1 FIRST WORD January 2020

F e b r u a r y | 2 0 2 0 council president’s Report ........................... 2 Treasurer’s Report................. 3 Council Connection .......... 3

Youth & Family

highlights ..................... 5

Children’s highlights .... 6

Calendar ............................... 7 Financial Stewardship Update ................................... 9

word C H R I S T ’ S L O V E , T R A N S F O R M I N G L I V E S T O G O ! word Have you ever tried to explain love to someone who genuinely is asking, “Is the love between a couple, different than the love within a family?” My answer was, “yes, kind of…” To be honest, it should be the same, but we tend to work harder at the love between a couple. Let me explain…the love found in a family is usually built in, at least at first it is. New parents tend to fall in love with their children the day they discover they are expecting. This love is typically immediate. However, it continues to grow from there. From the vantage point of the child, the love of a family is all they know. The family has always been a part of their lives and love is built into the relationship. As family, our foibles grow up with us. As the old adage goes, “Families tend to see the best and the worst of who we are.” Families see every temper tantrum, every break through, every teenage detachment attempt and yet the love that binds a family together usually holds. By the time we are ready to enter into a relationship with another human being, we have hopefully done some “self-awareness” growing in who we are as a person. We enter the relationship with shields up. These shields attempt to block the other from seeing our worst character flaws, but also protect us from

being hurt. As the relationship grows, these walls begin to come down. If all goes well, as these walls come down, we are also doing some growing at minimizing these things in our character that we have identified as less than desirable. To add to that, when love is present growth begins to happen in other areas of our lives too. Before we are in a relationship, life is all about ourselves. We do what we want, when we want and how we want. However, when love grows between a couple, we begin to do things for the other. We begin to compromise. In fact, as love grows, we will find ourselves doing things for the other that we never would have done before. We even do things, whether we like them or not, simply because it makes the other happy. No longer is the “I” the center of the universe, but the “We” moves more central and sometimes even the “You” is allowed to be the center. Love changes us and change is a vulnerable place to be. In thinking about the vulnerability of love, I also find myself thinking about the Christian Journey. Love is central to God’s plan for us in sending Jesus Christ, but also love is central to God’s plan for humanity’s relationship with one another. Over and over again, Jesus showed us what love looks like in his dealings with the most

2 January 2020

vulnerable; the people tossed aside by the world, the sick, the lame, the poor and the shamed. In a world broken to pieces by division, our faith is calling us back to the vulnerability which comes from love, the kind of love which comes from being in relationship with one another. Hateful, hurtful words and actions have no place. They are signs of our brokenness and not health. What would the world look like if we approached one another with the intent of building a loving relationship between us, rather than discarding the “other” to the margins? Remember, much of the New Testament deals with Jesus’ work with the people at the margins!

Musings in love, Pastor Corey

President’s Report

Well, us hearty folk have survived the seemingly endless snow days of January and are now in the final weeks of the season of Epiphany. I hope many have been able to participate in/and or read the most recent Listening for God in the common word book offered in the adult education opportunity Wednesday evenings. As we enter the last week of this month with Ash Wednesday on the 26th, we prepare for the season of Lent. A time for us to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us as he withdrew into the desert for 40 days. I hope we can remain present in the moment and reflect on all the blessings each of us have been given, and the many blessings we can share with others. May you be enriched during this quiet time of contemplation as we prepare for the celebrations of Easter.

Kathy Faver, Congregational President

Dewey House Update First Lutheran Church is now the owner of the 911 Dewey property!

The purchase is final and we are waiting to receive the keys.

Amount needed (includes tear down cost) $125,000.00

Amount “pledged” at our special meeting $94,500.00

Amount raised as of January 29,2020 $82,235.00

3 FIRST WORD January 2020

Council Connection

The Church Council met on Tuesday, Jan. 14, and following are highlights from that meeting.

Guest speaker Dennis Lunt, BSU Philosophy Professor, led discussion on Beltrami County Refugee vote.

Pastor Corey went over the financial reports including the draft 2020 proposed budget.

It was moved and seconded to pay down the Sanctuary Revitalization Loan by a $30,000 principle payment.

