Emmanuel-Galchutt

Lutheran Parish 2017

Volume 43/ Issue 11

———————- In this issue:

• Announcements

• Feature Articles:

“Family”

• Notes from Co-

Editor

• Church Council

Highlights

• Parish Nurse

Column

• LWR News

• Calendar of

Events

November 5th

Galchutt Lutheran Church will be having its annual "God's Acre

Sunday" on November 19, 2017, with worship at 10:30 AM

followed by a potluck dinner. Sunday School at 9:30 AM.

Emmanuel will worship at 9 AM

that day.

If you have an announcement, please send information to: galchuttchurch@rrt.net If you know of a wedding, birth, or baptism, we would love to include the information, along with a picture in an upcoming issue.

Crosby Jens Syvertsen,

son of Marshall and Amy Syvertsen, was baptized at

Galchutt Lutheran on October 22nd.

Crosby is the grandson of Galchutt members Lynn & Vicki Syvertsen, and

great-grandson of Morna Syvertsen

Richland Elementary Veteran’s Day Celebration

Thursday, November 9, 2017 @ 2 PM

RHS Elementary Gym All are welcome.

Thankful for Family.........whoever they are.

I grew up in a family, like most, that had lots of happy times intermingled with some sad times. For those who don’t know, I never knew any of my grandmothers, only my grandfathers.

One grandmother died when my mom was 7-years-old and the other died just before I turned one. My only knowledge of my maternal grandmother is what the older ladies in the community told my mom and through the many quilt tops she started that have since been completed by us family members. What I did have, though, were two very kind grandfathers, one a farmer and the other a businessman. Both grandfathers were hard-working individuals. The one who lived just across the tracks from us took on the role of both grandfather and grandmother. I will admit that I came along after he already had three grandsons so that may have helped a bit too! My memories are filled with being able to stay overnight with him and having to follow his nightly routine of drinking a glass of prune juice, being able to ride along to Fargo many nights a week for parts with a stop at King Leos (at that time, the only fast food restaurant), and later, when I had a driver’s license, becoming his accounts receivable courier. This grandfather was one of the founding members of Galchutt Lutheran and a dedicated community member. My inspiration for putting these thoughts together came recently as my niece posted some pictures on Facebook of my mom down in the woods with her 35-year-old horse, Dej (formally Miss De ja vu). Sophie so graciously shared how her grandma had shaped her life. Sophie commented, “To the old soul that made me into the horse crazed teenager I became, thank you. Grandma's absolute favorite season is fall. I don't know any other human more excited to talk about trees and the changing colors. I knew this year I wanted to take some photos of her and her old girl, Dej. Dej may not have very many hoofprints left to leave, but the memories these two made together will forever be left on her heart. I don't know where I'd be today if I wouldn't have been thrown up on a horse by this great lady as soon as I was old enough to hold on. Every day I am grateful for moments like these.” Sophie’s comments were followed by some from my own daughter, “Ditto a million times over!!! Blessed is the grandchild who got to know her grandma best through conversations had down a dirt road on the back of a horse. Some of my favorite memories start like, ‘One time when we were riding horse...’" My children are truly blessed to have two grandmothers who have shaped their lives. Their other grandmother has continually kept her entire family in her prayer life. The Bible points to the contribution of Christian grandparents. Paul wrote these words to young Timothy: "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you." (2 Timothy 1:5). Faith, too, can be a wonderful heritage from grandparents. Memories of family times are something that last forever. But family doesn’t always have to be someone related to you by blood. Anyone who makes your life complete can be considered “family.” As stated by Kaylee L. on the Odyssey website, “They are those special people we choose to help make the pressure of the many things on our shoulders lessen. There’s laughter and tears; there’s history and memories. Family is love, even if love can be a weird thing. Family is acceptance.” May you all go into this Thanksgiving season thankful for all the “family” members you have or have had in the past, whether they are related by blood, your church family, or otherwise. Co-Editor Lou Ann Lee

Leave some white space In publication layouts, white space is an important design element. Instead of being a wasted area, it actually provides visual relief for readers. A similar concept applies to a family calendar. How much “white space” do you leave in each little square? With a fast-paced, no-white-space life, relationships suffer. But when you allow your schedule to slow down, leaving openings for adventure, spontaneity and down-time, family members can grow closer to one another.

