Volume 24, Issue 10 October 2020

PASTOR’S NOTES

I don’t remember another time in my life when it felt like so much was uncertain, when we’ve had to be careful every day, and where just about everyone was feeling so much of the same thing all at once.

I think we are something like twenty-nine weeks into this crazy and unreal COVID world, and it still feels like we are trying to get our footing.

In these times when it feels like it takes deep courage to step into each new day, I am reminded of Jesus’ assurance that we are never alone, and never without a guide to lead us.

In John 14, when Thomas said to Jesus, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”

These words remind me that we do not find Jesus along the path; Jesus is the path. With the grace of God in Jesus, and with the Holy Spirit’s help, you and I are on sure footing, we are on solid ground, even when the future is unknown.

The following prayer is a good word for all of us who are feeling weary or uncertain about what lies ahead in the coming weeks and months:

Lord God, you call your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go; only that your hand is leading us, and your love supporting us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pastor Phil Larsen

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Council Meetings:

7TH- LITTLE NORWAY

13TH-CONCORDIA

14TH-TRINITY; FAABERG

21ST-MAPLE LAKE

*Subject to change

In this Issue:

Parish/Conc. News 2

Conc. News Items 3

LN News Items 4

LN/Faaberg News 5

Faaberg News Item 6

Trinity Notes 7

ML News Items 8

ML News Items 9

Daily Bible Readings 10

Parish News 11

Children’s Page 12

Worship Schedule 13

PARISH PULSE UNITED IN CHRIST

Volume 24, Issue 10 October 2020

OCTOBER 2020 WORSHIP PARTICIPANTSThank you for serving in this capacity!

If you are unable to serve on the Sunday listed please exchange with someone on the list and

notify the church office. 9:30 a.m. Worship

Altar Guild: Carol Osmondson , Tracee Engelstad

Oct. 4– Ushers – Jon and Cole Chris5anson Greeters – Carol Swenby & Sylvia Rickey Lector – Acolytes – Communion Assistants – Loren & Bonnie Abel

Oct. 11– Ushers – Craig Larson and Greeters – Jus5n & Kris5 BensonLector – Acolytes – Communion Assistants – Kelsey & Dick Braun

Oct. 18– Ushers – Tim & MaKhew SykesGreeters – Lindi Chris5anson & Lector – Acolytes – Communion Assistants – Kylie & Ryan Strem

Oct. 25–

Ushers – Nick and Brandon Neibauer-Adams Greeters – Lector – Acolytes – Communion Assistants – Ray & Sylvia Nelson

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Pastoral Acts for September

Trinity — ◦Graveside service for Robert Rude (Pr. Phil)

Concordia — ○Baptism for Jorgie Fuchs, daughter of Tim & JanaDee Fuchs (Pr. Dan) ○Baptism for Wyatt Solie, son of Brandin & Briana Solie (Pr. Phil) ○Graveside service at Concordia Cemetery for Ruby Berg (Pr. Phil) ○Graveside service at Concordia Cemetery for Kory Bakke (Pr. Phil)

Faaberg — ○Graveside service for Adorinne Bennes (Pr. Phil)

Maple Lake — ○Graveside service for JoAnn Quanrud (Pr. Phil)

Parish Office Hours

The Parish office will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8am to 4pm.  Most Fridays from 8am-1pm.  If at any time you need a

Pastor, you may reach Pastor Phil on his cell at 218-289-3970 or Pastor Dan at 320-260-6955.  Thank you.

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CONCORDIA NEWS ITEMS

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October Anniversaries 17-Allen & Sharon Engelstad

October Birthdays 02-Paul Kaste; Gloria Kaste 04-Charles Duckstad 07-Alex Preusser Mark Sandness

08-Sheldon Larson 12-Nickolas Anderson Robert Larson Elaine Morvig 20-Laura Gullickson

23-Richard Taallerud 27-Allan Engelstad Olivia Morton

LITTLE NORWAY COUNCIL September 2, 2020Zoom Meeting

MEMBERS PRESENT: Pastor Phil and Dan, Mark Benson, Don Larson, Mark Gullickson, John Gullickson, Jim Larson, Alex Preusser, Barb Schulstad and Jamie Morvig.

Mark called the meeting to order.Barb had devotions.

Secretary report from August meeting was read, motioned to approve by Barb second Jim approved.

Treasurers report was read with balance as of August 30th. Money is coming in through the automotive system. Monthly bills are being paid. Mark G motioned to approve the report, Alex second, approved.

