Cross Ways

Thought for the Month:

From Pastor Nate:

Beaver Lake Lutheran

Church

September 2019 Grow, Go & Glorify God

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts,

the whole earth is full of His Glory. Isaiah 6:3

“God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give

ourselves the gift of living well.”

One of the things that was revolutionary about the ministry of Jesus was his inclusion

of all people. A great story that demonstrates Jesus’ inclusive nature is the story that is

often referred to simply as the story of Mary and Martha. The Bible Story of Mary and

Martha comes from the tenth chapter of the Gospel of Luke.

In that story, Mary and Martha, who are sisters, open their home to Jesus as he travels

with his disciples. As Martha hurries around to make sure that everything is ready for

their guests, Mary positions herself at the feet of Jesus to listen to him teach. This

would have been highly unusual back then as this would have been a place reserved

only for men. So when Martha confronts Jesus about Mary’s lack of willingness to

help saying, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?

Tell her to help me!", Jesus should have said, “You’re right, Martha. Mary should not

sit in this place reserved only for men. She should get up immediately and help you.”

Instead, Jesus replied, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things,

but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

By responding in this way, Jesus was elevating the status of women—including them in a place of honor set

aside for men—and opening the door for women to be included in roles of leadership within the Christian

church. Of course, it was a group of women who were the first to witness Jesus’ empty tomb and spread the

good news of Jesus’ resurrection, and the Apostle Paul often wrote in his epistles about women who were

leaders in the early Christian church. Although it would take much time, prayer and effort, the church bodies

that formed the ELCA in 1988 began ordaining women in 1970. At this time, in the ELCA, almost one third of

ordained pastors are women, about fifty percent of seminarians who are preparing for ordained ministry are

women, and, in 2018, 16 of our 65 synodical bishops were women (including the bishops of the St. Paul Area

Synod and the Minneapolis Area Synods).

All of this is a prelude to the recent announcement that the ELCA recently re-elected The Rev. Elizabeth A.

Eaton as the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, on Aug. 6 at the 2019 ELCA

Churchwide Assembly. In 2013, Eaton was the first woman to be elected presiding bishop of the ELCA and

Eaton is now the first ELCA presiding bishop to win re-election on the first ballot. On that first ballot, Eaton

received 725 votes, which is a whopping 81.19% of the vote! People are definitely pleased with the leadership

she has provided in her tenure as bishop.

May God continue to bless all of the leaders of our churches—bishops, pastors, deacons, and lay leaders— at

the same time as we are reminded of the important role that women have played in building up the church of

Jesus Christ through their leadership positions.

In Christ,

Pastor Nate

Page 2 Cross Ways

By: Deb Houtkooper

Living from Your Soul

I have a small book titled, “Living from Your Soul,” by Karen Katafiasz. I found some beautiful thoughts and

perspectives that I’d like to share with you.

“Life is an amazing gift. Yet we can get so caught up in the numbing routine of daily life that we are only half-

awake to its depths and riches.

Life is difficult as well. And sometimes when we try to avoid the ache of disturbing feelings, this, too, can

numb us from experiencing life to the full.

Occasionally circumstances jar us into deeper awareness – a crisis perhaps, like an illness or a job loss, or a piv-

otal event, like a birth or a marriage. And then we recognize that we’re in the midst of mystery, and – for a mo-

ment – we live at a deeper, richer, more intense level.

Your soul is your deepest, complete essence. It’s where God dwells and where you are really you. Be

aware of God’s presence within you; live out of this awareness.

Once you’re aware of the amazing reality that God exists at your core, you realize that here within lies your

grounding, your foundation, and your compass. You’re never alone, and love envelops your heart. Enthusi-

asm means “God within.” You face life with true enthusiasm when you know that God is within.

Within your soul, you connect with all that has lasting value. Determine what matters, what has meaning for

you. Live out of that meaning.

Within your soul, you experience life fully and deeply – its delights, frustrations, joys, challenges, sorrows,

losses, surprises, miracles and mysteries. Live out of your soul. Live intensely; live completely.

When you live from your soul, you don’t try to numb yourself from life’s sorrows. Nor do you become so

overwhelmed by its grimness that you stay engulfed in despair. Instead, face the pain as you soothe and

comfort yourself in its midst. And then let it change you, sensitize you, fill you with compassion. Know

that it will open you later to deep joy.

When you live out of your soul, the spiritual is not just one compartment of your life. The sacred is all of

life. Ordinary existence becomes extraordinary. Live this greater reality.

When you live from your soul, you touch the souls of others who have been part of the human family. Read

their words, view their art, hear their music. Your own soul will expand.

An external focus is an extraordinarily painful way to live. Constantly asking, “Is this what others want

from me?” keeps you unsure of yourself, looking outward for approval. Find your validation within.

