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utheran ChurchCrosslake Lutheran 35960 County Road 66, Crosslake, MN 56442 218.692.3682CLC@Crosslake.net

CrosslakeLutheran.com

April 2018

Inside Pastor’s Page .................. 1

About Us ....................... 2

Bible Study .................... 3

Heartland Symphony .... 4

Health ........................... 5

Thanks .......................... 6

Choir ............................ 7

Youth ............................ 8

Calendar ................. 9–10

Sharing God’s Bounty . 11

Christian Education .... 12

Energy Savers .............. 13

Volunteer .................... 14

Treasurer ..................... 15

WELCA/Stewardship .. 16

Military ....................... 17

Birthdays/Anniv. ......... 18

Join us for Worship with Teen Challenge on Sunday, April 15

Stay for a Breakfast afterward for more fellowship together!

April Greetings!It’s the season of Easter

now, and we are grateful to everyone who participated in our wonderful Holy Week experiences from the readers to the dish washers to the

greeters to the pew cleaners to the musicians! Thank you for your involvement! Now, it’s really time to whole heartedly celebrate Christ’s Resurrection — the season of New Life and Beginnings!

Pastor Steve Holmes writes: Easter is not merely about the cycle of life and the return of greenery after its hibernation through winter. It’s about God’s radical transformation of us and our lives, about how when we surrender to God’s grace, we are changed into new people. When we give ourselves in love, God gives us new life. Resurrection is no mere happy ending, a return of life that was there all along but hiding: it’s about a beginning, about new life, life out of actual total death, life that really wasn’t there before at all.

In Holy Week, we experience the love that saves us from our fear and liberates us into a new life. To prepare for Easter it’s okay to do the candy and Easter Bunnies and the bright flowers. But don’t forget the whole mystery: that God has met us at our worst, confronted our willingness to murder and exploit and cause suffering, our deep complicity in evil, injustice, and oppression; and God has overthrown the power of our evil, forgiven us, and raised us up to a new way of living.

Pastor’s Page1

So, what’s your whole new way of living, Easter people? How do we live out this miracle of the Resurrection in our lives? Perhaps you want to try a new discipleship practice of prayer, service to others, or study. Our next Bible Study will be starting on April 11, you can read about it inside the newsletter! Maybe you want to make a new commitment to weekly worship, if it isn’t a weekly practice of yours already. This month our April worship continues both on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings. We have two baptisms this month, and on April 15, Teen Challenge is leading us in worship sharing their music and spoken testimony of recovery.

At the end of the month, on April 29, after worship, be sure to stay for our Spring Congregational meeting. We will be celebrating all the ways that God has been working in our congregation this past year and looking toward the future with mission and ministry. We will be considering a proposal for audio visual updates in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall for enhancement of our worship services and also for mission and educational events in the Fellowship Hall.

By the end of April, most of our snowbirds will be back, and we look forward to a wonderful spring of ministry together as Easter people living out the promise of the Resurrection and sharing it with our community and the world!

In Christ,Pastor Kristin

Rene Millner President 218-343-4057Brian BoydaVice President 218-341-3155Diana Gallaway Secretary 218-838-8222Paul TenderTreasurer 218-543-6465 Holly Chase 218-838-5017 Dave Gardinier 218-866-0500 Marlin Gens 218-543-4503 Brian Hanson 612-242-3044 Terry Havir 218-765-3723 Lori Nelson 651-246-7292 Megan Nordgren 218-851-5107 Jaci Peterson 218-692-4682 Steve Rogness 218-820-9468 Ann Schrupp 612-518-6033 Dave Schwarze 763-238-2125 Nancy Westerberg 218-765-4308

Council Ministers Everyone

Senior Pastor Kristin Oltmann

Pastoral Intern Kurt Hagestuen

Office Manager Brenda LaRock

Youth Director Pat Netko

Children’s Ministry Karen Zeile

Bookkeeper Tracy Nelson

Volunteer Coordinator Kitty Fallgren

Parish Nurse Gail Smith

Music Ministry Director Patricia Lundeen

Choir Director Kristi Morsch

Marketing Molly Ring

Custodian Jenny Henderson

Maintenance Carl Weber

Groundskeeper Brian Thull

Staff

About Us 2

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Here’s how Pr. David Lose describes the study:

Making Sense of Scripture is not a book on the Bible, in the sense that it attempts to give you the major plot line of the Bible or to cover all the individual books or parts within it. Rather, it is a book about the Bible, explaining enough of the Bible’s history and nature to make it more accessible to you. Even more, Making Sense of Scripture is a book on how to read the Bible in the first place, and I hope and intend that it will give you confidence to explore the actual content and claims of the Bible on your own or in study with others. Toward that end, I use the conversations in the book to:1. Present information about the Bible and

the world it came out of;2. Explain some of its more confusing

elements; and3. Set the Bible in its proper historical and

literary contexts.

