northern lights lutheran parish newsletter · if you know of someone who is in need of comfort or...

THE SILVER TRUMPET Northern Lights Lutheran Parish St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Siloa Lutheran Church First Lutheran Church 1409 Ridge Ave. - P.O. Box 9 - Mass City, MI. 49948

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NORTHERN LIGHTS LUTHERAN PARISH NEWSLETTER Communion Every Sunday

Siloa Lutheran Church - Ontonagon - Worship Sunday - 9:00 a.m. - Radio 101.1 FM

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church - Mass City - Worship Sunday - 10:30 a.m. First Lutheran Church - Winona - Sunday - 6:00 p.m.

Members of the Congregations of the Northern Great Lakes Synod - ELCA

Pastor Jay Welshonse - Office: 906-883-3602 * Home: (906) 883-3450 Northern Lights Lutheran Parish Secretary: Mary Ellen Perkins Northern Lights Lutheran Parish e-mail: [email protected] St. Paul’s Office Phone: (906) 883-3602 * Fax: (906) 883-3610 Siloa Lutheran Secretary: Karen Flink Siloa Lutheran e-mail: [email protected] Siloa Office Phone: (906) 884-2655

Find us on Facebook under “Northern Lights Lutheran Parish”

or on the web at: northernlights-up.org

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THE SILVER TRUMPET NEWSLETTER “St. Paul’s Lutheran, Siloa Lutheran, and First Lutheran are members of the

Northern Great Lakes Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America”

And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. ( Hebrews 10:24-25)

“I don’t go to church anymore because…. How many times have we heard this, or even said it ourselves sometimes? It’s not a comfortable question for many of us, but it is a relevant one because, let’s face it, church isn’t perfect. After all, it’s filled with sinners and sinners do cause problems with themselves and others; and yes, the person writing this is no exception.

But as imperfect as we all are, God has called us together for a myriad of reasons including to bless, teach, and encourage one another and everyone in our communities that we have been called to serve. Or maybe it’s not that you have issues with anyone at church; maybe you’re just really busy on weekends doing other things––good things. Maybe you’re spending time with the family, fixing stuff around the house, or perhaps Sunday is the only day out of the week where you can do something for you. As I said, all this is good stuff and good for you, but if these things regularly or even constantly take you away from church attendance, then, you might want to consider whether your activities are a part of your life, or if they’ve taken over your life.

And yes, I fully understand that there are very faithful members of our congregations who are physically unable to attend church. But listening to the radio (especially on WUPY101.1 FM or on-line at www.wupy101.com), watching it on television or other internet broadcast are great resources. And when members of our church family visit with those who are unable to come to us, it allows them to stay in communion with their church family, learning what they are learning, and growing as they grow.

But going to church is not about perfect attendance, nor is it about gaining God’s favor for the week because you made it to church. Church is not just a place to go; it is the body of Christ and God wants you to be a part of it; for your good and for God’s glory. But for those who are capable of getting to church, but don’t, here’s some other reasons to go to church–even when you don’t feel like it.

To Hear God’s Word—It’s one thing to simply hear God’s Word. But when you’re there in person, it adds a whole new dimension to the experience because you are sharing that experience with real people who are there to share in the same hopes and promises that you are. And it is through that direct experience with God’s Word that hearts and lives are transformed; sinners are called to repentance; we experience encouragement in the difficult times in our lives and we are inspired to love and serve Christ.

To Participate in Community Worship—Worshiping God alone can be an amazing experience, but it can’t replace the beauty of coming together as a community of faith to worship God with others who also have been touched by God’s Spirit through the redeeming work of salvation in Christ Jesus. We also need to understand that worshiping God comes as a response to our gratitude for God’s love for us. And so the Sprit calls us together to share that desire with one another, because we know—love is best when it’s shared with others.

To Share Your Gift—Speaking of sharing; God equips His children with gifts to serve Christ and when a church body is healthy, its members understand that they are part of the congregation not only to receive but also to be a blessing to others.

