ings. Certainly these things are true; we do learn about our faith in these ways. Still, there is another way that I think is so much more impor-tant than any of these. That is the faith that we learn or “catch” from those around us. This past week I sat down and talked with a number of con-firmation students. One of the things we talked about was how they thought their faith came about. One student told me he learned his faith from his parents. Another told me it was through the faith she saw lived out in her grand-parent’s lives. As I think back to my forma-tive years I remember so well the time spent on my grandfa-ther’s knee while at a meeting at church or in his easy chair at home. My grandparents had a quiet, rock steady faith

ST. OLAF LUTHERAN CHURCH

601 6th Street NE

Devils Lake, ND 58301

A Family of Believers called to proclaim the good news of

God’s reconcil ing love.

November 2011

Thank you, God in heaven, for a day begun. Thank you for the breezes, thank you for the sun. For this time of gladness, for our work and play, thank you, God in heaven, for another day. (Traditional, A Child’s First Book of Prayer)

Recently I was reading an article about faith, a sen-tence written by singer/song writer Steve Bell caught my eye. It said, “Christianity is as much caught, as it is taught.” Something about that line rang true. Thinking about it, I found myself wonder-ing, how do we become lovers of God, Christians? Luther taught that we can-not come to believe in God by our own power. Rather it is through the ac-tion and the work of the Holy Spirit. He said one of the best ways of learning about the faith comes on Sunday mornings when we listen to God’s word. We also learn about our faith in our reading of the Bible. We learn more yet as the pastor preaches a sermon based on that day’s read-

that they communicated to others in the way they lived their lives. It also came out in the activities that they took part in. It was clear that they cared deeply for others and that a huge part of the reason for the love they shared was the love they felt that God had heaped on them. This past week I picked up a book from the library book cart at the entrance to our church. It’s called A Child’s First Book of Prayers by Lois Rock; illustrated by Alison Jay. It’s a beautiful little book published by Augs-burg Books back in 2002. As I flipped through it I was eas-ily able to remember times spent listening to books be-ing read to me by parents and grandparents. The sim-ple, elegant prayers inside made me think about how my own faith was such a gift that ended up being “caught” from those all around me. Think back to the days when you were young. Do you

Catch The Faith

Continued on page 2

From

Pastor

Jeff Nicla

Page 2

Date October 2 October 9 October 16 October 23

Attendance 241 298 223 249

Building Fund $735.00 $470.00 $740.00 $320.00

General Fund $5,383.00 $4,800.50 $4,707.00 $4,359.00

Weekly Attendance & Envelope Giving

Building Fund Loan

(March 2005= $361,500)

Balance: $25,681.27

(Note due March 2013)

From the Pastor Continued from page 1

September Expenses

Adult Ed ........................... 40.98 Confirmation ................. 383.53 Sunday School .............. 121.11 Church Supplies............ 575.22 Insurance ....................... 790.00 Maintenance ................ 412.68 Retreat Center Exp. ..... 135.70 Otter Tail......................... 530.00 MDU ................................ 565.00 City of Devils Lake ........ 103.75 NDTC............................... 217.11 Webhosting ..................... 20.00 Dakota Prairie CAA...... 100.00 DL Conference Dues ..... 25.00 Lutheran Social Services 66.67 EaND Synod ............... 1,200.00 Office Equip. & Maint. . 489.93 Office Supplies.............. 569.65 Miscellaneous .................. .19.4 Postage............................ 65.11 Auto Expense................ 262.00 Cont. Ed - Sr. Pastor........ 40.00 Payroll Taxes .................. 709.09 BC/BS.............................. 686.40 FSA Contrib................... -416.66 Housing Allowance... 2,283.32 Pension/Insurance..... 3,457.88 Soc. Sec. Allowance.... 308.32 Pre-Tax Cont................. -130.00 Wages ......................... 8,704.38 Total Expenses....... $22,335.57 Income........... 21,599.94

-735.63

Thanksgiving Eve Service As we have for many years, members of St. Olaf, Dakota Oyate, and Our Savior’s Lu-theran congregations will be gathering together for a joint worship service on the eve-ning before Thanksigiving Day. This year Our Savior’s will be hosting this worship service, which will be held on Wednes-day, Nov. 23rd, beginning at 7:00 p.m. A lunch and fellow-shipi time will follow this service

of Holy Communion. Leaders from all three congregations will participate in leading the worship that evening. The of-fering that evening will go to your own congregation if it is in your congregation’s offering envelope or is given by a check made out to your con-gregation. All “loose” offering will be given to the Dakota Prairie Community Action Agency.

remember all the questions you used to ask as stories were read? “Why did God make us, mom?” “Why do we pray?” “What’s so important about Sunday School? or church?” “If God made everything, who made God?” I’m not sure that the specific answers to those questions were nearly as important as the interaction that occurred between me and my family. Something about that time to-gether, learning about what was most important to them set something in motion deep inside of me. Is there anything more important that you might leave to a child or grandchild than helping them catch the faith that God has blessed you

with?

