parish scope/may 2019 - our saviors lutheran...
TRANSCRIPT
Parish Scope/May 2019
MAY WORSHIP EVENTS
2019 Confirmation Students (photo courtesy of Peter Hybben)
Left to right, row 1: Pastor Sarah Miller, Emma White, Hayleigh Husby, Hailey Alexander,
Lexi Stokes, Morgan Reckin, Caitlyn Sorensen, Bree Cook, Anna Imsande
Row 2: Allison Rigotti, Deacon Kelly Jensen, Brady Immerman, Mariyah Creaser, Ashleah
Quilling, Kara Giesking, Rhyenne Fuerstenberg, Chloe Danovsky, Stephen Doran, Waylon
Rogers, Pastor Heather Wigdahl
Row 3: Jeff Ohvall, Treysen Witt, Breanna Grutt, Ben Seppa, Carson Buhr, Brady Thompson,
Ian Sheridan, Makenna Amundson, Diane Amundson
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church May Worship Events
5/5 – Last Day of Sunday School; Teacher/Confirmation Guide Recognition at
10:30 service
5/5 – Affirmation of Baptism Service at 2:00PM
5/12 – Mother’s Day; Plant Delivery
5/19 – Godspeed for Pastor Heather and family at 8:30 service; Baccalaureate at
10:30 service
5/26 – Memorial Day Weekend; Summer Worship Schedule begins: one 9 AM
service
Memorials and Special Gifts
Building Fund
Mark & Sarah Chambers, Mark & Karen Jansen, Dave & Emily Beck
ELCA/Disaster
Kim & Karen Fruit, Bob & Kathy Hirsch, David & Emily Beck, Nancy Bjornson
Youth
Ken & Jeannette Breckner, David & Emily Beck, Nick & Sarah Place, Mark & Sonya Kalscheur, Louis & RoseAnn Husby,
Jean Breckner, Char Ovren (Donation to 2019 Pine Ridge Mission Trip)
Radio Broadcast
Cal & Bonnie Christianson, Gayle Holte, Audrey Erickson, Mary Busalacchi, Elna Johnson (Memorial for Herba Solstad)
Greatest Needs
David & Emily Beck, Julie Bloom, Megan Bayrd & Paul Horvath, Kelly Jensen, Hank & Marge Kunkel, Angie Ruchti,
Rebecca Weaver, Nate & Kayla Mullen, Richard & Patricia Edwards (snow removal), Trudy Forster (Memorial for Sylvia
Nelson, Tom & Lynda Rundle (snow removal), Steven & Susan VandeBerg (snow removal)
Electronic Outdoor Sign
Hank & Marge Kunkel, Kris Lemke (Memorial for Virginia Eiden), Mike & Sally Schendel (Memorial for Virginia Eiden),
Phyllis Larson Estate, Mike & Sally Schendel (Memorial for Virginia Kingzett)
Lutheran Campus Ministry
Louis & RoseAnn Husby, Jen Bignell, Herb White, Trudy Forster, Herb White
ECLA World Hunger
Louis & RoseAnn Husby
General
Dunn County Area 1-74 Retired Education Assn (Memorial for Sylvia Nelson, Bonnie Nelson (Memorial for Ann Stansbury,
Trudy Forster (In Memory of their Mothers and Trudy’s sister
Health Ministry
Becky Kneer (Memorial for Herba Solstad)
Flowers
Katie Eiden (In Memory of Bud & Jinney Eiden, Barb Eiden-Molinaro and Wendell Johnson), Julie Bloom (In Memory of
Barry Bloom), Jeff & Denise Vick (In Memory of Denise’s brother, Douglas Tieman and in Honor of Denise’s mother, Lois
Tieman), Mariyah & Myranda Creaser (In Honor of Gary & sue Russo and John & Diane Creaser), Jean Reno (In Honor of
Kenneth & Jeannette Breckner from their children & grandchildren), Mary Solberg (In memory of Louis & Alda Solberg
and Terry Solberg, Kristime Lemke (In Memory of Amund & Marie Bakke and Harold & Inez Lemke, Henry Fuerstenberg
(In Memory of Cohen Fuerstenberg and Gordon & Esther Heisa, Mary Busalacchi (In Memory of Theresa & Sebastian
Busalacchi) , Hank & Marge Kunkel (In Memory of Joan Keller and Deanna Applehans), Howard & Rita Slinden (In
Memory of Haldo & Elna Slinden and Neal & Anita McKinley), Troy Pieckert (In Memory of Lydia Erdman and Grannie
Annie), Loren & Bonnie Barker (In Memory of Bob & June Barker and Mike & Dorothy Wendt and in Honor of their
children and grandchildren), Trudy Forster (In Honor of her family)
Advance Care Planning: A Guide to Arranging Your
Personal/Legal Affairs
FRI May 10, 10 am - 2 pm
Dunn County Community Services Bldg - Room 54
No fee to attend. Includes materials, light lunch.
