Big Daddy Weave Concert! - First Lutheran Church, ELCA

The
Voice
September 2016
A NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
A Congregation of the
Northeastern
Minnesota Synod, ELCA
Big Daddy Weave Concert!
Interim Pastor:
Bruce Carlson
Office Administrator:
Aimee Droba
Office Hours:
Monday—Friday
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
218-283-2208
www.firstlutheranifalls.org
firstlutheranifalls@gmail.com
Music Ministers:
FLC Choir Director: Nancy McBride
FLC Organist: Elaine Beach, Michelle Boelk & Jacob
Erickson
The kids had a great fellowship dinner at the Paul Bunyan park. None of the kids
really knew what to expect
because some of them had
never been to a concert or
venue like the Sanford Center. The whole experience
was somewhat surprising to
them and it was fun to
watch. The kids enjoyed the
music and hanging out with
their friends in a Christian
atmosphere.
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THE VOICE
September 2016
First Lutheran Women
We are ready to begin the 2016/17 season! Our first
meeting is Monday, September 12th at noon. All women of
First are invited. For those who have only a lunch hour, we
serve a meal and have a brief business meeting so that you
can return to work on time. Please join us as we need more
women to help make FLW business and charity decisions.
Upcoming Events:


Laurentian WELCA Fall Gathering at Grace Lutheran in
Ely, October 8th, 8:30 - 2:30
Coffee and Conversation - join the women of Bethany,
First, Littlefork, and Zion for an afternoon of fellowship,
food, and fun. Sunday, October 16th, from 2 - 4 in
Memorial Hall.
Bunn Commercial Coffee Maker
The FLW would like to buy a stainless dual pot coffee maker for Fellowship Hall.
The price is $350.00 and we are asking for donations to help defray the
cost.
A donation box will be available at Sunday coffee Sept 4th or donations
can also be left at the office.
This fast brewing system would allow us to make additional coffee
quicker when needed, especially during funeral lunches.
Thank You,
Donna Olsen
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THE VOICE
September 2016
Pastor Bruce’s Reflections
True or false: I can’t believe that Fall is here! Yup, it’s true. Now that our seasonal reality check has been
made, let’s have a look at what is coming up in the month of September.
September 1st is our day to serve Holy Communion at Good Samaritan. Join the volunteers for that gathering
September 4th is part of the Labor Day weekend. We have several national holidays throughout the year
which give us an opportunity to sing “National Songs” during our morning worship. Join your brothers and
sisters at First Lutheran singing these familiar songs! For those of you who go back to when I served as your
pastor, you will remember my wife Barbara. She will be with us on that weekend! I know she looks forward
to seeing you!
September 11th is Rally Sunday. We will have a youth sponsored dinner following worship. Outdoor
games will be available as well. We need our youth to assist in the service as acolytes, crucifer, ushers, and
readers. Please call Aimee at the church office to sign-up. Erin will need the assistance of our youth preparing and serving the dinner on that Sunday as well.
September 14th is the first session of confirmation. The worship schedule will be handed out along with the
other expectations for confirmation. Release Time for the younger grades begins October 5th.
September 19th will be our second “Hymns and Brew” gathering at the VFW. We had a good turnout for
our first night. Join us from 7:00 to 8:00 as we sing familiar hymns and even add some new hymns to our
repertoire. Some of can even consider this a date night! Remember “Beer is optional – Singing is not!”
When Release Time begins there will be a new activity for our youth. Nancy is planning to form a Youth
Choir! The choir will meet at 4:00 giving her time to get back to First from Littlefork. Put this on the calendar as one more way we can celebrate our life together.
Last month I shared an opportunity called “Simply Giving.” This is a way of giving to your church on a regular basis through an automatic withdrawal from your checking account. I hope you consider becoming a
part of the members who are already using it.
Another giving opportunity is our Endowment Fund. This fund provides a means for you to establish a perpetual memorial for yourself or your designated loved ones. It gives support for projects beyond the yearly
operating budget of the church. It provides an important base of long-term financial strength for the church.
