“We bring the hope we share in Christ to all!”

FEBRUARY 2014 VOLUME 58—ISSUE 2

Welcome to Pastor Tom Peterman!

Pastor Tom Peterman was born in Clarkfield,

Minnesota though most of his school years were

in Conrad, Montana. He graduated from

Concordia College, Moorhead, MN and Luther

Theological Seminary in St. Paul, MN.

He has served congregations in Michigan,

Wisconsin, Missoula and Billings, MT. He was

pastor at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd

for 11 years before becoming Director of

Pastoral Care and Church Relations at St. John’s

Lutheran Ministries. He served there for 10 years

before retiring in November of 2011.

He and his wife, Trishia, will celebrate their 45th

anniversary this August. They have 3 daughters

and 6 grandchildren.

Tom enjoys traveling, camping, gardening,

cooking, the Minnesota Vikings, NY Yankees, his

wife’s “to-do” lists, volunteering, and spending

time with family and friends.

Important Dates in February!

Feb. 3 - WELCA Board Meeting @ 6:30PM

Feb. 7 - Men’s Square @ 6:30AM

Feb. 9 - Confirmation @ 5PM - 7PM

Feb. 11 - Council Meeting @ 7PM

Feb. 12 - Friendship Club @ 11:30AM

Feb. 12 - Wonderful Wednesday @ 6PM

Feb. 14 - Happy Valentine’s Day!

Feb. 16 - Women’s Sunday

Feb. 18 - Newsletter Deadline

Feb. 18 - Education Committee @ 7PM

Feb. 20 - Hope Circle @ 9:30AM

Feb. 21-23 - Youth Quake

Feb. 24 - Marvelous Monday @ 6PM

Feb. 26 - Prayer Shawl Meeting @ 1PM

If you have requested that someone be added to the prayer chain, please keep us up-to-date

with their progress so that we can update the mailing accordingly!

Annual Meeting Election Results on Page 2!

The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 2

Please join the 5th grade Sunday School class for Second Sunday sandwiches! We will be making

sandwiches for the Salvation Army during the coffee hour on the second Sunday of every month. Everyone is

welcome to stop by the kitchen to help out!

LWR School Kit Bags

A huge THANK YOU to all who have donated, we have collected enough supplies to fill 190 Lutheran World Relief School Kits this year. Now it is time to concentrate on making the 190 bags needed to hold the school supplies (what a wonderful problem to have).

We have some material. Anyone who can sew, we need your help to make the much needed bags. Please call Julie Leno at 248-5359 if you can help. Thanks for caring.

Rehearsal and leading schedule for February

for Contemporary Service Musicians

Feb. 2 - Women at the Well

Feb. 9 - Praise Singers (rehearse Sat 2-8 at 9:00) Feb. 16 - Praise Singers (rehearse 2-15 at 9:00)

Feb. 23 - Adult choir sings, special music leadership (Kristin out of town)

Brass Players Wanted

The Music Department is now seeking brass players to play for our Easter Services! If you

play trombone, tuba, baritone, trumpet, coronet or French Horn and would like to come together for some Easter music, please contact Kristin at

worship@atonementbillings.org. If you would like to volunteer your neighbor or friend, please

contact Kristin! We are looking forward to having some wonderful Easter music this coming season.

2014 Election Results Council President: Vivian Beals Secretary: Kim Plaggemeyer

Vice President: Sara Hull Treasurer: To Be Appointed By Council

Council: Mike Klein, Lance King, Rane Paulson, Donna Christensen, Shellie Ehrmantraut - Alternate, Doug Harper - 1 year term, Lane Severson - Youth Representative 1 year term

St. John’s Delegate: Eleanor Andersen, Judy Belden, Amy Severson, Maggie Bealer

Finance Committee: Elected - Linda Michaelis (replacing Marlon Leno); Tammy Johnston (Jan. 2015); Bob Holloway (Jan. 2016)

Personnel Committee: Elected - Todd Koepp (replacing Lisa Hammond); Bill Belden (Jan. 2015)

Lutheran Center: Kathy Cypher

Christikon Delegate: Elected - Linda Fiene-Quinn (replacing Lora Pederson); Nancy King (Jan. 2015); Sara Westrope (Jan. 2016)

Synod Assembly Delegates: Lance King, Bill Belden, Vivian Beals

Nominating Committee: Linda Lange; Jane Fitch-Meszaros; Jack Beals

There were 89 ballots cast.

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Q&A from the Worship and Music Team about just what

“contemporary” worship means!

Q: What is contemporary?

A: Contemporary means “existing, occurring, or living at the same

time: belonging to the same period of time.” So, “contemporary

worship” means worship that is appropriate and meaningful for

people who are living now, rather than people who lived 100 years ago or who will live 100

years in the future. That means that every generation in every culture faces the question of

“contemporary worship.” Our worship style now will not be the worship style of our youth!

