Cross of Glory & West Freeborn Lutheran Churches

August 2019

Sunday Morning Worship times:

West Freeborn – 9:00 a.m. – Cross of Glory – 10:30 a.m.

God in Heaven “Is not God high in the heavens?

See the highest stars, how lofty they are!” (Job 22:12)

Back when these words were written in the book of Job the stars were shining dots in the night sky. Today we know that those shining dots are in reality distant suns, and they are an extremely long way away from us. Over time our understanding of the size of the universe has increased, as has our understanding of what this universe actually is. We are still a long way from complete knowledge, but we do know more than the ancients. Still, our understanding of God has not changed all that much, and we think of God as being “up there”. The book of Job pictures God as being high in the heavens, and while we may know more about those heavens, we continue to picture God as being “up there”. It was the Russians who put the first person into space, and having successfully sent a man up who could return and report on what he observed “up there”, the Russians were quick to reveal that they found no evidence of God. They traveled “up there” and did not see God anywhere. That really did not shock, surprise, or disappoint the Christian world as much as they thought it would. Up, down, inside, outside, around or beneath, God is there. For our Bible to describe God as one who sits in the heavens is not meant to locate God in a specific place. That first cosmonaut was able to look down upon this planet and see it from the perspective of the heavens. God’s perspective. It is a unique vantage point that sees all of this planet at one glance, and does not see separate nations, foreign languages, or differing political ideologies. That is a pretty nice view God has. Yours in Christ, Pastor Schwartz 1

Joint Council meeting – Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at West Freeborn

Cross of Glory Trustees and Deacons Meeting - June 4th, 2019

Jerry Morstad called the second half of the meeting to order. Jerry Morstad, Cathy Crowe, Carol Riskedahl, Jill

Morstad, Paul Lynne, Matt Hoelscher, Pastor Steve, and Rachel Knudson were present. Rachel Knudson read the

secretary’s report. There were no additions or corrections and the minutes were approved as read. Cathy Crowe read

the treasurer’s report. Unfortunately our deficit increased this month. Paul Lynne made a motion to accept the

treasurer’s report and pay the bills as money allows. Matt Hoelscher seconded.

Old Business:

We’ve had one person volunteer for the kitchen flooring committee. Duane Spooner has offered and we are looking for

one or two more volunteers.

New Business:

1. Kyle and Emily will be serving treats for fellowship hour after church on Sunday. That would be a good time to talk of

flooring.

2. The boilers need some attention but it is nothing urgent because of the time of year. Jerry called Jim & Dude’s.

3. Jill Morstad went in the other set of doors than she normally uses at church and stated that there is a need for

weeding so she’s offered to put in time to help.

4. At the Memorial Day program, the microphones were spotty. When they investigated, they discovered there had

been some damage from mice. Earl is going to fix it. Jerry expressed his thanks to our church for hosting.

5. Pastor Steve stated that there is some chatter happening on Facebook around Vacation Bible School.

6. Next Sunday is Pentecost so everyone should wear red and stay for coffee.

Paul Lynne made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Cathy Crowe seconded. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Rachel Knudson, Secretary

Cross of Glory Trustees and Deacons Meeting - July 2, 2019 Jerry Morstad called the second half of the meeting to order. Jerry Morstad, Tim Bartness, Cathy Crowe, Jill Morstad, Paul Lynne, Ron Bartness, Matt Hoelscher, Martin Johnson, and Rachel Knudson were present. Rachel Knudson read the secretary’s report. The minutes were approved as read. Cathy Crowe went over the treasurer’s report. Paul Lynne made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report and pay the bills as money allows. Ron Bartness seconded. Old Business: 1. The volunteers to be the flooring committee for the kitchen floor were: Duane Spooner, Kathy Spooner, Alvin Morstad, and Cindy Recknor. They met and agreed on a choice. They got a commercial-grade, scratch-resistant, water-resistant floor from Hartland Flooring. It will be laid over the other floor and spot-glued. Ron mentioned he has wheels to move the range if we need to. Alvin has generously offered to pay for the flooring.

2. Jim & Dude’s came up to get the model numbers on the Munchkins. 3. Jerry put a sump pump in the boiler room. 3

New Business: 1. Jerry mentioned that it is always hard to decide whether to have the worship service in the social hall on the hot days in July and August. It takes deciding ahead of time, as the air conditioning in the social hall has to be turned on in advance to get it cool enough for services. We would like to hear from congregational members about this. Also, don’t forget that we have a Sanctuary Air Conditioning Fund where people can contribute so that this decision would be a moot point.

