February 2015 - WORSHIP WITH US
Transcription
February 2015 - WORSHIP WITH US
February 2015 Newsletter To serve across generations, To share the love of Christ, And to live missionally. SUE’S CORNER Well, here we again. Lent is just around the corner. February 18th, to be exact. And every year, I can’t help but wonder what are the memories you have of Lent? What customs? What does Lent mean to you? I grew up in a Polish Catholic neighborhood. Many of my friends were Roman Catholic and, for them, Lent was a very serious business indeed. Prayer, penitence and tuna fish casserole. Or macaroni and cheese. An invitation to dinner guaranteed one or the other as an entree. By the time I left home, I thought I’d never face either again without a grimace. (Fortunately, I got over it.) But their practices did impress on me the seriousness of this season. And – it made me more than a bit curious about Lent. As many of you know, Lent is not a part of the church year we Protestants stressed much in earlier times. Oh, we talked of giving something up (usually our ration of chocolate or something equally sacrificial), but we didn’t discuss it’s history or significance to a life of discipleship. But in recent years, as denominational boundaries break down, we have begun to appreciate this season in new ways. We have begun to ask questions about its origin and purpose. We have begun to ask what does it have to do with my faith journey? Lent began as a few days before Easter. Easter Vigil (Saturday before Easter Sunday) was the time newcomers to the faith were baptized. They’d been preparing for at least a year, sometimes 3 years. In the days immediately before Easter, they prayed and fasted to prepare themselves for the sacrament. Over the centuries this time of prayer and preparation expanded to become the 40 days we know as Lent. SUE’S CORNER It begins on Ash Wednesday, climaxing during Holy Week with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday , concluding the Saturday before Easter. It doesn’t include the Sundays during that time, because Sunday is always celebrated as a “little” Easter. But this time of study and preparation was not limited to those being baptized. Since the new members were being received into a living community of faith, the whole community was called to preparation. Today, Lent is generally understood as a time of prayer and preparation for Easter. The number 40 is connected with many biblical events but especially the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for his ministry. Christians today use this period of time for introspection, self examination, repentance. But I would like to suggest it’s also a time of thanksgiving. Not that introspection, self examination and repentance are not appropriate. Yet sometimes it seems we get stuck in guilt and self condemnation – as unproductive a frame of mind as I can imagine. What if we focused, instead, on God’s grace? What if we entered this season in a spirit of thanksgiving? Remembering all the wonderful things God has done and is doing for us. Not just Jesus’ sacrifice, not just the redemption of Easter, but the many blessings we experience every day. Lent is equal only to the season of Advent in its importance in the Christian Year. It’s part of the second major grouping of Christian festivals. (The first being Advent, Christmas and Epiphany). Who can tell what might happen if we take this time as it was intended to pause and reflect? Sue Summary of Parish Council Meeting Thursday, January 15, 2015 Pastors gave their report, 8 hospital calls, planning a class that Bob and Sue will teach; preparing for ministry, many social events of the parish attended, usual Session meetings of the congregations, funeral for a Westminster member; Sue on vacation Jan 27 – Feb. 16; both pastors will be gone to a pension Seminar from Mar. 15 – 28. Parish Council Meeting *Clerk is completing her term, will write Feb. agenda, including the election of a new clerk, file minutes in the Parish office, and complete correspondence requested. *There was no Finance Team report due to illness , and no Strategy Team report, as Pastor Sue was also home, ill. *Worship Team asked that we review the Christmas Tea and Worship. *Motion made, and passed that Worship Team will coordinate all pulpit supply after April, 2015, and the details and contacts will be made by the administrative secretary, for all 4 congregations. They will meet next week to begin preparation for this transition. *Motion read from Westminster