newsA shelter in Christ transforming lives July 2019 Tuesday, July 2

8:30 a.m. Men's Bible Study* 9:30 a.m. Women's Bible Study*

Wednesday, July 3 6:30 p.m. Women's Bible Study*

Thursday, July 4 OFFICE CLOSED

Saturday, July 5 8:30 a.m. Men's Bible Study*

Sunday, July 7 - Communion 9 a.m. Worship* Adult Bible Study* 10:30 a.m. Worship* Adult Bible Study* 11 a.m. ConnectKIDS at the Larks BB game

Monday, July 8 Sr. High at Crystal Springs

Tuesday, July 9 11:30 a.m. Thrivent coffee hour

Sunday, July 14 9 a.m. Summer Sunday School 8 p.m. Guatemala team meeting

Monday, July 15 Intermediate Camp at Crystal Springs 7 p.m. Mission guest at Charity

Tuesday, July 16 Guatemala Mission team departs 5:30 p.m. Vision Council

Friday, July 19 Newsletter deadline

Tuesday, July 25 2 p.m. Amazing Grays bus trip

Sunday, July 28 7 a.m. Freedom Fellowship 9 a.m. Children's Sermon

Wednesday, July 31 3:30 p.m. ConnectKIDS event

* Repeats weekly ** Repeats every other week

Please check the website for updates and schedule changes.

The Tuesday 3 p.m. Prayer in the Chapel group will not be meeting in July. Prayer resumes Tuesday, Aug.6.

Charity's campus has some good stewards busy keeping the grounds looking good. Thanks to Scott Carter, Laura Kourajian, Rob Erickson, Karl and Lori Lemmerman, Marian Fluharty and Duane Bentz for weeding and caring for the plants. One beautiful June day, the flower bed had a little help with weeds from Elsa McEvers. (Terri McEvers photo)

Birthdays and anniversaries page 2Vision Council highlights page 3From the pastor page 4Family feedback form page 5Pastor Bob and Patti page 6INSIDE

2 - Charity Connections

July 1 Nicky Korsmo Rachel Neumiller Thomas Swanson July 2 Christie Leno Brecken Sellers July 3 Mitch Kost Harper Kuether Brandon Schaffer July 4 Barb Berglund Duane Kuehn July 5 Rita Jahner Bruce Roth July 6 Eduardo Abbona Sarah Erickson Ginger Keller July 7 Elsa Balzum Carol Hineman Codie Kae Lawler Chad Maier Kadence McEvers Donald Schmid July 8 Brad Braun Kent Farley Liam Lang Sidney Mann Josh Peshek Leonides Torgerson

July 9 Bryce Lasher Matthew Nisbet Lynn Oby Jill Trygg

July 11 Isaac Lewis Angie Milakovic July 12 Toni Haider July 13 Wyatt Berg Norah Broderson Kendyl Milas Felicia Schumacher

July 14 Sarah Coleman Harlan Faragher

July 15 Rick Collin Wayne Levang July 16 Derek Hill Cambree Milas July 17 Mallory Kaldor Rupa Kindel Luke Naslund Amanda Schwartzbauer July 18 Matthew Kaldor

July 20 Erma Roesler July 21 Laci Hegstad Byrdi Naasz July 22 Jaxon Hill Noah Weaver Jasmine Wutzke July 23

Kari Leet Kara Milakovic Logan Schaffer July 24 Nevada Jorgenson Lexi Miller Lorri Mittleider July 25 Zander Berg Charles Coleman Zoey Phillips July 26 Kevin Kindel Quinn Neset Joshua Wood July 27 Josie Buntrock Stephanie Marrufo Jason McEvers July 29 Alyssa Cahoon Caryn Iverson Michael Smith Jeff Uline Renee Walz July 30 Mikaela Dosch Braydan Wahl

