June.July 2012 Newsletter

First Things
First Lutheran Church of Brookings, SD
Volume 13 Issue 3 June and July of 2012
A Message from Pastor Dave
Summer is nearly upon us (at least by the calendar), but for the kids, school is
out and they are already wondering how not to be bored – what with the
beautiful outdoors, the pool, bikes, and so many other opportunities it’s no
wonder. Kids have an innate ability to look past the good things all around
them on their way to mom and dad to ask, “What can I do? I’m bored.” My
solution is to have a bunch of chores ready for them to do – surprisingly, they
don’t like my solution, but also don’t seem to remember that’s my solution and
so keep coming back.
The church is similar in some ways to our children’s summer (and year-round)
struggle to be about something that has value and they enjoy doing for more
than 5 minutes. We want to do something that has value and that, ideally,
might be fun. Sometimes “church” might feel like a chore that must be done
rather than an invitation into the presence of God with a community of faith. I
put church in quotes above because the church is not about being a place, it’s
about being a people – together.
Over the last few months we’ve held meetings to talk about being the church
together – where we have been, are, and hope to be as God’s children in the
coming years. We’ve called these “Strategic Vision Meetings,” but mostly we’ve
been trying to understand what God has done, is doing, and wants to do with
and through us going into the future. I’ve been thankful for the faithful who
took time to share with us their thoughts, concerns, and memories about God
at work through the community who gather at First Lutheran.
I have tremendously enjoyed these meetings.
We have remembered
interesting history as well as considered what areas of ministry have mattered
to this community throughout its mission.
We spent time in historical
reflection, discovering behavioral norms, and thinking through our strength
and growth edges. Throughout the summer, our vision team will be prayerfully
reviewing this information, alongside theological reflection on community and
world concerns, to help us follow God’s invitation to change lives and make a
difference.
At our next annual meeting in September, we plan to present our discoveries,
thoughts, and even concerns about where God is calling us to grow and
strengthen, what God is calling us to change and/or stop, and how we might
better understand God at work in and through us to the world. Along with this
we’ll bring forward for congregational consideration a ministry plan taking into
account all that we have learned.
If you’d like to know more about the process, or have questions, please contact
Pastor Dave at the church.
As we make our final plans to make the move to Rapid City, I wanted to say a special thanks
to First Lutheran Church for allowing me to be part of the music ministry at the Festival
(Traditional) Services for the past 14 years. When I retired as choral director at SDSU in 2003,
directing a church choir was not on my bucket list. However, when Scott Miller asked in 2004
whether I would be willing to direct the choir I had no idea what joy it would bring to my life.
Working with these good folks who were so giving of their time and talents was a blessing to
my life for which I will always be grateful.
I have found both the choir and the church to be one of the most appreciative groups I have
had the privilege with which to work. That is a special quality I have greatly appreciated and I
know you will extend the same courtesy to my replacements. I feel confident that Tara
Pfeiffer, who has worked with me the past two years as accompanist and assistant conductor,
and Aaron Knodle, the organist who played the service earlier in May, will continue the
tradition of good music for the early service. Knowing that they are so competent in what they
do helps to make my leaving much easier.
Our address in Rapid City will be 4330 Jolly Lane, Rapid City, SD 57703—we hope when you
visit the Black Hills area you will stop by to visit.
Best Wishes and God’s Blessings on FLC,
Charles and Joan Canaan
2
A Journey to Cameroon
By Pastor Nyla Schoeld
It was the beginning of March when Cathy Larson from the South Dakota Synod called to ask
me if I would be willing to travel to Cameroon, West Africa, to represent our Synod for the
FIRST ordination of women pastors in Cameroon. I was honored to be considered for this
event. Not only because it was an exciting opportunity to be present for a historical moment
for women in Africa, but also because Cameroon was where I was born and raised. I hadn’t
been back home in 24 years and was thrilled at the idea. After discussing the idea with both
my husband (Pastor Dave) and my parents, it was clear that this was something I must do.
I was joined by one of my best friends and former
boarding school room-mate – Karis Gust (Karis hadn’t
been back to Cameroon in 28 years) and another Pastor
from South Dakota, Pastor Erika Lehmann, whose son is
currently teaching in Cameroon.
We left Sioux Falls on Sunday, April 29th. We flew to
Chicago and boarded a plane bound for Brussels. In an
attempt to stay awake and adjust to the change in time,
we walked in total 9 plus miles of Brussels neighborhoods
viewing everything from spectacular cathedrals to
(accidentally!!) a portion of the red light district as we
attempted to find the train station in order to return to
our hotel for the night.
Pastor Nyla and friend, Karis Gust, on the
small plane.
Tuesday morning we boarded our flight for Yaounde (Cameroon’s capital). Upon our arrival, we
located our driver, Vincent, who loaded us up for our trip to ELCA Missionaries Ann and Willy
Langdji's home for the night. As always, traffic was "African style" with people, motorcycles,
cars, trucks, dogs, etc. dodging each other willy nilly through town. We negotiated all manner
of deep potholes, as well as some extremely deep ruts and people out partying for the 1st of
May festivities, and arrived in one piece at the Langdji residence. Willy welcomed us, showed
us to our rooms, and fed us a nice dinner of rice with a lovely pork sauce.
Wednesday morning we arose to the sound of roosters crowing. After breakfast, Vincent came
and took us up to the SIL (Summer Institute of Linguistics, Inc.) airstrip for our trip up
country. Once there, the pilots made us all get on the scale and proceeded to weigh every
ounce of luggage. We were told that in order to fly safely to N'gaoundere, we had to get rid of
48 kilos of weight!! That is about 90 pounds. We put the bare essentials into a couple of bags,
said a prayer, and sent the rest of our luggage to be shipped to N'gaoundere by train!
