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(Continued on page 3)

St. John’s Lutheran Church May 2016 Church Bell

Christian Kindness – A Fruit of the Holy Spirit “For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 2nd Peter 1:5-8 Recently, a major study was conducted by an American university, regarding people who managed to live past 100 years of age. Everyone would like to live to a ripe old age, and the scientists wondered if such people had common traits that lead to a longer life. They dispatched several young interns, armed with exhaustive questionnaires, to ask some 3,000 centenarians questions about their lives. Questions included where they were born, if they married, what they did for a living, sleep habits, watched on TV, their friends, relatives, if they smoked and what they liked to eat or drink at certain stages of their lives. Some of the responses were quite colorful, in fact, all seemed to share a sense of humor about life’s joys and trials. After all the information was processed by a computer and reviewed by the scientific staff, one trait stood out among the rest of the factors – kindness! Kindness? Yes, most seemed to have an upbeat and sympathetic approach to other people. Over their many years the majority interacted with co-workers, relatives, strangers, acquaintances and medical staff in a caring and positive fashion. They were genuinely interested in the lives of others and invited them into conversations about life. When faced with adverse personalities and situations, they responded with kindness and understanding rather than “returning fire.”

From the Desk of Pastor Taylor

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Newsletter Deadline: Deadline for the June newsletter is Monday, May 16. Join the Newsletter Mailing Crew on Tuesday, May 23, at 9:00 am.

Bulletin Deadline: Every Tuesday at midnight

St. John’s Lutheran Church 302 NE 2nd Street Buffalo, MN 55313 Phone: 763-682-1883 Youth Line: 763-684-0460 Fax: 763-682-1936 Noah’s Ark Pre-School: 763-682-1368 info@stjohnsbuffalo.org Sharing a changeless Christ in a changing world. www.stjohnsbuffalo.org

Rev. Dave Taylor 763-370-2423, Visitation Pastor Rev. Norm Hanan, Visitation Pastor 320-309-5904 Kelly Thole, DCE, Director of Family Ministry kthole@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Chris Ryan, DCE, Director of Youth Ministry cryan@stjohnsbuffalo.org Carla Myhre-Vogt, Office Administrator cvogt@stjohnsbuffalo.org Beth Hane, Office Assistant bhane@stjohnsbuffalo.org Noah’s Ark Preschool noahsark@gmail.com

Jim Chapa, Treasurer Denise Saunders, Financial Secretary financesec@stjohnsbuffalo.org Cheryl Olsen, Board Secretary

Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 8:00 & 10:30 am Sunday’s Service Broadcast on KRWC 1360AM at 8:00 am

M-F 8:30-4:30

Bill Morris

elders@stjohnsbuffalo.org Dave Haggerty, Head Elder Tracey Anderson Derek Annis Kyle Bjork Jack Harlan Peter March Todd Peter Ryan Rutten Tony Sabraski Mark Saunders

Altar Guild: Dorothy Bowman Education: Open Evangelism: Roger Strege Fellowship: Marti & Lee Ryan Library: Cheryl Olsen Memorial Endowment/Investment: Janice Marschel Project Compassion: Sandi Baert Sanctuary Decorating: Suzanne Strege Stewardship: Tim Vergin Trustees: Stan Meyer Women in Mission: Elizabeth Husom Youth & Family Ministry: Kathryn Elsen

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(Continued from page 1) Psychologists found that persons with the trait of kindness would have, on average, statistically longer lives. The answers to these findings were remarkably simple; when you interact to others with kindness, those people were less likely to respond in anger. When there is less anger aimed back at you, it corresponds with reduced stress to your own body. Less stress, as medically proven, leads to diminished chronic illnesses, especially involving the heart and digestion. Our scripture above from Peter helps us understand that kindness is part of our Christian journey and appears to be a progression of Christian maturity. Peter shows a logical sequence beginning with FAITH; that we believe Jesus Christ is the person who He says He is…the Lamb of God, who takes away our sins. From there, each quality of a Believers walk with our Savior leads to the following: · Goodness, as we do good not to get God’s love, but because we know that God already loves us (John 3:13). · Knowledge of God is the next step, as we learn more about the Lord and His will every time we study the Bible and hear the Word. · Self-control comes from reading God’s Word, as we learn about the fruits of the Spirit and strive to live in harmony with others · Perseverance is the next step, as we understand that a world without God’s guidance can only lead to an unhappy life. The Bible helps us in our lives, and we know it takes time to develop a godly life and nurture those we meet or in our care. · Kindness then comes forward as a natural effect of being in the Word. We see others like we see ourselves; imperfect sinners who are saved by a perfect Savior. Rather than regarding others as obstacles to life, we accept them as fellow creatures and tell them Jesus is their hope as well. · Love is then the natural goal of these fruits of the Holy Spirit. The final understanding of this walk with Jesus is said best in this scripture; “…and now these three remain; faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1st Corinthians 13:13. Christian kindness blesses both the giver and the receiver. Simply put, Christ’s loving grace is His gift to us, and kindness is a skill that comes from living in the Word. Pastor Taylor

