salem connection - salem lutheran church deerwood...

17
1 SALEM CONNECTION September 2014 Salem Lutheran Church 21276 Archibald Road PO Box 100 Deerwood MN 56444 Phone: 218-534-3309 Email: [email protected] Website: www.salemdwd.org BEGINS SEPTEMBER 7 Traditional Worship – 8:15 a.m. Sunday School – 9:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship – 10:45 a.m. Council Presdient, Lynn Hansen As we move into fall, the next Debt Reduction Campaign will begin. Sunday School, Confirmation, and Children Youth & Family activities will resume. Another workday is being scheduled now that Summerfest is over. These provide many opportunities to volunteer. Please consider how you can help carry out the Vision and Mission of Salem Lutheran Church by sharing your time and talent in these areas. Because of the early Connection deadline this month, I am writing this before the August Church Council meeting. Bishop Aitken will be visiting our meeting. Salem will be hosting a NE Minnesota Synod gathering on September 20th. Please remember to attend one of the informational meetings about the Transition Team that will be held on August 31st. Enjoy these beautiful summer days that God has provided us as we await the colorful autumn displays ahead. Lynn Hansen, Council President Campers at Hiawatha!! These four, smiley girls from Deerwood enjoyed a week together at Camp Hiawatha this past July! L to R: Breanna Stirewalt, Lily Peterson, Lily Habighorst, Anna Coughlin. "It's great to be alive in God's Great Northwoods!!"

Upload: others

Post on 24-May-2020

21 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

1

SALEM CONNECTION September 2014

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

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

BEGINS SEPTEMBER 7

Traditional Worship – 8:15 a.m. Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.

Contemporary Worship – 10:45 a.m.

Council Presdient, Lynn Hansen

As we move into fall, the next Debt Reduction Campaign will begin. Sunday School, Confirmation, and Children Youth & Family activities will resume. Another workday is being scheduled now that Summerfest is over. These provide many opportunities to volunteer. Please consider how you can help carry out the Vision and Mission of Salem Lutheran Church by sharing your time and talent in these areas. Because of the early Connection deadline this month, I am writing this before the August Church Council meeting. Bishop Aitken will be visiting our

meeting. Salem will be hosting a NE Minnesota Synod gathering on September 20th. Please remember to attend one of the informational meetings about the Transition Team that will be held on August 31st. Enjoy these beautiful summer days that God has provided us as we await the colorful autumn displays ahead. Lynn Hansen, Council President

Campers at Hiawatha!!

These four, smiley girls from Deerwood

enjoyed a week together at Camp Hiawatha this past July! L to R: Breanna Stirewalt, Lily

Peterson, Lily Habighorst, Anna Coughlin. "It's great to be alive in God's Great

Northwoods!!"

2

From Pastor Cheryl

It is not uncommon for members of a congregation to resist talking about “grief” in the loss of a pastor. People resist the concept because it is too often connected with death. Or, if a pastor has chosen to leave a church in order to serve another church, the grief can feel more like the pain of a divorce. In either case – death or divorce -- members grieve in varying stages and degrees depending upon the individual’s relationship with the departed pastor. According to Dr. Herbert Anderson, in his book Advanced Healthy Congregations, a congregation grieving the departure of pastor has four basic tasks: 1. The congregation must acknowledge as fully and completely as possible the reality of the loss that has occurred. What prevents a congregation from acknowledging the loss? The loss means something different to individuals or groups in the congregation. Or members may be in different places in accepting that loss. Or perhaps the congregation is unable to admit change and mourn the reality that things will never be the same again. Or perhaps an image of the congregation is being challenged by the loss. 2. The congregation needs to share the pain of the loss both individually and collectively in order to build a common memory. What helps that happen? A willingness to mourn, and a willingness for members to tolerate different feelings for that same loss. If there is old grief that was not addressed, it may need to be mourned before this new loss can be dealt with satisfactorily. 3. The congregation must begin to reorganize itself, taking into account the reality of the loss. How does this happen? Reorganizing the congregation cannot be done unless grieving is begun and the old ways of being are abandoned. Abandoning the old ways may require giving up or changing accustomed roles. The congregation will need to learn how to live with the discomfort of chaos for a while. Members should honor resistance as a sign of life, rather than death, because perhaps the hardest thing for a congregation to give up or alter is its self-image. 4. Restoring meaning or faith for a congregation will begin to occur when the congregation is free to hope again. Congregations are stuck in the past when they insist on reproducing the past rather than think their way into a new future. Restoration begins with the realization and conviction that life will go on, but it will be different. When congregations are able to grieve, they become communities in which joy and pain freely co-mingle. So what does grieving look like? Congregational grieving has a number of stages: 1. Denial – shock, disbelief, unable to function normally. 2. Grieving – release of emotions, tears of sadness or anger. 3. Depression – sad moods, desire to get back to normal as soon as possible. (“We don’t need an Interim Pastor. Let’s form a call committee NOW!”) 4. Physical Symptoms – headaches, tired, backaches, stomach aches, can’t sleep (“I just don’t feel well.”) 5. Panic/Anxiety – disorientation, nothing seems to be going like it should (“Why did he/she do this to me?!”) 6. Anger/Acting Out – hostility and resentment evolve, desire to blame, always critical (“You can forget my pledge this year.”) 7. Guilt – real and false, normal or neurotic, feeling responsible for what happened (“If only we had …

