Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
Steeple Talk
204 East Caledonia Ave
Hillsboro, ND 58045
Volume 34; Issue 4
April, 2014
“The Mission of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church is to be a place where Christ’s love is proclaimed as we welcome,
worship, learn, and serve together.”
The Unique Jesus
By
Pastor Siri Strommen Campbell
In preparation for my world religions class I have
been doing a lot of reading. I haven’t just read about
the major faiths, but have enjoyed reading what these
faiths think of us and of Jesus.
I can safely say that every major religion thinks very
well of Jesus. Muslims consider him a prophet equal
in stature to Muhammad. Buddhists consider him an
enlightened teacher who came to bring others to
Nirvana. Hindus see Jesus as an Avatar of Lord
Vishnu who likes to come down in human form to
teach and guide people.
But our Christian view of Jesus remains unique.
We believe that Jesus was God and that there was
something very significant about his death and
resurrection that reveals the heart of God to us.
Jesus’ birth tells us that God is with us. Jesus’ death
tells us God is for us. Jesus’ resurrection tells us that God wins even over our most misguided actions. We
gave God our worst by killing Jesus. God gives us the best by forgiving us. Love wins.
We are Christians because of Easter. We believe something powerful happened on that Sunday two
thousand years ago. Jesus’ resurrection defines what we believe and who we are as people of faith. Easter
reveals the character of God that is worth sharing, worth delighting in, worth celebrating together.
As Holy Week and Easter come upon us, I hope that we can enjoy the beauty of our faith anew. Amen.
Sunday School News:

Our 2-6th graders will present the Palm Sunday Passion Play on April 13th at the 10:30am
worship service.
FIFTH GRADE HOLY COMMUNION MILESTONE EVENT
Fifth graders meet on Sunday, March 30th and April 6th during the Sunday school
hour. This year we have Seder Meal together as families on Sunday, April 13th at
5:30pm. First Communion will happen on Maundy Thursday, April 17th at the
6:30pm service.
“Islam: More than you think!”
with
Concordia professor Ahmed Afzaal
Many Our Saviors members have already had an introduction to some basic
concepts of Islam. But there is much more to talk about!
Professor Afzaal is himself a Muslim and will give us a unique account of his
faith and what we can learn.
We gather on Sunday, April 27th at 7pm in the Sanctuary. The whole
community is invited! Bring your friends!
New Member Sunday
A new member welcome Sunday will be held April 13th, Palm Sunday at the 8:30am
worship service. There will be a new member open house on Tuesday, April 8 at 7:00pm at
the church. Anyone interested in becoming a member at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
should contact Pastor Joe, Pastor Siri or the church office (636-5701) as soon as possible.
April 17th—MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE at 6:30pm
April 18th—GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE at 6:30pm
April 20th—EASTER SUNDAY
7:00am - Easter Sunrise Worship Service
8:00am to 10:30am - Breakfast served by the Sr. High Youth Group
10:30am - Easter Worship Service
RICHARD PRESTEGORD BENEFIT
A benefit pancake supper for OSLC Custodian, Richard Prestegord will be held on
Sunday, April 27 from 5-7pm at OSLC. Free will donations will be accepted to help
defray medical costs as Richard battles throat cancer.
OUR SAVIOR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH
Council Minutes
March 9, 2014 at 12 noon
Roll Call: Pr. Joe Johnson, Pr. Siri Strommen Campbell, Joy McSparron, John Miller, Randy Lemm, Jill Hebl,
Darin Oanes, Brad Ydstie, Fara Nathan, Janelle Quam, Jason Lovas and Dave Nelson.
1. Call to Order: Dave Nelson called the meeting to order at 12 p.m.
2. Devotions: Pastor Joe
3. Confirmation of Agenda – Jason Lovas made a motion to approve the agenda. Motion seconded by Brad
Ydstie. All in favor, motion carried.