Vice President report- No reportDeacons: No reportTrustees: John reviewed the list of our annual donations; these were presented to the congregation at the annual meeting. No Alaskan mission this year and the Fertile Backpack has no need currently. Pathways are looking for donations on a building project this would be a special donation. Alex motioned to approve the list; Jamie second, approved. Jim motioned to give $500 to Pathways for the building project/fund, John second, approved. John reported that Eric Ellegaard will video the roof and moss issue to see what needs to be done. Don checked with Western Products on the siding for the church, rough bid of $40,000 to side the church. The round window is rotting and needs to be replaced or repaired. Check with Western to see if this could be included in a bid for Spring of 2021. Education: No report - Sunday School- we will wait to see how the school year has resulted. Hold off until possibly October.

Unfinished business: a.Historian Display and size- Kristen L is looking into the display.b.Fireproof Safe for Historian – Kristen L is getting ideas for the safe.c.Drive-in church Sept 6th- Mark B has ordered pre-filled communion cups for the day, he has also

ordered equipment for speakers. Church will be scheduled for 11:00 am. Members can bring lawn chairs.

New Business:a.Discussion on In-Person worship and moving forward. John G. motioned to approve going back to

In-person worship following the synod guidelines, Mark G. second. Unanimous approval Regular church service will start September 13th.

b.Deacon for the month of September give list to President Mark. Church schedule we are on the 11:00 time.

c.Donations to pay for Word Relief- backpack.

Next Meeting: October 7th at the churchDevotions: Jamie

Adjourned with Lord’s Prayer

Respectfully submitted byJamie Morvig

LITTLE NORWAY NEWS ITEMS

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LITTLE NORWAY NEWSLETTER OCTOBER, 2020

DEACON ON DUTY: Lisa Duckstad

ALTAR GUILD/COMMUNION PREP: Lynn Jacobson, Jennifer Larson, Stacie Kronschnabel

JANITOR: Donald Latson

CIRCLES: Dorcas Circle will meet on Monday, October 5th at 7PM at LN. No Lunch. Bible Study is “The Life We Live In” Chapter 3. All Covid precau5ons will be followed. Maryt/Esther Circle: Pending

There are four ways of accessing services for LN members. Covid restric5ons will apply: 1.11 AM services in the sanctuary of LN. 2.11 AM services in your car parked in the parking lot of LN. Tune your radio to 87.9 FM. Wine and bread for communion and a bulle5n will be delivered to your car. 3.9:30 AM United in Christ services on channel 32 (Garden Valley). 4.United in Christ services available on You Tube.

HELP WANTED: Due to the increased work load that is related to the Covid crisis Chris5anson Cleaning is no longer able to clean LN. If interested or know of a possible replacement contact Jamie Morvig (218-280-1110) for contract informa5on and a job descrip5on.

AmazonSmile Founda5on: the AmazonSmile Founda5on will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organiza5ons selected by customers. LiKle Norway is registered to receive these dona5ons if selected by a customer. Shop AmazonSmile and donate to LiKle Norway!! Ques5ons: contact Gloria Kaste

There is now a basket in the entry for dona5ons to the WELCA mission projects usually supported by the coffee and potluck dinner freewill offerings. Thank you for your generous support.

The Faaberg quilters will resume work on Friday October 2nd at 9:00 a.m. and Saturday the 3rd. Our WELCA mee5ng will also be that Saturday October 3rd at 9:30 a.m. Lynda Sevald will give devo5ons. More quil5ng 5mes will be announced as they are determined.

The Alernoon Bible Study group will meet Monday October 12th at 1:30 p.m. with Lynda Sevald leading the study.

FAABERG ANNOUNCEMENTS

LITTLE NORWAY NEWS ITEMS

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FAABERG COUNCIL MINUTES

Faaberg Council September 9, 2020

The council met in person in the church basement. AKending were: Peggy Ystenes, Pastor Phil Larsen, ScoK VanDenEinde, Sue Knutson, Jeff Gullickson, Jan Helgeson, Dave Harstad, Linda Black, Wendy Kircher and Vickie Thronson. AKending via Zoom (remotely) was Tony Grieve.

President Dave called the mee5ng to order at 8pm. Pastor Phil lead in devo5ons.

The secretaries report was read by Vickie. Mo5on by Sue, second by Linda to approve minutes. Carried

Dave informed us that Julie Harstad and Liz Ystenes have plans to resume Sunday School in October, pending on what happens at school. We will have in-person worship beginning Sunday, September 13. Service will be at 8:15AM.

Peggy gave the treasurers report. General fund balance of $12,570.84 with all bills paid. Cemetery checking balance of $779.44 Cemetery saving balance of $3011.51 Recommenda5on by Pastor Phil for Peggy to deposit the PPP funds in the Faaberg account. ScoK made a mo5on to approve the treasurers report, second by Jeff. Carried

Sue let us know that WELCA has been mee5ng, and will resume quil5ng. Care kits and school kits were packed.

