August 2020

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My Dear Friends in Christ,

I have been encountering more and more people that are struggling with ups and downs in their emotions lately. It seems that one day we are doing simply fine and then the next day the world looks, and feels, like a dark place that is dragging us down into it. Depending on where we are at, our reactions can be anger, anxiety, sadness, or simply feeling out of touch with our surroundings. The French have a word for this, it is called malaise, and it describes a general feeling of uneasiness in our lives. In the best of times we are all susceptible to it, but during our current situation it becomes more pronounced. It is hard sometimes to feel that we are moving forward, that life is evolving into something better, or that we can make a difference. I genuinely believe that it is the disruption in our community that is at the heart of these issues. We understand that it is necessary to protect and care for each other by maintaining our distance, but that reassuring validation that we receive from others is missing and it is having an impact. We need each other. When we first started doing the drive-in services, I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful it was just to see people again, even if it was from the safety of their cars. You are all with me in the Spirit, but it is reassuring to see you in the flesh as well. It quickly reminded me of how unbreakable the bond is that we have in each other through Christ. When the distancing began - and there were school, business, and church closings - I became frustrated that life seemed to be stagnating. I have since come to understand that all too often we live our lives in haste, moving from one event to another: from one accomplishment to the next. I realized that I had lost an appreciation for the journey and was more interested in crossing off things on my checklist. When I sought guidance through prayer on this, the answer I received was “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Trusting in God makes the fog of malaise lift. We can get so caught up in what WE are doing that we can forget the abundance of love and strength that is given us through the grace of God. We mistake our accomplishments as an indicator of faith in ourselves rather than our faith in God. When we pray for guidance, we are reminded that everything we have, everything we achieve, every day we are blessed to wake up to is a gift from God that we should be eternally thankful for. Before we know it, we will all be together again. There may be some dark moments but be reassured that we are all together in the spirit and love of one another. May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Vicar Rick

Spring Prairie Lutheran Church

Vicar Rick Bursh N509 CTH C

De Forest, WI 53532

Office: 608-846-4178

Cell: 262-475-6407

www.springprairie.org

Email: splc@centurytel.net Located at the corners of Hwys DM & C

in Keyeser

August 2020

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President’s Report

The Virus

Things are just not the same with the virus circulating. The parking lot services are working out quite well for us. While there are some churches that are having indoor worship, we do not feel it is in our best interest to do that now. There is still a lot that is unknown about the virus. Why does it affect some people severely and others show no symptoms? How widespread is it in the general public, and many others. We are fortunate that it is not as lethal as the 1918 flu or is like polio. Some of you remember the quarantining for that. I do not want us to be “the church” that had an outbreak. The Bishop The Covid-19 has caused the Synod Assembly to be postponed and is not going to be virtual on August 29. The main order of business will be to elect a new Bishop for our Synod. After starting with 33 nominations, 15 declined, and 18 were interviewed. 9 got a second interview to narrow it to 5. One then withdrew, leaving 4 women as the nominees. After watching their videos and reading answers to their questions, I find myself leaning heavily toward one candidate. I think the other three would have made fine bishops, a year ago. But we are in different times now with the virus, and one stands out to me as what we need at this time. Someone who can lead through great changes, is open to new kinds of worship, is decisive and compassionate. Someone who has experience dealing with many unknowns. You can see all the candidate profiles on the Synod website, scsw-elca.org, and I hope you will check them out and see if you agree there is one that stands out. Let me know what you think. David Mickelson, Council President

We had visitors! Luke came to visit, as well as Maddie

and Diane Cypher!