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You are Invited to a Bridal Shower For Chris Ryan and Catherine Calyore

When? Sunday, May 22nd, 2:00 pm St. John’s Family Life Center

Bring your favorite recipe written on an index/recipe card.

Catherine loves Pampered Chef and is registered with her mom, Christine. For Pampered Chef orders, contact Christine at 239-564-8947 or

www.pamperedchef.com/pws/chefchris/my-news Also Registered at Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond

Hope Day—Dealing with Loss Thursday, May 12 9:00am-3:00pm Christ the King Retreat Center, Buffalo

Change is the essence of life, and I am the learner. Loss interrupts the flow —death of a loved one, illness, life-changing disappointment, rejection by a person or institution that means a great deal to me. How to maintain hope in the middle of such changes? What is God asking of me? For more information, call 682-1394. Suggested offering: $40

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May Ushers 8:00 Fred Bonk Dave Randel Jan Larson 10:30 Cory DeWitte Youth Volunteers

Audiovisual The Team Tim Berteau Emily Chapa Jon Chapa Conner Henning Jill Marketon Dylan Meyer Jesse Meyer Bill Morris Melissa Morris Coffee Servers

5/1 5/8 5/15 5/22 5/29

*Open *Open Shirley Elletson Women in Mission Youth

Coffee servers needed for the summer months

If you would like to receive the Lutheran Witness Magazine from August 2016 through June 2017 (July and August are combined), please call the Church Office (763-682-1883) and leave your name, address and phone number. The cost is $19.26. Your check should be made out to St. John’s and can be left in the offering plate with “Lutheran Witness” written on the memo line. Your deadline to let us know is May 27th.

Fun and Games Enjoy some relaxed fun with PEP (People Enjoying People). PEP meets on the first and third Tuesdays of every month in Room 104 across from Noah’s Ark Preschool. We begin with a brief Bible study followed by a variety of activi-ties which may include joke telling, cards and games. In May we meet on the 3rd and 17th from 9-11:30am. Bring your own beverage; come whenever you can; stay as long as you want. There is no regu-lar commitment. The more the merrier.

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Acknowledging Memorials and Gifts Recent memorials and gifts have been made toward the following:

Item In Memory/Honor Of Building Fund Pastor Roger Klemz College Scholarship Fund Pastor Roger Klemz St. John’s Education Fund Pastor Roger Klemz Guardian Angels Pastor Roger Klemz

Grateful thanks to all of you who have contributed.

Play Ball! Here’s the schedule for the St. John’s Men’s Softball Team: Friday, May 6 vs. Quarry Community Church 7 pm, Bentfield Mills 1 Friday, May 13 vs. Delano Community Church 7 pm, Bentfield Mills 2 Friday, May 13 vs. Zion 2 9 pm, Bentfield Mills 1 Friday, May 20 vs. Salem Lutheran 7 pm, Bentfield Mills 2 Friday, May 27 vs. LDS 8 pm, Bentfield Mills 1 Friday, June 3 vs. Zion 1 9 pm, Bentfield Mills 1 Friday, June 17 vs. Buffalo Covenant 7 pm, Bentfield Mills 2 Friday, July 8 vs. St. Francis Xavier 9 pm, Bentfield Mills 1 Friday, July 15 vs. Cornerstone 8 pm, Bentfield Mills 1 Friday, July 22 vs. Quarry Community Church 7 pm, Bentfield Mills 1 Friday July 22 vs. Zion 2 8 pm, Bentfield Mills 2

