November 2013 - Faith Lutheran Church

Faith Matters
NOVEMBER 2013
F A I T H
L U T H E R A N
C H U R C H
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
WORSHIP TIMES
SUNDAYS— 8:00 & 10:30 A.M.
Memorial Day to Labor Day — 9:00 A.M
WEDNESDAYS — 6:15 P.M.
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP
Often, when someone dies, or is facing a serious illness, we don’t know
what to say. When someone’s going through a rough time, it’s a struggle to
say the right thing. But it is always appropriate to say nothing. In fact,
Scripture encourages people to ―mourn with those who mourn.‖ (Romans
12:15) Yet too often, we try to fill the silence with empty clichés, in an
attempt to provide comfort and meaning. To be clear, I honestly don’t believe
CHURCH OFFICE
that people who use these clichés intend to be unkind. Usually we don’t
255 Roosevelt Street PO Box 369
consider the deeper meaning of our words, yet the words we use matter.
Valders, Wisconsin 54245
“God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.” We think this is in
Phone 920-775-4141
the
Bible, but the verse that resembles it, 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, ―No
Fax 920-775-9413
temptation
has seized you that isn’t common for people. But God is faithful.
Website www.faithlutheranchurchvalders.org
He won’t allow you to be tempted beyond your abilities. Instead, with the
temptation, God will also supply a way out so that you will be able to endure
STAFF DIRECTORY
it.‖ But notice that verse is about temptation. That’s it. You won’t be
Erica Cunningham, Pastor
tempted beyond your abilities. This text is not saying that you will not
Direct Office Line — 920-775-9411
experience more than you can handle and, in fact, scripture is full of people
Cell: 920-374-3860
who find themselves overwhelmed by life. ―We do not want you to be
Email...pastorerica@tds.net
unaware, brothers and sisters, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we
Lynn Walsh, Youth Ministry Coordinator
Education Coordinator
were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we
Email...lynnwalsh@tds.net
felt that we had received the sentence of death‖ (2 Corinthians 1:8 – 9a)
Christine Olson, Adm. Assistant
“Everything happens for a reason/It was part of God’s plan”. Yes, God
Faith Matters Editor
has a plan and reason for you. That plan is redemption through the
Email…...faith21@tds.net
incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Cancer, tornadoes,
Mike Lentscher, Custodian
stillborn babies, earthquakes, fatal car crashes, tsunami’s and industrial
Derek Luckow, Bell Choir Director
accidents are NOT part of God’s plan for creation. To say that ―Everything
Kim Bremer, Dennis Luckow,
happens for a reason‖ or ―it was all part of God’s plan‖ indicates that God
Carol Ulness, Becky Schultz
kills children, destroys homes, and randomly extinguishes life so that others
Contemporary Worship Coordinators
can ―learn a lesson‖ or ―change their ways‖. We may not understand why
Erin Lenzner, Mixed Choir Director
awful things happen in our world but we can be sure that this is not God’s
Peggy Madson, Sue Riesterer
intention for us. God is a God of grace, love, and mercy who hears a world
and Crystal Otto, Organists
groaning in pain and redeems us from the evil of this world.
“God must have needed another angel”. This phrase, while meant to
INSIDE
bring comfort and reassurance, often causes hurt and anger for parents who
In the Life of Faith ............................. 2
have lost a child whether through illness, stillbirth, miscarriage, or any other
In the Life of Faith continued ............. 3
means. The death of a child, or anyone young causes confusion and grief that
Finances ............................................... 4
is inconsolable. To say that, ―God needed another angel‖ says that God
Liturgical Roles/Membership .............. 5
caused the child to die. God caused the death of children through illness,
A View from the Pew ........................... 6
tornados, school shootings.
Youth and Family ................................ 7
Words matter. When faced with grief or illness, and you are not sure what to
Faith Lutheran Church Minutes ........ 8
say, know that it is okay to say nothing, and to simply offer a hug, a warm
handshake, or a cup of coffee. Peace, Pastor Erica
What’s happening
In the life of faith...
† The Lori Circle will meet November 9 at 9:00 a.m. in
the library.
† The Penny Circle will meet November 20 at 9:00 a.m.
at Delores Johnson’s home.
† The Vi Circle will meet November 20 at 9:00 a.m. in
the youth room. Hostess is Vi Rusch.
† The Terry/Marge Circle will meet November 20 at 11:00
a.m. to clean the kitchen, with lunch to follow at Mr.