3

If only I had …” Confession and forgiveness are important.) 8. Resistance to Change – Why change? Let’s keep things like they were so we can remember. (“We’ve never done it that way before.”) 9. Hope Appears - joy and excitement reappear, small glimmers of new light and possibilities. (Wow! Great!”) 10. Reaffirmation – we can do it, life is good, together we can make a positive impact on our future as a congregation. 11. Reality – a new self concept creates a stronger body of faith. This process is not smooth. There is no inevitable progression from stage 1 to stage 11. However, it is important that a congregation experience all steps in order for new life to be possible. This takes time. But we have time, important time to grieve and heal and vision and prepare – prepare for the work God is calling you to do, and prepare for the next pastor who will best work with you in that new place. Peace, Pastor Cheryl

Salem Lutheran Church

to conduct a Campaign Readiness Study

We need your participation

The Salem Capital Appeal Mortgage Reduction Team has been working on a vision for Salem

Lutheran Church. One of the first steps is to conduct a campaign readiness study, which

assesses our capability to move forward with a capital campaign for debt reduction. Mark

Davy & Associates from Minneapolis, a firm with twenty-four years of experience working

with churches, has been hired to conduct the study. The campaign readiness study will take

place in September and will focus on the following areas:

• The awareness and importance of this vision

• Church’s strengths

Areas of concerns that may affect a campaign

• The level of potential volunteers within the

congregation to conduct a successful campaign

• Financial support available

The entire congregation will be invited to participate by interviewing or completing a survey.

Results from the study will be shared with church leaders to help in deciding our next step. If

you received a survey and would like to be interviewed please call Mark Davy & Associates

at 800-536-0444/952-929-0444 or e-mail [email protected]

4

USHERS

Sept 7 8:15 Larry & Mary Birtzer, Ed & Sherri Godfrey, 10:45 John & Raye Cragun, Elsa Ray, Ken Schultz Sept 14 8:15 Randy Holmvig, Helen Ryan, Herb & Barb Schoon 10:45 Ernie & Mary Erickson, Dean & Pat Sylvester Sept 21 8:15 Ralph Carlson, Roger & Gloria Johnson, Deb Selk, Chuck Lubowitz, Karla Peterson 10:45 Jay, Sue, Jane & Joey Stromberg Sept 28 8:15 Jim & Shirley Harker, Clark & Joyce Marshall 10:45 Renee Gilmer, Laurie Ogard, Roger & Marlene Prill

READERS

Sept 7 8:15 DeMar Wanstrom 10:45 Mary Erickson Sept 14 8:15 Cecil Schmidt 10:45 Diane Hein Sept 21 8:15 Wayne Brezina 10:45 Meg McGuire Sept 28 8:15 Tina Royer 10:45 Carole Nystrom

COMMUNION

9/7 8:15 Jim & Shirley Harker, DeMar Wanstrom 10:45 Ernie & Mary Erickson, Shirley Huxford 9/14 8:15 Cecil & Barb Schmidt, Shirley Taylor

10:45 Renee Gilmer, Jay & Sue Stromberg 9/21 8:15 Wayne & Carol Brezina, Dee Dee Frahm 10:45 Tim Coughlin, Meg McGuire, Elsa Ray 9/28 8:15 Tina Royer, Herb & Barb Schoon 10:45 Greg & Diane Meyer, Carole Nystrom

CONTROL BOOTH

9/7 8:15 Mark & Debbi Carlson 10:45 Al Schiffler 9/14 8:15 Debbi Carlson, Al Schiffler 9:45 Charlie Anderson, Al Schiffler 9/21 8:15 Meriellen Pisarek, Mike Shermock 9:45 Charlie Anderson, Al Schiffler 9/28 8:15 Lynn Hansen, Mike Shermock 9:45 Charlie Anderson, Al Schiffler

SUNDAY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

July 27 164 August 3 197 August 10 175 August 17 184

TRANSFER OUT

Joyce Juracek Jeannette Saabye

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

2 Jean Gabrick 3 Melissa Goble 4 Cathy Aykens, Terry Fields, Becky Guida, Lauren Peterson, Jodi Stensrud 10 Larry Birtzer, Dee Chileen 11 Devan Bartels, Deanna Olson 12 Jay Bautch, Kyle Davis, Nate Kewatt, Einar Mattson 13 Susan Erickson 14 Peggy Blistain, Gary Malek 15 Lee Uglem 17 Jack Gavin 18 Nate Jaskowiak, Wilbur Radach 19 Adam Carlson, Walker Jones 20 Becky Rauen 21 Brad Peterson 23 Rae Jean Anderson, Marilyn Holmvig, Myrna Nelson, Ellyana Nichols, Amy Vukelich 24 Madilyn Bodle 25 LaVerne Holmvig 26 James Call 27 Meg McGuire 28 James Stirewalt

SEPTMEBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

3 Larry & Mary Bitzer (1960) 5 Don & Leo Miller (1970) 8 Brian & Meriellen Pisarek (1984) 9 Ed & Sherri Godfrey (1978) 15 Louie & Maridee Smilich (1956) 17 Jake & Dee Dee Frahm (2005) 17 Dick & Joan Ganseveld (1960) 22 Jim & Jean Gabrick (1956) 23 Rick & Brenda Stirewalt (1967) 24 Andy & Melissa Goble (2005) 29 Randy & Lori Holmvig (1979) 30 Marshall & Marcia Anderson (1950) 30 Lee & Ellen Uglem (1978)

5

Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry News

Did you know…

...that Camp Hiawatha and Camp Vermilion are available to host your next group gathering? Both sites have retreat space for any type of group - families, men, women, youth, crafters, fishermen (and women), committee, council, etc. You bring the group, we’ll provide the gathering space and fabulous meals.

