AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2016 1

AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
FEBRUARY 2016
The Season Epiphany and the Season of Lent
I don't think those of us in Ashland have the same traditions as people in New Orleans who close out the season of
Epiphany on "Fat Tuesday" during the Mardi Gras celebration. "Fat Tuesday" is the day BEFORE Ash Wednesday, which
is the beginning of the season of Lent. Sometimes people go to extremes and over-celebrate since they may feel like they
have to be "super-Christian" during the season of Lent and sacrifice a lot by giving up one or two of several things they
like which aren't good for them. How about us? Lent this year starts very early, on Ash Wednesday, February 10. Easter is Sunday, March 27. The date for Easter and for
Ash Wednesday can change, as you know. The word "Lent" comes from a Latin word which means "to lengthen", as the
days are getting longer with more minutes of sunlight. Do you know how they determine which Sunday Easter will fall on
every year? Easter is always the first Sunday after the first full moon after the
spring equinox! Then you end up counting back from Easter about 40 days (not
including Sundays) to figure out which Wednesday is Ash Wednesday! So there
American Lutheran Church
is about a 30-day period of time where Easter and Ash Wednesday could fall, but
1941 Silver Street
this year it is really early!
Ashland, NE 68003
Our Wednesday evening Lenten program will begin on Ash Wednesday without
(402) 944-3535
a supper meal and only have the worship service at 7:00 pm. Ash Wednesday
will also offer the Imposition of Ashes on the foreheads of people as an optional
Pastor: Rev. Jim (P.J.) Holthus
sign of repentance. Every other Wednesday there will be a supper meal offered
by the youth (free-will offering) starting at 6:00 pm. We will be doing the
e-mail:
Holden Evening Prayer order of service, which is the same service of music we
alcashland@windstream.net
used during our Advent mid-week services. For our meditation, Pastor Jim will
webpage: www.alcashland.org
be reading stories by Kent Nerburn, from his book Make Me an Instrument of
Facebook:
Your Peace, essays based on the prayer of St. Francis. PJ told one of the stories
www.facebook.com/alcashland
from this book--the taxi driver who picks up the woman in the night and takes
her to the hospice--for worship last fall.
Worship:
9:30 a.m.
We will also be offering First Communion Classes for youth in 4th grade AND
Fellowship:
10:30 a.m.
OLDER who want to learn about Holy Communion. The classes will be on
Wednesday afternoons March 2, 9, and 16 in the church at 4:00 pm for youth and Sunday School: 10:45 a.m.
their parents. Anyone is welcome to sit in on these classes. The first
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
communion for these youth will be on Holy Thursday, March 24, during Holy
Carolyn Blobaum
Week.
Tyson Boellstorff
Confirmation Class will switch times during Lent and will meet from 7:45-8:30
Josh Clark
in the youth room following Wednesday evening worship starting on Ash
Jason Gerdes
Wednesday, February 10.
Troy Judy
Middle School Youth Gathering
Braden Kern
A dozen middle schoolers from our congregation joined 300 more youth at
Stephanie Lusienski
Sheridan Lutheran Church in Lincoln in January for our Nebraska Synod youth
Brandon Nygren
gathering. Chaperones were Jamie Wilson, Nancy Johnson, and Jean Whiteaker
Brad Van Houten
along with PJ. They attended workshops, cleaned up part of Holmes Park, went
Emilie Wilson
to the YMCA and attended worship. All the youth and chaperones had a great
Jen Wilson
time and would love to do this again!
Photos from the youth gathering are on the back cover.
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AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
FEBRUARY 2016
FEBRUARY NEWS AND EVENTS
Lent Begins with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 10, 2016
What is Lent? Take a look at a 2 minute video by Busted Halo on YouTube at https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3L3c23MfC0. Christians have observed this time for centuries,
because we want to mature and become more whole in our relationship with God. In following Jesus
to the cross, we see the depth of what Jesus is willing to do for us. Lent invites us to more fully
respond to this gift of life made possible for the world through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Men in Mission Annual Meeting
Saturday, February 6, 2016
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Rejoice! Lutheran Church
2556 S 138th St.
Omaha, NE 68144
Registration: $20 at the door
Events include:
• Learning, small group discussion and friendly, manly,
team competition in “fun & wacky” games for men of all
ages
• Thought provoking presentations by Tim Crout, vice
president, Lutheran Men In Mission
• Election of a president and a treasurer for the 2016-2017
term
• Lunch provided by the Rejoice! Men In Mission
• One Year To Live Men’s Retreat sampler
• Vote to approve the 2016 budget
• Sending service w/communion.
