It seems you can’t turn
on the news these days
without seeing another
dire report for America’s
farmers. Pick your favor-
ite news source, and I’ll
guarantee you that there
has been a story there
during this past week
regarding how the ongo-
ing trade war with China
is negatively impacting
this country’s farmers.
In one story on the NBC
News website, it states
that in 2018 alone, the
national net farm in-
come dropped by more
than $9 billion, or 12
percent of farmers’ over-
all income. Mind you,
that was a loss all in one
year!
Furthermore, the same
story reported that based
on data from the USDA
Agriculture Census that
was released in April
more than 160,000
farmers in the U.S. gave
up farming from 2007 to
2017.
Those are staggering
numbers. … Numbers
that begin to match what
America’s farmers lived
through during the
1980s. And I’m sure that
many in our congrega-
tion remember those
devastating days.
So, as your pastor, where
am I going with this? …
Well, it’s no secret that
Faith Lutheran resides in
the middle of farm coun-
try, and it’s no secret
that our farmers are fac-
ing hard times. And, so
as a community of faith -
- as a faith family -- even
if we don’t directly
farm ourselves, we
share in that emo-
tional burden with
which our’s and
the nation’s farm
families are living.
First, as Jesus’s
hands and feet
here on this earth,
it is incumbent of us to
reach out to our farm
families and make sure
that they are doing OK. I
don’t just mean finan-
cially, but are they doing
OK emotionally as well.
Do any amount of re-
search and you learn
very quickly how the
downturn of the agricul-
tural economy impacted
farmers and thus their
entire communities in
the 1980s. It was a bleak
time.
But as an extended faith
family we don’t have to
let that be the case. Part
of the commandment to
love one another is to
ensure that we each are
being cared for. And that
includes ensuring our
neighbors’ mental and
emotional health as well.
Might I suggest during
this difficult time for the
farmers that surround
us, that you reach out to
your neighbors. Tell
them that you are think-
ing about them. Tell
them that you care about
them, and that you un-
derstand their signifi-
cance to our community,
and frankly to the na-
June Food Pantry Item
Powdered Beverages
From our Pastor—Intern Devlyn Brooks
June 2019 Volume 22, Issue 6
Faith Lutheran Church PO Box 175
Wolverton, MN 56594
(218) 995-2556
www.faithwolverton.org
Devlyn Brooks, Intern Pastor
(701) 412-8733
It is the mission of Faith
Lutheran Church:
To gather prayerfully as the Body of Christ; To grow in faith, love, and service; To go into the world joyfully as disciples.
Sunday Worship
9:30 a.m.
Holy Communion on the first and
third Sunday of the month.
Coffee Fellowship
10:30 a.m.
Follow Faith Lutheran
Wolverton on
mailto:[email protected]
tion. Let’s not let it go unsaid.
Sometimes, a little validation is all
someone needs to make it through
a rough patch.
And second, if this message speaks
to you and hits home hard. If you
are someone who is being impact-
ed by the difficult agricultural
economy, and you are struggling
with the burden of this, I encour-
age you to reach out to someone.
Reach out to a trusted friend.
Reach out to a neighbor. Reach out
to me. Or reach out to a trained
counselor or other professional
resource. The key is just to reach
out. When we suffer in silence, we
hurt not only ourselves, but those
around us as well.
Lastly, and this is where being
your pastor comes into play. Re-
(Continued from page 1) member, that despite the tough
financial times, that your worth
does not come from your labor ef-
forts. What you do is a noble pro-
fession. Farmers helped forge this
country, and we are grateful for
your dedication and hard work.
But, at the end of the day, regard-
less of how the farm economy is
doing, your worth is found in the
fact that you are a blessed child of
God. … Let me reiterate that: Your
worth is not in the work that you
perform, but instead in your rela-
tionship with Jesus.
As your faith family, we will con-
tinue to pray that these difficult
times for our nation’s farmers will
soon pass, and meanwhile, we are
here to support you in any way
that we can. We care about you;
we value you; and we know what
your work means to the country.
Blessings to you as you begin the
spring planting season. The God
watch over you, bless you with
good planting whether, even better
growing weather and give those in
positions of authority the insight
and courage they need to work us
through these difficult times. ..
Amen.
Jane Buchholz—Sheyenne Crossing Long Term Care West Fargo, ND
Doris Dibley—at home Wolverton
Barney Edwards—Eventide, Moorhead, MN
Judy Getz—Sanford Hospital, Fargo, ND
Louie Gruenberg—River Pointe Moorhead, MN
Rose Hanson—Bethany Grace Pointe Fargo
Elaine Johnson—Bethany on 42nd Ave Fargo
Linda Lucke—at home
Arlene Nelson—Eventide Senior Living Moorhead, MN
Keith Nelson—at home in Wolverton, MN
Prayer Requests
Page 2 Faith News
Please keep these people who are under medical care in your prayers. Let Pr. Devlyn know
if you would like your name or that of a loved one added to this list.
“Your worth is not
in the work that
you perform, but
instead in your
relationship with
Jesus.”
Devlyn Brooks
needs at Churches United until
May 19th. Devlyn will be blessing
the quilts and food panty items
before they are taken.
Men’s Group-Ross Aigner reported
15 men washed windows April 16th
and over 16 volunteer men in-
volved in their Sunday service and
meal served April 28th.
Music & Worship-Debi Byars re-
ported they met April 24th and
Sunday schedule is set through
June.
Property & Maintenance-Brad
Nelson reported they need to set
up a meeting for furnace replace-
ment.
Youth- Mike Aigner reported East-
er brunch was well attended.
