May 2015 NEWSLETTER - Peace Grue Lutheran Parish

PEACE † GRUE
AN ELCA PARISH
TO BECOME THE
VOICE AND
HANDS OF JESUS
MAY 2015
Inside this issue:
MUSINGS from the Pastor
GRUE WELCA News
PEACE WELCA News
BIRTHDAYS-May
PEACE Sunday School
GRUE Sunday School
PEACE ACOLYTES
May
PEACE News -Council
GRUE News-council
LUTHER CREST News
CONFIRMATION News
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4
4
5
6
6
6
7
8
9
10
GRUE Men’s pork chop dinner
Sunday, May 3rd
at the Ashby High School from 11am-1:30pm
MENU
Grilled Pork Chops
Baked potato
Dinner roll
Dessert and Beverage
Adults $8-youth 12-6 yrs old $5-kids 5 yrs and under FREE
Extra Pork Chop $2
Remember to purchase your raffle tickets-$2.00 a ticket.
You could win1/2 a pig,-$150 beef bundle-$50 in cash
___________________________________
Join in the fellowship and enjoy the food
with family and neighbors-
May 10, 2015
Congratulations to our seniors at Peace and Grue:
Zach Barry, Jed Evavold, Hunter Fick, Cassandra Jordan. Chelsy Ness, Beth Odens,
Erin Sorenson, Madison Van Santen
Baccalaureate @ the Ashby High School
Wednesday, May 20, 2015 @ 7pm
Ashby High School Graduation Sunday, May 24th at 2pm
9
I hereby command you: “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or
dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9
Page 2
MUSINGS from the Pastor
Musings for May
Springtime! Time of renewal and new life!
Time of (usually) thunder showers and budding trees. Time to get busy out of doors, in the garden, on the
tractor!
We give God thanks and praise for the rhythms of the seasons, dependable and each with its gift for life.
We might also think of the springtime of our spiritual journeys since this is the time of graduations, end of
classrooms and Sunday School, etc. So much of our personalities (some say all) and life direction is determined by those years and experiences during these growing years. As congregations we have promised at
baptisms to support and pray for those in the springtime of life, to encourage and commend, to invite and
welcome.
Sometimes we need to pick up where parents and sponsors become lax in their promises to bring their
children to worship, to teach them, and to share the Scriptures with them. Each one of us is called to fill in and
to be that “sponsor” who encourages the children and youth as well as their parents to grow beyond spring into
mature and fruit-bearing branches attached to the Vine.
At one time I believe there was a secret friend or prayer warrior program for members of our Sunday School;
each child linked with an adult who would pray for him/her. I’m not sure how it died or what happened to it,
but I think we could benefit with its revival. Prayer is powerful, especially when coupled with extra hugs and
hellos.
There is an opportunity for learning about the latest possibilities in youth discipleship from Luther Seminary,
The Confirmation Project. It is called “Signs of Life in Times of Change”, July 29-31. If this is your passion,
please let me know. We all want these precious “bulbs” to grow and flourish!
Wishing you well, spring in your steps, zip in your stride, and, always, hope in the Gospel.
Pastor Carol~~~
OFFICIAL ACTS MONTH OF MARCH and APRIL:
FUNERALS: Gene Woldahl March 30, 2015 at Grue.
Baptisms: Henry Duenow April 19, 2015 at Peace. Son of Aaron & Amanda Duenow.
Bentley Donald Olson April 26, 2015 at Peace. Son of Aaron & Melissa Olson.
NWMN SYNOD ASSEMBLY
The representatives of the churches of the Northwestern MN synod will assemble at Concordia
College on May 16 and 17. Voting members from Peace are Tom Graham and Teresa Magnuson.
Grue will be represented by Greg and Gwen Lillemon. The theme this year is discerning and
visioning for the future. What is God up to?
Page 3
PICTORIAL DIRECTORY NEWS
Pictorial Directory – thank you to everyone that was able to keep your appointments and come to Peace
Church in March for the Pictorial Directory, and thank you to everyone that was able to spend a couple
hours as hostesses – much appreciated.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Val Fick will be at both churches the first 2 Sundays in May to schedule for the June shooting – THE
DATES HAVE CHANGED– it will be Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27th and if we need a third day, it
will be Thursday, the 25th. We encourage everyone to participate; and if for some reason, these dates do not
work or you would like to submit a photo to be used please e mail it to peace@prtel.com or to
t.orval@hotmail.com and it will be forwarded.