For more information, go to http://
www.nebraskasynod.org/events/high-deep-and-wide-2016lutheran-men-in-mission-annual-meeting-feb-6-2016/
A Lenten Invitation
Please join us each Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. for
fellowship and food, then stay for song, and prayer
using the Holden Evening Prayer Service at 7:00
p.m.
Lenten suppers will be served by the
youth and their families. Free will
support youth activities.
The deadline for newsletter information is the 3rd
Friday of each month. February’s Deadline is the 19th.
Thank you for sending your submissions on time!
American Lutheran Church Annual Meeting Highlights
43 members of the church attended the January 17th Annual Meeting
New council members were elected. (A full list along with newly elected council officers will be featured in the March
Newsletter.)
New Council members will be installed on Feb. 7 during worship.
The transition process was discussed. (.See article by Pastor Jim on page 5 for more details.)
Furnace replacement was discussed. We replaced two furnaces at the end of December. There are still several old units
that will need to be replaced in the next 1-3 years.
Having a volunteer monitor at the back of the sanctuary during service was discussed. This person would be there to
assist during service.
Having the steps in the parking lot repainted was discussed.
The 2016 budget was approved.
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AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
FEBRUARY 2016
RECEIVE GOD’S WELCOME - MONTHLY MINISTRIES OF ALC
Ashland Men in Mission
All men in Ashland are invited to join
us at the United Methodist Church on
Saturday, February 6 at 6:30 a.m.
Chris Bubuk will be our speaker.
The March breakfast will be at Cedar Hill Methodist
on March 5 at 6:30 a.m.
Youth Activities
Families with students from 6th to
12th grade should have received a
letter about upcoming fund raising
activities. If you should have gotten one but did not,
please contact the church office.
Sunday School
Children sing during service on Feb. 14
If you have a member of
Sunday School in your
home, please be sure they
arrive by 9:15 on the 14th so
they can practice their song.
First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion will be on Thursday March 24
during the Maundy Thursday Service. (7:00 pm.)
First Communion Classes will be held for 4th
graders and anyone who has not yet taken the
classes and/or communion on March 2nd, 9th
and 16th at 4pm.
WELCA
The Women of the ELCA meet monthly for Bible study, fellowship and refreshments. February’s meeting
will be at the church on the 11th at 1:30 pm.
Love Day is held every month. We make blankets for the babies that are baptized in our church, quilts to
donate to Lutheran World Relief, and last year we also assembled individual health kits for LWR.
Ladies’ Night Out is our fellowship that is held in the evening. We meet (usually at the church), then head
out to have a nice evening of fellowship and conversation. The date for the Feb. Ladies Night Out will be
announced in the church bulletin.
All the women in the church are encouraged to join us for any or all of our meetings. Please join us.
January Council Meeting Highlights
The treasurer’s report was discussed. The annual budget from 2015 was reviewed. Work on the 2016 budget is ongoing. It will
be presented at the Annual Meeting on Jan. 17.
Pastor Jim meets monthly with the Ashland Ministerial Association and with the Saunders County Cluster. In upcoming
meetings, Lenten services and Holy Week schedule will be decided.
First Communion is scheduled for Maundy Thursday.
Nominations for council seats that are being vacated due to term ending were discussed. Nominees will be announced at the
annual meeting.
Transition was discussed. PJ suggested a document be made up that lists what has been
completed and what still needs to be done before a new pastor can be called.
ALC will host the next Synod Council Meeting December 2 and 3, 2016. The church will
provide the venue and food for the meeting. More details will be available later in the year.
Parsonage upkeep and repairs were discussed. A new microwave has been purchased and will
be installed. New carpets may be needed before the new pastor moves in.
Next meeting will be February 11 at 7:00 pm. Annual meeting will be January 17 at 10:45 am.
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AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
FEBRUARY 2016
LIVING GOD’S WELCOME WITH THE COMMUNITY
Kids’ Cupboard
The cupboard is now open every Thursday
from 5-7 pm for food distributions.
The Church Challenge food item for Feb. is
Pudding and Jello Cups
On Sunday, Jan. 24, our 5th and 6th grade Sunday School
class began packing food into bags for the Kids’
Cupboard food distribution. They discussed their lesson
while their hands worked to bless the children of
Ashland.. Thank you to Melissa Kasuske and all the
students who did a wonderful job. They truly
demonstrate the meaning of God’s Work. Our Hands.