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Dear Family and Friends of St. John’s, I truly don’t have words to thank you for the outpouring of love, kind words and beautiful cards sent at the death of my sister Cleone Mooney. You are such a blessing to Allen and I. You are surely BEing the church. May God bless you greatly. In Jesus love and ours, Ardys & Allen Buskey To our St. John’s family: Thank you all for your kind words and inspirational cards received due to my father, Tom Redmond’s sudden death. I converted from Catholicism 25 years ago and I appreciate my Lutheran faith even more today. I called and asked for an Elder for support at my father’s Reviewal service and I received three! Jesus loves me, this I know! ~Pauline, Tom, Paul, Jacque & Rachel Thaemert Dear St. John’s Congregation, Thank you all for your love and support during the time of my car accident. Through your heartfelt kindness and words of comfort, you helped myself and my family. God bless you. ~Torri Erickson

National Health Care Decision Day was April 16... · Have you thought about what care you would like to receive if you were unable to make your own health care decisions? · What are your wishes about certain treatments? What would you want done if your brain no longer functioned and you could not make decisions? Do you want a natural death? · Who would you like to be your representative to make sure your wishes are followed—to speak for you? There is a form called a Living Will (or Advance Directive or Honoring Choices—all are similar). On this form you can write down your wishes about your care and about who will speak for you. · Be sure to talk to the person you want to speak for you so they are aware of your choice. · Also make sure your primary care physician gets all of this information. · The forms are available in the church office and at your doctor’s office. Fill yours out today! Sandi Baert, RN, Parish Nurse

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Shower for Love INC Transitional Home Sunday, May 22, during Coffee Hour

(Women in Mission project for May) Seeking new or gently used items to furnish the Love INC Transitional Home. Items needed include dishes (plates); cooking and kitchen utensils such as knives, spatulas, serving bowls, cutting board, blender; dish towels; placemats; iron; ironing board; etc. Also seeking money or gift cards (Target or Walmart) to purchase items such as blinds. Drop your donations in the barrel in the narthex or bring to the Church Office any time through May 22. Questions? Contact Priscilla McKenzie at763-567-0893

New! Love INC Thrift Store! Opening Soon—Donations Needed Location: Main Street in Maple Lake (old costume shop) Love INC-Big Woods has experienced an answer to prayer that we want to share with you! We recently were offered a building in Maple Lake at a reduced rent, to open a Thrift Store. We have been praying about this for some time, knowing that it could generate income for providing services to more neighbors in need. We have started fixing it up, cleaning and painting, but we’ll need help from our affiliate churches to fill it up! If you have good, used items or clothing to donate, please call our office at 763-682-2550 to arrange a time for drop off. We also need to hire a part time Store Manager to oversee operations. Please pray for this new ministry and for God to raise up volunteers to sort, fold and tag donated items, and work in the store.

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Ludovic Marquette 5/1 Jay Patnode 5/1 Dorothy Root 5/1 Vicky Endreson 5/2 Karla Boeddeker 5/3 Gloria Fieldseth 5/3 Cody Runke 5/3 Jack Tokkesdal 5/3 Kristina Gremillion 5/4 Avery Holm 5/4 Brynna Laumann 5/4 Michelle Mackenthun 5/4 Zachary Mass 5/4 James Schleif 5/4 Betty Schmalz 5/4 Deann Shupe 5/4 Zackary Varner 5/4 Holly Williams 5/4 Bill Brown 5/5 Bill Elletson 5/5 Shauna Lundquist 5/5 Marlis Thomsen 5/5 Lauri Hayes 5/6 Carly Holte 5/6 Amanda Letsinger 5/6 Mason Marx 5/6 Lisa Piersiak 5/6 Kayla Stender 5/6 Corey Stevens 5/6 Nicholas Zumbusch 5/6 Jordyn Lachermeier 5/7 Keith Lemke 5/7 Arlene Marquette 5/7 Easton Bode 5/8 Don Boese 5/8 Michael Marty 5/8 Jeanne Schillinger 5/9 Dylan Tilbury 5/9 Eric Zitzloff 5/9 Paul Bjork 5/10 Julie Bruhn 5/10 Ron Girard 5/10 Kassidy Kenmir 5/10 Shirley Kroells 5/10 Sue Napper 5/10 Jill VanLith 5/10 Byron Bonk 5/11 Gabe Licht 5/11 Annie Loebertmann 5/11

