January 2014 - Hutterthal Mennonite Church

MAKING A CONNECTION WITH ONE ANOTHE R
JANUARY 2014
Hutterthal Mennonite Church, Freeman, South Dakota
Straight Up
“Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion
of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine that he drank. Therefore he requested
of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” (Daniel 1: 8,
NKJV)
Daniel was committed to living out his faith. He understood that godliness is a call
to be “in the world and not of the world.” He knew that God is served not only in the temple/
church, but in the marketplace; and, in his decisions and struggles, he was able to display an uncompromising
passion for God. As such, Daniel witnesses to the truth that godly men and women can take their place in society as the “salt and light” of Christ wherever they are planted and whatever circumstances they face. Do our
lives testify to such uncompromising passion?
Godly living requires that, like Daniel, we be committed to serving God not only in the church, but in our
workplaces/schools, among our friends, with our families, and throughout our days. We can’t be timid in regard to our faith. Rather, we must be bold, trusting in God to work powerfully in and through us, granting the
courage to persevere and to witness to the truth even in the midst of trials, steadfast in our testimony to Jesus
Christ, which will require two things: 1) consistency in our Christian walk; and 2) Christ-like character.
Daniel was consistent in his faith. His firmly held beliefs were in line with his daily walk. In fact, so consistent was he that even his staunchest critics took for granted that the will of God would be his first priority,
no matter the cost. We see this plainly in Daniel 6 in which the governors and satraps – men of power and
position – desired to bring a charge against him, but “could find no charge or fault because he was faithful” (Daniel
6: 4, NKJV). Daniel exemplified the call of Colossians 4: 5-6: “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside,
redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you
ought to answer each other” (NKJV). Daniel understood that watered-down, easily compromised convictions
were inconsistent with the life of faith to which he/we are called. To be a person of faith is to be a person of
faith in all times and in all places.
Second, Daniel understood that commitment takes character and character rises above circumstances.
As such, his integrity did not depend on favorable circumstances or the potential for some type of reward. He
was a stranger in a strange land and a slave to a foreign king, but he continued to govern his actions, not by the
standards of the world, but by the truth he knew personally as Jehovah, his God, the One true Lord and Father
of all. Daniel’s way was God’s way, and he was steadfastly committed to it come what may. He did not concern himself with the “easier way,” his own selfish interests, or what may appear to be politically correct. He
concerned himself with what mattered to God and with living for Him in all times and in all places.
Now, as we enter upon a New Year, it is important for us to take the opportunity to consider Daniel’s
commitment to God as well as look critically at our own. It is important that we look honestly at ourselves
and ask: Do we have an uncompromising passion for God? Are we courageously committed to the faith? Do
we exemplify consistency in our Christian walk and Christ-like character? Are we people of conviction? As
we prayerfully take stock of our faith, let us resolve to live lives that are committed to God – lives of faith that
display an uncompromising passion for God in the midst of every single day that we are blessed to receive.
Happy New Year and shalom!
Pastor Todd
Front cover credit: Michelle Hofer
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Mennonite Women,
Thank you for thinking of me. I'm enjoying the nice hand cream and
am thankful for the visit. It feels good to be remembered. I miss you
all! Lorraine Hofer
**************************************************************************
Pastor Todd, Kim, Hannah, Felicity, and Nathanael wish to express their
gratitude for the MANY Christmas blessings extended to them. Your cards
and gifts are not only a blessing, but an encouragement to our entire
family. We are humbled to be able to serve alongside you and call you
our church family. May the peace of Christ fill you to overflowing and
may you abound in the fullness of His joy now and forever!
Communion & Benevolent Fund
On January 5, 2014 (Epiphany Sunday) we will celebrate Communion as a final
response action to our Advent-Epiphany worship series titled “O, the Mystery of God’s
Dwelling.” At Hutterthal Mennonite Church, we recognize that the Lord’s Table is a call
to commune not only with God, but with one another. Thus, we encourage you to consider
your relationship not only to God, but to your neighbors as you prepare to partake of the
bread and the cup: seek to reconcile any brokenness and to allow Christ to heal any
wounds. Further, know that we encourage all who have received Jesus as Savior and Lord
to share in fellowship at this Table.