By doing these things, I hope to make reading the Bible a far more satisfying experience for you.

Here are the 7 sessions:

Wed., April 11 Introduction & Chapter 1: What Is the Bible?

Wed., April 18 Chapter 2: Is the Bible True?

Wed., April 25 Chapter 3: How Is the Bible the Word of God?

Wed., May 2 Chapter 4: Where Did the Bible Come From?

Wed., May 9 Chapter 5: How Can I Read the Bible with Greater Understanding?

Wed., May 16 Chapter 6: Is There a "Center" to Scripture?

Wed., May 23 Chapter 7: What Kind of Authority Does the Bible Hold?

There is a participant book that goes with this study, although you can participate in the study whether or not you choose to purchase and read the book. Just coming for the discussion is fine, too!

We will purchase some copies of the participant book, if you would like a copy, for $13, let us know, and we will reserve one for you. Please call the office sooner rather than later if you want to purchase a book!

BIBLE STUDYMaking Sense of Scripture

by Pr. David Lose

Wednesdays at 10:00 AM

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Heartland Symphony Orchestra presents Spring Concert Series April 6!

Heartland Symphony Orchestra will hold their Spring Concert Series called “The Essence of Spring” on April 6 at Crosslake Lutheran. The program, under the direction of Dr. Alexander Corbett,  features “Scheherazade, Op. 35” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov,  “Pelleas and Melisande, Op. 80” by Gabriel Faure and “Clarion”, an original work by Flannery Cunningham, winner of the 2018 Composers’ Competition. 

The Spring Concert series begins on Friday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m at the Crosslake Lutheran Church.  This concert is free and sponsored in part by Crosslake Businesses.

Conductor Chats will be held 45 minutes prior to each concert.  These chats provide an opportunity to meet the conductor and learn a little more about the music before enjoying the concert. 

The Composers’ Competition is held by Heartland Symphony Orchestra every other year, alternating with the Youth Concerto Competition. This year, the Composers’ Competition is funded in part by a grant from Crow Wing Community Trust.

Heartland Symphony Orchestra’s spring concert series is made possible through a grant from Five Wings Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and by a generous grant from the Laura Jane Musser Fund.

Special worship service on Wednesday, April 4 at 6:15pm!

April 4, 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther

King, Jr. His legacy continues to inspire, motivate, and transform the lives of Americans deeply invested in civil and human rights for all. We will commemorate and worship in honor of a man whose fight for justice remains alive in the 21st century around the world.

Like Martin Luther King, we seek peace, justice, equality, and liberty for all. Join us for this very special worship on Wednesday, April 4 at 6:15pm with contemplation, prayer, and candlelight around the cross.

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more folks to serve our Risen Lord. The Home Communion team is part of that service — our role is to deliver home communion to those who are unable to attend worship. This can be for short-term illness/injury or for long terms since they may be unable to leave their homes. Many long-term care facilities include weekly church services and regular communion but it is also very meaningful

to have a member of our church family visit and bring the wine and the bread to them. We have some very dedicated members of the team and are always looking to add more so we will be meeting Monday, April 16th from 2–3pm to review our process of home communion and orient any new team members to the role. We provide portable kits, a script of suggested service

and mentorship for those who are not familiar with giving communion. There are no special qualifications to those giving communion — just a willingness to bring the good news of Christ’s love and forgiveness to those who cannot be with us on Sunday or Wednesdays. If you have questions, please see me or Pastor Kristin. I will also send out a reminder closer to the date if you have been a past team member. Our goal is that everyone has access to at least once per month communion which has been met in the past by a wonderful group of folks who have answered the call.

Planning is underway for our own version of the Final Gift. This program centers around End of Life planning including advanced directives, funerals/life celebrations, legal issues around death and dying

Health Ministry Spring!!! (at least on the calendar). Time for

housecleaning — mind, body, and spirit. I have new seed catalogs from Burpee, Johnny’s, and Gurneys — wonderful daydreaming material as I look at the wonderful new plants that can be grown to enhance the natural beauty and physical health as I try to eat more naturally. Container gardens of lettuce, tomatoes, and so many other plants are perfect for those of us who live in the woods with lots of critters who love to snack on the fruits of our labor. April 22nd is Earth Day — how about planting bee-friendly yards or a tree in honor/memory of someone you love. Visiting our local growers is another option if gardening is not for you — great way to support a healthier diet that is free of chemicals and not genetically modified. Sign-up is also available for our Diabetes Prevention Course that will start April 17th at 10am. Go to Crowwingenergized.org — click on link called Lifestyle change — our course is listed there — the class is free, goes for 16 weeks and includes personalized coaching to promote healthy weight and food choices. We have so many folks who are walking testimonies to how well the program works — if you do not have access to a computer and need help in registering or just need more information — please see me or one of the other coaches that teach (Nancy Westerberg, Bonnie Benson, Becky Kraft, Becky Kalton) we have fabulous group of coaches who are great resources for healthy living.