...that the VLM staff are available to assist with programming at your next retreat? We have a wide variety of hands-on, skill learning opportunities (i.e. bread making, paddle building, wood carving), as well as staff to help with worship and/or team building.

...that VLM offers programmed retreats and events all year long? See our upcoming events below or click the “Upcoming Events” link on our website.

To learn more about year round opportunities with Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry, visit us on-line at www.VLMcamps.org or contact our office at 800-331-5148 or [email protected].

Join us for one of these great VLM events! October 7 - Youth Director Gathering - Camp Hiawatha October 12 – Fall Festival - Camp Hiawatha October 14 - Church Secretary Gathering - Camp Hiawatha October 24-26 - Father/Son “Top Secret” Retreat - Camp Vermilion December 14 - Celebration of Light and Music - Camp Hiawatha

www.VLMcamps.org • [email protected] • 800-331-5148 • 218-666-5465

Camp Hiawatha, 36944 Camp Hiawatha Rd., Deer River, MN Camp Vermilion, 2555 Vermilion Camp Rd., Cook, MN

Thank You!

Thank you very much for the beautiful prayer shawl and all the prayers for Dick's recovery. We appreciate all the kindnesses shown during this long process. Sincerely, Dick & Bev Kunz Thanks for the great luncheon and beautiful service. Just to know that our family and friends are withus, makes the way easier. The Family of Rick Pankratz Dear Salem, Thank you for helping pay for me to go to camp. It was super fun. There were lots of games to play. I got to tip a canoe and cook over the fire. It was awesome. Sincerely, Alex Schmidt Dear Salem, Thank you so much for helping pay for camp. It was so much fun. The food was good, there were lots of games and friendly people to meet. I had a lot of fun. Sincerely, Hannah Schmidt Thank you for all you do for MN Adult & Teen Challenge. To date, more than 150 men have graduated from the Brainerd campus and returned to lives of sobriety. Your partnership with MN Adult & Teen Challenge is saving lives. God bless you. Thanks to all who helped make lefse for Summerfest. We had another successful year! Ron & Sandy Kretlow THANK YOU FROM THE TOY BOOTH I wish I could say “thank you” in many different languages, but in English I will say “thank you” to all the precious people that helped make the toy area of Summerfest a huge success. Thank you to all. Barb Schmidt

6

2014 Salem Summerfest Silent

Auction a Huge Success!!

It was successful because of all the wonderful donations, all the fantastic, willing help and, praise God, a beautiful day! A sincere thank you for all of your total efforts in being there from early-on to the end. It has to be a team effort and that certainly was demonstrated by your involvement, availability and always asking “what can I do.” Your reaching out and kindness to assist us is truly appreciated. Paul & Kristy Tesdahl Salem Lutheran Church, On behalf of Group Cares, I would like to thank you for your $425.63 to Operation Kid to Kid. Your donation will help kids stay healthy and help team members to sare the life changing message of God's love with people who desparately need it. Thank you! Tim Gilmour, President

Overview of Mortgage & Building Fund July 31, 2014

Mortgage Principal Balance $ 2,035,783.71 Monthly Mortgage Payment

(Principal & Interest) $ 15,408.00 Additional Principal Payment $ 1,762.00

Building Fund Beginning balance 07/01/14 $ 264,331.10 Income July 2014

Gifts $ 7,530.00 Interest $ 75.06 Memorial $ 200.00 Expense June 2014 Mortgage Payment $ (15,408.00) Additional Principal $ (1,762.00) Capital Appeal Exp $ (3,000.00) Ending Balance 07/31/14 $ 251,966.16 If you have questions, please contact Sandy Beyer, Financial Secretary (218)534-3309 Monday & Wednesday 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.; Thursday 8:00-Noon

The Mustard Seed – Deb Selk, Manager

[email protected]

We made it through Summerfest. Our book sale was a huge success with selling close to 1,400 of them. Our sales inside were the highest since we opened, which is TERRIFIC. We will now have a little bit of a break until Taste of Christmas, November 21st and 22nd. Again the good Lord is providing us with wonderful items to sell at the Mustard Seed. People have really been commenting on how nice of a place it is and how clean it is kept. They also admire the way things are displayed and I have to say we have the best volunteers around and they put the store together each week and do a marvelous job. Fall is just around the corner so we are getting all of our fall clothing and décor put out. Everyone has to stop in and check us out. Blessings, Deb

Jesus told them another parable. The Kingdom of

Heaven is like what happens when a farmer plants a

mustard seed in a field. Although it is the smallest of

seeds it grows larger than any other garden plant and

becomes a tree. Birds even come and rest on its branches.