Kaci Malo 5/11 Devin McKenzie 5/11 Marley Stevens 5/11 Ryan Bode 5/12 Austin Mack 5/12 Todd Mackenthun 5/12 Easton Schlink 5/12 Alayna Vieths 5/12 Emily Chapa 5/13 Claire Erickson 5/13 Zakariah Karels 5/13 Elizabeth Schauer 5/13 Brittney Downs 5/14 Sarah Klaers 5/14 Robert Lacina Jr. 5/14 Chelsey Potter 5/14 Mackenzie Potter 5/14 Alexis Ternes 5/14 Kayle Ternes 5/14 Glen Ross 5/15 Jason Ruckle 5/15 Emmalynn Abbott 5/16 Nicholas Ordorff 5/16 Zachary Triplett 5/16 Otelia Weight 5/16 Damon Yanta 5/16 Waylon Gollnow 5/17 Kari Karstens 5/17 Will Pautzke 5/17 Monique Radtke 5/17 Joanne Rogers 5/17 Nick Ebert 5/18 Robin Kohn 5/18 Mike Bertsch 5/19 Peyton Boldt 5/19 Josh Bonk 5/19 Dakota Teske 5/19 Anneka Erdmann 5/20 Kenneth Finke 5/20 Richard Halbleib 5/20 Morynn Marx 5/20 Christian Murray 5/20 Taylor Strege 5/20 Jacob Abresch 5/21 Jaiden Jeske 5/21 Amy Rumsch 5/21 Savana Sabraski 5/21 Tyler Spadgenske 5/21 Olivia Topel 5/21

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Jennifer Berg 5/22 Gene Kuhlmann 5/22 Karen Ladda 5/22 Maya Lyver 5/22 Wanda Maresh 5/22 Marlene Rudenick 5/22 Gunnar VanLith 5/22 Angi Wilson 5/22 Brady Bruhn 5/23 Mitchell Johnson 5/23 Ken Klatt 5/23 Isaiah Stoppelman 5/23 Richard Wren 5/23 Jakob Annis 5/24 Caylee Arnold 5/24 Kyle Bjork 5/24 Calleigh Forcier 5/24 Melissa Haggerty 5/24 Ben Holland 5/24 Danika LaFave 5/24 Jordan Redepenning 5/24 Augie Riebel Jr. 5/24 Chris Hill 5/25 Joan Mueller 5/25 Ashley Stecker 5/25 Beau Zumbusch 5/25

Gary & Cyndi Bonk 5/3 James & Ruth Bonk 5/3 Phil & Morynn Marx 5/3 Damon & Jody Yanta 5/4 Andy & Kim Miller 5/5 Brenda & James Miller 5/5 Mike & Lisa Stender 5/6 Pat & Jodi Baumgard 5/7 Joanne & Richard Brunskill 5/7 Karla & Michael Marquette 5/7 Tom & Pauline Thaemert 5/7 Timothy & Randi Vergin 5/9 Kathryn & Merlyn Schauer 5/10 A.J. & Mark Wojciak 5/11 Russ & Michelle Elletson 5/12 Denise & Russell Crawford 5/15 DeJay & Celina McKenzie 5/15 Dan & Jennifer Green 5/16 Teresa & Todd Ternes 5/17 Kyle & Stephanie Lindsley 5/19 Lee & Marti Ryan 5/20 Angela & Shawn Steinmetz 5/20

Dana Keifenheim 5/26 Jane Anderson 5/27 Avery Bjorklund 5/27 Krista Kock 5/27 Brent Stevens 5/27 Devin Lowers 5/28 Jill Valley 5/28 Tracy Erdman 5/29 Chris Husom 5/29 Tessa Pribyl 5/29 Ryan Rutten 5/29 Grace Abresch 5/30 Abby Bjorklund 5/30 Gaia DeYoung 5/30 Mazie DeYoung 5/30 Sufi DeYoung 5/30 Blake Dokkebakken 5/30 Delores Goerke 5/30 Kaycee Lambrecht 5/30 Jessie Olaez 5/30 Jack Yerxa 5/30 Nancy Zumbusch 5/30 Ashley Hill 5/31 Josh Schillinger 5/31 DeLana Taylor 5/31

Ottomar & Virginia Buttenhoff 5/21 Steven & Teresa Frykholm 5/22 Darlene & Donald LaFave 5/22 Brittany & Brett Bauer 5/23 Susan Fuller-Ward & John Ward 5/23 Wayne & Marilyn Ruckle 5/24 Dylan & Lauren Triplett 5/24 Bruce & Sandra Ostenson 5/25 Angela & Anthony Richter 5/25 Zara & Robert Sahli 5/25 Daniel & Karen Spaude 5/25 Donald Streich & Yvonne Hogie-Streich 5/25 Kenneth & Janet Finke 5/26 Elmer & Fran Kuseske 5/27 Dale & Julie Lusti 5/27 Ryan & Becky Mills 5/27 Christina & Jason Fleege 5/28 Fred & Monyean Bonk 5/29 Jason & Carrie Ruckle 5/30

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Children & Family

Kid Connection Kid Connection Child Care Attention Parents and kids! · Would you like to attend Bible study or volunteer but have no one to watch your little ones? · Are you looking for a safe, fun, faith-filled environment to watch over your kids?