PLEASE NOTE: there has been a conversation with the rep from LifeTouch
Photography – he has assured us we will have a different team for the June shooting and comments we have
had from you regarding delays and high pressure sales have been forwarded to the company.
In their mind, they are presenting options – it might be helpful to pick up a brochure that outlines different
packages so you are somewhat prepared when you come for your photo sitting and purchase time.
Also, if you bring an item for the food shelf, you will receive a $5 discount on any purchase
you decide to make.
NIGHT OF PRAISE DATE CHANGE
“NIGHT OF PRAISE” Date change
Night of Praise, originally scheduled for May 3 has been changed to
September 13 – “Men of Note” a men’s choral group from Fergus Falls is coming to
Peace Church to share a message in music and a couple of their members have
significant family commitments until the end of June so it made sense to wait until
Fall rather than a Sunday evening during the Summer months.
Everyone will enjoy this group so mark your calendars for September 13.
DONATIONS NEEDED-CITY OF ASHBY
The city of Ashby is still looking for donations to help pay for movies and music in the park for the Farmers
Market and Community Festival each Thursday in August. We have recently sent out the survey for the
movie choices on Facebook and we are working on booking the musical entertainment. We appreciate all the
donations we received last year and hope that you would be willing to contribute this year! All donations
will be recognized on the posters and press releases. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated.
Give us a call if you have any questions.
City of Ashby - Pop. 446, 203 West Main, Ashby, MN 56309
218-747-2876 Fax: 218-747-2886 Cell Phone: 218-766-3877 e-mail: ashbycit@prtel.com
Page 4
GRUE WELCA NEWS
GRUE WOMEN
On May 19th, we will meet at 6:30 P.M. with Marlys Klimp hosting. We will complete the Bible Study of
Reformation and Confirmation. Please join us for discussion and fellowship. All are welcome!
We will be raising money for fall charitable contributions by having a no-bake bake sale. Donations can be given to
Twila at the bank or in a collection box in church. We will extend an opportunity to give donations until June 30th.
Any amount is welcome.
PEACE WELCA NEWS
The PEACE W E L C A Messenger
Thank you Group 2 for all the volunteer activities for April and a special thanks to all those that served
coffee and communion for Senior Recognition Sunday and making that day special for Cassandra, Erin and
Hunter. Group 3 has the month of May, including the potluck brunch for the last day of Sunday School.
A WELCA Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 7 pm at the church – discussion will
include a recap of the Spring Salad Luncheon and Bake Sale, Church Cleaning Day in June and the
Fall Bazaar. Please mark your calendars.
Teresa Magnuson has graciously offered a quilt top for our Bazaar Raffle and she has taken the quilt to a
lady that leases a quilting machine. Teresa has also quilted the quilt and when the binding is finished she will
bring it for display. How exciting and thank you Teresa.
God’s Blessings to all!!
Val Fick, WELCA President
Please join us in a Birthday Celebration of cake & coffee
after 9am service at Peace church on Sunday, May 31st
honoring our Mother, Corinne Dahlen.
Cheryl, Lori, Donna, Daniel, Jana & Julie and our families.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you to the members of Peace Church for your support during my years of
Sunday School, Bible Camp, Wings and Confirmation.
I invite you to join myself and my family for a Graduation Open House Reception on
Saturday, May 23, at the Ashby American Legion from 1 to 4 pm.
Hunter Fick—-
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BIRTHDAYS
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY
God's Helpers
MAY
BIRTHDAYS
by: George W. Wiseman
God could not be in every place
With loving hands to help erase
The teardrops from each baby's face,
And so He thought of mother.
