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Elim Lutheran Church
The Messenger
September 2018
Pastor Katherine Kolodziejczyk Gayle Nelson, Church Secretary
Cell Phone: (419) 467-5391 Church Phone: (785) 546-2244
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Elim Lutheran Church website: www.elimmarquette.org
Pastor’s Ponderings . . .
As some of you may know a few weeks ago I went to Luther Seminary to attend a continuing education event
entitled, “Rethinking Stewardship.” My ponderings continue on stewardship and what can be done about the
problem of not taking in as much money each week as the expenses require. As a young woman whenever I
heard the words stewardship and evangelism, I cringed and mentally said to myself, “Oh no.” Here we go again
- they are either going to talk to us about money or want us to do something. At that point I was so shy, doing
anything was scary to me. I went to worship and talked to a few people I knew well and went home to hide in
my own little world. God forbid anyone ask me to do something or tell someone about Jesus.
When I was first married I asked why my father-in-law didn’t attend church with my mother-in-law. My
answer was a story about a priest visiting my in-laws’ home one day. You see, the Catholic church they
attended had built a new facility. The church believed that each contributing member should give 10% (a tithe)
of their paycheck to pay for this new building. The priest was very insistent. If you knew my father-in-law you
would know that tactic would not work with him. He practically threw the priest out of the house, telling him
that he had six mouths to feed and there was no way he could give that amount. Furthermore, he would never
set foot in the church again. Needless to say, he was very angry with the priest. Through all my married days
the only time Chet, my father-in-law, set foot in a church was for a wedding, a funeral, or the grandchildren’s
baptisms and confirmations (and he didn’t make all of those). Chet had been so upset he never forgot that day.
With that story in mind I understand why people, even myself, feel a bit nervous and anxious whenever the
word stewardship is spoken. By now you might know my love for words. So when I hear the word
stewardship, I pull it apart and make several words out of it, such as stew and hardship. I would never want
anyone to not attend worship because they were in turmoil about what they could or could not give. Finances
do put us in a bit of a stew when there isn’t enough money to pay the bills. I also do not want giving to be a
hardship either. What you give is between you and God.
I would love to say that I learned so much at the conference I attended that I could take a magic wand and wave
it, and all the churches in need of financial help could/would be helped. Most mainline denominations are in
financial difficulties. Unfortunately, we all know better than believing in magic wands. So, what is rethinking
stewardship? Rethinking stewardship is about the idea that everything we have belongs to God. Rethinking
stewardship is about giving to God because we have a relationship with God. Rethinking stewardship is about
giving to God so that others too might hear the word of God and know him.
You know, it is humorous that in the New Testament one of the things that Jesus talked about more than any
other is about money, yet we as humans have a terrible time discussing it. Another thing that I learned is that
money is one of the things humans talk about least. We are a very private people on that subject. I wonder if
you have ever talked about that with even family members. I remember my children asking how much we
made in a year or a week. They were very firmly told it was none of their business. Can’t say I’ve changed all
that much. I would ask you to ponder all that God has given you. Many of us are blessed beyond compare. Let
us give thanks and praise for all God gives us.
I ponder many things throughout the month. I suppose it is the nature of the vocation. I sometimes wonder
what you ponder. If you would like to speak with me about your ponderings, I’d love to listen and have a
discussion with you.
Christ’s Peace to you,
Pr. Katherine
Rally Day Sunday
Blessing of the
Backpacks
When: September 9, 2018, 11:00 AM
Where: Worship in the Fellowship Hall
Why: We celebrate our youth and all the joy they give to our congregation.
We will meet in the fellowship hall for an informal worship service followed by a light lunch served
by the Christian Ed committee. Following the lunch, we will journey out and do service projects
for “God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday. All are welcome even if you cannot stay for the service
project later. Let’s show our youth and children how very important they are to us.
Prior to the worship service, SUNDAY SCHOOL students and teachers (parents and grandparents are
also invited!) are to meet at the church at 9:30 AM for a walk to Riverview Estate. The children
will spend time with the residents in Bible Bingo and a craft, and sing songs to celebrate
Grandparents Day. They will also share a breakfast snack with the residents. Junior and Youth
Choir practice follows at 10:15 AM back at the church. We encourage children to BRING YOUR
SCHOOL BACKPACKS so that Pastor Katherine can bless them for the coming school year. 3rd Grade
students will also be receiving Bibles. Please plan to attend the worship service. Children will be
participating in the service!
‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘ ‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘
CONFIRMATION CLASS ORIENTATION
There will be an orientation for students entering the 7th and 8th grade
confirmation class and their parents on Wednesday, September 5 at 6:30 PM.
Supper will be provided. If you know of anyone entering those grades, please let
them know about the orientation. Also, please let Pastor or the church office
know if you are planning to attend, as curriculum will be distributed at this time.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call Pr. Katherine at (419) 467-5391.
Prayers
Please keep in prayer: Dan Morel, Darrell Martin, Mark Cook (Pastor Cross’ son-in-law), Don Lundquist, Ronnie Larson, Sarah Jane Smith, Diane Deckard, Mary Olson, Tim Thatcher (nephew of Pr. Katherine), Helen Weber, and Pastor Rick Raymer of the Zion Lutheran Church in Beloit, KS.
Elim strives to extend the power of prayer to those who feel they would benefit from it. New prayer requests will be taken at any time. Contact Pastor Katherine at (419) 467-5391 or the church office: leave a note on the bulletin board, call (785) 546-2244 (do not leave voice mail message), or email [email protected].
~ CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES ~
Church Council – Met August 6. Discussed plans for Rally Sunday, Blessing of the Backpacks, and God’s Work, Our Hands projects scheduled for September 9. Worship & Music – No meeting. Finance & Stewardship – No meeting. Letter to congregation discussed. Evangelism –No meeting. Back to School Swim Party scheduled for August 19. God’s Work, Our Hands projects discussed. Social Ministry –No meeting. Christian Education – Met August 6. Discussed Sunday School teachers, Youth Group, and Rally Sunday/Blessing of Backpacks. Property –No meeting. Plumbing project completed at parsonage. Sanctuary clock repair scheduled Memorial – No meeting. New members due for selection/approval October 1, 2018. Elim Cookbook Committee: - No meeting. Cookbooks arriving in September. Will be available at town locations. Security Committee: Met August 6. Discussed replacing doors for safety and efficiency, and installing security cameras. Next meeting to be held on September 4, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP
High School Youth Group begins Wednesday, September 12 with a meal at 6:30 PM. ALL high school youth
are welcome! If you’d like your student to be sent text reminders for any events or volunteer opportunities,
please text Hannah Jones at (620) 755-7520. Our first project will be the fleece tied blankets for Lutheran
World Relief. These will be packaged along with the care kits from WELCA in October. We’re looking forward
to seeing everyone again, and for newcomers too!
ELIM LIFE GROUP
September meetings will be Wednesday, September 5 at 7:30 PM (following the Confirmation Class
Orientation), and September 19 at 7:00 PM. Come as you are, bring a snack if you like, and join us in the Elim
Lutheran Parish Hall. All adults, young and old, are welcome, so invite a friend and join us for a time a
fellowship, scripture, prayer, inspiration, encouragement and support for one another. The session is very
informal. We welcome you to share your beliefs, concerns, and/or blessings with others. We also encourage
parents who are dropping off children for Confirmation Class or Youth Group to join us. Let Kelly French or
Jeremy Snapp know in advance if childcare will be needed so that arrangements can be made in the church
basement. Visit Elim’s website (elimmarquette.org) or Facebook page for more information. We hope to see
you there!
WELCA NEWS
September looks to be a busy month for our Elim ladies.
Meals on Wheels all month (Sign up on Parish Hall Bulletin Board)
Riverview Birthday party on Sept. 28 – Cathy French and Beth
Thomas will provide treats
Sing along Sept. 16 at 4:00 followed by WELCA Tailgate
on front lawn of Elim. Wear your best TEAM shirt, bring a lawn
chair and a snack to share.
(It is possible the new Cookbooks will be available for pick up that evening.)
We will be completing our Lutheran World Relief project, but can still take your donations of
money. We appreciate those that have put items in the collection box over the past months.
The “Quilting Crew” has also been busy on this project. Besides quilts, we will have 12 each
of the Baby Kits and Personal Care Kits.
Thank you to Dorine Cunningham as she has agreed to be in charge of the Church Nursery.
LeAnn, WELCA President
NOTE: Quilting group will meet on Wednesday, September 26 at 1:30 PM in the parish hall.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS FOR 2018-2019
3-yr.-old thru Kindergarten: Carly Peterson, Deb McGinty, Gayle Nelson, Cindy Bunk and Beth Thomas.
1st thru 3rd grade: Hannah Jones, Betsy Patrick, Dorine Cunningham, Jeremy Snapp and Tracy Bunk.
