COMMON GROUNDAugust, 2021

Contact Information

Faith’s Office: 906-486-9083Website: faithishpeming.weebly.comEmail: faithlutheran@faithinishpeming.com Trinity’s Office: 906-486-6791Website: trinitylutheranishpeming.weebly.comEmail: trinitylc@trinityishpeming.com

Beginning Aug 16Pastor Evelyn 715-922-0823 Email eweston@luthersem.eduPastor Steve 715-922-0824Email steve.weston@ecunet.org

Faith Council Members

Kathy Richards, President 360-2120Helen Frederickson, V. President 486-9666Dede Caplett, Secretary 569-9068Donna Kroon-Harris 485-4227Robert Lake 204-2084Kurt Penrose 250-0025Ann Pietro 486-9074

Trinity Council Members

Cory Beth Grigg, President 361-4271Peter Johnson, Vice President 486-6988Nancy Polkinghorne, Secretary 204-4298Kristine McDonnell, Treasurer 236-5829Gary Baldini 360-0984Brad Heinzman 485-6689Norman Johnson 869-6100Adele Price 475-7159Ashley Price 869-7992Linda Nicholls 361-8710

Office Hours Tues & Thur[9 am — 1 pm]

For Pastoral care

Jul 27 - Aug 8 Pr. Steve Solberg 906-458-2145

Aug 9 - 15 Pr. Breanne Kinnunen 507-993-1909

Administrative InterimsPastors Steve & Evelyn Weston

[Beginning Aug 16]

Moving? Snowbird?Summer Retreater?

If you forward your mail at any time of the year, please let the office know so that we can adjust your address. Common Ground does not get forwarded by the post office, but the church is charged for each item that is undeliverable. Thank You!

Inside this issue:Pastors Westons’ Message 2Bishop Finnegan's Message 3Worship Opportunities 4Synod News 4Faith Information 5Trinity Information 6Sharing in Ministry 7Prayer List 7

Electronic Common Ground

Would you like an electronic copy via email? Please call or send an email to your church, and you will be added to the email listing.

From Your Administrative Interim Co-Pastors

Permit us to introduce ourselves.

My name is Evelyn Weston. I was born and raised in Hibbing, Minnesota. My faith was sparked in junior high during a week at Bible camp. I attended Concordia College in Moorhead, majoring in theater. I worked in theater and did office work in Minneapolis. After a trip to Israel with my church, I started at Luther Seminary part-time, then full-time, which led to meeting and marrying my husband, Steve. I eventually was ordained in 2002.

My name is Steve Weston. I was born and raised in the Seattle area. I went to college at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, majoring in math. After that I served four years in the US Air Force, stationed near San Antonio, Texas. From there I went to Luther Seminary in St. Paul, where Evelyn and I met. I was ordained in 1993. Most of our ministry has been in Minnesota, but we are coming to Ishpeming from a parish in Wisconsin. One of my hobbies is writing hymns.

We have three sons: Sam (28), Ben (26), and Jon (21). They currently share an apartment in Duluth.

We are moving to Ishpeming to serve as interim co-pastors at Bethel Lutheran Church. With all the ELCA churches in Ishpeming in transition, Bishop Finegan also has appointed us to serve as Administrative Interims for Faith and Trinity. Pastor Evelyn will cover most of your administrative needs, and we plan to provide most of your pulpit supply ourselves.

We also are grateful to be invited to live in Faith’s parsonage. It certainly seems to us like God has been planning to provide pastoral leadership for all three churches during these transitions.

If you want to be in touch with us at any time, contact us:

Pr Evelyn: 715-922-0823 (cell), or eweston@luthersem.edu

Pr Steve: 715-922-0824 (cell), or steve.weston@ecunet.org

This is an exciting time for Faith and Trinity, and perhaps a time of some tension and anxiety as well. May God bless our partnership as you move into the future God has in store for you.

Peace and blessings!

Pastor Evelyn Weston Pastor Steve Weston

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Dear Northern Great Lakes Synod,

At the beginning of this pandemic, I likened our current times and days to that of the Israelites, wandering in the wilderness. I talked about emerging from this pandemic wilderness differently from how we entered it. And here we are, more than a year later, and it feels like we can see the Promised Land.