April will also be time for gathering in continued on next page

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and the process of “going home.” We will host the course at least twice this year and I hope you give strong consideration in being a part of this. More information will come out later as the date is set.

Matter of Balance course starts right after Easter — this fall prevention class is geared to those who would like to proactively look at ways to minimize their risk of falls. Sign-up is also through the Crowwingenergized.org website. See me if you have questions.

If you have ideas of any classes, programs, etc. that you think would benefit our faith family or the community at large, please see me. The Befriender team met recently and we have a great team of individuals who are ready to be a partner in your life journey. Part of our Befriender mission is to deliver gift baskets to new babies born into our faith family. This program is made possible by a memorial gift in memory of one of our church member family members. Betty’s baskets are full of wonderful gifts for the new baby as well as family members. Let the church know if you are having a new addition to the family. Linda Andrews is our Befriender in charge of delivery of these special gifts to welcome our newest church members. We also have a Befriender team member with expertise at losses that occur during pregnancy which is often not something that folks talk about openly — we have resources that can be of help. Contact me or the church office for more information.

Blessings — welcome back to the returning snowbirds and congrats to those who made it through a tough winter around here — Spring is almost here.

~ Gail Smith, RN, Parish Nurse

continued from previous page

Thanks to the following members who helped serve at the Care ‘N Share Café this past month: Jill Anderson, Emmet Johnson, Ethan Johnson, Cooper Anderson, Leo Bolz-Andolshek, and Gervaise Wilhelm.

Special thanks to the Haar Family and the Hecker Family for helping at the Brainerd Soup Kitchen on March 11th to see how the donations collected by the kids during Souper Bowl Sunday are put to use!

Dear Members of Crosslake Lutheran: Sorry it has taken me so long to get a thank you note out to you as I don’t have a lot of strength. Thank you for the cards, prayers, phone calls, food, and visits. It’s a long, long journey I’m on. You are the finest church organization.

~Karen & Dave Jensen

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Choir NotesThe Adult Choir will return to Wednesday

evening rehearsals, 7–8pm, on April 4. Contact director Kristi Morsch if you have any questions. Rehearsal Time moves to 5:15pm in May.

The Handbell Choir will begin their 2018 season on Wednesday, April 4, rehearsing at noon. Contact

Director Patricia Lundeen if you have questions.The Alleluia Choir will conclude

their season, singing Sunday, April 22 at the 9:30 worship service. Rehearsals continue on

Wednesdays, 5:15–5:45pm, through April 18, and/or Sundays, at 10:30 on April 8 & 15. Contact director Patricia Lundeen if you have questions.

Heartfelt thanks to the instrumentalists who have enriched our worship services during these winter months:

Autumn Hecker, pianoJane Reierson, clarinetJohn Andrews, bassoonJudy Tender, fluteMegan Nordgren, saxophone

Children’s Ministry Trivia Contest

During Lent

our children

have been

participating

in a Bible

trivia contest.

Questions from

the Bible have challenged them for

the past six weeks. Winners of the contest were

announced on Palm Sunday.

First place went to Autumn Hecker. Our

second place winner was Zane Gade. And our

third place winner was Calvin Hecker. Thanks

for to everyone who participated.

GROWing Kids will have another chance

to play games in the Fellowship Hall on

Wednesday, April 4. Holy Play will be held

from 6:30–7:00.

Our final GROWing Kids class for the year

will be held on Wednesday, April 25. It’s been

a great year with lots of wonderful experiences.

A special thank you to every adult teen who has

helped make this year a success.

Sunday school continues every week through

May 13.

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Youth MinistryThanks to all who volunteered in our

Mentor program! We hope your relationships with our Youth will last well beyond the 6 weeks of Lent!

Thanks to all parents and youth who helped clean up after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade — Geschwill family, Kris, Larry, and Kaitlyn, Parker and Emma Schott, Aubree Hagen, Robbie and Kate Stephens, Hennies family— Janet, Sam, Jack and Brooke, Potocki family—Christy, Mike, Janessa and Kelton. Many bags of garbage were collected. GREAT JOB EVERYONE! The St. Patrick’s Day Committee was very happy with the clean-up!

