June Herald - Saint John`s Lutheran Church, Helena Montana

The Herald~June 2016
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
Return Service Requested
“Growing in grace, walking in faith, serving in love”
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 442-6270
The Herald
Non-Profit Org.
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Permit #46
Helena, MT
59601
June 2016
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church~Helena, Montana
“Growing in grace, walking in faith, serving in love”
www.helenastjohns.org
email: [email protected]
Pastor email: [email protected]
Like us on Facebook!
Summer Worship Services~All Are Welcome!
9:00 am-Worship with Holy Communion
10:15 am-Fellowship Hour
Office Hours
9:00 am-1:00 pm
Monday-Friday
Ministering at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
“Growing in grace, walking in faith, serving in love.”
Witness to the Gospel
Pastor
Organist
Choir Director
Bell Choir Directors
Director of Youth & Family Ministries/Office Manager
Treasurer
Financial Secretary
Missionaries
Sexton
Members of St. John’s Lutheran Church
Brad Ulgenes
Dodie Walsh
Connie Conley
Renee Slocum & Christina Tielking
Gretchen Mundinger
Karen Hicks
Joy Edgar
Anne & Willie Langdji, Cameroon
Mark & Marina Dotson, Russia
Pat Gober
The Special Monthly Offering in June will go towards God’s Love Shelter
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Tri-Lutheran Fundraiser
Sunday, June 12th, 5pm-8pm
Funding for Flathead Bible Camp & MT Synod House
 Steak Fry (5pm-6pm)
 Silent & Live Auctions
 Kids Activities (5:30pm-7:00 pm)
“Living Like Jesus” VBS Day Camp-June 13-17
 Child Care (5:30 pm-8:00 pm, ages 1-6)
 Concert featuring John Dunnigan,
Call NOW to save your spot!
folk singer/ humorist (7:00pm)
Space is filling up for a fun week at St. John’s
Raffle Tickets ($3/each or $10/4)
with counselors from Flathead Lutheran Bible
Tickets thru June 5 available in the church office or
Camp. Open to kids ages 4-5 (9:00-noon/$25) Leslie’s Hallmark
and kids entering 1st grade through 6th grade $25 Adult ($30 door)
(9:00-3:00/$30). After care and early bird drop off $15 Student ($20 door, age 10-16)
$5 Child ($10 door, age 2-9-hot dog, mac & cheese, chips,
available for an extra fee.
brownie)
Youth Night on June 15th, 5:00pm-7:00pm
$60 Family Tickets $85 at the door, Mom & Dad+2 kids
(thru age 16)
Open to all Middle Schoolers/High Schoolers!
Join us on Wed. June 15th from 5pm-7pm for a
pizza dinner, games, and a bible study hosted
by the counselors from FLBC!
Volunteers needed to help with VBS Day Camp!
 Provide lunches for the counselors
 Provide snacks for day campers
(crackers, cheese, fruit, etc.)
 Help during snack time & lunchtime
 Help with morning registration/
check-in
 Answer phones in the office during the week
 Help at the BBQ Picnic on 6/17 at noon
Page One
In This Issue
Message from Bishop Eaton
Financial Update
WOSJ’s News
Family Promise Update
News Around SJLC
Thank You St. John’s
June Calendar
Prayer Concerns
Birthdays & Anniversaries
2
3
3
4
4-5
6
6
7
7
Message from Presiding Bishop Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
From persecution to witness
For many months now people have been asking for some kind of statement about the persecution of
Christians around the world. It seems to be a straight-forward issue. Christians are suffering in Iraq and Syria, in Nigeria and Egypt. Palestinian Christians encounter intense pressure. Christians in some parts of India
are threatened. Some would even claim that U.S. Christians are under siege. Atrocities committed against
Christians by the Islamic State, Boko Haram, al-Shabab and others are regularly in the news. We hear that
more Christians have been martyred in recent years than in the first three centuries of the Christian movement.
