Lutheran Church of the Cross - News and Notes
February 19 - February 26, 2017
Nora Jabas, Jackie Extrand (daughter of Carolyn & Conrad Bye), Bev
Siemens, Carolee Wallin, Kathy Edmunds, Eleanor Foy, Mark Boesen, Patti
Bailey, Ruby Barnack, Blake Anderson, Roger Yundak, Betty Hornung, Don &
Rosemary Kraus, Jean Halland, Chuck Haugen, Kathy Potter, Jim Sherwood,
Jim Fogarty, Kathy Burton, Sierra Olson (great niece of Dave & Karla
Hoelmer), Greg Arends (Boyd Maine's brother in law), Bruce Carlson
(Nancy Wangstad's brother), Greg Cameron (Kim Cameron's husband), Alice Butler (Terri
Carter's sister in law), Bill Beck (Bob Beck's brother), Wally Evanson (father of Jason Evanson),
Russell Romeyn (friend of Tim Meierding), Lily Carey (friend of Pr. Kari), Stephanie Yundak
Castellanos (daughter of Karen and Roger Yundak), Kathy Trees (mother of Bryan Trees), Peggy
Stevens (cousin of Dave Stevens), Mark Kolstad (son of Judy & Gordy Kolstad), Paul (Debbie
Rottschafer's brother-in-law) Brandon Cram (grandson of Mary and David Cram), Ross Handahl
(Don & Cheryl Karlgaard's brother-in-law), Heidi Skaret (daughter of Ev and Shari Holland), Carl
Anderson (son of Wes and Lorrie Anderson), Jerry Isle, Sterling Spicer, Shelly Bartella & Chris
VanDePutte (friends of Pete Mogensen), Philip and Rebecca Beardy (friends of Al and Linda
Larson), Doug (friend of Jacki Mehr); all of our servicemen and women, and those struggling
with addiction.
Please call the church office to make updates to the prayer list.
Wanted!
Helpers for Lenten Soup Suppers.
There is a job for everyone, soup
makers, bread bakers, grocery
shoppers, food prep and more. Sign
up in the Narthex, it will be fun!
Our sincere sympathies and prayers to Marie & David Olness on the passing
of Marie's mother, Dorthea Heumann. Please keep the Olness and Heumann
families in your prayers as they grieve.
Our sincere sympathies and prayers to Chuch Grillo and family on the
passing of Clairene. Clairene's service will be at LCC on Saturday,
March 4th at 1pm with visitation one hour prior to the service.
THIS WEEK AT LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE CROSS
February 19 - February 26, 2017
Today, 2-19:
B-days:
8:05
8:15
9:15
9:30
10:30
11:45
Thomas Niggeler, Grace Whipple
Prayer Group in Library
Worship with Communion
Coffee Fellowship
Sunday School
Worship with Communion
Denver Meeting in Youth Room
MON, 2-20:
B-days:
8:30
1:00
6:30
TUES, 2-21:
B-days: Silvia Schmitz, Dan Uebel, Xanthea Yundak
10:00 NO Computer Lab (also no lab on Feb 28th)
1:30
Staff Meeting and Prayer
WED, 2-22:
B-days:
8:00
5:00
5:45
6:30
7:00
Chad Wolter
Text Study
Bells of Praise
Supper
Worship
Confirmation, Lost & Found, Sr. Choir
THURS, 2-23:
B-days:
8:30
9:30
1:00
7:00
Kristi Dutton, Maria Erickson, Alexis Lueck, Sydney Tietz, Mindy Whipple, George Olson
Thursday Morning/Centering Prayer
Toning and exercise class
Nisswa Garden Club Board
A.A. & ALANON
FRI, 2-24:
B-days: Derek Maier
6:30
Youth Dodgeball Tourney
SAT, 2-25:
B-days: Jamie Boesen, Andrea Clausen, Richard Harms, Nancy Schreiner, Karin Wolter
SUN, 2-26:
B-days: Nancy Hall, Kristin Hansen, Clark (Corky) Johnson, Grant Kosobud
8:05
Prayer Group in Library
8:15
Worship
9:15
Coffee Fellowship
9:30
Sunday School
10:30
Worship
11:45
Cathy Taylor Piano Recital
Tayler Satre
MOPS
Prayer Shawl Group
Global Mission Team
It's coming, hopefully by this fall - an update to our pictorial
church directory!!! It has been five years since we've
published one, and there have been many changes in those
five years. This directory will be a more "no frills" directory,
centering on pictures and contact information of members,
and will be updated as new members join us. Watch for
photo session appointments on May 9 - 12 from 2pm to 9pm
and May 13 between 10am and 5pm. We will also be
offering sessions on September 1 and 2. More information will
be forthcoming.
