September First Word - First Lutheran Church
Transcription
September First Word - First Lutheran Church
’ ........................... 2 ....... 4 C . ...... 6 S e p t e m b e r | 2 0 1 5 Fall Worship Schedule begins September 2nd See pg. 3 word WHERE GOD’S WORD IS SPOKEN AND GOD’S GIFTS ARE GIVEN TO ALL. It is that me of year again. Fall is one of the most important mes to invite friends, relaves and new acquaintances to join you at church. Why, you may ask? In our culture, fall is the me to get back into the roune that we will maintain unl next spring. The chaos of summer is coming to an end, school is beginning and we look forward to se6ling into a rhythm. Some people consider the beginning of a new year as the perfect me to start something new, to make a New Year’s Resoluon. Unfortunately, many of these New Year Resoluons end soon a<er they begin. For us who live up North, the dead of winter is no me to start something new. It is a me to survive as we endure another winter, waing for signs of spring. Fall is actually a be6er me to start something new, because we are se=ng a pa6ern that will carry us through the winter into the spring. WHY NOT MAKE WEEKLY WORSHIP A PATTERN FOR THE NEW YEAR! Even be6er, WHY NOT INVITE A FRIEND TO MAKE WEEKLY WORSHIP THE PATTERN THAT BOTH CAN DO TOGETHER! There is no be6er me than now, to pick up a new habit. God’ Blessings, Pastor Corey Rally Day is a Day for All! Get ready for Rally Days 2015 It is going to be a fun day where we can discover all the different ministries, which we do together! Discover the opportunies, find a calling, join others in serving the Lord. Rally Day will be Wednesday, September 16 from 5-6 p.m., and Sunday, September 20 from 9:40-10:35 a.m.. Sunday and Wednesday School Registraon will be available. The Library at First Lutheran is undergoing transformaon and will be hosng an open house on Rally Days. As an incenve to join the fesvies you will be able to register for one of three Lutheran Study Bibles that will be given away. Come and join the excitement! 1 FIRST WORD September President’s Report Yes... The weather and leaves are starng to change, the kids are ge=ng ready to go back to school or have already started school and "Rally Day(s)" is just around the corner. What an excing me to see everyone again and begin the fall with new ideas and energy. This year Rally Day will be Wednesday, September 16th, and Sunday, September 20th. It will be a great me to invite friends and family to join us and see what wonderful acvies and opportunies are available at FLC. Each team (board) will have a table set up with informaon and will be available to answer any quesons. Also the council will have a table set up and will be handing out prizes to whoever can answer one of the quesons we will have at the table. (eg. How many mes does the bell ring before church?) Hope to see you there! What a perfect me to re-center and re-commit as God's people in worship and service for our Lord. God Bless, Beth DeKrey, Congregaonal President Treasurer’s Report Special Gi s to First Lutheran is the tle of a new special gi< designaon pamphlet now available at the church office. The purpose of the brochure is “to provide assistance to individuals who make a contribuon to First Lutheran Church as a memorial to a family member or friend, or as a gi< to enhance the work of First Lutheran Church as a part of God’s family.” The pamphlet provides church members with informaon about memorial gi<s, special gi<s, the endowment fund, and estate/ legacy gi<s. Memorial gi<s may come at the me of a funeral either sent to the church or given to the family. Special gi<s may be given in honor of a loved one, a special occasion or a gi< of stewardship to help others. The Estate/Legacy gi<s are contribuons from members who have selected First Lutheran Church as a beneficiary to their estate including property, stock, insurance policies or a monetary gi<. The Endowment Fund exists to enhance the mission, outreach and ministry of the congregaon. Currently, the endowment fund is at $62,176 and the Finance Team and the Council are looking at opons to increase the return on the fund and a strategy to grow the Endowment Fund to $100,000. Once the goal is achieved only the interest earnings will be used to support the