regarding time change of their worship, to begin no later than first Sunday in May. *Program Committee has scheduled a Family who sings and plays instruments…Bluegrass/ Christian music to give a concert on Feb. 15, at Cloquet, hosted by Westminster. *Pastor Bob thanked the 3 people going off of the council, John Voss, Jean Abramson, Patty Tribby, for a job well done. *Next meeting: Feb. 19, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jean Abramson, Clerk Program Committee Meeting Report December 2014 The Committee met at 9:30 am on December 13th with Lynn Roginski (Chair), Jackie Ranco (Secretary), Jerry Rouleau, Christine Meritt and Pastor Sue Goodin in attendance. Lynne Roginski, Chair, resigned not only as Chair but also from the Committee. Jerry Rouleau has assumed the responsibility for the February 15th Blue Grass/Christian concert to be held from 4 to 6 pm at Cloquet, and hosted by Westminster. This leaves 2 openings. One opening is for Westminster and one opening is for Cloquet. Jackie Ranco assumes the duty of Chair pro tem and Christine Meritt assumes the role of Secretary. Program Committee Meeting Report No date has been set for a meeting in 2015. Respectfully submitted, Jacqueline Ranco Recording Secretary Clear Water Parish Finance Statement December 31, 2014 Bank Balance 11/30/2014 Deposit Wrenshall Wresnhall Carlton - (Nov Payment) Carlton Carlton Cloquet (Nov Payment) Cloquet Cloquet Westminster Checks Paid Susan Goodin - Payroll Board of Pension Joan Jargo - Payroll Sandra Scwoch - Payroll Good Will Christmas Party Bob Goodin - Mileage, Professonal, Books Bob Goodin - Payroll Joan Jargo - Payroll Kaye Manty Board of Pension Checking Account Bank Statement Balance 12/31/2014 Checks outstanding Susan Goodin - Payroll Total Outstanding Checks/Deposits Checking Account Balance 12/31/2014 Savings Account Balance12/31/2014 Total on Deposit 12/31/2014 10,068.21 1,206.30 75.00$ 2,392.47 2,392.47 75.00 2,731.37 2,731.37 75.00 2,900.83 14,579.81 24,648.02 2,573.83 1,510.97 491.98 302.03 300.00 1,587.38 2,645.00 301.88 50.00 1,510.97 (11,274.04) 13,373.98 2,573.83 (2,573.83) 10,800.15 10,800.15 530.29 11,330.44 We have recently been informed that the Youth Event will not be held until mid to late July. Two youth will be selected by a committee and your registration fee will be returned if you are not selected. There are no chaperones needed at this time. When we have final details we will pass along. Information & Application The Presbytery of Northern Waters is seeking applications from high school aged youth in the Presbytery for an exciting opportunity to attend an International Youth Event that will be held in Portugal in July of 2015. High School Presbyterian Youth from France, Germany, Scotland, Portugal, and The Presbytery of Northern WatersU.S.A. will be invited. If you are interested please fill out the application that follows and return it and the registration fee of $25.00 by March 15, 2015 to: Presbytery of Northern Waters, 5203 East 2nd Street, Superior, WI 54880 or email jackie@northernwaters.net. Location: Date: Cost: Lisbon and Figueira da Foz, Portugal Mid to late July 2015 Registration Fee of $25.00 (Airfare, lodging, and activities will be provided.) Application is on the following page. It can also be downloaded off the website in PDF format. Presbytery News International Youth Event Application Please complete all items Full Name Address State & Zip Code Home Phone Cell Phone Birthdate What church are you a member of? Do you have a current passport? If so, what is your passport number and expiration date? Have you been to countries outside of the U.S.A? Please explain. Why do you enjoy the experience of travel? How would you react to a flight delay or change in travel plans? Do you know a foreign language? Explain. How do you spend your “free” time? How could this International Youth Event set an example for world peace? Presbytery News Stated Meeting of Presbytery February 7, 2015 Country Peace Church, Superior, WI Stated meeting for all Pastors and Elders. Please check your answers on the form below and return to the Presbytery Office, 5203 East 2nd Street, Superior, WI 54880, or email: jackie@northernwaters.net, or call: 715-394-6265 as soon as possible. Meal registration is necessary for this meeting. Please fill out the form and either call or email Jackie at the office. Thank you for your prompt response. Please return the form below by Monday, February 2, 2015. This form is also on the intranet. Yes No I will attend