The Deacons would also like to encourage the members and friends of Hutterthal
to consider providing a monetary gift to the Benevolent Fund on January 5, 2014. This
fund is overseen by the Deacons and is used to assist members and friends of the congregation that are suffering acute financial need. If you or someone you know is suffering with
such a need, please contact one of the Deacons (Monica Clem, Todd Koerner, or Monica
Hofer) as they are anxious to assist those in need.
EPHIPHANY SERVICE
The Freeman Ministerial Association invites you to a Community Epiphany Service on
Sunday, January 5, at 6:30 p.m., at the Missionary Church. Let us join together in celebrating
the coming of Jesus Christ, the light of the world, and what this means for us today.
An offering will be received for the Freeman Ministerial and the Freeman Food Pantry.
All monetary gifts will go to replenish the Ministerial Benevolent Fund. This fund is used
primarily to help travelers / transients, who for a variety of reasons, need assistance to purchase
a warm meal, or a place to stay the night, or to put some gas in the tank. Non-perishable items
such as: canned goods, cereals, and other things such as laundry soaps, bathroom items, etc.,
will go to the Food Pantry at Bethany.
A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow.
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The Pastor’s Bookshelf
The Pastor’s Bookshelf highlights/reviews a book(s)
that Pastor Todd is currently reading or has very recently read. Members and friends of HMC are encouraged to join in reading these books and to enter into
conversation on the themes presented.
My Life with Deth: Discovering Meaning in a Life of Rock & Roll
by David Ellefson with Joel McIver, Copyright 2013, Howard Books (ISBN: 978-1-4516-9988-3)
Not long ago, I wrote a Pastor’s Bookshelf article on Mustaine – the autobiography of Dave Mustaine,
the singer, guitarist, principle songwriter, and co-founder of Megadeth, a thrash metal band that has heavily influenced my walk with Christ. This month, I turned my attention to David Ellefson’s recently released autobiography titled My Life with Deth.
David Ellefson (known as “Junior” to Megadeth fans) is the co-founder and bass player for
Megadeth. Raised on a farm in nearby Jackson, Minnesota, his singular aspiration was to have a career in
music, but, like so many, he nearly forfeited that dream to alcohol and drugs. That part of his story is, perhaps, a bit cliché, but it is the underlying story of faith and hope – a story woven into the fabric of
Megadeth’s music – that spoke to me as first as a teenager and now as a grown man. And, while I knew of
Dave Mustaine’s conversion to Christianity, a theme that colors the album The System Has Failed, I was only
marginally aware of David Ellefson’s journey.
Drifting away from the Lutheran Church in Jackson, Minnesota that he attended until his catechism
at the age of 16, Ellefson found himself in the throes of addiction by his late teens and early twenties, progressing from beer and marijuana to cocaine and heroin rapidly. Having achieved his goal of becoming a
professional musician in what was becoming a seminal band, he was yet losing himself until, having
reached his breaking point, he reached out to the God of his childhood and found the strength in the midst
of his weakness to live another way. Now over 20 years clean and sober, Ellefson has returned to playing
bass in the band he helped found, Megadeth, but even more intriguing, he’s returned to the church and
found there a place of belonging, fellowship, and renewed faith. In fact, between recording and tours, he
is completing a course of study to become a pastor.
Told in simple language, direct and candid, My Life with Deth is a testimony – a record of Ellefson’s journey from addiction to sobriety, from a man lost to a man found. Thus, it is not a book reserved
merely for fans of his music; it is a book for those who find in other’s faith journey’s encouragement and
strength. May you find them both in My Life with Deth. Enjoy!
