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1 SALEM CONNECTION February 2015 Salem Lutheran Church 21276 Archibald Road PO Box 100 Deerwood MN 56444 Phone: 218-534-3309 Email: [email protected] Website: www.salemdwd.org Sundays at Salem Traditional Worship 8:15 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship 10:45 a.m. A Word from Council President, Roger Prill The 2015 Church Council voted for their new officers at the January 8, 2015 meeting and I am pleased to announce the outcome: Diane Hein – Vice President; Rae Jean Anderson – Secretary, and Paul Tesdahl – Treasurer. The President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Pastor Cheryl make up the Executive Team part of the Church Council. You can rest assured that your total Church Council is very qualified and dedicated and will do the very best they can to represent the total congregation and with much prayer, we will continue to guide Salem Church on the journey that we feel God has planned for us. Saturday, January 17 th , the Council spent the day at church, starting with a retreat in the morning and a Council Meeting in the afternoon. It was a very productive morning of ideas and enlightenment presented by Paul Fleckenstein, who reminded us again that by working together we will complete the task smoothly and efficiently. He also reminded us to look for the talents and diversity in each and every person as we interact on the Council in the coming year. In the afternoon, Elaine Greene and Dee Dee Frahm, representatives of the Task Force, attended the Council meeting, updating us and presenting several matters for the Council to consider and be aware of. We, as the Council, were once again reaffirmed by the thorough job the Task Force is doing and the dedication that is taking place in their process. The process that they are doing is taking time, but as everyone knows, it is better to do it right the first time, which can take more time, than to hurry or rush things along, which could leave room for errors and irreversible mistakes. The object of the Task Force is to be able to arm the Call Committee with a true picture of our total congregation and what our expectations are for our new Pastor. We feel the Task Force will present a very accurate resume of the wants and needs of Salem Lutheran Church in Deerwood MN to the Call Committee. At the time of forming the Call Committee we will follow the procedures as is written in our By-Laws. The Call Committee will consist of six members, three members elected by the Congregation and three chosen by the Church Council. The Council is working on a Call Committee Nomination Form to be filled out by any member who wishes to nominate an individual for the Call Committee. Information about all Call Committee candidates, along with photos of candidates will be made available to you before a Congregational vote will take place.

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1

SALEM CONNECTION February 2015

Salem Lutheran Church 21276 Archibald Road PO Box 100 Deerwood MN 56444

Phone: 218-534-3309 Email: [email protected] Website: www.salemdwd.org

Sundays at Salem

Traditional Worship – 8:15 a.m.

Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.

Contemporary Worship – 10:45 a.m.

A Word from Council President,

Roger Prill

The 2015 Church Council voted for their new

officers at the January 8, 2015 meeting and I am

pleased to announce the outcome: Diane Hein –

Vice President; Rae Jean Anderson – Secretary, and

Paul Tesdahl – Treasurer. The President, Vice

President, Secretary, Treasurer and Pastor Cheryl

make up the Executive Team part of the Church

Council. You can rest assured that your total

Church Council is very qualified and dedicated and

will do the very best they can to represent the total

congregation and with much prayer, we will

continue to guide Salem Church on the journey

that we feel God has planned for us.

Saturday, January 17th, the Council spent the day at

church, starting with a retreat in the morning and a

Council Meeting in the afternoon. It was a very

productive morning of ideas and enlightenment

presented by Paul Fleckenstein, who reminded us

again that by working together we will complete

the task smoothly and efficiently. He also

reminded us to look for the talents and diversity in

each and every person as we interact on the

Council in the coming year.

In the afternoon, Elaine Greene and Dee Dee

Frahm, representatives of the Task Force, attended

the Council meeting, updating us and presenting

several matters for the Council to consider and be

aware of. We, as the Council, were once again

reaffirmed by the thorough job the Task Force is

doing and the dedication that is taking place in

their process. The process that they are doing is

taking time, but as everyone knows, it is better to

do it right the first time, which can take more time,

than to hurry or rush things along, which could

leave room for errors and irreversible mistakes.

The object of the Task Force is to be able to arm

the Call Committee with a true picture of our total

congregation and what our expectations are for

our new Pastor. We feel the Task Force will

present a very accurate resume of the wants and

needs of Salem Lutheran Church in Deerwood MN

to the Call Committee.

At the time of forming the Call Committee we will

follow the procedures as is written in our By-Laws.

The Call Committee will consist of six members,

three members elected by the Congregation and

three chosen by the Church Council. The Council is

working on a Call Committee Nomination Form to

be filled out by any member who wishes to

nominate an individual for the Call Committee.

Information about all Call Committee candidates,

along with photos of candidates will be made

available to you before a Congregational vote will

take place.