New Spring Hours Sundays 9:00am-11:30am

Child Care Coordinator: Alyson Gilder Questions? Contact Kelly or Alyson at

763-682-1883

Sunday School Offering Project During the months of April & May, all the money collected in children’s and Sunday school offering will go to share the gospel with kids all over the words through soccer balls! Each color on the soccer ball shares part of God’s amazing promise. Red * White * Black * Yellow * Green

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Children & Family MAY!

Our theme verse this month is... “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

Campbell’s Soup Labels Do you donate your soup labels to St. John’s Lutheran? If so...thank you! Your donations have been a great help to us and the other Lutheran schools we share them with. Beginning this fall, however, we will no longer be able to accept them because Campbell’s is cancelling this program. So get your labels in today! Thank You!

Operation Christmas Child Item Collection You can help fill boxes all year long! Each month we will collect a different item that we can use for a packing party and hopefully fill more boxes and share God’s message of love. The items for the month of May are socks, mittens, hats and T-shirts for ages 2-14. Drop any of these items off during the month in the narthex or the church office. Want to know more? Contact Kelly @ 763-682-1883

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Monday through Friday, July 25th - 29th

from 8:30 to 11:30 am Mark your Calendar Now! Kids from age 3 through 4th grade will have a great time singing, watching skits, creating crafts and playing games. Everest is filled with incredible Bible learning experiences that kids see, hear, touch and even taste! Kids will love God like never before. Serve God like never before and have the time of their lives doing it! But we can’t take this adventure without your help! From donations, to registration, to teaching and crew leaders, there are many places for you to be a part of this adventure. For information on how you can help, check out our website at www.stjohnsbuffalo.org or call 763-682-1883 No matter your age or interest, there is a place for you at Cave Quest!

Children & Family

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Noah’s Ark May 2016

May is a month of celebration at Noah’s Ark Preschool! On Wednesday, MAY 25th @ 9:30am we celebrate with our preschoolers as they graduate

and head off to kindergarten or move up into our MWF class!

Class News

We are excited to start thinking about summer. All this month students will play at the beach, work in the preschool garden, and learn how to share the love of Jesus .

NOW ENROLLING FOR 2016-2017! What we offer:

· A safe, caring, faith–filled climate where children can grow and learn · Quality, committed, Christian teachers

· Theme-based learning and a strong Christian curriculum. ...And so much more! For more information call 763-682-1368 or check out www. Stjohnsbuffalo.org. Announcements

Last Days in the classroom : · Monday, May 23rd · Tuesday, May 24th Graduation for all classes: Wednesday, May 25th, 9:30 am

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Last Night for Confirmation Classes & Youth Group is May 11th.

Youth Year-End Youth Group Celebration! On May 13th, from 7:00PM – 8:30PM the Senior Youth Group will have an end-of-the-year celebration here at St. John’s! This will include a cookout, games, and maybe even some presents! Whether you attend youth

group every week or have not attended yet this year, it does not matter: We hope to see you there for an evening of good times! Coming Soon...

During the last two weeks in May be sure to watch for the Senior Youth Tool Tag Fundraiser in the coffee area. This fundraiser is very simple and will help us purchase the tools we need for the Senior Youth mission trip. All you have to do is take one of the tool tags and donate the designated amount of money on it to the youth group. In return, you will receive an invite to our annual mission trip thank you breakfast. Don’t miss this fundraiser, and THANK YOU for your continued support!

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Youth

ST. JOHN’S WISH LIST The following is an on-going wish list. If you would like to make a donation at any time, it would be greatly appreciated! Please be sure to make a notation on the memo line of your check where you would like your gift to be designated.