TWO PASTORS with ASHES hit the STREETS
On Wednesday, March 1, which is Ash Wednesday, Pastor George and
Pastor Kari will be offering ashes to any and all from 11am to 12:30pm
in the Nisswa Shopping Center area that faces Hwy 371. We welcome
a couple of LCC volunteers to assist us in greeting people and handing
out our worship guide. Members of LCC who can't come for the
evening service are also welcome to receive ashes in that period of
time.
Pastor George will be hosting a Lenten Bible Study in March
featuring the book of Galatians.
Starting right after the first Sunday of Lent, Pr. George will be offering a five week series taking a
serious look at Paul’s letter to the Galatians. This letter has some amazing autobiographical
comments by Paul about his calling to be the apostle to the gentiles. He didn’t write this letter
sitting calmly in his study thinking about a careful structured argument; instead he was upset with
some people causing trouble within the churches in Galatia. Our reading of Galatians will challenge
some of the typical readings which suggest that Paul was hostile to Judaism. What we’ll discover is
Paul’s revolutionary understanding of the inclusion of gentiles into the story of Christ. There is no
charge for this study but we do ask that you pre-register by sending an email to
[email protected] or calling 218-963-2564.
This study group will meet every Tuesday at 7pm and every Wednesday at 1pm, March 7 - 29
and on April 11th and 12th
Lutheran Church
of the Cross
Daily Bible Reading
from Lectionary A
Monday, February 20
Proverbs 25:11-22
Romans 12:9-21
Psalm 119:57-64
Tuesday, February 21
Genesis 31:1-3, 17-50
Hebrews 12:14-16
Psalm 119:57-64
Weds., February 22
Proverbs 3:27-35
Luke 18:18-30
Psalm 119:57-64
Thursday, February 23
Exodus 6:2-9
Hebrews 8:1-7
Psalm 2
Friday, February 24
Exodus 19:9b-25
Hebrews 11:23-28
Psalm 2
Saturday, February 25
1 Kings 21:20-29
Mark 9:9-13
MARCH 5, 2017
"Lutheran Social Services"
Jodi Harpstead, LSS CEO
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota has been a driving force for
healthy life for people in need since 1865. Few other organizations in
Minnesota have this kind of longevity under their belts and have been
consistently as effective as LSS. Their work is grounded in two
principles – God loves all people without condition and God yearns for
us to love the neighbor. They are able to impact the lives of thousands
of people each year because congregations and organizations share our
vision that all people have the opportunity to live and work in
community with dignity, safety and hope . LSS has established
innovative partnerships and works collaboratively with individuals,
groups, organizations, government agencies, congregations and
volunteers to provide a continuum of care in delivering social service.
Lutherans are proud to be Lutheran, in part because of our relationship
with this incredible organization. Please help us bring a warm LCC
welcome to LSS CEO Jodi Harpstead on this day, as she shares with us
LSS' work and opportunities for partnership.
March 19, 26 and April 2
The Reformation Anniversary:
500 Years of God's Grace in Action"
Pastor Kari Williamson, et al.
2017 is the year of the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther posting his
"Ninety-five Theses" on the Wittenberg church door in 1517. It is
doubtful that even Luther himself expected the breadth of evangelical
reform in Christian teaching and practice that followed this seemingly
simple act! So what does the anniversary of the Reformation mean
for the church, our congregation, and you and I? What is the impact
of the Reformation on our lives today? What does it mean to be a
"reformed" church? How can we better understand some of the
difficult writings of Martin Luther?
In this series of forums we will explore the Reformation and address
the questions above. Consider it our "kick-off event" of many
opportunities that you will have to observe the Reformation
anniversary during 2017. You are encouraged to bring any questions
of your own - either dealing with the Reformation or Luther.
Please join Pastor Kari and Kari Erickson for
a First Communion Retreat on Saturday, April 1.
We will gather at 11am, enjoy lunch together, and then start our workshop,
where we will be learning, discussing, bread baking, banner creating and more!
We will wrap up no later than 3pm.
Open to all kids grades 2 through 5, even if you've already taken
communion (all kids must be accompanied by a parent or two).
Just fill in the RSVP postcard you received and pop it in the mail as soon as you can, or contact
Pr. Kari or Kari (we know, confusing - blame our mothers!!).