Q: What are the needs of 21st century Americans, and what are the needs of 21st century

Americans that can be addressed through worship? Do we need to get our priorities in

order? Do we need moral guidance? Do we need to deal with guilt and grief? Do we need

to hear that God loves us? Do we need support during chaotic times? Do we need to know

how Jesus can make a difference in our lives? Do we need to be called to love our

neighbor? Do we need to be challenged to live for the benefit of others?

A: If we have any of these needs, they should be addressed by “contemporary worship” even

though the needs have been around for a long time. Once we have identified contemporary

needs that can be addressed through worship, we must decide how to address them. That is

where music, videos, drama, dance, movement, color, and media come into play. These are the

messengers that carry the message. We on the Worship and Music Team are collaborating and

learning together how to best deliver God’s message through our Contemporary Service at

10:30 each Sunday. We are learning all worship services do not need to be the same. They do

not need to use the same acts of worship, the same musical instruments, the same sanctuary

layout, or the same technology. But if we are to have “contemporary worship,” it should address

the needs of people living now, and be welcoming for all who enter our new building, members

or guests.

Q: Why do we need a contemporary worship service?

A: If the Church is going to connect with people, it needs to speak a language they can

understand. Hymns and organs and pews and rails can feel outdated and may not communicate

the Gospel very well to new churchgoers. While our Lutheran theology of grace is key to our

ministry and worship, if people can’t understand and identify with it, it won’t impact their lives.

We are working to incorporate modern elements into our worship, such as electric guitars,

video presentations, current Christian music, and different sanctuary layouts to help

worshippers feel more engaged and connected: to their church, to their faith, and to God.

Q: So, the contemporary worship is a louder, “easier” version of the traditional service?

A: Not at all! Our contemporary service aims to be spiritually alive, energetic, diverse,

welcoming and intergenerational. Choir, musicians, praise groups, youth bands, Sunday School,

worship assistants, acolytes, tech assistants are all connected and involved in our contemporary

service, where all are welcome.

Q: I still don’t quite “get” it. Who can explain it to me?

A: Our Worship Team is here for you! Please ask any of us about any worship questions you may

have! Kristin, Emily, Gwynn, Sara, Kim, Linda, Kathy, Judy, Francesca. We are learning and

growing and enjoying the process, and we hope you are as excited as we are about Atonement’s

spiritual journey!

The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 4

Giving Our Time & Talents to God - Page 1

Communion Preparers February 2: Mark & Shirley Jennings

February 9: Tammy Johnston

February 16: Julie Andersen

February 23: Judy & Bill Belden

Communion Bread February ~ Debbie Rensvold March ~ Gwynn Pederson

Acolytes

Feb. 2 : 8:00AM David Hull 10:30AM Dawson Mangels

Feb. 9 : 8:00AM Cierra Simmons 10:30AM Haley Roedocker

Feb. 16: 8:00AM Arielle Tommerup 10:30AM Ben Johnston

Feb. 23: 8:00AM Samantha Willoughby 10:30AM Tailey Leatherberry

Sharing Flowers for Worship Feb. 2: Teague, Sara, Kiera & Arya Westrope

Feb. 9: Open

Feb. 16: Darrell & Marilyn Franklin; Ashley Rost

Feb. 23: Bob & Cathy Holloway

The 2014 Flower Chart is on the table outside the office at the back of the sanctuary. Cost is $25.00 per Sunday for two bouquets given in honor or memory of a loved one.

Van Drivers

Feb. 2: Todd Koepp 256-1569

Feb. 9: Mark Jennings 248-8044

Feb. 16: Marlon Leno 248-5359

Feb. 23: Stan Newton 245-8456

Lectors

8:00 AM 10:30 AM Feb. 2: Marva Drain DeeDee Stanich Deyon Dixon Kara White

Feb. 9: Lora Pederson Linda Michaelis Dejahn Dixon Ericka Severson

Feb. 16: Marva Drain Marilyn Franklin Danara Tulimaiau Trenay Rinebarger

Feb. 23: Janet Rubich Vicki Evans Kara White Brianne Edge

Hospital Visitation

March ~ Erin Koepp

Common Grounds

Men’s Square

Contact Person: Todd Koepp

February:

Paper Lunch Bags

The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 5

8:00 AM Ushers

Feb. 2: Mike & Janet Rubich; John & Bertha Olsen

Feb. 9: Mike & Janet Rubich; Ed & Rita Reeve

Feb. 16: Tina Williams; Del & Rose Steiner; Karen Underwood

Feb. 23: Tina Williams; Jo Bott; Francesca Lees; Bob Holloway

10:30AM Ushers

Feb. 2: Jack & Vivian Beals; Shellie Ehrmantraut; Betty Jo Furstenberg; Linda Lange; Francesca Lees

Feb. 9: Mark & Shirley Jennings; Ben, Hailey & Kyle Johnston; Dennis & Donna Newell

Feb. 16: Todd & Erin Koepp; Linda Lange; Francesca Lees; Kelly & Linda Michaelis

Feb. 23: Marlon Leno; Dave Mangels; Dennis & Donna Newell; Joyce Nitscheke; Joan Siemers

