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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 [5th Sunday after Easter]

9:30 am Worship & Holy Communion.

Sunday School following the service.

3 4 5 6 7 8

9 [6th Sunday after Easter]

9:30 am Worship. Celebrating ‘Mother’s

Day ~ LWR Quilts ~ Senior Sunday!

Sunday School following the service.

10 11

4:30 pm Council

meeting at

Church.

12 13 14 15

16 [7th Sunday after Easter]

9:30 am Worship & Holy Communion.

Sunday School following the service.

17 18 19

7:00 pm Night

Circle Bible Study

at church.

20 21 22 Tentative

Virtual Synod

Assembly

8:30 am - 3:30

pm.

23 [Pentecost]

9:30 am Worship.

Last day of Sunday School following the

service.

24 25 26 27 28 29

30 [Holy Trinity]

9:30 am Worship. Worship lead by

Pastor Edward Anderson.

31

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Grove Lake Lutheran Church Council Minutes April 11, 2021

Members present: Pastor Clay, Sandy Tingelstad, Mike Johnson, Brenda Brand, Julie Ann Holt, Cindy Baggenstos, Craig Bakken, Dan Anderson,

and Jody Restad. Members not present: Karla Breen and Polly Fahrendorff. Secretary’s Report

Motion was made by Craig to approve minutes, second by Cindy. Motion passed. Treasurer’s Report

Total Revenues for 3/31/21 are $24,152.00 and total Expenditures were $35,201.98. The Technology Fund has used $8,000 from the savings and Mission Investment Fund to cover the bills for the project so far. There is a total of $1,810 in the savings that is not designated

for any specific use. Motion to accept the report was made by Craig, seconded by Mike. Motion passed.

Pastor’s Report Pastor will be getting his second Covid 19 shot this week. He will then be able to start doing more visitations. Confirmation is going well.

We just need to keep moving forward with what we are allowed to do during Covid. Worship Committee – Dan reported that the Organ Maintenance was done and the man doing it was not very happy with the condition of the

pipes in the balcony. Some of the pipes have been damaged and paper balls had been thrown inside of them. It was decided to put a lock on the balcony door to prevent kids from going up there. We also discussed starting to stand for the Gospel and will consider when to start using the Communion Rail again.

Education Committee – During the month of May, Sunday School classes will be held inside with masks being worn. Outreach Committee – The Easter ads looked good. Coffee can begin in June and will be done outside. Properties Committee – The Wi-Fi thermostats that Craig purchased won’t work with our system. Dean Nelson can get the correct ones, but they

will cost $300 each. Motion by Mike to purchase four of them from Dean Nelson. Cindy seconded the motion. Motion was passed. Craig also reported that the wood baseboards in the basement are not holding up because of moisture. Craig has suggested they be replaced with vinyl ones.

Stewardship Committee – Jody is looking at what is expected from the Stewardship Committee and ways to accomplish them. Youth Committee – Looking for what is allowed for Senior Sunday. WELCA Report – Quilting continues until the end of May. Men’s Group – Checks were sent out to their choice of charities. Old Business – None

New Business – Nothing new.

The next meeting is Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 4:30 pm. We closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Brenda Brand, Secretary

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May 2021

Grove Lake Lutheran Church Reflection

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ;

The question of suffering is one of the great questions of humanity. We wonder, “If God loves us so much, and if God is so powerful, why doesn’t God do something about the suffering of God’s people, and isn’t that all people?” The whole world is in a time of great suffering because of the Coronavirus and it certainly causes us to wonder where God is in all of this suffering and death. In the Book of Job we get at least some in-sight, if not the answers we would like, as to where God is in times of great suffering, “I’m right here, Job.” “I’m right here my people, with you at all times and in all places suffering with you, mourning with you, caring for you through the love of the other.” It is often difficult to understand the ways of God. And perhaps we do not get the answers we want in this life. But to know that God has made God’s presence and love known in and through the life of Jesus Christ is at least something. Below is a devotional from the book, “THE WORD FOR EVERY DAY,” by Rev. Dr. Alvin Rogness, former seminary president and parish pastor.

THE CARING PRESENCE

In his book, The Color of the Night, Gerhard Frost uses the Book of Job to reflect on God’s way with people in the hours of suffering. He says:

As a very young child, my greatest fear was of the darkness. At times it even kept me awake. My father’s study was just across the hall, where he would often be at work at my bedtime. In a moment of panic I would cry out, frantic for a response. And the response always came: “Go to sleep, I’m right here.” With this assurance I would rest.