As restrictions have eased, I have had the pleasure of gathering, maskless, with other faithful people in worship. What a joy! To sing! To eat! To share the Peace of Christ and see a person’s whole face! It is such a blessing to gather once again as the Body of Christ and the community of faith. I will say that I am grateful for the vaccine, which makes me less anxious to actually gather with others. Our congregations are pivoting from online to in-person worship, from restrictions to protocols that allow for safe gathering. I sense a feeling of being done with the pandemic, done with masks, done with all the decisions and discernment necessary for safe gathering.

Perhaps we are done. I hope so. But don’t throw away your mask just yet. Don’t discontinue your online presence just yet.

If we are to learn anything from history and the Influenza epidemic of 1918-1920, and if we are to learn anything from what is happening around the globe, we would be wise to pay attention. For us, this pandemic has lasted just over a year. But the lessons of history would teach us to be prepared for closer to two years. With Covid variants making the news, with new waves of the virus plaguing population pockets across the globe, it makes sense to stay vigilant. I hope we do not have to pull out the masks again and limit the attendance of our gatherings, but mentally, emotionally, we need to be mindful of that possibility. Covid-19

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continues to be a reality that lingers and mutates, as viruses do. I encourage congregational leaders to remain aware of Covid and vaccination numbers in your community and respond accordingly.

Currently, we are in a promising and hopeful trajectory. Covid cases are down significantly and the vaccination rate is slowly rising. But if Israel and India are any indication, we need to stay vigilant and be prepared to pivot, once again, if necessary.

I know that’s not what people want to hear. I know that we are tired of protocols and masks and worry and we are ready to declare the pandemic over. But it is not over. Perhaps, for now, we can enjoy what low Covid numbers and rising vaccination rates make possible and gather once again for in-person worship, but please continue to make accommodations for those who cannot be vaccinated because of health factors or age.

I give thanks for the presence of Christ that we experience in each other. I am grateful for these past few weeks when I have been fed by corporate worship, fellowship, and hearing the voices of others raised in song and prayer. It feels like a drink in the desert and relief in the shade of an oasis. I hope we can stay here. But more than that, I hope that if we have to venture into desert territory again, that this reprieve from pandemic challenges will fortify us for the journey ahead. Whether we stay or whether we must go, Christ is with us.

Yours in Christ,

Bishop Katherine Finegan

Sunday Worship9:00 am @ Trinity10:45 am @ Faith

Radio Broadcast GTO 97.5 FMFacebook Live

Worship services will be available on Facebook Live and will broadcast on radio station GTO 97.5 FM. Find it streaming at www.gto.fm/stream. The Faith/Trinity Reopening Task Force has recommended mask wearing for those unvaccinated, sanitizing, and social distancing. Coffee fellowship following the service.

Bulletins: Bulletins are available Sunday mornings at the church. If you would like one by mail, call your church and leave a message with your name and mailing address. Bulletins are also available on each church’s website at faithishpeming.weebly.com or trinitylutheranishpeming.weebly.com.

Prayer Requests: Please contact your church and leave a message providing the full name and church of the person you wish added or removed.

Servants: We will have readers, ushers, musicians, and communion assistants at each church service. If you wish to volunteer, contact your church office.

Zoom or PhoneThursday—see calendar

for timeSaturday @ 9 am

Contact Pastor Stacy for the information and link.

All Are Welcome!

Prayer Calendar - August 2021 1 Pray for pastors who celebrate birthdays this month: Jared Howard (8/1), Paul Raappana (8/6), Diane Srutowski (8/6), John Ansell (8/10), Bucky Beach (8/11), Brahm Semmler Smith (8/11), Cori Johnson (8/13), and Jim Duehring (8/18).

2 Pray for pastors who celebrate the anniversary of their ordination this month: Molly Eversoll (8/3), Kelly Ylitalo (8/9), Rell Spickerman (8/16), Diane Srutowski (8/17), Bill Jacobson (8/19), John Ansell (8/21), and Joe Daiker (8/21).

3 Pray for members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Lutherville, MD; St. Paul Lutheran Church, Myersville, MD; St. Paul Lutheran Church, Newark, DE; and St. Paul Lutheran Church, Smithsburg, MD. 4 Pray for farmers, ranchers, and migrant workers as they harvest crops and care for animals that provide food and raw materials for clothing and other resources. May the harvest be plentiful and may their work be safe and rewarding.