An excerpt from My Life with Deth:
“I came to believe and then I walked away from my drink and my drugs. I had a week of sobriety,
and then a month, and then a year. Over time I was transformed. We all need to be transformed in order
to defeat our addictions. We learn new disciplines to replace the old ones. It takes work: it’s not enough to
simply sit at home and say, ‘Isn’t this great? I’m saved! I’m good to go.’ No. We need prayer and instruction and fellowship. We need all those things, because they form the process of recovery.
“Are we all addicts? Well, my pastor would argue that we’re all addicts to sin. Each of us has some
form of hang-up in our lives, our cross to bear, if you will. For some it may be greed or lust. For others it’s
work. Others seek to avoid confrontation. You can fill in your own blank. I agree with my pastor on one
level; however, I think that a chemical addiction lies outside that realm, because drugs and alcohol were
never meant to be put into our bodies in the first place. We can clearly do without those things.” (p. 171)
Next Month’s Selection: Brain On Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan, copyright 2012,
Free Press
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Midweek Bible Study: “40 Days of Community”
Please join us beginning January 8, 2014 for our Midweek Bible Study: “40 Days of Community” (see
*Publisher’s Description below). This six week study will include a soup and sandwich fellowship meal (for all ages)
each week followed by a dynamic exploration of “God’s purposes for your life” that focuses on 1 Corinthians 13. The
meal fellowship will begin at 6:30pm followed by small child care, a primary-age children’s ministry, and the adult
Bible study beginning at 7pm. Bible Study guides for adult participants will be available in the church foyer beginning December 29, 2013. (If you plan to attend and have your child or children participate in either the child
care or primary-age children’s ministry, we ask that you sign-up your child or children on the sheet located next to
the Bible study guides.)
*Publisher’s Description: “40 Days of Community” – part of the Living with Purpose small group bible study by Rick
Warren – is a dynamic individual or small group study that will help you learn how to fulfill God's five purposes for
your life. By unpacking the biblical support for each of the five purposes (fellowship, spiritual growth, service, worship, and sharing the good News) you'll learn the ways it applies to you and your circle of influence, and how you
can use this knowledge to benefit God's kingdom. Through it, Warren also explains how God planned for Christians
to fulfill his purposes in community with each other in our church families, small groups, and in the world as a whole.
Why did God plan it this way? Because we're better together! 40 Days of Community will deepen your understanding of how God uses community for your own good and growth, as well as help you cultivate deeper relationships with those around you. Learn to fulfill God's purposes ... discover how we are better together. This set includes
one 40-day devotional, one 40 Days of Community Study Guide, and one DVD, all designed to be used together
Sessions include: 1. We're Compelled to Love God's Family; 2. We're Commissioned to Reach Out Together; 3. We're
Chosen to Fellowship Together; 4. We're Connected to Grow Together; 5. We're Called to Serve Together ; 6. We're
Created to Worship Together.
HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE HMC WEBSITE LATELY?
If not, check it out at http://hmcfreeman.org.
The plan is that you will soon be reading your Connection! and church
bulletin on the website rather than receiving them from the church office.
FINANCE REPORT
The conference took a slight step back in November as income for the
month was at $29,486.74. Expenses came in at $34,061.85. This led to a
monthly deficit of $4,575.11 which does increase our overall fiscal year
deficit to $22,975.42. We appreciate the continued support as we work
towards lowering the overall deficit even more in the coming months. —
Stewardship Task Group
Connection! Editor: Edie Tschetter
Advisory Board: Boni Hofer, chp., Kim Jones and Rebecca Hofer
Proof Reader: Ardella Gross
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MCC Increases Response to Urgent Needs in Philippines
Marla Pierson Lester
AKRON, Pa. — As the devastation from Typhoon Haiyan continues to
unfold in the Philippines, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is
increasing its response to meet crucial needs for people on the eastern
side of Leyte Island and working with partners to assess next steps for
relief and recovery. Dan and Jeanne Jantzi, MCC’s area directors for
southeast Asia based in Thailand, are currently in Cebu City, Philippines, meeting with MCC partners who have returned from affected
areas and helping to shape MCC’s next steps in relief. The Jantzis are
from Lowville, N.Y.
