From Lyle's Desk - Lutherans Online

French River Lutheran Church
FRENCH RIVER LUTHERAN CHURCH
MISSION STATEMENT:
“To live and love as God commands, accept His
Grace, and share the Good News.”
From Lyle’s Desk
What would you do if failure didn’t
matter?
Bartimaeus was a blind beggar sitting just
outside of Jericho, doing what beggars do-beg. When he heard that Jesus was passing, he cried out,
“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” (Mark 10:4652)
Told to be quiet, he called out again. He’s not just a
beggar--he’s a pest!
Then, Christ hears the cries of this lonely person sitting
alongside a dusty road--a needy person, a count-fornothing beggar.
“What do you want from me?” Jesus asks. “Raboni,”
he replies in desperation, “that I may receive my sight.”
“Go your way,” says Jesus, “your faith has made you
well.” And with his sight restored, Bartimaeus follows
Jesus down the road.
So let me ask again: what would you do if failure didn't
matter? What would you endeavor, dare, or try? What
mission would you attempt, what venture would you risk;
what great deed would you undertake in faith?
Would you, like Bartimaeus, shout out for healing even
though the people around you try to shush you into
silence? I wonder, could it be that Bartimaeus was so
used to failure and disappointment that he saw no reason
not to try one more time? Or perhaps faithfulness itself is
defined by trusting God enough to dare impossible deeds?
Whatever the case, would you cry for healing? Or lift
your voice for justice, or peace, or equality, or any of the
other handful of things that the
world calls idealistic.
So often, these things-“No one is
whether great or small--seem
a failure in
either so hopelessly impossible
or so ridiculously insignificant
this world
that we just don't try. Yet the
who
promise of the Gospel is that we
lightens a
are free--free to risk, to dare, to
burden for
love, to live, to work, to dream,
someone
and to struggle--whether what
else.”
we attempt seems great or
– Robert E.
small, likely or nearly impossible.
Harris
One of my favorite movie
scenes comes from Apollo 13
when NASA's Flight Director
Gene Kranz (played by Ed
Harris), boldly declares, "Failure is not an option."
However, as inspiring as I find that line, I know the
opposite is more often true: failure is regularly the
option. Risk, you see, entails failure. Change entails
failure. Creativity, innovation, and experimentation all
“The Parables”
January 2015 page 1
entail failure. If we forget that, we will either never try
anything that matters or end up sorely disappointed.
-- Lyle W. Northey, SAM
A Little Humor
It doesn't hurt to take a hard look at yourself from time
to time, and this should help get you started…
The Bathtub Test: During a visit to the
mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director
what the criterion was which defined
whether or not a patient should be institutionalized.
"Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we
offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient
and ask him or her to empty the bathtub"
"Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person
would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon
or the teacup."
"No," said the Director, "A normal person would pull the
plug. Do you want a bed near the window?"
Some Words for the New Year
I may never see tomorrow; there is no written guarantee.
And things that happened yesterday belong to history.
I cannot predict the future, I cannot change the past,
I have just the present moment, I must treat it as my last.
I must use this moment wisely, for it will soon pass away.
And be lost to me forever, as part of yesterday.
I must exercise compassion, help the fallen to their feet.
Be a friend unto the friendless, make an empty life
complete.
The unkind things I do today may never be undone.
And friendships that I fail to win, may never more be
won.
I may not have another chance on bended knee to pray.
And thank God with humble heart, for giving me this day.
Gandhi's Seven Deadly Sins
Mohandas Karamachand Gandhi, one of the most
influential figures in modern social and political activism,
considered these traits to be the most spiritually perilous
to humanity:
French River Lutheran Church
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



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Wealth without Work
Pleasure without Conscience
Science without Humanity
Knowledge without Character
Politics without Principle
Commerce without Morality
Worship without Sacrifice
Women of French River (WOFR)
Annual Luncheon Recap and Next Meeting
The WOFR Annual Luncheon was held Dec. 6 in the
Fellowship Hall. We enjoyed a potluck array,
conversation, sang “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, a
reading of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and heard
about the “Ties That Bind” quilt project for the Steve
O’Neil Apartments from presenter Jo Johnson. Jo brought
three finished quilts, left each luncheon attendee a book
mark, and encouraged us to find our God-given gift and
apply it.