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From Pastor Cheryl

The ELCA will be holding its tri-annual Churchwide Assembly August 8-13, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

While this assembly is over a year away, each synod in the ELCA will be electing their voting members at their

2015 synod assemblies. Our Northeastern Synod is looking for nominees for six lay voting member positions

for the 2016 Churchwide Assembly. Following are the voting member positions, and a description of the job

description for a voting member to Churchwide.

If you are interested in nominating someone, or yourself, to one of these positions, please see the Salem

church office for a Nomination Form. This form must be completed for each nominee and returned to the

Synod by February 1 in order for your nominee to be placed on the ballot to be voted on at our Northeastern

Minnesota Synod Assembly, which will be held on May 1-3, 2015, at Breezy Point.

Multicultural Representative – must be either a male or female layperson

Multicultural Representative; Alternate – must be either a male or female layperson

Young Adult (Between the age of 18-30 on May 1, 2015) – either a male or female layperson

Young Adult; Alternate (Between the age of 18-30 on May 1, 2015) – male or female

layperson

Youth (voting member of a congregation under the age of 18 on May 1, 2015) – male or female

layperson

Youth; Alternate (voting member of a congregation under the age of 18 on May 1, 2015) – male

or female layperson

Expectations of Voting Members to the August 8-13, 2016 Churchwide Assembly in New Orleans, LA

Attend the entire Churchwide Assembly: August 8-13, in New Orleans, LA

Travel, motel and meal expenses are covered by the NE Minnesota Synod

Attend the synod meeting for voting members which will be held in June or July 2016

Participate in all events of the Churchwide Assembly – plenary sessions, voting, worship, etc.

Note: Past voting members have found this to be an intense and inspiring experience of the life and

faith of the ELCA

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Peace, Pastor Cheryl

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USHERS Feb 1 8:15 Ed & Sherri Godfrey, Tom & Margaret

Lunacek 10:45 John & Raye Cragun, Elsa Ray, Ken Schultz Feb 8 8:15 Randy Holmvig, Helen Ryan, Herb & Barb Schoon 10:45 Dean & Pat Sylvester Feb 15 8:15 Ralph Carlson, Deb Selk, Chuck Lubowitz, Karla Peterson 10:45 Jay & Sue Stromberg, Marc & Laurie Venter Feb 22 8:15 Clark & Joyce Marshall, John & Elaine Greene

10:45 Laurie Ogard, Roger & Marlene Prill

READERS Feb 1 8:15 Peggy Blistain 10:45 Arlene Radach Feb 8 8:15 Gary Guida 10:45 Barb Schiffler Feb 15 8:15 Kay Bendorf 10:45 Carole Nystrom Feb 22 8:15 Nancy Meyer 10:45 Teppi Bundy

COMMUNION 2/1 8:15 Peggy Blistain, Jessica Jones, Randy Holmvig 10:45 Wilbur & Arlene Radach, Judi Smith 2/8 8:15 Gary & Becky Guida, Tom Lunacek

10:45 Al & Barb Schiffler, Rick Shafer 2/15 8:15 Kay Bendorf, Jerry & Polly Pflepsen 10:45 Carole Nystrom, John & Marlys Orr 2/22 8:15 Sandy Archibald, Ron & Nancy Meyer 10:45 Teppi Bundy, Lee & Bobbie Midthun

CONTROL BOOTH 2/1 8:15 Mike Shermock, Kyle Skeim 10:45 Charlie Anderson, Al Schiffler 2/8 8:15 Meriellen Pisarek, Mike Shermock 10:45 Charlie Anderson, Al Schiffler 2/15 8:15 Meriellen Pisarek 10:45 Charlie Anderson, Al Schiffler 2/22 8:15 Lynn Hansen, Meriellen Pisarek 10:45 Charlie Anderson, Bruce Swanson

SUNDAY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE Christmas Eve 405 December 28 90 January 4 144 January 11 158 January 18 179

TRANSFER OUT

Jay & Callie Bautch; Annika, Alex

BAPTISM

Cole Matthew Doucette FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

1 Nicolette Anderson 3 Kay Bendorf, Brent Fields 5 Jasmine Siliznoff, Linda Stebbins 8 Curt Bordwell, Ernie Erickson 9 Cari Skeim 11 Debby Leonard, Kerri Sanderson 12 Nancy Meyer 13 Dee Dee Frahm, Joey Stromberg 14 Gary Munson, Jan Rude 16 Paul Erickson 19 Kyle Bartels, Alex Bundy 21 Jerry Sanderson 22 Lavonn Reeves 23 Gary Blake 25 David Olson 26 Doris Carlson, Dale Klungness, Lee Midthun

FEBRUARY WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

1 Rick & Sue Johnson (1969) 11 Kyle & Devan Bartels (2006) 20 Dan & Shirley Goodwin (1960) 22 Joel & Mary Huntley (1964) 22 John & Becki Zender (1997) 26 Jon & Shirley Ross (1998) 28 Mike & Jami Bodle (1998) 28 Archie & Deanna Olson (1959)

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Thank You!