We pray for……. • Loretta Hendrickson and Gathy Mitzel, as they

each recover from having a stroke; • Dana Schrader, as she recovers from a traumatic

brain injury after an ATV accident; • Roger Miller, as he recovers from hip surgery; • Crosby Jens Syvertsen, newly baptized member

of Galchutt Lutheran; • Our call committee as they search for a new

pastor; • The residents in California who have lost their

homes and businesses, and the families who suffered loss or injury in the Las Vegas shooting.

Raffle Tickets are here!!

This is Emmanuel’s annual fundraiser and there are 250 books to sell. Tickets will be available at church every Sunday until December 3rd or when sold out. If you are willing to sell raffle tickets for our church or if you are interested in purchasing tickets, contact LouAnn at (701) 640-0321 or any council member who also have tickets. Tickets are $2 each or $20 for an entire book with over 75 chances to win. Every ticket sold helps this church. Please help make this fundraiser a success!!

Galchutt Lutheran Members: As we approach our God’s Acre Sunday, you may have a question on the current balance of your offerings. I would be more than happy to help. You can contact me at (701) 640-0127 or by email at galchuttchurch@rrt.net. In addition to our general offering fund, we also have several special projects where you can specify your donation. Galchutt Lutheran has the following funds set up: Kitchen Updates, Church Improvements, Sunday School/VBS, and Memorial Fund. We also have donation funds for St. John’s Church & Cemetery, as well as Stearns Cemetery. As many of you know our annual report lists offerings by name for anyone who has donated $200 or more for the fiscal year. If you do not want your name listed, but instead would like a number assigned to you for all reporting, please let me know by January 12, 2018, to ensure donations are listed in the way you prefer. The opposite is true also. If you would like to remove a number that has been assigned to you, let me know and I will make the appropriate adjustments. *Please note that if you would like cash donations tracked, please include an envelope or note with your name along with the donation. Thank you! Kendra Dockter, Treasurer GLC

Family

How do you define family in your life? We usually interpret family as people who are related to us by blood, such as parents or children, but that’s not always the case. Describe your “church family” or your “second family”. These people may be close to you but very often aren’t genetically related to you. When I was a child, “family” referred to those relatives who immigrated from Norway to Kansas andmaintained close contact. However, I suspect if I had asked my parents they might have defined family differently. My mother maintained written contact with immediate family but developed a second family in Kansas, some of whom were my father’s relatives. Close friends became that second family. My father was more Norwegian and probably would have listed the relatives in the area as his family. My grandparents still had family in Norway but due to distance seemed to have little relationship with them. As I moved away from Kansas, my definition of family changed to include non-relatives. This has continued with my children who, due to distance from immediate family, have formedclose relationships to the people around them. Why do I tell you all this? It really isn’t done to bore you but to share how we often face change—change in family, work, and church. In all of these changes God is with us, supportsus, and helps us grow. We are currently experiencing a change in our church family that includes both loss and potential growth. Stay open to this changeover and welcome the new relationships and experiences it will bring us all. I’m looking forward with anticipation! Ellen Rittenhouse

The following article seemed particularly fitting at this time for our parish. This article (VL-170) is copyrighted © by Dr. Dale A. Robbins, 1990-2017 and is a publication of Victorious Publications, Grass Valley, CA - Nashville, TN.

