Cross Winds FIRST WORD

JULY 2010 NEWSLETTER

Pastor Steve Rasmusson

SUMMER! Roll out those lazy hazy crazy days of summer.... Or so goes the song. Most of us get the hazy and the crazy part, but what of the lazy part. We don't have time for that, do we? In our busy, “I'll get to it when I have a minute” world, the last thing we want others to think of us is that we are lazy! There is a reason that God has given us the third commandment – Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy. Sabbath rest is a time to strengthen our relational muscles, to restore our connections, to renew body, mind and spirit. But even on the Sabbath the demand that “we do it right” overwhelms the need to refresh and renew. So we gather over coffee to complain about all the things that we must accomplish before we can get to what is most important. I can't come to worship because I have to get ready for... because I have so much to do that.... because it is the only time we can sleep in... The list of busy-ness overwhelms. Summer is the time of vacations, barbeques, water sports, anniversaries, weddings, baseball, watermelon and strawberry shortcake. And every one of these gifts from God are meaningless without others who share with us. The real gift of summer is the chance for deepening relationships. There are four special gifts that come from a time alone together with God and others – four special gifts of the long summer sabbaths that we call vacations. The Vibrant Faith folks list these: (and I offer my interpretation.) God’s love for you and desire to be in relationship with you. Getting away from our normal daily ritual of activity offers us the chance to see the world in a new way-- to experience the presence of God in new ways. Sometimes it is the extra-ordinary experience that opens our eyes to the presence of God in our daily life. Your need for rest and restoration, for pausing to reflect, for savoring the joyous things in life, for delight. Is there a book you've wanted to read, a place you wanted to visit, a friend you've missed, a challenge that you have wanted to try? Take the time to do it. Welcome God into the experience. Time to experience the abundant life Jesus came to bring.

“I came that you may have life and have it abundantly – Jesus. The abundant life is not found only in the stuff with which we clutter our lives. The true abundance is to be found in the gifts we take for granted, including time itself. Take the time to experience the creativity of others, the joy of celebration, the newness of meeting others. Recharging you before sending you back into the world. The real gift of sabbath is the renewal of body, mind and spirit that comes from basking in the creative, joyous, extravagant, endless, sparkly, enormous, never ending, patient, magical, blissful love of God. 1 May your summer sabbaths be filled with renewal. SEE YOU IN CHURCH!!!

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- With thanks to the Synod LYO board for their wisdom in offering adjectives defining God's love)

Preaching Schedule for July 2010 Date July 4 July 7 July 11

Bethany 10:30 Harvestine

BethanyElim 10:30 Anderson

Grace 8:30 Harvestine

Peace 8:30 Rasmusson

St Paul 8:30 Anderson

Worship/Diamond Lake 7 pm Bethany & Anderson

Harvestine: Williams Last Time

Williams

Harvestine: Anderson Last Time

July 14

WXY & Rasmusson

July 18 July 21

Anderson

July 25

Anderson

Harvestine

Harvestine

Anderson

Rasmusson BethanyElim/Anderson

Harvestine: Harvestine Anderson Last Time Last Time

July 28

Rasmusson Internship Vicar Farewell

Summer Visiting With the warm weather and the changes in our schedules the pastors are looking forward to having more opportunities to make connections with the disciples of Winds of the Prairie Ministry. So don’t be surprised if you get a call or the pastor shows up at your home when in the neighborhood. Don’t worry about making or doing anything special, just be yourself and show us how you are living in your baptismal promise. We won’t plan on being fancy, so please don’t you plan on being fancy.

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Worship Time Rotation Schedule

St. Paul Minneota Bethany Arco Peace Ruthton Grace Lake Benton BethanyElim Ivanhoe Pairings

Sept. 2009 (2019) Alone

Sept. 2010

Sept. 2011

Sept, 2012

Sept. 2013

Sept. 2014

Sept. 2015

Sept. 2016

Sept. 2017

Sept. 2018

8:30

10:30

8:30

10:30

Alone

8:30

10:30

8:30

10:30

10:30

Alone

8:30

10:30

8:30

10:30

Alone

8:30

10:30

8:30

8:30

10:30

Alone

8:30

10:30

8:30

10:30

Alone

8:30

10:30

8:30 (10:30)

8:30

10:30

Alone

8:30

10:30

8:30

10:30

Alone

8:30

10:30 (8:30)

10:30

8:30

10:30

Alone

8:30

10:30

8:30

10:30

Alone

BE/G P/B

G/P SP/BE

B/SP BE/G

SP/ BE P/B

B/SP G/P

BE/G P/B

G/P SP/BE

B/SP BE/G

SP/BE P/B

B/SP G/P

Thanks to the incredible gift of Leon Mortland of Peace Lutheran for making order out of chaos when it comes to scheduling, we now have a plan that allows for an altering of worship times for our congregations. Had we thought to do this in 2009 we would have noticed that the times for Bethany-Elim and Grace should have been switched and will give them the same times for two years, oops sorry. This schedule was approved by the Winds of the Prairie Ministry Council in June and will guide us in the future as a source of information and insight.

