FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH 120 Faith Drive, Columbus WI 53925 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – ELCA South-Central Synod of Wisconsin

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR BOB Dear Friends in Faith, Last month (I’m writing in July) Lynne and I celebrated our 40th Wedding Anniversary. We were married on June 14, 1974, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Virginia, Minnesota; the congregation both Lynne & I grew up in. I remember the big party we had for my parents’ 40th anniversary. We decided to have it then because my Dad had early signs of dementia and we weren’t sure if we’d be able to celebrate a 50th anniversary with them. Thinking of that makes me feel my age, I’ll tell you. On the other hand, my parents were considerably older when they got married than Lynne & I were. We hope to have more than a few good years together yet! AND – we are happy to report – we WANT to have many years together yet! If you listen to what people say about marriage these days, you would get the impression that 40 year marriages like ours are almost as antique and vanishing as dial telephones! Everywhere you hear the statistic repeated as if it were established fact that “half of all American marriages end in divorce”! The only thing is: it’s fiction. A tragically discouraging urban legend. The “rumor” seems to be based on a misreading of statistics from the late 1970s and early 1980s when divorce rates peaked. In 1981, for example, there were 2.4 million marriages and 1.2 million divorces. At first glance, that would seem like a 50-percent divorce rate. However, those 1.2 million divorces came out of a national pool of 54 million marriages that already existed, most of which would never see divorce. Divorce rates are hard to calculate, partly because the government stopped keeping detailed statistics on divorce in 1996. What all experts do agree on is that, after more than a century of rising divorce rates in the United States, the rates abruptly stopped going up around 1980. It’s true that divorce rates are higher than they used to be. Researchers give rates all the way from less than 10% to more than 40% The bottom line is that marriage is still what it's always been: a commitment between two people who choose to remain faithful to each other. And they don't need to feel doomed because of scary statistics — least of all ones that are urban myths. Weddings in the church always point us to the example of God’s relationship to us. God has made an unshakable and trustworthy commitment to us. Trust is the foundation of all relationships. Sometimes trust is irreparably broken and marriages end. But, if trust can be maintained, all the blessings of long marriages are available. Living daily experiencing God’s faithfulness to us can help. Peace, Pr. Bob Moberg

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH 120 Faith Drive

Columbus, WI 53925 920-623-3610

Email: [email protected] Pastor Bob’s “open”: [email protected] Pastor Bob’s “private”: [email protected] Pastor Lisa’s “open”: [email protected] Website: www.faithcolumbuswi.org Robert V. Moberg, Pastor 920-623-4390 Lisa L. Nelson, Assistant Pastor 608-834-8412 Sandra Schieble, CRPM 608-712-2910 Ruth Nordal, Administrative Assistant 920-210-3234 Wendy Corlett, Treasurer 920-210-2940

CHURCH COUNCIL Jeanne Miller 920-326-3111 President Tisha Kurth 920-763-2800 V. President Worship/Multimedia Committee Liaison Jim Schieble 920-763-3433 Secretary Staff Support Committee Liaison Jennifer Herzberg 920-484-3849 Social Ministry Committee Liaison Eric Hoffmann 608-843-9958 Finance Committee Liaison Tom Mitchell 608-609-1766 Stewardship Committee Liaison Todd Morris 920-623-1978 Youth/Property Committee Liaison Bev O’Brion 920-484-3473 Evangelism Committee Liaison Lisa Sebranek 920- 623-5112 Education Committee Liaison

FROM BISHOP MARY FROILAND (from The South–Central Synod’s July E-Magazine)