When Your Church is Without a Pastor It happens in every church sooner or later. Eventually, the beloved pastor that many looked to for spiritual guidance will depart for one reason or another. Occasionally, a minister may have the opportunity to devote his entire life to one particular congregation until he retires (or is promoted to Heaven), but pastoral transition occurs with far greater frequency in most churches. First, when it comes time for your pastor to leave, remember to keep your eyes on the Lord, not the man. It is understandable how people can become attached to their pastor. He is rightly viewed as God’s representative to preach and teach His Word, a trusted counselor and friend, a father figure of influence in our faith, a servant who sacrificed time and energy to love and care for us and our family. However, as remarkably important as God’s servants are, we must always remember that they are merely mortals… and that our faith must be rooted in Christ alone, not in a man or any of His servants. To be sure, no one will ever truly be able to replace your departed pastor. He was a unique person and will always be one of a kind… BUT his position as pastor can indeed be filled again. God will have another genuinely unique servant that He will send to lead the flock of God. Pastoral change is not the end of the world. Change is a part of life, and although there will definitely be a need for some extra patience and flexibility by everyone in the congregation, you and your church will get through this… especially if you follow these tips:

1. Be Faithful to Attend Services – The lack of a permanent pastor can make some feel less enthused or connected with the church, and may promote more frequent absences or visitations to other churches. However, if there was ever a time your church needed you, this is it. Instead of finding more excuses to stay away, this should be a time to increase your faithfulness in every area. Don’t be a fair-weather friend of the church… but remain faithful even during such cloudy or uncertain times.

2. Be a Person of Prayer – People in the church must always be persons sincerely devoted to prayer… but even more so during a time that their church is without a pastor. If he can, our enemy, Satan, will attempt to use the pastoral vacancy to incite mischief, conflict and discouragement in the flock, so prayer and spiritual vigilance is especially important during this time.

3. Be Extra Patient and Understanding – An interim period for any church may become tense and stressful, creating the possible atmosphere for any number of misunderstandings, so it is very helpful for everyone to add an extra seasoning of patience and sweetness to their attitudes. Usually, once the pastor is gone, the congregation will discover many of the things he did. Suddenly, the organization may not be run as smoothly as it once was… tasks may fall through the cracks or be forgotten about. It is not a time to criticize or find fault, but be understanding and pitch in and help make up the shortfalls.

4. Continue to Contribute Financially – During a time of leadership transition, church finances can often become one of the first casualties to suffer… so it is vitally important for you to remain steadfast with your tithes and offerings. Remember, the tithe belongs to the Lord, and continue to be faithful to Him, regardless of the changing nature of his church.

5. Volunteer More than Usual – Sometimes people look at changes in church leadership, as an opportunity to make changes of their own... perhaps to leave the church or to give up a position or responsibility. Not only is this a poor time to abandon the church, but is a critical time to step up and volunteer more than normal. The church is not merely an agency to provide a service or benefit to you… the church is a relationship-based community, a family, where people serve and bless “each other” mutually… and it takes everyone’s participation to make it work the way it should. Another way to look at it, the church isn’t as much like a restaurant, where patrons are “served” and “pampered” …but is more like a pot-luck dinner where everyone brings a dish to share with each other.

6. Help Contribute to Unity – During times uncertainty within an organization, voices of discouragement and discontent can often be heard in the ranks… but this is a moment your influence of support and encouragement is so needed to help promote peace and unity in the body. “Talk up” the church among your friends, speak encouragement and help promote harmony. There can be a variety of other outstanding leaders, elders, deacons in a church who will undoubtedly help bring unity and stability… but unless these persons have established recognized credibility, have spoken frequently before the body, or have expertise dealing with the varieties of personalities and sensitivities within a body, they will have their hands full. It can take considerable experience and tact to be a peacemaker and unify people... and helps if everyone will be a part of the solution, and not a part of the problem. (continued on the next page)

“ROSE Group” Faith Community Nursing Contact numbers for Marsha Hendrickson RN, FCN (701) 372-3675 (H) (701) 640-0242 (cell) mjh617@yahoo.com