Matthew 13:30-32

LIBRARY NEWS

Back to School means carrying textbooks, library books, tablet computers, games, etc. On Sunday, September 7th there will be a Blessing of Backpacks at Salem. September is Backpack Safety America Month. For more information, go to http://www.backpacksafe.com/ September 17, 2014 is School Backpack Awareness Day. Read more at www.aota.org/Practitioners/Awareness/School If is important to use both straps of the backpack to avoid strain and stay balanced. Check backpacks daily and remove unnecessary items. Choose a backpack that is sized for the user. Padded straps add comfort.

7

Now is the time to start your Fall Reading. Set up a time for your own personal reading or a time for the Family to read together. Bedtime Reading for the little ones is a great memory for them. Stop in the Library and let them pick out the books they would like to check out. (Back right corner shelves.)

EVENTS / ANNOUNCEMENTS

Transition Task Force

If you are interested and want more information about what working on the Transition Task Force entails, please come to a ½ hour informational meeting led by Pastor Cheryl on August 31. These meetings will be held after each worship service.

What Exactly is the "Transition Task

Force?"

The task of the Transition Task Force (TTF) is to help guide the congregation through the transition tasks necessary before a call committee is organized. This transition is a time for the congregation to articulate who they are and where they believe God is directing their future as the People of God in their particular place. The specific tasks of the TTF will include:

A. Lead the congregation in the developmental work of the interim period and serve at the direction of the church Council in addressing mission/ministry needs essential to the work of the future Call Committee.

B. Work with the Interim Pastor on concerns and transition issues within the congregation during this interim time.

C. Conduct a detailed analysis (assessment, self-study) of the congregation's ministry within the congregation and to the community.

D. Help facilitate conversations within the congregation (i.e., cottage meetings, and one-on-ones), which will help identify issues and will help project goals for the future.

E. Report to the council and to the congregation, and help them look at priorities and establish goals for the future.

F. Assist the congregation in determining strategies to meet these goals.

G. Meet with the Call Committee when it is established and share all pertinent information gathered.

A Nomination Form for the Transition Task Force is included in this newsletter. Information meetings for the congregation will be held on Sunday, August 31st at 9:15 & 10:45 a.m.

The Heart of Christmas

Attention Women: If you would like to host a table at The Heart of Christmas Dinner on December 6th, please contact the church office or speak to Deb Selk at The Mustard Seed! There are still a few openings for hostesses. Tickets for the dinner will go on sale soon – watch the Sunday announcements for this information. There will be a Heart of Christmas Leadership Team Meeting on Wednesday, September 17th at Noon in the Conference Room. Bring your lunch!

Rehearsals for Choir and Salem

Ringers to begin

If you enjoy singing, you are cordially invited to be part of the Salem Choir! Rehearsals begin on Wednesday, September 3rd at 6:00 p.m. The Salem Ringers (handbell choir) will start rehearsals on September 3rd at 7pm. If you are interested in ringing, speak to director, Kevin Edstrom.

FBI MEETING

The FBI (Fellowship By Involvement) will meet at Salem on Monday, 5:00 p.m. Please contact Mary Erickson if you plan to attend.

Girls Night Out

GIRLS NIGHT OUT is for all women of Salem and friends! Come to Coach’s Corner in Deerwood on Tuesday, September 9th at 5:30 p.m. for dinner and fellowship.

8

Salem's Piecemakers (quilting)

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! KNITTING/CROCHETING will continue in September at 1pm on Tuesdays. We meet in a casual setting in the lobby seating area – it is great fun to visit while knitting or crocheting.

September Circle Gatherings

SARAH – Thursday, September 11, 9:30 a.m.

NAOMI – Thursday, September 18, 1:30 p.m. at Heartwood

Potluck for Congregation

There will be a potluck on Sunday, September 7th at 11:45 a.m. in the fellowship hall to celebrate Rally Sunday! Everyone is encouraged to come and bring a dish to share.

AT SALEM Lutheran Church!!

Northeastern Minnesota Synod Hunger

Training Event

"Gather the Herd"

If you would like to become more involved and learn more about addressing hunger issues in your community, this WILD WEST gathering is for you! We need ALL synod folk who are interested in making a difference toward ending hunger in their communities. Have some good ol' fun along with

sharing a wagon-load of real life stories about people making a difference as they lasso the pressing issues of Hunger, Outreach, and Community Impact.

Plan on rustling up two adults and two youth from yer congregation! To register, go to: www.nemnsynod.org/events.html Lunch is provided. Freewill offering will be welcome. ALL registrations will be handled at the above address.

Salem Ringers' New Season

Kevin Edstrom, Director

The Salem Ringers begin the new season with practice on Wednesday, September 3rd at 7pm. Current ringers and those interested in ringing are invited to come to our first rehearsal. We meet every Wednesday evening for practice and play in worship once a month at the early service. We are always looking for substitute ringers if you can't make a full commitment to the full season. Let's ring our praises to the Lord!

