Summer 2016 - Faith Lutheran

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH † JOURNEY IN FAITH
JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2016
The Mayo Clinic is recognized world wide for its medicine and for its
organization. One of the new findings of the Clinic is that it’s good for our
physical and mental health to be grateful each day. It causes measurable
changes in the brain. Imagine that!! It’s not hard for us at Faith Journey
to fill that moral prescription because we have so much to be grateful for.
The Mayo Clinic
says it’s important
to our brain health
and our physical
health to feel grateful every day. We
know a secret. . .it’s
also good for our
souls.
We are grateful to stalwarts who rise to leadership on any project and
stay steadfast in their compassion commitment. . .especially to our
children.
We are grateful to Pastor Dan for taking on a complex role in a “process”
we do not always understand. We are grateful to Pastor Rich who has
more and more become the “face” of our church. . .inimical to his true
nature of modesty. We need to cherish them both.
We are grateful to Katie Burington who mentors our youth with seemingly endless energy as she exemplifies the love of Christ. We need to
cherish her.
We are grateful beyond words to Amy Kippen and Pastor Judy who led
us in bold ventures in the footsteps of Jesus. . .with devotion and spirit. . .
and now regrettably, but gracefully moving on. We do cherish them
both with an ache in our hearts.
We are grateful for our administrative staff who carry on through change
that would drive many away. We need to cherish them.
We are grateful for our long term members who have adjusted to a new
generation of believers. We are grateful for our many new members
who have chosen us to fuel their spiritual needs. We need to cherish all
as we praise the Lord.
In relation to the mandate from the Mayo Clinic,
we think we have earned at least an A Minus, don’t you?
PAGE 2
CELEBRATING OUR FAITH JOURNEY
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
At times, building the kingdom of God may seem like a race. A marathon runner prepares their heart,
mind and body for the race. I know I certainly could not run a marathon. I could however be part of a
relay team that runs the distance.
Building the kingdom of God, like a relay, is a team effort in which the members train together and
grow together. Each is depended upon to run their leg of the race with all they have. All are focused on
the same goal. As each person nears the end of their leg of the race, the runner positions the baton in
their hand so that the next runner can receive the baton and the race can continue without losing
momentum.
Hebrews 12:1-3 says, “Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these
veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit!
No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race
we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating
finish in and with God…. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find
yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he
plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (The Message Bible)
The race you run was not started by me, nor by you, nor by the 8 women who followed God’s leading
in 1926, but by God. Those women ran their leg of the race and have passed the baton, from generation to generation, to create a growing, thriving ministry that they could not even have dreamt. The
race is not finished. God continues to lead. The baton will continue to be passed from one servant of
God to the next, showing the world God’s love by loving and serving like Jesus.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, as I am finishing my leg of the race
here and preparing to pass the baton, I know you, fellow team
members, have been empowered to continue the race. Each of
you has been blessed with gifts that, when working as a team,
create an undefeatable force that will cross the finish line in
triumphant victory, giving all glory to God.
Even though I will no longer be carrying the baton for Faith Journey, know that I will continue to cheer
you on from a distance, urging you ever onward, and always keeping you in my prayers.
Fix your eyes on the goal and run swiftly, brothers and sisters in Christ, the prize awaits you.
Pastor Judy
JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2016
PAGE 3
Becoming Pastor Amy
even the thought of it would paralyze me.
We sat down with Amy and asked her to share with
us a little bit about what her seminary journey will
entail.
Do you still feel scared?
Have you always known you wanted to be a pastor?
Well I’ve known since I was really young that I love
the church and that I was born with leadership abilities. In high school I was the leader of my youth
group and throughout my time at church have led
many boards and teams. When I first started working here, Pastor Peter Schmidt used to kid me all the
time about ending up in seminary. At that point in
time I couldn’t even fathom such a thing happening
as I was a single mom of a young daughter. In these
last years as Nicole approached adulthood God
placed in me a wondering about what my future
would hold. In the fall of 2014 I gave a keynote
speech at a conference in Colorado. Following this
several trusted colleagues and friends remarked that
I should consider seminary.
How did those conversations turn into a decision to
go to seminary?
At first I was opposed to their remarks, it sounded
crazy to me. Who goes to seminary at 50 years old?
Over the next few months the idea seemed to grow;
seemed to move from offensive to intriguing, and
then from intriguing to possible. It was as if God was
renewing my heart and mind and opening me to
the call. Then one day the thought went from “I
can’t go to seminary” to “I think I have to go to seminary”.
