A shelter in Christ transforming lives

A shelter in Christ transforming lives
About thirty members of the Charity Youth Group took a mission trip to Minneapolis in June. One of the more memorable stops
was at Feed My Starving Children. Read more about their trip on page 3!
July 2015—Special Dates
• Saturday, July 4 ~ Independence Day
• Monday, July 13 ~ Crystal Spring Camp
(Grades 4-5)
• Wednesday, July 15 ~ WIMC Picnic
• Wednesday, July 15 ~ LCMC Grant Deadline
• Monday, July 20 ~ Newsletter Submissions Due
• Tuesday, July 21 ~ Guatemala Mission Trip
• Tuesday, July 21 ~ PreK Family Potluck Social
• Tuesday, July 21 ~ Vision Council Meeting
2015
Disconnect to Reconnect
Well here it goes—the forbidden discussion about cell phone usage and social
media. During my years of youth ministry, the topic of cell phone usage and social
media has been an ongoing discussion—where and what kind of boundaries can we
incorporate to allow our youth positive interaction with each other and with their
own development.
Charity’s goal is to be “a shelter in Christ transforming lives.” It is important to us all
at Charity to take that statement and put it into action. With our youth program we
strive to connect with as many youth as possible and give them positive experiences
to grow in their faith journey. This is accomplished by the many trips, conferences,
events, Bible studies and group activities that we incorporate throughout the year.
But in order for all of these great opportunities to connect with others and with
God, we have had to attempt to disconnect. Meaning we are asking our parents
and youth to disconnect from their phones so that they can actually reconnect with
each other. Well this sounds easy enough doesn’t it but... it is not. Truly I believe that Julie Dolbec, Youth Director
asking a youth to give up their phone for a few days on a trip is like asking them to
cut off their right arm. It is not only the youth I am speaking of because actually it is
harder on the parents than I think it is on the youth.
With all the adventures we have taken with our youth, we have learned that there is a huge difference on a trip and the
experience when cell phones were not allowed. Disconnecting allows our youth to connect with others in the group
and embrace the trip experience. It gives leaders the opportunity to grow relationships without distractions and social
media emotions. I am not going to go into all of the stats on phone usage and the dangers of social media but I think it
is important for us all to step back and embrace what we are actually allowing our children to have at their fingertips.
If you are saying “my child would never do that,” please do not kid yourself. We are all human and we all make mistakes
and as a young mind with so much available to us through technology... it happens. Trust me.
Moving forward, we at Charity would like to implement a no cell phone policy on our future trips. Please do not panic
because I would like to answer some of the concerns that come up. If kids want to take pictures have them bring a
camera or allow the leaders to take the pictures. At the last Minneapolis trip, I took over 200 photos of our youth!
How are they going to wake up? We leaders have an amazing way that we wake up our youth with ample time to get
ready. For those who think “I need to make sure they are okay and would like to visit with them...” Not a problem! We
will allow a chance for the kids to call their parents in the evenings to let you know they are doing okay and having a
blast. Also, if you need to connect with them sooner, you will receive phone numbers for all the leaders on the trip.
Please understand we are not trying to punish a behavior. We are attempting to allow our youth to disconnect from
our social media world so that they can actually embrace the beauty of the world that God has created. We want to
give our youth the opportunity to reconnect with each other and themselves. Thank you for allowing Charity to be
part of your child’s faith journey.
LCMC Grant Reminder
The submission deadline for the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) grant application is
Wednesday, July 15. Applications of 250 words or less must answer the question, “How would your congregation
use $5,000?” Project applications should consist of some or all of the following aspects:
• Future looking (new ministry efforts)
• Outward facing (serving those beyond Charity in the local community, cannot
be congregation-focused)
• Member engaging (the more involved Charity members, the better.)
• Collaborative (involving others as well, such as other congregations,
schools, or service groups)
Written or typed applications may be submitted to Nancy Jensen at [email protected], or given to Judy Smith in the
church office. The pastors and Vision Council will review the applications and submit eligible applications on behalf
of Charity by Saturday, August 15. Applications will be printed in the LCMC Annual Gathering Book, and voting and
selection will take place at the Annual Gathering to be held in Dallas this fall.
Charity Youth Make a Difference in Minneapolis
A few weeks ago, Charity youth loaded up in vans and set off to make a difference in the Minneapolis community.
We traveled down on a Saturday and as soon as we got there our mission work began at Feed My Starving Children.
In just a short amount of time, our group was able to pack 60 cases of food which will provide 12,960 meals for 35
children for a year in Africa. Young hearts truly can make a difference.