4. Old Business –
5. New Business –
a. All Committee meeting report – Committee mission descriptions were distributed for the council to
review.
b. Updated project list – Project list compiled by sub-committee was distributed and discussed. Randy
Lemm discussed with the council current certificate of deposit (CD) options.
1. Jason Lovas made a motion to fix the roof in the northwest corner of the stairway in an amount up
to $3,000. Motion seconded by Darin Oanes. All in favor, motion carried.
2. Jason Lovas made a motion to replace the bathroom floor and stool on the second floor education
area in an amount up to $2,500. Motion seconded by Fara Nathan. All in favor, motion carried.
3. Dave Nelson made a motion to fix cracked walls in the sanctuary in an amount up to $3,000.
Motion seconded by Darin Oanes. All in favor, motion carried.
4. Jason Lovas made a motion to repair or replace the ramp pillars leading to the basement in an
amount up to $2,500. Motion seconded by Jill Hebl. All in favor, motion carried.
5. Discussion continued.
6. Darin Oanes made a motion to place $60,000 from buildings and grounds into a three-year CD
with Goose River Bank. Motion seconded by Randy Lemm. Discussion continued. Council voted
with Jill Hebl abstaining. Majority in favor and motion carried.
c. Walk-through
d. Establishing media committee – Joy McSparron made a motion to form a media committee. Motion
seconded by Darin Oanes. All in favor, motion carried. Lynn Schultz will serve as liaison to the
committee.
e. Insurance policy – Randy Lemm made a motion to opt out of terrorism risk insurance. Motion
seconded by Brad Ydstie. All in favor, motion carried.
6. Pastor Joe’s Report – Healing Service: Thank you to Brenda Stallman and Glen Hultin for participating in
the service. We had good participation from the congregation.
Ash Wednesday: This was the first time we had an ecumenical Ash Wednesday morning service. We had
about 40 people participate. We had good attendance at our evening Ash Wednesday service with over
170 participating.
Lent: The Lenten Devotionals are complete and available. We will continue to have meals at 5:30 p.m. and
Worship at 6:30 p.m. The theme will be “This is my story, This is my song.”
FCTE: I had the flu and did not attend my First Call Theological Education.
Bishop Election Process: We had good representation at the Conference Assembly on March 2. Six names
were forwarded to be presented on the ballot.
World Day of Prayer: The WELCA group organized an ecumenical service on Friday, March 7 for the World
Day of Prayer. I participated by giving a sermonette reflection on prayer.
Youth: During Lent, our Sr. High youth group will be having “Reel to Real” Bible Studies. Registrations are
open for our Sr. High Summer Trip and we already have several signed up.
Benefit for Richard: We will be working with Richard’s family to plan a Benefit. More information to come.
7. Pastor Siri’s Report – I have started to teach a 5 week class on World Religions and their Hymns of Faith
as it intersects with our Lenten theme of “Hymns of Faith.” We will meet in the Chapel March 9- April 6 at
9:40am.
We have our Passion Play coming up on Sunday, April 13 at the 10:30am service. Rehearsals will begin for
that soon.
At the end of February we finished our eight week series on “Keeping our Kids Safe.” We talked about
different kinds of parenting, noticing what happens with our kids, the dangers of technology and setting limits,
teaching our kids about good boundaries and red flags, and creative methods of non-violent resistance. John
Miller, Joy McSparron and I taught with Lee Erickson as a special guest one week to talk about SADD. We
had approximately 10 people come each week in the lounge.
8. Treasurer’s Report – Jason Lovas reported that expenses exceeded income by $10,270. The balance of
the media fund is $3,346. Darin Oanes made a motion to approve the report as presented. Brad Ydstie
seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.
9. Deacons Report –
10. Trustees Report – Brad Ydstie discussed church building maintenance projects.
11. Committee Reports –
Darin Oanes made a motion to approve the following committee reports: Adult Education, Board of Christian
Education, Endowment, Media, New Member, Nominating, Parish Nurse, Personnel, Stewardship, World
Missions, Worship, and Youth and Family. Seconded by Jill Hebl. All in favor, motion carried.