the Presbytery Meeting. Name (Please Print) Church City SATURDAY $10.00 Continental Breakfast: yogurt, fruit and breads, coffee, tea, juice, water. Lunch: Three kinds of soup with sandwiches and bars for dessert. Gluten free vegetarian soup with gluten free bread. Presbytery News TO: All Ministers, Moderators of Session, Clerks of Session, Those Providing Pulpit Supply for PNW Churches FROM: Reverend Brad Carloss, Stated Clerk DATE: January 27, 2015 SUBJECT: An Opportunity to Help Prevent Sexual Abuse in Your Congregation On Friday, February 6, 2015, from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. our Presbytery is providing boundary training for all Presbyterians at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, Duluth, MN. This is an opportunity for pastors, elders, church school teachers and youth workers to learn how to make your church a safer place. The presenter will be Diana Barber, Associate Synod Executive. The Manual of Operations of our Presbytery requires that people serving Presbyterian churches within our bounds are required to attend a Sexual Misconduct Prevention Workshop every five years. A list of people that need to attend indicating their last training date or if they are new to the Presbytery is also attached. You are also welcome to bring members of your congregation to the workshop with you. We will need to know how many people will be attending this program. So please contact Jackie at the Presbytery Office at 715-394-6265 or jackie@northernwaters.net to tell us whether or not you will attend. Thank you. Below is from the Manual of Operation’s Sexual Misconduct Policy: III. Risk Management B. Employment Practices 1. Prevention Teaching Ministers, Commissioned Ruling Elders, individuals serving churches in The Presbytery of Northern Waters of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who have a contract approved by the Committee on Ministry, and Candidates and Inquirers serving churches in the Presbytery: a. Shall submit a detailed work resume. b. Shall sign a Release Form authorizing a background check. c. Shall be required to attend sexual misconduct training on sexual misconduct as provided by Presbytery within the first year of their service in the Presbytery of Northern Waters. d. Shall be required to attend training on sexual misconduct as provided by Presbytery every five years. Ministers and CCE's shall all complete the Personal Information Form currently being distributed by the Call Referral Services of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), including Part IV, Sexual Misconduct information, or its successor form. Parish News ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE WRENSHALL 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent with a public act of confession and contrition. Acknowledging that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, we stand in solidarity as fellow creatures before our Creator, acutely aware of our mortality. In the face of our transience, we pledge ourselves anew to live unto God’s Word in Jesus Christ, the eternal Word that remains forever. Historically, Ash Wednesday was a time when penitents were presented for church discipline during Lent, culminating in reconciliation on Maundy Thursday. Ash Wednesday is also the occasion when would-be disciples of Christ known as catechumens were enrolled in the catechumenate, a special time of learning the basics of the faith in preparation for baptism on Easter Sunday or during the Easter Vigil. In some traditions, Ash Wednesday is a fast day, beginning the Lenten time of fasting and preparation for the Great Three Days that culminate in Easter. A TIME TO TURN An excerpt from the Companion to the Book of Common Worship (Geneva Press, 2003, 109-110) The Lenten journey from the ashes of death to resurrected life begins on the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, which signifies a time to turn around, to change directions, to repent. This first day of Lent reminds us that unless we are willing to die to our old selves, we cannot be raised to new life with Christ. The first step of this journey calls us to acknowledge and confront our mortality, individually and corporately. In many traditions, this is symbolized through the imposition of ashes — placing a cross on one’s forehead. During the imposition of ashes the words: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19) are repeated again and again. We are to remember that we are but temporary creatures, always on the