Just What I’ve Been Thinkin’ About . . . This life, therefore, is not godliness but the process of becoming godly, not health but getting well, not being but becoming…. We are not now what we shall be, but we are on the way. The process is not yet finished, but it is actively going on. This is not the goal but it is the right road. This quote from Martin Luther reminds us that life is a journey, not a destination; a process, not completion. Recently, I learned of the unexpected death of a member of the congregation I last served. I had grown close to this man and his family over the last couple of years as he struggled with serious health issues. Even though I am no longer this family’s pastor, I grieve for their loss and hold them close in prayer. I am grateful for the journey we shared for a while. As we walk through this life we are blessed to be accompanied along the way by different people for varying lengths of time. Each of these companions on the way brings their own unique and special gifts to us during the time we share, just as they leave a little of themselves with us and take a little bit of us with them when our paths diverge. People enter and leave our lives at various points along our life’s journey, but the God in whose hands all of life is held, is ever at our side – walking life’s path with each person, accompanying, guiding, at times carrying, but never letting us go alone. As we enter and leave one another’s lives, we entrust ourselves and those we love to the grace and care of God. Throughout our lives we say goodbye to people who have grown dear to us and at the same time we welcome new companions. I am honored and privileged to walk this road for a while with each of you. God’s peace, Bishop Mary Froiland

Walk Together With Us. Subscribe today: [email protected] Follow Our Blog: http://ontheroadwithyoursynodstaff.wordpress.com/ Like us on Facebook: http://bit.ly/SCSWELCA Phone: 608-270-0201 Website: www.scsw-elca.org

Photos of “Wisconsin Paths”

ELCA South-Central Synod of Wisconsin

by Rev. Mary Kay Baum

2909 Landmark Place, Suite 202 Madison, WI 53713 b

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August 20142

COUNCIL HI-LIGHTS

On the Lighter Side. . .

July 8, 2014 Pastor Bob shared publications from the synod and Bishop Mary regarding discernment on social issues affecting the church. He asked council members to study them for discussion at future meetings. The Evangelism Committee has completed a promotional brochure for Faith that has gone to the printer. Funds for the printing came from Faith Projects. Discussed how to provide congregational opportunities sharing information about the proposed sale of the parsonage. Jim Schieble Council Secretary JUNE TREASURER’S REPORT GENERAL FUND Beginning Balance Deposit in Transit Transfer to/from Savings Current Month Receipts Disbursements BALANCE

$ 2,983.79 $ 510.00 $ $ 17,089.05 $ (19,483.16) $ 1,099.68

Think Scrip for School and Sports School is just around the corner. That means school supplies, fall fashion, and all the latest gear is needed to get our kids ready to succeed! Scrip is ready to meet the challenge, and every Scrip purchase will help Faith. It is a WIN-WIN! Need some ideas? Scrip has Walmart, Shopko, Target, Staples, Kohl’s, Old Navy, RadioShack, Gap, Lands’ End, Eddie Bauer, Aeropostale, iTunes, jcpenney, Best Buy and lots more! And don’t forget the sports. Plan ahead before the trip to the sporting goods store, and purchase your Scrip. Every purchase of Scrip helps Faith’s ministries. Run to buy your Scrip for Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, Cabela’s, Target, Dunham’s Sports, Under Armour, Shopko, Nike, adidas, MC Sports, Gander Mountain, Amazon.com and many more! And if you are at the store, and forgot your scrip, you can buy and use instantly from your smart phone. Just talk to Troy to get it set up. For every purchase of Scrip, Faith retains a small percent of the purchase that helps support our ministries. And those small percentage gifts to Faith are tax deductible at the end of the year. It only makes sense to use Scrip for all your purchases. For more information, including how to buy Scrip online, contact Troy Tadych ([email protected], 920.623.9514), or click over to our website (http://faithcolumbuswi.org/church-news#scrip).

August 2014

When God sends you help, don’t ask questions. She hurried to the pharmacy to get medication, got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys inside. The woman found an old rusty coat hanger left on the ground. She looked at it and said, “I don’t know how to use this.” She bowed her head and asked God to send her some HELP. Within 5 minutes a beat-up old motorcycle pulled up, driven by a bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag. He got off his cycle and asked if he could help. She said: “Yes, my daughter is sick. I’ve locked my keys in my car. I must get home. Please, can you use the hanger to unlock my car?” He said, “Sure.” He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was open. She hugged the man and through tears said, “Thank you so much! You are a very nice man.” The man replied, “Lady, I am NOT a nice man. I just got out of PRISON yesterday; I was in prison for car theft.” The woman hugged the man again sobbing. “Oh, thank you God! You even sent me a Professional!” Is GOD great or what!?!

