Sunday, February 01
FOOD BANK SUNDAY
Office 245-4933 Email: [email protected]
February 2015
Web Site: www.felcbillings.org
Sunday, February 08
Epiphany Recital
-Ring Alleluia Bells
Sunday, February 15
Epiphany Recital
Rocky Mountain College Choir w/Dr.
Steven Hart, Director
Ash Wednesday February 18 Worship at 7 pm
Wednesday, February 25 Soup Supper 6 pm
Lenten Service 7 pm
February 14
Remember a
shut-in with
a Valentine.
I love the winter. Yes, I’ve been enjoying the warmer temperatures these days but I
also appreciate how winters here in Montana cause us to slow down a bit and take
stock of our lives. Our winters provide the rest and recuperation we need to stay
healthy and viable throughout the year. They’re also good for the earth. The snow
that accumulates high in our mountains provides sustainable and needed moisture
for our farmlands, rivers and lakes, resulting in a more vibrant and life-giving spring.
When I think of winter and the added value it brings to our lives, I often associate it
with the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is on February 18th and then for forty days
we will be using Lent to reflect on our lives and discipleship in Christ. Lent represents the 40 days Jesus was tempted in the desert before he began his ministry. While in the desert, Jesus prayed and relied on God for sustenance. His mission
for ministry was also confirmed and strengthened by God. It was a difficult step in his
process but necessary for going forward. And such is the case for us. As we walk
through Lent, reflection, repentance, and prayer are needed so to fully understand
and appreciate the meaning of Easter and Christ’s resurrection.
As we first turn with Jesus towards Jerusalem and his death on the cross, be looking
for offerings and resources at First English to make your journey with God all that it
can be. Our theme for this year will be “Healthy Living.” Even though Lent is often a
time for self-denial, we at First English want to offer you avenues for adding healthy
foods and habits to your life. We will be offering exercise classes and healthy lifestyle tips. We’re also in the process of organizing a cooking class or two.
On Wednesday nights, beginning the 25th, we will be hosting our usual soup and
bread suppers along with our Lenten Services. A full Lenten calendar of all our happenings will also be distributed closer to Ash Wednesday. Until then, why not start
your packing now? What do you want to take with you on your journey with God?
What do you want to learn and find out about yourself and your faith? How do you
want to be challenged and strengthened? How will you go about seeking the rest
and rejuvenation you need to be a healthy and faithful disciple for Christ?
I look forward to accompanying you on your journey. Prayers and blessings as we
prepare for all that lies ahead.
Your sister-servant,
+Pr. Stacey
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Words From the Bishop
"If I speak in the tongues of mortals or of angels..."
Have you ever studied another language? There are
advantages in learning another language. Our country is multilingual, as immigrants from around the world come here to live and
work. We are richer when we can communicate with one another.
In Germany earlier this month I found myself in a restaurant on
day with a staff that knew no English, and table-mates who knew
no German. It was a matter of resurrecting my high school German, or taking our chances with wild luck. Learning the idioms
and pronunciation of another language can stretch your imagination. You learn about another culture. Studying a language
stretches your heart as well as your mind. A gym in our town even
advertises in the paper that they offer Spanish as well as
workouts.
I am all for learning more languages. But what I am advocating here is not taking Spanish or Turkish or Chinese lessons
(please do, if you want to!), but rather learning the language of
our culture. Montana (including the parts of Wyoming that are in
our Synod) has a little over a million people, and only about
40,000 of them are members of our congregations. That means
that there are over 900,000 who are not members of our congregations, and even when you subtract another couple hundred
thousand who are members of other religious groups, there are a
lot of people out there who are not involved religiously at all.
My second piece of advice is to learn another language.
And, no, it does not have to be Spanish or Urdu. Learn the language of your culture. Learn the language of youth, of young
adults. Learn the language of AA, learn the language of people
who live on the edge of poverty.
The most effective missionaries have always been the
ones who have learned the language of the people they serve,
who have listened respectfully, and have found ways to adapt
concepts into different cultures. The challenge for missionaries,
always, is to separate the essence of the Gospel from the culture
in which they learned it, and to help integrate it into the culture
where they find themselves.