Wow that sounds really exciting.
Yeah it was really exciting, and also so scary that
Yes, a bit. But I learned something really valuable
from the process; emotions change. Things that at
one point feel terrifying don’t stay that way. A recurring theme from the Bible that I have held onto is: be
not afraid. Even as emotions come and go including
great sadness, bursting excitement, overwhelming
fear, life giving hope, my heart and sense of call remain steady.
What will your seminary journey look like?
In mid-August I will move to St. Paul, Minnesota to
begin classes at Luther Seminary. My program will
be 4 years; 2 years in the classroom, 1 year of internship, and then back to campus for my senior year of
classes. Somewhere along the road I will also work
for three months in a clinical setting at a hospital or
nursing home as a chaplain.
Will you come back to visit us?
I’m thrilled that Faith Journey has consented to be
my home church throughout my seminary journey.
Home churches and seminarians stay connected
through regular visits and written communication.
How can we best support you?
First and foremost, prayer, prayers that I get my
homework done and learn Greek. Secondly, carry
on, keep doing the amazing ministry we’ve done
together. Thirdly, open your heart to the new Faith
Formation Director.
In her humility what Amy didn’t say is that seminary
costs $30,000 a year and she will not be working.
Your financial support will be greatly appreciated.
PAGE 4
CELEBRATING OUR FAITH JOURNEY
Officers and Administrative
Team Members Elected
Celebrate the Ministry of
Pastor Judy Holmen
Sunday, July 10, 3:00pm
Journey Campus
Pastor Judy Holmen will conclude her ministry
with us on July 26, 2016.
Plan to attend to wish her well.
For everything there is a season, and a time
for every matter under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Celebrate the Ministry of
Amy Kippen, Faith Formation Director
Sunday, July 31, 3:00pm
Faith Fellowship Hall
Amy will end her role as our Faith Formation
Director on August 18, 2016. One week later she
will begin her studies at Luther Seminary in
St. Paul, Minnesota.
Plan to attend to help Amy celebrate her new calling.
On April 24 the congregation approved a slate
of candidates to fill open positions for the executive team and administrative teams. On May 10
the Church council approved additional candidates. New members of the executive team and
administrative teams who began serving June 1
are:
Officers:
Linda Withey, Vice President; Diane Newburgh,
Secretary
Administrative Team Members:
Faith Formation: Paula Bader, Co-Director; Sara
Gaebe, Co-Director; Barbara Hugelen,
Angie Rortvedt
Lay Ministry: Tim LeClair
Stewardship: Rod Schober
Worship: Ginnie Berge, Sherry Christl, Karen
Morlock, Myrna Pederson
Foundation Board:
Darrell Costain, President; Keith Dressel,
Treasurer; Kim Mehlhoff
THANK YOU to those who completed
your terms as administrative team members
the end of May. We appreciate your commitment to serve.
We are thankful for. . .
Website Design/Maintenance Assistance
We’re looking for someone with knowledge and experience in website design and maintenance.
Are you an individual who is willing to volunteer your
time in this ongoing process?
Interested individual please contact David Hove, Parish
Administrator, 282-3309.
. . .food, water, shelter
. . .family and friends
. . .health
. . .gaining wisdom with age
. . .learning from mistakes
. . .moments spent with the best people of our
lives
. . .love
. . .laughter
. . .music
. . .education
. . .waking up every day
. . .freedom
. . .holidays
. . .travelling
. . .the beauty that is God’s creation
And the list goes on and on and on!
JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2016
Finding Joy in Generosity
By Darrell Costain , Stewardship Team
We celebrate life by loving and serving like Jesus!
A couple of stewardship stories. . .
Stewardship. . .boy does it make you feel good! The week of
April 18 was a great week for many of us. On that Tuesday
King’s Men Merrill Braaten, Otto Olsgaard, John Roney and I
were able to spend the day working at Amy Kippen's house.
While the work wasn’t heavy, we accomplished over a dozen
small projects that will help Amy sell her home as she moves to
the Twin Cities to attend seminary. Many others have been
helping her get her home spruced up this spring as well.
Merrill and Otto felt so proud to have helped someone else
they both thanked me several times for being asked to be stewards of their talents of which they have many. Merrill was a
master painter and Otto was a great plumber and caulker.
John Roney also helped in the morning as a master electrician.