The 23rd Annual Salem Women's

Retreat

October 10, 11, & 12, 2014

Bay Lake Lutheran Camp, Deerwood

COST: $125 (member)

$145 (non-member)

Includes: programming, 2 nights lodging, dinner Friday night, breakfast, lunch and dinner Saturday and brunch on Sunday. Accomodations will be in the lodge with private baths. Arrive at Church Island landing 5:00-5:30 p.m. Friday, October 10th. Depart from Church Island 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12. Free time activities: hiking, relaxing, reading, meditating, etc. The theme is “Stitches-A Handbook on Meaning, Hope and Repair,” from a book by Anne Lamott. Registration forms are available in the Salem lobby kiosk. Registrations are due with payment by September 26, 2014 in the church office. If you have questions, contact Kristy Tesdahl (218-546-5036) or Ellen Uglem (218-866-0012).

9

COORDINATOR OF CHILDREN’S

MINISTRY

Connie Lou Swanson

[email protected]

Salem Lutheran Sunday School RALLY Day! September 7 is going to be a big day for our congregation. We don’t want you to miss it!

We invite all children age 3 through 6th grade to come to Sunday School Rally Day. We will meet in the double classroom that day where we will have a special time with Pastor Cheryl and one of her puppets, share some donuts and juice, meet your teachers and maybe play some games, if there is time. S.S. Registration forms will be available for parents to fill out and turn in that day as well. BACKPACKS will be blessed at both worship services, so kids bring your backpacks! We will also ask God to bless our Sunday School Teachers and children as we begin another year of Christian education at Salem. Everyone in the congregation, is invited to join us for a potluck at 11:45 am following our second worship service. Hotdogs, buns and beverages will be provided. Please bring a salad, dessert or chips to share.

8:15 am Traditional worship – Backpacks, S.S. Teachers & Kids Blessed 9:30 am S.S. Rally Day in double classroom for age 3 – Grade 6 10:45 am – Contemporary worship – Backpacks, S.S. Teachers & Kids will be blessed. 11:45 am – Congregational Potluck for all

Special guests in worship on September 7 - September 7 is also Grandparent’s Day! Why not invite your grandparents to join for worship and for the congregational potluck at 11:45 am? Watch for another special guest in worship that day. Someone who loves kids very much and is director of Kid’s ARK International in Honduras! Every year our S.S. makes valentines or Easter cards to be hand delivered to Kid’s ARK International by our Honduras Mission team. So you will have a chance to meet our friend and brother in Christ, Randy Herring!

Back to School Time – School Supply Collection We will continue collecting until Sunday, August 31st. IF you would like to help provide necessary supplies for Crosby-Ironton students, please consider purchasing some school supplies (or if you prefer to make a donation, we can shop for you). Thank you for

considering this opportunity. Suggested items include: #2 pencils, colored pencils, scissors, glue sticks, notebooks, washable markers, folders, backpacks, pencil cases, small headphones, erasers

Kids FREE Bag Lunch Summer Program Many thanks to the people who helped make this program a success this summer. Whether you donated money, food, or time we appreciate all of the hearts and hands that helped to make this possible. Salem Lutheran joined the following organizations to help feed hungry kids this summer: St. Joseph’s Catholic Churches in Crosby and Deerwood, Cascade United Methodist Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center. Representatives from each organization will be meeting at the end of summer, or early fall to share experiences and make suggestions for next year. There is definitely a need in our area for this kind of program. It was wonderful to hear the kids and parents expressing their gratitude for the lunches. More than once, kids came running up to us saying “You are the ladies that feed us!” So Salemites, thank you for being some of the people that helped feed hungry kids this summer!

Guide Bike Trail Rides – This event was rescheduled from Saturday, August 16th to Sunday, September 21 due to a conflict with a community event on the 16th sponsored by HCC and CRMC. We will meet at the Trail Head at the Croft Mine Park, just north of Crosby. You may choose a paved trail or the mountain bike trail. Each ride will have an experienced rider, one who will lead the ride and another who will follow at the end to ride “sweep.” We will meet back at the Trail Head for refreshments around 3 pm. You do not need to have young children to participate in this ride; it is for the family of Salem (all ages)! Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children and youth under 18 must have a signed permission slip which is available on the Children’s Ministry table in the lobby. Everyone is required to have a helmet! If you need to borrow a bike or a helmet, please talk to Connie Lou. So there is still an opportunity to get out and ride bikes with your Salem friends and family this fall. The leaves should be starting to turn by then and the weather should be cooler. Sounds like a win –win!

Creative Kids Creative Kids will resume in October. Parents, I am considering reshaping this program to include one Wednesday a month for kids in Kindergarten through 3rd

10

grade, and one Wednesday a month for kids in 4th – 6th grade. If this is something you or your child would be interested in seeing happen, please let me know! Thank you!

LOOKING AHEAD in Children’s Ministry at Salem October 31 – Trunks for Treats from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. Watch for sign-up sheets to be posted the end of September. Salem Piecemakers Our Quilting Group has reclaimed the name of Piecemakers. We meet every Tuesday from 9:00 am to 11:30 am. Everyone is welcome, come for an hour or the whole morning. We usually break for coffee around 10:00 am so stop in some Tuesday and check it out! Salem quilters will also meet September 4 at 6:30 pm at Heartwood Senior Living’s Activities Room. Newcomers are always welcome.