Our flight from Yaounde was beautiful and quite smooth. Despite some haze and clouds, we
enjoyed a nice view of the rainforest and eventually got to the savannah where we landed
gently at the Airport in N'gaoundere. Phil Nelson (one of the missionaries I grew up with years
ago) was there to greet us and we sped off to the mission station.
After settling into our guest house, we headed directly to the EELC (Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Cameroon) meetings which were already in progress. The rest of the day was spent
catching up on the issues and concerns of the church. These meetings were attended by
representatives Jim Gonia from the ELCA Division for Global Missions, Global Health Ministries,
Lutheran World Federation, Women of the ELCA (represented by Pastor Erika Lehmann from
SD), The Lutheran Bishop of Manitoba, Representatives from the Norwegian Lutheran Mission,
regional bishops from throughout Cameroon (many of whom were former students of my
father’s when he taught at the Seminary in Cameroon).
“Cameroon” cont’d on pg. 4
3
“Cameroon” cont’d from pg. 3
I was asked to represent Bishop David Zellmer from the South Dakota Synod and was briefed
by Zellmer about the Partner meetings before leaving for Cameroon.
The content of these meeting was primarily directed at the crisis currently facing the EELC in
regards to a split that took place in the church several years ago when the church changed its
name from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cameroon to the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in Cameroon. Although the name was changed to reflect that the Lutheran Church In
Cameroon is part of the greater Lutheran Church in the world, there was a dissident group that
left the EELC claiming that it was the true Lutheran Church of Cameroon. This small faction
has been causing problems for the EELC in a number ways including violent acts of persecution
and vandalism towards EELC Pastors and their churches. Much discussion centered on how to
move forward in light of the many problems that the dissidents had caused for the church.
Many talked of how to bring about reconciliation. Unfortunately, the issues are deeply layered
and may take years before reconciliation is achieved. We as Partners with the EELC were
asked for our comments at the end of the fourth day of meetings. How do we fit in? We
cannot vote or legislate, but because we as partners help by providing funds for church
buildings, church roofs, hospitals and more, and because many of those areas for which we
provide funding are affected by this crisis, it is important that we continue to be aware of the
struggles that our sister church in Cameroon is facing. It is important that we pray for her and
her pastors and leaders. It is important that we pray for their safety and that the dissidents
may not be able to sway villagers into violence but rather that they might seek peace and
reconciliation. Meetings began each morning at 8 and ended each night at 8. Although
interesting, the meetings were long, the room was warm, and we were all ready to get some
rest.
The first night, Karis and I joined one of our good friends (and former missionary) Jim Noss
who was present for the Partner Meetings as a representative of Global Health Ministries. We
went out for dinner at “Le Meilleur Coffee House” a restaurant in downtown N'gaoundere. (The
owners of this restaurant are good friends of my parents and welcomed us with much joy.)
Much laughter and some delicious food ensued. We had a wonderful night re-telling some of
the funny stories from our early years in Cameroon.
Every morning at 4:30, the Imam started singing, calling all good Muslims to prayer. Karis and
I both woke up groaning each morning (the call to prayer is broadcast via extremely loud
sound systems throughout the city). Karis told me that if she were Muslim, she would have to
make sure her bed was pointed toward Mecca so she could just pray right from her bed... not
sure we would make very good Muslims.
It is mango season in Cameroon and the mangos are delicious! As is always the case in mango
season, there are mangos all over the ground under the mango trees and the slightly sour
smell of fermenting mangos is all around. It was strange for both Karis and me to smell those
familiar smells! In fact, there is so much that felt familiar to us. We both felt like it was the
most natural thing in the world to be here. Odd since it had been over 20 years since either of
us were last here. I guess it is in our blood.
Speaking of mangos…Thursday night when Karis and I were returning from the meetings, we
had no flashlight and found ourselves walking under mango trees. As kids, we learned that one
should never ever walk beneath a mango tree at night because snakes like mango trees and
sometimes fall out of them. As kids, we would always shine our lights up into the tree to make
sure there were no snakes before proceeding to walk underneath. Mango trees also have a
very large protruding root system and roots can be mistaken as snakes. So I was feeling
nervous about the possibility of snakes and Karis said that we were on the mission station and
it was only 8pm so she was sure there were no snakes out yet. Just then Jim Noss drove by us
in his truck wondering if we were carefully avoiding the rotten mangos.
“Cameroon” cont’d on pg. 5
4
“Cameroon” cont’d from pg. 4
I told him, yes and the snakes. An hour later Jim joined us for another Missionary gathering
and told us that, indeed, several Africans had spotted a snake just minutes after we passed
under that particular tree! I looked at Karis and said – SEE! Lesson learned: Never leave your
house without your flashlight!
On Friday night, we were informed that there would be no electricity or water from 7am to
7pm Saturday. Apparently work was being done on the power system and it was necessary to
shut down the whole city. Such things are not that unusual and all bathrooms here are
equipped with a large barrel of water. One dips a bucket in when water is needed for handwashing, showering or to flush the toilet.
On Saturday, we attended the opening of the "Synode Extraordinaire" (meeting of church
delegates from parishes across Cameroon). There was a nice church service (just two hours
long), and then we were free to do what we wanted for the day while the delegates were in
meetings. Karis, Erika and I met up with the Global Health representative from Duluth (Hans
Aase - pronounced "Os" for those of you who do not speak Danish!). Hans took us on a
thorough tour of the N'gaoundere hospital. Many generous donors have given money to build
various parts of the hospital and we were impressed by the Pediatrics area. In the radiology
and laboratory areas, the equipment is functional but truly ancient by American standards.
There is a mammography machine that looks somewhat modern, but the xray machine looked
like it was from the early 1960s. It was clear from our tour that donations of new/pre-owned
modern equipment is ALWAYS most welcome!!! The hospital serves a vast number of people
each day and manages to do amazing things for patients with what little they have to work
with! It is truly inspiring to see. Having seen the hospital during our years before, it was also
great to see how much the hospital has grown.
