Steeple Talk

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
Steeple Talk
204 East Caledonia Ave
Hillsboro, ND 58045
Volume 33; Issue 7
August, 2013
“The Mission of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church is to be a place where Christ’s love is proclaimed as we welcome,
worship, learn, and serve together.”
A Sneak-Peak
By Pastor Siri
Fall is coming and I am excited! I have spent the last year watching, listening, and
meeting with many of you. I see the great gifts we have within this congregation and
in the community. I hear the dreams we are dreaming for the future.
This fall, the teams I work with are committed to offering great opportunities to grow
in faith at any age. We are trying some new things. Here are a few sneak-peaks of this
fall’s line-up:
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New Wednesday Night Activities for ALL AGES starting September 11th. That
means grown-ups, nursery care, and elementary age activities as well.
Adult Confirmation on Thursdays at 7am AND 7pm.
Marriage Enrichment Activities
Sunday Night Quarterly Forums for the whole community with special guest
speakers.
And a whole lot more!
These opportunities are not meant to be just another thing on your plate. But, one of the
missions of any church is to gather to learn, grow, and mature in our spiritual lives- our
daily lives!
On Rally Sunday, September 8th, we return to 8:30am and 10:30am
worship times. Sunday school begins. We will also have a Ministry Fair
where you can check out all the exciting things Our Savior’s will be up
to this next year.
PASTORAL ACTS
Baptisms:
Marriages:
Trygg Mervin Torgerson
Son of Jayme and Christina Torgerson
Born: May 1, 2013, Fargo, North Dakota
Baptized: June 16, 2013
Godparents: Brandon and Jennifer Hamre
Craig and Katherine Paulson
United in Marriage on June 8, 2013
Philip Knecht and Chelsea Thiel
Witnessed by Christopher Knecht and Amy Ptacek
Noah James Collins
Son of David and Angela Collins
Born: July 4, 2012, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Baptized: July 7, 2013
REMINDER: For the summer, Our Savior’s
Lutheran Church’s Sunday morning 9:30am
worship service will be broadcast on KMSR
1520 AM only as Mayville Lutheran Church
is at 10 AM on KMAV-FM.
United in Marriage on July 13, 2013
Cayle Paulson and Ashleyana Teske
Witnessed by Amanda Morris and Dustin Nettum
Deaths:
Lee Ann Fankhanel
Born: April 3, 1950
Place of Birth: Hillsboro, North Dakota
Died: June 8, 2013
Gathering: June 12, 2013 at Wildeman-Boulger Funeral
Home, Hillsboro
Interment: Riverside Cemetery
Hillsboro, ND
As part of the 25th Anniversary of the ELCA, each month (January-August) we will highlight one of the
8 ELCA Value Statements using ministry and mission stories from our synod.
Pioneers in the Body of Christ
June 24, 2013
Value Statement 6:
We are a church that is a catalyst, convener and bridge builder.
A sense of adventure, willingness to risk, and a Spirit-led imagination—these are qualities that accompanied the
early pioneers as they moved west to work out a living, raise families, establish communities, and build churches
on the Northern Plains. These same qualities were essential for four congregations who have come together as
a renewed community in Christ. The Heart of the Prairie (HOP) parish, formed in 2012, demonstrated remarkable skills as they journeyed toward a visible and functional interdependence as the Body of Christ, “For just as
the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is
with Christ. For in the Spirit we were all baptized into one body … and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”
(1 Corinthians 12:12-13)
In 2011, with the guidance and support of the EaND synod staff, Zion Lutheran of Grand Rapids, High Prairie of
rural Lamoure, Good Shepherd in Englevale, and St. John’s in Verona stepped out in faith into a discerning
experiment. They committed one year to working together as if we are already a parish to discern what God may
be calling them toward. They took part in a number of shared practices “as a parish”: occasional all-parish
worship services; a history night where each congregation told it’s story in word and picture; parish council
meetings; interim pastoral staff weekly rotation in leading worship; and support of each other’s events. It took
only six months for the congregations to reach a positive vote leading to the formation of a parish.
They formed a parish council, while still keeping each congregational council intact. A task force was established to construct a Parish Agreement which each congregation contributed to and approved. The individual
congregations of the representative Body of Christ brought their unique gifts and abilities to the journey of
formation and transformation. The shared gift of cooperation resulted in a profound integrity for the entire
(Continued…)
process of creating a new parish arrangement. A sense of adventure helped Heart of the Prairie explore new
territories of how to be the Body of Christ. Their faithful willingness to risk fostered their capacity to see and hear
new possibilities. The Spirit-led imagination aided and supported HOP as they dared to envision new opportunities as Christ’s body for the sake of one another, their communities, and the world, trusting that the Triune God
was leading, guiding, and encouraging them in the journey. HOP, made up of four ELCA congregations, is now
being served by one of the ELCA’s full-communion partners, a Presbyterian (PCUSA) pastor, Cheri Danielson,
and continues to be served by ELCA interim pastor, Carl Glamm.