4th thru 6th grade: Pete Hamma, Kelly French
Confirmation: Pastor Katherine, Darren Able
High School: Adam and Hannah Jones ===========================================================================
2018 Summer Music Schedule
June 3 – Elim Men’s Ensemble August 19 – Darren Able and Tammy Feil
June 10 – Allan Lindfors August 26 – Madison and Michelle Loder
June 17 – Brooke Olson September 2 – JoAn Lindfors
June 24 –Garrett and Kaydee McMahan September 9 – Kayley and Layla Fleming
July 1 – JoAn Lindfors September 16 – Kiera Mullen, Kasyn and
July 8 – Chris and Rachel Johnson Kanin French
July 15 – Deb McGinty’s grandchildren September 23 – Matthew Larson
July 22 – Darren and Ethan Able September 30 – Pierce Hamma
July 29 – Matthew Everhart
August 5 – Emily Forssberg THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR
August 12 – Kendal Brueggen, Noah Lindfors MUSICAL TALENTS!
REMINDER: Senior Choir Practice resumes on Wednesday, September 12 at 7:30 PM. Junior and Youth
choirs resume practice on Sunday, September 9 at 10:15 AM
SERVING THE LORD
IN SEPTEMBER
ACOLYTES: Lily Boughfman and Grace Witte
GREETERS:
2 – Kelly Larson
8 – Darren, Zach, and Ethan Able
16 – Matt and Diane Hedberg
23 – Scott, Tammy, and Dawson Feil
30 – Bob and Carol Jones
LECTORS:
2 – Lois Johnson
9 – Wally Bunk
16 – Dana Olson
23 – Tammy Feil
30 – Allan Lindfors
CHILDREN’S SERMONS:
9 – Pastor Katherine Kolodziejczyk
23 – Brooke Olson
ALTAR FLOWERS:
2- Tracy Bunk
16 – Patty Kolling
30 – Bob and Carol Jones
COMMUNION SETUP/CLEANUP (September 2):
Setup: Kayley Fleming and Gayle Nelson
COMMUNION ASSISTANT:
2 – Wally Bunk
16 – Kelly French
COFFEE HOSTESS:
2 – _____________________________________
9– Cindy Bunk
16 – ____________________________________
23 – Julie Olson
30 – Beth Thomas
RIVERVIEW BIRTHDAY PARTY:
September 28 - Cathy French, treats
Beth Thomas, helper
RIVERVIEW SING-ALONG: September 16 – Cindy Bunk
SEPTEMBER: Craig Larson– Captain, Dean Alstatt, Peter Hamma, Brandon Hulse,
Wayne McBride, John Myers, Dana Olson, Dixon
Olson, Curtis Patrick, Greg Nicholson, Don Miller,
Beau Boughfman.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
(see signup sheets on bulletin board)
Meals for Youth Group/Confirmation Students:
Every Wednesday at 6:30
Coffee Hostess: September 2 and 16
Meals on Wheels: Month of September
THANK YOU!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEAL PROVIDERS are needed for
Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM
starting September 12. Please
consider providing a meal for the
confirmation students and youth
group. It is a great way to show
the youth we appreciate them and their
participation and contribution to our church. A
sign-up sheet will be available on the bulletin board
inside the entry to the Parish Hall. If you have
questions, please call or text Tammy Feil at (620)
24204764 or Hannah Jones at (620) 755-7520.
Please check the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
1 Rylee Cunningham
1 Tim Lindfors
2 Vic Hedberg
2 Jeremy Sellhorn
3 Audrey Seely
4 Diana Hernandez
5 Don McCoy
5 Kade Kaufman
6 Mike Hulse
6 Kurtis Sjogren
6 Beau Boughfman
7 Lou Nelson
7 Barbara O'Loughlin
8 Erica Mitchell
9 Braden Young
10 Tracy Bunk
10 Morris Nelson
11 Wally Bunk
11 Cade Young
15 Audrey Arnold
15 Jayleen Sellhorn
16 Desirea Faust
17 Alissa Holmquist
20 Megan Amos
21 Charity Weis
21 Brandi Brady
22 Raven Caesar
22 Courtney Cook
22 Sharon Chandler
24 Maia Forssberg
24 Charles Martin
26 Kiera Mullen
27 Brock Reid-Carpio
28 Julie Loder
28 Brandon Weis
29 Matt Hedberg --------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Financial Report August 2018
Beginning Balance as of 07/01/18: $1401.26
Revenue: $12,440.29
Expenses: $-8,411.96
Ending Balance as of 07/31/18: $5,429.59
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES 1 Mr. and Mrs. Wayne McBride 29 years
2 Mr. and Mrs. Terry Hopp 40 years
7 Mr. and Mrs. Ken Talbott 61 years
11 Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Cunningham 22 years
13 Mr. and Mrs. Scott Johnson 38 years
14 Mr. & Mrs. Larry Montgomery 33 years 15 Mr. and Mrs. Adam Jones 8 years
23 Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Olson 45 years
24 Mr. and Mrs. Dean Alstatt 13 years
24 Mr. and Mrs. Allan Lindfors 12 years
28 Mr. and Mrs. Allan Hernandez 14 years
29 Mr. and Mrs. Randy Lillard 6 years
30 Mr. and Mrs. Danny Morel 46 years
August 5: Given by Allan and JoAn Lindfors in
fond memory of our loved ones who are now in the
arms of God.