Registration required. Call 715-232-4006 by Tues May 7.
Foster Care Informational Session (May is Foster
Care Month)
The Dunn County Department of Human Services is
recruiting families interested in providing foster care and/or
respite care for children involved in the child protection &
youth justice system.
Interested applicants are invited to attend an informational
session to learn more about foster care, respite care, and
other opportunities to support children in Dunn County.
Sessions will cover the licensing process and requirements
and answer any questions you may have. Please join us on
one of the following Mondays from 5:30 –6:30
p.m. May 20, Aug 19 or Nov 18. Location: Dunn County
Community Services Building. RSVP’s are
REQUIRED. Please call 715-231-2777 or email
HEALTH MINISTRY
Dear Families of OSL,
Growing up I never dreamed that I would be a leader in the church, especially with my previous faith background; however, a few years ago (Jan 2017) when OSL had a need, I volunteered to help and thought it would just be for the remainder of that education year. Here I am 2-1/2 years later feeling so blessed to have had the opportunity to lead the Sunday School and VBS programs here at OSL and grow in my own faith, as well as helping our youth grow in theirs. I have learned so much about myself and have made so many wonderful connections with not only the children, but also all the families here at OSL. With the above said, it is with a heavy heart that I need to inform you all that after VBS in August, I will be stepping down from my position as Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Coordinator here at Our Savior’s. It was a very tough decision, but with the budget and some growing personal concerns with my own children, it is time to put my focus elsewhere. I walk away with some amazing moments shared and made with all the children and families, as a teacher, coordinator, and a leader here at OSL. The next chapter of OSL Sunday School will be directed by our Children’s Ministry Director Denise Vick, along with the help from the Pastors and Deacon. I will still be around for this summer helping with the transition while attending to VBS duties, however, I ask that families and members of the congregation really look and see in what way they can help support this amazing ministry (Sunday School) here at OSL as I believe it is a very important ministry. As I discussed during my reflection this Lenten season, we all need to practice Joyful Asceticism – so, I ask in what way can you serve these young children and help fulfill the promise we made to them during their baptism to help guide their faith journeys (whether small or big). As Paul said in his letter to the Romans (ch 12 v 6-8): We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. I look forward to finishing out the education year and VBS this summer. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. If you are interested in helping with either VBS this summer or Sunday School next year, please also feel free to contact me – we’d LOVE to use your talents. I can be reached at [email protected] or 715-308-3871. In Christ, Lexi Marsh Sunday School and VBS Coordinator Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
YOUTH MINISTRY
Congrats to Egg Dyeing Contest Winners!
Most Creative:
1st Place: Sara Palmer
2nd Place: Karl Palmer
3rd Place: Allie Otto
Best Hidden Message:
1st: Place: Madi Place
2nd Place: Anonymous
3rd: Tessa Thompson
Best Whoops:
1st Place: Hayleigh Husby
2nd Place: Sara Palmer
3rd Place: Emily Pieckert
Prizes & Trophies are on the table in the Friendship Room!