5 Pray for high school students as they begin practices for fall sports – may they be safe and healthy as they compete.

6 Pray for women who give children up for adoption and families who adopt children into their homes. 7 Pray for congregations in transition, especially Faith Lutheran Church, Three Lakes, WI, and their Interim Pastor John Kuziej.

8 Pray for Licensed Lay Ministers who celebrate their birthdays this month: Sharon Babbitt (8/25).

9 Pray for men and women in the armed forces and their families who miss them and sometimes struggle in everyday life without those they love.

10 Pray for our NGLS Staff as they meet today and coordinate ministries within our Synod.

11 Pray for our Synod Candidacy Committee as they meet today and continue their work with candidates for ministry in our Synod.

12 Pray for school administrators, teachers, coaches, and staff as they enter this school year and adapt to the many changes that last year brought into being. May they make wise decisions that keep all staff and students safe and healthy and enable learning in wonderful and creative ways.

13 Pray for pastors who celebrate birthdays this month: Jesse Brown (8/21), Matt Lamb (8/23), Sue Johnson (8/23), Andrea Fluegel (8/24), and Eleanor Russey (8/27).

14 Pray for pastors who celebrate the anniversary of their ordination this month: Gene Wickman (8/23), Craig Mansur (8/28), Devon Barrix (8/28), Dave Christenson (8/29), and Doug Norquist (8/30).

15 Pray for all of our ELCA Seminaries and for all ELCA congregations to encourage members to consider a career as Ministers of Word and Sacrament (Pastors) or Ministers of Word and Service (Deacons).

Who’s Preaching on Sunday? Pulpit Supply

Aug 1 Pr. Breanne KinnunenAug 8, 15 Deaconess Lori Ward Aug 22 Pr. Jim Duehring Ass’t to the

Bishop NGLSAug 29 Pr. Steve or Pr. EvelynSept 5 Bishop Katherine Finegan

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Council Highlights from July

● Grinder Pump Replacement: Thank Hamel Septic Services, Gerry Kippola, Helen Frederickson and Marilee Koval.

● Bottle Return: Thank you Bob Katajamaki for the large bottle donation. The money will go towards Phase II of the parsonage windows.

● Parsonage Windows: The patio door installation went well on June 10. Anticipate the first phase of the parsonage window and front door installation to be in August.

● Thank You!! Superior Lock and Security that fixed the lock on the front door recently, but decided not to bill the church for services.

In Joint Council action:● Ann Pietro motioned to accept the Memorandum

of Understanding [for responsibilities, compensation and living arrangements for the administrative interim pastors], seconded by Norm Johnson. Motion unanimously carried.

● Discussion regarding forming a call committee was held. Councils must determine if they will appoint a joint committee or separate committees.

● A motion was made by Donna Kroon-Harris seconded by Ann Pietro to continue planning the Aug 22 Joint Worship & Picnic. Four support votes by show of hands. Motion failed.

In Faith Council action:● Donna Kroon-Harris motioned to gift Pastor Stacy

Faith’s portion of the laptop that was purchased by Faith for her ministerial work with no further compensation, seconded by Kurt Penrose. Motion carried. Trinity will be billed for their portion of the cost of the laptop, as Faith paid the full amount.

Fall “Walking Together” EventConference 8 Superior CentralThursday, September 16 at 5:30 pm

Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette, MINeed two volunteers to attend the Walking Together event that will include idea generating conversation, encourage creative solutions, and offer the blessing of being church together with other congregations in our area. Let Kathy

Richards know if you are willing to attend.

Needs additional members to reorganize the finance committee. If you can help with this vital ministry, please contact Laura Korte at 486-8758 [h], 236-5311 [c].

Council MeetingAug 10@ 6 pm

Church Council VacanciesThe church council is looking for two members

to fill current vacancies. If interested in this ministry, please contact any council member or

the church office. The council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 pm.

Counters! Readers! Ushers! Coffee Servers! Communion

Assistants!!We need you!! Now that church services have

returned to pre-Covid operation, we need readers, ushers, communion assistants,

counters, and coffee servers. Please sign up for any of these positions on the secretary’s

office door or contact Irene Kindstrand at 906-486-4373 to get on the list.

