pp march 2020 - united in christ lutheran parish

Volume 24, Issue 3 March 2020

PASTOR’S NOTES

Lent! The season that means so many things to so many people. For some it is a time in which an extra church service per week is expected, and for

others it marks the change in fast food menus to be more fish-centric. To my sister, it is the time of year that we remember that with every time through the dryer, our clothes are slowly dying. To many this is a time of reflection through spiritual disciplines such as giving up a vice that we particularly like or reading scripture every day. After years of sneering at others who indulge in depriving themselves of things that they enjoy for 40 days, I have decided to try out one of these disciplines myself. This Lent, I am going to attempt to be more forgiving. I assure you, me being more forgiving is not a tremendously high bar, but I do want to give it an honest try.

Jesus’ march towards the cross is ultimately about the forgiveness of the sins of all mankind. I have benefited greatly from this forgiveness and so I would like to attempt to be a bit better at forgiving others as I have been forgiven. Will this go smoothly? Certainly not. It is after all an attempt to live outside of my nature. I am a child of constant internet usage and media coverage. This is an election year. Put these things together and you have a recipe for unforgiving hostility. Perhaps my little Lenten exercise can spill out into my life for the rest of the year and I can find a bit of peace for myself and those around me. For the rest of you out there with your own Lenten traditions, may they remind you that you are loved and forgiven.

Pastor Dan Morton

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Council Meetings:

LN-Mar. 4 (after Lenten worship)

C-Mar. 10

F-Mar. 11 (after Lenten worship)

ML-Mar. 18 (after Lenten worship)

T-Mar. 22 (after Lenten worship)

In this Issue:

Conc. News Items 2

Conc. News Items 3

LN News Items 4

LN News Items 5

ML News Items 6

Trinity Notes 7

Faaberg News Items 8

Parish News 9

Children's 0

PARISH PULSE UNITED IN CHRIST


Concordia Worship ParticipantsMarch 2020

Thank you for serving in this capacity!

9:30 a.m. Worship

Altar Guild: Verna Norland, Ginny Strem

Mar. 1 – Ushers – Jan & Cort Christianson Greeters – Jesse & Rachael Sannes Lector – Taylor Sannes Acolytes – Austin Riegert & Jack Fuchs Communion Assistants – Karin & Chad Braun, Scott Braun

Mar. 8– Ushers – Justin Burke and Alex Engelstad Greeters – Ray & Sylvia Nelson Lector – Darcey Larsen Acolytes – Nora Ellingson & Simone Wright Communion Assistants – Ray & Sylvia Nelson, Cindy Leiser

Mar. 15 – Ushers – Matthew & Tim Sykes Greeters - Bruce & Norma Erickson Lector – Sue Lindberg Acolytes – Brooklyn Strem & Mya Haaven Communion Assistants – Ryan & Kylie Strem, Darcey Larsen

Mar. 22– Ushers – Terry & Caty Larson family Greeters – Dave & Amanda Riegert Lector – Lindi Christianson Acolytes – Brady Netland & Caiden Swenby Communion Assistants – Carol Swenby, Lindi Christianson, Heather Qualley Mar. 29- Ushers - Chad & Hunter Hitchen Greeters- Wayne & Cheryl Hegg Lector- Natty Messick Acolytes- Kim Hitchen, Bjorn Messick Communion Assistants- Caty & Terry Larson; Marjie Broden

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Pastoral Acts for December

Concordia – ◦ Funeral for Keith Swenson

Trinity — ◦ Funeral for Jan Mosher ◦ New members Dean & Tammy Smith

CONCORDIA WELCA NEWS

Conference 3 Spring Gathering

New Hope Lutheran Church Alvarado, MN. April 25, 2020

Fair Hills Retreat – June 8 & 9, 2020

11th Triennial Gathering July 16-19, 2020 at

Phoenix, AZ

*Service group members-

Please add your coordinator's cell phone number to your contact list to make communications easier


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President Dave Riegert called to order the regular meeting of the Concordia Church Council at 7:10 pm on February 11, 2020. Those present were Pastor Phil, Pastor Dan, Dan Netland, Lori Walters, Carol Petersen, Salome Hansen, Darcey Larson, JanaDee Fuchs and Amanda Riegert. Pastor Phil opened with devotions based on Psalm 23:3 and John 10. Election of Secretary: Amanda Riegert was elected Council Secretary. Other new members are Dan Netland-Vice-President. Carol Petersen-Worship. Lori Walters is now Home & Church Life.