The Spirit-led imaginative question is not so much “What can we do for God?” but “How might we participate in
what God is already doing?” Heart of the Prairie continues its exploration and transformation as part of the Body
of Christ trusting the Triune God to reveal the journey.
from Rev. Thea Monson, Interim Pastor
It’s a Grandma Thing
July 18, 2013
Value Statement 7:
We are a church that is energized by lively engagement in our faith and life.
There’s no end to possibilities for how I live out my life, but right now what I want to do most is to be a grandma
to my four beautiful grandchildren. So when I was challenged during my recent visit to El Salvador and Guatemala to find the best way to work for a justice-filled world, I wrestled within myself how to balance social justice
work with being a grandma. Hearing once again the heart-twisting stories about systemic abuse and inept and
oppressive governments, and about the long term effects of past civil wars and current gang violence on the
daily lives of people, the nagging considerations kept surfacing: “What do I do with all this? I just want to be a
grandma.”
A Salvadoran man, who during the violent civil war in that country during the 1980s fled with countless
thousands into Honduras for safety from the massacres and torture of civilians, shared his people’s perilous
journey of repatriating into their homeland amidst the raging war. Every day was exceedingly difficult, dangerous,
and frightening, as the thousands of people migrating toward home were constantly at high risk. Many lost their
lives on the sojourn. A member of our group asked the man how they are passing these stories down to the next
generations so they are not forgotten. The corners of his mouth turned upward into a knowing smile as he said,
“If the stories are in your blood, you have to say them.”
When I think about being a grandma, I realize I have that same opportunity and responsibility. The stories are
now in my blood; I have to say them. I have to tell my grandchildren what I have seen and heard and felt as I
lived and traveled among people whose lives of suffering have called forth a depth of courage and faith I have
never personally experienced. I have to explain to my grandchildren the not-so-pleasant reality that my country –
their country – has been partly responsible for some of the deeply rooted problems in these countries. I have to
share with my grandchildren what it means to stand up for something they believe in, that which is right, and tell
them the stories of the martyrs. I must model kindness, respect, and treat my fellow human beings as children of
God. I must help my grandchildren understand that the world can be changed one person at a time, and each of
us needs to do our part. I must place in their hands the scripture, and live with them the meaning of Micah 6:8:
“What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.”
It’s got to be a grandma thing, perhaps my most important calling.
Vicki Schmidt
Faith Lutheran, West Fargo, ND
PRESIDENT’S POINTS
Enjoy Your Summer
God’s creation is in all its glory at this time of year. The warm summer sun makes for fun outdoor activities, be it
at home in the backyard, at the golf course, on vacation, or being lazy at a lake. Enjoy the sunshine and warmth
and just take a moment to thank God for the beauty he has given us to enjoy.
Harvest is coming around the corner and I pray for a safe harvest season and bountiful crops. Some farmers
have had the misfortune of being underneath some tough storms earlier this summer. Disheartening as that is,
trust God to take care of you and provide all that you need. He has promised to take care of us and He will if we
look to him.
I am very pleased with the progress that is being made on Sunday School room renovations. Pastor Siri has
taken this task by the horns along with the Trustees and they are doing some wonderful things in the education
building. Thank you so much to all that have participated in this project. Your hard work is greatly appreciated.
I continue to get comments from people outside our Church that have noticed how blessed our Church is right
now. They tell me how awesome our pastors are and I tell them “I know!” They tell me that they can’t believe all
the positive projects and events that we have going on and I tell them “I know!” They tell me that they see how
upbeat the attitude seems in our Church and I tell them “I know!”
I am just so glad and happy to be a part of Our Savior’s Lutheran. Thank you to all of you for making our Church
what it is, and remember where our strength and guidance comes from
God bless you and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Keith
Worship Committee
June 2, 2013 Worship Committee meeting
Committee present: Jane Brekken, Kris Lee, Pastor Joe, Darin Oanes- Council Liaison, Barb Hultin, Karen
Alfson, Pastor Joe, Chris McInnes
Discussed Float information for parade on Saturday, June 16
No meeting in July. Next meeting is August 18th.
