September Newsletter From the Pastor While some of you may have already seen the article below I recognize most of you have not. I am reprinting it in this newsletter so that we can all be better informed as to what is going on in our synod. Continue to pray for your synod and those who lead her. I’m sure we will be hearing more about the work that needs to be done when the new president has time to “get his feet wet”. Newly elected WELS President Mark Schroeder and former president Karl Gurgel together are urging delegates to take home a message of unity as they head back to their home congregations. In interviews with WELS Director of Communications Joel Hochmuth as the 59th biennial convention concluded, both discussed their hopes for the synod’s future and their confidence in the Lord to provide. “From day one there was no doubt that we all have the same beliefs, we have the same core beliefs, and we have the same mission—to spread the gospel and to declare his praises,” says former president Gurgel. “This convention, even though it was facing some tremendous challenges, was the most optimistic and positive conventions that I’ve witnessed,” says Pres. Schroeder. “In spite of the problems we face, with God’s help we can move forward.” Before leaving, the delegates adopted a series of resolutions that keep Michigan Lutheran Seminary (MLS), Saginaw, Mich., open. The convention amended a proposal from the Synodical Council (SC) that would have closed MLS at the end of the 2007-08 school year. The budget adopted by the convention alters the SC proposal by adding $600,000 to the 2008–09 budget for World Missions and $2 million to the 2008-09 budget for the Board for Ministerial Education. With inflationary factors and other spending authorized by the convention, former president Gurgel said the conventionapproved budget requires an increase in Congregation Mission Offerings of $3 to $4 million.
To fund the increase, the resolutions call for a special stewardship effort to emphasize long-term spiritual growth, and direct the Conference of Presidents to maintain and enhance current funding efforts, and authorize a special offering to reduce synodical debt. “It’s a huge challenge the delegates have ascribed to themselves,” says Gurgel. “It’s not a huge challenge for God. Trusting God and working together as brothers and sisters, we can achieve this huge challenge that we’ve laid out.” “This convention sets a clear direction that focuses not on reductions and cutbacks but a direction that says under God we will grow,” says Pres. Schroeder. “I think that is what connects all of us to this idea that the mission of the church is to proclaim the gospel.” If necessary, the convention has directed the SC to make adjustments to the 2008-09 budget primarily from Ministry Support, internal borrowing repayment, or Parish Services, and that every effort be made to retain budgets for the Board for Home Missions, the Board for World Missions, and the Board for Ministerial Education. “My belief is that even though the problems ahead are daunting, we have a renewed resolve to work and walk together,” says Pres. Schroeder. Gurgel said he’s praying for Pres. Schroeder as he addresses those problems. “My prayer is he first listens to God and then listens to God’s people, and that the people of God listen to him as he seeks to work in support of the Lord’s mission.”
PASTORAL ACTS Wedding: Richard Stelter and Lisa Vlaminck were united in marriage on August 4th at Christ Lutheran Church. Funeral: Alice Raine received a Christian funeral and burial on Monday, August 27th, 2007. Mrs. Raine went to meet her Heavenly Father on August 24th at the age of 88.
Anniversary Celebration On Sunday, September 16th, in the 10:30 AM service, we will recognize the 40 years in the preaching ministry by Rev. Ziebell. Following the service we will host a catered meal and a program at Samuel Lutheran School. Please return your RSVP card by Thursday, September 6th if you plan to attend the meal.
