The “Spirit” Eagle Lake Lutheran Church July 2020

In This Issue

Pastor’s Letter Treasurer’s Report Faith Haven Golf Classic Congregation President’s

letter Men’s “Outside” Work Day

“Living in Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we serve others.” (Mission Statement of Eagle

Lake Lutheran Church)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

OUTDOOR

WORSHIP SERVICE

At Eagle Lake Church

JULY 12th at 9:30 AM

Join us for worship at 9:30 am.

We will be streaming online as well as offering people

the ability to remain in their cars or sit outdoors in lawn

chairs while maintaining appropriate social distance.

PASTORAL VISITS

Please call the church office and let us know if you desire a pastoral visit—especially if you are going to be hospitalized or having health issues. If it is an emergency feel free to call Pastor Ben at 218-531-9434

Pursue Love

“And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts…”

1 Corinthians 13:13-14:1a, NRSV

Dear Friends in Christ,

God’s blessings to you and your loved ones during these challenging times! Thank you for your responses to the congregational survey regarding worship opportunities while keeping Covid-19 precautions. In brief, what I learned from the survey results was that there is a wide range of comfort levels with in-person worship. There is significant desire to gather for in-person worship now as well as a need to continue offering engaging online services for those choosing to stay at home for precautionary reasons. Given the wide range of comfort levels, we will need to take a “both/and” approach to offer faith-forming opportunities and activities that meet people where are and allow everybody to take part in ways they feel safe.

We are planning for our first in-person parking lot worship service on Sunday, July 12th. For this service, we will be streaming online as well as offering people the ability to remain in their cars or sit outdoors in lawn chairs while maintaining appropriate social distance. I know that you miss being together for worship. I miss being together for worship, too! Even when we do begin gathering again, it will likely feel quite different. Let me ask this of you as we enter into this “both/and” season of re-opening for in-person worship services and Bible Studies while maintaining engaging online services and Bible Study opportunities: please be patient and understanding with one another.

The Apostle Paul writes, “Pursue love,” toward one another. Peter also writes in 1 Peter 4:8, “Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” The truth is that we are all learning how we can best be church together under these pandemic conditions as we go. An expression our bishop often used during his first year of service is: “We’re building the plane as we fly it.” I think that pretty well sums it up for us at this point, too. We will make mistakes in this process. We are learning. But we are learning together and we can show the world what it looks like to live out of the grace and love of Jesus Christ toward one another as we go. That is what the world needs right now: people who can live out the gospel toward one another.

Thank you for all of the grace and kindness and words of encouragement you have extended me during this time of living under pandemic precautionary measures. I look forward to seeing you soon—whether that’s in-person or commenting online, behind a mask or waving from the front seat of a car.

Together in Christ’s Service,

Pastor Ben

Dear Att: Joyce True How are you? Me I can’t complain. I’m so very to have TeacHaiti like my school. I like it because it’s contributing to my future it’s helping to become a social man. And I wanna talk to you about my school and my dream for this year. At my school I have a lot of friends. This year I’ve a national exams. This is very difficult and after exams I’ll work to my rap career. My social science teacher’s name is Mr. Bilybert Audize. He’s very generous, he’ll help me as much as he can. I love practicing

music. My school has a garden. We plant spinach and we’re in the process of having a chicken coop. Thanks It’s your Junior Joseph

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hello dear sponsor, I am glad you have your student’s card. When our students wrote their cards, there were no cases of the virus in Haiti yet. A week after they wrote their cards, the cases were confirmed. Hint, your student may not mention anything about how he/she is doing in confinement because everyone was at school enjoying learning then. Thank you for your support of our students during this difficult time. We are doing everything we can to give them academic work to do at home through distance learning though it is a major challenge due to lask of access to technology. We look forward to seeing our students back in school whenever we have the green light from our government. We are currently discussing safety measures to ensure their safe once they return to school. Thank you so much for all you do for TeacHaiti and your students.

With a grateful heart, Miquette -- Founder

Bible Study

Pastor Ben will continue leading a Bible Study Thursday, July 2nd, 9th and 16th at 1:00 PM.

You have the option of coming to church for the Bible Study or join in through the Zoom Meeting links will be email to you the day before along with the Meeting ID and Password. Social distancing will be in practiced and wear a mask if you are more comfortable doing so.