We stayed in the North Central University dorms located in downtown Minneapolis and we continued our mission
work throughout the next four days. Our mission work consisted of working at ARC Thrift stores. We also got our hands
dirty and did some back breaking work at Harbor Lights, which is Minnesota’s largest homeless shelter. It was amazing
to all of us that each night the shelter welcomes in over 1,200 homeless individuals who sleep on floor mats from
10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. The shelter also houses six floors of individuals who can stay in rooms for 30 days to try to
turn their lives around. It truly was an eye opening experience for our youth.
This was an amazing opportunity for us to see God’s hand in our lives. I think it is a reminder of the true blessing that
we have in our own lives and how giving of ourselves and touching other people’s lives with God’s word can make
such a huge difference.
PreK Family Picnic
The third annual Parents of Preschoolers (POPS) Family Park Potluck will be held
Tuesday, July 21, at 6 p.m. Meet at the Optimist Park in northeast Bismarck.
All families that have preschool age children (elementary siblings are invited as
well) are invited! Please bring your favorite potluck dish to share. Sign up online
at charitylutheran.org to RSVP --please be sure to enter the number attending!
Call/text Lorri Mittleider, Director of Preschool Ministries with any questions at
701-400-1849. We hope to see you there! Join in the fun, meet new/old friends
from Charity!
More Summer Park Potluck Fun...
Moms, grandmas, and kids—mark your calendars for a fun potluck brunch,
social and children’s play event scheduled for Thursday, August 13, from
10 a.m. to about noon at the Optimist Park in northeast Bismarck! Bring a
favorite dish to share along with your own beverages. (Tableware will be
provided by Charity.) Invite your girlfriends and their children too! Please
contact [email protected] or at 701-400-1849 so we
know who’s all able to join us! We hope to see YOU there!
Congratulations Graduates Fall Life-long Learning
GRADUATE
PARENTS
Classes Announced
Jaden Aaseth
Keana Schuler
Abby Allen
Beth & Bradley Allen
Justin Bauer
Nancy Bauer
Taylor Bjork
Jennifer & David Bjork
Alexandra Bolton
Melanie Adams
Jordan Christianson
Gary & Cheryle Christianson
Hunter Dahle
Marvin & Julie Dahle
Erin DeMaria
Bob & Char DeMaria
Meghan Dohrmann
Rebekah & Alan Dohrmann
Mikaela Dosch
Paula & Wayne Dosch
Savannna Goehring
Stacy & Tammy Goehring
Emily Greff
Beth & Francis Greff
RJ HentzTiffani Milligan
Wyatt Holwagner
Jean & Kyle Holwagner
Harrison Hruby
Kathleen & Doug Hruby
Brady Jochim
Julie & Troy Jochim
Caroline Johnston
Paula Johnston
Beau Kary
Jon and Jody Kary
Bryan Keidel
Craig & Lisa Keidel
Nicky Korsmo
Mary & Tracy Korsmo
Dylan Kottsick
Roberta & Jerome Kottsick
Mikaila Kringstad
Jenny & John Kringstad
Tabatha Lambrecht
Craig & Jewel Lambrecht
Sayjen Lutzky
Maureen & Dave Lutzky
Scott Mann
Brad & Jane Mann
Kenzie Markwardt
Larry & Christina Markwardt
Alainna Martin
Laurie Martin
Jacob Morrissette
Kris & Joe Morrissette
Lauren Sayler
Karla & John Sayler
Logan Schaffer
Gary & Laurie Schaffer
Jacob Schettler
Neysa & Greg Schettler
Kendra Schlosser
Rebecca & Scott Schlosser
Loren Sether
Tara & Brad Sether
Cameron Smith
Jennifer Smith
Stone Suess
Toby & Janell Suess
Joshua Upgren
Randy & Pam Upgren
Taeler Vetter
Scarlett & Ryan Vetter
Sage Walz
Michael & Jennifer Walz
facebook.com/
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twitter.com/
charitybismarck
Articles for the Charity newsletter are
due by the 20th for the upcoming month
and may be emailed to jennifer.skjod@
charitylutheran.org.
Contact Judy in the church office at
258-1228 to report event details.
Monday Nights: Sept. 21 through Nov. 23
• 6 - 6:30 p.m. Meal (childcare provided)
• 6:30 - 8 p.m. Classes
Alpha
Instructor: Pastor Sam Coleman
Whether you grew up a Christian or never set foot in
Church, whether you are eighteen or eighty, whether
you raise kids or raise cattle... Alpha is for everyone.
Alpha is an opportunity to explore life’s big questions.