Summer communion worship will be at the rail the 1st Sunday. Processional 2nd Sunday
When work starts on the sanctuary floor, we will be having worship in the fellowship hall. This will be for 2
Sundays, hopefully.
June 3, 2013 Special meeting: Fellowship Hour
Present: Pastor Joe, Pastor Siri, Barb Hultin, Jane Brekken, Sylvia Hansen, Phyllis Leraas, Marlene Oie, Chris M.
 We decided that we are going to have 12 all ready existing committees be in charge of 1 month to find servers
(stewardship, worship, WELCA, Adult Ed, council, etc.)
 The Revenue will continue to go to 700 Mission. And to WELCA which provides all the coffee for all things
in the church as well as maintenance/repair and everything else associated with the coffee maker. This is not a
money maker for them.
 Pastor Siri will be the point person. We will be coming up with some education on expectations of serving.
The how, when, what and where pieces of this ministry we all enjoy.
 We encourage people to use coffee hour for those celebratory moments in our lives, just let Pastor Siri know.
 Pastor Joe will have a clip board on Sunday for sign up to serve coffee for the rest of summer with worship
committee filling in the holes.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, please ask anyone of us and we will try to answer it or find someone
who can.
Sunday School Information
Wednesday Nights
This year we have a new option for your entire family. All ages are welcome to participate
in fun learning on Wednesday nights. We begin September 11th.
5:30 Dinner
6:00-7:15 Meet in the Sanctuary and then break into groups
Ages 0-5: Guided learning/playtime in the nursery
Grade K-3: Godly Play
Grade 4-6: Be the Story
Grade 7-10: Confirmation
Adults: Small group discussion
Important Sunday School Dates
Wednesday, August 21st 6:30pm: Sunday school teacher meeting
Wednesday, August 28th 6:30pm: Sunday school Parent meeting. Come and hear
about the changes for this program year and get the inside scoop.
Wednesday, September 4th 6:30pm: Three Year Old Bedtime
Milestone Event: Come in your pajamas and get ready to meet your
Sunday school teachers. A special event for parents and children
entering Sunday school.
Sunday, September 8th 9:30am: FIRST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL.
*Sunday School classes are open to anyone ages 3 years through 6th grade. If your child has not
attended Sunday School at Our Savior’s in the past and would like to, please call the church
office to register (636-5701).
You are Invited: Painting Relay!
When: Wednesday, August 14th from 10am-10pm
What: Painting Relay Party to finish the third floor Sunday School
rooms. (Non- painting projects, too)
How: Sign up for 30 minutes, 3 hours or anything! Check in
with your assigned Team Captain.
P.S. There will be food!
June/July MEMORIAL REPORT
Thank you to all who gave memorials, Deb Eblen, Memorial Secretary
Dedicated Memorial Accounts - Library, LEAF, Parish Nurse, Resource/Welcome Center, Sunday School,
Our Savior’s Choir, Band, 700 Mission, Media Ministry, Building and Grounds, Capital Improvements,
Youth, National Youth Gathering, Altar, WELCA, WELCA Kitchen, Food Resource Bank, Our Savior’s
Endowment Fund, Roof, Blanchard Endowment Fund, General Account, Carpet, RWBC Scholarships
MEDIA FUND — In memory of Leon Trandem, given by Jeanie Swenson and Bill Fischer, In memory of Arlan
Stangeland, given by Bev Sveen, Bonnie Spicer, Charles Belanus, M/M Steve Trandem, M/M Ralph Engel, In
memory of Jean Van Zee, given by M/M Art Morlock, In memory of Lee Ann Fankhanel, given by Robert
Tweten, M/M Fred Johnson, M/M Ralph Engel, M/M Glenn Holland, M/M Bob Hertwig, M/M Art Morlock, In
memory of Harry Voloshinka, given by Ruth Siegert, In memory of James Skadberg, Howard Callahan, Ray
Laplante, Beatrice Gehrke, given by M/M Art Morlock, In honor of Norman and Marlene Oie’s 60th Anniversary,
given by M/M Glenn Holland
GENERAL ACCOUNT — In memory of Olga Solberg, Madelyn Beierle, Frank Ness, given by Pat Woods, In
memory of Jean Van Zee, given by Kari Jo Hanson, Pat Woods, In memory of Lee Ann Fankhanel, Lois Thorson,
given by M/M Dallas Boeddeker, In memory of Byron Fatland, given by M/M Bruce Moen
CARPET — In memory of Leon Trandem, given by Mavis Johnson, In memory of Lee Ann Fankhanel, given by
M/M Ed Olsen, In memory of Arlan Stangeland, given by Pat Woods, In memory of Yvonne Skansgaard, given