WISH LIST AREAS Hearing Impaired Devices Life Center Cross Project Organ Maintenance Fund ONGOING AREAS Noah’s Ark St. John’s Building Fund

Women in Mission (LWML) KRWC Radio Ministry St. John’s Sunday School Music/Choirs Kid Connection Childcare Youth Programs Computers/Technology

Graduation Celebration for St. John’s High School Seniors Sunday, June 5th

Blessing during the 10:30 service Come and join us as we celebrate the graduation of this year’s high school seniors. During both services we invite the graduates forward for a special blessing on their graduation and on their future. Between services we invite family, friends and the congre-gation to join us for a reception to congratulate the students. All students will receive a letter in the coming month asking for an RSVP and a photo. Please return by May 22nd. Thank You!

Baccalaureate Wednesday, May 18, 2016 Hosted by Buffalo Evangelical Free Church 7:00 PM Buffalo High School students will gather together for a service of sending for the 2016graduates. This event is put on by the high school seniors and the Buffalo Youth Workers. Join with other parents, family and friends from the community to worship together and celebrate our graduating seniors.

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LWML/WIM/St. John’s Women Saving Lives In December, 2015, Madison, WI-based Freedom from Religion (FFR) threatened to sue Wadena, MN if they displayed a popular Nativity scene in a city park. FFR demands schools, cities, teams and businesses throughout the US halt things like: pray publicly at meetings and sporting events, run Operation Christmas Child from schools, display religious decals on emergency vehicles and give Bibles at graduations. They remove road crosses placed by grieving parents at accident sites where their children were killed. They allow kids to sit on their butts instead of saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Fearing “separation of church and state” lawsuits, God is removed from hundreds of places…or IS HE? FFR publishes a celebration list of organizations they’ve conquered. I contacted some. It was quickly apparent FFR’s actions have led many to God! They spark conversations, meetings, funding and rallies. People don’t like bullies, nor do they like being told what to do. No one could name one person who turned to atheism due to FFR. They named creative ways their organization found to pray, display, and promote God’s word. They are 2016 examples of the verse “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to save many lives.” (Genesis 50:20). In Wadena the city’s Nativity moved to church grounds near the park. Everyone still admired it. Residents took to social media and the news, and bought and displayed personal Nativity scenes in droves. Jesus never had a bigger presence. Situations and organizations differed, but new Christians and newly-inspired Christians from Georgia to the Bronx can thank FFR for being the catalyst to their transformation. Developing strong leaders from a young age can equip people with tools needed to stand up to Christian-haters, groups like Freedom from Religion and bullies in general. One school arming children and families is Trinity First School (TFS) which values Prayer, Relationships, Inclusive Education, Family Involvement, Servanthood, Integrity and Ethics. TFS is located off Franklin and Chicago in Minneapolis. Women in Mission donated $500 in 2015. Preschoolers through 8th graders attend, no matter their family’s income. They are “Equipping Leaders, Sharing Hope” with a diverse group of kids. Some have learning difficulties who may otherwise fall through the cracks. From the TFS website: “…For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that

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Serve the Lord with gladness!

we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10). Equipped with the armor of God and a solid education, students (and their families) at Trinity First understand they are loved and never alone. As they head to summer break, this faith may help in the neighborhood, at the park, on the bus, stores, faced with real world problems, with friends of different backgrounds, and later in high school, post-high school training and the work world. Just as I have hope for Trinity First families, I have hope for the 4 FFR employees. History shows many who spend time trying to disprove God become His vocal supporters. Through research, study, and working amongst Christians, they realize our earth could not run without a master architect. I remember reading about a former-atheist scientist who tried hard to disprove creationism. God finally won his heart over snake venom!

Submitted by Beth Husom,

For the next couple of months, you can expect lines at the bathrooms off the narthex. People may not “need to go” but will be taking a little time to admire how cool and contemporary they now look! Mary Bremmer and Clarine Meyer painted them. Suzy Strege finished off the transformation by choosing great décor. A major thanks goes out to these ladies. Mary said she and Clarine had a good time, laughing as they worked. Time with friends is precious. It’s wonderful when people have fun and grow in Christ at the same time.

ATTENTION, PARENTS: Making summer plans?

Summer vacation is just around the corner. Be sure to fit Lutheran Island Bible Camp or Camp Omega into your kids’ schedules. Women in Mission pays half of campership fees for St. John’s members (request forms available in Church Office). In 2015 the final tally was $1,500. We would love to see it even higher in 2016.