Pastor Ben on Morning Watch

Tune in to listen to Pastor Ben on the radio broadcast of the

Morning Watch. He is on the 1st, 3rd and 5th

Tuesday’s of the month at 8:45 AM on 1250 AM

CONNECT WITH “YouTube” AND WATCH OUR ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES

at eaglelakelutheranchurch on YouTube

All you need to do is “search” eaglelakelutheranchurch on YouTube. Once you find it there is a “subscribe” tab you can click on and that

makes it easier to find the next time. Also there is a little “notification bell” that you can also click on and it will send you a notification when a

new video is available for viewing. The office has been sending out an email weekly (Saturday evening) with

the link to the worship service. If you are not on the group email that receives this email and would like

to be, please contact the church office so you can be added.

Presidents Note

Greetings to my Eagle Lake Lutheran family,

I hope this finds all of you well and looking ahead to a more normal time as we continue to wait out the effects of the COVID – 19 pandemic. So many of us are anxious to return to our normal life and look forward to being able to gather for worship and fellowship. It would seem that parts of our lives have been turned upside down.

Even with the loosening of restrictions, we are apprehensive to gather and we still consider the welfare of others, as we negotiate the re-opening. Hopefully we will continue to rely on our Lord to help and guide our decisions as we move forward.

This has been a busy month at Eagle Lake Lutheran. With the decision to move ahead with the Handicap Doors at our last Special Congregational Meeting, the doors have been installed and the electrical work will begin on Thursday, June 25th. This is earlier than we expected, and it will be nice to have it finished and functional. Thank you to everyone that heard and answered the need for the funds needed to complete both doors. Once again, this family of ours has proved to be faithful when a need arises.

We have also had a team of members working at how we can begin to gather again for worship. Thank you to everyone that completed and turned in the surveys. It has been very helpful to the team as they continue to develop a plan that considers the desires of the congregation and the real risks associated with opening again. They have certainly seen that online or streaming of services is still needed and those will continue, no matter how we negotiate in person worship. The recorded services have been wonderful, and I am thankful for the dedication and talents of our worship team.

The council has also decided to move ahead with the installation of the sign at the church. This decision was extremely difficult. Most of us, in the congregation, know the sign project has been discussed at many congregational meetings. There are strong feelings associated with the sign project, and they are all valid and played a significant role in the council’s decision. The original idea for the sign was to have a sign that would have the capability for messages and announcements and big enough for passing vehicles to read. The best location discussed was for it to be placed at the intersection of Highway 78 and County Road 81. This is where the challenge began. Current restrictions and rules do not allow us to place it there. Members of the congregation have been working on getting approval, and some approaches may not have helped us but currently there has a been a bill drafted by our representative Bud Nornes. This has been stalled for quite some time. With the current legislative workload, COVID-19 Pandemic, demonstrations, and riots, we are not expecting any movement of the bill. At the heart of this project is and was the desire to inform anyone passing by, that Eagle Lake Lutheran was here, and is a place that has active and vital ministries happening and invites anyone to participate with us. We see this as the core of the sign project. So many have dedicated time, talents and resources to this project, and it was felt, by the council that the sign could still be positive for the church and the community if it was placed at the church. If it brings one person to know Jesus, our Lord, then it will serve its purpose. The council has also agreed that we need to continue working to get the permission needed to place the sign on Highway 78 and County Road 81. The sign will be movable, when and if that time comes. I welcome any questions and hope that this project will bring Glory to our God and unite us in our resolve to spread the good news of our Lord and to share his Love.

At our last regularly scheduled council meeting, the Call Committee, after conducting an interview, has recommended extending a Call to Pastor Benjamin Durbin, who is serving currently as our Interim Pastor, to serve as our permanent Pastor. We have been so blessed to have him serving us already and it has given us an opportunity to know him far better then we normally would know a possible candidate. I am very excited for the possibility of Pastor Ben being with us into the future. The council had set date for a Special Congregational Meeting on July 12, 2020. This will most likely be changed to July 26, 2020 on the recommendation of the re-opening committee and pending approval of the council. The Purpose of this meeting is to vote to extend a Call to Pastor Benjamin Durbin. This meeting will have to be an outdoor or parking lot meeting. Please look for more information as the date may change as the Reopening Team is working on the logistics of having an in-person meeting. This is required by our constitution so that we can normal discussion and paper ballot voting. There will be a letter or email sent that will give the formal announcement along with information about Pastor Ben that will help you, as a member, in your decision of the vote. The meeting may occur after an outdoor or parking lot worship. From the survey, we see this may be uncomfortable for some of our members. Please let us know how we can ensure your safety and still provide a way for everyone to participate. Please call me or the office and let us know.