Each circumstance of violence against Christians is deeply painful. There are brothers and sisters
around the world whose lives are part of the passion of Christ. People are targeted in some countries because
they are Christians. But this is a complex issue. Are Christians suffering and dying as witnesses to the faith?
Yes. But in many places interreligious conflict has been used as a calculated pretext for political gain. A narrative of religion vs. religion, or religion vs. society, is an effective way of generating support for one’s cause.
And, regrettably, suspicion and fear of the “other” leads to intolerance and discrimination.
The persecution of Christians is not new. Martyrs have existed since the beginning of the church. Stephen was martyred with the consent of Paul, who was martyred by the Roman Empire. Paul quoted the
psalms, writing: “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered” (Romans 8:36).
Outrage is a natural reaction to beheadings and crucifixions. The instinct to strike back is understandable. Many Lutherans accept that in a broken world deadly force might be needed. Revenge, however, is not
an option for a Christian.
I pray that none of you ever suffers violence for the faith, but every generation has faced hostility.
German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote: “To endure the cross is not a tragedy; it is the suffering which
is the fruit of an exclusive allegiance to Jesus Christ.”
“Martyr” is a Greek word that means “witness,” “to give testimony.” A witness can also be a symbol
that testifies a promised action has been accomplished. When we speak about the persecution of Christians,
the real question is: “What will be our witness?”
Here is a story about how some Lutherans in Ethiopia answered that question. It happened in one of
our companion synods. Some Muslims burned down a church, thinking they were attacking Roman Catholics. Instead, they burned down a Lutheran church by mistake. They were arrested and sent to jail. In that region it’s the responsibility of families to take care of prisoners’ hygiene and food. Instead, members of the Lutheran church asked authorities if they could dig the prisoner’s latrines and feed them. That was their witness
in the face of persecution.
Christians aren’t the only ones being targeted and persecuted. More Muslims have reportedly been
killed by the Islamic State than any other group. Our witness must be as peacemakers and as defenders of
religious minorities in our country and around the world. We must be the ones who speak out when entire
religions are falsely characterized by the actions of extremists. We would not accept Christianity being defined by the Ku Klux Klan or the Christian Identity movement. We should not define entire communities by
the distortion of their religion.
The cross is God’s visual symbol that a promised action has been accomplished. It is God’s stake in
the sand. It is God’s witness to the truth that “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him
who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things
to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from
the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).
Page Two
Please Remember in Your Prayers…
For Healing: Rosi Etzberger (Ela Shield’s Mother), Virginia Swain, Laura Erwin, Keith Twingley, Ronda Scott,
Lester Anderson, Tia Wetherelt, Michael Bourassa (Evelyn Bourassa’s son), Dr. Bob Whitesitt, Luke Almas,
Debbie Knutson.
Recovering from Cancer: Susan Landeen, John Shields, Jim Fellows, Lee Rhodes, Evelyn Bourassa,
and for all who seek health and wholeness.
For the Family and Friends of those who Mourn: Florence Ulgenes, Neil Criste-Troutmjan (friend of Gretchen
Mundinger), Michael Bourassa, Clinton Crider, J.J. Coggeshall, Maynard A. Olson, Harvey DeMars.
For those in Residential Living Centers, Extended Care or Homebound: Ann Glenn, Dr. Bob Whitesitt, Ken
Bolland, Annie Stegmann, Jean E. Mundinger, Florence Ulgenes, Ada Harlen, Ione Kincaid, Lorraine
Skaalure, Virginia Swain, Betty Anderson, Laura Erwin, Maury Knutson, Marge Mihelish, Audrey
Anderson, Irene Crawford, Phil Duncan, Donna Muffick, and
Dan Broston (in Columbia Falls).