Saturday afternoon, Sodea Timothy (one of the Pastors who grew up in same town I did and
who will be spending the summer here in South Dakota) took me to visit my former babysitter
"Tazam". Tazam cared for me when I was but two years and three years old. She had heard
that I was in town and wanted desperately to see me, but could not get out of her house as
she is now paralyzed on her right side from a stroke. We walked a couple of miles on dirt roads
towards the outskirts of N'gaoundere, to a wee little mud brick house that contained only a
bed, a bedside table and a couple small chairs. Tazam received us warmly into her home and I
shared pictures of my family. Tazam couldn’t help commenting on how everyone had aged.
She told me I was her first child and she was so delighted to finally see me again after all
these years. We prayed with her, met some of her children, and then walked back with Sodea
Timothy who filled us in on church details as well as some of the developments that have
happened in Cameroon in the last few years.
Sunday morning – the big day we had all been waiting for dawned bright and early! After a
hasty breakfast of croissants and coffee, we headed off for the ordination service. We had been
encouraged to arrive early because it was anticipated that the church would be very, very full.
Erika and I joined the pastors and bishops to get robed up for the service while Karis took her
seat with other missionaries in the Millennium church. The service was supposed to start at
8:30, but did not get going until 9:30 (not unusual for Africa!). There were about 100 pastors
and bishops present for the service (including some women) from Cameroon, Central African
Republic, Lutheran World Federation, Canada, Norway, Tanzania, USA, as well as government
officials from Cameroon, and the Muslim chief. The church was packed to the rafters with over
3000 people and the choirs started singing as the pastors and bishops processed in. There was
much music and celebration, and the ordination process was incredible as the very first women
pastors were ordained (along with the very first Fulani! Formerly Muslim – this was big deal!).
One of the most moving moments was when the women were robed and given their stoles.
There was cheering and singing along with gifts and dancing.
“Cameroon” cont’d on pg. 6
5
“Cameroon” cont’d from pg. 5
I personally was brought to tears as both the power of what was happening and the level of joy
filling the church hit me. I had been asked by the Bishop Nyiwe to help with communion along
with many other pastors, but then noticed as I was handed a bulletin shortly after the service
began, that I was also listed to read the First Lesson. Thankfully I had thrown my bible into
my bag and was prepared. It was an honor to be asked to participate in this way.
As the service wore on, the temperature increased. Fortunately, a cool breeze wafted through
from time to time. A central part of the service was all of the music and dancing. At least 6
different choirs performed. As each sang and danced, congregants inspired by the music would
ululate and dance forward to place coins or bills on the foreheads of the singers. This seems
quite odd to most westerners but is a very Cameroonian thing to do. The harmonies and
dancing were beautiful, joyous, and gave a real sense of celebration to the service. It was clear
that people were excited to be finally ordaining the first women pastors. In total, the service
itself ran for six full hours. It was well worth it though to experience the full celebration that
unfolded during those joyous hours.
3000 people arriving at the Millenium Church for the Ordination of Women Pastors in Cameroon.
After the service, Karis and I stretched our legs by doing a little shopping in a local market.
(Mind you, worship went through the lunch hour and it was close to 4pm when we finally left
the church, so we were hungry.) When we returned, Christian (Pastor Erika’s son) invited us
to accompany him to watch the sunset at a little bar/cafe he knew about in a nearby quartier.
We found ourselves in this tiny auberge that overlooked bellybutton mountain (the city name,
Ngaoundere means “Belly Button” and is named after the mountain) The sunset was
spectacular and we enjoyed some relaxing moments visiting, and watching the sky change.
Monday morning we had planned to drive to Meiganga and Garoua Boulai, the towns where we
grew up, but Pastor Erika had become sick and we had learned that the trip that used to take
all day just to get to Garoua Boulai, now was only about three hours long. So we decided to do
the trip all in one day on Tuesday. It was actually a bit of a relief as we were somewhat
exhausted after the long days of meetings and celebrations. So we took a day to relax, hike,
and my favorite – listening to the rain and thunder! In Cameroon, most of the roofs are made
of tin, so you can actually hear the rains coming as it moves closer to your house. And then as
if the volume was suddenly turned up high the rain hits your roof. The sound of the rain on a
tin roof is the most comforting and calming sound in the world. The thunder enters in as if
choreographed and the storm is soothing music. And we opened our windows and let the song
and the scent of the rain wash through us.
Tuesday was the day Karis and I had been looking forward to with great anticipation. We arose
by 4:30, swung over to pick up Erika and were on the road by 5am with Dennis, the mission
station driver at the wheel. After stopping by a bakery for some warm baguette and
weathering the horrifically rutted tarmac of the streets of N'gaoundere, we found ourselves
sailing by belly button mountain on smooth tar on our way to Garoua Boulai.
“Cameroon” cont’d on pg. 7
6
“Cameroon” cont’d from pg. 6
Some of the stretch of road between N'gaoundere is still under construction, notably new
bridges, and there were detours from time to time (along with a couple of bush potty
stops). Even so, we cruised into Meiganga in under 2.5 hours - record time for those of us who
are accustomed to the trip taking 6+ hours (especially in the rainy season). The tarmac ended
on the road into town and we bounced over the hill to see the town of Meiganga spread below.
I looked right away for the house we had lived in (which is on a hill and had always been
visible from afar), and could not spot it... we soon drove by the church and onto the mission
station - home of our old stomping ground. Dennis drove slowly through and we parked right
behind our old house. All of the buildings we remembered were there along with a few new
additions. I quickly discovered why I could no longer see our house from afar - the trees had
grown up so high that they completely hid it from view. Like much of what we saw today, the
house looked rather dilapidated. All of the homes have been turned over to the Cameroon
church and our driver noted flatly that when that happened they pretty much headed into
wrack and ruin-(his words not mine!). We took pictures and wandered around a bit before
loading back up to visit the wife of the former President of the church. Her son and I were
baptized together and she welcomed us in to her home. We also visited another local pastor
and the woman who heads the Sunday school program in Meiganga. She welcomed us warmly
into her home and expressed much disappointment that we were not staying longer so she
could prepare us a meal. I had brought Sunday School materials along for her as well as
letters from my parents.