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Board Meeting Minutes—3/15/2016 Call to Order: Meeting called to order by Bill Morris at 6:30. Pastor Dave Taylor gave an opening prayer. Agenda was reviewed and accepted. Secretary’s report was reviewed and accepted on a motion from Stan Meyer seconded by Janice Marschel. Reports: Pastors Report: Pastor Taylor spoke about a gold coin that was recently found. It had Augustus Caesar stamped on it and it is priceless. He said once again riches can make us believe but money comes and goes – everything we have is temporary. But – the Kingdom of God is forever. Pastor talked also of the tremendous outpouring of help given during this last month with the funerals and all they entailed. We will be getting support twice a week from Pastor Rob Jarvis who will help with grief counseling. Pastor Tom Gunderman will be coming after Easter to help in what ever direction he might be needed. There are two Bible classes being put together for spring and summer. Youth Ministry: Chris Ryan commented everyone should check out the wall near the Youth room as the youth have placed their perspectives on all that has happened recently at St. Johns. Lenten suppers have had good attendance. The kids also worked at the HAM Radio show and Dundee Nursery. These are all fundraisers for the summer mission trip. There was a fun trip to SkyZone

and it was decided the senior group would like to do this also. The Kickball tournament is coming up and another trip to work at Dundee and the Junior Youth Group will start March 20th. Child & Family Ministry – Noah’s Ark: Kelly Thole said Feb. focused on Prayer. In March and April the Sunday school has not only Easter but will learn how to share the Gospel. Money collected will be used to purchase soccer balls to be given to Missionaries as they go out to share the gospel. The multicolor balls represent different parts of Gods story. March 20th will be the Easter Family Event starting at 9:00am. This will be for kids from preschool to 4th grade. $400 was collected from the M & M tubes which will go to Feed My Starving Children. Noah’s Ark is having 2 open houses, one for the congregation to check in to see how things are going and a second for the community families to attend. At this point they all ready have 12 registrations and Kelly continues to get inquirers. Advertising was increased including sleeves on the coffee cups from the Book and Coffee shop downtown. Easter baskets were made and given to the Elders and Pastors to hand out to people who they call on, shut-ins, etc. The end of April Kelly will fill in for a teacher who will be out. April 27th the Zoo is coming to visit. Financial Secretary’s Report: Denise Saunders reported she has made the transition and also asked that the

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counting room be moved. Stan Meyer will look into a new location. A check scanner will be purchased to ease the work of the counters. Denise commented they are also looking for more counters. Treasurer’s Report: Jim Chapa commented Jan. was under budget but it was also a 5 week month. Feb. brought a decrease with several payments falling in this month. Discussion on moving up some items no longer used to where they could be of better use such as moneys under Wish List for Library. It would be moved to Library general fund. General Contributions for January Contributions $53,966 Expenses 43,828 Net increase (decrease) 10,138 February Contributions 42,324 Expenses 48,486 Net increase (decrease) (6,161) New Business: It was decided to take down the funeral videos as of March 28th but make it known that DVD’s can be made available for people interested. Kelly will look at getting the Website updated. Voice mail, radio and misc. messages have all been updated. Old Business: The Call Committee continues to work with Synod and lists are soon to arrive and be reviewed. A target date of April 17th was made to bring results to congregation. Thank you cards will be sent for all the extra help received from other churches etc. for all the kind things done during our difficult time.

Board and Committee Reports Elders: Mark Saunders said some members of the committee have been making calls to assist the Pastors. They are also working on the membership list. Trustees: Stan Meyer said it was discovered that we have a very outdated phone board and due to replacement costs solutions are being looked into. The committee will also help the Decorating committee with Easter decorations. Evangelism: The War Room program will be moving forward to become a bible study, time yet to be determined. A firm date – July 21st has been set for the Concert in the park series. Stewardship: No report at this time. Fellowship: Marti Ryan has set a Twins date – July 26th they will play the Atlanta Braves. This year there will be a cost for the bus. Music for the Picnic in the Park was discussed. Women in Mission/LWML: Written report. Library: Sunday school children’s art work on display in the Library Commons. Project Compassion / Health Cabinet: Committee met and filled out Easter cards to be sent out. Reviewed and checked on visitations. Missions: Food Shelf campaign on going this month. Food and Gas cards purchased for outreach to those who stop at the church in need. Decorating: The Easter season decorating is being worked on. Other Business: None at this time. Closing prayer was said by Pastor Taylor and meeting was adjourned by Bill Morris on a motion from Janice Marschel. Respectfully submitted by Cheryl Olsen

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