The Concordian

The Concordian
A Newsletter of Concordia Lutheran Church - ELCA • Superior, WI
Vol. 62, No. 11 • November, 2014
“Called to Nurture and Live our Faith, Encourage our Service, and
Actively Share the Gospel”
Civil Rights and Religious Rites
The Supreme Court recently decided to let stand the lower court ruling that bans on
homosexual marriages are illegal. On the day of that decision I was interviewed by Fox 21 for a
church perspective on the decision. I tried to explain that in the ELCA, it is congregations that are
allowed to offer marriages for same sex couples. I also tried to explain that while ELCA pastors are
registered by the states to perform marriages, their officiating status is governed by their call to a
congregation. ELCA pastors are not freelance officials of weddings.
I believe the Supreme Court’s decision to allow same sex marriage is wise. It is in society’s
interest to promote stable family life regardless of gender preference of couples and to afford civil
rights equally to all people. In the United States the decision to allow same sex unions is now left to
the individual states.
At the same time I believe religious bodies should continue to be able to define what
constitutes marriage for their denomination through their religious rites. In the ELCA that definition is
left up to individual congregations.
It has been tradition among God’s people that marriage is between a man and a woman. But
if we were to follow in the tradition of Abraham (the first person called by God), we would experience
family structure built around a man having two wives and two concubines. Tradition is challenged in
every generation.
I hope that ELCA congregations as well as God’s
people of other religious bodies prayerfully consider what is
right and just for our time. When we determine what is right
we will be able to minister the proper rite.
Ever in God’s grace,
Pastor Greg
PARISH NURSING NOTES...
I have had some absolutely glorious drives into town this fall! The colors
are stunning – especially in the morning when the sun shines on them at a slant,
and the sky is hazy blue behind them. The dark green of the pines seems to
accent the reds, yellows and golds of the leaves, and they seem to be lit from
within. And every time I see their beauty, my eyes water a little, and I say a little
prayer thanking God for making such a beautiful world for us to live in. Then the
hymn, “How Great Thou Art” starts going through my mind, and I end up
humming it the rest of the way into town. I even told Pastor Greg that I think we
ought to sing that hymn every Sunday during the fall. Of course the glistening
snow after a new snowfall is beautiful to look at as well (though not as much fun
to drive through or shovel), and the fresh new buds and emerging leaves in the
spring. God has created beauty to be thankful for every season of the year! And so many other things as
well! And as we head into November, the month of Thanksgiving, what a good time to think of developing an
“Attitude of Gratitude.”
One of the things for which I am grateful is the wonderful way in which I was created. My body allows
me to do most anything I choose – at least to a certain extent.! I can walk, sit, bend, stretch, twist and turn,
dance, lift and move things, think, eat, work, sleep, breathe, adjust to different temperatures and climates,
smell various scents, and taste different flavors. I can see and appreciate sunsets, trees, mountains, babies,
kittens, and flowers. I can feel and tell the difference between things that are hard, soft, rough, sharp, hot or
cold. I have built-in reflexes that help keep me safe. I have a mind that allows me to evaluate alternatives
and make choices. I can feel love for my family and friends, and express that love with hugs and caring
actions. Most of these functions occur without our conscious thought or effort. What a wonderful creation
the human body is! Yet we very often take our body and our abilities for granted.
Think of the way you care for your car. You use the right kind of fuel, change the oil, rotate the times,
and take it in for a “tune-up” as necessary. I am thankful for my car. But how much more grateful we should
be for our bodies and the way they function for us. And how much better care we should take of our bodies
than we do of our cars or homes. Consider the fuel we put in our bodies. Is it the right type of fuel? Is it only
the amount that is needed to maintain function, or is it excessive? Do we give it adequate rest and exercise?
Do we practice preventive techniques to avoid future problems? Do we pay attention to how it is “running”
and have any “malfunctions” checked out?
Most of us keep a car for a limited number of years. How long do you want to keep your body?
Neglecting to care for your body, at least as well as you care for your car, can result in health problems that
will prevent you from enjoying all of its many functions–or for a much shorter period of time than you would
like. God knew how He wanted our bodies to function. It’s too bad that we don’t know as well.