It provides an opportunity to give major gifts with certain tax benefits. It ensures the continuation and expansion of Christ’s work in International falls, the nation, and the world.
There are informational tracts available at the tract rack at the entrance of our church. Pick one and consider
this extra step in giving.
The Fall Theological Conference for pastors is Sunday afternoon, September 25th through the 27th. I will be
attending this event. On the following weekend October 1st, I will be in Mankato officiating at my daughter’s wedding! And the Fall is just beginning!
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THE VOICE
September 2016
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Meeting was called to
order at 5:30 p.m. Pastor
Carlson opened the
meeting with a prayer.
PRESENT: Pastor
Carlson, Steve Lindberg,
Ronna MacKay, Brenda
Bertilson, Linda Torseth¸
Brad Ettestad, Neil Fittje,
Gary Coran, Mary Ojala,
BettyJeanne Henrickson
and Laurie Lindberg
ABSENT: Nancy
McBride
Moved By: Brenda
Bertilson
Seconded By: Mary Ojala
CARRIED
“That BettyJeanne
Henrickson replace
BethAnne Slatinski on the
Discipleship Committee
for the current term
ending December 31,
2016. “
PASTOR’S REPORT:
Pastor Bruce reported that
things are moving along.
Fun to see kids participate
in worship service. What
other intriguing things can
be done to bring families
in? Statistically our
numbers are good but we
lack in active
participation; need to key
in on youth activity.
A memorial service and 2
baptisms are scheduled for
July.
“That the May 26, 2016
meeting minutes be
approved as presented.”
OUTREACH: Brenda
Bertilson reported that the
roster work was
completed; the next step is
to update phone numbers,
birthdates, etc. In the
process of compiling a
prospect list for invitation
to a new member’s class.
The committee reviewed
the June Voice and will
place a request in the
bulletin for members to
submit their birthdates.
These will be used as
needed for the roster and
to compile a month/day
list for recognition in the
Voice on their birthday
month.
DISCIPLESHIP:
BettyJeanne reported the
Committee has been busy.
The pie & perennial sale
was successful ($1,265.16
less Journal ad expense of
$72).
MINUTES: Minutes for
the May 26, 2016 Council
meeting were reviewed.
Camp fees were
$3,107.00; monies earned
from the pie & perennial
sale, $800 F.L. Women,
$324 from chocolate
sundae fundraiser and
$250 Magnuson
Memorial. Will have
campers tell the
congregation of their
experience and to thank
them. Root beer float
fundraiser on July 10th,
will need extra workers to
help with the ice cream.
Moved By: Brad Ettestad
Seconded By: Linda
Torseth
CARRIED
Confirmation Sunday is
on October 30th and Rally
Sunday is set September
11th with youth band
playing and a youth
dinner.
Pastor Bruce talked about
the Synodical Mission
Planning for each
congregation. The 1st
meeting will be on July
31st. Pastor Dietz will
meet with Bethany, First,
Zion & Littlefork
Lutheran to begin mission
development.
The Christmas pageant
date is set for December
14th at 5:30. Release time
students will participate as
well as others. That will
end Release Time.
Erin will research/plan a
family night event. Ideas
were kickball in the park,
bowling, volleyball and
basketball with a bonfire
on our church lawn.
Sherri suggested the Big
Daddy Weave concert in
Bemidji on August 21st
offered to 7th graders &
up. Michelle suggested
we expand the
Grandparent ministry.
Besides cards & visiting
could invite them to
family nights and events;
possibly pick up if
needed. Beth would like
to see more youth
Sundays; possible Rally
Day and Valentine’s Day
as the Mother’s Day was
very much appreciated
and the youth enjoyed it.
Everyone thought the
youth program was
successful this year and
would like to continue
doing it during early out
on Wednesdays. Will
continue during Lent and
probably end
Confirmation at Easter.