Lucky’s. Circle meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. in the
library.
The Thanksgiving Service will be
Tuesday, November 26
Senior Christians will
meet Tuesday,
November 19 at 9:00
a.m. at Four Seasons.
CONGREGATIONAL AND SUNDAY
SCHOOL FOOD DRIVE begins Sunday,
November 3 and continues until Sunday,
November 24. We ask that you prayerfully
consider bringing in the following items to
help others in our area. Any non-perishable
food items are welcomed. Special items
needed are dish soap, laundry soap, toilet
paper, Kleenex and syrup. Please place
your items in the bins in the Welcome
Center.
at 7:00 p.m.
Please remember to bring a
non-perishable food item along to
worship to help feed the
needy in our area.
The church and office will be closed
Thursday, November 28 and
Friday, November 29.
Budget Meeting
November 20 @ 7:15 p.m.
The Board of Directors invite you to attend
this meeting on Wednesday, November 20,
beginning at 7:15 PM. We will meet in the
sanctuary following worship. Copies of the
proposed budget will be
available in the outer
narthex 2 weeks before
the meeting.
Card Club
November 9 @ 7:00 p.m.
Jason & Michelle Robley’s Home
2807 Rangeline Road, Manitowoc
All are invited!
Sign up for the Advent by
Candlelight Service, to be held
Sunday, December 1. We are
looking for table hostesses
and guests. Please sign up on the
sheets in the gathering space. Guests
can include members of FLC,
1:15-2:00
family, friends and relatives. All are
Fellowship
time
welcome! Space is limited, so sign up
by November 10. Please contact any
2:00-3:00
committee member if you have
Advent Program
any questions. Committee members
are Pastor Erica, Joyce Sorenson, Jill Pastor Erica will
Backus, Wendy Steinberg, Ellen
be bringing us
Polifka and Julie Hartman.
the message.
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Sunday, December 15
9:00 A.M. Worship with Sunday School
Christmas Program and Holy Communion
Invite your friends and Grandparents
to worship with you!
Wednesday, December 18
6:15 P.M. Worship with a Live Nativity
and Holy Communion.
Sunday, December 22
Worship at 9:00 A.M.
Blue Christmas Service
at 11:00 A.M.
No Sunday School
Christmas Services
Tuesday, December 24
Worship at 3:00, 5:30 and
11:00 P.M. with Holy
Communion
Wednesday, December 25
Worship at 10:00 A.M. with
Holy Communion
Sunday, December 29
Worship at 9:00 A.M.
“Lessons and Carols
with Holy Communion.”
Starting in December, the
Board of Evangelism will begin
"assigning" Greeters to
various worship services. This is
something already being done
by the Board of Lay Ministry
for other volunteer
opportunities. If you are
"assigned" for any particular
service, you will receive a
schedule in the mail. Along
with this schedule, will be
volunteer reminders and
additional contact
information should you need
to change the time you are
assigned. If you have any
questions, please contact
Julie Endries at 894-7498. The
Board of Evangelism continues
to be thankful for your service!
Blue Christmas
Service of Light in the
Midst of Darkness
Sunday, December 22
at 11:00 a.m.
(Light lunch to follow)
Blue? Yes, blue as in the blues.
As in “I’m feeling blue.” Not
everyone is up and cheery for
the Christmas celebration.
Dealing with the death of a
loved one, facing life after a
divorce or separation, coping
with the loss of a job, living with
cancer or other diseases, and a
number of other situations that
put a question mark on your
future make parties and joviality
painful for many
people in our
congregation
and community.
Please join us!