2. Vacation Bible School will be held on July 8, 9, & 11. We are asking members to contribute canned goods and money. 3. There will be a joint service held at Cross of Glory on July 14th. It will be followed by a potluck meal. Martin Johnson made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Tim Bartness seconded. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Rachel Knudson

Joint Council Meeting—Cross of Glory & West Freeborn - July 2, 2019 Cross of Glory’s president, Jerry Morstad, called the meeting to order. Present were: Jerry Morstad, Tim Bartness, Ron Bartness, Pat Ehrich, Becky Ausen, Rachel Knudson, Steve Ausen, Paul Lynne, Dave Ausen, Glenn Ausen, Cathy Crowe, Martin Johnson, Jill Morstad, Orlen (Corky) Modene, Matt Hoelscher, and Pastor Steve Schwartz. Pastor Steve led us in prayer. He also gave his pastor’s report, stating additions to his register with communions, hospital visits, and a transfer of membership out of our congregation. In his written statement, he reported on the nursing home services he and Judy have led. He hopes people are getting something out of the six weeks series on Job. It’s a difficult and complicated book but it fits in well following our year in the narrative lectionary in that it raises questions about a major Old Testament theme, specifically addressing what it looks like to be blessed by God. We tend to interpret it to mean worldly blessings but Job takes a different approach. There was also a service of remembrance for Donald Thofson held by family on June 29. Pastor Steve also mentioned that they are changing the light in the parsonage kitchen. He stated that his thermostat in his office here in the church needs replacing as it is broken. Becky Ausen read the secretary’s report. Minutes were approved as read.

Open Issues: 1. Martin and Becky reported that progress continues slowly on the WF heritage and cookbook. 2. Matt Staloch was approached regarding the section of sidewalk that needs replacing. He will put it on his list of projects. Martin mentioned that if we wanted to do the project ourselves, he has a small mixer that can be used. 3. The windows in the parsonage have not been touched so we will get in touch with Brandon Kroeger to look into it. Paul Lynne made a motion to adjourn this half of the meeting to allow the councils to reconvene for our respective council meetings. Dave Ausen seconded. Rachel Knudson, Secretary, Cross of Glory

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West Freeborn Lutheran Church Council Meeting – July 02, 2019

The West Freeborn Church Council met on July 02, 2019, following the joint council meeting at Cross of Glory. Members present were Mike Ehrich, Glenn Ausen, Dave Ausen, Pat Ehrich, Steve Ausen, Corky Modene and Becky Ausen. President Dave Ausen, called the meeting to order. Becky read the secretaries report. It was approved as read. Pat read the treasurer’s report. Corky made a motion to approve the report. Steve seconded it. Motion carried.

Old Business:

Windows: Dale Christopherson talked with the guy in Brainerd about the bid for the church windows. He is having back surgery. Dave will talk with Dale about the results of where we stand with our bids.

L. P.: Corky will talk with his boss about our L.P. contract and get the winter fuel lined up.

Tuck Pointing: The gentleman did what he said he was going to do and has been paid.

Joint Service: West Freeborn’s turn will be on August 11. It was decided we will have muffins and fruit and have one of the service groups serve it.

Youth Fund: It has been combined with the Sunday School fund. New Business:

Vacation Bible School: It will be on July 8, 9 and 10 from 5:30 to 8:00. Ashley Jacobson is in charge. Let the church office know if your child would like to attend.

Steve made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Corky seconded it. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully Submitted Becky Ausen, Secretary

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Ushers for August - WF: *Tim Beyer, Dave Pederson, Rich Honstad, Lyle Helm Communion Servers for August – CG – OPEN

Rachel Circle

Rachel Circle will attend Ascension Lutheran Guest Night on Tuesday, Aug. 20 – 6:00 p.m.

Eunice Circle

Eunice Circle will meet on Wednesday, August 21st – 1:30 p.m. @ LaVaun Ausen’s home

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Quilting at West Freeborn – 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month – see calendar

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Wed. August 14 – 7:00 p.m. @ West Freeborn - Sunday School Planning Meeting

Pastor Steve will lead the meeting to discuss getting the WF Sunday School Program going again!

Parents, please attend!! Child care will be provided!!

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LWR School Kits

It’s not too early to be thinking about School Kits! Start stocking up on items needed!