August 2020

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Worship

When I started in seminary it never occurred to me that I would become a videographer and then a storefront preacher. As far as I know there are no courses in these areas at Wartburg. But we adapt to the world around us, and I have found that sharing the Word can take many forms, and God’s church knows no walls. The drive-in services have been a tremendous success and our attendance seems to be growing each week. This past week we had between 50 and 60 in attendance (it is always hard to peak through a windshield and get an accurate count). In addition to our own members, we are attracting people from surrounding communities which has been wonderful. I admit that initially it did seem a little strange to be outside preaching to cars, but the council made a delightful decision in doing this. We have been blessed by great weather and it has not taken long for the setting to feel natural. The best part is seeing everyone and sharing in community together. The drive-in services offer us flexibility that we would not have inside the church. We considered the guidelines necessary to meeting inside, including wearing masks at all times, proper social distancing, refraining from singing, disinfecting before and after services, no communion, and avoiding sharing the peace with each other. We would have had to immediately disperse after worship without close contact. It did not feel inviting the way church should. Because we are meeting outside, we have been receiving communion (carefully prepared and distributed) and can sing in our cars. Admittedly, it isn’t the same as congregating inside, but it wouldn’t have been the same in the sanctuary either. We are planning on continuing the drive-in services at least through September at 9AM. One of these Sundays it will rain, but we are preparing for that as well. The earlier time helps keep the heat of the day down and the traffic is reduced. If you have not already experienced it, I encourage you to join us. There are plenty of spots in the shade available, and you can stay in your pajamas if you are so inclined.

August 2020

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Financial Update We are still doing OK financially. We are current on all our bills including our commitment to the

Synod. We have paid down another $1200 on our line of credit. Please continue to support

Spring Prairie. You can still use the online giving option on our website www.springprairie.org.

Just click on the “Donate Here” button, or through the link with the virtual service emails. You

can also send offerings to the church office. Thank you for keeping up through the summer.

Technology Please visit our website at www.springprairie.org for the latest developments. For those who cannot attend our Drive-In Worship Services on Sunday’s then do not worry! The last few Services are now available to view on our website. We are working to keep the site more active with the Monthly Newsletter available to view as well. Thanks, Jim Weigen 34th ANNUAL LUTHERDALE FEST & QUILT AUCTION, Saturday, August 8th

Browse and bid on over 200+ quilts online. Our Spring Prairie Quilters donated 2 quilts. The Lutherdale Fest & Quilt Auction is 9am – 3pm. Live Auction begins at 10am.

August 2020

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Thanks to Laura and Cathy

for weeding & cleaning up in

front of church. It looks much

better. They will continue to

clean up around trees, &

bushes. Volunteers welcome

If anyone wants to donate plants for the church, please contact Laura Bursh. You can see her after 9am Drive-In Worship on Sunday’s or e-mail lbursh@gmail.com, cell 262-745-1725. We know people have things they need to divide, and she will commit to planting them around the church and cemetery. We have many spaces that are bare and need some TLC with plants!

Pictures of all Laura’s hard work getting the parsonage beautified once again, after all the

construction and digging up last year. It is filled with plants, birds, butterflies, bugs and love!

Thank You God for Sun and Showers Thank You for Each Lovely Flower Thank You for Each Stately Tree Through All These, You Speak to Me

August 2020

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PRAYERS Please continue to keep in your prayers … † Pastor Sylvia Lee-Thompson, her husband Chris, and her family as they all learn to support

her while dealing with her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Give them strength, endurance, clarity, compassion and God’s peace and grace and accept the help of others.

† Judy (Gilbertson) Schallert who has cancer. She is Shirley Clemons Punswicks cousin.

† Continued prayers for: Sandy Gullickson and Mary Helgerson who are both still healing from surgery, Virginia Bursh, Kathy Longseth, and all others who are dealing with grief, illness, pain, stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, joblessness, and financial difficulties especially at this difficult time in all our lives.

† For those who are still isolated in nursing homes unable to have any visitors come inside to

visit; Virginia Bursh, Beulah Gallagher, June Kleinheinz, Bea Quam, Shirley Quamme, Diane Schmitt, and Mary Sharpee. And for those who are not able to go anywhere due to health concerns and the Covid-19 virus; Arlene Gullickson, Elaine Gullickson, Karen Gullickson, Kathy Kindschy, Kathy Longseth, Diann Mickelson, and to all others who are confined to their homes. May they all stay safe.

† Continued prayers for all the parents trying to keep it all together, as they struggle to be teachers in some school districts once again, employees working from home (or not), cooks, teachers, and all those working in the restaurant industry, music industry, or have small businesses that are struggling to make ends meet. Give them strength to do their best and support their businesses as best we can.