Stepping Stones will be
the religious instruction
for pre-school through to
2nd grade. Release time
for 3rd through 5th grades
and Confirmation for 6th
through to 9th grades. Will
be adding gift assessments
for 10th graders before
being confirmed with
timely topics such as
immigration for the older
youth and maybe adults.
Sunday School was
revisited; Sparks does
have a preschool
curriculum we can look at.
Awaiting the new school
calendar.
FELLOWSHIP: Linda
Torseth reported nothing
new for the Committee.
BUILDINGS &
GROUNDS: Neil Fittje
reported cleaning bee was
completed, worked on
drainage in the back of the
church, spray painted the
bike rack and repaired a
flood light. John
Willmarth mowed the
lawn twice while the
riding lawnmower was
getting repaired. It was
suggested that our
national flag be placed on
a stand for National
holidays. The flag could
be processed on July 3rd.
Continues on next page.
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THE VOICE
September 2016
Minutes for June continued.
FINANCE/TREASURER: Brad Ettestad reported that the General Fund Financial Statement presented as of May
31, 2016 showed year to date operating revenue of $78,700 and operating expenses of $70,757 resulting in an operating surplus of $7,943 for the year to date.
Federal rebate of $925 was received for one year. Expect to receive a rebate for the second year.
WORSHIP & MUSIC: The Committee met on June 5th. Anna Cowman did an excellent job with special music.
Will keep “Sanctuary” as Kyrie for the rest of the summer and will change settings in the fall. No date has been set
for the choir fall start up. Beer & Hymns ministry will begin in the fall.
SERVICE: Mary Ojala reported that Communion for shut-ins continues. If you know of anyone who would like inhome Communion, please contact Mary. Aimee will send out reminders to those signed-up for Backus.
STEWARDSHIP: Gary Coran reported that Aimee will distribute the Ways to Serve information.
OLD BUSINESS: Minnesota Power will trim the trees at no cost.
NEW BUSINESS: Idea at the Synod Conference was Beer & Hymns as a unique outreach. It was started by three
men who went to local pubs where they played guitar, mandolin and drums and sang hymns. They talked about their
lives; was very interesting.
The Bishop has asked that congregations look at Mission Planning. Pastor John Dietz of the NE Minnesota Synod
will make a presentation on July 31st at 6:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran.
Next Meeting Date: August 18, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Laurie Lindberg, Secretary
First Lutheran Endowment Fund
The First Lutheran Church Endowment Fund has granted five Educational Scholarships of $200.00 each for the
school year 2016-2017. Recipients of these scholarships are:
Taylor Anderson– University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire—Granddaughter of Monty Bokovoy.
Serina Sprecco—University of Minnesota, Duluth— Daughter of Dominic Sr. & Roxanne Sprecco.
Aleisha Mason—Rainy River Community College—Daughter of Bill & Shawn Mason.
David Sexter—University of North Dakota—Grandson of Gordy & Pat Ettestad.
Annika Amdahl—St. Cloud State University—Daughter of Evan & Rachel Amdahl.
We are pleased to award these scholarships to help students of our congregation with their further education. It
is important to continue supporting the Endowment Fund, so we can continue the good works as laid out in our
Endowment Policy.
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THE VOICE
Thank you to………………..



All who helped fold the Voice.
Bob Smith for lawn care and helping to fix
the drainage problem on east side of the
church.
All who helped with worship services.