We will be helping with the Roadside Cleanup in Crosslake, sponsored by the Lions. Watch for details on the date and time. ALL ages are invited to help with this clean-up!

Flamingo Flocking!Our Flamingos are migrating

North! As soon as the frost goes out we will start to see them showing up. If you would like

to flock a friend, please call Pat and we will arrange

it. A $25.00 Donation will bring a flock of 25 Flamingos

to roost on their lawn for a couple of days! You can remain anonymous or let them know

who sent the flock to them. You may also purchase insurance so the Flamingos will not roost on your lawn. Please have fun with this! This is a Youth Fundraiser.

Joyfully Serving — Let us help you with your Spring Clean-Up! Green Job Request forms are available in the wall pocket outside the Youth Room. Please keep our Youth in mind for those extra projects you may have!

In-Kind OfferingThe Gathering has recognized the need to lift

up literacy in Houston. Building a foundation of literacy starts before entering Kindergarten. Students who read at home become strong writers, critical thinkers, and more successful students than those who do not. Houston Independent School District estimates that 74% of the students in the district come from families who struggle to provide books for their children. This means the students begin each school year at a disadvantage.

In joining the Gathering’s Blast Off for Books campaign, you will help ensure bright futures for Houston’s students. The books you donate will be distributed at community book fairs, camps and other events around the city as part of the Gathering’s Service Learning experience. By putting books in the hands of Houston’s economically disadvantaged students, you can help change lives.

Monetary donations are welcome for the purchase of more books! We will be shipping the books to Houston in mid-June.

God is good!Pat Netko

Blast o�for books T he L outh G a thering

H ous ton L itera c y a mpa ign

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 EASTER (NO Sunday School )

8:30am Worship with Holy Communion & Adult Choir 10:30am Worship with Holy Communion & Adult Choir 9:30am-10:30am Extravagant Easter French Toast Breakfast

2 NO Jul Fest Workshop 9am Men’s 500 Club 9am Quilters 7pm A.A.

3 9:30am Ink Spots 10am Pastors’ Study Group-Brainerd Noon-6pm Red Cross Blood Drive in Fellowship Hall 1pm Staff Meeting 1-3pm “Matter of Balance” class

4 9am Kitchen Committee No Adult Bible Study Noon Bell Choir / 1pm Knit Wits 4pm 7th & 8th grade Youth Ministry (Holy Play) 5:15-5:45 Alleluia Choir (grades 1-6) 5:30-6:10pm Supper 6:15pm Worship with Holy Communion (GROWing kids K-6th grade) 7pm High School Youth Ministry (Holy Play) / 7pm Adult Choir

5 6 7:30pm Heartland Symphony Concert in Fellowship Hall

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8 9:30am Worship with Baptism of Carter Steven Dumond and Sunday School 10:30am Coffee/Fellowship 10:30am Alleluia Choir (gr. 1-6)

9 9am Jul Fest Workshop 9am Men’s 500 Club 9am Quilters 12 Noon Prayer Partners 7pm A.A.

10 10am Pastors’ Study Group-Brainerd 1pm Staff Meeting 1pm Pre-Diabetes Post Core class 1-3pm “Matter of Balance” class

11 10am Adult Bible Study Noon Bell Choir / 1pm Knit Wits 3pm Executive Committee 4pm 7th & 8th grade Youth Ministry 5:15-5:45 Alleluia Choir (grades 1-6) 5:30-6:10pm Supper 6:15pm Worship (GROWing kids K-6th grade) 7pm Adult Choir

12 9am Marketing Committee 1pm Welca General Meeting 2:30pm Facilities Committee

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15 MN Teen Challenge 9:30am Worship with Holy Communion and Sunday School 10:30am Pancake Breakfast 10:30am Alleluia Choir (gr. 1-6)

16 9am Jul Fest Workshop 9am Men’s 500 Club 9am Quilters 2pm Home Communion Team 7pm A.A.

17 9:30am Ink Spots 10am Pastors’ Study Group-Brainerd 10-11am Pre-Diabetes Lifestyle class Noon Staff Meeting 1-3pm “Matter of Balance” class

18 10am Adult Bible Study Noon Bell Choir / 1pm Knit Wits 4pm 7th & 8th grade Youth Ministry 4:30pm Finance 5:15-5:45 Alleluia Choir (grades 1-6) 5:30-6:10pm Supper 6:15pm Worship with Holy Communion (GROWing kids K-6th grade) 7pm High School Youth Ministry 7pm Adult Choir 7pm Church Council

19 10:30-Noon Caregiver Support Group 3:30pm Endowment Committee

20 Country Cross deadline!

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22 9:30am Worship with Baptism of Macie Danielle McBrien and Sunday School 10:30am Coffee/Fellowship

23 9am Altar Guild meeting 9am Jul Fest Workshop 9am Men’s 500 Club 9am Quilters 12 Noon Prayer Partners 7pm A.A.