We live in a time when church-going Christianity is on
the decline. The numbers around us prove it. We can no longer
assume that our friends and neighbors, our co-workers and colleagues have the slightest knowledge about Jesus. Our task is to
find ways to tell the story in ways that our listeners can hear, in
their language. You don't learn a language on your own. You
learn it by listening, by interacting, and by trial and error.
We know from the Gospel of John, that "in the beginning
was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God." However inadequate our language might be, it is the Word
that gives us life, the Word that gives us life. "The light shines in
the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." Thanks be
to God.
Bishop Jessica Crist
I am convinced that one of the issues-not everything, but
one-is language. In the church we speak a particular language. It
is theological-we speak about atonement and ascension and justification and eschatology and theophany. It is ecclesial-we invite
people to the narthex and the chancel, we argue whether to use a
pulpit or an ambo, we dress the pastor in an alb and stole and
negotiate the benefits of a chasuble. It is chummy-we make announcements that refer to people by first name only, we invite
people to groups with unidentified initials, and we greet the people we know and exchange chats during the passing of the
peace.
Much of this means nothing to people who have not
been in this church before, or perhaps any church. So my first
piece of advice here is to invite a sharp observer to listen to everything that you do and say and print during a service of worship,
and make a list of all the words that are not inherently obvious to
a person walking in off the street. Look at that list. Consider which
of those words on the list are essential to who you are as a congregation, and which are not. Think about creating a glossary of
terms for people. I'll bet you'll find that newcomers will not be the
only ones who appreciate it. Am I suggesting that you "dumb
down" everything that you do, or that you edit "the holy other" out
of worship? No. I am suggesting that you look at how you invite
people into your congregation's ministry, and how you might think
about it.
3
(Unofficial minutes until accepted by the Council at their next meeting.)
FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHURCH COUNCIL
January 13, 2015
MEMBERS PRESENT: Diane Blevins, Kathy Barnes, Todd Cohn, Yvonne Eckhardt, Jeni Robinson,
Jackie Vestal, Julia Wilson, Pr. Stacey Siebrasse
MEMBERS ABSENT:
GUESTS PRESENT: No Guests
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by President Diane Blevins. It was determined there was
a quorum.
Pastor Stacey led devotions.
Minutes
Minutes from the December meeting were reviewed.
Todd moved to accept the minutes.
Yvonne seconded. Passed
Treasurer’s Report
The treasurer’s report was reviewed.
Yvonne moved to accept the treasurer’s report.
Jeni seconded. Passed
Old Business
Potential Council Members: Many have been asked but no one has accepted. The council brainstormed more names and Pastor Stacey drafted a letter.
Friendship House Agreement: The contract with Friendship House was circulated and discussed.
Friendship House will reimburse First English for hours worked by Pastor Stacey.
Todd moved to accept the Friendship House agreement and terms of the contract.
Yvonne seconded. Passed
Maintenance Journal: It has been suggested that a maintenance journal be created in cooperation
with the veterans of the church who have invaluable knowledge about its inner workings. The purpose of the journal is to act as a guide for individuals that are less familiar with the church to perform
maintenance and repairs.
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(Unofficial minutes until accepted by the Council at their next meeting.)
Budget: The Budget was updated to include the Friendship House contract.
Jeni moved to approve the updated Budget
Kathy seconded.
Passed
New Business
Annual Meeting: The agenda was discussed. It was decided that it is too short of notice to organize a meal so the meeting will directly follow church with the usual donuts and coffee refreshments.
Synod Giving Estimate: This document will be filled out and signed by council members following
the annual meeting.
Wedding Contract Discussion: Pastor Stacey brought up the fact that she has been approached
by non members who want to use First English Lutheran Church as a venue for their wedding but
not include Pastor Stacey’s services. A discussion followed about what monetary amount should be
charged to “rent” the church for a wedding, keeping in mind clean-up. It was decided to call around
and ask other churches their “going rate” and further discuss the issue at the February meeting.
Todd moved to adjourn the meeting.
Julia seconded.
Passed
The meeting ended in the reciting of the Lord’s Prayer.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
A short council meeting is planned to occur directly after the congregation meeting on January 25 to
elect officers for 2015.