I was a gopher and painter.
That Wednesday six King’s Men left West Fargo at 6 a.m. to
travel to Red Willow Bible Camp in Binford, ND. The Camp was
in need of some outdoor helpers and carpenters. Loren
Mehlhoff, Ken Lever, Denny Miller, Ted Lindseth, John Roney
and I were just what they were looking for as the Camp staff
prepares for summer campers. After a busy morning of leaf
raking, half the team broke away and, under the careful eye of
master carpenter Ted, made a sturdy set of shelves for the candy store in the Ofstedal Center. Ted was even caught singing
camp songs from 50 years ago when he and I both attended.
Later in the day we made time to sing a few songs around the
piano (photo op) with Camp Office Manager Julie at the keyboard. It was a long day but a very self satisfying one. We all
slept well Wednesday night but it gave all of us a great feeling
of satisfaction. Yes, it’s great to be a steward of our talents and
it was all free.
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
CELEBRATING OUR FAITH JOURNEY
Westin Bader
Mason Galde
Mikaela Kujanson
Nolan Borchardt
River Hawley
Carley Lemieux
Jaxine Carlson
Morgan Heley
Zach Lyon
Ally Carson
Joey Huovinen
Alexander O'Connell
Jacob Cripe
Bailey Johnson
Katie Odegaard
Jonathan Dill
Mckenzie Kalsow
Malea Peters
Mckenzie Dye
Caitlin Kopp
Siri Rasmussen
Emily Erickson
Amanda Krupich
Erica Roesler
Stone Sandoval
Help Wanted: Director of
Faith Formation
Faith Journey is seeking a full-time
leader to join its staff as Director of
Faith Formation. This person will
provide leadership and support to
its well-established and highly successful program whose focus is on
families and children from birth to
senior high. Successful candidate
will be grounded in ELCA Lutheran
faith and theology; have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; have knowledge of and
experience with Faith Inkubators
systems; ability to plan, organize
and administer effectively and efficiently; and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. To
apply, please send cover letter and
resume to David Hove, Parish
Administrator, at dhove@growin
faith.org. Applications will be taken
until June 1.
Camp Metigoshe Day Camp
Grades K-5
(current school year)
June 27-30, 9:00am-3:00pm
Contact Amy Kippen at
akippen@growinfaith.org for
registration information.
Save the Date!
Rally Day
(Fall Kickoff)
Sunday,
September 11
More info coming
later this summer.
Change. Some
people have an
easier time
dealing with
change than
others. As
Christians we
are constantly
being reminded by our
Father we are
not the ones in
control. Our
loving parent is!
“For surely I know the plans I have
for you, says the Lord”. . . He prom-
ises us those plans are for our
good, and we have a future filled
with hope. During this time of
more change in our congregation,
we need to hold that promise in
our hearts. God is in control, God is
good, our future is bright. . .filled
with hope! We find peace in knowing God has a plan, a very special
plan, for each of his children.
JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2016
PAGE 7
Now Is The Time To Schedule A Health Physical Sports Exam for Your Teenager
By Marlene Batterberry, Parish Nurse
Attention: Parents of teenagers
who participate in sports activities. This is the time of the year
for you to schedule a sports physical examination for your child.
teen’s health and fitness as it relates to a sport.
Playing in sports is a great way
for your teen to stay in shape and
learn teamwork. No matter
which sport your teen plays,
there’s always a risk of injury. The
casualties of teen sports can
range from minor sprained ankles
to more serious conditions like
heat stroke or exercised-induced
asthma. To avoid getting hurt or
sick while playing sports, teens
need to be prepared. That preparation starts with seeing a health
care provider for a sports physical
to make sure their bodies are
ready for the season ahead. A
sports physical, also called a preparticipation physical examination, is a check-up to assess a
During the sports physical the
health care provider looks for any
diseases or injuries that could
make it unsafe to participate in
sports and reviews the family’s
medical history to ensure additional tests are performed if necessary.
Ideally the sports exam should be
done about 6-8 weeks before the
sports season starts. A medical
doctor, a pediatrician, physician’s
assistant or nurse practitioner can
perform the exam.
It is not the same as a regular
physical and should not replace
the annual physical.
The exam should start with a thorough medical history, including
previous illnesses, hospitalizations
or injuries that could prevent your
teen from playing or that might
limit the amount of activity your
teen can handle. The history
should be followed by a physical
exam in which the health care
provider measures height, weight,
pulse, blood pressure, heart and
lung checks, neurological functions, vision, hearing, joint flexibility/mobility, spinal alignment, posture, blood and urine tests, genital
exams and immunization review.