To my Family at Salem, I wish to thank all who prayed for my daughters, Linda Deglemann and Sandy Green. They are both cancer-free. Praise the Lord! May God bless all of you. Lenore McBroom Dear Salem, Jason & Sarah Damlo-Anderson, as well as Ken & Linda Stebbins, sincerely thank you for all of your prayers and concerns during our precious Julian’s life of 5 months. Julian had health issues since birth but his death was totally unexpected. Sarah and Jason request your continued prayers during this very difficult time. In Christ, Ken & Linda Stebbins Jason & Sarah Damlo-Anderson Just a thank you for the lovely poinsettia you sent me in the hospital. When something like this accident happens the thoughtfulness of so many people is very much appreciated. Dot Jones To Connie and the Salem Lutheran Kids, Thank you all for blessing our Christmas at Heartwood Senior Community with a gorgeous large white poinsettia in our apartment. We cannot remember one this beautiful in your past visits. This gift was accompanied by a handsome gift card bearing colorful red cardinals. Thank you for thinking of us. Love, Bernie & Bruce Kirkpatrick

Dear Friends at Salem, Thank you so very much for the beautiful plant and the special home-created card. My room looks very cheery thanks to each of you. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Love & Prayers, Virginia Platisha Thank you very much for the lovely poinsettia plant. We enjoyed it very much over the holidays. Thank you again very much for your thoughtfulness. Jo & Steve Blanich

EVENTS / ANNOUNCEMENTS

GIRLS NIGHT OUT - All women are welcome to come and have dinner and fellowship at Coach's Corner in Deerwood on the second Tuesday evening of each month. Next Girls Night Out: February 10th, 5:30 p.m.

PIE & COFFEE DURING LENT Lent begins on February 18, 2015 – Ash

Wednesday. Worship will be held each Wednesday during Lent at Salem at 7:00 p.m., using Holden Evening Prayer as worship resource. Following

each Wednesday worship, EVERYONE is invited to the fellowship hall for pie and beverages. A free will donation will be accepted for our youth who are attending the National Youth Gathering this

summer in Detroit. This will take the place of Soup Suppers usually offered here during Lent.

February Circle Gatherings SARAH – Thursday, Feb 12, 9:30 a.m.

NAOMI – Thursday, Feb 19, 1:30 p.m.

Salem's Piecemakers Come and help make quilts on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. The quilts will be donated to Lutheran World Relief and other destinations where mission work is happening. Everyone is welcome!

In Stitches "In Stitches," the knitting and crocheting group will meet at 1pm on Tuesdays. We meet in a casual setting in the lobby seating area or the library – it is great fun to visit while knitting or crocheting.

USHERS NEEDED! Special thanks to all the people who are serving as ushers at worship and special events and funerals. This is an area of hospitality that is now in need of additional help! If you are willing to serve as an usher on a regular basis – or as a substitute, please contact Roger Prill, 218-764-3383.

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Financial Secretary Hours

Currently, Sandy Beyer, the financial secretary, is working half of a day on Thursdays. Starting in February, on a trial basis, Sandy is going to work full days on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. As of February 1, 2015 Sandy’s scheduled hours in the office will be Monday and Wednesday 8-5 and the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month 8-5. Note that the number of hours scheduled in the office is the same, just altering the Thursday schedule. A calendar is posted outside of Sandy’s office door indicating the days she will be in each month. Please contact Sandy with questions or concerns.

Worship & Music Team Forming An opportunity to serve! Anyone interested in being part of a team that would meet regularly to help plan in the area of Worship – especially traditional worship – is invited to an intial meeting on Sunday, February 1st at 9:30 a.m. in the conference room.

Library News

February is Love Your Library Month. A good time to visit Salem’s Library. Check out the basket of new books on the counter. The series, Tales from Grace Chapel Inn is also featured on the counter. This series, written by different authors, revolves around a bed and breakfast in the small town of Acorn Hill. You don’t need to read all of the series to enjoy these books.

A reminder to anyone donating books to the library: Please mark them as a donation and include your name. We often find books and are never sure if they are being donated or have been left by mistake.

The Library Committee will not meet in February.

Salem’s Debt Reduction

Appeal

Years 2014 – 2017 “Another Step in Our Journey”

The team is in the final stages of wrapping up the Capital Appeal “Another Step in Our Journey.” As of the middle of January we have had 64% of family units turn in their Debt Reduction pledge card. If you have not turned in a pledge card please return your pledge card as soon as possible, we need to have all cards accounted for. Should you have any questions please feel free to call the church office. The team will finish gathering the data and report the results of the campaign to the congregation later in February.