_________
May 1st
Wesley Shaffer
May 2nd
June Leine
May 3rd
Aaron Phillips
May 4th
Ron Peterson
May 5th
Donna Lindemyer
May 6th
Lillian Evavold
Orland Norenberg
Amy Bidleman
May 10th
Carson Spangler
Carter Spangler
Brenda Jones
Jason Odens
Chad Van Santen
May 11th
Vonnie Gilbertson
May 12th
Marcus Alvstad
May 15th
Deb Story
May 17th
Teresa Barry
May 19th
Terry Ohren
Shawn Spangler
Betty Torgrimson
May 20th
Vernie Alvstad
May 21st
Joan Maunumaki
May 23rd
Tyler Barry
Spencer Mekalson
May 26th
Joel Holte
May 27th
Megan Rein
May 29th
Anthony Ohren
Emily Williams
Char Hanson
May 30th
Corinne Dahlen
May 31st
Reid Magnuson
________
If I don’t have your
birth date or if I have it listed
incorrectly please e-mail
or call me - 747-2273
peace@prtel.com
Melissa
He could not send us here alone
And leave us to a fate unknown;
Without providing for His own,
The outstretched arms of mother.
God could not watch us night and day
And kneel beside our crib to pray,
Or kiss our little aches away;
And so He sent us mother.
And when our childhood days began,
He simply could not take command.
That's why He placed our tiny hand
Securely into mother's.
The days of youth slipped quickly by,
Life's sun rose higher in the sky.
Full grown were we, yet ever nigh
To love us still, was mother.
And when life's span of years shall end,
I know that God will gladly send,
To welcome home her child again,
That ever-faithful mother.
GRUE women meet:
Tuesday, May 19th.
Marlys Klimp hosting.
RUTH Circle meeting:
Tuesday, May 19th.
Judy Godwin & Judi Kronberg hosting.
REBECCA Circle meeting:
Thursday, May 7th at 7pm.
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PEACE SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
PEACE SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR MAY (worship times change in May)
†† † † † † † † ††
PEACE MAY SERVICE 9AM / SUNDAY SCHOOL 10:30 AM
May 3rd
SS @ 9:30am WORSHIP TIME CHANGED TO 10:45AM TO ACCOMMODATE
THE GRUE PORK CHOP DINNER.
May 10th
SS @ 10:15– Mother’s Day
May 17th
Sunday School Sings 6th grade –Recite New Books of the Bible.
Preschool/Kindergarten – Recite John 3:16 Verse
Last Day of Sunday School – Potluck brunch following worship service.
PEACE ACOLYTE SCHEDULE
MAY
WORSHIP TIMES CHANGE 9AM SERVICE
MAY 3 Kalista Aamot and Halle Dahlen
10 Aanika and Bobbie Anderson
17 Brandon and Bradley Anderson
24 Zander Hanson and Jacob Rein
31 Abbigal Evavold and Elli Johnsrud
GRUE ACOLYTE SCHEDULE
may
10:45am Service
MAY 3 Joan Maunumaki and Rachel Runningen
10 Michael Van Santen and Jake Rasmussen
17 Amelia Barry and Courtney Koefod
24 Taleeyah Johnson and Josey Ness
31 Annah Evavold and Erika Heibel
***If you are unable to acolyte on the Sunday that you are listed please contact another youth
and switch or ask them to cover for you-thanks.
___________________
Note of Thanks to all of the Sunday school teachers and volunteers at both Peace and Grue,
Just a little note of appreciation for the time and energy you all have put in this year teaching
the children at Sunday school. Thank you for all your hard work, time commitment and planning
that has been put into our youth’s Christian growth at both Peace and Grue throughout the Sunday
school year.
We are blessed to have all of you as a part of our church family!
Kind regards,
Your church family at Peace and Grue
THANKYOU—THANKYOU—THANK YOU—THANK YOU—THANK YOU
Page 7
PEACE COUNCIL NEWS
PEACE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES– April 8, 2015
Attending: Justin Eberhardt, Tim Cunningham, Tom Graham, Donald Hanson, Pastor Carol, Gene Jensen, Jackie Anderson &
Janet Novak Absent: Mary Johnsrud and Missy Evavold & Terry Fick
Meeting called to order by President Tom Graham
M/S/C to accept Secretary’s Report with corrections
M/S/C to accept Treasurer’s Report
Pastor’s report reviewed
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Stewardship – Easter breakfast went well but attendance down a bit from previous year. Net proceeds will be reported next month
and submitted to Luther Crest’s Prepare The Way campaign. Trees have been ordered for Soil & Water Stewardship Sunday.