No Sunday School
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Finances
Income — September
Envelope Offerings
Loose Offerings
Other Income
General Fund Income
Dedicated Income
Total Income
$29,270.85
392.96
812.40
$30,476.21
$190.51
$30,666.72
Budget
YTD Actual
YTD Budget
$27,102.57
$213,037.22
$4,451.15
$217,488.37
$243,923.10
Operating Expenses—September
General Fund Expense
$23,388.44
$27,002.57
$214,651.04
Dedicated Expense
$220.00
$4,491.89
Total Expenses
$23,608.44
$219,142.93
Year to Date General Fund Net Income ($1,613.82)
Balances as of September 30, 2013
Assets:
General Fund Checkbook
Account Receivable from Capital Appeal fund
$61,735.87
Capital Appeal Accounts:
Total Pre-Appeal Building Dollars
Total Appeal Pledge Dollars received to date
Total interest income
Total 3% appeal benevolence
Total account payable to general fund
Total building expenses to date
Denmark State Bank Loan
Total loan interest payment Denmark State Bank
Total Appeal Compensation Associate Pastor
Total Appeal balance as of 9/30/13
Appeal Pledge Dollars balance as of 8/31/13
September appeal dollars received
September interest income
3% appeal benevolence
September appeal expenses
September loan interest Denmark State Bank
$32,080.08
$29,655.79
$155,826.66
$254,138.47
$656.30
($7,585.48)
($29,655.79)
($815,854.47)
$554,428.98
($9,662.02)
($21,041.84)
$81,250.81
$72,062.33
$12,605.00
$34.29
($339.45)
$478.96
($3,590.32)
$243,023.10
Balance on Denmark State Bank Loan
Previous Balance—8/31/13
$554,428.98
Current Prin. Balance—9/30/13 $554,428.98
Interest to date on
Denmark State Bank Loan
Previous ITD—8/31/13
$6,071.70
Interest Payment
$3,590.32
Current ITD—9/30/13
$9,662.02
Thank you to the Cub Scout Pack 3918 for
bringing in food for Faith’s Pantry on October
19. You supplied our pantry with 1422 items!
The depleted shelves are now replenished!
Thanks also to the community in donating this
food, Faith’s youth and adults who helped
count, sort and help fill the shelves. With many
people helping, we were able to complete the
task in a relatively short period of time. There
are many people in need and your work is very
Donations
† World Hunger: One donation was given this month.
† Capital Appeal Fund: In memory of Kate Riesterer by Bryce and Penny Larson. 16 more donations were given this month.
† Endowment Fund: In memory of Alice Sebo by Martin and Darlene VanLishout.
† Scholarship Fund: In memory of David Hoyer by Delton and Cheryl Duchow; Carl and Ruth Hagenow; Mark and Victoria
Schwahn; FLC Memorial Fund, Constance Hoyer and family and friends.
Balance on hand October 1, 2013
Income:
General Offering
Community Mission
Total
Balance on hand October 31, 2013
FLC Women Treasurer’s Report
$740.53
Expense:
55.00
Bank Service Fee
3.00
109.00
Tablecloths—Cheryl Domrath
14.05
$904.53
Endowment Fund for food
200.00
Total
$217.05
$687.48
Darlene Van Lishout, Treasurer
(September report available
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Liturgical Roles ~ Worship Responsibilities
Pastoral Acts
Baptisms................................ Zachariah Don Whitaker
Gabriella Grace Platten
Marriages ............ Miranda Benthien and Adam Check
Funerals .......................................... Kathryn Riesterer
Acolyte Schedule
November
11/3 Early: Taylor Pederson
Late: Hannah Evenson & Myranda Manke
11/10 Early: Taylor Pederson
Late: Jessica Jeske
11/17 Early: Preston Hansen
Late: Miranda Rausch
11/24 Early: Rachel Robley
Late: Erin Schwoerer
Membership
Baptized .............................................................. 1014
Confirmed .............................................................. 766
Families ................................................................. 250
Worship Attendance
Sunday
Early
9/22
139
9/29 9:00 = 221
10/6
127
10/13
119
Communion
Congregation
Guests
Private
9/29
136
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Head Usher Schedule- Sunday
Late
103
44
71
10/2
30
3
Wed.