Following the exam, a decision
will be made to decide whether
it’s safe for your teen to play the
sport or to what extent the teen
may participate. If everything
checks out OK, the health care
provider will give an OK to play
without restrictions.
Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University
Offered Beginning in October
We all need a plan for our money.
Financial Peace University (FPU) is
that plan! This life-changing class
coordinated by Corey Herlickson
and taught on video by Dave
Ramsey and the FPU teaching
team, will help you achieve your
financial goals by showing you
how to eliminate debt, save for
the future, and give like never before. You will be challenged and
motivated to make a plan for your
money and change your family
tree forever. It is Biblically based
curriculum that teaches people
how to handle money God’s way.
FPU classes meet for around an
hour and a half each week for
nine weeks.
The Dave Ramsey Financial Peace
University will once again be offered at our Journey campus starting Tue, Oct 11, 6:00pm, in the
conference room. For those who
would like to see what the course
is all about, a preview night will
be offered at the same location on
Tue, Sep 27 at 6pm. For details
on registration, please call Peggy
in the church office at 282.3309.
Take your “Place at the Table”
is the theme of the 2016 Synod
Assembly to be held June 4
and 5. Pastor Dan, Pastor Rich,
Pastor Judy, Amy Kippen,
Nicole Kippen and Suzi
Hansen will represent our
congregation as voting
delegates.
PAGE 8
CELEBRATING OUR FAITH JOURNEY
Bethany Retirement Living
Has Annual Meeting
Thank you to Merillyn Rice for representing our congregation at the
Bethany Homes annual meeting.
Following is information she was
asked to share with us.
Bethany Retirement Living, Fargo,
is sponsored by 38 area North
Dakota ELCA congregations, including our church. Representatives from these congregations
were delegates at Bethany’s
Annual Meeting on April 5, 2016.
Delegates elected four Trustees to
Bethany’s eleven-member governing board and also elected next
year’s Nominating Committee.
Reports were presented by Board
Chair, John Hertsgaard, President/CEO Shawn Stuhaug and
various Department Directors.
Bethany on University consists of
a 172-bed nursing facility (Skilled);
67 studio and one-bedroom assisted living apartments and 12 Basic
Care studio apartments (Towers
II); 53 Basic Care studio apartments (Towers I); Bethany Personal Care Services and Bethany’s
Foundation.
Bethany on 42nd consists of a
116-bed nursing facility (103
Skilled beds and 13 Transitional
Care beds); and 40 senior housing/assisted living units (Bethany
Gables) and Bethany’s Foundation.
Bethany remains thankful for the
volunteer hours provided through
Congregation Auxiliary members
and pastoral support, as well as
the prayers, visits and financial
support received from congregational members.
Women’s Night Out
Enjoyed By All
By Paula Kaufman
Another delicious and entertaining Women’s Night Out! On behalf of all the women who attended, thanks guys, we really appreciate the meal and the ambience of
the evening. Many hours of planning, shopping, hauling, cooking,
serving, and cleaning up are put
into this evening. Thank you.
Those of you who were able to
attend might be interested in the
link to the recipe for the dessert
served at this year’s event.
https://
prettylittlecrumbs.wordpress.com
Many of us were thinking of the
saying “when pigs fly” when pork
wings were on the menu. They
weren’t exactly wings but they
were certainly delicious.
On behalf of the Webelo Den 5 of
Pack 232, I would like to express
my thanks for the use of a room
on Tuesday nights these past
months.
The Cub Scouts have progressed
through the Adventures and on
to the next level. It is because of
the Faith Lutheran community
and members such as yourselves
supporting the Scouts by use of
your facility that have contributed
to Pack 232 receiving the Gold
Ribbon award.
This award is given to Packs that
have active groups and advancement of those Scouts and Cub
Scouts. This is one of the highest
honors a Pack can attain.
Thank you again.
Timothy Motl, Den Leader
The Schmidtt Sisters were a sight
and very funny.
This is an event that many of us
look forward to each year, a time
of fellowship and excellent food.
Bill Fradet and Darrell Costain
handle the food and always come
up with a unique menu.
The evening’s entertainment is
arranged by the women. If you
have a suggestion for entertainment, we’d love to hear it. Contact the church office, 282-3309,
and they will pass it on.