Christian Growth – Parish Pictorial Project took place. Heard a few complaints regarding attendants being a bit pushy.
Education – Joint Parish Meeting scheduled 4/12 at 1pm – Confirmation is topic
Property & Mgmt – No report
Worship – No report
OLD BUSINESS
Community Garden Project: Tom will schedule a planning meeting with Janet and others who are interested.
Janet will submit a request to Thrivent for ‘seed’ money and a rain barrel.
New projector was purchased from Parish funds and will go to Grue.
Discussion on advantage of new screen with rear projection but no action taken at this time
NEW BUSINESS
Acknowledged Jack Peterson will be celebrating his 30th year as custodian and bell ringer in June. June 7th is
date tentatively picked as day to recognize and thank him. More discussion at May meeting.
Sunday school teacher recognition will be Sunday, May 17th. Brunch will be served after the 9:00 am
service.
One Sacristy door window needs replacement. M/S/C to spend up to $400 to pay for two new windows to
make sure both Sacristy door windows are same. Property Management committee will communicate
with Jack.
Discussion on Soil & Water Stewardship Sunday to be held either May 2nd or April 26th. Pastor Carol shared
she had been offered bees and wondered if we were interested. She will have a discussion with Keith
Nichols to obtain more information.
Tom shared a letter from the 2015 Ashby Post Prom Committee requesting donations for their upcoming
prom on May 2. The letter also thanked us for our past support and acknowledged this year, they were
fortunate to have already raised quite a bit of money. After discussion, M/S/C to not give a donation this
year.
Tom confirmed he will schedule another session How To Take A Better Picture . $10 fee will be donated to
audiovisual fund.
Pastor Carol reminded us that our worship service time will change to 9:00 am starting in May. May 3rd service will
be at 10:45am as to accommodate the Grue pork chop feed which will run from 11am-1:30pm.
NWMN Synod Assembly is scheduled for May 16-17. Laity Service will be May 17th and Pastor Carol will ask John
Zdrazil. M/S/C to provide $25 each ($50 total) towards Synod Scholarship and ELCA Campaign. Teresa Magnuson
and Tom Graham will be representatives.
Next Council Meeting will be May 13th at 7:00 pm
M/S/C to adjourn with Lord’s Prayer
Janet Novak, Peace Council Secretary
Page 8
GRUE COUNCIL NEWS
GRUE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES-April 1, 2015
The meeting was called to order by President Scott Juven.
Members present: Scott, Hal, June, Bea, Darlane, Vonnie & Gwen. Member absent: Dylan
Devotions were led by Pastor Carol.
Committee report: Property and Management member brought to our attention that the expense to replace the furnace at the
Church was not budgeted, so donations would be much appreciated.
The Treasurer’s report was reviewed - M/S/C to accept.
Old Business:
*Senior recognition Day will be Sunday, April 12th. The quilts are done and Bea will make a cake for the 5 youth we have graduating this year.
*Discussion on the benefit held for Gene Woldahl: it went very well & was well attended. Thank you to the Sunday school for volunteering their help and for all who donated toward the Silent Auction.
*The Lenten service “Wedding Feast” at Grue was well attended. We served 87. Thank you to all who helped to make it a success!
*Pork Chop feed is on for May 3rd at the Ashby School cafeteria, with Greg Lillemon as chairman & Dan Ness heading up the
raffle ticket sales. They are wanting all men of the congregation to join in to help with this fundraiser. Also, still in need of a few
pans of bars to be donated.
New Business:
*Sunday school teacher recognition day is set for May 31st which is the last day of Sunday school for the spring session. We
have 4 teachers, Vonnie will pick up gifts for them.
*Soil and Water Stewardship day will be celebrated on April 26th “The Pollinators” is the theme for this year. Keith Nichols and
Darlane will present the information and samples to the congregation. Pastor Carol will get the litany.
*The Synod Assembly is May 16-17th in Moorhead. Greg and Gwen will be attending from Grue.
M/S/C to donate $50 for the offering. We will check with Jon Zdrazil to be our supply Pastor, as Pastor Carol will also be at the
assembly.