Secretary’s report was read. M/S/A ( Darcey, Carol) Treasurer’s report: Cash balance as of January 31, 2020 is $20,330.45. M/S/A (Lori, Dan) Financial Secretary’s report: All regular bills have been paid, except for Benevolence.

Pastor’s report: First Communion classes for 3rd graders and parents will be February 16 & 23 at 6:30pm. First Communion is scheduled for Sunday, March 1. A Parish Service for Ash Wednesday is at Concordia at 7 pm on February 26. Maundy Thursday Parish Service will be held at Faaberg on April 9. Good Friday Cantata with the Parish Choir will be at Concordia on April 10. Easter Service for Concordia will be at 9:30 am on April 12. Concordia will be hosting Rural Revival on Sunday, March 15 at 7 pm. Refreshments to follow. It’s a tradition. In rural communities across the Midwest, people weathered hardship by being there for each other – Neighbor for Neighbor. When times get tough, we draw together and reclaim our sources of hope: our faith in Jesus Christ, our resilient communities and services, our legacy of being there for each other. Come and experience a revival of hope in our heartland featuring Red River Worship! Discover best practices for moving forward in stressful times! Hear an encouraging message of being there – God for us and all of us for one another – Neighbor for Neighbor! Bring friends and family to Concordia Lutheran Church on March 15th at 7pm! 7pm - Worship with Red River Worship with messages from Bishop Bill Tesch and Rev. Dr. Aaron Suomala Folkerds. Pastor Dan reports the new stove is installed and works well. Education: Pre-K through 2nd grade sang in church on Feb 9. The noisy offering brought in $255! 3rd-6th grade will sing on March 1 and will be doing a noisy offering as well. There will be 11 youth receiving First Communion on March 1. The Sunday School is requesting that the offering for the 2019-2020 school year, so far, be donated to the orphanage that Lindi Christianson will be doing mission work at in March. The offering of $1200 will be given to “Team Hogar de Vida” for Spanish Bibles and other books along with shoes for the children. Lindi will be purchasing the items and delivering them when she and a large group of area church members go there in March. Management & Finance: No report. Worship: Working on worship participants for upcoming months. Home & Church Life: Working on getting a committee together and looking for new ideas to bring to the congregation. Outreach: No report. Daycare: No report. No old or new business. Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm M/S/A (Carol, Dan) and closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Submitted by: Amanda Riegert, secretary.

CONCORDIA COUNCIL MINUTES


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February 5, 2020 Members Present: Mark B., Pastor Phil, Pastor Dan, Mark G., Alex, John Gloria, Jim, Kristen Mark B. called the meeting to order and did devotions. -Alex motioned to approve the agenda and Jim seconded, and it was carried. Pastor’s Report: In consideration of the increased amount of work for the pastors, including funerals and the addition of a 5th congregation, there will be one parish-wide Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, February 26th at Concordia at 7:00 pm. Little Norway Lenten service will be Wednesday, March 4th at 7:00 pm with council meeting afterward. There will also likely be one parish-wide service in the future for big events such as Maundy Thursday, and Christmas, etc., rotating the services at each church. Secretary’s Report: Read. One minor update to the December 4th, 2019, minutes was that Kristen had devotions instead of Kim. With that update, Jim motioned to approve and Mark G. seconded, and it was carried. Treasurer’s Report: Gloria reviewed the Annual Meeting documents. She highlighted 2 extra expenses for church cleaning and pest control, and also mentioned the savings with the addition of a 5th congregation. Charity decisions should be made by July. There is landscaping left regarding the improvement fund, as well as some electrical/plumbing. At some point, the church will need new siding. Regarding the education fund, WELCA will now take over coffee time every Sunday, and Bible camp fees and youth gatherings were discussed. Mark G. motioned to approve the Treasurer’s Report and Alex seconded. The motion was carried. Vice President’s Report: Nothing new to report at this time. Board Reports: Deacon’s Report: Nothing new to report at this time. Trustee’s Report: John mentioned that the rope for the bell needs to be fixed, as well as the bolts for the tolling apparatus. Alex mentioned looking into an updated heating and cooling system that can easily be controlled with an app. Education Report: Kristen reported that she and Stacie are teaching Sunday School as of January 2020, and Jennifer is a sub. They are in the process of selecting a date for Senior Sunday. Unfinished Business:

a) Naming the new room was tabled. A dedication was held for the new room on January 19th. b) Church Co-historian report – The historians, Mike and Kristen, would like a fire-proof safe, and would

also like to have a rotating display of pictures and artifacts. The challenge for both is location. They are currently looking at where the best place would be to display items, and to store a safe. Digitizing the collection of documents and pictures that aren’t currently digitized was discussed, and the historians will move forward with that project.