Summer Fun: Don’t you think it is time to get ready for summer? Well, here are some dates to put on the calendar: July 4 – Gospel Fest in Ruthton July 18-21 –Journey of Affirmation Bicycle and Servant Trip th July 28 – Farewell Potluck for Vicar Jackie and John, this year’s intern and her husband. August 14-15 – Family campout and Bluegrass Gospel Worship on the Mountain – Hole in the Mountain Park, Lake Benton August 15 – New intern arrives August 18 – New intern Welcome September 1 – Last Summer Worship at Diamond Lake September 12 – Rally Sunday and Box-elder Bug Days (New worship times --watch to see if your congregation’s time changes or stays the same this year)

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RUTHTON GOSPEL FEST Bring your lawn chair and join in the Second Annual Ruthton Gospel Fest, to be held on Sunday, July 4, in the town park in Ruthton, MN. Music will begin at 3 pm. A picnic supper will be available from 5:30 – 7 pm. Evening music will be shared from 7 - 8:30 pm. Bluegrass, old time gospel, and good old hymn singing will be offered by area vocal and instrumental groups. All are invited to attend. Groups or individuals wishing to share music are encouraged to contact Pastor Steve Rasmusson at 507-694-1238. Sponsored by Peace Lutheran Church of the Winds of the Prairie Ministries.

WOMEN’S SYNODICAL CONVENTION REPORT Marie Henriksen and Ilene Sorensen, Bethany and Joyce Anderson, Peace, were among the 325 persons who recently attended the 23rd Synodical Convention of the Women of The ELCA. The convention was held at Our Savior’s Lutheran in New Ulm. John Nunes, president and CEO of Lutheran World Relief, was headline speaker. He was a dynamic speaker and gave us an excellent picture of the work that SWR does around the world. Also speaking to us were Bishop Jon Anderson and Dawn Cocchiarella who has worked for the Susan G. Koman For The Cure Minnesota Affiliate.

An estimated 4379 Health kits were collected for SWR as well as some quilts, sewing kits, layettes, school kits and hospice kits. Two monetary offerings were taken that will be divided between Churchwide Women of the ELCA, Project Comfort (funds to ship LWR quilts and kits) and the Susan G. Koman Foundation for the Cure (Breast Cancer). Bless all these women who participate in God’s mission.

Prairie Fire: The Spirited News of the Prairie Conference 22 congregations and ministries of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA make up the Prairie Conference who work together on missions locally and globally. The Executive Committee wants you to be informed of upcoming events, opportunities and preparations. At our Conference Assembly the following actions were authorized and are being honored. • $1,000 sent to the HIV/AIDS health coordinator fund administered by our companion synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa: South-Eastern Diocese. Each congregation is encouraged to send $50 for this fund as a supplement to the $.25 per baptized member for the Conference Dues. • $2,750 has been given in the $5,500 challenge to bring two representatives from our sister Mfolozi circuit of the SE Diocese. The Executive Committee was given authority and has authorized that the remainder of the funds needed be taken from the Conference funds. The challenge continues to replenish this fund and contributions should be sent to: Jean Haug, Prairie Conf Treasurer 1408 Pinehurst Road, Marshall, MN 56258 Please mark “South Africa visitors” on your check’s memo line. Thank you to all those who have contributed to this fund and in Lutheran humility you know who you are!!! 4

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Two visitors are coming in October somewhere between October 5 and 26 to experience life in the Prairie Conference according to Pastor Janet Colby of Canby. Each congregation is encouraged to have a representative on the Companion Circuit Task Force who will plan and host our visitors. Tell your pastor if you would be a host or what we can show and tell our visitors about this area. Several events and fellowships are in the planning so look for more information this fall. Pastor Janet is available to share her experience of traveling to South Africa earlier this year, so give her a call.

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$500 sent to the Haiti Relief Fund of the ELCA Disaster Response.

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We congratulate Linda Wimmer of Sillerud/Balaton on her graduation from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago and her assignment to SW MN synod.

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We continue to offer support through pray and finances of $500 a year for our 3 seminary students: o Stephanie Christoffels of Bethany-Elim Lutheran in Ivanhoe attending Luther Seminary. o Mark Lund of First Lutheran in Marshal at Luther Seminary. o Dan Nelson of Christ Lutheran in Hendricks at Luther Seminary.

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Plans are underway for a workshop with the Anti-Racism Team of the SW MN synod.