by Blenda Gilbertson
700 MISSION— In memory of Olga Solberg, given by Mary Larson, M/M Roger Anderson, M/M Tom Bryl, In
memory of Madelyn Beierle, given by Mary Larson, M/M Roger Anderson, In memory of Jean Van Zee, given
by Mary Larson, In honor of Audrey Chandler’s 90th Birthday, given by Ardith Magnuson
OSLC ENDOWMENT— In memory of Olga Solberg, Jean Van Zee, Lee Ann Fankhanel, Lee Johnson, Lois
Thorson, Dora Schmidt, Myron Nysveen, Hattie Johnson, Olga Henka, given by M/M Stuart Larson
LIBRARY — In honor of Glenn and Eleanor Holland’s 50th Anniversary, given by Ardith Magnuson
OSLC CHOIR — In memory of Madelyn Beierle, given by M/M Tom Olsen, In memory of Arlan Stangeland,
given by Clarice Satrom
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS— In memory of Ed Urness, Marilyn Schwabauer, Gov. Bill Guy, Jean Guy,
Opal Cameron, Eugene Trautman, Ruth Trautman, given by M/M Art Morlock
WELCA KITCHEN— In memory of Olga Solberg, Dagny Svaleson, given by Sonja Diehl, In memory of Jean
Van Zee, Alice Lindgren, given by M/M Roger Anderson, In memory of Lee Ann Fankhanel, given by Sonja
Diehl, M/M Roger Anderson, In honor of Lou Foss’s 101st Birthday, given by M/M Roger Anderson, In honor
of Norman and Marlene Oie’s 60th Anniversary, given by M/M Tom Eblen, In honor of Glenn and Eleanor
Holland’s 50th Anniversary, given by M/M Tom Eblen
WELCA
The monthly meeting of OSLC WELCA/Circles was held June 6, 2013 with Marlene Oie presiding. Pastor Joe
opened our meeting with prayer and together we read the WELCA purpose statement.
Thank you letters were read from Altru Hospice, Grand Forks Community Violence Center and Pastor Joe.
The treasurer’s report was reviewed, discussed and approved.
Old Business: A reminder of the women’s retreat in Valley City on August 3 with speakers on “Joy On The
Journey” and “Celebrate You”. Marlene has further information for anyone wishing to attend. Registration is
$40.00.
New Business: 1) An invitation was received to visit Hospice of the Red River Valley from 7-9 p.m. June 11.
No registration is required and the theme is “Journey Home”.
2) An invitation for an open house on June 14 was received from Lutheran Social Services and the youth of
Luther Hall in thanks for our contribution to the renovations of their facility. There will also be a grand opening
on June 24 for the public.
3) The Grand Forks Community Violence Center is holding one hour tours at varying hours and on various dates.
Marlene has specific information for those wishing to attend one of the tours.
4) The Salad Luncheon, Grandma’s Attic and Bake Sale - June 12. Vicki Madsen shared the times the items
must be at the church for set-up and food preparation and that volunteers are needed and welcome.
5) The Relay For Life was again successful. It was reported that our team captains used their own funds to cover
expenses for prizes, etc. A motion was made to budget $500.00 for next year’s entry fee ($100.00) and the
additional expenses required. We will also repay the team captains too for their costs. The motion was seconded
and motion carried.
6) The 26th Annual EaND Synodical Women’s Organization Convention is September 21 at Sharon Lutheran
Church, Grand Forks, ND. Mayville Cluster is asked to bring items for layette kits to be made that day for LWR
distribution. A motion was made to spend $100.00-150.00 (as needed) for supplies to be purchased. A second
was made and motion approved. We are also asked to bring a 11x11 quilt square with our church name and
location. Pastor Joe volunteered to speak to Hometown Attitude about using our Relay for Life logo with our
name.
7) The LAMP project that Joy McSparron will attend in northern Canada was discussed and information given.
A motion to give $100.00 toward Joy’s transportation fee was made, seconded and motion carried.
8) A reminder that there is no WELCA/Circle meeting in July. August 1st is our next meeting.
Marlene thanked those serving lunch today and the ladies who delivered meals and served the Nursing Home
birthday party last month. Assignments were given, the offering taken and together we prayed the Lord’s Prayer.
Our Bible study was led by Pastor Joe from Luke 7:1-10 and 11-17 with interesting discussion. We know the
story of good news and should proclaim to others the love of Jesus, the giver of love and compassion.