July 31 Micah Coleman Barbara Dwyer Jocelyn Haider Kaydence Haider

CharityLutheran.org

July 2 – Jeff and Heidi Brown July 2 – Brian and Tamra Churchill July 2 – Kyle and Kelli Kuether July 3 – Bob and Linda Bucholz July 3 – Bob and Melodie Schulz July 7 – Jack and Yvonne Fisher July 8 – Marlin and Leanne Fried July 8 – Mark and Nicolette Johnson July 9 – Phil and Janet Sand July 11 – Judah and Bridget Coleman July 13 – Eliason and Eliza Bullock July 13 – Michael and Marian Fluharty July 14 – Randy and Shelley Traynor July 16 – Daniel and Sherri Samuelson July 17 – Bradley and Amy Hofmann July 19 – Ken and Julie Slag July 22 – Fay and Lynn Connell July 22 – Norlyn and Patty Swenson July 23 – Steven and Joanne Harrington July 23 – Brandon and Tiffany Reisenauer July 24 – Duane and Darlene Bentz July 24 – William and Carol Hineman July 25 – Kerry and Mavis Mikkelsen July 29 – John and Sandra Erickstad July 29 – Kurtis and Melissa Schmidt July 29 – Micheal and Angela Vincent July 30 – Brent and Alexis Allen

Amazing Grays travel to ‘Oklahoma’Charity’s Amazing Grays will be traveling to see “Oklahoma” Thursday, July 25, at the Dakota Prairie Regional Center for the Arts. The play begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Church Theatre in New Rockford.

Admission is $25, and dinner is on your own. If more than 20 tickets are purchased, the price is $23.

The bus will leave Charity’s parking lot at 2:30 p.m. and return following the show around midnight. Call Renee Walz at 258-3882 or text the number of tickets you need to 400-1201. Payment is due after the deadline, and the price will reflect the number of “Grays” attending.

Charity Connections - 3

FINANCIAL REPORTMay Actual Income $72,292 May Budgeted Income 104,124Difference $ 31,832

May Actual Income $72,292 May Actual Expenses 103,661 Difference $ 31,369

YTD Actual Income $432,770YTD Budgeted Income 520,619Difference $ 87,849

YTD Actual Income $432,770YTD Actual Expenses 530,468 Difference $ 97,698

From Doug Leet, Executive Director of Ministry

Charity has much to be thankful for

Doug Leet

Greetings Charity brothers and sisters. The financial numbers for our general fund budget shown in the accompanying chart are concerning. After the first five months of the year we have spent

$97,000 more than we have received in contributions. We have spent on average almost $2,000 per month more than planned, and we have received on average almost $18,000 per month less than planned. The reality is that we need to spend less as we move forward this year, and we are looking at ways to do that, but we also need to make an appeal for prayerful consideration of extra giving.

I feel led to share with you Paul’s reminder, in his second letter to the church in Corinth, of their commitment to the offering for the Christians in Judea, and his encouragement to give generously:

“We want you to know, brothers, about

the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify,

and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 ESV

Chapter 8 presents some truths about New Testament giving: (1) it is grace (vv. 1, 6); (2) it can be exercised even during poverty (v. 2); (3) it is a form of fellowship (v. 4); and (4) it should be preceded by the dedication of self (v. 5). Chapter 8 also lists some purposes in giving: (1) to abound in all aspects of Christian experience (v. 7); (2) to prove the reality of one’s love (v. 8); (3) to imitate Christ (v. 9); and (4) to help meet the needs of others (v. 14). I encourage you to read Chapters 8 and 9 in 2 Corinthians. These lessons are from the Ryrie Study Bible.

Charity has much to be thankful for. As my dad used to say to everyone he met, “mange takk!” (“many thanks” in Norwegian), while they looked back at him quizzically. Charity has been blessed mightily, and all praise goes to God for His provision. Mange tusen takk Father God, vi elsker deg! (we love you!)

Vision Council HIGHLIGHTSTuesday, JUNE 18

STAFF LEADERSHIP REPORTS Pastor Scott provided an update on revamping of the Wednesday evening service beginning this fall, as discussed at the last Vision Council meeting.

Pastor Scott reported that plans continue for revamping of the third Sunday morning service, including clearly defining each of our services so that the Charity family understands the various opportunities for worship.

After much discussion, it was agreed that congregational input will be sought in key areas of ministry. Plans will be firmed up and executed this summer.

Pastor Terry Sletto will be hosting sessions for the congregation on listening to God’s voice, which are currently scheduled for three evenings in August.

Pastor Scott reported that Jess Toman has announced that she will be resigning her position as of the end of August in order to spend more time with family. There was much appreciation expressed for Jess and her unique giftedness.

Pastor Sam reported that he will be coordinating certain family activities that God has placed on his heart.