Those of us that serve on the council are dedicated to serving the congregation the best we can and feel the weight of the decisions we make. We look to the Lord for guidance and pray that we bring honor to Him, first and foremost. Please continue to pray us and those that call Eagle Lake Lutheran their church. Reach out to one another in love and service, working together for His glory.

Because of His Love,

Scott Larson (Congregational President)

Interested in being a part of the Eagle Lake Family?

Are you new to the area or new to Eagle Lake Lutheran? Are you or someone you know interested in being a member of Eagle Lake Lutheran Church? If so, please contact the church office.

EAGLE LAKE LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES June 9, 2020

Call to Order: President Scott Larson called the meeting to order at 5:40 pm.

Members Present: Scott Larson, John Olson, Marlys Jackson, John Doeden, Shirley Olson, John Kent, Jeff Olson, Aaron Bengtson, Bruce Larson and Pastor Ben Durbin

Acceptance of Agenda: Motion made by Marlys J. to accept the agenda seconded by John D. Motion carried

Devotions: Pastor Ben Durbin

Secretary’s Report: Motion by Jeff O. . and seconded by Marlys J. to approve the secretary’s report. Motion carried. Motion made by Scott L to approve the minutes from the May 29th Special Board Meeting, seconded by Shirley O. Motion carried Treasurer’s Report: Motion made by John K. to accept the treasurer's report, seconded by John D. Motion carried Pastor’s Report:

Over 5.5 thousand views and 51 subscribers to YouTube for Sunday services. Is willing to have private worship and possible communion for those needing services at the church

Communicating/Sharing/Comments/Discussion:

Council Business: Motion made by Scott L. to purchase an FM transmitter with the funds coming from the left over music

amplifier funds, and excess money coming from the council discretionary funds. Seconded by Shirley O. Motion carried.

Wayne Nelson and Gene Eitreim presented information on the sign project. Will be completed in the next 6 weeks and will be placed in the front of the church. Total cost is $27,995.00. All the money for the project has been donated and collected.

Carol Hepper gave a call committee report. It has been decided, by a unanimous vote, to call Pastor Ben Durbin to our church. John O. made a motion to have a Special Congregational Meeting July 12th to approve the calling of Pastor Ben Durbin as Minister of Eagle Lake Church. Seconded by Marlys J. Motion carried.

John Olson report on the reopening of church: try parking lot services at some point send out a survey to members to get a sense of how people feel about reassembling in the sanctuary stream service live

Lois Ringquist Meditation Garden - Will be looking for a formal proposal at the next board meeting. Planning for the annual meeting in August

outside or inside - time will tell Celebration of mortgage being paid off.

Encourage to get the ministries teams going again.

Communion Assistance: July 5th- John Kent July 12th- John Olson

Next Meeting: Tuesday, July 14th 5:30 pm

Meeting Adjourned: Lords Prayer Secretary’s Report: John Kent

The following Council Minutes will be approval at the July Council Meeting.

THE “SPIRIT” ARTICLES ARE DUE

THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH

EAGLE LAKE CHURCH IS ON FACEBOOK! Be sure to “like” us on Facebook. You can find

us under “Eagle Lake Lutheran Church.” Check it out!

Special Eagle Lake Board Meeting Monday, June 15, 2020

Members Present: John Doeden, Marlys Jackson, Shirley Olson, Bruce Larson, Scott Larson , Aaron Bengtson, John Kent, Pastor Ben Durbin Others Present: Wayne Nelson and Gene Eitreim

Call to Order: Meeting call to order by Scott Larson- 7:00 pm

Prayer: Pastor Ben

Council Business: Discussion of purchasing and installation of new sign Motion made by John D. to go ahead with purchasing and installing the sign in front of the church with the understanding that the sign will be moved to the intersection of Highway 78 and County Rd. 81 if approved by the legislature. Motion seconded by Jeff O. Motion carried

Adjournment: Motion made by Bruce L. to adjourn, seconded by Marlys J. Motion carried

Recorder: John Kent

Eagle Lake Special Board Meeting Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Members Present: Marlys Jackson, Shirley Olson, John Olson, Scott Larson, Bruce Larson, John Kent, Shirley Olson, and Pastor Ben Durbin

Call to Order: Meeting called to order by Scott at 5:35 pm

Discussion: Motion made by Scott L to have a special congregational meeting following the regular church service on Sunday, May 17th. If church services cannot be held due to the Covid guidelines, then the meeting will be held at 11:00 am via zoom. Seconded by Marlys J Motion carried. Motion made by Shirley O to have Scott L apply for a grant that would help out our church with technology that would enhance the way we connect wit our members. Seconded by Marlys J Motion carried

Giving has been good Meeting Adjourned: Motion made by John O to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Marlys J. Motion carried

MEN’S WORK DAY

The Men’s Group is organizing a

“Men’s Work Day” on the outside of the church on

Tuesday, July 7th starting at 9:00 AM. They will be doing some trimming of trees, bushes and whatever needs to

be taken care of outside.