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for February 17, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Julia R Wilson
5
Music For All
Music For All provides high quality, low cost lessons to children and adults
who have not been able to have access to private music instruction. Music
For All started the week of January 19 and concludes with a Celebration
Sunday in May.
Adult Choir- The First English Lutheran Church Adult Choir meets on Sundays after service. Rehearsals run from the end of service until 11:45-12:00.
We sing anthems, introduce new hymns, sing psalmodies, and participate
in other facets of the service. All are welcome to join! Please come to rehearsal or talk to Q Staton or Arle Lohof for information.
Bell Choir - The Ring Alleluia Bell Choir practices on Tuesday evenings at 6
pm and plays on the second Sunday of each month. This choir continues to
grow musically and is lots of fun. If you have a background in music and
would like to play bells, please contact Judy Valley at (406) 248-3735.
Epiphany Recitals Continuing-
-All Epiphany recitals are on Sunday afternoons at 4pm here at FELC with a
reception following.
1. Sunday, February 01
No recital - Enjoy the Super Bowl
2. Sunday, February 08
Ring Alleluia Bell Choir
3. Sunday, February 15
Rocky Mountain College Choir w/Dr. Steven Hart,
director
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Jenny Lohof has graciously volunteered to take pictures
for a new church directory. She will be scheduling
appointments before and after church during March.
Watch for more details to come.
Arts Without Boundaries Community Concert Series
Arts Without Boundaries will host a spring community concert series at King of Glory Lutheran
Church, 4125 Grand Avenue. The first concert will be Thursday, February 19th from 6-7 p.m. and
will feature Angella Ahn (violinist), Julia Cory Slovarp (cello), and Julie Gosswiller (piano).
Angella Ahn is the violinist for the Ahn Trio. Her trio, comprised of Angella and her two twin sisters,
were born in Seoul, Korea. The family moved to the United States where Angella and her two sisters studied music at Juilliard School of Music. She received her master’s degree in music from
Juilliard. The Ahn Trio tours the world, playing in such venues as New York's Lincoln Center, Vienna's Musikverein, Leipzig’'s Gewandhaus, Argentina’s Teatro Colon, and The Beijing Concert Hall. In
2011, President Obama invited the Ahn Trio to perform at the White House for a State Dinner honoring South Korea.
Admission to this evening of wonderful music is free. Coming in April (the 16th) is an evening with
multi-talented pianist Philip Aaberg.
7
100
Sunday, March 29, 2015
03
29
2015
after worship.
8
Our special offering for January and February goes to United Campus Ministries.
United Campus Ministry strives to provide opportunities for persons to explore faith, ask
questions, work for justice, find support, connect with God, and enjoy Christian community.
This is an ecumenical ministry including ELCA-Montana Synod. Because of reductions in
denominational funding, they need the support of individuals and local churches.
Leaving home to go to college breaks many of the old bonds with the home community.
United Campus Ministry tries to keep these inquiring minds focused on the role of Christ
in their lives. Now students are talking and eating, worshipping and praying, and doing
service projects, etc.
You can help them with a gift through our special benevolence focus. Thank you for supporting United Campus Ministries!
FELC Financial Summary
through December 2014
Total Receipts Actual $ 172, 242.59
(Budgeted $ 176,390.38)
Total Expenses Actual $ 159,689.53
(Budgeted $ 212,863.00)
Change in Net Assets +$12,553.06
(Budgeted $-36,472.62)
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February 01 Alissa Howland
February 21 Emily Robinson
February 04 Aldin Barnes
February 22 Todd Hewett
February 07 Trish Anderson
February 27 Sam Joseph Forney
Beau Hewett
February 28 Jacob Morast
Connor McLuskie
February 10 Joan McLuskie
February 08 Sandy & Dennis
Anderson
02/01
02/08
02/15
02/22
Lectors
Becky Sullivan
Girl Scouts & Boy Scouts
God’s Kids
Megan Morast
Worship
Q Staton
Todd Cohn
Cindy Linse
Armand Lohof
Katrina Kruger
Judy Valley
Cara Masterson
Brendan Murray
Communion
Assistants
Jackie Vestal
Kathy Barnes
Jan Halvor
Halvors
Lohofs
Elissa Linse
Cindy Linse
McLuskies
Head Usher
Phil Frank, Sr.