FINANCIAL REPORT Dallas provided the financial report. May giving totaled $72,292, which is $31,832 under budget and $31,369 less than actual expenses for the month. May

2019 income was lower than May 2018 income by $20,468. May spending was below budget by $830, with year-to-date expenses exceeding budget by $8,685. Year-to-date income lags expenses by $97,698.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT Doug reported that work progresses on establishment of policy governance.

OLD BUSINESS John provided an update on the church stewardship program, including costs, benefits, options, and potential instructors. He will continue refining the details, and praying over this important ministry for the church and our community.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 4)

4 - Charity Connections

From Pastor Scott Bauman

God's Growing Us UpIt is great to change our pace of life in the summer – to get outdoors, to get away for a while. It is an excellent time to relax, to enjoy family, and to bask in the warmth of the sunshine. I love to go for

walks in the evening around sunset; I feel energized, renewed and invigorated as I walk and take in the air and gaze at the beautiful North Dakota sunsets. I hope that you can do summer things that will renew and give you life.

It is also a time to evaluate and think about the next year. We are seeking to do that at Charity. We are looking back at what worked and what did not work, and we are trying to put programming together for the next school year to make Charity into what God would have it be. We are re-visioning our Wednesday night programming (WOW) and seeking to make it the best we can for our children and youth. There will be some changes in times and structure, but we believe ministry will be significantly enhanced, and our young people will feel more connected and loved by Jesus, one another and challenged to grow in their faith

We are also creating new worship opportunities and enhancing and

differentiating other worship services. Our goal is for each person to find a worship experience they can connect to that will strengthen a deeper walk with Jesus. We want each to know Charity as "a shelter in Christ transforming lives;" a safe place that is healing, anchored in Jesus, and transforms us to serve Him and fulfill His mission in the world. Look for descriptions and definition to both these changes coming up in the August newsletter, Charity e-news and through other social media.

It is my passion and my calling as your pastor for each one to grow in their faith. People have referred to pastors as shepherds. However, there is only one shepherd, and He is Jesus. As a pastor, I consider myself a sheepdog. My task is to run after each sheep and do what I can to help each one follow the only good shepherd – Jesus. These verses from I Peter 2:1-3 come to mind when I think about this task. Peter challenges us as he puts forward the goal of each Christian; "So be done with every trace of wickedness (depravity, malignity) and all deceit and insincerity (pretense, hypocrisy) and grudges (envy, jealousy) and slander and evil speaking of every kind. Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation, Since you have [already] tasted the goodness and kindness of the Lord."

This growth and maturity starts and ends with God. It is not about getting "my needs met" – that is selfish. The mature

Christian ask the question, "Lord, what is your will?" and then follows His will. In the book, "The Purpose Driven Life," that we studied as a congregation over ten years ago, Rick Warren states, "It's not about you …. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by His purpose and for His purpose."

As you enjoy the summer and become refreshed by your summer activities, my prayer is that you begin to or continue to grow in your faith. Seek opportunities to grow your faith. Whatever worship, Bible study, mission opportunities or leisure activity you participate in this summer, may you grow up in Christ and may your focus be on God and fulfilling His purpose and His will in your life.

Together in Serving Jesus, ~ Pastor Scott

Pastor Scott Bauman

June 12, 2019

Dear Charity Staff, Vision Council, and Congregation:

It is with bittersweet feelings that I announce my resignation of Youth and Children’s Coordinator at Charity. My resignation will be effective no later than August 31, 2019.

It definitely has been an interesting, difficult, yet fun last five years working in His service with all of you. I am looking forward to going back to “full-time mom status.” As our kids are growing older, I yearn to be more present for them. Being a wife, mom, and home school family has always taken precedence in my life and it is requiring more of me as the kids grow older.

I look forward to worshiping and continuing our Charity work together, but now as a volunteer.

See you at church!

Jessica Toman

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3)

NEW BUSINESS Deb informed that Charity’s 40th anniversary occurs in October, and preliminary discussions have occurred. Deb will follow-up with Doug about this church celebration.

Deb inquired as to whether Charity has a policy for requiring First Aid or CPR certification or training for staff, especially on church trips. She will research what would be required for Charity to provide such training on an annual basis in order to ramp up this aspect of our work with children and youth.

Toman resigns

Vision Council highlights

Charity Connections - 5

Charity pastors with the members of Charity’s Vision Council have created four questions to gather feedback about Charity. Your responses will be used to direct future plans and to ensure the overall health and Godly direction of our church.