From there, we headed down to visit the Lamido (the traditional Gbaya chief of Meiganga who
wields much power. He is a personal friend of my dad’s and my dad remembers him as a youth
coming to the mission station to play ping pong). Today, he is like a king. It is typical for
visitors to have to cool their heels for quite some time for an audience with the Lamido. But we
were ushered back immediately! We took off our shoes and were ushered through his palace
where he welcomed us with open arms, greeting us warmly and inviting us in to his throne
room. We spent a nice hour with him in his receiving room where - along with a picture of the
President of Cameroon - President Paul Biya, was a large picture of him and dad figured
prominently in the wall decor! He spoke eloquently and was a gracious host, expressing over
and over how glad he was to have us in his home. He also stated that (despite being a devout
Muslim), he has met with our local church leaders to urge them to cooperate and work closely
together to grow the Lutheran church. We complimented him on the beautiful new mosque he
is building, took pictures, and hit the road for Garoua Boulai.
The first person I saw was a short, crippled man in his forties. He looked at me with tears in
his eyes and said, “Do you remember me?” “Samba!!”, I said with great surprise. Samba had
been one of the orphans raised by missionary nurses when I was growing up. He was also one
of my brother’s and my playmates. I have pictures of us as children arm in arm. I had not
even thought I would ever see him again. We hugged and visited. But the visit was much too
short.
We did a walking tour of our old mission station noticing how much more dilapidated the
buildings were here. We were welcomed in to my old house to have a look inside. Whew. That
was tough. The house is still standing and there is a family living there, but wow. It was pretty
grim looking. We took some pictures, had a look at the room Karis and I shared in 7th grade,
and continued on our way. We headed by the home where the nurses had lived to see if our
Guava trees were still standing... AND THEY WERE! We both climbed up. The trees were
bigger, but somehow seemed smaller! It was fun to share memories. The dorm was next. The
missionaries here in N'gaoundere had told us that things had gone downhill and we had set our
sights pretty low. The building is still standing, yes, but it is in a sad state. We asked
permission to walk through and took a few pictures of our old rooms, etc. Things are in a sad
state of disrepair for sure. Likewise, time has taken its toll on the school.
“Cameroon” cont’d on pg. 8
7
“Cameroon” cont’d from pg. 7
It was locked unfortunately, but some windows were open in the back and we were able to
take some pictures. The crazy thing is that the "big kid" classroom looked the same!!! It is
currently being used as Bible education center and a library has been added to the front of the
building.
We next walked through the hospital grounds which truly are exactly as grim as I remember.
We showed Erika the chapel where we had been confirmed and it too is in a state of great
disrepair. Just outside the hospital, we ran into some of my friends who I had hoped to see.
We took pictures and then walked back toward the main station to find the rest of their family.
This is a family that I had been so close to growing up. They came to greet us bearing beautiful
mangos and a lovely pineapple. We thanked them for the kind gifts, took pictures and visited
together for a while. They were full of questions about our families, parents, and siblings. We
closed our time with a prayer and tearful hugs were exchanged as we said our good byes.
Pastor Erika said this was one of the most emotional parts of the trip for her, watching Pauline
(who was like my mom) take my face and say my name over and over. It was so very hard to
let go of them when I said good bye.
We stopped briefly at the market to pick up some candy we had enjoyed as kids, crackers and
“Laughing Cow” cheese and water before heading back on the road. Karis and I quietly sat just
taking it all in and occasionally giving each other big hugs. We agreed that all former
missionary kids really need to try hard to get back to experience what we did. We arrived back
in Ngaoundere by 6pm (something I never have imagined could happen). But we were
informed that it still isn’t safe to be on the roads after dark as there is still a threat of road
bandits who stop vehicles at gun point to steal whatever they want. So, we were happy to be
safely back by dark. In Cameroon, it is sun up at 6am and sun down at 6pm every day of the
year!
The interesting thing is that, without exception, everyone we met stated openly that they feel
abandoned by the missionaries. They do not understand why we ended our mission and believe
wholeheartedly that things were so much better when we were there working in partnership
with them. They have all begged us to return and feel deeply hurt because they believe we
have forgotten them. We have reassured people that they are constantly in our thoughts and
that we would all come back to visit more if it were not so expensive. We have tried to impress
on people the fact that though we may seem very wealthy, it is not easy for us to simply spend
$2,000 for plane fare. In light of their extreme poverty, there is a sense of guilt that strikes at
one’s heart when trying to explain this.
The day before we left Cameroon I got sick with some stomach bug and immediately began
Cipro and drank down Kaopectate to make sure I could last the three hour flight back to
Yaounde on the tiny Cessna. Thank the Lord, I made it, but the two days of traveling back to
the states were not so enjoyable. We had to pass through 8 different security check points in
the Yaounde airport when we left Cameroon, again two or three security check points in
Brussels and finally back home in the states the Customs checks in Chicago seemed easy. I
arrived back in Sioux Falls, on Friday, May 11th and was enveloped by my four daughters.
It was an amazing and emotional journey from start to finish! Thank you to First Lutheran
Church for your part in making this journey a possibility! I was proud to share your
greetings with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon and proud to represent you as
your pastor at the first ordination of women in Cameroon. Perhaps one day some of you will
join me and put a roof on a church in Cameroon.
I hope to have our pictures and video footage ready to share soon!
Again, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
Pastor Nyla
8
2012 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
June 10 — 14
6:00 pm — 8:30 pm
As many of you know, we are sending 25
high school students and 6 adults to the
National Youth Gathering in New Orleans this
July. Recently we decided to make the trip to
New Orleans with the group from Ascension
Lutheran. It is a wonderful opportunity for the
youth of our churches to be able to spend the
bus ride with each other and share the
experience with other youth from Brookings.