Secretary, Elaine Evenson
Note:
Kathleen Fick is one of the main speakers for the EaND SWO Convention. Kathy Fick is the Campus Minister
at Christus Rex Lutheran Campus Ministry at UND in Grand Forks. Prior to that, she was the Director of the
Grand Forks office for LSS. Kathy is married to Rev. John Fick who serves Sharon Lutheran Church, Grand
Forks.
Betty Peterson Brandt, Churchwide Board Member, will also be a guest at the 26th Synodical Convention. Her
talk, “Sacrificing the Sacred Cow” will follow the Bible Study. Betty has served in three different synodical
women’s organizations and has been a delegate at two conventions and has attended several more. She is a graduate of MSU-Mankato and is a teacher. She is also an EMT with the Bigfork Ambulance. She is the host of a
public TV program, “Hobbies, Inc.”
Check the Synod Website (http://www.endsynod.org/) as the Convention draws closer. The Convention Booklet
will be on that site and is downloadable. Copies can be requested in the church office.
OUR SAVIOR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH
Council Meeting Minutes
June 9, 2013 10:30am
Roll Call: Pr. Joe Johnson, Pr. Siri Strommen Campbell, Stacy Dickhoff, Joy McSparron, Tammy Nelson, Dave
Nelson, Randy Lemm, Darin Oanes, Mia Kozojed, Jason Siegert, Janelle Quam, Jason Lovas, and Keith Meyer.
1. Call to Order: Keith Meyer called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m.
2. Devotions: Pastor Siri
3. Confirmation of Agenda – Darin Oanes made a motion to approve the agenda. Motion seconded by Jason
Siegert. All in favor.
4. Old Business –
a. Endowment fund report – Pastor Joe reported constitutional bylaws.
-Blanchard Funds – Pastor Joe to continue working with endowment committee
b. Money counting status – Jason Siegert moved that the duties for counters be accepted as listed in the
attached document. Mia Kozojed seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.
c. LEAF – Brad Ydstie relayed to Pastor Joe his suggestion that Larry Mueller, H509, be asked to attend
a council meeting.
d. Mission – revisit the missionary contract discussion with Sylvia Hansen.
5. New Businessa. Coffee hour – It was suggested that committees take responsibility for one month out of the year. A
schedule has been developed and council agrees to take September. Jason Lovas made a motion to
support the new coffee hour serving schedule. Seconded by Joy McSparron. All in favor, motion carried.
6. Pastor Joe’s Report – May was a busy month including two baptisms, a wedding, funeral, and four committal
services. I spoke at numerous community activities including SADD fundraisers, graduation ceremony, and
Relay for Life. Our Savior’s hosted the ecumenical Baccalaureate service. Joyful Noise led music and all local
churches and clergy participated. Thank you to WELCA for providing the refreshments. The “Try Church Again”
campaign concluded on May 19, and was very successful. The Summer Monday Evening worship service in the
Courtyard has started and we had 32 in attendance. I will be on vacation June 24-July1, August 19-25, October
20, 21, 24, November 10-16. I will have continuing Education December 29-January 3.
7. Pastor Siri’s Report –
Vacation Bible school currently has 69 students registered, 17 of which are preschool students. This year we
are offering Preschool VBS lead from 9-11am by our own volunteers and staff.
Our Sunday school renovation is holding as we await funds to move forward with our work. We would like to
schedule a work night to paint rooms and move out old furniture.
I will be on Vacation with my family to Medora June 10-13.
I will also be attending with a few other members a training called “Parents Arise” over June 21-22 in Fargo.
This work seeks to draw attention to how we as a community, as mentors, and especially as parents equip our
children to be safe against dangers in this world. From internet, to sex-trafficking, to hidden abuse, we can work
to give our children the skills to be aware and free from potential horrors. I will report back!
Continuing Ed – July 29-31.
Vacation August 1-8.
8. Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer’s report was presented by Jason Lovas. Expenses exceed income by $4,200
year to date. Balance of the media fund is $5,300. Darrin Oanes made a motion to approve the treasury report
as presented. Randy Lemm seconded the motion. Motion passed.
9. Committee Reports
a. Exec Committee
b. Trustees
-Sanctuary update – No set schedule at this point.
-Sidewalk update – Tabled until funds are available.
c. Deacons
-Screen and projector – Screen and projector unit have been ordered. Plan is to coordinate with
sanctuary renovation.