Please feel free to answer them in detail, as we would really appreciate hearing from you. You may submit your answers anonymously. However, if you wish to visit in person, you may request that at the bottom of this form.

Thank you;

Pastor Scott Bauman

Pastor Sam Coleman

Executive Director of Ministries Doug Leet

Vision Council members: Mark Anderson, Aaron Edland, Nancy Jensen, Matt Kaldor, John Seedorf, Deb Uline, Barb Weaver

This form can be filled out electronically or if you prefer, you can find these questions in the bulletin of June 30.

Submit answers electronically using the link in the weekly enews or scan this qr code.

Invitation for Family FeedbackBut God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.  If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.  Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:24-28

1. What is Charity doing well in helping equip you for God’s service?

2. Where can Charity improve in this area?

3. Do you have any specific concerns about any area of ministry?

4. What do you most value about Charity?

Yes, I would like to speak to someone please

__ Call me at ___________________(cell) or ________________________ (home)

__ Email me at ____________________________________________________

NAME: ___________________________________________________________

Please complete these questions as thoroughly as you can and drop them at the Charity office. Use an additional piece of paper if necessary to express your thoughts.

6 - Charity Connections

From Pastor Bob and Patti Nordvall – East European Mission Network

Several ways to support missions

MemorialsCircle C Ranch – In memory of Duane Peightal by Wilbert and Alvina Fueller.

St. Paul wrote a very convicting missionary confession in Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” What does it mean to live with this level of passion for the mission of Christ and Jesus Himself? Most Christians in this country today would find it easy to read the passage and be in agreement, but then would hope that someone else might do the follow-up and have that kind of enthusiasm. After sharing a mission message in a church a few years ago, one man responded, “I sure am glad that you are the one who is going.” He heard the message but didn’t receive the personal challenge.

It is always a challenge to be continually growing spiritually in our daily lives. Whether we are involved globally or locally in the lives of others, there are opportunities to be sharing Jesus' love. This passage may serve to help bring focus for global mission emphasis in the coming year. Maybe you have been

wondering how you might become involved in some way supporting or serving with others in missionary work. What keeps you from doing so? Is it time commitments, or prioritizing what is important? Maybe it is a kind of fear about sharing your faith or leaving the safe borders you have established. Are you struggling with questions relating to faith and trust in Christ? Maybe it is time to reflect on St. Paul’s compelling invitation for your own life.

A taxi driver in Estonia recently responded to a question about church and faith, “Why should I be concerned about spiritual things now if it’s all just going to happen again?” He experiences the daily presence of lurking Russian neighbors and, like many, holds the haunting memories of what happened under the Soviets. We are inspired by pastors we work within Estonia who share Paul’s deep passion for Jesus and His Church. We have the joy and

privilege of leading a team once again to Estonia in August, and then to Latvia in December when we will be facilitating a spiritual growth seminar for pastors from several countries. We are thankful for many who bring support to our work through Charity.

We also support other missionaries through our giving. Did you know that you will have a new opportunity through Charity to get behind a new missionary, Charity’s own Sam Desir? You can inquire in the office about how you might join with Sam and take a personal step closer to the passionate heart of St. Paul.

As always, our hearts are thankful as you remember both us and others serving around the world, and you bring inspiration even when you go across the street and share about Christ with your neighbors. Maybe you will be praying about joining a short-term mission team somewhere in the near future.

San Desir will be serving on an overseas mission field in Ghana, West Africa, for one and one-half years as part of his studies at Bethany Global University, Minneapolis, Minn. There will be a fundraiser lunch for Desir at Charity following the second service on July 21. The freewill offering will help Desir with expenses.

He will continue his university studies, take classes for the local tribal language and be involved with ministry projects such as helping in schools, church planting, volunteering in medical clinics and more. Desir has trained for this Global Internship and was assigned to a Muslim area in northern Ghana.

For financial support, Desir has been tasked to create a base of monthly supporters in addition to raising funds for set-up and flights. If you are able to give before the July 31 deadline, you can contact him at 701-390-2454, for more information or donate directly at

https://give.bethanyinternational.org/sam.

Everyone is invited to a lunch of sloppy Joes, hot dogs and picnic foods for a freewill offering.

If you can volunteer to bring a salad or bars, please call Kayla Wutzke 202-1635.

Pastor Matt Anderson made a video with Sam that will be part of the Surprise Church service on July 14. To view the video, use this link https://youtu.be/7UGrWG44MRo.