Missionaries: Willie, Anne, and Micah Langdji in Cameroon;
Mark and Marina Dotson in Russia.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. (Romans 12:12)
June Birthdays
5
7
8
12
14
15
16
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Karen Bryson
Tordis Brosten
Greg Field
Connie Ford
Karen Kmet
Donna Muffick
Kristi Paulsen
Cheyenne Branscum
Steven Tielking
Zachary Paulsen
Michelle Adsem
Gary Rankin
Sandra Barrows
Kindra Dunlap
Bailee Field
Josey Smiedala
Betty Dean
Betty Dotson
Vern Grimsrud
Angel Tetrault
Betty Anderson
Annette Jacobson
Casey Almas
Laurie Blakely
Doris Crider
Marjorie Mihelish
Ellen Hanpa
25
26
27
29
Kyler McMillin
Darcie Dunlap
Judy Kembel
Ela Shields
Gretchen Mundinger
Nate Jensen
Jack Taylor
June Anniversaries
3
4
9
10
12
15
16
17
21
22
23
24
25
26
Page Seven
Halvdan & Tordis Brosten
Ron & Deanne Stegmann
Jerry & Georgia Bradley
Geoff & Stephanie Higgins
Bill & Jeannette Mattfeldt
Mark & Paula Blessinger
John & Mait Board
John & Gwynn Mundinger
Jerry & Debbie Grebenc
Tom & Ellen Livers
Kevin & Kristi Skaalure
Bob & Evelyn Whitesitt
Vern & Gayle Grimsrud
Jens & Alta Mae Jensen
Mike & Darcie Dunlap
Jim & Judy Kembel
Mark & Renee Slocum
June 2016
Sun
Mon
Tue
Pastor Away
5/30-6/7
Wed
Thu
Fri
1
2
1:30 pm-Music
& Worship
3
4
2:00 pm-9:00 pm
HHS Class of
1954 Reunion in
Fellowship Hall
11:00 amFlorence
Ulgenes Memorial Service in
Billings, MT
8
1:30 pmExecutive Committee
St. John’s Women of the ELCA News
Synod Assembly
in Billings, MT
(June 3-June 5)
6
12
Worship w/
FLBC Counselors
9:00 amWorship
10:15 amCoffee and Fellowship
13
14
15
16
17
18
VBS-”Living Like VBS-”Living Like VBS-”Living Like VBS-”Living Like Pastor Away 6/17
Jesus”
Jesus”
Jesus”
Jesus”
-6/23
7:30 am-5:30 pm
7:30 am-5:30 pm
6:00 pmVenture Scouts
5:00 pm-7:00
pm-Youth Night
w/FLBC Counselors
9
12:45 pmMemorial Committee
Sat
5
9:00 amWorship
10:15 amCoffee and Fellowship
1:30 pmGretchen
Mundinger
Music Studio
Recital
7:30 am-5:30 pm
7
10:30 am-Staff
Meeting
5:15 pmEvangelism
Committee
6:00 pmVenture Scouts
Church Council Update-Financial Update
7:30 am-5:30 pm
10
11
Believe it or not....it is around the corner (at least for Ela and myself!!) the Fall Fest is going to be held on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16 FROM 3:00-6PM. That means that groups in our church will be asked to make baskets
and individuals as well. Last year we made around $2500 for the Building Fund which is where the proceeds
will once again go. Thanks to the many individuals and families who participated last year with basket donations!!
If you are interested in making a basket or donating an item for the auction please let us know. I have a list of
ideas that will be circulated during the coffee hour from time to time during the summer. This way you can
get a head start and save money as well. In addition to baskets we will accept the following: seasonal symphony tickets, decorative glass, paintings, jewelry sets, restaurant certificates, handmade blankets/quilts, Fall
floral displays/wreaths...if you have questions just ask us. Items donated in these categories should be valued
at $50 and above.