June 19
JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2016
PAGE 9
How many Norwegians
does it take to change a
light bulb?
At Faith it's quite a process.
Thanks Ted Lindseth for getting
into the rented lift and going
almost 40 feet in the air to change
these bulbs. That's why they all
get changed at the same time,
even if only a couple are burned
out. It's been 8 years since these
were changed.
Thank you to Ted Lindseth, Darrell
Costain, Denny Miller, Lance Lee,
Steve Wingad, Bob Taylor and
Kory Hawley.
Burden Bear Brings Comfort
Betty would like to thank everyone for the prayers
and well wishes while she was in the hospital.
She received a Burden Bear and was so happy to
have something soft to cuddle with. She said she
was feeling so down and sad and the bear perked
her right up. It was so soft and the quilt was beautiful.
The poem that came with it was so sweet and she
hopes to come to the church sometime to thank
everyone in person.
She is home now and has the Burden Bear sitting on
a chair in her living room. She has received so many
compliments on the bear from her nurses, doctors,
and now visitors at her home.
Burden Bears: Know someone experiencing problems physically, emotionally or
spiritually? Consider taking them a bear
wrapped in a quilt—special poem tucked
inside.
Thank you to the Parish Nurses and quilters for this
valuable ministry.
PAGE 10
Thank you to all who have given
a special donation to Faith
Lutheran Church † Journey in
Faith in honor of a special
occasion or in memory of a loved one.
Memorial Fund
In Memory of. . .Dorothy Halvorson from Harold &
Carolyn Carlstrom, Marilyn Schwindt; Randy Nelson
from Dorian Nelson; Avis Grandallen from Scott & Judi
Simley; Celline McReynolds from Rodney Hansen, Greg
Hansen; Heidi Viebrock from Debra & Bradford Hedke;
Norma Lincoln from Ron & Carolyn Godberry
In Honor of. . .Liam Gregory Richardson’s Baptism from
Lance & Sarah Richardson; Greta Haberman’s Baptism
from Bree Duval
Stained Glass Fund
In Memory of. . .Dorothy Halvorson from Mary Lou
Christl, Roger & Mary Jean Olson, Merillyn Rice; Arloe
Schock from Angie Krause; Lyle Schock from Angie
Krause; Donald V. Roesler from Linda Roesler; Norma
Lincoln from Mary Lou Christl, Otto Olsgaard, Merillyn
Rice, Sonia Sandvig, Janice Kjesbo
Lifelong Learning Fund
In Memory of. . .Dennis Levin from Kevin & Alicia Fitz &
family
Piecemakers/Quilters
In Memory of. . .Zula Matalamaki from Mabel Pfeifle
Parish Nurse
In Memory of. . .Marvin Gerhardson from DeWitt &
CELEBRATING OUR FAITH JOURNEY
Faith Journey Events
Baptisms
Feb 21 Liam Gregory Richardson, son of
Lance & Sarah Richardson
Feb 27 Ava Ann Staska, daughter of
Matt & Jenn Staska
Mar 6 Kason Alan Dankert, son of
Jeremy Dankert & Abby Richardson
Emily Anne Reimer, daughter of
John & Heather Reimer
Mar 13 Abigail Mae Krogh, daughter of
Andrew & Brittany Krogh
Mar 19 Hudson Duane Peterson, son of
Mike & Melanie Peterson
Apr 2 Beau Edward Wyum, son of
Paul & Britni Wyum
Apr 10 Greta Elizabeth Haberman, daughter of
Bree Duval & Gregory Haberman
Apr 16 Colton John Wiener, son of
Justin Wiener & Jennifer Schulz
Apr 23 Cynthia Alysha Mootz, daughter of
Jessica Mootz
Ethan Alejandro Mootz, son of
Jessica Mootz
May 1 Tilly Jane Smedshammer, daughter of
Tanner & Allison Smedshammer
May 14 Liam Alton Westphal, son of
Jacob Westphal & Taylor Foss
Landon David Faltersack, son of
David & Tracey Faltersack
May 15 Brooke Jacquelyn Nelson, daughter of
Lucas & Samantha Nelson
Marlene Batterberry
Bible Camp Fund
In Honor of. . .Jacob Christl’s Confirmation from Eugene
& Bonnie Christl
Weddings
Feb 14 Gavin Scott Schmidt & Ciara Rachelle Miller
Apr 23 Carl Smith & Karla Miller
Youth Stock
In Memory of. . .Dennis Levin from Jonathon & Marcia
Kenyon
Funerals
Feb 27
Mar 12
Apr 1
Apr 21
May 17
Michael Hatlen
Gerald (Jerry) Olson
Heidi Gross Viebrock
Norma Lincoln
Marian Ferch
PAGE 11
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
INDEPENDENCE DAY
JULY 4
CONGREGATION FELLOWSHIP POTLUCK
SUN, JULY 31, Following 10:00am Worship
Journey Gym
All are welcome!