12. Secretary’s Report
a. Read correspondence
b. Approval of minutes. Jason Lovas made a motion to approve the minutes. Brad Ydstie seconded the
motion. All in favor, motion carried.
13. Announcements/Upcoming events:
a. Apr. 13 – Palm Sunday - Passion Play – 10:30 a.m. service
1. Council meeting – 12 noon
b. Apr. 20 – Easter Sunday
c. May 10-11 – Eastern ND Synod Assembly in Grand Forks
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 2:50 p.m.
MARCH MEMORIAL REPORT
Thank you to all who gave memorials, Tammy Nelson, Memorial Secretary
Dedicated Memorial Accounts – LEAF, Parish Nurse, Welcome Center, Sunday School, Our Savior’s
Choir, Band, 700 Mission, Media Ministry, Building and Grounds, Capital Improvements, Youth,
National Youth Gathering, Library, Altar, WELCA, WELCA Kitchen, Our Savior’s Endowment Fund,
Roof, Blanchard Endowment Fund, General Account, Carpet, RWBC Scholarships
MEDIA FUND – In memory of Carmen Maring, given by Ruth Siegert and M/M Duane Sorum
GENERAL ACCT. – In memory of Walter Gilbertson, given by Blenda Gilbertson
WELCA
A group of 14 women took part in the Quilting Project this year. They worked on quilts on eight Mondays and
completed 124 quilts. The quilts were distributed to Hospice, Rape and Abuse, and Northland Mission in Grand
Forks, Churches United and YWCA in Fargo, and Hillsboro Nursing Home and Hospital, and Traill County Social
Services.
Thank you to the women who delivered the quilts: Senora Almquist, Annette Stigen, Connie Anderson, and
Mavis Johnson.
Thank you to all who took part in the Quilting Project!
Stewardship Committee,
Connie Anderson, Sonja Diehl, Mavis Johnson
Minutes for March 6, 2014: OSLC WELCA/Circles held their monthly meeting with Marlene Oie presiding.
Pastor Siri led us in prayer and together we sang the table prayer and read the WELCA purpose statement.
The secretary read letters of thanks from Altru Hospice and Traill County Social Services for quilts received, ND
State Hospital for the Christmas gifts and Samaritan’s Purse for the contribution.
The treasurer’s report was read, questions received, discussed and approved.
Fara Nathan reported being our 2014 church council representative and the importance of communication
between our groups.
Business: 1.) Two business offices have indicated they would come to the church with suggestions and
samples when we are ready for further information regarding replacing dining room tables and/or chairs.
2.) World Day of Prayer is at our church tomorrow and everyone is encouraged to attend.
3.) 2014 Relay for Life was discussed and reminded we have $500.00 in the budget for registration and expenses.
4.) The Mayville Spring Conference will be April 12 at Bethany Lutheran Church near Mayville. It will be from
8:30am until noon.
5.) WELCA is inviting anyone interested in taking a few pictures and writing brief information to consider being
the historian for our group.
6.) Our annual salad luncheon will be June 11. Volunteers are needed to make it a success again.
7.) The yearly Project Letter requesting a contribution will be sent to all women of the church soon. Response to
this request has been great and makes the numerous projects for area and mission supplies and contributions
possible. Thanks!
Marlene thanked the ladies who served lunch today and those who delivered senior meals and served the
Nursing Home monthly birthday party in February. Assignments were given.
Pastor Siri gave the Bible Study from Matthew 6 regarding prayer. Long and wordy prayers are not needed to
reach God and we can pray any time and any where. Our prayers are important, but He knows all and they
should not be about getting what we want and need, but acknowledging God’s gifts and grace with worship and
love. As we pray “The Lord’s Prayer” it’s important to remember that we’re praying “Our Father” and that our
prayer isn’t about just us but everyone.
The offering was received and together we prayed “The Lord’s Prayer”.
