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Contact Us St. John Lutheran Church
1710 5th Street South, Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-232-8521
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.stjohnfargo.com
The Ministry Team of St. John:
All the People of God, along with
Rev. Dr. Erick Thompson, Rev. Brian Hansen, Pastors
Dawn Papenfuss, Director of Music/Organist
Jackie Jabens, Finance/Office Manager
Currently available position, Office Secretary
Randy Shone, Custodian
Jeremy Maahs, Youth Programming Director
Jana Bruhschwein, St. John Christian Preschool Director
Kellie Knodel, Cheryl Dietz, Katie Olson, Preschool Teachers
Peggy Hammerling, Recorders
Jessica Westgard Larson, Handbells
Articles accepted before
5 p.m. on August 20th for the September 2017 Herald.
St. John Lutheran Church
1710 5th Street South
Fargo, ND 58103
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
‘THE HERALD’
August 2017
Published 12 times/year
Vol. #117, Issue #8
St. John Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9am-4:30pm
Friday: 9am-12pm
Non-Profit Org.
US Postage Paid
Permit #1040
Fargo, ND 58102
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
If you would like to Only receive The
Herald by e-mail, please send a quick
note to [email protected]
Thank You!
St. John Church Council
2016-2018 Dean Froslie President
2016-2018 Shawn Vasichek Vice President
2016-2018 Janis Keller Vice President
2016-2018 Larry Papenfuss Secretary
2017-2019 Eric Christeson Property
2017-2019 Amanda Holt Education
2017-2019 Damon Janssen Youth and Family
2017-2019 David McMahon Social Concerns/Missions
2016-2018 Rachel Rude Worship & Music
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Volume 117, Issue 8 Community in Christ : Christ in Community August 2017
THE HERALD
St. John Lutheran Church
A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
St. John’s 25th Annual Corn Feed
Wednesday August 9th 5-7 p.m.
Menu: Fresh Sweet Corn, Hot Dogs & Brats, Lemonade & Coffee, Bars & Cookies
Free will offering for worship and music at St. John!
Bring your neighbors and friends! We would love to have an individual or a business offer a MATCHING contribution toward the
proceeds of the Corn Feed—and we will publicize your business in appreciation for your doing
so! Contact Dawn for details: 232-8521 or [email protected]
Welcome to St. John, Pastor Erick! The Reverend Doctor Erick J. Thompson was installed as the new senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church
during the worship service on Sunday, July 23rd. Pastor Charlie Axness shared an inspiring message, and
immediately following worship, there was much meeting and greeting and enjoyment of refreshments in
Fellowship Hall. (Pictured from left are Jeri Ekstrom, Pastor Charlie Axness, and Pastor Erick.)
Blessings to Pastor Erick and his family as he settles into his new position!
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A Note From the Pastor
Having spent my adolescence and much of my adult life here in the valley I often equate August’s arrival with the beginning of a time of harvest. This is the time when gardens are at their best and when some farmers begin to prepare to enter the fields to gather in the crop. Perhaps it’s a unique coincidence that for the last three weeks our readings from the 13
th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel have focused so much on
farming. A couple of weeks ago the parable of the sower really grabbed my attention. What is so fascinating to me about this parable (and it’s what I preached on a couple weeks ago) is that the sower in this story is a really a horrible farmer. The sower of the seeds in this parable is not particularly strategic or careful with where the seeds get cast. There’s no suggestion in this scripture reading that the sower even spends time preparing the soil. Rather, the sower just tosses seeds indiscriminately in all directions on all kinds of dirt. Therefore, we the hearers of the parable, are forced to ask, precisely what kind of farmer wastes so much?
The farmer in this text doesn’t care as much about what the seeds yield but rather that the seed has the opportunity to take root everywhere possible. Now, this is really counter intuitive to any rational gardener or farmer who plants solely for the purpose of what the garden or field will yield. I mean, every year we prepare the soil in our back yard for a garden so that when late July and August comes we can enjoy the fruits of our labor. The farmers I worked for in High School based their livelihood on what the ground yielded every fall so it really mattered to them where and how they planted. However, the farmer in this parable seems to care less about what the seeds planted will yield and more about casting the seeds everywhere. Which begs the question of exactly what kind of farmer we have here?