-Synod Assembly Extra Mile – Sunday, June 30 to have an African theme to highlight the Central
African Republic. Jason Lovas made a motion to put $65 from funds typically allocated for organist
from June 23 Sunday service toward the Synod Assembly Extra Mile. Joy McSparron seconded
the motion. All in favor, motion carried.
d. Board of Christian Education
-Sunday School renovation report – In progress, waiting for funds. If you are planning to respond to
the mailing requesting funds, please do so soon. Projects are to be completed as funds are
received.
e. Parish Nurse
f. Worship Committee
-Alternative worship – started Monday, June 3 – 6:30 p.m.
g. Local Missions
-Try church again – See Pastor Joe’s report.
-Golf tournament – Seeking a date.
10. Secretary’s Report
a. Read correspondence
b. Approval of minutes – Jason Lovas made a motion to approve the June minutes. Randy Lemm
seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.
11. Announcements/Upcoming events:
a. June 14 – 6:30 p.m. decorate float
b. June 15 – 9 a.m. parade – Hillsboro Days
c. June 16 – 10 a.m. worship in the park
d. June 19-21 – Vacation Bible School
e. July 17-21 – Senior High Summer Trip
f. August 11 – 10:30 a.m. - next meeting (meeting changed to Aug. 13 at 7pm)
12. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 12:35 p.m.
Listed below are the new books in the church library for
August:
Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson
FBI agent Paul Falcon and Midwest Homicide Investigator Ann Silver are top cops, just the type of investigators you would want on a
major case. Not long after their paths converge, however, Falcon realizes that the new partner with whom he has become smitten has
secrets of her own, secrets that make them both more vulnerable. A faith-based novel of romance and suspense.
The Treasure of the Celtic Triangle by Michael Phillips
Join Percy Drummond on a search that takes him from Scotland to Ireland and a treasure that is closer than imagined. Having accepted
his uncle’s dying request, Percy begins an unforgettable quest to solve the hidden mystery of the Westbrooke estate. Meanwhile,
circumstances in Wales threaten his success—and the future. As the key to the mystery seems to slip further from him, will Percy
discover that treasure is closer than he imagined?
The Bishop’s Daughter by Wanda Brunstetter (Book 3)
Leona is Bishop Jacob Weaver's daughter and a dedicated teacher in a one-room Amish schoolhouse. After her father's tragic accident,
Leona's faith wavers. How could God allow something like this to happen to one of His servants? Outlander Jimmy Scott comes to
Pennsylvania in search of his real family. When he is hired to paint an Amish schoolhouse, Jimmy and Leona find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Can anything good come from the love between an Amish woman and an English man?
The Beloved Land by Janette Oke (Book 5)
In this emotional sequel to The Distant Beacon, Anne and Nicole must travel great distances in perilous times to be reunited with their
gravely ill and much-loved father. In the chaotic realm of revolutionary America, nothing seems secure for these "sisters of the heart"
but their abiding faith and love.
700 Mission
June 16, 2013
Dear friends,
The church truck just got back From Ouli 5 days ago. Denis hauled all the materials for the roofs of the churches
in Mbengetiko and Ouli dropping Bello and Bernard off with the tools to build the roofs on the 2 churches there.
They took the roofing sheets and other materials along with the tools from here about 10 days ago. When they
reached Bertoua they picked up the wood that Gouroudja had purchased a couple of days earlier. By the time
they got close to Mbengetiko where they were going to drop off the first set of materials it was getting dark.
Denis said that the road was fixed up from the last time that he went down that way and he didn’t even recognize
the turnoff to get there. So they started asking and the word got out that they were on the way. Several kilometers outside of Mbengetiko they were flagged down by a man and he rode on the truck shouting out that the
materials for the church were finally arriving. By the time they got to the church there was a large crowd there
singing and dancing with joy. It was at that time that Denis called me to tell me they had arrived and I could easily
hear the singing in the background and Denis had difficulty hearing me on the phone.
The town wouldn’t allow them to continue that night even after they had unloaded
the material for their church. So they stayed overnight and left for Ouli the next
morning, to unload and start there before returning to Mbengetiko. Yesterday they
said they had a couple of days left in Ouli before finishing that first of the 2 roofs.
Then Bello and Bernard would be returning to Mbengetiko to work on that one.
It was the South Dakota Synod that financed these 2 Church roofs. This is
cooperation between those in South Dakota and the people in each of the churches out here. It is the responsibility of the local congregations to build the walls out
of permanent materials (either burned brick stone or cement block for the walls with a solid foundation). South
Dakota’s part comes in when they pay for the corrugated aluminum roof running anywhere between 7 and 10
thousand dollars a roof. Bishop Nyiwe tells me that there are still over 25 churches waiting for roofs right now.