UPCOMING DATES OF INTEREST:
The Sunday School Year End Party will be held Sunday, May 5th – be
sure to thank your child’s teacher for all their hard work and
dedication!
Kidventures summer dates have been chosen: June 12th, July 10th
and August 14th. Registration forms will be available soon.
Vacation Bible School will be Sunday, July 28th – August 1st, hosted
at Christ Lutheran. Registration forms will be available early June.
*OSL Women's Campership Scholarship applications are due by May
1st. Forms can be found in the mailboxes by the pastors’ offices.*
YOUTH MINISTRY
Sunday School families: Please use this link to fill out
our Survey regarding this Education Year by May
5th: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LF83WCL
Six youth celebrated their Communion Milestone!
David (Bennett) Beck Eleanor Beck Beckham Howe
Veronica (Roni) Molback
Vienna Paulson
Clayton Slupe
Pray for them as they mark this major milestone on their faith journeys.
The Pine Ridge Mission Trip Team would like to thank everyone
for their support of our recent fundraisers. Over $780 in donations
came in during the Palm Sunday Brunch, and since the groceries were
paid for with Thrivent Action Team money, 100% of your donations
go directly towards the trip. We’d especially like to thank everyone
who donated items for the Silent Auction: O’Reilly Auto Parts, 3M,
Ted’s Pizza, Menomonie 7 CEC Movies, Kari Hintzman (Mary Kay),
Bob and Kathy Hirsch, Pat and Lisa Brogan, Mike and Sally Schendel
(& Phyllis Larson.) and all the trip members. Thank you to everyone
who bid on the items as well! We raised over $1200 from the sale of
auction items. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and will help us
to extend our ministry beyond our walls to the folks at Pine Ridge!
Please join us for our Baccalaureate Worship Service on Sunday
May 19th at 10:30 am. Help us to honor our graduating high school
seniors with a cake reception at 9:30am in the Friendship Room, then
join us in worship as we bless our graduates! If you know anyone
who is graduating, please contact Kelly at [email protected] prior to
May 5th to be included in the slide show for that day.
Annual Plant Sale: Last day to order flowers, plants and gift cards
through Season’s Harvest Greenhouse is May 5th. Order forms are
available in the Friendship Room. Please plan to pick up your plants
on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 12th. Our church receives 25% of the
sales of plants. So surprise your mom, plant your flower beds, and
support your church all at the same time!
Anyone interested in playing Church Softball this summer, please
contact Kelly Jensen by May 5th. Games are played on Sunday
evenings in June and July. The league is open to students entering
grades 6 through 10. Registration forms can be found on the
information table in the Friendship Room.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Hey happy campers! In affiliation with Ministry Outside Our Walls, please
join us for an #OSLOutside intergenerational camping experience October
18-20 in Crosby, MN. Activities include hiking, biking, and campfires. To
register, check out the sign-up sheet in the Friendship Room next to the
tent, then go to truenorthbasecamp.com to reserve your preferred site. Sign
up soon for best selection! If questions, please connect with Matt Wigdahl
or Steve Siegle.
THANKS to all who donated to Stepping Stones during Lent. We
collected 339 pounds of diapers & toilet paper and raised $281.72!
MINISTRY OUTSIDE OUR WALLS
Welcome Bag Project for Foster Closet…how you can help!
- Through Sunday May 12 you are invited to donate ANY of the following
items: Welcome Bag items for children age 10+ including
blanket; stuffed animal, toothbrush/toothpaste; 3 in 1
shampoo/conditioner/body wash; lotion; brush & comb; deodorant; nail
kit; journal/notebook; facial tissue; hoodie sweatshirt; socks; underwear
- Please place donated items in the marked basket in the Friendship Room
no later than SUN May 12. (Monetary donations also accepted)!
- The items will be assembled into Welcome Bags on Wed, May 15 at First
Congregational Church (as a service project by confirmation students from
several churches) and shared with the Foster Closet.