1 Anne Kent 19 Aaron Boyum Verona Bell Carlin Johnson 6 Ashley Ames 20 Mareena Underhill Mike Nelson 21 Clinton Bengtson 7 Dennis Rasmusson Steve Schwarz

10 Owen Negrin Denise Croskey 13 Kyle Olson 22 Terry Dalluge

Aria Bollerud Esther Saetre 14 J.D. Nelson 24 Mercedes Nelson

John Kent 29 Melissa Wrenn Phyllis Hanson 30 Darcy Miller

16 Chris Bengtson Phil Croskey 17 Matt VanWatermulen 31 Daniel Underhill

1 Tim & Tammy Carlson 5 Chris & Penny Bengtson

10 Art & Denise Norberg

20 Wayne & Mary Nelson

Robert & Kari Dorn

Sam & Monika Nelson

21 Rod & Marilyn Broding

Kyle & Kayla Olson

26 AJ & Megan Lunde

Larry & Janet Gast

31 Derek & Jessica Berg

July Anniversaries

JULY BIRTHDAY’S

Did we miss your Birthday?

Please let us know

Did we miss your anniversary?

Please let us know

Memorials &

Honorariums

In memory of Ruby Johnson Butler Marilyn Melaas, Kay Wold, Al & Ellen Hexum (General Memorials) In memory of Bob Findorff and Abbie the dog Wayne & Mary Nelson (ELLC 150th Anniversary)

Plan NOW to be a part of the

Faith Haven Golf Classic Saturday, September 12, 2020

Faith Haven Camp invites you to become a sponsor for our Annual Golf Classic to benefit the Faith Haven Camp community and campers. Your support will make an impact to our campers and outreach to our community. All sponsorships and donations are tax-deductable.

18 hole scramble at Tipsinah Mounds Door prizes for all!

Dinner banquet @Faith Haven Lots of fun for a great cause-youth & family camping

ministry!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Larson at 218-864-5303

scottandlisalarson@msn.com or fhcamp@prtel.com

Beer ‘n Hymns live!!

Join us for fun, community and a sing-a- long of favorite hymns on July 12th from 7:00 to 8:00

pm for Beer & Hymns on Facebook LIVE. We want this to be a time where you can experience the beauty and joy that comes from singing old beloved hymns, on or off key.

VBS DAY CAMP togather with First Lutheran Church

August 3-6 (new dates) Things will be and look different than other sum-

mers but still be so AWESOME!!! Look for more information coming soon!

WELCA NEWS

WELCA Bible Studies: July 11th – TBD

Think about attending our Bible sessions. Our lessons are from the Gather for Faith and Action. Extra copies can be picked up in the church office. We usually read through the whole lesson at that time and discuss the questions together. Invite a guest.

At times like this, friends are priceless!. Thank you for taking the time to remember our family. Your expression of sympathy will always be

remembered by us and the family of Lisa Meier, wife of Tad C. Meier, Plover, WI. Sincerely with love,

Kathryn and Harlan Meier

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you for your generous donations to the post prom party! Due to Covid -19, we were unable to

have prom, but had drawings for prizes and gift money. Thank You!

Parents of the Battle Lake Junior Class

QUILTING Quilters will be getting together on Monday, July 13th and 27th at 9:00

am. Things will be moved around to accommodate social distancing.

GRADUATION PARTY FOR MERCEDES NELSON

You are welcome to a Graduation Party for Mercedes Nelson on

Saturday, July 18th from 1:00-4:00 pm at Wayne and Mary Nelson’s

home. Stop in and visit with Mercedes.

EAGLE LAKE CEMETERY REGULATIONS

1. A steel, concrete or fiberglass vault must be used for all regular interments. Cremains must be buried in non-biodegradable containers.

2. Cemetery management must be contacted before any marker, or other memorial is installed. Certain gravesites require only ground-level monuments.