Bring a dish to share and enjoy a
time of fellowship with our faith
family. Beverages provided.
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
Monday—Thursday, 8:30am-4:00pm
Friday—8:30am—1:00pm
BUILDING HOURS AT FAITH JOURNEY
When the church office is closed, and if no activities
are scheduled, the building at our Faith campus is
locked. The Journey campus building is open only if
activities are scheduled. To schedule an activity at
either campus, contact Peggy in the church office.
Start planning for the next issue of
Celebrating Our Faith Journey!!!
SEP / OCT / NOV
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
JULY 31, 4:00pm
(no exceptions)
Submit articles to pbernard@growinfaith.org
Visit the Evangelism Team Booth
West Fargo Cruise Night
June 16, July 21, Aug 18, Sep 15
4:30pm to 8:00pm
Care and Share Offering
Save the Date!
Night to Unite
Tue, Aug 2
5:00—9:00pm
Elmwood Park
Received June 25/26, July 23/24,
August 27/28 to benefit
WF Daily Bread, FM Coalition for the
Homeless, Youthworks, Charism, Great
Plains Food Bank Backpack Program, Cass
County Jail Chaplains
SENIOR MEALS
12 Noon, Mon through Fri, excluding holidays
Check Pioneer and church bulletin boards for menu and
scheduled activities. Sign up for meals by NOON the previous day
with Valley Senior Services at 701.356.2047.
Visit our Web Site: www.growinfaith.org
Phone: 701-282-3309; Fax: 701-281-8175
Office Hours: 8:30am—4:00pm, Monday-Thursday
8:30am—1:00pm, Friday
Church Office Email: Faith-Journey@growinfaith.org
We welcome your email! Email addresses for office staff:
1st initial, last name@growinfaith.org
Interim Senior Pastor Daniel DeBlock
Associate Pastor Richard Kramer
Associate Pastor Mission Development Judy Holmen
Parish Administrator David Hove
Faith Formation Director Amy Kippen
Youth Director Katie Coleman
Financial Administrative Assistant Ginnie Berge
Office Administrative Assistant Peggy Bernard
Head Custodian Kory Hawley
Like us on Facebook to receive
updated information on activities
and exciting things happening at
Faith Journey!
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage PAID
Permit No. 45
127 2nd Ave E, West Fargo, ND 58078
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
We’re on the web
www.growinfaith.org
Please notify the church office if you have a
change of address.
Summer Worship Schedule (May 28-Sep 4)
Faith Campus:
Journey Campus:
Saturdays, 5:00pm
Traditional Worship
Worship Center
Sundays, 8:30am
Traditional Worship
Worship Center
Sundays, 10:30am
Contemporary Worship
Southeast Parking Lot
Sundays, 10:00am
Casual and Engaging
Worship in Gym
(If inclement weather,
worship in Worship Center)
We celebrate life by loving and serving like Jesus!
With joy, we welcomed 38 new members to our Faith Journey community on April 23 and 24. May we
be a blessing to each other in faith with God and one another.
Addresses and phone numbers are included so you might call or visit if someone lives near you.
Axvig, Sam antha
Husband, Darrell, and children, Kenly, Matt and Kamryn are members.
3250 Horseshoe Circle, West Fargo, ND 58078; 701-367-9280
Barrett, M ik e & Tasha, Em m a, Anna
3623 Bell Blvd, West Fargo, ND 58078; 701-793-6850
Baukol, Tom
207 10th Ave E, West Fargo ND 58078; 701-799-5270
Boehm, Darrin & Heidi, Tanner, Jack
928 38 1/2 Ave W, West Fargo, ND 58078; 701-298-3457
Carlin, W ade & K asey, R egan, Allison
834 12th Ave W. West Fargo, ND 58078; 701-282-3005
Fell, Bruce
113 D St, West Fargo, ND 58078; 701-630-1298
Krause, Angie
1445 Sterling Ct, West Fargo, ND 58078; 701-540-7421
Mace, Chris & B eck y
Daughter, Clara, is a baptized member.