Pr Kari: [email protected] ; 961-2013 Kari Erickson: [email protected]; 961-2012
LCC’s Children, Youth & Family Ministry
Ash Wednesday Baked Potato Bar
Don’t miss this event—funds raised will supply Bible Camp Scholarships for all
ages of kids from LCC who will attend Luther Crest this summer!
Zach's Blurb
Baked Potato Bar Help
We need shift workers and pans of bars to make this event a success.
Go to http://bit.ly/bpb1234 to sign up—and thanks in advance :-)
Denver Meeting
Our first Denver meeting is today, Sunday, February 19th, after second service, in the youth room.
Parents should attend. (Other meetings are: 3/19, 5/21, 6/18.)
Dodgeball
On February 24th, we have been invited to participate in a dodgeball tournament at Heritage Church.
Let's kick some behind. More details to come. We can put together multiple teams.
Pequot Lakes Religious Release Day
Join us at The Trailside Center for a great day of activities and conversation on March 8th. Zach is the
emcee. Wut?!?!
Confirmation Lock-In
On March 17th, we will have the biggest night of the year! Our night will be filled with games, food,
sugar, movies, video games, more sugar and worship. I love it when we bring friends to these events!
Who could you bring?
LCC LENT SCHEDULE
March 1st - Ash Wednesday
Baked Potato Bar at 5:45
Worship at 7:00
March 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th & April 5
Soup Suppers at 5:45
Worship at 7:00
Snack & Chat at 7:45 for Confirmation youth
March 18th: Quiet Retreat from 10am—3pm
April 1st: First Communion Retreat from 11am—3pm
April 8th: Palm Cross Workshop from 9—11am
HOLY WEEK
April 9th: Palm Sunday Worship at 8:15 & 10:30
April 10th, 11th and 12th: Worship at 6:30pm
April 13th: Maundy Thursday Worship at 7:00pm;First Communion
April14th: Good Friday Worship at 7:00pm
April 14th: Prayer Vigil 8:30pm to 8:30am, April 15th
April 15th: Holy Saturday Worship at 8:30am
April 16th: EASTER SUNDAY Worship at 7:00am, 8:15am & 10:30am
Easter breakfast served from 8:00—10:15am
LCC's
Lenten
Guide
An invitation from Pastor George:
I learned from a spiritual director that there exists not four gospels, but at least five. We know the
gospels written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, but this wise priest asked, "What about your
gospel story?" He said, "It's the one with your name attached to it!"
At first, I said to myself, "The Gospel of George??" (I added the question mark…) Then I was
reminded that in all of the four gospels, the disciples are the ones who stumble, who question,
and even (like Peter) run away. A gospel story isn't about one spiritual success after another. It's a
story of a journey of faith, and often involves twists and turns, getting lost and then being found,
having to learn new things, and having to un-learn some things that were never even true in the
first place.
Would you be willing to tell part of your faith story? Perhaps tell of an event that happened to
you….or tell about a book you read, or a sermon you heard that impacted you. Maybe you
stumbled into a church when you were hurting or hungering for something, and there you found
hope or a new friend that made all the difference. Have you gone on a retreat or attended a Bible
camp that inspired you?
Pastor Kari and I are looking for a number of people in our church to write a story of discovery; or
maybe a narrative of a time of wandering away from the church and then returning. Whatever it
is, it should be understood in the context of the God who will never let us go, and who always
follows us, even in the darkest of times - with grace, mercy and forgiveness. You are invited in
about 150 words or less to share a story (or even a poem) of your faith walk.
Please submit these writings to us through the church office ([email protected]) ASAP.
The stories will be published in a small booklet that will become our Lenten guide for daily
personal prayer and reflection.
------------------------------------------
please detach and place in offering plate
YES! I'll compose an entry for LCC's Lenten Guide 2017
NAME: _______________________________________________________________________
Email: ________________________________________________________________________
Women of the ELCA's Bold Believers Day
is usually observed annually on the fourth Sunday
of February. This day celebrates those who have
acted or are acting boldly in their faith in Jesus
Christ. Due to scheduling conflicts, LCC Bold Believer’s Sunday will be held on
Sunday, March 12th. Martin Luther said “Be bold, take risks on account of the gospel,
but believe more boldly still in Jesus.”
CELEBRATING BOLD BELIEVERS
Reflect on the question, “How have I acted boldly on my faith in Jesus Christ?”
The mission of the Women of the ELCA is mobilizing Christians to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.
We know that each believer will act boldly in a way that’s unique to them, so we talk about each of us
“finding our bold.” This is a phrase that has caused more than one editor to pause, scratch his or her
head (usually his), and say, “There’s something wrong with this sentence.” No, there’s nothing wrong.