Pastor Phil reported that Lutheran World Relief had lost 3 – 40’ containers containing quilts, Care Kits and School Kits in the August 4, 2020 explosion in the city of Beirut, Lebanon. Confirma5on class is s5ll an unknown, and further discussion is delayed 5ll October. Pastor Phil explained about the grief handout and contact informa5on he lel in the entry.

Old Business: Dave brought up the $75,000 offer from Darla McWilliam that we have for the parsonage. Sue reported that a survey was done, and .63 acres will be marked off to go with the parsonage. She found out that Rindal is zoned agricultural by Norman County, and the minimum acreage that can be sold is 1 acre, unless a variance is granted. She has requested a variance but the county board doesn’t meet again un5l October 25th. It cost $1200 for the survey and $250 for the variance applica5on. Peggy reported that she had contacted an aKorney familiar with sales in this area. They can begin working on the paperwork at any 5me. Legal fees will depend on how much work has to be done. The plumbing has to be separated. ScoK will contact H&M Plumbing to do that. He will also ask about the parsonage basement drain, if it’s plugged or not. ScoK made a mo5on to offer the parsonage to Darla for $80,000 and Faaberg will pay closing costs. This is con5ngent on the variance being approved. Linda seconded the mo5on. Carried Sue will call Darla about the offer. Bats are s5ll being found (dead) in the church. We discussed possible entry points.

It was noted that Dean Chandler had painted the metal stair railings. Thanks Dean!

Resump5on of in-person worship was discussed. Ushers have been informed of their addi5onal du5es. Before Sunday, pews will need to be taped off (every other one). A notebook will need to be available for sign in. Hand sani5zer and masks will also need to be available. Peggy will pick up the bulle5ns. Dave and Linda volunteered to assist the ushers.

New Business: Rick Krogstad had informed ScoK the solener had used a lot of salt. This is probably a malfunc5on. ScoK is trying to get Echo Water to check it.

Having no further business, ScoK made a mo5on to adjourn. Second by Sue. Carried.

In closing we prayed the Lord’s Prayer together.

Secretary,

Vickie Thronson

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TRINITY NOTES

We’re Opening! 11:00 a.m. Worship

October 4, 2020  

We’re excited to open Trinity’s doors and resume worshipping together!  The wearing of a mask is mandatory, sanitize your hands, and respect social distancing.  The bulletins will be on a table and you will be required to pick them up yourselves.  Pews will be marked off and ushers will seat you.  There will be no singing indoors.   The offering plate will be in the back of the sanctuary and our pastors will lead us through all the changes.  Ushers will be aware of guiding congregants for communion and exiting the church following services in order to maintain recommended distancing.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, coffee will not be served before services. We are still discussing the opening of Sunday School and no date has yet been set.   If you’re able, bring your mum plants, pumpkins and any Fall décor to decorate the outside entry for this special day.   And, please thank our Church Council President, Scott Eia, for his patient guidance in getting to this day.   The challenges are many…..for all of us!   Please remember that worship services are still available online and on Garden Valley Channel 32.  It’s up to you if you want to worship in-person on October 4th.     “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:  23-24

  We can’t change other people, but we can begin with ourselves.  When we ask God to search our hearts and thoughts, He is faithful to reveal areas in our own lives that need work.  He will also turn our focus back toward Him and His eternal goodness.  He will help us see those daily annoyances for what they are and put us on the path back to peace.  Let’s pray for God’s help bringing peace to our relationships and to the opening of Trinity Church!   Let’s also pray for those who mourn:  the family and friends of Robert Rude, especially, Heidi; and for Joanne Yuergens as she mourns the passing of her sister. We pray, also, for continued healing for Mary Meine and Rory Hamre.     Submitted by: Chrys O’Neill October Birthdays:             Happy Anniversary: 10/01:   Mike Skaug 10/22: Bob & Joanne Yuergens 10/03:  Paul Kulzer 10/06:  Brock Johnstad 10/06:  Mila Mosher 10/11:  Rory Hamre 10/12:  Mary Meine 10/13:  Sandy Mjelde 10/16:  Mikayla Anderson 10/20:  Joan Mosher 10/30  Marie Johnstad  

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Maple Lake Church Council Minutes Date: September 16, 2020

Present: Pastor Phil, Pastor Dan, Kari Morvig, Bev Slevin, Kip Fontaine, Marlene Block, Brenda Langved and Sheila Fontaine

Call to Order: 7:35 p.m.

DevoBons: Pastor Phil gave devo5ons

AddiBons to the agenda:

Secretary’s Report: MM/S by Bev Slevin/Kip Fontaine to accept the Secretary’s Report. Mo5on carried.

Treasurer’s Report: MM/S by Kip Fontaine/Sheila Fontaine to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Mo5on carried.