WOFR Chair Peggy Dahlberg kept us on track during the
short business meeting. Meeting highlights include: we
voted to send $25 to the Lake Superior Conference
W/ELCA for supplies to create the conference quilt that
will be displayed at the Summer Convention & Retreat; we
also voted to evenly distribute a total of $500.00 to The
Salvation Army, Union Gospel Mission, LSS Renaissance
House, and Life House. During the November WOFR
meeting, we voted to commit $2,500.00 to the Phebe
Solar Power Project in Liberia.
Some were surprised and some were not at the
revelation of 2014 Secret Prayer Pals. Prayer Pals for
2015 were also chosen.
We will meet again on
Thursday, Jan. 8 at 1:00 p.m.
in the Fireside Room. Mary
Ann Sironen will lead the bible
study from the
January/February Gather
magazine. You need not be a
subscriber to participate in the study so please join us!
We’ll start the new year how we ended the old year with a
potluck, but this time bring any “leftover” Christmas
treats.
Spring Gathering Planning Meeting Jan. 6
Trinity Church, 1108 East 8th Street, Duluth, is the site
for planning the Spring Gathering. This planning meeting
will be Tuesday, January 6 (Epiphany Day) at 10:00 a.m.
in the lower level. Coffee and treats will be served. Some
Women of French River plan on attending so if you’d like
to attend and carpool, please contact the office.
Turn your calendar to April and mark the 11th as “Lake
Superior Conference Spring Gathering”; this will take
place at Family of God Church, 4097 Martin Rd., Duluth.
The Lake Superior Conference will create a quilt for the
Summer Convention & Retreat in June at UMD. Lori
Sorvik has agreed to represent FRLC by creating a quilt
square on behalf of us. Thanks, Lori!
“The Parables”
January 2015 page 2
Youth & Sunday School News
Be in the know about synod Youth events via e-mail!
Sign up for Youth E-Chat by sending a request to
[email protected]
● No Sunday School on January 4.
● Plans for Confirmation of 9th graders on February 15 are
underway.
● All Confirmation students: remember to check folders
and submit any outstanding assignments to Pr. Lyle as
soon as possible.
Synod Youth Event:
“Gathered”
February 27 - March 1,
Big Sandy Camp,
McGregor for grades
9-12
We are Called, Gathered, Equipped and Sent to share
the Heart of God (Cardia Deo) in the world. This year we
focus on what it means to be Equipped.
Bible studies led by the LYO Board and college interns,
servant learning, worship, mystery event, camp life, and
an adult track led by the retreat chaplain all make this
event a deeply meaningful, fun and faith-nurturing event.
At the 2014 Cardia Deo Retreat, one youth commented, “I
have opened a new chapter in my life and faith. I feel
more open to reaching out to people.” Young people long
for real conversations about faith and life, and they will
find that here! No matter your group size (many churches
bring 1-5 youth), this event is a worthwhile investment in
the faith life of your high school youth!
Want to go as a youth participant or chaperone? See
http://www.nemnsynod.org/cardia-deo.html for all the
details and forms or contact the FRLC office. Early Bird
registration ($115) must be postmarked by Jan. 31. FRLC
Youth Group will cover this cost. Those who register after
Feb. 1 will be asked to pay the additional $20.
Registration is first received, first accepted and closes
(for additions or new groups) Feb. 17 or when event fills,
whichever comes first. There must be one chaperone (21
years or older) for every seven youth. Students attending
with another church group should inform the FRLC office.