Boldness comes in many forms. Some boldness is firm and quiet. Some is bright and loud. We want to
help each other find that bold, live it out and celebrate it.
LCC’s Bold Believers Day or Women of the ELCA’s Bold Women’s Day—observed annually on the fourth
Sunday of February—celebrates those who have acted or are acting boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.
Some are bold in their unceasing prayers. Others are bold in their service to those in need. Still others
are bold in their advocacy or through their hospitality. Whether you live out your bold story of faith in
the workplace, family or community, your faith compels you to make a difference in the lives of others.
It’s all about living out your baptismal call, about being a disciple of Christ.
Lutheran women aren’t the only ones who think about being bold. Emily Dickinson reminded us that
“fortune befriends the bold.” Robert Frost said that “freedom lies in being bold.” Of course, Martin
Luther is known to have weighed in on boldness too. While “sin boldly” is the popular Luther reference,
Luther’s statement is often not understood in its full context.
Luther was writing to his friend, Philip Melanchthon, in 1521, admonishing him to “preach a true and
not a fictitious grace; if grace is true, you must bear a true and not a fictitious sin,” as one translation
puts it. Luther reminds Melanchthon that God does not save those who are only imaginary sinners.
Luther recognized that we are sinful in this life even as we respond to our baptismal call to discipleship.
“Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong,” says another translation, “but let your trust in Christ be
stronger” yet and rejoice in Christ who conquers sin, death and the world. We Lutherans have a
theology that gives us great freedom to be risk takers. Our ability to act boldly is rooted in our baptism
and continually enabled, empowered and supported by God’s grace.
Be bold, take risks on account of the gospel, but believe more boldly still in Christ Jesus; that’s what
Luther tells us. And that’s what we celebrate through Bold Believers Sunday here at LCC and Women
of the ELCA celebrate through Bold Women’s Day: believers who are bold, believers who take risks on
account of the gospel, believers who believe more boldly still in Jesus Christ.
Save The Date
A Watershed Moment: Reformation for the Next 500 Years
March 25, 2017
9:30 am-2:30 pm
St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids
A Creation Care Summit hosted by
Leadership Team of the N.E. MN Synod EcoFaith Network
A "watershed moment" is defined as a critical turning point in time that
marks an important, often historical change. A moment in time when nothing after it will ever be the
same! The phrase is derived from the hydrologic term "watershed," which is a boundary—or turning
point—that causes waters to flow in different directions; a crucial divide.
As a society we are at a critical turning point—a watershed moment—to protect the water on which
all aspects of our lives depend. As Christians we have a stewardship responsibility to protect and improve our waters. The waters within the Northeast Synod/ELCA are generally of high quality. How can
we as Christian stewards protect the future quality of our waters?
Come and learn more about the state of our waters and how Lutheran congregations can be
effective watershed disciples.
For more information contact
[email protected] or call 218-838-5010
For details and registration:
https://nemnecofaith2017.eventbrite.com
On Sunday, February 26 we will be remembering the
baptisms that we celebrated in 2016 at LCC. This is
also Transfiguration Sunday, when we celebrate the
revelation of Christ's glory. All families of those
baptized in 2016 should have received a special
invitational letter. Names of those baptized will be read
during the prayers at worship services and a candle will
be lit in remembrance of the loving and life-giving promise of grace and salvation from God
that was ignited during the sacrament of baptism.
World Day of Prayer • March 3, 2017 at 10 AM
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Pequot Lakes
World Day of Prayer (WDP) is a worldwide ecumenical movement of people of many faith
traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year on the first Friday
in March. The 2016 World Day of Prayer service will begin at the first sunrise on March 3, 2017,
in the Pacific region and, following the Earth’s orbit, will spread around the world.
Each year a different country serves as the writer of the World Day of Prayer worship service.
For 2017, the people of the Philippines invite us to consider these words: “Am I being unfair to
you?” They share their stories of intergenerational wisdom, traditions, and experiences of God’s
profound love and acceptance. We will learn of a cultural practice called dagyaw, which is a
communal way of laboring on neighbors’ farms and sharing the harvest among all. It is a way to
build and sustain a community. The theme for 2017 is taken from Matthew 20:1–16, the parable
of the laborers in the vineyard. While Jesus sees nothing wrong in giving generously, the
workers react differently and feel entitled to receive more. As we listen to we are called to
confess, to take responsibility, and to answer God’s call for justice.