24 10am Pastors’ Study Group-Brainerd 10-11am Pre-Diabetes Lifestyle class 1pm Staff Meeting 1-3pm “Matter of Balance” class

25 10am Adult Bible Study Noon Bell Choir / 1pm Knit Wits 3pm Stewardship 4pm 7th & 8th grade Youth Ministry 5:30-6:10pm Supper 6:15pm Worship (GROWing kids K-6th grade) 7pm High School Youth Ministry 7pm Adult Choir

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Welca Heartland Gathering in McGregor 8am-3pm 10am Country Cross assembly

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29 9:30am Worship 10:30am Coffee/Fellowship 10:30am Spring Congregational Meeting

30 9am Jul Fest Workshop 9am Men’s 500 Club 9am Quilters 7pm A.A.

April 2018

Whom are you looking at?The disciples were thrilled. They had their

Lord back in their presence once again. Since his Resurrec tion, he had appeared to them and others several times. They were still a little confused, though, when he talked about “waiting for the gift his Father promised” (Acts 1:5), and, then, “He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight” (Acts 1:9).

You can imagine their bewilderment. He had died and been buried and then had risen from the dead! He had walked among them and taught them again, and now . . . He is taken up into the clouds. No wonder they stood there – probably with mouths agape – looking into the sky where they had last seen him.

It took “two men dressed in white” (Acts 1:10) to bring them back to their

senses. “ ‘Men of Galilee,’ ” they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into Heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into Heaven’ ” (Acts 1:11).

Back they went to Jerusalem. Their eyes were no longer on the clouds, but they were still

Sharing God’s Bounty

© Copyright Parish Publishing, LLC • May not be copied without permission • www.parishpublishing.org

looking at Jesus. They waited. They prayed. They chose another disciple. And they waited some more – all the while looking at Jesus.

Whom are you looking at? Yes, Jesus has ascended. We can only imagine his joyful, triumphant return as all the hosts of Heaven welcomed back the risen, victorious Savior. Because he is that Savior, because he is the Author and perfecter of our faith, “let us fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). Through

his Word and Sacraments, he will lead us in his ways; he will teach us obedience and self-sacrifice; he will teach us love for our neighbors. With joyful and generous hearts, we celebrate the new life that Easter brings us by sharing the message of the Cross and the Empty Tomb with

all who will listen. Keep looking at Jesus until in Heaven you see him face to face!

Stewardship is not about large giving, but gifts in small ways. A child’s gift, although small, gives glory to the Lord in many ways. Stewardship does not have to be in mon etary ways. A gift of time to an elderly shut-in serves the Lord, too, A gift of a loaf of bread to a homeless family could mean the difference between going to bed hungry or going to bed satisfied.

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The final total on the Souper Bowl of Caring Fundraiser in February was $852.01. All funds went to the Brainerd Soup Kitchen. On March 11th, the Hecker family and the Haar family volunteered to work with Carolyn Silcox for the meal that day. The children that did the skit in church, got to see what that money is used for. Thank you to those families for doing this.

There are copies of the Crosslake Lutheran Church Business Directory available in the church office and on the church’s website. When you are in need of services or professional skills, check the Church Directory for a member of our congregation. Any member of the congregation that owns their business, can put an ad in the Business Directory for a very reasonable rate. Contact Vickey Leonard or Brenda in the church office if interested. I will highlight a couple business each month from the directory.

Denny’s Lakeshore Aggregate owned and operated by Denny Brengman. Denny handles class 5, black dirt, crushed concrete, beach sand and does shoreline restoration. Contact information is on his ad in the Business Directory for beach, bobcat and landscaping services.

Church members Corey and Amy Ledin and family have ABRA Landscaping. Their website has many pictures of their projects and ideas. Information on their services and tips for “To Do” lists during spring, summer, and

fall gardening and yard work. Very helpful and informative website.

Kids Korner plans are starting to come together for this summer at outdoor Worship. We are looking for volunteers to sign up for a Sunday. It could be an individual, or a couple of individuals, or a family. Contact the church office and let Brenda know which Sunday works better for you. Curriculum and Activities are provided.

Campers to go to Luther Crest are registered and the planning for their fundraiser to help with the Camp Fee is underway. Watch for the details on this in the bulletin and Country Cross.

The Day Camp/VBS needs help in the planning for the July 29 – Aug. 2 activity. The Counselor from Luther Crest do the curriculum, teaching and activities. But we plan snacks, do the registration, line up places to stay, plan hosts for evening meal for the counselors, advertising, etc. Contact Brenda in the church office.