We thank you, Lord, for all the riches of the autumn: bronze leaves, silver spider webs, golden harvest. (From a Child’s First Book of Prayers)

All Saints Sunday Our congregation will be hold-ing our annual service of Re-membrance of the faithful De-parted at both worship services on All Saints Sunday, Nov. 6th. Families and friends of mem-bers of St. Olaf who have died during the past year are invited to be in attendance at these special services. We will read the names of all those who have had funerals at St. Olaf since the previous All Saints Sunday.

Page 3

We hope you have enjoyed reading and seeing the Make It Simple Stewardship Program the past few weeks. Our mis-sion was to provide more infor-mation on Stewardship. We share with you one more article from The Luther Semi-nary Stewardship Newsletter that provides more insight into the season of stewardship. It is written by Meta Carlson. “In the season of stewardship, I am reminded how important it is to promise our generous hearts again and again. Revis-iting what we value and what we can share is at the core of discipleship and spiritual growth. I am a big fan of this habit and here are five rea-sons you can be, too: 1. Taking the Time Reflecting about and discuss-ing your gifts as a household or congregation is an impor-tant way to witness the way your life changes over time. It happens in a more stoic way when you fill out tax forms: you watch your education, income, investments and li-abilities change with each passing year. Taking time to consider these responsibilities from a spiritual perspective can change the way you ex-perience writing checks, pay-ing bills and sharing your gifts. 2. Sharing, not Losing Whenever I sit in the pews and see the offering plate coming, I fumble through my wallet. It is an awkward moment while I hope for a bill that is "enough,"

but "not too much." I will admit that tossing that crumpled bill into the plate feels more like losing than sharing. Giving sporadically and last minute does not usually feel generous and that is because it comes from a moment of pressure that does not make time for the reflection I mentioned above. Planning to give con-nects us to the ritual in a thoughtful and joyful way that can transform our stewardship theology. 3. Worthy gifts Many people do not pledge because they don't think the amount they share is worthy of being proclaimed and prom-ised ahead of time. Yikes! Whether you commit to shar-ing $1 or $1,000 a week, it matters and it makes a differ-ence. Whatever you have to give is worthy of being shared. 4. Word and deed Making a promise and acting on it again and again is a physical lesson about God's love for us. Every time God for-gives us and renews us through our baptism, God is keeping that big promise made through Jesus Christ. With each grace-filled act in

Revisiting What We Value & What We Can Share relationship with us, God recalls the promise and it becomes new again. Pledging is a bold and simple way to respond to God's promise and action in our lives. 5. Body of Christ. Have you ever watched pledge cards pile up in a bas-ket or offering plate? Those promises add up to do miracu-lous things in the name of God. Committing to share your gifts means standing together with your Christian brothers and sis-ters in ministry and mission for a purpose beyond yourself. It means trusting that together our gifts are divine abundance, more than enough to change the world. Lord, blessings abound in you. Teach us to trust that what you provide is more than enough. Open our hands and satisfy our hearts. Amen.” THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE – Yvonne Herda, Tom Wade and Mary Jane Stubbe

Our prayers for God’s peace and consolation go

out to the family of:

Shirley Bertsch

Barry Cox from Joe & Nan Yager Joan Montaniel from Family & friends; Judy Ovre; Lloyd & Carole Hintz; Tom & Myrna Pe-terson; Gary & Helen Arm-strong; Duainne & Paula Bourcy; Alta & Carl Bloomquist Harold S. Johnson from Ken & Linda Hunt; Newton & Karen

Lindseth; Lloyd & Carole Hintz; Shirley Bertsch from Bev Lee; Gary & Helen Armstrong; Livonia Crane; Janette L. Even-son; Marilyn Pederson; Deloitte Services LP; From the faculty, staff & administration of Thiel College; Kermit & Glenna Gar-ske Bob Meier from Bev Lee; Lloyd & Carole Hintz; Walter & Helen Hanson; Kurt & Sandi Weaver; Tillie Wallace; Loren & Pat Kurtz; Stella Papachek; Bob & Helen Weed; Gary & Helen Armstrong; Kermit & Glenna Garske Lillian Ringstrom from Duane & Irma Carter; Alta & Carl Bloom-quist Amanda Tufte from Curt & Vonnie Erickstad Ron Downs (Dee Lysne’s father) from Jeff & Diane Halverson Joyce Rognlie from Duainne & Paula Bourcy Karen Zinke from Kermit & Glenna Garske

St. Olaf Foundation In Memory Of:

Joan Montaniel from Bob & Helen Weed

Child In Our Hands In Memory Of:

Laura Langton from Dennis & Karen Riggin

Norway Cemetery In Memory Of:

Lester Moen from Ray & Evie Bryn

Decorating Fund

In Memory Of:

Joan Montaniel from Larry & Betty Nygren

In Honor Of: Ron & Barb Miller’s 50th Wed-ding Anniversary from Richard & Donna Dahlen

Radio Fund In Memory Of:

Harold S. Johnson from Richard & Sandra Lunde; Newton & Karen Lindseth Alvin & Evelyn Trowbridge from Al & Peggy Tabor Dyne Zeigler from Al & Peggy Tabor Esther Langley from Al & Peggy Tabor Kevin Conrad from Sharon Henke Eldon Henke from Sharon Henke

In Honor Of: Duane & Irma Carter’s 65th Wedding Anniversary from Larry & Elda Hatten

Choir Fund In Memory Of:

Leo Froehlich from Duainne & Paula Bourcy

Memorial s Building Fund

In Memory Of:

Page 4

Our Members In The Military

Pvt. 1st Class Jessica Stein SSgt. Sherri Read &

SSgt. Barry Read Cpl. Jeffrey J. Olson Sgt. Jesse S. Olson Grant Thompson

Orville Wang Justin & Jill Johnson

Derrick Owens Jonathan Pearson

Tyler Halvorson Matthew Martin

Sgt. Major Brian Soper Nevon Heisler Ben Halvorson Brian Pederson

Cory Schall Brent Schall Cory Hagen

Amy & Cory Everson

Please let the church office know if you know

of others serving.

First of all, thanks to the Deb-orah Circle for the great lunch and program. Next month’s cir-cle in charge is the Lydia Circle. Our rummage sale went great. It wouldn’t have been that way without all the generous help from everyone (men and women). The marking, setup, and finally the sales, takes all of us working together. It was also a good time for fellowship. The nominating committee is in place for the next year. They are Vonnie Erickstad, Edna Vrem and Alta Bloomquist. When they approach one of us for that commitment, don’t just say no - put some thought into it. It has been a year of learning for me and everyone has been so wonderful to work with. Next of course, is our annual ba-zaar, which will be December 3rd. Lefse days will be October 24, November 7 and 14. We will meet at 9:00 a.m. and all are

encouraged to come help. Also, we will need help in all ar-eas of the bazaar, including flower shop, noel nook, stitchery shop, bake shop and selling lefse. We encourage you to come help in some way. I want to challenge each lady to bring something to these shops to fill it up for our shoppers. Also, I en-courage you to come volunteer for some area of this event. We will be looking for people to be in charge of these shops also. Call me, Betty at 662-4754 or 350-1714 to volunteer. Our next meeting will be No-vember 3rd. Board meeting will be at 12:00 in the library. The Bible study will be at 1:00 and regular WELCA meeting at 2:00. Come join us! We welcome every lady. It’s a lot of fun and fellowship. See you there.

Betty Nygren WELCA President

St. Olaf WELCA News:

We welcome into the family of God:

Blake Alan Rasmusson

Son of Richard & Anne Rasmusson

Kennedy Paige Carrier Daughter of Nathan Carrier &

Kelsie Bye Ivan Lorenz Lundy-

Sletteland Son of Kyle Sletteland &

Mary Lundy Eliza Elise Devier

Daughter of Jeremy & Jennifer Devier

Gregor Derik Samuelson Son of Dustin & Ashley

Samuelson

A generous donation offer has been made by a St. Olaf member to-wards the possible pur-chase of large screens and projec-tors for use in our worship space. The church council asked the worship committee to research costs and the feasibility of doing such a thing. The deeper we look at worship led in this way we have come to realize that this would have far reaching implications for us. We will be setting up a meeting for anyone interested between services in February to come and learn about what we have dis-covered, both positive and negative, and to listen to people’s feedback.

Screens and Projectors for Worship?

These students Affirmed their baptism at St. Olaf on October 30. Please keep them in your prayers. Jenna Aasmundstad, daughter of Corrine & Eric Aasmundstad Cassandra Dahlen, daughter of John & Kim Dahlen Gregory Fritz, son of Roger & Mi-chelle Fritz Kendall Hatten, son of Robert & Sheri Hatten Blake Klemetsrud, son of Scott Klemetsrud & Stacie Klemetsrud Austin Schall, son of Cory & To-bey Schall George Wang, son of Orville & Audrey Wang Rhiannon Wenzel, daughter of Holly & Derrick Owens, Aaron & Melanie Ritter