Affirmation of Baptism February 15
Students in 9th grade have been meeting as a class the
first Wednesday of each month and are preparing for the
rite of Confirmation. The service is scheduled for Feb. 15
at 10:00 a.m. Following worship, the Confirmation Class
of 2015 will be received in the Fellowship Hall.
Please keep these students in
prayer as they work on their final
preparations for Affirmation of
Baptism: Madison Eckman, Mason
Eckman, Nick Hendrickson, Avery
Makes-Room, Kahl Steinmetz and
Karmen Hendricks.
French River Lutheran Church
Among Our Midst (and Beyond)
Annual Congregational Meeting
January 18, 2015
(follows the 10:00 AM worship service)
After the meeting, join together in the
Fellowship Hall for a potluck.
Pastoral Changes are on the Horizon
Details have been ironed out, and
February 1, 2015 will be Pr. Greg
Anderson’s first official Sunday at FRLC.
His installation service is tentatively
scheduled for Feb. 8.
This means Pr. Lyle’s last Sunday with us will be
January 25. A potluck luncheon in honor of Pr. Lyle and
Trish Northey will follow worship that day.
Please attend these dates and extend well wishes to all!
Recipients of Special Offerings Selected
During the December meeting of the FRLC Council,
offering designations were made:
 Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank
(Thanksgiving service). Learn more at
http://www.northernlakesfoodbank.org.
 Life House (all non-envelope cash offerings for Advent
Sundays and all Christmas Eve offerings). Life House is
the only drop-in center for homeless youth in
Northeastern Minnesota. At Life House, efforts are made
to help at-risk youth break the cycles of poverty,
homelessness, and abuse. The LIFELINE Building offers
immediate access to emergency needs such as food,
shelter, basic health care, life skills development, and
"one-on-one" support services in safe housing, education,
employment, and positive health. Learn more at
http://www.lifehouseduluth.org.
B & N Purchases Jan. 24 Benefit NSCS
Mark your calendars…the Barnes & Noble
book fair to benefit the North Shore Library is
Saturday, January 24. Just mention us at the
checkout and the library will receive a portion
of your purchase. Thank you for your continued
support. -- Barb Jackson, NSCS Librarian
February 1, 2015
Come with ideas for benevolence distribution
“The Parables”
January 2015 page 3
All Hands On Deck!
Parsonage Cleanup/Remodel
Calling all willing hands -- we have one
month left to complete preparation of the
parsonage for Pastor Greg and Jennifer Anderson.
Tuesday and Thursday mornings (9:00 a.m. to noon) are
scheduled work days. Call Wayne (341-4175) or Peggy
(525-4469) for designated tasks and coordination of
efforts.
Rooms have been painted, but there’s still plenty to do.
Some of these tasks include: removal of carpet tack strip
(must complete by Jan. 5), clean cabinets, paint kitchen
trim, replace switch plates, wash and reinstall living room
slatted blinds (after Jan. 8), reinstall lighting fixtures,
plumbing repairs, some window washing, etc.
If the scheduled work days don't work for you, give us a
call. We have small projects that anyone can do and we
will work with you. Please help us get the parsonage
ready for our new pastor and his wife.
-- Peggy & Wayne Dahlberg & the Property Committee
Splash! Board Features Infants’ Photos
Pictures of recently baptized infants will appear on a
board as part of
“Splash!”, a
curriculum for
parents and
newborns (birth to
36 months). As of
this writing, the
location of this board
is yet to be determined. Watch for this board and meet
our newest members!
Performance from Luther College Choir
Luther College Nordic Choir, one of the top college
choirs in the nation, will present a concert at 7:00 p.m. on
Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015 at First Lutheran Church, 1100 E.
Superior Street, Duluth. Conducted by Dr. Allen
Hightower, the choir will perform sacred choral works
including “Ave Verum Corpus” by Byrd, “Singet dem Herr
nein neues Lied” by J. S. Bach, and “When David Heard”
by Eric Whitacre. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for
students; call 563-387-1357, or go to
www.tickets.luther.edu.