Parish Board Report: No major issues to discuss.

Pastor’s Report:

Deacon’s Report: None

Trustee’s Report: None

Old Business:

1.Calling tree was updated.

2.Self-Addressed Envelopes for offering are available on the table in the Narthex for parishioners to use during COVID and when absent from Sunday services.

3.Rally Sunday is set for Sunday, October 4, 2020.

4.Thank Offering is scheduled for November 15, 2020.

5.Nomina5ng CommiKee has received confirma5on from parishioners for about ½ of the vacant posi5ons. Should be complete next month.

New Business:

1.Communion: discussion ensued about the process for communion once we are holding services inside the church.

2.Confirma5on: the pastors are s5ll working on a schedule for holding Confirma5on Sunday at Maple Lake.

3.Bible Study: Kari Morvig is hos5ng a Bible study slated to begin aler the holidays. If interested, please contact her.

Next Council MeeBng: October 21, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.

DevoBon for September:

Adjourn: Adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Lord’s Prayer

Submi&ed by: Sheila Fontaine

MAPLE LAKE NEWS ITEMS

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MAPLE LAKE NEWS ITEMS

Just as we are feeling bummed about the end of summer, God spreads a palate of colors on the landscape to brighten our days! How clever! God the Creator never misses a chance to make us happy!

We are excited to welcome back our Sunday school students on Rally Sunday, Oct. 4th. Alex Lunak, our only third grader, will receive his own Bible during the service. All the kids are encouraged to bring their back packs for the special blessing again this year. According to the superintendents (higher ups!) there are 40 ac5ve students on the roster! Guiding these young people are 6 teachers; MaryBeth Swanson, Kari Bolstad, Amber Petry, Lisa Aakhus, Angie Petry and Elissa Raaen. Thank you, girls, for caring enough to teach our smallest and biggest kids about God and His faithfulness.

On Oct. 11th we will say farewell to Dale & Linda S5nar who will be moving to their new home in Fargo! We have been blessed to have them in our church family and will miss bowing to “your highness”! Thank you, Dale and Linda, for your par5cipa5on in all the ac5vi5es and commiKees. We will miss you but wish you only the best in your new home and community. God’s blessings to both of you!

October will be a special month for ladies who have the opportunity to join a Bible Study group for 4 weeks. Kari Morvig will facilitate the study called Because of Bethlehem, Love is Born, Hope is Here by Max Lucada. The cost of the book is $4.99 and the group will meet on Wed. evenings. Please contact Kari at home 945-3165 or cell 218-280-0237 if you would like to come!

Our sympathies to the family of Russ Hovland who recently passed away at his home, following a stroke, in Ohio. Russ was born and raised here at Maple Lake and maintained a strong connec5on to this church and community. Russ was a man of faith who lived his faith. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his whole family.

Greeters for October are: Dale & Linda S5nar and Doyle & Michelle Qualley

Custodian for October: Sue Kronschnabel (we are s'll looking for a custodian for December!)

Be happy, stay healthy and bring your mask to church! We would love to see you!

SubmiKed by: Marlene Block

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Volume 24, Issue 10 October 2020

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PARISH NEWS

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Volume 24, Issue 10 October 2020

NEWSLETTER OF THE CONCORDIA, LITTLE NORWAY, MAPLE LAKE, TRINITY, AND FAABERG CONGREGATIONS OF THE UNITED IN CHRIST LUTHERAN PARISH, ELCA

Philip Larsen: Senior Pastor 218-289-3970 or 945-3228 email: pastorphil_uclp@gvtel.com Daniel Morton: Associate Pastor 320-260-6955 or 945-3025 email: pastordan_uclp@gvtel.com

Karin Braun: Youth Director 945-3090 or 218-637-0404 email: kbraun90@gmail.com Lori Sannes: Office Manager email: office_uclp@gvtel.com

United in Christ Lutheran Parish 100 Jefferson Ave. SW PO Box 615 Fertile, MN 56540 Telephone: 218-945-6696 website: www.unitedinchristlutheranparish.org

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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

WORSHIP SCHEDULE OCTOBER 2020

Sept. 6                 Sept. 13               Sept. 20                Sept. 27 F            (Online) (Online) (Online) (Online)   9:30 am

C                   (Online)            (Online)            (Worship)              (Worship) 9:30 am   T                (Online) (Online) (Online) (Online)      9:30 am   ML                 (Worship)         (Worship) (Worship)    (Worship)               9:30 am   LN (Online) (Online) (Online) (Online)                   9:30 am *NOTE-Worship times subject to change*

View Church Services on: Garden Valley TV Ch. 32 (Sundays-9:30 a.m.)

Parish Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/djjhG2Bey8E