The Closet
The Closet continues to be a huge service to the
Ashland Community beyond. In Jan., we served 182
people.
In the past month, a trifold brochure was designed,
printed and distributed throughout the community.
We continue to accept donations of gently used
clothing, shoes, purses and linens and distribute them
back to community members free
of charge.
Contact Nikki Chudomelka for
information on how you can help.
Ashland Food Pantry
The Ashland Food Pantry operates out of the Ashland
VFW and is coordinated by Marie Lutz. Those in
need can receive assistance with food once every 90
days. Hours are by appointment.
Baskets for contributions of food are
located in the fellowship hall. Please
remember those less fortunate and give
generously.
Members of the 5th and 6th Grade Sunday School Class
help pack food bags for The Kids’ Cupboard. Pictured
from left to right, Cale Jacobsen, Luke Clark, Kaliska
Kelley, Shea Barnes and Noah Wilhite.
Basement Kitchen Remodeling
Our kitchen in the basement will be
remodeled and spruced up in the coming
weeks. Kids’ Cupboard volunteers are
planning cooking lessons for the older
children they serve.
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AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
FEBRUARY 2016
Where are we in the process of calling a new pastor?
The process is making progress. Now that the congregation has held our annual meeting and elected some
new members to the church council, here are our goals: #1) We intend to have our Ministry Site Profile information completed and discussed/evaluated and sent in
to the synod office by March 1. There are lots of questions to answer about our church and our community
and we made copies of all this information at our annual meeting.
Once we have sent in our Ministry Site Profile and gotten notice that it was received and approved, we
intend to appoint a Call Committee by Easter or by April 1 at the latest. We are getting information to help
us determine how many people can be on the Call Committee and what their responsibilities will be. I will
keep everyone informed. The call committee will have a chairperson who will be the main contact with
the synod regarding potential pastoral candidates. As I said at the annual meeting, I would guess that you will have several qualified candidates to examine
and that you have a very good chance to have a full-time pastor accept this call and be in place here in
church by fall, although there are always contingencies that might arise. I really do enjoy serving you in
my 1/2 time intentional interim capacity, so have no intention of abandoning you until you have a new
pastor in place. ~Pastor Jim
LIVING GOD’S WELCOME WITH OUR SYNOD
2016 Nebraska Synod Assembly
Called in Hope, Diverse in Mission, United in Christ
The 2016 Nebraska Synod Assembly will be held June 2-4, 2016, at the
Younes Conference Center in Kearney, Nebraska.
The 2016 Nebraska Synod Assembly, “Called in Hope, Diverse in
Mission, United in Christ,” will provide participants with ways to
experience what it means to be called from all of our various
backgrounds and walks of life to be the church together, centered around
the cross of Jesus Christ.
Tatyana and Tyson Boellstorff and Brad Jacobsen will be representing
American Lutheran Church at the Synod Assembly.
Donations Needed for Friendship Home
Friendship Home is a shelter for abused women and children in Lincoln, NE. We would like to
help them by providing donated linens and toiletries for the women they serve. If you have
unused toiletries that might help, you can bring them to The Closet. They will be set aside for
Friendship Home to pick up on a routine basis.
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AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
FEBRUARY 2016
Empyrean Trail 5K Run
Presented by Empyrean Brewing Company & Lazlo's
Brewery and Grill
Carol Joy Holling Camp, Ashland, NE
Saturday, February 6, 2016 • 11 a.m.
Check-in begins at 9 a.m.
Come join the winter fun at Carol Joy Holling Camp. This
event is packed with adventurous running, wonderful food
and amazing, Empyrean beer! You don't want to miss this one. Plus, the funds raised from this event support
the summer camping programs of Carol Joy Holling Camp. No child is ever turned away from camp because
they can't afford the fee. In 2015, more than $80,000 will be given in camp sponsorships! With your
registration fee, you'll receive lunch, 2 beer tickets and a Long Sleeve Dri – Fit Shirt!
The Run:
This 5K fun run will take you through the trails of Carol Joy Holling Camp. Over the hills, through the woods
and maybe even through a couple of frozen creek beds. Of course, depending on how much snow is on the
ground and the temperature, it could be snowy, muddy or frozen solid - memories waiting to be made!
Winners will be named from each of the multiple categories.
Run Cost
$35 before January 1.
$41 after January 1.