Thank You!!! Lois Ombrello, Norma Denney, Barb Carlson & Donna Kroon-Harris for their help with church mailings. Thank you

Lawn Mowers Thank you to those who mowed: Kurt & Noah Penrose and Vic & Carol Cox. Please note the parsonage lawn will also need to be mowed.

Marilee Koval for loaning out painting supplies, to Nancy Harmala, Kay Maddock, Dede Caplett and Robert Lake for painting the upstairs.

Phase II Fund for the parsonage window replacement that was established at the annual meeting is accepting contributions to the fund. Please mark contribution with the

designation for windows.

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Trinity’s Mission

Trinity Lutheran Church will, by the grace of God, faithfully witness to God’s love through prayer, worship, and support of others and encourage

Spirit-led growth within the church, the community, and the world.

Next Council Meeting:

Aug 16@ 6:00 pm

Community Outreach

If you have any ideas how the congregation of Trinity can help our community stay strong, i.e. calling shut-ins, reading to the elderly, donating blankets to homeless shelters, etc. please let us know. You can call the church or Kathy Koski at

906-486-8637 with your suggestions.

Online Giving through VancoIf you are interested in online giving it is easy to sign up. How it works:

1. Visit the Vanco site either through the QR Scan or the link on the church website.

2. Sign Up for either a bank account or credit card.3. Choose this to be reoccurring or a one time

donation.4. Submit the request.

Once you sign up, Trinity will receive notification of your donation and your envelope number will be credited for the donation. Weekly and monthly statements are sent to Trinity and the donation is deposited on the day you chose while signing up. It is that simple.

Thank you to all who have signed up already. Trinity appreciates your contributions to God’s Work in Ishpeming. Questions: See Melissa

Reminders

● Please contact the church office with anything you would like to include in the newsletter!

● Thrivent plan owners are reminded to inform the office so that advantage of Thrivent community grants can be arranged.

● The first communion class will be held in September. Please call the church office to participate.

Council Highlights

7/6 Council Meeting: ● Council met to accept Pastor Pethke’s letter of resignation.

7/12 Joint Council Meeting: ● Councils from Trinity & Faith met at Trinity with Pastor Jim

Deuhring (Assistant to the Bishop) to conduct Pastor Stacy’s exit interview and meet, via zoom, Administrative Interim Pastors Steve & Evelyn Weston.

7/19 Council Meeting:● Jim Kippola, Kathy Koski, and Lori Syrjala representing Staff

Support attended to request direction, communication and support over the next months for our administrative secretary. Lori Syrjala was hired for a period of 60 days (to be reviewed) to provide continued training for Makenzie Rajala.

● Jim Kippola updated progress of the audio/video installation and training. He requested contact information for pulpit supply personnel so our worship service programming could be discussed with them.

● The Financial Secretary’s report showed declining General Fund support in 2021 over the same period in 2020 when services were presented live on-line or broadcast on the radio.

● The Treasurer reported receipt of Endowment Funds and initial payment for the audio/video upgrade and steeple repair.

● Blessing of the Boats at Big Shag Lake and the Dead River were well attended.

● A portable speaker system has been purchased and is available for events that are not broadcast on the radio or internet.

● Council reviewed the Shared Ministry Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding for Administrative Interim Services. Pastors Steve and Evelyn Weston will be arriving as full-time interims for Bethel and will be our Administrative Interims.

● Council was charged with contacting parishioners regarding return to in-person worship.

● Property & Maintenance reported the rubber roof between the sanctuary and fellowship hall has been replaced. The long awaited steeple painting and repair is complete and will once again be lighted when the light fixtures arrive.

Property & Maintenance Help Needed

Individuals who are interested in maintaining the lawn, front

garden, sidewalks and parking areas are needed. Contact the

church office to volunteer.

Many thanks to Lori Syrjala, Jan Grove, & Mary

Johnson for their continued help with

the newsletter mailing!

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August CountersAugust 1: Tom & Nancy PolkinghorneAugust 8: Ashley Price & Gary BaldiniAugust 15: Norman & Mary JohnsonAugust 22: Gary & Adele PriceAugust 29: Tracy & Bruce Tippett

Council is looking for volunteers to

strengthen the staff support and mutual

ministries.

Reminders

● Please contact the church office with anything you would like to include in the newsletter!

● The first communion class will be held in September. Please call the church office to participate.