mission of the church. The handout provides a list of the church ministries, special projects, and general operaons to help individuals and families choose a designaon for their gi<. Stop by the office to pick up your copy of FLC Stewardship Report as of August 25, 2015 Special Gi s to First Lutheran to learn more about the gi< General Fund opons available. YTD Receipts YTD Expenditures YTD TOTAL Blessings to you in Christ, Lisa Bruns, Treasurer 2 FIRST WORD $369,012.20 $371,783.04 - $2,770.84 September Invitation to Joy We are busy planning our 2nd Evangelism Training event this fall. Get it on your calendars. This year our topic is on Hospitality and we are so excited about our presenters. Pastor Laura Natwick, Assistant to the Bishop in our Northwest Minnesota Synod will be speaking to us on “How to Keep People From Coming to Your Church”. Rev. Natwick is going to use a li6le humor to teach us what not to do and share with us some great opportunies for us to be warm and inving congregaons. Then in the a<ernoon, we will hear from Rev. Deb Stehlin, Director for Evangelical and Mission for the Minneapolis Area Synod. Pr. Stehlin will help us with some ideas on how to bring our hospitality to our neighbors. Date: Saturday, October 17, 2015 Time: 8:30am – 3:00pm Where: First Lutheran Church, Bemidji, MN Cost: $10 We invite all of you to this event so that we connue to learn how to be be6er neighbors and warm hosts to our visitors. More informaon to come later. Linda Eickman, Coordinator Invitaon to Joy Fall Worship Schedule starts Sept. 2 Sunday and Wednesday School Sunday 8:30 a.m. Tradional Worship 10:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship Wednesday 5:00 p.m. Wed. Supper 6:00 p.m. Contemporary Worship Sunday 9:40-10:35 a.m. Wednesday 6:45-7:45 p.m. First Lutheran Church Laby inth will be open for walking and prayer on Thursday, September 10th (om 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and Friday, September 11th (om Noon – 2:00 p.m. A host will be on site, the candles will be lit, and some gentle backg ound music will be playing. Come as you are, and enjoy the peace of a quiet, holy space, a holy encounter. The Jour2ey Prayer “God, bless the pathway on which I go. God, bless the ear6h that is beneath my sole; Bless, O God, and give to me Thy love...” “A Conversation about the Laby inth” If you are curious about the Laby inth, don’t really understand this resource, or would simply like to know a liAle bit more, you are invited to come to an infor=al conversation led by Jan Moen on Thursday, September 10th at 4:30 p.m. in the Amber Room (downstairs classroom). ((om the Car=ina Gadelica, quoted in Laby inth, Landscape of the Soul by Di Williams). 3 FIRST WORD September Council Connection The Church Council met on Tuesday, August 11, 2015, and following are highlights from that meeting: • The treasurer’s report shows us with a negative balance of $27,796.45 which does not include our benevolences. We have an outstanding Line of Credit at the bank. • Pastor Linnea attended a CEU conference in Chicago on ‘Habits of Healthy Congregations’. • The Properties Team has been asked by the City to add our address to the sign out front; • • • We have streamlined our special gift funds to coincide with the working teams as well as created a Special Gifts brochure to help families and friends making donations; The Northwest Synod is asking churches to provide a list of members able to be mission interpreters (tell how God’s work is being done here). This will help congregations identify with the synod in their role. Rally Days will be on 9/16/15 (Wednesday) and 9/20/15 (Sunday). More exciting stuff coming out soon. Caregiver Support Groups - sponsored by Northwoods Caregivers Do you provide care for an elderly or disabled person? It is difficult to care for ourselves while caring for a loved one. Would you like to connect with others in similar situaons? Please join us in one of these Caregiver Support Groups! Bemidji A<ernoon group: 1st Thursday from 2-3:30 p.m. in the large conference room at the Prime West Building (3124 Hannah Ave.). Evening Group: 3rd Wednesday from 5-6:30 p.m. in the conference room at Lueken’s South (509 Washington Ave. S.). Bagley 2nd Tuesday from 5-6:30 p.m. in the library at Faith Lutheran