C H U R C H N E W S L E T T E R

South Zumbro

South Zumbro Lutheran ChurchRev. Mark Schwartz, pastor4830 120th Ave. S.W. Kasson, Minnesota 55944 (507) 365-8110 – church (507) 365-8892 – home (507) 951-0653 – cell markanne@kmtel.com – email

www.szlc.org

October 2014

Here I Stand!On Sunday October 26, we celebrate Reformation Sunday at South Zumbro. It will be an exciting Sunday for a couple of reasons. Our organist, Tony Boldt, plays in a brass quintet, Classical Brass, and they will be providing the music for the service. That will be inspiring! We get to sing one of the great hymns of the church, A Mighty Fortress, which was written by Martin Luther and is one of the most moving hymns in our hymnal. To top all that off, I get to wear my red reformation socks that I purchased at Wartburg Castle, which boldly state in German “Here I stand! I can do nothing else!” Awesome huh?

Now, that third reason for excitement might just pass you by a bit. Luther socks? What is the deal with that? What is going on? Let me explain. In April, I had the opportunity to take a trip I had always dreamed of taking to Germany with the main emphasis to see the important sites of the life of Martin Luther. We saw the famous door of Castle Church in Wittenberg where Luther nailed his 95 Theses on October 31, 1517. We saw the monastery, which Martin Luther called home, and the room where his “table talk” dinners were held. I saw an indulgence at the museum there. We

saw the pulpit where Luther preached his final sermon in Eisleben, the town where Luther was born and died. We also toured the town of Worms where

he made his famous “Here I stand” statement of faith. We even visited the monastery in Erfurt where Luther took his vows as a Catholic monk and led his first communion service. All were amazing to see.

We also climbed two castles, which played significant roles in the life of Martin Luther. We saw Castle Coberg where Luther stayed in safety while the reformers presented their declarations of faith in Augsburg, and Wartburg Castle where Luther hid out for 10 months and there translated the Bible into German so that all believers could read and study the Bible. Wartburg Castle was beautiful

and very regal, perched high on a hill and finely decorated. What a beautiful setting. It was at the gift shop there that I purchased my “Here I stand”

Luther socks. I will wear them with pride and joy. Luther wanted us to live in joy. He stated, “whatever fear assails us is either a temptation of Satan or a remnant of the old man, for in Christ there can be nothing but supreme assurance and joy.” Amen to that!

— Pastor Mark

South Zumbro Bulletin Boardt The prayers of the congregation are shared with the following people who have

been hospitalized recently. Carol Meyer. Pat Smith. Timothy Gillis. Doris Severson. Darcy Petersen. Julie Wilson. God bless them all!

Daily Bible readings for 2014The deacons of the church would like to challenge you to make time to read the Bible daily in 2014. For daily growth in your faith, daily time in the Bible is necessary. Each month, a new outline of daily Bible Reading will be included in the newsletter.

