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HELPING HANDS ASSIGNMENTS Month of May 2018

USHERING:

Sunday, May 6 at 10 a.m.: Richard Ryan & Milton Omoth

Sunday, May 13 at 10 a.m.: Morgan & Lynnae Lies family

Sunday, May 20 at 10 a.m.: Richard Carlson & Duane Heckaman

Sunday, May 27 at 10 a.m.: Lynn & Cindy Homelvig, Dennis & Rachel

Anderson

READER: Sunday, May 6: Donn Frahm

CO-CHAIRPERSONS: Kristi Frahm & Joan Heckaman

FUND: FL Foundation

COFFEE FELLOWSHIP:

Sunday, May 6 at 9:15 a.m.: Tom & Kathy Ryan

Sunday, May 13 at 9:15 a.m.: Becky Kjos

Sunday, May 20 at 9:15 a.m.: Joan Heckaman & Dana Lies

Sunday, May 27 at 9:15 a.m.: Janet Laube & Mary Nokleby

Please note: If you cannot do your task, please find someone to switch with!

If you cannot find someone to switch, please notify a chairperson.

Thanks for your help!

Attention Ushers: Please fill out the Usher Report provided at the back of

the church on the shelf by the offering plates. It is important that you take a

head count and put the number on the report. There is also a sheet on the

bulletin board with the duties of the ushers.

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“Those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the

same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun! All this

newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through

what Christ did.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

Dear Family of Faith,

I have recently heard wonderings that go something like this: “What’s

wrong with us? How come they’re not kicking down the door to wor-

ship with us? We are good people, family-oriented, community-

minded. How come people don’t want to come to our church?”

Many congregations are lamenting falling worship attendance, reduced

revenues, and aging membership—and at the same time they praise the

close “family” bonds shared by the members. They are bewildered and

can’t understand why they are declining.

They blame the inadequate parking lot, but paving it does not reverse

the decline. They blame the Sunday school curriculum, but buying a

new resource does not reverse the decline. They blame the absence of a

youth group, but cannot seem to attract youth. They blame the pastoral

leadership, but can never find the right “messiah” who will rescue

them from decline. They tinker with the organizational structure, re-

write the mission statement, and repair the organ, all under the banner

of “church renewal.” Nothing changes. They blame everything except

the one thing that is really wrong: the system!

The “church renewal” efforts of the last thirty years have largely been

a failure, because these efforts merely tried to make the old system

work better. Congregations sought to improve the organization through

restructuring, believing that a more efficient hierarchy would enable

the old system to regain vitality. Some denominations, for example,

urged congregations to move from traditional “Official Boards” com-

posed of session and stewards, to “Unified Boards” composed of ex-

ecutive and multiple standing committees. The truth is, however, that it

does not matter which board structure a congregation uses—they still

decline.

(continued on pg. 10)

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Home communion delivery is available the first Sunday of each

month. If you would like to be added to the delivery schedule, please

call the church office.

The final day of ABC for the year is May 16th. Affirmation of Baptism

is May 20th. Breakout for all kids in grades 7-12 will be during your

lunch hour on Wednesday, May 16th. Youth Group is not scheduled

for any Sundays in May. See you in the Fall when we resume!

Great Plains Mobile Food Pantry will be at city hall parking lot on

Thursday, May 3rd from 11:45-12:45 for a food delivery. If you are

in need of a food donation, please stop by!

FL Foundation meets on Wednesday, May 2nd at 6:45 p.m.

Senior Recognition will be held on Sunday, May 6th during worship.

We have 2 seniors at FLC this year, Miranda Johnson & Lauren

Roscoe. Please keep them in your prayers as they begin a new journey!

VBS will be held June 3-5. Please see page 7 for more info. This is

free once again to all who attend thanks to a wonderful donation from

the FL Foundation! There is a sign-up sheet in the fellowship hall -

please help out where you are able by sharing your time and talents

with the kids!

An Open House Baby Shower will be held for Hannah Brandner on

Saturday, May 19th from 1-3 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend!

A Blood Drive will be held at FLC on Wednesday, May 23rd from

11:30-4:30. They are unsure of a contact person at this point, so watch

the church bulletins and Facebook page for more info coming in May.

Bible Study is held each Monday at 3 p.m. Please join us!

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It is once again that time of year to start thinking about Bible Camp!

If your child is interested in attending a camp this summer, please call

the church office. We have scholarships available to cover part of the

cost for FLC families and there is a special code to use when register-

ing. There are also scholarships available through the camp to help

cover what FLC does not help with.

There are short stay camps as well as week long camps for all age

levels. Holy Hoops is a specialty camp offered for kids interested in

basketball as well as regular camp activities. There is also a Coun-

selor in Training camp for anyone in grades 10-12 who may be inter-

ested in becoming a camp counselor at Red Willow!