MCC has now committed $200,000 to help meet urgent needs
through partner agency, Church World Service (CWS), including providing emergency food packages and
non-food items to improve sanitation and hygiene for some 3,750 families. This assistance will focus on
Dulag, Tolosa, and Tabontabon municipalities, which are south of the city of Tacloban. In addition to
emergency food packages, MCC support will provide items such as bath soap; detergent; towels; pails for
carrying water and dippers for bucket showers; and malongs, traditional tube skirts that can be used as a
towel, sheet, clothing for men or women or a baby hammock, the Jantzis reported on Monday. Priority
will be given to single-parent or child-headed households and households with pregnant or nursing mothers, children under 2, the elderly and people with disabilities.
“We’ve seen and heard so much about Tacloban in the media. There are many other affected areas
where assistance is not yet being provided,” said Bruce Guenther, MCC’s director of disaster response.
Some 675 people were killed in Dulag and Tolosa, according to data from the Philippines National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Almost all of the homes in Dulag were destroyed, and
power and water had not been restored by Monday. Schools in Tolosa that had been identified as evacuation centers were badly hit by the typhoon. Tabontabon, while slightly farther from the coast, incurred
severe damage as well and, as a small municipality, had attracted little attention from humanitarian organizations. Food is a critical need and important for ensuring peace within the affected communities,
according to the Jantzis.
On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the Jantzis are scheduled to accompany CWS officials to damaged areas in northern Cebu. The Jantzis also will continue meeting with partners in Cebu City, which has become a hub for
typhoon relief, to assess needs and plan next steps for MCC’s response. The Jantzis stress that as partners
work to determine what is being provided through other channels, MCC’s future plans remain fluid and
will be adjusted to meet the greatest needs in areas where MCC is at work.
************************************************************************************
After Josefina O. Macion's house (picture) was destroyed by
Typhoon Haiyan, she and her family received two MCCsupported food packages of 55 pounds of rice, sardines, oil,
sugar, salt and water. The rations relieved their worries about
food while they were sheltered in a school that served as an
evacuation center in the coast al village of San Jose.
To donate to this effort, please go to
donate.mcc.org/project/typhoon-haiyan-response.
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THANKSGIVING DAY SERVICE
Those attending the Thanksgiving Day service were welcomed by muffins and pastries as well
as specialty coffees that had been provided by
the Worship Committee.
The worship service started at 10 am and
included Charlene Friesen at the piano, Patrick
Hofer and Bryn Dubs providing music for
LeRoy & Sarah Hofer, singing together,
children’s time & message by Pastor Todd.
There was also a time for sharing around the
tables which focused on the questions below.
Reflecting Together:
1) What “small gifts” of God’s creativity
and grace can you give thanks for
today?
2) Looking back, are there “scars” for
which you can now rejoice?
3) What are the “true,” “noble,” “just,” “pure,” “lovely,” “good,” “virtuous,” and
“praiseworthy” things that you can meditate on today?
Thank you to everyone for this special time together.
Indeed, we do have much for which to be thankful!
Reading the Bible in an Instagram World is the theme for this year's Anabaptist
Vision and Discipleship Series, Feb. 21 to 23, 2014, on the Hesston College campus in
Hesston, Kan. In today’s social media-saturated world, we hunger for something real, lasting
and relevant. Connecting with the Mennonite Church USA Year of the Bible, this year’s
conference will provide a fresh take on the college’s Biblical Literature curriculum with
presenters Michele Hershberger, Marion Bontrager, Ted Swartz and Jeremy Kempf.
Hesston College began AVDS in 1999 as a way for the college to enrich the life and mission
of the Church through speakers and programs on current topics of vision, faith and discipleship. The annual event attracts individuals - both pastors and lay leaders - from across the
United States.