CHUM News
CHUM is people of faith working together to provide
basic necessities, foster stable lives, and organize for a
just and compassionate community. Contact CHUM at
(218)720-6521. CHUM is located at 102 W. 2nd St.,
Duluth, MN 55802.
If you have a surplus of 2015 calendars, clients who
visit CHUM could use them. Calendars may be brought
directly to CHUM or to the FRLC office.
Are you closing a house or updating your
furniture? CHUM is currently accepting gently used,
French River Lutheran Church
sturdy dining room chairs and tables for the Steve O'Neil
Apartments.
They are also looking for "sturdy and ready
for heavy use" bunk beds to be placed in
children's bedrooms.
The Food Shelf is seeking paper grocery bags.
Outdoor gear for folks living outside, such as sleeping
bags, wool socks, and new warm boots, are needed for
distribution by CHUM Outreach Social Workers who create
trusting relationships and encourage people to move
inside.
A family staying in the CHUM Emergency Family Shelter
recently had a premature baby. The child needs clothes,
diapers, wipes and any other newborn baby equipment.
Thank you for considering these opportunities to help!
Steve O’Neil Apartments Update
Some families have moved into the
Steve O’Neil Apartments (115 W. 4th
St., Duluth), but more moving and ongoing services need attention to make the dreams of the
Steve O’Neil Apartments a reality. If you are able to lend
a hand, contact Courtney Cochran at (219)740-2497 or
[email protected]. Sign-ups are also at
http://www.jooners.com/guest?l=f1b69a18-df77-41f4a353-0f42d982427e.
If you would like to volunteer at the Steve O’Neil
Apartments on a routine basis, please complete a
volunteer application (found on the lower level bulletin
board at FRLC or at www.chumduluth.org) and return it to
Courtney either via mail or email. Training will be
provided for volunteers on Feb. 11 and Feb. 18.
Thank you for your time and commitment to helping
families in our community have a place to call home.
Around the NE MN Synod
(Find all synod events, links to registration materials, and
updates at www.nemnsynod.org or call (218)724-4424. If
you do not have access to the www, contact the church
office for assistance.)
Short-Term Mission Opportunity in Russia
Experience the 2015 Friendship English Language
(Bible) Camps in Petrozavodsk and Kondopoga, Russia,
May 26-June 15. Includes interactions with Synod
Friendship Congregations & Pastor Alex and Nadia
Krongolm. Application deadline is Jan. 31.
Mission is organized by East European Mission Network.
Participate in two week-long "camps" involving various
activities in a basic English language curriculum using
Biblical stories -- orientation provided. Russian translator
provided; stay in a Russian home.
Information is on the synod web site. If interested
contact Paul Anderson at [email protected] or
(218)728-5853.
Adult Forum on Immigration Issues
Sunday, Jan. 4; 10 a.m.; First Lutheran Church, Duluth, in
the parish hall. This will be led by two members of the
“The Parables”
January 2015 page 4
Synod Immigration Task Force, Will Sjoblom and Pastor
Brooks Anderson.
With Your Help, We Have a Shot at Ending Youth
Homelessness in Duluth and Northeast
Minnesota!
Right now, 120 youth in Duluth and northeastern
Minnesota do not have a safe place to call home. They
are surviving on the streets by themselves without help
and guidance from a trusted adult. They face the
frightening possibility of finding shelter wherever they can
-- in their car, abandoned homes, parking stairwells, open
garages, in tents. This is not what we want for our young
people!
In greater Duluth, Lutheran Social Service of MN helps
over 600 young people every year, making thousands of
contacts with youth on the streets and providing
resources they need to find safe and stable homes.
LSS services like Renaissance House and Oh No!
Eighteen do a lot of good, but it's not enough. That's why
LSS has begun a capital campaign to build The Center for
Changing Lives -- putting all of our supportive services for
homeless youth under one roof. In addition, it will
increase housing units for youth by 300%.
