29 Sierra Westrom
Tenley Strunk
30 Kimberly
Amundson
Curt Ostenson
Rolling Hills
- Barrett:
Helen Swenson - apt. 20
Jeanette Huseth - apt. 23
Irene Spaulding - apt. 21
DeWayne Hauglie - apt. 14
Kathleen Weossner - apt. 10
If there are any
changes or additions to
the JULY listing,
please contact Julie in
the church office.
685-4179
*Marge Hanson has returned to her
home in Elbow Lake
Woodland Center
- Fergus:
Ruth Lange
Sonja Gurel Home - Henning:
Janet Stalnecker
Evansville Care -Evansville:
Mae Wick
Veteran’s Home Jim Larson - room 113
80th Birthday Celebration for Val
Johnson - Please join Val Johnson and her
family, as they celebrate her 80th Birthday
on Sunday, July 24th, after worship in the
Fellowship Hall. Coffee, Lemonade and
cake will be served.
Fergus:
pg. 7
From The Men’s Group
Mission Trip to Cuba
Your ULC Men’s Group meets a couple of times a month offering great discussion
on how we can go outside the walls of the church to bring our mission to the
community. To show that we are just not a lot of talk, we have slotted a time in
February 2017 for a mission trip to Cuba. Though we are in the early stages of
planning, we need to be on the fast track to formalize our plans.
“We invite you to discover a place unlike anywhere you've ever served, where the
local church is vibrant, passionate, and rapidly growing, all under the rule of an anti
-religion, communist government. Experience the real Cuba while interacting with
Christians and churches of many different denominations, investing in relationships
with local people, and serving in a variety of ways.”
Though this is not definite, the cost will be about $1,300 per person. This
includes the week in Cuba as well as flying to Havana from one of three airports in
Florida. Outside of misc. personal expenses, you will also need to get transportation
to Florida. The tentative date is February 18 – 24, 2017. Please let me know
through phone call (320-761-0406) or email ([email protected]) if you have an
interest and would like more information.
John Ohman
(There is a sign-up sheet on the table by the large bulletin board)
ULC Reimbursement Forms
United Lutheran Team Leaders
If you have purchased an item/items for
your committee/group of United Lutheran
Church, there is a reimbursement form to fill
out. They are located on the table by the
large bulletin board, off of the Fellowship
Hall. Please fill it out, attach your receipts
and turn it into the office for Karen McGee,
ULC Treasurer.
In order to give Team Leaders and their teams
a heads-up, we will be printing which Teams
will be serving for the next three months.
Your cooperation is
greatly appreciated!
Thank You!
Serving in August 2016: Team 9
Leaders are Lyle & Deb Krusemark

Serving in September 2016: Team 10
Jeff & Pam Holsen
Serving in October 2016 : Team 1
Leaders are John & Kari Kreft

Next Funeral: Team 9
Lyle & Deb Krusemark
pg. 8
Red Cross Bloodmobile
United Lutheran Church
Tuesday, July 5th
1-7p.m.
Aug. 3: 1p.m. - Dorcas meeting
7p.m.-Coffee Gathering at the
Parsonage
Aug. 4: 7a.m. - Men’s Group meeting
Aug. 8: 9a.m. - Visitation Team meeting
Aug. 10: 6p.m. - All Committee meeting
7p.m. - Trustee Board meeting
Aug. 12: 3p.m. - Wedding Rehearsal
Aug. 13: 3:30p.m. - Wedding of
Leslie Johnson & Scott Lembcke
Aug. 17: 1p.m. - Dorcas meeting
5-6:30p.m.-Community Meal
Aug. 18: 7a.m. - Men’s Group meeting
7p.m. - Maplewood Manor ServicePr. Jean attending
Aug. 23: 7p.m. - Evening Circle at the
parsonage
Aug. 25: ULCW Circle day
9:30a.m. - Morning Circle meets at
the church
2p.m. - Afternoon Circle meets at
the church
Aug. 28: Last 9a.m. Worship Service.
Worship time will change back to 10:15a.m.
on Sunday, September 4th.
Aug. 31: 7p.m. - Healing Service
Coffee Gathering
at the Parsonage
Wednesday, July 6th at 7p.m.
If you haven’t had a chance
to visit with Pr. Jean at the
parsonage, or if you are new
to United, please come for
coffee and conversation!
If you would like to set an
appointment to donate blood,
please call Elaine Bordson at
685-4086
Memorial Service for
Bennie & Alice Cooper
Saturday, July 2nd
10 a.m.
at United Lutheran Church
Free Community Meal
Wednesday, July 20th
From 5:00-6:30p.m.
Veteran’s Memorial Park
Provided by United Lutheran Church
(if raining, it will be indoors at United Lutheran)
Sunday, July 10th
Audrey Marie Gerber
Daughter of Jake & Krista Gerber
Pastor Michael Nelson presiding over baptism
Summer is upon us with its long, warm days and short, cool nights. We delight in the
beauty of the flowers, the movement of the trees in the breeze, the soaking rain and the children
at play in God’s creation.