Confirmed

Page 5

Faith & Care Group #3 - November 2011

Faith & Care Group #4 For December 2011 Gary & Helen Armstrong Tammy Fischer, Garrett, John, Michael Allan & LaMae Bergan Dale & Stacey Berg, Andrew Gordon & Beth Berg Vivian Bill William & Fairy Bosley Janice Brown Robert & Phyllis Dahl Steve & Jill Dahl John & Kim Dahlen, Cassandra & Christopher Curtis & Yvonne Erickstad Dale Giedd & Loretta Bloomquist Ron & Karla Heisler, Mataya Rob Hendrickson Joseph Hoiberg Scott & Mary Jo Hoiberg Ken & Linda Hunt, Carrie

Kurt & Deb Jacobson, Chelsea Roy & Arlene Johnson, Kendall & Lance Cindy Klebe, Bryce & Nathaniel Scott Klemetsrud Roger & Debbie Korb, Derrik Linda Kraft, Lacie & Macie Mike & Kristina Kuntz, Jack & Mallory Amanda Lange, Oden Robert & Voni Lange, Macy & Zachary Richard Lybeck Shirley Mertens David & Carla Moe, JoAnna, Robert, Ryan James Moe, Christopher Wendell & Wendy Olson, Larissa, Alayna Judy Ovre, Christopher & Karyn

Marilyn Pederson Mark & Kristel Peterson, Carly, Craig, & Kelsey Janet Peterson Sheldon Severtson Allan & Lisa Shorey, Troy Mark & Anna Shorey , Collin Art & Norma Skramstad Kyle Sletteland Ray & Judy Strong Jason & Jennifer Swanson, Preston, Brandon, Kaila & Attesyn Janel Taylor Dennis & Judy Thompson Irving & Janice Thompson Steve & Jan Visby, Adam & Alyssa Tom & Stacie Wade, Taylor & Mackenzie Mabel Ose

662-3608 .............. Tom Ballentine 662-3697 .............. Jerome Bokn 393-4429 .............. Gerald Bryn 662-3605 .............. Douglas & Darlene Carlson 662-5612 .............. Duane & Irma Carter 662-2854 .............. Scott & Gail Cruse, Jamie & Tawny Spidahl 662-3970 .............. Janice Dahl 662-5275 .............. Mina Eckes 662-6330 .............. Steve & Evonne Geigle, Kade 662-8793 .............. Vicki Heit, Jorey 662-2187 .............. Jim & Candy Helgeson 351-2168 .............. Amber & Jason Hunter, Gabriella 665-2863 .............. Gerald, Jr. & Kristen Johnson, Chase & Morgan 662-7541 .............. Harlan Johnson, 662-7189 .............. Jerry & Kara Johnson, Jeremiah *662-6027............. David Johnston 662-1855 .............. Kathy Kraft, Jill 662-7113 .............. David & Janet Magnuson 393-4393 .............. Evelyn Miller 662-5762 .............. Mable Miller 662-8281 .............. Richard & Dorothy Moen, Isaac & Jessica 393-4470 .............. Norman & Elaine Morken 662-8407 .............. Robert & Deloris Nelson 662-4413 .............. Dan & Bonnie Ness, Danielle, Nikki, Wyatt 662-2682 .............. Darrell Nilep

662-8304.............. Darlene Pearson, Austin & Brooke 393-4385.............. Alvin Peyerl ............................. Richard & Charlotte Rardon, Kasey, Kodey ............................. Kary Rardon, Karlyn 662-3398.............. Michael & Linda Remmick, 351-6331...............Michael & Lisa Rodriguez, Mya, Aunica 662-5559...............Mike & Laurie Rodriguez, Sr. *395-4463 .............Jon Saastad, Colton & Nathan 662-6149.............. Karen Saari 662-7321.............. Reuben & Marilyn Schnaidt 662-3902.............. Doreen Schwab *662-4320 ............ Ione Skramstad 662-5993.............. Deanne Sogge, Michael & Jessica 662-4267.............. Alyce Soper 662-2436.............. Douglas & Cheryl Stack, Shawn 662-5423.............. Jeri Steffan, Carrie, Erin, Nicole, Tyler *662-1853 ............ Steve & Julie Strong, Hayley & Matthew 662-7961.............. Kristie Tollefson 393-4311.............. Lynn & Deb Toso, Kaylee 662-3704.............. Robert & Helen Weed 662-2331.............. Barbara Wold (will contribute) 662-5168.............. Winnie Tangen

Page 6

SOIL

(St. Olaf Is Legit)

“Lord let my heart be good soil.”

Matthew 13:23

Sr. High Youth Ministry

Upcoming events:

November 8 Youth Board & Education Board

November 9 FUEL

November 6, 13, 20 Take Home Sunday

November 20 Thanksgiving Baskets

November 27 Hanging of the greens

December 18 Sunday School Christmas Pro-gram

November, 2011 VOLUME 15: ISSUE 11

Advent & Christmas Decorating

(All ages)

Sunday, November 27 12:00

Everyone is invited to come decorate our church building

for Advent & Christmas. A free lunch followed by

decorating.