Look for more information on our South African visitors and the happenings of the Holy Spirit here in the Prairie Conference. Rev. Julie Anderson, Conference Secretary

NOTES FROM THE INTERN “Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.” Philippians 1:27 Is it possible that an entire year has nearly passed since John and I arrived on the prairie? Yes, I knew intellectually the year would speed by. I knew that I would learn an enormous amount. Could I have envisioned the variety of experiences I would be involved in or the depth that my learning might reach? Not a chance! Might I have guessed what a wonderful group of people I would encounter or their total embrace of my person, my spouse and enthusiastic affirmation of my call to ministry? I had only an inkling… My home congregation pastor thinks all interns should be placed in an internship site such as this one. In that way, they experience living and working in communities small enough so that their presence is recognized and life and work are integrated. I heartily agree. Leadership can develop when both guidance and independence are the operating principles. When there is much to do and finite staff to accomplish those things, the intern takes on a broad range of assignments. This is a good thing, in my opinion. 5

So now it is time to say good-bye. We will do this in various formats…..the final sermons, the final worship and potluck at Diamond Lake, the final verbal exchanges. As with all transitions, there is a degree of sadness in the leaving. We have come to know each other, depend upon each other and just plain live out our lives in community, with all that entails. Beyond the sadness, there is joy in knowing that much was accomplished in my learning, in my growth in faith and in my sense of pastoral identity. There is also satisfaction in realizing Winds of the Prairie’s leap of faith in choosing to take on an intern has not been in vain. While this part of the body of Christ has been served in significant ways this past year, the larger body will benefit in the years to come. Internship serves both the now and the not yet. I will remember with fondness each one of you and all the times we shared in worship, Bible study, during table fellowship (an abundance of those times for sure!) and in random encounters throughout the communities. Most especially, that the Gospel of Christ was shared by us and through us will be a great joy to me in the future. Our faith, in my presence or my absence, binds us all in Christ’s love forever. Peace and Blessings, Vicar Jackie Harvestine

Thank you from the Pipestone, Murray, Lincoln and Lyon Counties Human Services for the bounty of baby supplies that were collected during Lent at our Winds of the Prairie Ministry congregations. The hampers were full to overflowing and were a great surprise.

FAMILY FAITH By Nancy Krog “Let Freedom Ring” Today’s Reading: Romans 6:15-23 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. Faith Walk: Go on a neighborhood hunt looking for signs of Independence Day. Faith Talk: • Retell the story of Independence Day. • What does freedom mean? • How has Jesus set us free? • With freedom comes responsibility. What responsibilities do we have in our country? What responsibilities do we have as citizens of God’s kingdom? What blessings do we have? • Let freedom ring. How can we celebrate the freedom of our country and the freedom we have through Jesus? Follow-Up Activities: • Make an Independence Day cake. Frost the cake with white icing. In the upper left-hand corner, add a blue background with blueberries. Use strawberries for red stripes. 6

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Braid red, white, and blue pieces of embroidery floss or narrow ribbon and tie the ends together to make a freedom bracelet. This bracelet is to be a reminder that God has blessed us with two kinds of freedom – we live in a free country and through Jesus we are free from the slavery of sin. Read the newspaper and clip out examples of our freedom and ways freedom is used properly and discuss.

Our Response to God’s Grace: Dear Triune God, Giver of Freedom, Thank you for the blessings of freedom You have given us, both in our nation and in the kingdom of God. Help us to be responsible citizens, bringing glory and honor to You, our King. Through the freedom that is ours in Christ. Amen. (Family Faith Walks, by Kelly J. Haack, 2002)

BETHANY NEWS By Gayle Rasmussen – President Warm weather, crops and plants are looking great and plenty of rain. It must be summer! We at Bethany have a busy schedule. VBS is finished, along with the mission trip to Eagle Butte. Be sure to check the newsletter to keep up to date. Oh yes! The Pheasants baseball trip. Busy enough yet? All are invited to CELEBRATE with us for Wednesday services at Diamond Lake. Some interesting things are programmed. Also, join all at WOTP for a 4th of July sing fest and fun events in Ruthton. With so many things going on this summer, we should make an effort to include church in all that we do. God has given us a great deal of bounty, and we should give back to Him some of our blessings as a way of saying thank you. Have a great and safe 4th of July, and summer. Thanks be to God!

BETHANY HELPERS FOR JULY July Ushers – Carsten and Luella Madsen July Altar Guild – Ilene Sorensen

WELCA LADIES DAY OUT The WELCA Ladies Day Out will be held on July 8th. They are planning on going to PK Eagan’s in Canby. They will be leaving from Bethany-Elim Church at 11 AM, and are planning on ride sharing. If interested, sign up at the church or call 694-1718 or 694-1347. 7

YOUTH NEWS Synod Lutheran Youth Organization News Our own Jessica Epple is now the 2010-1011 LYO president. Also representing WXY on the synod LYO are Katie Bump and Tisha Burch. Together with Pastor Steve, they join the 14 youth and 9 adults comprising the board. They are responsible for planning and implementing the two major youth gatherings of the synod. This year the dates are November 19-20 for the Junior High Gathering (in Willmar) and March 11-12 for the Senior High (St. Cloud).