Important upcoming events: Relay for Life
Next WELCA/Circle Meeting—April 3
Mayville Cluster Meeting —April 12
Annual Salad Luncheon —June 11
Secretary, Elaine Evenson
Nurse’s Notes
By Chris McInnes, Traill County Worksite Wellness Coordinator
Fruits & Veggies YOUR BFF’s (Best Friends Forever)
You need to eat fruit & vegetables every day because you need a supply of vitamins every day. Some
vitamins can be stored for future use and others cannot. Some of the vitamins that can be stored in the
body are called fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D and E. For the body to run its best we also
need water-soluble vitamins. Found within this group are all of the "B-complex" vitamins, including
vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, biotin, choline, folic acid, and vitamin C. We need these watersoluble vitamins every single day because they can't be stored in the body or can only be stored in
small amounts. And since the body cannot make these vitamins (or any vitamins), we have to get them
from the food we eat. When considered as a group, fruit & vegetables are unusually rich sources for a
full mixture of water-soluble vitamins. That's why so many health care recommendations (including the
U.S. Food Pyramid) encourage 3-5 servings of fruit & vegetables per day.
Vegetables as a group are so low in calories that it is very difficult to gain weight even if you overeat
them. (This statement wouldn't apply, of course, to batter-coated and fried vegetables, or to vegetables
mixed into a thick cheese casserole.) On average, you are looking at 50 calories (or less) per cup from
most of the vegetables and fruits!
In the science of food, no change has been bigger than the discovery of phytonutrients and their
unique place in our health. Phytonutrients include all of the unique substances that give foods their
brilliant colors, their delicious flavors, and their unique aromas. They are also the nutrients most closely
linked to prevention of certain diseases. Carotenoids and flavonoids are the two of the largest groups
of phytonutrients, and there is no food group that provides them in amounts as plentiful as fruits &
vegetables.
Dietary fiber is critical for our health, not only on a daily basis, but on a meal-by-meal and snack-bysnack basis as well. Food cannot move through our digestive tract in a healthy way unless it is fiberrich. And, fruit & vegetables are some of the very richest sources of fiber that exist.
Yes, you can take a vitamin; you just won’t get the other benefits of eating the real thing: Fullness,
taste, fiber and the pleasure of texture.
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but the benefits of regular consumption of fruits and vegetables
will outshine in terms of lasting value and a healthier life.
700 Mission
Lenten offerings go toward our Missionary Support for 2014. Consider a generous donation for our missionaries
and the people of CAR. We will soon be receiving the coffee hour donations during May through September.
Consider agreeing to provide for a coffee hour this summer.
We are hoping to have a Mission Sunday on May 18, to provide more information on our work in CAR. We plan
to have Dianne Billey with us to tell us about how things are in CAR. She is a member of our Synod World
Mission Committee and will be making a trip to Cameroon to visit with the workers from CAR in April. It is not
considered safe for foreigners (or anyone) to go into CAR at this time, because of the unrest. Be looking for
more information about that.
Things do not appear to have settled down since the new interim president was appointed. There is not enough
military presence to "police" the whole country, and it appears that is the only way it will be safe at present.
Retaliation between the Christian Militia and the Muslim rebels continues. Many innocent people are being killed
or injured in the lack of law and order that exists. A catholic priest who was interviewed by the media stated that
the people are not yet in a place where they can forgive one another. Pray that peace comes to this ravaged
country and that forgiveness finds it's way into the hearts of the people... Yet we are told that some or even most
of our village schools continue to operate and are excelling in providing education to the children. Also our medical services and those of other groups are used by the people when possible. There are still camps of refugees
at churches, airports, etc. and these places pose a challenge for health care workers and those trying to provide
for their own hygiene and food needs.
Keep those prayers coming. Sometimes that is the most we can do.