Look for a registration brochure to arrive in your mail soon, but you don’t have to wait until
then. Program, presenter and registration information can be found at www.hesston.edu/
avds. Excited? Call the Alumni and Church Relations Office at 620-327-8109 or toll free at
866-437-7866 to register.
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8
GLIMPSES OF CHRISTMAS
AT HUTTERTHAL
The annual Christmas program was held on Dec. 8,
7pm and began with singing by the younger children.
The Children’s Sunday School Dept. and Youth
Group then presented “The Little Star: A Christmas
Fantasy”. It was a great story interspersing Christmas
Carols for the congregation to sing. The program
concluded with the audience lighting candles.
Following the program, a time of fellowship took
place around the tables where everyone enjoyed fruit,
peanuts and Christmas goodies. Thank you to
LaVonne Tschetter and her extended family, for
hosting and organizing the food and to Steven and
Angela Hofer for furnishing the decorations.
THANK YOU TO ALL who helped in any way to
this wonderful start of the Christmas season.
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Death by Completion, A guide to Conscious Dying
By Mildred Hofer
by JoEllen Goertz Koerner with Florence Caroline Goertz (Jimmy)
The title of this book makes it sound very deep, and made me feel like- “Do I really want to
read this?” Actually it is full of love and caring. In February of 2012, three of us ladies and
Jimmy Goertz attended a Cortrust movie together, then had lunch at Ann’s Café in Freeman.
I’m so happy we had several good times with her as on August 30 of that year she passed away.
In this book, Jimmy’s daughter JoEllen tells of a life well lived and those last weeks of her
mother’s life.
THE ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING…
...took place on Dec. 2, at 7pm. Colin Hofer presided
over the meeting. Pastor Todd shared devotions along
with the Pastor Report. Other reports were shared and
approved. A special thank you went out to Lyndon
Hofer who has served as Church Bd. Secretary for 6
years and to Brigitta Hofer who has served as Deacon
for 6 years. Christmas goodies were served at break
time and enjoyed by all. Following the meeting,
Mennonite Men met to reorganize for the following year.
OAKVIEW TERRACE WORSHIP SERVICE
Hutterthal was responsible for the worship service at Oakview
Terrace on Dec. 8 at 2:30 pm. For this service, Marj Hofer and
Lavonne Tschetter sang 2 songs accompanied by Elvera
Deckert who also played 2 congregational songs for the group.
Pastor Todd brought the message and, for closing, the
congregation sang Silent Night in English and in German.
The new year lies before you
Like a spotless track of snow,
Be careful how you treat it
By Phyllis Hofer
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For every mark will show.
COOKIE WALK
Another successful Cookie Walk took place on Dec.
13 at the Sr. Citizen Center. Barbie Hofer said it
well, “it just couldn’t have gone any better”. The
Cookie Walk brought in about $1,400 and together
with the MW Dec. project, as of Dec. 22, $1576.05
has been raised for the Byron Thomas family.
Anxious for the selling to begin
Cashiers Lyndon & Barbie
Hofer, Paul Hofer & Boni Hofer
THANK YOU, EVERYONE, FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
CHURCH CANCELLATION NOTIFICATION POLICY
In the event that church services need to be canceled due to the weather, you can find the
cancelation on KELO Land TV channel 11, scrolled across the bottom of the TV, and
KELO Land will also list it on their web site on the close line. The cancellation announcements will
also be heard on WNAX and KNWC radio stations. We will also alert you by email. If you do not
have email, it would be good to develop a “buddy system” with someone who does.