Greetings at this time of thankfulness. We are part of the family of God, joint heirs because of the gift of Jesus and the salvation He brought to us all. When we gather with our families for holidays, it is good to remember how important families are in our lives. If you look beyond minor annoyances, strong families support us through good and bad times. The Search Institute describes what makes strong families: *Families are nurturing. We raise our children with our values and teach them our culture. The relationships become extended as children are born, as children marry, as we open our arms to new friends. Our church family teaches us how we should live as Christians. *Families live in established routines. We all have ideas of what roles we play and how our days are structured. What do we do each day? How do we spend our money? With whom do we spend our time and energy? What gifts have we been given that God wants us to use in our church life? *Families have expectations and appreciation of each other. Hopefully that consists of unity, peace, cohesiveness. Roles of caregiving, income earning, helping each other achieve goals should be discussed and supported. *Families adapt to challenges. When we have health issues, losses in our lives, we need to have positive coping mechanisms to help us through the hard times. We need people to talk to, cry with, and hold. When times are tough we look to our families for help. In our church family we to go to God in prayer. *Families connect to community. We are social beings and need to fill the basic need to belong. We need to love each other so that we can reach out to those who have needs. We can't empty our cup unless it has been filled. We need our time of church fellowship and worship. How do we show appreciation for each other in our church families? I thank God for all he is and what he has given to us. May you have a wonderful time of fellowship with your church family!

(continued from previous page)

7. Avoid Church Politics – Politics is essentially a competition or struggle for control, influence or leadership, associated with promoting one’s self, opinions, or striving for position… something that is quite contrary to the theocratic philosophy of leadership that God ordained for His church. Unfortunately, power struggles are frequent in many churches and do far more harm than good. Do your best to contribute to the harmony of the body of believers and cooperate with those who are duly authorized to lead. Do not contend with those in authority, but support and pray for them… and let God make whatever changes that are needed. If everyone will seek to humble themselves, love and serve, God has an amazing way to bring people together with an obvious awareness of those whom He has chosen to lead.

8. Don’t Waste the Opportunity – What about the interim time between the pastor’s departure and the new pastor’s arrival? There is often a prevailing attitude that the spiritual focus and ministry of the church is suspended or stagnant during this period… but this shouldn’t be. God still has a vital purpose for every service, guest speaker or the ministry of an interim pastor… and it is important for the congregation to remain faithful and engaged, so that God’s intended work can be accomplished.

9. Finally, Don't Panic and Be at Peace! Do your part to pray, contribute and help as we have suggested... but the church will do better if everyone remains calm and steadfast in faith. Ultimately our Lord Jesus cares more about His church more than any of us do. Trust and rest in the fact that He stated that "He" will build His church... and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it! (Matthew 16:18)

During this time without a permanent pastor, please be aware that our parish nurse may be able to assist with the needs of parishioners. Our parish nurse is available for home visitations, particularly those related to health issues, and can administer communion to the

homebound or shut-ins. Please contact Marsha directly if you know of someone who could benefit from a visit by her. Also, on that note, our homebound and shut-ins love to have visitors by anyone from their home parish.

There is a donation jar at Emmanuel for

anyone who is unable to attend the

benefit for Dana Schrader but would

like to donate.

LWR Notes for November Thanks to all who helped complete school kits, make quilts, and pack these items for shipment to Lutheran World Relief in October. We shipped 36 quilts and 47 school kits for distribution around the world. If interested, you may check the bulletin board for a list of places where the quilts, school kits, and personal care kits that we sent to the Minneapolis warehouse in 2016 were distributed. In November we will be completing quilts for sale at the Emmanuel Meatball Dinner. These proceeds help cover the costs for batting and other supplies we need to continue our support for the needs of others around the world and in the local area. In addition, we will make a contribution for the Silent Auction at the Dana Schrader Benefit on December 9th in Christine. After taking December off, we will return to our quilting in January and begin planning for kit building in 2018. The need remains great in many parts of the world. Ellen Rittenhouse

An excerpt from the April 1977 Echo! That’s a long

history of helping!