Church (32 Bagley Ave. NW). New Exhibit Around First Lutheran Artists from Studio 10 will be exhibiting works in the Fellowship Hall beginning September 13 Food Shelf Fundraiser Library News Renowned Watercolorist Jane Freeman’s Paintings/Prints The Library Commi6ee is working on updang the shelves and card catalog. If you have borrowed books from the library, please return them soon so we can log them back in and connue to update our catalog. On sale at greatly reduced prices— One time only opportunity! We have developed a survey which you may have already completed. We hope your responses will help us serve your library needs. We are pu=ng together a format for acceptance and recognion of print and non -print materials donated to the library. Forms will be available soon. Watch the Sunday bullens for updates. If you haven’t taken our survey, there are some available on the table outside the office. Join us for treats and a tour during the Library Open House on Rally Days, September 16th & 20th. Thursday, September 10, 2015 3:00-7:00 P.M. At First Lutheran Church Thank you! The Library Commi6ee 4 FIRST WORD Net proceeds from this event to go the Bemidji Community Food Shelf September FLC Youth & Families VBS: Learning through serving! Members of all ages gave of their 7me to grow their faith and the faith of the youth here at FLC. THANK YOU! Leader Orienta7on We will be sharing a meal and preparing for the new year! We can’t wait to have everyone together! SEPTEMBER 15th 6:00PM Rise up! We are excited for an opportunity to share with you! We will post pictures, memories and share stories through out the church during the months of September and October. We were blessed and can’t wait to share why! Welcome back! Rise Up! Proclaim COMMUNITY! We welcome everyone back with a great Rally day celebraon! —Rally Wednesday September 16th 5:00pm— —Rally Sunday September 20th 9:40am— FUN, giveaways, informaon, registraon and a 20 minute parent session to a6end for all parcipang families with games for the youth. Don’t forget we have: Meals at 5PM Worship at 6PM Music for all ages Educaon for all ages Youth groups SO MUCH MORE Our youth are planning a great event to connect FLC with our community outside the church walls. We will have a SpagheE Feed September 20th from 12-2. The youth are using the lessons they learned in Detroit to be the church! Join us for SpagheE!! Confirma7on orienta7on SAVE THE DATE September 23rd 6:45 Confirmaon is a great me of learning and growth in your faith formaon. We want you to feel prepared and excited about this me! Director of Youth and Family Ministries: Caroline Larson, clarson@flcbemidji.org or (218) 444-5302 5 FIRST WORD September Christian Education Rally days are coming up! We will be collecng monetary donaons this month for Opera7on Christmas Child to help cover the $7 per box shipping charge. Please drop your donaon off in the office or the offering plate clearly marked. Thank You!! Get ready & registered for Sunday school and Wednesday evening acvies. Rally days will be held on Wed. Sept. 16th from 5:00-6:00 p.m. upstairs in the mul-purpose room and Sun. Sept. 20th from 9:40-10:35 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. There will be a session to a6end for all parents of parcipang students. Please join us for one of these mes! Look for more informaon next month. VBS 2015 was a fun me!! Thank you to all that parcipated, volunteered your me & talents, and donated money for supplies. Everyone’s efforts were greatly appreciated! Thanks for making it a success!! V B s 6 FIRST WORD September 7 FIRST WORD September Tue 15 10:30a Pastor's Text Study 11:30a HS Lunches 5p Sleeping Mat Creation 6p Teacher/Leader Orientation 22 10a LSS Meeting 10:30a Pastor's Text Study 11:30a HS Lunches 5:30p Team Meetings 29 10:30a Pastor's Text Study 11:30a HS Lunches 13 14 8:30a Traditional 2p FLC Book Worship Club 10:45a Contemporary Worship 20 21 8:30a Trad Worship 4p FIRST WORD 9:40a Library Open DEADLINE House 9:40a Rally Day 10:45a Contemporary Worship 12p Spaghetti Feed 27 28 8:30a Traditional Worship 9:40a Christian Ed 9:40 Adult Ed 10:45a Contemporary Worship 1 10:30a Pastor's Text Study 1p T'ai Chi 5p Sleeping Mat Creation 8 10:30a Pastor's Text Study 1p T'ai Chi 1:30p Circle Bible Study Leaders 