August 19: Given by Terry and Nancy Hopp in
loving memory of Jeff Hopp and Michael Graham.
---------------------------------------------------------------
HELP WANTED: Adam and Hannah Jones are asking for
adult volunteers to help with Youth Group meetings for
1-2 Wednesday’s per month. Any help would be
appreciated and would provide a great opportunity to
share with our church’s youth. Contact Hannah Jones
@ (620) 755-7520 if you are interested in participating
or have questions.
FINANCE AND STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
would like ideas to improve the financial status
of the church. They welcome any members who
have ideas and are interested in working on the
project with them. Contact the church secretary
at [email protected] or 785-201-7675 if you
are interested in helping with this project.
THANK YOU!
COMING SOON: A newly-formed survey
committee will be sending out a church survey
on Facebook in the next few weeks. Look for it
on the Elim Lutheran Church Facebook page.
Contact Jeremy Snapp for further information.
Elim Lutheran Church Calendar for SEPTEMBER 2018
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
2 15th Sunday After Pentecost
Coffee & Fellowship 10:30 AM
Worship w/ HC 11:00 AM
3 LABOR DAY
4 Church Council Mtg.
7:00 PM
5 6:30 PM – Confirmation Class
Orientation
7:30 PM – ELIM LIFE GROUP
Bulletin Deadline
6
Bulletin Printed
7 Pastor’s Sabbath
8
9 16th Sunday After Pentecost
Rally Sunday / Blessing of Backpacks God’s Work, Our Hands
Sunday School – 9:30 AM
Junior & Youth Choir – 10:15 AM
Coffee & Fellowship 10:30 AM
Worship 11:00 AM w2/ Children’s Message
Lunch @ NOON, followed by work on projects for God’s Work, Our Hands
10
11 12 6:30 PM – Youth Meal 7:00 PM – HS Youth Group Confirmation Class 7:30 PM – Senior Choir Bulletin Deadline
13 Bulletin Printed
14 Pastor’s Sabbath
15
16 17th Sunday After Pentecost Sunday School – 9:30 AM
Adult Bible Study -9:30 AM
Junior & Youth Choir – 10:15 AM
Coffee & Fellowship 10:30 AM
Worship w/ HC 11:00 AM
Riverview Sing-along 4:00
WELCA Tailgate following Sing-along
17 Messenger Deadline
18
19 6:30 PM – Youth Meal 7:00 PM – HS Youth Group Confirmation Class 7:00 PM – ELIM LIFE GROUP 7:30 PM – Senior Choir Bulletin Deadline
20
Bulletin Printed
21 Pastor’s Sabbath
22
23 18th Sunday After Pentecost Sunday School – 9:30 AM
Adult Bible Study -9:30 AM
Junior & Youth Choir – 10:15 AM
Coffee & Fellowship 10:30 AM
Worship 11:00 AM w/ Children’s Message
24
25 26 1:30 PM – Quilting 6:30 PM – Youth Meal 7:00 PM – HS Youth Group Confirmation Class 7:30 PM – Senior Choir Bulletin Deadline
27
Bulletin Printed
28 2:00 PM – Riverview Birthday Party
Pastor’s Sabbath
29
30 19th Sunday After Pentecost
Sunday School – 9:30 AM
Adult Bible Study -9:30 AM
Junior & Youth Choir – 10:15 AM
Coffee & Fellowship- 10:30 AM
Worship - 11:00 AM
KEY:
HC = Holy Communion
HS = High School