Practicing gratitude in itself is beneficial to our health. Research has shown that it can make you
happier and healthier – both emotionally and physically. Thankful people tend to take better care of
themselves – exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and seeking regular medical care. It also builds
positive feelings. One large study suggests that the positive personal attributes linked to expressing gratitude
may actually help prevent heart disease. It found that people who regularly express their feelings of gratitude
tend to: get more and better sleep at night; have fewer headaches, nausea, and pain, and other physical
symptoms of illness; experience less stress; have greater resistance to illness; have a greater sense of wellbeing; view life as pleasurable, interesting, and exciting.
You can start practicing gratitude by telling God daily what you are particularly grateful for that day, by
jotting down things as you think of them, calling a friend to express appreciation for their friendship, or writing
a short note to a family member expressing qualities or actions you particularly appreciate. I am grateful to
be a part of Concordia – a beautiful building with a rich history of hard-working, faithful, caring members. I
am grateful for all of you – your friendship and your support, and allowing me to be a part of your lives.
Stay happy, healthy, and grateful...............................................Jean
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Sunday School!
Sundays, 9:15 a.m.
3-year-olds (potty-trained) through
confirmation age we have a place for you!
Come join the fun,
and learn about Jesus!
Confirmation Classes for 7th and 8th
grade students run on Wednesdays,
4 p.m., in the church library.
See you there!
God’s Blessings to our Confirmands,
who affirmed their faith on Oct. 26:
Gunnar Gronski
Blake Hanson
Kelsey Paquette
Erin Thompson
Kaleb Ullan
“In Bethlehem”
The Sunday School Department and youth of
Concordia Lutheran Church will be performing a
Christmas play titled, “In Bethlehem.” It will be
presented on Sunday, December 21, during the 10:30
a.m. worship service. Children of all ages are welcome
to:
C
participate
C
help with young children
C
assist with costumes
C
set up scenes
C
share acting skills
C
share musical skills
Please note the following dates and times for
practices. All practices will be during the Sunday
School hour (9:15 a.m.)
December 7
December 14
December 21 (practice & performance)
Darkness to Light
For EVERYONE at Concordia who volunteers to work with our youth,
and to all who care about children!
Childhood Sexual Abuse Prevention Program is available online!
You will be reimbursed for taking the course online (approximately 2 hours for $10). Print out your certificate
at the end of training for our church records. Come in to the church office for a volunteer application and a
background check form (the training, application and background check are REQUIRED for anyone at
Concordia working with children and youth). And thank you for caring about the safety of our children!
To access the online training:
www.d2l.org (As in Darkness “2" Light)
Select “Prevention Programs,” “Stewards of Children,” then “Online Training”
Watch for additional opportunities for on site training.........
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Greetings from your Library Board!
The fall has been a beautiful one and now we enter the time of year when the pace starts to pick up.
The holidays are just around the corner and along with that comes the planning and preparations for the
family gatherings and festivities. Some of the special days in November are All Saints Day (11/1) followed by
All Saints Sunday (11/2), Christ the King Sunday (11/23), Thanksgiving (11/27), and finishing off the month is
the first Sunday in Advent (11/30). The library has a collection of books relating to these special days,
ranging from the informative to devotional/meditation. Stop in and see what’s available. We are happy to
help you out!
Library Board members have been busy preparing books for circulation. We recently “A Newly Weds
Series,” a collection of 5 books written by Margo Hanson, a Minnesota author of Christian fiction romance
novels. The stories take place in Minnesota in the late 1800s and follow the adventures of the Newly family
as they settle in Minnesota’s north woods and learn to trust GOD in their lives. The books are available for
circulation and are displayed on the counter by the library desk. Note: it is best to start with #1 and continue
in sequence through #5. Enjoy! (These books were purchased with some of the money donated to the
library in memory of Maxine Florey.)
The library has also processed 7 children’s books by Helen Lester that were given to the library by
Gary & Carol Banker. They, too, are located on the counter by the desk (area marked “New Books,”)
Please join us for coffee hour on Sunday, November 2, for some goodies, coffee/tea/juice, and some
good fellowship. The Library Board is hosting and we look forward to seeing you there!