You can be a part of this movement. The LSS Office of
Congregational Relations would like to offer your
congregation free resources about youth homeliness in
Northeast Minnesota. Every congregation will receive:
 A five-week Bible study about youth homelessness,
written by respected Luther Seminary professors.
 A case study detailing specifics on our plan for the
Center and LSS' proven strategy for ending youth
homelessness in northeastern Minnesota.
 A cardboard house for your narthex to raise
awareness about youth homelessness.
We hope your congregation
will join us as we seek to end
youth homelessness in
northeastern Minnesota.
You'll find more information at
www.fromhereon.org.
To set up a LSS congregational visit, contact Pastor Mary
Brown at [email protected] or 952-200-5731.
Vibrant Faith for all Ages and Life Stages
January 24, 2015; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Registration: 8:30 am)
Calvary Lutheran Church, Bemidji, MN.
Presenters: Mr. Jim LaDoux, Vibrant Faith Ministries and
Pastor Mark Asleson, Dilworth Lutheran Church.
For more info & to register contact Courtney Williams;
218.299.4561 or [email protected].
Mid-Winter Convocation 2015: Religious but Not
Spiritual?
January 28-30, 2015 at Luther Seminary.
Nancy Ammerman, Lois Malcolm, Nadia Bolz-Weber.
For workshop descriptions and more visit
www.luthersem.edu/convo.
French River Lutheran Church
Don’t Say “No” Until You Know
Saturday, March 14; 1-4 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church,
Mora OR Sunday, March 15; 2-5 p.m., Our Savior's
Lutheran Church, Virginia
Bishop Patricia Lull from Saint Paul Area Synod will
give a keynote presentation on Discipleship Today, and
then we will move into several practical workshop
options that are intended for anyone in your
congregation! There are two identical offerings with an
eye toward making them easy to attend so choose one
date. There is no charge, and of course, coffee and
refreshments will be served.
~How to be an effective Council President and
Council Member in your congregation - Brenda
Wagner, Synod Vice President
"We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that
suffering produces endurance; endurance
produces character; and character, hope." Romans 5:34. Are your council meetings an exercise in suffering and
endurance? How do you deal with talkers, gawkers, and
balkers? This workshop will look at some of the keys to
effective meetings, tips for council presidents and council
members, and steps to re-frame your meeting time as a
time of intentional and joyful ministry.
~Financial Nuts & Bolts - Kathy Wimer
This workshop is for treasurers, financial
secretaries, money handlers, both new and
experienced, to help you in your work. Expect
helpful resources, tips and important information
about the financial work and record-keeping you do.
Bring your questions and receive answers. Money
matters.
~Resources for Synod Communicators - Marilyn
Hull
How well does your congregation communicate, both
internally and with those you want to welcome in? Does a
paper newsletter still work best or is it time to go
paperless? What about Sunday bulletins vs. projection?
Does your congregation use Facebook? Twitter? Other
Social Media? Come discuss what we do in our
congregations and why.
~Dealing with Conflict in Congregations -Pastor
Vicki Taylor
Does your congregation seem to be in perpetual crisis?
Is your focus on making everybody happy...or
unhappy? Where two or three are gathered...there are
differences of opinion/worldview (and Jesus is there).
Our time together will help leaders identify potential
points of conflict in their own congregation and how to
begin a respectful dialogue to address concerns.
~Strategic Planning for Youth Ministry - Catherine
Anderson
(March 14th only) What is your hope for the faith of
young people in your congregation? This workshop will
look at the role of the congregation in youth ministry, and
“The Parables”
January 2015 page 5
how young people approach faith in an ever changing
culture. We will explore fundamental practices for
effective youth ministry, and share practical tools you can
use to structure an intentional approach to pass on faith.