OCTOBER01 Revelation 1; Psalm 96

02 Revelation 2; Psalm 97

03 Revelation 3; Psalm 98

04 Revelation 4; Psalm 99

05 Revelation 5; Psalm 100

06 Revelation 6; Psalm 101

07 Revelation 7; Psalm 102

08 Revelation 8; Psalm 103

09 Revelation 9; Psalm 104:1-23

10 Revelation 10; Psalm 104:24-35

11 Revelation 11; Psalm 105:1-25

12 Revelation 12; Psalm 105:26-45

13 Revelation 13; Psalm 106:1-23

14 Revelation 14; Psalm 106:24-48

15 Revelation 15; Psalm 107:1-22

16 Revelation 16; Psalm 107:23-43

17 Revelation 17; Psalm 108

18 Revelation 18; Psalm 109:1-19

19 Revelation 19; Psalm 109:20-31

20 Revelation 20; Psalm 110

21 Revelation 21-22; Psalm 111

22 1 Thessalonians 1; Psalm 112

23 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16; Psalm 113

24 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13; Psalm 114

25 1 Thessalonians 4; Psalm 115

26 1 Thessalonians 5; Psalm 116

27 2 Thessalonians 1; Psalm 117

28 2 Thessalonians 2; Psalm 118

29 2 Thessalonians 3; Psalm 119:1-32

30 1 Timothy 1; Psalm 119:33-64

31 1 Timothy 2; Psalm 119:65-96

NOVEMBER01 1 Timothy 3; Psalm 119:97-120

02 1 Timothy 4; Psalm 119:121-144

03 1 Timothy 5:1-22; Psalm 119:145-176

04 1 Timothy 5:23-6:21; Psalm 120

05 2 Timothy 1; Psalm 121

FALL KICKOFF!The Health and Wellness committee will be partnering with local Physical Therapy Doctoral students, including Kelsey Wigham, to put on programming called “Active All Your Life” for our Fall kickoff of South Zumbro on the Move this year! On Sunday October 26th, come after church for a healthy snack and some activity screenings provided by the physical therapy students. Stay for some educational information on staying moving with arthritis, interventions to improve balance, exercise opportunities around the area, tips for making your home safer, and strategies to recover from a fall. This information will be geared toward the 55+ population, but all are welcome. Information on the programming for South Zumbro On The Move will also be presented that day. Any questions or concerns, please contact Cindy Bernards (507-273-0945) or Kelsey Wigham (507-251-6101).

Have you met Lina? Many of you know that we have a foreign exchange student from Germany sharing our home during this school year. We are very fortunate because Lina’s English is very good. But there are times when we need to ask more questions and get more information from each other in order for all of us to fully understand what is happening. In the same way, many people have trouble understanding information about their health.

October is Health Literacy Month. What is that?! Health Literacy is the ability to read, understand, and act on your health information. There is a big gap between the way health issues are communicated and the ability of most people to understand them. Health care professionals have their own culture, knowledge, and language. They may talk too fast or use big fancy words. Nearly 9 out of 10 people have difficulty using routine health information.

Perhaps you got a brochure or a typed sheet with a prescription that you don’t understand. Ask me. Perhaps it is a list of lab results, and you don’t know if the numbers are high or low or what they mean. Ask me. Perhaps you don’t understand how to take a new medication. Is it supposed to be on an empty stomach or a full stomach? Does “three times a day” mean the same thing as “every eight hours?” Ask me.

Perhaps you simply had an eighth grade education or a GED before you went to work full time. Or you may know an adult learning to read, or your father had a stroke and is relearning how to read. Ask me. Medical information can be difficult to read and understand. Perhaps your daughter-in-law is from another

Ask Mecountry and doesn’t understand the dismissal instructions from the hospital. Ask me. I would be happy to review them with any of you.

Have you ever skipped a necessary medical test or screening because you didn’t know that you were not supposed to eat breakfast beforehand? Perhaps you are having a harder time managing your high blood pressure, or you are visiting the emergency room more often because of certain complaints or because you keep making mistakes with your medications. Ask me. Having health information that has the right words and that is easy to understand can help you manage a chronic disease like asthma, congestive heart failure, or diabetes. Please ask me if you have a question or concern.

Perhaps you need to fill out a complex form or a health history. Perhaps they asked you if you have an “advance directive” on file. If you don’t know or if you need help, I am available. Or maybe you are an “auditory learner,” you learn by listening instead of reading instructions. Would it help to see and listen to a video instead? Perhaps when you talked to your doctor you heard her talk about “risk” and “probability” for certain conditions—that Is math! Health Literacy includes using math skills to calculate cholesterol and blood sugar levels as well as understanding nutrition labels. It can all be very confusing. Ask me.

In Matthew 13:10, the disciples were confused when Jesus taught in parables and asked Jesus, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And Jesus told them it was “given to them to know the secrets or hidden truths of heaven.” Life can be confusing. We in the medical profession need to use

plain language so you can understand something the first time you read it or hear it. Then use the information to make good decisions about your health and medical care.

I will try to translate the complicated medical terms into words that you can more easily understand.

Health Literacy also requires knowledge about certain health topics. Health information can overwhelm even persons with advanced literacy skills. Medical science progresses rapidly. What people may have learned about health during their school years often becomes outdated or forgotten. And health information provided in a stressful or unfamiliar situation may not be remembered.

I will try to write these newsletter articles without too many fancy words. And I will try to make them easy to read, understand, and use. And if not—ask me!

Your Parish Nurse,

Cindy BernardsCall me at 507-273-9045.