According to some studies, it seems that in most churches, 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work. Now, I’m not telling you this to guilt you into “getting involved” but rather to inspire you. Just think, God has gifted you for his glory and for the blessing of others through you as you serve Christ. And if you think everything is covered and you’re not needed, think again because, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” (Luke 10:2).

I’m pretty much out of room here, but I could keep going with other reasons like, being a light to your community; bearing each other’s burdens; and of course, because we get to. There are far too many places in the world where believers suffer physical abuse, loss of family and possessions, and even imprisonment and death, all for going to church. Their stories should stir our hearts to see the incredible blessing we’ve been given to meet openly together to worship God, to hear God’s Word and to share in the Sacraments.

Those are a few of my reasons and I would love to know some of yours—so would others. I pray God’s Spirit would stir in us an eagerness and commitment to meet together with God’s people to praise God, love our neighbors, and shine the light of Christ in a dark world. See you in church.

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Northern Lights Lutheran Parish—January 2019 Northern Lights Lutheran Parish - February 2020

Sunday Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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2 Worship with Communion Pastor Jay Welshonse

Siloa—9am Radio Broadcast Y101

St. Paul’s 10:30 am

No Knitting & Crocheting tonight!

3 Church Office Hours Siloa Noon-4pm Bible Study@ Siloa House–11am

4 Church Office Hours Siloa Noon-4pm St. Paul’s 9-Noon

St. Paul’s Council Meeting 7pm

5 Church Office Hours St. Paul’s 9-3

Quilting 10am Wednesday Bible Adventures @ St. Paul’s 4-5pm

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Church Office Hours St. Paul’s 9-Noon

Bible Study @ St. Paul’s 7pm

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St. Paul’s 10:30 am MALARIA NET FELLOWSHIP

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Church Office Hours Siloa Noon-4pm

Bible Study - 11am VFW meeting @ St. Paul’s 3:00pm Siloa Council Meeting 4pm




13 Church Office Hours St. Paul’s 9-Noon North Country Quilters @ Siloa 9:30 a.m.


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Knit & Crochet @ St. Paul’s 6-8pm

17 PRESIDENT’S DAY

Church Office Hours Siloa Noon-4pm

Bible Study@ Siloa House – 11am

Prayer Shawl Knitters 1pm @ Siloa House COMMUNITY MEAL @St. Paul’s 3-6pm




20 Church Office Hours St. Paul’s 9-Noon


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24 Church Office Hours Siloa Noon-4pm

Bible Study@ Siloa House - 11 AM




27 Church Office Hours St. Paul’s 9-Noon


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Northern Lights Lutheran Parish Member of the Congregations of the Northern Great Lakes Synod of the

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Synod Web Address: www.nglsynod.org or ELCA Website: www.elca.org

Wednesday

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Mondays & Tuesdays: Church Office Hours:

12:00 to 4:00 pm

Mondays: Bible Study 11:00 am

Siloa House

******************************

Prayer Shawl Knitters

have given out 318 prayer shawls! They will meet on Monday, February 17

th at

1:00 p.m. in Siloa House.

Anyone who likes to knit or wants to learn how—both women and men—is welcome to join us. Our ministry is open to all, beginner or expert.

If you know of someone who is in need of comfort or of someone who is, or will be, celebrating a new life or any other wonderful event, please contact Lori at 884-2513. You can also sign up for a prayer shawl on the register found in the rear pew of church; be sure to date your request and provide the reason/occasion for the shawl.

****************************** The North Country Quilters

meet every 1st and third Thursday of each month in the church basement.

Siloa Lutheran Church Council Officers

President - Bruce Johanson Vice President - Bill Miller

Secretary - Lori Hartzell

Council Members

Vikki James Gunnard Kyllonen

Lynn Sorenson Frank Wardynski

Treasurer - Karen Flink

Financial Secretary - Jeanette Bedford

Parish Representatives

Bruce Johanson & Bob Lind

SILOA ANNOUNCEMENTS SILOA LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN

The Siloa Women’s Group will meet next on March 5, 2020

Coins for Outreach Each Sunday Siloa collects the loose change and donates it to a designated recipient.