Thanksgiving Baskets Nov. 20 at 2:00

All youth and adults are encouraged to participate in our annual fall service project of the Lutheran Churches. Anyone in 8th grade or younger must attend with an adult 9th - 12th graders can come by themselves. Confirmation students can count this as a large group service project

Take Home Sundays

On 3 Sundays in November there will be a special class for parents and stu-dents during Sunday School. These classes will be about how to worship as a family. We will explore how children can worship and how parents can wor-ship with their children. We will also explore what the different things mean in our worship service.

November 6 will be for Preschoolers and parents

November 13 will be for Kindergarteners and parents

November 20 will be for 1st & 2nd Graders and parents

New Orleans News Each month we will have some information here about what we will be doing in New Or-leans next summer. 13 of our high school youth and 2 adults will be traveling with 265 people from Eastern North Dakota to the Twin Cities to do some service work then on to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Or-leans which also includes some service work. More details next month…...

Growing Together St. Olaf’s Youth & Family Ministry

Saturday, December 3rd 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The shops with suggested items they need, are listed below.

ä Baked Goods, cakes, buns, rolls, breads, donuts & cookies

ä Scandinavian goodies ä Fudge, caramel corn, divinity,

peanut brittle, peanut clusters, caramels, peanut butter cups

Remember large amounts are needed to keep shoppers happy!

Many helpers are needed and new lefse makers are welcome!

Mondays, Nov. 7 & 14

ä Christmas tree decorations and other Christmas items.

We are encouraging everyone to bring a Christmas ornament to the

Noel Nook

ä Dishtowels ä Pillowcases ä Doilies and crochet towels ä Aprons ä Cross-stitch ä Pillows

Anything you make!

ä Variety of home canned goods, jams, jellies, garden vegetables, dairy products, dry goods

ä Dishes, knick knacks, pictures ä Anything that is sold in a coun-

try store. Items are needed as soon as possi-ble. You can drop off your items during the week or on Sunday.

ä Artificial greens, artificial trees (live greens bring in the week before), silk flowers

ä Glass chimney, containers, baskets

ä Pine cones ä Old Christmas decorations ä Wired ribbon, florist foam ä Sunflower seeds, heads of all

sizes and grain seed heads. Flower Shop workdays will be

Wednesdays starting at 9:00 a.m. Workers are needed for various

tasks. Please join us!

ä Caramel Rolls, Coffee cakes, donuts, coffee and juice will be served starting at 8:00 a.m.

ä Swiss Steak meal will be served starting at 11:00 a.m.

Proceeds from the Bazaar benefit many aspects of our church, community and world missions.

Please consider being a part of

the Bazaar in some way!

All women are encouraged to make things for the Bazaar, whether you are

active in a circle or not. Those who won’t want to make things are asked to make a monetary contribution made

payable to WELCA and sent to: St. Olaf Luthean Church

601 6th St. NE Devils Lake, ND 58301

Minutes from the October Council Meeting The regular congregational council meeting was called to order by Presi-dent Judy Thompson at 8:00 p.m., Oc-tober 11th, 2011. Present: Judy Thompson, Jim Hel-geson, Joe Hoiberg, Kim Hatten, Ja-mie Travers, Pastor Nicla, Yvonne Herda, Stacy MacDonald, Ray Slette-land, Mary Jane Blanchfield, Darci Gilbertson, Cara Mitzel and Roger Knutson (for Chuck Olson). Absent: Chuck Olson and Helen Armstrong. September minutes were approved as printed in the October Spire. Treasurer’s report was presented by Jim H; Jim moved to pay bills. Ray seconded. Motion carried. Pastoral Staff Communications: Pastor Nicla reported: In the past month I have baptized three babies: Julia Helen Rohr (Sept. 25), Blake Allan Rasmussen (Oct. 2), and Kennedy Paige Carrier (Oct. 9). Three more are scheduled for the month of October. There were no weddings in the past month. I was not scheduled to lead worship at Odd Fellows Home this past month, which is a rarity. I did lead worship at Park Place on Thursday, Sept. 15th. There were four funerals this past month. On Thursday, Sept. 15th I led a family service at Gilbertson Fu-neral Home for the family of Amanda Tufte. I presided at her funeral on the 16th. I also led a family service for the family of Joan Montaniel at the funeral home on Sunday, Sept. 25th and pre-sided at her funeral the next morning here at St. Olaf. On the afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 29th I presided at the funeral of Harold Johnson at the fu-neral home. On the morning of Mon-day, Oct. 10th I presided at the funeral of Shirley Bertsch. This past month I led guitar worship on October 9th. This coming month we will also be having guitar worship on November 13th (Lynda will join us on piano) and on November 27th. Nica and I were gone from Monday, Sept. 12th through Sept. 14th at the Synod Fall Theological Re-treat at Fair Hills. It was a wonderful time. Jamie: Since the September 2011 council meeting: helped lead the worship services each week. Preached on October 9th and helped accompany music for the guitar wor-ship service on Oct 9th; attended the Eastern ND Synod Fall Leadership Re-treat; met with Safe Communities