News from The Mustard Seed

Deb Selk, Manager

Welcome to 2015. Excited for another great year. We are looking for more Volunteers to help out at the Mustard Seed and Salem West. If you are interested or know anyone that is Please have them contact me at 534-2945. Just a heads up that if you’re 55 or older you can sign up for RSVP and your time counts as double. If you haven’t filled out a form stop in to the Seed or West and pick up, fill out and mail in to Mike at RSVP. If you have any questions please call Kay Cooper at 534-3155. Blessings to all. Deb

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Director of Care & Outreach

Greg Meyer

Recently Diane and I had the opportunity to attend

worship at an outdoor service. The Pastor is preaching

through a series on forgiveness and challenges. He

shared that he had gotten so many comments and

questions regarding, “how do I do this? How do I let go,

forgive, endure?” These questions made him decide to

change his sermon schedule and continue the

discussion. The Sunday we heard him he was quoting

Max Lucado’s book and Bible Study, You will Get

Through This, Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times.

I would like to share Max’s quote that he based his

sermon on: “You'll get through this. It won't be

painless. It won't be quick. But God will use this mess for

good. In the meantime don't be foolish or naïve. But

don't despair either. With God's help you will get

through this.”

Many of us struggled and are struggling with health

issues; “You'll get through this. It won't be painless. It

won't be quick. But God will use this mess for good. In

the meantime don't be foolish or naïve. But don't

despair either. With God's help you will get through

this.”

We are all a part of organizations struggling with tight

budgets (perhaps our own personal budgets) and

shortages of volunteers; “You'll get through this. It

won't be painless. It won't be quick. But God will use this

mess for good. In the meantime don't be foolish or

naïve. But don't despair either. With God's help you will

get through this.”

We find there are not enough hours in the day; we are

behind at work, our children need our attention, our

spouse forget what we look like because we are gone so

much; “You'll get through this. It won't be painless. It

won't be quick. But God will use this mess for good. In

the meantime don't be foolish or naïve. But don't

despair either. With God's help you will get through

this.”

2014 was a year of change, struggle and blessing for

Salem’s Social Ministry. Salem WEST and The Mustard

Seed worked tirelessly to fulfill their mission. A deficit

and tight budget was turned around. The need for

volunteers was met each and every day (Salem WEST

and Social Ministry clocked 21,867.5 volunteers’ hours,

second highest organization in Crow Wing County). The

constant struggle for donations to serve our families

seems never ending – 451 households were worked

with in 2014! – and Salem WEST and The Mustard Seed

had what they needed to serve those requests. There

were many times through the year I wondered how we

would make it, but God provided; “You'll get through

this. It won't be painless. It won't be quick. But God will

use this mess for good. In the meantime don't be foolish

or naïve. But don't despair either. With God's help you

will get through this.”

Year –end reports and statistics always give me an

opportunity to look back and feel so foolish about how

much I worried. Then I look beyond the worries and

thank God for each one of you. God is leading our

ministry and we only need to TRUST HIM!

Thank you for your generosity, dedication and heart to

serve our Lord, by serving His people. You are such a

gift and blessing. I am confident that 2015 will have

struggles, challenges and shortfalls of donations and

finances, but; ; “You'll get through this. It won't be

painless. It won't be quick. But God will use this mess for

good. In the meantime don't be foolish or naïve. But

don't despair either. With God's help you will get

through this.”

Did You Know?

Salem WEST was second in all of Crow Wing County in the number of RSVP volunteer hours logged in 2014. A portion of what was was printed in the RSVP Newsletter: “To help illustrate the tremendous impact volunteers make in the lives of these we are so blessed to serve, and in humble gratitude for their gift, we have taken the time to convert volunteer hours into dollars ($22.55/hour).” The total listed in the newsletter as Salem WEST’s contribution: $214,653.45.

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COORDINATOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Connie Lou Swanson

[email protected]

Creative Kids - Everyone in Grades Kindergarten – Grade 6 is invited to come PAINT Valentines for Honduras children at Kid’s ARK International and for Salem’s homebound friends and members. We will also play a game or two and have a snack. We will also learn some facts about St. Valentine, and share some silly jokes! We meet from 3:30 – 5:00 pm. SPARK Sunday School - Sunday School offering from September – December totaled $79.00 and has been sent to The Seafarer’s Ministry in Duluth, MN. Thank you for your gifts to help sailors who travel around the world and work on ships that deliver goods to the ports of Duluth and Superior, WI!

I would also like to say thank you to all who participated in the Advent Offerings toward the Capital Appeal Fund. At the time of writing this newsletter, $134.68 has come in. These offerings will go to help pay for our beautiful building. I will update the total as more offerings come in.