Journey of Affirmation Final Call The WXY youth of Winds of the Prairie Ministry are invited to join together for a bike servant trip around Lincoln County. Contact the office or pastors by July 7 to let them know you are coming so plans can be finalized.

Training for Affirmation Remodel and Expansion The opportunity to work more closely with our fellow ELCA Lutheran congregations in Lincoln County and Minneota in the area of preparing our youth for Affirmation of Baptism is helping us to build a stronger Church. There are things that are common to all of us and each congregation has gifts to offer that will help us all to grow in faith and understanding as Lincoln County Lutherans. Beginning in September 2010 our TFA students will: • Instruction will begin in 6th grade and go for 3 years until the end of 8th grade. •

Groups will meet on Wednesdays based on school districts with the following arrangement: o RTR/Pipestone/Elkton meet at 5:30 pm to 7:00 in Tyler at the ROCK o Lincoln HI meet at 5:30 to 7:00 pm in Hendricks at Christ Lutheran o Minneota meet at 6:00 pm to 7:30 at Hope Lutheran.

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The second Sunday of the month from 5:30 to 7 pm students, parents and mentors will meet at various locations around the county for fellowship, fun and some learning about faith.

We will be using the HERE WE STAND confirmation program of Augsburg Fortress and are looking forward with great excitement to helping our youth experience the breadth and depth of the Christian faith that is right our their front door. The councils and pastors will continue to help guide our youth in this time of intentional living and learning in the faith. Households with TFA students be on the look out in July for more information coming in your mail.

Last Call for TFA Boot Camp: This summer we would like to try an experiment of a concentrated week of the instruction needed for Affirmation of Baptism by those under 18 years of age. August 9 to 12 are the days with class to run from 8:30 to 3:30 at a location determined by the make up of the class. This class will cover Old Testament, 10 Commandments and Holy Baptism. Please contact Pastor Julie [507-215-2388 or [email protected]] for more information and to express interest by July 10.

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SUCCESSFUL VBS AT BETHANY-ELIM / BETHANY By Nancy Krog “Let There Be Light” was the theme for Vacation Bible School led by Shetek Lutheran Ministries June 14 - 17. We had 39 students and 16 student volunteers who gathered through the week to strengthen their faith and know that the Lord is our light and our salvation. The talented Shetek counselors included Cari, Melissa, Breanne and Caden, and their enthusiasm for Christ was remarkable. The kids enjoyed singing, creating crafts, fun outdoor games and crazy skits put on by the student volunteers and Shetek counselors. The kids walked to the nursing home on Wednesday and shared some favorite songs with the residents. On Thursday night, we packed the church for our Celebration Program. The kids shared their songs and skits and we ate delicious potluck after worship. This successful week happened because of the graciousness of our congregation and community and we say THANK YOU! Thanks to Kevin & Nichelle Buffington, our host family, for providing lodging for our Shetek counselors all week, to the people who provided meals for the Shetek staff, to those who donated money to make this happen, to Bethany and Bethany-Elim WELCA groups for donating money to provide snacks during the week, to the student & adult volunteers who shared their time, and all the energetic children of God who participated in VBS…THANK YOU! SPECIAL NOTE: The VBS children will be singing during the Relay for Life on Friday, July 16th in Ivanhoe. You are invited to come down to Gilson Field and support our local Relay for Life and cheer for the kids while they spread God’s word!

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THANK YOU A HUGE thank you to everyone for the donations at the VBS potluck on Thursday night, June 17, at Bethany-Elim! Your continued support of the WXY Groups' trip to Eagle Butte is awesome. Even though you aren't going to swing a hammer, thank you for making it possible for others to go. It makes a huge statement when our WOTP can continue to send a team for outreach in another community. Thanks again for your prayer and financial support.