Coalition, the Family Resource Net-work, Lake Region Ministerial and Lake Region COAD; led confirmation orien-tation with Pastor Jeff; lead Sunday School teachers meeting; helped set up for Rally Day; lead Sunday School music; taught the 3rd grade Bible class; lead the Kick-off Celebration and meeting for the ELCA Youth Gathering and various pastoral visits with youth and youth events and other duties including prep work for coming events and activities. Christian Education Board: Present: Cara Mitzel, Annie Rasmusson and Kory Boehmer. Absent: Lori Stubbe, Brenda Langerud, Eric Berg and Tammy Riggin. Guest: Jamie Travers. Kory moved to accept minutes as printed in the Spire. Anne seconded, motion carried. Sunday School: Rally Day: The board would like to thank Stacy & Beth MacDonald, Kris John-son, Becky Lang, Michelle & Greg Fritz, Darci Gilbertson, Kory, Collette & Will Boehmer and Eric Berg for helping with games for the carnival; and Brenda Langerud, Lori Stubbe, Kory Boehmer, Anne Rassmuson, Stacy MacDonald, Becky Lang and Cara Mitzel for prize donations for the carnival; and finally thank you to Anne Rasmusson for making the yard sign for Rally Sunday. Teachers: Wednesday School: we need to coordinate with the volun-teers to set up a schedule. Stella Pa-pachek will teach and Carol Hintz will assist her. Amy Lee is available to teach after 5:00. Jennifer DeVier, Al-isha Ehnert, Adria Olson are willing to share a class. Mary Jane Blanchfield & Marlene Young may be willing to rotate. Music: Cherub Choir sang on October 9th. The older students will sing on November 13th. Christmas pro-gram – Jamie provided information indicating the program not be during the service. Kim P expressed disap-pointment that the program will not be during that time since many will not experience it. Cara will discuss this with the worship committee. Calen-

dar: Oct 16 –Bring a friend Sunday, Oct 23 – Take Home gathering for par-ents, 10-10:40 on the 3rd floor “Session on Caring Conversation with your fam-ily”; Nov 6- Take Home Sunday, wor-ship class for preschool and parents; Nov 13 – Take Home Sunday, worship class for kindergarten and parents; Nov 20 – Take Home Sunday, worship class for 1st & 2nd graders and parents; Nov 27 – No Sunday School Thanksgiv-ing weekend. Confirmation: Re-hearsal for Affirmation is Sunday, Oct. 23 and Affirmation Sunday is Oct. 30. Discussion was held regarding budget and expenses. It was noted that ex-penses need to be preapproved to purchase and be noted in the min-utes. Youth and Family Ministry: Present: Becky Lang, Stacy MacDonald and Jamie Travers. Absent: Beth Mac-Donald, Kim Pederson, Cole Boehmer and Chris Johnson. 7-12 Grades: Ja-mie is looking into an activity during teacher’s convention. Thanksgiving Basket assembly will be Sunday, Nov. 20th, everyone is welcome to partici-pate. Jr. Disciples: (3rd -6th grade) Fall Festival will be Friday, Oct. 14th from 1-5 at St. Olaf. 2012 ELCA Youth Gather-ing: Official registration will be Sun-day, Oct. 9th with kick-off and meet-ing. The Pizza Ranch fundraiser made $600.00. Schwans food truck was suc-cessful. Youth will wait tables at the Sons of Norway annual meal. Each month two families will be in charge to plan that month’s fundraiser. Youth will do coffee hour the first Sunday of each month. Youth will meet Sundays, Nov. 20, Jan. 15, and March 18 at noon for Bible study and planning. Church Properties: Present: Lloyd Hintz, Joe Yager, Roger Knutson and Kirk Sweeney. Absent: Chuck Olson and Newton Lindseth. Old Business: Roger moved to have the decorating committee put together recommen-dations for the landscaping, Lloyd sec-onded, motion carried. No new report for parking lot resealing or restriping. The snow blower lease is still pending. New Business: The Retreat Center has been winterized and closed. Lloyd moved to approve expenses for the month, Roger seconded, motion car-ried. Retreat Center: No Separate Report