† Prayers for all who have lost their lives to the Coronavirus, and all that have it. We continue to pray for all the healthcare workers, doctors, nurses and caregivers. For farmers, many who are struggling to hang on to their farms & livestock. Pray that people realize the need to wear masks and try to stay at home when possible. We hope and pray that the vaccines they are working on right now can be given to those who need it, and that they work.

FEED MY SHEEP

Due to Covid, the food basket at Spring Prairie has been neglected. I know there has been requests via Channel 15 for donations for Second Harvest which benefits mostly Dane county. The donations that come into Spring Prairie are given directly to Arlington, Poynette, or Rio food pantries which have families that come in every week. Anyone can drop off food and nonfood donations right inside the church or even leave it outside the door if you do not want to enter the church, just let Cathy or Vicar Rick know.

Shirley Clemons Punswick

August 2020

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Worship Participants for Aug & Sept August 2 – 9:00am Drive-In Worship Reader: Ron Sharpee Musicians: Mike Plyman, Dalton McLaughlin, & Laura Bursh August 9 – 9:00am Drive-In Worship Reader: Diane Cypher Musicians: Mike Plyman, Dalton McLaughlin, & Laura Bursh August 16 – 9:00am Drive-In Worship Reader: Ron Sharpee Musicians: Dianne Vielhuber Vocals & guitar: Laura and Mike August 23 – 9:00am Drive-In Worship Reader: Dave Mickelson Musicians: Mike Plyman, Dalton McLaughlin, & Laura Bursh August 30 – 9:00am Drive-In Worship Reader: Joann Quam Musicians: Mike Plyman, Dalton McLaughlin, & Laura Bursh Sept 6 – 9:00am Drive-In Labor Day Wknd Reader: Karen Gullickson Musicians: Dianne Vielhuber Vocals & guitar: Laura and Mike Sept 13 – 9:00am Drive-In Worship Reader: Jackie Weigen Musician: Mike Plyman and Laura Bursh Sept 20 – 9:00am Drive-In Worship Reader: Derek Quam Musician: Dianne Vielhuber Sept 27 – 9:00am Drive-In Worship Reader: Robert Mickelson Musician: Mike Plyman and Laura Bursh Right now, we are keeping the Drive-In Services at 9am.

*Communion: Beginning Sun, Aug 9th

We will have a table set up at each end of the parking lot, which will have the bulletins and communion kit and wine. Please drive up and take what you need. Then go and park your car. We will give this a try, see how it works for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, please see Rick or Cathy in the church office. Thank you!

Vicar Rick Bursh

rbursh@gmail.com

Office hours: M -Thur, call 608-846-4178 (church), or Parsonage (608) 846-4163, or Cell (262) 475-6407 *if there is a pastoral need call the church office first* Cathy Plyman, Church Secretary

splc@centurytel.net , 608-846-4178

Office hours: normally Tues – Fri. 9-2, *(but may vary) Deb Sharpee, Financial Secretary (608) 846-4149 Dorie Bindrich, Asst. Fin. Secretary (608) 846-9758 Doug Bindrich, Custodian (608) 628-6049 Tom/Mary McLaughlin, Cleaning (608) 316-7264 Church Council Dave Mickelson, President (608) 279-8828 Ross Meland, Vice President (608) 628-5244 Kim Henze, Secretary (608) 635-2010 Missy Bredeson (920) 210-6633 Shirley Clemons (920) 484-8344 Karen Gullickson (608) 846-4113 Betsy Jorgensen (608) 843-9982 Jim Weigen (608) 825-8349 Rick Bursh, Vicar at Spring Prairie (262) 475-6407 Ministry Teams Worship, Mike Plyman (608) 556-2576 Music, Mike Plyman (608) 635-8781 Finance, Dave Mickelson (608) 846-8828 Property, Ron Sharpee (608) 575-9179 Funeral Lunches, Gloria Rortvedt (608) 669-0385 Quilting, Sandy Gullickson (608) 846-4131

If we missed a birthday, notify church office.