GRACE LUTHERAN NEWS By Darren Nelsen, Council President Church times for this September 2009 through next August 2011 were to be at 10:30am, but they will be at 8:30am instead due to the scheduling of the 10 year calendar planning of worship services. Please understand this is just planning of church service times—and they are subject to change if any more churches are added or subtracted. Again this is just planning only! Our church council has always met on the 3rd Wednesday but that will be changing due to TFA (Training for Affirmation 6th-9th grades) which will be on Wednesday's starting this September. Our new meeting date will be the 3rd Thursday of each month going forward. I would like to thank everyone who made Vacation Bible School a success again this year. I had the opportunity to stop in and watch for a while the one evening. It was a good refection time to remember what it was like when I went, and the things that are still the same and have changed. If you didn't get an opportunity to stop in this year, please stop in next year. May God Bless you, Darren

GRACE LUTHERAN VBS NEWS By Pat Johnson, Director Thank you to everyone for all the support given to put on our VBS "High Seas Expedition." We had 61 children attend during the week with 41 adults and church youth working very hard to put it on. Pastors - Steve & Julie, Vicar Jackie, Pastor Gene Anderson, and Jim Sorenson were able to lead in areas of music, opening & closing, and Bible Voyage. They always do a terrific job and it is wonderful for our elementary children to get to know them better. Our suppers before VBS went over tremendously. We served barbeques, pancakes & sausage, grilled cheese sandwiches, grilled hamburgers, along with chips, fresh fruit & vegetables, milk, and juice. Thank you to leader - Julienne Prosch; workers - Carol Dahl, Darlene Meyer, LaDon Prosch, and Darren Nelson for grilling. We are thankful for the food donations and how good it all tasted. Thank you to Kathy Johnson and Roni Williams for being my rovers - helping with registration, with the suppers, crafts, and with the children. I thank our crew leaders for a job well done with the children. Each one led a group of 5 children to 10

the different sites. From our church were Kim Hefti, Mindy Johnson, Tanya Berkenpas, Nancy Johnson, Chandra Prosch, and Tonia Czech(substitute). You showed much patience and caring. Thank you to Tonia & Mike Czech for leading our games and to Brandon Hefti for assisting. They always do a great job and the kids love their site. Thank you to our craft leader - Bernie De Ruyter and assisted by Brandee Miller. Crafts this year were "Foot Prints", painted cup whales, and painted wooden snakes. Bernie has wonderful ideas which the kids always enjoy making. Caleb Rasmusson and friends again provided our band. These college and high school kids are so willing to give of their time and talents to make it more exciting for us. We appreciate it very much and hope our payment in food makes it all worth it! Thank you to Michelle Kuhlman (from Peace) for being our song action leader and Sailor Jill. You did a fantastic job. Thank you to everyone who helped set up and take down our decorations. Thank you to Tonia Czech and Tanya Berkenpas for helping me paint the front big boards and Mindy Johnson for the lettering. A special thanks to Jerid Johnson and Mike Czech for putting the boards up. Not an easy task! Thank you to Mary & Rick Middlen for use of your decorations and all other donated/borrowed decorations and to Dave Busselman for building our map boards. Each year he has been very willing to help make my vision come true. Thank you to Roger Rudebusch for recording our program and to Heidi Thomssen for needed bulletin materials. It is much appreciated. We are thankful for the Methodist Church co-sponsoring this VBS and the Peace Lutheran children from Ruthton joining us and also their church contributions to put it on. We collected a cargo trunk full of food and staples for the local food shelf for our offerings. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CONTRIBUTED IN ANYWAY TO MAKING IT A GREAT SUCCESS!!!

GRACE LUTHERAN NOTES & DATES July Ushers: Bob Trigg, Doug Venekamp, Mike Vos, Ray Sportel July Altar Guild: Faye Meyer GLCW: Wednesday, July 7, 1:30 pm in the Fellowship Room. Guest Speaker will be Kathy Petersen, Shetek Ministries. Devotions by Darlene Willert. Hostesses are Eleanor Worth and Bernice Krog Bible Study: Wednesday, July 14. Hostess is Deloris Johansen.

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50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Lawrence & Marion Bennett will be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, July 31, 2010, at the Lake Benton Community Center from 2pm –5pm. Come and have lunch with them and help them celebrate!

PEACE LUTHERAN CALENDAR Monday, July 5, 5:30 p.m. – St. John Circle meets at the church. Tuesday, July 6, 9 a.m. – St. Matthew Circle meets at the home of Margaret Bruemmer. Tuesday, July 6, 2 p.m. – St. Mark Circle meets at the home of Valerie Petersen. Wednesday, July 14, 2 p.m. – PLCW Monday, July 26, 9 a.m. – Quilting Day July PLCW Meeting—July 14, 2pm Devotions – Valerie Petersen Program – Tracey Kuhlman Offering Meditation – Valerie Petersen Hostesses – St. John Circle