3. Artificial flowers need to be mounted securely in a container. All artificial flowers and decorations are to be removed by July 10th unless in a vase or attached to a grave stone.

4. Live flowers must be planted only in an urn or upright stand container, and not directly in the ground. Care and watering are the responsibility of family members.

5. All displays must be able to withstand trimmer action. 6. Artificial or live plants that become weather-beaten or unsightly will be removed.

Any questions, call the Eagle Lake Lutheran Church at 218-864-5417 for assistance.

Eagle Lake Treasurer’s Report May 2020

Submitted by: Shirley Olson, Council Treasurer

If you’re a Thrivent Financial member, you can lead a Thrivent Action Team to bring people together for a one-time project to help others be wise with money and live generously. You can coordinate an educational event, conduct a service activity, or organize a fundraiser. Thrivent will provide resources to help you plan the event, promotional items, including Thrivent T-shirts and a Community Impact Card with $250 of seed money. Thrivent Financial members can apply for 2 Thrivent Action Teams a year. We have lots of activities and ministries that we do together that would be eligible – we just need to coordinate our efforts, for only one Thrivent member can apply per event, so if you plan to apply for grant please let the church office know so we can make full use of this opportunity. Learn more at www.thrivent.com/actionteam

OPERATING INCOME/EXPENSE May 2020 YTD 2020

Income: $ 7,500.36 $ 70,863.71 Expense: $ 9,560.00 $ 53,303.29 Inc. Less Exp.: $ (2,059.64) $ 17,560.42

PARKING LOT LOAN BALANCE: $ 142.12 (as of 5-15-2020)

PARKING LOT LOAN BALANCE: $ 0.00 (as of 6-7-2020)

Income May 2020 YTD 2020

Pledged Income Sunday General $ 7,235.00 $ 66,376.02

Non-ELCA Mission $ 250.00 $ 1,395.00 Loose Offering & Gifts $ - $ 124.01

Thrivent $ 6.00 $ 553.00 Lenten Offering $ - $ 2,149.00

Flowers/Plants $ - $ 211.00

Misc. Income $ 9.36 $ 55.68

Total Pledged Income $ 7,500.36 $ 70,863.71

Designated Funds Mortgage $ - $ 2,503.50 Payroll Protection Program Loan $ - $ 13,100.00

Gen’l Memorial $ 1,225.00 $ 1,470.00

Music/Organ $ - $ 45.00 Parking Lot Fund $ 2,324.20 $ 3,043.20

Quilters $ - $ 419.00

Scholarship Fund $ - $ 596.00 Global Mission of the Month $ 25.00 $ 1,127.00

Stew Feed $ - $ -

Goat Fund $ 434.04 $ 534.04

Misc. Designated/Pass-thru $ 225.00 $ 745.00

Total Designated/Pass -thru $ 4,233.24 $ 23,582.74

Total Income for May 2020 $ 11,733.60 $ 94,446.45

Expenses

Benevolence/Mission Support $ 1,089.10 $ 10,836.46 Worship $ 379.29 $ 1,056.64 Conventions/Youth Gathering $ - $ - Education $ - $ (11.71) Accounting/Legal Fees $ 400.00 $ 2,050.00 Office Operations $ 313.21 $ 2,075.48 Insurance/Utilities $ 671.46 $ 7,799.51 Property Repair & Maint. $ 80.36 $ 1,394.48 Salaries & Benefits $ 6,626.58 $ 28,067.43

Misc.(Council Discretion) $ - $ 35.00

Total Expenses for May 2020 $ 9,560.00 $ 53,303.29

Consolidated Savings Balances Sign Fund $ 16,152.93 Music Amplifier $ 91.58 Parking Lot Fund $ 12,647.53 Global Missions Fund $ 227.31 Love Fund $ 562.28 General Memorial Fund $ 6,359.03 Outreach Ministry Fund $ 800.82 Music/Organ Fund $ 3,896.25 Stephen's Ministry Fund $ 979.36

General ELLC Savings $ 23,972.23

Total $ 65,689.32

PARKING LOT LOAN UPDATE

GOOD NEWS!!! – The Parking Lot Loan is paid in full. A loan in the amount of $12,789.65 was taken from the sign fund in July 2018 allowing the parking lot paving project to be completed in its entirety. The loan was payable over a 3-year period making it due July 2021. Well, thanks to the many people who worked fundraisers and for all the contributions to the parking lot loan, it was paid off a year early. Just in time as the sign project is moving forward.