In closing, the Library Board has been blessed by a generous donation of books from Gary Banker’s
collection. We thank you, Gary! God’s peace!
Remember to always be thankful - Keep On Reading!
Lutefisk- Swedish Meatball Dinner!
Thursday, November 6, 2013
300 tickets will be sold:
$15 for a lutefisk/meatball dinner;
$10 for a meatball dinner.
Serving will be in Fellowship Hall between 4 and 6:30 p.m.
We need everyone to pitch in to make this dinner a success!!
Please watch the bulletins for more information, and be ready to sign on the line when it
comes time to volunteer! Contact Mike Olson (715.398.0343) with your offer to help.
Lefse League ~
Preparing potatoes: Sunday, November 2, 8:30 am
Rolling/Baking: Monday, November 3, 9:30 am
Bring your rolling pins and boards. We have some extra boards and covers.
Call the Lefse Lady (Marie) at 715.399.2338 with any questions.
Start digging out your favorite Bake Sale Recipes!
In conjunction with the dinner, the Concordia Lutheran Church
Women (CLCW) will be having a bake sale! Cookies, breads, quick
breads, cupcakes, bars, home-canned goods.....YUM!
Bring your goodies to the church by noon on Thursday,
November 6!
Proceeds from the bake sale go directly to the
Boe-Engebretson Student Award fund.
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The History of Concordia....cont’d.....
In January of 1975 the church adopted a new constitution and by-laws which resulted in an organization of
eight standing committees to provide leadership of the church. Previously, the council consisted of two
bodies: the Trustees and the Deacons.
In 1975, the CLCW hosted the Northern Minnesota District Convention Banquet. The women of the church
served so faithfully in so many ways. This included women of the circles, the Mission Society, and Daughters
of Concordia. The Altar Guild is of tremendous help every week to our pastors. They care for the altar, its
paraments, and ready the church service for communion.
During the summer of 1976, the old Holy Trinity Church on the corner of 18th and John was dismantled. Our
church used it for the youth and the Boy Scout Troop met there. This brought additional parking for the
church.
1978 turned out to be a great year for
Concordia. At the annual meeting the Trust
Fund was approved. Then on May 21, 1978, a
special service was held to retire the church
debt. The church was able to do this in part due
to the generosity of the Leslie Olsen Family.
During the summer, the Brotherhood refinished
the church pews and painted the interior walls.
The CLCW installed folding dividers and
recessed lighting in Fellowship Hall. All this
made the church comfortable and inviting.
More to follow.....
KEEPING
A
ROOF OVER OUR HEADS
In August of 2005, a congregational meeting was held at Our
Savior’s Lutheran Church (we were out of our building at the
time). At this meeting, those present approved a motion
“that we restore and maintain the church to its original form
as much as possible.” Subsequent research and
information, and the resulting work on God’s house brought
us to the culmination of necessary repair work, i.e., new
roofing over the sanctuary. The information below gives an
indication of where we are in our support of that new roof,
and where we need to go. Will you help?
34 Pledges (as of 10/20/2014):
Received on pledges (as of 10/20/2014):
Cash on hand, New Roof Fund (9/30/2014):
Borrowed from line of credit:
Balance owing on 10/20/2014:
$33,599.00
$25,212.50
$6,287.91
$171,500
$145,000
The 3-Year Payoff Plan:
Principal Balance, 12/31/2013
Add:
Anticipated interest payments, next 3 years
Subtract:
Available from investment fund, 12/31/2016
Pledge contributions due as of 12/31/2013
Cash on hand as of 12/31/2013
Pledges/Donations needed in the next 3 years
Saturday night - November 1!
$164,500
16,000
(100,000)
(15,000)
(22,500)
$43,000
Donate once or set up a recurring donation by
heading to your church website: www.concordiasuperior.org
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Why do I...
...Need to use my assigned offering
envelope for contributions? It drastically
reduces the chance for error when crediting
your contributions! All members should
have a box of offering envelopes - call the
church office with questions.
...Need to fill out a communion card? It
helps us keep accurate statistics for ELCA
Churchwide reports, AND allows the church
office to keep accurate records on voting
membership.
Remember, a VOTING MEMBER of the
congregation is one for whom we have
record of contribution AND communion
within a current 2-year period.