edge of death. On Ash Wednesday, we begin our Lenten trek through the desert toward Easter. Ashes on the forehead is a sign of our humanity and a reminder of our mortality. Lent is not a matter of being good, and wearing ashes is not to show off one’s faith. The ashes are a reminder to us and our communities of our finite creatureliness. The ashes we wear on our Lenten journey symbolize the dust and broken debris of our lives as well as the reality that eventually each of us will die. Trusting in the “accomplished fact” of Christ’s resurrection, however, we listen for the Word of God in the timehonored stories of the church’s Lenten journey. We follow Jesus into the wilderness, resist temptation, fast, and proceed “on the way” to Jerusalem and the cross. Our Lenten journey is one of metanoia (“turning around”), of changing directions from self-serving toward the self-giving way of the cross. Parish News MISSION MEAL SUNDAY February 22nd In Cloquet 5— 6 pm Please join us for Soup, green salad and dessert. Everyone is welcome! Save the Date February 22, 12PM J.M. Paine Church, Carlton Parish Development Informational Meeting Here is your opportunity to hear information regarding Parish development and also ask our selected panel your specific questions. The Strategies Team of Clear Water Parish has invited, Reverend Rich Blood and Reverend Duane Aslyn to answer some basic questions about the Pioneer Parish and then we will open it up to questions from the gallery. We may even have Reverend John Gibbs with us from Pike Lake Presbyterian to talk about their arrangement of Pulpit Supply. The plan is to meet at the church in Carlton just after 12pm, have a light lunch of sandwiches, socialize a bit and then dive into the question and answer period when our panel arrives. If you have questions about this event, ask your team representative about the particulars and stay tuned for more on the event. Strategy Team members are; Wrenshall: Lori Moe Carlton: Jerry Shoberg and Norm Johnson Cloquet: Teddy Grinnell Westminster: Mary Voss Parish: Reverend Bob and Sue Goodin J.M. Paine Carlton Jan Bressler February 3rd Sharon Schneider February 6th Jean Waller February 10th Bev Ketchum Sue Goodin February 15th February 19th Bud Olean Diane Nyquist February 20th February 27th Parish News Each church had their Annual Congregational Meetings during the month of January. PLEASE NOTE: I have started compiling a list for each church, however this IS ONLY A PARTIAL list from information I have received so far. If you see errors, changes or additions that are needed, please let me know via email or by phone. Thank you! Joan Jago (Administrative Assistant) Carlton: Elder on Council: Deacon: Session Members: Clerk of Session: Financial Secretary: Treasurer: Cloquet: Elder on Council: Deacon: Session Members: Clerk of Session: Parish Council Reps: Nominating Committee: Jim Schneider Sue Sorenson Judy Tribby Brenda Carlson (NSM) Brenda Carlson – Christian Education Carol Risdon – Fellowship/Fundraising Lori Stigers (NSM) - Finance/Stewardship Bev Maruska/Margi Bottila - Mission Bev Maruska – Nominating Margaret Ritson – Property Sheri Fish - Worship James Sheetz – Worship Chair Margi Bottila Marji Bottila Jim Sheetz Teddy Grinnell Beverly Maruska Carol Risdon Parish Personnel Committee: Brenda Carlson, Parish Worship Committee: Judy Tribby, Milt Hill, Jim Sheetz, Sheri Fish Program Committee: OPEN (Chair), Jackie Ranco (Secretary), Jerry Rouleau, Christine Meritt and Pastor Sue Goodin in attendance. OPEN- Committee Member Strategy Team members are: Carlton: Jerry Shoberg and Norm Johnson, Cloquet: Teddy Grinnell; Westminster: Mary Voss; Wrenshall: Lori Moe; Parish: Reverend Bob and Sue Goodin. Each church had their Annual Congregational Meetings during the month of January. PLEASE NOTE: I have started compiling a list for each church, however this IS ONLY A PARTIAL list from information I have received so far. If you see errors, changes or additions that are needed, please let me know via email or by phone. Thank you! Joan Jago (Administrative Assistant) Westminster: Elders: Deacons: Session Members: Clerk of Session: Finance & Facilities: Treasurer: Presbyterian Women: Nominating Committee: Worship Committee: Alyce Moe Paul Rigstad Jerry Rouleau Donna Seger-Olsen Mike Allen Marge Oja Lois Taylor Kathy Ames Milt Hill Jerry Rouleau Vacant Steve Abramson Facilities Chairperson Pamela Miller – Secretary Kathy Ames Dave Darnell Milt Hill Wrenshall: The following slate of officers was presented