Knitting/Crochet Group If you are interested in learning to knit or crochet, you are invited to come Tuesday afternoons at 1:00 pm. Maybe you already know how to knit and/or crochet and would enjoy the fellowship of others who are knitting/crocheting? You may work on your own projects or offer your handiwork creating caps and scarves for the Twin Ports Sea Farer’s Ministry or local mitten and cap drives, baby caps for the hospital or missions, or prayer shawls or something new to us – pocket sized prayer shawls!

Pocket Sized Prayer Shawls May this Pocket Sized Prayer Shawl, knitted and purled in threes for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit remind you of God’s presence in your life and His love for you. Salem Lutheran Prayer Shawl Ministry Pocket Sized Prayer Shawls will soon be available on the Welcome Table in the lobby. These soft, colorful prayer swatches come in various sizes and patterns and are a portable take on prayer shawls. It is something that can be taken with you, in your pocket or purse to help remind you or a loved one of not only ours - but God’s love, care and concern for those who are sick, hurting or lonely. Please feel free to take one of these for yourself, or a neighbor, a friend or a loved one.

Middle School Youth Gathering - “Forever” with Dave Scherer (Agape). ALL 6-9 graders who are interested in joining 450 other youth from the Northeastern Minnesota Synod listen up! Our NEMN Synod is planning an awesome event in November, called The Middle School Youth Gathering (MSYG). It is November 21-22 and will be held at Cragun's Resort, Brainerd. Cost

is $64 if registered by October 21. Pre-Registration deadline however is October 7th! If you are interested get your Health and History Form plus your $30 deposit in to the church office (or Connie Lou) by October 7th. Special Guest: is Dave Scherer, a Hip Hop artist with Agape. The theme for the gathering is "Forever". "Forever" will remind us that the sacraments give us our identity and strengthen our relationship with God. If you've ever been lonely, if you've ever felt insecure, if you've ever been picked on, if you've ever doubted, if you've ever wondered where you fit in this world...come hear the good news that God loves you Forever! MSYG information packets have been distributed in either your church mailbox or your snail mail box. Check it out, gather your friends and get your registrations in! Let's send a bunch of youth to MSYG to be blessed!!! Find our more at www.nemnsynod.org/youth.

Parents are needed to help chaperone as Adult Leaders in order for our youth to go. If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please talk to Connie Lou!

News from ELCA Missionary

John Lunn

Greetings to my sponsoring churches! When I wrote last month, I was headed for Chicago and the main ELCA offices for a couple of days of meetings. Then, my ride came to get me and take me to Rockford IL where I visited two churches – United Evangelical Lutheran and Good Shepherd Lutheran. I had a Friday lunch with kids from a Synod camp, a program with a very good swing choir, and a chance for me to talk a little about my work. On Saturday, I had breakfast with a group from United Lutheran and then had some free time to rest and prepare. Sunday I preached at United, and then I was driven back to Chicago for the Summer Missionary Conference which gives the missionaries who are on Home Assignment this year a chance to get together and find out what's new and what Global Mission is doing. I flew back to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and drove back to Milaca where I preached at my home church – Zion Lutheran - the last Sunday in July. It's always fun returning to Zion because there are people there who remember the two year old me from way back when my family first moved to Milaca and my father became the pastor at Zion. They remember me spending most Sunday mornings in the pulpit behind my dad, hanging on to his robe and being very quiet. If I have been to your church, you know that I don't hang

11

around in the pulpit anymore! I spent a little time with my niece and my 15 month old great-nephew. He is a bright and healthy little boy and is filled with more laughter and energy then I thought possible. My other great-nephews – the preemie twin boys I met last month – are growing and thriving. They have been in the prayers of a lot of people and have profited greatly from those prayers. My next stop was New York City for some time with an old friend and his daughter, my God daughter, before taking a bus to Hawley, Pennsylvania, where I am sponsored by St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The day before I preached there, I learned that my friend and colleague Augustine had died in Liberia. His death was caused by the Ebola outbreak in Liberia even though he did not die of Ebola. He had malaria and developed complications which might well have been taken care of by one of the hospitals in the capital city, Monrovia, but because of the Ebola outbreak, the hospitals in Monrovia had closed because they did not have the protective gear necessary to protect the medical staff. Augustine was from India and had volunteered to go to Liberia as an administrative consultant, and he was doing a great job of helping the staff at Curran Hospital plan and organize better. I join his family in India in mourning the loss of a good man. Next, I flew back to Minnesota. I spent Sunday morning with the people of Salem Lutheran in West St. Paul. The GPS on my smart phone directed us to the wrong Salem Lutheran – a Wisconsin Synod church that was not expecting an ELCA pastor! I called the real Salem Lutheran, and a nice woman gave me the right directions. Apparently this detour to the wrong Salem Lutheran has happened before! We were quite early at the wrong church, so we were just a little late at the right one. I preached and then after worship, there was a brunch and I talked more about my work and we had a good Q&A session. The next day, I was on a plane to Hawaii. Yes, I have sponsoring churches in Hawaii! My best friend, JP, lives in Honolulu, and I will be preaching at Calvary by the Sea Lutheran while I am in Hawaii. I hope I will be getting some sand between my toes and visit my old church on Kaua’i before I leave to return to Tanzania the first week in September. I have enjoyed my Home assignment and the chance to preach in some of my sponsoring churches and meet some of the people who have kept me in their prayers. Please continue those prayers because I have become accustomed to your support! I will hold all of you in my prayers as well. Peace, John