6p Council Mon 6 7 Labor Day 8:30a Traditional Office Closed Worship 10:45a Contemporary Worship Sun 16 Circles meet in homes 10a Men's Meeting 1:30p BeFrienders 5p Rally Day 5:5p Wednesday Supper 5:30p Mindfulness Meditation 6p Wednesday Worship 6:30p Library Open House 6:45p Family Session 23 8:30a Quilters 10a Men's Meeting 1p LSS Meeting 4:30p Wed Night Activities 5p Wednesday Supper 5:30p Mindfulness Meditation 6p Wednesday Worship 6:45p Confirmation Orientation 30 8:30a Quilters 10a Men's Meeting 4:30p Wed Night Activities 5p Wednesday Supper 5:30p Mindfulness Meditation 6p Wednesday Worship 9 8:30a Quilters 9:30a Regional Directors meeting LSS 10a Men's Meeting 5:5p Wednesday Supper 5:30p Mindfulness Meditation 6p Wednesday Worship 2 10a Men's Meeting 5p Wednesday Supper 5:30p Mindfulness Meditation 6p Wednesday Worship ~ September 2015 ~ Wed Thu Fri 4 8:30a LSS Monthly Meeting 18 3p Wedding Rehearsal Sat 19 4p Hamilton/Giauque Wedding 12 5 *Wednesday Acvies All start Sept. 23rd except Adult Choir 4:30 Junior Choir 5:00 First Chimers 5:00 Dinner 6:00 Ring Praise 6:00 Contemporary Worship 6:45 Choir Starts Sept. 16th 6:45 Wed. School 6:45 Confirmaon 7:45 FYSH 7:45 FLYS 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 24 25 26 10a Staff Meeting 5:30p FLC 12:15p FLCW Singers Musicians Gathering 1:30p Tamarack Worship 2:30p BirchHaven Worship 3:30p Northview Manor Worship 17 10a Staff Meeting 10 11 10a Staff Meeting 12p Open Labyrinth 12p Food Shelf Art Fund- 1p Exhibit Set Up raiser 4:30p Labyrinth Guild 5:30p Open Labyrinth 3 10a Staff Meeting Have you read… Mary’s relatives and friends are skeptical, but supportive about this task. When she tells her our Library; you will find it on the shelf in section 17. daughters – in – law and friends that every stitch 17 Will be the sticker on the spine of the book. must be sewn with a prayer of thanks they really Bu-Da wonder what they have gotten into. Mary, an elderly grandmother, becomes Will the quilt be completed? convinced there is one more task that she must Who will do the work? complete. There is one more very special quilt to be Will the prayers be said while the work goes on? made. One of her sons is concerned that this task will be too much for Mary. Read this lovely, little book and learn more about Mary, her family and her friends. I’m sure you “The woman can barely read a big-letter remember someone like Mary, or perhaps you see a Bible, she gotta have the television almost bit of yourself in this book. or perhaps you see a bit in her lap to see it. Fingers all bent over, of yourself in Mary. It doesn’t take long to read this shoot, I wonder how she’ll even be able to little book. You may decide to read it again, I did! The Quilt by T. Davis Bunn. This book is available in pick up a needle. And she thinks she’s gonna sew herself another quilt.” Page 28 Karen Peterson Angel Food Dessert 1 angel food cake 1 pint whipping cream 1/2 cup sugar 8 Tablespoons lemon juice 1 can Borden Sweetened Condensed Milk Whip cream; add sugar, sweetened milk, and lemon juice. Bu6er a 9 X 13” pan. Tear angel food cake into 1” pieces. Layer cake and cream mixture. Cover and freeze. To serve: Take out of freezer a short me before serving. Serve with fruit of choice, (raspberries, blueberries or strawberries). Delicious! Merrily Burmeister Events in the Community Sept. 2, 7-9 PM – Quilt in a Day Trunk Show with Patricia Knoechel, Bethel Lutheran, $5 Sept. 3, 4:30-6:30 PM—BSU Community Appreciation Day, Campus Lakeside Lawn, Free Sept. 3-5, 7:30 PM—Greg Gasman returns with “A Flower for Death in the Wild, Wild West” Sept. 4-6—Paul Bunyan Training UKC Dog Show, Belt. County Fairgrounds, Free events Sept. 4-6—Labor Day Contest Pow Wow, Veterans Memorial Grounds, Cass Lake Sept. 5-7—The 48th Annual Vandersluis Memorial Golf Tournament, Bemidji Town & Country Club Sept. 5, 9:00 AM—Jackpine Classic 5K, 10K, 25K Sept. 6, 8-10 AM—Annual All Camp Pancake Breakfast, Lake Bemidji State Park Historic Dining Hall ($5 adults & $3 kids 7-12) Sept. 8—First Day of School Sept. 12, 8 AM—Run/Walk/Skate for Suicide Prevention, Sanford Center Sept. 12. 