Through payments made by the youth,
fundraising and your generosity we are happy
to report that of the $40,000 needed for the
trip we are left needing to raise around
$6,000 to cover the cost of the bus for the
trip. We have a couple of fundraisers left
(including the car wash on June 16th) and
would still appreciate any donations.
In June we will be setting up a space on the
First Lutheran web site (www.tdjesus.org) to
keep you updated as we prepare to depart
and while we’re on the trip. We will include
posts from people at the Gathering, pictures,
what we’re up to in New Orleans and a list of
people going that you can keep in your
prayers. Please keep an eye out for updates!
At Sky, kids discover that everything is
possible with God!
Sky is filled with
incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see,
hear, touch, and even taste! (Since
everything is hands-on, kids might get a little
messy. Be sure to send them in play clothes
and shoes.) Plus, we’ll help kids discover how
to see evidence of God in everyday life—
something we call God Sightings. Get ready
to hear that phrase a lot!
Your kids will also participate in a hands-on
mission project, through a program to
purchase mosquito nets to help prevent
malaria in other countries.
Vacation Bible School is open to children who
turned three by September 1, 2011, and are
potty trained, through current 5th graders (as
of the 2011-2012 school year.) Kara Schultz
and her team will again lead the preschoolers
in the First Lutheran Preschool area. All of
the children will begin each evening at our Up
and Away gathering time.
If you have any questions about the trip to
the Gathering, please contact me!
Registration is open, and materials are posted
on the bulletin board outside of the church
office.
The cost is $10.00 per child.
Scholarships are available. We will also need
some volunteer flight crew and leaders!
Ray Gentry
High School
Ministry Director
If you want to volunteer, have questions,
want additional information, or want to
register your child, please contact Anne
Werpy at [email protected] or
at 690-4977. See you this summer!
9
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHILDREN’S EDUCATION REGISTRATIONS!
We are now taking registrations for the 2012-2013 Journey to Discipleship (Wednesday
night) and Faith Explorers (Sunday mornings) Christian Education programs. The program
will focus on the quest of seeking the “Armor of God” based on Ephesians 6:13 - “So put on
God’s armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s
attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.” Children age three as of
September 1, 2012, who are potty trained, through fifth graders (for the 2012-2013 school
year) are eligible to enroll in these programs.
We have also begun taking registrations for next year's 6th - 9th graders for
Confirmation. Registration forms are available on the bulletin boards outside of the church
office and online. If you have questions or want more information, please contact Anne Werpy
at [email protected] or at 692-6251 or 690-4977.
Thank you to all who helped with the
children’s and youth Christian Education
programs at First Lutheran Church this year
including Journey to Discipleship, Faith
Explorers, and Confirmation!
Julie Abraham, Ross Abraham, Erin Asche, Matt Asche, Jill Ayres, Erin Bauman, Stephanie
Bebensee, Klara Beinhorn, Lisa Bergmann, Nichole Berkenhoff, Flannery Berreth, Kimberly
Boeve, Debbie Bortnem, Pam Collins, Kaylee Cushing, Lois Eller, Jess Erickson, Jean Gentry,
Sara Gentry, Linda Gilbertson, Alyssa Graphenteen, Gail Gullickson, Ashley Hanley, Joey
Hanley, Amber Hanson, Erin Hanson, Lana Harmelink, Carol Harwood, Spencer Harwood,
Chantel Herold, Tammy Herold, Alesha Hietbrink, Mallary Hoffmann, Jadyn Houtman, Kenzie
Hyland, Lori Jager, Barb Jensen, Rick Jensen, Allan Jones, Ranny Jones, Liz Jorgenson,
Dorothy Kiepke, Becky Kjelden, Mary Kleinjan, Pam Kuehl, Nichole Larson, Carrie Law, Dave
Law, Melanie Lunn, Halle Maroney, Lynette McMacken, Cheryl Melby, Ally Milton, Kristen
Mueller, Wendy Myer, Michele Nielson, Tony Nielson, Alissa Ningen, Brady Odegaard, Cindy
Olson, Matt Olson, Ann Park, Julie Prusa, Kimberly Retterath, Stacy Rice, Marie Robbins, Susan
Robbins, Shayna Rohl, Mike Ropp, Susan Ropp, Kaija Schoeld, Jordan Schulte, Amanda
Schumacher, Laura Shoup, Hanna Siemonsma, Rebecca Siemonsma, Lisa Skovlund, Katie
Sutton, Dawn Taylor, Elizabeth Tillmanns, Dawn Twedt, Jill Vosberg-Heller, Levi Vosberg,
Anita Weber, Reece Weber, Bret Werpy, Jason Werpy, Kelsey Werpy, Kristen Werpy, Amber
Wichmann, Brady Wichmann, McKenzie Young, Nancy Zink, and Diane Almos, Nikki Berreth,
Joe Gentry, Ray Gentry, Stacie Horst, Ann Lamecker, Steve Lamecker, Chris Larson, Lars
Mattison, Alysa Odegaard, Drew Riter, Kelsey Schmidt, Jaclyn Seas, Judy Alickson, Pat
Anderson, Aaron Deutsch, Jo Gauthier, and many others! Thank you to the Wednesday night
meal crew!
10
Youth entering 6th grade through those who completed 12th grade are invited to join us for our
Wacky Wednesday trips this summer! Registration forms are located on the bulletin board
outside of the church office. Friends are welcome! For more information, please contact:
Ray Gentry at [email protected] or 695-9024 or
Anne Werpy at [email protected] or at 690-4977.
Wednesday, June 27th
Wednesday, August 1st
(6:30 a.m.—11:00 p.m.)
(7:45 p.m.—1:00 a.m.)
The cost is $35.00, which includes
admission to Valleyfair and Soak City
Waterpark and bus transportation.