- This is a project by Menomonie Area Mission Coalition (a group of
9 area churches joining together to serve our community).
The Bencke Family in Japan
Reconstruction
It is Lent. A period of reflection. Submission. It is also the three-year anniversary of two devastating earthquakes that shattered our city. And just a few days ago, a fire ravaged through one of the world’s treasured buildings, Notre Dame.
A couple of weeks ago, just as the cherry blossoms were starting to open up, I took a walk near the Kumamoto Castle. The huge, centuries-old castle suffered massive damage during the main quake and afterward the “shivers,” as Hannah called the aftershocks. I was quite impressed with how far along the reconstruction has come. The stones that had been strewn across the land “gucha-gucha” (pronounced “goo-cha goo-cha,” a Japanese word meaning something like ‘disorganized mess’), are slowly being replaced back in the foundation of the castle building. Work crews have been very carefully hoisting the huge stones into small, cramped spaces. The smallest details, colors, shapes, sizes, as well as future durability and cost, have all been taken into consideration as the specialists figure out a way to preserve the building.
Some of the
prayers of our
hearts…
We rejoice for new opportunities at the college. A new school year means new relationships, new experiences, new perspectives, each offering us a chance to be intentional about being change agents.
We pray for the leadership at Kyushu Lutheran College. As leaders look toward the future and decide how to remain financially stable and continue to attract students, we ask God to help them sustain solid relationships in the community and seek wisdom from Him.
We pray for our recent graduates – that they not be overwhelmed in their transition to full time employment and the stress of setting out on their own. We also pray for our brand new freshman class – that each student find deep meaning in their studies and the activities in which they choose to engage. May those who decide to join our chapel committee find a special connection to a friend or faculty member who can point them toward Jesus.
The model of the castle and stone wall (bottom) is what existed before the earthquake. While it may be hard to see, in the picture posted on the wall behind the model, you can see where the wall collapsed and only a single column of stones remained to hold up the castle turret. Several weeks after the earthquake, the column of stones collapsed, but by then measures had been taken to stabilize that corner of the castle. If you are able to zoom in on the picture in Microsoft Word, the difference is much more recognizable.
May 2019- 75番
NOTICES, EVENTS &
OPPORTUNITIES
Our mailing address:
Bencke Famiy
KUMAMOTO SHI
KITA-KU SHIMIZU
MANGOKU 5-17-17 861-8068
JAPAN
ELCA— Global Mission
If you are interested in learning more
about the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America’s global mission
and/or opportunities to serve, please
visit: www.elca.org/globalmission
For more information on mission
funding, please contact any of the
following individuals:
Global Mission
8765 W. Higgins Road
Chicago IL 60631
(800) 638-3522, ext. 2769
www.elca.org/missionarysponsorship
Andrew Steele continues to lead
the major fundraising efforts on
behalf of missionary sponsorship and
programs of ELCA Global Mission.
His new title is Director, Global
Mission Funding. Andrew is often on
the road, visiting with the major
donors who make much of this work
possible.
Jessica Hacker is the Director of
Stewardship, Operations and
Planning. Her work (and the larger
team) includes not only Global
Mission Funding, but the scholarship
operations of the ELCA Fund for
Leaders and donor relations related
to all gifts made to ELCA ministries.
She has been with the Mission
Advancement Unit for 9 years and is
a returned missionary, having served
as a GM2 in Germany.
Jenny Ackerman joins the Global
Mission Funding team as Global
Mission Operations Manager. She
serves as the main contact for any
fundraising or home assignment
questions, facilitates reporting of
fundraising and best practice
trainings and leads donor relations.
She previously held a role with ELCA
World Hunger’s network engagement
team.
As Christians, we look forward to Easter, that big church festival that usually brings us joy, if not for the wonderful music at church, then certainly for the chocolate Easter candy that we enjoy. Resurrection is such a difficult concept to explain to Japanese non-Christians. It makes no sense to them. Why should they believe such a story? And even if they do believe that it happened, so what? Why is Easter so central to our Christian faith? Tough questions. Any pastors out there wanna shoot me a quick email as to how to respond?