The answer that we are left with seems to imply that this is the kind of farmer that loves dirt more than plants, and soil more than what it yields. God is a dirt farmer (rather than a farmer of the dirt). God seems to be more concerned with building up the soil than reaping the fruits it yields. Maybe God cares more about the dirt because God knows that the faith that springs up among the rocky soil and withers away only winds up enriching and building the soil for the next seeds that come along. Maybe God knows that the only way to get good soil is through DEATH. Good soil doesn’t just happen. It is the remnant of faith passed on from one generation to the next. Good soil is alive through the decomposing of dead things. Good soil is resurrection, for out of death the soil is given the nutrients needed to spring forth life and a harvest of plenty. And it is all part of the cycle of soil, which means that perhaps it is also the cycle of faith. One generation lives their faith and passes that faith on to the next generation so that even as they die the traditions and the story of the God who sows seeds lives on. So out of the decomposed remains of belief, new life, richer life, deeper life can begin to take root. I believe that the same process of death and resurrection also happens in our lives as well. Our lives of faith are often built upon the reality of struggle, death and new life. It’s a cycle that is necessary to help faith mature and grow so that the roots of God’s promises can grow deep in the soil of our lives. Perhaps one of the lessons this parable has to teach us is that we have a God who sows seeds in all kinds of dirt so that the gift of God’s Word can take root in each and every life. And over time God works to enrich the soil of our being so that the seed can take root and grow deep in us. Therefore, let us give thanks to the God who loves the dirt. And may our lives be enriched by the cycle of faith.
In Christ, Pastor Brian
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St. John Small Groups
YAH (Young at Heart) For those of a ‘certain age’, join us for Christian fellowship, coffee & refreshments on the 2nd Thursday of the month September thru May at 10 a.m. Contact: Cathy Chatelain 261-2707 Ruth Circle Meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. from September thru May and is hosted by a circle member in her home or in the church parlor. MUGG: (Men Under God’s Guidance) Meets the 2nd Monday of the month, 5:30 p.m. at the Fargo Tap House. For all men, we will gather after work for food and fellowship. Reconciling In Christ: This is a group working toward St. John being more welcoming of the LGBT community and becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at St. John. Contact: Stephanie Christeson 701-478-4145 Women & Wine Fellowship Women of St. John are invited for fun and good conversation in the evening hours at member’s homes. Dates and times TBD Contact: Diane Wiesenborn 218-287-4420 Foot Care Clinic Our Foot Care Clinic provides fellowship and foot care performed by trained health per-sonnel and volunteers the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Call Cathy Chatelain 261-2707 to schedule an appointment. Yoga Free 1 hour yoga class to stretch your mind, body and spirit. Wear comfortable clothes. Some Mondays at 10 a.m. (schedule on bulletin board). Contact: Gini Duval 701-306-3454 AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) Sundays at 7 pm at St. John NA (Narcotics Anonymous) Saturdays at noon at St. John
MUSIC NOTES by Dawn Papenfuss
Sunday, August 13 Evan Froslie, Guest Pianist Sunday, August 27 Azahna Luschen, Guest Vocalist
THIS MESSAGE is from Vickie Mickelson, Choir Ministry Coordinator for the Ugandan Kids Choir:
“I want to extend to you my sincerest appreciation for the hospitality and grace demonstrated to the children and staff of the Ugandan Kids Choir dur-ing their recent visit to your church! Your congregation profoundly blessed us with their generosity. Your church donated $1,611 to children in need and sponsored 3 children! We praise the Lord for the lives that will be changed because of your wonderful gifts. May God richly bless your congregation for caring so much!”
ARE YOU INTERESTED? I am considering teaching organ lessons to anyone who has probably 3-4 years of piano under their belt. I would like to keep organ playing alive! Many churches need organists/pianists. If you are interested (this could be ANY age from 5
th or 6
th grade to adult), please
let me know. You would have to work out coming to church to practice, but we can talk about that.