Registrations are due by June 20, however
space is limited on a first come, first serve
basis.
The cost is $16.00 which includes Human
Fooseball, Laser Tag, Adventure Miniature
Golf, Batting Cages, Unlimited go-kart
racing, Euro Bungy, Climbing Wall, Water
Wars, an ice cream sundae, and
transportation.
Another school year has come to an end. We
wished 93 preschool graduates a fond
farewell at our graduation ceremony on May
23. It is sad to see them leave, but it is also
very rewarding to know that we were able to
help these young children get a good start to
their education.
We will be having two sessions of our
Summer Fun Program on June 25-July 3 and
July 30-August 9. It is a fun refresher course
of what the children learned throughout the
school year.
It has been another wonderful and rewarding
year for all of the staff at First Lutheran
Preschool. We truly appreciate all of the
support we receive from the church staff, and
the congregation.
We hope you all have a fun and safe summer.
See you in August! SueAnn
11
July 23-27
9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
The Third Annual Camp Heartbeat will be held
July 23-27 from 9:00 am-12:00 pm at the
First Lutheran Activity center. This camp is for
students who have completed second grade
and are no older than 12. Activities include:
singing, moving, playing instruments, and
creating. Class-size is limited, so enroll now.
Please call Pat Anderson 627-5516 or Amy
Lease 692-1611.
Congratulations to our young people who
were confirmed at the Affirmation of
Baptism service held on May 20th:
Congratulations to the recipients of
the 2012-2013 First Lutheran
Scholarships:
Brianna Michele Becher
Haley Jo Beers
FLC Gladys VanderWal Memorial Scholarship:
Chantel Herold
Sidney Erin Berreth
Jessie Dale Gulbranson
FLC Scholarships to graduating High School
Seniors: Lauren Fitts, Brycen Nelson, Brady
Odegaard, Riley Spencer and Spencer
Wermers
FLC Scholarships to students who are
currently or will be attending accredited
universities: Adam Bradley, Ethan Coombes,
Evan Dahl, Kaylee McMacken, Austin Mouw,
Hunter Mouw, Shaelee Nelson, Whitney
N e l s on ,
A ly sa
Od eg aard ,
A ma nd a
Schumacher, Jacalyn Seas, Faith Thompson
and Mason Winterboer
Austin J. Himley
Ryan T. Himley
Breta Marymarie Jensen
Makenna Nicole Mahanke
Jessica Ashley Rames
Jordan Marie Schulte
Abbey Sonnenburg
Amanda Sonnenburg
Brooke Nicole Swoboda
Levi Dalton Vosberg
Congratulations to our 2012 High School Seniors who were recognized on Sunday, May 20th at
the 10:30 worship service and received quilts made by the Mission Interest Quilters:
Matthew Anderson, Lauren Fitts, Derek Hieb, Holly Horst, Sadie Jo Jensen, Walker Liles, Brycen
Nelson, Brady Odegaard, Matt Rames, Brenna Redday, Steven Shadewald, Riley Spencer,
Wade Stein, Daniel Summers, Katie Ust, Cole VanLiere and Spencer Wermers
Thanks you so much to the Quilters who put so much time, talent, and hard work into the
beautiful quilts that are given to our graduates:
Signe Anderson, Beverly Craddock, Dee Davis, Marian Dooley, Verna Jonker,
Mavis Krogman, Carol Laabs, Mary Moeller, Lillian Osvog, Lou Plymate,
Bev Pottratz, Barbara Telkamp, and Norma Vanderpan
12
JUNE 15th - 16th
The
South
Dakota
Synodical
Women’s
Organization will gather at Lutheran Memorial
Church in Pierre on June 15 – 16. It is the 25th
Anniversary Convention.
The theme is
“Gathered By God.”
The theme verse is
Matthew 18:20. Anyone wishing to go or to get
more information please contact Dee Shanley at
692-3696.
FLCW
NEWS
JUNE 21st
The First Lutheran Church Women’s Joint Circle
Meeting and Bible Study will be held June 21st at
9:30 am.
All women of First Lutheran are
invited for Bible Study, refreshments and getting
to know your sisters in Christ. Circle 3 is in
charge of the program and serving.
JULY 19th
The July Joint Circle Meeting and Bible Study will
be held on Thursday, July 19th. It will be in the
Fellowship Hall at 5:30 pm with a potluck
supper. Circle 4 is in charge this month. All
women of First Lutheran are invited –make your
best tasty dish to pass and join us for Bible
Study and fellowship.
FIRST LUTHERAN
COUNCIL
Golden Age will meet on Thursday, June 14th
in the Church Chapel at 2:00 pm. Come and
be entertained by Austin Luther, grandson of
Harry and Shirley Bruns. He is a graduate of
Marshall High School and is going to be
attending the Berklee School of Music in
Boston, Mass. this fall. Austin will tell us
about what the requirements are for
enrollment. His main interest is bass guitar
but he plays piano and many other
instruments. He will be sharing some of his
music with us. Following Austin’s program we
will be served a delicious lunch in the Church
Parlor by Faith, Love and Care.