September Birthday’s
9/1
9/3
9/4
9/5
9/6
9/7
9/8
9/10
9/11
9/12
9/13
9/14
9/15
9/16
9/17
9/18
Wyatt Amdahl
Jessica Dotzler
Josh Sobkowicz
Bill Bergstrom
Tony Jackson
Braeson Porter
Lillian Boorman
Soren Lindquist
Linda Torseth
Macey Marcotte
Wendy Ness
Tamara Sjoblom
Ryan Zub
Ron Gilbertson
Luke Valentine
Owen Amundsen
Kalsie Briggs
Jakob Eide
Joyce Toninato
Sophie Fredrickson
Isaac Johnson
Elizabeth Marchuck
Glen Marcotte
Kellie Swanson
Kenneth Handrick
Ruby Handrick
Paul Bergstrom
Germaine Lindquist
Maynard Nickelson
Gail Rassmussen
Charles Swanson
Alyce Thureen
Mya Gilbertson
Adalyn Zub
9/19 Kris Jackson
William Landmark
9/20 Kyra Briggs
Kirsten Landmark
Ariel Smith
9/21 Tammie Treat
9/22 Tenneyson Amdahl
Don Carey
Leone Katrin
Quinn McCarthy
Carroll Thureen
Austin Valentine
9/23 Riley Larson
9/24 Tami Geving
9/25 Tara Tomczak
9/26 Tom Kaasa
Diane Raboin
9/27 Brian Briggs
Anah Schwartz
Chanin Smith
William Wagner
9/28 Morgan Rasmussen
9/29 Burke Bolstad
Zach Wichner
9/30 Kelly Golnick
September 2016
Prayer Chain
First Lutheran Church has four active prayer
chains. If you have prayer requests for someone, or yourself, call either the church office
at 283-2208, Brenda Bertilson 283-2144, 2404939 , Mary Carey 285-7006, or Pat Norby 2834113. You must have permission to put someone on the chain, either from the person, or
from a close relative. To put someone on the
list for Sunday prayers, call the office at 2832208. People will be on the list for one week
only, unless you ask that they remain on the
list. In that case, please call back when they
can be removed.
Remember in your prayers those in
need, and those in Nursing & Senior
Homes
Good Samaritan: Denise Snare
Romonowicz, Arlene Julien, Henry Novack
Lillian Larsen,
Littlefork Nursing Home: Arlene Olestad.
Ranier Roost: Carole Cassibo
Silver Bay Veteran’s Nursing Home: Bill
Torseth
North Winds Assisted Living: Janice Berg
On the second Monday of the month , anyone in
the community can take advantage of Ruby’s Pantry from 5-6:30 pm at Backus. For a $20 donation,
program participants are entitled to one share of
food. A share consist of two boxes of food which
can be in the form of two totes, laundry baskets
or coolers. There are no income guidelines. If you
eat, you qualify! No one has too much money—
all are welcome!
THE DEADLINE FOR INFORMATION TO BE
INCLUDED IN THE OCTOBER NEWSLETTER IS:
Monday, September 26th at 1:00 pm.
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THE VOICE
September 2016
Youth and Family Happenings
Rally Sunday is September 11th. We will be serving pulled pork, corn on the
cob, coleslaw, and dessert. We are in need of youth to help serve. Please call,
email, or text me and let me know whether or not your child is able to help.
Also there will be yard games set up and basketball. If anyone has a yard game
that they could bring please let me know. Erin Rousseau: 218-395-0076
erinrousseau@yahoo.com
Big Daddy Weave
concert.
This was the view
from the box seats!
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA
NON-PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE
123 Wayside Lane
International Falls, MN 56649
PAID
INTL FALLS, MN
PERMIT NO. 52
September 2016
NEWSLETTER
(CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED)
First Lutheran Church, ELCA
wherever you are on your journey, you are Welcome here!
First Lutheran’s Mission Statement
Sharing God’s Grace
First Lutheran’s Vision Statement
First Lutheran Church will be a congregation
that shares God’s grace by:
+ Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ with integrity.
+ Welcoming all to active involvement in ministry.
+ Offering a non-judgmental encounter with God through the
celebration of liturgical worship with word and sacrament.
+ Responding faithfully to the Great Commission of Matthew 28
-- to grow.
+ Committing ourselves to serving the needs of our congregation
and the community at large.
WORSHIP SERVICE
Sundays at 10:30 am
OFFICE HOURS
Mon. through Fri., 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Office: 218-283-2208
NOTE OUR NEW EMAIL ADDRESS!
office@firstlutheranifalls.org
Visit us on the Web!
www.firstlutheranifalls.org