One way I like to present the resurrection is by talking about the castle reconstruction. When that castle, which is sort of the “pride and joy” of Kumamoto, was decimated, while we could all see the exterior damage, it was the interior damage to what was unseen that really endangered the castle’s future.
Like that, we humans also experience things in our lives that cause us to be damaged in some way. Maybe we are damaged by things that are the result of some poor choice we made, or maybe we had no control over a situation but were harmed by it nonetheless. Sometimes the damage is visible, and sometimes it remains hidden, or stowed away, eating away at our souls. Maybe the damage we incur causes us to bring harm or darkness to others. Also, like buildings, once there is a little damage in us, the small injuries can become larger, making the pain even worse, unless and until we are able to do some reconstruction. Reconstruction, like the resurrection, offers us the opportunity to start over.
When Christ died on the cross, He was in full submission to God the Father. He offered Himself to be fully committed to a painful death. Our sinfulness puts on a path toward pain and death as well. But the Good News – the GREAT news – is that Jesus overcame that death. He was resurrected, reconstructed into Wholeness with God.
Putting our faith in the resurrection means we are willing to submit to whatever God needs us to do in order to be offered His full forgiveness, and as such, we are reconstructed over and over again, moment by moment, day by day. What we all need to be continually reminded of is that just like the castle can’t rebuild itself, neither can humans reconstruct themselves. Intervention is required. The right tools, materials, and workers, friends, family, and teachers all
contribute to the reconstruction process. We can help one another ‘be reconstructed’ when we are involved in the lives of others, being a source of light and hope.
Only minutes after writing this
newsletter, I came across this
poignant image of the aftermath
at Notre Dame: “In the ashes,
the cross remains.”
NOTICES, EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
NOTICE: The OSW Women Board meeting is at 1:00 PM on Monday, May 6th!
Habitat Home Preservation Program
Need some repairs to the exterior of your house or know someone that does? The Chippewa Valley
Habitat For Humanity and the Menomonie Lions Club have partnered in Habitat’s Home
Preservation Program. Examples of repair work include painting, landscaping, weatherization and
minor repair services. The goal is to preserve homes and revitalize neighborhoods, helping families
have a well-maintained and safe place to call their home.
Homeowners may contact Habitat at 715.833.8933 or email [email protected] for more information.
A huge thank you to all of our choirs, directors, musicians and vocalists who gave of their time and
talents during the Lenten season! What a wonderful way to contribute to worship.
We are in need of musicians and vocalists of ALL ages for summer worship! Please contact Michaela if
interested.
New Opportunity – Quilt at Home!!
Enjoy sewing but can’t be at church on Monday mornings to help the Women in Action (aka Monday Morning
Quilters)? Through a Thrivent Action grant we have put together kits (containing 48 fabric squares) that can
be taken home, sewn together and returned. Then the Women In Action will take it from there!
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's Lenten Soup Suppers a Success.
Thanks to the Youth who were there each week helping to serve - great group of kids.
Special thanks to the Soup Makers, Sweet Treat Makers and everyone who so generously provided bread, milk, juice, butter, crackers and assisted serving and cleaning up.
Special Thanks to the OSW for their continued ministry providing these gifts to OSL.
GOD'S WORK - OUR HANDS!
REMINDERS & ONGOING MINISTRIES
Men’s Bible Study – Meets at the Menomonie Family Restaurant at 6 PM on the second and fourth Monday of each
month. Contact: Doug Larson - 715 556 0244
AMers – Meets the First Thursday of each month at Denny’s at 8:30 AM Contact: Jan Willow – 715 235 9571
Leah Circle – Meets the second Monday of the month at 11 AM. Contact: Gloria Kraemer – 715 235 3621
Women in Action – Meets Mondays at 8:30 AM in the Recreation Room; OSW Board meets first Monday of month in
Library.
Quilting Queens – Meets the third Thursday of each month at 9 AM in the Recreation Room.