Old Business:
Carpet Poll Results: 35 Red and 14
neutral, Faith Women will get red
carpet samples.
Opening Devotions: Keith
Kragerud
Members Present: Debi Byars,
Brad Nelson, Mike Aigner, Ross
Aigner, Kylie Hendrickson, Chad
Erickson and LaDawn Turner.
June Devotions: LaDawn Turner
Communion Assistant: May 5th
Chad Erickson, May 19th LaDawn
Turner, June 2nd Debi Byars.
Offering Counter: All of council
Food Pantry Item for June: Pow-
ered beverages
Secretary’s report: Approved
Treasurer’s report: Approved
Committee reports:
Education-Kylie Hendrickson re-
ported last day of Sunday School is
May 5th and kids sing at service.
Endowment-Met March 26th
Faith women-LaDawn Turner re-
ported we are taking donations for
FLC Council Minutes—May 1, 2019
Volume 22, Issue 6 Page 3
Internship- Devlyn will start in
June with Pastor Jill Steichen.
Discovering Your Congregation’s
Future- Pastor Keith Zeh will be
here to lead us in worship on May
12th and meet with us after service.
Adjourn
Lord’s Prayer
LaDawn Turner, Secretary
Synod Assembly
Please keep our delegates RC
Stein and Deb Byars in your
prayers as they represent Faith
Lutheran at the Northwest MN
Synod Assembly on June 7-9. The
assembly will be electing a new
bishop. Our current Bishop Wohl-
robe has served as bishop since
2007 and is retiring. Thank you to
RC and Deb for volunteering their
time.
June Birthdays
1 Randy Orud
2 Colleen Israelson
2 Bridget Hendrickson
2 Laura Wilner
3 Alyson Olthoff
5 Haley Israelson
8 Jay Nord
8 Stacey Rohan
12 Kenzie Jacob
13 John Kappes
15 Ava Heitman
21 Riley Miller
23 Mark Nelson
24 Kathy Hanson
24 Brooke Nord
24 Michael Thiessen
26 Robert C. Stein
27 Nancy Olthoff
29 Deb Smith
Anniversaries
12 Kevin and Nancy Olthoff
15 Megan and Michael Cassidy
19 Dennis and Jane Getz
22 Chad and Christie Erickson
24 Ron and Joanne Wilner
25 Randy and Jann Emerson
28 Brandon and Jamie Byars
29 Ashley and Clint Malikowski
American Legion Members Honored
Youth Reading Sunday Scripture
Alisson Smith
The Nelson-Otteson Post 370 of the American Legion celebrated its annual observance of Memorial Day at Faith Lutheran Church on May 27.
There was a short program, that included a prayer, a presentation of awards for continuous membership, music, and a skit that dramatized the importance of honoring all who served, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
During the program Legionnaire Myron Taasaas was honored for 65 years continuous service to Legion, Legionnaire George Preston was honored for 45 years continuous service and Legionnaire Robert C. Stein was honored for 40 years continuous service.
The program was followed by a potluck lunch that turned out to be a feast.
We had a terrific turnout, with 46 people in attend-ance. And many folks came from surrounding com-munities all around.
If you weren't able to attend this year, put it on your calendar for next year. It is a terrific community event, for a very honorable purpose, and there is wonderful community fellowship afterward during the potluck. We would be pleased if you would join us next year!
Thanks again to the officers and members of the Nel-son-Otteson American Legion Post 370 for allowing Faith Lutheran to host this observance. We are hon-ored that you shared this day with our faith family.
Bridget Hendrickson
Faith Care & Share
Open House Bridal Shower
Honoring Alisha Nord
Bride to be of Dan Donnelly
Saturday, June 8 at 10am
The couple is planning an August 3rd
wedding. They are registered at Macy’s and
Crate and Barrel
June 2018
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Faith Lutheran Church
PO Box 175
Wolverton, MN 56594
Altar Committee
Amber Nord
Debi Byars
June Ushers
LeRoy Turner
RC Stein
1
2
9:30 am Worship w/ communion—Devlyn Brooks 10:30 am Fellowship
3 4
7:00 pm Men’s
Group
5
7:00 pm Church
Council
6
7
Synod Assembly
8
10:00 am Alisha Nord’s Bridal Shower
Synod Assembly
9
9:30 am Worship 10:30 am Fellowship
Synod Assembly
10
11
12
13
14
15
Scholarship dead-
line
16 Father’s Day
9:30 am Worship w/ communion - Devlyn Brooks 10:30 am Fellowship
17 18
7:00 pm Men’s
Group
19
20
21
22
23
9:30 am Worship - Pr. Kirsten Frantsvog 10:30 am Fellowship
24 25
26 27
28 29
30
9:30 am Worship - Devlyn Brooks 10:30 am Fellowship
Births: Steve and Maryann Olthoff proudly an-
nounce the birth of a granddaughter, Hazel Annie
on May 21st. Parents are Amanda and Steve Haire.
We’re on the Web!
Faithwolverton.org
Follow us on Facebook:
Faith Lutheran Church Wolverton
And our youth group at
Faith Lutheran LYO Wolverton, MN
SUMMER WORSHIP at 9:30!
June Worship Schedule
June 2—Worship w/ communion @ 9:30—Intern Pas-tor Devlyn Brooks
June 9—Worship @ 9:30
June 16—Father’s Day -Worship w/ communion @ 9:30— Intern Pastor Devlyn Brooks
June 23—Guest Minister Pr. Kirsten Frantsvog— service @ 9:30
June 30– Worship @ 9:30— Intern Pastor Devlyn Brooks
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH PO BOX 175
302 1ST STREET WOLVERTON, MN 56594-0175
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