Our Sunday School Teachers will be meeting on Sunday morning at 9:30 am in the Youth Room on February 15 or 22, (TBA). There will be no Opening that morning and children will have substitute teachers.

Thanks to those Sunday school children who helped the Praise Team lead the congregation in the song “Fishers of Men” on January 25th. Thanks to Noreen and the Praise Team, for inviting us to join you! Honduras Mission Team PRAY-ers – Thank you to those individuals and families who signed up to pray for an individual on the Honduras Mission

Team. If you have not picked up your prayer packet and candle, please do so. They are on the Children’s Ministry table. Lenten/Easter Family Resource – Ash Wednesday is February 18th. The “Easter Lost and Found” Lenten resource will be available (one per family) on February 8th. Please pick yours up from the Children’s Ministry table. This resource includes a devotion, a rhyming riddle and a search activity for each day in Lent. Parents! I encourage you to take the time to use this fun and colorful resource to help your family journey through Lent, to Easter! Stations of the Cross Prayer Opportunity On February 28th, at 10:00 am you are invited to come and participate in a journey through the Stations of the Cross. There is growing worldwide interest in the Bible-based Way of the Cross, or Stations of the Cross and this is your opportunity to learn more about them, and to prayerfully walk through them. We will gather for an introduction, which will include some music, and then we will walk through the stations. There will be related craft project that will be optional. If you have questions, please talk to Pastor Cheryl or Connie Lou! Lenten Mission Project – Our Lenten Mission Project is going to be Kids Against Hunger. The mission of Kids Against Hunger is to significantly reduce the number of hungry children in the USA and to feed starving children throughout the world. Meals are shipped to starving children and their families in over 60 countries through partnerships with humanitarian organizations worldwide. We need your help to end world hunger. There are two ways that we ask you to consider supporting this project. You may make a monetary donation to Kids Against Hunger and/or come help pack food for hungry kids the last Saturday in March. Each meal costs $.23 and for $84.00 you can feed a child for a year.

Last year 21 Salemites, of various ages participated in a Kids Against Hunger Food Pack at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Crosby. This year Salem will HOST this event on Saturday morning, March 28th. So mark the date on your calendar and plan to join us (and other area churches) as we host this event

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and make a direct impact on hunger and starvation.

Watch for the Kids Against Hunger Food Pack display and sign-up sheet, and be sure to sign up to help us end hunger.

Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry Winter Fun Day

Saturday, February 28, 2015, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Take some time to play at Camp Vermilion! Enjoy our great sledding hill and playing in the snow. Bring snowshoes or cross-country skiis and explore the trails around camp. Come for a day of fun with your family, your group from church, or on your own. Snacks, cocoa and cider will be available

when you are ready to warm up. Cost: $5/person; $20 family maximum. Cost includes all activities

and snacks. To register, call VLM at 800-331-5148, or online at www.VLMcamps.org.

News from Missionary John Lunn

Greetings to my sponsoring churches! When I wrote last month, I was in India and I am still there. Remember Pastor John Sumo whose leg was shattered in a motorcycle accident in Liberia? His surgeon showed me x-rays of his progress and it is nothing short of amazing! The original gap of 5 cm is now almost fully filled in with bone. Pastor Sumo is back home in Liberia now with a brace-like device on his leg which allows even more bone growth and strengthening. He will return to India in 9-12 months for further treatment. I had a meeting with the hospital director at Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore. I try to keep my connections there “fresh.” Never know when I might need to recruit someone or get an opinion on something and CMC is my “go-to” hospital. Then I was off to visit the Lutheran hospitals I've been working with – Parkijuli Hospital in northeastern India and Mohulpahari Hospital in Jharkhand – before going to Padhar for Christmas. On Christmas Eve in Padhar (state of Madhya Pradesh), the festivities started at 6 pm with a

candlelight service. That was followed by the Choudhrie family Christmas gathering. That was a lot of good company and good food. I preached at the 6 a.m. Christmas morning service followed by breakfast at the home of other friends, followed by caroling in the hospital, and then a community lunch. Then we had a long, fun, and wonderful game of Monopoly that lasted about six hours. We had great fun and I was runner up. Lots of other good stuff happened before I headed back south to Vellore and warmer weather. I had dinner with my hosts and the non-Christian medical staff from Padhar Hospital. It was quite a gang with two consultants and a lot of junior doctors. There was lots of hospital and medical chatter - most of it in English but some in Hindi - and for the Hindi part I had a friend sitting next to me to translate the most important parts. We sat around a wonderful bonfire and it was really nice. There was a good dinner too – mostly vegetarian! The Saturday after Christmas, we went to a picnic on the Nursing School's bus. There was good food, great company, and a nice drive. The morning of the Sunday after Christmas, it was 39 degrees, and there is no central heating, just piles of blankets and hot chai. I preached at the service and the Gospel was the one about Simeon and Anna. I talked about the role of the church in encouraging and participating in the lives of their children. Later on we went to a special Christmas/New Year's function in Betul. It was quite the event. Two of the guests of honor were a couple from North Carolina, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They were all dressed up in colorful Rajasthan (a state in northwest India) garb. Their son is married to the host's daughter. There was some good food - one table with American food with an Indian twist. I did spend some of my time in Padhar working! I started on arrangement for a woman from Tanzania to have her leg fixed. She works at the Lutheran guesthouse in Mwanza. She opened an abandoned suitcase which had been sitting in the entryway for some time, and it exploded injuring her leg and face. Facial injuries were superficial, but her leg bones are shattered – much like Pastor Sumo's. Padhar Hospital has agreed to take on her