WHERE ARE YOU??
Have you dropped your LAN line and just
use a cell phone now? Do we have your
cell phone number? Hmmmmmmmm?
Please don’t hide from us! Call the church
office ANYTIME with your contact
information changes (address, phone
number, email) – and THANKS!
Are YOU on our weekly email list for
“Concordia Connections”? It’s a great way
to stay in touch with what’s happening at
Concordia. Email the church at
[email protected] to get on the
list, or call the office with your email
address.
Thanks to........
Sara (Marvin) Moore and her assistant, LeRoy Eliason,
for a comprehensive photo inventory of the inside of
our church building! They did a wonderfully thorough
job. Copies are now stored in the safe and off-site!
The Concordia Community Benevolence Fund
Foundation Board has been meeting monthly to allocate
donations to programs for area youth. Year-to-date, there
have been allocations to:
C
Financial Peace University (for 2014 high school
grads from Concordia)
C
Toys for Tots
C
Trunk or Treat (Concordia neighborhood
Halloween celebration)
C
United Way (Dolly Parton Imagination Library)
C
Nutrition on Weekends
C
Superior Fire Department (for burn prevention
education in the schools)
C
Lutheran Social Services (for therapy/counseling
for youth)
C
Harbor House
C
Human Development Center
C
Mentor Superior (AmeriCorps academic mentoring
program)
C
School District of Superior (in-school tutoring
scholarships; transportation passes for students in
transition)
C
School supplies and winter clothing for children
Year to date $26,350 has been distributed with a balance
remaining of $3,856 (including prior year’s balance).
Funds for this ministry are based on annual earnings from
a portion of the Paulson bequest to Concordia, plus any
funds remaining from the prior year.
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Concordia Lutheran Church Women News
Thursday,
November 20
5 p.m.
Sclavi’s
Bake Sale - Thursday, November 6!
Our biggest fund raiser will be held in conjunction with the Lutefisk Swedish Meatball dinner, scheduled for Thursday, November 6.
Brush up on those baking skills! Bring your baked goods to the
church office on Wednesday, November 5 by 4 p.m., or on Thursday,
November 6, by noon. All bake sale proceeds help to fund the BoeEngebretson Scholarship Awards. Thank you for your contributions!
Thankoffering Sunday
November 9, 2014
th
century,
Lutheran
women
were given small Thank-offering boxes to place in a
Beginning in the late19
special location in their homes as a visible reminder of blessings received. Women would add coins to those
boxes almost daily as particular blessings were noted. These “mite boxes” were given out as fund raising
tools to collect pennies for the support of church projects and foreign missionaries. From their use came the
idea of an annual church service to celebrate their collection. Today, Women of the ELCA collects more than
$1 million in Thank-offerings annually for the ministries and mission of our women’s organization.
Barbara Solsaa will be on hand for the message at the 10:30 service, and to help us celebrate this special
day. Barbara is a former therapist with Lutheran Social Services, and currently works as a life coach for
people in ministry. “Mite Boxes” will be collected during the service.
THANK YOU for your support!
Advent Tea - Sunday, December 7
Organizational meeting for the Advent Tea will be held on
Sunday, November 23, immediately following the 10:30
worship service. We will also be looking for help on prep
day (Dec. 6) and for serving (Dec. 7), and we’ll need
holiday treats: bring out your finest Scandanavian cookie
recipes! Thanks for marking your calendar!
Other women’s ministries:
C
Lydia Circle: Tuesday, November 4, 2 pm at the
church
C
Mary Circle: Wednesday, November 12, 9:30 am
at Millie Score’s home
C
Prayer Shawl Ministry: Tuesday, November 11, 6
pm (church library); Saturday, November 22,10 am
(various venues - often the church library).
C
Quilters meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the
month at 9:30 in the morning - bring your lunch stay for the day! Everyone welcome!
LETTER
Return address:
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
In the middle of the cream paper card is the
embossed seal of the president and under it
is written, “The White House, Washington.”
The message reads: “Please accept our
thanks for your gift. Your gesture reflects
the compassionate spirit of the American
people and we appreciate your generosity.
Thank you again for your gift. We wish you
all the best. Sincerely,” It is signed by Barack
Obama and Michelle Obama.