In HIs Service,
Sylvia Hansen
SUSAN IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
2-26-14
Roofing the Church, Part 1
Companion synods have regularly come to Cameroon (South Dakota
synod) and Central African Republic (North Dakota – East or West or
Texas/Louisiana/Gulf Coast synod) to help churches put roofs on their
newly constructed buildings. Congregants collect building materials
(sand, etc.) buy cement (or is it concrete?), make cinder blocks or mud
bricks, build the foundation, and then raise the walls.
The US churches pay for wood for the rafters and the corrugated tin for the top. Then a group from the US
comes to help with the roofing process. Just such a group came to Cameroon last week. They worked on two
roofs, one not too far from Tibati and the other at Garoua-seeye Church here in Garoua Boulai. Twelve South
Dakotans came along with Phil Nelson (financial administrator who lives in N’gaoundéré and who has lots of
experience with this program), Denis (driver), and some carpenters (also from N’gaoundéré). These latter
stayed in the neighborhood near the church, but the guest houses were full with the other fourteen!
I helped with the logistics – arranging for some local women to make the food and making sure there were
enough guest house beds. Originally, they were to come Monday, February 17, but there was some fighting
just over the CAR border Sunday evening. Although calm came back immediately and Garoua Boulai was not
directly affected, organizers decided they would go to Tibati first instead of second to be sure all was safe
(especially because the church is only a short distance from the border). The group arrived in GB on Friday.
That meant, though, that the caterers had some food that had already been bought and that couldn’t be saved
for three days. Instead of having it spoil, we sent bananas and plantains (the kind of bananas that have to be
cooked) to the church where carpenters and volunteers were working on preparing the rafters. Waste not, want
not, right?
Once the group arrived, they ate breakfast and dinner at my house (with food from the caterers who also
washed the dishes) and lunch at the church. Lots of people in and out – but interesting and fun.
Saturday was the first full day of work. Workers used tools you would expect, including power tools – run by a
generator.
I didn’t go with the group to the church, but about an hour later the Director of the Bible School and I went over
to see the progress and take some pictures. Just as we were leaving, there was a huge crash! All of the rafters
tilted over and fell into the church. Wow. There had been about 5 Cameroonians up on top nailing boards in
place and about 10 others (from the US and Cameroon) inside preparing rafters. It was a miracle – no one was
seriously injured. We did take about 5 people to the Protestant Hospital for the Dr. Solofo to check. Mostly
scrapes and bruises, one twisted ankle, and one American who got a nasty lump on the back of his head and
another on his arm. (Later he was taken to N’gaoundéré (since the x-ray machine in GB is not working) and
kept in the hospital for observation for a night to be on the safe side. He is fine although a bit sore!)
As the rafters fell in the two long walls broke from the foundation and were tilting in. Immediately, workers put
supports for one of the leaning walls, brought the rafters down to the ground (and they can be reused), and then
pulled down the other leaning wall. Later, the second wall was also taken down. Now congregants need to get
more supplies, make more cinder blocks and rebuild. Later the roof will be added, though the South Dakotans
will not be there to help.
How could this have happened? There were many factors, some of which I am sure I don’t know, but I can
repeat theories I have heard. There had been some wooden supports holding the rafters at one end that were
removed early because they needed the wood for something else. Also, this church is to be the largest in GB.
It seems that the workers didn’t know how to support longer walls well. The rebar probably should have been
thicker; the foundation should have gone deeper; and pillars or other supports should have been planned.
Everyone was glad that the collapse happened now and not later when the church was full of congregants! It is
certainly a major setback, but everyone is determined to rebuild and complete the church.
Sunday service was held in the old building (beside the one being built). People were happy to have the South
Dakota visitors, but as several Cameroonians said, everything was much more subdued than the singing,
dancing, and celebrating that had been planned.
Still, each time the incident/problem is discussed (often here in GB!) people first thank God that no one was
seriously hurt and that the problem was discovered before a catastrophe happened. So, this was Part 1 of the
roofing of the church for Garoua-seeye. Part 2 will come, but sometime in the future – by the grace of God.