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care. With the help of the Southern Ohio Synod, we will be trying to raise $13,000 for her care. Then it was time to head back south to the warmer temperatures of Vellore. It's a good time of the year in Vellore – low 80s in the daytime and 60s at night. Much better than 39! When I arrived back at Sneha Deepam, the young woman who used to work here and whose nursing education I sponsor, was here to greet me. She's so happy with her new life plan and I'm happy to see some money do so much. Please keep remembering me in your prayers, and know that you are always in mine. You are partners in my work and I can't do it without your help.

Peace, John

HEARTLAND ASSEMBLY

Salem is a member of the Heartland Conference of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod. The Heartland Assembly will meet on Sunday, February 15th at Camp Onomia in Onamia. Voting members and vistors to the Assembly are invited to attend. Here is a reminder of the nominations needed:

Synod Council – one layperson (Ted Pfohl has been serving in this position and is willing to serve another term)

Voting Member to 2016 Churchwide Assembly – layperson, male

Voting Member Alternate to 2016 Churchwide Assembly – layperson, male

Voting Member to 2016 Churchwide Assembly – clergy, female

Voting Member Alternate to 2016 Churchwide Assembly – clergy, female

Reference, Counsel and Memorial – one layperson

Reference, Counsel and Memorial –one clergy

Heartland Conference Treasurer – Pr. Steve Rye has agreed to be nominated

In case of bad weather, how do we find

out if worship is cancelled???

1. CALL THE CHURCH 218-534-3309 There is

an option to select that will tell you if worship is

canceled due to inclement weather. This is always

the BEST way to find out!

2. LISTEN TO THE RADIO Check either KKIN

94.3 or WJJY 106.7 stations for cancelation

announcements. We will be contacting those two

stations first if worship is canceled.

3. USE YOUR OWN DISCRETION We all

know that "safe is best." If the weather is bad,

staying home is always a good choice.

For groups within the congregation, such as

Circles, Bible Study Groups, etc., Each group

should formulate a plan to inform members of

meeting cancellations. GROUP LEADERS –

Please remember to call the church office to let

Debbi or other staff know if you plan to cancel a

meeting that is on the calendar.

The Concordia Choir and Brainerd High School A Cappella Choir share the Tornstrom Auditorium stage on Saturday, February 14, 2015, 7:30 p.m. at Washington Educational Services Building, 804 Oak Street in Brainerd. Concordia guest conductor Michael Smith and Brainerd’s Brian Stubbs collaborate on an evening of beautiful choral music. Salem’s own Naomi Swanson is a member of the Concordia Choir and will be singing in this concert! Tickets: $15 Adults; $5 Students. Available online at ConcordiaTickets.com, by calling (800)838-3006, or at the door.

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SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH

Social Ministry Governing Board

January 15, 2015

MSC – Motion Seconded and Carried Present: Kevin Edstrom, Sandy Kretlow, Dee Dee Frahm, Debbie MacKay, Greg Meyer, and Carol Brezina (via Phone), Absent: Steve Haglund. Devotions led by Debbie MacKay Meeting was called to order by Debbie MacKay. Thanks to Lois and Carol for their work on Social Ministry board. Welcome to DeeDee Frahm for stepping in to replace Lois Hicks who resigned. Secretary’s Report: Correction: Sandy Kretlow has taken over the jewelry for the Mustard Seed. Motion was made to approve the Nov. minutes as corrected. MSC Election of Officers: Motion made to elect Sandy Kretlow as secretary, DeeDee Frahm as treasurer, Kevin Edstrom as vice-chair and Debbie MacKay as chair. MSC Financial Report: Carol Brezina reported that MS profit exceeded our budget for 2014. 106.17% achieved Reviewed motions made at December meeting. Amended motion from Nov. meeting to put $13,638.00 from the Equity account to Operating reserve Acct # 2910.(original motion in Nov. was for $10,000 to be moved). MSC Mustard Seed: Revisit how much time we should be closed at Christmas. Donations and sales are slowing down. A motion was made to purchase the 2nd Point of Sale System from Deerwood Technology –after an updated proposal is received, paid for with Hallett Trust Grant. MSC Salem West: December- 36 referrals. Two special delivery days were Dec. 23 & 30. No response to congregation email requesting donations of needed items at SW. January- 11 deliveries as of the 15th. Donations are down. Low on couches/loveseats, dressers, bed frames, table and chairs. Ordered dressers and be frames to purchase. Bridges of Hope- newer staff at BoH unaware that SW has an abundance of clothes. Now that they know, they will request more when needed. Had a Community Service worker helping at SW. He has been a valuable person to help us daily. Greg’s Report: Bridges of Hope Michelle) has offered for us to visit to see how things are done (discuss concerns, intake process, tour, phone interview). Steve , Debbie and DeeDee and possibly other delivery volunteers plan to go. Crow Wing Power has dividend money that people haven’t collected. The funds may be used to establish a central data base to assist people in need. Although expensive, CWP hopes they can purchase all of the equipment/computer systems needed and fund the program for 2 years. This type of process is being used successfully in other MN counties. Greg will attend an informational meeting. Attended a Leaders Circle meeting for nonprofits, paid for by the Initiative Foundation. It helps with writing grants. Inside Out Connections: Surveys are in from Jail Ministries: looking at the needs of the inmates and their families.

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SW Committee Meeting: Sent out 30 poinsettias, Lenore has sent out 32 cards. Valentine flowers and cards from Sunday school children will go out in February. Soup kitchen is taken care of through March. CRMC is changing how monthly birthday parties are done at the Care Center and Hallett Cottages. We will be updated after new program determined. Miscellaneous: June 8 Pizza Ranch April 26 Pancake Breakfast (Teen Challenge) Meeting Adjourned Next meeting date to be determined. Respectfully submitted, Sandy Kretlow

SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH

Council Meeting

January 17, 2015 1 p.m.

MSC = Motion Made, Motion Seconded, Motion Carried

Attendance: Pastor Cheryl, Roger Prill, Diane Hein, Paul Tesdahl, Rae Jean Anderson, Lynn Hanson, Tom Lunacek, Lynn

Leino, Rick Shafer, Cecil Schmidt (Via SKYPE)

Meeting: called to order.

Minutes: approval of the January 8, 2015 meeting minutes with the following correction page one Roger elected V.P.

2013 not last year. MSC

Additions to the Agenda: Transitional Task Force added to the agenda. Dee Dee Frahm and Elaine Green presenting.

Transition Task Force:

Dee Dee Frahm and Elaine Greene: The cottage meetings are set and anticipate they will be done by their next meeting

February 3rd.

At this time the TTF have proposed bylaw revision to change the By Laws for the Process on how to choose the 6 Call

Committee members.

The By Laws now read: The Congregation Elects 3 Call members by voting at a special meeting. The Council appoints

the final 3 Call members.

Cecil presented a resolution which he drafted and which he said could be approved by the council, instead of moving

forward with the bylaw change which would have to be voted on by the congregation Cecil’s proposed resolution: The

congregation votes at a special meeting for Call members, the top 3 nominees with the most votes would be elected to the

Call Committee. The remaining nominees 4,5,6 with the most votes would be appointed by the council.

A Resolution needs two thirds of the council for approval.

Cecil motions to approve the Resolution concerning the election of a call committee

5 no

2 yes

2 abstain

Motion Fails

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Discussion on informing the task force feed back on the proposal Paul is informing them the process and to inform them

we will take into consideration their call committee names. The council will obtain the nomination form for Call

Committee Members.

Pastors Report: Pastor Cheryl added 2 items; Posted are the Lay nominees for both ELCA positions and synod committee

positions.

Treasurers Report January 2014 are not ready. They will be submitted in February.

Sandy is on Vacation the last week of January.

Lenten Offering: ½ social ministries ½ missionary Lunn

MSC

Offering for Cantata: $1097 after payments of music, the director and organist leaves us $232 for next year.

Motor on roof replaced: $1100.

4th quarter report for debt reduction submitted.

Facilities : Gas leak in kitchen found by Glenn, gas company was called they pinpointed the leak and Godfreys fixed.

Calendar: Number of changes will be made and redistributed at the next meeting.

2015 Goals of the Church Council

Submitted: Cecil Schmidt

The Council started a spread sheet on prioritizing the Councils Goals. The council will address at the next Council

Meeting.

Other Business: Does the Council want Pastor Tim Berdahl to come to lead a “Healthy Congregation” workshop for staff

and council leadership. Pastor Cheryl will talk to Pastor Tim on dates available to meet.

Staff participants include: Governing Board of Social Ministries, Salem West, Mustard Seed, Council members, and paid

staff.

Motion to close meeting at 3:40pm by Roger.

