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MAY
2020
PARISH OFFICE
W4950 State Highway 86
Ogema, WI 54459
715-767-5155
email: office@1stfamily.org
Web site: www.1stfamily.org
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH —OGEMA
W4950 State Highway 86
Ogema, WI 54459
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH—WESTBORO
N8909 Business Hwy. 13
PO Box 214
Westboro, WI 54490-0214
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH —PRENTICE
670 Main Street
Prentice, WI 54556
email: firstlutheranprentice@gmail.com
ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH—BRANTWOOD
N5090 County Road D
Brantwood, WI 54513
Pastor Evelyn Weston
715-922-0823 (cell)
email: pastorevelyn@1stfamily.org
Pastor Steven Weston
715-922-0824 (cell)
email: pastorsteve@1stfamily.org
Our best wishes to the graduates of
Northwoods STaR Ministries:
First Lutheran—Westboro:
Nick Gerstberger
First Lutheran—Prentice:
Peyton Enders, Karagan Esterholm, Senja Koch,
Noah Schnanter & Logan Severson
First Lutheran—Ogema:
John Granberg & Hannah Raab
A special recognition will be held later this summer.
Watch for more information in the coming months.
As you look to the future, may the goals you have set be
accomplished and your lives fulfilled with God’s Blessings.
We give thanks for NSM's funding from our Synod Technology grant, which made it possible to purchase a
camcorder, memory card, and tripod. An external microphone will be purchased soon to improve sound
quality. A special thank you to Al Schnepf for helping video the worship services until the purchase of
equipment for the parish.
If you haven't been receiving emails from the pastors and would like to get links to video worship, Zoom
events, or other email updates from the pastors, please email PastorEvelyn@1stfamily.org
NSM Information and Announcements...
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In times like these, I like to contemplate the “Serenity Prayer.” That’s the one that goes, God, grant me the
serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to
know the difference.
I first encountered that prayer in a newspaper advice column decades ago as a teenager. At the time the
prayer didn’t impress me. In particular, I wanted to add a something about working to preserve things that
should not be changed. I also wanted the prayer to ask for more than just courage ─ things like strength and
resources. Of course, that would have made the wording a lot more awkward, but I wasn’t much of a poet,
so that didn’t bother me. And then I quibbled about the fact that it doesn’t mention Jesus Christ.
More recently I’ve come to see wisdom in the wording of the Serenity Prayer as it is. Absolutely everything in
this life could stand some change for the better. On the other hand, not everything is within one’s own power
to change. Some things are only within other people’s power to change. One might urge others to change
those things, but the choice is theirs. And then there are those things, like the weather that no one but God
has the power to change (at least not with current technology), or a severe infectious disease that threatens
public health, that will take a long time to overcome. When I bump up against something I can’t change,
there’s no sense in doing anything other than to take it as it is and deal with it, keeping in mind that accepting
it doesn’t have to mean I approve of it.
What I can change, however, is my reaction to those troublesome things that I can’t change. I can choose
to make the best of the situation. I can choose, rather than griping and complaining, to find the hope in
what’s happening. I can choose to look beyond the current crisis to imagine a better future. As the old saying
goes, when life hands me lemons, I can make lemonade.
In Romans 8:28, Paul writes, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who
are called according to his purpose.” God can make good come from anything ─ even something as
monstrously evil as the crucifixion of his only Son. God turned that awful event into the best thing that ever
happened to us, by raising Christ from the dead and defeating the power of death. Likewise, God can and
will get us safely through to the other side of anything that comes our way, and probably in a better state
than we were before.
That’s what the Resurrection is all about. No matter what happens, no matter what obstacles we face, no
matter what things come our way, there is another side, a far shore and a brighter future, and God will carry
us through to it. That’s true even if the troublesome thing that comes our way is death itself.
That’s what Psalm 23 is talking about in the verse, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.” God doesn’t promise that there will be no valleys of shadows of
death in this life; but that he will be with us through them, leading us safely to the other side.
The Serenity Prayer is not specifically Christian, but it’s still a good prayer for Christians to pray. For us who
believe in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen from the dead, the source of our serenity is the blessed assurance
and certain hope that something better is coming.
Peace and blessings! Pastor Steve
From Pastor Steve...
Preparing for Home Communion on Sunday, May 10, 2020
In so many ways, the Church is adapting so we can minister to God’s people during this pandemic. Usually we
gather in our churches for worship and the sacraments. When people are forced to remain away from our
congregations due to health concerns, pastors and volunteers who are Communion Visitors often visit and
bring Communion to people where they live or are in hospital. But with the pandemic, those visits can’t
happen either.
Our bishop, Pastor Laurie Skow-Anderson of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, has made it possible for you to
receive Holy Communion wherever you are during this pandemic. Some of the info on this page is adapted
from resources provided by our synod.
Our parish is planning a Communion Sunday for May 10th (which happens to be Mothers’ Day). You are
welcome to share Communion while you watch NSM’s worship video, or while you read the worship bulletin
(can be printed from NSM’s Facebook page or mailed to your address.) You can do this whenever during the
day is best for you. We also will offer Communion on Sunday, May 24, but the worship video won’t be online
until Sunday afternoon. continued
From Pastor Evelyn and Pastor Steve...