Full fee is due at registration. Sorry - no refunds or transfers
Lutheran Service Corps Mead and Beer Tasting
Come celebrate Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday at the art gallery at Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas Street, Omaha,
NE 68102 and try local beers and mead! This is an open house with musical entertainment and light food provided.
Please join us for any or all of the evening.
When:
Tuesday, February 9, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (CST) Where:
Hot Shops Art Center - 1301 Nicholas Street Omaha, NE 68102 -
Upcoming Event for Table Grace
Save the Date! Friday, April 8th, 6:30 till 8:30 p.m.
Table Grace will celebrate their 5th anniversary at the Josyln Castle (3902 Davenport Street, Omaha, NE)
The evening will feature appetizers, a concert and dessert.
For additional information, you can go to www.tablegracecafe.com
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AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
FEBRUARY 2016
February
Birthdays
1
3
5
8
9
10
11
14
15
16
18
19
20
21
22
26
27
28
29
Connor Chapman
Mila Curtis
Kate Clark
Shirley Niemeyer
Kaleb Lusienski
Johnathan Wigle
Cam Stohlmann
Kristen Meyer
Everett Trygstad
Zandi Kern
Rick Collura
Rich Miller
Cheri O’Kelly
Dennis O’Kelly
Dalton Anderson
Tyler Craven
Tammi Kern
Erin Kern
Ryan Brown
Lacey Thompson
Rece Kissinger
Gunnar Pike
Bob Whiteaker
Bev Hohensee
Michelle Read
Kelli Hohensee
Ashley Meyer
Nick Wilhite
Taylor Martin
Park Robinson
Leighanne Loges
We Lift Up In Prayer
Family and friends of Ron Kier, Duane O’Neal, Vern Push and Margie Steahr
who died in January
*Brad Bishop - (McCoy family friend) - Prayers for dealing with FTD disease
*Tara Drews - Prayers for comfort and peace
*Dave Duff - (Husband of Laurie Duff, AGHS Teacher) - Prayers for healing
*Connie Freeman - (Washburn Family friend) - Prayers for comfort and peace
*Bob & Judy Harden - (Aunt & Uncle of Staci Jacobsen & Pat Craven) - Prayers for healing
*Nadine Harrington - (Family member of Linda Adams-Bloodworth) - Prayers for healing
*Beverly Harter - (Dee Barney’s Friend) - Prayers for peace and strength
*Carol Herman - (Friend of the Millers) - Prayers for healing after car accident
*Marilee Johnson - (Friend of Jean Whiteaker) - Prayers for healing
*LaVona Keiser - Prayers for comfort and healing
*Charles Kunz - (Grace Starns’ Brother) - Prayers for strength and healing
*Nancy Maack - Prayers for healing
*Nancy MacNeil - (Friend of Deb Pike) - Prayers for healing
*Ruari Mencke - (Pat Riecken’s Great-Grandson) - Prayers for healing
*Kenny Novak - (Friend of Doug Washburn) - Prayers for comfort and peace
*Kelsie Nygren - Prayers for healing after surgery
*Marie Riensche - (Barb Washburn’s Niece) - Prayers for strength on cancer diagnosis
*Lyndsay Rupp - (Mumm family friend) - Prayers for healing.
*Steve Roper - (Friend of Rich and Teri Miller) - Prayers for strength and healing
*Marty Schlautman - (Paul Greise’s Uncle) - Prayers for healing
*McKenna Smith - (Friend of the Elliot/Corey Family) - Prayers for healing
*Jeanette Townsend - (Family member of Michelle Campbell) - Prayers for hope & healing
*Pam Trygstad - (Pat Trygstad’s Mother) - Prayers for healing
*Elaine Tweten - (Friend of the Elliott-Corey Family) - Prayers for healing
*Larry Westling - Prayers for healing as he is treated for cancer
*Byron Zimmerman - (Uncle of Angela Greise) - Prayers for healing
*All men & women serving in the Armed Forces.
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Jason and Tiffany
Harms
Each week we light the white candle on the altar for the safety of the American Troops
and hope for world peace.
Call the church office to add someone to the prayers. Please inform if updates
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AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
FEBRUARY 2016
FEBRUARY WORSHIP LEADERS
Communion Preparation Feb.
7
Nikki Chudomelka
21
Jason & Tiffany Harms
Flowers for Worship —No Flowers During Lent
Lectors for Worship -- contact Deb Pike
Feb.