Since the visitors had some extra time Monday, they got to visit the nearby (Lutheran) Protestant Elementary
and Middle Schools and the Bible School. We also went to the market for some to buy cloth which was made
into dresses/shirts. And, some were able to buy paintings/banana leaf pictures by local artists and some wood
carvings. The group left Monday for N’gaoundéré where they helped unload the container (sent by Global
Health Ministries and full of medical supplies and other gifts from the States). They are currently visiting a game
park before they take the train back to Yaoundé and fly home.
I have sorted gifts they left for churches and the hospital, put the house back in order, and gone back to my
“regular” life!
Announcements
WOW Bible Study will resume on Monday, March 31 and continue meeting all 4 Mondays of April. We will be
studying the Easter Experience. ~Senora Almquist
GIFT (Growing in Faith Together) Book Group
We meet at Hometown Aditude. All adults welcome! The group meets once a month on Sun
day nights at 6:30 pm.
April 6: “Why did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Muhammed Cross the Road?” by Brian McLaren. In
our post 9/11 world, religious conversation has to change. McLaren gives us wonderful ways to
embrace our Christian faith while befriending our brothers and sisters of different faith’s for
Christ’s Sake.
May 4: “Exodus from Hunger” by David Beckman.
*All books at $10 at our resource table in the courtyard.
FREE CPR CLASS – Tuesday, April 8th at Our Savior's Lutheran Church from 6:30pm - 10pm. If CPR card
needed $35 fee applied. Please register with Cindy at OSLC (636-5701). Any questions please contact
Wendy at 635-2225.
RELAY FOR LIFE: Anyone interested in participating on the OSLC Relay for Life team please call Joy at
636-2095 or 701-361-9990. ALL ARE WELCOME!
The Relay for Life is in Hatton on June 6-7 from 4pm to 5am.
OSLC OFFERING STEWARDSHIP
WORSHIP
2014 OFFERING RECEIVED
February 2
ATTENDANCE
$4,055.00 8:30am
10:30am
February 9
$4,409.50 8:30am
10:30am
February 16
$2,748.00 8:30am
10:30am
February 23
$2,983.00 8:30am
10:30am
84
110
74
133
75
115
80
106
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February Total:
2014 Total:
$2,868.16
$17,063.66
$34,207.80
THANK YOU to everyone who helped put this April Steeple Talk
together. The next Steeple Talk Volunteers day will be
Tuesday, April 29 at 9:00 a.m.
[email protected]
STEWARDSHIP REPORT:
OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
INCOME AND EXPENSES:
2014 Income received through
February 28: $36,819.80
2014 Expenses through
February 28: $43,501.09
“The mission of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
is to be a place where Christ’s love is proclaimed
as we welcome, worship, learn, and
serve together.”
Church Office: 636-5701
Hours: M-F 9:00am-12:00pm; 1:00pm-3:00pm
Pastor Joe Johnson: cell—701-430-3787;
President:
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Dave Nelson
Jason Lovas
Treasurer:
Janelle Quam
Secretary:
Darin Oanes
Vice-President:
Deacons:
[email protected]
Pastor Siri Strommen Campbell: 701-430-3879;
[email protected]
Office Secretary: Cindy Doeden
Parish Nurse: Brenda Stallman
Trustees:
Joy McSparron
636-2717
636-2225
436-4046
371-1272
361-9990
430-9304
Lynn Schultz
636-5465
Randy Lemm
436-3994
Fara Nathan
636-2569
Jill Hebll
John Miller
Custodians: Richard and Barb Prestegord
Kitchen: 636-5705
Church email address: [email protected] or
630-1851
636-2070
Mia Kozojed
636-4085
Brad Ydstie
636-5713
Stacy Dickhoff
[email protected]
Church website: www.oslchillsboro.com
Worship Service broadcast on Sunday mornings at
8:30am on KMSR 1520 AM and KMAV 105.5 FM
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Hillsboro, ND
Hillsboro, ND 58045
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Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
Nonprofit Org.
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