11
K
I
D
S
C
O
R
N
E
R
By
Phyllis
Hofer
12
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
1)
Beth Wilson
1)
Ardella Gross
1)
Tristan Kellar
4)
Melvin Glanzer
4)
Levi Sandal
5)
Brandon Waltner
6)
Raymond Hofer
7)
Amy Hofer Vetch
8)
Egan Mettler
12)
Joline Thomas
13)
16)
18)
19)
21)
22)
23)
27)
Ruth Pollman
Bruce Hofer
Randy Glanzer
Pam Tieszen
William Stahl
Melvin Hofer
Les Rensink
Phil Thomas
JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES
8)
Gary & Jennifer Tschetter
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL & VBS OFFERING
Winter Quarter:
Freeman Food Pantry
MENNONITE WOMEN
November Project:
December Project:
January Project:
$290 - dues for Central Plains Mennonite Women
$1576.05 Byron Thomas family as of Dec. 22
(includes Cookie Walk)
Blankets, Sheets or Towels
The comforters and blankets are sent to hospitals, refugee camps and orphanages in
Afghanistan, Bosnia, Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Haiti, Iran and North Korea.
New flat twin sheets are needed for hospitals, schools and orphanages.
Towels of good quality (medium weight; any color but white; bath or hand towels). Bosnia,
Haiti, Palestine and Ukraine have received towels from MCC.
NOTE: Fingertip towels and wash clothes are not needed.
December 1
December 8
December 15
December 22
Attendance
Offerings
136
115
94
96
$2,516.68
$1,880.56
$2,116.00
$3,957.00
Stay in Touch through Social Media
HMC Links
Website - http://hmcfreeman.org
“Like” Us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/hutterthalmennonitechurch
Pastoral Links
Facebook – www.facebook.com/MennPastor
Twitter – @MennPastor
Blog – mennpastor.blogspot.com
.13
Attending the wedding of
Elizabeth Wittenberg,
daughter of Charles and
Karen, to Alex Gonzalez in
Shafter CA on Dec 14 were
By Twyla Hofer Mildred Hofer (Elizabeth's
grandmother), Steve and
Charlene Friesen, Dave and Sam Friesen,
Natalie Friesen and the Doug and Rebekah
McCune family. Peyton and Sam were
Elizabeth's flower girl and ring bearer. Also
attending from a distance were John, Sue and
Kelsey Hofer from OH. The families
celebrated Christmas while together, stayed
to hear the Shafter MB Church Choir's
Christmas concert and spent some time at the
coast.
On Sun., Dec. 8 at 4pm, the Freeman Area
Children’s Choir presented their Christmas
concert at the North Church. Madeline
Hofer is a singer with this auditioned choir.
Sheila Epp is the director, taking over after
Mavis Ortman, founder and director, retired
after 20 years.
Becky McCune shared that her Grandmother Mildred Hofer has been diagnosed
with endometrium cancer. A course of
treatment will be pursued following results of
tests.
Martha Tschetter, age 93, passed away on
Dec. 17 at Oakview Terrace where she was a
resident. She was mother to Loren, Larry
and Ron, a teacher for over 36 years and
tireless in making over 4,000 comforters for
relief.
From Marie Kleinsasser: Greetings to
those at Hutterthal who remember me! I
have rich memories of those years I spent
there!
Signing the Guestbook:
Dec. 1: Delmore & Mary Jones, Greenfield,
IN
Dec. 22: Brian & Maria Paff, Chicago, IL
(Continued from Getting to Know You on page 15)
DAVE & BRANDY FRIESEN
Occupation: Dave farms and Brandy works at McKennan Hospital as a pharmacy analyst.
Family ties: Dave is son of Steve and Charlene. Dave and Brandy's children include: Tristan,
Samuel, and Noelle.
Hobbies/special interests: Golf, music, travel in our limited spare time.
Hutterthal: We like that Hutterthal is a close-knit church family
(Calendar continued from page 16)
January 29:
6:30pm Soup Fellowship
7:00pm Child Care/Primary Age Children’s Ministry
7:00pm “40 Days of Community” Midweek Bible Study
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JOHN & MONICA CLEM
Occupation: John is a Planner with Planning & Development Dist. III in Yankton, SD. Monica
is Office Manager for Central Plains Mennonite Conference.