Christianity in Dialogue with
Major World Religions
Instructor: Pastor Randy Upgren
Come learn about the basic beliefs of Judaism, Islam,
Hinduism, Buddhism, Mormonism, and Jehovah Witness. See what things Christianity shares with these
religions, and what makes it stand out. Discussion
will also center around how to be a Christian
ambassador in a world full of these different beliefs.
TUESDAY NIGHTS
The Legacy Journey
Instructor: John Seedorf
Dave Ramsey shares Biblical wisdom on the legacy
we build with our wealth. What does the Bible really
say about money? About wealth? How much does
God expect you to give to others? How does wealth
affect your friendships, marriage, and children? How
much is “enough?”
Family Caring for Family
Instructor: Karen Wolf
Do you find yourself caring for an elderly loved one
while parenting your own family—”sandwiched between generations?” Explore navigating the
landscape of caring for an elderly loved one and
thriving along the way.
Look for more info to come!
Register Online at CharityLutheran.org!
Ask A Pastor: Do people become angels when they die?
by Pastor Scott Bauman
I have often heard from people whose loved one has died that their loved one has become an angel in heaven. I have also heard it
stated that their loved one is now their guardian angel watching over them. It is especially expressed when a child, baby, or godly
older person has died.
I believe that it is important to have the correct scriptural beliefs when it comes to things of faith. So what does the Bible teach
about this? Angels are spiritual beings (Hebrews 1:4) who can take on a physical form, if God chooses to do so to accomplish His
work at that time. Humans are physical beings who are created with a spirit and soul who are made in the image of God (Genesis
1:26). Thus humans have a higher place of importance to God. Humans can die, angels cannot (Luke 20:36). Humans are sinful and
are in need of salvation, which is only provided to humans through Jesus (Hebrews 2:16).
God’s angels were created as messengers of God. The Greek word of angel is “angellos” which means literally “messenger.” Angels
are given special tasks to carry out the Lord’s work. People on the other hand were created and invited by God to become his
beloved children (John 1:12-13).
I believe one of the main reasons that many come to believe their loved ones have become angels is that they are special to us
and we want to be especially connected and close to those loved ones who have died. May we be reassured by a central truth of
scripture that as our loved one has known Jesus in this world that through death they are now living as children of God where
there is no more death, tears , or pain or mourning (Revelation 21:25). May we be strengthen and comforted by this reality.
May Vision Council Recap
The Charity Vision Council met Tuesday, May 19, at 5:30 p.m. Below is a recap of this meeting.
Complete Vision Council minutes are located on the Charity website at
www.charitylutheran.org/about-us/vision-council.
•
Pastor Scott announced training for new Stephen Ministers would begin in September.
•
The 2015 WOW sermon series will be “Why Luther Still Matters.”
•
The 2016-17 sermon series follow The Gospel Project curriculum.
•
Landon Schmeichel will be the acting worship leader for the Quest services this summer.
•
Fundraising for the stage expansion is underway.
•
The summer worship schedule was approved.
•
The Long Range Planning Committee reported that after much prayer, they unanimously agreed to pursue a new
building and location for the future of Charity.
Getting to Know Charity’s Stephen
Ministers: Sandy Seedorf
My name is Sandy Seedorf. My husband John, our girls Courtney & Desirae, and myself joined
Charity in 2005. I run a group day care in our home. I have been a day care provider for almost 22
years. Three of those years I was a single mom with our kids and my day care kids. Hats off to all
single parents and other Military Spouses running a household—I have great respect for all of you!
Cindy Mastel had approached John and I about signing up for Stephen Ministry. After some
thought and lots of prayers, I felt God calling me to help others. We finished up the last of our
training last month. What a wonderful experience it has been to get to know some great people on
a much more personal level! It’s an awesome experience to see and listen to how God has led and
used Stephen Ministers. I’m excited to see how God will guide me and use me as his cure giving
vessel.
Whether you are dealing with something small or large, consider contacting Pastor Scott or Cindy Mastel and requesting a
Stephen Minister. Everything shared with that Stephen Minister remains confidential between the two of you and God. God
is the real cure giver. Stephen Ministers are there for God to work through, and what marvelous work he has already done with
others.
If you are considering becoming a Stephen Minister please contact Scott or Cindy. It’s a great experience (you won’t regret it
at all). I’m so glad I took that calling to become a Stephen Minister. Thanks to all our leaders that put up with our group during
class time—you are the best!