13
Carrie Law, President
[email protected]
690-3195
Phil Hogie, Vice President
[email protected]
697-5742
Kent Johnson, Secretary
[email protected]
695-0921
Brent Prusa
[email protected]
692-1589
Ray Peterson
692-9278
[email protected]
Kathy DeKraai
[email protected]
697-5934
George Houtman
[email protected]
697-8048
Council:
[email protected]
The Records of First Lutheran Church
from April and May of 2012
Baptisms:
Bennett Douglas
Pankratz
(Child of Jeromy & Nicole
Pankratz)
Nora Shae Elizabeth
Ravenscroft
(Child of Brant & Emily
Ravenscroft)
Kinzie Lynn Froiland
New Members:
(Child of Justin Froiland & Nicole Anderson)
(paperwork completed)
Spencer William Lovseth
Luke & Danielle Nord
James Vosberg
Jeff, Renae, Liz &
Olivia Jorgenson
Jason, Terri &
Tori Deming
Rainer Westall
Steve Leintz
(Child of Joshua & Kelsey Lovseth)
Piper Jo Layne Frericks
(Child of Jared Frericks &
Terri Kuechenmeister)
Cole Scott Petterson
(Child of Scott & Dawn Petterson)
Jadyn Marie Houtman
Ethan George Houtman
Miley Renae Houtman
(Children of Jeremie & Marcia Houtman)
Owen Jesse Rounds
(Child of Jesse & Rebecca Rounds)
Ellie Jane Meusburger
(Child of Jason & Sarah Meusburger)
Jessie Dale Gulbranson
(Child of Scott Gulbranson & Jill Hankins)
Passings:
Samantha Jo Petersen
Merwyn Hendricks,
Charles Hildebrandt &
Gertrude Mullinix
(Child of Adam & Becky Petersen)
Jack Jameson Hotchkiss
(Child of Ryan & Jessica Hotchkiss)
Dayton William Nielsen
(Child of Ryan & Shannon Nielsen)
14
FISHIN’ FOR
MISSION
MISSION OF THE MONTH
TOTALS
March: Smile Train $551.81
April: Haiti Aquaponics $783.60
Thanks to the wonderful participation from
our congregation, we were able to write a
check for $3,900 to Bruce Millikan, our
Haitian point man on the aquaponics project
to feed many starving Haitian people. Bruce
has built cement fish tanks and will soon be
filling them with adult tilapia. Next will come
the vegetables to grow in conjunction with
the fish to provide a nourishing food source.
Solar pumps will also be purchased with
these funds to supply the needed water
pressure.
TIP JAR FOCUSES
May: Sew Much Comfort
June: Malaria Net Project
July: Angel Books
The Mission Coffeehouse at First Lutheran is a
non-profit organization dedicated to changing
the world one cup of coffee at a time! We
feature Fair Trade coffees and teas that allow
producers in developing countries to earn a
fair wage for their products. All money earned
above expenses is directed to charity.
The fishermen of First Lutheran who put
together this fishing seminar created the
basis for the fund raiser. They include Jay
Johnson, Magnus Olson, Jon Heller, Dale
Nelson, Bryan Gums, Tim Pederson, Mike
Cameron, Phil Hogie, and Dustin Kjelden. A
special thanks to Phil Hogie for handling the
advertising and PR work. Also, thanks to
Allan Jones for his fine photography. We will
keep you abreast of Bruce and his team's
efforts in Haiti. We hope to participate again
next year as they grow their operation to fit
family homes.
Stop in for coffee, espresso drinks, teas,
smoothies, freshly baked pastries, homemade
soups and sandwiches. Take advantage of the
coupons that are in the weekly bulletin.
The Mission Coffeehouse is ready for spring,
the patio furniture is put back in place and we
would love to see it full throughout the
summer! Spring Salads are available everyday
at the MCH. With the arrival of warmer
weather, we will soon be offering only one
soup choice per day. You can turn the
sandwich of the day into a salad or build your
own; we have a variety of dressings available!
Thank you for continuing to bring new faces to
the MCH. It is amazing that even after 6 years
we still see new local faces come through the
doors. You are our best form of advertising!
The winners of the “Fishin for Mission” Raffle
were:
Jim Hegg - The All American Rod
Mike Cameron - The Jig Rod
Margy Brenden - Catch of the Day (frozen
fish)
Erik Dahl - Catch of the Day (frozen fish)
Summer Mission Coffeehouse Hours:
Monday - Thursday
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday - Closed
Thank you to everyone who bought raffle
tickets and helped raise money for this
mission!
15
March,
April &
May
of 2012
MEMORIAL
GIFTS
March 20, 2012 May 21, 2012
Many memorials
were received, but
this is the list of
memorials that
remained at First
Lutheran Church.
Date
Attendance
General
Designated
25-March
480
$8,636.38
$1,089.43
1-April
598
$49,516.62
$6,865.73
8-April
1015
$10,814.66
$761.00
In memory of Ricky Bearman:
Doug and Joan Doop, Faye Dahl-Bearman
15-April
602
$13,334.00
$3,758.62
In memory of Merwyn Hendricks:
Marty and Robin Hendricks
22-April
539
$16,170.38
$3,033.46
29-April
465
$15,752.63
$3,971.35
368 $21, 511.77
$635.93
6-May
13-May
TOTALS
454
$44,366.08
$12,261.00
$180,102.52
$32,376.52
Are you interested in making your
church contributions by monthly direct
deposit? Please pick up a form in the
church office!
JONATHAN RUNDMAN CONCERT
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
FRIDAY, JUNE 15th
7:00 PM
We are pleased to announce that on June
15th, FLC will be hosting Jonathan Rundman
in concert. He is a quirky musician, Lutheran,
and lover of hymns. His show will include a
variety of original music along with some
opportunities to crack open the hymnals and
sing together. Local band four:13 (which
includes members of First Lutheran Church
Rick Jensen, Dave Law and myself) will play a
short set to open the concert. There will be
no charge for the concert.
We hope you can make an evening of the
event. Nick’s Hamburger shop will have
burgers for sale starting at 5:00 pm and the
concert will start at 7:00 pm. The evening will
be plenty of fun and is an all-ages show!
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Ray Gentry, Praise Worship Coordinator
16
CEMETERY HELP NEEDED
The First Lutheran Cemetery Committee is in
need of a volunteer(s) who would be willing to
water landscaping and newly seeded grass on
a regular basis at the First Lutheran Cemetery.
If you have some time to spare to help with
the watering, please call the church office or
contact Alfred Rude. Thank you!
KEEP SAVING THOSE HYVEE RECEIPTS!
We are very grateful for all of the thoughtful people who take the time to save and drop off
their receipts. For every $150,000.00 collected, our Preschool receives $1,000.00 to use for
new equipment.