Monday Bible Study at 11:00 a.m. at Siloa House

We always enjoy the coffee and the company of fellow believers ! Join us for a lively reading and discussion of the

book of _______________.

Radio Broadcast Y101.1 Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

Would you like to sponsor a Sunday radio

broadcast? If so, the cost is $30 and

you can mail your check to:

Siloa Lutheran Church

218 E. River Street

Ontonagon, MI 49953

Please include the date on which you would like to

sponsor the broadcast and indicate one of the following:

In Memory of (name), In Honor of (name), or any other

appropriate request.

If you have any questions, please call the Siloa office

at 906-884-2655.

Recent sponsors have included:

1/5 1/12 1/19 1/26 Anonymous Donor To God’s Glory

Siloa’s Church Council will meet

on Monday, February 10th @4pm

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Help WOAS - FM 88.5 turn Green by donating used cartridges (Inkjet & Laser jet) for RECYCLING Items can be dropped off at the OASD office or the Ontonagon Township Library.

Contact Ken to arrange for pickup at 813-0614, Ext 113 or e-mail at

[email protected]

JOIN THE GREEN WAVE TODAY

Funds raised benefit the Ontonagon Area Schools and WOAS-FM 88.5,

Your Sound Choice in

Ontonagon Country.

We no longer have an outlet to recycle cell phones, but we are working on it!

COMMUNITY MEAL AT ST . PAUL’S IN MASS CITY

will meet on the 3rd Monday– February 17

h, 3:00-6:00 pm

Join us for a delicious meal of a main entrée, wonderful sides and mouth-watering desserts.

We served a record 183 meals in January!

THE MEAL IS ALWAYS FREE & ALL ARE WELCOME

Take out is available; deliveries can be arranged for those who are ill or housebound. Call 883-3602 for deliveries.

Helping hands are WELCOME! Preparations usually require the weekend prior to the meal. We carry in the groceries on the Friday before, and on the weekend we do food preparation. The day of the meal we finish up

food prep, set the tables, serve the food, and clean up.

If you are interested in helping—for a whole day, or for an hour—please call Jim Michie at 883-3612 or stop in the day of the meal. We generally begin working at 10:00 a.m.

Quilters at St. Paul’s meet in the church basement for

weekly gatherings on Wednesdays at 10am.

You need not be an expert; we can show you how to get started!

We take a break for lunch, so you are invited to bring a bag lunch or a dish to share.

Knitters & Crocheters

will meet again @ St. Paul’s the 3rd Sunday, February 16th at 6-8pm.

Simple Gifts

Loose coins placed in St. Paul’s offering plates are set aside to help those in our community who may need a little extra support to meet their expenses of daily living—including food, clothes and utilities. When donations reach $100 a check gets sent to St. Vincent DePaul—Ontonagon.

St. Paul’s Council meets on

Tuesday, February 4th @7pm

MALARIA NET MINISTRY Thank you for your support at our January fellowship. We raised $168 which brings our total since Fall 2008 to $25,560 for malaria nets and health care in eastern and coastal Tanzania. PRAISE THE LORD!!

This month’s fellowship is on Sunday, February 9th

Join us for our Thursday evening Bible Study to enjoy fellowship with fellow believers as we dig into God’s Word for us and share insights. The coffee pot is on! We are currently reading the book of Romans which encompasses all the essentials of the Christian faith.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Council

Officers

Ken Raisanen—President Pastor Jay Welshonse—Vice President

Fern Malila—Secretary

Council Members

Mike Laakko Pat Blair

Mel Carlson Cheryl Somero

Al Kaikko Nancy Bowman

Rick Saari

Treasurer—Janice Lukkari Financial Secretary—Sandy Uotila

Parish Representatives

Pat Blair and Someone TBA

St. Paul’s & First Announcements

First Lutheran of Winona is on

its winter break.