ST. PAUL’S NEWS Our Pie and Ice Cream Social will be on Sunday July 25th from 5-7pm. The menu consists of BBQ’s, hotdogs, chips, delicious pie/ice cream and beverage. This is one of big events and would like to cordially invite everyone to come to Minneota for a summer evening meal on that day. We enjoy visiting with and seeing our fellow WOTP members. We are truly blesssed to be a part of the WOTP parish. Again this July we are delivering Meals on Wheels in Minneota. We need volunteers for each day of July. There is a sign-up sheet at church or if you can help out, please call Mary Buysse at 872-6325. We continue to update our record books. So if you have life-event dates for your family…births, baptism, confirmation, weddings, deaths… please contact a church council member and submit them. Vacation Bible School. This year three churches in Minneota are working together to hold a community VBS. Hope Lutheran, St. Edward’s Catholic and St. Paul’s Lutheran invite all children preschool through 6th grade to join in this fun week August 9-13. The theme is the High Seas with many great stories and activities being planned. It will be held at Hope Lutheran each morning 9:00Noon. We also need volunteers to help out. If you have questions, can help out or would like to register, please call Sue Buysse at 872-6219. As you can see, July is a very busy month for St. Paul’s Lutheran in Minneota. May the Lord bless you and keep you in his guiding light.

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WOTP COUNCIL MINUTES June 8, 2010 A quorum was declared with the following people present: Karen Richmond, Sherry Rost, Randy Noble, Ron Madsen, Mary Gislason, Deb Baartman, Carole Larson, Carol Dahl , Phil Anderson and Ivan Coleman. Pastors Present: Julie and Vicar Jackie. Pastor Julie spoke about Vibrant Faith Frame. There are Six Places for shaping faith, Five Principles for passing on faith, Four Keys for practicing faith and Three Characteristics of Christian Disciples. We reviewed what is happening in each church. Bethany in Arco had a bike rodeo last Saturday. They had hot dogs before the Saturday night Service. St Paul’s in Minneota is working on a memorial for Jori Ann. Currently waiting for a stained glass design to view. Also looking forward to the Ice Cream Social on July 25th. Peace in Ruthton is having a Gospel Fest on July 4th. Grace in Lake Benton has Vacation Bible School going on this week. Bethany-Elim in Ivanhoe has Vacation Bible School coming up this week. On Thursday there will be a potluck for parents and grandparents of the students. They have put new bushes in front of the church. Emilirose is doing a wonderful job with the website. A motion was made by Phil to approve the agenda and seconded by Carol Larsen. It passed unanimously. A motion was made by Randy to approve the Secretary’s minutes and seconded by Sherry. It passed unanimously. Internship Committee: Christy Brewers had reported they were meeting monthly. Their next project is an on-line evaluation and meeting on July 1st. They have no issues of concern and have worked well as a team and with Vicar Jackie. Mutual Ministry Committee: Donna Kurth spoke with Karen Richmond. Her message was to communicate. Personnel Committee: Mary Middlen spoke with Pastor Steve. Ministry Team Reports: The schedule for worship times had a mistake but hopefully things have been straightened out and there is a schedule for the next 10 years. Ron Madsen made motion to accept the 10 year schedule and take it to the other Councils, 2nd by Carol Dahl. It passed unanimously.

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Julie wanted feed back to see if she should make up a schedule for acolytes. It was decided it would be left up to each individual church. Could there be a way to arrange furniture or other things to make it easier for the elderly in our congregations to receive communion? Would we be interested in communion ministers that would take communion to the homebound? Printing our own bulletins was discussed. We are currently paying $29.85 per month but if we changed, we could bring it down to $21.43 per month. We would purchase a license for copyrights and software. A motion was made by Ivan to try it for a year and seconded by Randy. Passed unanimously. Discuss times for Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Service for each church. Do we have a preference? It was brought up that we could order “Our Daily Bread” devotionals. It is a free publication (that accepts donations) with suggestions for daily readings. Enough could be ordered for each household. They could be picked up at the church and if it wasn’t picked up, the Evangelism Committee could deliver it. It was recommended that we take it back to our individual congregations to see if that is what we wanted to do. Between the Secretary’s Report, the Recording Secretary and the newsletter, we hope that we are keeping church records up to date. Linkages with churches outside of WOTP include a new plan for Training for Affirmation. The Pastors presented the Here We Stand, 3 year plan for Lincoln County Lutherans, clustering students by school and town. It includes other Lutheran churches in Tyler, Hendricks and Minneota and their pastors. Start in 6th grade after First Communion. 3 year rotation with monthly parent, mentor and student gathering. Based on school districts: RTR/Pipestone/Elkton; Lincoln HI, Minneota. They would have 6 different ministers instead of 3. When school is on, TFA is on. There would be time with small groups and larger groups. There was a recommendation by Randy and seconded by Sherry to follow the TFA in cooperation with Lincoln County Lutherans 3 year rotation plan. It passed unanimously. As another link with area churches, a Round Robin was discussed. It was suggested that we do the Round Robin for Advent in addition to Lent rather than during the summer. There haven’t been any more requests for use of the “Emergency Fund”. What had been disseminated was greatly appreciated. Reminder that record keeping software is available. The website for Winds Of the Prairie is very easy to follow. Again, thanks go out to Emilirose. WOTP Council will be the 2nd Tuesday of even months. Our next meeting will be August 10th at Ruthton. Pastor Steve arrived after a busy time at Bible School in Lake Benton.