Dawn Papenfuss, Director of Music
Churches United
Community Picnic
Tuesday August 15th
4:30-7:30 p.m. Gooseberry Park/Large Shelter
All Ages Free Food Provided
Bounce House, Live Music and Door Prizes
St. John Job Openings
We are currently looking to fill two positions here at St. John.
Office Secretary and
Youth Education Director If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more
about either of these positions please contact Pastor Erick
Thompson or the church office or go to www.stjohnfargo.com
6
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
30
9:30 AM Worship 7:00 PM AA
31
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vaqueros y Vaqueras
1
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vaqueros y Vaqueras 9:30 AM Staff Meet-ing 1:00 PM Stephen Ministry Leader Mtg 6:30 PM Committee Night
2
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vaqueros y Vaqueras 5:00 PM Bulletin Deadline
3
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vaqueros y Vaqueras
4 5
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM NA
6
9:30 AM Worship 7:00 PM AA
7
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vammos al Zoologico! 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Book Club at Linden-wood Park
8
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vammos al Zoologico! 9:30 AM Staff Meet-ing 12:00 PM Set-up for Corn Feed
9
8:00 AM Set-Up for Corn Feed 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vammos al Zoologico! 5:00 PM 25th Annual Corn Feed! 5:00 PM Bulletin Deadline 7:00 PM Executive Committee Mtg
10
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vammos al Zoologico! 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Youth Trip-Buffalo River State Park (9th Grade & Up)
11 12
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Fargo Pride in the Park 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM NA
13
9:30 AM Worship 2:00 PM Fargo Pride Parade 7:00 PM AA
14
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Bomberos y Agua 5:30 PM MUGG Night
15
8:00 AM Foot Care Clinic 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Bomberos y Agua 9:30 AM Staff Meet-ing 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Church Council 6:30 PM Stephen Ministry Mtg
16
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Bomberos y Agua 5:00 PM Bulletin Deadline 7:00 PM Nat'l Youth Gathering Interest Mtg (8th-12th Grade)
17
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Bomberos y Agua
18 19
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM NA
20
9:30 AM Worship 5:00 PM Newsletter Deadline 7:00 PM AA
21 22
9:30 AM Staff Meet-ing 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Women & Wine 6:30 PM Stephen Ministry Mtg
23
5:00 PM Bulletin Deadline
24 25 26
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM NA
27
9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM Nat'l Youth Gathering Interest Mtg (8th-12th Grade) 7:00 PM AA
28 29
9:30 AM Staff Meet-ing
30
5:00 PM Bulletin Deadline 6:30 PM Stephen Ministry Mtg
31 1 2
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM NA
3
Youth and Family
FALL SCHEDULE BEGINS SEPTEMBER 10TH!
RETURNING TO TWO SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
Rally Sunday, September 10th - Blessing of the Backpacks
Sundays: Starting September 10th
8:30 a.m. Worship/Communion
10:45 a.m. Worship/Communion
National Youth Gathering
Interest Meetings:
Wednesday, August 16th 7pm and
Sunday, August 27th 10:30am
(youth entering 8th-12th grade)
Buffalo River State Park Day Trip
August 10th 11am-4pm
All youth going into 9th grade and older are invited.
Bring a friend or two; the more the merrier!
*Watch the bulletin and Facebook for updates*
CONSTRUCTION NEWS! As a part of the Belmont Park neighborhood flood risk reduction project, the storm sewer lift station currently located just southeast of the church building is being moved from the east side of Lindenwood Drive to the west side. Work is well underway and is scheduled for completion by the end of October. With preschool summer camps in session here at the church, the return of our beloved preschoolers in September, and safety on our minds, barriers have been placed at the center of the parking lot to slow traffic. The parking lot remains accessible from both 5th Street South and Lindenwood Drive; we’re simply eliminating thru (detour!) traffic. The barriers are being removed for Sunday worship and all other events taking place at the church.