My father didn’t bring a light—I would have liked that—but he gave me something better, the assurance of his loving presence. A light would have left me alone. In real need, it couldn’t satisfy. Presence, loving presence, is what I craved.

Job would have liked a light in his darkness, a ready answer to his terrifying questions. Instead he is given caring Presence. Baffling as the barrage of unanswerables must have been, he couldn’t fail to get the larger message, “I’m right here!”

“I’m right here Job, rejoicing in my creation, loving every part of it, except its pain. I’m in its struggles, Job, even the struggle of the desert flower that grows in that cracked rock. I love the lone, scraggy tree that bends with the wind. I care for each blade of grass. And I care for you, Job, especially in your need.”

“I walk in the wastelands for I made them. Vastness does not mean abandonment. I’m right here in this “forsaken” place, and I’m with you.”

The Lord reminds Job of his love-pledge even to the unpeopled wastelands, offering this as a double guarantee to Job, his costlier creature. Here the Lord’s voice from the whirlwind calls across the centuries and blends with the voice of Jesus Christ:

“If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will God not much more clothe you, O people of little faith?” (Matt. 6:30)

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In the book of Job, one of the greatest in all literature, Job batters at the door of God for some answer to the catastrophic sufferings that have come upon him, and there is no answer but the one Dr. Frost finds: God says, “I’m right here, Job.” Job probably wanted more, and you and I want more. But where there is no answer to the riddle of suffering, it yet is of comfort to know that God never forsakes us.

“Who has cleft a channel for the torrents of rain, and a way for the thunderbolt, to bring rain on a land where no people are, on the desert in which there are no people; to satisfy the waste and desolate land, and to make the ground put forth grass?” (Job 38:25-27)

The hymn “My Life Flows On in Endless Song,”

has this refrain:

No storm can shake my in-most calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?

As we live this often stormy life absent of so many answers, let us cling to the Rock, our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Peace,

Pastor Ellingson

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The Worship Committee had a Virtual Meeting using Group Email for discussing various topics. One of the questions we discussed was

" Does this decision/change make the worship experience Inclusive or Exclusive?" Some recent examples of decisions or changes that made the worship more Inclusive are: - Adding Zoom and Parking Lot worship access. - Creating, Emailing, and Printing a Bulletin every week that includes the full worship (Liturgy, Prayers, Scripture, Music, etc.). Having the printed version of the Service available makes it more accessible to our guests who are not familiar with using the LBW or WOV for following the Liturgy. - Printing the four-part musical arrangement of those traditional hymns that the singers who like to sing parts (alto, tenor, bass) can do so while sitting in the pews. - When Pr. Clay welcomes and acknowledges those who are worshiping via radio or online is another example making sure those worshipers feel included. - Parents decide when their child is ready to receive instruction and meaningfully participate in Holy Communion. - Speaking the Lord's Prayer makes it accessible to everyone at many ages – both children and adults. It is also the most common prayer in the Christian Church and visitors of any Christian denomination know this prayer and feel included when it is spoken. - Adding an elevator has made the church building accessible to all - irregardless of physical limitations. -Using the skills of a song leader helps the reluctant singer feel supported and he/she may join in the singing of hymns or liturgy. Another question we discussed is “When and How do we return to a Pre-Pandemic Style of Worship?” The Clay County Health Department sent out a 2 page memo on April 20, 2021 entitled - Information for Faith and Community Groups: COVID-19 Preparedness Plan Requirement Reminders: Here are some “bullets”of information from this letter. -Executive Order 20-81, requiring face coverings in certain settings, remains in full force and effect. Continue on-line services, phone contact, and other outreach to vulnerable community members, even as other members engage in person. Services and ceremonies are understood to be seated or stationary.

-Music is an integral part of many faith-based services, weddings, and funerals. Singing and instrumental music produced by woodwind or brass instruments are higher-risk activities for COVID-19 spread due to the aggressive expelling of respiratory droplets.

-Live music performances are allowed with performers maintaining physical distance of 6 feet between other performers and 12 feet from the audience.