Christ Ev. Lutheran Church (507)532-9359 Samuel Lutheran School (507)532-2162 www.christlutheran-marshallmn.org Office and Mailing Address: 500 Village Drive Marshall, MN 56258 Keith Schreiner, Pastor (507)532-9187 or (507)828-3333 William Ziebell, Pastor (507)865-4661 or (507)530-7923 John Festerling, Principal (507)872-6353
MEMORIALS GIVEN IN MEMORY OR HONOR Mass Media
In Memory of Carol Affolter’s sister Given by Don and Dora Schultz
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In Memory of Marlys Wohlers Given by Charleen (Kleine) Helgesen
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In Memory of Donald Cahow and Marlys Wohlers Given by Robert & Trudy Madetzke
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In Memory of Don Cahow, Arlys Swanson, & Marlys Wohlers Given by Teri Knutson
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In Memory of Marlys Rohlin Wohlers Given by Anne Rockman, Rudy and Laura Kehren, Allen and Beverly Affolter, Kasey and Shane Baker, Dave and Elaine Sandquist, Don and Jo Palmer, Stanley Schlorf, Duane and Shirley Londgren, Bob and Una Rons, Steve Paxton, Arlene Kleine, Ruth Pagel, Louise Krause, Fred and Vicky Mattson, Clara Affolter, Annie Eggert, Jeanne and Robert Korr, Dwayne and Marilyn Tegels, Steve and Sandy Knutson, John and Kathy Paxton, Louise Kuick and Family, Tom and Ginny Musser. Gift to Samuel School In Memory of Marlys Rohlin Wohlers Given by Elenora Wichmann Mass Media
In Memory of Arthur Pequin
Given by Gene Pequin
Education Sunday We all know how important a good education is. We spend lots and lots of money educating our children. We want to make sure that they have all the tools to succeed in life. If that is how highly we regard secular education, how much more important should the training of the souls of our children be? God has given us a wonderful textbook to use for educating our souls. His Holy Word alone reveals what we really need to know for this life and the one to come. On Sunday, September 9th we will focus on how important the work of “Christian” education is. That day we will also hold our Sunday School registration between the worship services. Children from ages 3 years to those entering the 8th grade will be able to register for class. Everyone, even those who don’t have children to register, is invited to enjoy a donut, juice and coffee in the basement. Our first Sunday School class will be on Sunday, September 23rd.
Bible Class Education does not stop when we get a little older. It is important to keep learning for our entire life. And what could be more important and better to learn than God’s Word? For that reason everyone is invited to come to the Bible Class that is held between services on Sunday mornings. We meet in the church proper about 9:25 AM after the Sunday School children have finished singing their songs. This year our first topic for discussion will be the Book of 2 Corinthians. There are many practical teachings to be learned from this book. Maybe we in America have more in common with those first century people living in the city of Corinth than we imagine. Our first class will be held on Sunday, September 23rd.
Public School Confirmation Classes for our Public School Confirmation students will be held on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 PM. These classes are for those in grades 6, 7, and 8. All classes will be held at Samuel School. Our first class is scheduled for September 12th. In an effort to make sure that Pastor, parents, and pupils are on the same page an orientation meeting will take place on September 12th before class begins. Parents, please go into the school with your students. The meeting will be short!
College Addresses If you have a student attending college this year please have them fill out a registration card for the synod. They are lime green and located on the tract rack near the basement steps. Also be sure to call the church office and give us all the information so we can send them newsletters, etc.
Choir To prepare for our first singing on September 16th we will begin practice on September 5th at church. To get an extra practice we will meet on Sunday the 9th after rolls and coffee. The third practice will be on Wednesday, September 12th. Wednesday practices will begin at 7:30 PM. All are welcomed to join us as we begin another year of singing praises to our Lord.
Christ Lutheran Golf Outing - CLGO You can sign up to golf on the sheet by the bulletin board in church. The date is Sunday, September 9th. The location is the Minneota Golf Club. The time is 2:30 PM. Remember it is a 4 person best ball scramble so any skill level can participate. It is open to confirmed members of Christ. For more information pick up a sheet on the table by when you sign up.
What Should I Save for Samuel School 1.
Campbell’s Labels for Education (www.labelsforeducation.com) Please save the UPC codes from most Campbell’s products. (Lids and caps are required from Prego sauces and V8 juices) Please remind your family and friends that the UPC codes are needed rather than the front panels of the labels.
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Box Tops for Education (www.boxtops4education.com) New products continue to be added to the list of eligible products. Check out the website for more information concerning this program. Some products currently have up to five box tops per product rather than one so please be sure to save all the box tops. If you have not registered on the website, consider signing up since our school receives bonus points for new registrants. You may also print off coupons for personal use. In addition to saving box tops for our school, the program offers online shopping and a credit card (with percentages going to our school.).
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Cartridges for Kids – Save cartridges (laser, fax, copier, and inkjet), cell phones, laptops, PDAs, iPods, digital cameras, and video systems including consoles and games. All these items may be either working or nonworking. If possible, please include all power cords and accessories. Working DVD movies are also now accepted. If you have the original cartons for cartridges, please include them also.