12

SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH

Social Ministry Governing Board

August 14, 2014

MSC = The motion was seconded and carried

SMGB = Social Ministry Governing Board

Present: Tom Lunacek, Carol Brezina, Sandy Kretlow, Greg Meyer, Debbie MacKay, Lois Hicks, Kevin Edstrom, Pastor

Cheryl Fleckenstein, Debbi Carlson (taking minutes)

The meeting was called to order by Debbie MacKay who also led devotions.

SECRETARY’S REPORT

MOTION: to approve the minute of the July 10, 2014 meeting. MSC.

THE MUSTARD SEED REPORT – Deb Selk

There was a great crew during Summerfest and a record number of books were sold.

Coming up: Back to School Sale with special offers for shoppers.

Looking forward to a busy Fall.

Volunteers are already pricing items for the Taste of Christmas Sale in November.

ROOF REPAIRS NEEDED AT The Mustard Seed

There is rotting happening in the garage portion of the roof.

The Facilities Team has recommended that the roof be repaired.

MOTION: to authorize Dick Hicks to choose a contractor for roof repairs from the bids he receives and to spend

up to $5,500 from the Equity Fund. MSC.

APARTMENT

Interim Pastor Cheryl Fleckenstein is living in the apartment and things are going well.

SALEM WEST REPORT

Members of the SMGB and other volunteers have been filling in while a facilitator is being sought.

An email was sent to the congregation from the church office asking for help with the laundry and the response

was quite good.

Delivery volunteers are making decisions about the order of their pick-up and delivery routes. This is working

out well.

Elaine Dahlquist has been helping out and is doing a great job.

Interviews for the Salem WEST Facilitator will happen next week. Seven applications have been received.

FINANCIAL REPORTS – Carol Brezina

Financial Reports were distributed and discussed.

At this point in time, we are within $1,300 of what we made last year.

Even if the goal, which was set high, is not achieved, things are going very well.

Consultant Renae Shields is coming to work with the board on visioning and the 2015 budget on September 2.

The apartment security deposit (from a past renter) has been moved to the Building Fund.

There have been computer issues and some expenses in that area.

Utility expenses have come down.

Grant balances for June and July were reported.

It has been determined that the Mustard Seed Manager's computer needs to be replaced. This was discovered in

the recent Technology Audit.

Greg will give further report on technology needs at the September meeting.

Carol will check with Sandy about a Thrivent Choice Dollars report – where those funds designated for Social

Ministry are shown.

13

Greg has received information on the best ways to obtain cribs.

MOTION: to approve the Financial Reports. MSC.

GREG’S REPORT

The Summerfest Recap report will be available after expenses are paid.

Salem has been given a gun collection. The guns will be auctioned and this money will go into the Summerfest

proceeds.

Consideration is being given to what Summerfest areas need to be tweaked. There was considerable discussion.

There will be a Summerfest Wrap-Up meeting on September 22 at 9:00 a.m.

Thanks to the Board, volunteers and staff, things are going smoothly at The Mustard Seed and Salem WEST.

MOTION: The Board will discuss the Conflict of Interest Policy and Disclosure Statement at the September

meeting. MSC.

It is time to update the Succession Plan. This should be done in October.

Salem is participating in providing sack lunches for kids in the neighborhood. The Board agreed that there needs

to be a clear procedure in place if we participate in this again next summer.

MOTION: to adjourn the meeting. MSC.

The meeting closed with The Lord's Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Deborah Carlson

The Minutes of the August 21, 2014 Council meeting will be available by Friday, September 5, 2014 in the church office. You may stop to pick up a copy if you wish.

14

SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH – ELCA Nomination Form

Members and Friends of Salem, At its July 17, 2014 meeting, the Church Council authorized the formation of a Transition Task Force (TTF). The Transition Task Force is NOT a Call Committee. The TTF guides developmental work which ends in a written report that is given to the Call Committee when it is formed to begin the search for new long-term pastoral leadership. Experience and research in congregations experiencing pastoral leadership transition has shown consistently that congregations are wise to intentionally ready themselves to receive new leadership. Under the guidance of Intentional Interim Pastor Cheryl Fleckenstein, the TTF, an arm of the Council, will focus on staffing needs, mission/vision, and self-study. Within these three focus areas, the full life and ministry of the congregation will be examined as appropriate in order to provide the future Call Committee with the most comprehensive and compelling portfolio for the work it will eventually be doing as its part of the overall call process. In the meantime, the Church Council seeks names of members who might serve on the Transition Task Force. Copies of the TTF team member responsibilities are listed on the back of this sheet. The Council invites you to use the form below to nominate either yourself or someone else in the congregation to be considered for service on this important Task Force. The TTF will include Salem members plus a chairperson (to be designated by the Council), a recording secretary, and Interim Pastor Cheryl Fleckenstein. Of the TTF members, there will be three teams with each of them addressing either self-study, staffing needs, or Salem’s vision for mission. Our goal is that the TTF members not include current church council or staff members or their spouses.