VBS-”Living Like
Jesus”
7:30 am-5:30 pm
Noon-VBS BBQ
Lunch
5:00 pm-TriLutheran Fundraiser
Steak Fry &
Concert
This year the Women's Evening Circle will provide a "Soup and Bread " dinner much like our Lenten soup
suppers. We will ask again for donations for desserts from the congregation. The Altar Guild will be doing the
GIANT Bake Sale with delicious Fall-themed goodies. We hope you place this date on your calendars NOW
and plan on coming with your families and friends!! Please also calendar SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 AS OUR
BASKET ASSEMBLY DAY FROM 9-NOON. Currently Ela is in Germany and will remain there for a few
months so if you have questions please call Janice at 443-6451 during the summer or if you are interested in
helping with the Fall Fest. Thanks! ~Janice and Ela
God’s Work, Our Hands
19
9:00 amWorship
10:15 amCoffee and Fellowship
20
26
Installation of
Church Council
9:00 amWorship
10:15 amCoffee and Fellowship
Pastor at FLBC
6/27-7/1
27
21
6:00 pmVenture Scouts
28
6:00 pmVenture Scouts
22
23
29
30
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The big truck came on May 13th to load up 208 school bags and 193 quilts. That was a total of 48 boxes weighing 1228 lbs! Our Congregation can be proud of what we all accomplished whether in furnishing supplies, labor, or muscles. For “next season” we can always use more people to sew tops or cut material at home. After
Labor Day we meet on Wednesdays from 9:00-12:00. We never forget our coffee break, either! Come join us in
our work and fellowship time. The School Supply list is the same as last year. Please be watching for school
supply sales to begin in June. Thank you for your generosity.
School Bag Supplies
4-70 sheet notebook, wide or college rule
1-2.5 inch eraser
1-ruler (both in inches and centimeters)
1-pencil sharpener
1-BLUNT scissor
5-UNSHARPENED #2 pencils
5-balloint pen
1-box 24 crayons
Do you have a favorite hymn from the
ELW you want to sing in church? Let us
know by writing it on your communion
slip Sundays and we will add it to a
service this summer!
Page Three
Welcome New Members!
Family Promise Update
Our next host week is July 31 through August 7
We need trained volunteers to serve as dinner and overnight hosts on Sunday, July 31 and on Wednesday,
August 3 through Saturday, August 6.
If you have not already attended volunteer training – it is not too late. Family Promise will be offering a
training session at First Christian Church (which is located at 311 Power Street) at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday,
June 16, and Thursday, July 14. Please call 465-9467, to reserve a place.
We also need volunteers to help set up the rooms for our guest families after the last service on Sunday, July
31, and volunteers to help clear the rooms and move the trailer before church on Sunday, August 7. No
training needed for these jobs – just a good heart and a strong back.
If you want to help, but are not interested in hosting or moving beds – you can sign up to help prepare dinner or launder the bedding used by the families at the end of the week.
The sign-up board will be available during coffee hour on Sunday, June 5 – and the first seven people to sign
up will get a free ticket to “The Mafia Murder Mystery” on Saturday, June 18.
Mafia Murder Mystery -Dinner Theater Event and Family Promise Fundraiser
Salty Dinner Theater Company, which brought us the rollicking Cinderella last year, will raise the roof again
with Mafia Murder Mystery. In this show, a retiring Mafia boss welcomes the audience to a dinner at which he
will name his successor – when suddenly a murder occurs! In addition to a great show, and the chance to
help solve the mystery, you will be treated to an elegant dinner from the award-winning Sodexo Dining Services. You can attend the show on Friday, June 17, or Saturday, June 18 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church.
Dinner and show begin at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are available on the Family Promise website, at familypromisehelena.org, and donations are tax-deductible. Suggested donations: $40 for individual; $75 for couple;
$25 for children 12 and under; and $245 for a table of seven.
News Around SJLC
Saint John’s Book Club
The Saint John’s Book Club will be meeting at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, in the large conference room
at the Lewis and Clark Library to discuss The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers. When the book
was published in 1940, Carson McCullers, who was twenty-three at the time, became a literary sensation.
With its profound sense of moral isolation and its compassionate glimpses into its characters’ inner lives, the
novel is considered McCullers’ finest work, and Modern Library ranked it #17 on its list of the 100 Best English-language novels of the 20th century.