Pastor Linnea proposed several ideas for adult

education around the topic of refugees. We are waiting on a new date for the Financial

Audit Closing on the 911 Dewey property should be

soon. The Lutheran Campus Ministry Partnership

Candidate visited for 3 days which went very well.

Submitted by Mike Kavacovich

Treasurer’s Report

Ephesians 3: v 20-21 “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen”

God continues to abundantly provide for First Lutheran through your generous gifts. More than all that we ask or think. To Him be the Glory! First Lutheran ended the year very strong financially thanks to the faithful giving of You - our members. We came within a half percentage point of balancing the budget, with all bills and benevolences paid and over $12,800 in the checking account. In addition to general giving, just over $78,000 was also given towards the purchase of the 911 Dewey property. Also, $63,000 was also earmarked for the Sanctuary Revitalization project. FLC Staff and Administration also did a great job at managing the expense side of the budget. A great financial year all around! Finances for FLC through December are as follows: YTD Actual Revenue: $679,866

YTD Net Revenue: $(-3,328) .5% off of goal God Bless each and every one of you for your generous gifts! LaVon Dennistoun Treasurer

YTD Actual Expenses: $683,194

Ash Wednesday February 26th

Worship Services:

12:00 pm followed by a luncheon at 12:30

6:00 pm preceded by supper at 5:00

4 January 2020

BeFriender Ministry A Listening Presence

Deep listening is the kind of listening that can help relieve

the suffering of another person.

You can call it compassionate listening.

You listen with only one purpose:

to help him or her to empty his heart.

-Tich Nhat Hanh

A BeFriender cannot take the place of family or friends in someone’s life. For many, though, a BeFriender is a supportive visitor beyond the family

and can serve as an objective listener.

If you or someone you care about could benefit from a BeFriender minister, please contact Pastor Linnea or Pastor Corey.

Assisted Living Communion Services Thursday, February 27

Please join our friends and neighbors

Tamarack 1:30 PM BirchHaven 2:30 PM WindSong 3:30 PM

If you are admitted to the Hospital... If you desire to have your pastor stop in to visit you while in the hospital, please ask that your “Religious Preference” be noted as a member of First Lutheran Church. OR you might ask someone to call the church on your behalf.

Grief Support in Bemidji

Sanford Health offers an ongoing Grief Support Group for people who have experienced

the death of a spouse or partner. This is a facilitated, but unstructured group and

requires no registration or fee.

PLACE: WoodsEdge Trillium Conference Rm 930 Anne. St. NW Bemidji

DATE: Twice monthly, on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month

TIME: 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. CONTACT: Becky Nielson, Sanford Hospice, 333-5643

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GriefShare is a facilitated and structured

13-week session for anyone who has experienced a death or significant loss. Each session includes 30-

40 minute DVD on a particular topic related to the grief experience, followed by a group discussion.

Workbooks are included. PLACE: Evangelical Free Church

115 Carr Lake Rd. SW Bemidji DATE: Three sessions run throughout the year.

The current session is meeting Thursdays from 4:30-6:30pm. Join in any Thursday. The specific dates are

determined according to the group. Call to register. COST: $20.00

CONTACT: Jenny Hodgson 218-556-4250 jennyhodgson@oakhills.edu

5 FIRST WORD January 2020

Youth and Family Ministry

On January 22nd the Youth Group had a great time sledding behind the Carnegie Library. These are some of the fun photos documenting that!

At the beginning of Epiphany, I sent home a packet with the kids to encourage them to do an age old tradition of Chalking the Doors as a way of blessing the home in the new year. It was fun seeing some of the students getting into this old tradition.

Upcoming Events: February 7-8 - Confirmation retreat February 21st - Timberwolves Game signup Deadline March 6-7th - Timberwolves game This Summer - Boundary Water Canoe Trip. More details are on posters around the church or ask Tyler Bublitz. Sign up in the office.

Connect with Tyler tbublitz@flcbemidji.org

6 January 2020

Contact Heidi Doyle Director of Children’s Ministry

hdoyle@flcbemidji.org

A Congregational Call for Crosses:

The Art Committee would like to display an exhibit of crosses in the Fellowship Hall during Lent. Please bring your cross(es) to the Church on: February 27th.