All registration fees this year include a free t-shirt for your camper to

take home as a reminder of this year’s camp theme and verse, as well

as their time at camp!

What can you expect from a typical six day week of camp? Campers

will be assigned a cabin and counselor, and spend days doing a vari-

ety of activities including Gaga, hiking, swimming, boating, crafts,

volleyball, worship, and more. In the evening there are camp games,

an optional campout, campfires, and crazy skits. The heart of each

day will be in-depth Bible studies and conversation about faith and

life.

So who is ready to spend a wonderful, life-changing week at Bible Camp making new friends and growing

in their faith?

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(continued from pg. 1)

The “church transformation” movement at the beginning of the twenty-

first century is succeeding because it addresses systemic change. Con-

gregations in this movement realize that significant change will never

happen hierarchically. That is, they understand that the organizational

“top” of the system is ultimately powerless to change the system itself.

Change will only happen as the bits and pieces of congregational life

that lie within the system, begin to work together with a common vi-

sion. Systemic change powered by the Holy Spirit will ultimately trans-

form the organization.

The “C” word (change) needs to be embraced if a congregation will

allow the Spirit to transform the congregation into the mission center

God intends it to be. Might we be in need of some changes in our bits

and pieces of congregational life? If we are to shift our wonderings

from “Why us?” to “Let’s find a way,” just maybe. Scary, huh?

Blessings,

Pastor Doug

First Lutheran Foundation

The Foundation was established in 2009 to create an entity for contributions to FLC programs with tax favorability to donors. Contributions allocated according to these guidelines: 25% to En-dowment (only interest is used); 25% to FLC programs; 25% to community projects; 25% to Missions.

Professional advice is available through ELCA. Contact your tax advisor for State and Federal tax benefits. Contact Foundation board members for more information: Bruce Hirchert, Jeanette Perleberg, Richard Carlson, Amy Perleberg & Dori Tollefson.

Please remember First Lutheran Foundation in your Estate and Financial planning!

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CHURCH RECORDS

ATTENDANCE: OFFERING: April 1 – 44 & 151 $3,453.00

April 4 – 11 $ 67.00

April 8 – 76 $1,933.19

April 11 - 15 $ 190.00

April 15 - 101 $3,236.00

April 18 - 16 $ 75.00

April 22 - 100 $2,082.00

WEEKLY NEED: $ 2,793.24 Y-T-D EXPENSES: $ 51,118.92

Y-T-D OFFERING: $ 43,877.01

Y-T-D BUDGET: $ 48,416.16

General Fund

(Checking Account)

Balance as of 4/25/2018:

$7,324.51

SPECIAL ACCOUNTS:

Property Fund: $36,113.98

Hopes & Dreams: $1,838.10

Banner Fund: $250.19

Music Fund: $316.98

Budget Reserve: $6,215.10

Thrivent Choice: $1,149.00

Noisy Offering: $436.50

FLC Men’s group: $2,989.88

Special Account

(Savings Account)

Balance as of 4/25/2018:

$49,309.73

Dennis & Rachel Anderson

Jake & Whitney Burkhardsmeier family

Richard Carlson

David & Kathie Fleming

Donn & Kristi Frahm

Duane & Joan Heckaman

Janet Heskin

Lynn & Cindy Homelvig

Norris & Becky Kjos

Leo & Janet Laube

Dana Lies

Morgan & Lynnae Lies family

Mary Nokelby

Milt Omoth

Richard & Vicki Ryan

Tom & Kathy Ryan

Dale & Sandy Settelmeyer

Doug & Ann Smith

Acolyte Schedule: Sunday, May 6:

Macey Wobbema & Maggie Wobbema

Sunday, May 13:

Alexa Anderson & Hallie Brown

Sunday, May 20:

Emma Duda & Lora Wobbema

Sunday, May 27:

Dawson Clifton & Talan Gehrtz

May (Group 9)

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Thanks to all the sponsors of our radio broadcasts!

April 1: IMO Vivian Longnecker and IHO of her birthday, by Ervin Longnecker.

April 8: IMO Julie Edinger Wentz, by Carol Edinger & family.

April 15: IMO Wilma Bertsch, by Sharon Hirchert and Dennis & Caroyl Koenig.

April 22: IMO Renee Fields, by Gertie Laib.

April 29: IMO Oscar Gedrose & loved ones, by Lillian Gedrose.

The following dates are open for 2018: Aug. 5 & 13, and Sept. 23 & 30. If you would like to sponsor a Sunday broadcast, the cost is $50.

Please call the church office to schedule.

APRIL 2018:

BAPTISMS:

Jase Aaron Pfeiffer on 4/15/18 Harrison Roy Jorgensen on 4/22/18

WEDDINGS: None

FUNERALS: None

TRANSFERS: None

ALTAR COMMITTEE

for May

Deb Stafford

Sheila Brown

Kristi O’Connor

Your 2018 schedules are

in your church mailbox!