Communion Servers, Greets, and Lectors
Would you like to be part of serving Communion, help as a greeter, or read the lessons during Sunday
services? Please contact the following individuals for more information or to get on the schedule:
 Lectors: Gwynn Mundinger 449-8896
 Greeters: Elaine Ulgenes 442-6443
 Communion Servers: Norm Hanpa 442-2496
On Sunday, May 22nd we welcomed the following new members during our worship service:
Jolene & Gwen Roszel; Ronda Scott; Jim & Mary Jo Ronshaugen; Don Kristenson; Brittany Martin;
Karen Gardiner; Al & Laura Brogan; Miki Wilde; Matt, Angie, Lauren & Norah Eckdahl; and Brian Tetrault.
Thanks be to God and welcome to the St. John’s Lutheran Church family!
Pennies for Parking
As part of the ongoing campaign to resurface the parking lot, you are encouraged to take a “Pennies for Parking” coin bank home with you from church today. When you have filled the bank with spare chance simply
bring it back to church and either drop it in the offering plate or leave it in the church office. In the fall when
we all return to our regular fall schedule we will collect all the cans that have not been turned back in and
total the funds collected over the summer months. We will have a new parking lot sooner rather than later!
Johnny Cash Tribute Concert, Pasty Dinner & Silent Auction, June 25th, 6:00pm
St. Paul Lutheran Church in Missoula, MT (202 Brooks St.) is hosting a fundraiser to benefit Freedom in
Christ Prison Ministry to raise much needed funds to keep this important ministry alive at Montana State
Prison in Deer Lodge. Dinner is at 6:00 pm and C. Steve Music will present a Johnny Cash tribute concert at
7:00 pm. Early bird tickets are available online at Eventbrite for $20+$2.09 processing fee or at the door for
$30.
Thank you St. John’s Lutheran Church!
“Dear St. John’s, You are the reason Good Samaritan Mission thrives! Good Samaritan Ministries’ thanks you
for your continued and generous support of our outreach ministry to those in need among us. Your generosity allows us to meet the needs of those in our community who are struggling and need a helping hand during difficult times. Thank you for your third quarter gift in the amount of $100.”
~Theresa Ortega, Executive Director
“Dear Friends at St. John’s Lutheran, A sincere thank you for your participation in the Helena Churches
event [Chili Cook-off] that raised $2748.28 for the Synod House Campaign. Together we can face the future
boldly by providing and efficient and effective home for the Montana Synod!”
~Jan Nerem, Synod House Campaign
“Dear Friends at St John’s Lutheran, Thank you for your generous gift of $962 to the Synod House Campaign.
Your gift, which was your Lenten offering, is appreciated. Together we can face the future boldly as we plan
and build an efficient and effective home for the Montana Synod. Blessings to you!”
~Jan Nerem, Synod House Campaign
“Dear Pastor Ulgenes and member of St. John’s Lutheran, On behalf of the Northern Rockies
Institute of Theology, I want to thank you for hosting Dr. Quivik’s “Spiritual But Not Religious” class. Thank
you for your help in organizing, welcoming and registering and please share my special appreciation for
those who provided lunch. Because of the hospitality of churches in the Montana Synod, NRIT has been able
to offer continuing education and lifelong learning events for over 30 years. We do appreciate the shared
ownership in these events and we don’t take for granted the work that goes on behind the scenes. Thank you
for your supporting and for all you do to promote lifelong learning in your congregation.”
~Jenny Kunka, Director NRIT
“Dear St. Johns, Thank you for your support of Musikanten Montana’s performance of the Bach B Minor
Mass on April 17th. It was a very spirit-filled experience and a huge success! Thank you to all who purchased
raffle tickets and Musikanten Montana CD’s. The winner of the 2016 Tapestry was James Driggers of
Helena.”
~Linda Almas, Musikanten Fund-Raising Committee
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