~Discipleship Today - Bishop Patricia Lull (Saint Paul
Area Synod)
~Updating your Congregations Constitution
~Bible 101 for Lutherans - Bishop Tom Aitken
How do Lutherans read and interpret Scripture? What
is our understanding of why Scripture is written, what is
the heart and core of the Bible for us, how do we use
Scripture in ethical discussions and how do we use
passages to strengthen faith and witness?
~Intentional Mission Planners - Pastor John Dietz
Who are we and what are we called to do? This
intentional mission planning workshop will help leaders
dig into the work of creating a mission action plan that
will work in your congregation. We will explore the
biblical foundations of evangelical mission along with
resources participants can take home to generate interest
in the process of developing or redeveloping an action
plan.
Monthly Video Messages Posted on Synod Site
The Discipleship Challenge for January is
“Study,” and in his online video message,
Bishop Tom Aitken invites us to read Matthew,
chapters 5, 6 & 7. To see his entire message,
go to www.nemnsynod.org.
Take Note
† Extending sympathy to Judy Kaylor, her children, and
other family and friends upon the death of Bob Kaylor.
Bob died on Monday, Dec. 9 at the Veteran’s Home in
Silver Bay. A celebration of life service was held Dec. 15
at FRLC.
† Extending sympathy to John Kessler and other family
and friends upon the death of Marilynn Kessler. She died
on Dec. 15 at the Benedictine Health Center. A
celebration of life service was held Dec. 18 at FRLC.
† Extending sympathy to family and friends of Neilo
Kinnunen upon his death on Dec. 18. A service for him
will be held at the Minnesota Veterans Home on January
12 at 1:00 p.m.
† Extending sympathy to Ann Cox and other family and
friends upon the death Ann’s mother, Norma Lindquist.
Norma died shortly after Christmas Day. Arrangement
information is unavailable at this time.
Congratulations to Rod & Sue Garver upon the
arrival of their first grandchild! Audriana
Elizabeth was born Nov. 21 in Ormond Beach, FL
French River Lutheran Church
to Tricia (Rod & Sue’s daughter) and Larry Aylward. She
weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. Mom, dad and baby are all doing
well; grandpa and grandma are ecstatic!
Marriage vows are being exchanged on January
3, 2015 at FRLC! Wedding congratulations go out
to Erin Sorvik and Ryan Martin.
Art Solberg is turning 90 years old on January 5, 2015 and
his family would like to invite you to join them in a
birthday mail campaign to bless his socks off as he enters
a big new year! Birthday wishes may be sent to:
Pr. Art Solberg
7500 York Avenue South, #145
Edina, MN 55435
Thank you for your $277 gift to Twin Ports Ministry to
Seafarers and for the many items you collected for the
seafarers. It was wonderful being with you on Oct. 26 to
preach and to talk about the seafarers’ ministry that we
share. Blessings to all of you this Christmas; you a
blessing to the Seafarers Ministry!
In Christ, Pr. Doug Paulson, Director
We cannot say “thank you” enough to all who gave a true
team effort for the 2014 Scandinavian Festival. Whether
you planned, promoted, baked, shopped, demonstrated,
cleaned, donated, or worked before/during/after—your
energy is appreciated! We welcome any suggestions you
have to improve our main benevolence-raising event and
hope you’ll join us again for the 2015 Fest. -- WOFR
Service Team Notes
The Service Team for January 2015 is Bethlehem.
Loren & Patti Slette will set up members for service.
Thanks to the Jordan Team for their service in December.
February finds Hebron as the Service Team so Alvera
Pierson & Lynne Compton will line up folks from Hebron.
The “Called By the Spirit” chart lists duties for each
Sunday. The “Grounds Keeper” duty is the responsibility
of the Service Team for the entire month (from the first
day of the month through the last day of the month).
If you’re not sure which group list you’re on or have
questions about Service Teams, contact the office.
