First English Lutheran Church

P A R I S H C A L L E R

August, 2019

FELC

Mission Statement

By the grace of God First

English Lutheran Church will

grow as one family of faith,

secure in the knowledge of

Christ’s gift of salvation,

proclaiming God’s love for all.

Rev. David W. Tonn

Dr. Stephen and Jodi Swanson,

Missionaries/Tanzania

Nancie Haukos, Youth & Children’s

Program Director

Emilee Jacobson, Parish Secretary

Liz Ketz, Financial Secretary

Office: 839-2527/Fax: 839-3319 Email: felcort@firstenglish.net Website: www.firstenglish.net

First English Lutheran Church

9 NW 3rd Street

Ortonville, MN 56278

Return Service Requested

“I Do IT Gladly……..with gratitude and grace.” August is upon us. The back to school sales have been going on since Independence

Day, or so at least it seems. We always seem to be hurried to look to the next “big”

thing. School sales in July, Halloween in August, Christmas in October, Fireworks

in May, our next birthday (ok, at least for some of us). But Jesus says don’t worry

about the future, concentrate on the present, because tomorrow will have enough

troubles of its own. It’s also easy to fret the past, but there is nothing we can do to

change what has happened. We simply celebrate all the blessings, try to learn from

the mistakes, and do all we can to heal the hurt. In Philippians 4 we hear the words “Be anxious for nothing, but

in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the

peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

(v.6-7)

A prayer from “Pocket Prayers”: Dearest God, you are the Prince of Peace and the Great I AM. You are my

helper and redeemer. I need your help today. I am weak and frail and tired. Give me the strength to get through

just this day and the desire to work as if I am doing it all for your glory. Help those who are carrying especially

heavy burdens right now. They need your power and peace that goes beyond our understanding. I am so

grateful that I can come to you and present my requests at any time. Thank you for giving me peace and rest

even in the hard times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

So, there is nothing we can do about yesterday, or tomorrow. We do what we can, now, living as though it could

be our last day to make a difference; and we do it all with gratitude and grace…easier said than done…but we

try with the help of the Holy Spirit.

May God bless you richly to be a blessing to others during the coming month.

“In a world in which you can be anything….be kind.”

Pastor Dave

YOUTH NEWS

July 2019 I hope you all are enjoying your summer and have been able to enjoy some time relaxing. I love summer to

relax, unwind and to just take in all that is good. At the same time I start to get excited for Fall plans and seeing

the youth again. Pastor Dave and I have been busy setting up schedules. Fall will be upon us soon.

We had seven youth go to camp this month. I hope they all had a great time and will continue to go each

summer. Camp is a great faith builder in our children. Many thanks to all that sponsor our youth, donate to our

camp fund and keep these children in your prayers. You are so appreciated.

I took a group of ten youth to Alexandria to work in their food shelf. We stocked shelves and freezers and

helped in any way we were asked. We finished our day with lunch and a stop at Casey’s Amusement Park.

Thank you to Kari for coming with that day.

Thank you to these people for your donations to the youth: Mary Lou Olson Pat Collins

Cindy Scholberg Erlys Sis

James and Julie Hipple Dennis and Patricia Spanton

Harris and Marlys Selvig Bruce and Evie Swigerd

Camp Fund; Memorials from the James Johnson Family

Blessings,

Nancie Haukos

Special meeting of Board of Church Properties

July 7, 2019 Present – Kirby Athey, Eldon Knutson, Ron Athey, Cory Stattelman

Discussion of church tuckpointing

1. Reviewed quote from Cordes

2. Reviewed quote from Karr Tuckpointing

Motion by Cory Stattelman to approve the bid of Karr Tuckpointing. Second by Eldon Knutson. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned.