Anyone wishing to help in our many areas, let us know. It may be a commitment of only a day or a week or a month. We welcome you and your ideas. We meet the second Sunday after the church service.

Christian Education Does Matter!!!! As WE reach (teach) to our children, so shall

they respond.

Christian Education Matters

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Psalm 24:1 The Earth is the Lords and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.

You have heard and read many times that our Energy Savers task force has saved money for our church. We’ve installed LED light bulbs, remote controlled thermostats, controlled use of energy in our kitchen, and have gently reminded all church users: turn off the lights when you are finished with your activities! The lion’s share of these initiatives were done with volunteer labor.

Now it’s time to look at stewardship beyond, but still including, saving money. We are, as the Bible tells us, stewards of God’s creation. Merriam Webster also weighs in to tell us that a good steward means “…the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care…” Certainly the Earth God created is entrusted to our care.

Our NE Synod recently organized an EcoFaith Summit for churches to discuss and share their churches initiatives and plans for to carefully and responsibly manage care of

our planet earth. One of the Energy Savers members was an invited guest speaker to share the Crosslake Lutheran story. At the EcoFaith Summit churches in our synod also shared their stories and experiences focusing on renewable energy. Initiatives ranging from LED, insulation, and solar panels.

You are encouraged as a member of Crosslake Lutheran Church to share your thoughts and ideas of how we can move forward in our role as God’s Stewards of our Planet. Please help.

Talk to members of Energy Savers (Sam Shirey, Alden Hardwick, Tom White, Karen Christofferson, Tracy Donovan, Jeff Benson, Ron Ommen, and Carl Weber). Share your ideas and opinions after worship some Sunday with one of the task force members, or give them a call.

Crosslake Lutheran is already achieving Stewardship goals protecting our planet. Help us to keep moving in that direction as an important way to serve our Lord.

Christian Stewardship + Energy Savers = God’s Earth Savers

We are hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, April 3rd, from Noon to 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall. To make an appointment to

give blood, please call the Sue at (218-692-4646).

“Give blood—it saves lives!”

Lutheran Men In Mission Retreat:

Retreat for men in the Northeast MN Synod. April 13 14 at Lutheran Church of the Cross — Nisswa.

See informational flyer posted on the bulletin board which includes information on how to register for this event.

14Spring has sprung, Christ

has risen in deed! We truly are Easter people, secure in the faith that as Christ has arisen, we will also arise. We have come through the long winter, but under the snow

new life is beginning again and our snowbirds are returning! We have so much to be thankful for.

As I write this I have all my worship service helpers for Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday and am short one usher for the 8:30am Easter service. I have all my Country Cross assemblers lined up and am working on clean up helpers for the Palm Sunday potluck (need 1 more) and for the Easter Extravagant Breakfast I need 3 more serve/clean up helpers and 2 people to help with the dishwasher. I can tell you that it is kind of exciting to have this huge list of opportunities in front of me, a challenge to get everyone in place! It is coming together and that is a testament to the many ways you live out your faith. Thank you so very much!

Soon I will be contacting another group of fellow travelers on this road and discovering where they can join in the ministry we share at Crosslake Lutheran Church. Currently I am looking to fill almost the entire April calendar (Easter will be upon us when you receive this Country Cross). Whether you want to usher, greet, lector, be a kitchen helper, help with mailings or perhaps

fill in when Brenda is gone, I appreciate all your efforts! There are plenty of other opportunities that you can explore as well. If you have just returned home, it is an awesome time to be a greeter or kitchen helpers. We have missed you and I think you have missed us as well. What a great way to reconnect and celebrate the blessings of friendship and hospitality!

If there are any of you who have not filled out a Time and Talent sheet we do have them available in the church office. As always, the sign-up sheet is in the Fellowship Hall, so please check that out and find your opportunity to live out your faith. If you haven’t done a job before, don’t worry, you will be guided by the nicest head ushers or kitchen leaders. You can also contact me at ckfall@aol.com or by phone at 218-537-0728 or call/stop by the church office. Several of you are very comfortable signing yourself up on the SignUp Genius website which can be reached through our church website.

Thank you so much to all our March volunteers! You really stepped up to make sure that we had everyone we needed for a very busy time at church. I thank God for each of you, knowing that you will be richly blessed in this community of faith and peace as we worship our risen Lord and make connections with those around us!

~ Kitty Fallgren, Volunteer Coordinator

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If you ever have to miss Worship on Sundays you can get it at the website or you can watch

Monday nights at 7 pm on Channel 12!

Miss Worship?