Some people will criticize you because of their own perceptions and experiences. They will smash down

your spirit because their own spirits have been shattered. You can waste energy resenting them or trying to

win them over. Or you can pour out tolerance and let them be. Remember, they need to follow their own

soul journey.

(Continued on Page 3)

Cross Ways Page 3

LETTER FROM A FRIEND

I just had to write to tell you how much I love you and care for you. Yesterday, I saw

you walking and laughing with your friends; I hoped that soon you’d want me to walk

along with you, too. So, I painted you a sunset to close your day and whispered a cool

breeze to refresh you. I waited – you never called – I just kept on loving you.

As I watched you fall asleep last night, I wanted so much to touch you. I spilled

moonlight onto your face – trickling down your cheeks as so many tears have. You did-

n’t even think of Me; I wanted so much to comfort you.

The next day I exploded a brilliant sun-rise into glorious morning for you. But you

woke up late and rushed off to work – you didn’t even notice. My sky became cloudy

and My tears were the rain.

I love you. Oh, if you’d only listen. I really love you. I say it in the quiet of the

green meadow and in the blue sky. The wind whispers My love throughout the treetops

and spills it into the vibrant colors of all the flowers. I shout it to you in the thunder of

the great waterfalls and compose love songs for birds to sing for you. I warm you with

the clothing of My sunshine and perfume the air with nature’s sweet scent. My love for

you is deeper than any ocean and greater than any need in your heart. If you’d only real-

ize how I care.

My Dad sends His love. I want you to meet Him – He cares too. Fathers are just that

way. So, please call on Me soon. No matter how long it takes, I’ll wait – because I love you.

Your Friend,

Jesus

When you live from your soul, personal connections matter profoundly. You need supportive relationships

where you and others can reveal your private selves, where you can weather the uncertainties and tragedies of

life. Be for one another occasions of grace, of transformation, of redemption.

You are co-lover with God. Let love be your driving force, a love that accepts people as flawed but wants them

to be the best they can be. Love deeply and without conditions. When you extend your hands, when you open

your arms, you free your spirit.

A great paradox of living: We are, each of us, utterly alone. And we are all in this together. We’re interdepend-

ent; we’re made for communion. Each of us is like an angel with one wing – we can fly only by embracing each

other.”

Page 4 Cross Ways

Beaver Lake Lutheran Church

Council Meeting

August 19, 2019

Present: Pastor Nate, Deb Houtkooper, Lynda Woodman, Rick Joubert, Leslie Shank, Katie Xiong, Kim Richardson, Ann

O’Keefe, John Thon

Absent: Julie Johansen

Call to Order:

Devotion by Rick

Meeting was called to order by Katie Xiong at 7:04 pm

Katie referred to the Behavioral Covenants

The calendar was passed for Joan

Council “Thank You’s” were written

Rick made a motion, seconded by Ann to approve the 08/19/19 Agenda and the 07/15/19 Minutes. All were in fa-

vor. Motion carried.

Pastor’s Report.

Garden produce is coming in and being shared

Demonstration meal for Calvary’s Cross Church to show us how to cook some of the vegetables they grow will have

to be postponed until next year because of scheduling issues; we will try to have another meal together in the fall

instead.

SMART Goals: Leslie made a motion, seconded by Rick to approve the following three goals for Pastor Nate for the

next year. All were in favor. Motion carried.

1. Community Gardens

Complete the physical structure of Phase 2 garden by September 1:

Finish top railing

Trench the outside of garden and place chicken wire to keep out rabbits

Develop clear organizational garden guidelines for farmers by January 15, 2020

Expectations

Accountability

Fulfill grant requirements for data collection and documentation by November 15

Invite Calvary’s Cross farmers and Achieve Language Academy volunteers into leadership / part-

nership / garden committee “work group” by March 2020

Prepare for planting and enhancements to both gardens in 2020 by March 2020

2. Work to strengthen relationships with our partners: Calvary’s Cross, Cori’s Kidz, House of Refuge,

God be Lifted Up Prayer Ministry, Achieve Language Academy

Establish a quarterly meeting time for the leaders of each organization by November 15th

Work to have assigned and adequate storage spaces for House of Refuge and God be Lifted Up by

January of 2020

Work with Cori’s Kidz and our church leadership to explore a better playground options by March

2020

Organize quarterly facilitated forums with “state of the union” specific information to encourage congre-

gational understanding, engagement and participation.

Work with church leaders who are good at facilitating conversation to lead such meetings by Octo-

ber 15th

Have the first meeting by December 15th

Continued on Page 5

Cross Ways Page 5

2. New Business:

Katie made a motion, seconded by Leslie to ask Joan to put death notices in the next 3 bulletins after the death and in

the next Cross Ways (in addition to the emails already being sent) so more people are informed when one of our mem-

bers dies. All were in favor. Motion carried. Katie will also talk to Joan or Kathy about exploring the option of

phone call notifications for those who would like to be on that list.