(A prayer shawl was made and sent to
President Obama.)
We are looking to make some new table centerpieces for
Fellowship Hall and will be needing 2 liter pop bottles. Thanks for your donations!
Keep tuned for some fun and exciting events to come after the first of the year!
-7-
All Saints Sunday ~ November 2, 2014
Rejoicing with those who have been baptized, and remembering those saints who have passed away
in the past year (November 1, 2013 - October 31, 2014) ..... please join us in worship.
Baptisms
Haley Glendenning
Ryan Glendenning
Victory King-Lewis
Asa King-Macomber
Kirsten McDonald
Matthew McDonald
Isaac Plesko
Shawn Staupe
Chad Susens
Shawn Viggiano
Members Who Have Passed
Carol Ahlberg
Ada Erickson
Maxine Florey
Carol Halverson
Gene Kelleher
Lee McPherson
Muriel Viggiano
Other Friends Buried at Riverside
Earl Blomfelt
Nancy Havron
Lenore Higgins
Kaiden Johnson
Heather Johnson
Julius Juel
Roberta Lien
Carol Mack
Wesley Myckleby
Lorraine Peterson
William Salveson
Ruby Thomas
Glenn Verville
Our Hat-n-Mitten tree will soon be up in the sanctuary,
waiting for your donations of newly purchased (watch for
those sales) or freshly knitted mittens, hats & scarves.
These warm winter supplies will be delivered to our
local Head Start program to help keep those little heads
and hands warm!
Watch for more information on our “Adopt-a-Family”
program for Christmas........
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Altar Flowers for November
Serving in November
Nov. 2 Given in memory of Loved Ones, by Richard
Wnek.
Nov. 9 Given in memory of Merrill’s birthday, by Jane
Meehan & family.
Nov. 16
Given in memory of Fred & Eleanore
Scheldroup, by the Scheldroup family.
Nov. 23
Given by Denise Latscher.
Nov. 30
Given in memory of M/M Christ Lien,
Carl, & Margaret, by Ruby Lien.
Ushers
November 2
November 9
November 16
November 23
November 30
Team IV, Jane Meehan, Capt.
Team I, Doug Score, Capt.
Team II, Eric Sewall, Capt.
Team III
Team IV, Jane Meehan, Capt.
Bus Drivers
November 2
November 9
November 16
November 23
November 30
Curt Kelleher
Ken Harmer
Brett Quist
John Gronski
Pete Quist
Scripture Readers
November 2
November 9
November 16
November 23
November 30
Your Church Council members,
Gunnar Gronski
Ed Lindegren
Steve Ledin
Kevin Norbie
Nancy O’Neill
working together with you in
ministry:
Keli Casey, President
Matthew Eastman
Gary Jokela
Carol Lindegren, Sec.
Michael Olson
Tom O’Neill, Vice-pres.
Nick Pristash
Eric Sewall
Mark Thompson
715-398-6828
218-409-9174
715-392-8447
218-590-8238
715-398-0343
218-391-6139
715-398-0488
715-392-1559
715-392-3166
Greeters
November 2
November 9
November 16
November 23
November 30
Diane Rookey
Barb Mattson
Millie Score
Jane Bentley
Audrey Pederson
Altar Servers
November 2
November 9
November 16
November 23
November 30
Eunice Grimsrud; Linda Aho
Eunice Grimsrud; Jeanne Downs
Eunice Grimsrud; Linda Aho
Eunice Grimsrud; Linda Aho
Eunice Grimsrud; Linda Aho
Financial Assistants
Dick Jacobson; Bill O’Neill
Contact your elected church council
member for information and concerns.
Minutes from the church council
meetings are available in the church
library.
Communion Assistants
November 2
November 9
November 16
November 23
November 30
Jane Pietrowski; Nancy Burley
Can you assist?
Mike & Joyce Olson
Can you assist?
Can you assist?
Coffee Hour Hosts
November 2
November 9
November 16
November 23
November 30
OPEN
CLCW (Thankoffering Sunday)
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Psalm 118:1
-9-
The following memorials and
honorariums have been received in
the church office in October:
Ronald Weber
Roof, by Lawrence & Yvonne Quam
Lorraine Peterson
Roof, by Lawrence & Yvonne Quam,
Shirley Brandser, Sid & Florence Palm,
Rhoda Pearthree
Muriel Viggiano
Roof, by Barbara Mattson & family
Social Concerns, by Sons of Norway
From the community.....