7
Tyson Boellstorff
14
Leslie Gerdes
21
Amy Clark
28
Dean Spilker
Worship Service Greeters — contact Deb Pike
Feb.
7
Dan & Nikki Chudomelka
14
Dee Barney & Bob Mason
21
Shari McWilliams & Pat Snyder
28
Janet Pike & Don Shandera
Fellowship Hospitality — Sign up sheet is on the
fellowship hall bulletin board.
Feb.
7
Miller Family
14
21
28
Offering Counters -- contact Cindy Miller
Feb.
7
Josh Clark & Brad Van Houten
10
Cindy Miller & Jack Eager
14
Cindy Miller & Pat Riecken
17
Rick Collura & Troy Judy
21
Tyson Boellstorff & Jen Wilson
24
Josh Clark & Deb Fischer
28
Carolyn Blobaum & Emilie Wilson
Song Leaders - contact Mila Curtis
Feb.
7
Nikki Chudomelka & Jerry Lusienski
14
Chuck Niemeyer & Dave Nygren
21
Mila Curtis & Brad Jacobsen
28
Contemporary
Oxbow Transportation -- Pick up at 9:15 a.m.
Return after fellowship
Feb.
7
Tyson Boellstorff
14
Jack Eager
21
Carolyn Blobaum
28
Bette McCoy
Acolytes — Coordinator Jennifer Kelley
Feb.
7
Statton Corey & Kaliska Kelley
10
Dane Jacobsen & Zandi Kern
14
Holly Campbell & Grace Elliott
17
Luke Clark & Abby Kasuske
21
Gracey Earnest & Brooke Kjar
24
Lauren Gerdes & Payten Kern &
28
Addison & Sam Scott
*If you can’t acolyte, it is up to you to get someone to
replace you. Please contact the church office if you get
a replacement, so it can be listed correctly in the
bulletin for your week. Also, please be at the church.
and robed up by 9:15 for a prayer before service.
Jennifer Kelley - Schedule Coordinator
Usher Team:
Leader - Chuck Niemeyer (402.944.3503)
Dan Chudomelka
Zach Lusienski
Rick Collura
Marty Martin
Bob Crisler
Jeremy Mumm
Brad Jacobsen
Dan Pike
Jerry Lusienski
John Reid
Caleb Lusienski
Projection:
Feb.
7
14
21
28
Greg Bloodworth
Jim Schefdore
Nik Chudomelka
Brad Jacobsen
The various volunteer sign-up sheets are on a
bulletin board at the south end of the Fellowship
Hall. Please share your gifts.
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AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
SUNDAY
7
FEBRUARY 2016
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
9:30 am Worship with
Holy Communion
10:30 Fellowship
10:45 Choir Practice,
Sunday School, Adult
forum
7:00 pm AA
7:00 pm Confirmation
Class
5:00 pm The Kids’
Cupboard
10
11
Ash
Wednesday
4:30 The Closet
7:00 pm. Imposition of
Ashes
6:30 am Men in
Mission at United
Methodist
12
13
9:00 The Closet
1:30 p.m.
WELCA Meeting
7:00 p.m. Church
Council
5:00 pm The Kids’
Cupboard
7:45 Confirmation
14
9:30 am Worship
Children Sing during
service
10:30 Fellowship
10:45 Sunday School
Adult Forum
Choir Practice
7:00 pm AA
21
9:00 am. Youth to Care
Center
9:30 am Worship with
Holy Communion
10:30 Fellowship
10:45 Choir Practice,
Sunday School, Adult
forum
7:00 pm AA
28
9:30 am Worship
10:30 Fellowship
10:45 Sunday School
Adult Forum
Choir Practice
7:00 pm AA
15
16
17
18
6:00 Advent Dinner
1:30 p.m.
WELCA Love
7:45 Confirmation Class Day
7:00 Worship Service
19
20
Newsletter
Deadline
5:00 pm The Kids’
Cupboard
22
23
24
25
6:00 Advent Dinner
5:00 pm The Kids’
Cupboard
7:00 Worship Service
26
27
March 4
March 5
7:45 Confirmation Class
29
March 1
March 2
March 3
4:00 pm First
Communion Class
6:00 Advent Dinner
5:00 pm The Kids’
Cupboard
6:30 am Men in
Mission at Cedar
Hill
7:00 Worship Service
7:45 Confirmation Class
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AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
FEBRUARY 2016
ELCA Middle School Gathering
6th, 7th and 8th Graders
American Lutheran Church
1941 Silver Street
Ashland, NE 68003
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
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