Thanks to . . . -Dianne Patrick, Sue Mathwich, Sally Price, Jodi Smith, Jennifer Edwards and Betty Rahn for helping assemble the July NEWSLETTER. -Sally Price, Diane Patrick, Donna Hankes, Scott Mathwich, Bev O'Brion, Jennifer Herzberg, Betty Baxter, and DeAnn Gaska. Your time spent checking in our members for their photo directory sessions was greatly appreciated!

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Friesland Community Men’s Chorus On June 22nd the Evangelism Committee presented the Friesland Community Men’s Chorus concert. It was a delightful afternoon and there were 156 attendees. The Evangelism Committee furnished a nice lunch for the Chorus and their spouses. All the food was donated by the Committee. It would not have been accomplished without the help of members of Faith. We especially want to thank Denny Langfeldt, Jim Schieble, Erin Bussian, Dennis Sampolinski, Rod Patrick, Rod Schubert and Merlyn Lienke for hauling the risers from the high school and helping with the setup and returning the risers to the high school on Monday morning. After the concert Sue and Scott Mathwich, John and Norri Brozek and Tim Meeusen and others mentioned above helped take down the risers and clean up the area. Also to Peter Kaland for helping with the sound system and taking the stool (that a chorus member left behind) to Pardeeville for their next concert. We also want to thank Pastor Bob for participating in the service. The offering received was $655.00 and we sent to a check of $300 to the Chorus for appreciation of their fine concert. Thank you to all who attended.

Confirmation Retreat The Overnight Confirmation Retreat for all confirmands being confirmed on Sunday, October 19, 2014 is set for August 2223 at Lutherdale Bible Camp, Elkhorn, WI. Plan to leave Faith at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 22 and return around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 23. Remember to bring money for your Friday evening meal in Whitewater, towels, toiletry items, sleeping bag, pillow, and anything else you will need to stay over at the camp. Most important! Remember to bring your Bible, a pen, the final draft of your Statement of Faith, PLUS the names and addresses of your baptismal sponsors. Don’t forget some ‘soda money’ and ‘munchies’ for Friday evening. If you have not done so, your retreat payment of $45.00 is due to Ruth by Sunday, August 3. Congratulations to Marissa and Adam Aeschlimann on the birth of their daughter, Flynn Kay Ann born Thursday, July 10 at Meriter Hospital in Madison. Grandparents are Paul and Barb Bergum . Heigh ho! Heigh ho! It’s off to camp we go! Lutherdale Bible Camp: Claire Walz Have a great time!

For all those Spaghetti Supper watchers, the date is October 11. Please keep the date open for volunteering, making bars and cookies, Pumpkin Patch donations, or anything else you would like to do to help. But especially please keep it open to come and EAT! Thank you! 4

OOPS! We forgot to include the enclosed envelope in the giving statements. If you would like to use it to catch up on your giving or simply to give more, please feel free. And thanks for using your own stamp. God’s blessing on your summer! Pr, Lisa.

Eric and Jenny Anthon, Bill and Linda Bussian, Bill and Trina Byrne, Pat and Wendy Corlett, Gene and Connie Frey, Donna Hankes, Fred and Pat Hurckman, Christi Jurgerson, Pete and Judy Kaland, Dawn Kaminski, David and Lori Kikkert, Tom and Renee Meister, Joel and Luanne Miller, Tim and Kristie Rozinski, Steve and Judy Rubert, Jim and Sandra Schieble, Eric and Heather Schultz, Carl and Beth Simons, Jim and Jodi Smith, Kim Steers, Rick and Sandy Tjugum, Linda Ulmer.