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We are including this info in the May newsletter so you will have time to gather supplies as you prepare for
home worship to include Holy Communion.
In preparing for worship in your home on Sunday, May 10, you are invited to create an altar table in your
home. That can include:
+ Something white - the liturgical color for the Easter season.
+ Small bowl with water - This is a reminder of our baptism.
+ Small candle to light as you worship - This is a reminder of the Light of Christ.
+ Small cross to remember Our Lord Jesus Christ, the founder of this feast.
+ Prepare your table for the meal - You could include special dishes or decorations.
+ Wine or grape juice and bread for this holy meal.
If you are a household of two or more, include everyone from your household who is able to share in this holy
meal. Together, you are connected to the whole body of Christ.
If you are a household of one, Christ promises to come to us through the word and sacrament, and you are
connected to the whole body of Christ when you share in this meal.
The Church is anywhere people gather in Jesus’ name. When we cannot meet in a church building, God
continues to be present in the creative and intentional ways we gather for worship. Therefore, when you
gather in Jesus’ name, your home is Church, too.
Holy Communion is a special meal we celebrate when we worship. The bread and wine are mysteriously the
real presence of Jesus Christ, and we trust that Jesus is really with us in this meal. When we cannot gather for
this meal in a church building together, it is acceptable to either:
1.) Fast from Holy Communion until you can worship with others in your church building, OR
2.) Take part in NSM’s online worship and receive Holy Communion at home, OR
3.) Follow the printed worship service to celebrate Holy Communion in your home.
(A printed order of worship will be available for you to follow.)
May Christ bless you as you receive him in this Holy Supper. Pastor Evelyn & Pastor Steve
From Pastor Evelyn and Pastor Steve continued...
From Pastor Evelyn ... “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am your God, your personal God, the Holy of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1b-3a, The Message
It does seem like we’re in over our heads, between a rock and a hard place, with this pandemic. Our nation
and world weren’t prepared for this wicked virus. It is loose in our world now, and it will be awhile until we will–
with God’s help– subdue its reign of terror.
Covid-19 has disrupted much of our lives, and the same is true for our churches and parish. As the pandemic
began, many pastors said when their churches could worship again, they would have big Easter celebrations,
and I thought that sounded great. But as the weeks have worn on, we all have realized that it may be many
months until we can safely enjoy that celebration.
Your pastors are still figuring out how to do ministry during a pandemic. Technology makes it possible for us to
connect online, through video worship, Zoom Bible studies, fellowship, and meetings. But... especially in our
area, technology doesn’t work for all of you all the time or in all places. We are grateful for people with more
knowledge about tech who are teaching us. Please share any ideas you may have for how we can connect
with you.
We have done video worship, tried Zoom worship, and soon will have drive-in worship on May 24, 10am in FLC
-Ogema’s parking lots (bring your own “bread & fruit juice” for Communion). We had Zoom Communion on
Maundy Thursday and will offer Video Communion and Home Communion on Mothers’ Day. If you need print
copies mailed to you, please leave a message at NSM’s office (767-5155). We continue to learn. Continued
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2 Pat Swenson
Paisley Carlson
3 Blanca Loubriel
Kevin Pokela
4 Courtney Peterson
Daniel Sieja
Miranda Kalander
5 Brad Bishop
Mary Anderson
Megan Raab
7 Ed Johnson
Kevin Gullickson
Tanner Mindock
8 Kurt Zimmerman
Joanne Quednow
9 Alyce Johnson
10 Lois Berg
Kris Gerstberger
Lyla Voda
13 Cathy Cummings
Sharon Dering
Kurt Mueller
14 Lori Tlusty
Ida Mae Schwartz
Nancy Longseth
Deb Strobl
15 Ben Dums
15 Matt Dunlop
16 Rachel Beaumont
17 Joyce Cummings
Payton Hawkins
18 Jerod Arkola
Cooper Cummings
19 Alyson Nehls
Lance Severson
20 Scott Raab
21 Jarrett Dunbar
Grady May
22 Daycen Nikkila
23 Kari Rodman
Candy Zutavern
25 Hank Zomchek
Rebekah Koch
26 Tara Murphy
27 Landon Cummings
Bernie Kraimer
28 Donna Lindau
29 Mandy Cummings
Michelle Brehm
Jacky Peterson
Kristine Arkola
Mary Hora
Tonya Kirchmeyer
30 Haley Cummings
Cody Hawkins
Ruth Makovsky
From Pastor Evelyn continued... Even when our area is cleared to have in-person worship in our sanctuaries, there will be some restrictions,
according to guidance from the Wisconsin Council of Churches. Some people with health concerns may not
be ready to come into church. Social distancing will mean limited numbers of people spread out in our
sanctuaries. Another big change will be no singing, which is considered risky behavior in a pandemic, due to
how we project our voices, which can spread droplets 15 feet or more. But... humming may be okay! Another
change may be if or how we can do Communion in our sanctuaries. Fellowship meals and coffee time may
not be possible. We pastors are still learning about the recommendations from medical folks. It may be quite
some time before worship can feel close to “normal” again.