Continued on page 10

Page 9

October Council Meeting

Congregational Life: Met briefly on Sunday, Oct. 9th between services. Present: Karen Lindseth and Helen Arm-strong. We decided to purchase an-other serving cart for the kitchen. Also discussed possible members for this board, we are in need of 2-3 more members. Lefse making for the Men’s supper went well. Thanks to all who came to help and enjoy the fellowship. Meeting adjourned, the next meeting will be Sunday, Nov. 6th between ser-vices. Lay Ministry: Present: Florene Rogne, Deloris Johanson and Ray Sletteland. One home communion was com-pleted along with visiting residents at Lake Country Manor. Budget was re-viewed. We need additional informa-tion to complete the numbers. Men’s Club: There will be a Lutefisk supper on October 16th. We think it is about the 82nd supper. WELCA: Doughnuts were made on September 28th for the Fall Rummage Sale. At the recent Red Willow Bible Camp Quilt Auction, the quilt made by Vonnie Erickstad brought $1,000.00 and other items from St. Olaf brought in another $500.00. Forty quilts were donated to the Crisis Center in Minot and four quilts were given to a needy family in the area. Deborah Circle presented the program at the October meeting and members will be saving stamps for Wally’s gro-cery store for free cookware which will be given to the food pantry. The fall rummage sale was held October 8th . The Christmas Bazaar is scheduled for December 3rd. Outreach & Evangelism: Board met at 7:10 pm at St. Olaf on October 11th. Present: Marlene Young, Loretta Bloomquist and guest Joe Hoiberg. Absent: LaMae Bergan. Discussion centered on our goals and how to achieve them. Goals identified were: 1. New member follow up seeking in-put from them about the experience and to encourage a positive, active involvement in the life of the congre-gation. 2. Follow up of visitors as indi-cated in the guest book and on com-munion cards recognizing that some visitors may not appear in either. 3. Encouraging inactive members to be more involved. Stewardship: Met October 11th. Pre-sent: Tom Wade, Mary Jane Stubbe

and Yvonne Herda. Minutes were ac-cepted as printed in the October Spire. Yvonne opened with a prayer. The Board discussed the stewardship bulle-tin inserts, letters and commitment cards for October and November. Mary Jane will finalize the letter and commitment card along with the insert for October 23rd. Tom will give a Tem-ple Talk on October 23rd to explain the commitment card. The November 6th

Liturgy will be on God’s Word for the gathering of the commitment cards. Yvonne will work on a bulletin insert for October 30th and an article for the Spire. At the November meeting we will begin to work on the budget for next year. Worship & Music: Present: Mary Jane Blanchfield, Russ Pearson, Lynda Pear-son, Irving Thompson and Janice Breakey and Carol Johnson. Guests: Pastor Jeff and Cara Mitzel. Pastor Jeff will be dedicating the new pew Bibles October 23rd. Advent begins Novem-ber 27th. Thursday evening services will begin December 1st at 7:00 pm. We will be serving soup and sandwiches before the services as a fundraiser please contact a committee member or the church office to schedule your group. We will be using liturgy setting three from advent through Christmas. Cara Mitzel representing the Christian Education Committee joined the meeting to discuss the Christmas Pro-gram. Thank you to the Wade family for the donation of a piano. It will re-main in town until spring when it will be moved to the Retreat Center. The committee will be meeting with Pastor Jeff October 24th to continue discus-sion of audio and visual considerations. New Business: A. The nominating com-mittee needs to be put on the annual meeting agenda so they can be voted on for the next year. The committee is made up of five voting members two from the church council and three at large. FYI: The Fall Conference will be at St. Olaf on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 2:30. The Heartland Care Center Klub Feed fundraiser will be Sunday, Oct. 23rd 4:00 – 6:30 with tickets at the door. The Budget needs to be finalized at the December meeting. Respectively Submitted Kimberly Hatten

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Guitar Lessons Are there middle school kids (fifth through eighth grade) who would be interested in learning to play the guitar? If so, we are very much interested in teaching you. We would love to have others who would be interested in playing the guitar (or other instruments) during Sun-day morning worship (not by yourself but with us and others!). Depending on interest, classes will be held on Tuesday after-noons from 3:45 pm to 4:15 pm with snacks to follow. Do you have a guitar? If not, let us know and we’ll see what can be done to work things out. Please call the church office to register.

Pastor Jeff and Russ Pearson

The board of the St. Olaf Foun-dation will meet at 9:45 on Sunday, Nov. 13, in the Quilting Room. Part of the agenda for this meeting will be to distrib-ute funds to needy individuals and causes. Please remember that the St. Olaf Foundation exists to re-ceive contributions which are invested and the interest earned is distributed to worthy causes. Your contributions are always needed.