WDP’s motto, “Informed prayer leads to prayerful action,” affirms that prayer and action are
inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence. As we observe WDP 2017, millions of
God’s people suffer from violence, exploitation, the effects of a global economic crisis, and the
hardships of emigration. We encourage you to begin thinking about actions that you can take to
further expand God’s kingdom. Throughout the service, the people of the Philippines invite us to
accept Jesus’ infinite blessing and exhort us to receive others into the kingdom of God. Let us
walk in faith and prayerful action!
The World Day of Prayer 2017 service in our community will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran
Church, Pequot Lakes, Friday, March 3, 2017 at 10am. Men and women of all ages are
encouraged to attend this ecumenical service.
CREATION CARE GREEN
If you are in need of soft carpeting or durable hard
flooring, here are some eco-friendly options for every
type of flooring: IF YOU LIKE HARDWOOD, look for wood certified by the Forest Stewardship
Council, which has been harvested from a sustainably managed forest. Reclaimed hardwood is
another option, which is rescued from one building and repurposed. Bamboo has the durability of
hardwood with a similar look, and is rapidly renewable and often grown with few to no chemical
inputs. Use eco-friendly stains to get the color you want. Cork is also rapidly renewable and often
grown without chemicals, and can be stained to the color you like. IF YOU LIKE VINYL, realize it is
known as the "poison plastic" because its manufacture and disposal generates carcinogenic
DIOXIN. Get the same look without the toxins with classic linoelum, made from wood flour, linseed
oil, ground limestone, powdered cork, and other natural materials. IF YOU LIKE CARPET, look for
carpets made from wool, which is naturally flame-retardant, or from recycled plastic bottles (but make
sure it isn't covered with toxic flame-retardant coatings). Conventional carpets are often treated
with toxic chemicals for stain-, fire-, and moth-resistance. Have your carpet nailed down instead of
tacked with glue to avoid chemical offgassing. IF YOU LIKE AREA RUGS, look for natural-fiber rugs
from green businesses. Handwoven rugs may be made by enslaved children, so look for the
GoodWeave label to make sure this isn't happening.
LOOKING AHEAD TO LENT WITH PASTOR GEORGE
I’m commending a wonderful Lenten book for personal and daily
meditations by Richard Rohr, titled “Wondrous Encounters: Scripture
for Lent.” Fr. Rohr, is a Franciscan priest, known for his teachings on
contemplative prayer, as well as peace and justice issues. You can
order this from your local bookstore or through a number of Internet
sources. My suggestion is that you consider writing in a journal when
you are using these daily reflections. Writing can be a practice of
wondering what God’s spirit is saying to us each and every day. That
too is a kind of 5th gospel.
Are you interested in helping plan LCC activities to
celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation?
Pastor Kari is looking for some interested folks to
join her in exploring and discussing some exciting possibilities.
Please contact her if you are interested!
Message from Jodi Harpstead at Lutheran Social Services:
LSS of MN is getting many calls about how Lutherans can help refugees .
LSS is shifting some of its efforts for now to further support the
integration of refugees already in Minnesota. You can help by donating
to:
"Refugee Integration"
LSS, 2485 Como Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108
or go to their website at www.lssmn.org to make an online donation.
"Toning With A Purpose"
Exercise Dates:
February 23rd
March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th
Please bring weights and/or elastic bands if you have them.
April 6th
Please join us on Thursdays at 9:30am and help raise funds for the Smile Train.
For more information, check out their website at www.smiletrain.org
DO YOU LIKE TO KNIT?
The Nisswa Elementary School is looking for volunteers to help share their
talents with 3rd and 4th graders on Wednesdays and Fridays over the noon
hour. You will be assisting the teacher by providing one on one help to the
students. Even if you can help just one day, please contact Janet Haeg at
218-961-6876. Thank you for sharing this craft with our local youth!
LCC KIDS ART EXHIBIT
The art exhibit of our LCC kids is still up in the Celebration Center until March 12th. The kids
ranged from ages 4 through grade 7 working with acrylics and watercolor. Give yourself a
treat by seeing what our kids created using the 2016 church theme of "The Earth is the Lords."
Kids - please pick up your art on Sunday, March 12th in the Art Gallery. Please call Judy Swenson at 218-829-6124 if this date does not work for you.
WELCOME TO LCC!
If you are interested in joining LCC, fill out the white attendance card that you receive with your
bulletin this morning, check "membership" and place it in the offering plate or contact Pastor
George or Pastor Kari. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing membership.
Members: if you know of someone who is interested in joining LCC, take a moment to visit and
share contact information with Pastor George and/or Pastor Kari!