Time & Talent SheetsLook for Time & Talent sheets in the

next few weeks!

Walking Together Superior Central ConferenceThursday, September 16, @5:30 pm

Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette

This event will include idea generating conversation, encourage creative solutions, and will allow us to better connect with other

congregations in our area.

If you are interested in attending, please sign up on the bulletin board in the Fellowship

Hall or by calling the church office.

Soup Luncheons will be returning in October!

We would like to start getting an idea of who is willing to

help. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kathy Koski (906)486-8637

or Mary Heinzman (906)273-0725.

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through Vanco for FAITH

If you are interested in online giving, it is easy to sign up. How it works:1. Visit the Vanco site either through the QR Scan or the

link on the church website.2. Sign Up with Vanco for an account.3. Designate the amount and funds. Add your

information for either a bank account or credit card.4. Choose this to be reoccurring or a one time donation.5. Submit the request.

Once you sign up, Faith will receive notification of your donation and your account is credited for the donation. Weekly and monthly statements are sent to Faith and the donation is deposited on the day you chose while signing up. It is that simple.Thank you to all who have signed up already. Faith appreciates your contributions to God’s Work.Questions: Contact Robyn

Coffee HourCoffee hour will be offered following worship services at both churches! We encourage you to follow CDC safety guidelines during these gatherings. Hand sanitizer will be available. Signup if you are interested in serving.

If you are interested in online giving it is easy to sign up. How it works:

1. Visit the Vanco site either through the QR Scan or the link on the church website.

2. Sign Up for either a bank account or credit card.3. Choose this to be reoccurring or a one time donation.4. Submit the request.

Once you sign up, Trinity will receive notification of your donation and your envelope number will be credited for the donation. Weekly and monthly statements are sent to Trinity and the donation is deposited on the day you chose while signing up. It is that simple.

Thank you to all who have signed up already. Trinity appreciates your contributions to God’s Work in Ishpeming. Questions: See Melissa

Online Giving for TRINITY

Confirmation, First Communion Classes Begin in September

Anyone entering 7th - 9th grades who would like to be part of the Confirmation program, please contact the church office. Anyone who is entering the 5th grade or who has not yet completed the First Communion class and is older than 5th grade, can begin First Communion classes also in September. Please contact the church office for details.

Save the DateRally Sunday, Sept. 12Blessing of the Backpacks“God’s Work, Our Hands” Project following worship

Faith: Dennis & Cheryl Salmer, Nathan Brewer, Sarah, Bob & Karen Katajamaki, Ashley Richards, Richard & Mary Hewitt, Helen G., Norman P., Robert and family, Ruth,

Marie & Ralph, Marlene, Diane, Billi Jo and family, Brandon, Fran Armitage, Nan, Pat Johnson, Linda Krass, Aidan Martin, Beth, Melissa & Emma, Bill & Helene, Judy Helsten, Dave Koval, Irene, Kaydi & Maddie.

Continued on p. 10

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AugustScriptures First Reading Psalm Second Reading Gospel

August 110th Sunday

After PentecostExodus 16:2-4,

9-15Psalm

78:23-29Ephesians 4:1-16 John 6:24-35

August 811th Sunday

After Pentecost1 Kings 19:4-8 Psalm 34:1-8 Ephesians 4:25--5:2 John 6:35,

41-51

August 1512th Sunday

After PentecostProverbs 9:1-6 Psalm 34:9-14 Ephesians 5:15-20 John 6:51-58

August 2213th Sunday

After PentecostJoshua 24:1-2a,

14-18Psalm

34:15-22Ephesians 6:10-20 John 6:56-69

August 2914th Sunday

After PentecostDeuteronomy

4:1-2, 6-9Psalm 15 James 1:17-27 Mark 7:1-8,

14-15, 21-23

Youth & Confirmation

Amanda Rasner, Camp Director

End of Summer Worship Service

The service will be a great way to celebrate what God has done through the summer camp ministry of Fortune Lake, while providing an opportunity to worship together, and maybe even giving your tech team a week off!

Grace & Peace,Amanda Rasner, Camp Directorshe/her/hersFortune Lake Lutheran Camp, Crystal Falls, MI906.214.2267www.fortunelake.org

After the overwhelming gratitude you showed for the Epiphany worship service, we have decided to offer another one to our association congregations and friends!