Ron Athey

Acting Secretary

“I do it gladly with

gratitude & grace”

CHURCH NEWS PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND COMFORT Adeline Burgess, Dawn Barnhardt; Terry Block; Marlo & Barb Hansen; Vivian Janssen; Gerry Nypen; Mark

Nypen; Gail Olson; Aaron Smith; Gordy Vollmer; Anders Anderson; Matthew Athey; Paulette Bakeberg; Paul

Erdman; Verden Gerber; Loren Grimm; Larry Helgeson; Natalie Henneberg; Jeanette Kaercher; John Malzahn;

Linda Olson; Shawn Overholser; Bella Rademacher; Ron Reinke; Christopher Sis; Dorothy Tangen; Terry Ward; Kelvin

Weber; and Gwen Zimmerman. AT FAIRWAY VIEW NEIGHBORHOODS: Hazel Bergseth; Joan Block; Howard

Janssen; Betty Saeger; & Cheryl Wittnebel. ALL OUR MILITARY who are deployed to areas of conflict. When names

are added to the prayer list please include an address for the Day of Love Ladies to send cards. Please let us know when a

name should be removed.

KDIO BROADCASTS (sponsored . . . )

. . . (Sunday, July 7) is sponsored in honor of Kyle and Kris Kirkeby and Pat and Liz Ketz’s 20th wedding anniversaries

which were on June 25th and July 3rd.

. . . (Sunday, July 14) is provided by your gifts to the Endowment Fund.

. . . (Sunday, July 21) is provided by your gifts to the Endowment Fund.

. . . (Sunday, July 28) is provided by your gifts to the Endowment Fund.

May the God of All Consolation

. . . be with Mark and Amy Block and family as they mourn that passing of Amy’s mother, Beverly Menne.

. . . be with the Steve & Lori Strei, Dick & Marla Strei & family and friends of Wesley Strei, who passed away July 7th.

. . . be with the Deb & Glenn Henningson and family on the passing of her sister, Cher Hodge.

. . . be with the Harris & Marlys Selvig and family on the passing of her sister-in-law, Sylvia Holm.

We will have a summer worship hymn sing at Fairway View Neighborhoods on August 21st at 7 pm.

Board of Evangelism will provide treats following service. Please Join Us!

ALTAR GUILD TEAMS –AUGUST

Sacristy, Sanctuary, Banners & Surplices:

Fair Linens:

Brass Care:

Flower Committee:

Nikki Evje, Misty Wittnebel

Evelyn Olson

Mary Lou Olson & Virginia Wildung

Kim Anderson, Kandi Hamann

WITH THE HARSH WINTER and cancelled services behind us, we look towards Summer for renewed hope. Please consider

giving to the Church as we are called to live generously as Jesus did. Did you know you can create

an automatic donation account online? Visit firstenglish.net today! 2 Corinthians 8:5: They gave

themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping God's will.

THANK YOU’S

Thank you for supporting FELCs giving emphasis!

January……………………………………………Technology Fund

February Service Trip Scholarship

March ……………………………. Big Stone Lake Area Food

Shelf

AprilSWMN Funding Initiative

May Global Missions - Companion Synod in South Africa

JuneSomeplace Safe

JulyFamilies in Need

AugustBaptism Chests

SeptemberEndowment Fund

OctoberJaycees Project Christmas

NovemberGod’s Work, Our Hands/Service Projects

December ELCA Missionaries

August 2019

Designated Funds

Building (please specify) $______

Operating Fund $______

Other Baptism Chests _

$______

Name_____________________________

THANK YOU: Have you noticed the window inserts in the basement of our

church? Look and you will see two words that speak to us…”BE KIND”. The

wooden inserts have been painted “bold” green for all to see. The two

bold green words share with us the important message that one of the

most beautiful things we can do is to show an act of kindness, no matter

how small, always remembering it is never wasted and doesn’t cost us a

thing. We say “Thank you” Anne Tonn for sharing with us and our

community an amazing message and for so generously sharing your

talent, energy, and time. “BE KIND” …two very bold simple words. As

Pastor Dave says, “In a world in which you can do anything…be kind”.

Thanks, Anne, for another amazing message!!