Thank you to each of you who have mailed your offerings to your church. Thanks to Prentice members who
have signed up for online giving. If you aren’t able to give your usual offering now, please know that our
prayers truly are with you. Trust that someone else will be able to give a little extra. Please let us know how we
can offer you our support.
Thank you for volunteering in your community or helping neighbors. God bless you for your prayers and
support for those who are struggling in any way in this pandemic. The world needs the Church like never
before amid Covid-19. Thank you for being the arms and hands of Christ in our area.
Beloved of God, you belong to God, and God promises to be with you, holding you up when you feel down.
You are loved! Pastor Evelyn
May Birthdays & Anniversaries
1 Jalen Maki
6 Noah Schantner
7 Peggy Gullickson
Neil Heikkinen
8 Taylor Carlson
9 Sophie Staroba
10 Carli Hora
13 Marion Anderson
Logan Geiger
15 Ryan Bergman
17 Beverly Hartmann
18 Terry Haubert
20 Nancy Longseth
24 Micky Esterholm
26 Elizabeth Wiles
28 Dawn Lazar
29 Kay Esterholm
31 Theodore Trapp Davis
1 Terry/Pat Haubert
10 Gerald/Rachel Beaumont
15 Bruce/Bonnie Mueller
20 Leroy/Bev Steffen
5
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu F r i Sat
26
27
28
29
30
1
2 Online Worship
begins @ 5 pm
3 Online Worship anytime
4
5
6 7-8 am Zoom Parish
Chat
2 pm Zoom Bible Study
6:30 pm Zoom
Confirmation Class
7
10 am Zoom
Bible Study
8
9
Online Worship
begins @ 5 pm
10 Online Worship anytime
10 am Ogema Council Mtg
@ First Ogema Fellowship
Hall &/or Zoom
MOTHER’S DAY
11
12
6 pm ZIon
Council
Zoom Mtg
13 7-8 am Zoom Parish
Chat
2 pm Zoom Bible Study
6:30 pm Zoom
Confirmation Class
6:30 pm Prentice
Council Zoom Mtg
14 10 am Zoom
Bible Study
15
16
Online Worship
begins @ 5 pm
17 Online Worship anytime
9 am Westboro Council
Zoom Mtg
4 pm Parish Council Mtg @
First Prentice &/or Zoom
18
19
20 7-8 am Zoom Parish
Chat
2 pm Zoom Bible Study
6:30 pm Zoom
Confirmation Class
21 NO ZOOM
BIBLE STUDY
22
23
24
10 am NSM Joint Worship
Service Drive-In @ First
Ogema
25
26
27 7-8 am Zoom Parish
Chat
2 pm Zoom Bible Study
28 10 am Zoom
Bible Study
29
30
31 Worship to be announced
1 2 3 4 5 6
May 2020 Calendar of Events
Pastors’
Day Off
Pastors’
Day Off
Pastors’
Day Off
Our ministry continues. Right now, much of our ministry is online, including worship, Bible studies, Confirmation
classes, and council meetings. Even when we can’t gather in person, each of us can reach out by phone, through
the internet, in prayer, or by helping our neighbors. Any way we can help God can be part of our offering.
Your financial offerings also are important to your church. Checks can be mailed to your church or financial
secretary. Prentice members have the option of online giving. With your support, the ministry of your church and
our parish will continue.
We encourage you to pray about your offering. The income of some members has changed, so they may need to
adjust their offering. If you are doing okay, you might consider giving a portion of your stimulus check to help.
Please pray about how you can support your congregation and our ministry.
Offerings can be mailed to:
Zion LC, c/o Karin Kivela, W2476 US Hwy 8, Brantwood, WI 54513
FLC-P. 670 Main Street, Prentice, WI 54556
FLC-W, P.O. Box 214, Westboro, WI 54490
FLC-O, W4950 State Hwy 86, Ogema, WI 54459
Offering Information...
Pastors’
Day Off
6
Northwoods STaR Ministries
W4950 State Highway 86
Ogema, WI 54459-8340
“United in Christ, Sharing God’s Love”
WORSHIP SCHEDULE FOR MAY 2020
Sunday, May 3 4th Sunday of Easter
Online worship from Zion Brantwood
(available 5/2/2020 at 5 pm)
MOTHER’S DAY
Sunday, May 10 5th Sunday of Easter
Online worship from First Prentice
with Home Communion
(available 5/9/2020 at 5 pm)
Sunday, May 17 6th Sunday of Easter
Online worship from First Westboro
(available 5/16/2020 at 5 pm)
Sunday, May 24 7th Sunday of Easter
Northwoods STaR Ministries Joint Worship Service
Drive-in at First Ogema 10 am
(Communion—bring your own bread & grape juice)
Online worship available later—weather permitting
Sunday, May 31 Day of Pentecost
Worship to be announced
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