*The screen door on the back of the church by the steps is in need of being replaced. Scott will look into getting a new door.
*The large cross on the outside of the church does not light up any more and is in need of repairs again. Property and Management will take care of this matter.
*Ashby Prom is May 2nd –The Ladies will donate a maroon and gold jean quilt.
The next meeting joint meeting will be May 13th @ 7:00 at Grue.
M/S/C to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Grue Council Secretary, Gwen Lillemon
Page 9
LUTHER CREST NEWS
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS!
Luther Crest Bible Camp
8231 Co Rd 11 NE
Alexandria MN 56308
320-846-2431
Called and Committed to a Christ centered ministry through creation and community!
WOMEN'S WEEK 2015
Monday-Friday, June 22-26
Hey Ladies! Get your friends together and come for a day OR bring a carload for the day.
Cost: One Day (with Lunch) Tuesday or Wednesday = $40
Cost: Women's Week Carload - One Day (with Lunch) = $100
Participate and grow together in a Christ-centered community through discussion and devotion. Join
us a for a week of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation - PLUS excellent meals, goodies, and treats.
There will be daily speakers and presentations.
FAMILY CAMP
Sunday-Wednesday, June 28-July 1
Pack up the car, grab the family, and come out to camp for a few relaxing days before the big
Fourth of July holiday. Enjoy programming for all ages!
Make s'mores around the campfire, take a boat ride around the Chain of Lakes, ride the zip line or
soak up the sunshine while reading a great book.
Child-care provided. Arts and crafts, nature adventures, bible diving, worships and campfires will
also be provided. Meals included plus evening snacks.
14th Annual Luther Crest
2015 Summer GOLF SCRAMBLE
MEN’S WILDERNESS TRIP
Monday, August 10 / at the Lake Miltona Golf Club
Boundary Waters Canoe trip
Sunday-Friday, August 16-21
(must be 18 years or older)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Plan ahead for your child’s summer faith events
Vacation Bible School will run July 20-23, 2015 at Peace Church
Watch for more information and the dates for registration!
Page 10
Confirmation News
CONFIRMATION
The education committees and interested persons have been reviewing and updating the confirmation
program. Generally positive, they have some suggestions to tweak the program and enhance the learning
opportunities for our youth.
One of the things we want to emphasize is that this nurturing of the faith is the responsibility of the whole
congregation. Youth need our encouragement and interest in what they are learning, how they are growing,
and, perhaps, where they are struggling. Watch for names and pictures of who confirmands are presently and
what holds their interest.
….Winding down:
The formal classes for the confirmation program have finished up as of the end of April. We covered the life
and ministry of Jesus, basics of Lutheran Doctrine, and the meaning of service in addition to the
Ten Commandments, Holy Communion, and Confession. The latter were worked on in the home setting with
sharing going on at one of our family huddles. In the fall we will begin an overview of the Scriptures and you
are all invited to join us.
….Faith Partners:
We are always looking for committed adults who will share a few hours getting to know one of the
confirmands and sharing some of their own faith journey. If you would be interested, please let the education
board know or talk to the pastor.
FIRST COMMUNION News
WELCOME TO THE TABLE
To those bright and enthusiastic young people who have joined us at the communion table.
We spent several hours on three Sunday afternoons learning the basics of this mysterious meal.
Hopefully you noted their creative banners hanging at the church entrance.
The youth are:
Lilly Evavold, Jenna Johnsrud, Bryce Johnson, Catherine Koefod, Cecelia Nelson,
Torin Olson, Mya Roley, Kaylee Schlundt, Molly Sorenson, Sam Sorenson,
Carson Spangler and Carter Spangler.
===================================================================
NEW MEMBERS
PEACE will welcome new members to our fellowship again this spring. If you are
interested in becoming a member or renewing your voting membership, please notify the
church office. Voting members are received by transfer, confirmation of faith, or
reinstatement through giving a recordable gift and sharing Holy Communion.
If you would like to have a cash gift recorded, OFFERING ENVELOPES are available.
They are not dated and can be used for any Sunday or special gift.
Speak with Sharon Nelson, our financial secretary.