Missionary coffee planned Taras Dyatlik from the Overseas Council will be making an informal presentation at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 15, in the Fireside Room at Charity.

Taras Dyatlik, Overseas Council’s regional director for Euro-Asia, currently lives in Rivne, Ukraine. He will share the council’s work from Siberia to Central Asia.El Ahlwardt will also be joining Dyatlik.

Everyone is invited to attend, and coffee and dessert will be provided. There will be time for questions after the presentation.

Sam Desir to serve in Ghana, West Africa

Charity Connections - 7

CORNER

The ConnectKids will be taking in

a Larks ball game at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 7.

ConnectKIDS ministry will

also be the recipient of the 50/50 raffle held during the game. There is a need for families to join the children and assist with the raffle. We have tickets for volunteers.

Charity's group will meet at the park southwest of the baseball field at 1:45 p.m. for a picnic lunch. Bring your family’s lunch and pick up your tickets at that time.

Other opportunities to serve include:

July 31 – Park splash-pad day. We need people to pick up children and supervise the fun. The fun begins about noon.

August 14 – Back to School Party at Charity. Can it be time for school yet? Donate your supplies, pick up children, supervise the event, prepare and clean up the meal – just like being a child again preparing for a new school year.

As always contact me if you have any questions/concerns, Melissa Hill (605)545-3161.

Still t ime join us at the game

July Summer Sunday School

Sunday, July 14 during the 9 a.m. service only

In 2011 my wife Dawn and I brought our beautiful daughter home from India to our family. Through this process, we realized that Bismarck could use an adoption-focused resource. We approached several friends in our Charity Lutheran Church family that had ties to the adoption world, and thus One More One Less Orphan Ministry was born.

We officially launched our ministry on Orphan Sunday in 2012. In the seven years since we have hosted various adoption-related events, supported orphans abroad, and given 45 grants of $3000 each.

Each grant means ONE MORE family and ONE LESS orphan. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens." The board of OMOL would like to announce the end of this season for our ministry.

The response and support of our ministry have been phenomenal, and we will forever be grateful for everyone who has prayed, volunteered or given to help the orphan. We know the need is still high, so please continue to pray.

The remaining balance of donations will be given out to the final grant families.

God Bless, Kevin Kindel OMOL President

OneMoreOne Less Ministry dissolved

Be an angelThe Sunday school costume closet is looking a bit threadbare as far as angel costumes are concerned.

Would you be an angel and help? Maggie Portra is looking to create about 30 various-sized angel costumes before the Christmas program. Seamstresses and white cotton broadcloth are needed to accomplish this task. Please contact Maggie by texting yes to 701-955-5574 or email maggie.portra@charitylutheran.org.

Fabric donations may be dropped off at the church office in three or more yard pieces.

Volunteers needed for Family Day River WalkJoin Maggie Portra for a day of music and fun at the annual Family Day River Walk from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Sertoma Park.

Share Charity's vision and programming by volunteering to man the booth alongside many other Bismarck/Mandan organizations. For more information, contact Maggie by texting yes to 701-955-5574 or email maggie.portra@charitylutheran.org.

Charity Lutheran Church120 Aspen Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58503

Phone: 701–258–1228 or Fax: 701–258–4398

E–mail: office@charitylutheran.org

www.charitylutheran.org

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Non Profit Org.U.S. Postage PAIDPermit # 353Bismarck, ND 58503

Senior Pastor: Scott BaumanAssociate Pastor: Sam Coleman

6:30 to 9:30 p.m. August 18, 19 and 20Charity Lutheran Church

Join Pastor Terry Sletto for aSpiritual Enhancement RetreatExperience and learn more about the abundant living Jesus promised in John's gospel. Come with a seeking heart to sit, talk and pray with fellow seekers.

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4

Led by Pastor Terry Sletto, these three evenings are informal, come and go as you can, and include music, prayer, scripture, preaching, fellowship, small groups, testimony and snacks.

"I believe God has much to say to us at this time in history. I am praying and expect He will speak truth to our hearts to set us free, so we can better serve Him and our world in His name," Sletto said.

Sign up at the desk across from the elevator or call the office at 258-1228.

Everyone is welcome to attend.Call Pastor Sletto 605-470-0038

for additional information.

Bring relevant books, articles, poems etc. for sharing with the group.