We invite all women of ULC to come to our Bible study in July. The title is “The Heart of
the Matter – Seeking God.” The theme verse from Jeremiah 29:13 states, “When you search for
me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart.” We seek God in many ways; during
worship, Bible study, in prayer and also in times of conflict. We should ask God to help us learn
from any conflict and to grow from the experience. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I
am God.” The Bible study circles meet on Tuesday, July 26, at 7:00 PM at the parsonage and on
Thursday, July 28, at 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM. We invite all of you to come and be a part of our
Bible study. We have such a wonderful time as we fellowship with one another over coffee and
lunch. We need you! Come and bring a friend.
There are 3 Gather magazines available in the narthex for anyone who would like to take
one. Enjoy reading the articles and the Bible study. This is the Bible study we use every month.
We will be putting school kits together in September to send to LWR. The supplies that
are needed are: crayons – 16 or 24 count, sharpeners, rulers – 30 cm or both cm &in., pens –
black or blue ink, erasers – 2 ½ in., spiral notebooks – 70 pages wide-lined. There will be a box
in the narthex to place the items. Monetary donations are also appreciated. Thank you.
The coffee donations on Sunday mornings for the month of July will be given to Seeds for
Mission.
There was a special ULCW meeting on June 9 to discuss a fund-raising event. We will
have a salad and sandwich luncheon on Saturday, October 1, 2016, from 11:00 – 2:00. We also
plan to have a bake sale and a basket auction. We are asking members of the congregation to
volunteer in any way they can – providing a salad, baking bars, or goodies for the bake sale,
donate a basket for the auction, and working in the kitchen or fellowship hall. The meal will be a
free will donation. All proceeds will be given to the Grant County Food Shelf.
The next ULCW business meeting will be on Thursday, September 8, 2016, at 1:30 PM.
The morning circle will provide the coffee and lunch. All women of ULC are invited. Please come!
The Northwest Minnesota Synodical Women’s Organization is having their convention on
September 16 and 17, 2016 at Perham. Call if you are interested in attending.
Pam Lyson, ULCW President
If you have any questions or concerns, you may always contact me.
Home: 218-685-4004 Cell: 701-301-0095
The Nutrition Center is
open to everyone in the
Community, any day of
the week
If you would like to come for a healthy
meal on Mondays through Fridays, please
give us a call by 9a.m. at 685-4709. Your
call helps us to be prepared for the amount
of people coming.
Come to the Grant County Fair
July 21st - July 24th
There are a lot of events to come and enjoy!
Ag Bash, Black Hawk Concert, Rodeo, Enduro, Lawn Mower
Derby, Iron Truck & Tractor Pull, Kiddy Pull, Free Cherry Run
Band, Fireworks, Saturday kid’s Magician shows, Balloon
Twister/Water balloon artist, Carnival, lots of food and fun,
4H shows, events & food stand, Craft Fair, and so much more!
pg. 10
pg. 11
Sun
Mon
11
9a.m. - Visitation
Team meeting
3p.m. - Night Owls
Offices & church
building closed
10
9a.m.-Worship with
a baptism of Audrey
Gerber
*after worshipcoffee fellowship
18
3p.m. - Night Owls
3
9a.m.-Worship with
Communion
*after worshipcoffee fellowship
17
9a.m.-Worship with
Communion
*after worshipcoffee fellowship
24-9a.m.-Worship
25
*after worship-80th 3p.m. - Night Owls
Birthday Celebration
for Val Johnson
Grant County Fair
Julie out of office
31
9a.m.-Worship
*after worshipcoffee fellowship
5
11:30a.m.-Pastors’
meeting
1-7p.m.-Red Cross
Bloodmobile
13
6p.m.-All Committee
meeting
7p.m.-Trustee mtg.
6
1p.m. - Dorcas mtg.
7p.m.-Coffee &
Conversation at the
parsonage
1
9
9a.m.-3p.m. ULC Leaders
Retreat at Pr. Jean’s
cabin on lake Lida
2
10a.m. - Memorial
Service for Bennie
and Alice Cooper
Sat
8
16
Fri
15
23
Thu
14
2:30p.m.-Vart Hjem
service-Pr. Jean
22
7
7a.m. - Men’s mtg.
21
7a.m. - Men’s mtg.
30
28-ULCW Circle Day
9:30a.m.-Morning
circle at church
2p.m.-Afternoon
circle at church
Grant County Fair
Julie out of office
29
JULY 2016
12
20-1p.m. - Dorcas mtg.
2:30p.m.-Barrett Care
Service-Pr. Jean
5-6:30p.m.-Community
Supper @ the park
7p.m. - Healing
Service
Wed
19
27
Pr. Jean away at
continuing education
class July 27 - July 29
Tue
26
7p.m.-Evening
Circle at the
parsonage
TAB
TAB
UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH
215 - 10th Avenue SE.
Elbow Lake, Minnesota 56531
Non Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 47
Elbow Lake, MN.
JULY 2016
ULC Newsletter