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The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. We will be responsible for full medical coverage for the Anderson’s. A motion was made by Ivan and seconded by Phil to accept the Treasurer’s Report. It passed unanimously. Review of what to bring back to the individual councils. • Find a web page contact person. • Schedule your own acolytes. • Would you want to send people out that can serve communion? They would have to receive training. • Community Service. Find out when other services are in your community. • When would we like our Christmas service? Christmas Eve or Day and the time. • Would we want a Round Robin for Advent? • Would we be interested in the “Our Daily Bread” devotionals? How would we utilize them and where is evangelism used best? Pastor Steve said one of the projectors we have works when it feels like it and there is often a need for two at the same time. Cost for a new one would be $350-$700. We need one that is durable. It would be needed by September. A trailer is also needed for the different trips that are made. The van is full of passengers and the trailer would be needed for luggage. We can rent one from St. Stephens for $125 per week. Randy made a motion and it was seconded by Ivan to spend $500 for a DLP Projector. It passed unanimously. It was decided that we should check with Kendall & Treava Lundberg on what to look for if we purchase a trailer. We should also put in the bulletin and on the website that we are looking for a trailer to borrow or for donations so one can be purchased. The WOTP Council made plans for the Diamond Lake Service on June 30th. The Meeting was adjourned at 10:05 with the Lord’s Prayer.

July BBQ Study What could be better than a reason to gather, eat and study before the Wednesday Worship at Diamond Lake? Bring something to grill and utensils to eat and discuss. A Social Statement on Genetics draft is out and awaiting for us to read and give input as an expression of our faith for the world. The field of genetics makes new discoveries and develops new technologies that will affect all of us. This social statement is intended to set ethical boundaries for those who work in the field and use the technology developed. Feedback is due in early Fall so this is a great time to read and study together to offer our input. Copies can be obtained at www.elca.org or ask one of the pastors.

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Shetek Senior Adult Retreat: August 27-29, 2010

WHAT AN AWESOME WEEKEND!!! That is the statement heard after being part of the Sr. Adult Retreat. Come join us for an amazing time of fellowship, fun, crafts, worship, and more at Shetek Lutheran Ministries. Stay in our wonderful Lakota Retreat Center while being lead by an outstanding couple named Cy and Betty Jo Solberg. Each year this retreat grows and grows so you'll want to be sure to register as soon as you can. The next retreat will be. It is a Friday to Sunday stay with some of the best meals you may ever eat. To register call 507-763-3567 or visit www.shetek.org.

64th Annual Shetek Women’s Retreat Brochures are at each congregation for the Shetek Women’s Retreat on September 17 & 18, 2010. The theme is “Rejoice” with keynote speaker Jerry Dahmen on “I Love Life: The 6 Spiritual Principles for Successful Living . A great day of fun, food and fellowship for $30 at our wonderful Shetek Lutheran Ministries Camp on Lake Shetek.

July- ELCA Ministry of the Month Responding to the Word Serving our Neighbors Around the Corner and Around the World The ELCA, through its missionaries, companion churches, and partner agencies, works every day to proclaim the love of God and make the world a better place to live. While we are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, our hands reach out in partnerships across the globe. Since the ELCA administers these programs through the mission support of its congregations, 100 % of your contributions to go to help those in need.

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ELCA Disaster Response We help to bring God’s comfort, healing and renewal to those affected by disasters. And when the dust settles and the headlines change, we stay to provide ongoing assistance to those in need. • U.S. Flooding and Tornadoes... spring storms persist ... Add Tennessee and Mississippi to the list of states from Rhode Island to Texas and North Dakota to Florida facing long recovery from severe weather. • China Earthquake ... On April 14, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Yushu County in the Qinghai Province ... The ELCA commits $50,000 to aid partners in their relief efforts. • 7.2 magnitude earthquake strikes Chile... 3 quakes and more after shocks strike Mar. 11 ... While still recovering from Feb 27's devastation, Chileans are rocked by more seismic activity. The ELCA continues to provide support and assistance to its partners on the ground. • 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastates Haiti... largest earthquake in two centuries hits west of Port-auPrince ... ELCA partners with relief and government agencies mobilizing to provide aid and assessment. ELCA International Disaster Response Commits Funds to Haiti Relief ELCA members have given $10.5 million as of May 12, 2010. Give online at ELCA.org/haitiearthquake or call 800-638-3522.