VOLUNTEER AT THE COFFEEHOUSE!
In order to minimize payroll expenses and maximize mission dollars, the Mission Coffeehouse
relies largely on volunteers. Join in the fun and reap the added benefit of knowing that you
are making a difference.
SIGN UP FOR FAITH, LOVE AND CARE WHEN IT IS YOUR
MONTH!
Don’t toss that yearly letter when it comes in the mail! Ushering, serving communion, and
providing for Golden Age make a difference. Sign up the whole family to usher for a service many children love to hand out bulletins and help pass the offering plates! And it sets a
great example!
VOLUNTEER TO HELP AT VBS!
VBS will be held on June 10-14 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Congregation participation is
important to the success of a quality program. Please call Anne at 692-6251 or email her at
[email protected] if you can help in any way!
DONATE YARN TO ST. DYSMAS!
The St. Dysmas Prison Ministry is in need of yarn for inmates who knit hats to give to those in
need. Please bring any yarn you would like to donate and leave it in one of the labeled bags in
the Mission Coffeehouse. The yarn will be given to St. Dysmas during the June 8th and 9th
Synod Assembly.
VOLUNTEER TO WATER GRASS AND PLANTS AT THE
FLC CEMETERY!
The First Lutheran Cemetery Committee is in need of a volunteer(s) who would be willing to
water landscaping and newly seeded grass on a regular basis at the First Lutheran Cemetery.
If you have some time to spare to help with the watering, please call the church office or
contact Alfred Rude. Thank you!
SIGN UP TO DELIVER “MEALS ON WHEELS”!
First Lutheran Church is on the schedule to deliver “Meals on Wheels” from June 18th through
June 29th. If you can help with this valuable mission service, please sign up in the
church office!
17
Most activities in
the Activity Center
1S1
are not listed
because of the
ever changing
schedule.
Please check
with Diane
(692-6251) if you
have any
questions.
1
2
6:00 AA
3
4
5
6
7
8
9:00 am
Festival
Service with
Holy
Communion
9:00 Staff
Meeting
9:00
Quilters
5:30 AA
5:30
Al-Anon
7:00 pm
Praise
Service
with Holy
Communion
9:00 FLCW
Board
Meeting
7:00
Worship
Team
7:30 NA
9:00
VFW
Memorial
Service
6:00 AA
Bitz/Billet
Wedding
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
9:00 am
Festival
Service
9:00 Staff
5:30 AA
6:00
Council
7:30 NA
Ag Women’s 7:00 pm
Day—
Praise
Churchwide Service
5:30
Al-Anon
7:00
Jonathan
Rudman
Concert
Youth Car
Wash
10:00 am—
2:00 pm
6:00
Vacation
Bible School
7:30 NA
2:00
Golden Age
6:30 NAMI
7:00 Worship
Team
7:30 NA
17
18
19
20
21
9:00 am
Festival
Service with
Holy
Communion
9:00 Staff
5:30 AA
7:30 NA
9:00
Quilters
5:30
Al-Anon
7:00 pm
Praise
Service
with Holy
Communion
9:30
Joint
Circle
Meeting
7:00
Worship
Team
7:30 NA
24
25
26
27
28
9:00 am
Festival
Service
9:00 Staff
5:30 AA
7:30 NA
5:30
Al-Anon
7:00 pm
Praise
Service
6:30 NAMI
7:00
Worship
Team
7:30 NA
Youth
ValleyFair
Trip
18
9
6:00 AA
22
23
6:00 AA
29
30
6:00 AA
Jacobson/
Quiram
Wedding
1S1
1
2
3
9:00 am
Festival
Service with
Holy
Communion
9:00 Staff
5:30 AA
7:30 NA
9:00
Quilters
5:30
Al-Anon
4
6
8
9
10
11
12
13
9:00 am
Festival
Service
9:00 Staff
5:30 AA
7:30 NA
5:30
Al-Anon
7:00 pm
Praise
Service
2:00
Golden Age
6:30 NAMI
7:00
Worship
Team
7:30 NA
6:00 AA
15
16
17
18
19
20
9:00 am
Festival
Service with
Holy
Communion
9:00 Staff
5:30 AA
6:00
Council
Meeting
7:30 NA
9:00
Quilters
5:30
Al-Anon
7:00 pm
Praise
Service
with Holy
Communion
5:30
Joint
Circle
Meeting
7:00
Worship
Team
7:30 NA
6:00 AA
22
23
24
25
26
27
9:00 am
Festival
Service
9:00 Staff
5:30 AA
7:30 NA
5:30
Al-Anon
7:00 pm
Praise
Service
6:30 NAMI
7:00
Worship
Team
7:30 NA
6:00 AA
5
7
6:00 AA
9:00 FLCW
Board
NO WORSHIP Meeting
SERVICE 7:00
Worship
TONIGHT!
Team
7:30 NA
14
21
Johnson/
Konechne
Wedding
28
9:00 Camp
Heartbeat
29
30
31
9:00 am
Festival
Service
9:00 Staff
5:30 AA
7:30 NA
5:30
Al-Anon
Most activities in
the Activity Center
are not listed
because of the ever
changing schedule.
Please check with
Diane
(692-6251) if you
have any
questions.
19
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage Paid
Brookings, SD
Permit No. 87
First Lutheran Church
PO Box 300
Brookings, SD 57006
Return Service Requested
www.firstlutheranbrookings.org
Phone: 692-6251
Fax: 697-2760
X
If you have an
article or
information for
the
August/
September
Newsletter,
please have it
in to the church
office no later
than
July 16th!
First Lutheran Church
is on the schedule to
deliver Meals on
Wheels from June
18th through June
29th. If you can help
with this valuable
mission service, please
call or sign up in the
church office!
Thank you!
If you would
like information
put into the
Sunday bulletin,
please have it
in to the church
office by the
Monday
before.
X
X
X