*Because we will be using the hanging system, the crosses will

need to be fairly large and able to be hung.

We are the light To all the nations.

Epiphany concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah and Ephesians, that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: Children of God who are claimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to be beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of Gods love to all people.

7 FIRST WORD January 2020

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We receive donations of food, personal care and cleaning supplies M, W, and F from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at our warehouse delivery door on the south side of our building at 1260 Exchange Ave SE.

What can I donate? Time

Personal care items Cleaning supplies

Unopened food dated up to one year out Baby food with current dating

Pet food Monetary donation

We are grateful for both donations of goods and monetary donations, however please keep in mind that, because of special programs and wholesale purchasing opportunities, a dollar donated goes

much further than yours does at the grocery store. Your support is always needed! The Food Shelf Committee

Adult Education

God is not limited to our world within the walls of the church building! Whether we listen for God in our lie outside the church walls is another question. Come and listen for God in the words of short story authors. This adult educational opportunity will be a literature study dedicated to listening for God in the common word. Join us in the Amber Room, Wednesdays at 6:45 PM, through March 18. The cost for the book is $14.00 and are available in the church office. For more information, please contact Pastor Corey.

Another Adult Education opportunity!

Faith on the Move – Our Immigrant Stories A Bible Study

Our faith stories and our family stories lie at the core of our identity. What are the connections between our sto-ries of migration and those of the biblical texts? Come

and join a thoughtful, reflective conversation around our own stories and our shared Biblical story.

No homework – just show up!!

Sunday mornings: February 2 – March 8, 9:40 a.m. in the Amber Room

9 FIRST WORD January 2020

Financial Stewardship Update

Financial Summary through January 29, 2020

Actual Budgeted Variance YTD Total Receipts $ 36,904.04 $58,580.54 $ -21,676.50 YTD Total Expenditures $ 36,506.72 $58,580.54 $ -22,073.82 Total Net Revenue $ 397.32 Memorials Bev Burnham $515.00 Undesignated Barb Krammer $100.00 Undesignated Joyce Kleven $ 50.00 Undesignated $ 25.00 Music Emily Lovering $ 25.00 Undesignated $190.00 Quilting

Wednesday Night Meals

Feb 5 Wild Rice Casserole, Green Beans, Jello Salad, Bread. Apple Bars Feb 12 Scalloped Potatoes w/Ham, Green Salad, Dinner Rolls, Molasses Cookies Feb 19 Herb Crusted Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Broccoli, Bread, Cook’s Choice Dessert Feb 26 4 Cheese Baked Ziti, Salad, Bread, Ice Cream

Wednesday Luncheons 12:30pm Feb 26 Ash Wed. Wild Rice Soup, Chicken Salad on White bread, Chips, Cookie or Bar.

Reminder! RE: First Lutheran Church Rummage Sale

Start collecting all those items you

don’t use; find a box, bag, tub or other

container and start filling it up. Fill up

one, or two, or quite a few!

Store them in the corner, a closet, an

extra room, the basement or garage—

we don’t care where.

Time to downsize, declutter or dig

out the extra room? We have just the

place for them come the very end of

April.

When: Saturday, May 2nd, 7am-3pm

Where: FLC Fellowship Hall

RUMMAGE

10 January 2020

You will find more information at www.buildingthebridgebemidji.org

“Building the Bridge” There will be monthly meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00 pm at

the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (201 Third St. NW in Bemidji)

Feb. 18 MMIW (missing & murdered Indigenous women)

Mar. 17 The New American Refugee

Apr. 21 Student Voice Essay Reading

May 19 Racial Justice: Take Action

"Building the Bridge through coming together in community to strengthen

relationship, increase understanding, and add to our individual and collective

toolboxes to further healing, truth-telling and connection.”

www.buildthebridgebemidji.org.

Join us for the

FIRST “Peace Be With You”

Brunch! Sunday, Feb. 16, 9:40 a.m. This is a Time for those who attend different

worship services to come together. We are one

church family and this will be a great time to

share a meal, common interests and our FLC

histories. Nothing to bring but yourself!