4
Memorials, Honorariums & Special Gifts
Capital Appeal Fund: ELCA World Hunger Appeal:
In Memory of Gordy Langseth: In Memory of Dorothy Estenson:
Larry & Dawn Papenfuss Elwood & LaVon Rieke
In Memory of Gordon Langseth:
General Memorial Fund: Elwood & LaVon Rieke
In Memory of Dorothy Estenson: In Memory of Bonnie Sonnenberg:
Fred & Judy Haugo, Allan & Judy Peterson Elwood & LaVon Rieke
In Memory of Gene Iverson:
Fred & Judy Haugo, Donard & Carolyn Thue
In Memory of Gordon Langseth:
Carol Forster, Joyce Meyer, Deborah Seter, Irvin & Lynann Rustad, Kent Smith, Carol Stevens, Brent & Ellen Westby, Allan & Judy Peterson, Robert & Bonnie Ames, Donard & Carolyn Thue, Ione Langseth
In Memory of Carol Prien:
Robin & Gaylon Anderson, Fred & Judy Haugo, Allan & Judy Peterson, Donard & Carolyn Thue
Good Samaritan Committee Fund: Stephen Ministry Fund:
In Memory of Gene Iverson: In Memory of Gordy Langseth:
Jeri Ekstrom Gini & Dave Duval
In Memory of Gordon Langseth (for the Foot Care Clinic): In Memory of Gene Iverson:
Tim & Brenda Bauer Gini & Dave Duval
Good Samaritan Emergency Assistance Fund:
In Memory of Dorothy Estenson:
Mary Ann Walen
In Memory of Willard Krueger:
Wes Myhre
In Memory of Gene Iverson:
Mary Ann Walen, Richard & Shirley Bolme
St. John Foundation:
In Memory of Gordon Langseth:
Bev Hagen, Sylvan & Caroline Melroe, Robert & Suzanne Schultz
Special Music Fund:
In Memory of Dorothy Estenson:
Carol Stevens
In Memory of Gordy Langseth:
Steve & Diane Edwardson, Jeri Ekstrom, Marlene Ames, Butch & Pat Pobst, Mary Ann Walen,
Fred & Judy Haugo, Darrell & Nancy Burkland, Richard & Shirley Bolme, Jane Nissen,
Lyle & Rosalie Fritz, Richard & Diane Stenberg
In Memory of Carol Prien:
Carol Stevens
In Memory of Carol Prien (for Handbells):
Jessica Westgard Larson, Bruce & Lois Nelson, Kenneth & Diane Rheault, Dennis & Diane Wiesenborn, Ken & Gloria Nygard
5
Fellowship Hour in the parlor
on Sunday mornings is an
important ministry of St. John.
Please take a minute to sign up to
serve or bring treats. This is a fun
and great way to meet and
welcome all who come to worship
at St. John! The Sign Up sheet is
on the East wall in the parlor, near
the clock.
GOD'S GRACE FOR ALL
SAVE THE DATE!
The Reconciling In Christ committee invites you to join us in celebrating FM Pride Week, August 10-13.
Help represent St. John at Pride in the Park on Saturday, August 12 from 11-4. Sign up for a 90-minute shift. Visit with our neighbors and share the message of God's love.
Sunday, August 13 at 12:30 is the Pride Interfaith Service at the Fargo Theatre. Immediately following the service at 2:00 p.m., walk with other St. Johnnies in the Pride Parade. Let's share the message of God's Grace for All! For more information or to sign up, contact
Susan Murphy at 701-793-2601
Did you know that...
...in addition to more than 475 human residents,
Bethany Retirement Living is home to nearly two
dozen animals? Dogs, cats, birds, and fish are an
important part of the whole-person care provided to
residents. Countless studies have shown the positive
impact of having pets around to provide
entertainment, activity and improvement to a variety of
health factors - as well as an opportunity to give and
receive a little LOVIN’! Bethany's pets are cared for
by employees and volunteers. If you’d like to help,
please contact Jessica Peck at 701-239-3246 or
Laurie Schnabel at 701-478-8904.