Pastor’s Report for to May 20, 2010 to June 20, 2010 Worship

Education

4- Sundays Worships @ 5 congregations

11- Bible/Book Study

7- Nursing Home 4-Saturday Night

Meetings 6Council/Meeting

0-TFA

1-WELCA

2-VBS

1-WXY

1- Continuing Education

3-Synod 1-LCC

Pastoral Acts

Visits

2–Funeral

36- Home

1-Baptism

4-Hospital

6-Counseling 0-Wedding 0-Affirmatin of Baptism

3-Public Event

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PRAYER CONCERNS Bethany (Arco): Pray for the family of Earl Andersen. Pray for Kendall Lundberg, Luella Madsen, Elsie Barber, and Carol Marin (Beth Daniels’ Sister). Bethany-Elim (Ivanhoe): Pray for Dave Lawrence, Miranda Jo Engels, Ken Swanson, Greg VanOverbeke, Dawn Rund, Emily Clarke, Brenda Sheik, Michael Kropp (Ken Swanson’s son-in-law); Jackson Nelson (son of Ryan & Kate Nelson); Kristi Morelan, and Leann Wadsworth; Dareld Benz (brother of Mavis Nielsen); Nancy Resmen (sister-in-law of Bernadine Olsen); Linda Vlaminck (Sisterin-Law of Dave & Marlene Lawrence); Mary Grace Nelson (daughter of Ryan & Kate Nelson); and Mindy Linscheid (Sister-in-Law of Julie Nelson). Grace (Lake Benton): Pray for Larry Neuberger, Darrell Paulson, Joe Harris Sr., Earl Klitzke, Linda Borresen (Sister of Gerry Rochel), Paula Jacobson (daughter of Wayne & Annette Fehrman), Leann Wadsworth, and Chet Borresen Peace (Ruthton): Pray for Audrey Ranheim, Lavonne Fuhrmann and Cliff Kittelson. St. Paul (Minneota): Pray for Lyall Gislason, Reese Kompelien, Doris Richards, Clara DeRoode, and Crystal Gawarecki. Military Pray for the leaders of this nation and all the nations of the world that all may seek peace. Pray for those family and friends of the members of WOTP who serve in the military or reserve forces, especially Lucas Oerter, Scott Johnson, Anthony Nielsen, Jon Dougherty, Christian Vizecky, Jon and Jack Healy, Danielle Thomsen, Michael Colman, Ross, Ryan, Angela, and David Nelson, Allan Peterson, Brook Brown, Derrick Linneman, Todd Board, Kyle Sheik, Alyson Bylone, Steve VandeBerg, Jim Pedersen, Scott Lundberg, Aaron Darrel Lundberg, Justin Schmidt, Adam DeRoode, Pam Gregor, Paul Gregor, Jr., Corey Gregor, Christopher Gregor, Stephanie Christoffels, and Paul Gregor Tyler Nursing Home: Marjorie Meyer, Grace Lutheran Sigurd Nielsen, Grace Lutheran Divine Providence Nursing Home, Ivanhoe: Elsie Barber, Bethany Lutheran Dr. Mary Bird, St. Paul Lutheran Pat Metzen, Bethany-Elim Lutheran Hendricks Nursing Home: Harvey Noble, Bethany Lutheran Hilda Herschberger, Bethany-Elim Lutheran Veteran’s Home, Luverne: Evelyn Rudebusch, Grace Lutheran

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Church Registry Updates for January to June 2010 Baptisms Taetum Jay Stuefen, son of Gregory Stuefen and Charis Nielsen at Grace on Janaury 10. Emerson Leah Daugherty, daughter of KurtisDougherty and Hilary Bauling at Bethany on Janaury 10. Addysen Kay Kiley, daughter of Joshua Kiely and Stacy Sheik at Bethany-Elim on April 11. Kallie Jean Alderson daughter of Todd Alderson and Jennifer Werner on February 28 at Peace. Ethan Micheal Gomez, son of Damon Gomea and Amber Barber at Bethany on May 23 Affirmation of Baptism Preston Alderson and Megan Clake of Bethany-Elim on February14 Marriages Danny Vos and Holly Brinkmeyer of Grace on June 26 Transfer of Disciples Released: Todd, Angie, Rachel and Rory Board of Bethany-Elim Amber Noble Knogsjord of Bethany Transferred in: Robert Boll at Grace Rev. Eugene and Julie Anderson at Grace Funerals and Burials Larry W. Koenig of Tyler at Peace on Janaury 2. Mary Elizabeth Isfeld of Bethany-Elim on January 8. Dorene M. Nielsen of Peace on January 12. Geneva Rasmussen of Bethany on Janaury 23 with burial on June 11. Leona Arvilla Richmond of Bethany on February 6 with burial on April 24. Orlo F. Kruse of Peace on February 9. Ellen Alphina Hauschild of Bethany-Elim on February 19 Jack Burk of Grace on March 1. Jori Ann Magnuson on St Paul’s on April 8. Rosina Ritter of Grace on April 21. Earl Anderson of Bethany on May 28.

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