The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 5

Giving Our Time & Talents to God - Page 2

2014 Atonement Lutheran Church Council

Vivian Beals, President 248-7930

Sara Hull, Vice President 245-6414

Kim Plaggemeyer, Secretary 860-0365

To Be Appointed, Treasurer

Lance King, Past President 656-1183

Mike Klein

Rane Paulson 248-4080

Donna Christensen 245-9127

Shellie Ehrmantraut 254-7131

Doug Harper 406-373-6384

Lane Severson (Youth Representative) 252-6038

Cantors

February 2:

Becky Lujan Debbie Heyd

February 9:

Terri Porisch

February 16:

Marilyn Franklin

February 23:

Kelly Michaelis Linda Michaelis

The Love Offering for February~ Billings Food Bank

Love Offering envelopes can

now be found on the two tables

at the back of the sanctuary.

Worship Assistants

February 2:

Tina Williams - 8:00AM KayDel Shelton - 10:30AM

February 9: Clarence Robinson - 8:00AM Debbie Rensvold - 10:30AM

February 16:

Lora Pederson - 8:00AM Linda Michaelis - 10:30AM

February 23: Rose Steiner - 8:00AM

Gene Arneson - 10:30AM

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2014 Epiphany Recital Series Held at First English Lutheran Church (1243 N. 31st St., Billings, MT).

Recitals are on Sundays at 4PM, with a reception following:

February 2nd - No Recital/Super Bowl;

February 9th - Mark Soueidi; February 16th - Words of Albert Schweitzer and the Music of Bach;

February 23rd - Rocky Mountain College Choir.

These recitals are offered as a gift to the community and are free and open to the public!

Dear Members of Atonement, I was completely overwhelmed by the goodbyes and best wishes that I received in December, before our move to Golden, Colorado. First: the farewell on Thursday night, orchestrated by Sara Hull and Julie Leno, after choir. I was in tears (which is normal for me), when I saw all the choir members, church members, students, and former students who came. The poster is hanging in my craft room for all to see (I have a craft room now). Second: the luncheon at Fuddrucker's, orchestrated by Julie Amundson and Kay Rossow. My goodness, the number of total years of Atonement members (current and former) that attended! The cards, the quilt, and all the good wishes -- more tears that day! Then finally, the gift on Sunday -- the JW Pepper gift card. Music stores are my candy store -- I will really enjoy finding new music and books at the Pepper store. It is hard to leave Atonement -- you were my second family for many years (close to 30). We are happily settled in God's country -- lots of great weather, and sunshine, and closer to both our daughters. We are planning Alyssa's wedding here at the new house, for August. I will be back to visit -- probably not as often as I would like, but I will stop by when I am in town. We have sold our house in Billings, so will be making a quick trip back for the closing at the end of January. I feel so blessed to have been a part of Atonement, through good times and hard times -- the new building is a wonderful testament to those of you who worked so hard to see it come into existence. Blessings on all of you as you begin your new adventure with a new pastor, Elinore Quander

The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 7

JOY Bible Study

The JOY Bible Study is a

women’s study group

that meets every

Wednesday at 6:30 a.m.

Thursday Bible Study ~ 9:30 a.m. ~ Novak Room

Reading through the Old Testament

Prayers for Members of our Congregation Pray for blessings, health, safety and general well-being of these members of Atonement. Give thanks for all who are workers with us in the mission we share.

February 2: Mary Slagsvold; Steve & Donna Slater; Curtis & Shirley Solem;

Marianne Sorensen

February 9: Don, Joanna, Jillian & Cole Stanek; DeeDee Stanich; Del & Rose

Steiner; William Stenson

February 16: John & Joanne Stevens; Robert & Connie Stone; Jay, Debbie & Jaymie

Strever; Robert & Joan Stroebel

February 23: Terry & Patty Struck; Harry & Lorraine Theurer; Sione, Janette,

Brandon, Danara, Jerry & Samuel Tulimaiau; Racher Uecker; Karen Underwood

Wonderful Wednesday February 11, 2014

Guadalajara’s @ 6PM

Marvelous Monday February 24, 2014 Applebee’s @ 6PM

Financial Report January 2014 Offerings & Income

January 5, 2014 $4,874.01 January 12, 2014 $3,602.75 January 19, 2014 $3,615.00 January 26, 2014 $3,730.29 Simply Giving through 01/31/14 $5,738.00

Hope Circle

Hope Circle will meet February 20, 2014 at

9:30 AM at Atonement.

Hope Circle is a bible study that meets once

a month.

For more information, call Bette Wolff at

245-5054.

Friendship Club

February 12, 2014 @ 11:30

Program Pending

Atonement Staff

Visiting Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Peterman Office Manager . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . Joann Estal Organist . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . Gwynn Pederson Chapel Choir Director . . . . . . . . . . Emily Prouty Music Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . Kristin La Ve’ Newsletter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jackie Clemo

Atonement Lutheran Church 406-245-7004 Fax: 406-245-6951

www.atonementbillings.org

pastor@atonementbillings.org joann@atonementbillings.org

worship@atonementbillings.org

jackie@atonementbillings.org

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