Family ties: John is one of 5 siblings. His dad lives in Vermillion. Monica is the daughter of
Vernon P. & Twyla Hofer, sister to Colin (& Michelle) Hofer and Ross Hofer and is mother to
Kate, Richard & Sara Friesen
Hobbies: John is an avid birder and football fan. Monica enjoys scrapbooking and is a quilter
"wanna be". We enjoy traveling and dining out together! :)
Hutterthal: We like the "family" feel of Hutterthal. People are friendly and take a genuine interest in us and our family. The teaching here is sound and Bible-based. Everyone is encouraged to share their gifts with the congregation.
AMOS & TINA DECKER
Occupation:. Amos: I am a truck driver. Tina: Before moving to Freeman I worked at Pizza
King in Indiana. I also worked at the Freeman Café till they closed. Now I am a stay at home
mother.
Family ties: Amos: I have 3 step daughters and 1 daughter. Tina: I have 4 daughters: Sasha 8,
Tiffany 23, Stephanie 24 and Ashley 25 and 1 grandson and 1 granddaughter.
Hobbies: Amos: watching Baseball, special interest is hanging out with my family. Tina:
taking pictures and special things are spending time with my family.
Hutterthal: Amos: Friendly people, smiling faces always there when needed. Tina: Hutterthal
is a wonderful church, I always feel welcome , a lot of wonderful people smiling faces and
warm hearts.
ADELINE FRIESEN
Occupation: Business/economics degree from Bethel College. I taught typing, shorthand and
bookkeeping for two years at Lamberton MN and at Freeman Academy l948-49 . I had already
started dating my husband before I came to Freeman and so I just taught here for one year. My
husband and I farmed 2 1/2 miles southwest of Mt. Lake.
Family ties: 2 daughters: Marj Hofer of Hutterthal, Carolyn Waltner, Freeman and son Jerald,
Mt. Lake, MN.
Hobbies: I have enjoyed doing genealogy and have put out books for all the different branches
of our family. I was organist for many years in my church. I also enjoy sewing and have made
a lot of quilts for the family and also for the MCC sales and relief quilts. I sewed all the dresses
for the girls when they were growing up and also made their wedding dresses.
Hutterthal: I feel right at home at Hutterthal and the people are so friendly. It reminds me of
my church where I grew up as a child. I like the involvement of congregational members for the
services and I appreciate Pastor Todd.
(continued on page 14)
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JANUARY 2014
January 1:
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
January 2:
10:00am Freeman Ministerial (Missionary Church)
January 4:
9:00am Epiphany Retreat
January 5:
EPIPHANY SUNDAY
9:45am Worship with Communion
11:10am Sunday School
6:30pm Community Worship Service celebrating Epiphany (Missionary Church)
January 6:
12:00pm Freeman Network for Justice and Peace (Freeman Public Library)
January 7:
7:00pm Deacons Meeting (Clem Residence)
January 8:
6:30pm Soup Fellowship
7:00pm Child Care/Primary Age Children’s Ministry
7:00pm “40 Days of Community” Midweek Bible Study
January 12:
9:00am Gathering 58: 6
9:45am Worship
11:10am Sunday School
January 13:
7:00pm Prayer Shawl
January 13-14:
Central Plains Annual Meeting Task Group Meeting (Mt. Pleasant, IA)
January 15:
6:30pm Soup Fellowship
7:00pm Child Care/Primary Age Children’s Ministry
7:00pm “40 Days of Community” Midweek Bible Study
January 16:
7:00pm Church Board
January 19:
9:45am Worship
11:10am Sunday School
2:30pm Worship @ Diamond Care Center (Bridgewater)
January 20:
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
January 22:
12:00pm Connection! Deadline (send info to Edie - [email protected])
6:30pm Soup Fellowship
7:00pm Child Care/Primary Age Children’s Ministry
7:00pm “40 Days of Community” Midweek Bible Study
7:00pm Youth Bible Study
January 26:
9:45am Worship
11:10am Sunday School
TBD, Youth Bowling
January 28:
9:15am Pastor-Peer (Mercy Church, Sioux Falls)
6:30pm Worship Committee
7:30 pm Mission & Outreach Committee
(continued on page 14)
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by Pastor Todd