THANK YOU…. Needing additional storage, the FELCWomen have had a

new coffee bar installed next to the kitchen in the basement of our

church. We are presently waiting for the granite top to complete the

project. A big “thank you” to Art Vollmer, Russ Thielke, and Dean Strand

for their hard work in completing the project and so generously sharing

their talents, energy, and time. We appreciate you and thank you!!! We

could not have done it without your expertise and help!! It’s perfect.

46TH ANNUAL SCANDINAVIAN FOOD FAIR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd

It’s hard to believe that July is almost over and the wheels are turning for the 46th Annual Scandinavian Food Fair. We are hoping that each of you may have taken a moment to think about how you might participate, share your talents and/or create a basket for the “basket boutique”. As you are pondering the question “how can I gladly share my time and talents”, remember that it is with everyone’s dedication and willingness to share, we can experience a successful event. EVERYONE in the congregation is invited to participate – come join in the “fun and fellowship”.

October is lefsa making month so watch for the “Lefse Making” schedule. Come help dust the floors with flour and wear a tad too. There will be mixing, rolling, flipping and packaging. We invite you to come and share in the fun and fellowship that it offers. We thank Mary Weber, who has so graciously offered to chair the project. So check your gardens, especially the area where you planted your seeds of “enthusiasm” and consider how you can share your harvest. Call either Kathy – 320-808-8669 or Ethel – 320-305-0825.

Our family gratefully extends heartfelt appreciation to our FELC family for

all the prayers, visits and expressions of kindness during the recent illness

and passing of our Dad/Grandpa Wes. We are blessed with many precious

memories to treasure. Thank you!

The children and grandchildren of Wesley Strei.

.

Parish Nurse Ministry Mission Statement: The mission of the First English Lutheran Parish Nurse Ministry is to assist all to

more fully experience God’s grace, love, and healing by addressing their spiritual, physical, emotional &

mental health needs for a healthier parish community.

Purpose: To focus on the intentional care of the spirit and well-being of our church family.

Policy: The Parish Nurse is not a substitute for home health nurses or other health professionals.

They will:

• Work in partnership with the pastor to provide spiritual care.

• Visit individuals in home or hospital.

• Promote wellness through education & screenings.

• Develop support groups within the church.

• Encourage healthy lifestyles.

• Help people understand the relationship between faith & healing.

• Assist in directing to an appropriate agency if referral is needed.

They will not do “hands on” nursing such as:

• Personal care.

• Setup or administer medications.

• Drawing blood.

• Dressing changes.

• Give medical or legal advice.

• Provide rides to appointments.

• Provide shopping.

Part of the Board of Lay Ministry’s job description says that the board is to:

Ensure that a pastoral relations committee is active and that it offers verbal encouragement and/or

directions to the pastor(s). Current members of this committee are Garry Swenson, Nancy Nolop, Scott

Simonitch, and Shannon Millerbernd.

If any congregant has an issue and doesn’t feel they can talk directly to the Pastor, they are invited to

speak to one of the committee members. Please consider this an open invitation; both negative and

positive comments are welcome. The committee meets with the Pastor twice each year, more frequently if necessary. Thank you to those willing to serve in this capacity. Pastor Dave.

GIFTS & MEMORIALS (April 1 through July 21, 2019)

ALTAR GUILD Mary Lou Olson in memory of Norman Shelsta; Pat Collins in memory of Beryl Cebula; Glenda Reiffenberger; Marilyn

Hanson CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS Arlen & Ardell LaCombe CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT Bruce & Evie Swigerd DAY OF LOVE Richard & Marla Strei in memory of Beryl Cebula & Lee Fahlgren; Garry & Ethel Swanson in memory of Beryl Cebula & Jim Johnson; Marilyn Hanson; Larry & Jyla Dahle in memory of Norman Shelsta & Beryl Cebula; Glenda Reiffenberger in memory of Beryl Cebula; Sharon Carlson in memory of Beryl Cebula & Jim Johnson; Nancy Nolop in memory of Beryl Cebula; Darlene Mikkelson in memory of Beryl Cebula; Virgil & Erlys Sis in memory of Beryl Cebula; Russell & Ronda Thielke in memory of Jim Johnson; Ronnie & Ginger Athey in memory of Jim Johnson; Arlen & Ardell LaCombe in memory of Jim