Blessings,
June and Phil
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Dear Friends,
I am not a member of a tribe or specific ethnic group here in Cameroon thus I do not understand all the nuances
and deep feelings that go with it. During the Synod Conference that just took place in Ngaoundere, tribal
allegiance and tribalism was on parade. We in the west don’t understand tribalism so we quickly assign it to
the incorrect side of political correctness. One of the good things that we saw was that it was talked about openly
and was not swept under the rug. The dissidence in the church is often seen in terms of tribalism, but it has
many aspects to it that have little to do with tribal allegiances. So it becomes much more complicated than how
it is seen on the surface.
I observed some extraordinary things as well. First you have to understand that here in Cameroon it is very
unusual for people to vote against an incumbent. One of my friends said to me, ”You have imposed democracy
on us and it doesn’t fit well here. It is unthinkable for someone of lower status to say to someone of higher status,
I disagree with you and you will not rule over me. Yet, there are many benefits of democracy such as education
and the knowledge and understanding that this gives to us”. Several people earlier did not put their names on
the ballot for bishop, because they said they would not run against Bishop Nyiwe. For people to feel free to vote
for who they wanted, it required that Bishop Nyiwe step down and remove himself from the ballot.
I know that Bishop Nyiwe didn’t want to step down because it is goes against all traditions and understanding
here. Many people asked him to withdraw his name and he agonized greatly over the decision. In that sense
it was a very courageous thing that he did when he stood up and announced that he would no longer be
running. As he said those words a hush spread over the 500 or so people who were there listening, and there
was little reaction for a while when he was finished. Afterwards people went up to him and thanked him and
gave him encouragement. After his announcement it was like a cloud lifted off the proceedings that followed
and people were smiling and the pageantry of the whole affair took over.
There ended up being 3 candidates running for Bishop and Rev. Dr. Ngozo Ruben is the new National Bishop
of the ELCC. He is a Gbaya and there were whisperings outside that now it was the turn of the Gbaya to run
the church. At the same time they also said that they would have to be very careful how they spoke about it as
there are 50 some different ethnic groups in the Church. Right after the election for Bishop was decided the
election for his assistant took place and there were originally 2 candidates for that position but once Bishop
Ngozo Ruben was elected, the candidate that is a Gbaya withdrew his name, to be fair and not stack the deck
with Gbayas. Pastor Telessam Adolphe was elected assistant to the Bishop.
The closing service was very strong on unity. The beautiful singing of the
choirs in French, Gbaya, Laka and Zulu, had as its greatest theme, “unity”.
The new bishop and the old bishop embraced each other and Bishop Elect
Ngozo Ruben in his first speech spoke about the joy of having diversity in
the unity we have in Christ. Bishop Nyiwe exhorted Bishop Ngozo to have
as his first priority the unity of the church, and he accepted this challenge as
his first duty.
Pray for these new leaders as they begin to take over their new
responsibilities in the next several months. There will be a special
Administrative council meeting this month, to plan the transfer of
responsibilities. The transfer will take place the 31st of August and the
Installation of the new Bishop will take place November 24th. Pray for
Bishop Thomas Nyiwe and Assistant Etienne Fomgbami as they transition
out of the administrative responsibilities that they have had for many years.
Blessings,
June and Phil
AN OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT WITH OUR CAR MISSIONARIES
Plane to Attend!
Saturday, August 17, 2013
10:30 am - 12 Noon
EaND Synod Office, 1201 13th Ave No, Fargo, ND
Bring a carload of members from you congregation to the synod office to visit with Joe and Deborah Troester,
our missionaries to the Central African Republic.
The Troesters will share exciting things God has been doing in the CAR, our companion synod, and they will
relay updates on the critical political and humanitarian situation in the CAR.
The EaND Synod Global Missions Committee is hosting the gathering. Call (701) 232-3381 or email Kristi
with any questions.
NURSE’S NOTES
Brenda Stallman, RN, Parish Nurse
Can you match each of the
scenarios with a face?
Unable to pay
medical bills.
Loss of job
Victim of abuse
Husband has
Alzheimers
Unable to have
children.
Child diagnosed
with cancer.
Looking beyond “Fine”
As Midwestern Scandinavians, Germans, or Heinz 57’s, we take great pride in our determination and ability to hide
emotions and present ourselves that all is well. The truth is all is not well, and it takes a bit of attention and a daily
reminder that each and every one of us are living with our own set of circumstances; living with difficult personal,
health, or financial situations. As hard as we try to convince ourselves and others that we are “fine,” we are not all
“fine” but instead a fragile bunch; each in need of human kindness, caring, and compassion as we go through our days
in various stages of grief, anger, resentment, loneliness, fear, and/or pain.