Financial Report
1 Ron & Shannon Martinson
2 Jeff & Heidi Brown, Kyle & Kelli Kuether
3 Bob & Linda Bucholz
3 Melodie & Bob Schulz
5 Andrew & Jennifer Holle
7 Jack & Yvonne Fisher
8 Marlin & Leanne Fried, Mark & Nicolette Johnson, Richard & Kathleen Zimmerman
14 Randy & Shelley Traynor
16 Dan & Sherri Samuelson
17 Brad & Amy Hofmann
19 Richard & Tina Mower, Ken & Julie Slag
22 Lynn & Fay Connell, Norlyn & Patty Swenson
23 Steven & Joanne Harrington
24 Duane & Darlene Bentz, Bill & Carol Hineman
25 Art & Dee Mues
27 Ryan & Dawn Loraas
29 John & Sandra Erickstad, Nathan & Kari Popiel, Michael & Angela Vincent
31 John & Siri Coleman
YTD Budgeted Income
488,824.95
YTD Actual Income
Difference
474,771.28
-14,053.67
YTD Actual Income
474,771.28
YTD Actual Expenses
456,501.87
YTD Income - Expenses
+18,269.41
A Really Cool Women’s Summer Picnic
July 15, 2015
Featuring Katie Pinke! And Sue Bartholomew Balcom!
For Katie, speaking is a catalyst to engage, enlighten and empower.
She seizes every opportunity to talk about family, food, farm life and
community. After 12-plus years on the marketing fast track, she
stepped away from a full-time career to be a more at-home wife and
mom. Today, Katie is a keynote speaker across North America as well
as a part-time marketing consultant. She speaks from experience
rooted in farm family values and as a single mom and career woman.
Katie delivers positive yet gritty messages of hope and perseverance
complete with actionable steps to help individuals define their paths
forward.
SUNDAYS
9 a.m. ~ Traditions/Shelter Service
10:30 a.m. ~ Nova Contemporary Service
6:30 p.m. ~ Quest Contemporary Service
IN CASE YOU MISS A SERVICE:
•
Pastor Randy’s sermon notes
from the “Apocalypse” series are
online at www.charitylutheran.
org/sermons/notes.
•
Sermon videos are online at
https://vimeo.com/channels/
charitysermons/videos.
•
Sermon podcasts are online
at itunes.apple.com (seach for
Charity Nova).
•
Sermon video/audio is also
available on CharityLutheran.org
Keep spiritually fed this summer!
Sue has been a member of Charity for more than 25 years. An artist
at heart, Sue works as executive director of FARRMS, a nonprofit in
Medina. She also writes and does photography, weaving, and
needle arts. Gardening, canning, and foraging for wildflowers and
plants are a normal part of Sue’s life along the Missouri River with
her spouse J.C. This summer she will be baking homemade bread
for the Bountiful Harvest CSA , as well as making jelly, jam,
sauerkraut, salsa, and soaps. Her bread-baking enterprise was a
direct result of her first book, “Ewiger Saatz – or Everlasting Yeast”,
about Sue’s German-Russian roots. Sue will share “Only God Can
Make it Grow”!
Wednesday, July 15, 2015, 6:30 p.m.
Lions Hillside Park, Shelter No. 2, 16th Street
and Boulevard
Cost is $20 per person, payable by
Monday, July 13
Tickets available through church
office, or WIMC sales between services
June 28, July 5, and July 12
$1 from each ticket sale will benefit
Charity’s Riverside Harvest
On the Menu:
A Scrumptious
Picnic Dinner
Fellowship and Frivolity!
Fantastic Door Prizes!
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every
activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time
to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot …
He has made everything perfect in its time.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2,11
Mission Moment: Emily Knudson
My World Race Missions Trip
After traveling for the past 11
months, I have come to find that
there is no place like home: to be
surrounded by the ones you love,
to be in the familiar with all of your
comforts, and to be able to eat
good food! But there is still a love
of the unfamiliar and the unknown
within me. There is still a part of
me that wants to be outside of my
comfort zone, to be where I know
nothing, because that is where I see
God move the most. That is when I
see miracles happen most. That is
when I see His provision for me—
and that is when I know just how
much He is taking care of me. It is there, when I have no one and nothing, that
I know He is there and that He is my everything.