517 2nd Ave W, West Fargo, ND 58078; 515-710-1799
Martel, Elaine
1424 14th St E, Apt 37, West Fargo, ND 58078; 701-205-7274
Mootz, Jessica, Lydia, Em m a
Daughter, Cynthia, and son, Ethan, are baptized members.
665B 23rd St E, West Fargo, ND 58078; 701-412-5365
Mootz, R on & Cindy
716 50th St S, Fargo, ND 58103; 701-318-8214
Mootz, Steve & Laura
Daughter, Aubrey, is a baptized member.
1545 14 1/2 St S, Fargo, ND 58103; 701-541-6813
Reinke, N ick & R achel
637 35th Ave E, West Fargo, ND 58078; 701-680-2858
Samek, Ed & Jana, Taya, Aiden
130 15th Ave E, West Fargo, ND 58078; 701-205-1738
Schoenborn, Christopher & Stacey
5980 57th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104; 701-371-7908
Sylstad, M ik e & Brittany, Brenner
1049 2nd St W, West Fargo ND 58078; 218-232-7770
Zacher, Joey & M egan, Jace
825 Oak St, West Fargo, ND 58078; 701-367-9047
Faith Lutheran Church Parish Planning Council Minutes
Tuesday April 12, 2016
Present: Steve Wingad, Pres.; Loris Ista, V. Pres.; Todd Clark, Treas.; Linda Withey, Sec.; Merne Manor, Social
Ministry; Lyle Jabs, Nominating; LeAnne Dressel, Lay Ministry; Darrell Costain, Stewardship; Corene Geffre,
Evangelism; Paula Bader, Faith Formation; Bob Pearson, Property; Others Present: David Hove, Parish
Administrator. Absent: Pastor Dan DeBlock; Pastor Rich Kramer; Pastor Judy Holmen; Bill Fradet, Worship.
Presiding: Steve Wingad, President
1) Devotions and Opening Prayer: Steve
2) Approval of Agenda: Motion to approve meeting agenda. M/S/C
3) Report of Secretary: Motion to approve March 8, 2016 minutes as written. M/S/C
4) Report of Treasurer as of Mar. 31, 2016: Todd and Dave – General Fund – Attendance YTD was exactly the
same in 2015 and 2016 at 6,980! Average weekly giving per attendee is up 4% over last year, but it is about
$60,000 below budget. Simply giving is up. Building usage decreased significantly over last year. Expenses are
up this year. We are spending 90% of budget and only taking in 75% of the budget. Balance sheet shows total
assets of 5.3M and liability of 2.7M resulting in net worth of 2.6M.
5) Reports from Special Committees:
a) Transitional Consultant Items: Steve
i) Four Goal Areas/Next Steps –
(1) Vision, Mission and Purpose- Accountability
(2) Journey in Faith and Faith Connection –The group is meeting with Triumph Lutheran tonight.
(3) Organizing for Mission Building working structures – The book study will meet again in April. Steve
learned First Lutheran has adopted the John Carver approach and doing well with it.
(4) Staff leadership – Focus on gifts, talents, passions and accountability.
b) Update on Fact Finding Group who met with Bishop Brandt – We have not heard any more from Bishop
Brandt on this topic.
6) Reports from Administrative Teams:
 Evangelism: Corene – Twelve attended the first session of new member orientation. Corene asked team
members to attend the second session April 14 at 6 p.m. Easter children’s event was poorly attended.
Suggested we celebrate good things by writing them up and submitting to Peggy for inclusion in bulletin.
 Faith Formation: Paula – Peter Eide concert April 20 at Journey. Going away party for Amy Kippen July 31st.
 Lay Ministry: LeAnne – Completed annual reviews for pastors and parish administrator. Continue to get
candidates and are doing interviews for new pastor. Pastor Dan’s contract ends May 31. Will have a public
thank you for him May 22nd. Moving forward along with Faith Formation to find a replacement for Amy.
 Nominating: Recruited one for Stewardship, two for Property, one for VP. Looking for a secretary.
 Property: Bob – Top item on wish list is carpeting for offices and upper hallway. Have 3 bids. Also concerned
about security, safety, and vandalism. Have bids to lease security equipment and to purchase equipment.