Is the quiet man standing next to us on the elevator rejoicing at the news he’s going to be a father? Or is he devastated because his wife has inoperable cancer? Is the young adult parked in a handicapped parking space and walking
unassisted really handicapped, or was he in a car accident 6 months ago and the pain won’t go away? Is the woman
ahead of you in the grocery check-out line really that unfriendly, or has she yet to hold her premature newborn still in
the NICU at a hospital 40 miles away? Because we are all coping with our own stories, it is often difficult for us to consider what other people are going through.
Please take 4 minutes to watch the following video clip and see if it changes your life’s perspective, just a little, so that
we see everyone matters. You matter. Let’s treat each other the way Jesus would treat us this day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl2_knlv_xw
Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?
-Henry David Thoreau
Announcements
FREE CPR CLASS Tuesday, August 20th at 6:30pm. All ages welcome!!
Come join our class and learn Heartsaver CPR and choking for Adult, child, and infant. Also learn how to use an AED
(Automated External Defibrillator).
For a Heartsaver CPR card a $25 fee is applied.
FREE FIRST AID CLASS Tuesday, August 27th at 6:00pm. All ages welcome!!
Do you know what to do in an emergency? Join our class and learn basic first aid skills, from helping people with medical
problems, to people who have injuries.
For a Heartsaver First Aid Book a $15 fee is applied.
For a Heartsaver Book and First Aid card a $25 fee is applied.
Rally Sunday: September 8
To register for either class, call Cindy in the church office at 636-5701.
Any questions please call Wendy Oanes at 636-2225.
Worship at 8:30am and 10:30am
Sunday School at 9:30am
Watch for more activities to be announced!
COFFEE HOUR (10:30am) on August 4th is in honor of
Duane and Shirley Nysveen’s 60th Wedding Anniversary!
Like us on facebook!
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
Congratulations!
THANK YOU to everyone who helped put this August Steeple Talk together.
The next Steeple Talk Volunteers day will be Tuesday, August 27 at 9:00 a.m.
OSLC OFFERING STEWARDSHIP
OSLC Picture Directories
can be purchased for
$10
in the church office.
WORSHIP
2013 OFFERING RECEIVED
ATTENDANCE
June 2
$2,994.00 9:30am
123
June 9
$3,324.00 9:30am
155
June 10
6:30pm
38
June 16
$897.00 Ecumenical Svc
If you would like to get the
Steeple Talk newsletter via
email, instead of in the mail,
to save paper and mailing
costs, please provide us
with your name and email
address.
June 17
6:30pm
22
Send your request to:
June 23
$4,317.82 9:30am
110
cindy@oslchillsboro.com
June 24
6:30pm
27
June 30
$4,791.00 9:30am
126
6:30pm
20
July 1
STEWARDSHIP REPORT:
OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
INCOME AND EXPENSES:
Direct Deposit
$2,975.00
June Total:
$19,298.82
2013 Total:
$129,138.13
2013 Income received through
June 30: $141,332.13
2013 Expenses through
June 30: $146,215.46
“The mission of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
is to be a place where Christ’s love is proclaimed
as we welcome, worship, learn, and
serve together.”
Church Office: 636-5701
Hours: M-F 9:00am-12:00pm; 1:00pm-3:00pm
Pastor Joe Johnson: cell—701-430-3787;
President:
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Keith Meyer
Joy McSparron
Deacons:
Jason Lovas
Treasurer:
Janelle Quam
Secretary:
Dave Nelson
Vice-President:
Jill Hebll
pastorjoe@oslchillsboro.com
Darin Oanes
Pastor Siri Strommen Campbell: 701-430-3879;
Randy Lemm
pastorsiri@oslchillsboro.com
636-4814
636-2717
436-4046
371-1272
361-9990
636-2569
636-2225
636-5465
636-4085
Brad Ydstie
636-5713
Stacy Dickhoff
636-2717
Tammy Nelson
Parish Nurse: Brenda Stallman
Jason Siegert
Office Secretary: Cindy Doeden
Trustees:
Custodians: Richard and Barb Prestegord
Kitchen: 636-5705
Mia Kozojed
Church email address: oslcelca@rrv.net or
430-0100
636-2070
cindy@oslchillsboro.com
Church website: www.oslchillsboro.com
Worship Service broadcast on Sunday mornings at
9:30am on KMSR 1520 AM only
A
U
G
U
S
T
Address Service Requested
Permit No. 45
Hillsboro, ND
Hillsboro, ND 58045
PAID
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
Nonprofit Org.
204 Caledonia Ave East
U. S. Postage