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Pop Tabs – Collect pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald Houses. The classroom with the most pop tabs by weight per student receives McDonald’s shakes at the end of the school year.
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Aluminum Pop Cans – Please put in plastic bags,.
Please drop off the pop cans at school, but the remaining items may be brought to church or school. Your help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
LADIES AID - August 2 Submitted by Jo Palmer Pastor Schreiner chose the hymn, “All Mankind Fell in Adam’s Fall”. His Bible study topic was from Genesis 3, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and falling into sin. President Rockman opened the meeting by welcoming everyone. She thanked Pastor for his lesson and Teri for playing the piano. The secretary’s report was read and approved. The treasurer’s report was read. Committee Reports Visiting: Florence Blowers visited Alice Raine and Jo visited Louise Rankin, Lucille Nylen, and Alice Raine. Cards Sent in June: 5-Birthday, 2-Anniversary, 1-Baptism, and 1Get Well Cards Sent in July: 3-Anniversary, 1 Sympathy, 8-Get Well and 3Birthday Kitchen: Joan Sorenson and Jennifer Schreiner cleaned the kitchen and 2 angels cleaned the ovens. Flowers: Don Cahow funeral and Marlys Wohlers funeral Funeral: Don Cahow-well attended and we received a donation of $75. A thank you was sent to Alona Cahow as well as Charles Swanson. Activities: Teri reported that plans are proceeding for Pastor Ziebell’s 40th Anniversary in the ministry. She mentioned if anyone has any pictures of Pastor Ziebell that they would like to share, to get in touch with one of the committee members. Old Business: July picnic was at Independence Park on July 12th. It was well attended by members of Mission Society and Ladies Aid. Good food and fellowship was had by all. New Business: The officers of Aid had decided to make a stole as the gift for Pastor Ziebell’s Anniversary. We asked the ladies to vote on the end of the stole, flat with fringe or tapered with piping. The latter was chosen. They also chose Luther’s crest to be put on the stole. Teri Knutson will make the stole and Winnie Barber will do the embroidery. LWMS: The Fall Rally will be at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Watertown, SD on October 13th. OWLS: Meeting on August 14th at 10:00 AM at St. Matthew’s in Danube.
Flowers in September: Jennifer Schreiner Serving in September: Arlene Kleine and Lillian Petersen Roll Call: 16 members, 1 guest, and Pastor Schreiner Birthdays: Arlene Kleine and Darlene Schultz Motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Pastor Schreiner led us in the Lord’s Prayer and Table Prayers. Deb Herrmann served fruit and vegetable pizza. It was so good. She also served nuts, mints, lemonade and coffee.
Mission Society – August 9, 2007 submitted by Joyce Flock The meeting was called to order by President Pam Ellingson thanking and welcoming those present. We began by singing hymn #147, “Like the Golden Sun Ascending” accompanied by Pam Ellingson. Our devotion was led by Pastor Ziebell informing our group on the Lectionary Series that are listed in the front of the hymnal starting on page 163. They list the 2 lessons, Gospel, and Psalms for each religious day of the church year. Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports were read and approved. LWMS: October 13, 2007 will be the Fall Rally at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Watertown, South Dakota. Cards: 3 were sent Activities: On-going plans for Pastor Ziebell’s ministerial anniversary celebration on September 16, 2007. CAMM: nothing new Altar Care and Communion: nothing new MLC Auxillary: nothing new No old or new business presented. Next meeting is September 13, 2007 at 7:30 PM Roll Call was taken with 9 present plus Pastor Ziebell The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer and Common Table Prayer said in unison. Treats were served by Connie Gruhot. September: Serving: Julie Festerling Flowers: Jennifer Schreiner Communion: Julie Festerling and Pam Lundberg Altar Care: Julie Festerling October: Serving: Jennifer Schreiner Flowers: Merna Thomsen Communion: Jennifer Schreiner and Lori Biastock Altar Care: Jennifer Schreiner
SOMETHING NEW! YOU CAN HELP!
Samuel Lutheran School now saves register tapes from County Fair! The program runs from September 1, 2007 – March 31, 2008. The value of the register tapes will then be redeemed for free educational supplies and equipment such as tempera paint, maps, and computer printers. Please drop off your County Fair receipts at church or school. Thanks for participating in the program!