New Business: The Northwest MN Synod Assembly is June 12th and 13th at Concordia College. It will be attended by Kathy. One more delegate is needed. Attendees are also needed for the Northern Lights Conference in Crookston on February 23rd. This could be mentioned by deacons in the announcements next Sunday. Next Meeting: March 4th at 8:00 pm after Lenten Service Adjourn with the Lord’s Prayer Respectfully Submitted, Kristen Larson

LITTLE NORWAY COUNCIL MINUTES


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Ushers: Mar. 1: Jordyn Berhow, Gloria Kaste Mar. 8: Bridget Roggenbuck, Jamie Morvig Mar. 15: Josh Benson, Mike Roggenbuck Mar. 22: Soren Larson, Jennifer Larson Mar. 29: Katrina Kratzke, Heidi Benson

Janitor: Mark Benson

Deacon on Duty: Mike Roggenbuck

Altar Guild/Communion Preparation: Sara Preusser, Rachel Roggenbuck

Scripture Readers: Mar. 1: Pr. Ernie Christensen Mar. 8: Laura Gullickson Mar. 15: Laura Gullickson Mar. 22: Heidi Benson Mar. 29: Garth Kaste

Cleaners & Greeters: Mar. 1: Lee & Lisa Duckstad Mar. 8 & Mar. 15: John Gullickson, Laura Gullickson Mar. 22 & Mar. 29: Mark & Becky Sandness

Dorcas: March 9 7pm at Church

Mary and Esther: March 5 2pm at Church Hostess: Lynne Gullickson BS: Kathy Christensen

March

Anniversaries 14-Nicholas & Stacie Kronschnabel

March Birthdays

01-Camryn Larson

03-Jerome Larson 09-Jerry Orre, Theresa Sandness

11-Colleen Kaste

16-Shelby Duckstad John Gullickson

24-Mike Larson 29-Heidi Benson Lisa Orre

30-Michael Roggenbuck

31-James Larson

LITTLE NORWAY NEWS ITEMS


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A few thoughts about a worship service in February:

BOTHERSOME: There was ice on the sidewalk.

Where was everyone?

The quilts on the pews were crooked!

Yikes, Pastor Dan—what is he going to say today? Oops-too many people around the communion rail!

Was that a toy that dropped on the floor? Oh, that long list of names to go through for prayers.

Wouldn’t you know, the last song has 4 verses!

The coffee pot was acting up again!

Powdered sugar on the carpet from the donuts-more vacuuming!

Thank you, God, for bringing us together; we have much to be thankful for! (Keep the Parish Calendar handy for Lenten service times and locations!) Peace to all! Submitted by: Marlene Block

BLESSING: Someone had removed all the snow in preparation for church

Church began to fill up as the bell was ringing.

People in the pews caused the quilts to shift—good problem to have!

His sermon was so good it make me cry.

Fortunate to have two of our youth as ushers-they are excused!

Yeah, we have kids in church! We will pray for all those who have lost loved ones and for those who are experiencing difficult times in their lives. Remember them, Lord. It is good to hear my daughters singing behind me with their families. Thank you, Lord!

No one noticed because Mike got the other pot running in time for coffee! Wasn’t that nice?

Powdered sugar noted on Linda’s chin as we visited. Delightful!

MAPLE LAKE NEWS ITEMS


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Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not you hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