by the Nominating Committee: Session – 3 Year Term: Carol Ankrum Katherine Ziells Deacon – 3 Year Term: Irene Long Elected to the 2015 Nominating Committee: Richard Gault Christine Merritt Carolyn Meysembourg Lori Moe Audit Committee: Richard Gault John Kuikka Wes VanGuilder Clerk of Session: Carol Ankrum Saint Valentine's Day, also known as Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is a holiday observed on February 14th each year. It is both a liturgical and a romantic holiday celebrated in many countries around the world, although it is not a holiday in most of them. St. Valentine's Day began as a liturgical celebration one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. Several martyrdom stories were invented for the various Valentines that belonged to February 14, and added to later martyrologies. A popular hagiographical account of Saint Valentine of Rome states that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. According to the legend, during his imprisonment, he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius. An embellishment to this story states that before his execution he wrote her a letter signed "Your Valentine" as a farewell. Today, Saint Valentine's Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Communion, as well as in the Lutheran Church. The Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrates Saint Valentine's Day, albeit on July 6th and July 30th, the former date in honor of the Roman Presbyter Saint Valentine, and the latter date in honor of Hieromartyr Valentine, the Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni). In Brazil, the Dia de São Valentim is recognized on June 12th. The day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). In Europe, Saint Valentine's Keys are given to lovers "as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart", as well as to children, in order to ward off Saint Valentine's Malady. Valentine's Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards. Cloquet PER CAPITA dues are $29.00 per person and are due by the end of March. Thank you. THE STITCHING BEE’S meet on the first Tuesday of the month, February 3rd in the Walnut Room from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Jim Sheetz will have the church’s banners out so we can see them. Barb Little agreed to do a little research into how banners are made. Please join us for fellowship and coffee. WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Will resume on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in the Walnut Room. We will begin study on Jeremiah, “Daring to Hope in an Unstable World.” Extra books are available if you would like to join the study. For more information please contact Betty Starkey. Cloquet Cloquet has elected Brenda Carlson for Cloquet Session. Brenda’s installation service will be on Sunday, February 1st. Next Cloquet Session Meeting is Thursday, March 5th at 6:30 pm. MISSION MEAL SUNDAY February 22nd Cloquet 5 — 6 pm Please join us for soup, green salad and dessert. Everyone is welcome! Cloquet & Westminster Sunday, February 15th at 3:00 pm at the Cloquet Church: Sarah Mae and the Birkeland Boys will be performing. Sunday, February 15th at 3:00 pm at the Cloquet Church: Sarah Mae and the Birkeland Boys will be performing. Sarah Mae and the Birkeland Boys are a family band from Minnesota that blends “relative” harmonies with a toe-tapping mix of mostly original bluegrass, folk and gospel songs. Sarah Mae and “the boys” please audiences of all musical tastes and ages — mixing the sweet sound of bluegrass with engaging harmonies, skillful instrumentation, a kindred spirit and a dry twist of humor. Sarah Birkeland is an accomplished musician on several instruments, including the violin and piano, but her favorite instrument to play — bar none — is the upright bass. She took a one-hour bass lesson at a Minnesota Bluegrass Festival at the age of 12 and has been holding a steady beat with the largest member of the fiddle family ever since. Derek Birkeland (far left) is a talented, well-rounded musician and is quickly building a well-earned reputation as a “Jr. Jam Master” for his keen ability to play multiple instruments (including the guitar, fiddle and mandolin) and master the lyrics to many contemporary and classic bluegrass songs. Adam Birkeland (second from the left) is the youngest member of the family and has been playing the resonator guitar for less than two years. He has quickly adapted to, and adopted, the unique instrument as his favorite. The