11 AM—3 PM—Worldwide Day of Play, City Park, $5 (or $3 if you bring your bike or skateboard) Sept. 13 11 AM-2 PM-Roast Beef Dinner at St. John’s Catholic Church, Nebish. $10 Adults, $5 ages 6-12 Sept. 15-17—North Country Arts & Crafts Workshop, Concordia Lang. Spanish Village, pre-registration Sept. 16, 11 AM—1 PM—United Way Chili Cook-Off at Sanford Center, $6 advanced sale/$8 at door Sept. 16, 6:45-7:45 PM— First Lutheran Church Rally Day for Wednesday classes Sept. 18-19, 9 AM—North Star Expo (MN Timber Producers Assoc.) at Sanford Center, Free admission Sept. 19-20—Buena Vista Fall Festival, $6 (13 & over), $3 (5-12), Under 5 is Free Sept. 20, 9:40— 10:30 AM—First Lutheran Church Rally Day for Sunday classes Sept. 26-27—Paul Bunyan Stampede at Bemidji Speedway (alternate rain date is Oct. 3 & 4) Sept. 28-Oct. 3—BSU Homecoming 8 FIRST WORD September Hurricane Katrina and Grace Lutheran - 10 years later First Lutheran helped out Grace Lutheran Church in New Orleans and they remember us. The wonderful le6er we received from them is on the bullen board in the gathering area. Grace Lutheran contained 8 feet of standing water, the enre ground floor was destroyed when the flood wall of a canal less than 1 mile from the church gave away. Even with insurance they were sll le< a million dollars short of what was needed. Needed items and gi<s of money poured in, as the water had. The million dollar debt was erased and First Lutheran’s gi< helped erase that debt. Grace Lutheran was so blessed by all that was done for them that they challenged themselves to establish a fund from which they could help other congregaons experiencing great hardship. They have helped many people and congregaons in many places, even cross cultural communies such as a burned-out mosque in Houston. On August 30th, Grace Lutheran will mark the 10th anniversary of Katrina with a Commemorave Service. “We will be praising God for all the blessings sent our way from every direcon by legions of angels who brought God’s love and support to us. Your congregaon is a bonna fide member of that legion and we bless you and love you for it.” We are being asked to celebrate with Grace Lutheran on August 30th. Please li< them up in prayers of thanksgiving for all God’s many blessings. They will be li<ing us up “...in thanksgiving on that day for without your love and generosity we might not exist today.” Quotes are from the le6er of John Lewis, Council President—Grace Lutheran Church The enre le*er is posted in the Gathering Area Remember: name First Lutheran Church, Bemidji, as your home congregation if you land in the hospital… Your pastors can then locate you and stop in for a visit! Spaghetti Feed BeFriender Ministry Our First Lutheran BeFriender Ministers are guided by four Foundation Principles when they visit people and extend a caring presence and listening ear: 1) God is present 2) Caring, not curing 3) Nonjudgmental presence 4) Active Listening Our faithful BeFrienders are extending the spiritual care of our congregation through this ministry. They are available to meet with people in the hospital, at a Care Facility or Residence or in your own home or another mutual meeting place. They offer a caring presence in the midst of life’s transitions, unexpected challenges, times of grief or uncertainty. If you, or someone you love, could benefit from a BeFriender, please contact Pastor Linnea through the church office. BeFrienders honor confidentiality. 9 FIRST WORD RISE UP Together Our young people that attended the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit are asking you to join them as they Build Bridges to our community expanding on what they learned in Detroit. They. will serve a Community Spaghetti Feed Sunday, September 20th, from 12-2 (following the 2nd service) in the Fellowship Hall. We invite you, our First Lutheran Family and our Bemidji Community to join us for this meal. September NEWS from the Preschool Greengs from the preschool corner! We have had a busy and sensaonal summer full of parks, nature hikes, playing, and a parade. With fall right around the corner, we are gearing up for a brand new school year that is quickly approaching on the 8th of September. We are very close to a full roster and couldn’t be more excited about the adventure that awaits us. We have lots planned and are always grateful for any extra hands that want to come and volunteer!! Preschool Teacher Needed FLC Preschool is