NEWS OF THE FAMILY Prayers for Peace and Comfort: The family of Michael Miller in their loss and

sorrow. The family of John Swanson in their loss

and sorrow. A memorial service will be held at Crosslake Lutheran on Monday, May 7th at 11:30 am. A visitation will be held one hour prior.

Helen & Dave Nordgren in the death of their sister-in-law, Wilma Jean Jeffer, on March 18th in Luverne, MN

Pastoral Acts Memorial Service: Michael Miller, March 2nd

In the month of February, expenses exceed revenues by $12,015. YTD’s performance is $3,340 more than budget, because revenues are $8,250 less than budget and expenses are $4,910 more than budget.Complete financial reports are available in the finance mailbox.

February Treasurer’s Report February Actual Budget Difference YTD Actual Budget Difference

Revenues: $ 28,382 $ 32,047 $ (3,665) $ 101,295 $ 93,045 $ 8,250Expenses: $ 40,397 $ 38,470 $ (1,927) $ 81,864 $ 76,954 $ (4,910)Difference: $(12,015) $ (6,423) $ (5,592) $ 19,431 $ 16,091 $ 3,340

Summer Diners Sign-UpBe sure to sign up for Diner’s Club by April

29, 2018. New groups will be formed to meet from May through August.

Diners Club is a way to meet and get to know new people. Groups of 6–8 meet in homes and pot luck, or in restaurants. Some groups meet for appetizers and then go to a restaurant for the main course. Many groups go to brunch after church or take in a play or musical production. Pontoon rides are popular in the summer months. The most important part of diners is fellowship!

Sign up on the bulletin board by April 29.Any questions? Contact Vicki Kopplin at

612-804-1116.

April is the month our snowbirds begin arriving home and our more year around folks say good bye to the winter white and embrace the fledgling greening of spring. April is also the month this year where we are basking in the glow of Easter and reflecting on our relationship with the Risen Christ. It is in fact the perfect month to think about exploring our life of faith by becoming more involved with the multitude of opportunities for ministry that we have at Crosslake Lutheran Church. The best source to read about all our ministries is the Annual Report mailed to all members each year and available from Brenda in the church office. The best way to become immediately involved is to call our volunteer coordinator Kitty Fallgren at 218-537-0728 or email her at kitty.fallgren @aol.com and ask, “How can I help?” A great way to learn more about our church is through our website at crosslakelutheran.com. It is full of useful information and has the latest in events and happenings. And always whatever your spiritual needs may be, feel free to call on Pr. Kristin and Pastoral Intern Kurt.

“God has given us two hands – one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing.”

~Billy Graham

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Stewardship Minute

Spring EventsAll women of Crosslake Lutheran are welcome

April 12, 2018, at 1:00pm. Spiritual Renewal for 2018 by Pastor Kristin Oltmann. Fellowship Hall at Crosslake Lutheran. Lake Country Hospitality — Cabin fare for visitors. Share ideas and recipes for entertaining at the lake.

April 26, 2018. Heartland Conference Spring Gathering. “This Changes Everything” Grace Lutheran Church. 48115 Lake Ave., McGregor MN 55760. 218-426-3343. Registration and Coffee 8–9 a.m. Presentation by Catherine Anderson, NE MN Synod Coordinator of Youth Ministries, Lunch at noon. Cost $8. Sign up to carpool. Questions?? Vicki Kopplin at 612-804-1116.

June 4,5,6, 2018. NE MN Synod Annual Convention/Gathering. “God’s Amazing Grace” Sugar Lake Lodge near Grand Rapids, MN. This event promises a true retreat and time of renewal. Our parish nurse Gail Smith will be one of the workshop presenters. Early bird registration is April 15. Check the bulletin board for more information.

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Our Members & Friends in the Military SSG DUSTIN BENSON, grandson of Jeff & Bonnie Benson—Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM

MAJOR ANDREW BURNS, son-in-law of Kim and Karen Zeile—Test Pilot School, Pax River Navy Base

MAJOR MICHAEL FAZIO, Son-in-law of Mike & Laurie Ridgley—Walter Reed Army Hospital, Maryland

CAPTAIN TYSON GERDES, grandson of Ron & Dorothy Gerdes—Afghanistan

SCOTT HEIDEMANN, son of Warren & Marlene Heidemann. Air Force Reserves—March A.F.B., Riverside, CA

LT. COLONEL TIMOTHY HELFRICH, son-in-law of Kim and Karen Zeile—Hansem Air Force Base, Concord, MA