South Zumbro Council Minutes

September Attendance 89, 162, 196,

September Offerings

September 7th

Home Budget $3872.84, Building Fund $875, Missions $25, Luther League $150, Memorial Fund $10

September 14th

Home Budget $2652.33, Building Fund $390, Cemetery Fund $25, Good Samaritan Fund $40, Sunday School $100, Missions $35, Memorial Fund $25 – $15 memory of of Phyllis Holger / $10 memory of Rolland Anderson

September 21st

Home Budget $2248, Building Fund $405

Attendance: Pastor Mark, Steve Jurrens, Michele Stromme, Marilyn Aarsvold, Jeff Bernards, Mark Van der Hayden, Lynn Knutson, Don Ness, Tom Ricke, Mike Coats, Steve Bryhn, and Elise Patzke

Devotions: Tom – Leadership Lessons: Calling

Secretary’s Report: Mot/sec and approved with the following updates: Trustees completed water drainage in front of parsonage garage.

Treasurer’s Report: mot/sec and approved with the following balances:

Savings – Medical Co-Pay $875.13

Checking – Home Budget $23,120.58

Checking – Building Fund $8,730.07

Total Assets $32,725.78

Mortgage Loan Principle $17,794.39

Pastor’s Report: Business/visitation miles: 830

New Members: Reid & Anna Olson, children Luke and Duncan – interested in transferring to SZ

October 5-8: LCMC Annual Meeting, Des Moines, IA – Dennis & Marilyn Aarsvold, Steve & Vicki Bryhn and Pastor Mark will attend on behalf of SZ

November 27: Thanksgiving Eve Worship

September 21, 4-6 pm; Lutheran Latin American Mission Annual Meeting @ Zion Lutheran Church, Stewartville

Committees: Health & WellnessKelsey Wigham will be working with SZ members to complete a research project for her Physical Therapy

Doctoral Degree. The date has not been determined. The study will focus on Aging, Falls and Flexibility.

Cemetery BoardSandy Dahle – database process is continuing

TrusteesCompleted:Investigation into buried cable on south side of the property – not feasible due to logistics

Furnace – pre-cold weather maintenance

In Progress:

Soffit lights

Trash service

Bob the Bug Man Service – wait for insects to show

Parking lot perimeter markers – pre-planning for snow removal

Old Business: Benevolence Assignment: mot/sec – Meals for the Heartland at LCMC gathering

Mortgage Principle: An additional $5,000 approved to be put towards principle in September.

Eagle Scout Project: Brady Larson’s project proposal for an outdoor worship area has been approved by the Scout Review Board. A site location has been identified and the project proposal will be reviewed by SZ trustees prior to final approval to proceed. Construction is slated for Spring ‘15.

SafeChurch Insurance Co: A sample consent form, related to background checks for adults who interact with youth of SZ, was presented by Steve Jurrens. Stevenson Ins is providing guidance/direction on this new

September 9, 2014

Council MembersCouncil President:Steve Jurrens 398-7102 jurrens@mayo.edu

Vice President:Marilyn Aarsvold 365-8402

Deacons:Jeff Bernards 634-4561

Steve Bryhn 365-8103

Michele Stromme 634-4022

Trustees:Mike Coats 289-3221

Tom Ricke 251-5696

Mark VanDerHeyden 358-5522

Secretary:Elise Patzke 226-4426

Treasurer:Don Ness 365-8101 ddness@kmtel.com

Financial Secretary:Lynn Knutson 365-8175

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Office HoursPastorPastor Mark’s office hours are Wednesday thru Saturday 9 am to noon.

SecretaryOur church secretary, Michele Stromme’s office hours are Fridays from 10 am to 12 noon.

process/requirement being put forth by our insurance provider - SafeChurch. Forms will be distributed to volunteer staff on Rally Sunday. More info will be shared at October meeting.

SZ Financial Education: Discussion continued from last month. A date in November is trying to be set for the discussion/education on the topic of: Legacy Planning, Memorials and Annual Donation opportunities.

New Business: None.

Meeting adjourned and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully Submitted,

Elise Patzke***

Habitat for HumanityHabitat for Humanity has work schedules each week for local church groups.

South Zumbro is scheduled for Oct 14th, 16th and 18th. Just need one or two helpers for the 14th and 16th.