1 Nicky Korsmo, Rachel Neumiller,
Thomas Swanson
2 Benjamin Greff, Shayla Heger, Riley Larson, Elizabeth Reinke
3 Catherine Dahl, Mitch Kost, Harper Kuether, Brandon Schaffer
4 Barb Berglund, Duane Kuehn, Lilly Ng, Leo Voll
5 Cora Dienstmann, Cruz Holen, Rita Jahner, Bruce Roth
The first four months of my World Race missions trip were spent in eastern
6 Eduardo Abonna, Shelby Anderson,
Sarah Erickson
Europe. We started in Kosovo, then went to Albania, Moldova, and ended in
7 Elsa Balzum, Carol Hineman, Kadence McEvers,
Romania. I did everything from street evangelism to being a camp nurse, to
Donald Schmid,
cleaning pig pens, and helping at an after school church club. These first four
Sophia Suchy
months, God revealed to me just how broken the world is. We met people in
8 Brad Braun, Kent Farley, Sidney Mann,
prostitution and saw the terrible effects it had on them and their families. We
Tiffani Milligan, Billy Winterberg
9 Bryce Lasher, Lynn Oby, Kari Popiel,
met children abandoned by their parents. We met so many people hardened
Carter Theuer
against God, sometimes even due to actions of the church in that area.
10 Robyn Johnsen, Larry Kinnischtzke, Kris Pegors
11 Brady Jochim, Isaac Lewis
After eastern Europe we went to India, Nepal, South Africa, Swaziland, and
12 Toni Hegland, Traeh Quitt
Botswana. There we served in a home for disabled and orphaned children,
13 Norah Broderson, Braden Kjonaas,
led church services, prayed for people in the slums, worked in soup kitchens
Kendyl Milas, Art Mues, Felicia Schumacher
and on a horse farm, and taught preschool for low income children. I learned
15 Rick Collin, Wayne Levang
so much during these months. I learned what it means to truly have joy; how
16 Derek Hill, Cambree Milas, Claire Waldoch
17 Justin Bauer, Tosha Bayer, Sara Coleman,
when you have absolutely nothing, you still find reasons to laugh and smile.
Rupa Kindel, Luke Naslund,
I learned what it means to do all you do for Christ and no one else and how
Amanda Schwartzbauer, Pearle Ude
through serving Him, you serve so many other people. I learned what true
18 Matthew Kaldor
hospitality is and what it means to be selfless. I saw people redeemed and I
19 De Bergeson, Grant Simenson
saw people come to Christ and be strengthened by Him. I saw people trying to 20 Erlys Paul, Erma Roesler, Pius Volk
21 Laci Hegstad, Byrdi Naasz, Kobe Nygaard,
stop their addictions and give it to Christ.
Greg Painter, Tiffany Reisenauer
We finished the race in Mongolia and China. There we did street evangelism,
22 Elizabeth Dahl, Jaxon Hill, Noah Weaver, taught English, led open mic nights and game nights for the public, formed
Jasmine Wutzke
relationships with shop owners, went on prayer walks, and secretly passed out 23 Harrison Hruby, Kari Leet, Logan Schaffer,
Ava Schmidt
Gospels. In these last two countries, it was so evident how God is protecting
24 Nevada Jorgenson, Lexi Miller, Lorri Mittleider
His people around the world. We met people who are constantly surrounded
25 Charles Coleman
by danger, yet they are unharmed. We prayed for many people who are
26 Kevin Kindel, Quinn Neset, Karol Riedman, burdened with illness, but who know that their Lord is their Redeemer.
Joshua Wood
27 Josie Buntrock, Jason McEvers,
I want to thank everyone for all your prayers and support for me. There is no
Kristina Rothschiller
way I could have done this without you. I could feel the impact of your prayers 28 Kathy Jaeger, Jack Smith
wherever I was and I knew I had prayer warriors back home and for that I am
29 Alyssa Cahoon, Caryn Iverson,
so thankful. This little newsletter article is just one glimpse into my life this past Christopher Nyhus, Mike Smith, Jeffery Uline, Renee Walz
year. You can read more about my journey at emilyknudson.theworldrace.org
30 Mikaela Dosch
or if you want to hear even more, I would love to sit down and talk!
31 Eric Bergeson, Barbara Dwyer,
Jocelyn Hegland, Kaydence Hegland
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage PAID
Permit # 353
Bismarck, ND 58503
Charity Lutheran Church
120 Aspen Avenue • Bismarck, ND 58503
Tel: 701-258-1228 Fox: 701-258-4398
Email: [email protected]
www.CharityLutheran.org
Pastor: Scott Bauman
Pastor: Randy Upgren
Lay Pastor: Sam Coleman
Willow Creek’s 2015 Global Leadership Summit ~ Charity is serving again as a partner in bringing a
world-class leadership conference to Bismarck, with the premier host site being New Song Church. No
matter what your organization is, consider the benefits of bringing your whole team to the Summit! Now
is the time to put this on your calendar for August 6-7. Check out the 2015 Summit faculty, and some great
Summit videos at www.willowcreek.com/events/leadership/.