“The Parables”
January 2015 page 6
Celebrations
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
13
14
15
21
22
23
24
26
27
28
30
31
1
5
9
10
17
19
25
Peggy Carlson, Doug Compton, Betty Lundquist
Carl Sievert
Jeff Fladmark, Cliff Sundstrom
Tom Kaylor, Gerald Kortesmaki
Rex Hein, Nicholas Hendrickson, Pr. Art Solberg
Marie Kaylor
Darlene Peterson
Quade LaHue
Jean Winter
Hudson Gens
Lynne Compton, Delores Grecinger
Phil Carlson, Michael Luhrsen
Kathy Croyle, Rev. Eugen Lehrke, Bonnie Tasky
Peggy Dahlberg
Molly Hoeg, Natalie Nelson, Alyssa Nieman
Ryan Reeves
Glen Endicott, Kirsta Steinmetz
Rachel Jackson
Catherine Kortesmaki
Barb Lulay, Carolyn Marino
Ray Leppala, Roger Reeves, Michael Sirard,
Jean Swenson
Rev. Eugen & Addie Lehrke
Phil & Babs Strom
Lars & Arlene Fladmark
Keith & Andrea Darsow
Peter & LouAnn Hendrickson
Nancy & Mark Lennartson
Doug & Lynne Compton
See something wrong? Need a birthday or anniversary
changed? Do you receive multiple mailings of The
Parables at your address and your family only needs one?
Help update our records by contacting the office with
changes. Thank you.
2015 Mission of Healing (MOH)
El Salvador
Caring for Their Neighbors
Is it a resolution of yours to read more? Try this
community book club!
The French River Readers have chosen The Afterlife Of
Billy Fingers: How My Bad-Boy Brother Proved To Me
There's Life After Death by Annie Kagan as their January
read. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan. 15
at 7:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room of French River
Lutheran Church. Kay Libby will be the host.
In November I mentioned some of the excellent work
done by health promoters (promotores) in El Salvador
(ES). They are part of the Unidad de Salud – the national
health system that cares for anyone regardless of
insurance or ability to pay. Health promoters are lay
people who are interested in improving the health of the
communities in which they live. They have attended
about 5 months of training followed by some on-the-job
experience. From what they told us, some promotores
have more training than others, including some education
in examining people.
French River Lutheran Church
“The Parables”
Our first experience with promotores was in the western
part of ES where we worked with the team led by
Dr. Lídixe Montoya. On our first day with them, we
walked from home to home in a 100-meter area around
their clinic to check all standing water for mosquito larvae.
The reason for the
inspection was that
there was a case of
chikungunya in the
area. Chikungunya is
a viral illness spread
by the same
mosquito that carries
dengue fever.
Checking
drinking/cooking water
Pet water
January 2015 page 7
Yani weighs a baby
In the afternoon, Yani
works in a small building in
her community which
serves as a clinic. People
come to her for
medications like
acetaminophen or
ibuprofen, for condoms, or
with health issues. Once a
month there is a doctor in
the little clinic. The caring attitude of the promotores is
part of why
they’re very
effective in
improving the
health of their
neighbors. We
hope the
community Los
Héroes will have
someone like that
in the future.
Recipients of health teaching
Tilapia in the pila eat
mosquito larva
Our second day in the west was spent in the clinic while
the promotores were doing other duties in their
communities.
We accompanied a promotora (female promoter) for a
day on the side of the San Salvador volcano. It was cool
and beautiful in her area. It is a popular tourist area, and
there are many expensive restaurants and a national park
there. However, hidden in the trees near the wealth are
the homes of the poor whom Yani serves. Her duties the
day we were with her were to weigh the young children,
check on people who had been ill or injured, and do lots
of health teaching. Because the promotores live in the
communities they serve, they are trusted and respected
by their patients. In every household Yani asked the
women if they had had Pap smears and/or mammograms.
Her recommendations that they get these screening tests
were very strongly worded. She also had a detailed
record of the immunizations of each child in each home.
We were very impressed!
We estimate that we visited about 200 homes with
health promoters. Their dedication to the health of their
neighbors and the dangers they face walking through
rural areas alone were
inspirational. I hope to share
more stories in the future.