Dick Hofer
Dan Holen
Dennis Anderson
Ushers
Walt Siewert
Brendan Murray
Armand Lohof
Ed Pierson
Marv Schmitt
Roger Vestal
Scott Lindgren
Jerry Replogle
Counters
Charles Sullivan
Altar Guild
Greeters
Sue Hofer
Sue Hofer
Sue Hofer
Sue Hofer
Becky Sullivan
Becky Sullivan
Becky Sullivan
Becky Sullivan
Sue & Dick Hofer
Scouts
God’s Kids
Norma Jean & Jerry
Replogle
10
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Sunday
2
Monday
3:00 - 5:30 pm
Pastor at Friendship House
7:00 pm Girl Scouts
1 FOOD BANK SUNDAY
10 am Worship
Super Bowl-No Epiphany
recital
9
10 am Worship & Music
23
3:00 - 5:30 pm
Pastor at Friendship House
7:00 pm Girl Scouts
7:00 Lewis & Clark Board
16
3:00 - 5:30 pm
Pastor at Friendship House
7:00 pm Girl Scouts
8
10 am Worship
Epiphany Recital 4 pm
Ring Alleluia Bells
15
10 am Worship
11:30 am Youth Summer
Planning Meeting
Epiphany Recital 4 pm
Rocky Mountain College
Choir w/Steven Hart, Dir.
22
10 am Worship
3:00 - 5:30 pm
Pastor at Friendship House
6:00 pm Social Action Team
3
Tuesday
7:30 am Prayer Company
9:15 am Staff Meeting
6 pm Bell Practice
7:00 pm Venture Crew
10
7:30 am Prayer Company
9:15 am Staff Meeting
6 pm Bell practice
17
730 am Prayer Company
915 am Staff Meeting
6 pm Bell Practice
7 pm CHURCH COUNCIL
7 pm Venture Crew
24
7:30 am Prayer Company
9:15 am Staff Meeting
6 pm Bell Practice
Wednesday
4
9:15 am Day Care Chapel
6:15 pm God’s Kids
Little Lutherans
4th-6th Youth Group
Community Covenant Class
7:15 pm Jr./Sr. High Youth
11
9:15 am Day Care Chapel
Friday
6
Thursday
5
Pastor’s Day Off
13
2:30—5:00 pm
Pastor at Friendship House
4:30 pm Girl Scouts
6:30 pm Cub Scouts
7 pm Boy Scouts
12
6:30 pm Cub Scouts
7:00 pm Boy Scouts
7 pm FELC Women meet
20
Pastor’s Day Off
6:15 pm God’s Kids
Little Lutherans
4th-6th Youth Group
Community Covenant Class
7:15 pm Jr./Sr. High Youth
19
2:30—5:00 pm
Pastor at Friendship House
18
Pastor’s Day Off
4:30 pm Girl Scouts
6:30 pm Cub Scouts
7 pm Boy Scouts
26
2:30—5:00 pm
Pastor at Friendship House
6:30 pm Cub Scouts
7:00 pm Boy Scouts
Pastor’s Day Off
27
2:30—5:00 pm
Pastor at Friendship House
9:15 am Day Care Chapel
6:00 pm God’s Kids
Little Lutherans
4th-6th Youth Group
Community Covenant Class
7:00 pm Jr./Sr. High Youth
Ash Wednesday Service
7 pm
25
9:15 am Day Care Chapel
6:00 pm God’s Kids
Little Lutherans
4th-6th Youth Group
Community Covenant Class
7:00 pm Jr./Sr. High Youth
Soup Supper 6 pm
Lenten Service 7 pm
7
Saturday
14
21
4th –6th grade Lock-in
28
13
First English Lutheran
Church
1243 North 31st Street
Billings, MT 59101
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
DATES TO REMEMBER ! See the front page.
Pastor’s Page page 2
Words from the Bishop page 3
Unofficial Council Minutes pages 4 & 5
Music Dept. Notes page 6
This and that page 7
Baskets of Promise page 8
February Special Offering/Financial Summary page 9
January birthdays and anniversaries page 10
Youth News pages 11 & 12
February Calendar page 13
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