The 30-40 minute service is intended for the weekend of August 14-15. It will be available to preview on our YouTube channel and Facebook page by Friday, August 13. It can also be sent via a direct link for those who wish to download it directly.

The worship service will include Bible readings from the lectionary texts, prayers, worship songs, and a sermon, all done camp-style, featuring summer campers and staff.

Memorandum of UnderstandingAdministrative Interim Pastoral Services

We welcome as administrative interim pastors, Pastor Evelyn Weston and Pastor Steve Weston, to serve both Faith and Trinity Lutheran Churches beginning on August 16, 2021. The Westons are also serving as intentional interim pastors at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. The duties they will be responsible for at Faith and Trinity are:

1. Attend council, call committee, and other committee meetings deemed necessary;

2. Provide pastoral care or arranging for pastoral care;

3. Encourage appropriate cooperation between the two congregations including but not limited to adult education and youth confirmation;

4. Visit the homebound and members in the nursing home every month or making arrangements for lay people to do so.

5. Be available as counsel for any programming needs of the congregation, including leadership for the call committee and the completion of the MSP for each congregation;

6. Make arrangements for pulpit supply and worship leadership for all worship services;

7. Be present at the interview of a pastoral candidate and facilitate without influencing the decision-making process.

8. Attend the Congregational meetings, and the Northern Great Lakes Synod Assembly and Conference meetings.

The Westons will live in Faith's parsonage. This will serve as Faith's compensation. The Westons will pay for all utilities. Trinity will pay $250 monthly to Faith to cover their portion of an administrative interim. Pulpit supply reimbursement will total $160 each Sunday for the two services and will be split equally by both congregations. Another expense will be mileage reimbursement.

We look forward to continuing our ministry for the coming year with Pastor Evelyn and Pastor Steve! Welcome to the U.P.!

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Thanks to everyone who helped with Pastor Stacy and Tom’s send off celebration, and with packing their stuff and loading their truck.

Thank you also to those who helped pick up, deliver, and set

up the new chairs in the fellowship hall. And a special thanks to Ruth

for the wonderful memorial donation to make it possible.

Thank you to all of you from Pastor Stacy and Tom for the send off celebration, gifts, hugs, and for packing our stuff and loading the

truck. We appreciate all of the help from each of you. We couldn’t have

done it without you.

16 Pray for Bishop Finegan and other area church leaders as the Marquette Area Judicatory leaders meet today. 17 Pray for doctors, nurses, medical teams, and scientists as they continue their research and their work in caring for the most vulnerable among us. 18 Pray for all rostered leaders and their families who will be attending the Seeking Shalom Event at Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp today through August 20. May they be blessed and refreshed for the ministries in which they serve. 19 Pray for animal shelters and their staff members as they heal and comfort God’s creatures and find them permanent and loving homes. 20 Pray for families who are taking “children” to college for the first time and missing them already. May these young adults be safe and industrious in their studies and find a faith community in their new homes. 21 Pray for parents and students as they prepare for a new school year. May they enter with positive attitudes and cooperative spirits. 22 Pray for congregations making plans for the fall, adapting to current circumstances in their communities and around the world. 23 Pray for teachers, bus drivers, administrators and staff as they prepare their rooms, offices, and vehicles for the new school year. 24 Pray for the members of Kinondoni Lutheran Church, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and their NGLS Partner Congregation, Bethel Lutheran Church, Ishpeming. 25 Pray for our NGLS Staff as they meet today and coordinate ministries within our Synod. 26 Pray for our Synod Endowment Board as they meet today and make decisions for how to use these funds wisely to glorify God and spread the Good News. 27 Pray for members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Upperco, MD; St. Paul Lutheran Church, Thurmont, MD; St. Paul Lutheran Church, Walkersville, MD; and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Clear Spring, MD. 28 Pray for all our ELCA seminary students, especially those from our Synod: Lance Crevier, Wade Crevier, Lon Hider, Pat Kempf, Krystle Moraska, Melissa Salminen, and Sarah Sleeter. 29 Pray for Pastor Rita Chirala and the members of Faith Lutheran Church, Sault Ste. Marie, as she is installed into her ongoing ministry as their Pastor. 30 Pray for our Synod World Hunger Committee members as they meet today and continue to lead our efforts to feed the hungry and care for our global neighbors in need. 31 Pray for God’s Work, Our Hands planning teams as they put the final touches on plans for ministry projects around their communities and the world. 10

Prayer Calendar - August 2021continued from page 4

Continued from p. 7

Trinity: Brian Easterwood, Skip Lyons, Diane, Glenn Sarka, Danielle

Guidebeck, Jason, Mark Pajula, Lucille, Abel Barrett, Mark Chanen, and Alan.