I, ___________________________ nominate for Transition Task Force membership: Name: _______________________________________________ Phone: __________________ I have (___) do not have (___) the permission of my nominee to submit her/his name. (You may nominate yourself.) I believe that my nominee would serve Salem well as a TTF member because:

(If you wish to nominate more than one person, please use a separate form for each name. Additional Forms are available in the church office. Thank you! Please submit your nominee form to the church office on or before September 15, 2014.

15

SEPTEMBER 2014

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 LABOR DAY – CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

2 9:00 AM Piecemakers 9:00 AM Beth Moore Bible Study 10:00 AM Social Ministry Planning Mtg in Conference Room 1:00 PM In Stitches (knit/crochet)

3 6:30 AM Women's Bible Study 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

4 8:30 AM Women's Bible Study 5:45 PM Facilities Team Meeting 6:30 PM Quilting at Heartwood

5 7:00 AM Men's Bible Study

6

7 8:15 AM Traditional Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School – RALLY DAY 10:45 AM Contemporary Worship 11:45 AM CONGREGATION POTLUCK

8 9:00 AM Unlimited Learning Mtg 5:00 PM FBI (Fellowship by Invovlement) Mtg

9 9:00 AM Piecemakers 9:00 AM Beth Moore Bible Study (last in series) 1:00 PM In Stitches (knit/crochet) 3:00 PM Library Team Meeting 5:30 PM Girls Night Out

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

11 8:30 AM Women's Bible Study 9:30 AM Sarah Circle 5:00 PM Social Ministry Governing Board Meeting

12 7:00 AM Men's Bible Study

13

14 8:15 AM Traditional Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Salem WEST Committee Meeting 10:45 AM Contemporary Worship

15 16 9:00 AM Piecemakers 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Social Ministry/Hallett Foundation Mtg 1:00 PM In Stitches (knit/crochet)

17 6:30 AM Women's Bible Study 10:30 AM Staff Meeting NOON Heart of Christmas Team Mtg 5:00 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM CONFIRMATION 7:00 PM Salem Ringers Rehearsal

18 8:30 AM Women's Bible Study 1:30 PM Naomi Circle 5:45 PM Council Meeting 6:30 PM SS Teachers Mtg

19 7:00 AM Men's Bible Study

20 NE MN SYNOD HUNGER TRAINING EVENT at SALEM 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

21 8:15 AM Traditional Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Contemporary Worship 1:30 PM Guided Bike Trail Ride

22 9:00 AM Summerfest Wrap-up Meeting

23 9:00 AM Piecemakers 1:00 PM In Stitches (knit/crochet)

24 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 Salem Ringers Rehearsal

25 8:30 AM Women's Bible Study

26 7:00 AM Men's Bible Study

27

28 8:15 AM Traditional Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Contemporary Worship

29 30 9:00 AM Piecemakers 1:00 PM In Stitches (knit/crochet)

16

re:form Confirmation Schedule 2014-2015

(begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evenings)

September 3 Who wrote the Bible, God or humans?

September 17 Is the Bible true?

October 1 Why does the Bible contradict itself at times?

No class on October 8 or 15 for MEA break

October 22 Is the New Testament more important than the Old Testament?

November 5 Why are there so many versions of the Bible?

November 19 If there is only one God, why are there so many different religions?

Nov. 21-22 Middle School Gathering

*December 3 Why do Christians believe Christianity is the best religion?

*December 17 Why are there so many different Christian churches?

January 7 Did Martin Luther really call the Pope the Anti-Christ?

January 21 How can Lutherans believe in “grace alone” if they also believe in “faith

alone” and “Scripture alone?”

February 4 Do I have to memorize the Small Catechism to be Lutheran?

February 11 What’s a synod and why are there so many different ones?

Lent Begins with Ash Wednesday on February 18 and Easter is April 5.

All students are expected to participate in mid-week Lent worship and faith mentoring.

April 8 Is it ok to be angry at God?

April 22 Did God create the devil?

May 6 Can I do something bad enough to make God stop loving me?

May 13 Does Revelation really describe how the world will end?

(FINAL re:form EVENT OF THE YEAR)

* December dates depend upon when Christmas in the Park is scheduled.

17

SALEM STAFF CHURCH COUNCIL Interim Pastor – Cheryl Fleckenstein Rae Jean Anderson 218-678-2043 Director of Care & Outreach – Greg Meyer Lynn Hansen, President 218-678-2051 Office Manager – Deborah Carlson Diane Hein 218-678-2699 Financial Secretary – Sandra Beyer Eileen Leino, Secretary 218-534-3502 Coordinator of Children's Ministry – Connie Lou Swanson Tom Lunacek 218-678-2926 Facilities Coordinator – Glen Helm Roger Prill, VP 218-764-3383 Organist/Pianist – Becky Klingelhofer Rick Shafer 218-545-1532 Choir Director – Scott Ruffing Ken Stebbins 218-764-2587 Handbell Choir Director – Kevin Edstrom Paul Tesdahl, Treasurer 218-546-5036 Praise Team Directors – Becky Klingelhofer/Noreen Steinbrecher 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]