looking for an addional teacher. This posion requires some training. Please call Emily (444-5303 or 209-6977) to get more informaon! Thank you! FLC Preschool Advisory Commi6ee Food Shelf Update It has been great to have had an AmeriCorp team working at the Food Shelf and our garden the last few months! If you have produce leKover from your garden, please bring it by the Food Shelf. We are always happy to receive produce and other items. We need workers for the second Wed. of each month. You can choose either morning or a<ernoon hours. The workers help the customers shop, weigh the carts of food, check them out and help bag. Thank you for all you do to support and help the Food Shelf. AIen7on kids Are you between the ages of seven and 8th grade. Do you like music? Then we have a spot for you in the First Chimers! You don't need any experience at all. Come try it out Wednesday, September 23rd, at 5 PM in the Sanctuary. Now, for the adults or anyone going into high school and beyond. You have seen us play during service, and I bet you wanted to know how we play bells. You don't need experience either! Come try out Ring Praise at 6 PM on Wednesday, September 23rd, in the Sanctuary. Both groups will meet (most) Wednesdays up to the new year. Music is for EVERYONE! “Drive-In” Worship Thank you to all who sponsored, set up and helped with our summer “Drive-In” worship services. We would not be able to connue this ministry without you. What a great summer! 10 FIRST WORD September We have opportunies for you to sign up. Please sign up today! Ushers Greeter Reader Ushers Greeter Reader 8:30 Traditional Worship September 6 September 13 Mark & Linda LaFond Reid, Apolline & Barb Benson Yvonne Splady, Vickie Gutknecht -----------Kathy Faver -----------September 20 ----------Yvonne Splady ------------ September 27 ---------------------------------- At the time of printing no one had signed up to assist with the 10:45 service. Please sign up to user, greet or read in the Gathering Area. Thank you! Adult Educa7on Opportunity Surprised By Hope – What does Holy Scripture actually say about life a<er death? Come and be a part of this six week study. The study runs Sundays, Sept. 27-Nov. 1 during the educaon hour (9:40-10:35 a.m.). Class will be in the “Amber Room” downstairs and will be facilitated by Pastor Phil Olson. First Lutheran Church Women’s Fall Gathering More T’ai Chi “There’s Music in the Air!” Thursday, Oct. 1st 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Sarah will share memories of Notre Dame and our Preschool children will sing. T’ai Chi classes at First Lutheran will be held in October on Tuesdays from 1-2 pm in the Fellowship Room. We will connue praccing the Internaonal 10 forms and Seated taiji qigong and start Standing taiji qigong and the Internaonal 24 forms (an intermediate set), depending on group interest. (The current round of classes will end the 2nd Tuesday in September.) Chuck and Danielle Stone Plan to Attend! See You Soon! 11 FIRST WORD September First Word 900 Bemidji Avenue North Bemidji, MN 56601 a monthly publication Live Radio Broadcast 8:30 Sunday mornings on 92.1 FM, Fusion Channel 1064 in audio format only. Festival of Tables Phone: 218-444-5302 Fax: 218-444-5306 [email protected] We’re on the Web! www.flcbemidji.org PBTV channel 964 and PBTV th 14 t s u Aug Fun! Fun! Fun! WOW! Great Silent Auction! Dessert recipe page 8 This is just a sampling of the wonderful, gorgeous, beautiful, smart, cute (and all those other marvelous words) tables this year! d - ation o o t F nvers a e G r a t Co Gre FLC Book Club The Book Club will be meeng in September to discuss “Go Set a Watchman” by Harper Lee. You probably remember Harper Lee as the author of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” “Go Set a Watchman” became available July 14, although it was wri6en in the mid-1950’s. Many of the same characters from “To Kill a Mockingbird” are in this book, but 20 years later…. Scout returns home to visit her father, A=cus, and encounters issues involving society in a small town in Alabama in the mid-‘50’s America. We hope you will find this book a good summer read, and join us for an interesng discussion on Monday, September 14, 2:00 p.m., in the Amber Room here at First Lutheran. 12 FIRST WORD September