DAVID KJERA, grandson of John & Marlene Kjera—Camp Pendleton, CA

SSG JEREMY MARR, son of Jim & Jan Marr. US Army—Fort Benning, GA

TIMOTHY NEAL, son of Ron & Cheryl Neal. Sgt. Tim Neal—Fort Leonard Wood, MO

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS BRANDON PRYOR, son of Ron & Michelle Schmidt

EM3 ALEX SENST, son of Karen & Neal Senst, Navy—Yokosuka Navel Station, Japan

SENIOR AIRMAN JONATHON SOUTHWELL, son-in-law of Ron & Michelle Schmidt—Grand Forks, ND Air Force Base

MARC THOMPSON, step-grandson of John Swanson—Florida

SGT MITCHELL TOLLEFSON, grandson of Ramona Sandberg. US Army—Fort Lewis, WA

LT. JARED WEDEL, son-in-law of Karen & Duane Boehler—NAS Corpus Christi, TX

SALLY E. WHITE, granddaughter of Jack Johnson. Air Force—Saudi Arabia

JULIE WILHELMI & DAN NICHOLS, niece & nephew-in-law of Vickey Leonard— Dulles Airport, VA (Julie) Pentagon, VA (Dan)

18PRAYER CALENDAR: Please remember these people in prayer on their Birthday and/or Anniversary.

April Birthdays April Anniversaries 4/1 Cheryl Boozell, Ryan Harmala, Rebecca Kraft, Sharon Meister 4/2 Lauren Bengtson, Connie Johnson, Becky Mesenbrink, Terry Nygaard, Emily Schuldt 4/4 Brian Carlson, Julia Loken, Carla White 4/5 Alexander Goerges, Ronald Gerdes, Jacque Glas, Taylor Henderson 4/6 Carol Germann, Martin Guse, Pat Lundgren, Talan Schliek, Trenten Schliek, Cole Trottier 4/7 Sylvia Bowman, Brittany Joyce, Cole Sposito 4/8 Lorna Backhaus, Marlene Cox, Charles Nolop, Larry Smith, Kevin Thorson 4/9 Pat Bressler, RaeAnn Hecker, Jeri-Sue Lommen,

Alvin Schwab, Joyce Sullivan 4/10 Richard Miska, Jaxon Siemers, Tony Wagner 4/11 Derrek Johnson, Bob Laven 4/12 Gail Smith, Carol Rose 4/13 Karen Christofferson, Kristin Larsen,

Steven Wilske 4/14 Linda Bendt, Michael Monahan, Deanne Trottier4/15 Gene Larson, Carol Rassett, Sam Shirey 4/16 Larry Allen, Tatium Schliek, Wally Schueler, Brian Thull 4/17 Jerry Benson, Kris Havir, Robert McPherson, Arlene Monahan, Linda Peterson, Neal Senst 4/18 Renee Maher 4/19 Jeff Lande, Elise Larson, Sage Larson, Megan Morgan 4/20 Brecken Ledin, Mary Neer, Sam Person, Ann Schrupp, Fred Skog 4/21 Mary Baudler, Denise Hicks, Vickey Leonard, Morgan Lohmiller, Ron Neal 4/22 Katelyn Chambers, Julie Engen, Vicki Kopplin, Joanna O’Neil, David Schrupp 4/23 Wendy Bittner, Joanna Larson, Nathan Netko4/24 Duane Boehler, Cynthia Lindner, Virginia Miller4/25 Cody Chambers, Bea Jepsen, Ellie Loken 4/26 Del Blowers, Macie Lohmiller, Jack McChesney4/27 Bellaeh Brynteson, Nevaeh Brynteson, William Doerr, Andie Held, Chuck Squires 4/29 Patricia Lundeen 4/30 Jan Darnell, Vicki Nygaard, Emma Schommer,

Jo Tollefson

4/2 Kyle & Kelly Spray 4/3 Jerry & Jan Benson Lance & Robyn Bragstad Eric & Carrie Swanson 4/8 John & Shannon Ebertowski Tony & Leah Glaser 4/9 Jeff & Ann Schommer 4/10 Casey & Sarah Johnson 4/11 Ralph & Roberta Flohr Buck & Nancy Westerberg 4/14 Eugene & Arlene Courneya 4/16 Troy & Rachel Anderson 4/20 Duane & Beverly Ambuehl Nita & David Loken 4/22 Jim & Amy Meister 4/25 Robert & Sharon McPherson 4/26 Jason & Stacey Gorr 4/30 Chris & Andrea Haar Dave & Lynn Hart

April 2018

NON-PROFIT U.S. Postage PAID

PRST. STND. Crosslake, MN 56442

Permit #24

Crosslake Lutheran Church P.O. Box 248 Crosslake, MN 56442

Spring Congregational

Meeting

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Following the 9:30 worship service