August Birthday’s

JULY AUGUST Dave Mickelson 7-3 Julie Mickelson 7-4 8/1 Sarah Langdon Skylar Lainberger 7-5 8/2 Dennis Quamme Avery Funches 7-6 8/3 Joann Quam Michael Ihland 7-6 8/4 Heather Guenther Betsy Jorgensen 7-7 8/5 J.D. Rodriguez Gary Andler 7-8 8/8 Diane Cypher David Kienitz 7-10 8/10 Colton Thering Randy Mickelson 7-10 8/11 Beulah Gallagher Gary Georgeson 7-11 8/12 Royal Quam Shelly Paulman 7-13 8/13 Diane Schmitt Alana Schade 7-13 8/13 Logan Quam Jon Guenther 7-17 8/14 Diane Ihland Giovanni Cacahua 7-18 8/14 Michael Miller Melissa Schultz 7-23 8/18 Jacob Kvalo Riley Johnson 7-24 8/18 Daniel Mickelson William Bredeson 7-27 8/19 Glen Mickelson Barbara Green 7-29 8/21 Tom Rortvedt Jeralee Stiemke 7-30 8/25 Jenny Warne 8/25 Annabelle Scalzo 8/28 Don Steffenhagen 8/29 Lauren Clevenger

August 2020

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Spring Prairie Church Council Meeting Minutes July 9, 2020, Unapproved This was a teleconference due to Covid-19. Members present, Dave, Vicar Rick, Shirley, Kim, Ross, Karen, Betsy, Jim Ross led the council in devotions. The minutes from the June meeting were read and approved. The treasurer and financial secretary reports were reviewed and approved. Vicar Rick’s report- A service was held for Alice Sutherland on June 28. A second group of DVDs have been sent out. Viewership has continued to be strong even though the outdoor service has started. There will be no VBS in person this year but hopefully something online will happen the first or second week of August. Confirmation will be online. We continue to check in on people that are unable to attend services. The synod has delayed the Synod Assembly until August 29 due to continuing Covid cases in Dane County. Dave has sent in his registration. Betsy needs to reregister. There will be 12 or so sites in person. Check out the list of candidates online. Vicar Rick has no vacation plans at this time. Property- The outdoor faucet has been taken care of. The phone plan will cost more and be more work than is currently necessary. Marvin windows for the parsonage are currently being worked on. A church cleaning is necessary. Worship- The Outdoor service has been well done. The more people in the covered area the harder it is to get clean sound. The musicians are more comfortable when there is a keyboard accompaniment. A motion was made and seconded to pay two musicians per service. Motion was approved. Ways to invite UCC Morrisonville was discussed. Website- Ways to make the website more dynamic continue to be worked on. It is hoped that there is a back up to our current provider. Pastor Sylvia- How to support Pastor Sylvia with her current health journey was discussed. Her church address will be provided. Next meeting will be August 13, 2020. Same format. Betsy will lead devotions. The meeting was adjourned and ended with the Lord’s Prayer. Kim Henze Church council secretary

August 2020

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

9am Drive-In Worship

3 4 5

6 7 1 8

9 9am Drive-In Worship

10

11

12

13 Teleconference Council Mtg 6:00pm

14

15

16 9am Drive-In Worship

17

18

19

20

21 22

23 9am Drive-In Worship

24

25

26 . Rick Chaplaincy at

27 Meriter Hosp.

28

29 Synod Assembly Video Conference

30 9am Drive-In Worship Sept 6 9am Drive-In Worship

31 Rick Chaplaincy

Sept 1 at Meriter

Sept 2 Hospital

Sept 3

Sept 4 Sept 5

2

Spring Prairie Lutheran Church Calendar August 2020

2020

August 2020

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Spring Prairie Lutheran Church

N509 County Highway C

De Forest, WI 53532

Return Service Requested

growing in faith … reaching out in love

August 2020 NEWSLETTER

Guiding Principles ▪ Jesus is Lord ▪ Everyone is welcome and valued ▪ We are called to be loving, compassionate, and just ▪ We strive to forgive, as we are forgiven ▪ We strive for open, honest, and respectful communication ▪ We practice faithful stewardship of God’s gifts