We sincerely thank the following for their generous memorials or gifts:

St. John’s Church/Cemetery Fund In memory of Julia Kelly

• John Schipper • Nancy Wennerstrand • Family of Julia Kelly

In memory of Sammy Lodahl • Donald Nelson

In memory of Cecelia Larson • Diane Johnson

Emmanuel Cemetery Fund In memory of Cecelia Larson

• Julie Berg • Karen Anderson • Myron & Leone Hagen • Jerry & Patty Norgaard

In memory of Mike Hagen • Dean Sorum • Julie Berg • June Helgeson • Mark & Jodi Long

In memory of Willard Norstebon (spouse to Kathleen Larson)

• Judy Larson Emmanuel Cross Lighting Fund In memory of Cecelia Larson

• Roger & Vicki Henry Emmanuel Parsonage Fund In memory of Cecelia Larson

• Richard & Diane Nelson In memory of Mike Hagen

• Judy Larson

Emmanuel General Fund In memory of Cecelia Larson

• Betty Syvertsen • Craig & Deb Syvertsen • Elizabeth Lynch • Glenda Adams • Marlowe & Belva Haverland • Pat Otto • Paula Aigner • Sharon Rostad • Shirley Ruud

In memory of Mike Hagen • Betty Syvertsen • Craig & Deb Syvertsen • Doug & Gail Haarstad • Ellen Rittenhouse • Glenda Adams • Leone Hagen • Lonnie & Rhonda Erbes • Lynn & Vicki Syvertsen • Marlowe & Belva Haverland • Monte & Michelle Bates • Richard Gunness • Richard & Diane Nelson • Sally Caderet • Sylpha Lee • Tim & Evonne Viland • Wes & Shirley Berg

In memory of Myrtle Nord • Dick and Sandra Ihland • Karen Halverson • Leone Hagen • Gloria Rezac

In memory of Gary Sorum • Wes & Shirley Berg

THANK YOU

Thank you to these dedicated women who meet twice a month to quilt for those less fortunate!! They welcome anyone who wants to come join them.

Emmanuel Lutheran Church Council - October 9, 2017 The Emmanuel Lutheran Church council met on October 9, 2017, with the following members present: Wes Heyen, Austin Heyen, Mardee Besette, Gail Haarstad, Deb Syvertsen, and Lou Ann Lee. Absent: Mitch Kinneberg. Call to Order: Vice President, Wes Heyen, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Secretary’s Report: The minutes from the September meeting were read and approved. Treasurer’s Report: The total expenses are still on track with what has been budgeted for 2017. The FCN (Faith Community Nurse) was budgeted at $1463 for 2017 but the correct amount will be $1987.50. Lou Ann has already paid $1490 and will make the remaining payment by the end of the year. Lou Ann hopes to take some of the kids that were involved with the Lenten Suppers last spring to present the $850 collected to the Santa Cops for Kids program in Richland County on November 6, 2017. The treasurer’s report was approved. Education Committee: Lou Ann contacted Pastor Dan from Richland/Our Savior's churches and he approved adding Carli Niemi to his confirmation roster that started October 4th. Worship Committee: No new updates. Property Committee: Wes is contacting Dave Hammond about turning off the water to portions of the parsonage. Austin will order/pick up a new AC pump. Old Business: 3.5 unused vacation days were paid to Pastor Michael. Lou Ann has updated the membership records. New Business: The meatball dinner has been scheduled for December 3rd, 2017. Council members will meet December 2nd to help prep for the meatball dinner. There will be more discussion on the meatball dinner at the November meeting. Lou Ann distributed raffle tickets to each member present and will print and mail post cards to go out to members for the bake sale. Closing: We closed with the Lord’s Prayer and a motion was made to adjourn the meeting. Our next meeting will be a joint meeting with Galchutt on Monday, November 13th, at the Emmanuel Church. Mardee Besette, Secretary

**No council minutes for Galchutt. Galchutt Lutheran church council did not meet in October 2017.

Family Time--

Amid busy and varied schedules, many families find a way to sit down together for dinner regularly. Family-health advocates describe the benefits: an increased sense of unity, children sharing news and feeling listened to, and the physical perks of a planned, seated meal. In Scripture, many great encounters between people and God happen around meals. Abraham and Sarah prepare a meal for three guests who turn out to be angels (Genesis 18). God instructs the Hebrew slaves to eat a special meal together before their delivery from Egypt (Exodus 12); every year since, Jews have celebrated the Passover feast. Elijah is strengthened with food served by an angel (1 Kings 19). Jesus shares meals not only with religious leaders but with “sinners” (e.g., Matthew 9). Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples before his death has become one of the church’s sacraments and a “foretaste” of the heavenly banquet to come. When Christian families eat together, it’s a holy time in God’s presence, just as when the church shares Holy Communion — a true fellowship dinner!