Reading Club – Meets the third Wednesday of the month at 1 PM in the Fireside Room. This month they’ll be
discussing Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans
Rosling. All are welcome!
Writing Group – Meets the third Wednesday of the month at 1 PM.
Baptismal Family Meeting
Pastors conduct a group baptismal orientation at 9:45AM on the second Sunday of each month. This
month the orientation will be on May 12th. Please call the church office at 715-235-0693 or email
[email protected] to schedule a baptism.
If you have contribution questions, contact Bonnie Christianson at: [email protected]
If you need to contact Kim Studinger, please email her at: [email protected]
If you would like to volunteer on Sunday mornings, contact RoseAnn Husby at: [email protected]
If you have an announcement for the bulletin or Scope, contact Charis Collins at: [email protected]
Contributions & Giving
If you are out of giving envelopes, let the office know. We can easily print more. If your
offering is in a plain envelope, please make sure you write your name and number on it.
Online giving is available on OSL’s website. Whether you’re a member, a visitor or a friend,
you’re able to make regular contributions, a special one-time donation, or a memorial gift online
using your debit or credit card.
As a way to celebrate your online Simply Giving, feel free to use the brightly colored giving
cards during offering during the service (located in the pew racks)
OSL now has a QR (Quick Response) Code: Give directly using the QR Reader app on
your device!
500 Card Party – Meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6 PM.
Beyond the main temple area, before heading up the final leg of the mountain, there was a small cemetery where graves dating back to 700 A.D. dotted the landscape. This modest gravestone appeared to have a few tenants, perhaps a family grave. I kind of like cemeteries. They are generally quite peaceful places.
As my friend and I quietly walked through this cemetery, I considered that none of these people ever would have heard of Jesus. No Christian missionary set foot in Japan until almost 1000 years after these people were buried. I don’t know the theology of salvation for those who haven’t been exposed to the gospel, but I like to think that even though Jesus hadn’t been introduced to Japan while these people were living that perhaps He walked within and among them, unrecognized as the Prince of Peace. I meditated on how blessed I am to know Him.
(715) 235-0693
STAFF:
Senior Pastor: Rev. Heather T. Wigdahl, [email protected], Ext. 203
Associate Pastor: Rev. Sarah Miller, [email protected]. Ext. 204
Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Don Wisner
Bookkeeper: Kim Studinger, [email protected], Ext. 202
Contributions: Bonnie Christianson, [email protected], Ext. 202
Director of Youth Ministry: Deacon Kelly Jensen, [email protected], Ext. 206
Director of Children’s Ministry: Denise Vick, [email protected], Ext. 205
Health Ministry/Parish Nurse: Becky Kneer, [email protected], Ext. 207
Parish Nurse: Amy Whelan, [email protected], Ext. 207
Administrative Assistants: Charis Collins & Janell Evan, [email protected], Ext. 201
Director of Music Ministry: Michaela Gifford, [email protected], Ext. 216
Sunday School Coordinator: Lexi Marsh, [email protected], Ext. 205
OSL Choir Director: Michael Dayton
Joy & Jubilee Choir Director: Emily Hansen
Bell Choir Director: Merlyn Aude
Worship Band Leader: Ted Bensen
Wedding Coordinator: Michaela Gifford
Custodian: Josh Madsen, [email protected], Ext. 217
2019 CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS
Roxanne Close: President
Diane Hausler: Vice President
Tom Rundle: Secretary
Paul Horvath
Rod Smeltzer
Kris Lemke
Jeff Vick
Sarah Place
Dan Krueger
Mark Kalscheur: Treasurer
Contact Us
Our Savior’s Lutheran
910 9th Street
Menomonie, WI
(715) 235-0693
www.oslme.com
OUR MISSION
God calls all members of Our Savior’s Lutheran to:
+WELCOME all to faith in Jesus Christ
+WORSHIP our Lord and Savior
+EQUIP us for a faith that works in real life
+SEND us into the world to minister in Jesus’ name