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CHURCH COUNCIL

OLD BUSINESS

Extra Benevolence-Gary made a motion to donate $150 to the

Cemetery Fund. Glenda seconded the motion, motion carried.

Potluck & Meeting on Sunday, April 29-A potluck will be held

after worship to discuss and update our vision and mission state-

ment.

Stephen Ministry Update-We were refunded all of the enrollment

monies we sent to the Stephen Ministry.

NEW BUSINESS

Red Willow Bible Camp Opportunities-Deb Belquist proposed that

members of First Lutheran complete a service project at Red Wil-

low Bible Camp as part of our stewardship. She will do some re-

search into various projects.

Youth Acknowledgement Board-Discussion on displaying newspa-

per clippings, various accomplishments, artwork, etc from youth in

our congregation.

SADD-Carissa thanked First Lutheran for the use of the facility for

the SADD Easter Brunch.

The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Shelly Ehni

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CHURCH COUNCIL

First Lutheran Church Council met on April 11, 2018. In atten-

dance were Bruce Hirchert, Pastor Doug, Gary Lindquist,

Carissa Johnson, Glenda Collier, Jeff Halvorson, Ardyce Snyder,

Katie Jorgensen, Melony Allmaras, Deb Belquist, Dan Shroyer,

Deb Stafford, Kayla Jay, Amy Perleberg, and Shelly Ehni. The

meeting was called to order by president Bruce Hirchert.

Devotions and Prayer- Pastor Doug led us in devotions and

prayer.

Secretary’s Report-Deb Belquist made a motion to accept the

minutes as written. Glenda seconded the motion, motion carried.

Financial & Treasurer's report-as of April 11, the checking ac-

count showed a balance of $11,649.61. Gary made a motion to

approve the financial report, Deb Stafford seconded the motion.

Motion carried.

Correspondence-None

REPORTS

Pastor’s Report- Pastor Doug shared that there are some bap-

tisms coming up. On May 20th the 8th graders from the Affirma-

tion of Baptism class will be confirmed. He will be officiating a

wedding in July. He is also performing the Wednesday morning

worship service at the Lutheran Home while Deb Lommen is

recovering.

Board of Education- VBS has been set for June 3-5. There are

currently 18 students that have registered to attend.

Lay Ministry/Evangelism-Home communion has been set.

Property/Stewardship Board-Projects were discussed.

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Happy Easter Season and Spring to all! On the 29th of April, we have the opportunity to assist in writing a new mission statement for our church. Bring a dish to share for the potluck and stay for the gathering. May 12th we are going to Tolna for the Prairie Rose Spring Cluster meeting. The speaker for the day will be Kjellaug Reyerson who will speak of her life in Norway during the WWII German occupation of her country. There will be a sheet in the fellowship hall for you to sign up on, and for more info you can talk to Ardyce or Betty. Please plan to attend if possible. It is just a really fun, easy-going day for all ladies in “our little part of the ELCA world”! If you could drive that day, let us know. A wonderful problem would be that we have so many wanting to go that we have to “scrounge” for cars and drivers! Thank you again for your $15.00 gifts to our work and mis-sions. We will give a total of gifts received in our June report. Let’s all enjoy our springtime while remembering every morn-ing to thank the Good Lord for all our blessings! Betty and Ardyce

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1st - Wyatt Allmaras

Jim Dockter

3rd - Dan Shroyer

4th - Sandy Bekken

Kaci Weisenburger

8th - Kaelyn Ystaas

11th - Mariah Alderman

14th - Melony Allmaras

16th - Doug Nemitz

17th - Alisa Heskin

Tasha Skogen

18th - Susette Allmaras

Lynn Homelvig

Kate Langley

21st - Jason Munson

Russell Weber

22nd -Greg Anderson

Anna Mae Tollefson

If you find that your birthday isn’t listed, or if the date is wrong, please

let us know.

23rd - Jake Burkhardsmeier

Janet Heskin

Stuart Richter

Lonnie Thompson

24th - Lynnae Lies

Judy Meier

Kaiya O’Connor

Terik Pfeiffer

Gail Roberts

25th - Sadie Nelson

Danik Nelson

27th -Chantel Heskin

28th - Sandy Settelmeyer

30th - Parker Bichler

Brian Perleberg

31st - Sarah Nelson

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Where: First Lutheran Church

When: Sunday, June 3 from 3:00—6:00

Monday & Tuesday, June 4 & 5 from 9:00-3:00

We are in need of volunteers to help with the following:

*Provide snacks

*Provide meals for counselors

*7-12 graders as helpers for counselors

*Provide housing for counselors

*Kitchen staff to help with snacks & lunches

If you are willing to help out with any of the above,

please call the church office or there will also a sign-up

sheet on a table in the fellowship hall. Thanks for

helping make VBS at FLC another successful event

for our children!