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Submit prayer requests to [email protected] or phone Pastor Jay or the Church office

Please Remember in Your Prayers:

Ashley Huotari Yaklyvich, Bruce Williams, Vonda Lukkari, Terry Bagazin, Connie Roberts, Ed Fugenschuh, David Lee Saari, Tara Nance, Daniel Claus, Bob Claus, Mary Ellen Perkins, Dean Wascher, Dan

Rellis, Jackie Dobbins, Nicholas Derenzo, Bonnie Buchanan, Isak Platzke, John Buzzo, Sharon Nies, Ellen Smith, Rodney Flink, Randy Trasti, Jean Lind, Joshua Sullivan, Elaine Laity, Janice Ambrose, Nathan Thomas, Sheryne Manning, Wanda Dishaw, Marta Ahola and Dave Tucker

Please Remember the Families of: Davis Ahola, Michael Miilu, Peggy Tarnowski, June Tredeau, Michael Laurich, Robert Anderson, Joyce Winberg, Marilyn Hokkanen, Beatrice Miilu, Karen Plutchak, Dale Koski, Rita Saari, Joyce Leppanen, Ron Store, Sr., Irving Olson, Reuben Gonzales, Irene Raisanen, Jim Molaski, Michael Olson, Walt Lukkarila, Mary Kay Masters, Waino Niva, Margaret Martin, Victoria Beck, Edna Trasti, Phyllis Dahl and Sophia Larson

Ontonagon Aspirus Long Term Care: Jerry Hokkanen and Robert & Donna Store Long-term Care Facility-Wausau, WI: Dean Store Bayside Village-L’Anse: William Rantala Northern Stars - Bruce Crossing: Shirley Lescelius Houghton County Medical Care: Pauline Wesander Home Bound: Bertha Peterson

In the Service: Jonathan Kangas, Brandon Store, Matt Strauch, Colton Allen, James Negro, Nate Hardin, Troy Ceballos, Michael Beatty, Danielle LaBine, Jeri Pihlaja, Eric Leib, Lacey Mannikko Pipolo, Jared Kemppainen, Stephanie Hirvela, Dennis Karttunen, Garrett Hartzell, J.J. McCraw, Stephanie Patterson, Anthony Miller, Lane Taylor, Bradley Myhren, Neil Bradley and their families.

The Eastern and Coastal Diocese of Tanzania, including St. Paul’s companion congregation, Kipawa Lutheran Church For our outreach and ministry to the area’s youth.

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FebruaryFebruary Birthdays & Anniversaries*

1. Darlene Marczak John & Margaret LaSota * 4. Lisa Walters 5. Tiffany Store Jackie Dobbins 6. Gracie Witt 7. Jacob Witt 8. Ted Coffey Dawn Corey Wyatt Kidman 10. Laurie Hiltunen 18. Eileen Holmstrom Kenny Kaarto 19. Cheryl Somero 21. Gabrielle Kaikko Christie Kratt Steve Maki 22. Jill Burke 23. Betty Martin Rory LaBine 25. Ed Manninen II Sigrid Bonnetti 29. Melissa Lorendo Karen Flink

Have a happy day and a blessed upcoming year!

We hate to overlook anyone! If we’ve missed anyone’s birthday or anniversary, please contact Mary Ellen in St. Paul’s office and get it added to our list!

Please Let Us Know…if you or a loved one is sick, in the hospital, homebound, or in need of pastoral care; do not assume that someone else has already told us. Also alert us when someone can be removed from the list. Call the Siloa or St. Paul church office (Leave a message if there is no answer), contact a church member or Pastor Jay, send an email, or

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St. Paul’s donors have

already contributed 347

individual food servings

as of December 14th!

Mac & Cheese Cups (Not Boxes) Granola Bars Chef Boyardee Products Popcorn Apple Sauce or Fruit Cups Ramen Noodles Peanut Butter Individual Cereal Portions (Oatmeal Packets/Cold Cereal Cups) Snack Sandwich Crackers (Cheese/Peanut Butter)

Blessings in a BackpackBlessings in a BackpackBlessings in a Backpack Siloa and St. Paul’s support the Backpack Food Program, donating money and food to needy students in the Ontonagon Area School District. To assist, please donate non-perishable food items, or cash donations to purchase them. Suggested Items

Another appeal from OASD: There is a need for weather appropriate clothing and personal care

items for Ontonagon students in need. The Caring Closet is a program to provide these necessary

items. Donations of any items listed below or a monetary donation would be greatly appreciated

and we would be honored to spotlight you organization in our weekly newsletter to parents.