We provide the brunch/breakfast!

Compliments of

the Care Team

11 FIRST WORD January 2020

Events in the Community

Feb. 1-2 & 7-8 “Boeing Boeing” at Bemidji Community Theater

Feb. 2, 1:00 PM Sundew Pond Winter Trip at Lake Bemidji State Park (hiking, snowshoeing, skiing)

Mondays, 10:25 AM Storytime at the Carnegie (preschool-age reading program)

Feb. 7-8 BSU JazzFest 2020 at Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex concerts open to public (see BSU website for schedule)

Feb. 7, 4:00 PM Friday Family Night at Buena Vista Ski Area (skiing, tubing, snowboarding)

Feb. 8 Charlie Schmitt Memorial Bonspiel at Bemidji Curling Club

Feb. 8, 6:00 PM Candlelight Ski Tour 2020 at Lake Bemidji State Park

Feb. 14-16 LeRoy Zarling Memorial Men’s Novice Bonspiel at Bemidji Curling Club

Feb. 14, 6:00 PM Candlelight Snowshoe at Lake Bemidji State Park

Feb. 15 MN Finlandia XC Ski Marathon at Buena Vista Ski Area

Feb. 15, 1:00 PM The Audubon Society’s Great Backyard Bird Count at Lake Bemidji State Park

Feb. 15, 5:30 PM Daddy Daughter Dance/Dinner 2020 at Hampton Inn & Suites ($23/participant)

Feb. 15, 7:30 PM Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos at the Sanford Center ($29)

Feb. 16, 3:00 PM Bemidji Symphony Orchestra “Big Screen Rhythms” at BHS Auditorium

Feb. 20-21 “Hop Aboard the U.S.S. Titan” Bemidji Community Theater murder mystery dinner experience at Sanford Center Ballroom (tickets at the ticket office) Feb. 21, 5:00 PM Boys & Girls Club of Bemidji “An Evening of Love for Our Kids” at Hampton Inn & Suites

Feb. 26 12 & 6PM Ash Wednesday Worship. Lenten Luncheon at 12:30, Wednesday Supper 5:00p Feb. 27-Mar. 1 Mixed Doubles National Curling Championship at Bemidji Curling Club

Feb. 29, 9:00 AM Creative Spirit Fiber Arts Festival at Calvary Lutheran Church (vendors, demos, door prizes, classes, hands-on learning, etc.) Feb. 29, 5:00 PM e3 (e-cubed) – Elevated Epicurean Experience at Headwaters Science Center (cooking, cocktails, live music, & silent auction)

New Art Display for February The display case features work by fiber artist, Eve Sumsky. Eve enjoys exploring the different techniques of basket weaving, the variety of materials that can be used, and the old styles of baskets made in the past. The title of Eve’s show is Ten Of A Kind: a study in design and weaving techniques. Butch Holden’s paintings and intricate photography continue to be on display in Fellowship Hall. Pieces by both artists are for sale.

12 January 2020

We’re on the Web! www.flcbemidji.org

Phone: 218-444-5302 Fax: 218-444-5306

news@flcbemidji.org

First Word a monthly publication

900 Bemidji Avenue North Bemidji, MN 56601

Live Radio Broadcast 8:30 Sunday mornings on 94.3 FM , 1300 AM, PBTV channel 951 and PBTV Fusion

channel 1051 in audio format only. Find the recorded version at www flcbemidji.org/ministries/radio-ministry.

Don’t Just Like us on Facebook, Share Us! First Lutheran Church’s “Meme Campaign” on Facebook is still happening! What does that mean? Everyday of the year, an inspirational message/picture will appear on our Facebook page. Like us on Facebook to receive these devotional posts. Click on the Facebook image at flcbemidji.org.

Preschool Fun

FLC BOOK CLUB The Book Club will be meeting Monday, February 10, at 2:00 p.m. in the Amber Room. The book we are reading is “This Tender Land” by William Kent Krueger. We hope you will find the time to read this book and join us for a lively discussion!

Gingerbread People

In January we

were learning

about

baby animals

Cats!

Fall 2020 Preschool Registration We will begin Preschool registration for the Fall 2020 term on February 8th.