Celebrate your special day!

THE RED TENTERS’ BOOKCLUB For our August selection we are reading Obituary Writer by Ann Hood. We will meet on Thursday, August 28, 7pm at the home of Emma Jones. New members are always welcome to join us. . Vacation Bible School

Attention.. VBS IS CANCELLED… Attention! Please note that VBS has been canceled due to low registration. We are sad to announce this cancellation, but look forward to trying again next summer.

August 2014

Attention all Sunday school families! Sunday School begins September 7th at 9:20am (between the services). Please complete and return a registration form to the church office by August 31st. Thank you to the many wonderful people who have volunteered to teach Sunday school this year! We still have a need for teachers and assistants. If you are interested in helping contact Melody Tadych (623-9514) or ([email protected]). Please consider helping in this very rewarding opportunity to serve our church by spreading the Word of God to children!

This ‘n That The "Fur, Fin & Feathers" committee thanks the volunteers that helped with the July 4 parade food stand fundraiser, for the community fellowship event that will be held on Thursday, October 23. The Labyrinth & Prayer Garden committee thanks those who donated their "Jung Dollar" coupons. We saved $33 for maintenance supplies. We purchased three sizes of chunk bark mulch for the Living Cross planter and Labyrinth planters and tree disk landscaping.

third Grade Bibles Third grade students will receive their Bibles on September 14 during the 10:30 service. There will be a two part introduction for third graders AND their parents on Saturday, September 6, 910:15 and Sunday, September 14 during the Sunday school hour which begins at 9:20am.

August 2014

August Birthday’s Jim Agnew, Peggy Agnew, Jarod Alvarez, Bob Ayer, Presley Beck, McKenzye Bruss, Amber Bussian, Trina Byrne, Meredithe Campbell, Eric Carney, Karen Decker, Gary Ducat, Stephanie Dykstra, Sandra Ebert, Megan Ferrera, Emily Fritz, Esther Gaumitz, Abby Halfmann, Martin Halfmann, Kristen Hart, Dick Hartl, Sue Hewitt, Bill Hoene, John Hood III, Fred Hurckman, David Jakel, JoAnn Johnson, Breanna Kelly, Josh Kirchberg, Jamine Kurth, Retta Kurth, Tisha Kurth, Wilhelmina Mickelson, Colleen Miller, Luanne Miller, MaKayla Mitchell, Lynne Moberg, Caroline Morris, Joseph Morris, Bill Murray Jr., Cindy Nickell, Noelle Niehoff, Pia Penzotti, Zachary Rohrbeck, Michael Rowe, Lyle Sampson, Brody Scheeler, Connie Schultz, Heather Schultz, Holly Schuster, Lillian Schuster Noah Sebranek, Debbie Talg, Reta Thies, Darlene Tjugum, Jan Ulrich, Teegan Weidemann, Tanner Wescott, Karin Westlake.

PASTORAL ACTS

June 29, 2014 Mayson Carter Freeman Parent: Mitchell Freeman July 20, 2014 Liam Steven Schiesl Parents: Richard and Nicole Schiesl

There's going to be lots of excitement happening in August-September!

Confirmation Orientation for parents and students in grades 6, 7 and 8 on August 27 from 5:45-7:00pm. September 7 is Rally Sunday. Attention Sunday school staff! The full Sunday school staff will be installed on Sept. 7 at the 8:00 service. September 14 is Backpack Blessing Sunday. Bring you backpacks and briefcases and place them in front of the altar before worship. We will be blessing them during both worship services. Third graders will have a Bible Class with Pr. Lisa at 9:20 and then receive their Bibles at the 10:30 service.

Televised Service Times Digital channel 980 Cable channel 98 Faith’s worship services are aired on the following days and times: Monday @ 9:00am Tuesday @ 9:00am Wednesday @ 9:00am Thursday @ 9:00am Friday @ 9:00am

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Friesland Men’s Choir Sunday, June 22.