Home for the Holidays Bazaar &
Bake Sale, Saturday, November 8, 9
am - 2 pm. Peace Lutheran Church in
Poplar. Crafts, Christmas gifts,
bookstore, cookie walk, holiday
decorations, dollar store. Lunch:
homemade soups, sandwiches, bars &
coffee.
“Forming Faith, Pointing
to Christ”
715.689.2347
11525 Luther Point Rd.
Grantsburg, WI 54840
www.lutherpoint.org
Greetings from Luther Point!
INTRODUCING THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Board of Directors, with great confidence and excitement, is
pleased to announce the hiring of the Rev. Mark Peters as the new
Executive Director for Luther Point Bible Camp Association, effective
September 15, 2014. Mark comes to us after serving eighteen years
as the Executive Director of Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy of
Minnesota. Mark is an experienced professional bringing significant
relational, administrative, human resources, and executive skills.
Mark’s Christian identity and vocation has been profoundly shaped by
outdoor camping ministry experiences. He is, therefore, strongly
committed to outdoor ministry and its transforming effects, particularly
with youth, and the influence they will exercise in both congregational
and public spheres. Mark’s skills and goals not only align with the core
competencies expected of the Executive Director for LPBC, but also –
and perhaps most significantly – align with the mission and vision of
our shared ministry. We believe Mark will be a tremendous assist in
further re-imagining the future of not only Luther Point but also outdoor
ministry in general. Mark’s installation service at LPBC was held on
October 18 at the Annual Meeting.
Grace and Peace,
Jesse Weiss, Term Executive Director
Demonstrate your thankfulness this season
Each holiday season, Concordia anticipates and relies on a seasonal increase in contributions. It is
through the donations of EVERY individual and family in the congregation that we are able to carry on
our work now and throughout the year.
If you need a convenient way to make recurring contributions or plan to make an additional gift before
the end of the year, we encourage you to check out our electronic giving options. As the pace of life
speeds up around the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make
contributions.
To set up a recurring giving schedule, visit us online at www.concordiasuperior.org and locate the
Online Giving button. OR - if it’s easier, complete a paper authorization form and return it to the church
office.
Thank you for your generosity and support!
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Concordia Lutheran Church
1708 John Ave.
Superior, WI 54880
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Superior, WI
Permit No. 254
Address Service Requested
Place label here
The Concordian is published monthly by:
Concordia Lutheran Church
1708 John Avenue
Superior, WI 54880
(715) 394-3762 - Office
(715) 394-6233 - FAX
e-mail:
Pr. Greg Gullicksrud
Church Office:
[email protected]
[email protected]
church website:
www.concordiasuperior.org
synod website:
www.nwswi.org
ELCA website:
www.elca.org
Luther Point Bible Camp
website
www.lutherpoint.org
resource center website:
www.synodresourcecenter.org
Rev. Greg Gullicksrud, Interim Pastor
Helen Hankey, Organist/pianist
Beth Gucinski, Choir Accompanist
Carol Gucinski, Office Manager
Jean Riedasch, Parish Nurse
Matthew Eastman, Custodian
Aaron Kivisto, Custodian
Editor: Carol Gucinski; Contributors: Many
Printing/paper donation: Downs-LeSage Funeral Home
Assembly/mailing: Our faithful volunteers
The Concordian
November- 2014
A newsletter of Concordia Lutheran Church
Superior, Wisconsin
715.394.3762
www.concordiasuperior.org
Rev. Greg Gullicksrud, Pastor
Worship Services
Sundays at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School (Sept. - May) - 9:15 a.m.
Communion served every Sunday.
Coffee Hour in the church library after Sunday worship
services.
Mission Statement
As members of the body of Christ at Concordia,
we are called to be God’s forgiven, gifted, diversified and
unified people. By the power of the Holy Spirit,
we nurture and live our faith in Jesus Christ,
encourage our service in His church,
and actively share the Gospel in our community
and the world.