Johnson ELCA SW MN SYNOD Pat & Liz Ketz; Dan & Maureen Stores; Jack & Mary Weber; Marilyn Chindvall ENDOWMENT Darlene Mikkelson in memory of Norman Shelsta; Richard & Marla Strei in memory of Norman Shelsta FLOWER COMMITTEE Sharron Jonson in memory of Beryl Cebula; Connie & Carol Newman in memory of Lester Hanson & Beryl Cebula; Cheryl Carl in memory of Irene Carl. FOOD SHELF Arlene Gustafson; Eldon & Carol Knutson GLOBAL MISSIONS

Darlene Mikkelson; Dan & Maureen Stores; Pat & Liz Ketz; Arlen & Ardell LaCombe; Marilyn Chindvall; Jack & Mary Weber LIBRARY FUND Ruth Hansen OPERATING Nick & Marcia Golden; Virgil & Erlys Sis; Larry & Jyla Dahle; Clara Zeek; Sharon Carlson; Ronnie & Ginger Athey; Russell & Ronda Thielke; Fred & Nola Lockwood; Evelyn Johnson; Dustin Hanson & Ashley Belden; Scott & Julie Schneider; Ann Lundberg; Garry & Ethel Swenson; Bruce & Evie Swigerd OUTDOOR DIGITAL SIGN Garry & Ethel Swenson in memory of Lee Fahlgren SENIOR CHOIR Donna Hoel in memory of Beryl Cebula; Harris & Marlys Selvig in memory of Beryl Cebula; Jerry & Kathy Longhenry in

memory of Beryl Cebula; Ronnie & Ginger Athey in memory of Beryl Cebula; Jim & Julie Hipple in memory of Beryl Cebula; Lois Bergeson in memory of Beryl Cebula; Carol Barrett in memory of Beryl Cebula; Ruth Hansen in memory of Beryl Cebula; Evelyn Olson; Glenn & Lisa Berdan in honor of Donna Hoel & Darlene Mikkelson’s birthdays SOMEPLACE SAFE Darlene Mikkelson; Don Tiegs; Pat & Liz Ketz; Arlen & Ardell LaCombe; Dan & Maureen Stores; Marilyn Chindvall; Arlene Gustafson; Jack & Mary Weber; Virgil & Erlys Sis SQUARES Jerry & Kathy Longhenry in memory of Lee Fahlgren; Bruce & Evie Swigerd SPECIAL NEEDS Donna Hoel in memory of Norman Shelsta & Lee Fahlgren; Marilyn Chindvall; Jack & Mary Weber; Dan & Maureen Stores;

Dave & Deb Ellingson in memory of Wes Strei; Don Tiegs; Pat & Liz Ketz; Eldon & Carol Knutson TECHNOLOGY Eldon & Carol Knutson; Connie & Carol Newman in memory of Norman Shelta; Glenda Reiffenberger in memory of Norman Shelta; Jon & Kim Anderson in memory of Beryl Cebula; Marilyn Chindvall in memory Beryl Cebula; Arlen & Ardell LaCombe in memory of Beryl Cebula; Dave & Deb Ellingson in memory of Beryl Cebula; Pat & Liz Ketz in memory of Lee Fahlgren YOUTH Dean & Karen Strand in memory of Norman Shelsta; Harris & Marlys Selvig in memory of Norman Shelsta, Jim Johnson & Lee Fahlgren; Sharron Johnson in memory of Norman Shelsta; Lois Bergeson in memory of Norman Shelsta; Russell & Ronda Thielke in memory of Beryl Cebula; Sharon Carlson; Mary Lou Olson; Mark & Cindy Scholberg in memory of Jim Johnson; Jim & Julie Hipple in memory of Jim Johnson; Virgil & Erlys Sis in memory of Jim Johnson & Lee Fahlgren; Bruce

& Evie Swigerd; Pat Collins in memory of Wes Strei