87
54
131
80
10/6
125
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November
Early: Bob Pederson
December
Early: Larry Madson
Total
329
275
302
270
11/3
11/6
11/10
11/13
11/17
11/20
11/24
Lectors
11/6
11/10
11/13
11/17
11/20
11/24
Early: Judy Harris
Late: Stefanie Kaderabek
Carol Ulness
Early: Penny Larson
Late: Ava Ulness
Courtney Fahley
Early: Abigail Brill
Late: Bob Argall
Valentine Zibung
Early: Bryce Larson
Late: Christine Davison
Communion Servers
11/3
Early: Larry Madson,
De Zibung, Kaye Jandrey
Late: Stefanie Kaderabek
11/17 Early: Brian Brill Family
Late: Bob Argall
11/20 Cathy Luckow, Earl Griffin,
Jan Mulhaney
Late: Tom Madson
Greeters
10/16
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Altar Guild Servers
Communion:
November 3 & 17 ................................... Committee #1
December 1, 15, 24, 25, 29 .................. Committee #2
Marlene Evenson, Chair (Committee #1)
Bev Torrison, Chair (Committee #2)
11/3
Late: Richard Christianson
Ushers
Early: Larry and Sharon Naidl
Late: Jan Mulhaney and Lori Propson
Connor Walsh and Jessica Jeske
Early: Keith and Audrey Lippert
Late: Paul & Jill Franz
Jake and Stefanie Kaderabek
Courtney Fahley and Erin Reinke
Early: Dennis and Marlene Evenson
Late: Lyle and Arlene Roehrig
Jessica Jeske and Cameron Tuschel
Early: Larry and Joy Madson
Late: Christine Davison and Ron & Jo Jones
11/3
Early: Eric Nelson Family
Late: Roger Manke Family
11/10 Early: Paul and Michele Schmidt
Late: Len Reinertson & Lori Propson
11/17 Early: Dennis and Bonnie Gordon
Late: Dean and Desirae Behnke
11/24 Early: Richard Menza and Rolyn Jorgenson
Late: Glenn and Marlene Thomsen
Sound Operator
Video Operator
Projector
11/3 8:00: V. Zibung
10:30: E. Lenzner
11/6 Keith Schultz
11/10 8:00: C. Domrath
10:30: L. Roehrig
11/13 Keith Schultz
11/17 8:00: T. Huske
10:30: L. Ulness
11/20 Keith Schultz
11/24 8:00: C. Domrath
10:30: L. Ulness
11/3 8:00:
10:30: R. Hallberg
11/6 Keith Schultz
11/10 8:00: B. Larson
10:30:
11/13 Keith Schultz
11/17 8:00:
10:30: R. Hallberg
11/20 Keith Schultz
11/24 8:00: J. Robley
10:30:
11/3 8:00: D. Domrath
10:30: C. Hallberg
11/6 Cody Meyer
11/10 8:00: D. Domrath
10:30: L. Roehrig
11/13 Connor Walsh
11/17 8:00: C. Hallberg
10:30: L. Walsh
11/20 Alex Hoeppner
11/24 8:00: D. Domrath
10:30: J. Harris
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A View from the Pew
If you were at any of our 8:00 services this past month or came early for the 10:30 services you might
have noticed a change that is occurring in our Fellowship Hour between services. The Board of Parish
Fellowship is asking various Boards and Small Groups to serve the lite refreshments at the Sunday and
Wednesday services. Their plan is to keep things simple so that this becomes a very easy task for any
group that volunteers for a given week. It really only involves making the coffee, supplying milk and
some small treat either made or purchased. The money taken in each week is usually enough to pay
for any purchased items.
Perhaps you don't belong to any of the boards, committees, or small groups but would still like to
serve. It only takes 2 or 3 individuals to volunteer so maybe get a friend or two to help or just sign up as
a family. This is a great opportunity for you to meet and talk to the other members of the
congregation as we gather for worship and fellowship each week. A schedule for volunteering is on
the new information counter.
As a congregation we also want to extend our appreciation to Lucy and Tara Rutherford for their
years of service of providing the refreshments in the past. These two ladies were here early every
Sunday to get things ready for our Fellowship Hour. We are happy to give these two a break so they
can worship with us and relax and enjoy the fellowship of their fellow members. Thank you Lucy and
Tara!
Have you noticed the changes occurring in our landscaping? The Board of Church Properties has
been busy getting volunteers to help improve the appearance of our campus. One of their biggest
projects was the cutting down of several large overgrown pine trees. We want to thank those men
who undertook this project and for all those who continue to keep our grounds attractive.
Soon the project of removing some of the pews will take place. The plan is to remove two pews on
each side and replace them with portable pew chairs. This will allow better access to those who need
pew communion and also the chairs can be removed as needed to provide space for wheelchairs.
The removal of the pews is more complicated than it appears and hopefully will be accomplished
before the holiday season.
Are you a member of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans? Do you have Choice Dollars available to
direct? If you do, you can participate in the Thrivent Choice Double Direction Church Campaign and
help Faith in a big way! Thrivent Financial is giving up to $15 million to churches across the country
through the Thrivent Choice program. To help our congregation, simply direct designated Choice
Dollars to Faith Lutheran Church before November 30. Thrivent Financial will double all directions made
to churches during this time or until the $15 million has been awarded, whichever comes first.