Respectfully submitted,

Rae Jean Anderson, Council Secretary

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FEBRUARY 2015

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 8:15 AM Traditional Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Worship & Music Team Meeting 10:45 AM Contemporary Worship 1:30 PM Salem Hosts Care Center Worship

2 6:00 PM Girl Scout Meetings (2)

3 9:00 AM Piecemakers 1:00 PM In Stitches 6:00 PM TTF Meeting

4 6:30 AM Women's Bible Study 10:30 AM Staff Meeting 3:30 PM Creative Kids 5:00 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM Confirmation 7:00 PM Salem Ringers Rehearsal

5 8:30 AM Women's Bible Study 1:00 PM Games in fellowship hall

6 7:00 AM Men's Bible Study 6:30 PM Special Girl Scout Event at Salem

7 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM QUILT-A-THON

8 8:15 AM Traditional Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Salem WEST Committee Meeting 10:45 AM Contemporary Worship

9 9:00-11:00 a.m. Unlimited Learning Mtg 5:45 PM Capital Campaign Team Mtg

10 9:00 AM Piecemakers 1:00 PM In Stitches 5:30 PM Girls Night Out

11 6:30 AM Women's Bible Study 9:00 AM Diaper Project 10:30 AM Staff Meeting 5:00 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM Confirmation 7:00 PM Salem Ringers Rehearsal

12 8:30 AM Women's Bible Study 9:30 AM Sarah Circle 1:00 PM Games in fellowship hall 6:30 PM Executive Team Meeting

13 7:00 AM Men's Bible Study 6:30 PM Special Girl Scout Event at Salem

15 8:15 AM Traditional Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Contemporary Worship

16 6:00 PM Girl Scout Meetings (2)

17 9:00 AM Piecemakers 1:00 PM In Stitches

18 ASH WEDNESDAY 6:30 AM Women's Bible Study 10:30 AM Staff Meeting 5:00 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM WORSHIP

19 8:30 AM Women's Bible Study 1:00 PM Games in fellowship hall 1:30 PM Naomi Circle 5:00 PM Social Ministry Governing Board Mtg 6:00 PM Council Mtg

20 7:00 AM Men's Bible Study

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22 8:15 AM Traditional Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Memorial Committee Meeting 10:45 AM Contemporary Worship

23 5:00 PM Special Girls Scout Event at Salem 6:30 PM Salem Ringers Rehearsal

24 9:00 AM Piecemakers 1:00 PM In Stitches

25 6:30 AM Women's Bible Study 10:30 AM Staff Meeting 5:00 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM WORSHIP

26 8:30 AM Women's Bible Study 1:00 PM Games in fellowship hall

27 7:00 AM Men's Bible Study

28 10:00 AM Stations of the Cross Prayer

MARCH 8:15 AM Traditional Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Contemporary Worship

2 6:00 PM Girls Scout Meetings (2) 6:30 PM Salem Ringers Rehearsal

3 9:00 AM Piecemakers 1:00 PM In Stitches

4 6:30 PM Women’s Bible Study 10:30 AM Staff Meeting 5:00 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM WORSHIP

5 8:30 PM Women’s Bible Study 1:00 PM Games in fellowship hall

6 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study

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SALEM STAFF CHURCH COUNCIL Interim Pastor – Cheryl Fleckenstein Rae Jean Anderson, Secretary 218-678-2043 Director of Care & Outreach – Greg Meyer Lynn Hansen 218-678-2051 Office Manager – Deborah Carlson Diane Hein, Vice President 218-678-2699 Financial Secretary – Sandra Beyer Eileen Leino 218-534-3502 Coordinator of Children's Ministry – Connie Lou Swanson Tom Lunacek 218-678-2926 Facilities Coordinator – Glen Helm Roger Prill, President 218-764-3383 Organist/Pianist – Becky Klingelhofer Rick Shafer 218-545-1532 Choir Director – Scott Ruffing Cecil Schmidt 218-764-2361 Handbell Choir Director – Kevin Edstrom Paul Tesdahl, Treasurer 218-546-5036 Praise Team Directors – Becky Klingelhofer/Noreen Steinbrecher Salem WEST Facilitator – Whitney Cragun Salem WEST Program Assistant – Amanda Meier The Mustard Seed Manager – Deb Selk EMAIL The Mustard Seed Program Assistant – Sandy Archibald Pastor Cheryl [email protected] Kitchen Coordinator – Kathy Schultz Greg Meyer [email protected] Office/Debbi Carlson [email protected] Connie Swanson [email protected] MINISTRY COORDINATORS Sandy Beyer [email protected] Wedding Coordinator – Kim Coughlin Glen Helm [email protected] Cradle Roll – Jessica Jones Salem WEST [email protected] Control Booth Coordinator – Meriellen Pisarek The Mustard Seed [email protected]