Foundation To Meet Nov. 13

November 2011 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30

-Quilting

-4:30 Executive Committee

-8:00 Al-Anon

-4:00 Thursday Fellowship at Park Place

-7:00 Boy Scouts

-9:00 Spire Assembly

-7:00 Compassionate Friends

- 8:00 AA

-1:00 WELCA Bible Study -2:00 WELCA Meeting -7:00 Boy Scouts

- 9:00 -11:00 Community Options Group - 3:45 7th & 8th Grades Classes - 5:00 9th Grade Confirmation Class - 7:15 Choir

-8:00 AA & Al-Non

-Quilting -7:00 Boards -8:00 Council -8:00 Al-Anon

-Quilting -8:00 Al-Anon

-8:00 AA & Al-Anon

-Spire Deadline -8:00 AA & Al-Non

- 9:00 Lefse - 8:00 AA

- 7:30 Prisca Circle

- 8:00 AA

Sunday Schedule:

8:30 Worship Service 9:30 Coffee Fellowship 9:40 Sunday School 11:00 Worship Service at St. Olaf

Communion on the 1st and 3rd Sundays and Special Occasions

-8:30 & 11:00 Guitar Worship Services

-9:45 Altar Guild

-9:45 Faith & Care Meeting for Group #4

-12:00 Lunch & Decorating

-7:00 Boy Scouts

- 8:30 & 11:00 Guitar Worship Services

-9:45 Foundation

- 11:00 New Members Received during worship -12:00 Potluck to welcome new members

- 9:30 St. Olaf Youth Serving Coffee Hour -9:45 New Members’ Gathering (library) - 2:00 All Saints Service at Heartland Care Ctr.

- 9:00-11:00 Community Options Group - 3:45 7th & 8th Grades Classes - 5:00 9th Grade Confirmation Class - 7:15 Choir

OFFICE CLOSED

-8:00 AA & Al-Non

- 9:00-11:00 Community Options Group - 3:45 7th & 8th Grades Classes - 5:00 9th Grade Confirmation Class - 6:00 FUEL - 7:15 Choir

-12:00 Fall Auction -2:00 Thanksgiving Baskets at Our Savior’s

- Community Worship Service at Bethel (TBA)

-Quilting -8:00 Al-Anon

- 9:00-11:00 CO Group -7:00 Thanksgiving Service at Our Savior’s

Office Closed

- 9:00 Lefse - 8:00 AA

-Quilting -8:00 Al-Anon

- 9:00-11:00 Community Options Group - 3:45 7th & 8th Grades Classes - 5:00 9th Grade Confirmation Class - 7:15 Choir

November 2011

St. Olaf Lutheran Church 

601 6th Street NE 

Devils Lake, ND  58301‐2525 

Phone: 701‐662‐4911 

Fax: 701‐662‐4820 

Email: stolaf@gondtc.com 

www.stolafchurchdevilslake.com 

 

Pastor Jeffrey S. Nicla 

James W. Travers, Family Ministry Coordinator 

Darci Gilbertson, Office & Financial Secretary 

Kirk Sweeney, Custodian 

Lynda Pearson, Organist 

Russ Pearson, Choir Director 

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit No. 17

Devils Lake, North Dakota

Address Service Requested

Noon Lunch followed by auction

Auction Items Needed: Items from your harvest, canned

goods, craft items, etc. No rummage please.

Current St. Olaf Funds Receiving Donations The following is a list of funds set up to receive donations. A brief description of where the funds are used is in-cluded with each fund. General Fund: all expenses that are in the budget printed in the annual report.

DESIGNATED FUNDS: Altar Guild: seasonal flow-ers, communionware, can-dleholders, etc. Bible Fund: Bibles that are given to 3rd & 7th graders. Child in Our Hands: baby quilts, plastic storage boxes given to infants at baptism Choir Fund: choir expenses Contingency: savings ac-count College Scholarship: use so that students receive matching scholarships at an ELCA college. Cookbook Fund: proceeds from the sale of cookbooks Decorating Fund: decorat-ing expenses Faith & Care Fund: kitchen supplies, coffee and other items needed for hospitality. Library Fund: for use in the church’s library

St. Olaf Men’s Fund: Any in-come that the men of St. Olaf receive from fund-raisers and their related ex-penses are kept here. The Men’s Club decide where to spend the money, often for the building fund and other projects needed around the church. Music Fund: music for the choir or other musical needs of the church. Norway Cemetery Fund: For maintenance of the Nor-way Cemetery Office Equipment: for pur-chase of office equipment Organ Fund: For the mainte-nance or repairs of the or-gan. Parking Lot: For mainte-nance of the parking lots. Pew Bibles: for the purchase of Bibles for each pew in the sanctuary. Radio Fund: to fund the weekly radio broadcast of the 11:00 worship service. Retreat Center: For mainte-nance of the Retreat Cen-ter. Seminary Scholarship: given to students of a seminary.

Stained Glass Windows: for maintenance of all stained glass. Sunday School Building Im-provement Fund: for the im-provement of the 1954 edu-cation building. Website Fund: for develop-ment and maintenance of St. Olaf’s website. WELCA Stewardship Fund: Quilters fund.

___

Building Fund: funds used to pay remodeling loan.

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