...our service men and women and their families:John Lawson, Christian Henderson, Andrew Kubas, Joshua & Cheyenne Perreault, Nathan Murray, Mike Hollenbeck, Craig Perry, Jacob Smith and Dan Best.

...those who are homebound or in nursing homes:Home: Mary Denney, Betty Mitchell, Sherry Watters MCMCF: Melita Aho, Geraldine Harrison, Shirley Langsford, and Karen Lehman Mission Point: Eileen Peterson Teal Lake Senior Living Community: Pat Phare

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Summer’s Possibilities “And now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your glorious name.”

~2 Chronicles 29:13, NRSV

Summer is short in the U.P. and Northern Wisconsin, so people want to take advantage of these months. By the time you are reading this, summer is not over. Here are some possibilities to still consider:

When you're on the lake, remember to look up and around and give God the creator praise for all the wonderful pieces of creation we have here in our synod.

Consider visiting a relative or friend you haven't seen in years.

Consider sharing the flowers or vegetables from your garden with someone who could use an act of kindness.

When you're in the car traveling on vacation and the kids are fussy and anxious remember to give God thanks for making you a parent.

When you're biking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or jogging, remember to give God thanks for giving you the health to do such activities.

When you feel squeezed by economic circumstances, remember to give thanks for the roof over your head and the friends in your life.

When you think summer is a time to take a vacation from worshiping God, reconsider the gift that your presence represents to the whole church community.

When you are on your porch listening to the birds sing, remember that God loves to hear you sing praises also.

Consider inviting someone to your home church or to watch the services online if that is an option.

Continue to have a blessed and thankful summer!

Pastor Jim Duehring Assistant to the Bishop/DEM

2021 Fall Classes to be Announced Soon!

The Northern Great Lakes Synod offers a diverse series of online classes for adults who want to

increase their knowledge and understanding of the Bible, church history, Lutheran Theology, contemporary Christian issues, and more.

The schedule of classes to be offered this fall will be announced with full details by the end of July. Here’s a

preview of the upcoming schedule:

• Holy Communion Post-Pandemic: What, When, Where, Who, and Why with Bishop Katherine Finegan

• Walking Together: Companionship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania with Luanne and Bishop Emeritus Tom Skrenes

• Biblical Greek or Hebrew with Pastor Nicole Hanson-Lynn

• The Book of Ezekiel with Pastor Tommy Richter

• An Introduction to Family Systems Thinking (one session) with Pastor Jim Duehring. Learn how groups function similar to the emotional dynamics of a family.

• Book study of Friedman’s Fables with Pastor Jim Duehring

• An ongoing Bible study

Classes are free but may require the purchase of textbooks or other materials. Students will receive

Zoom links from their instructor.

SPECIAL NOTE: While pandemic restrictions have eased, these are still uncertain times. The Synod will continue to offer online classes this fall. Last year we

realized that online learning presents an opportunity to connect people from across the synod—people who

share a love of learning and have discovered that adult studies help them to grow in faith. Also, we hope that some people may gather as a small group at their

own church building.

Please contact Deacon Lori Ward to receive the class schedule as soon as it is announced or to

ask questions at lori.ward@nglsynod.org or (615) 519-1969.

my love

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDISHPEMING, MI 49849

PERMIT NO. 116

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH414 E. Ridge Street

Ishpeming, MI 49849

Change Service Requested

Administrative Interim PastorsSteve & Evelyn Weston

Cells:Steve--715-922-0824Evelyn--715-922-0823

Emails:steve.weston@ecunet.orgeweston@luthersem.edu

180 County Rd PPOIshpeming, MI 49849

906-486-9083

faithlutheran@faithinishpeming.comfaithishpeming.weebly.com

414 E. Ridge St.Ishpeming, MI 49849

906-486-6791

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Don’t be afraid,

1 John 4:18

is stronger than

your fear.