To direct your choice dollars:
• Go to Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or
• Call 1-800-THRIVENT (1.800.847.4836) and say “Thrivent Choice”
Please remember that our Annual Budget meeting is set for Wednesday, November 20th at 7:15 P.M. It
is important that all confirmed members attend this meeting as we set our budget for the work of our
Lord in 2014.
Donald J. Domrath
Congregational President
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YOUTH & FAMILY
Several youth and
parents came
together in a
special Church
Community
Service outing at
Connie Hoyer's
home. This took
place September
22nd. Youth
stacked wood, cut
lawn, cleared out
garden, washed
apples, trimmed
bushes and trees
and baked cookies.
Family Golf Outing, September 29 was a great suc-
Shanty Town ~ over 50 youth participated
and all youth combined brought in over $1800.
Constructing boxes
to
sleep in.
Packaging items for
Peter’s Pantry.
This month we celebrate Affirmation of
Baptism. Nine youth have or will be getting
confirmed: Lexi Evenson, Javelin Hansen,
Joseph Jeske, Eli Nelson, Jared Petska,
Elizabeth Robley, Marann Schmidt,
Paige Soukup and Trevor Wittmus.
Decorating
cookies to share
with
others!
This month the youth
will be busy preparing a
very special
Thanksgiving Service
which will be held
Tuesday November 26th.
Proceeds went
to Habitat for
Humanity.
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Faith Lutheran Church Minutes October 16, 2013
Those present were Don Domrath, David Haupt, De Zibung, Carolyn Hallberg. Pastor Erica, Julie Endries, Carol Ulness,
Lyle Roehrig, Jackie Shimek. Roger Hallberg and Judy Valleskey.
Roger Hallberg presented the proposed budget for 2014. He went over the income for this year to date, stating that the
budget is usually met after the Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings. He then went over the expenses group by group.
EDUCATION: Expenses for Confirmation Camp will increase between $2,250 –2,400 due to more children participating.
The curriculum expenses have gone up this year as each student will get his own study book.
The rest of the board’s budgets stayed the same. Salaries of the paid staff were discussed. The organists will receive
$15.00 more per Sunday if they play for second service as the music for the two services is different.
The total figure for the 2014 budget is $307,765.45. A motion was made to send the budget to the annual budget meeting
in November as proposed. Motion carried.
STEWARDSHIP: David H. reported that we had a good month. The general funds were up by $7,000.00. Laura H.
reported that $12,605.00 was collected in September for the Capital Appeal. This month $7,781.00 was paid to the
Denmark State Bank. In the future, on the 10th of each month $3,350.00 will be paid by automatic withdrawal.
LAY MINISTRY: Grief Books will come out of the Memorial Fund in the future. New ear held mikes should be purchased
at a cost of up to $1,000 for 3 mikes. It will be left up to the committee as to which were needed most—ear held mikes
and/or hand held mikes. The money will be taken out of undesignated funds. Four new acolyte robes are needed for the
younger children who are preforming this duty. The cost for all four would be between $175.00--$200.00. A number of
church services were discussed. It was motioned & carried to have one service on Sunday, December 15 for the Sunday
School Christmas and Nativity program and to follow suit with one service at 9 AM on December 22 & 29.
YOUTH: Trunk or Treat will be held Sunday, October 27 in the upper level. The script program is up and running.
PARISH FELLOWSHIP: Different boards are responsible for a Sunday and/or a Wednesday. A sign will be put up so the
congregation will know what board is serving.
PROPERTY: Roof problem is still ongoing. Also, there is a leak in one of the skylights. Quasius will get paid only when
everything is done. Madson has been contacted again for snow removal and for the same price as last year. A C.D. player
will be purchased with property money for the balcony.
EDUCATION: Judy Valleskey will now be co-chair with Jenniffer Zutz for this committee.
PASTOR ERICA: An intern from Calvary Lutheran Church in Green Bay will officiate at the funeral on October 19 as she
will be on vacation. Bishop Justman is on Sabbatical and will reschedule his visit to Faith.
YOUTH: Dates to remember: October 26 is paintball event; November 10 is Confirmation; November 3-24 is the food
drive.
PRESIDENT: The Valders State Bank will be closing on January 16, 2014 and we will have to move our safe deposit box.
Don requested the secretary write a note of thanks to the Valders Journal and the Herald Times Reporter for their
wonderful articles about Faith’s 50th anniversary and building renovation.
OLD BUSINESS: Church Directory: 208 families participated.
Respectfully submitted,
Deanna Thranow Zibung
Acting Secretary
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