August 1

2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 13 14 17 18 19

20 21 22

23 26 27 28 29 6

Kelli Campbell Roger Westphal Hannah Fox David Utz Bethany Patrick Gavin Bruss Deborah Severson Ted Miller Abigail Fox Grady Ganta Tisha Kurth Larry Haseman Pr. Lisa Nelson Norri Brozek Chris Roelke Dana Kelly Jim Agnew Hunter Hurckman Scott Vick Emma Baxter Blake Kurth Cade Kurth Liam Thelen Shavlik Schultz Gary Ducat Mitchell Freeman Kelsey Dauman Melissa Miller Don Link Kailey Schroud Mary Larson Jordyn Jansen Jason Gaska Teegan Weidemann Emily Anthon Megan Meister Dustin Miller Jessica Gaska

The following Evangelism Committee members prepared and served the chorus members a delicious meal following the concert: Marcia McMullen, Judy Kaland, Joyce Lienke, Linda Huebner, Pat Schellin and Sally Price. 30

Danielle Wolf Karin Westlake Rachel Paul

Connor Graffin, Wilhelmina Mickelson, Jacob Peterson, Lucas Simons, Rick Tjugum

address change Jamie Knudson 299 Arbor Vitae Drive Marshall WI 53559-9238 Dan and Janelle Cashmore 13859 W La Salle PL Lakewood CO 80228-4741

August 2014

Fourth of July - 3 FFF’s @ Faith Food Stand Fundraiser

Update from the Finance Committee: We met financial obligations in June without using the line of credit. June is the one of our higher expense months due to insurance premiums. Premiums are about $2400 every six months. After June payroll was made and bills paid, we have $1000 remaining in our savings account. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your blessings, and guide us for the upcoming summer months when giving is down.

2014 Needed Monthly

Giving

2013 Needed Monthly Giving

January

$19,290

$12,509.62

$18,252

$15,677.72

February

$19,290

$14,551.92

$18,252

$16,324.32

March

$19,290

$16,202.12

$18,252

$15,422.75

April

$19,290

$25,154.03

$18,252

$22,814.66

May

$19,290

$13,847.81

$18,252

$14,337.58

June

$19,290

$17,089.05

$18,252

$14,927.20

July

$19,290

$18,252

$15,173.20

August

$19,290

$18,252

$13,655.62

September

$19,290

$18,252

$16,766.44

October

$19,290

$18,252

$14,609.04

November

$19,290

$18,252

$16,923.74

December

$19,290

$18,252

$29,303.98

Average Monthly Giving

August 2014

$16,559.09

$17,161.35

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Faith Lutheran Church

Faith Lutheran Church

NONPROFIT ORG

120 Faith Drive

U.S. Postage

Columbus WI 53925-1602

PAID Columbus, WI 53925

Returned Service Requested

Permit No. 70

THE AUGUST

NEWSLETTER Faith...Serving God...Serving People

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

MISSION STATEMENT Joyfully recognizing God’s commitment and faithfulness to us, FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH exists to serve God through serving God’s people. We eagerly work towards the realization of God’s Kingdom by: 

Offering praise-filled worship to God.

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Nurturing individual spiritual growth.

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Fostering an environment of caring and acceptance.

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Reaching out to serve the needs of our community.

God’s love stirs us to touch others with the same love we have received—and invites them to share our life of praise and service. Faith Lutheran Church (ELCA) Columbus, Wisconsin

We’re on the web: www.faithcolumbuswi.org

AS MEMBERS OF FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH WE PROMISE: 

To attend services regularly.

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To support the congregation financially.

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To live responsibly as a Christian witness.

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To become as involved as possible in the total life and work of the congregation.

And this we promise to do by the help of God.

FAITH’S TOP PRIORITY VISIONING GOALS: 

Equip all our members for lifelong spiritual growth and ministry.

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Continue and build upon our tradition of being an accepting congregation that welcomes and serves all. Adopted March 2010