You can find the list on the narthex bulletin board.

SUMMER JOINT SERVICE

There will be a joint service @ West Freeborn on Sunday, August 11 @ 9:00 a.m.

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Community Events Coming up:

Sunday, Sept. 7, 2019 – 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. @ Wedgewood Cove

Benefit for Maribeth Walton

If you are interested in donating to the Bake Sale or can help in any way, please contact Angie Nelson @ 507-

402-0149 or Ashley Jacobson @ 507-383-9110. If you are interested in donating to the Silent or Live Auction,

please contact Shelly Edwards @ 218-766-3111 or Allison Grunwald @ 507-456-6616. A bank account has

been opened at City & County Employee’s Credit Union in Albert Lea.

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Stats for West Freeborn: Year to date: $ 34, 054.95 – General Fund: $ 3,432.00 – Bldg. Fund - $ 205.00

Statistics for Cross of Glory Lutheran Church

SUNDAY ATTENDANCE GENERAL FUND IMPROVEMENTS MISSIONS___CEMETERY

6-30-19 31 $ 1,162.00 $ 10.00 $0.00 $ 0.00

7-7-19 22 1,325.00 10.00 0.00 0.00

7-14-19 30 1,572.00 10.00 0.00 0.00

7-21-19 32 1,310.00 10.00 0.00 0.00

7-28-19 (not recorded) 507.50 10.00 0.00 0.00

TOTALS $ 5,876.50 $ 50.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00

Cross of Glory email address: cgwf@smig.net

Cross of Glory Website: www.crossofglory.weebly.com

West Freeborn Website: www.westfreebornlutheranchurch.weebly.com

Jerry Morstad, Cross of Glory President 507-373-0085

Dave Ausen, West Freeborn President – 863-2165

Church Office – 507-845-2818 – Fax # - 507-845-2732

Stacie Madson, West Freeborn Custodian 845-2525

Pastor’s cell phone: 507-250-6694 Parsonage Phone – 845-2825

Alvin & Cindy Morstad, C.G. Custodians- 845-2813

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Do-It-Yourself Bible Study For our Bible study this month let’s look at the creation story in Genesis 1. If you find the topic intriguing I hope that you will join others to go deeper.

This creation story is not so much a description of God creating something out of nothing. It is more a matter of God taking control of chaos and creating something harmonious.

According to this account it is God’s creative power that is holding our world’s harmony together and keeping it from falling back into chaos. Like you standing back and looking at your cleaned out garage, God looks at what has been created and declares it to be “good”.

In the creation stories of other cultures a supreme being usually goes about the creating process with the goal of having people and creatures who will do them some sort of service: offering sacrifices or doing their bidding in some way. Notice how that is not to be found in this account.

Read Genesis 1:1-13. We hear talk about something called a balance of nature, which we humans have a way of unbalancing. From what you just read, and from your own experience, how have you seen this balance of nature?

Read Genesis 1:14-25. So far nothing God creates exists to be creative beyond re-creating itself. What is it about this creation that you think God is looking at and declaring to be “good”?

Read Genesis 1:26-2:3. After six days God looks at what has been created and now declares it to be “very good”. Humankind is created not to serve God but to care for creation. In what ways does this creation account reflect our understanding of God to be a God of love?

August 2019 Cross of Glory & West Freeborn Lutheran Churches, Hartland, MN

Worship times: West Freeborn – 9:00 a.m. – Cross of Glory – 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

4 West Freeborn – 9:00 a.m.

Cross of Glory – 10:30 a.m.

5 Staff meeting

9:00 a.m.

6

Joint Council

meeting @ WF

7:00 p.m.

7

8

9 10

11 Joint Service @ WF

9:00 a.m.

12 Staff meeting

9:00 a.m.

13

14 Quilting @ WF

9:00 a.m.

SS planning meeting @

WF – 7:00 p.m.

15

16

17

18 West Freeborn – 9:00 a.m.

Cross of Glory – 10:30 a.m.

19 Staff meeting

9:00 a.m.

20 Rachel Circle will

attend Guest Night

@ Ascension

Lutheran

6:00 p.m.

21 Eunice Circle – 1:30

p.m. @ LaVaun Ausen’s

home.

22 23 24

25 West Freeborn – 9:00 a.m.

Cross of Glory – 10:30 a.m.

26 Staff meeting

9:00 a.m.

27 28 Quilting @ WF

9:00 a.m.

29 30 31