Provided feedback on Property items to Admin:

1. Potential $3,000 project or special appeal to fix the basement bathrooms used by Calvary’s Cross Church:

council suggested that Admin partner with CCC to come up with a mutually agreeable plan for what needs to

be done and how to pay for it

2. Repair of two broken windows and replacing the wood panels/insulation above the windows in the Education

Hall for $2,770: council approves

3. Plan to fix emergency leaks to the Education Hall roof every winter costing $1,500-$4,000 per year for the

next few years rather than paying a minimum of $55,000 to replace the entire roof at this time: council ap-

proves

3. Open Business:

Topics for next council update to the congregation: introduce proposed “State of the Church” forums and the handi-

capped parking changes

Assign committees to the months that they need to provide Cross Ways articles for; the unassigned ones will be dis-

cussed at the next meeting.

September: Youth & Family (Julie/Kim - submitted by August 20th)

October: Community Garden (Deb will write & submit by September 20th)

November: Stewardship? (submit by October 20th)

December: (submit by Nov 20th)

January: (submit by December 20th)

February: (submit by January 20th)

March: (submit by February 20th)

April: (submit by March 20th)

May: (submit by April 20th)

June:(submit by May 20th)

July: (submit by June 20th)

August: (submit by July 20th)

Sunday treats: the kitchen hospitality fund from coffee offerings and funeral income has over $2k. We will leverage

some of that to repay Bob Pringle for the treats he brings when he hosts coffee on open Sundays. We thank Bob

Pringle for cheerfully volunteering to be the person to bring treats when someone else doesn’t sign up and

council will make sure he gets reimbursed.

Any update on Educational Lounge makeover? Furniture not being used is out, pastor’s paintings are going to west

wall of the Ed Hall (need help hanging them); cleaned up Library Lounge walls, library books are gone, shelving units

will be rearranged, SS table and chairs moved in, they are keeping the two loveseats for adult seating (with 2 couch

covers added), new pillows and fun chairs added, purple rug ordered, Luther seal will be hung along with the “I Am”

art; and they still want to add a sign. Everyone could help brainstorm a new name for Sunday School? Everyone

loves that education and the youth will be visible! September 8th is the 1stday of Sunday School and it will be held

every other week thereafter. Thanks to Julie and Kim for all the hard work and creativity!

Visitor/handicapped/inside/outside signage:

A subgroup of council members (Lynda, Ann and Deb) met to discuss all previous input on this topic and had

David Fenley, the ADA Director at the Minnesota Council on Disability come to evaluate our church parking

lot. They presented the results and made recommendations:

The current accessible parking spots on the south side of the building are in compliance with ADA

standards for slope.

The current “handicapped” parking spots outside the main front door of the church DO NOT meet

ADA standards for slope.

(Continued on Page 6)

Page 6 Cross Ways

Council vote on accessible parking: Katie made a motion, seconded by Rick, to approve the below

recommendations 1 and 2 for now and save 3 & 4 for further discussion at our next meeting. All

were in favor. Motion carried.

1. Eliminate all the unsafe handicapped parking near the main (east) door.

2. Establish 5 ADA van accessible parking spaces on the Education Hall (south) side of

the building.

3. Establish 4 visitor parking spaces – location TBD.

4. Install custom signage to direct visitors and individuals with disabilities to designated park-

ing areas.

Nate talked to a company about inside/outside signs and will call for their bid (no update)

Revisit having council and ministry team meetings offsite at year end to ensure we are fulfilling the purpose of that

exercise. Do we need a SMART goal for this to ensure visibility in the community? Thank you to Katie who volun-

teered to coordinate!

4. Items for future consideration:

More frequent community meals: short service and a meal; drivers for people who don’t want to drive after dark; EGF

could pay; invite other churches to host or a rotation or simpler meals; youth could help once per month; other ideas?

EGF is tapped this year so consider plans for 2020?

“Spotlight” articles about our volunteers for Cross Ways?

Reconciled In Christ - we need someone to lead this process.

Art work, music, services – are we being inclusive and welcoming? Form an open committee to work on this with

Property, Communications and Outreach.

Discuss the rest of the MIF suggestions for signage, pews, etc. (See February 2019 meeting minutes, Appendix A for

the list on our website www.bllc.org)

5. Ministry team representatives: any items not included in most recent minutes?

Administration (John/Rick):n/a

Enduring Gifts (Deb): n/a

Youth & Family (Julie/Kim): n/a

Health & Wellness (Ann): n/a

Worship & Music (Nate): n/a

Property (Lynda): n/a

Outreach (Katie/Leslie): n/a

Adjournment:

Behavioral Covenants followed? Yes

Next meeting September16th at 7:00 pm at church: Leslie is host

Lynda made a motion to adjourn, John seconded. All were in favor. Motion carried.

Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted by:

Leslie Shank, Secretary

Cross Ways Page 7

Church Council Update

July 28, 2019

Your Church Council wants to keep you informed of what’s happening in your congregation. About every 3 to 4 months

you can expect a short Temple Talk, and the contents of the Talk will be published in the bulletin and the Cross Ways.

May Garage Sale to Benefit our Food for Families Program

Organized by Leslie Shank – we thank her for the tremendous amount of work she put into this!

Beaver Lake joined in the District 2 garage sale date

Event was widely publicized with flyers, through neighborhood organizations, Facebook and signs on the street

Weather did not cooperate so event was held inside

Money was made:

by offering a space to vendors at $25 per table

Lynda Woodman sold plants from her gardens and donated all proceeds

Bake sale (Thank you to those who contributed baked goods and those who purchased baked goods!!)

Profit: $761.00 to feed hungry kids in our neighborhood!!!

Cross Ways Survey:

Thank You to all who responded!!! Typical survey response is between 15-30%, ours was close to 80% with a total of 43

responses

We asked: Do you read it? 41 said yes 2 said no

We asked: What articles do you read? The huge majority said they read everything

Comments received: “Joe does an amazing job!! Thank you!!”

People appreciate and depend on the Cross Ways for information

Suggestions: Committee articles: Starting in September with Youth & Family and continuing

about every two months thereafter, expect an article from one of the committees

Council minutes: We started in August and will continue every month by

publishing the Council minutes in the Cross Ways

Because you took the time to respond, your Church Council heard you say that the Cross Ways is an effective communica-

tion tool, and we are implementing your suggestions.

Community Garden

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the ELCA’s Minneapolis World Hunger Gathering. I was there with about

125 people from all over the US. There were many educational offerings and the chance to network 1:1 with people. On

Saturday 25 people, including visitors from Pennsylvania, California and Alaska, and leadership from the ELCA, came on a

field trip to Beaver Lake to see our Community Gardens. Pastor Nate and I welcomed them with a slide show (created by

Lindsey Shank – Thank You!) and then we walked outside to look at the gardens. We came back inside and had refresh-

ments and a chance for the group to ask questions. The feedback we got was overwhelming! The group appreciated hear-

ing about our garden journey and how the gift of dirt and the opportunity to garden opened the door with our Hmong part-

ners, Calvary’s Cross. One of the people on the field trip came from Fridley, and said their congregation has a community

garden and also partners with a Hmong church, but they never thought to offer gardening space to their Hmong congrega-

tion. He was so excited by the idea and told us he was going to share the idea with his congregation as soon as he got

home!! That is just one example of how our community gardens have impacted our larger community to make positive

changes, build relationships and feed the hungry!!!

Deb Houtkooper

Church Council President

Page 8 Cross Ways

Memorials

Given For

Margaret Hilpert From

Lu Larsen

Wuzzy & Deb Houtkooper

Families, mark your calendars! Sunday

School begins on

Sunday, September 8 – Welcome Back!

We are excited to welcome the youth back in a new

space! The library lounge will be our new ‘home’

for classes on Sundays.

In addition to a new space, our schedule will look

different, too. Sunday School will be scheduled approximately twice per month, every

other week. One of these weeks will be a class that meets during the worship, just like

we have done in the past and one of the Sundays during the month will be a scheduled

Youth Sunday. On the Youth Sunday, the worship service will focus on the youth and

the youth are invited to participate in one or more roles in the service (usher, reader,

acolyte, serve communion, etc).

More information will be available on our Welcome Back Sunday – September 8.

Please direct any questions to Julie Johansen or Kim Richardson.

We can’t wait to see you!

The Library Lounge has a New Look

Welcome to the new Multi-educational space in the Library Lounge!

This room has been updated to offer a purposeful space for the children, youth,

and adults of BLLC and our partnership congregations for faith formation or for

use as a quiet space (i.e. nursery).

You may have noticed the library shelves look quite bare; many of the books

were outdated so they were removed from the shelves. There are plans to add

new books to the library so watch for announcements of future additions. The

Bible resources and remaining adult fiction/nonfiction can now be found on the

far right hand side of the shelves (nearest to the kitchen).

The portraits of BLLC pastors will be hung in the Education Hall.

We envision the Multi-education room will be used in the following ways:

Sunday School classes

‘Hang out’ space for youth before/after worship

Cross + Gen events (shared faith formation with youth and adults)

Bible study

Nursery

Library for children, youth, and adults

Deadline for Publications

Cross Ways by the 20th of each month.

Info for weekly bulletin is due by noon each Friday.

Electronic content can be emailed to jdhilpert@comcast.net.

Do We Have Your Correct Address?

Please notify the church office when you have a new

address, phone number or Email address. This will help us

with our church directory, other publications and mailings.

Thank You!