resonator guitar is known for its distinctive sound because its resonance is produced by a metal cone instead of a wooden sound board like a flat top guitar. Mike Birkeland (far right) is the patriarch of the band, which makes him sound really old, though he still has a ways to go to catch up to the likes of Noah and Abraham from Old Testament times. He plays guitar and sings harmony and lead vocals. He also writes most of the family’s original music. His songs about faith, hope, family penetrate the soul. More Information may be found on their website: www.sarahmaeandthebirkelandboys.com Westminster MINUTES FOR MISSION In January and February, Westminster will focus on a new project….we are learning about THE HEIFER PROJECT, and share each Sunday a new animal and what a help that animal can be to an impoverished family in an impoverished village. We, as a congregation, are participating in contributing funds by putting them in the offering, marked ‘Heifer Project’ during these 2 months. At the end of February the congregation will decide what animal(s) we will ‘buy’, and the money will be sent. Our Mission Focus will change to local concerns in March. We want to take advantage of the fact that all money given to the local Food Shelf will DOUBLE in March. So, please bring your donations of food to church every Sunday in March, and it will be given to the Food Shelf at Our Saviors. Bring your cash donations to church every Sunday in March, and put in the offering plate marked Food Shelf…and at the end of the month our treasurer will send our collective donation to the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, and that amount will be doubled, and used to purchase supplies that are sent out to all Duluth Food shelves. Westminster WHAT’S HAPPENING AT OUR NEW BUIILDING? It’s a question every Westminsterite wants to know. On the surface, it looks like ‘nothing’. But….that’s not really true. A group from the Task Force working on the renovation met with a kitchen designer, to discuss our ‘vision’, to look at what is, and what changes we want to see. With the help of Paul Rigstad and his drawings and measurements, now the kitchen designer can suggest a plan for our approval. We’ve given her a list of what needs to be stored in the kitchen area, so cupboards and storage space can be planned accordingly. Mary Voss put us in touch with a man with expertise in this area also, and he’s taken Paul’s drawings and answers to questions, and will also give us a design option to consider. We so appreciate this assistance. In addition, there is a meeting planned for Jan. 28, with the architect and the builder that we have hired, to have conversations about things like: Where exactly will that elevator go, and how much space will the elevator shaft take up, and how much power do you need in the kitchen, and how many outlets….and on and on and on. All of that information will help them to apply for the proper permits from the city so that the work can begin. So, you can’t believe what you see….that nothing is happening…..can you? All of this behind the scenes work is so important in doing the best we can to bring upgrades to the building that will enhance our enjoyment and use of this space and allow us to go forward into a future God is preparing us for. Westminster Bible Study meets on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. CRIBBAGE PLAYERS MEET on THURSDAY, at 12:00 pm. THE QUILTERS ARE BACK TO WORK AGAIN! The quilters meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month at noon and sew at home in between meetings. We are all excited to be thinking and planning about all things quilting. We love to bring what we are working on to show our fellow quilters, and it’s so much fun to look at the wonderful creativity shown by every member of the group. We are not experts….but we do love fabric…and we have a cupboard full of it in our quilt room. So, if you have an inkling you might enjoy being a part of this group, knowing that we do our work on the sewing machine at home, please come and join us. Wrenshall WRENSHALL News J.M. Paine –Carlton Parish Office: Presbyterian Church of Cloquet 47 4th Street - Cloquet, MN 55720 - (218) 879-8813 Co-Pastors: Reverend Bob Goodin: rgoodin@earthlink.net (503) 310-5438 Reverend Sue Goodin: sgoodin@earthlink.net (503) 310-6703 Home Landline Phone - (218) 384 -4131 Administrative Assistant: cwaterparish@gmail.com Administrative Assistant Office Hours: Tuesday—Friday 10:30—3:00pm Westminster Van - (218) 341-2252