Needed items include: Any new clothing items in various sizes.—shoes, shirts, pants, socks,

undergarments, etc.

Any outdoor items in various sizes—jackets, hats, gloves/mittens, boots, snow pants, etc.

Personal care items—shampoo/conditioner, soap/body wash, deodorant, feminine care products,

toothpaste/brushes, etc.

At a Community Meal one of the desserts included Finnish Sour Cream Cake. Here is a recipe for this yummy dessert!

Kermakakku

Ingredients:

Cream together eggs, sugar, sour cream, almond extract and

cardamom.

Sift flour, salt, soda and cinnamon, then mix with wet ingredients.

Butter a tube pan and sprinkle it with granulated sugar.

Pour batter into pan and bake.

Cool and remove from pan, and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

2 beaten eggs

2 cups sugar

1 pint sour cream

2-3 drops almond extract

1/2 tsp. ground cardamom

2-3/4 cups flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Bake at 350° for one hour

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If you examine our Annual Meeting Booklets from

our three congregations, you can’t help be struck

by how blessed the Northern Lights Lutheran

Parish is with the tremendous talents and

treasures of its members. God has certainly

lavished our parish with spiritual gifts and loving

servants willing to put those gifts to work for God’s

Kingdom, including our organists, our treasurers,

our financial secretaries, administrative staff and

property trustees.

Our three congregations have diligent Council

members who have served us well over the past

year, and we acknowledge the wisdom and

contributions of our outgoing Council members:

at Siloa:

at St. Paul’s: Bill Anttila, Wendy Claus, Darlene

Marczak

at First: Ken Saari

and express gratitude to new Council members

who have agreed to serve:

at Siloa:

at St. Paul’s: Nancy Bowman, Micheal Laakko,

Cheryl Somero

at First: Dave Saari

Our congregations have active ministries to our

local communities and to the world: Quilts,

Prayers Shawls, Bible Adventures & VBS,

contributions to Blessings in a Backpack, Friends

of the Elderly, Omega House, Barbara Kettle

Gundlach Shelter Home, St. Vincent DePaul

Pantry, the Community Meal & Pantry, the TV6

Canathon, OCAP, Malaria Nets & Healthcare for

Tanzania—I know I must be leaving some out!

And what’s more, we love each other. We

prepare gift baskets for our church shut-ins every

year, and Rhonda Brandt, who received one such

basket from First Lutheran expressed the

gratitude felt by all recipients: “Heartfelt thanks for

the Christmas basket—in it are things I use

regularly! I really appreciate your thoughtfulness!!

Many Blessings to you all.”

And finally I want to thank all the members of the

parish for their special prayers and good wishes

for me as I undergo my medical procedures. It is

my joy to work for this parish, and it has been a

rich blessing to make so many lovely friends.

- Mary Ellen Perkins

A View from

the Pew

A View from the Pew is a forum for all our

congregational members. We invite you to

submit your essays, memories, opinions,

concerns, suggestions, poetry—anything.

You can mail them in to the Parish Office at

P.O. Box 9, Mass City, MI 49948, or send

them via email to [email protected].

St. Paul’s & Siloa now offer Online Giving Forget to bring your checkbook to church? Don't carry a checkbook?

No problem. We have teamed up with tithe.ly to offer online giving.

You can do a one time gift or set up automatic giving for the amount and frequency of your

choice. You can use a credit/debit card or your checking account. You can even choose to

pay the processing fee so the full amount of your offering goes to the congregation. Simply

go to the Northern Lights Lutheran Parish homepage at www.northernlights-up.org and

click on the appropriate button in the sidebar (<Give to Siloa> or <Give to St. Paul’s>)

to get started.

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Kid’s Activity Corner

You are the salt of the earth….

You are the light of the world.

- Matthew 5:13-14

The Transfiguration of Jesus

northern lights lutheran parish newsletter · if you know of someone who is in need of comfort or...

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