For the past several years, Emmanuel Lutheran, Galchutt Lutheran, and the St. John’s Church have been receiving grant checks from the in-

Faith Community Foundation. These donations/grants come to us marked Lewis N. Nelson Fund and are made thru tax-deductible contributions controlled by the in-Faith foundation. The donors usually place restrictions on use of the donations, but are very generous to all three church entities. We would like to thank the in-Faith Community Foundation, and more specifically the Lewis N. Nelson Fund for these generous grant dollars. During this time, when both churches are in financial need, these funds are a tremendous help. For more information, we invite you to visit their website at https://www.infaithfound.org/

N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 7 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Confirmation @ Our Saviors 3:30-5 PM

Emmanuel: AA Mtg @ 7 PM in Upstad Room

2 3 Coffee w/Kids RHS elementary 8:45 AM

4

5 Galchutt 9 AM Worship w/communion Emmanuel 10:30 AM Worship w/communion

6 7 8 Confirmation @ Our Saviors 3:30-5 PM

Emmanuel: AA Mtg @ 7 PM in Upstad Room

9 RHS Elementary Veteran’s Day program @ 2 PM

10

11 American Legion Veteran’s Day Chili Feed at Abercrombie Comm. Hall 5-8 PM

12

Galchutt 9 AM Worship 10:15 Sunday School

Emmanuel 10:30AM Worship Baby Shower (see p.2)

13

Joint council meeting @ Emmanuel @ 6:30 PM

14

Quilting at Emmanuel 1-5 PM

15

Confirmation @ Our Saviors 3:30-5 PM

Emmanuel: AA Mtg @ 7 PM in Upstad Room

16 17 18

ECHO ARTICLES DUE TODAY

19

Pulpit Supply - Kim Adams, NDSU Campus Ministry Emmanuel Worship 9 AM ** Galchutt Sun. School 9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM followed by potluck “God’s Acre Sunday”

20 21 22

Emmanuel: AA Mtg @ 7 PM in Upstad Room

23

24

25

26

Galchutt 9 AM Worship 10:15 Sunday School

Emmanuel 10:30AM Worship

27 28

Quilting at Emmanuel 1-5 PM

29

Confirmation @ Our Saviors 3:30-5 PM

Emmanuel: AA Mtg @ 7 PM in Upstad Room

30

Please share your talents and volunteer to be a scripture reader or to serve during Sunday

morning coffee hour. Both churches need volunteers!! Thank you!

GALCHUTT-EMMANUEL MINISTRY Emmanuel Lutheran Church Galchutt Lutheran Church P. O. Box 119 105 Galchutt Avenue Abercrombie, ND 58001 Galchutt, ND 58075

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT # 101 ABERCROMBIE, ND 58001

2017 CHURCH COUNCILS

This month’s issue of The Echo is sponsored by

John & Florence Bjorke in memory of

Waldo & Anna Bjorke and

Lois Ann Bjorke Larson

GALCHUTT

Evangelism & Worship *Doug Johnson

*Scott Fixen

Education Kendra Dockter Pamela Krump

Stewardship

Kendra Dockter

Property Brice Bellmore

Larry Wold

Ron Julson Cathy Fixen

Luke Hendrickson

EMMANUEL

Evangelism & Worship Gail Haarstad

Mardee Besette

Education Lou Ann Lee Deb Syvertsen

Stewardship

Mitch Kinneberg All council members

* Tessa Tschakert

Property Wes Heyen

Austin Heyen

Denotes Congregation President * Denotes non-council committee member

Galchutt Emmanuel Ministry (701) 553-8546 Website: http://galchuttemmanuel.weebly.com/