It seems that the world is seeking peace in any form it can be found. Even believers sometimes buy into the idea that peace can be manipulated and manufactured through self-care and entertainment. While those things can offer rest and fun and refreshment, “soul-peace” comes from one place: Jesus Christ! When we continue to seek peace the world’s way, we will continue to be overwhelmed with trying to figure out the right balance between work and play, fun and games, and self-worth. Peace isn’t found in what we do or don’t do. Peace is a person named Jesus. Either we know Him and have peace, or we don’t. He is more powerful that our circumstances. Giving everything to God will bring peace in overwhelming times! Trinity Church Council was to meet on Wednesday, February 12th, but due to stormy weather and very harsh temperatures, the meeting was changed to Sunday, February 16th, following worship services. President Scott Eia opened the meeting and welcomed all new council members. Pastor Phil reminded us of Ash Wednesday services, the Lenten schedule, and Micah’s first communion. In new business, there was discussion on visiting the home-bound, the sick, those in long-term care, and the shut-ins. Pastor Phil shared that there will be three lay ministers that will do the visitation. Marcia Schoenborn, Lindi Christianson, and Carol Swenby are being trained to do so. He also reminded us to let him or Dan know if we hear of anyone who is hospitalized as the pastors don’t always know. Also, under new business, ideas were discussed as to future fund-raisers. The meeting closed with the council praying the Lord’s Prayer together. We extend our deepest sympathies to Red Mosher and family on the passing of Jan. Please remember the family with your prayers. We continue to keep Chris Mjelde and Roger Hanson in our prayers and add Mike Gravdahl, Sheila Stromstad’s dad, who suffered a heart-attack on February 26th, There is power in prayer! On March 8th, Team Hogar is leaving for Guatemala to work with Tim and Dena Stromstad in Hogar-de-Vida (the Home of Life), a home created for orphans. In that home, their needs are met while also gaining the love of Jesus. Patty Mosher is a part of this team. Please keep Patty and the team in your prayers. Thanks to Judy Mosher and Bev Johnson for the festive table decorations in the fellowship hall. We appreciate your beautiful work! MARCH BIRTHDAYS: 3/1 Ronnie Pederson 3/12 Bruce Mosher 3/3 DeAnn Skaug 3/15 Cole Eia 3/5 Laurel Arends 3/17: Ivan Nephew 3/6 Emmett Mosher 3/28 Shaun Gullekson 3/7 Riley Todahl 3/28 Sydney Bunker 3/8 Dillon Stromstad 3/8 Kylee Stromstad 3/10 Isabel Eia 3/10: Kelsey Billing

TRINITY NOTES


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Faaberg Quilting will be March 6-7, at 9:00 a.m. $250 was received from Thrivent for quilt batting.

Faaberg WELCA will meet Saturday, March 7, at 9:30 a.m. during quilting. Sue Knutson will give devotions and serve lunch.

The afternoon Bible study group will meet Monday, March 9, at 1:30 p.m., at the FairMeadow Assisted Living. Katy Krogstad will lead the Bible study and Jan Helgeson and Dorothy Harstad will serve lunch.

There will be a Pancake Brunch and Bake Sale following 8:15 worship services Sunday, March 15, with Group 1 in charge.

The Daughters of Jacob study group will meet Monday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m. at Julie Harstad's.

PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS

PARISH CHOIR A parish choir is being organized for the Parish Good Friday Service. We will begin rehearsals on Sunday, March 22nd at 6:30 pm. We will plan to rehearse about 90 minutes with a short break half way through. Rehearsals will be at Concordia in the main sanctuary. I hope you will consider joining us. Rehearsals for March will be March 22 and 29, April 5th at 6:30-8:00 pm The final rehearsal will be Wednesday, April 8th at 7:00 pm

Thank you, Elaine Erdahl ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

ALL PARISH Lenten Worship Schedule: Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26 - 7pm Worship with Holy Communion at Concordia (ONLY) Wed. March 4 - 7pm Worship at LN (Youth group will serve ice cream after) Wed. March 11 - 7pm Worship at Faaberg (Youth group will serve ice cream after) Wed. March 18 - 7pm Worship at ML (Youth group will serve ice cream after) Wed. March 25 - 7pm Worship at Trinity (Youth group will serve ice cream after) Wed. April 1 - 7pm Worship at Little Norway (Youth group will serve ice cream after) Maundy Thursday, April 9th - 7pm Worship with Holy Communion at Faaberg (ONLY) Good Friday Cantata, April 10th - 7pm at Concordia

FAABERG NEWS ITEMS


It’s a tradition in rural communities across the Midwest, people weathered hardship by being there for each other – Neighbor for Neighbor. When times get tough, we draw together and reclaim our sources of hope: our faith in Jesus Christ, our resilient communities and services, our legacy of being there for each other. Our parish will be hosting one of three "Rural Revival" worship services in northwestern Minnesota on Sunday evening, March 15th at Concordia Lutheran Church, beginning at 7:00 pm. Bishop Bill Tesch will be our guest preacher, along with Rev. Dr. Aaron Suomala Folkerds, and the music will be led by Red River Worship! Come and experience a revival of hope in our heartland! Discover best practices for moving forward in stressful times! Hear an encouraging message of being there – God for us and all of us for one another – Neighbor for Neighbor!

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PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS


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CHILDREN’S PAGE

pp march 2020 - united in christ lutheran parish

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