For Sat the 18th, it would be nice to have four or five men or women. The house is enclosed now with walls in place. Activities would be minimal lifting or climbing. Hours are 9 am to 3:30 pm. Half days are 9 am to 12 pm or 12:30 to 3:30 pm. Please contact Lynn Knutson (365-8175/lbnutson@kmtel.com) if you may be able to help for one of these times.

Plus on Sat we have the lunch schedule. It would be great if someone would provide sandwiches, etc. for the noon time.

Thank you Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer shawl, all the support, and prayers given to me while I was in the hospital and recuperating at home. Thank you to Pastor Mark for the visit as well. I am so happy to be a part of the South Zumbro family.

God’s blessings to all,

Doris Severson

The Feste Burg“A Mighty Fortress”, the hymn written by Protestant reformer Martin Luther in 1529, is powerful in English but even better in its original German. Historian Michael Streich notes that Luther compares God not only to a fortress but to a completely secure stronghold or Feste Berg.

“A burg was a fortified town,” Streich says. “When invaders approached, the surrounding populace fled to the safety of the walls” – sometimes to layers of walls within walls. Luther’s hymn compares God to the most powerful of all burgs, with eternally unbreakable walls.

When we need a place of refuge, God offers his Mighty Fortress, his Feste Burg. Within this refuge, with our value based on our relationship to God rather than on earthly achievements, we will never be put to shame. Inside this fortified town, the God who desires and eternal relationship with us delivers, rescues and saves us.

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WOW newsAs we enter into the busy fall season with all its celebrations and activities, our opportunities for service for the Lord in our church also changes.

Norwegian American DayWhat does the following list of words mean to you? Tradition, meatballs, potatoes, gravy, red vests, rommegröt, fruit soup, lefsa, yep, you guessed it, Norwegian/American day is right around the corner. Be sure to come to church hungry on October 12 and help us celebrate the Norwegian heritage of South Zumbro right after the service.

This year a free will offering will be taken during the meal. The profits will go toward the yearly mission distribution that WOW completes in December.

October Bible StudyAt your October Bible study, please discuss the upcoming year opportunities. Our 2015 WOW booklet will be going to print in Dec for Jan. 2015 so we need information from circles.1. Hostess for the Bible study-each month we meet2. Circle executive boards names-

as circles determine (stewardship, cheer, treasurer, etc..)

3. Quarterly CO-Leaders for WOW — serve 4 months — a MUST have!

4. Committee persons for the list found in front of booklet.

5. Updated names, telephone numbers, email address of circle attendees

This information should be given to either Marilyn Aarsvold or Sara Johnson by Nov. 20th.

October WOW MeetingLadies plan to attend our 7 pm WOW evening meeting/event on October 23. We will shift our focus from Norway to Germany. Pastor Mark will share pictures, stories and historical information from his recent travels to the home land of Martin Luther. We hope to see you there.

Looking Ahead to NovmeberBazaar – Nov. 1Executive meeting – Nov. 13th 7pm – Co-leaders of 2014 and Tres.WOW business meeting- voting – Nov. 20thAdvent by Candlelight – Nov. 30th

Secret Prayer SisterI am looking for anyone who would like to take over the Secret Prayer Sister program. It is a wonderful opportunity if you feel you would be interested. Please see or contact me (507-358-5522), and I can give you the information I have.

Respectfully,Kathy VanDerHeyden

Advent by CandlelightIt's never to early to mark your calendar for an important event!

South Zumbro WOW will hold an Advent by Candlelight for ladies of the congregation, their adult female family members, friends and neighbors, on Sunday, November 30th at 5:30 p.m. There is no charge for this event. This is a wonderful evening of the Word, music, guest speaker and fellowship to help you prepare your hearts for the Advent season. Seating is limited and reservations (sign-up) will begin the last week of October.

Hostess Opportunities Want to ensure yourself a seat at this year's Advent by Candlelight event? Volunteer to host a table and we will reserve a chair for you. Hostesses provide table settings, a holiday decoration, candles and a dessert for 6-8 ladies. You may partner with another lady to host a table if you desire. It is lots of fun and requires only a few hours of your time. If you want to host a table this year (or need more information before committing), please call Marcia Bungum: 365-8935 or Julie Boyum: 272-7623.

More announcements will follow in the coming weeks, so mark your calendar now. Sunday, November 30th at 5:30, South Zumbro church, Advent by Candlelight.

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S O U T H Z U M B R O L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

2014