In late January we’ll be leaving
for the 2015 Mission of Healing.
We appreciate prayers for the
success of the mission and for
the safety of our Salvadoran
friends. Thank you for all your
generous donations! The people
we serve consider you to be
accompanying them in their
struggles as well as in their
celebrations.
--Bob and Deb Adams
[email protected]
Ready to be weighed
French River Lutheran Church
As the old year comes to a close and another new year
begins, we will soon have an election of a new Council.
The Council is made up of 12 individuals, each serving a
3-year term. There are 4 ‘new’ Council members each
year, although each Council member may be elected for a
second consecutive 3-year term. During the first meeting
each year, the Council elects its own officers, choosing a
President, Vice President, and Recording Secretary. The
officers in 2014 were Lori Sorvik, President, Steve
Berntson, Vice President, and Carol Surine, Recording
Secretary.
The Council does the business of the church, and make
no mistake, it is a commitment to a relationship.
Worshipping on Sunday is dating; serving on the Council
is marriage. It is an apt comparison, too. Council
members have to learn how to get along with each other
to accomplish the goals they’ve set out for the year; they
have to compromise, and they may have to struggle to
prioritize. But it gets done.
So, why 12 members and not, for instance, 8? This is a
good question, and one that gets brought up every so
often. First of all, with 12 Council Members and 12
months, each Council member chooses one month, and
during that time, he or she is responsible for several
things, among them serving as communion assistant for
the pastor; providing a devotion for the Council meeting;
and serving as lead counter for the offering. There are
also 12 standing committees, and each Council member is
a liaison for one of those committees, attending their
meetings and reporting back to the Council about their
activities.
You’ve missed your opportunity to serve on the Council
for 2015, because the slate of candidates has been filled.
However, next year when a member of the Nominating
Committee asks you to serve, you should be pleased that
you were chosen. Accept gladly. As Isaiah said, ‘Here I
am, Lord. Send me.’
-- submitted by Carol Surine
Editor’s note: Secret Prayer Pals were randomly drawn at
the December 2014 Women of French River luncheon.
Here’s a prayer to help jump start the New Year (and this
could apply to anyone – men, women, young, or old).
Thanks to the contributor who wishes to remain
anonymous.
A Prayer for My Secret Prayer Pal
Dear Lord, I just pulled a name out of the basket, and
now I don’t know what to do. I
know who she is, of course, since
I see her at church. But I don’t
know how to pray for her. I don’t
know what her struggles are, or
what worries her, if anything at
all. She looks so confident and
happy all the time. She’s talented
“The Parables”
January 2015 page 8
and graceful, sweet-tempered and gentle. Maybe I
should just pray that someday I can be like her.
Bless her, Lord. Bless her lavishly and abundantly.
Keep her faith strong and her heart willing to serve you.
Thank you for the blessings that she gives to those
around her. Keep her in good health, so she may
continue to serve and praise you.
Lord, give me an opportunity to work alongside of her.
Please let my path cross hers, so that we may know each
other better. Let this year be a fruitful one for us both.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
On the Lighter Side
While walking along the sidewalk in front of his church,
a minister heard the intoning of a prayer that nearly made
his collar wilt.
Apparently, his 5-year-old son and his playmates had
found a dead robin.
Feeling that proper burial should be performed, they
had secured a small box and cotton batting, then dug a
hole and made ready for the disposal of the deceased.
The minister's son was chosen to say the appropriate
prayers and with sonorous dignity intoned his version of
what he thought his father always said:
'Glory be unto the Father, and unto the Son, and into
the hole he goes.'
A heart-felt “THANK YOU”
to Pr. Lyle and Trish!
Join together in the Fellowship Hall
following worship on Sunday, January 25
as we say “’til we meet again” to the
Northeys. We’ll have a potluck
luncheon; Kleenex tissues
will be handy, too!