Group showed a preference for leasing due to rapid rate of change in technology. No action taken. Grace
Chapel has inquired about renting the TLC. Property team made a motion to rent to them for $250 a week on
Sunday afternoons, however, we need to have more discussion.
 Social Ministry: Merne – April Care and Share goes to Path and HERO.
 Stewardship: Darrell – Financials look like last year so a letter is going out to encourage people to catch up.
Will have Dave Ramsey Financial Peace course fall at Journey with Corey Herlickson facilitating. Need for
Marketing Plan (Calendar) was discussed. Been tracking attendance per service and will give a summary to
pastors. Reminded group that up to $250 is available from Thrivent for fundraisers and charitable events.
 Worship: Bill – No report.
7) New Business: None
8) Other Announcements and Exchange of Information
a) April 24 Congregation Meeting Meal: Steve – Will talk to Bill about food. Evangelism team will clean up.
b) 2016 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly- Lay Voting Members Representatives: Amy Kippen
volunteered to attend. Will be at Fargo Holiday Inn June 4-5. Let Dave Hove know if you want to attend.
9) Closing Prayer – Lord’s Prayer.
10) Adjournment
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Withey, Secretary
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
Congregation Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2016
Presiding: Steve Wingad, President
Call to Order: Steve Wingad
Opening Prayer: Pastor Dan DeBlock
Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve Jan. 31, 2016 Congregation Meeting minutes. M/S/C
Report of the Treasurer: Todd Clark, Treasurer ? Total attendance for first quarters of 2015 and 2016 were identical at
6,980 for 13 weeks. March attendance in 2016 was up, due to Easter falling in March. Average weekly giving per
attendee was up 4%. Offering was $158,897 which is an increase from 2015, but below budget. Building usage income
dropped due to some renters building their own facilities. Expenses were $240,590, also above 2015 and below budget.
Financial position included a new line item for the paid Special Assessments on the Journey site. Total assets are $5.3M,
total liabilities are $2.7M, yielding net assets of $2.6M.
Unfinished Business: No unfinished business from January meeting.
Reports from Special Committees:
 Faith Foundation Update – Darrell Costain, Foundation President, gave a brief history of the Foundation.
Officers plan to increase visibility and will hold an informational event this fall.
 Transitional Consultant: Steve – Currently working on goals 2 and 3.
 (2) Journey in Faith and Faith Connection – Pastor Judy and team are interviewing pastors who serve churches
with two locations. She emphasized that adding a second campus is a means to reach out to the unchurched and
it is not about having two locations.
 (3) Organizing for Mission Building Working Structures – Steve and Pastor Dan said that a book study group is
exploring changing governance from a silo approach to governance by policies. The group is learning and when
they understand the concepts they will make a presentation to the congregation. Final decision will be made by
the congregation. First Lutheran in Fargo uses policy governance which reportedly works better for larger
churches.
 Goals (1) Vision, Mission and Purpose and (4) Staff leadership will be worked on later.
 Conversation with Bishop: Steve –Bishop Brandt surprised the council at the January meeting by stating another
church is interested in seeing the advancement of our mission at the Journey site. Steve, Pastor Judy, Pastor Rich
and Bob Pearson met with the Bishop for a very preliminary discussion. The Bishop did not provide any details.
Our group said we are open to discussion. Next step is for the Bishop to get back to us.
 Call Committee Report: Keven Kercher – Committee is focusing on four or five candidates and is deep in
interviews. Looking for leadership skills, ability to unify, ways they get people interested in church, worship
enhancement techniques, and stewardship.
New Business:
 Election of Officers and Administrative Team Members: Lyle Jabs – Motion to approve all nominees. M/S/C
Two candidates not on the ballot will be presented for approval at the next council meeting. They are Diane
Newburgh, Secretary and Myrna Peterson, Worship Team. Lyle announced his resignation from the Nominating
Team.
Q&A Summary: Many people expressed their thoughts about the Journey campus.
State of the Parish Report: Pastor Rich Kramer – Pastor Rich thanked the group for their honesty in expressing their
thoughts on Journey. State of Parish is pretty good, yet we are going through some difficult times with some
disagreements. He asked every person to pray mightily for the will of God to be done. If we go with God’s will, good wil l
prevail. What is God calling us to do? Remember God is at work and has important things lined up for this place.
Closing Prayer: Pastor Rich led us in the Lord’s Prayer
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn. M/S/C
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Withey, Secretary