-Congregational singing may occur if all participants wear face coverings. -Sunday School or other youth programs that are not classroom style seated events, should follow COVID-19 Prevention Guidance for Youth and Student Programs

The complete 2 page letter can be found at the Otter Tail County Health Department website. Dan Anderson, Worship Committee

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USHER LIST May

Sunday

2nd Lyn n Nel ler m oe &

Mike Johnson

9th E d wa r d An d er son &

Keith Anderson

16th Sh er yl G r a n d b ois &

Chris Thysel l

23rd C u r t & L a u r ie Bu ck

30th G r eg & K a r en M osey

MAY 2021 Health Tip from The Welcome Place

May is Skin Cancer Prevention month. Five million cases of skin cancer are reported annually in the United States, making it America’s most common type of cancer. It’s also one of the most preventable. Skin cancers range from mild pre-cancerous growths on body areas exposed to UV rays to fully disseminated melanomas with a terminal outcome. The CDC reminds people that high temperatures aren’t the culprit in the de-velopment of skin cancer but the UV rays. Both UVA and UVB can affect changes in the skin; UVB are more likely to cause skin cancers while UVA are also involved in skin can-cer formation and play a greater role in premature skin aging changes. Risk factors include lighter skin color, skin that burns or freckles easily, blond or red hair, a large number of moles, a family or personal history of skin cancer, and older age. Signs of skin cancers that warrant a visit to a health care provider are noted with an ABCDE reminder: A-Asymmetrical edges B-Border-irregular or jagged C- Color- uneven D-Diameter- larger than a pea E- Evolving or changing Another concerning symptom is a sore that doesn’t heal. Most of us are familiar with preventive strategies such as sunscreen, wide brimmed hats, limited exposure during peak UV times, and protective clothing. I noted on the CDC website a suggestion for a “Sun Safety Tote Bag”, similar to an emergency bag prepared to respond to a tornado warning. The Sun Safety tote bag could be kept by a door for use on beach visits or kept in the car for travel to sporting events or other outdoor activities. It should con-tain light weight long sleeved clothing, long pants, foldable wide brimmed hats, sun-glasses, and sunscreen good for both UVA and UVB protection for all family members. It could also include a roll of paper towels and bug spray. This would make it easy to “grab and go” when heading out to outdoor activity. Skin cancer is considered one of the more preventable cancers and following some of the tips noted can help limit its development.

Katherine Jordahl, RN

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Lutheran World Relief

Blessing of Quilts will be during worship Sunday, May 9th, 2021.

A note from LWR

At Lutheran World Relief, we envision a future where all people, in every corner of the world can live full, dignified lives.

Founded by Lutherans in the United States at the end of World War II, grounded in Lutheran theology and building on decades of experience, Lutheran World Relief tackles global poverty by helping people adapt to the challenges that

threaten their livelihoods and well-being.

We work with people based on need, regardless of race, religion or nationality and we do not evangelize.

We provide aid in emergencies and help families restore their lives. We partner with communities to build and grow rural economies. We break the cycle of pov-

erty, so families and communities can thrive.

Our goal is to help people build self‐sufficiency and create new community‐owned approaches to problem‐solving that will last long after our projects end.

A Special Thank you to

the

Grove Lake Quilting group!

Youth & Education

Because of Covid-19 our children have been unable

to gather for Sunday School on Sunday mornings.

*Starting May 2nd Sunday School is going to be

‘In Person’ for the month of MAY!

(Please remember to wear your masks)

Sunday May 23rd is the last day of Sunday School.

We all look forward to all our children gathering together

again…

stay safe and strong in your faith.

Blessings to all!

Polly Fahrendorff

Jessie Williams

Jennifer Bergquist

Karla Breen

Lisa Erickson

Tara Wolf

Look forward to announcements about

Vacation Bible School

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Mother. One person who does the work of twenty. Call her Saint, Wonder Woman.

*

“Silence is golden” . . . Unless you have kids, then it’s just suspicious.

*

Sometimes I open my mouth and . . . my mother comes out!

*

It just occurred to me that the majority of my diet is made up of the food my kids

didn’t finish. *

The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers.

The original meal has never been found.

When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice play-pen. When they’re finished, I climb out.

Lord Bless every

Mother

Prayer for Senior Graduation

May God who began good work in you, carry it through to completion, enabling you to use your

talents to the fullest.

May God give you the grace to make wise choices and to be faithful to your commitments, always confident in the

support of those who love you.

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you will live

deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,

so that you will work for justice, equality, and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection,

starvation, and war, so that you will reach out your hand to comfort them and change their pain into joy.

May God bless you with the foolishness to think that you can make a difference in the world, so that you will do the things

which others tell you cannot be done.

May your integrity be a gift to the world

and may the Spirit of God be with you

always.

-Fr. Michael Graham